With few exceptions, Denmark is closed until at least January 17. Businesses are shuttered, as are restaurants and nearly everything else in this small country, and group gatherings are severely curtailed. So it’s surprising that churches are even allowed to meet, but only for 30 minutes on Sunday, and no corporate singing allowed.
No praise songs. No prayer meetings. No youth gatherings. And with dark, cold weather across the land, it’s difficult to stay optimistic and upbeat—except perhaps when we’re reminded of other Christians whose situations are much worse than our own.
Believers in North Korea, for example, are routinely subject to imprisonment, brutal torture, and execution. Following Jesus in that land could mean a death sentence. But the Dansk Europamission, which ministers to oppressed Christians worldwide, recently received a note of thanks and encouragement from a North Korean church leader, promising to remember Danish Christians.
“We would like to pray for you and for our brothers and sisters in Denmark,” wrote the Korean. “We pray that God, in his fatherly love, will protect you from the corona virus, and ensure your health and safety.”
It’s profoundly humbling to think that persecuted believers are praying for Denmark, isn’t it?
We can do no less.
PRAY for the protection of faithful Christians in Denmark, meeting under less-than-ideal situations during short services.
PRAY that Danish Christians would continue to connect with each other online and by using other means.
PRAY that Christians would be encouraged in the knowledge that they are not alone, and that—even during this time—Jesus is near.
And please join our North Korean brothers and sisters as they…
PRAY for the health and safety of Danish believers.