By Talar Haidostian, 21Wilberforce Operations and Program Coordinator
“Jesus calls us into the context of suffering,” said BWA General Secretary and CEO Elijah Brown during the “Praying for ALL the Persecuted” conference hosted by Dallas Baptist University’s Institute for Global Engagement on October 24-25, 2024. Dr. Brown spoke at the opening worship service during which he inspired attendees to be courageous in their advocacy for all, grounded in our love for all of God’s creation.
This was preceded by a dinner at DBU during which Mariam Ibraheem, a Sudanese Christian, was interviewed by 21Wilberforce Board Chair, Nix Daniels. Ten years ago, Mariam refused to give up her faith and she was imprisoned and later sentenced to death.
Prayer for ALL the Persecuted conference. Photo credit: Knox Thames
The conference was organized by former 21Wilberforce President and Senior Fellow for DBU’s Institute for Global Engagement, Dr. Randel Everett, and current 21Wilberforce Board Member Knox Thames. The main focus of the gathering was to inspire prayer and advocacy for all those facing persecution, including both Christians and their non-Christian neighbors. Throughout the event, powerful testimonies were shared from Christians who had previously faced persecution, as well as from non-Christians who suffered because of their beliefs.
The next day began with a chapel service with a message delivered by Andrew Brunson, an evangelical pastor in Turkey for 23 years who was falsely accused of terrorism and put in prison for two years.
Wissam al-Saliby, president of 21Wilberforce, participated in a panel discussion alongside leaders from various international organizations advocating for religious freedom worldwide. It was inspiring to learn about the missions of these organizations and their ongoing efforts to work with government leaders and local communities to support those facing persecution. It was a testament to the power of prayer to transform lives and circumstances around the globe.
Two other panels at the event focused on justice and why the Church should support all those persecuted for their faith.
Former ambassador-at large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, delivered the afternoon keynote.
Other participants throughout the event included Dr. Adam Wright, President of DBU; Jonathan Fechner, Executive Director of the DBU’s Institute for Global Engagement; Anna Stangl, CSW; David Trimble, RFI; Tiffany Barrans, Open Doors International; Ed Brown, Stefanus Alliance; Artemis Kurosh, Pilot & Kurosh Law, Pllc; Pari Ibrahim, Free Yazidi Foundation; Jewher Illham, Forced Labor Project; Bill Benac, Religious Freedom Alliance Council; Kristy Coleman, DBU; Rex Horne, Arkansas Baptist State Convention; Katie Fruge’, Texas Baptists; and Bob Fu, China Aid.
A key highlight of the conference was an afternoon prayer session for all those persecuted worldwide, during which attendees prayed aloud in pairs for justice, peace, and hope.
The conference offered attendees and DBU students the opportunity to learn more about the various religious freedom organizations participating in and supporting the event. The event served as a powerful reminder that we are called to be the lights of the world and to love our neighbors—regardless of their religious beliefs — who face daily suffering and persecution.