Voice of the Martyrs Highlights Persecution by ISIS in Northern Iraq and Syria
Christians around the world will observe Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, 2024, which according to church tradition, marks the anniversary of the Apostle Paul’s beheading in Rome.
In 2014, ISIS members went door-to-door, marking the homes of Christian families with the symbol “ن”, the Arabic letter “N,” for Nasara, a term used by Muslims to mean “followers of Jesus of Nazareth.” Christian families were given an ultimatum: convert to Islam, pay an exorbitant protection tax, flee for their lives, or die. Refusing to deny Christ, some Christians stayed and were killed for their faith. More than 100,000 fled and left everything behind.
Focusing on Christians in Iraq and Syria who lost their lives
“This year, instead of focusing on one person, VOM is focusing on an entire group: Christians who lost their lives in Northern Iraq and Syria as members of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) swept across that region ten years ago this month,” said Todd Nettleton, VOM vice president and spokesperson.
In advance of Day of the Christian Martyr, The Voice of the Martyrs released strategic prayer resources and a video highlighting Christians martyred by ISIS in Northern Iraq and Syria.
“The goal of Day of the Christian Martyr is to help Christians remember and honor the sacrifice of those who gave their very lives for the cause of Christ–and to be inspired by their example to sacrifice whatever we need to in order to see Christ’s Kingdom advance in our neighborhoods, our cities, and ultimately around the world,” said Nettleton.
A symbol of hope and courage
Christians around the world showed solidarity and support by displaying the “ن” symbol, identifying that they, too, were followers of Jesus. The mark meant for subjugation, exile, or even death became a worldwide symbol of hope and courage.
VOM has developed a free digital resource kit to inspire your church, small group, class, or family to witness boldly for Christ which can be downloaded at vom.org/martyr.
