Getting the Picture
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them who suffer adversity, as being your-selves also in the body (Heb. 13:3).
Paul Marshall’s deeply moving observation in his book Their Blood Cries Out (see adjacent article) helped inspire the Friends of Israel “Remember” pin that reminds us to pray for our Christian brethren who suffer and die by the millions in many parts of the world.
By every means available, we have challenged Christians to emulate the Jewish people who refused to forget their Soviet brethren suffering in the gulags and interrogation chambers of the KJB. As a result of Jewish effort the Soviets opened the gates to Jewish emigration.
We are convinced this same commitment to our concern will motivate our leaders to act to alleviate the brutal persecution believers are suffering at the hands of tyrants who believe Christians don’t matter to Western officials.
So we ask ourselves, “What can we do?”
Pastor James Alley and the congregation of the Timberlake Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, asked themselves that question and decided to act. They got the picture, and we’re showing it to you and all our readers in 129 countries. Each day thousands of cars drive past this sign on Timberlake Road. And, like Paul Marshall, they are prompted to remember.
Suppose hundreds of thousands of congregations around the world suddenly placed signs like this one in front of their churches. Would it begin to make a difference? It did for the Jewish people of the Soviet Union. And we are convinced it can do the same for us. At the very least, it can stir believers to mount prayer campaigns and instigate action to reach out to those who so desperately need our help.
Nothing would please us more over the next few months than to receive hundreds of snapshots showing signs in front of Bible-believing churches where people do care, and do remember.
If thou forbear to deliver those who are drawn unto death, and those who are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that weigheth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works? (Prov.24:11–12).
