CHURCH LIGHT WALK

If you can’t join Paul and the team of dedicated supporters hiking up Scafell Pike in the middle of the night, could you organise your own local Church Light Walk to raise the voice of persecuted Christians? 

Our brothers and sisters often gather at night, quietly, secretly and at great personal risk. For many persecuted believers around the world, meeting for worship is not simple or safe. Some must meet in hidden places. Some face threats, harassment, prison or violence because they refuse to deny the name of Jesus Christ.

You can show a visible act of solidarity with those believers by organising and publicising a walk in the darkness.

It is also a witness to the church in the UK: a call not to forget the suffering body of Christ, but to stand with persecuted Christians in prayer, compassion and practical support.

Here are some pointers: 

• Discuss the idea with your church or small group and get the leaders on board. 

• Choose an evening in spring or autumn and decide on a start time (when it is dark.) 

• Select a suitable route through, or around, your town, perhaps 1-2 miles long. 

• Start to promote your walk and encourage people to sign-up to take part. 

• Encourage people to bring torches, lanterns, smart phones, or some other form of light to carry as you walk. Get on board with the theme and make yourselves shine! 

• Spend time praying for persecuted Christians before you set out and at various points along the route. Think about what it means for them to be Christ’s light in the darkest places. You can use our Prayer Shield material to help you. 

• Take photos and short videos as you go and share on social media (with permission from participants.) Please share them with us too. 

• Make sure the walk is well planned and directed and remember to take participant’s safety into consideration throughout. 

We look forward to hearing all about your Light Walk, and will publish some highlights here.