The Privilege of Persecution

Many Americans view the persecuted church as "third-world," needy, uneducated, and poor -- sorely lacking in much of what we assume the church needs to function well. Essentially, we see them as being in need of us. But the irony, say Carl Moeller and David Hegg, is that we're in much greater need of them.

Through a combination of inspiring real-life stories, first-hand experiences, and exposition of key Scripture passages, Dr. Carl Moeller and Pastor David Hegg examine the "normal Christian life" of Christ-followers currently suffering persecution around the world. In topical chapter after chapter, the authors conclude that the suffering church's vibrant, sacrificial, and communal faith is much closer to God's intent for His church and His children.

The authors explore the areas of community, leadership, worship, prayer, and generosity, among others, revealing specific attitudes and actions of the suffering church that can renew the spiritual lives of Christians in the West. Each chapter ends with challenging questions and suggestions for personal and corporate application.

DR. CARL A. MOELLER, President and CEO of Open Doors USA, is a dedicated advocate for the millions of Christians around the globe who are denied religious freedom and basic human rights. He travels to the world's most oppressive regimes; meeting with and encouraging Christians who live in the shadows of discrimination, imprisonment and even death for their faith. Here in the U.S., Moeller is a passionate spokesperson focused on raising awareness of the plight of those who are persecuted for their religious beliefs. Carl's mission is to mobilize U.S. Christians to pray, encourage and advocate on behalf of suffering believers. A leading authority on religious freedom and advocacy, Moeller is a popular radio and television guest appearing on programs such as Hannity & Colmes, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), PAX-TV and Moody Radio's Prime Time America and often quoted by such news organizations as Associated Press, Mission Network News, Salem Radio News Network and the USA Radio Network. Carl lives in Southern California with his wife Kim and their four children, Caroline, James, Claire and Alexandra.

DAVID W. HEGG (D.Min., Westminster Theological Seminary in California) is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita. An adjunct professor at The Master's College, he is the author of Appointed to Preach and The Obedience Option and blogs at www.hegg.thought.com.