What Can I Do About ISIS, Boko Haram, Ebola, and Sex Trafficking?

I am sick to my stomach every time I read about another ISIS attack or the disgusting details of what this terror group has done and continues to do to innocent children and adults in the Middle East, just because they are Christians. I despise the information that no one has been able to bring back the 200 teenage schoolgirls that were kidnapped in Nigeria in April by another terror group, Boko Haram. My heart hurts to realize that the two-year anniversary of American Pastor Saeed Abedini being unjustly imprisoned in an Iranian prison has arrived. Not to mention other concerns like unrest in Ukraine, the terrible Ebola crisis in West Africa, sex trafficking around the world, and so many other atrocities.

God help us if we turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to the suffering in our world today.

So what in the world are we supposed to do with all of this very disturbing, heart-wrenching information?

First, we can pray. I know it might sound like a pat answer, but the Bible tells us that there is power in our prayers. James 5:16b says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” I believe that the very best thing we can do for those who are suffering around the world is to pray for them, and to bring their need before God’s throne of grace. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Every time we hear another story on the news or see another article about an atrocity, we can pray again. It’s a great “trigger” reminder to not forget those who are suffering.

Find other helpful ways to pray for those who are persecuted here, along with ideas of how else we can help:

Second, we can do something. Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed 100, then just feed one.” That quote also applies to our other good intentions. We can’t help with everything, but we can all do something. Pray and ask if there is something more God wants YOU to do, even though it may seem small.

Regarding ISIS and Persecuted Iranian and Syrian Christians:

1. Call the White House to request stronger action against ISIS and to protect Iraqi and Syrian Christians. Specifically, call President Obama’s deputy national security advisor, Ben Rhodes. Phone: 202.456.9301. Ask for Ben Rhodes’ office to be passed to his administrator so you can leave a message.

2. Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives, asking them to urge the President to take stronger action. Ask the Senator/Representative to ask the President to take the strongest action possible to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria and to help the 120,000 Christians and other minorities forced from their homes and at risk of genocide.  Click here to find the phone number for your Senator or Representative.

Regarding the Abducted Nigerian Girls:

Mostly we have to just pray for these girls and for God to protect them and work miracles among them to sustain and encourage them. For updated information, you can check out the Facebook Bring Back Our Girls Campaign

Regarding American Pastor Saeed Abedini:

Information to assist the fight to free Pastor Saeed – Be Heard Project or Save Saeed Facebook Page 

Regarding Sex Trafficking:

Information to practically help those trapped in sex trafficking – International Justice Mission or the A21 Campaign

Regarding Refugees or Ebola Patients:

Providing relief for refugees in the middle east or for those helping Ebola patients in West Africa – Samaritans Purse