On The 21 Coptic Martyrs

The 21 Coptic Martyrs were killed by ISIS in 2015 in northern Africa. This short film beautifully tells their story. To me, this sounds like something you’d hear of Christian persecution a 1000 years ago–not in the 21st century. You might know Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen. He helped produce it.

On February 14th, 2025–just a few days ago–the bodies of 70 beheaded Christians were found in a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Have you heard about it on the news? I think I only learned about it because I was researching the beheaded Coptic Martyrs and the algorithm thought I might be interested.

This led me to learn more about the conflict in the DRC. I have to admit, I’m embarrassed by how little I know. I’ve heard of the Hutus and Tutsis before but their story has largely gone in one ear and out the other. They say it’s one of the most complicated humanitarian crises in the world with over 7 million people displaced and over 25 million people facing food insecurity. My research also mentioned that the humanitarian crisis has magnified tremendously after the United States cut all funding from USAID, which was a key player in contributing funds.

21 Coptic Martyrs: Pray for us!

70 Christian Martyrs from the DRC: Pray for us!

All holy saints and angels: Pray for us!

I’m taking some action steps today, and then I’m going to let God be God, and tap some maple trees. What is God asking you to do today?