Persecution can come from several sources. There is the top-down persecution from government officials and local clerics. A believer may be taken in for questioning or for stronger interrogation and held. Then there are attacks coming from people in local communities and neighborhoods. Often this persecution is in the form of isolation, which is very difficult in a highly relational society. Perhaps the most difficult and personal persecution is when one’s own family members turn against him or her. The honor of the family causes fathers, uncles, or brothers to threaten, attack, and harm the one who has believed in Jesus. Ask the Lord to cover these believers with His presence. May they sense the prayers of many interceding for them. Pray for them to stay strong in their faith, keeping their eyes on Jesus. Pray for other believers to give wise support and encouragement to them.