Praying Underground

Dear Friends,

Over the last weeks, we have confirmed 43 10 Days gatherings happening across the Islamic world. I have felt so excited about the growth of 10 Days in the Underground church and as I meditated on it, I realized it was part of a major trend.

In 2021, we shifted from being a majority American to a majority international prayer movement. This year, we are once again seeing more 10 Day gatherings internationally than in the US. As of this writing, we have 150 10 Days locations confirmed—60% of those are happening outside the US. I think this trend is going to continue to expand (and I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank our incredible group of international coordinators who are leading the way on this!)

We’re also seeing a real explosion of 10 Days events in areas that where the church is underground and enduring persecution…places like Pakistan, Northern Africa, Northern India, and throughout the Islamic world. A number of locations we can’t list due to security concerns. I think in a few years, 10 Days will be a majority underground church movement. These churches are vibrant and multiplying rapidly. Adding in these global seasons of united, consecrated prayer is going to be explosive!

What’s it going to look like? I have no idea. We pioneered 10 Days in American cities with many established churches. What does it look like to seek the unity of the Church when gathering together for prayer could be dangerous? What does it look like to do 10 Days under the rule of the Taliban? I don’t know, but I’m confident in the Crucified One to show us the way!

As we build these connections in the body of Christ, we are also creating pathways for the sharing of gifts, blessings, testimonies, and life. I don’t know about you, but I’d sign-up for a seminary class taught by an Indian believer who planted ten thousand house churches! We in the west need to hear what God is doing in the underground church, to shake us out of our slumber and bring us back to our first love. Likewise, those in the underground church need our prayers, friendship, and support to keep going.

God is determined to have a glorious, spotless, united Church, from every tribe, language, and nation, to present to His Son. Sometimes I think I can see it happening, right before our eyes!

Yours in Christ,
Jonathan

Does Jesus have "your yes?" What does 10 Days mean to you?