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Adam Davy/PA Wire
UK News

Christian charity encouraging World Cup watchers to pray as they play

by Tola Mbakwe

Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Tunisia, Mexico and Columbia are all on the Open Doors World Watch List of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian.

Christians in these countries often face rejection, isolation, denial of rights and freedom, or even violence because of their faith.

Peter Hopper, head of youth at Open Doors, told Premier News Hour: "They are Christians who are very often regarded at the best second class citizens, but then at the worst they're often actively pursued, imprisoned, or even worse, just because they've chosen to follow Jesus.

Adam Davy/PA Wire
Saudi Arabia fans in the stands ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

"What we want to try and do is shed light on the injustice that happens in a lot of the countries around the world. What we'd like to do is use this as an opportunity to pray as a body."

Adam Davy/PA Wire
A Russia fan in the stands with a replica world cup trophy ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow.

Open Doors have produced Pray while they play, a downloadable resource which highlights the injustice and persecution Christians face on a daily basis.

Country information and prayer points are available to download as cards along with social media graphics to let your followers know that you're praying.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

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