By REY FLORES
For the past few months, the orange jumpsuit has become a familiar sight as we watch the news or view the photographs of Christian captives on their knees wearing these orange jumpsuits as a Muslim maniac is about to behead them.
Around the world, Christians are facing violence, persecution, brutality in a way we have not seen in generations. The situation is even worse for women and young girls.
Do you sometimes feel helpless and wonder if there is anything you can do to help these people?
It is critical that the world stand together in prayer and public witness against these horrific acts of violence. We cannot be silent or indifferent; but just how can we help? How will our voices be heard and how will the persecuted Christians from around the world know that we stand with them in solidarity?
It is the aforementioned orange jumpsuit which has now become a new symbol of Christian martyrdom, at least from this generation forward.
One Washington, D.C.-area man is capitalizing on this during Lent to bring light to and raise awareness of the persecution of Christians around the world.
The Rev. Patrick Mahoney is a longtime dedicated activist and fighter for the preborn and for anyone who suffers injustices. Mahoney’s project will be launched during Holy Week and it is called, #orangejumpsuit — Hebrews 13:3. Hebrews 13:3 was the campaign’s chosen Scripture verse because it says, “Remember those in prison as if you were in prison with them.”
One of the key elements of the #orangejumpsuit campaign will be encouraging people to wear orange throughout all of Holy Week and post pictures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media outlets.
Through our using social media, attending actual public prayer gatherings and demonstrations, and being a public witness all across Washington, D.C., it is hoped that the world will see that our nation’s own Christians and other Americans are standing in solidarity with persecuted Christians and remembering them.
During Holy Week, which is March 29 to April 4, people are being asked to consider doing the following:
Wear an orange prison jumpsuit for all or part of Holy Week. Especially on Good Friday. If you cannot wear the orange jumpsuit, wear an orange scarf, tie, sweater, T-shirt, or other article of clothing or a ribbon during Holy Week.
On social media, you are being asked to change your Facebook profile picture to show yourself wearing something orange. Also, post pictures of yourself in the orange jumpsuit in front of iconic locations such as: the Empire State Building, the White House, Times Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, etc. and post the photos on the #orangejumpsuit — Hebrews 13:3 Facebook page.
In keeping with what many Christians are already doing during Holy Week, the campaign asks that you also spend a little extra time in fasting and prayer for the persecuted Church and Christians around the world. Involving church youth groups is also strongly encouraged so that our young people can learn just how much some people have to suffer and even die for our faith.
The #orangejumpsuit — Hebrews 13:3 campaign will cost thousands of dollars to cover things like news releases, travel, videos, mailings, and housing, but for now, Mahoney and friends are asking for our help toward an initial modest goal of only $1,500.
On Good Friday, Mahoney and as many as can attend in Washington, D.C., will have a stations of the cross procession from embassy to embassy of nations where Christians are being persecuted and systematically murdered. Mahoney reminded me that “embassies are actual territories of the nations represented, so in essence, we will be visiting those nations during our procession.”
The procession will conclude at the White House, letting the entire world, including our own president, know that we will not remain silent about this Christian persecution anymore.
I join Rev. Mahoney in asking that you prayerfully consider making a donation to the #orangejumpsuit — Hebrews 13:3 campaign by clicking onto the #orangejumpsuit — Hebrews 13:3 GoFundMe page: http://www.gofundme.com/oh37ns.
While this campaign and the related events are being sponsored by Mahoney’s Church on the Hill D.C., I am happy to share this important effort with my fellow Catholics as a way to build unity among Christians in a world which has become more hostile to all the followers of Christ.
For more details and to join this campaign, please visit the Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/964384006905262/
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(Rey Flores is a catholic writer and speaker. Follow Rey on Twitter: @ReyFloresUSA and contact Rey at: reyfloresusa@gmail.com.)
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