Persecution of and challenges for Christians today

Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo of Barnabas Fund is speaking at a number of venues across the Highlands and Islands regarding the persecution of Christians around the world and the challenges facing believers today.

Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo is a recognised authority on Islam and its effects on Christian minorities. He is the founder of the Barnabas Fund and has lectured, taught and written extensively on religious, cultural and security issues.

Patrick Sookhdeo was born in 1947 in British Guiana (now Guyana), to a couple who had migrated from Asia. His family migrated to England in the early 1960s.

In 1965, as a student, Sookhdeo converted to Christianity and in 1964 he pursued studies at London Bible College (now the London School of Theology) and went on to obtain a Doctorate in Oriental and African studies. During that time Sookhdeo began exploring inter-faith dialogue and became increasingly concerned by the brutality being leveled at Christian minorities in Islamic nations, including death penalties for conversions from Islam.

The Barnabas Fund is an interdenominational Christian aid agency that serves Christians in many countries who face discrimination or persecution; and makes their needs known to Christians around the world, encouraging them to pray. It provides practical help to strengthen and encourage the Church in many different ways.

Barnabas Fund was established in 1993 and channels aid to projects run by national Christians in more than 50 countries. The work of Barnabas Fund began under the auspices of another registered charity in 1993, and is now an independent charitable company incorporated in 2000.