The January blues have now given way to February reds — hearts and candies and flowers and blood. Wait, blood? Yes, the blood of the martyrs! We don’t know much about the St. Valentine whose feast day we observe this month on Feb. 14. A clergyman (possibly a bishop) in the 3^rd century, tradition states he ministered to persecuted Christians in the Roman Empire. He was martyred in AD 269 after refusing to deny his faith under the Emperor Claudius. Why we associate hearts and love with St. Valentine comes from several legends, including one that he secretly married couples against the Emperor’s will.

Even though St. Valentine has long passed away, Christians are still being persecuted around the world for their faith. How can we minister to them? Through the presence of prayer!

• Prayer for the heart of courage as they withstand oppression without denying their Savior.
• Prayer for the flowering of the gospel in difficult places through the witness of Christians there.
• Prayer for the love of Christians in free and safe countries to grow for their brothers and sisters in Christ.

The rest of the world will use St. Valentine’s Day to send chocolates and lovey-dovey cards to each other, a tradition that is good and should be encouraged. However, only the church can be like St. Valentine in his ministry to our persecuted and suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.

Remember them this holiday season.