Open Doors has just released a new tool for families and churches that helps children understand religious persecution in an age-appropriate way. The children’s story book and animated video “Herod’s Secret Policeman” tells the fictional tale of Secret Policeman Number 3 (and his toy sheep Nellie), of the people he met on the journey, and the way in which the encounter with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph changed him forever.
“It’s an imaginative take on this familiar story so central to our faith. But more than that, Herod’s Secret Policeman will introduce children – in a very gentle way – to the pressures faced by believers around the world, many of whom live under surveillance, or are at risk because of their faith,” said Open Doors US CEO Ryan Brown. “It helps children understand that some Christians today might even have to flee for their lives, just as Mary, Joseph, and Jesus did.”
Brown explained that the holy family’s flight to Egypt is a part of the Christmas story that is often overlooked here in the U.S. but is one that resonates with those who follow Jesus in difficult places.
“This season provides a great opportunity for us to highlight this important episode for western believers,” he added. “We need the reminder that even Jesus faced persecution, and the story is also a great encouragement to our persecuted brothers and sisters, to know that our Savior shared in and understands their own experiences.”