Peter Bowers has joined the Thirteen Three Blog team as one of our writers. He will be blogging to help Australian youth engage with the persecuted church.

13:3 | Peter, tell us a little about yourself.

PB: I’m 19, just completed high school at Balgowlah Boys, and will be going to Sydney Uni next year.

I enjoy rugby, music, books, surf, writing, good food and serving my Lord and God.

At the moment I am on a gap year, working in hospitality and construction.

13:3 | How have you been impacted by Thirteen Three?

PB: I go to church at St Marks, Freshwater. A few years ago Brad Konemann came to speak about Thirteen Three at our youth group Lights.

I have always been interested in the endurance of our persecuted brothers and sisters and I have always wanted to support them. However, Brad said something that surprised me.

He argued we need the persecuted church more than it needs us. The more I thought about this, the more it made sense to me – have a look at my first blog to see why.

13:3 | Why are you passionate about the persecuted church?

PB: I care about the persecuted church for two reasons.

First, as a Christian I try to live for God in every way. So I am challenged by Hebrews 13:3 to remember my persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, and to support them with prayer and care.

Second, we need the persecuted church more than it needs us. Again, have a look at my next blog to see why.