Writing to persecuted Christians

Image (c) Open Doors

Since I've had ME/CFS I've not been able to do as much at my home church - the stuff which requires physically being there - so I've wanted to find other ways to serve. Having a lot of sofa-based time on my hands, the internet's been a Godsend (see what I did there?) and I've been able to find out how I can support fellow Christians who are being persecuted for their faith in places far from my home simply by writing them a letter (and praying for them!).

The two main organisations I support are Christianity Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Open Doors. CSW publish 'Connect and Encourage', which is has the stories and addresses of Christians who have been persecuted (some in prison) or their families, and explains how to write to them. Their website has details of the countries they focus on. Open Doors concentrates on a few specific campaigns at a time.

Both also send out advocacy alerts by email, as and when they need you to write to people of influence who may be able to help a particular persecuted / imprisoned Christian. That could be someone in their country's government, their country's ambassdor in your own country, or your own MP/MEP/Senator/whoever represents you to your government.

Sometimes writing a letter of support to someone who has been beaten, raped, had their home burned down, been imprisoned or whose loved one has been executed because they're a Christian can seem a pathetic gesture from someone who has complete freedom to practice their faith. But don't I believe in a God who can do big things with small offerings?

CSW says, "it lets them know that someone cares about their suffering, and it can also show governments and local authorities that people around the world are taking interest in a particular case or prisoner" (which can also result in a prisoner being treated better, even if your letter doesn't reach them personally). It really is worth doing!

Other organisations which support the persecuted church are Barnabus Fund, Release International, China Aid, International Christian Concern and Voce of the Martyrs.

Image (c) CSW

Comments

[Account Deleted]

Hi Kristen. Thank you for this post. I've never heard of CSW or Open Doors before (or any of the other organisations you mentioned). And now that I have, I'm going to learn more about them and maybe get involved in the near future.

I'm so thankful that I live in a country that allow us Christians to be so open about or faiths and to be able to have a Sunday service without any fear. A lot of our brothers and sisters are not as lucky. This post has reminded me to pray for those that are in persecution and to always be thankful, because everything that we have are given by the grace of God.

I think it's so great that you are not letting your condition preventing you from serving Him. Keep up the good spirit!!

It's nice to read about the stuffs you write. I'd like it we can be friends. My name is Cindy. I'm Indonesian, but now I live in Auckland, NZ. I've been following you for a while. You're so good at knitting!! LOL

Have a great weekend. God bless. ^^

[Bus Stop]

Hi Cindy, thanks so much for your kind words, sorry for the delay in replying. It's really lovely to hear from a fellow Christian on the other side of the globe! (Two of my friends at church are from Napier, NZ!)

Open Doors has a New Zealand office: http://www.opendoors.org.nz/
It would be great if you got on their mailing list and they can keep you informed of who needs prayer and advocacy.

God bless, Kristen :)