"By becoming an 'advocate' you are entering into the vital and important
ministry of intercession and solidarity with those who suffer for their
faith in Christ." — Voice of the Martyrs
Advocacy is a simple, hands-on project that gives each of us a chance to
make a difference in the lives of persecuted Christians around the world
- right from our own home.
In the West, we have little firsthand experience with persecution. But,
for Christians in much of the eastern world and Third World nations, persecution
is very real. Persecution exists in communist countries like China, Vietnam,
and North Korea; in Muslim dominated countries like Indonesia, Pakistan,
Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Egypt; and in much of the former Soviet republics,
across the African continent, India and even Mexico.
Voice of the Martyrs has been actively ministering to persecuted Christians
around the world since 1967, and serve as a leading authority on the plight
of those who suffer for their faith in Jesus. VOM says, "As Christian
prisoners are 'doing time for God,' so you will be spending time praying,
writing and entering into a partnership with the Almighty. You will be
'doing time for God' and sharing His heart and burden for those who suffer
because they love Him."
How can you be an advocate? Simple. Just send a card or letter of encouragement
to Christian prisoners. Contact government officials on their behalf using
letters, E-mail or petitions (where available). Most of all, pray!
Ministries such as Voice of the Martyrs and International Christian Concern
provide all the information you need - including petitions. All you need
to do to get started is take a step in faith. Your voice really can make
a difference!
A good place to start is by visiting VOM's dynamic advocacy Web site at
Why We Support Advocacy For The Persecuted Church
It is the general policy of The Gospel Report to not specifically endorse a given ministry - you
are encouraged to be actively involved in evangelism wherever God prayerfully
leads you. This is particularly true with regard to financial giving.
We believe this project is such an exception. Christians are the largest
persecuted group in the world, but have no one to advocate for them except
other Christians. The Bible calls us to advocacy. And, the cost of sending
a letter overseas can be as little as .80 cents (US).
Advocacy is personal ministry in action. Your card or letter ministers
directly to the one suffering. Your voice on their behalf - joined with
others - can be part of a powerful lobby for protecting their rights, even
their life.
www.prisoneralert.com. Thorugh this site, you can write to prisoners in their own language,
contact government officials on a prisoner's behalf, and share prisoner
alerts with friends.
The cost of this project can be relatively small. You send the letters
or cards directly to the addresses provided. Do you know that the cost
of an airmail letter to a remote part of the world can cost as little as
$.80 cents?
Some letters may not be delivered. Others may be censored. Still, the authorities
know that we are aware of, and interested in, their prisoner. Several recent
examples from news headlines around the world prove that the attention
we bring to bear on image-conscience authorities can result in better treatment
for prisoners.
When our letters do get through, whether the recipient can read it or not,
it lets them know that someone cares. VOM reports that many prisoners have
said, "while doing time for God, we praise Him that we are not forgotten."
The Bible says, "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow
prisoners, and those who are ill-treated as if you yourselves were suffering."
(Hebrews 13:3, NIV)
Please join us in being a voice for those who suffer for Jesus' sake.
You can make a difference!
Daily Scripture
VOM says, "The principles and purposes of this ministry of advocacy
means you will be endeavoring to protect the rights of the prisoner, at
the same time being the voice of the persecuted Church. Christian prisoners
have the right to be heard; the right to be valued; the right to be defended;
and the right to be supported.
"By becoming an 'advocate' you are entering into the vital and important
ministry of intercession and solidarity with those who suffer for their
faith in Christ."
