gifts for the
ersecuted
M
er
ry
ri Ch
stmas
FROM INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
The Word tells us that the ruler of this world (for now) is Satan. Because of that, ICC exists. His existence is one of pure hate and spite. He crushes the children of the light and enslaves billions so that they cannot hear the truth and escape his numerous and varied prisons. Yet, as a popular Christmas carol proclaims: in His (Jesus’) name, all oppression shall cease! This is the hope we wait for. I invite you to participate in the work of Jesus in bringing His touch and care to the persecuted Church; to break the chains of oppression and set the prisoners free; to provide bandages for healing and hammers for building His Church in the toughest parts of the world. We exist to be your hands and feet, to bring your touch and care to the persecuted believer so that many will feel a certain “thrill of hope” and their weary hearts rejoice. Please know that whatever you give to us for the care of the persecuted will be spent ethically, efficiently, and effectively. I promise!
Jeff King, President, International Christian Concern
GIFT 1
E WH
RE
ST MO
NEEDED
help us meet the most crucial needs this christmas If you want to be sure that your gift has the greatest immediate effect, designate your gift as “Where Most Needed.” This fund allows us to have the flexibility necessary to respond quickly and efficiently to the greatest needs our ministry faces. This past year we were able to advocate on behalf of 35 Christians who were imprisoned and detained for eight months in Saudi Arabia for praying to Jesus. ICC broke the news to the world and worked on their behalf until they were released this past summer. Please make your first giving choice “Where Most Needed.”
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Donate online: www.persecution.org
GIFT 2
S WIVE G IN EN ER ILDR F F H SU & C
‘tis the season to care for wives and children of imprisoned or martyred pastors “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for the orphans and widows in their troubles.” James 1:27 NLT We have been commissioned with a great honor: to care for the widows and orphans of the persecuted Church. When church leaders are martyred or imprisoned, their families are left without a provider and struggle for survival. We are able to help get the families back on their feet, as well as provide resources for a sustainable income, and a bright future. This past year we were able to help many Nigerian Christian widows start small businesses, allowing them to provide for their families in their time of desperate need. Call to donate: 1-800-422-5441
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GIFT 3
BI
BL
TO ES
T
PERS HE
ECUTED
joy to the world, the lord has come! What we take for granted, those who are persecuted for their faith treasure. In some countries, as many as 30 people will share one Bible! The Scriptures being delivered into a spiritually thirsty land are like a sustained, spiritual shower, creating new believers who just seem to sprout up wherever Bibles are sent. This past year we were able to send over 130,000 Bibles into some of the spiritually darkest places on the earth, including Iran and North Korea. Due to our in-country representatives, we are able to put a Bible in the hands of a persecuted Christian for as little as $0.75 each!
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Donate online: www.persecution.org
GIFT 4
UN
R DE
GR
N OU
TORS D PA S
in his name, all oppression shall cease Gifts to our “Underground Pastors� fund are used to train and send pastors to the most dangerous parts of the world. Underground pastors are at the forefront of persecution in extremely dangerous countries. Your gift lends support and encouragement to those who are laying their lives down for their churches, and ensuring that the Gospel continues to spread in the face of persecution.
Call to donate: 1-800-422-5441
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GIFT 5
O
H RP
ANS
do you see what i see? Children around the world await the Christmas season with cheerful smiles and anxious giggles. This year, you have the opportunity to provide this and more for the orphans of the persecuted Church. Children are often the unseen victims of persecution. Every year, children are orphaned or left with scarcely enough provision to survive when their parents are imprisoned or martyred for their faith. Please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a monthly partner and support these little ones. For as little as $38 a month, you can provide consistent care, food, lodging and medication. In return, we will send you bi-annual updates on the children for whom you are helping to build a future.
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Donate online: www.persecution.org
GIFT 6
KI
CAR S D
E
do you hear what i hear? In Cairo’s garbage slums, thousands of Christians live off less than $2.00 a day and cannot afford a decent education for their children. In partnership with the local church, ICC is sending Egypt’s poorest Christian children from the garbage slums to school. Children are provided with the academic foundation needed to continue their education in a public school, and the spiritual foundation necessary to discern between their faith and Islam which will be taught to them in public school. They also receive routine medical and dental check-ups and new clothes and shoes. Please consider partnering with ICC in this important ministry. You can make a one-time donation or a monthly pledge to help children affected by persecution. For $38 a month, you can change the life of a child in need.
Call to donate: 1-800-422-5441
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GIFT 7
O BR
AD
S CA
TI
THE NG
GOSPEL
light and life to all he brings! In the last 30 years, more Arab Muslims have come to Christ than in the last 700 years! There are two reasons for this explosion of conversions: satellite TV and dreams and visions. While we cannot offer dreams and visions, we can support satellite TV and radio. Your gift to this fund allows hidden believers and seekers in the most persecuted areas of Islamic countries to grow and learn about Christ without fear of punishment. This past year, we were able to help introduce the Gospel to many who otherwise would never have heard the name of Jesus. One man from Northern Africa told us: “Your broadcasts have awakened me from the biggest nightmare in my life.�
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Donate online: www.persecution.org
GIFT 8
G LE
AL
I ASS
S TA N C
E
in his name, all oppression shall cease Gifts to the “Legal Assistance” fund empower churches and individuals to fight legal attacks meant to strangle the religious liberties of Christian believers. This past year we were able to provide legal funds for nine Christians in India. Police raided the prayer meeting of Pastor M* and the other Christians, beating them and forcing the pastor to sign a document stating he would no longer host prayer meetings. Pastor M continued despite the intimidation, and eventually he and the others were incarcerated for their faith. We were able to pay their legal fees, and all nine Christians were recently released. Please consider giving to the “Legal Assistance” fund, and help fight systematic persecution. *Name changed for security Call to donate: 1-800-422-5441
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GIFT 9
C
M OM
UN
ITY
REBU
ILD
a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices Persecution often impacts entire communities as dominant non-Christian cultures deny all kinds of services to persecuted Christians. Gifts to our “Community Rebuild” fund are dedicated to projects like building schools and wells, providing jobs via microfinancing opportunities, and establishing health clinics. This past year, we provided free eye clinics where 73 Sudanese Christians had their sight restored. One man who had been blind since 2003 said, “Now I can see my children again! I really thank God for giving ICC the heart and knowledge to help people like me. I’m very happy with what happen to me now that I can see again.”
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Donate online: www.persecution.org
This past year, we provided boats with motors and nets for a community of Christians living in a fishing village in India. The Christians had been banished by local Hindus from using the communal boats, leaving them destitute. Because of your donations, we provided boats to be shared between 18 families, totalling 72 people. With tears in their eyes the families thanked us, and are still incredulous that “people they don’t even know, from across the world” have thought of them. “Truly, we are not forgotten!”
This past year, Christians in Northern Nigeria were relentlesly attacked by radical Islamists who are seeking to drive out the Christians and create an Islamic State. ICC was able to provide fertilizer to many Nigerian farmers whose livelihood were affected by these Boko Haram attacks.
Call to donate: 1-800-422-5441
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GIFT 10
LE L B A I EC P S
If you’re part of a church or school in the D.C. metro area that would like to adopt this project, please contact ICC about serving as a drop-off location. We are also looking for volunteers to help in our office! If interested, please contact: icc@persecution.org or 1-800-422-5441.
SSIN
GS
truly, he taught us to love one another ICC operates three orphanages in Burma and India. In Burma, thousands of children have lost their parents in a war meant to drive Christians from the land. ICC has been caring for children like these. We hope you will join us in bringing a smile to their face this Christmas. This year, we want to give you the opportunity to bring joy to these orphans by packing a shoebox full of gifts that will be delivered by ICC. This is a chance for you and your whole family to get involved in a tangible gift that will be delivered to the children of the persecuted Church, and also a great opportunity to teach your children the value of giving.
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Donate online: www.persecution.org
Please cut this portion off and include it with your shoebox
HOW-TO PACK YOUR SHOEBOX
1
Purchase items from wish list below and fill a standard size shoebox.
2
Include your legible contact and gift estimation cost (if desired) for receipting purposes.
3
Enclose your $7 check (or credit card information) for shipping and your gift order form in your shoebox.
4
Mail your shoebox to ICC: PO BOX 8056 Silver Spring, MD 20907
WHAT TO PACK A Burmese Orphan’s Wishlist _____ small stuffed animal _____ kid-size clothes, pajamas, and socks. _____ comb or hair brush _____ toothbrush (not toothpaste)
_____ your contact and gift information for receipt purposes _____ $7 donation for shipping overseas
Full Name: ________________________________________ Full Address: _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Approximate Total Cost of Gift: __________
2012