Gifts for the Persecuted
One of the many thankful Iraqi Christian kids that received a winter coat from ICC because of gifts from donors like you. . .
PERSECU
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INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
PERSECU
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INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
When I first came to Christ in my twenties, I was blown away at Christmas time as I heard the Gospel and lordship of Christ proclaimed over and over in the carols. Now if you grew up as a Christian that may not make a lot of sense but I had searched diligently on my own for 12 years to find God (I didn’t know any Christians). After finding Christ, there, hiding in plain sight, tucked away in Christmas carols, was the timeless truth of the Gospel that had so powerfully set me free. I would sing the songs in grateful tears (I’m tearing up as I write this) as I realized I had won the lottery of life; I had been saved from my sins, adopted by the King, and though dead, had been brought to life! Think about those truths in your own life as you read these lyrics. . . Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled” God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us we pray, Cast out our sin, and enter in; be born in us today. O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, His law is love and His gospel is peace Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, And in His name all oppression shall cease
The world will make you weary. It is increasingly chaotic, harsh, and evil. The worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches enter in and choke the seed planted in you. The antidote is Christ living in us but His presence needs to be nurtured in us daily. We must spend time in the word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other devoted believers (please allow me to preach to myself here). In short, you need to be inoculated on a daily basis against this world. Take some time today to get with Him. Go read His word and ask Him to fill you up and then do it again tomorrow. Finally, please join hands with us as we seek to break the worldly chains, open the prison doors, and to care for our broken and wearied brother until He comes and all oppression cease. If you are willing to give to the persecuted during our most important giving season, please know that they are worthy of your time, treasure, and talent. Whatever you give to us for their care will be spent ethically, efficiently, and effectively. I promise! Finally, thank you for your heart for your persecuted brother and sister. Jeff King President International Christian Concern
Serving the Families of the 21 Libyan Martyrs
On February 15, 2015, the Islamic State released a video showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians on a beach in Libya. The world was shocked on February 15, 2015, when ISIS released a video showing the brutal execution of 21 Christians on a beach in Libya. While we were horrified at the brutality and the public way in which these men were killed, ICC immediately started working with the families back in Egypt to care for them and provide the vital support they needed as most of the men were breadwinners for their families. What most people don’t know is that there was another group of seven Christians martyred in Libya in January 2014. We had already been at work serving their families even though they had received little media attention. In the days following both mass kill-
ings, ICC was there to pray, comfort, and provide assistance for basic needs. We have provided these families with livestock, vocational training, and small business investment to help them recover and rebuild their lives. Caring for Christian families who have suffered loss for simply identifying and following Jesus is at the core of ICC’s mission. Whether the victims gain international attention (like the Libyan 21) or die in obscurity (like the seven Egyptians), we will be there to care for those suffering for being followers of Jesus. The reason we can do this is because of your heartfelt concern and care for your persecuted brother and sister.
TWENTY YEARS STEVE SNYDER GOES TO CHINA with Congressmen Frank Wolf and Chris Smith.
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ICC FOUNDED by Steve Snyder after serving the persecuted with CSI, a Swiss persecution ministry.
JEFF KING HIRED AS ICC PRESIDENT after 11 years with Campus Crusade working with closed countries and the Jesus Film.
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BIBLE SMUGGLING into North Korea begins.
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LIST OF IMPRISONED PASTORS SMUGGLED out of Vietnam & submitted to State and US legislators.
BROADCAST FUND BEGINS ICC begins supporting gospel broadcasts into most closed and dangerous Muslim countries.
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FOOD AIRLIFTS TO NO-FLY WAR ZONES in Sudan first of 3 ICC airliifts to Sudan after 2M Christians killed there.
UNDERGROUND PASTOR FUND birthed. Starts in Cuba, Vietnam, and China.
ICC BEGINS TRIPS INTO SAUDI News of arrests start to flow out. ICC breaks news blackout on Christian arrests by issuing press releases. Time in prison greatly reduced.
HOMES FOR JIHAD VICTIMS ICC funds building of 30 homes for victims of the massive 5-year jihad in Indonesia.
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JIHAD ERUPTS IN INDONESIA In next five years, Jihadists will kill 10,000 Christians and burn down 1200 churches.
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OVERSEAS TRAINING FOR 4200+ PASTORS Lead by ICC in Vietnam, China, Cuba and North Korea.
OF HIGHLIGHTS RESCUE OF 3000+ CHRISTIANS targeted by Jihadis in Indonesia. ICC also aids refugees with food, lodging, etc.
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ICC SMUGGLES FOOTAGE out from inside Saudi prison where jailed Christians are held.
CHARITY NAVIGATOR GIVES ICC 4 STARS Leading digital charity rating service awards ICC highest rating.
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32 NEW HOUSE CHURCHES started by ICCsupported pastors in closed countries.
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Steve Snyder dies suddenly from major staph infection.
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CONGRESSMAN WOLF PAYS TRIBUTE to Steve Congress floor (see Congressional Record 9/17/2002).
SAFE-HOUSE FOR FEMALE VICTIMS of persecution created in Pakistan where they are sheltered and trained vocationally.
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SCHOOLS FOR CHRISTIAN KIDS First of 2 built by ICC in Sudan after most of infrastructure destroyed in 20-year war.
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ICC FOUNDER
PASSES AWAY
ICC STARTS BUILDING WELLS for persecuted villages. First ones in Vietnam.
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SAID MUSA ARRESTED ICC alerts State Dept. & helps with his eventual release. ICC was first to tell the world.
STATE DEPARTMENT GATHERING Jeff King speech to State Dept. Fellow panelist is Justice Antonin Scalia.
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PASTORS & CHURCH PLANTERS SUPPORTED Pastors trained in Cuba. About 60,000 Bibles sent into China & Vietnam.
TWENTY YEARS CHRISTIAN LEADERS THREATENED with prison/ fines in Middle East country. ICC advocates. Churches reopened. Charges/fines dropped.
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EYE SURGERY CAMPS IN SUDAN where all infrastructure was destroyed. 1500 + have sight restored over course of 3 trips.
MASSIVE ANTICHRISTIAN ATTACKS in Orissa, India. 200-300 Christians killed. 50,000 go into hiding in the jungle. ICC aids 600 families.
SAID MUSA IMPRISONED in Afghan. ICC activates DC State Dept. etc. Makes case go worldwide. ICC first to tell world of his release.
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ON SOCIAL MEDIA Milestone met on ICC Facebook page.
1,000s OF SYRIAN & IRAQI CHRISTIANS assisted (food, water, blankets, tents). ICC staff visit Iraq 60 miles from the frontline of ISIS.
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ORPHANAGES/ SHELTERS for child victims of war against Chin and Karen Christians. First of 2 orphanages opened in Burma.
SHAHBAZ BHATTI ASSASSINATED Pakistan’s minister for minorities. A close associate of ICC since 2001.
130K FOLLOWERS
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“ISLAM UNCENSORED” First book published by Jeff King.
UNDERGROUND BIBLE PRINTING PRESS Launched in Middle Eastern country.
ICC BRINGS MERIAM IBRAHIM CASE to US Congressmen. NYT re-tweets to 1M + followers. Case blows up internationally and helps with her release.
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1ST CONGRESSIONAL STAFF BRIEFING ICC holds 1st of several closed congressional staff briefing, regarding ICC visit to Iraq/Syria.
OF HIGHLIGHTS GOJRA, PAKISTAN ATTACKS: 12 killed/100 homes burned. ICC cares for 40 families and helps rebuild school.
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170 NEW HOUSE CHURCHES IN CUBA Started by ICCsupported pastors.
GOSPEL SATELLITE TV CHANNEL launched with major broadcast partner to one on the world’s most dangerous countries.
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REVENUE QUINTUPLES OVER 11 YEARS allowing ICC to go deep in India, Pakistan, & Egypt. We spend $670,000 in these 3 countries alone.
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ICC STARTS SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS to make the masses aware of persecution. Ends year at 40K followers.
360K FOLLOWERS
ON SOCIAL MEDIA Milestone met on ICC Facebook page.
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220K FOLLOWERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Milestone met on ICC Facebook page.
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ICC RECEIVES GIFT OF $1 MILLION and begins plans to launch satellite Gospel TV channel to one of the most closed countries.
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ALL SAINTS CHURCH BOMBING Twin suicide bombers kill 87 & wound 170. ICC & VOM work jointly to care for school kids who lost parents.
ICC BEGINS WORK IN MEXICO Huge advocacy success as senators and Congress push Mexico on religious freedom/protection for victims.
ICC HELPS FAMILIES OF 21 EGYPTIANS BEHEADED in Libya. ICC helps start sustainable businesses with families who lost breadwinner.
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650K FOLLOWERS
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ON SOCIAL MEDIA ICC’s reach keeps growing allowing us to apply more pressure on countries that persecute.
THE NEXT OUR DNA We have built an incredibly responsive organization that quickly receives news of attacks out of the toughest parts of the world and then turns around and aids the victims of those same attacks. We have indigenous staff in many parts of the world who speak the language and are persecuted themselves. We know when attacks happen and are able to quickly aid victims, work on their behalf in Washington DC, and shout to the world about their plight. We have become efficient at this work. We do it well. It is our calling and we will keep doing it.
THE NEED Most people think persecution is only when a pastor is killed or imprisoned. Actually, persecution is a very systematic and multi-dimensional problem that involves generational poverty, massive educational deficits, job discrimination, denial of basic legal rights, lack of access to legal help, etc. These issues don’t capture headlines the way an imprisoned pastor or a church bombing does, but they are core to the persecution story and have devastating effects on entire Christian populations. All the issues listed above are best answered with long-term and strategic solutions from within the country. Providing education, vocational training,
ICC’S HISTORY. . . & FUTURE 1995 - ICC Birth
2000 to Present
Advocacy
Assistance
Reactive
2009 to Present Awareness
TWENTY YEARS
micro-loans, and legal services all help break the long-term issues of persecution. Our past work has been tilted towards the reactive and short-term (bandaging) as opposed to the strategic and long-term (building). We started with advocacy, and then added assistance to our servcies. We then moved into awareness and built a reputation for being responsive and having reliable information about persecuted countries. We now have the largest news outlets in the world contact us on big cases. Next, we started hiring solid in-country staff on the ground, and most recently have begun to hire in-country directors which allow us to greatly expand our ability to serve the persecuted. We are now at the point in several key countries that we can really push villages and towns to another level by providing legal services (that greatly reduce false charges against Christians or bring persecutors to justice), education (scholastic and vocational) to move Christians forward in their societies, micro-lending (through talented partners) and a host of other services that will address long term, endemic and entrenched persecution. 2009 to Present In-Country Staff Strategic Long Term Assistance
2015 In-Country Directors
2016 In-Country Centers
Community Transformation
COMMUNITY THE ANSWER: HOPE HOUSE To address these needs, ICC will be opening several centers (Hope Houses) in the most persecuted countries. We are purposefully not mentioning which countries due to security concerns. We will be opening Hope Houses in the most persecuted countries where we already have strong staffing and partnerships and are doing amazing work serving persecuted believers. The goal is to address broad, multi-dimensional persecution with longer term projects (see the graphic on the opposite page) to strengthen, reinforce, and advance the Christian community. Our work in these centers is chosen to address the specific way Christians are targeted and oppressed by their governments and cultures to keep them powerless and impoverished. The centers will be rolled out in stages. We plan to start with one to three centers in 2016 depending on finances. Please join us in bringing hope to the persecuted.
TRANSFORMATION THE HOPE HOUSE MODEL Education: Kids + Vocational Networking
First Responder Services
Pastor Support
Discipleship
Microlending
Legal Services
Social/Trauma Counseling
Nigerian kids victimized by Boko Haram receiving education in a refugee camp.
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Gift 1 WILL YOU HELP US BIRTH A HOPE HOUSE? These centers will need seed money of approximately $20,000 each to start. We will open one to three in 2016 depending on the revenue that comes in through partnership with donors like you. Would you please join with us in bringing hope and transformation to Christian communities and consider making a large gift to our Hope House effort? If you need to discuss the strategy and need more detail for your decision making, feel free to call us at 1-800-422-5441 and ask for Valerie.
Hope House FUND BALANCE CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$100 pays for full time staffer for one week. $400 pays for full time staffer for a month.
$20,000 will allow us to set up a complete Hope House in one of the most persecuted countries.
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
Early in 2015, ICC’s president investigated persecution on a trip to Mexico. ICC’s advocacy team then went to work briefing congressional staff (above) on persecution there. Local Mexican officials are now under heavy scrutiny for abetting and/or allowing persecution after a leading presidential candidate in the U.S. has been pressing them on the issue following ICC briefings. This work was all funded by “Where Most Needed”.
Gift 2
Where Most Needed FUND BALANCE
Gifts to “Where Most Needed” fund much of our work, such as advocacy, our trips overseas, and the priority need of the moment. Did you know that “Where Most Needed” supports all of our advocacy efforts, like when we fought for months to free Sudanese Christian Meriam Ibrahim, the pregnant mother imprisoned with her two-year-old child and sentenced to death in Sudan for being a Christian? “Where Most Needed” also funds most of our investigative trips overeas where we find sources and discover and fight for the cases of persecuted Christians. We also use “Where Most Needed” when we encounter a vital project that doesn’t fit under one of our designated funds. In that case, we draw on “Where Most Needed.” To give to “Where Most Needed” go to page 33 and fill in your desired amount.
CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$100
pays for one day of an overseas trip.
$3,500
funds a complete overseas investigative trip.
“You shall generously give to [your poor brother].... For this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.” Deut. 15:9-10 (NASB)
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
A truckload of ICC-purchased aid is loaded for delivery
Gift 3 It was March 2011 when the first tremors of the Syrian conflict began to be felt across the country. As we approach the fifth anniversary, the country is in ruins with half of the population displaced and Christians targeted by ISIS. Once numbering around 2 million, there are now only an estimated 600,000 Christians still in the country. Entire Christian communities have been erased off the map, not just by the conflict of war, but specifically targeted because they were Christian.
Community Rebuild FUND BALANCE CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$70
typically gives a family basic food staples for six weeks.
$3,000
feeds 30 families for a month.
In the midst of a crisis like this, ICC is standing with Christians to provide for their humanitarian needs that sustain their life. We provide food, water, and shelter, and are helping to rebuild the community to enable them to stay in the region when so many other Christians are forced to flee, leaving the Middle Eastern Church decimated.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins...and they will repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.â&#x20AC;? Isaiah 61:4 (NASB)
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
A Nigerian leader surveys damage to a local church from a recent attack by Muslim radicals
Gift 4 “Do you know why we have arrested you, why we are beating and torturing you? It’s because we know there are 6 million more, just like you! We have to stop you!” This is what an Iranian intelligence official shouted at an ICCsupported pastor in the midst of his interrogation. The church in Iran is growing by leaps and bounds and the extremist Islamic government is doing anything they can to strangle it. The government continues to close down churches, imprison pastors, raid house groups, block satellite transmission, and force Christians to leave the country, but still the Gospel is spreading. Every week we receive reports from our supported pastors in Iran and other countries who share testimonies of how God is at work. Around the world, the pastors we support are in the toughest places in the world where their life is often on the line where God is bringing people from death to life, from prison to freedom.
Underground Pastors FUND BALANCE CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$100
supports a pastor for a month.
$2,000
creates a cover business for a pastor in the most dangerous countries.
“But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.” Luke 11:20 (NLT)
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
A truckload of ICC-provided Bibles, ready to be delivered to the Christians in Southeast Asia.
Gift 5 ICC funds the smuggling of tens of thousands of Bibles into several countries that restrict the sale or reading of the Bible. In one new project, ICC is paying for the printing of the Bibles in the local language and the partner organization pays for the shipping of those Bibles from the printer to Southeast Asia, and for their delivery to the villages where they are needed most. The first phase of this project is already well underway, with 1,000 Bibles currently being distributed. Local Christians have asked for prayer for safe border crossings for those carrying the Bibles. They also ask for prayer for the local church to be strong in spite of strong opposition from the government and from the official government-sponsored church. In spite of the ongoing persecution, the Christian church in Southeast Asia continues to grow and the demand for Bibles is increasing.
Bibles for the Persecuted FUND BALANCE CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$75
gets 75 Bibles into the hands of Chinese believers. $3,700 provides all supplies for an underground printer for a year.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.â&#x20AC;? Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
The family of a Christian killed in a church bombing thanks ICC for providing them with an auto rickshaw, which they now use to run a taxi business.
Gift 6 For many Christians in Youhanabad, Pakistan, life was radically altered on the morning of March 15, 2015. Suicide bombers attacked two churches leaving 19 dead and another 80 wounded. For families whose breadwinners were killed or maimed, this meant a life sentence of grinding poverty. “I am illiterate and am not able to do a respectable job,” a Christian widowed by the bombings told ICC. “I was very worried about how I would be able to raise my children now that I am a widow.” In response, ICC surveyed Youhanabad to find the neediest Christian families affected by the bombings and discovered 28 families that lost their breadwinner to either death or injury. ICC assisted each of these families in the opening of their own businesses. This has allowed these families to support themselves with dignity. Through the Suffering Wives and Children Fund, ICC is able to rescue Christian families in crisis like those rescued from a life of poverty and suffering in Youhanabad.
Suffering Wives
& Children
FUND BALANCE CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$70
purchases a goat for a family. $2,500 allows us to completely rescue one family.
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress.” James 1:27 (NLT)
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
Christian kids in Burma singing praise songs during an ICC-sponsored outreach.
Gift 7 Civil war has torn lives apart within Myanmar (Burma) for over 60 years. The conflict is complicated but involves religion, history, and politics. Since Myanmar’s independence, Christian tribes have been targeted and brutally attacked by the new government. As a result, Christians have faced malnourishment, health problems due to exposure and poor hygiene, and danger from landmines. ICC funds six mission teams, reaching about 100,000 people in remote conflict zones of Myanmar. The teams organize activities for children, bringing hope in rather hopeless circumstances. They also provide medical treatment, train counselors, and equip local young people with a skill and a desire to improve their communities. Please give to Kids Care to support projects like these.
Kids Care FUND BALANCE CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$80
provides food, lodging, & private schooling for 1 child for 1 month at an ICC orphanage.
$3,500 provides for our India orphanage for three months. “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 (NASB)
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
ICCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literacy/vocational course helps Egyptian women develop the skills necessary to become self-supporting, and thus, less prone to victimization.
Gift 8 The situation for Christians in Egypt has become increasingly dangerous. Christian widows and their families are often seen by Islamic extremists as “easy targets” for violence, sexual exploitation, kidnapping, and, in many cases, generous offers in return for religious conversion. In many cases, Christian women and young girls are forced to stay at home due to lack of security, which further increases their exclusion, marginalization, and powerlessness. To combat these issues we provide targeted investment and training for Christian girls that radically transforms them. It takes them from powerlessness to empowerment by providing them with skills, supplies, and support enabling them to prosper. Through our Save Our Sisters Fund, ICC is providing literacy courses and vocational training in cosmetology, sewing, and small business management, coupled with microgrants and community support that provide Christian women with the tools for lasting change.
Save Our Sisters FUND BALANCE CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$75
provides seamstress skills for one sister.
$1,000 provides a small business for our most promising students. “He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his sight.” Psalm 72:14 (NASB)
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
When the Lord directed one donor to give ICC a gift of $1,000,000, we started a satellite TV channel to broadcast the Gospel into one of the most restrictive countries in the world.
Gift 9
Broadcasting the Gospel FUND BALANCE
“Every day our team is overwhelmed with the feedback from our satellite TV channel that beams the Gospel into one of the toughest countries in the world. On Facebook, the website, SMS, and phone calls, we keep hearing the stories of how God is working,” said a satellite TV staffer.
CRITICAL MEDIUM
HIGH
$125
funds the work of one broadcast follow-up worker for a month.
While violence and religious extremism is threatening to tear the region apart, God continues to bring many to faith in Him. Over and over we hear testimonies of how a satellite program or even a Facebook post played a crucial role in someone coming to Christ.
pays for one week of bold TV broadcasts into one of the toughest countries in the world.
Through ICC’s Broadcast Fund, ICC funds our satellite TV channel. We also partner with ministries across the Middle East and the Islamic world to not only produce and deliver content, but to ensure that there are people doing follow-up to engage with listeners, provide them with materials, and ultimately connect them with a local community of believers.
“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 10:7 (KJV)
$3,125
Call Now to Donate: 1-800-422-5441
Next Step 1. Select the gifts you wish to give to the Persecuted from the Christmas Catalog. 2. Complete the amounts on the form on the right or on the order card insert. 3. Mail the gift and order form in the enclosed envelope:
ICC, PO Box 8056, Silver Spring, MD 20907 4. If you prefer to donate via phone, call: 1-800-422-5441 (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST)
PERSECU
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INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
Christmas Catalog Gift Order Form CONFIRM YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS Name Address City
State
Zip Code
METHOD OF PAYMENT Credit Card ___ Visa ___ MC ___ Discover ___ American Express Card Number Signature Total $ Check/Money Order Enclosed: Amount $
Check Number
SELECT YOUR GIFT ITEMS Gift #
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Gift Description
Donation
Community Transformation (Hope House) Where Most Needed Community Rebuild Underground Pastors Bibles for the Persecuted Suffering Wives and Children Kids Care Save Our Sisters Broadcasting the Gospel
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
TOTAL $
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.â&#x20AC;&#x153; Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
Gifts for the Persecuted
PERSECU
ION .ORG
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
PO Box 8056 Silver Spring, MD 20907 301-585-5915 www.persecution.org email: icc@persecution.org