Pakistani Christians remember those lost in the All Saints Church bombing.
2 0 1 5 A N N UA L R E P ORT PERSECU ION.org
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
T
his year marked our twentieth year of serv-
gal representation are all part of the problem
ing persecuted Christians. In that time, we
we call persecution.
have opened a few prison doors, looked after many a distressed widow and orphan, repaired
Almost all work being done to address the prob-
many broken lives, and expanded the church into
lem of persecution though (including ours) is
the most dangerous parts of the world.
reactionary and short-term, rarely getting to the root causes or changing the dynamic on the
When I think about our service over the years
g r o u n d t h a t c h u r n s o u t o n e v i c t i m a f t e r a n o t h e r.
I am continually drawn back to the passage in Mathew 18 where Jesus speaks of leaving the
That is about to change!
99 to resc ue the one lost sheep. The world and, s a d l y, e ve n m o s t o f t h e C h u rc h d o n o t c a re a b o u t
As we embark on our next twenty years, I invite
the
broken and persecuted Christian, but our
y o u t o d r e a m a b o u t h o w t o g e t h e r, w e c a n c h a n g e
Fat h e r i n h e ave n h a s n u m b e re d t h e h a i r s o n
entire Christian communities and get at the root
their head and cannot forget them.
o f p e r s e c u t i o n . Yo u c a n s e e a n i n t r o d u c t i o n o f the topic on page 8.
This aspect of our work where we rescue the family of the murdered pastor or rescue young
Please remember that your gifts will be used ef-
women targeted because they are Christians will
f e c t i ve l y, e t h c i a l l y a n d e f f i c i e n t l y.
always be our core work, but persecution is so much more than an imprisoned or murdered pas-
I promise!
t o r. Persecution is a multi- dimensional, cradle -tograve dynamic that has deep roots. Generational
Jeff King
p o ve r t y, j o b d i s c r i m i n at i o n , va s t e d u c at i o n a l
President, International Christian Concern
deficits, lack of access to capital, and poor le-
Table of CONTENTS
‘15 04 MISSION & MANDATE
06 TWENTY YEARS OF HIGHLIGHTS
08 THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS
10 TRIPS
12 2015 AT A GLANCE
14 ASSISTANCE OVERVIEW
16 WHERE MOST NEEDED
18 COMMUNITY REBUILD
20 KIDS CARE
22 SAVE OUR SISTERS
24 BIBLES
26 UNDERGROUND PASTORS
28 BROADCAST
30 SUFFERING WIVES AND CHILDREN
32 AWARENESS
34 ADVOCACY EFFORTS
36 ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS
38 VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS
40 FINANCES
42 THANK YOU
OUR MISSION OUR MISSION
I C C w a s l a u n c h e d t w e n t y y e a r s a g o ( 1 9 9 5 ) . We r e lieve the suffering of the worldwide persecuted Church and help it grow in strength and breadth by providing effective assistance, advocacy and awareness with integrity towards God and donors.
O U R M A N D AT E
T h e Fa t h e r c a l l s u s t o r e m e m b e r t h e p r i s o n e r s ( H e brews 13:3), to speak up for the voiceless (Proverbs 31:8), to seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow (Isaiah 1:17). We b r i n g t h e g o o d n e w s t o t h e p o o r, b i n d u p t h e brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, a n d o p e n t h e d o o r s o f t h e p r i s o n ( I s a i a h 6 1 : 1 ) . We leave the 99 to save the one (Matthew 18:12).
OUR HISTORY
Since our founding in 1995, in par tnership with Christians in the free world, we have provided eff e c t i v e A d v o c a c y, A w a r e n e s s , a n d A s s i s t a n c e f o r t h e w o r l d w i d e p e r s e c u t e d B o d y o f C h r i s t . We h a v e b u i l t and bandaged the Church in the toughest places of the world.
OUR CONTR AC T
Donors trust us for our efficiency and effectiveness s i n c e w e a r e n’ t f o c u s e d o n g r o w i n g o u r o r g a n i z a t i o n b u t r a t h e r, o n b u i l d i n g a n d b a n d a g i n g t h e p e r secuted Church. That trust has produced long-term partnership with our donors that has allowed us to continually expand to the point that we are operating in 85% of the 10/40 window where most of the w o r l d ’s p e r s e c u t i o n h a p p e n s .
OUR PRESIDENT
J e f f K i n g h a s s e r v e d a s I C C ’s p r e s i d e n t s i n c e 2 0 0 3 after ser ving 11 years with Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) and a previous career in banking.
4
OUR MANDATE A THREE-PRONGED ATTACK ON PERSECUTION Persecution is wholistic; the response needs to be as well.
ADVOCACY
AWARENESS
ASSISTANCE
Senators & Representatives
ICC works daily to make the Western Church aware of the suffering of their persecuted brothers and sisters.
Building and Bandaging the Persecuted Church:
State Department White House We work with those who hold the levers of worldly power to push back countries that persecute, or to free imprisoned Christians.
•
Persecution.org: millions of annual visitors
•
Social Media: 650,000 followers
•
Newsletter: 50,000/month
• •
Press Releases: 47 this year
Widows & children of murdered Christians Rebuilding communities devastated by large scale attacks Church planters in the most dangerous areas Bibles where outlawed Broadcasting the Gospel into into closed areas.
At the core of everything we do is our partnership with our donors. ICC has expertise, connections, and influence, but we have no resources on our own. We are merely a bridge connecting the Western believer with their persecuted brother and sister. When you stand with ICC, your gift will be used effectively, ethically, and efficiently in the mission of bandaging and building the persecuted Church. I promise! Jeff King President International Christian Concern
5
TWENTY YEARS 91
ICC FOUNDED by Steve Snyder after serving the persecuted with CSI, a Swiss persecution ministry.
STEVE SNYDER GOES TO CHINA with Congressmen Frank Wolf and Chris Smith.
95
JIHAD ERUPTS IN INDONESIA In next five years, Jihadists will kill 10,000 Christians and burn down 1200 churches.
BIBLE SMUGGLING into North Korea begins.
05
HOMES FOR JIHAD VICTIMS ICC funds building of 30 homes for victims of the massive 5-year jihad in Indonesia.
06
98
06
SAID MUSA IMPRISONED in Afghan. ICC activates DC State Dept. etc. Makes case go worldwide.
6
ON SOCIAL MEDIA Milestone met on ICC Facebook page.
11
11
RESCUE OF 3000+ CHRISTIANS targeted by Jihadis in Indonesia. ICC also aids refugees with food, lodging, etc.
00
06
11
06
12
01
02
06
220K FOLLOWERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Milestone met on ICC Facebook page.
GOSPEL SATELLITE TV CHANNEL launched with major broadcast partner to one on the world’s most dangerous countries.
CONGRESSMAN WOLF PAYS TRIBUTE to Steve on Congress floor (see Congressional Record 9/17/2002).
ICC FOUNDER PASSES AWAY Steve Snyder dies suddenly from major staph infection.
STATE DEPARTMENT GATHERING Jeff King speaks to State Dept. Fellow panelist is Justice Antonin Scalia.
32 NEW HOUSE CHURCHES started by ICCsupported pastors in closed countries.
“ISLAM UNCENSORED” First book published by Jeff King.
SHAHBAZ BHATTI ASSASSINATED Pakistan’s minister for minorities. A close associate of ICC since 2001.
ICC SMUGGLES FOOTAGE out from inside Saudi prison where jailed Christians are held.
01
OVERSEAS TRAINING FOR 4200+ PASTORS Lead by ICC in Vietnam, China, Cuba and North Korea.
BROADCAST FUND BEGINS ICC begins supporting Gospel broadcasts into most closed and dangerous countries.
130K FOLLOWERS
10
FOOD AIRLIFTS TO NO-FLY WAR ZONES in Sudan. First of 3 ICC airliifts to Sudan after 2M Christians killed there.
07
PASTORS & CHURCH PLANTERS SUPPORTED Pastors trained in Cuba. About 60,000 Bibles sent into China & Vietnam.
SAID MUSA ARRESTED ICC alerts State Dept. & helps with his eventual release. ICC was first to tell the world.
13
02
07
ALL SAINTS CHURCH BOMBING Twin suicide bombers kill 87 & wound 170. ICC works to care for school kids who lost parents.
360K FOLLOWERS
12
ON SOCIAL MEDIA Milestone met on ICC Facebook page.
13
OF HIGHLIGHTS 03
ICC BEGINS TRIPS INTO SAUDI News of arrests flow. ICC breaks news blackout on Christian arrests by Saudis with press releases.
JEFF KING HIRED AS ICC PRESIDENT after 11 years with Campus Crusade working with closed countries.
08
UNDERGROUND PASTOR FUND birthed. Starts in Cuba, Vietnam, and China.
MASSIVE ANTICHRISTIAN ATTACKS in Orissa, India. 200-300 Christians killed. 50,000 go into hiding in the jungle. ICC aids 600 families.
CHRISTIAN LEADERS THREATENED with prison/ fines in Middle East country. ICC advocates. Churches reopened. Charges/fines dropped.
14
04
08
14
08
14
04
09
14
09
14
05
09
15
10
05
ICC STARTS SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS to make the masses aware of persecution. Ends year at 40K followers.
ICC RECEIVES GIFT OF $1 MILLION and begins plans to launch satellite Gospel TV channel to one of the most closed countries.
ICC HELPS FAMILIES OF 21 MARTYRS BEHEADED in Libya. ICC helps start sustainable businesses with families who lost breadwinner.
REVENUE QUINTUPLES OVER 11 YEARS allowing ICC to go deep in India, Pakistan, & Egypt. We spend $670,000 in these 3 countries alone.
05
ICC STARTS BUILDING WELLS for persecuted villages. First ones in Vietnam.
SAFE-HOUSE FOR FEMALE VICTIMS of persecution created in Pakistan where they are sheltered and trained vocationally.
170 NEW HOUSE CHURCHES IN CUBA Started by ICCsupported pastors.
GOJRA, PAKISTAN ATTACKS: 12 killed/100 homes burned. ICC cares for 40 families and helps rebuild school.
1ST CONGRESSIONAL STAFF BRIEFING ICC holds 1st of several closed congressional staff briefings, regarding ICC visit to Iraq/Syria.
UNDERGROUND BIBLE PRINTING PRESS Launched in Middle Eastern country.
05
SCHOOLS FOR CHRISTIAN KIDS First of 2 built by ICC in Sudan after most of infrastructure destroyed in 20-year war.
CHARITY NAVIGATOR GIVES ICC 4 STARS Leading digital charity rating service awards ICC highest rating.
ORPHANAGES/ SHELTERS for child victims of war against Chin and Karen Christians. First of 2 orphanages opened in Burma.
EYE SURGERY CAMPS IN SUDAN where all infrastructure was destroyed. 1500 + have sight restored over course of 3 trips.
ICC BRINGS MERIAM IBRAHIM CASE to US congressmen. NYT re-tweets to 1M + followers. Case blows up internationally and helps with her release.
1,000s OF SYRIAN & IRAQI CHRISTIANS assisted (food, water, blankets, tents). ICC staff visit Iraq 60 miles from the frontline of ISIS.
04
LIST OF IMPRISONED PASTORS SMUGGLED out of Vietnam & submitted to State and US legislators.
10
650K FOLLOWERS
15
ON SOCIAL MEDIA ICC’s reach keeps growing, allowing us to apply more pressure on countries
ICC BEGINS WORK IN MEXICO Huge advocacy success as senators and Congress push Mexico on religious freedom/protection for victims.
15
7
THE NEXT
OUR DNA
We have built an incredibly responsive organization that has 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, micro-loans, and legal services all help break the long-term issues of persecution. Our past work
1995 - ICC Birth
Advocacy
Reactive
8
1999 to Present
Assistance
2006 to Present
Awareness
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
TWENTY YEARS THE ANSWER:
HOPE HOUSE
Education: Kids + Vocational Networking
First Responder Services
Pastor Support
Discipleship
Microlending
Legal Services
Social/Trauma Counseling
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) to strengthen, reinforce, and advance the Christian community. Our work in these centers addresses 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.
9
EGYPT
IRAQ
MEXICO
PA K I S TA N
ETHIOPIA
K E N YA
NIGER
TA N Z A N I A
INDIA
CHINA
NIGERIA
ZANZIBAR
TRIPS
O N - T H E - G R O U N D I N V E S T I G AT I O N S ICC divides the world into regions, each of which is overseen by a regional manager responsible for finding and assisting persecuted Christians there. Each regional manager also oversees in-country indigenous staff that are well connected with the Church in their country and alert us to attacks on Christians. Our regional managers visit several of their countries a n d s t a f f e r s i n t h e i r r e g i o n i n a n y g i v e n y e a r. These trips are used to investigate persecution, appraise current projects, and search out new
I C C S TA F F T R AV E L E D MORE THAN
86K
MILES THIS YEAR ALONE
oppor tunities to relieve the suffering of our persecuted b r o t h e r s a n d s i s t e r s . T h i s p a s t y e a r, w e t r a v e l e d t o 1 2 different countries over the course of eight different trips! S u p p o r t I CC ’s o n - t h e - g ro u n d i n v e s t i g a t i o n s b y
T h a t ’s 3 x a ro u n d t h e g l o b e !
contributing to the Where Most Needed fund.
11
AT A GLANCE WHERE WE WORK
Afghanistan Algeria Bangladesh Burma China
Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia India Indonesia
THIS YEAR I CC SE RVED OVER
100,000 PERSECUTED BELIEVERS
Iran Iraq Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya
Kyrgyzstan Laos Malaysia Mali Morocco
North Korea Nigeria Pakistan Saudi Arabia Somalia
Vietnam Washington, D.C. *headquarters
DISTRIBUTION OF OUR AID Underground Pastors 8% Suffering Wives and Children 15% Broadcasting the Gospel to Closed Countries 33% Save Our Sisters 6%
2015
Kids Care 8% Bibles to the Persecuted 7% Hand of Hope 9%
12
Sri Lanka Sudan Syria Turkey Uzbekistan
Community Rebuild 14%
MOST ACTIVE COUNTRY
WHERE WE T R AV E L E D
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE
IRAQ FACEBOOK 12 COUNTRIES 13 projects
China Egypt Ethiopia India Iraq Kenya
assisting 12,000 persecuted Christians
Mexico Niger Nigeria Pakistan Ta n z a n i a Zanzibar
33% GROWTH Total followers: 600,000
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
EGYPT
ERITREA
INDIA
INDONESIA
TWITTER L I B YA
MEXICO
PA K I S TA N
VOLUNTEERS
ICC HAS 187 VOLUNTEERS T H I S D E PA RT M E N T GREW BY 28% IN 2015
UKRAINE
25% GROWTH Total followers: 55,157
13
IN 27 COUNTRIES
MOST ACTIVE COUNTRY = 1,000 people
IRAQ
12,000 victims assisted in Iraq
ASSISTANCE
107,717 total victims assisted by ICC worldwide in 2015
We’re a b l e to s e r ve t h e p e r s e c u te d b e c a u s e o f our generous donors’ gifts to these funds:
WHERE MOST NEEDED
HOPE HOUSE
COMMUNITY REBUILD
HIGHEST NEED
FUND BALANCE: CRITICAL
FUND BALANCE: CRITICAL
KIDS CARE
SAVE OUR SISTERS
BIBLES TO THE PERSECUTED
FUND BALANCE: CRITICAL
FUND BALANCE: MEDIUM
FUND BALANCE: MEDIUM
UNDERGROUND PASTORS
BROADCASTING THE GOSPEL
SUFFERING WIVES & CHILDREN
FUND BALANCE: MEDIUM
FUND BALANCE: MEDIUM
FUND BALANCE: HIGH
WHERE MOST NEEDED HIGHEST NEED
“WHERE MOST NEEDED” I S T H E H E A R T B E AT O F E V E R Y T H I N G W E D O AT I C C . T H I S F U N D S U P P O R T S :
All Advocacy efforts on behalf of the persecuted. Overseas trips where we uncover persecution and aid victims. Awareness effor ts to aler t the Church and the secular world to persecution. Needed projec ts where we don’t have funds available in one of our designated funds.
WHERE MOST NEEDED
IN 11 COUNTRIES
ADVOCACY EFFORTS, TRIPS AND PRIORITY NEEDS
Above: An I raqi gir l receives a food pack age from an ICC staffer in I raq.
I C C ’s W h e r e M o s t N e e d e d f u n d s u p p o r t s o u r Advocacy
efforts,
like
when
we
fought
to
free Sudanese Christian, Meriam Ibrahim, the pregnant mother imprisoned with her twoyear-old child and sentenced to death. 2818 donors gave I C C ’s i n v e s t i g a t i v e t r i p s o v e r s e a s t h a t a l l o w
$1,678,375
staffers to train in-country representatives,
to this fund in 2015
Our Where Most Needed fund also supports
meet
with
the
persecuted
and
develop
networks to fight for persecuted Christians. Our Where Most Needed fund made it possible to send ICC staffers to Iraq to work directly with
our
partners
in
distributing
critical
aid to Christians displaced by ISIS.
17
COMMUNITY REBUILD FUND BALANCE: CRITICAL
When Christian communities become targets of persecution,
THIS YEAR:
the effects can be devastating for generations to come. ICC supplies sustainable assistance to help communities rebuild
= 1,000 people
12,919 victims assisted
their lives.
COMMUNITY REBUILD
IN
7 COUNTRIES
Syr ian refugees receive a id f rom I CC
I R A Q ’ S & S Y R I A’ S L A S T C H R I S T I A N S Where will the nex t meal come from? How will we heat our tent? Will we ever go home? Is this home? Where can I find a job? Can our kids go back to school? Should we leave our homeland? These questions, and a hundred more, are the daily concerns of hundreds of thousands of Christians in Iraq.
Overnight our life changed, we left everything behind.
- SINAN, A CHRISTIAN FROM MOSUL, IRAQ
Driven from their homes by Islamic ex tremists, they are now living as refugees in their own homeland. Without assistance, many of them will leave Iraq for good. T h ro u g h I CC ’s C o m m u n i t y R e b u i l d f u n d, w e a re s t a n d i n g with Christians in their time of need. From rebuilding homes and churches, to providing blankets, heaters, and f o o d, w e a r e w o r k i n g t o “d o g o o d t o a l l m e n , e s p e c i a l l y those of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
261 donors gave
$137,795 to this fund in 2015
19
KIDS CARE FUND BALANCE: CRITICAL
Children are often
THIS YEAR:
the unseen victims of persecution. ICC has the privilege of caring for those who are orphaned by violent persecution or harassed for their faith.
526 children cared for
KIDS CARE
IN
4 COUNTRIES
I t ’s b e e n t w o y e a r s s i n c e s u i c i d e b o m b e r s a t t a c k e d Pa k i s t a n’s A l l S a i n t s C h u rc h o n S e p t e m b e r 2 2 , 2 0 1 3 , k i l l i n g ove r 1 0 0 Ch r i s t i a n s g a t h e re d fo r S u n d a y wo r s h i p. For the children orphaned by the attack, some of their wounds will take a long time to heal. Since the bombing, ICC has been providing for the education of 30 children who would have otherwise been forced to drop out of school. ICC also designed and initiated a trauma counseling program for the children enrolled in the schooling program as well as others from
Without this critical help, we would not be able to send these children for education.
- GUARDIAN, ALL SAINTS CHURCH SCHOOLING PROGRAM
t h e A l l S a i n t s C h u rc h c o m m u n i t y. F o r m a n y, i t w a s t h e first time they had received counseling in any form. In the years to come, ICC will remain committed to s e r v i n g t h e A l l S a i n t s C h u rc h c o m m u n i t y, e s p e c i a l l y t h e Christian children whose futures were almost destroyed by the bombs of ex tremists.
137 donors gave
$62,903 to this fund in 2015
21
SAVE OUR SISTERS FUND BALANCE: MEDIUM
At the hear t of ICC,
THIS YEAR:
we exist to rescue the most vulnerable in the Kingdom. ICC is providing relief, job training, discipleship, and safe places for women who are in, or at risk of, sexual bondage.
= 10 women
349 women assisted
IN
3 COUNTRIES
SAVE OUR SISTERS
S i n ce l a u n c h i n g t h e S a ve O u r S i s te r s ( S O S ) Vo ca t i o n a l Tra i n i n g Centers in Pakistan in 2012, ICC has been able to provide vocational training for 288 Christian girls and women. Before enrolling in the vocational training programs, many of these Christians worked as domestic workers in Muslim homes where abuse is common. Through the centers, these Christians receive training to become either beauticians or seamstresses. After nine months of skills training, the women par ticipate in a month of small business training. Upon graduation, ICC provides the tools needed for each graduate to open their own small businesses.
Eve r y d a y, I faced abuse from the home owner, but continued to work because my family needed m o n e y. - SHAFILA, SAVE OUR SISTERS TRAINING CENTER GRADUATE
In shor t, ICC has provided futures for 288 Christian girls and women. “I can say that the training from the SOS Centers was a real g i f t f o r m e ,” a J u n e 2 0 1 5 g r a d u a t e t o l d I C C . “ I a m u s i n g t h e skills and accessories I received from the SOS Centers to do tailoring work. This has been very helpful for the running of m y f a m i l y .”
163 donors gave
$35,865 to this fund in 2015
23
BIBLES TO THE PERSECUTED FUND BALANCE: MEDIUM
THIS YEAR:
The Bible brings life wherever it goes. When governments shut down access to the Bible, we get to work. ICC provides Bibles for those without access to nativelanguage Scripture.
= 1,000 Bibles
81,460 Bibles sent to persecuted believers
IN
BIBLES TO THE PERSECUTED
7 COUNTRIES
What do Christians in restricted countries need the most? One of the first answers out of their mouths is always, “ B i b l e s . W e n e e d G o d ’ s w o r d .” M a n y n e w t o o l s a l l o w G o d ’s w o rd t o re a c h i n t o p l a c e s t h a t before seemed inaccessible. Solar powered MP3 players, mobile apps, and radio and T V broadcasts all have a role to play in bringing greater access to the Bible. Ye t , a c c e s s t o t h e p r i n t e d B i b l e i s s t i l l i n g r e a t d e m a n d.
Through the Bibles provided by ICC, this new generation in Christ will be blessed and will develop s p i r i t ua l l y.
- LOCAL PASTOR, BANGLADESH
Through one project, ICC par tnered with leaders in a North African country to end a massive need for Bibles. A new printing house is meeting the needs of thousands of Christians. More than 75,000 copies of Scripture have b e e n p r i n t e d t h i s y e a r.
238 donors gave
$95,278 to this fund in 2015
25
UNDERGROUND PASTORS FUND BALANCE: MEDIUM
Underground pastors
THIS YEAR:
are on the front lines of persecution in some of the most dangerous countries around the world. ICC is proud to support their ministry and their families.
160 underground pastors supported
IN 9 COUNTRIES
UNDERGROUND PASTORS
I n d o n e s i a ’s 1 2 7 u n re a c h e d p e o p l e g ro u p s ( U P G ) re p re s e n t more than 129 million people.
Progress among these
UPGs has been slow due to a lack of church planters and a re s i s t a n c e t o C h r i s t i a n i t y, a s t h e I n d o n e s i a n U P G s a re predominantly Muslim.
ICC has committed to provide
regular suppor t to a national mission agency which recruits, trains, and sends out church planters to these UPGs.
Te a m m e m b e r s a re t ra i n e d t o co m m u n i c a t e t h e
These things I have spoken unto you, that ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - JOHN 16:33 (KJV)
Gospel to the specific group to which they are sent, learning specific language, customs, and communication skills. Te a m s g a i n m i n i s t r y e x p e r i e n ce u n d e r t h e s u p e r v i s i o n o f a t r a i n e d f i e l d w o r k e r, w i t h t h e s p e c i f i c g o a l o f w i n n i n g conver ts to Christ and training them in the faith until they are capable of forming a church themselves.
257 donors gave
$99,624 to this fund in 2015
27
BROADCASTING THE GOSPEL FUND BALANCE: MEDIUM
ICC suppor ts Christian
THIS YEAR:
broadcasts via satellite T V, I n t e r n e t a n d r a d i o into the most dangerous parts of the world. Seekers and Christians are able to encounter Jesus without fear of punishment or death.
= 1,000 people
10,330 responses to the Gospel
IN
11
COUNTRIES
BROADCASTING THE GOSPEL
Ev e r y d a y, n e w t e c h n o l o g i e s a re b e i n g u s e d t o t ra n s m i t t h e G o s p e l i n t o s o m e o f t h e w o r l d ’s m o s t c l o s e d a n d d a n g e ro u s co u n t r i e s. R a d i o, m o b i l e a p p s, I n te r n e t a n d television are just a few of these technologies that are allowing the Gospel to be announced safely across the Middle East, South Asia, the Far East and Africa. In 2014, ICC harnessed several of these new technologies and bir thed a new broadcasting ministry targeting one o f t h e w o r l d ’ s m o s t c l o s e d c o u n t r i e s . T h i s y e a r, I C C i s
This is something I never dreamed p o s s i b l e . . . i t ’s something so desperately needed. - BROADCAST NETWORK VOLUNTEER
putting an emphasis on following up the Gospel message sent over the broadcast with in-person connections inc o u n t r y. O n t o p o f b ro a d c a s t i n g t h e G o s p e l, I CC i s a l s o managing a network of over 100 ministries who connect with those touched by the Good News of Jesus Christ.
39 donors gave
$129,381 to this fund in 2015
29
SUFFERING WIVES & CHILDREN FUND BALANCE: HIGH
When Christians are
THIS YEAR:
martyred, imprisoned, or their livelihood is taken from them, their families struggle for survival. This fund exists to fulfill the biblical mandate of caring for
= 100 people
1,496 victims assisted
IN
9 COUNTRIES
orphans and widows.
SUFFERING WIVES AND CHILDREN
No form of persecution grabs the attention of the world like that of mar tyrdom. In the days immediately following the execution of 21 Christians on a beach in Libya, many wept, many prayed, and many gave to help the families lef t behind. But not all mar tyrdoms become front page news and even those that do quickly fade from sight.
I thank God for ICC. I had no idea how to feed my kids. I don’t know how to re p a y, e x c e p t I t h a n k t h e Lord and THANK YOU.
- ANH
T h ro u g h I CC ’s S u f f e r i n g W i v e s a n d C h i l d re n f u n d, w e s t a n d with these families in the days immediately following a tragedy and, through strategic investments, enable them to recover and thrive in the long-term. From a corner market or livestock, to a shoe store o r c l o t h i n g f a c t o r y, w i t h y o u r p a r t n e r s h i p w e a re providing long-term solutions for families devastated by persecution.
456 donors gave
$160,744 to this fund in 2015
31
SOCIAL MEDIA:
650K FOLLOWERS
H I G H E S T FA C E B O O K POST:
22 MILLION VIEWS
NEWS RELEASES:
PERSECUTION MAGAZINE: C I R C U L AT I O N O F
47
50,000
PRESS INTERVIEWS: 58
PERSECUTION.ORG:
AWARENESS
50 MILLION VIEWS
W H Y AWA R E N E S S ? We are constantly at work being a witness for the persecuted so that the world cannot forget them and so that countries that persecute are held accountable at some level. In doing this, we have found that many countries curtail persecution. They often decide, over time, after their deeds done in secret are shouted from the rooftops, that it is not wor th the trouble.
FA C E B O O K
Speak for those who cannot speak; seek
600,000
600K
500,000
60,000
justice for all those 55K
50,000
460K
400,000
44K
40,000
300,000
d e s t r u c t i o n . S p e a k u p, j u d g e r i g h t e o u s l y, a n d
30,000
260K
200,000 0
2013
20,000
2014
2015
on the verge of
0
21K 2013
defend the rights of the 2014
2015
Total followers:
Total growth:
Total followers:
Total growth:
600,000
33%
55,000
25%
afflic ted and oppressed. - PROVERBS 31:8-9 (ISV)
33
WHERE MOST NEEDED HIGHEST NEED
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
Our strategic location in Washington, D.C., and long history here
14
NEWS RELEASES
13
INTERVIEWS
allows us access to U.S. legislators, the State Department and the White House.
172 U.S. congressional signatures
ADVOCACY
ADVOCACY TOUR
Egypt Case of Bishoy Armia Boulous
Mexico Forced displacement of Christians in rural area
India 50 villages outlawed Christianity
PETITIONS CALLING FOR the immediate end to the persecution of Christians in Ukraine the immediate action to end violence against Christian communities across India the immediate action by the Egyptian government to rescue kidnapped Coptic Christians in Libya t h e i m m e d i a te a c t i o n by t h e g ove r n m e n t o f Pu n j a b, Pa k i s t a n , to fast-track cases of blasphemy victims for all faiths the immediate dropping of all charges against Kirollos Atallah in Egypt the immediate end to the arrest, tor ture, and murder of Christians in Eritrea
3 8 , 7 9 6 T O T A L S I G N AT U R E S
Pakistan Case of Asia Bibi and blasphemy laws
Iraq Briefed Hill staffers regarding Christians fleeing from ISIS
99 MEETINGS ON CAPITOL HILL 35
ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS C O N G R E S S TA C K L E S C H R I S T I A N P E R S E C U T I O N I N M E X I C O In June of 2015, ICC launched an advocacy campaign focused on bringing to light the re l i g i o u s p e r s e c u t i o n a f fe c t i n g t h o u s a n d s o f v i c t i m s a c ro s s M e x i co. We b ro u g h t i n a n e x p e r t from Mexico and met with over a dozen congressional offices and the State Depar tment in a flurr y of meetings on Capitol Hill. We even hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill with Freedom House, CSW-UK, and Amnesty International and attended by 68 par ticipants from over 20 congressional offices. I n J u l y, p re s i d e n t i a l c a n d i d a t e S e n a t o r M a rc o R u b i o p u b l i c a l l y q u e s t i o n e d t h e n e x t U . S . ambassador to Mexico over what she would do to address repor ts of “widespread” religious p e r s e c u t i o n i n t h e c o u n t r y, c i t i n g I CC . T h e w e e k b e f o re , t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s s e n t o f f i c i a l inquiries to federal and state governments in Mexico asking for a repor t on violence and f o r c e d d i s p l a c e m e n t o f r e l i g i o u s m i n o r i t i e s . I n O c t o b e r, t h e S t a t e D e p a r t m e n t s e n t a f o l l o w up team to Mexico to investigate. To d a y, M e x i c o’s g o v e r n m e n t i s f e e l i n g t h e p re s s u re l i k e n e v e r b e f o re t o s t e p i n a n d s t a r t protecting Christians from persecution.
36
ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS ICC PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS H O R R I F I C P E R S E C U T I O N I N PA K I S TA N I n A p r i l, I CC h e l d a p re s s co n f e re n ce a t t h e p re s t i g i o u s N a t i o n a l P re s s C l u b i n Wa s h i n g to n D. C . to h i g h l i g h t t h e h o r r i f i c a b u s e s co m m i t te d a g a i n s t Ch r i s t i a n s a n d o t h e r re l i g i o u s minorities in Pakistan. O ver a dozen media outlets, including Voice of America and CBN, covered the conference as speakers from Congress, Pakistan, the UK House of Lords, Amnesty International, and ICC revealed the ex tent of persecution taking place. News from the conference was also blasted out on radio networks with over 1,100 affiliate radio stations. T h e p re s s c o n f e re n c e h e l p e d t o b r i n g a n e w l e v e l o f a w a re n e s s t o t h e p l i g h t o f Pa k i s t a n’s more than two million Christians, and ICC continues to work closely behind the scenes with m e m b e r s o f Co n g re s s a n d t h e hu m a n r i g h t s co m mu n i t y to a d vo ca te o n t h e i r b e h a l f.
37
IN 2015 Our Volunteer
the Volunteer Program grew by
Program provides
28%
ways for you to tangibly help fight persecution.
187 volunteers Volunteers are present in
33 STATES &
27 COUNTRIES
ADVOCACY
38
V
AWARENESS
56
PRAYER
50
OFFICE
17
VOLUNTEER
SPECIAL PROJECTS
26
ICC VOLUNTEER 1
ICC VOLNUNTEER 2
Perhaps one of the greatest needs in
In April of 2015, a deadly earthquake
the fight against persecution is public
struck the countr y of Nepal, killing
awareness. Volunteers from around the
thousands and leaving countless others
world are standing up and raising their
without homes and short on hope. One
voices in their own communities against
ICC volunteer and his church knew that
the atrocities of religious persecution.
they had to take action.
One par ticular group of volunteers from
It was not long before a group of
Connecticut has organized multiple
volunteers travelled to a remote village
poster rallies throughout the state,
in Nepal, delivering food, tents, blankets,
calling for greater awareness and action
and other forms of humanitarian aid to
on behalf of persecuted Christians. These
3 0 0 f a m i l i e s . M o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, t h e g ro u p
gatherings sought to inform others of
was able to bring the Gospel to these
those suffering for their faith around
villagers.
the world, with par ticular emphasis on imprisoned pastor Saeed Abedini.
In a situation that seemed otherwise hopeless, these brothers and sisters in
We must continue to speak out against
Christ were able to shine the light of
persecution in order to bring relief to
J e s u s i n a t a n g i b l e w a y.
those in need.
39
FINANCES ICC’S ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 2014 An increasing number of individuals, churches, foundations and other ministry par tners suppor ted ICC during 2014 with record giving to our projects and general m i n i s t r y s u p p o r t . I C C a l w a y s s e e k s w a y s t o w i s e l y u s e t h e L o r d ’s m o n e y f o r ministry to the persecuted Church, and to maintain our administrative expenses at an absolute minimum. O ur G eneral and Administrative Expenses and Fundraising E x p e n s e s c o m p r i s e d 7 . 6 p e r c e n t o f o u r t o t a l i n c o m e t h i s p a s t y e a r. A c o m p a r i s o n o f I C C ’s f i n a n c i a l r e s u l t s f o r t h e p a s t f i v e y e a r s f o l l o w s :
Fiscal Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
$2,031,076
$1,234,958
$1,491,855
$2,131,624
$2,488,287
$766,663
$1,149,480
$1,299,477
$1,940,119
$2,050,614
General & Admin.
$78,767
$96,193
$120,602
$146,019
$140,015
Fundraising
$27,579
$33,974
$47,816
$55,728
$49,162
$873,009
$1,279,647
$1,467,895
$2,141,866
$2,239,791
Income Program Expenses*
Total Expenses
* Pro g ra m e x p e n s e s a re f u n d s we a re s p e n d i n g t o d o m i n i s t r y.
ICC is a 501(c)(3) tax- exempt corporation organized in 1995 in the State of Maryland. All gifts to ICC are fully taxdeductible. Our latest IRS Form 990 is available on our website at w w w. p e r s e c u t i o n . o rg. Co p i e s o f the latest independent financial audit or IRS Form 990 are available for cost of reproduction and postage. Requests should be directed to ICC, in writing, at 2 0 2 0 P e n n s y l v a n i a A v e . N W, # 9 4 1 , Wa s h i n g to n DC 20006-1846.
ICC BOARD OF DIREC TORS JAMES SCHNABEL, CHAIRMAN JEFF KING, PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER KIRK S C O T T S T R E AT O R S T E V E S WA L E S RICHARD TUCKER ED WORMALD WILLIAM NICHOLS
LONGEVITY-TRACK RECORD Established in 1995
LOW OVERHEAD General and administrative expenses kept around 10 percent
TARGETED FUNDS Many organizations raise funds for a general fund. ICC gives you options to specifically target your donations, so your money goes where you want.
CONSISTENT GROWTH in expertise, impact and finances
FOUR-STAR RATING FROM CHARITY NAVIGATOR Only 10 percent of all non-profits receive this rating.
ECFA COMPLIANCE We adhere to industry financial and ethical standards and we are audited by independent accountants to ensure our compliance.
DISTINCTIVES
41
THANK YOU! Children of The Good Life Club, an ICC-sponsored program that helps children and young adults, gather in Myanmar, Burma, for worship.
.org
PERSECU ION
I N T E R N AT I O N A L C H R I S TIAN CONCER N
International Christian Concern is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) (all donations tax-deductible). ICC makes every effort to honor donor wishes in regards to gifts. Occasionally, situations arise where a project is no longer viable. ICC will then redirect those donated funds to the fund most similar to the donor’s original wishes. ICC uses 7.5 percent of each restricted donation to carry out the mission of its segregated funds.
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