Thank you messages from your persecuted family

“Thank you!” These are words we so often hear from our persecuted family in response to the countless ways you’re impacting their lives. This year has been no different, and the messages here are but a glimpse into the gratitude our persecuted sisters and brothers worldwide have for you…

Hoon, North Korea

At the beginning of the year, our campaign focus was on North Korea, which again tops the World Watch List. Much of your generous support for believers from the country is channelled through safe houses run by fieldworkers in China. After spending time at one, Hoon* left a thank you letter for you…

“Thank you, everyone! I am grateful to God. I could truly feel His and your love. Even though we do not know each other, it feels like we know each other in Jesus Christ from long ago.

“Your loving support has helped me to remove my burdens and I am so grateful that I can continue to do the work that He wants to accomplish through me. 

“I have so much to thank, but I cannot express all my gratitude with words and pen. However, I would like to repay to you all by doing everything I can to carry out God’s ministry.”

Pastor Laxman, India

You might recall Pastor Laxman* from India, whose church building was destroyed by extremists and he was jailed. When he first shared his story with you, 40 people still gathered secretly for prayer, but now the pastor oversees six house churches, each comprising between ten and 70 members! As local partners continue to stand with him and members of his church, he has this to say to you…

“Thank you for walking alongside us in our challenges. The extremists are still powerful and they continue to trouble the minorities, especially Christians and, therefore, churches continue to face attacks. Please keep praying for us.

“When Christ was doing His ministry in this earth, He constantly faced opposition, but that did not stop Him from fulfilling His purpose here. Then what can stop me from fulfilling the purpose of God, who has called me to serve Him?”

Pastor Tahe Alexis and Emmanuel Hien, Ivory Coast

Through the Arise Africa campaign, your support continues to have a monumental impact on believers in sub-Saharan Africa. This includes motorbikes for seven pastors in the Ivory Coast, enabling them to reach believers vulnerable to persecution from extremists and even their own communities and families. Two of the pastors say…

“I had difficulties in reaching these churches. To even go and greet the brothers and sisters, to make a pastoral visit, was very difficult. Since our arrival in this region, it has been a prayer point which we kept asking the Lord to do something about it.” – Pastor Tahe Alexis

“Tiredness will be less and moving will be easy now thanks to this motorbike. I really don’t know what to say: this dream became reality, thanks to my brothers and sisters. I can just say thank you; may God bless you. May God bless you abundantly.” – Emmanuel Hien

Secret believers, Yemen

Each year brings opportunities to write to your persecuted family. Earlier in 2024, you were invited to write online messages to secret believers in Yemen – many of you gladly responded, writing to encourage our Yemeni brothers and sisters and tell them that you are praying with them. In response, two believers wrote…

“Thank you so much for everything. I am doing great because of the prayers. We were really touched by them, and they indeed strengthened and encouraged us spiritually.”

“Thank you so much for your prayers. We really appreciate everything you are doing. I was so happy to know that many people are praying for us. Again, thank you so much. Please pray for us here in Yemen.”

Thank you!

Beyond your generous financial support, faithful prayers and encouraging messages, so many of you have served in other ways – including fundraising, volunteering and advocacy. Thank you, each contribution really does contribute to the long-term survival of the global church.

*Names changed for security reasons