Building Bridge

BUILDING a BRIDGE

CONNECTING WITH PERSEVERING BELIEVERS AROUND THE WORLD

Serving the Persecuted Church Worldwide | June 2014 CONNECTING WITH PERSEVERING BELIEVERS AROUND THE WORLD

By Greg Musselman VOM Canada’s Greg Musselman addresses the importance of “building a bridge” between the church here in Canada and that of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ who represent the various hostile and restricted nations of the world – including Sudan, Iran and North Korea as highlighted in this month’s editorial article.

“We thought we were forgotten.” people, most of whom were considered Christians. Our – Christian leaders in South Sudan team was there to provide spiritual encouragement and instruction, as well as the provision of practical items such as warm blankets and other basic necessities. A pastor’s conference was also organized to take place in Kurmuk, a town located in southeastern Sudan near the border of Ethiopia. Because so many pastors had been previously killed in the violence, those who were left to lead the churches in South Sudan had little or no training. While I think the teaching they received was valuable, something much more important took place that still stirs my heart. It was what these church leaders said to us during our time there: “We thought we were forgotten.” I believe with all of my heart that the Lord directed our team of Canadian and American Glenn Penner (on right) in Sudan. Christians to that very remote place so He could affirm that He had not forgotten them, and neither had we who were sent from faraway places for the purpose of VOM TEAM JOURNEYS assisting them on His behalf. TO SOUTH SUDAN Since that trip, which took place over 14 years ago, One of the defining moments for me – in fact, a I’ve met, interviewed and prayed with dozens of fol- watershed moment – in my passion and commitment lowers of Christ who are paying a huge price for their to serve our persecuted brothers and sisters came dur- faith. One of the most important goals of VOMC’s ing my very first trip on behalf of The Voice of the mission is to serve as a bridge between the believers of Martyrs Canada to South Sudan. The overseas journey our country and those in places such as South Sudan, took place in January of 2000, and was led by my now Nigeria, Ethiopia, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, North good friend Ray Thorne who, at the time, was serv- Korea, North Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe ing VOM USA. Our mission team also included Glenn and South America. No matter what country we’re Penner, who would later become the CEO of VOM residing in, collectively, we are all in this together. Canada. (Glenn passed away over four years ago after According to God’s Word, we are one body in Christ! a long and courageous battle with a terminal illness.) A few months before we embarked on our trip to South Sudan, Glenn had spoken at the church I pastored in CANADIAN STUDENTS INTERACT WITH AN IRANIAN BELIEVER Winnipeg, addressing the growing concern of persecu- Recently, I taught a “Theology of Persecution and tion. In addition to learning more on the subject, my Discipleship” course at the Camrose Lutheran Bible goal during our mission trip was to gather video foot- Institute in Alberta. In this class, there were about 50 age for the production of news reports on the severe students, mostly from Western Canada. I appreciated the persecution of Christians in that part of the world. opportunity of having 15 hours of class time with them. By the time we arrived, brutal attacks from the mili- One of my goals was not only for the students to learn tant Islamic government of North Sudan had already what the Bible teaches about persecution and suffering claimed the lives of around two million South Sudanese for the name and cause of Christ but also, through the

2 VOM Canada | June 2014 Continued on page 12... CONTENTS The Voice of the Martyrs P.O. Box 608 Streetsville, ON L5M 2C1 Tel: 905-670-9721 Toll Free 1-888-298-6423 Fax: 905-670-0246 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.persecution.net Founders: Klaas & Nellie Brobbel with Pastor Richard Wurmbrand Chief Executive Officer: Doug J. McKenzie Director of Communications and Publications: Karyn Marianne Communications Assistant: Merrin Joy Graphic Design: Big Footprints Inc. Special thanks to VOM USA for their valued contributions to this issue. 4 Published monthly. 15 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40009964 Scripture quotations in this issue are from the New King James Version of the Bible, unless otherwise specified. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc.

The goals of VOMC are expressed in our four “Charitable Objects” as follows:

1. To preach and advance the teachings of Christianity and the religious tenets, doctrines, observances and culture associated with that faith, particularly where Christians are persecuted for their faith. 2. To support and maintain missions and missionaries in order to propagate the 10 Christian faith in areas where Christians are persecuted for their faith. 3. To provide relief to impoverished Christians and their families who are persecuted for their Christian faith. FEATURED IN THIS 4. To educate the Canadian public regarding the experience and religious teachings of JUNE 2014 ISSUE Christians who are persecuted for their faith.

Spending of funds is confined to board-approved programs and projects. Each restricted contribution designated 2 Building a Bridge...Around the World towards a board-approved program or project will be used as designated with the understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met, or cannot be 4 The Call to Faithfulness completed for any reason determined by the board, the remaining restricted contributions designated for such 8 Bridging the Greatest Spiritual Gap program or project will be used where needed most. Gifts from individual donors of $10 and more are acknowledged and receipted with an official receipt for income tax purposes. 10 Building Bridges of Fellowship 14 VOM Resources 15 Believers Facing 'More than Desperate' Crisis The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter is the flagship publication of The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada. Published monthly, it is available free of charge and 16 Equipping the Saints without obligation in one-year subscriptions to anyone in Canada who requests it.

Recycle your newsletter: share it with a friend! THE CALL TO Faithfulness

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In October 2012, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed an agreement with the Philippine government that was viewed by the separatist rebels as a significant step toward their goal of Islamic domination in Mindanao. Since the agreement was implemented, militant Muslims have been trying to drive out the Christians of this island by taking their land and crops, hijacking motorbikes and raiding their villages. Believers who evangelize Muslims are particularly targeted. To reach out to these suffering followers of Christ in their time of urgent need, VOM has made several provisions available in three Mindanao villages that have been under attack by Muslim rebels. In this issue, some of these targeted believers candidly share their experiences with us.

4 VOM Canada | June 2014 “Other than North Korea… [Mindanao] is the most difficult area in the Asia-Pacific region. The people are poor, [the area] is isolated…and hostile.” – VOM field worker

At 10 p.m., “Ruth” awoke with a start to the sound until daylight by praying, quietly singing and talking. of nearby bombing. She and her family lived in a As dawn broke the next morning, the family small village in central Mindanao, an area where crawled out from under the bridge, muddy and stiff Muslim insurgents have been fighting Philippine but unharmed by either snakes or Muslim rebels. government forces for decades. But in the 18 years They knew that the fighting would resume in the that her family had lived in this particular part of the evening, so they quickly gathered a few things from island, they had never known the fighting to take their home before joining their neighbours in a place so close to home. trek up to the main road. They camped in tents for ARuth and her husband “Armando” had moved to several weeks before their village captain told them the village in 1990 to start a new church which, over the years, has grown to include 20 families. While their village of about 800 households was evenly split between those of Muslims and Christians, Islamic reb- els had hoped to establish Muslim domination in Mindanao, thus driv- ing out all residing Christians. That night in 2008, Ruth was terri- fied by the sound of the nearby fight- ing. She, Armando and their three children immediately ran behind their house, frantically searching their property for a safe place to hide. Seeing nothing better than the small footbridge that crossed a murky canal behind their house, they quickly crawled under it. They knew there were snakes in the water, but they chose the danger of the snakes over VOM workers provide food items and other important necessities to that of the Muslim rebels they could villagers who have been forced by invading rebels to evacuate. hear advancing on the village. The couple tried to keep the girls quiet, but their government forces had repelled the rebels and their daughters were scared and crying. “We were praying Northern Cotabato village was safe again. for the Lord to cover us with His precious blood, However, during the next five years, the attacks asking Him to protect us,” Ruth says as she relives continued annually – forcing Ruth and her family to that terrible night. They passed the next eight hours evacuate their village. After experiencing two major

June 2014 | VOM Canada 5 Christian books, including Richard Wurmbrand’s Tortured for Christ testimonial, are given to suffering believers in the Philippines to encourage them. attacks in the region back in 2009, including one attack village evacuees, living in tents made of tarps and in which four Christians were killed and six seriously old rice-drying sacks. During the day, they cau- injured by gunfire and mortars, VOM provided needed tiously returned to their homes in order to tend to relief materials for the surviving victims. More than 200 their livestock and gardens, but every night they of them were left temporarily homeless from each of slept in the community camp for added safety. the attacks. While the rebels were sometimes success- The couple eventually chose to stay in the vil- fully driven out by government forces, there were other lage, despite the constant threat of repeated attacks times when they came in and occupied the Christians’ and the resulting evacuations. And even though homes and land. all three of their children are now away pursuing Major attacks occurred again during 2013 (in the their educational studies, there was nothing else for months of June, July and September), including one Ruth and Armando to oversee in the village except on Ruth and Armando’s village. During this most for the church. Yet this was enough of a reason for recent attack, rebels abducted several villagers for them to stay and take the risk. “There is a big work the purpose of using them as human shields while in this place,” Ruth explains. “Let us continue to fleeing from the military. serve the Lord even though [we’re] experiencing Ruth and Armando spent a month – from this kind of persecution. All of these things are hap- September to October – camping with many other pening to us but God is still great.”

6 VOM Canada | June 2014 “We pray that the churches and Christian constituencies across Canada would increasingly lock arms with VOMC and our brothers and sisters in peril throughout the world who have chosen to follow Jesus. We must allow the ‘truth’ of persecution to permeate our being and guide our determination to be used by God in making a difference.” – Doug J. McKenzie, CEO of VOM Canada

In response to the three village attacks that took sponsored conference for pastors in the region. place last year, our VOM field workers provided Also committed to serving in ministry is their emergency assistance and encouragement to the 23-year-old daughter who happens to be currently temporarily displaced believers. Our team of work- studying theology. They are so thankful that she ers distributed food, medicine, sleeping mats, mos- plans to return home after completing her ministeri- quito nets and blankets to help meet their immedi- al degree this year in order to help with the ministry. ate needs. “Before we distributed the items, I shared “I thank God because she is willing,” adds her very with them about the love of God…letting them grateful mother. know that the supplies are [His] provision…and Ruth and Armando state that they are expecting that they should be strong in the Lord,” reports one to stay in the village “until the of the VOM field workers. “We joined in praying Lord comes back.” In for...His protection and providence, and we gave affirmation of their them the supplies.” unwavering Ruth and Armando were among the recipients of commitment, these gifts, and yet they also used their time in the Ruth con- evacuation camp to minister to others. Some of the cludes with other evacuees they met there were unbelievers these words: who were sad or frustrated, blaming God for their “We are not problems. The ministering couple seized this planning to opportunity to share the Gospel message with leave. God them, encouraging these disheartened people to has called us place their trust in Him. here.” No matter what takes place, the couple has decided to continue serving the Lord – even in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances. Suffering isn’t a “In Him was life, and that new concept for Ruth or Armando. “Since I accepted life was the light of all man- Christ, I knew [about] it,” Ruth attests. “That’s how kind. The light shines in the we [are able to] stay here. God will not forsake us.” darkness, and the darkness These faithful pastors received a motorbike from has not overcome it.” VOM in June of 2013 to help them with their min- John 1:4-5 NIV istry work; and, in October, they attended a VOM- VOM provides frontline workers like this pastor with motorbikes to help them reach remote churches that are otherwise isolated.

BRIDGING THE GREATEST Spiritual Gap

The testimony of this former “persecutor,” who is now sacrificially serving the “persecuted,” reveals the bridging of the greatest spiritual gap – between that of sinful humanity and the righteousness of an Almighty God. This report provides us with even more evidence of our Lord’s amazing grace! “At one point, it was easier to kill a person than a five invitations, Alejandro finally agreed to visit the chicken,” said “Alejandro.” Back then, he was a terror- believer’s church. ist with a militant Islamic organization in Mindanao. During the worship service, Alejandro suddenly He ruthlessly bombed civilians, government soldiers, found himself crying and walking to the front of the U.S. Marines and the homes of Christians. In fact, the sanctuary. “I was a tough military guy; an Islamic Acasualties were so numerous, he didn’t even know how killer,” he says in reference to his former hardness of many people he had killed. “I was not afraid to kill any- heart. “I never cried – never. That day, I decided to one for the glory of Allah,” he now remorsefully admits. leave Islam and follow Jesus.” Alejandro was the only son in his radically strict Alejandro knew he could never set bombs in the Muslim family. He had brought honour to his father name of Islam again. He told his father everything that by joining a group of Islamist rebels, and was consid- had happened, all the while praying that the respected ered a worthy heir. But after several years of indis- patriarch he loved so very much and looked up to for criminate killing, his conscience began to bother him. affirmation would understand. But when Alejandro’s Although the Filipino rebel left the militant group father learned that his son had become a Christian, he and went into secular work, he remained committed exploded and began violently beating him. to his Muslim faith and to his family. As Alejandro was physically stronger and younger, he Alejandro’s work required that he travel around was able to repel the initial attack. However, the angry the island of Mindanao. In 2009, while travelling father then grabbed a machete, pronounced a curse, for his job, he met a Christian man who invited him and threatened to kill his “apostate son.” Alejandro left to church. At first, Alejandro turned down the invi- the house that day and has not seen his parents since. tation. At that point, he wasn’t at all interested in He still communicates by phone with his siblings, who Christianity. But the Christian persisted and, after tell him his devout Muslim parents still remain deeply

8 VOM Canada | June 2014 angry with him. is a possibility that he or she might be killed. But The same year Alejandro became a Christian, he Alejandro says he is willing to be used by God, even if decided to enter full-time ministry. He soon quit it means risking his life to do so. his job and enrolled in a Bible school (similar to a Last fall, Alejandro was one of the attendees of the school VOM supports in Mindanao). The facilities VOM-sponsored pastor’s conference, which brought are simple and the students do their own cooking, together pastors from all over the Mindanao region building maintenance and cleaning. When VOM dis- for a time of spiritual refreshment and encourage- tributes Christian literature or Bibles – whether at ment. He also brought with him a former Muslim Bible schools or even secular schools – students like man whom he had led to Christ. Alejandro are highly appreciative. During one such After the conference, a VOM worker saw Alejandro distribution, a VOM worker witnessed grateful stu- sitting at a table in deep conversation with another dents actually embracing and kissing the Bibles they conference attendee – the relative of a pastor who had just received. was martyred by Muslim militants just a few months When Alejandro completed his four-year degree, his earlier. (The martyred pastor had been tragically church denomination assigned him to a ministry loca- killed, and so had his wife and children.) “I was tion. Graduates are typically assigned to ministry posi- struck by the evidence that God’s Spirit is able to tions wherever the need is greatest, and some of the reconcile a former Muslim murderer of Christians ministers that VOM encourages are those assigned to with one who has recently experienced the grief of remote and danger- family members’ ous areas. Alejandro’s deaths at the hands assignment happened of Muslims,” reports to be a church that was the worker. once attended by 130 It’s very clear families. After years of through this pressure and attacks remarkable testi- by militant Muslims, mony that the Lord however, the build- is able to miracu- ing was abandoned. It lously build bridges hadn’t been used for of healing and rec- several years by the onciliation between time he arrived. the “persecuted” and Conflicts between their “persecutors.” government military Alejandro, who forces and Islamic once planted bombs soldiers were com- to kill Christians These students at a VOM-supported Bible school often hear gunfire from nearby rebel for the glory of mon in the area groups. Upon graduation, they are sent throughout Mindanao to serve as pastors. where Alejandro was Allah, today follows assigned. On some nights, he used earplugs to block Christ’s invitation to be a fisher of men for the glory the sound of gunfire and exploding grenades so he of the one true God. Having already sacrificed the could sleep. close relationships he had previously with the mem- At first, he was only able to recruit five committed bers of his human family, he is now willing to sacrifice families to help him revive the church. But, thankfully, his life to serve his Christian family. his long-suffering and perseverance was eventually That’s not all. This radically transformed leader met with encouraging results. This year, after months is earnestly praying for a greater measure of God’s of hard work in the community, the church is start- wisdom and knowledge to help him penetrate areas ing to grow. Alejandro also takes evangelism trips to where Islam extremism is the strongest in Mindanao. neighbouring villages each week by either walking As fellow believers, may our prayers unite with his so or riding on a water buffalo. Serving within such a that the Lord’s mighty life-transforming power can be volatile area means his life is at risk every day. Anyone multiplied many times over in the lives of countless who is brave enough to enter the area knows there others in this volatile part of the world.

June 2014 | VOM Canada 9 BUILDING BRIDGES OF FELLOWSHIP God's Family Around the World Caring for One Another By Jim Dau, President of VOM USA

The couple raised their children in one of the communities there and, more than 30 years later, they are still ministering in the same area. The work is dangerous. They are surrounded by Muslims, and the lack of government influence leaves the area vulnerable to rebel attacks. Still, Nimuel travels from village to village in a small boat, sharing the Gospel and ministering to believers. At times, he has even encountered pirates. Yet the Lord has protected him from them, as well as from those who are opposed to his ministry. Last year, VOM sponsored a small pastors’ confer- ence in Nimuel’s area to provide encouragement and teaching to Christian workers in the region. One of the messages challenged them to be “water walkers” "... those being severely persecuted in these restricted and – to have faith to get out of the boat, like the disciple hostile nations are praying for us here in North America. " Peter had done in his response to Jesus. These pastoral workers are faithful, but they can get discouraged by the isolation and continual risk of persecution. Many of these workers can’t afford to purchase a basic cell- phone, so VOM provided cellphones to help them stay n a remote area of Mindanao, Philippines, which is in touch and encourage one another. Idominated by Islam extremism,“Nimuel” faithfully Pastors’ conferences are another critical element of serves as a pastor. This area consists mainly of small VOM’s service to our persecuted brothers and sisters in fishing villages, and the few Christians who live there hostile areas like Mindanao. At one recent conference, a gather in each other’s homes for fellowship. He agreed pastor and his wife shared that they were very discour- to work in the region for five years in exchange for a aged and ready to pack up and head home. But after full scholarship to a Bible school. However, knowing meeting with fellow pastors – and hearing about other the area’s reputation for danger and isolation, he was at brothers and sisters being persecuted for their witness first uncertain about making the commitment. But after – they decided to stay. “This [conference] has changed praying about it, both Nimuel and his wife knew this my view,” the pastor tells a VOM worker. “I understand was God’s plan for their lives. that I am not alone. I am not the only one out there.”

10 VOM Canada | June 2014 BUILDING BRIDGES OF FELLOWSHIP

RIGHT: In 2013, VOM helped Christians in three Mindanao villages that were attacked by Muslim rebels.

In Philippians 3:10, we read the following: “…that I strengthened and encouraged by attending the may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the conferences, often tell us that they didn’t know so many fellowship of His sufferings….” We are witnessing the other members of Christ’s body around the world were fruit of this fellowship more and more as Christians also suffering for their faith. Ironically, those being throughout North America learn about our persecuted severely persecuted in these restricted and hostile family members overseas, and make a point of nations are praying for us here in North America. remembering them in prayer and support. When we May the Lord bless this fellowship with our sponsor conferences for those of our persecuted family, persecuted family in restricted nations and hostile areas, we are sharing in the blessing of this fellowship. causing the ministry of His Body to be strengthened Persecuted believers, who have been greatly and expanded worldwide.

“May we never be content as bystanders, simply viewing and acknowledging the plight of believers who are far away and ‘out of our purview,’ but rather wholeheartedly embrace the truth of our oneness with the global persecuted Christian church.” – Doug J. McKenzie, CEO of VOM Canada

June 2014 | VOM Canada 11 ... continued from page 2

“Everything is possible with Him!”

“Aram” from Iraq

presentation of stories and video footage, to introduce able to put a name to a face and realize that [these them to believers who have suffered because of the believers] are our brothers and sisters in Christ. desire to advance God’s Kingdom. During the week that They do exist, and so does their persecution.” I was teaching the course, I got the idea to contact one – Matt, Canadian student of the people I had interviewed in Iraq to see if we could set up a video link via the Internet. Through the use of Not only were the students in the classroom technology, I was hoping to bring him into the class- encouraged by the video link meeting, but so was room so he could meet the students in Camrose. “Aram” Aram! You will note from his response how excited eagerly agreed to the possibility. he was for the opportunity to talk with his Canadian On the final day of classes, I showed the students the family in the Lord: video report I had put together about Aram and his brother “Nader.” (You can view this video clip at www. persecution.tv/brothers.) Aram and Nader are former “Two years ago, I was filling out applications of Kurdish Muslims from Iran who have suffered many immigration for refugees to come to Canada, and things because of their conversion to Christianity and was thinking of this new opportunity…. While involvement in Christian activity. Aram, the 29-year-old filling out the applications, I thought about the brother, spoke to the class about his experience of being time I would enter Canada and share my testi- kidnapped and the many challenges he faced while liv- mony and faith with the young people there and ing as a committed Christian in the midst of a predom- start a new life. inantly Muslim society. Having spoken with some of the students after our 15 to 20-minute interaction with “But after two years, I found out that…my appli- Aram, I was pleased to hear what they had to share, and cation was never submitted to the immigration how the gap between them and this Christian brother office. The people who said they would support me from the other side of the world had been brought and my family just disappeared. However, I never closer together! The following quotes highlight what lost hope, especially the time I received an e-mail the students learned through this opportunity: from my friend Greg [inviting me to] share and talk with the students. When I was talking to the "[When] talking to Aram, it was easy to see that we 50 young students, and we prayed together, I felt had a lot in common as believers…. I could see how at peace and understood that there is nothing our similar we were, and how even language and citi- Lord can't do. Everything is possible with HIM!” zenship do not matter within the Kingdom of God." – “Aram” from Erbil, Iraq – Grayson, Canadian student With the use of technology, a bridge was crossed "I think what was profound to see was a living, for both the students and Aram, and it was wonder- breathing man whom we had heard about. I was ful. Perhaps someday Aram will have a chance to meet

12 VOM Canada | June 2014 with some of these young Canadian Christians face to has become of them, touches you deeply. You want face. But, thankfully, we were able to share this special to reach through the screen and wrap your arms time together as God’s children through our video around the ladies. We have developed some ways of link connection! overcoming our communication difficulties. We sing simple songs – sometimes they sing in Korean and LINKING HEARTS WITH OUR NORTH we sing in English. At other times, we all sing in KOREAN SISTERS IN CHRIST English, giggling and laughing at the conclusion. We Over the past couple of years, Ingrid Hajen, who say the Lord’s Prayer together. After the testimonies gives leadership to VOM Canada’s Women’s Ministry, are done, we ask questions about life in Canada or has on occasion hosted video conference calls between South Korea. [We’re from] different cultures and Christian women from circumstances, but the the Edmonton area with common bonds remain. dissident North Korean believers who are currently “One of our greatest living in South Korea. tools is to lift our Although these believers hands above our are residing in countries heads and form the that are a great distance shape of a heart with apart, they have been getting to know each other our hands. It says, ‘I through communications love you.’ Mostly, we technology. In fact, some of delight in sharing our experiences. Sometimes them will even be getting Through VOMC, women in Canada are able to the testimonies touch together in person during reach out to these North Korean sisters in Christ. a gathering that will be you deeply, and all you taking place in Seoul, South can do is cry. We cry Korea. Another bridge has together. The experience been crossed in our pursuit gives you compassion for to bring the body of Christ closer together. the people and their country. The Lord uses the Of this eye-opening opportunity to connect via the encounter to touch your heart. When they come to Internet, Ingrid says, “It’s one thing to read and learn your mind, it is so easy to lift up a prayer.” what life is like and the suffering that goes on in North Korea, but it is quite another to see the faces of our Ingrid mentioned that by the time the first video Christian sisters as they share their testimonies.” She session with the North Korean women was over, a goes on to say, “We are talking to family members, our special bond had been formed. “When we waved good- sisters in the Lord! There are smiles, tears, expressions bye, we said farewell to family, not to the strangers we of love and joy on our faces, emotions that don’t need to be translated because God is at work between us, were introduced to less than two hours before!” and He is bringing us together.” One of Ingrid’s faithful team members is Nancy BUILDING PROCESS WELL UNDERWAY Heward who lives just outside of Edmonton. Nancy AROUND THE WORLD happens to be part of this group, which is made up While there is still much to do when it comes to of women from varied Christian denominations and building bridges between believers in Canada and cultural backgrounds, including several who have those suffering for the Gospel in other parts of the immigrated to Canada. Hearing the stories of these world, we are making progress in significant ways – North Korean sisters has made a profound personal whether it means going to distant lands or inviting impression on her life: them into our living rooms or Bible school classes. To all those who partner with VOM Canada, I want “The testimonies have become stepping stones from to thank you again for allowing me and the other the head to the heart. To hear how families are members of our ministry team to build that essential split apart, and the anguish of not knowing what connecting bridge!

June 2014 | VOM Canada 13 Jesus Freaks $10 The Oracles of God $10

VOM collaborated with the musi- The Voice of the Martyrs international cians of “dc Talk” in producing founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, this best-selling collection of emerged from prison not with a tes- IRAQ: worldwide testimonies, target- timony of defeat but rather with one ing teens and young adults with that was victorious and overcoming, Christians Facing ‘More than Desperate’ Crisis the life-changing message of the awakening the world to the plight of persecuted church. Consisting of Christians in restricted and hostile almost 150 personal testimonies nations. During his lengthy imprison- and quotes, this book will bring readers face to face with a con- ment, Pastor Wurmbrand spent much quering Saviour who is able to of his time talking to the Lord and carry them through any situation meditating on His Word. This result- in life. In fact, adults of all ages ing book, The Oracles of God, explores will be immensely blessed by the inspirational con- God’s wisdom about life, enabling you to become His “mouth- tent of this wonderful resource. (Paperback, 368 pages) piece” and, therefore, a catalyst of ministry in the lives of others. (Paperback, 171 pages)

The Torchlighters DVD Series presents... The Eric Liddell Story $15 This animated DVD features the testimony of Eric Liddell, the world-renowned Olympic medalist from Scotland who lived boldly for Jesus. (His story was also featured in the award- winning movie, Chariots of Fire.) When Eric takes a stand by choosing not to run on the Sabbath, he is considered a traitor and thus makes news headlines around the globe. Yet the challenges he faces as a Christian Olympian end up preparing him for a much greater purpose – the call to serve as a missionary in China. This inspiring life story will help children ages 8 to 12 courageously stand up under peer pressure and wholeheartedly run the race that is set before them. (The animated segment is 30 minutes in length. Plus, there is an added bonus documentary for adults on Eric Liddell’s life and his missionary work in China.)

Faith Under Fire $14 As the vicar of St. George’s Church in Baghdad, Iraq, Canon Andrew White well understands what it means to minister amid tremendous persecution and political unrest. His compelling message, as expressed in Faith Under Fire, serves to encourage followers of Christ here in North America in their resolve to persevere, even in the face of adversity: “This book is only of significance if it can change our perception of suffering....” Canon White then adds that our Christian brothers and sisters in this ancient land have much to teach us about joy and the ability to experience the fullness of God’s presence – wherever it is we happen to be living in the world. (Paperback, 208 pages)

For the availability of VOMC’s other helpful resources, please check our online catalogue at: www.persecution.net IRAQ: Christians Facing ‘More than Desperate’ Crisis

anon Andrew White, known as the "Vicar Cof Baghdad," has requested urgent prayer for the church in Iraq during this time of intense violence in the country. With frequent bomb-

ings and shootings in cities such as Baghdad and Adam Jones Flickr / Mosul, monthly death tolls have soared recently. January's toll of more than 1,000 killed was the highest in almost six years. Canon Andrew, a partner of The Voice of the Martyrs, recently shared that some of the young people at the church he leads have been among those tragically killed. His Christian friends are leaving and begging him (LEFT) The recipients of VOMC’s to leave too. distribution in Iraq are grateful for this

"Hundreds of our people have left the church VOM tangible expression of God’s love. because they have left the country," he explains. "The hundreds [remaining] are those who cannot afford to leave, so the people here, however bad it is," he says. "I am not poverty and needs seem greater leaving, and neither is God." than ever. I honestly cannot tell Pray that the Lord will continue to use Canon you how terrible things are. We Andrew and other leaders like him to faithfully shep- are in more than a desperate cri- herd the dwindling Christian population. Through sis. We need your prayers." their example, may the believers in Iraq be encour- Yet Canon Andrew remains aged to remain steadfast in their faith, despite the resolute. "I will not leave my instability and constant risks. May the church there be a vessel of God's peace, extending love to all of their neighbours. Pray, too, for an end to the fighting and bloodshed which have been mainly caused by tensions between Sunni militants and VOMC the Shia-dominated government. Sources: Release International, BBC

To learn more about Canon Andrew's ministry and the powerful ways in which God is at work in this country, check out VOMC's 18-minute VOMC documentary at: www.persecution.tv/underfire Canon Andrew White continues to faithfully minister in this dangerous part of the world.

June 2014 | VOM Canada 15 Equipping the Saints There are times in life when the challenges of everyday living can seem daunting. Yet the battles we face here in North America are typically compounded several times over for those who are immersed in cultures fiercely opposed to Christianity, in areas where the term “hostility” takes on a far greater level of meaning and intensity. While the enemy is very clearly at work in many parts of the world, thankfully, so is the wonderful ministry of our Lord Jesus! The One who has promised life in John 10:10 is being represented through your participation in VOMC’s concerted efforts.

In addition to the provision of basic practical necessities for victimized believers, one of our main mandates is to minister to them spiritually. An effective way of accomplishing this important aspect of our Lord’s work is by ʻEquipping the Saints.’

Whether it’s through providing intensive in-country training seminars and pastors conferences, or the means to distribute teaching materials and travel to remote villages for ministerial purposes, VOMC is empowering spiritual leaders and teachers to educate and train their own people in areas where persecution is prevalent. In doing so, vitally needed ministry is being made available to numerous victims of severe persecution – offering them the very hope and life Jesus promises.

To contribute to the “Equipping the Saints” fund: The Voice of the Martyrs Canada P.O. Box 608 Streetsville, ON L5M 2C1 1-888-298-6423 www.persecution.net