CATALOG 2013

hristmasINTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN

Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, Star Wars, Willow, Narnia, Ladyhawke, Peter Pan (Never-Never Land), Labryinth, etc, etc.

Almost every mythical tale and movie you’ve read or watched was mod-eled (usually unconsciously) after the spiritual reality of life on earth. You are dropped into a world that was once good and gleaming, but has been taken over by a powerful and evil ruler that has brought darkness and death to the realm under its control.

The protagonist has been sent by some hidden power to break the power of darkness and restore the rightful order of good. The protagonist and those on his (her) side go through a long series of adventures, and it all seems quite hopeless. At a certain point though, against all odds, the protagonist defeats the evil lord, breaks the power of darkness, and restores goodness.

This is the human story; an army of storytellers has consciously and un-consciously woven stories built around this hidden reality. Our world has a king and it is not God or Christ. . .yet!

THE BATTLE

Joining

It will be though. “Chains shall he break” and “all oppression shall cease,” “for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” We all feel “a thrill of hope,” and “the weary world rejoices” because “no more will sin and sorrow grow.” In fact, He’ll “make the blessings flow and far as the curse is found.”

We are not at the end of the story though. We are in the midst of the great battle. Our team is beaten and bloodied and there are casualties every-where. Many on our side are under a partial spell and living under the sys-tem of the dark king. They go about their business “in the shire” oblivious to the war because it is far away in “Mordor.”

Yet, there are those who are fully awake and can see the battle clearly. They are under the service of the coming King. They know there is a battle and there are casualties. They long to join the battle, to defeat the evil lord, and to care for those wounded in the battle.

I invite you to join the battle; to care for the wounded and to build His kingdom on the frontline of the battle; to break the chains of oppression and set the prisoners free; and to provide bandages for healing and ham-mers for building His Church in the toughest parts of the world.

It is God’s work and together, with reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can do amazing things for the body of Christ. We exist to be your hands and feet, to bring your fight and your care to the front line troops.

The bulk of our giving will come in November and December. The level of service we can provide to the persecuted in 2014 is determined by your giving in these next two months.

Please know that whatever you give to us for the care of the persecuted will be spent ethically, efficiently, and effectively.

I promise!

Jeff King, ICC President

MOST NEEDEDWhere

This past year, CBN partnered with ICC staff on the ground in Pakistan to provide much-needed aid to Christian victims of a flood. In this region, Christians are often not served by the government. Together, we were able to provide one week’s worth of food, water, and other es-sentials to 500 Pakistani families from over 30 villages, within days of the disaster.

If you want to be sure that your gift has the greatest immediate effect, designate your gift as “Where Most Needed.” This fund allows us to have the flexibility necessary to respond quickly and efficiently to the greatest needs our ministry faces.

Please make your first giving choice “Where Most Needed.”

Want to double your impact?

All donations given to “Where Most Needed” will be matched, dollar for dollar.

SUFFERING

ANDWivesChildren

This past year, ICC helped dozens of families get back on their feet after their husbands and fathers were ei-ther martyred or imprisoned.

In just one example, we provided small businesses for seven families in India whose husbands and fathers have been unjustly imprisoned for years.

We usually provide a small market, livestock, or a sewing machine. We give them an adequate financial en-gine that will continue providing for their families long after we are gone.

With your help, ICC will assist many more families in 2014, and will re-main obedient to the Biblical man-date to care for widows and orphans of the Church.

“Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for the orphans and widows in their

troubles.” J A M E S 1 : 2 7 N L T

TO THE PERSECUTEDBibles

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our

lives.” 2 T I M O T H Y 3 : 1 6 N L T

This past year, ICC was able to place over 40,000 Bibles into the hands of believers in some of the spiritually darkest places on earth, including Somalia, China, and Bangladesh.

One of our special projects was the purchase of Bibles for future gradu-ates of an underground Bible school in China.

These students are the future of the Church in China, and will build the house church movement.

As you well know, wherever Scripture goes it brings life and light. In some countries, we can send a Bible for as little as $0.75 each! Your gift allows believers the incredible opportunity to own the Word of God in their own language.

UNDERGROUNDPastors

“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.”

J E R E M I A H 3 : 1 5 N L T

This past year, ICC supported 90 underground pastors in persecut-ed countries, including 25 church planters in India. One in particu-lar, Pastor Mangaldan, is passionate about his congregation. Each week, he faithfully visits five different vil-lages, leading 13 different fellowships with over 150 congregants. In addi-tion, he visits about five families in their homes, and mentors children in ICC’s Orissa orphanage in his spare time. The Gospel is spreading like wildfire in India because of pastors like Mangaldan.

Underground pastors are at the fore-front of persecution, often taking the brunt of attacks. Your gifts lend as-sistance in the form of salaries, trans-portation, and training. In addition, you have the opportunity to encour-age to those who lay down their lives for the spread of the Gospel.

CAREKids

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” P S A L M 1 2 7 : 3 N L T

This past year, ICC cared for 395 kids in our Kids Care program, including the addition of 100+ Christian children in Bangladesh who were rescued from Islamic traf-ficking. We are currently caring for their every need, big and small, as they have no other place to go.

Children are often the unseen vic-tims of persecution. Every year, children are orphaned or left with scarcely enough provision to survive when their parents are imprisoned or martyred for their faith.

Please consider becoming a month-ly partner with ICC, and sponsor a child of the persecuted Church. For $45 a month, you can provide con-sistent care, food, lodging, education and access to medication. In return, we will send you quarterly updates on our Kids Care program that you are helping to build and maintain.

BROADCASTING THE

Gospel

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

M A T T H E W 2 8 : 1 9 N L T

This past year, ICC supported broadcast ministry throughout the Middle East and other key parts of the world. One of our supported partners broadcasts into Somalia. In addition to spreading the Gospel to non-Christians, this station reaches many Somali-speaking Christians who would otherwise have little or no access to the Christian message. The broadcast ministry also allows Christians to hear the message with-out having to travel long distances and risk great danger. One man told our partners, “You have played a big role in my life and directed me on the right path. I appreciate the guidance you provide for those who are lost.”

Throughout the Islamic world, Muslims are coming to Christ like never before. In addition, your gift allows hidden believers access to the body of Christ, discipleship, and growth without fear of punishment.

HAND OF

Hope

“And his name will be the hope of all the world.” M A T T H E W 1 2 : 2 1 N L T

This past year, ICC regional man-agers delivered food aid in person to families of blasphemy victims. One of these victims, Asif (name changed), has had to live in hiding and apart from his wife and six children for the past 11 years for fear of death.

This places a heavy burden on his wife. Our aid served as immediate relief until we are able to find a holis-tic solution.

This project was made possible by donations from partners who have a heart for South Asia.

Do you have a particular region of the world that weighs heavy on your heart? Our “Hand of Hope” fund ex-ists for you!

Options for Hand of Hope are: Africa, Far East, Middle East, South Asia and Legal Assistance.

REBUILDCommunity

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” P H I L I P P I A N S 2 : 4 N L T

This past year, the Christian com-munity of Nagapattinam, India, was denied access to their village’s once-communal boats that they used to make a living. Eighteen Christian families (70-plus people overall) were in peril. ICC was able to purchase five brand new boats, motors, nets, and other gear. When the boats arrived, one woman exclaimed, “I can’t believe that people we don’t even know, from across the world, think about us. Truly we are not forgotten!” Since then, we have continued to assist this commu-nity with side businesses and medical relief.

When whole communities are im-pacted by persecution, it can leave families in devastation, even forc-ing some to convert away from Christianity. Gifts to this fund are dedicated to projects like building schools and wells, providing jobs via microfinancing opportunities, and establishing health clinics.

SAVE OUR

Sisters

“He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.”

P S A L M 7 2 : 1 4 N L T

This past year, ICC has been able to transform the lives of one hun-dred Christian girls in Pakistan, all of whom were victims of violence or oppression because of their faith and gender. We have launched vocational training schools that remove the girls from dangerous working environ-ments and teach them skills, either beauty or sewing. One girl told ICC, “The salon has provided me with a way to provide for my family now that my mother is gone. I will be able to send my brothers and sisters to school.”

Christian women are often the most vulnerable victims of persecution. Their faith and gender keep them low on the social spectrum, leaving them open for attacks and absent of aid. Your gifts can help us rescue wom-en from captors, provide them with places of refuge, and assist them with job training to help them recover.

SPECIAL

Blessings

Each year, ICC delivers Christmas presents to the children of our Kids Care program. With your partnership, we are able to brighten the day of children who have experienced immense perse-cution.

This is a chance for you and your whole family to get involved by giving a tangible gift that will be delivered by ICC, and is also a great opportunity to teach your children the value of giving.

We are collecting: • Stuffed animals (please purchase new)• Letters from you and your family • Pictures of you and your family (optional) • Donation of $15

Your donation will cover the cost of a health kit (which will be purchased in-country), as well as cover overseas shipping.

In previous years, ICC has asked donors to pur-chase additional items; however, purchasing gifts in-country lowers the risk of attracting unwanted attention caused by shipping boxes to obscure loca-tions. For this reason, ICC will not ship items other than those requested above.

Blessings

Purchase a new stuffed toy, write a letter (or draw a picture), and in-clude a photo (if desired).

Complete the enclosed Special Blessings purchase order form. Make sure to include your legible contact information.

Enclose your $15 check (or credit card information) for the health kit and shipping, and your gift or-der form in the provided envelope.

Mail your Special Blessings pack-age to ICC by Dec. 31.

ICCPO BOX 8056

Silver Spring, MD 20907

we need volunteers!

If you’re part of a church or school in the D.C. metro area that would like to adopt this project, please contact ICC about serving as a

drop-off location.

We are also looking for volunteers to help in our office! If interested,

please contact: volunteer@persecution.org

or 1-800-422-5441.

how to Submit a special blessings gift

2013

FROM INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN

MerryChristmas

2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #941 Washington, D.C. 20006-18461-800-ICC-5441 | www.persecution.org | icc@persecution.org