Page 21 - Voice of the Persecuted Christians - Jan-Mar 2022 - 121

RELEASE INTERNATIONAL AND YOUR CHURCH
Nigeria campaign
2023
This year we are launching
a major campaign to raise awareness about the ongoing plight of persecuted believers in Nigeria. We will be encouraging supporters not only to pray themselves but also to organise prayer in their churches.
Nigeria is at a pivotal point in its history (see Trends report pages 12-17). Not only are there forthcoming elections, taking place against a backdrop of ongoing violence against Christian communities, but there is the push in some quarters for the nation to become an Islamic state and even for parts of it to become independent.
We will be launching the campaign, called ‘Out of these Ashes’, in the next edition of Voice and will be providing extensive materials for supporter use.
Barn-storming
He added: ‘As we head into 2023 we’re excited to take the show back on the road, and see how God will continue to use this production.’
production back
As well as a number of dates in England Artless will be performing in Scotland in January and hope to visit Northern Ireland later in the year.
on the road
Since launching in September 2021, If Prison Walls Could Speak has reached thousands of people with the powerful testimony of Petr Jasek, from the main stage at the Keswick Convention to a small barn in rural South Devon.
CONFIRMED DATES
‘We’ve been honoured to perform to
an incredibly diverse cross-section of audiences, who have been re-invigorated to pray for persecuted Christians,’ said Artless’s artistic director, Jon Maltz.
20th Smithton, Inverness
Petr, a Release International partner, was imprisoned in Sudan for his ministry to persecuted believers in 2015.
22nd Mowbray Community Church 24th Ilkley Baptist Church
‘We were immensely privileged to stage the play in Westminster alongside the Government’s conference on freedom of religion and belief, with Petr in attendance as well as Fiona Bruce MP,’ said Jon. (Visit the Artless YouTube channel to hear Petr and Fiona’s post- show talks.)
19th Allander Evangelical Church, Glasgow (ticketed)
January
21st St George’s Tron, Glasgow (ticketed)
1st Surrey Chapel, Norwich 3rd St John’s, Southend
4th St Patrick’s, Wallington 6th Oakhall Church, Caterham 12th Rugby Elim
Check our website for further information.
March
INVITE A SPEAKER
Our team of experienced speakers are available to join your church or online meeting to help you support and pray for persecuted Christians. They would love to hear from you!
Ireland:
Stephen on 028 9334 0014 or 07933 313169
London & South:
Jonny on 07861 656269
Midlands & North:
Allister on 07916 396178
Scotland:
James on 07434 894016
Wales & West of England:
Paul on 07861 651139
Feat that brings good news
After two years of delay caused in no small part by Covid, Release International supporter Peter Price (pictured) was finally able to run the gruelling Comrades Marathon in South Africa and in the process raise a tremendous £600-plus to help persecuted believers!
‘It was a tough day and I feared not being able to beat the 12-hour time limit, but somehow my determination saw me through and I finished in 10 hours 55 minutes,’ he said.
The 90km race includes a number of hills and many runners are unable to finish in the time. ‘I struggled with injuries which impacted my training, so I thought it likely that I wouldn’t finish,’ said Peter.
Thank you to everyone who supported Peter’s fundraising effort. Donations can still be made on his justgiving.com page (search ‘peter-price’).
21