Page 9 - Voice of the Persecuted Christians Jan-Mar-2024-125

9 9
Supporting the
church on the
frontline
Through Voice of the Persecuted
Christians, Poland (VOPC Poland),
Release International has been
supporting Christians in Ukraine
suffering persecution in the current
conflict.
One project provides pastoral
support for those who have
suffered, including pastors and their
families who have been detained,
interrogated, tortured and seen their
churches closed down. In September
VOPC Poland ran a trauma-healing
retreat for a number of Ukrainian
believers (pictured). These included
one church leader who, in 2022, was
arrested and beaten almost to death.
Incredibly, when the town he had
previously served in was liberated
by Ukrainian forces he returned to
continue his ministry!
VOPC Poland said, ‘We have
developed personal contacts with
different pastors who have gone
through persecution at the hands of
the Russian occupiers. We’re sure we
will have more and more contacts
like that as new cities and towns are
liberated. We want to stand with our
persecuted Ukrainian brothers and
sisters and strengthen their faith.’
A second project Release
International has been supporting
equips a small group of frontline
Christian workers operating in the
southern and eastern regions of
Ukraine, often in the war zones. One
of these workers is based in a town
not far from the city of Kharkiv,
which has seen heavy fighting. He
said, ‘Many people from our church,
especially young families with
children, were forced to leave for
the west of Ukraine or abroad.
Some people stayed in the city. The
ministers of the church organised
round-the-clock prayer, which has
continued without a break since the
beginning of the war.
‘Currently we serve the residents
and those living in other settlements
in the region. People come to us,
whom we evangelise, feed with
dinner and give humanitarian aid.
This year there were 70 new people
at the Easter service – 11 of whom
repented and accepted Jesus.’
PLEASE HELP CHRISTIANS
WHO HAVE BEEN FORCED
TO FLEE PERSECUTION
AND CONFLICT
These precious believers need your prayers and
gifts to survive – and rebuild their lives.
Your gift could provide:
•  vital food parcels
•  pastoral care and Christian discipleship
•  vocational training to help believers start
small businesses
To make a gift please use the enclosed form, call
01689 823491 or give online at woocommerce-1195296-4229685.cloudwaysapps.com