Page 20 - Voice of the Persecuted Christians - Jul-Sep 2023 - 123

VOLUNTEERING
RWill you be a voice for the persecuted?
speak up for themselves, calling their fellowships to support and pray. In fact many will have highlighted the plight of believers like Aster from Eritrea (see page 10) and those from Iran (see page 6) over the years, who have paid a high price for their faith.
Inspire your church to stand in the gap for oppressed believers
There is great flexibility in the role, which can be adapted to different church settings.
epresenting persecuted Proverbs 31: 8-9 urges us to ‘open your Christians is a vital role that mouth for the mute, for the rights of all many Release International who are destitute. Open your mouth,
Representatives might do one or more of the following:
volunteers play at their individual judge righteously, defend the rights of churches up and down the UK. the poor and needy’.
• Distribute Voice magazine to their congregation or place on display in the church
Acting as a voice for those who suffer If that is something on your heart then they help to keep their congregations please do get in contact with us today.
aware of what is happening to our
persecuted family around the world Representing persecuted believers, as
• Display posters and/or prayer maps to help illustrate the worldwide persecution of Christians
as well as how Release International well as the ministry work of Release
partners are helping them to persevere through the trials they face.
International, is also personally rewarding, as one of our volunteers, Alison, told us: ‘I am incredibly blessed to work alongside an amazing group of local Release International volunteers who share my passion for supporting persecuted Christians.
• Be the point of contact in church for any speaker tours or local events
These Church Representatives might lead prayers for the persecuted, hand out the Voice magazine or provide updates on individuals who are suffering for the faith.
• Promote prayer in church and house groups
It’s a key ministry but not every church has such an advocate, so that’s why
we would love to hear from you if you believe it is a role that God might be calling you to fulfil in your church.
• Invite a speaker from Release International
Throughout the Bible we see God’s heart for the oppressed, marginalised and rejected and He calls us to stand up for them – to be their voice.
Every time they give out one of our Voice magazines in church or raise the profile of persecuted Christians, Representatives are being a voice for those who are often unable to
‘It is my heart’s desire to see the church become the hands and feet of Jesus in supporting our persecuted brothers and sisters and to stand in the gap in prayer.’
We will provide you with all the resources you need to undertake
the role so if you would like to
join our dedicated team of Church Representatives or just explore a
little more about what is involved
then please contact us by emailing volunteer@releaseinternational.org or calling 01689 823491.
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