About CFI
Our Mission
Christian Freedom International (CFI) aids, equips and advocates for Christians who are oppressed or persecuted for their faith.
We provide spiritual and physical help for suffering Christians to live in the dignity of God’s love and rise above their circumstances.
We offer ways for Christians to ease the burdens of persecuted Christians through prayer, action, and giving.
Our History
Christian Freedom International has worked alongside persecuted Christians to provide aid in high-risk countries since 1998.
We help with emergency relief, safe houses, Bibles, discipleship training, and more. Located next to Washington, DC, we advocate for Christians who suffer for their faith to key government officials.
Our unique works include:
- Victory Bible Academy, a school for persecuted Christians from Burma. Young adults train to be Christian leaders with valuable job skills.
- Freedom Fighter t-shirt club that grew out of job-skill training for persecuted Christians. We offer t-shirts and other items that are individually made at CFI’s school, Victory Bible Academy.
- Sponsorships that match sponsors with persecuted children, pastors, and families in countries in Asia and Africa.
In 2004, CFI built a school in Thailand on the border of Burma. In 2011, it was transformed from a refugee children’s home into a Bible and vocational school for young adult refugees. Victory Bible Academy trains persecuted Christians to be leaders with skills to minister and succeed in jungle villages and a modern economy.
When the U.S. welcomed Karen refugees in the late 2000s, CFI renovated a motel in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Karen families found a new refuge in the Freedom Inn while they assimilated into America. By 2020, the Freedom Inn’s mission was accomplished as the children graduated and adults found jobs, bought houses, and gained U.S. citizenship.
Since 2018, CFI has launched new ministries in more countries as persecution flares up against Christians.
The original CFI logo is of a lone CFI Backpack medic delivering aid and Bibles to Christians in conflict zones of Burma.
Finances
CFI is a low overhead organization comprised of a dedicated team of Christian men and women with a passion to serve the Persecuted Church around the world.
2023 Total Contribution: $1,135,775
2023 Ministry Expenses: $987,955
Total Ministry Expenses
Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity and humanity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His present rule as Head of the Church and in His personal return in power and glory.
We believe salvation is a free gift of God not based on works and is received through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross as payment for our sin.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved, to eternal life, and the lost, to eternal punishment.
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and we believe that all people are equal before God and made in His image.
Leadership
Wendy Wright (President / CEO)
The courage of persecuted Christians has motivated Wendy Wright since she first heard their gripping stories as a teen.
As president of Christian Freedom International, she organizes and advocates to aid and equip persecuted Christians.
Her work over the years to protect "the least of these", people who are in danger or exploited, continues to inspire others to act and has influenced U.S. laws and international policies.
She formerly served as president of Concerned Women for America. Wendy was named one of “The 100 Most Powerful Women of Washington” by Washingtonian Magazine in 2006.
She has appeared in every major newspaper, TV and radio network, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX News, NPR and many others. Her editorials have been published in the Washington Post, Christianity Today, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Ethics and Medics Journal, American Spectator, Washington Times, Human Events, American Thinker, The Hill and elsewhere.
Indigenous Staff
Many dedicated and courageous Christians work
with CFI to deliver aid, educate,
train, disciple, provide shelter, and lift up the name of Jesus Christ under risky circumstances. We
do not disclose their names for their safety.
US Staff
Wendy Wright,
President/CEO
Lisa Poths,
Vice-President/CFO
Carol Hoopes,
Accounts Management/CDO
Board Members
H. Paul Thompson, Jr., Ph.D, Chairman*
David Entwistle, PsyD, Vice-Chair*
Rodney Johnson, Treasurer*
Brandon Haase, Esq, Secretary*
Michael G. Forrester, M.D. *
Tammie Thompson*
Kenneth A. Hoogstra, Esq*
Eric Olson*
Wendy Wright, President/CEO
* Independent Voting Members
Advisory Board
Dr. Michael Farris, Esq, Chairman of the Board Emeritus
Will Buehler, Board Member Emeritus
Ann Buwalda, Esq, Jubilee Campaign
Benjamin Bull, Esq.
Kerstin Liebner, Board Member Emeritus