Are you searching for a meaningful gift that lasts far beyond Christmas? A gift that can equip persecuted believers for a lifetime?
Let me share with you what this can look like with a real example of one family we are helping who is risking everything to follow Jesus.
“Asher” (name changed for security) grabbed their belongings, his wife scooped up their child, and they ducked into a car as it pulled up. Their driver, a trusted friend, drove for hours, cautiously navigating past police checkpoints to get them to their next safe house. Once inside the shelter, they will stay for weeks until their next location is arranged.
This family is hiding from a government that criminalizes their faith. For leaving Islam and believing in Jesus, they face prison or death.
Our partner works with a network of Christians to get food and supplies to “Asher” and other believers who are hiding. This month, they will get a surprise because of the generosity of our supporters – Christmas gifts. Alone in their rooms, they will quietly celebrate the birth of Jesus.
After celebrating, they will go back to work – preparing, studying, planning, and equipping themselves for whatever God has for their future. They are taking online classes to expand their job skills and are personally discipled by CFI’s partner to strengthen their faith for whatever lies ahead.
Even as they live in a fearful situation, “Asher” and his family are preparing themselves for the future – and grateful for our support that is making their future possible. “Through your kindness, He has not only preserved our lives but has also given us a vision that we might, in the future, be used for the glory of His holy name,” Asher said.
Our vision is to come alongside persecuted Christians – not only with emergency aid for today, but to equip them for their future in this world and eternity.
When you give a ‘gift for a lifetime,’ you’re not just providing material aid. You are equipping persecuted Christians to build a future filled with hope.
Your prayers, encouragement, and compassion not only provide for desperate needs in emergencies. Your support can empower Christians as they live for Christ despite persecution.
In His Care,
Wendy Wright, President
Equipping for a Lifetime Despite Persecution
After his father was killed for his faith, Kelvin prayed to “be able to go to school and be great in the future”. God is answering his prayers through generous supporters of CFI.
Christians in Pakistan brickyards have little hope of breaking out of a cycle of debt bondage if they are illiterate. CFI teaches basic skills to equip children to live free from the slavery of making bricks.
In Nigeria, the deadliest country for Christians, survivors of violent Islamist attacks find healing and job training at the Treasure Center, a CFI-supported ministry.
A child in Egypt writes to her CFI sponsor. She and children in other hostile countries are matched with sponsors who provide support and encouragement to finish their schooling.
Weaving is one of many trades that students learn at Victory Bible Academy. Christian refugees from Burma are trained to be missionaries with marketable skills.
Teens study the Bible in their church. Their families are outcasts and suffered violent attacks from Buddhists who consider them “unclean” for following Jesus. CFI provides supplies for families, school fees for children, and is training a young man to be their pastor.
Children dance, sing and learn about Jesus at a CFI Sunday School in a Muslim area. Some Muslims consider music “forbidden”, but these children are experiencing the joy of worship.
Pastors in Sri Lanka’s hostile regions travel hundreds of miles each week to disciple new believers where there are no churches. A motorbike and funds for transportation, gifts from CFI donors, empower pastors to freely travel to reach more people and be less vulnerable to attacks than walking.
“Facing all these difficulties, our goal is to spread the good news and bring them closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. We are thankful for this gift as it helps me to meet prospective believers from other religions.” Pastor in Sri Lanka
Free to give his life to Christ, a student at CFI’s school is baptized.
Yes, I Want to Donate
If you are not already, would you consider joining CFI’s Freedom Team by giving monthly? Your steady support can empower and equip persecuted Christians for the long haul.
Give a Gift of a Lifetime
Your gift can help:
- Train persecuted Christian youth to be missionaries with marketable skills.
- Sponsor Christian children – survivors of Islamist violence – to finish their schooling.
- Equip pastors in hostile countries with training and resources to serve others.
- Secure shelters and aid for Christians who are fleeing threats.
- Empower Christian survivors with job skills to provide for their families.
- Provide Bible classes, school supplies, and friendships for Christian children in areas of persecution.
- Build faith by providing Bibles, discipleship, and encouragement.