Dear Friends,
I was recently challenged by the Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy, his protégé in the faith.
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12 ESV
I immediately thought of those that we, here at VOMC, have been called to serve; our persecuted brothers and sisters. They are engaged in the good fight of faith by pursuing the Lord and His righteousness despite great opposition. These believers don't strive for or hold onto this life -- with all its distractions and pleasures. Rather, they hold fast to Christ and His eternal promises that are of more worth than earthly pleasures. In doing so, they leave a legacy of God's faithfulness for all who bear witness to their pursuit of godliness.
It's easy to get discouraged and frustrated over the suffering and persecution that many in the family of God are having to go through, especially in countries hostile to the Gospel. Over the years, I've visited fellow Christians in many of these nations who have endured beatings and separation from their earthly families -- in some cases, also the loss of loved ones -- merely for making a decision to follow Jesus. For me, having personally met and interviewed a great number of these persecuted believers, such discouragement is often turned to amazement and encouragement.
Greetings dear friend in Christ,
Normally I address you personally and in gratitude for your generous heart in enabling God's work through VOMC. I am grateful to be so blessed with an inspired team to which, in part, I shall now proudly introduce you.
You'll recall that a certain amount of editorial work is accomplished at VOMC under the "website" direction of our webmasters, Jim and Twyla Penner. I now share Twyla's thoughts with you. Open your heart and consider God's great handiwork in and through Hanan's story. Bless those who are in peril for Christ's namesake.
~ VOMC's CEO, Doug McKenzie
Not Just a Key Tag
I have a key tag. It's a green key tag. It's a beautiful key tag. But I'm getting ahead of myself... One of the most heart-wrenching scenarios that VOMC covers is the frequent abduction of Christian girls. They're sold or otherwise forced into marriages that often become their worst nightmare. For quite some time, I prayed that they would be released... and I stopped there. What else could I pray for? I thought the only hope for these girls would be their complete and unconditional release.
It is my pleasure and privilege to thank you for enabling us to stand alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world by raising awareness on their behalf and providing needed assistance. Without your help, we couldn't do what we do.
Working with persecuted Christians overseas often means that VOMC is ministering in less literate communities. This challenge reminds me of my ministry as a mother when my children were young. The summer break in our household usually involved some extra time for sharing stories -- both from books and without them. I enjoy stories just as much as any of my children; and I love to hear, read and share them.
Are you making the most of the sunny days and warm weather? These are the days many of us enjoy being outside -- soaking up the rays, hitting the beaches, and preparing for summertime activities. My prayer is that you will also find time to relax and enjoy a break from the normal routine of life, experiencing moments of refreshment and peace.
I want to thank you for your continued support through your prayers and sacrificial giving. I am deeply inspired by your love for our persecuted brothers and sisters, and your remembrance of them by providing the tools they need to be "salt" and "light" in their spheres of influence. Each staff member at The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is encouraged to know that you are standing with us in this ministry. You truly are a blessing, and we thank God for each one of you during our staff devotions and prayer times.
By Jo Phillips, Executive Assistant for The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
It is my pleasure to thank you for participating with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, as we strive together to stand alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters and play our parts in the united body of Christ.
Perhaps, like me, you have come to think of the work we do together as more than just an ordinary Canadian charitable ministry. I am convinced (for many reasons) that it is very close to our Lord’s heart. I like to think of us as church helping church to do "church" in some of the most difficult places on earth.
