uk open doors, letter writing campaign, april 2011

LETTER WRITINGIssue 18 Apr 2011www.opendoorsuk.org Letter-writing Guide

Open Doors UK, PO Box 6, Witney, OX29 6WG

T 01993 885400E [email protected] www.opendoorsuk.org

Open Doors Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1125684 © 2011

Checklist

The ministry of Open Doors

• Have I made sure there is no mention of Open Doors in my card or letter?• Have I included an encouraging Bible verse?• Have I prayed for the person(s) who will receive the card or letter?

Please post cards and letters to: c/o Open Doors UK & Ireland, PO Box 6, Witney, Oxon, OX29 6WG. If you have any queries, please contact the Open Doors o� ce on 01993 885400.

Please note that the information in this Letter-writing Guide was up-to-date as of 1 April 2011, but may have changed since publication. For further updates, new campaigns and additional information, visit our website www.opendoorsuk.org/write. You can also download this edition of the Guide from our website.

Today, millions of Christians around the world experience persecution simply because they believe in Jesus. Working with Christians on the frontline, Open Doors provides Bibles, leadership training, literacy programmes, livelihood support and advocacy services for believers who suffer for their faith.

Our dream is of a world in which every Christian who is persecuted is remembered and supported by other Christians. As a fellow believer, will you join us in walking with those who pay such a high price for following Jesus?

Issue 18 Apr

Walk with Them ...by writing a letter of encouragement

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Page 4

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Inside Page - Page 2

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FOLD & PERF

*Please note: You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that we reclaim

on your donations (currently 25p for each £1 you give), together with those made to other charities, in the tax year.

Title: Forename(s): Surname:

Address:

Postcode: Tel: __

Email: Date of birth:

Name on card:

Visa

Mastercard

CAF Charity Card

Delta

Maestro/Switch

Please make cheques payable to Open Doors or complete your card details below:

Signature:

Start date: / Expiry date: / Issue number:

M M Y Y

M M Y Y

Card number:

Maestro/Switch

I WANT TO GET INVOLVED

I would like to make a regular monthly gift of £______________

starting on the: 1st 15th 25th Month:___________Year:________

I would like to receive regular information and prayer resources

I would like to make a one-o� gift of £______________

I am a UK taxpayer*, and would like Open Doors to treat all my donations of the

past four years and any future gifts as Gift Aid donations until notifi ed otherwise.

THE STORY OFJUST ONE OF THE SECRET CHILDREN

It is as if God is guarding her heart from the sadness

heart from the sadnessSo� a’s grandmother, on So� a’s experience

at the Open Doors children’s centre

We’re looking for fellow-members of God’s family to reach out together in love to

strengthen and encourage these children, the hidden victims of the persecuted

church. Your gifts and your prayers will be part of this transformation process.

Your gift will help Open Doors provide children of the persecuted church with Bibles,

build schools, train and resource teachers, support trauma counselling and provide a

refuge to protect children from the storms of persecution. It really will make a diff erence.

Through Open Doors � eld sta� and its partners, for example:

• £11 would pay for one child to stay at the Colombian children’s centre for a day;

• £21 would train a Sunday School teacher to share the love and hope of Jesus;

• £95 would teach a young Christian to read, giving dignity and a future.

And a regular monthly gift, however large or small, will contribute to this vital ministry

for years to come. A whole generation of children will grow up, physically and spiritually,

knowing they are loved and cared for by brothers and sisters they may never see, but who

represent the reality of fellowship in God’s family.All you need to do is to fi ll in the relevant parts of the form opposite, tear it off ,

fold it in two, stick the edges together – and pop it in the post.

Or simply make your gift online at www.opendoorsuk.org/secretchildren

Open Doors is aiming, this year, to

transform the lives of at least 10,000

children. And you can help!

4 1 6 2 4 0

Originator‘s no.

Instruction to your bank or building society

To the Manager: Bank Name:

Branch Address:

Postcode:

Account Name:

Account Number: Sort Code:

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society: Please pay Open Doors Direct Debits from the

account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee.

I understand that this instruction may remain with Open Doors and, if so, details will be passed

electronically to my Bank/Building Society.Signature:

Date:

Banks/Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account.

SOFIA FOLDFOLDIsn’t God supposed to listen to our prayers?

Why didn’t He answer our prayers?So� a was the oldest of three small children,

growing up in a rural area of Colombia. Years

before, her mother and father had been involved

with the guerrillas � ghting a vicious civil war. But

now they were church leaders. So� a’s mother

was a youth leader. Her father occasionally

travelled to share the good news of Jesus with a

neighbouring community.This was a high-risk activity. The guerrillas had

threatened to attack Christian leaders who did not

follow their rules... and one of their rules banned

evangelism in the areas under their control.Sofi a takes up the story. “My parents were being

prepared to become pastors, they always helped me

with my school work, advised me and always treated

me well.

“I had gone out to a neighbour’s house and when I heard

the gunshots I was frightened and ran to ask for my mum

and dad. And when I saw my mother she was laying

barely breathing. When I saw her like that, I tried to talk to

her, but the people wouldn’t let me.“I said: ‘Let me inside, let me go inside.’ I also wanted to

talk to my father because he could still speak. He said

he couldn’t feel his hands and asked to be taken quickly

to the hospital. I wanted to talk to him and the people

wouldn’t let me.

“Then the men from our church came and we prayed

together for my mum and dad. After one hour someone

came with the news that my mum had died, so I said:

‘Isn’t God supposed to listen to our prayers? Why didn’t

He answer our prayers?’”Sofi a’s mother and father were shot dead by Colombian

guerrillas on 24 April 2009. Sofi a was nine years old. Her

sister was two; her baby brother just two months old.

After her parents were killed, Sofi a moved into a children’s

centre run by Open Doors. They look after her now. She

has everything she needs... food, clothes, schooling.

Everything except her parents. But the staff at the centre are helping her to come to

terms with her loss. Their love and concern have begun a

process of transformation.Sofi a puts it like this: “When I arrived here they started

teaching me about God, and my thoughts have changed.”

And hundreds of Open Doors supporters sent cards of

encouragement. Sofi a knows she is not alone.Her grandmother is encouraged that Sofi a is so happy

living in the centre: “It is as if God is guarding her

heart from the sadness,” she says.Help us transform the lives of 10,000 childrenThe Secret Children pack includes a DVD, PowerPoint, User’s Guide and children’s resources to help you raise support and awareness of the children of the persecuted church.

JUST ONE OF THE

JUST ONE OF THE

JUST ONE OF THE

JUST ONE OF THE SECRET CHILDREN

SOFIA

THE HIDDEN VICTIMS OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

A PARTY WITH A PURPOSE!

Open Doors’ special fundraising

opportunity: every summer, up and down

the country, Great Big Tea Parties take

place in homes and gardens, churches and

schools, village greens – even co� ee shops!

The idea is simple: you hold a tea party.

You tell people about the work of Open

Doors, to raise awareness of the needs of

the secret children and encourage prayer

for them. You sell tea and cakes and do

whatever you can to raise money for

Open Doors’ ministry to the children of

the persecuted church.

This booklet is packed with ideas about

how to encourage your church, your

friends and neighbours, to pray and give,

to make a di� erence.

SO DON’T KEEP IT A SECRET!

And thanks for everything you do… THE

SECRET CHILDREN

They are disposable... They are displaced...

They are vulnerable... They are deprived...

They are isolated... They are rejected...

They are disadvantaged...

And thanks for everything you do… Open Doors UK, PO Box 6,

Witney, OX29 6WG

T 01993 885400

E [email protected]

I www.opendoorsuk.org/secretchildren

Open Doors Registered Charity in England and Wales

No. 1125684 © Open Doors 2011

CHILDREN





church. Your gifts and your prayers will be part of this transformation process.









• £11 would pay for one child to stay at the Colombian children’s centre for a day;

would pay for one child to stay at the Colombian children’s centre for a day;

• £21 would train a Sunday School teacher to share the love and hope of Jesus;

would train a Sunday School teacher to share the love and hope of Jesus;

• £95 would teach a young Christian to read, giving dignity and a future.

would teach a young Christian to read, giving dignity and a future.



for years to come. A whole generation of children will grow up, physically and spiritually,

knowing they are loved and cared for by brothers and sisters they may never see, but who

represent the reality of fellowship in God’s family.All you need to do is to fi ll in the relevant parts of the form opposite, tear it off ,

fold it in two, stick the edges together – and pop it in the post.

Or simply make your gift online at www.opendoorsuk.org/secretchildren

www.opendoorsuk.org/secretchildren






transform the lives of at least of at least 10,000

children. And you can help! can help!

“Then the men from our church came and we prayed

together for my mum and dad. After one hour someone

came with the news that my mum had died, so I said:

‘Isn’t God supposed to listen to our prayers? Why didn’t

OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCHCHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDREN

CHILDRENTHE HIDDEN VICTIMS OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

www.opendoorsuk.org/secretchildren

CHILDRENCHILDREN

THE

DISPOSABLEDISPOSABLE... DISPLACED... VULNERABLE... DEPRIVED... ... ISOLATEDISOLATED... ... REJECTEDREJECTED... DISADVANTAGED... DISPOSABLEDISPOSABLE

Will you make a di� erence?

Open Doors Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1125684 © Open Doors 2011

Once Upon a Time (5 minutes)

1) PowerPoint2) Invitations 3) Posters4) Table Mats5) Secret Children Booklet

1) PowerPoint1) PowerPoint2) Invitations 2) Invitations 3) Posters4) Table Mats

4) Table Mats5) Secret Children Booklet

5) Secret Children Booklet




DVD RESOURCES

OTHER RESOURCES

THE HIDDEN VICTIMS OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

CHILDREN

Open Doors Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1125684 © 2011

THE HIDDEN VICTIMS OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCHCHILDREN

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:www.opendoorsuk.org/

secretchildren

ENCOURAGE THE DISHEARTENED, HELP THE WEAK

Walk with Them... by writing a letter of encouragementLetters can bridge the gap that separates us from our persecuted Christian family. Knowing that someone cares enough to write and to pray can bring a Christian brother or sister the encouragement they need to persevere.

In May 2009 Christian brothers Ummaru, Danazumi, Aminu and Talatu were arrested and tried by a Sharia court for constructing a church in Kano state, Nigeria.

Since then, the four brothers have received hundreds of cards and messages of support from Christians around the world. During a recent visit from an Open Doors worker, the brothers shared how these letters helped them to stand ̈rm under pressure, by showing them that they are part of the larger body of Christ.

“You do not know who loves you until you ̈nd yourself in problems,” said Ummaru. “These beautiful people of God have given us courage: we feel strong and

we feel loved. We are proud today to be remembered by people whose faces we do not know. That is why I cannot recant my

faith in Jesus. I love all the people who took time to give me a message of courage from afar. Tell them that I love them mightily.”

“I feel like dancing!” added Danazumi. “I have received encouraging letters that I will never forget. I never thought someone from this far away would love me! May God encourage the senders also! Let them be encouraged in

knowing that we will stand ̈rm in Christ, no matter what pressure comes our way. They have given us a vaccine

against persecution.”

Apr

il 20

11 Le

tter

-writ

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riting Guidelines

Here are some simple guidelines to help you as you write your letters and cards:

Pray before you start• Ask God to give you the right words to communicate.

Share God’s Word• For Bible verses in other languages, visit www.biblegateway.com

Show sensitivity• Please don’t dwell on the recipient’s plight, or share about

the blessings of life in your country.

Keep it short and simple• Write in simple English, or if you are able, in the recipient’s language.• Short letters cost less for us to post on and are easier to translate for recipients

who do not speak English.

Security• Please DO NOT MENTION OPEN DOORS in your letters, or criticise a country’s

religion or religious extremists, its government, judicial system or political leaders.• It’s fine to include your name and country, but NOT your full address.

Cards and postcards• Colourful postcards or cards can say so much more than a long letter in

an unfamiliar language on plain paper. • If you are writing a postcard, send it in an envelope rather than writing

Open Doors’ address on the card.• If you are writing more than one letter, please do not send them in

individual envelopes or send stamps, as they are assembled at the Open Doors office and sent in a small parcel every week. Please put them all in one envelope addressed to: c/o Open Doors.

Handmade cards and artwork• Please note that any cards or pictures sent must be small,

light and not too fragile for posting. • Making cards is a great way of helping younger people to connect with

persecuted Christians. Open Doors’ Kidzone Letter-writing Guide is designed to help children do just this. To order a copy, phone 01993 885400 or email [email protected].

Gifts• Please DO NOT include money in your

letter or card as Open Doors will not be able to forward your gift on. It is unsafe and can cause difficulties for the recipient.

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3

4

5

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7

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I NEVER THOUGHT SOMEONE FROM THIS

FAR AWAY WOULD LOVE ME! THEY HAVE GIVEN

US A VACCINE AGAINST PERSECUTION

Danazumi Ado1 Thessalonians 5:14

we feel loved. We are proud today to be remembered by people we feel loved. We are proud today to be remembered by people whose faces we do not know. That is why I cannot recant my whose faces we do not know. That is why I cannot recant my

faith in Jesus. I love all the people who took time to give me faith in Jesus. I love all the people who took time to give me a message of courage from afar. Tell them that I love them a message of courage from afar. Tell them that I love them mightily.”

“I feel like dancing!” added Danazumi. “I have received encouraging letters that I will never forget. I never thought someone from this far away would love me! May God encourage the senders also! Let them be encouraged in

knowing that we will stand ̈rm in Christ, no matter what pressure comes our way. They have given us a vaccine

against persecution.”

Apr

il 20

11A

pril

2011

3 2

ENCOURAGE THE DISHEARTENED, HELP THE WEAK

I NEVER THOUGHT

PERSECUTIONPERSECUTION

Church leader Yadeta Dina (46) was brutally murdered on 15 March 2010 by a group of Muslim men armed with spears and machetes.

Yadeta was on his way home after a church service when he saw a Muslim man attacking members of his church. When he tried

to intervene, the man turned on him, saying that Allah had commissioned him to persuade Christians to turn to Islam. He began attacking Yadeta, shouting “Allahu Akbar”. Soon more Muslim men armed with spears joined him. They stabbed

Yadeta through the chest and then ® ed.

Yadeta’s wife and youngest son arrived at the scene just in time to hear him utter the words, “Dear Lord Jesus, please receive my

soul in peace.” The shocked family and friends rushed him to a clinic, but an hour later, Yadeta passed away.

Soon after the incident, eleven suspects were arrested. Some reportedly confessed that the attack was motivated by Islamic leaders. Six were later released on bail, while ̈ve remain in jail.

Yadeta’s widow, Martha Geleta, has been left to raise six children on her own. Open Doors

is partnering with the local church to assist Martha and her children ̈nancially.

Please send letters of support to Martha and her children.

Christian widow Rhoda Yakubu has been drawn into a Sharia court case to force her to give up custody of 11 of the children in her care so they can be raised as Muslims.

Rhoda, in her 50s, is the guardian of 18 children, 11 of whom are minors. Rhoda’s husband Mal Yakubu converted from Christianity to Islam 20 years ago and took two more wives, both of whom were Muslim. Between his three wives, Mal had 18 children.

Although he was a Muslim, before he died Mal made Rhoda promise to raise their children as Christians. But when he passed away two years ago, his family laid claim to

guardianship of the younger children, since their father died a Muslim.

Rhoda and her adult sons, Yusuf and Samaila, refused to give up the younger children. So the case was forwarded to a local Sharia court. The case has now been in the court for over a year.

Rhoda faces great pressure from the Muslim community to submit to her in-laws’ demands. One of Mal’s brothers publicly warned her son Yusuf not to resist the court orders or he would bear the consequences. Within a week he had mysteriously died. The cause of death is unknown.

Rhoda and the 11 children have relocated for safety reasons. Open Doors is supporting Rhoda with emergency relief and legal support.

“This trial is teaching us to trust God more and rely solely on His promises,” says Rhoda.

Please send letters of encouragement to Rhoda and Samaila.

Colombia – G

loria, Pipe and Ingrid

In September 2009, Pastor Manuel Camacho (33) was shot and killed outside his home in the village of Choapal, Guaviare.

Pastor Camacho had previously received threats from a local guerrilla group. It is believed he was murdered for bringing people to Christ in the local area. His church was growing, with 60 baptised members and 30 new attendees.

As yet, no one has been brought to justice for Pastor Camacho’s murder.

Pastor Camacho’s wife Gloria and her two children Pipe and Ingrid have moved to a village in Meta department, where her mother-

in-law lives. Gloria plans are to ̈nd a job and start a new life. “I thought it hurt more at the beginning of the death of Manuel,

but now I feel a great emptiness that grows over time,” she says. “I have to recover so that my children will believe in God’s restoration.

“I will not stop preaching,” she added. “My husband died like a martyr and

he is with our Father; we need to encourage each other and continue.”

You can send letters of support to Gloria, Pipe and Ingrid.

Nura Ahmed, a 13-year-old Muslim-background believer, was stabbed to death on 2 June 2010 for refusing to renounce Christ and marry a Muslim man.

Witnesses told police they had last seen Nura and a Muslim girlfriend walking home in Bambasi town. Later, passers-by found Nura lying next to the road in a pool of blood, and

called her mother, Tadelu. There was no sign of the friend.

“She was hardly breathing,” recalls Tadelu, tearfully. “I put her head on my lap. When I asked her to tell me who did this to her, she couldn’t speak. She was

covered in blood. I was hoping she would recover, but before we reached the clinic she died in my arms.”

Police tracked down the friend Nura had been with that day. When questioned, she admitted to being a messenger for Nura’s Muslim suitor and confessed to having conspired with him in exchange for money.

The suspect has since been apprehended, but except for admitting his interest in Nura’s hand in marriage, he has reportedly pled not guilty to all of the charges against him.

“It was my greatest fear that [Muslims] would kill her,” said an emotional Tadelu. “My fear became reality. Nura was

always encouraging me to be strong in the faith. Now I have lost her.”

Tadelu is in great need of encouragement and would appreciate your letters of support.

Pastor Camacho’s wife Gloria and her two children Pipe and Ingrid have moved to a village in Meta department, where her mother-

in-law lives. Gloria plans are to ̈nd a job and start a new life. “I thought it hurt more at the beginning of the death of Manuel,

but now I feel a great emptiness that grows over time,” she says. “I have to recover so that my children will believe in God’s restoration.

“I will not stop preaching,” she added. “My husband died like a martyr and

he is with our Father; we need to encourage each other and continue.”

When I asked her to tell me who did this to her, she couldn’t speak. She was covered in blood. I was hoping she would recover, but before we reached

Police tracked down the friend Nura had been with that day. When questioned, she admitted to being a messenger for Nura’s Muslim suitor and confessed to having conspired with him in exchange for money.

The suspect has since been apprehended, but except for admitting his interest in Nura’s hand in marriage, he has reportedly pled not guilty

and would appreciate your letters of support.

Ethi

opia

– M

arth

a G

elet

a N

igeria – Rhoda Yakubu Et

hiop

ia –

Tad

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Dim

bash

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Image used for illustrative purposes only

On 2 March 2011, Christian Minister for Minority A¢ airs Shahbaz Bhatti (42) was shot dead by unidenti¤ ed gunmen outside his mother’s home.

Mr Bhatti was Pakistan’s only cabinet-level Christian and an outspoken critic of the country’s widely condemned ‘blasphemy’ laws. Suspected Islamic extremists from

Pakistan’s Taliban and al Qaeda reportedly left a letter at the scene saying those who tried to change Pakistan’s blasphemy laws would be killed.

Mr Bhatti had de ̈ed death threats after the assassination of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, who was killed for supporting Asia Bibi, the ̈rst Christian woman to be sentenced to death in Pakistan on blasphemy charges.

In an interview with the BBC, Bhatti had said he was ‘ready to die for a cause’ as a Christian. “I am living for my community and suµ ering people, and I will die to defend their rights,” he said. “These threats and warnings cannot change my opinion and principles.”

You can send letters of support to Mr Bhatti’s mother, Mrs Bhatti, and sister, Jaqueline.

PLEASE NOTE: This campaign will close on 1 May 2011.

On 9 March 2010 Tohar Haydarov (27) was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment after being falsely accused of possessing and manufacturing drugs.

Tohar is a Muslim-background believer and a member of an unregistered Baptist church. In January relatives asked local police to help them force Tohar to

return to Islam. The police put great physical pressure on Tohar to deny Jesus, but he refused to do so.

On 18 January he was arrested after drugs were found in his pockets and in his apartment, and charged with producing and storing drugs. Three days later, Tohar made a brief court appearance. Church members reported that he showed signs of having been badly beaten.

At a court hearing on 4 March, church members were not permitted to testify on Tohar’s behalf and his lawyer was not allowed into the

courtroom.

His fellow believers insist the case was fabricated and that police planted the drugs on him. Several acquaintances have supplied

written statements to the police, claiming his innocence.

Tohar has since been transferred to a labour camp 250 miles from his home town. He has appealed to the Supreme Court.

Please send letters of support and encouragement to Tohar.

Paki

stan

– F

amily

of S

hahb

az B

hatt

i

6

Chen Hongxian’s husband, Pastor Zhang, has been in prison since December 2004 charged with ‘illegally crossing the national border and fraudulently obtaining a passport’. He has already spent a total of 12 years in prison.

Chen is allowed to visit Zhang just once a month. She is the only o� cial visitor who has been permitted to see Zhang in ̈ve years. Zhang suµ ers from diabetes and high blood pressure and suµ ered a stroke in 2007, but his condition has since improved.

Over the past ̈ve years, Pastor Zhang has introduced many prisoners to Christ. “There are former high-ranking o� cers that are prisoners in my cell,” he said. “I never thought I would be able to tell these people about the gospel. That is the reason I am here!”

Although Chen is being monitored by the police, she is not bitter about her husband’s imprisonment. “I consider my husband being in prison as a normal part of being a Christian,” she said. “It is just carrying the cross.”

Please send letters of support to Zhang and to Chen to let them know you are praying for them.

PLEASE NOTE: This campaign has been reinstated.

Saliha* (18) was raised in a Christian family in a village in northern Nigeria. When she was eight years old, her father became a Muslim.

When Saliha and her mother refused to accept Islam, he disowned them. Saliha and her mother went to live with her grandparents. Then Saliha’s mother remarried, but her new husband was unable to provide for both of them, so Saliha had to move in with her elder brother.

Saliha found comfort in the local church. But then her elder brother also became a Muslim, and began to pressure her to convert to Islam.

Eventually Saliha was forced to return to her father’s house. She was told she was now a Muslim and was made to attend the local Islamic

school. After months of misery, Saliha ran away.

Saliha went to her pastor for help and he encouraged her to stand ̈rm. But the local Muslim community did not leave her alone. So a family from the church took her in.

Despite the intimidation, Saliha’s faith has remained unshakable. But the pressure has aµ ected her health and

her progress at school.

Please write to Saliha to let her know she is not alone.

*Name changed for security reasons7

Nigeria – Saliha

Uzb

ekis

tan

– To

har H

ayda

rov

China – Pastor Zhang and Chen

In January 2000, Open Doors opened a Children’s Centre for the children of pastors and church leaders who are targeted and threatened by the civil war in Colombia.

There are 50 children from diµ erent regions of the country living at the Centre. Their stories vary widely, but all of them are heartbreaking.

Fercho’s brother Alfonso (18) was killed by FARC guerrillas four years ago and his brother Alfonso (16) and sister Sandralí (18) were taken by the guerrillas to serve as active combatants. Fercho and his brother Braulio moved to the Centre in January 2008 because of the imminent risk that they too would be recruited by FARC guerrillas.

Jackeline (18) came to the Children’s Centre in 1999 after the town where her family was living was taken by the guerrillas. Her father, a Christian leader in the community, was killed and she was separated from her family. Despite her circumstances Jacqueline gives thanks to God for allowing her to stay at the Centre. “The Centre is my home and everyone who works for Open Doors is my family,” she said.

Please write to these children to let them know their family remembers them.

A list of names is available at www.opendoorsuk.org/write

On 22 December 1997, 45 Tzotzil Indians were murdered during an armed confrontation in Chenalho, Chiapas, Mexico. Ninety people were imprisoned for the killings, 83 of them unjustly so.

In August 2009, Mexico’s Supreme Court ordered the release of 20 men on the basis that they were convicted after unfair trials. In November 2009, 9 more men

were released, and on 14 October 2010, a further 15 were released.

Little is known currently about the cases of the remaining prisoners. Those who have been released are still in communication with the Christians in this group, and are

encouraging them to wait on God.

The released prisoners are very thankful for the letters sent by Christians all over the world, which sustained them through their ten-year ordeal. They are still unable to return to their homes because of threats made by the relatives of those murdered.

One believer shared: “It is God’s will that we do not return to our homes yet, as it was His will that we would be in

prison for some time. We need to trust God to know what direction to take in the future.”

You can write to the remaining prisoners and their families. For Bible verses in Spanish go to www.biblegateway.com

Chin

a –

Fam

ily o

f Alim

jan

Yim

it

8

Daniel and Shita In July 2009, church leader Daniel was violently beaten by a group of Muslims in a dispute over a piece of church land. Open Doors paid for his medical treatment and settled his debt so he could reclaim his farmland. Daniel is full of forgiveness towards his attackers. “I am praying for those who attacked me,” he said. “It will be a great reward to me if they decide to follow Christ.”

Sintayehu and familySintayehu’s husband, Markos, was murdered in December 2009. Church leaders suspect he was killed because he sponsored the legal proceedings of his church following an attack by Muslim extremists. Pressure from the Islamic community forced Sintayehu to send six of her children to live with relatives. But she has taken a step of faith and re-opened the restaurant Markos owned. “God has miraculously helped me!” she testi ̈es.

Dawit and MeazaDawit and his wife Meaza were badly injured when they tried to help their church leader who was being attacked by a group of Muslims. As a result, Meaza lost her unborn child. But the couple have forgiven their attackers. “Please thank those who are praying for us,” said Dawit.

Pastor AdrianoPastor Adriano’s church in Zanzibar city was demolished in December 2009 after a land dispute with a government o� cial. Several months later, the church was partially compensated for the building, but still has nowhere to meet. “I am really encouraged by the inspiring messages we have received from Christians all over the world,” said Pastor Adriano.

Please do not continue to write to these people, but do ask the Lord to strengthen

them as they continue to follow Him.

9

confrontation in Chenalho, Chiapas, Mexico. Ninety people were imprisoned for the killings, 83 of them unjustly so.

In August 2009, Mexico’s Supreme Court ordered the release of 20 men on the basis that they were convicted after unfair trials. In November 2009, 9 more men

were released, and on 14 October 2010, a further 15 were released.

encouraging them to wait on God.

The released prisoners are very thankful for the letters sent by Christians all over the world, which sustained them through their ten-year ordeal. They are still unable to return to their homes because of threats made by the

One believer shared: “It is God’s will that we do not return to our homes yet, as it was His will that we would be in

prison for some time. We need to trust God to know what direction to take in the future.”

You can write to the remaining prisoners and their families. For Bible verses in Spanish go to www.biblegateway.com

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There are 50 children from diµ erent regions of the country living at the Centre. Their There are 50 children from diµ erent regions of the country living at the Centre. Their stories vary widely, but all of them are heartbreaking.

Fercho’s brother Alfonso (18) was killed by FARC guerrillas four years ago and his brother Alfonso (16) and sister Sandralí (18) were taken by the guerrillas to serve as active combatants. Fercho and his brother Braulio moved to the Centre in January 2008 because of the imminent risk that they too

Jackeline (18) came to the Children’s Centre in 1999 after the town where her family was living was taken by

community, was killed and she was separated from

gives thanks to God for allowing her to stay at the Centre. “The Centre is my home and everyone who

No m

ore letters please!

8 8

I AM REALLY ENCOURAGED BY THE INSPIRING MESSAGES WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM CHRISTIANS ALL OVER THE WORLD

Pastor Adriano

I AM REALLY ENCOURAGED

THE WORLD

Pastor Dmitry Shestakov was released from prison on 21 January 2011. Dmitry has now been reunited with his wife Marina and their three daughters and the family are getting reacquainted.

Dmitry was arrested in 2007 during a raid on his church, and sentenced to four years in prison. Open Doors launched a writing campaign to encourage his family, and provided them with practical and legal support. “I wish to thank all my brothers and sisters who prayed for me and thought about me while I was imprisoned,” said Dmitry. “I can’t imagine how we would be able to pass through all this without Him and His faithful children.”

“During the ̈rst days of my imprisonment, the devil attacked me with strong feelings of loneliness, but understanding that God was always with me gave me power to go on.”

Pastor Dmitry Shestakov was released from prison on 21 January 2011. Dmitry has now been reunited with his wife Marina and their three daughters and the family are getting reacquainted.

Dmitry was arrested in 2007 during a raid on his church, and sentenced to four years in prison. Open Doors launched a writing campaign to encourage his family, and provided them with

9

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I WISH TO THANK ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO PRAYED FOR ME

WHO PRAYED FOR MEWHO PRAYED FOR ME

Here is a sample letter for you to use when writing to persecuted believers. You may wish to address your cards and letters simply to ‘brother’ or ‘sister in Christ’ so that we can forward them to individuals who need encouragement but don’t receive many letters.

Once you’ve posted your letter, please remember to pray for the person you’ve written to.

Pray that:• Your letter will arrive safely at its destination• The recipient will be blessed by what you’ve

written and comforted by the knowledge that you are praying for them (Romans 15:30)

• God will give the recipient strength to persevere (Colossians 1:11).

Please do not continue to write to these people, but do ask the Lord to strengthen them as they continue to follow Him.

Your prayers – Making a difference

Sample letter

Please pray

sample letter for you to use when writing to

cards and letters simply to ‘brother’ or ‘sister in Christ’ so that we can forward them to individuals who need

Once you’ve posted your letter, please remember

Dear [ recipient’s name ]I heard about your situation and wanted to write to let you know that you are in my prayers. Although we have never met, we are united as brothers and sisters in Christ.I cannot imagine what it must be like to have

to endure your sufferings. But I know that the Lord is with you even in the hardest times. I pray that you will know His presence and His peace everyday. Keep looking to Him and trusting in Him, for He is a faithful God.“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

With love in Christ,[ Your name ][ Your country optional ]

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1With love in Christ,[ Your country optional ]

and trusting in Him, for He is a faithful God.“God is our refuge and strength, an

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

[ Your country optional ]

*Name changed for security reasons

10

BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO PRAYED FOR ME

*Name changed for security reasons

Danazumi & Ummaru Ado, Aminu Barau, Talatu BalaIn May 2009 four Christian brothers were arrested and tried by a Sharia court for constructing a church in Kogo village, Kano state, without permission. A Christian lawyer has been appointed to the four men’s case, supported by Open Doors. They still await a hearing date. Your letters have been a great blessing to the Kogo Four. “Even Muslims there are wondering how these believers have been able to stand ̈rm in spite of the threats,” said an Open Doors worker.

Helen Ani and daughtersHelen Ani lost her husband and all three of her sons during religious violence in Jos in January 2010. The family home was razed, so Helen and her daughters moved in with relatives. Helen is still struggling to come to terms with her loss and with the burden of caring for her remaining children alone. She has been reassured to know that her Christian family worldwide is praying for her.

Selamu and Tutu

Selamu Bebeje* was released from prison in September 2010 after spending a year incarcerated on false charges of insulting the Orthodox faith. Selamu expressed his thanks

to “all who were with me and my family in those di� cult days. I think the prison o� cials understood why I was jailed

and witnessed the good relationship I had established with other inmates,” he said. “I thank God for this.”

Pastor Dmitry’s familyPastor Dmitry Shestakov was released from

prison in January 2011, exactly four years after his arrest for ‘religious activities’. The family are

now starting to build a new future together.

911Pastor Dmitry and Marina Shestakov

uk open doors, letter writing campaign, april 2011

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