We continue our spotlight on the Persecuted Church this week with International Christian Concern (www.persecution.org). Like Voice of the Martyrs, ICC emphasizes awareness and advocacy on behalf of the persecuted. ICC specializes in up-to-date news from around the world related to Christian persecution, and is a great source of information for prayer.
Each organization devoted to the persecuted church has a sightly different focus. ICC's website summarizes their focus this way:
Christ promised his disciples that they would face persecution in the world. He also called the church to be a voice for the voiceless and a defender of the afflicted. We accomplish this by working in three areas: Advocacy, Awareness, & Assistance.
ICC's unique contribution to ministry to the persecuted church is their emphasis on constantly updated news stories. The home page divides persecution-related news items into three major geographical areas: Far East, Islamic World, and Asia/Others. Five recent news items in each area are featured, with links to read the full stories. For a way to keep up to date on persecution-related news, ICC may be the best source on the Web.
ICC has perhaps the most organized advocacy arm of the major persecuted-church ministries. The advocacy page on their website (http://www.persecution.org/advocacy/) explains the role of advocacy in ministry to the persecuted, provides information about advocacy efforts undertaken by ICC, and offers many opportunities for the individual to advocate for the persecuted church.
Like Voice of the Martyrs, ICC carries out a number of programs to assist the persecuted church around the world, and offers many opportunities for the individual to get involved, through donating, volunteering, etc. ICC perhaps focuses even more on offering volunteer and even internship and employment opportunities.
ICC offers a number of ways to stay informed and pray for the persecuted church, including a weekly prayer e-mail, a bi-monthly newsletter, and updated news stories and press releases. If praying through current events is a focus for your prayer life, International Christian Concern is the place you'll want to go.
PrayNetwork.org Spotlight by Andrew Wheeler.
See Andrew's website at www.togetherinprayer.net
Comments
Thank you, Andrew