Connect & Encourage

Send encouragement to those persecuted for their faith

You can be an encouragement by sending a card or a letter to bring them hope. This touches them right where they are, demonstrating that they're not forgotten and that they are cared for.

Featured case - Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani

Pastor Nadarkhani of the Church of Iran denomination was arrested in his home city of Rasht in 2009, soon after questioning the Muslim monopoly of religious instruction for children in Iran, which he felt was unconstitutional. He was charged, tried, found guilty of apostasy, and sentenced to execution. He’s been in prison ever since and, on at least four occasions, has been pressured to renounce his faith in exchange for a lifting of the death sentence.

Important information about writing Pastor Nadarkhani’s card

Please do not make any political comments or criticisms in your cards or letters – this could lead to a backlash and jeopardise the pastor further. Please also refrain from making any criticism of any other faith, and limit your message to verses of Scripture and words of encouragement. Additionally, please don’t mention CSW in your cards, as this may also be counterproductive for him. We would also advise against including your own address on your card or letter.

Following these guidelines will ensure we show the greatest solidarity in the most responsible and safest way.

Write your cards to:

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani
Lakan Prison
Lakan Road
Rasht
Gilan Province
Islamic Republic of Iran

One card - double the impact

Your cards can also remind prison authorities that we haven't forgotten the injustice of a prisoner's situation, and are persistently advocating for their welfare in the international community.

The people listed in Connect & Encourage – from human rights activists and lawyers to church leaders, persecuted Christians and their families – benefit tremendously from your letters or cards. 

It's easy to get into card writing - some quick ideas

  • Choose one or two people in Connect & Encourage each month and sign cards for them at the end of your Church service or meeting.
  • Make a regular time to write to those you feel led to encourage.
  • Pass a card round your small group and you could have dozens of people communicating love and support to a brother or sister on the other side of the world.
  • Get social and throw a card writing party with friends.

Whatever you choose to do, this is grassroots, tangible, effective encouragement and it's so easy to help.

 

 Download

Download Connect & Encourage

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Keep updated

Spring/Summer Connect and Encourage out now!

If you would like an updated copy of Connect & Encourage in Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter, please fill in the form on our join us page.

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Send e-cards

Send e-cards to some of the organisations we work closely with around the world. Taking a few minutes to send a simple card can be a tremendous encouragement to those on the ‘front lines’.

>>> LADS Lawyers - Pakistan

>>> CSW Nigeria

>>> All India Christian Council


 

 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.

For more information, please call 0845 456 5464, email admin@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk