Writing letters or cards is a wonderful way to offer encouragement to those who are facing religious persecution – it lets them know that someone cares about their suffering, and it can also show governments and local authorities that people around the world are taking interest in a particular case or prisoner.

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

So, take a few minutes today to write to a prisoner, either individually or as part of a small group -  even a short note will bring such hope and encouragement!

“You cannot imagine the encouragement and strength that my family and I have received through these messages of love.” Pastor Roberto Rodriguez, persecuted Cuban pastor

Idia Miranda and Pastor William ReyesMeet Idia Miranda from Colombia


“I have come to know a God who is in love. I used to only know God as the King of Kings, the Creator of all things, but now God has conquered my heart. I drink him in every day. For that reason I can laugh, I can smile, I can love. I can tell people how God’s love has been for me, that it can be that way for them.”

Idia Miranda hasn’t seen or heard from her husband, Pastor William Reyes, since he disappeared in north-east Colombia on 25 September 2008. The family is facing another new year without their husband and father.

But Idia is still receiving letters of support and encouragement every day, even though she has had to move to another part of the country - many of them from CSW supporters.
 
“They are a real comfort, a reminder that people are thinking of [us] and praying for [us]. Often they would arrive at the right moment – sometimes we would be at the point of despair, and a message would arrive and bring us hope.
 
Even though we couldn’t always understand what they said, we would pray for each person who sent us a card or letter by name. Even now sometimes, I will open the box where I keep all the letters and take one out and pray for that person.
 
Unfortunately, people, even in the church, often let us down. But I have learned to depend only on God. When people shut their doors, God opens many more doors for us. Sometimes in our times of need aid came from the most unexpected places.”

Write to the Reyes family now to show them they’re not forgotten!

 

Download

Download the Spring 2010 version of Connect & Encourage.

The new-format booklet is designed to print on A4 sheets in black and white.

>>> Download 1MB PDF

Keep updated

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

>>> Request updates

Send e-cards

Now you can 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