Over many years, cards and letters from CSW supporters to victims of persecution have bought hope and protection. To join this valuable ministry download or order Connect & Encourage. It gives addresses of Christians who need your help and explains what to do.

Sending cards of encouragement is a valuable act of ministry

The people we help consistently tell us that messages from CSW supporters keep them going in times of trial. The large volume of cards they received softened authorities seemingly indifferent to their cases and made prison guards curious.

If you have never considered taking part in this ministry Yoaxis Marcheco Suarez, wife of a Cuban pastor explains what it meant to her and her husband: "A flood of letters and cards arriving from across the world�each caring, affectionate, supportive message is like water in a dry land."

Cards prevented Reverend Rinaldy Daminik suffering further harm

In 2004, prison authorities in Indonesia were astonished by the thousands of cards and letters which kept arriving for the Reverend Rinaldy Daminik. He was in prison on trumped-up charges after speaking up against the authorities, who were allowing terrorist groups to carry out attacks with impunity. Reverend Daminik received no fewer than 67,985 cards! He told CSW: "It's as if people have known me for a very long time�Their kindness is very special."

And the outpouring of support had other results: firstly, the prison authorities realised that the international community knew about his case, so they did not dare harm him further. Secondly, the quantities of mail he was receiving gave Reverend Damanik an opportunity to witness to his fellow prisoners. When he was finally released from prison, he was sure it was because of CSW supporters' prayers.

Hebrews 13:3 "Remember as if you yourselves were suffering"

Every card written with the help of Connect & Encourage is your way of fulfilling the role scripture encourages us to: "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3

Many of you will remember Idia Miranda Reyes, a pastor's wife in Colombia whose husband William was disappeared in 2008. In her time of need, CSW supporters sent her thousands of cards to encourage and sustain her. She told us that cards would arrive just when she needed them most, and that she would often take one out of the pile to pray specifically for the person who had sent it. She also encourages us will the following message: "keep writing cards because even though we don't speak the same language, your words are like food to our souls..."

Connect & Encourage: direct Solidarity with the persecuted!

Get your free copy of the new Connect & Encourage booklet.  By writing to someone listed there, you'll help them survive periods of isolation and loneliness.