"Excellent conference – a privilege to meet those who have suffered for their faith." CSW Conference delegate
What an extraordinary day! I've been involved in over twenty CSW Conferences, and I think it's safe to say this was one of the very best. Last Saturday, around 500 people joined us in Central London to pray, worship, and hear testimonies on the theme of 'For Such A Time As This'. If you were one of them – thank you so much for coming along, and for being part of the day with us!
"Wonderful, joyous" CSW Conference delegate
For me, one of the best parts of these events is the chance to hear from our brothers and sisters who have suffered horrifically for what they believe, but whose faith is still strong and joyful. Pastor Lalani Jayasinghe is the living embodiment of the word inspiration. I blogged earlier this year about her story: an incredible testimony to the power of life over death.
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Ladan's phone rang on Boxing Day 2010. By midnight, she was in prison – and over the next few weeks was almost constantly interrogated about her Christian life. She told us her experiences of being a Christian in Iran.
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Our Burma expert Ben Rogers gave us a moving update on the tragic situation in that country.
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l-r: Fiona Bruce MP, John Coles, Rt Rev Nick Baines, Ruth Gledhill, Steve Clifford
A panel of experts gave their views on how the UK should respond to issues of religious persecution around the world.
"The day was both encouraging and inspiring" CSW Conference delegate
Finally, Dave Bilbrough led us in uplifting worship, with Cry Freedom, a song written especially for the Conference.
When Reverend David Shosanya led us in prayers at the end of the day, he encouraged us all to seek God's heart for what He wants each of us to do as a result of our attending the Conference; and to use a clock and a calendar to mark the date by which we should do this thing. Even if you weren't with us on the day, would you be praying about what God's will is for you? There are so many more places and people we need to help, and we can't do it without your support.
I have been blessed again and again by CSW Conferences, but this one was truly special. Thank you again for being part of it! This week hundreds of people, like me, will go forward into their lives with renewed inspiration. Together, as the body of Christ, we will continue to cry freedom for our brothers and sisters.
Mervyn Thomas
CSW Chief Executive