On a sunny weekend in May, CSW returned to West Sussex for the Big Church Festival 2023. Once again, we had the privilege of introducing the musicians on Tom’s Stage, while 21 wonderful volunteers helped launch a new campaign to free a prominent human rights defender in Myanmar/Burma. We caught up with Ellen, Sam and Janet to hear their experiences of the weekend.
Some supporters may remember Janet from her time as CSW’s Ambassadors Coordinator. She said it was a ‘no-brainer’ when she was invited to return as a volunteer. ‘I was looking forward to reconnecting with former colleagues and highlighting the plight of Reverend Samson in Myanmar,’ she told us.
Seven weeks previously, Rev Dr Hkalam Samson had been sentenced to six years in prison on trumped-up charges. Like most religious and political prisoners, he was prosecuted under counterterrorism laws, which Myanmar’s military routinely use to silence opposition. He is one of over 24,000 political prisoners to have been arrested since the 2021 coup, most of whom are still detained.
The volunteers did a fantastic job of explaining Rev Samson’s case. Thanks to their efforts, hundreds added their name to our open letter to the UK government, urging them to do all they can to secure his freedom.
More petition signatures were gathered across the field in the Expo – an exhibition tent full of different charities and organisations. Our stand included a letter-writing station, where several people wrote messages of hope for Rev Samson and his wife, Zung Nyaw.
What was the reaction to our campaign?
Many of the people Janet spoke to had heard about CSW’s work before. For others, she was able to bring new awareness about the persecution that exists in our world and give them a practical way to respond.
‘I came away greatly encouraged by the number of people who were totally receptive to what we had to share and took action by signing the campaign,’ Janet said. ‘It is satisfying to leave folk more informed and enthused as to the part they can play in making a difference.
Fulfilling and fun
Volunteering is a great way to grow your understanding about the cases and countries we work on. Sam said he learnt about Rev Samson and his activism for the first time, adding that there was plenty of time to explore the festival after his shifts.
‘My highlight was seeing Hillsong United and Kings Kaleidoscope,’ he told us. ‘Plus spending time with friends!’
Ellen agreed: ‘I loved having the opportunity to attend some of the sessions in the Worship Tent.’
Meanwhile, Janet was touched that so many students and young professionals had given their time to serve:
‘It was soul-affirming for me to witness their sincere and genuine desire to embrace the cause of CSW. I am filled with confidence that God is raising up a new generation of torchbearers who will continue to defend, uphold and promote the right to freedom of religion or belief for all.’
‘Go for it!’
We are so grateful for the time our volunteers invested this summer, raising valuable awareness for those experiencing injustice around the world. The impact of even a single conversation is immeasurable! It could mean that one more person is stirred to pray; one more person inspired to make a gift; one more person convinced to use their voice to speak out.
To those considering joining the team at future events, Ellen would say: ‘Absolutely go for it! It has been a highlight of my summer so far.’
Janet also explained how it is an opportunity to grow your skills and giftings. ‘I’d encourage everyone to volunteer,’ she said. ‘Yes, for some it may push you out of your comfort zone, but with such a compassionate staff team alongside you, what better environment than this for providing a secure place to grow?’
Get involved
If you have a heart for justice and a bit of spare time, there are lots of ways you can serve God alongside CSW. For example, you could volunteer to host a prayer gathering, letter-writing session or fundraising event.
Become a CSW Ambassador in your church: csw.org.uk/ambassador