My giving is essential for the people who are suffering

We spoke to two supporters, Ann and Ros, to find out what inspired them to support CSW’s work for freedom of religion or belief.

I came across CSW through my church – I had no idea there was so much persecution. You just live in a bubble in the UK. I used to put money by for charities each month, and CSW was one of them. Then, I decided to give regularly. I keep giving because you report on so many persecutions and you support everybody. I wouldn’t dream of giving any other way.

When I tell others about CSW, I point out that you were reporting the Syria crisis before the world realised it was a crisis. The same with the Uyghur Muslims. I played the video about Rev Omar Gude Perez (the leader of a network of independent churches in Cuba, who was in prison) in church and it had some people in tears – it’s so relatable. The other story that moved me was Helen Berhane, the [Eritrean] singer who was in a [shipping] container for two years. I can’t imagine what that’s like.

For those who are thinking about giving regularly to CSW, you won’t regret it. They’re very good at keeping people informed. It’s easy to call someone at the office for a chat. The principle I’ve always applied is you won’t actually lose out financially by giving. That’s one aspect of trusting God – it’s part of your monthly budgeting like food. It’s essential – my giving is essential for the people who are suffering.

–Ann Small

I was listening to Premier Radio, to a show called Voice for the Voiceless with Mervyn Thomas and Stuart Windsor, talking about persecuted Christians around the world. I didn’t know anything about it before this, but I thought I had to do something about it. I thought there must be other people feeling the same way as I did and if we could get together to pray, that would be something positive we could do.

Sometimes it’s difficult, but I feel that the least we can do is to keep on praying. People who are being persecuted have to keep on going, and so should we.

I use the prayer diary for CSW and it is really good to feel a part of that work. I’d just finished my half hour slot praying [for Pastor Nadarkhani] and then found out he had been released. It was amazing!

You can do as little or as much as you like, but it’s better to do something than nothing. Even if there’s only two or three of you praying together regularly, it’s still so powerful.

–Ros Dalton, CSW Ambassador