Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the body of Christ, we are called to “remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them” (Hebrews 13:3). Today, I write to you with a burdened heart for our brothers and sisters in West, Central, and East Asia and across the continent of Africa who are enduring intense persecution for their faith in Christ.

In these regions, countless believers face discrimination, imprisonment, and even violence simply because they confess Jesus as Lord. Entire communities are displaced or silenced, yet their faith remains unshaken. In the face of unimaginable trials, they stand as living witnesses to the gospel, echoing Paul’s words: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

But they cannot stand alone. Their cries for help call us to action. Now, more than ever, we must respond urgently to meet their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. Through your prayers, advocacy, and support, you can be a lifeline of hope. Together, we can provide:

• Biblical Training and Leadership Development: Equipping underground pastors and lay leaders is essential for the growth and sustainability of the church. Many of these leaders have little to no formal biblical education, yet they courageously shepherd growing congregations. We empower these leaders to plant and grow house churches even in hostile environments by providing intensive theological training, discipleship resources, and mentorship.  Programs such as mobile Bible schools or underground training centers allow leaders to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and gain practical tools for evangelism and discipleship.
• Community Development Leading to Church Growth: Persecution often creates physical hardships, like poverty and displacement. Meeting these tangible needs through community development programs—such as vocational training, healthcare, entrepreneurship training and education —opens doors for the gospel. As relationships are built, trust grows, and persecuted communities witness Christ’s love in action, creating opportunities for house churches to thrive. These efforts meet urgent needs and strengthen the foundation for long-term spiritual and social transformation.
• Emergency Relief: Supplying persecuted families with food, shelter, and medical aid to sustain them during times of crisis.
• Bibles and Resources: Delivering God’s Word to those hungry for spiritual nourishment, both in print and digital formats, often in local languages.

This is a pivotal moment. In the words of Mordecai to Esther, “Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). We believe God has positioned us to be His hands and feet to the suffering church.

I invite you to join us in this critical mission. Whether through prayer, financial giving, or becoming an advocate for the persecuted, your involvement will make an eternal impact. Together, we can stand with the persecuted church as one body, united in Christ, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Thank you for your heart for God’s people. May we be faithful stewards of His call to love, serve, and stand in solidarity with those who pay the ultimate price for their faith.

In Christ’s service,

President
CIC Mission, Inc.