ANNUAL REPORT. A Glance into the Year 2013: Christian Freedom International

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1 2013 CFI Annual Report Serving the Persecuted Church ANNUAL REPORT A Glance into the Year 2013: Looking back on how your prayers and support made a difference this past year... HBI Students enjoying working in the HBI garden. Remember those in prison as if you were fellow prisoners, and those who mistreated as if(toll you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3 e:their p:are free) p: (interna-

2 Letter from the President: Dear Friends, The Bible reminds us, Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Hebrews 13:3, NIV). We take this admonition seriously. That s why scores of persecuted Believers were helped in 2013, as Christian Freedom International responded to the cry for help in some of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians. Everywhere CFI provides a helping hand, we want our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ to know that they are not forgotten. We want them to know that their brothers and sisters in America, and elsewhere, are praying for them and providing the gifts needed for Bibles, food, medicine, clothing, and other essential needs. In this 2013 Annual Report you will read about some of the ways the Persecuted Church around the world has been reached and provided aid and comfort through. We praise God for what He is doing through Christian Freedom International to help our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ on the front lines of persecution. We are grateful for the faithful prayers and sacrificial support of caring ministry partners like you who make this mission possible. Thank you and may God bless you. Sincerely in Christ, Jim Jacobson CARE

3 Prayer for the Persecuted And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord s people. Ephesians 6:17-19 Please be in prayer with our brothers and sisters in India as persecution continues for Christians there. In a village in Egypt, two young Christian men are abducted by a Muslim mob while an entire Christian family is arrested in Vietnam and two brothers in India are martyred for their faith at the hands of Hindu attackers. Every day, all around the world, thousands of people are unjustly imprisoned, attacked, or even killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. It is because of these countless men, women, and even children that CFI continues its mission to the Persecuted Church. For over two and a half decades, CFI has delivered humanitarian aid and Bibles to persecuted Christians in numerous countries, and has spoken out on their behalf in various advocacy campaigns. But one of the most important things CFI has done is to advocate for prayer for the Persecuted Church. As incidents of persecution increased throughout 2013, particularly in Middle Eastern countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, intercessory prayer and advocacy for those who suffer for their faith has become more critical than ever. Through website, , newsletter, and social media updates, CFI worked to keep supporters abreast of persecution news from around the world, and encouraged Christians everywhere to pray regularly for persecuted believers. Our September Report featured ten Countries of Particular Concern, in which we highlighted the realities of Christian persecution in nations known for the worst and most widespread violations of religious freedom, and how to pray for the millions of believers in these repressive nations CARE

4 FREEDOM ANNUAL REPORT REPORT Bangladesh Moniruzzaman, a Christian evangelist in Bangladesh, wasn t always a believer. courageous believer, who refused to deny his God even when his life was at risk. Born into a Muslim family and raised with militant beliefs, his conversion to Christianity would change his life in more ways than one. Following his conversion, Moniruzzaman was But Moniruzzaman is far from alone in his trials. Many Christians in Bangladesh who convert from the Islamic faith face ostracism, discrimination, and even the risk of violent attacks. Your support of Christians suffering in Bangladesh made a crucial difference in the lives of these young Bengali children in Thank you for your continued prayers and generosity. Born into a Muslim family... his conversion to Christianity would change his life in more ways than one. beaten, disowned by his family, and received many death threats from local Muslims. Desperate for work despite a broken hand and back, Moniruzzaman sent a letter to CFI s coworker in Dhaka, requesting a small loan to buy a sewing machine that he could use to earn money to support his family. With the help of supporters, CFI was able to provide the machine to this In 2013, CFI s Center for the Blind and Disabled in Dhaka continued to provide Bibles, warm blankets, medical care, and vocational support and training to many impoverished, persecuted Christians. CFI also continued its child sponsorship program in Bangladesh, where persecuted children receive food, clothing, medical and educational support from CFI donors CARE

5 FREEDOM ANNUAL REPORT REPORT India After a surge in violent attacks in 2008 caused thousands of Christians to flee their homes, persecution in Orissa State, India, has risen to unprecedented levels. attempts to force Christians to deny their faith. As the unrest continued to spread, CFI fielded reports of church and Bible burnings, anti-christian riots, and attacks against church members and pastors; all carried out by Hindu extremists in But despite intensifying persecution, the Church continues to grow in Orissa State -- and CFI has remained on the scene to help this struggling Christian community. With your help, CFI has provided humanitarian aid of food, clothing, ministry to lepers, pastor support, and medical care, as well as Bibles and even child sponsorship CARE

6 As persecution of Christians in Burma continues, your continued prayers and support are needed now more than ever. Burma It has been a difficult year in Kachin State. As the Burmese army continued its relentless attacks in a quest to overtake several military posts, thousands of Kachin people have been killed, injured, or displaced from their homes. But the Kachin are not the only ethnic minorities suffering from the hardships of Burma s civil war. Despite the government s steps towards reformation, the reality is that thousands upon thousands of displaced ethnic families, including In 2013, CFI continued its support of suffering Christians in Burma... the Chin and Karen, remain trapped in refugee camps along the Burma/ Thai border. And many other citizens -- especially Christians -- who remain within the country s borders are still struggling to exist in the midst of fear, poverty, and persecution by the Burmese military. In 2013, CFI continued its support of suffering Christians in Burma, through relief aid distribution at the Freedom House orphanage and to other believers in the Mae La refugee camp. With the help of the 7th Brigade, CFI was also able to deliver relief supplies and Bibles to needy villagers within Burma CARE

7 ANNUAL FREEDOMREPORT REPORT Huai Kalok Bible Institute One of CFI s greatest investments in the Persecuted Church has been the creation of the Huai Kalok Bible Institute (HBI) in Thailand. Formerly the CFI Vocational School, HBI has helped dozens of students learn how to grow in their personal Christian faith, and to become a powerful and effective witness for Christ even in the midst of persecution. CFI President Jim Jacobson teaching English at HBI As HBI continued to develop its program throughout 2013, one of the Institute s greatest features has become its strong community outreach, particularly to members of the local Buddhist temple. During the summer break, HBI students took advantage of opportunities to minister to others by delivering mp3 Bible sticks in refugee camps and within their home villages in Burma. HBI students singing during their morning worship time CFI recently welcomed Nabeel Aftab, a persecuted believer from Pakistan, to the teaching staff of HBI. CFI president, Jim Jacobson, has also enjoyed the privilege of teaching English to the students at HBI CARE

8 Fond Farewells Victoria Abram In 2013, CFI said a bittersweet farewell to longtime volunteer Victoria Abram, who spent more than six years teaching at the CFI school in Thailand before finally deciding to retire. It is not often that a person of Victoria s talents and skill is willing to travel halfway around the world and live in a totally different culture to teach students to read and write, said CFI president Jim Jacobson. The impact Victoria has had on the lives of these students will only be known when we reach heaven. Robert Sweet Jr. CFI also said farewell to Robert Sweet Jr., who has retired as Vice President of Operations and Board Secretary/Treasurer, after many years of dedicated service. CFI president Jim Jacobson...the ministry benefited greatly from Bob s skills, talent, and insight. has referred to his work as a great adventure during which the ministry benefited greatly from Bob s skills, talent, and insight. The ministry of Christian Freedom International, the Board of Directors, and all personnel are grateful for his tremendous work on behalf of the mission of CFI, and assistance to the Christians we serve. Thank you, Bob CARE

9 Meeting of the CFI Board CFI board members were met with warm welcoming to Thailand by HBI students and staff. On November 17, 2013, the CFI Board of Directors came together for its annual meeting at the Huai Kalok Bible Institute in Mae Sot, Thailand. Among the attending board members were Jeffrey Plummer, Jim Jacobson, Will Buehler, Kerstin Liebner, with Robert Sweet, Jr. and Lisa Jones participating. After a time of worship with HBI students, the board discussed new developments at HBI since its transition from the Vocational School; existing ministries in Bangladesh and India, including child sponsorship; and the Freedom Inn ministry in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. During the week-long Conference, the Board members were able to join along with the HBI students daily routines. Activities included vocational training, worship and Bible study, sports, fellowship, and even Thai classes. Visitors and volunteers are always a tremendous blessing to the students, and are greatly missed when they depart. Pictured Right: (Top) CFI board member Kerstin Liebner with several of HBI s female students after a game of soccer; (Bottom) CFI board chairman Jeffrey Plummer with HBI students outside of the school CARE

10 Our Mission Statement: The mission of is to help Christians who are persecuted and suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. We are a non-denominational human rights organization providing real solutions to conditions of oppression and misery caused by religious persecution. We reach the part of the persecuted Church that is the most repressed, most at risk, and most isolated. In areas of disaster, we provide immediate relief to Christians, and their communities, who are ignored by conventional aid organizations. It is our privilege to minister to the Persecuted through Bible distribution, medical aid, resettlement assistance, advocacy, asylum case-work, and aid to the disabled; to sponsor schools, vocational training, and self-help initiatives; to provide these services at no charge by CFI staff and volunteers. It is our goal to work together with Christians at home to ease the burdens of our struggling brethren around the world. CFI President Jim Jacobson and CFI board members Jeffrey Plummer and Kerstin Liebner enjoy a game of soccer with HBI students and members of CFI s indigenous staff CARE

11 CFI Board of Directors: Jeffery Plummer, CLU - Chairman of the Board Nathaniel Moffat - Vice Chairman of the Board James Jacobson - President Lisa Jones - Board Secretary/Treasurer Paul Behrends Michael G. Forrester, M.D. Wendy Wright Will Buehler Kerstin Liebner RN, MSN CFI Advisory Board: Ambassador Faith Whittlesey - Chairman of the Board Emeritus Dr. Michael Farris - Chairman of the Board Emeritus U.S. Senator Don Nickles CFI Indigenous Staff Abroad: CFI 2012 Financial Report: CFI U.S. Staff: James Jacobson - President Lisa Jones - Executive Director Kelly Davis - Graphic Artist & Visual Media Specialist Patty Callihan - Office Manager Benjamin Duff - Web Administrator Jack Kinney - The Freedom Inn Director There are many dedicated, courageous, competent staff members in countries where CFI work is ongoing who deliver medicine, educate children, deliver Bibles, and lift up the name of Jesus Christ under very dangerous and trying circumstances. We do not disclose their names for their own safety. 81% 14% 5% Program Expenses: Total Administrative Expenses: Fundraising Expenses: $727,982 $126,284 $48,143 Total Expenses: $902, Total Revenue: $827,545 End of Year Net Assets: $498, CARE

12 CFI Freedom Inn For many Karen and Karenni Christians who have resettled in the United States, life has presented a new set of challenges as they learn how to assimilate in a foreign country. CFI s Freedom Inn, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, continues to provide numerous refugees not only with clean, safe, affordable housing, but a vital sense of community support and Christian fellowship. In further support of the growing Karen/Karenni population in Sault Ste. Marie, CFI is working to develop a home improvement plan, including the purchase and renovation of foreclosed homes for the benefit of local refugees. The mission of is to help Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. We are a nondenominational human rights organization providing aid, advocacy, and Bibles to Christians in areas of intense persecution. Our mandate is to reach the part of the Persecuted Church that is the most repressed, most at risk, and most isolated. As a U.S. based, grass roots organization, we mobilize Christians in prayer, advocacy, and action on behalf of men, women, and children who are harassed, tortured, imprisoned, and martyred for their faith. is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). Members of the ECFA are held to the highest standards of financial responsibility. Gifts are used for the project identified unless our Board of Directors, in good faith, determines that the changing situation in the Persecuted Church requires applying them to another urgent project. Your gift to is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law CARE