International Christian Concern Annual Report 2017 Restoring HOPE PERSECU ION.org INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
Contents 3 Letter from the President 4 2017 Overview 8 The Bridge 12 The Bridge: Policy Day 14 Advocacy 16 Awareness 20 Hope House 22 Rescuing Kids 26 Rescuing Families 28 Community Rebuild: Iraq 30 Community Rebuild: Nigeria 32 Rebuilding the Church 34 Trips 2 International Christian Concern 20 28 30 32
Hope in the Dark Dear Friend, When early settlers arrived in the United States, they were filled with hope and a calling to spread Christ s love. They recognized, however, the tremendous danger associated with their mission. The settlers knew that life in a hostile territory, while preaching God s message, would not be easy. Much like the colonists, the persecuted recognize that they are in a dangerous world that is no longer their own. Fueled by God s mission to bring His Kingdom to earth, persecuted Christians have abandoned their worldly pursuits to live for an eternal hope. This hope has made them strangers and foreigners on earth. Jeff King, President International Christian Concern Persecuted Christians have no illusions of ease or comfort because Scripture explicitly warns of hatred and dangers for those who follow Jesus. The cost of the Christians salvation was and is rejection from a dark world in order to build God s Kingdom. One of the most tremendous aspects of persecuted believers is their faithful attitude. Often, they are hesitant to complain about their troubles because they view their afflictions as a badge of honor, the result of faithfully following Jesus and becoming a bright light in a dark world. I have much to learn from them. Maybe like you, I feel sorry for myself in the midst of struggles and doubt God s faithfulness no matter how many times He blesses or rescues me. Too often, I must remind myself to refocus on the hope of God which should be my proper orientation in this world. Yes, I have been removed from the world and made His child. Yes, I will face difficulties as a foreigner in this world, but through the trials and tribulations, God s presence is always with me. And it is the sweetest thing I have found in life. When I m in God s presence, I can see the Kingdom you and I are journeying towards and it gives me hope (Prov. 4:8). Think about the time you were most clothed in the presence of God. Got it? Now, understand that His presence was diluted and filtered through a fallen world. You were experiencing only a bit of Him (1 Cor. 13:12) but, soon, you will experience His full glory. Until we are all united in God s presence in heaven, I urge you to join with us in bringing hope to the brave ones and their families at the front lines of this earthly battle. When you stand with ICC, your gifts will be used effectively, ethically, and efficiently to bandage and build the persecuted Church, furthering God s Kingdom here on earth. I promise! All God s Blessings, Jeff King President International Christian Concern Annual Report 2017 3
Our Mission: Since 1995, ICC has relieved the suffering of the worldwide persecuted Church and helped it grow in strength and breadth by providing effective assistance, advocacy, and awareness with integrity toward God and donors. Our Mandate: The Father calls us to remember the prisoners (Hebrews 13:3), to speak up for the voiceless (Proverbs 31:8), to seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow (Isaiah 1:17). We bring the good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the doors of the prison (Isaiah 61:1). We leave the 99 to save the one (Matthew 18:12). A Three-Pronged Attack on Persecution: Advocacy ICC works with government officials and other advocacy groups to challenge countries that persecute and free imprisoned Christians. Members of Congress State Department White House USCIRF Other Ministries and Nonprofits Assistance ICC provides immediate and long-term assistance to build and bandage the persecuted Church. Caring for persecuted children Assisting widows and children of murdered Christians Rebuilding communities devastated by large-scale attacks Supporting church planters in the most dangerous areas Broadcasting the Gospel into closed areas Smuggling Bibles Awareness ICC works daily to make the secular and the Christian world aware of the suffering of persecuted believers. Monthly Print and Digital Magazine www.persecution.org Daily News Posts Large and Active Social Media Channels 4 International Christian Concern
Our Finances: ICC s Annual Financial Report 2016 ICC always seeks ways to wisely use the Lord s money for ministry to the persecuted Church, while maintaining our administrative expenses at an absolute minimum. Our General and Administrative Expenses and Fundraising Expenses as a percentage of Income was 9.6% of our total income this past year. A comparison of ICC s financial results for the past five years follows: Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Income $2,217,626 $2,716,545 $2,488,287 $2,131,624 $1,491,855 Program Expenses ** $2,148,946 $2,173,009 $2,050,614 $1,940,119 $1,299,477 General & Admin. $213,138 $195,091 $140,015 $146,019 $120,602 Fundraising $82,647 $76,631 $49,162 $55,728 $47,816 Total Expenses $2,444,731 $2,444,731 $2,239,791 $2,141,866 $1,467,895 **Program expenses are funds we are spending to do ministry. ICC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation organized in 1995 in the State of Maryland. All gifts to ICC are fully tax-deductible. Our latest IRS Form 990 is available on our website at www.persecution.org. Copies of the latest independent financial audit or IRS Form 990 are available for cost of reproduction and postage. Requests should be directed to us, in writing, at 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, #941, Washington DC 20006-1846. Board of Directors Chairman James Schnabel President Jeff King Christopher Kirk William Nickles Scott Streator Steve Swales Ed Wormald Bret Hicks Distinctives Longevity Established in 1995 Targeted Funds ICC gives you options to specifically target your donations, so your money goes where you want. Low Overhead General and administrative expenses are kept around 10 percent. Growth in expertise, impact, and finances ECFA Compliance We adhere to industry financial and ethical standards and we are audited by independent accountants to ensure compliance. Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. Only 10 percent of all nonprofits receive this rating. Annual Report 2017 5
Our Reach: Washington, D.C.* *ICC HQ Afghanistan Azerbaijan Bangladesh Burma China Cuba Egypt India Indonesia Iraq Kenya Kyrgyzstan Laos Mali Nigeria North Korea Pakistan Somalia South Korea South Sudan Syria Tanzania Thailand Uzbekistan Vietnam 2017 Overview Assistance Projects ICC Trips: US Staff ICC Trips: Field Reps Our Funds: Where Most Needed Hope House Underground Pastors Kids Care Fund Balance: Greatest Need Fund Balance: Critical Fund Balance: Critical Fund Balance: Critical 6 International Christian Concern
Underground Pastors Kids Care Broadcasting the Gospel 8% 13% 14% 11% Community Rebuild Hope House 24% 4% Bibles for the Persecuted Most Actiive Country EGYPT 26% Suffering Wives and Children Save Our Sisters Broadcasting the Gospel Community Rebuild Bibles for the Persecuted Suffering Wives and Children Fund Balance: Critical Fund Balance: Critical Fund Balance: Medium Fund Balance: High Fund Balance: High Annual Report 2017 7
The Bridge Francis Chan As one of the spotlight speakers at the Bridge Conference 2017, Chan describes the Western Church s connection to North Korean Christians: To think that Christ sacrifices for me to be a member of His Body and you re attached to me, and therefore, I cherish and I nourish you. The Bridge is ICC s annual gathering of the persecuted, government leaders, ministries, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to bring focus to one particular country or region experiencing persecution. The Bridge 2017 focused on North Korea and consisted of a policy day held on Capitol Hill and the main conference held at Saddleback Church in southern California. Government leaders, including Senator Ted Cruz, Senator James Lankford, Congressman Chris Smith, and Congressman Ed Royce, discussed policy initiatives. Church leaders such as Rick Warren, Francis Chan, and Johnnie Moore encouraged attendees to care for the persecuted as Jesus did. Defectors, including Hyeonseo Lee and Joseph Kim, shared personal stories of life within North Korea and how they escaped. Leaders from all over the world banded together to ensure that the voices of those suffering in North Korea were heard. 8 International Christian Concern
Left: As ICC sought to host its first conference on the West Coast, Saddleback Church generously agreed to host the event. The hospitality did not stop there as, time and time again, Saddleback went above and beyond to ensure that the conference went smoothly. Rick Warren, senior pastor of Saddleback, shared an address with the attendees. Left to Right: Dr. David Curry, President of Open Doors USA; Mervyn Thomas, CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide; Todd Nettleton, Public Relations Director, Voice of the Martyrs, USA; Jeff King, President of International Christian Concern. I felt encouraged by the people who cared about it but left profoundly impacted by the magnitude of the problem for people under that regime. It motivated me to get more involved. The stories from the North Korean refugees were very moving and eye-opening. Annual Report 2017 9 The REAL heroes in this life are those who have survived and tell us what is going on inside. Life-changing for us who live in a free society.
Bridge Partners Speakers Government Policy The Call to the Church Policy Change The Bridge 2017 featured a variety of speakers who brought different topics to the main stage. North Korean defectors, experts, US officials, church leaders, and many others joined us. The dedication and unity of our speakers was an invaluable aspect of the Bridge 2017. To share expertise on the political and legal scene surrounding North Korea, the Bridge 2017 included a Policy Day in D.C. with numerous government leaders. Their knowledge and experience brought new levels of understanding to the Bridge 2017. Rick Warren In North Korea alone, estimates of 70,000 Christians are languishing in dark prisons. Johnnie Moore We have to do a little bit more. We are obligated to. Francis Chan God, I hate suffering, but I hate my pride even more. Mark Rutland Those people in North Korea must somehow know that we know they are there. Hyeonseo Lee I believe God works through His believers. It is our duty to part the Red Sea for North Koreans. Joseph Kim Unfortunately this isn t just my story, but the story of millions in North Korea. US Senate Senator Ted Cruz Senator James Lankford US House of Representatives Congressman Chris Smith Congressman Ed Royce Amnesty International T. Kumar Hudson Institute Melanie Kirkpatrick Heritage Foundation Bruce Klinger One Free Korea Joshua Stanton National Institute of Christian Leadership Dr. Mark Rutland The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea Greg Scarlatoiu 10 International Christian Concern
The Bridge 2017 Ministries & NGOs The Church Practical Solutions Church Leadership Our partners across the country and the world joined us this year to share their work and hope for the people of North Korea. They brought real-life experience and knowledge to the Bridge. Bridge attendees were given special insight into the work happening on the ground in North Korea. The Bridge brought together church leaders and communities from across the United States. A united American Church is the first step towards a united global Church. Our spiritual leaders are awakening a revival that will soon reach North Korea. International Christian Concern Open Doors USA Voice of the Martyrs Saddleback Church Crossway Community Church Christian Solidarity Worldwide Bethel English Church North Korea Freedom Coalition Young Nak Celebration Church Liberty in North Korea Justice for North Korea Crossing Borders Improving North Korea Human Rights Center Free North Korea Radio We Are Church Revival Church Grace Korean Church King of the Nations Church The JESUS Film Annual Report 2017 11
Senator Ted Cruz Thank you for the good work you do. Thank you for shining the light on religious persecution. Thank you for speaking the truth. Policy Day On May 24, International Christian Concern hosted a policy day for members of Congress, their staff, nongovernmental organizations, and the concerned public on Capitol Hill. The meeting was dedicated to raising awareness and crafting solutions to the major human rights challenges facing the people of North Korea. Many influential individuals spoke, including Senators Ted Cruz and James Lankford, Congressmen Ed Royce and Chris Smith, as well as Joseph Kim, a North Korean defector and Ted Talk speaker. Other speakers included a myriad of North Korea policy experts. ICC s president, Jeff King, opened the event by presenting the atrocities happening across North Korea, but also providing the hope that the fall of North Korea is not impossible. It is inevitable. He encouraged government leaders to do their part and become a more passionate advocate on behalf of the 25 million North Koreans. The Bridge Policy Day opened the week for The Bridge: The Annual Conference on the Persecuted Church held in California this past June. 12 International Christian Concern
Congressman Ed Royce Thank you for all your good work. Senator James Lankford Many of you are advocates for this cause, and this is nothing new to you, and you pray for, encourage, and track what s happening in North Korea and the Korean Peninsula often. So, thanks for doing that, for staying engaged, and for not giving up hope...thank you for staying engaged, thanks for praying, and for not forgetting the people that are there, because most certainly they are counting on someone praying for them outside the places they are located. Congressman Chris Smith I want to thank ICC, and I want to thank Jeff for the leadership in not just praying and fasting, on behalf of the beleaguered people of faith and all of the North Koreans, frankly, who suffer under Kim Jong-Un; but also to be wise as serpents, as our Lord admonished, to promote policies that will lead to a positive outcome for those individuals. 36 Thousand Facebook Livestream event attracted over unique viewers, which resulted in a total reach of over 137,000 people. Annual Report 2017 13
Advocacy The Senate Foreign Relations Committee marks up and amends H.R. 390; this was another major step in the legislative process, and a big win for ICC s advocacy team. The Iraq and Syria Emergency Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2017 (H.R. 390) is a critical piece of legislation which calls for a strengthening of US assistance in Iraq and Syria. To this end, it provides funding to the affected areas and people in need who are victims of genocide and religious persecution to address humanitarian, stabilization and recovery needs, and to mitigate the risk of forced migration from Iraq and Syria. It also provides funds to help compile legal evidence to eventually hold the perpetrators of these atrocities accountable. This bill was introduced by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) on January 10, 2017 and has received 47 cosponsors to date. In March, ICC invited Pastor Edward Awabdeh from Damascus, Syria to share with Capitol Hill his critical knowledge of the threat to religious minorities. ICC also held a reception on Capitol Hill to highlight the genocide occurring in Iraq and Syria. In addition to Pastor Edward Awabdeh, Congressman Chris Smith, Congressman Trent Franks, and Kristina Arriaga de Bucholz of the United Sates Commission on International Religious Freedom explained the plight of religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. Only a few months later, H.R. 390 was unanimously passed by the US House of Representatives. The bill is currently waiting to be passed by the Senate, which is expected soon at the time of writing. 14 International Christian Concern
2017 Highlights: Advocacy Efforts Sudan Syria North Korea Iran Nepal Nigeria Iraq Advocacy Results 81 Meetings with Government Officials 5 International Petitions 120 NGO and Partner Meetings 5 8 Congressional Congressional Endorsements and NGO Letters 12 Press Interviews Above: Pastor Edward Awabdeh from Syria meets with congressional representatives to promote H.R. 390 and show his support. In the Annual Report to Congress, the State Department s International Religious Freedom Report describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The department s most recent report mentioned International Christian Concern multiple times as a credible source of information on the persecution of Christians. It specifically cites ICC s information on targeted kidnappings of Christian women and children in Egypt and on the beating of a Christian student in Nigeria. Annual Report 2017 15
Awareness Above: President Jeff King was interviewed by Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) regarding the plight of persecuted Christians in Iraq and ICC s efforts following the liberation of Mosul from ISIS in July 2017. 16 International Christian Concern SOCIAL MEDIA REACH:
2017 Highlights: 900,000 Social media followers In July 2017, the world celebrated a long-awaited victory as Mosul was officially liberated from ISIS. Leading up to this breaking announcement, ICC was in constant communication with local partners to monitor the situation. Whenever there was a major development, ICC was among the first to know. As a result, followers were able to obtain quick and accurate information about the situation in Mosul. Furthermore, they were then able to pray, give, and spread awareness accordingly. Two days after ICC issued a press release about the liberation of Mosul, CBN s 700 Club sat down with ICC s president, Jeff King, to discuss Mosul and the reality of life on the ground for Christians living in Iraq. In addition to discussing updates about life for Christians in Iraq, King also discussed ICC s recent work in the region during a trip to Iraq in April 2017. The story quickly gained attention in the media, leading to interviews with several other media outlets, continuing the discussion of Christian persecution. Whether through Persecution magazine, social media updates, op-eds, or press interviews, our goal is to be a voice on behalf of those who have been silenced. As our audience grows, we seek to bring persecution to the forefront of media outlets around the world because serving as a mouthpiece for the persecuted is not a responsibility that we take lightly. 50,000 Magazines sent every month 70 News releases this year persecution.org MILLIONS of annual visitors 142 Facebook over 840k followers Twitter over 75k followers Press interviews Annual Report 2017 17
ICC IN ACTION Despite intense persecution, ICC brings help in the midst of terrible trials to Christians in need. We support those who are suffering for Christ and bring the message of hope even in hopeless situations. 18 International Christian Concern
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While addressing immediate needs is an essential part of ICC s ministry, it is equally important to address the underlying causes of persecution. In many persecuted communities, Christians are relegated to low-paying, menial jobs and excluded from educational opportunities. In response, ICC developed Hope House. Hope House is a program that offers educational and vocational training in order to combat the root causes of generational persecution. ICC s Hope House has more than 100 students enrolled in its after-school program, where they learn English, Arabic, and computer skills. These crucial skills will help students rise to the top of the employment scale. In addition, Hope House also provides microfinance loans to help persecuted Christians in Egypt start small businesses. Sylvia, a mother of six, has built a thriving business of custom-ordered mats upon receiving one of these loans. After paying back her loan in half of the agreed-upon time, she has requested another loan in hopes of expanding her business further. Above: Hope House provides children with long-term development assistance which sets them up for future success. Left: Children benefit from a tuk-tuk service which transports them from their homes to ICC s education centers. This enables children without a means of transportation to have access to quality education. 20 International Christian Concern
Hope House Children who participate in Hope House s afterschool program are equipped with long-lasting supplemental educational benefits which support them for years to come. A microfinance loan is one of the ways ICC helps persecuted Christians advance their careers. Loans provide Christians with the capital they need to successfully start their own business. Annual Report 2017 21
One of the most damaging, long-lasting effects of persecution in a child s life occurs when they are forced to abandon their education. As children escape the violence in their hometowns, their education is brought to a halt, limiting their future job opportunities and continuing the cycle of poverty and oppression. In January 2017, ICC opened a school within the borders of a camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Jos, Nigeria. Many of the residents are Christians who were driven from their homes due to violent attacks led by Boko Haram. In addition to the school building, ICC also provided textbooks and established a curriculum for math, science, and English. Nearly 30 students are enrolled in the school and receiving opportunities for a quality education. In Egypt, poverty and discrimination prevent many Christian students from obtaining the same education that their Muslim counterparts receive. In response, ICC began working in a child sponsorship program with an on-ground partner so that these children can thrive in their communities. Each year, ICC provides 73 kids in Upper Egypt with education, school supplies, a daily meal, clothes, shoes, and medical care. Each child is also required to attend a Christian program held at the local church and meet with staff for weekly Bible study. Rescuing Kids 22 International Christian Concern
Education is a vital component to rescuing children, but Christian children are often overlooked because of their faith. Here, some of the Jos School students pose for a picture. Families receive agricultural assistance so that they can harvest bountiful crops after fleeing violence in central Nigeria. Through our Egyptian child sponsorship program, children are provided with education, school supplies, meals, clothes, shoes, and Christian discipleship. Children in the program also communicate with their sponsors through letters. Annual Report 2017 23
ICC IN ACTION We are always driven to leave the 99 and seek out the one victim of persecution (Matt. 18:12) unknown to the world, but whose suffering is known by the Lord. 24 International Christian Concern
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Rescuing Families Christian families in persecuted countries face more hurdles than the average family, ranging from social boycotts to job discrimination to blatant violence. ICC helps address many of their needs to help families remain intact as they face challenges together. In September 2016, a teenage boy in Pakistan was falsely accused of blasphemy for liking an image on Facebook that authorities found to be insulting to Islam. Throughout the boy s imprisonment, his family has suffered severe threats and has been unable to financially support themselves. Forced to leave their neighborhood, the family had no options for income. ICC provided the family with an auto-rickshaw, which they used to create a taxi business that is completely mobile in case they have to relocate again. Another Christian in Pakistan was also accused of committing blasphemy, forcing his family to suffer from violent threats and find a new source of income. ICC provided funds to relocate the family to a new city and provided all of the materials necessary to start a small fruit and vegetable shop, which has provided for the financial needs of this weary family. In 2014, a ban against the practice of Christianity was passed in India s Chhattisgarh state. Rekha Bai, a recently converted Christian widow, was one of the many victims affected by this boycott. She professed her faith in Christ, so she was beaten at the shop where she worked and was later kicked out of her village. ICC helped build Rekha Bai a home to remind her that her Christian brothers and sisters are standing with her. 26 International Christian Concern
Opposite: When a widow in India was forcibly removed from her residence because of her faith, ICC stepped in to build a house for her. ICC provided all of the materials and paid for the labor costs so she would have a place to live. Left: Fruit and vegetable stands such as the one pictured provide economic empowerment to persecuted Christians. ICC equips them with a means by which they can support their families. Below: ICC provides relief and assistance to families by providing for their basic needs, like food. Annual Report 2017 27
Community Rebuild: Iraq Prior to 2014, Qaraqosh was one of the largest Christian cities in Iraq, but thousands of Christians were forced to flee their homes as ISIS rose to power. Now that the city has been liberated, Christians are slowly returning to their hometown; however, the transition home has challenges. One of the primary needs for Christians in Iraq who have lost their livelihoods is a source of income. In response, ICC has funded several small businesses for returning Christians to support their families. These businesses have helped the community recover and encouraged others to return. For instance, Yas is an agricultural engineer who provided farmers with seeds, compost, insecticides, and steroids to properly tend to their land. He was the only person from Qaraqosh with this unique skill set. Once ICC enabled Yas to reopen his business, farmers who relied on agricultural supplies could now return to their land. In addition to small businesses, another major need in Qaraqosh is clean water. Many Christians in Qaraqosh lack access to consistent and clean water for washing, cooking, and cleaning. Therefore, ICC provided a well for 15 families to use, assuring them that they have a stable source of water at all times. Although it will take time, Qaraqosh is slowly, but surely, beginning to rebuild their town post-isis. 28 International Christian Concern
Qaraqosh has a high population of Christians and was liberated from ISIS in early 2017. Within weeks, ICC staff was on the ground, beginning projects to rebuild Christians lives as they returned to their homes. ICC provides small businesses to help IDPs support their families. By providing economic stability, ICC enables persecuted Christians to rebuild both the economy and their lives. Ten Christians in Qaraqosh received shelter shortly after the city s liberation from ISIS. ICC s rebuilding efforts have provided solutions to basic needs of those who have suffered for their faith. Annual Report 2017 29
Community Rebuild: Nigeria Mrs. Laraba stands with her children at the celebration of their new home. ICC provided her with a house following her husband s death in a Fulani attack. In the midst of clashes with Fulani militants, many Christians in Nigeria s Middle Belt region have found themselves displaced and in search of work. ICC has sought to bring healing to these Christian communities by addressing both immediate and long-term needs. In late 2016, Fulani militants attacked a Christian village, destroying its crops. ICC provided seed, fertilizer, and irrigation pumps to the village so that these Christians could recover their source of both food and income. In another string of attacks, several villages were ambushed, forcing thousands to flee to neighboring communities. Many of those who fled sought refuge at an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Kafanchan. In order to relieve the burden of their tangible needs, ICC supplied food packages and clothing for 110 families. Although the aid will not recover all that was lost, these aid packages will hopefully make displacement more bearable. Following another attack that killed several and destroyed countless homes, ICC sought to help Mrs. Laraba, a woman made homeless along with her six children after her husband was killed. ICC aided this family by building a six-room home for her and her children, with plans to also provide a self-sustaining business. This has allowed the family to regain a sense of normalcy after an otherwise devastating tragedy. 30 International Christian Concern
Above: Following brutal attacks at the hands of Fulani militants, ICC distributed immediate relief to Nigerian Christians in the form of food and clothing. Right Images: Christians in Nigeria have faced numerous attacks that have destroyed their agricultural support system. ICC provided seeds and fertilizer to help groups begin farming again. This aid will help the villagers sustain their community and recover from the attacks. Annual Report 2017 31
Rebuilding the Church 32 International Christian Concern
In many persecuted countries, the Church would not exist apart from the work of dedicated Christians who work underground to share the Gospel. Many risk their lives and well-being to bring the Good News to those who don t know Christ. One of the most effective means for introducing the Gospel is through radio. In North Korea, ICC helps fund a broadcast that sends Christian programming into the most persecuted country in the world. Although the North Korean government constantly tries to jam the broadcasts, radio waves transmit the Gospel to millions nationwide, bringing hope to the lost. Radio also serves as an effective tool in Pakistan. In addition to broadcasting the Gospel in Pakistan, ICC also partners with a ministry that follows up with listeners to ensure that they receive discipleship to deepen their faith. In June, this ministry received 10 baptism requests from listeners. ICC also supports pastors who work individually to share the Gospel in their communities. One pastor in Afghanistan, a father of five, was struggling to balance providing for his family while also dedicating time to his congregation. In response, ICC provided the pastor with a used car for him to use for both work and ministry. He has started using the car as a taxi service to support his family, but it also allows him to travel between churches quickly and safely. Opposite: This church in Nigeria was set on fire by Fulani militants. ICC provided assistance to repair the church building to support the local Christians. Top Left: Church support comes in many forms. ICC provided a church in Zanzibar with chairs which will allow more people to hear the Gospel. Top Right: Christians in many areas of the world have limited access to the Word of God. ICC has been able to reach remote areas and provide Bibles to those who need to hear the Gospel. Bottom: ICC provides support for churches to educate pastors through persecution preparedness trainings. These trainings address the pastors specific needs and equip them so they will know how to respond to persecution in the future. Annual Report 2017 33
Our Trips: China Egypt Ethiopia Indonesia Iraq Kenya Lebanon Pakistan South Korea Top Left: ICC provides hope to families in IDP camps in Iraq. Middle Left: Damage to this Egyptian church demonstrates the brutality of Christian persecution worldwide. Bottom Left: Schooling, medical aid, and small business assistance are just a few of the areas in which ICC is helping families in Pakistan. 34 International Christian Concern
Top Center: ICC staff traveled to rural Indonesia to receive updates about active assistance projects. Bottom Center: During their time in South Korea, ICC staff members interviewed North Korean defectors and listened to their stories. Top Right: Even in the midst of religious persecution, Indonesian pastors are committed to reaching out to those who still have not heard the Gospel. Bottom Right: ICC has made progress in bringing persecution cases to justice and advocating for Pakistani Christians. Annual Report 2017 35
CONTACT INFORMATION icc@persecution.org 1-800-422-5441 2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #941 Washington, D.C. 20006-1846 www.persecution.org www.facebook.com/persecuted www.twitter.com/persecutionnews PERSECU ION.org INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN