Every now and then, we hear in Western news outlets about Christians who face prison or death for their faith, but most persecuted believers never receive any media attention. They just disappear and sometimes even their families have no idea what has happened to them. This is the case for a brother in Iran. His name cannot be mentioned in any media for security reasons. He was taken to prison weeks ago and his wife and children still know nothing. There are no updates. Brothers like these remain off the radar for most outside of their direct circle. They can easily be forgotten.
The thousands of nameless persecuted believers who are in prison or on the run, often have families. These are even more likely to be forgotten. But they suffer too, in their own way. Fear, uncertainty and social isolation are just a few of the things they face. We can do very little to change that, except holding them up in prayer, but there is something we can do.
The thousands of nameless persecuted believers who are in prison or on the run, often have families. These are even more likely to be forgotten. But they suffer too, in their own way. Fear, uncertainty and social isolation are just a few of the things they face. We can do very little to change that, except holding them up in prayer, but there is something we can do.
These families often face financial difficulties, which impact their children’s future. Children drop out of school, are forced out, or there is no money for uniforms, books or bus fees. When a family flees to another country, children may need special help to learn a new language, or they may have to enrol in private institutions rather than government schools.
It is for these children of persecuted believers our Martyrs Scholarship Fund was started several years ago. Many of you have contributed during the past years, making it possible for children from countries like China, India and Iran, whose parents were impacted by persecution, to continue their education. Through this, we can show these children the wider body of Christ cares, and we can share in the burden of their parents, making it a little lighter.
We receive grateful letters from proud parents, showing pictures of their children’s diplomas, of stationary sets they have bought or of them taking part in classes with their friends. For security reasons we cannot share them, but we want you to know your donations to this scholarship fund make an impact on this largely forgotten group. Thank you for giving them a chance to flourish despite the hardships.
The Martyrs Scholarship Fund: Supporting a Forgotten Group
