Remembering the persecuted church

There are some things in life that are very hard for me to deal with. The persecuted church is one of them. My life, in so many ways, is totally "charmed." I live in a house that is certainly more than adequate (I'm sure it would be considered a mansion in most parts of the world), a husband who loves me and is very committed to following the Lord, and twelve beautiful children (plus a son-in-law now as well!).

Certainly we have had "difficulties" in our life ~ things that the Lord has used to draw me closer to Him ~ a baby born 13 weeks early, several drive-by shootings of our home (I hope to share that story at some point in the future here), etc, but nothing even remotely akin to what so many Christians in the world deal with on a daily basis.

"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." Heb. 13:3

Perhaps you are familiar with Voice of the Martyrs. VOM is a ministry that we wholeheartedly endorse. Not only does VOM tangibly meet the needs of families around the world who are enduring persecution, but they also play a vital role in getting information out about the atrocities that are taking place right now.

Gao Zhisheng is a Chinese Christian attorney who is currently inprisoned and almost certainly being tortured. I am going to put a YouTube video at the bottom of my post for any to watch who are interested.

Click here to go to ChinaAid's web site and there you can read the open letter that Gao wrote to the US Congress. In addition, you can sign a petition, obtain email addresses to email Chinese officials and even donate to help ChinaAid and VOM.

This has so much been on my heart this week. What can I, a very average homeschooling mom with a large family and limited finances actually do to make a difference? I can pray~ certainly that is vital~ and I will continue to do that, but I wanted to do more.

Then the Lord gave me this great idea! I am sharing it here only in hopes that it might give someone else an idea of a way to help.

Idea #1: The children and I will sell extra fresh eggs and homemade whole wheat bread at a local farmer's market this summer~ proceeds to be donated to VOM and ChinaAid.

Idea #2: Perhaps I will start an etsy shop with the girls. I have considered selling there for some time, but this, I think would really be fun, if all proceeds could be donated from that venture as well.

I desire for my children to have a vision for not only reaching the world for Christ, but also for meeting the needs of the body around the world. These ideas just might help!

Serving alongside you,
Susan

Here's the YouTube video that I mentioned earlier.
*please note: the video contains Gao's testimony in his own words and is dramatized. It is very, very graphic. I cried. Please be discerning about who you allow to watch this.