The Voice of the Martyrs: Help for the Persecuted Christians

Many people today do not realize that Christians all over the world are being persecuted for their belief in God. People in countries such as Afghanistan, Indonesia, Kuwait, Pakistan, China, Syria, Turkey and many more are not "allowed" to worship God. When someone is caught worshiping the Lord, they are beaten, abused, put in prison or even murdered. There are people who are sitting in prisons right now because they are a Christian. They are willing to put their life on the line to spread the word of God and tell others of the Good News. These people are willing to distribute Bibles by any mean necessary to other believers or to those who do not even know about God. Many people in the countries can not even read and they go to church and listen to the pastor to learn Gods word.

The Voice of the Martyrs is an organization that is there to help these persecuted Christians out however they can. Whether is be by financial support for families, medical care, providing Bibles or however else they can assist. They are currently working in over 40 countries. VOM was founded over 30 years ago by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand while he was in prison in Romania for 14 years for his faith in Christ. His family and him were ransomed for $10,000 out of Romania to the US where he started spreading the word and educating people of the free world of the atrocities committed against Christians in Communist and other countries. Even though Pastor Richard Wurmbrand passed away the VOM continues to follow his mission in helping out brothers and sisters in the restricted nations.

VOM has five main purposes that are based on Hebrews 13:3 which are:

1.To encourage and empower Christians to fulfill the Great Commission in areas of the world where they are persecuted for their involvement in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ. We accomplish this by providing Bibles, literature, radio broadcasts, and other forms of aid.

2.To give relief to the families of Christian martyrs in these areas of the world.

3.To equip local Christians to win to Christ their enemies who are opposed to the gospel in countries where believers are actively persecuted for their Christian witness.

4.To undertake projects of encouragement, helping believers rebuild their lives and Christian witness in countries that have formerly suffered Communist oppression.

5.To emphasize the fellowship of all believers by informing the world of atrocities committed against Christians and by remembering their courage and faith.

The Voice of the Martyrs is an interdenominational organization that works with Christians all over the world. There are over 30 VOM offices with staff members from all denominations.

Their statement of faith is: "We believe the Bible to be the inspired, authoritative Word of God Who is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His personal return in power and glory."

"We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful men, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential."

"We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ."

There is always room for more people to help. Of course the first way that anyone and everyone can do for the persecuted Christians is pray. Spread the word, there are so many who do not have any idea that Christians are being persecuted in such horrible ways. There are ways in which one can help by sending or taking Bibles into these foreign lands. There is always a need for blankets and clothing as well that can be sent through the VOM and other organizations. Another way to get involved is by writing letters to those Christians who are imprisoned because every little bit of encouragement helps. Do web searches for the Voice of the Martyrs and you will come across some wonderful information to assist you in doing all of the above and more. You can also visit my affiliation site, Inspiration Korner to learn more as well.