Getting started...
There is nothing so great to a person in distress than a word of encouragement. No matter how long or short the word is; it has the power to heal, console and encourage. In a situation of loneliness, loss or need, words can turn a painful moment into a moment of courage. Words of encouragement can serve as a friend in times of loneliness. Letters of encouragement can be a mirror to glance at and a pillar to hold on to when no one else is around.
Here are a few simple guidelines to help you as you write your letters and cards:
Pray before you start - Ask God to give you the right words to communicate.
Share God’s Word - Share Bible verses that have been an encouragement to you.
Show sensitivity - Please don’t dwell on the recipient’s plight, or share about the blessings of life in your country.
Translation - Write in simple English.
Keep it short and simple - Postage for short letters costs less and a short letter is also easier to translate for those recipients who do not speak English.
Feel free to include your details - It’s fine to include your name and country, but do not include your full address or e-mail address.
Security - Please do not mention Open Doors in your letters, criticize a country’s religion or religious extremists, its government, judicial system or political leaders.
Postcards - If you are writing on a postcard, send it in an envelope rather than writing Open Doors’ address on the card.
Handmade cards - If you are a Sunday school teacher or youth group leader, making cards can be a great way of allowing younger people to respond and to do something to connect with the persecuted Church. Please note that any cards or pictures sent, must be small, light and not too fragile for posting.
Gifts - Please do not send money or make any proposals for financial aid.
WRITING CAMPAIGNS THAT HAVE ENDED ON THE 30TH OF JUNE 2011:
The following writing campaigns have ended, so please do not write cards or letters to them:
CHINA: Gulner Yimit
NIGERIA: Saliha
ETHIOPIA: Sintayehu and children
UZBEKISTAN: Marina Shestakov
Once you’ve posted your letter, remember to pray for the person you’ve written to.
Your prayers really make a difference!
PRAY THAT:
- Your letter will arrive safely at its destination.
- The recipient will be blessed by what you’ve written and comforted by the knowledge that you are praying for them (Romans 15:30).
- God will give the recipient strength to persevere, and that they will know His compassion and mercy (James 5:11).
To meet Christian brothers and sisters that would appreciate your words of encouragement...
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