Professional Documents
Culture Documents
org
July/August 2011
IN tHIs IssuE
turmoil in syria: Christians facing an unstable future Be on your guard: understanding and responding to persecution Middle East update: where now for the Arab revolutions?
Contents
3 6 9 10 11 14 17
Project News
Newsroom
Operation Nehemiah
Resources
Pull-out supplement
Which way now for the Arab revolutions?
Focus
Country Profile
Challenge and uncertainty for the churches of Syria
Biblical Reflection
Facing persecution for sharing our faith
18
In Touch
To guard the safety of Christians in hostile environments, names may have been changed or omitted. Thank you for your understanding. Front cover: A widow in Kyrgyzstan stands in front of her new home, bought with help from Barnabas Fund (see opposite page) Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version. Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders and obtain permission for stories and images used in this publication. Barnabas Fund apologises for any errors or omissions and will be grateful for any further information regarding copyright. Barnabas Fund 2011
Project News
your generous support is making a difference in the lives of brothers and sisters around the world. Even though many are facing discrimination, oppression or persecution on a daily basis, your gifts are bringing transformation and hope to their lives. Below and on the next pages you can find a selection of news of how recent grants from Barnabas Fund have transformed their lives. Please pray as you read.
Alima and her children in her new home bought with support from Barnabas Fund
BARNABAS AID JULY/AUGUST 2011
Project News
this Christian girl in Egypt can now fill a cup with clean water in her own home
fled unloading relief aid for Christians who have Christian violence in Ethiopia their homes after anti BARNABAS AID JULY/AUGUST 2011
Bible training courses are one of the ways in which Barnabas Fund helps persecuted Christians to develop in their faith. A training centre in Pakistan received its latest grant of 8,926 (US$14,520; 10,221) to support its Project references visits, workshops and rallies. And a similar 89-946 (Nepal) ministry in Kathmandu, Nepal, received a grant 41-035 (Pakistan) of 8,000 (US$13,000; 9,100). Both schools train volunteer tutors throughout their respective countries, who then teach small groups of students locally. The field manager in Pakistan wrote to us, These grants have helped us in a remarkable way to expand the [centres] work through the country. Thanks to Barnabas support the school organised hundreds of pastor and tutor visits, as well as student rallies and tutor training workshops. The student rallies, where the graduated students and their staff in Nepal students shared testimonies,
Project News
A Muslim leader in Rwanda asks the evangelist many questions about salvation and the Christian faith
Newsroom
sonia Keshish-Avanesian is now free but her husband, Pastor Vahik, remains in prison
Newsroom
Christians were forced to flee their homes in gujranwala, Pakistan, when a Muslim mob targeted Christian property after blasphemy accusations against local Christians
Newsroom
this church in the town of Malumfashi, Katsina state, was torched in the recent violence in Nigeria. (Photo courtesy of sIM)
As a result of the violence, tens of thousands of people had to take refuge in churches, where they lacked adequate food, water, sanitation and medical care. In one incident, between 800 and 1,000 people who were seeking shelter at a Christian mission compound in Dukou were killed, reportedly by descendants of immigrant Muslims from Burkina Faso loyal to Ouattara. The contribution of religion to the conflict is difficult to ascertain. Many tribes have both Muslims and Christians within them, who historically have lived peacefully side by side. The issues of corruption, criminality and habitual violence remain central to the conflict, but can be easily exploited by religious elements.
Operation Nehemiah
ACts packs ready for new school year
ACTS (Assisting Christianity Teaching in Schools) is a school pack about Christianity provided by Operation Nehemiah for use in UK primary schools. It is now available for supporters to sponsor and donate as a gift to local schools. Aimed at children aged 7 to 11, this is an exciting opportunity for Christians to invest in material that will assist schools in their presentation of Christianity and introduce Christian reference materials and reading books into the school library. For a full list of the contents and information on how to donate a pack, please visit www.barnabasfund.org/operation_nehemiah or contact your national office (addresses on back cover). The basic pack costs 200, and additional material can also be purchased at a further cost of around 60.
For more Operation Nehemiah news, go to www.barnabasfund.org/operation_nehemiah Mission statement: Operation Nehemiah is committed to maintaining Christian values of freedom of conscience, speech and religion for the next generation in church and society.
BARNABAS AID JULY/AUGUST 2011
Resources
In this issue we feature four short booklets about Islam, as well as books that address the impact on contemporary society of the Islamic financial system and the Muslim view of women.
What is Islam?
This booklet provides an introduction to the basics of Islam. Topics covered are: the meaning of Islam, Muhammad and the origins of Islam, the Islamic sources (Quran, hadith and sharia), the six articles of faith and the five pillars of Islam, the main Islamic festivals, and the different forms of Islam.
What is Sharia?
Sharia law, the detailed system of religious law developed by Muslim scholars in the first three centuries of Islam, embodies and still governs the Islamic way of life and is key to understanding Islam and Muslims. This booklet explores five main areas in which sharia is incompatible with human rights and then looks at the challenges of sharia in Western countries.
To order any of these items, please visit www.barnabasfund.org/shop. Alternatively please contact your nearest Barnabas office (addresses on back cover). Cheques for the UK should be made payable to Barnabas Books.
10 BARNABAS AID JULY/AUGUST 2011
violent suppression of protest coupled with offers of reform. Getting rid of dictators does not necessarily produce democracy. Old leaders have left, but the underlying political systems have not been overthrown. The protest waves are also increasing the dangers posed by other destructive social forces in the area: regionalism, tribalism, sectarianism and radical Islamism. The divisions between Sunni and Shia Muslims, and between Muslims and Christians, are particularly severe and have the potential to generate serious disorder and violence. The old regimes have largely succeeded in separating religion and the state and in countering the threat posed by political Islam. Their fall may dissolve the boundary between the religious and the secular altogether and lead to the establishing of Islamic states. Even the Western media, which at first attributed the revolutions only to a popular desire for secular and democratic states, have quietly admitted their mistake. The New York Times says: In post-revolutionary Egypt, where hope and confusion collide in the daily struggle to build a new nation, religion has emerged as a powerful political force, following an uprising that was based on secular ideals. The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group once banned by the state, is at the forefront, transformed into a tacit partner with the military government that many fear will thwart fundamental changes. It is also clear that the young, educated secular activists who initially propelled the nonideological revolution are no longer the driving political force at least not at the moment.2
Kenneth M. Pollack, Winds of Change in the Middle East, Brookings Institution, 9 March 2011. Michael Slackman, Islamist Group Is Rising Force in a New Egypt, The New York Times, 24 March 2011.
Muslim Publics Divided on Hamas and Hezbollah, Pew Global Attitudes Projects, 2 December 2010, http://pewglobal.org/2010/12/02/muslims-around-the-world-divided-on-hamas-and-hezbullah (viewed 19 April 2011). See also Barry Rubin,Poll Reveals Frightening Popularity of Revolutionary Islamism, Rubin Reports, 20 December 2010, http://rubinreports.blogspot.com/2010/12/pollreveals-frightening-popularity-of.html (viewed 19 April 2011).
ii
syria has many minorities. Arab Sunnis are in the majority, but Muslim sects also have a sizeable presence. A further 8-10% of the population are Christian (not counting the many Iraqi Christian refugees currently living in the country). The government and security forces are monopolised by the Shia Alawi sect, a fact deeply resented by the Sunni majority.
The Syrian regime may have thought itself immune from the protest movement shaking other Arab countries because of its opposition to the US and Israel and its support for terrorist groups such as Hizbullah and Hamas. But protests have quickly spread to many cities, and it is estimated that at least 700 people have been killed by the security forces. At the time of writing President Assad has not resigned but has responded with both concession and coercion. On the one hand, he installed a new cabinet, which pledged to lift the emergency law, abolish the state security court and allow peaceful demonstrations. On the other hand, the security forces have also fired on demonstrators, and they arrested a prominent opposition figure and former political prisoner just after the cabinet agreed to rescind emergency rule. Security officers are immune from prosecution for any crime committed in the line of duty. So far there is little sign of real democracy or freedom emerging from the unrest. The Christians in Syria are deeply concerned about these developments. While the Assad regime is authoritarian and presides over a strict police state, it has been good for the Christians and the other minorities. A return of Sunni majority rule could lead to their violent suppression, and in the worst case even to an anti-Christian bloodbath similar to that in Iraq.
libya is the country most likely to replace one totalitarian system with another. It is a tribal state that Gaddafi managed to unite only by smashing all the principal institutions of the state and civil society. The rebels have a government in waiting, and they have called in the support of a coalition that includes the West, thus transforming internal dissent into a major international conflict. If Gaddafi is finally removed, Islamist militants will most likely gain prominent positions in the new Libyan military and security services. There are very few indigenous Christians in Libya, all of them converts from Islam, and they are often vulnerable and isolated. The violence and political instability puts them at still greater risk. Bahrain is unique in the Arab world in that a majority Shia population, who are poor and disempowered, are ruled by a powerful Sunni monarchy that has favoured the Sunni community. After the outbreak of unrest the government offered a modest reform, but this was rejected by the reformists. As a result the reform movement was accused of promoting Shia sectarianism and Iranian interests, and Saudi and UAE forces entered the country to bolster the regime and brutally repressed the dissent. The Christian community in Bahrain enjoys greater freedom than Christians in most of the Gulf States. But as the revolution threatens to mushroom into a regional conflict between Sunni and Shia Islam, its position is becoming increasingly precarious. yemen is falling apart and descending into chaos. The main competitors for power are President Ali Abdullah Saleh and his party, the Islamist opposition (linked to the Muslim Brotherhood), and protesters demanding democracy. Tens of thousands have been on the streets, and many have been killed by the security forces and competing factions. A Shia rebellion in the North, on the border of (Sunni) Saudi Arabia, is adding to the instability, along with a secession movement in the South that is open to an alliance with al-Qaeda. Tribalism is still a powerful force in the country.
Yemen is more likely than any other Arab country to fall into chaos and become a failed state in which many factions will fight each other in an endless cycle of violence. Al-Qaeda will be the big winner in this scenario. The very few Yemeni
tunisia is the most likely candidate among the affected countries for some kind of real democracy. It is the most secular of the Arab states and has a significant middle class and civil society. Ben Ali resigned quickly, and following his departure a campaign of mass civil disobedience forced the interim government to make
iii
New Zealand
PO Box 27 6018, Manukau City, Auckland, 2241 Telephone (09) 280 4385 or 0800 008 805 Email office@barnabasfund.org.nz
Jersey
Le Jardin, La Rue A Don, Grouville, Jersey, Channel Islands JE3 9GB Telephone 700600 Fax 700601 Email bfjersey@barnabasfund.org
International Headquarters
The Old Rectory, River Street, Pewsey, Wiltshire SN9 5DB, UK Telephone 01672 564938 Fax 01672 565030 From outside UK Telephone +44 1672 564938 Fax +44 1672 565030 Email info@barnabasfund.org
Australia
Postal Suite 107 236 Hyperdome Loganholme QLD 4129 Registered Charity Number 1092935 Telephone (07) 3806 1076 or 1300 365799 Company Registered in England Fax (07) 3806 4076 Number 4029536 Email bfaustralia@barnabasfund.org
USA
6731 Curran St, McLean, VA 22101 Telephone (703) 288-1681 or toll-free 1-866-936-2525 Fax (703) 288-1682 Email usa@barnabasaid.org
iv
Focus
A building can help bring self-respect and dignity to a despised minority. A church building is a visible symbol of a Christian presence and of hope for the future, bringing encouragement to Christians who are viewed with contempt by the majority community. Church buildings are also centres of witness. This is particularly so in certain cultures where it is considered inappropriate to meet for worship except in a proper place. In such contexts, it can seriously hamper outreach to other faiths if there is not a
Barnabas Fund helped to rebuild three churches in Bangladesh after an attack on a Christian community in september 2010
BARNABAS AID JULY/AUGUST 2011 11
Focus
chooses is left to their own judgement. One congregation may meet in a home; another may rent a place to meet; still another may use a permanent building of their own. Besides, the Bible certainly does not forbid the use of buildings especially designated for the worship and service of Gods people. The Tabernacle, first Temple and second Temple were each a significant focus for the people of Israel, and the synagogues were also places to bring them together. Church buildings have continued this tradition. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another... Hebrews 10:24-25 Dozens of churches in Ethiopia were destroyed by Islamists in March 2011. the violence forced 10,000 Christians to flee their homes and shelter at churches in nearby Jimma city think that if believers cannot meet together, their faith will be weakened. By attacking the buildings, they are also saying that they are targeting the Christian community because of their faith. Sometimes this can have tragic consequences. But persecuted Christians may be still more vulnerable if they have to meet somewhere other than a church building (see below). Christian community into the home for a time of worship would be a cramped and uncomfortable experience. In China and many parts of Central Asia, meeting in a home for prayer is illegal. In Uzbekistan, the government places severe restrictions on all religious activities and it is illegal even to meet to pray in homes. In January 2010, a local church leader and two Christian women were arrested and fined as they met together in a private home to pray for their brothers and sisters.
A congregation in Angola worships in their new building after the previous church was destroyed by Muslim extremists. Barnabas Fund helped with the costs
Focus
Africa and the Middle East. These churches are not huge or grand buildings; many are made of clay bricks and cement, with wood and iron poles for the structure and corrugated iron for the roof. Very simple, but a practical help that can transform the situation of believers. A grant from Barnabas Fund is covering the costs of rebuilding six churches in Burma (Myanmar) that were destroyed by an earthquake on 24 March 2011. Labour for the rebuilding will be provided by church members and local volunteers, so the cost per church is only 873 (US$1,420; 993). In Angola, a growing congregation saw their church destroyed by Muslim extremists. The Christians were so poor that they were unable to afford to put up even a simple building in place of the wrecked one, but with help from Barnabas Fund, they were able to construct a new place of worship. Christians in a Muslim-majority area of north-west Uganda were mocked by the local Muslims for their dilapidated church buildings. The congregation had a vision to build a large church, and so the young people in the church started to make the bricks. Gradually the walls began to rise.
Once the brickwork was completed, other materials were needed, so funding from Barnabas covered the remaining costs, including doors and windows, plastering, painting and constructing the toilets. In one Central Asian country, a congregation purchased some land and started to build their church. Members took part in the construction work and the inside was completed successfully but they did not have enough money for the outside work. With the help of funds from Barnabas, they were able to complete the building. They said, In our context it is very important to have church building [so] that people dont think [were a sect]. Give thanks that Barnabas Fund has been able to help so many congregations around the world through the provision and repair of church buildings. Please remember in your prayers those Christians who are persecuted and unable to meet together to worship and proclaim their faith due to lack of meeting space and government restrictions.
Around 100 church buildings were destroyed in the long-running civil war in sri lanka and the congregations currently meet together to worship in tents and sometimes under trees. New churches at a typical cost of 6,000 (us$10,000; 6,800)* per building will provide places to worship and pray as well as to be beacons of hope in these broken communities.
*Price estimated at time of writing. It may vary with exchange rate fluctuations and other factors.
Christians in tanzania gather outside their church. Barnabas Fund provided money to cover the church with a metal roof
BARNABAS AID JULY/AUGUST 2011 1
Country Profile
Syria
students at a Christian school in syria that Barnabas Fund helped to build It was on the road to Damascus, the capital of modern syria, that the risen Christ appeared to saul, the persecutor of Christians, to commission him as an apostle. there was a church in the region from the earliest years of Christianity, and the Roman province of syria was the birthplace of international Christian mission. Paul and his companions set out from there on their great evangelistic journeys. Twenty centuries later Syria is again a hospitable place for Christians. Indeed, it is perhaps easier to be a Christian there than anywhere else in the Arab world, and recently the country has even thrown open its borders to hundreds of thousands of Christian refugees from neighbouring Iraq. But many external and internal pressures for political change are currently threatening the stability of Syria and may undermine the security of its large Christian minority.
1 BARNABAS AID JULY/AUGUST 2011
Flourishing churches
Christianity in Syria has had an unbroken history since it was planted there in New Testament times. A number of strong churches were well established by the time of the Muslim invasions in the 7th century, and they have survived the many regime changes between Arabs, Crusaders and Turks. Most Christians in modern Syria belong to these ancient groups, though some other denominations are also represented. Estimates of Syrias Christian population vary. It was generally reckoned at some 10% of the total (more than 2 million people), but many Christians have either left or come to the country in recent years. On the one hand there is a high rate of emigration to the Americas and Africa, but on the other nearly 2 million refugees, many of them Christians, have arrived from Iraq, and a smaller number from the Holy Land.
But whatever the precise proportion of Christians in the country, the Syrian churches are generally safe and stable, owing to the favour they enjoy from the Muslim majority and the secular Baathist government. The degree of respect, even warmth, shown to Christians by their Muslim neighbours is unparalleled in the Arab world and unusual among Islamic nations generally, while the welcome extended to Christian refugees goes back at least as far as the Armenian genocide of 1915, when many thousands found refuge in Syria from the murderous policies of the Turkish government. After independence from France in 1946 Syria experienced repeated political upheavals, until a coup in 1970 established a military-civilian, socialist and secular government. This regime has until recently ensured the countrys internal stability and has clamped down hard on Islamist movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood. It is dominated by the Shia Alawi minority,
Country Profile
which is keen to ensure that most other minorities (including Christians) are well treated and grants them various rights, including a good measure of religious freedom. Thus although 85 to 90% of the population is Muslim, Syria is a secular state, and Islam is recognised only as the religion of the majority (although the president must be a Muslim). Easter and Christmas are observed as national holidays alongside principal Muslim festivals. In this generally supportive environment the churches enjoy many benefits. They are able to worship and practise their faith largely without interference, provided that their activities do not disturb public order (see further below). Churches can establish their own buildings, which are then supplied with free electricity, like mosques, and they are exempt from taxes on their property and vehicles. Syrian state education provides classes on Christianity for Christian students. Christian literature is freely available, and the churches can also make use of other media such as radio and television. Links with Christians in other countries are allowed, and foreign Christian organisations are free to operate in the country, though they must either register with the authorities or operate under the auspices of the historic churches. Many Christians hold influential positions in the professions and politics. activity that is perceived to be extreme, to threaten the authorities, or to pose a threat to the relations among religious groups is forbidden. In practice this means that evangelism among Muslims, while not illegal, is strongly discouraged, and Christians have to exercise great wisdom and caution in sharing their faith. In 2010 the authorities ordered the closure of ten Protestant churches (although some were later re-opened), and various church camps were also cancelled by the authorities. A few expatriate missionaries have been arrested and deported, or prosecuted and imprisoned, and others have been denied permission to renew their visas. Conversion from Islam to Christianity is forbidden, and although there are no reports of this law being enforced, the government regards Christian converts as still being Muslims. The positive attitude of Muslims to Christians in Syria does not extend to converts, who may be in danger from their families and communities. Many have had to re-locate within the country or move elsewhere in order to practise their new faith openly. Converts are being required one by one to sign statements that they will not attend an evangelical church for a year. Despite these restrictions and pressures it is said that the number of converts to Christianity is increasing. Sharia law is not generally in force in Syria, but the constitution does state that Islamic jurisprudence is a principal source of legislation. The law of inheritance and most of those relating to personal status are based on sharia and apply to the majority of Christians. The civil code allows the use of fatwas derived from sharia. It is also reported that discrimination against Christians in employment and housing is increasing.
Growing instability
Syrias stability was threatened even before the recent protests broke out in the Arab world. The countrys economic performance has been relatively poor, leaving many young people without jobs or hope for the future, and the huge numbers of refugees coming in and out have exerted additional pressure on an overstrained system. Political reforms have been promised but not delivered, so that much of the population (including the Sunni Muslim majority) remains without effective political power. The government has supported the activities of the Islamist group Hamas in the Holy Land, and Sunni Muslims in Syria are becoming more open to Islamist influence. At the same time, Syria is the only Arab ally of the Shia Muslim regime in Iran and has joined with it in promoting the role of the Shia Islamist group Hizbullah in Lebanon. The political strength of the Shia minority has even raised fears among Sunnis of a Shia crescent centred on Iran and extending from Syria through Iraq and on to Bahrain. The
A restrictive state
But there is another side to the Syrian regime. It presides over an authoritarian and strict police state in which political freedom is severely limited. A state of emergency was in force for decades (until April 2011), and under its provisions a special court was empowered to judge security cases; it did not have to respect the constitutional rights of defendants. Dissidents are often imprisoned and anti-government demonstrations are prohibited, while members of the security forces are immune from prosecution for offences committed in the line of duty. Although the churches have benefited from the stability achieved by these measures, they are not themselves immune from government restrictions. They have to register with the government, which subjects them to close surveillance and monitoring and requires them to obtain permits for all meetings except those for worship. Any
1
Country Profile
countrys involvement in the Lebanese civil war and its opposition to US policy have increased international tensions and confirmed its isolation. The Arab revolutions of 2011 are threatening to ignite this explosive mix and radically change the political landscape of Syria. Protests started in the southern Syrian city of Deraa in January and quickly spread to many other cities. At the time of writing, more than 200 people have already been killed by the security forces, and the governments mixed response of coercion and concession has so far failed to quell the violence. The Christians of Syria are watching the unfolding events with great concern. On the one hand, the overthrow of the present regime could lead to a relaxation of the restrictions on their activities, and political and democratic reforms would be welcome in principle. But on the other hand, the establishing of Sunni-majority rule could lead to suppression of the countrys minorities, including its Christians, and in the worst case to a violent bloodbath similar to that in Iraq. Please pray for Syrian Christians as they seek the Lords wisdom in these challenging and uncertain days, that they may know how best to respond to the developing crisis. Pray too that they may be protected from harm, whatever the future may hold for them and for their troubled country.
An Iraqi Christian carries a batch of eggs, part of the food aid he receives
1
Biblical Reflection
Barnabas Aid has reported many times on persecution experienced by Christians who have sought to share their faith with others. Azamat from uzbekistan was thrown into jail for seeking to convert Muslims to Christianity. when Joshua from Africa acknowledged Christ before the congregation of his local mosque, his Muslim father gave him 20 minutes to flee and warned that he would then send people to kill him. Ravi from India was found murdered after showing the Jesus film with a group of other evangelists.
Imprisonment, rejection by family, even death: in many parts of the world these may be the consequences for brothers and sisters who witness to the Lord Jesus. Some of these people are full-time evangelists or church leaders, but others are simply faithful Christians seeking to fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). So why does this persecution happen, and how should believers respond to it? In this passage from Matthews Gospel (10:16-33), the Lord Jesus is instructing His twelve disciples as He sends them out on their first mission in Galilee. But His teaching has a wider perspective: it looks ahead to the worldwide Christian mission that will follow His death and resurrection and guides us in how to respond to the rejection and hostility that we suffer for His sake. mission reflects that of Jesus Himself and results from our relation to Him. Disciples are His servants: we are sent out on mission by Him; we are put on trial because of Him; the witness we bear is to Him; the hatred we suffer is because of His Name. It would not be appropriate for us to escape the suffering of our Master; if He has experienced reviling and hatred, how much more should we expect to do so.
Bible Reflection
Matthew 10:16-33
endure, they can trust in Him as their heavenly Father; within his providential care they have nothing to fear from other people. So these verses explain how Christians are to respond to persecution. They offer us both warning and encouragement to remain faithful in witnessing to the Lord despite human opposition. We do this not only by putting our confidence in God, but also by keeping an eternal perspective. Jesus will acknowledge before His heavenly Father those who acknowledge Him before others, but He will deny those who deny Him. Unlike Christians in so many countries, we may face little danger of violence or death when we share Christ with our families and neighbours. But like them, we may well suffer ridicule and contempt, and perhaps discrimination and injustice, even if on a smaller scale. So just as these verses sustain our brothers and sisters in their ordeal, they can also instruct and inspire us. We face persecution because we are servants and witnesses of our persecuted Lord, and our calling is to remain faithful to that task in the face of it.
Joshua (left) baptises a new Christian . when Joshua announced his conv ersion from Islam, his father threatened to send peop le to kill him
BARNABAS AID JULY/AUGUST 2011 1
In Touch
This year our Suffering Church Sunday editi on of Barnabas Aid (September/October 2011) will focus on Sout h Asia. These countries, with their large Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist majorities, their nationalism and Marxism, their polit ical instability and their vulnerability to poverty and natural disaster, exhibit in a single region all the main sources of persecution faced by our brothers and sisters across the world. Ask your church leaders NOw to mark a Sunday in your churchs calendar, in November or wheneve r suits you best, to focus on this theme and to remember thos e in South Asia and elsewhere who suffer for their faith in Chris t. Look out for a range of helpful resources in the next magazine; others will be available to order or from our website.
Did you know that Barnabas Funds bimonthly prayer diary Barnabas Prayer is also available in large print? Printed in this font at this size on plain paper without pictures, this format is particularly useful for those supporters who may struggle with the smaller print and colours of the prayer diary. Large print prayer diaries are posted to you free of charge in time for the arrival of the magazine. Please contact your nearest national office if you would like to receive Barnabas Prayer in this format.
In this age of instant technology, sometimes the best way we can inform our supporters of a crisis and an urgent need for donations or prayer is via email. If you would like to receive information and prayer requests about emergency needs and other news-related emails about the persecuted Church, please join our mailing list by visiting www.barnabasfund.org.
1
Name Address
(Mr,Mrs,Miss,Ms,Rev,Dr)
or issue date
Postcode Email
Telephone
Signature ______________________________
I do not require an acknowledgement of this gift. I would like to give regularly through my bank. Please send me the appropriate form. (UK supporters may use the Direct Debit form below.) Alternative Gift Card To make an alternative gift for a loved one, please
contact your national Barnabas office.
Mag 07/11
Please return this form to Barnabas Fund at your national office or to the UK office. Addresses are on the back cover. Barnabas Fund will not give your address or email to anyone else. Phone 0800 587 4006 or visit our website at www.barnabasfund.org to make a credit card donation. From outside UK phone +44 1672 565031.
Registered Charity number 1092935 Company registered in England number 4029536 *If the project chosen is sufficiently funded, we reserve the right to use designated gifts either for another project of a similar type or for another project in the same country.
Supporters in Germany: please turn to back cover for how to send gifts to Barnabas Fund.
Mag 07/11
Mag 07/11
I would like to give a regular gift of __________________________________ (amount in words) __________________________________________________ Starting on 1st / 11th / 21st _________________ and then every month/quarter/year (delete as applicable) until further notice.
Postcode
This Direct Debit is a new one / in addition to / replaces an earlier Standing Order / Direct Debit in favour of Barnabas Fund. (delete as applicable).
2 5 3 6 4 5
Reference (Barnabas Fund to complete) Instruction to your bank or building society: Please pay Barnabas Fund Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured to by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Barnabas Fund and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society. DD18
Name(s) of account holder(s) Bank/building society account number Branch sort code
Signature(s) Date
*If the project chosen is sufficiently funded, we reserve the right to use designated gifts either for another project of a similar type or for another project in the same country.
THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit Barnabas Fund will notify you 14 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Barnabas Fund to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Barnabas Fund or your bank or building society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Barnabas Fund asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
How to Find Us
You may contact Barnabas Fund at the following addresses: UK 9 Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX telephone 024 7623 1923 Fax 024 7683 4718 From outside the UK telephone +44 24 7623 1923 Fax +44 24 7683 4718 Email info@barnabasfund.org Registered charity number 1092935 Company registered in England number 4029536 For a list of all trustees, please contact Barnabas Fund UK at the Coventry address above. Australia Postal Suite 107, 236 Hyperdome, Loganholme QLD 4129 telephone (07) 3806 1076 or 1300 365 799 Fax (07) 3806 4076 Email bfaustralia@barnabasfund.org Germany German supporters may send gifts for Barnabas Fund via Hilfe fr Brder who will provide you with a tax-deductible receipt. Please mention that the donation is for SPC 20 Barnabas Fund. If you would like your donation to go to a specific project of Barnabas Fund, please inform the Barnabas Fund office in Pewsey, UK. Account holder: Hilfe fr Brder e.V. Account number: 415 600 Bank: Evang. Kreditgenossenschaft Stuttgart Bankcode (Blz): 520 604 10
Jersey Le Jardin, La Rue A Don, Grouville, Jersey, Channel Islands JE3 9GB telephone 700600 Fax 700601 Email bfjersey@barnabasfund.org New Zealand PO Box 27 6018, Manukau City, Auckland, 2241 telephone (09) 280 4385 or 0800 008 805 Email office@barnabasfund.org.nz USA 6731 Curran St, McLean, VA 22101 telephone (703) 288-1681 or toll-free 1-866-936-2525 Fax (703) 288-1682 Email usa@barnabasaid.org International Headquarters The Old Rectory, River Street, Pewsey, Wiltshire SN9 5DB, UK telephone 01672 564938 Fax 01672 565030 From outside UK: telephone +44 1672 564938 Fax +44 1672 565030 Email info@barnabasfund.org
www.barnabasfund.org
to donate by credit card, please visit the website or phone 0800 587 4006 (from outside the uK phone +44 1672 565031).