A voice for freedom 01/07/2011
As I look back over the past year, I feel so privileged when I see the ways in which God has used CSW to be a voice for freedom. And of course we wouldn’t have been able to do this without your partnership. Here’s a taste of our journey over the past year…
Although rejoicing at hopes for freedom, we have sadly mourned the loss of a dear friend and partner whose life was dedicated to speaking up for freedom. But, through it all, God has used us in mighty ways.
Take Egypt for example. We could never have imagined last summer, as we planned a 2011 focus on Egypt, that God was positioning us “for such a time as this”. In the face of increasing attacks, each week is unpredictable for Egypt’s religious minorities. But this year we have a wonderful chance to raise our voice in prayer, advocacy and action for true religious freedom to be established in that historic country.
In Nigeria, it’s been a joy to see God work through our partners who set up an early warning system in Kaduna, similar to a neighbourhood watch scheme, which is helping us take a proactive role in stopping religious violence in the area.
On the theme of partnership, I’ve been so encouraged to see the way the Religious Liberty Partnership has grown and developed, with CSW playing a key role in the leadership of that group. There are now over 30 organisations across twenty countries committed to working together to be provide more effective support for the persecuted Church.
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to Stuart Windsor as he retires as CSW’s National Director. We are all immensely grateful that he has agreed to continue on a part time basis with a new role of Special Ambassador. Stuart has spent the last eighteen years speaking up for and standing in solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world. He travels the length of the UK sharing his heart for our persecuted family with Church congregations. Stuart will continue this speaking role, so if he hasn’t visited your church yet, call the office to book him in! I am sure you will want to join with me in saying thank you, Stuart, for giving your life to our ministry over so many years. Yours as ever in Christ, Mervyn Thomas CSW Chief Executive