Voice of the Martyrs: Needs continue past 'Giving Tuesday'
BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (Christian Examiner) – The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), an organization dedicated to aiding victims of religious persecution worldwide, reminds gift-buyers this Christmas season that donation needs extend beyond "Giving Tuesday," traditionally held the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.
VOM provides three ways to show families and children who have been persecuted that they are loved and not forgotten: Christmas Care Packs, Village Outreach Packs, and Action Packs.
"May God reward you with every good thing!" cried Abua, a six-year-old girl who received a VOM Christmas Care Pack this year.
In Nigeria, over 3,000 packs were given to children, many of whom have been affected by the terrorism of the militant Islamic group Boko Haram.
The packs for children of persecuted Christians, which cost $25, include school supplies, clothing, hygiene items like soap and toothbrushes, a toy, Christian literature like a Jesus story book, and a children's Bible.
For a pack that will support discipleship and equip pastors and evangelists with ministry materials, the Village Outreach Kit will have a lasting impact.
Each kit, which costs $150, includes literature for a pastor's personal study, Bibles and discipleship resources, evangelism tracts and literature for distribution, and ministry tools such as a DVD player, projector, or audio player.
VOM ACTION PACKS
A likewise year-round giving option are VOM's Action Packs, which are currently being distributed to Christians in Pakistan, Iraq, and Sudan.
The Action Pack is a vacuum-sealable bag with a list of needed items like towels, jackets, sheets, t-shirts, and socks. These packs, which cost $7, are lovingly placed in the hands of men, women, and children who grin as they look at the gifts and donor's photos that are optional to include.
VOM field staff distributes the Action Pack with a Bible or illustrated Gospel storybook in the language of the country.
In Pakistan, one of the locations where Action Pacts are given, VOM has also publicized a need for prayer for safety for its workers in Pakistan who have received threats, according to the website's prayer page.
"Every week, members of a children's ministry travel to different parts of Pakistan to conduct camps and Bible clubs. They engage children through songs and games and teach Christian values and Bible lessons. Many of the children who attend these programs are Muslims. Members of this VOM-partner organization have received threats. Pray for the members of this team as they travel, perform outreach, distribute literature and equip local churches to disciple children."
VOM giving information for Christmas Care Packs can be found here.