The Voice of the Martyrs - Persecution.com - A Global Perspective on the Persecution of God's Children

Many of them live in poverty, their lives torn apart by prejudice, oppression and violent persecution because of their love for Christ. Through VOM’s PSP program, you can help provide these warriors of faith with life-sustaining necessities such as food, clothing and clean water.

For just $35 a month,* you can provide ministry support for a persecuted pastor, allowing this worker for Christ to focus on serving fellow Christians and witnessing to non-believers. The PSP program allows you to serve the persecuted church in a tangible way. Help spread the gospel and make disciples in a restricted nation by pledging support and encouragement to a PSP pastor today.

To learn more about the program, read the FAQs below.

* We ask that those who sign up for the PSP program commit to at least one year of sponsorship to ensure stability for the worker.

The PSP program is active in the following countries:

• Algeria
• Burma
• China
• Colombia
• Cuba
• Egypt

• Ethiopia
• Hmong Villages
• India
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Nepal

• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Sudan
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam

If you have further questions, email or call us at 918-338-8470.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of PSP?

A: PSP is about fellowship with the persecuted church. This program not only provides financial support for an impoverished worker but also connects believers in the United States with overseas pastors by building bridges through mutual prayer. Each worker and family will have only one sponsor.

Q: Are all the pastors ordained?

A: No. VOM uses the term “pastor” to represent many types of Christian workers. Their title may vary from country to country or even community to community. “Pastor” could represent a minister, church leader, evangelist or a lay person with a burden to minister to others.

Q: How does a worker become eligible for the PSP program?

A: There are five requirements a worker must meet:

1. The pastor must be active in church work or evangelism a minimum of 20 hours per week.
2. The pastor must be in financial need. Sometimes a worker may begin receiving funds from his/her local church and no longer need support from VOM.
3. The pastor must be serving in a hostile/restricted area.
4. The pastor must communicate with the sponsor in the form of a ministry report once per calendar year. Because of the difficulties associated with translation and transportation of the letters, we allow up to 18 months for letters to be received.
5. Every two years, we ask the pastor to submit a new application as well as an updated photo.

Q: Will the pastor know who I am?

A: Yes. VOM provides the worker with your last name unless you request otherwise. However, we do not disseminate your address or phone number for security reasons. In addition to accepting your financial support, the pastor and pastor’s family agree to pray regularly for you and your family by name.

Q: How important is prayer in PSP sponsorship?

A: Prayer is vital. We often ask persecuted Christians what they need from us, and their first response is always prayer. We ask that you always keep your sponsored worker in your prayers. Your empowering prayer is just as crucial to them as your financial contribution. The worker will also be praying for you and your family.

Q: May I communicate with my pastor?

A: You may write one letter that is no more than one page to your sponsored worker through VOM. Please print or type your letter and be cautious as you write, so as not to put your worker or the worker’s family in jeopardy. Do not mention their government or speak negatively about other countries or religions. The main purpose of these letters is to encourage your sponsored worker in the Lord.

Q: How will the pastor read my letters?

A: The national leadership in each country is responsible for translating letters and delivering them to your sponsored pastor. They also translate letters from the worker into English for you.

Q: How long will it take to send and receive my letters?

A: It may take several months from the time we receive your letter until you receive a reply from your pastor. The letters are sent quarterly. The national country manager distributes your letters to each worker, who may then take several months to reply. The reply is translated and then forwarded to VOM. This is a time-consuming process, and we appreciate your patience as you await a response. If the worker lives in a very remote area, it may take longer to receive personal notes; however, you will receive a letter each year from your pastor, per program guidelines.

Q: Do these pastors believe like I do?

A: All those in the program work with evangelical organizations in key leadership positions in their home country. However, these Christians may not necessarily be ordained or be members of the clergy. Many of their fellowships do not have a corresponding organization in the U.S. Many of these men and women are simply Christian pastors or evangelists who are courageous enough to spend large amounts of time spreading gospel literature and ministering to fellow Christians.

Q: Why are some of the workers women?

A: In many restricted nations, female Christian workers can move around more easily to share the gospel, distribute Christian materials or visit other believers. This reduces risk for the underground church. However, women caught sharing or distributing the gospel are arrested, imprisoned and tortured just like their male counterparts. Women are also the only ones able to carry out significant ministry among other women in many cultures.

Q: Can I sponsor more than one pastor?

A: You can sponsor as many pastors as you wish, as long as there are workers available for sponsorship. You may also join with your Sunday school class, congregation or others to support workers. However, we do request that support for individual pastors is designated separately to keep our accounting records accurate.

Q: Can I choose a pastor from a specific country?

A: We offer support to workers in 18 countries. We cannot guarantee that a worker from the country of your choice will be available; however, if you have a special request, please make a note of the country on the sign-up form. As soon as we have a worker available there, we will let you know. Or, you may request the first worker available.

Q: What if the pastor no longer needs my support?

A: If the pastor’s status changes or a church becomes able to fully support the pastor, VOM will notify you and offer you the opportunity to transfer your support to another pastor.

Q: Where do I send the support and when?

A: Send support to VOM, and mark your envelope “PSP.” Automatic deductions from a credit card or checking account are also available. Your support can be sent monthly, quarterly or annually.

Q: What do I do if I am considering canceling my sponsorship?

A: We ask that you commit to at least one year of sponsorship. For other questions or concerns, feel free to contact us through the website or call us at 918-338-8470.

Q: How do I get started?

A: Contact us and we will send you the necessary forms. After you have completed the forms, return them to VOM at “attention PSP program.” Upon receipt of your commitment form, we will send you a photo and information about your new PSP worker. May God bless your efforts to serve the persecuted in this way!

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