In 1999 I was a member of Grace Covenant Church in Arlington,Texas. I had been introduced to a ministry based in Bartlesville, Oklahoma by a former home church, Hillcrest Church,in Dallas, Texas. This ministry is called Voice of the Martyrs. They are a ministry that brings our attention to the "persecuted church" all over the world. I received one of their monthly newsletters that focused on Southern Sudan and they mentioned a project called, "Blankets of Love for Sudan". At that time I was on the Missions Committee at Grace Covenant and suggested we participate in that project. We collected our blankets and they were sent to somewhere in southern Sudan.
On the inside of that newsletter were three stories of Christian Sudanese young people who had been persecuted by Islamic soldiers because of their faith. It was hard seeing their pictures- one was burned from head to toe. One had huge scars across her chest. One had been nailed to a board and left to die. My first instinct was to look away. That uneasy feeling was creeping up. But then I felt compelled to look again. To see their faces. To know their names. I felt like the Holy Spirit was reminding me that this is reality. Things like this are happening everyday around the world whether I wanted to know it or not. And I really felt like I needed to take action. I knew I couldn't change the world, but I wanted to do something.
VOM (Voice of the Martyrs) has been working in Sudan for the last ten years, delivering medical care, Sudan Life Packs, Scripture and pastoral training. Their current outreach is asking American Christians to send good quality, new or used blankets along with $2.00 (per blanket) -that covers the cost of shipping and an illustrated Bible storybook that will be delivered with each blanket. For the Sudanese, a simple blanket means a good night's rest. A means of shade during the day. A way to carry an infant or their few possessions.
Sudanese Christians have faced horrific persecutions and atrocities at the hands of a radical Islamic regime. An estimated two million Sudanese have been killed during two decades of civil war, including many Christians. A glimmer of hope exists with the peace accords, and we can help our Sudanese brothers and sisters rebuild their lives and Christian witness. Even more hope comes with the recent Referendum vote to secede from North Sudan and become their own country.
Sudanese Christians live a simple lifestyle, owning few or no material possessions. However, some items are essential to their survival. One blanket can make a difference.
Now with VOM's Sudan Blanket and a Bible ministry outreach, everyone can have a part. Along with each blanket sent, VOM will provide a copy of He Lived Among Us, an illustrated Bible storybook. This program sends a strong message to our Sudanese family that they are not forgotten, and we stand with them in rebuilding their communities with the love of Christ.
Taking Part in VOM's Blanket and a Bible Outreach is as Easy as 1-2-3
1. Collect good quality, new or used blanket(s)
2. Add $2 per blanket for handling, shipping into Sudan (VOM will add a
He Lived Among Us illustrated Bible storybook.)
3. Send blankets and collected funds to:
"Sudan: Blanket and a Bible"
The Voice of the Martyrs
1815 SE Bison
Bartlesville, OK 74006
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