What Does ICC Do?
1. Assistance to the Persecuted Church
Our goal is assist and sustain the persecuted Church around the world. In each country the needs are different but generally our activities revolve around the smuggling of Bibles, the training of pastors and future Church leaders, providing for the families of pastors that have been killed or imprisoned, and church planting.
2. Advocacy for the Persecuted Church
ICC is an advocate for the persecuted on the White House, Capitol Hill, and the State Department in the United States. ICC is in the heart of the most powerful nation in the world and we seek to build relationships with public servants at home in order to pressure oppressive governments abroad. Advocacy is one the most effective means of allowing the voice of the persecuted to be heard.
3. Awareness
As faithful stewards of God’s word, ICC feels it is a necessity to educate those around us about the existence and severity of Christian persecution worldwide. ICC’s website contains In-depth stories of persecution and news (updated daily) from around the world regarding the persecuted Church.
In addition to the website and interviews with the mainstream media, ICC publishes a monthly newsletter called “Concern” and works with Representatives in local churches.
Where We are at Work
Currently, ICC is working in 14 countries. Here are a few examples.
Sri Lanka:
ICC has undertaken advocacy efforts in ending persecution in Sri Lanka. Through our efforts, we have helped inform U.S. Congressional members who have written letters on behalf of suffering Christians. This pressure prompted President Kumaratunga to publicly call for an end to Christian persecution in the country.
China/Cuba/Vietnam Underground Pastors:
ICC also supports underground pastors in these highly oppressive countries. While their governments seek to stifle church growth, ICC pastors have seen steady church growth throughout their time as pastors. The word of God is spreading, and ICC is helping.
Hand of Hope
Our Hand of Hope Fund seeks to bring aid to all countries that require it in countries such as China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Vietnam. Aid ranges from bicycles and bibles, to food and water.
Pakistan
ICC also operates a safehouse for women and young girls who have been the victims of rape in Pakistan. Abduction and rape are daily realities for Christian females, and ICC has worked toward making a safe place for them to go after they have been forced to leave mainstream society.
What some people are saying about ICC
"Without voices like ICC speaking for the muted and beleaguered minorities, seeking only to exercise their religious liberties, the passage of an international law providing relief from persecution may not have been possible.”
–Senator Arlen Spector
“I have long respected and relied upon the work of International Christian Concern. People of faith around the world are under fire today like never before. Without ICC, many of those suffering on account of their belief in Christ would have no voice. Nobody would hear their cries for help. ICC develops relationships with those on the front lines of persecution and brings their story to those who can help. They save lives and bring hope to many. It is critical that their work be enabled to continue.”
–Congressman Frank R. Wolf
“We found (ICC’s) materials helpful and credible; keep fighting the good fight and spread the word.”
–Family Research Council
“I have been reunited with my wife and our 14-month-old son. Thank you for your part in helping to secure my release from jail in China.”
–Mr. Lubin Chang
“My family and I would like to again extend our deepest and sincerest thanks to ICC. Words cannot express all my feelings, but please know that we truly are thankful from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you for all your help.”
–Edward Good (Pakistani victim of March 2002 church bombing. He lost his leg and his daughter in the attack.)
International Christian Concern (ICC) is based in Washington, D.C. and is dedicated to assisting and sustaining Christians who are victims of persecution and discrimination due to practicing their faith in approximately 12 countries.
If you would like to receive our free newsletter (“Concern”) just send your name and address to icc@persecution.org. In the subject line put “Send Me Concern”.
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN (ICC)
2020 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Box 941
Washington, D.C. 20006-1846
Toll Free Number: 1-800-ICC-5441
Fax: 1-301-989-1709
Email: icc@persecution.org
Web: www.persecution.org