By becoming a “Voice” for Persecuted Christians you are entering into the vital and important ministry of “intercession and solidarity” with those who suffer for their faith in Christ Jesus.
As Christian prisoners are “doing time for God”, so you will be spending time, praying, writing and entering into a partnership with the Almighty. You will be “doing time for God”, and sharing His heart and burden for those who suffer because they love Him.
The principles and purposes of this letter-writing ministry mean that you will be endeavouring to protect the rights of prisoners and at the same time, being the voice of the persecuted church. Christian prisoners have the right to be heard; the right to be valued; the right to be defended; and the right to be supported.
The reward for your endeavour will be what many prisoners say. “Whilst doing time for God”, we praise Him that we are not forgotten.” Even in the most horrific conditions and suffering, there can be dignity. This is what you will give to a fellow believer in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Personal letters are tangible evidence to imprisoned Christians, whether they can read them or not, that they are not forgotten. Communist oppressors and other persecutors try to brainwash Christians into believing that no one knows about them, that they are forgotten and unloved.
Letters to prisoners tell the authorities that outsiders are monitoring their activities and it chips away at the theory that the West is apathetic. Mail testifies of the love and unity found among Christians throughout the world, especially when censored.. Letters may result in better treatment and/or earlier release.
Letters demonstrate clearly to authorities that Western Christians and their governments are aware of persecution and human rights abuses.
Letters show officials that there are people who know and care what happens to prisoners. Their conditions may be improved as a result. If the authorities think no one cares, the Christian may be imprisoned with dangerous criminals, abused, deprived of food or denied rights to their mail, parcels and visits.
Use the correct honorific.
Be polite. You are representing Jesus Christ.
Do not write about politics or criticize governments.
State a general concern for persecuted believers.
State a specific concern for one or more prisoners.
Whenever possible, give the full name and hometown of the prisoner(s).
State why you are concerned (perhaps they have been beaten).
State what you would like to see done (released, given medical treatment, etc.).
Remember to thank them in advance for their positive actions.
Refrain from quoting Bible verses or preaching.
Do NOT mention VOM or other organizations as it may be used against the prisoner.
Don’t underestimate the power of your letter, your letter will show the authorities that there are people out there who know and care what happens to each prisoner. Their conditions may be improved as a result.
It’s helpful if you find out as much as you can about the prisoner concerned, eg: when and where they were first detained and sentenced, the charges made against them and length of their sentence. Also, the prisoner’s physical condition if known and if they are allowed to receive visits from family and/or their legal help. This info is not always available, but it gives the official you are writing to credible information to go by.
Be brief.
Be polite.
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OFFICIAL
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SALUTATION
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VALEDICTION
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Monarch
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Your Majesty
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Yours respectfully and sincerely
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Heads of State
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Your Excellency
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Yours respectfully and sincerely
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Prime Minister
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Dear Prime Minister
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Yours respectfully and sincerely
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Ambassadors or High Commissioners
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Your Excellency or
Mr/Mrs...(if you know the name) |
Your respectfully or
Yours respectfully and sincerely (if you have used the name) |
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Local Authorities
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Dear Sir/Madam
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Yours faithfully
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Prison governors
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Dear Sir/Madam
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Yours faithfully
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Judges
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Your Honour
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Yours faithfully
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Military Officials
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Dear General, Colonel etc.
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Yours faithfully
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Members of Parliament
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Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms...MP
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Yours sincerely
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A government minister (outside New Zealand)
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Your Excellency
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Yours respectfully and sincerely
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2nd Tuesday/monthly (except January)
10:30am
Hilary 021 116 8262
Last Wednesday monthly
9:30am
Judy 09 534 4487
Letters written monthly
Barbara 07 868 2300
3rd Wednesday monthly
7:00pm
Barbara
handbdejonge@gmail.com
1st Tuesday monthly
7:00pm
Jenny 021 0273 5114
3rd Thursday monthly
Fran
franvom@gmail.com
Second Tuesday of the month
11:00am
The VOM team
office@vom.org.nz
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