ICC Press Release

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941
Washington DC 20006-1846
www.persecution.org
Email: icc@persecution.org

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and
you will be hated by all nations because of me"

Matthew 24:9

You are free to disseminate the following news. We kindly request that you reference ICC
(International Christian Concern) and include our web address www.persecution.org.

 (12/23/03) The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org is
urging Christians to pray for their brethren around the world during the Christmas season as it is typically a time of violence
directed toward Christian populations.

Unfortunately, Christmas for Christians in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Pakistan and other countries is a time when
Christians celebrate the Saviors birth under the threat of violence and death. In Indonesia, Christians fear another attack
from the Islamic Jihad like the one in 2000 when 18 bombs exploded simultaneously in churches around the nation.
Thank God for the 31 other bombs that were discovered and did not explode.

In Pakistan, Christians pray there won’t be another grenade attack against a church like last year. In that attack,
3 girls were killed and 14 others wounded.

In Sri Lanka, minority Christians fear an attack against them after being blamed for the death of a prominent monk
who died of a heart attack. In spite of an official autopsy that showed he died of a heart attack political forces are
stirring up the Buddhist population with wild conspiracy theories with Christians as the culprits.

In Vietnam, the predominantly Christian Montagnards are experiencing a harsh crackdown by Government authorities
and will are not allowed to officially celebrate Christmas.

ICC urges American Christians to remember that their brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the reality
of Mathew 24:9:

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

We ask that you keep them in prayer during the holidays and call out to God for their protection. Finally, we ask
Christians everywhere not to respond in hate toward these incidents but to respond in love.

But I tell you: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you.

Matthew 5:44

ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide.
ICC delivers humanitarian aid, trains and supports persecuted pastors, raises awareness in the US Church regarding
the problem of persecution, and is an advocate for the persecuted on Capitol Hill and the State Department.
For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.