06/05/2020 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – In many persecuted nations, pastors and ministry lead­ers risk their well-being and comfort to bring the Gospel to the unreached. Because they operate in secrecy, often in impoverished communi­ties, it is difficult for many to earn an income through regu­lar church support like a pastor in the West might receive. Therefore, ICC developed the Messengers: Underground Workers fund to sup­port these bold leaders and guide them as they navigate the realities of persecution.

One way in which we support per­secuted church leaders is by equip­ping them with the legal tools to address persecution. In India, we regularly host trainings in which we teach pastors how to report incidents of persecution and inform them of their rights. These trainings also pro­vide the unique opportunity for pas­tors to connect with others in similar situations.

One attendee of a training recently shared, “ICC’s training on persecu­tion gives great strength to us [as we learn] how to report [persecution]. Knowing the ‘dos and don’ts’ was [a] great blessing since many pastors are from rural [areas] and not very educated; it really helps the pastors and church believers.”

In other nations, we support pastors who are struggling to keep their families afloat, while also pursuing their ministry calling. In Sri Lanka, ICC stepped in to support a full-time pastor who was scraping by on a meager income he earns from fishing. We provided him with stronger fishing nets so that he can pull in a larger catch when he fishes.

He expressed, “This additional income has really helped me to provide for my fam­ily while assisting members of my congre­gation who are in need as well. I can also pay for my children’s educational needs with the earnings I receive. I would like to thank all who have assisted me in starting a livelihood and I would like to thank my Lord and Savior for this great blessing.”

If you would like to support underground workers or learn more about ICC’s Messengers Fund, please donate today or give us a call at 1-800-ICC-5441.

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