Hebrews 13:3
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

VOM’s Prisoner Alert is a vital link between us and our Christian brothers and sisters imprisoned for their faith. Besides alerting us to their situation they also offer wonderful tools and tips on how we can make a difference for these prisoners.
The Letter Writing and Translation tool is an amazing way to break the language barrier. You have the opportunity to select from the numerous phrases and Bible verses which are then translated in the appropriate language. When you are finished you can simply print out the letter and add any personal touches you may like. (I like to have the kids draw a picture) The prisoner’s address is provided as well as approximate shipping info. It takes less than 5 minutes and around one dollar to make an important difference.

It really does make a difference! Besides letting prisoners know they have not been forgotten it also allows government officials to see they have not been forgotten. Often the realization that friends and family from overseas are keeping a close watch on the situation leads to better treatment of the prisoner.

PrisonerAlert.com also offers links and tips on emailing government officials in these persecuted areas. Another vital tool.

—————————-
Today we write to Pastor Van Thong of Lao People’s Democratic Republic:

“Pastor Van Thong and 11 other local pastors were arrested on November 26, 2006, for attending meetings organized by Christian leaders from the West. Van Thong is the head of Lao Evangelical Church in his province. He has been denied visitors and is being held indefinitely.” -PrisonerAlert.com

Please visit PrisonerAlert.com today and find out how you can write a letter to Pastor Van Thong.

————————————-
Here is a more extensive list of prisoners at this time.

While you’re at it visit Voice of the Martyrs for more information on the persecution of the church. Living here in our comfortable American lives it is easy to forget the hardships our Christian family endures; forgetting doesn’t make it go away. It is crucial that we not forget, that we do our part.

Matthew 25:34-40
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

————————————————————————–
A Few Other Voice of the Martyr Links:
B.A.S.I.C Fellowship, Bibles Unbound, Kids of Courage
,

A Few Previous Posts on the Persecuted Church:
Bible Smugglers, Kids of Courage, Pray for the Dalits