The Mission of VOMC

Part Two

"Actively Remembering and Serving the ‘Church Persecuted.”

In the previous month’s blog message, I described the “persecuted church” as a local congregation of Christians gathered in a particular place. These places can be found in countries or regions that are hostile towards the Gospel – to the extent that followers of Christ face severe forms of aggression and violence because of their faith. The ministry of VOMC exists to raise a voice on behalf of the persecuted believers residing in these volatile areas and to make an urgent appeal for Canadian followers of Jesus to not forget them. As our persecuted brothers and sisters are also an integral part of the body of Christ, we must be mindful to care for them through prayer and practical assistance.

A church in Uganda.

The Mission of VOMC

Part One

"Actively Remembering and
Serving the ‘Church Persecuted.”
~ VOMC's Mission Statement

Since the founding of the Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC), the term “persecuted church” has been a primary descriptor in shaping the ministry’s communication strategy. Why, then, would we alter our Mission Statement to say, the “church persecuted”? This question necessitates a deeper understanding of the broader ministry of VOMC and its missional purpose. However, before we delve into this topic, let me clarify what we mean by the term “persecuted church.”

Engaging Our Culture

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what
is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV

In the book, Restoring All Things, John Stonestreet and Waren Cole Smith list four challenging questions for Christians regarding cultural engagement.

1. What is good in our culture that we can promote, protect and celebrate?
2. What is missing in our culture that we can creatively contribute?
3. What is evil in our culture that we can stop?
4. What is broken in our culture that we can restore?

Rev. Richard Wurmbrand, the founder of the Voice of the Martyrs’ international ministry, demonstrated a Christ-like response to these questions in the unlikeliest of places: a Soviet concentration camp.

Living Hebrews 13:3

Part Two

“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them
which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
~ Hebrews 13:3 KJV

Glenn Penner¹ was often asked if he believed Christians would be persecuted in Canada. Glenn would usually answer such inquiries by asking, "What has the average Christian in Canada done to warrant persecution?" Glenn believed that most Canadian believers did not extend themselves for the Gospel beyond the walls of their church. It appeared that advancing the Great Commission took a back seat to the security and comfort many of them strove to achieve. "Why would anyone want to persecute an ineffective Christian?" Glenn would ask. In his book titled, In the Shadow of the Cross, he provides the following explanation:

Living Hebrews 13:3

“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them
which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
~ Hebrews 13:3 KJV

Kelile understood the challenges of witnessing for Christ in a region predominantly occupied by Muslims. Still, he was surprised when hearing news of a declared jihad (Islamic holy war) by local imams who were opposed to Christianity. Tensions within the community escalated quickly, and Kelile was repeatedly threatened with violence if he did not stop preaching the Gospel. Shaken, but undeterred, he remained steadfast in his faith, refusing to abandon his service to God despite the danger. Kelile found solace in the belief that his life was secure in the Lord’s perfect will.

Reflecting on the Christmas Nativity…

 “The Promised Messiah’s Birth”

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that
God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His
only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The
reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.”
~ Corrie Ten Boom

Luke 2:8-20 recounts the remarkable announcement of Jesus’ birth; a glorious event in which obscure shepherds were some of the first people to receive news that would forever change the course of history.