A Message from the Chief Executive Officer

It's easy to get discouraged and frustrated over the suffering and persecution that many in the family of God are having to go through, especially in countries hostile to the Gospel. Over the years, I've visited fellow Christians in many of these nations who have endured beatings and separation from their earthly families -- in some cases, also the loss of loved ones -- merely for making a decision to follow Jesus. For me, having personally met and interviewed a great number of these persecuted believers, such discouragement is often turned to amazement and encouragement.

Greetings dear friend in Christ,

Normally I address you personally and in gratitude for your generous heart in enabling God's work through VOMC. I am grateful to be so blessed with an inspired team to which, in part, I shall now proudly introduce you.

You'll recall that a certain amount of editorial work is accomplished at VOMC under the "website" direction of our webmasters, Jim and Twyla Penner. I now share Twyla's thoughts with you. Open your heart and consider God's great handiwork in and through Hanan's story. Bless those who are in peril for Christ's namesake.

~ VOMC's CEO, Doug McKenzie

Not Just a Key Tag

I have a key tag. It's a green key tag. It's a beautiful key tag. But I'm getting ahead of myself... One of the most heart-wrenching scenarios that VOMC covers is the frequent abduction of Christian girls. They're sold or otherwise forced into marriages that often become their worst nightmare. For quite some time, I prayed that they would be released... and I stopped there. What else could I pray for? I thought the only hope for these girls would be their complete and unconditional release.

It is my pleasure and privilege to thank you for enabling us to stand alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world by raising awareness on their behalf and providing needed assistance. Without your help, we couldn't do what we do.

Working with persecuted Christians overseas often means that VOMC is ministering in less literate communities. This challenge reminds me of my ministry as a mother when my children were young. The summer break in our household usually involved some extra time for sharing stories -- both from books and without them. I enjoy stories just as much as any of my children; and I love to hear, read and share them.

Are you making the most of the sunny days and warm weather? These are the days many of us enjoy being outside -- soaking up the rays, hitting the beaches, and preparing for summertime activities. My prayer is that you will also find time to relax and enjoy a break from the normal routine of life, experiencing moments of refreshment and peace.

I want to thank you for your continued support through your prayers and sacrificial giving. I am deeply inspired by your love for our persecuted brothers and sisters, and your remembrance of them by providing the tools they need to be "salt" and "light" in their spheres of influence. Each staff member at The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is encouraged to know that you are standing with us in this ministry. You truly are a blessing, and we thank God for each one of you during our staff devotions and prayer times.

It is my pleasure to thank you for participating with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, as we strive together to stand alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters and play our parts in the united body of Christ.

Perhaps, like me, you have come to think of the work we do together as more than just an ordinary Canadian charitable ministry. I am convinced (for many reasons) that it is very close to our Lord’s heart. I like to think of us as church helping church to do "church" in some of the most difficult places on earth.

By Doug J. McKenzie
CEO for The Voice of the Martyrs Canada

I think we sometimes make the mistake of over-glorifying some of our favourite Biblical characters (other than Jesus, of course), nearly deifying these mere mortals. As stories and heroes unfold throughout the Holy Scriptures, we identify with the fallibility of those lifted up by the singular power and intervention of the Holy Spirit. More important, we know that without our Lord's salvation, made available by way of His empowerment, we are pitifully lost in sin.