2017 Annual Report (4 of 5)

International Christian Concern
Annual Report 2017
Restoring
HOPE
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INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN

One of the most damaging, long-lasting effects of
persecution in a child’s life occurs when they are
forced to abandon their education. As children
escape the violence in their hometowns, their
education is brought to a halt, limiting their future
job opportunities and continuing the cycle of
poverty and oppression.
In January 2017, ICC opened a school within the
borders of a camp for internally displaced people
(IDPs) in Jos, Nigeria. Many of the residents are
Christians who were driven from their homes due
to violent attacks led by Boko Haram. In addition
to the school building, ICC also provided textbooks
and established a curriculum for math, science,
and English. Nearly 30 students are enrolled in the
school and receiving opportunities for a quality
education.
In Egypt, poverty and discrimination prevent
many Christian students from obtaining the
same education that their Muslim counterparts
receive. In response, ICC began working in a child
sponsorship program with an on-ground partner so
that these children can thrive in their communities.
Each year, ICC provides 73 kids in Upper Egypt with
education, school supplies, a daily meal, clothes,
shoes, and medical care. Each child is also required
to attend a Christian program held at the local
church and meet with staff for weekly Bible study.
Rescuing Kids
22 | International Christian Concern

Education is a vital component to
rescuing children, but Christian
children are often overlooked
because of their faith. Here,
some of the Jos School students
pose for a picture.
Families receive
agricultural assistance
so that they can harvest
bountiful crops after fleeing
violence in central Nigeria.
Through our Egyptian child
sponsorship program, children are
provided with education, school
supplies, meals, clothes, shoes, and
Christian discipleship. Children in the
program also communicate with their
sponsors through letters.
Annual Report 2017 | 3

ICC IN ACTION
We are always driven to leave the
99 and seek out the one victim
of persecution (Matt. 18:12)
unknown to the world, but whose
suffering is known by the Lord.
24 | International Christian Concern

Annual Report 2017 | 25

Rescuing Families
Christian families in persecuted countries face
more hurdles than the average family, ranging
from social boycotts to job discrimination to
blatant violence. ICC helps address many of their
needs to help families remain intact as they face
challenges together.
In September 2016, a teenage boy in Pakistan was
falsely accused of blasphemy for ‘liking’ an image
on Facebook that authorities found to be insulting
to Islam. Throughout the boy’s imprisonment, his
family has suffered severe threats and has been
unable to financially support themselves. Forced
to leave their neighborhood, the family had no
options for income. ICC provided the family with
an auto-rickshaw, which they used to create a taxi
business that is completely mobile in case they
have to relocate again.
Another Christian in Pakistan was also accused of
committing blasphemy, forcing his family to suffer
from violent threats and find a new source of
income. ICC provided funds to relocate the family
to a new city and provided all of the materials
necessary to start a small fruit and vegetable
shop, which has provided for the financial needs
of this weary family.
In 2014, a ban against the practice of Christianity
was passed in India’s Chhattisgarh state. Rekha
Bai, a recently converted Christian widow, was one
of the many victims affected by this boycott. She
professed her faith in Christ, so she was beaten at
the shop where she worked and was later kicked
out of her village. ICC helped build Rekha Bai a
home to remind her that her Christian brothers
and sisters are standing with her.
6 |InternationalChristianConcern

Opposite: When a widow in India was
forcibly removed from her residence
because of her faith, ICC stepped in to
build a house for her. ICC provided all of
the materials and paid for the labor costs
so she would have a place to live.
Left: Fruit and vegetable stands such
as the one pictured provide economic
empowerment to persecuted Christians.
ICC equips them with a means by which
they can support their families.
Below: ICC provides relief and assistance
to families by providing for their basic
needs, like food.
Annual Report 2017 | 7

Community Rebuild: Iraq
Prior to 2014, Qaraqosh was one of the
largest Christian cities in Iraq, but thousands
of Christians were forced to flee their homes
as ISIS rose to power. Now that the city has
been liberated, Christians are slowly returning
to their hometown; however, the transition
home has challenges.
One of the primary needs for Christians in Iraq
who have lost their livelihoods is a source of
income. In response, ICC has funded several
small businesses for returning Christians to
support their families. These businesses have
helped the community recover and encouraged
others to return.
For instance, Yas is an agricultural engineer
who provided farmers with seeds, compost,
insecticides, and steroids to properly tend
to their land. He was the only person from
Qaraqosh with this unique skill set. Once ICC
enabled Yas to reopen his business, farmers
who relied on agricultural supplies could now
return to their land.
In addition to small businesses, another
major need in Qaraqosh is clean water.
Many Christians in Qaraqosh lack access
to consistent and clean water for washing,
cooking, and cleaning. Therefore, ICC
provided a well for 15 families to use, assuring
them that they have a stable source of
water at all times. Although it will take time,
Qaraqosh is slowly, but surely, beginning to
rebuild their town post-ISIS.
8 |InternationalChristianConcern

Qaraqosh has a high population of Christians and was
liberated from ISIS in early 2017. Within weeks, ICC staff
was on the ground, beginning projects to rebuild Christians’
lives as they returned to their homes.
ICC provides small businesses to help IDPs
support their families. By providing economic
stability, ICC enables persecuted Christians to
rebuild both the economy and their lives.
Ten Christians in Qaraqosh received shelter shortly
after the city’s liberation from ISIS. ICC’s rebuilding
efforts have provided solutions to basic needs of those
who have suffered for their faith.
Annual Report 2017 | 9

CONTACT INFORMATION
icc@persecution.org
1-800-422-5441
2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #941
Washington, D.C. 20006-1846
www.persecution.org
www.facebook.com/persecuted
www.twitter.com/persecutionnews
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