NCS Bytes

Campout Update

Thanks to the families who camped out last night!

It was wonderful to see the many families having fun together and camping out last night (despite the 'iffy' weather).  Your efforts have helped raise awareness of persecuted Christians in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as raising $1,500 dollars so far for Voice of the Martyrs.  Thank you to everyone who participated or donated.

 

If you didn't camp last night but would still like to do it, choose another night in the holidays and share your images here. We would still love to see them. 

 

You can still make donations to our Voice of the Martrys appeal here  up until the end of the first week of Term 4.

 

 

Why are we raising money for Voice of the Martyrs?

 

I think that it’s important to be supporting the Voice of the Martyrs as it brings awareness to the struggles of Christians in other places, particularly those who are persecuted. Prior to supporting VOM, I had been receiving newsletters from VOM about how persecuted Christians are living in different countries and I thought it was paramount that others know of it and can also help out. It is heartbreaking to see the struggles that some Christians face and it’s really eye-opening how fortunate we are to live in Australia, a country where we as Christians have freedom in our beliefs and practices. I am passionate about helping those in need or who are less fortunate than we are. I think that VOM is very important for us to support because of how much they support and protect these individuals and what an encouragement it is to hear of the faith of these Christians who despite persecution remain firm in their beliefs. Ashley (Prefect)

 

I came to the realisation that we are so fortunate to be a Christians in Australia. After seeing what happens in Afghanistan and Pakistan to Christians, I was shocked. People are killed, suffer and are persecuted for their faith. VOM is an organisation that protects and supports Christians in these countries. I have learnt the value of VOM as they support Christians who should be free to live out their faith. It has really opened my eyes to the pressure that people are under with their faith, and the length I'm willing to take for my own faith. These people need support, and VOM aims to do this. They aim to provide bibles and to inform the rest of the world about how we can be praying for them, and aiming to provide hope for persecuted Christians. It allows us to acknowledge the sinful acts of the world, and what we as Christians need to do to support them. Annie (Prefect)

 

I’ve always been interested in how people live their lives around the world. Voice of the Martyrs shows me what life is like for Christians in persecuted countries. I supported the plan of fundraising for VOM because I, not only get to understand what it's like for Christians in persecuted countries, I get to support them as well. It's a fantastic opportunity to give generously, because we are reminded that we are changing lives. There is so much I take for granted in my life, such as the freedom to go to church and have a bible, that millions don't have. I hope you share the feeling of gratitude and express it by giving. Jonathan (Prefect)

 

I think Voice of the Martyrs is worth supporting as raises awareness of Christians who live a very different life to us, with the same hope of Jesus and the goal of heaven. I feel so blessed and incredibly grateful to live in Australia where I can openly express my faith without dire persecution and I so often overlook those whose faith is life-threatening in their countries. I personally wanted to support the persecuted Christians in Pakistan as they are experience discrimination and are considered as second class citizens which is something most Christians in Australia do not experience. It is also valuable that we are able to support Afghanistan in this troubling time as many Afghans, not just those who are Christian, are experiencing persecution because of the Taliban. I am so thankful to our great God for the internet and news so we can be praying for Afghanistan at this time. Isabelle (School Captain)

 

What is life like for Pakistani Christians?

  • Pakistan is a Muslim country near India
  • 98 percent of Pakistanis are Sunni and Sufi Muslims. There are 4 million Pakistani Christians, which is nearly 2 percent of the nation’s population

What does it mean to be a Christian in Pakistan?

  • It is very dangerous for Christians in radicalised Muslim regions with Islamic extremist groups like the Taliban
  • All Pakistani Christians face difficulties, discrimination and persecution because of their Christian identity
  • Some Christians are bold in evangelizing and distributing God’s Word
  • Most Christians are treated as second-class citizens. They are discriminated against when it comes to receiving welfare and income
  • Because of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, they are prevented from evangelising in mainstream media

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for evangelists who face harassment when preaching the Gospel
  • Pray for Bible-translation work focused on minority people groups with little access to Scripture
  • Pray that all Christians will have their own copy of the Bible
  • Pray for outreach efforts to minority groups like Hindus and Shiite Muslims
  • Pray for victims of recent church bombings who are still suffering from injuries and trauma