Petition Officials

By petitioning officials you are entering into the vital and important ministry of praying for and standing with those who suffer for their faith in Christ. You will be encouraging them when you write to them in prison and supporting them when you write to officials on their behalf.

Your involvement testifies of the love and unity found among followers of Jesus Christ throughout the world. It is a witness to both your imprisoned family and to the authorities you write to or who may censor letters intended for the prisoner.

Your involvement shows our persecuted family that they are not forgotten. Often the oppressors try to brainwash these Christians into believing that they are forgotten, that they are not loved and that no one knows about them. Through this isolation and loneliness the devil can prey upon their faith. When a prisoner learns others are protesting on their behalf or when they receive your letter, they know that someone cares.

Your involvement can result in better treatment for a prisoner. The authorities in many nations are very sensitive about their image abroad. When they realize that outsiders are monitoring a prisoner’s situation, conditions may be improved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I write to government officials?

Write a short, clear message.
Be polite. Remember you are representing Jesus Christ.
State your general concern for persecuted believers.
Do NOT write about politics or the government.

Here are some examples of the kinds of things some people have written.

Dear Sir: We are thankful that your law in Vietnam allows freedom of religion. However, we heard that a man named (blank) was put in the prison at (blank). We are concerned about this and about his welfare. We would like to ask you to please give your attention to this matter. Thank you very much.

To Whom It May Concern: Last month, (blank), a Christian, was arrested and charged with (the charge). He was given a (length of sentence) prison sentence. We ask that you release him. Thank you.

Dear Sir: Last year, (blank), was arrested for (blank). The story of this case has been circulated around the world and thousands of Christians know about it. We ask that he be released from all charges. We are praying for you as a leading spokesman for your country.

The email I sent to a government official was not delivered. Why?

Due to a potentially high volume of emails to government officials through the Prisoner Alert program, an official may shut down their published email address. If your email is undelivered, please check back for updated email addresses.

How can I get an update on a person that I read about on prisoneralert.com?

The Voice of the Martyrs takes every opportunity to gather more information and updates about each prisoner we highlight. Please check back to this site periodically for updates. Sign up for Prisoner Alert updates.

Why was a certain prisoner removed from PrisonerAlert.com?

There are numerous reasons why a prisoner would be removed from PrisonerAlert, including new information from church leaders in their home country, the prisoner's security situation inside prison or that of their family outside prison, or prisoners' family members.

How can I find prayer requests for countries?

The Voice of the Martyrs sends out an email prayer request every week through iCommitToPray.com. You can sign up for the weekly emails. You can also request VOM's free Global Prayer Guide by visiting persecution.com/prayerguide.

I have just found out about The Voice of the Martyrs. Can you tell me about your ministry?

To learn more about The Voice of the Martyrs, visit persecution.com/about.

To receive our free, award-winning magazine, visit persecution.com/free-magazine.

Is Pastor Wurmbrand still involved with the ministry?

Pastor Wurmbrand passed away on February 17, 2001, joining his wife Sabina in eternity. Until the end he was a prayer warrior on behalf of the persecuted. The Voice of the Martyrs continues to follow his vision in serving our brothers and sisters in restricted nations and hostile areas.

Is The Voice of the Martyrs affiliated with a specific denomination?

The Voice of the Martyrs is an interdenominational organization working with Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ. VOM has more than a dozen offices around the world with staff members from many different denominations, all working with the common goal of helping our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

Do you have a doctrinal statement or Statement of Faith?

To learn about The Voice of the Martyrs' Statement of Faith, visit persecution.com/about.