LETTER WRITING GUIDE
We’re so thankful that you’ve chosen to write to a Persecuted Christian.
Every note or letter that a suffering brother or sister receives brings hope to their weary heart and renews their strength to carry on another day! That’s why this ministry is so important to us.
We hope that you will invite your family, friends, and church community to join you in encouraging our persecuted family behind bars all around the world.
We understand that writing a letter can feel intimidating at first, so we are providing you with some samples below to get you started.
If you haven’t already done so, please read through our Prayer & Action Useful Tips
Sample Letters
Letter to a Persecuted Believer in Prison
Example One:
Dear Pastor/Brother/Sister,
I recently read about your imprisonment and want to thank you for your unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
I want you to know that I am praying for you!
Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
I pray that God will strengthen your faith. May He help you shine His light and share His love with your fellow prisoners.
I am keeping your family in my prayers as well and I am asking God that they will be able to visit you.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you continue to trust in Him.
Anna-Maria (first name only)
Example Two:
Dear Pastor/Brother/Sister,
I read about your situation and was deeply inspired by your faithfulness and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I wanted to write and let you know that you have not been forgotten!
I am praying for your physical and spiritual well-being. I am asking God that you would soon be released from prison.
Please remember to keep hoping and trusting in the Lord! He will renew your strength. Because of Him, you will soar on wings like eagles, you will run and not grow weary, you will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
May God bless you and keep you safe until the day of your release,
Anna-Maria (first name only)
Letter to Local Government, Senators, Representatives or the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in Washington D.C.
Dear Sir/Madame,
I am thankful that the laws and constitution in (your country) allow for freedom of religion.
Unfortunately, this is not true in many countries around the world.
I would like to call your attention to the case of (prisoner’s name). He/she was arrested in (country) on (date) and (term, for example: “was given a 10-year sentence,” “was given a death sentence,” or “is being detained indefinitely in prison”) for simply practicing his/her Christian faith.
He/she is currently being held in (detainment center). I am deeply concerned for his/her welfare.
While (prisoner’s country) claims to adhere to Article 18 of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, which clearly states that everyone has a right to religious self-determination as a fundamental freedom, (country)’s leaders and government officials unashamedly view religious freedom as a threat to their country’s political stability and social harmony.
Accordingly, innocent Christian leaders are being arrested, sometimes indefinitely detained without any hope for a fair and speedy trial, and, other times, handed down heavy sentences for their “crime” of converting to Christianity or for merely holding a prayer meeting in their home.
I respectfully request that you use your good office to raise public awareness of (prisoner’s name) captivity and advocate for his/her immediate release.
I also appeal to you to help ensure that (prisoner’s name) is able to see his/her family.
Yours respectfully,
Anna-Maria Kostova (full name)
