INFORMATION FOR CHURCHES
SUPPORT EMBRACE WITH YOUR CHURCH
Our vision to support the work of Christians in the Middle East reflects the mission of the worldwide church. Our Christian partners across the region proclaim the Good News through education, healthcare, refugee services, valuing creation, and speaking up for justice and human rights.
““Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners but inhabitants of the City of the Holy One and children of the household of God.””
You can build a bridge between your church here in the UK and our fellow Christians in the Middle East as they work to bring transformational change to the communities that they serve. Our forebears in the Turkish Missions Aid Society (est. 1854) discovered, in the wake of massacres, wars and disasters, that Middle East Christians have the will and faith to change lives and communities in the face of eye-watering challenges, but often lack the material means. We recognise that their work is our work as part of one household of God. We believe that attending to their voices and sharing in their work nourishes us, showing us what the gospel looks like in the lands of Christ and his first followers.
As our dear friend and partner Bishop Thomas of Al Qusia and Mir said: ‘Jesus kneeled down for us, to lift us. We kneel down in prayer and service to lift people up, giving them hope’.
“We invite you to join with us by encouraging your church to Pray, Give and Act”
PRAY
Our partners frequently tell us that your prayers are a source of strength and inspiration. Christians in the Middle East love to know that people across the world are praying for them as they face the challenges of life amid conflict, poverty and injustice. Now, more than ever, your prayers matter.
We will send you regular copies of our prayer diary and you can stay updated with our latest prayer requests by joining with us in our prayer room.
It means so much to our partners to know that their sisters and brothers in these islands are praying for them. We also produce resources for different times in the church’s year for you to use both with small groups and on Sundays.
GIVE
We know the financial challenges that many of our churches in the UK and Northern Ireland are facing as a result of Covid-19 and the rising cost of living. We are so grateful for the churches that have continued to support Christians in the Middle East through these difficult times. There are a variety of ways to give. You can make a one-off donation after a fundraising appeal, become a regular giver or hold a fundraising event for your church. Here are a few examples from churches that have recently supported us:
Pontepennau Community Church in Wales organised a sponsored walk
St Andrew’s Oxshott has made us their overseas charity for 2021
St Deny’s Sleaford raises money for Embrace during Lent each year
St Peter’s Lutton Place in Edinburgh raised money by holding a hot chocolate evening on Zoom
Cake sales, children’s groups sponsored silences are all great ways to raise funds to support life-changing work in the Middle East.
ACT
We can help your church connect meaningfully with the social witness of Christians in the Middle East.
One of the simplest yet most effective things you can do is to appoint an Embrace Ambassador for your church. Their role is to ensure that the church community is kept up to date by ensuring that there are enough magazines and prayers diaries for everyone who’d like one.
You can invite an Embrace speaker to come to your church to speak either at a special event or to preach on a Sunday morning. We love getting out and about to meet our supporting churches, particularly because we love to thank you in person.
Keep your eyes open for our occasional campaigns or petitions, where we will invite you to advocate for our Christian partners.
You can tell others the story of Middle Eastern Christians and how their mission and ministry changes lives.
For more information and to book a speaker, please contact us using the form below.
CONTACT THE CHURCH ENGAGEMENT TEAM
For more information and to book a speaker, contact the Church Engagement team using the form below.
