Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep (Romans 12:14-15).
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a sobering report in July 2023 on religious persecution in Russia. Continuing a long history of repressing religious groups, the Kremlin, Russia’s government regime, has expanded its attacks on Christians since invading Ukraine in February 2022. Christians who speak out against it face severe repercussions.
According to the USCIRF, Russian authorities “continue to engage in severe religious repression.” The government is utilizing its war with Ukraine as a pretext to institute new laws, further suppressing religious groups. While the Russian Orthodox Church, representing 71% of the population, enjoys protected status as a “traditional” faith, dissenting voices across Christian denominations endure harsh crackdowns.
That is why American Family Association (AFA) is calling on its supporters to join the 2024 Orange Letter Campaign, an online letter-writing effort that involves electronically submitting encouraging notes to persecuted believers in Russia to remind them that they are not forgotten. The letters are distributed by Global Outreach International, an interdenominational missions sending agency.
Campaign that counts
Since 2015, AFA has provided supporters an opportunity to send encouragement to oppressed believers worldwide through the Orange Letter Campaign. Hundreds of notes have gone from American Christians to persecuted churches in Egypt, Syria, North Korea, Nigeria, and beyond.
This February, AFA’s letter-writing campaign will focus on Christians in Russia. Amid growing oppression in Russia, these notes will bless those who are suffering for their faith. By participating, American Christians can “weep with” brothers and sisters bearing hardship in Russia.
Letters that matter
The Stand spoke with Cedra Sartin, project lead of the Orange Letter Campaign, about this year’s effort.
The Stand: Why is connecting with the persecuted church in Russia so important for Christians in America?
Cedra Sartin: Engaging with our oppressed fellow believers in places like Russia is an essential part of AFA’s mission to support the global body of Christ. These personal letters remind isolated Christians that they are not forgotten – that they have family standing with them, even from afar.
Getting a note of encouragement from abroad gives persecuted saints strength and hope to endure the hostility around them. It’s a tangible reminder that God is with them, and their trials are only temporary, even when grief feels endless.
TS: How can personal letters aid suffering Christians in Russia?
CS: Receiving correspondence from other Christians worldwide provides a lifeline for their faith. We have heard firsthand from persecuted Christians overseas about the impact of receiving a letter from the Orange Letter Campaign, and how it refreshed and encouraged them personally, and, by extension, believers around them.
TS: What guidance do you have for those wanting to write appropriate letters of support?
CS: I would focus on spiritual encouragement – Bible verses, messages of prayer, expressions of shared faith. Keep letters reasonably short – under 200 words is a good guideline. Remember the core purpose is to convey love between Christian brethren worldwide. That message of hope and family will come through in any heartfelt note.
To participate in the 2024 Orange Letter Campaign, which will be held February 12-16, visit afr.net to write and submit your letter electronically during this five-day period. The team at AFA encourages Christians to get their friends, family, and churches involved in this important campaign and to pray over each letter written.
(Digital Editor's Note: This article was published first in the January/February 2024 print edition of The Stand).
