A Summary of My Intentions in Support of Persecuted Christians and Victims of Violence

In my humble status in life and as I have insufficient financial means to adequately assist any physical efforts, I thus endeavor to pledge myself and feeble services in behalf of the faithful and suffering Christians. In my personal implementation of the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Commandments I intend to undertake the following activities for the propagation of the Holy Gospel, the wellbeing of the entire Church, and the betterment of the world in which we live. Inspired by the above mentioned commandments, the words of our Lord and the prayer which he taught us, in addition to numerous other portions of Holy Scripture; I am embarking on a long term personal campaign of prayer, peaceful demonstration and speaking out on behalf of persecuted Christians, while denouncing all abuse and murder. (Also ref. Matthew 5, Second Corinthians 4 and Romans 12)

Prayer and Fasting: 1) For those being persecuted that they may be released and until such time, that they may have abundant spiritual strength, sufficient physical comfort and the ability to share the Gospel throughout the duration of their persecutions; 2) For the spiritual conversion of the persecutors, offenders, and observers; 3) For the end of persecutions in all forms which have the religious or political intent of suppressing Christians through such means as intimidation, imprisonment, torture, and executions; 4) For the rescue of captives, especially those held by human traffickers of sex trade or slavery; 5) For Christ to intervene with His healing grace in situations of physical and sexual abuse; 6) Against random acts of violence and for the ending of such horrific practices as euthanasia and infanticide; 7) For the comfort of the bereaved families who suffer the loss of a family member due to religious persecution or violence; 8)For those who convert to Christianity and are now at risk of persecution and death; 9)For survivors who live with the memories and physical scars of abuse or persecution; 10)For missionaries, aid workers, advocates, rescuers and those who relocate refugees of religious persecution and victims of human trafficking.

Peaceful Demonstration: 1) In special remembrance of Eritrean / Ethiopian Christians who are suffering intimidation, imprisonment, torture and death, I will daily continue to carry with me an Ethiopian Blessing Cross as an aid to prayer and pastoral ministry. 2) I shall regularly wear my black cassock, but with a red cincture (rope-belt). The cassock is the historic outer-garment (like an over coat or long suit coat*) worn by the clergy of the Church since the 5th century; it continues to be worn by some Protestants, some Roman Catholics, most Eastern Orthodox and some Lutherans. Though not frequently seen publicly in America, this attire is universally recognized. The cassock is black, a somber color, symbolizing that the minister is laying down his life in service to Christ and His Church. The red cincture symbolizes the blood of Christian martyrs. I am hereby allying myself with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who suffer on account of their Christian faith, and this attire can straightforwardly serve as a public reminder of their hidden imprisonment, torture, and murder. *

Public Speaking: I shall continue to proclaim the Holy Gospel, and speak publicly (whether on my blog, in Church, during Bible classes, individually or wherever invited to speak) for those who have been silenced through imprisonment, intimidation, abuse, torture, and martyrdom. In the public arena, people will naturally enquire about my cassock and which tradition I represent, this will give me an opportunity to individually: a) share the Gospel; b) educate about the modern holocaust of Christians; and c) speak for the sanctity of life.

Non-Solicitation: I am asking for NO financial support; I only ask people to be aware, to pray for the persecuted Christians and to cherish the sanctity of life.


For further information you may contact the following rescources:

The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/

Focus on Persecution
http://www.focusonpersecution.com/

International Christian Concern
http://www.persecution.org/

Open Doors
http://www.odusa.org/

Release International
http://www.releaseinternational.org/

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
http://www.lirs.org/

Lutherans for Life
http://www.lutheransforlife.org/

Lutheran World Relief
http://www.lwr.org/

The U S Department of State, International Religious Freedom
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/

Blessings+
Father Daniel

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*For obvious reasons of practicality and others’ safety, I refrain from wearing the cassock & cincture while functioning in my capacity as a public safety chaplain.