News From Release.

If the layout of this email looks wrong we recommend that you View this email in your browser   Release International is committed to bringing the voice of our persecuted Christian family to churches and supporters across the regions of the UK. We are blessed to have a dedicated team of regional Engagement Managers who regularly visit churches, attend Christian conferences and organise local events. Allister du Plessis is Release International's Engagement Manager for the North and Midlands. ALLISTER'S NEWS | MARCH 2024

Dear All. ‘They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"' Mark 4:41   In January last year I made my first trip abroad with Release International to Nigeria. Knowing that I would be hearing heart-breaking stories of persecution, I thought it might be depressing. However, it turned out to be one of the most inspirational trips I have ever made. Why? Because time after time persecuted believers told me that even in the worst storms of life, they knew the peace of Christ in their hearts. In Mark 4, when the disciples were in the boat and a storm arose, Jesus was asleep. It appeared that He wasn’t in control. The storm was raging, the disciples were scared, and Jesus didn’t seem to be doing anything about it. ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’ they said. But Jesus ‘rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm’ (Mark 4:39 NLT.)  There’s no doubt that God has the power to calm our storms too. He’s in control of everything and can bring calm just by speaking into a situation. Jesus asked the disciples, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ I never cease to be amazed by the faith of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.  Previously:   Last year was a very busy and fruitful year for me. I had over 40 speaking engagements and events across the Midlands and north of England, I spent a week exhibiting at the Keswick convention, and I also travelled to Northern Ireland for some helpful training.  If I haven’t visited your church yet (or if you would like me to visit again) please do get in touch. I still have some availability in 2024 and it would be great to hear from you.   Equally, if you would like to show a short Release International video clip in your church, or if you want to hold a special service focusing on persecuted Christians, we have lots of helpful resources to support you. Just get in touch and let me know how I can assist. Coming Up:   Artless Theatre Company’s fantastic If Prison Walls Could Speak production will be in our region again in September 2024. You can read an excellent review of a recent performance in Premier Christianity here. So far, we have the following dates confirmed:  Friday 6th September - Fernwood Community Church, Newark, Nottinghamshire.  Saturday 7th September - Jubilee Church, Hull.  We are looking for another five venues to host a performance in the north and Midlands area between Sunday 8th September and Thursday 12th September. If your church would like to host a performance, please do get in touch.  I wonder if you might consider organising a fundraising event or activity to support the work of Release International in 2024? We recently published an A-Z booklet of fundraising ideas to inspire you. This is available on our website or in hard copy – just let me know if you would like one posted. And do let me know if you decide to plan an event or activity so we can support you.  And finally, can I also draw your attention to our new appeal for Christians who are forced to flee? The appeal highlights the story of Pastor Luul, who was imprisoned in Eritrea for 14 years without charges. His wife and daughter had been forced to flee while he was in prison. When he was finally released in 2021, he escaped Eritrea, and was able to rejoin his family in the UK last year. Release International supports partners working with Christians across the world who have been forced to flee. I wonder if this is something you might consider promoting in your church or small group? You can read more about Luul’s story and find out how to give here. My confirmed engagements for the next period are listed below:   Saturday 21st April – Ludlow Elim Pentecostal Church  Saturday 18th May – Volunteers and supporters' event at Ebenezer Gospel Hall, Killamarsh nr Sheffield. All are welcome, to attend please book here.  Sunday 19th May – Mount Zion Independent Methodist Church, Wigan  Sunday 9th June – Hope Community Church, Wigston  Sunday 23rd June – Millpool Church, Birmingham  Pray: Give thanks for the ways in which God continues to sustain and bless the ministry of Release International.  Give thanks for all our international partners who work tirelessly to love and serve persecuted Christians, even in the most difficult of circumstances.  Please pray for my field trip to Nigeria in early summer.  Please pray for the extended Artless Theatre Company tour: that all who see this powerful play will be moved to stand with their persecuted Christian family.  As always, thank you so much for your ongoing prayers and support.  Allister du Plessis Engagement Manager, North & Midlands