VOM staff members have been encouraged by the amazing response to the “I-am-N” t-shirt VOM offered last month. Thousands of American Christians have chosen to stand with our Christian brothers and sisters facing Islamic extremism in Iraq and Syria by publicly wearing the Arabic “N” shirts.
The Arabic letter “N” (nun), from the Arabic word nasara (meaning “Nazarene” to indicate Christians), has been painted on homes of Christians Raqqa, Syria, Mosul, Iraq, and other cities taken over by by an organized terrorist group called IS (Islamic State). The symbol on the homes allows IS to target the Christians for expulsion from their homes so that IS members can take them over. Christians who don’t submit or flee face death.
Last month VOM introduced a t-shirt with that same symbol on it, and Christians around the nation have jumped at the chance to publicly mark themselves in solidarity with Christians marked by IS. Wearing the shirt also provides direct help to Christians in the region, as $10 from the purchase price of each shirt goes directly to support Christians facing persecution from radical Islamic groups.
The shirt also provides an opportunity to be a witness and to share your heart for persecuted Middle East Christians with your Christian friends…or to share the plight of Middle East Christians and the gospel with unbelievers.
But it isn’t just individuals. Churches also are taking up the challenge.
Pastor Matt Richardt of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has implemented an I-am-N challenge. The challenge consists of 80 members of his congregation who purchased an I-am-N shirt. They will make a video wearing their shirts and challenge another congregation to do the same. Gloria Dei is excited to help Iraqi Christians in this capacity and have high hopes that this video and the challenge to support Christians in the Middle East will become a viral phenomenon.
Owasso First Assembly of God in Owasso, OK took up the challenge as well. They invited each member of the congregation to wear an N shirt or hold up an N sign, then took a picture which they posted on their web site and on their Facebook page.
One of our international staffers shared today that Iraqi Christians are aware of this effort and are so encouraged as they know American Christians are standing with them in their trials.
You can order your I-Am-N shirt and give online to support Christians in the Middle East at www.I-Am-N.com.
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