Barnabas Aid exists to help persecuted, suffering and marginalised Christians around the world.
Jesus Christ taught that His followers would be persecuted.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death,” the Lord told His disciples, “and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” – Matthew 24:9
All believers face some degree of opposition and hostility. For many throughout history, and around the world today, this has taken the form of violent persecution.
Christians imprisoned for their faith. Christians attacked and killed by terrorists. Christians forced to flee their homes and land.
“There will always be believers who endure persecution for their faith”
Throughout the history of the Church, an estimated 70 million believers have been martyred. In the twenty-first century, between 100,000 and 160,000 are killed for their faith each year – a number that seems to be on the rise. Christians are persecuted in more than 60 countries.
This persecution includes more than just violence. In places such as Pakistan, believers are denied opportunities for education, training and employment. In Myanmar, Christian communities may be excluded from the distribution of aid. Across the Middle East and North Africa, our brothers and sisters – especially converts from Islam – are barred from worshipping together.
There will always be believers who endure persecution and discrimination for their faith. Our vision is to support and encourage every single persecuted, suffering or displaced Christian wherever they are in the world. That’s why Barnabas Aid exists.
Barnabas Aid has more than 30 years’ experience of providing practical support to Christians in contexts of persecution and poverty.
Our decades of work, in-depth research, and links to churches and Christian ministries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere ensure that we are well placed to act effectively and flexibly in love and compassion.
We direct our efforts along four primary missional activities:
We equip vulnerable believers with relevant education and godly leadership skills, enabling them to build healthy churches and strong civic institutions.
When our brothers and sisters are in danger or need, we will supply appropriate aid and practical support. Decisions to send aid always take into account the long-term implications of our actions.
To foster resilience, we support initiatives that empower suffering Christians. We partner with Christian-led ministries, businesses, farms and cooperatives to promote self-sustainability and reduce reliance on external aid.
We speak up on behalf of suffering and persecuted Christians, making their needs known and funding projects to provide legal advice and assistance.
Persecution isn’t a Barnabas Aid problem. It’s a Church problem. As the collective body of Christ, we are called to meet the needs of our suffering family all over the world.
At Barnabas, we believe that our prayers are “powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Praying is the most practical, most unceasing thing we can do for our brothers and sisters.
We pray for an end to their suffering, and that God would transform the hearts of their persecutors, as He did when Saul became Paul. Our heart is to equip supporters to pray knowledgeably for the persecuted Church.
Financial generosity provides tangible support to vulnerable believers worldwide. 100% of donations given to a specific project or appeal are delivered directly to that project or appeal, allowing us, with your help, to bless the lives of hundreds of thousands of persecuted Christians each year.
Ready to act on behalf of our persecuted family? Barnabas offers many ways you and your community can get involved with the ministry, whether hosting a Barnabas Brekkie, volunteering at your church, organising a prayer group – and more.
