Standing together with the persecuted Church: Reflections from Encourage

On 20 June, Barnabas Aid welcomed supporters, church leaders, pastors, volunteers and friends for a day of worship, learning, fellowship and inspiration. The conference brought together people with a shared desire to stand alongside the persecuted Church and to hear first-hand how God is at work through His people in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.

Encourage 2026 began with refreshments, giving attendees the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and explore the exhibitions before gathering for worship. Rebekah Stupple, Regional Coordinator for South-East England and Master of Ceremonies for the day, warmly welcomed everyone and guided participants through the programme.

The conference opened with a moving time of worship led by My 2nd Chance, setting a Christ-centred tone for the day and reminding everyone that, despite the suffering faced by many believers around the world, our hope remains firmly rooted in Christ.  

As participants sang in faith, “Christ alone, cornerstone, He is Lord, Lord of all,” it served as a timely reminder that, at Barnabas Aid, all we do is ultimately for the Lord.

Love one another

Following worship, Michael Hewat, Chairman of Barnabas Aid International, welcomed delegates and reflected on the importance of standing with persecuted Christians. He drew on Matthew 25, emphasising our Biblical responsibility toward one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

“We take seriously our Biblical mandate, and how we respond to our brothers and sisters, especially those who suffer from the household of faith,” he said. Inspired by the call to care for “the least of these”, he reminded the attendees that we carry a responsibility towards our brothers and sisters, and that we will one day give account before the Lord.

Michael was followed by Colin Bloom CBE, CEO of Barnabas Aid International, who outlined the ministry’s vision and encouraged everyone to continue supporting vulnerable Christian communities through prayer, practical assistance and faithful partnership.

Drawing from “The Potter’s House” described in Jeremiah 18:1-10, Colin reflected on how God shapes His people.

“Jeremiah watched a potter shaping a vessel on his wheel,” explained Colin. “Yet as the vessel was being formed, something went wrong. The clay became marred and spoiled in the potter’s hands.

“For many of us, that image feels familiar. Because over recent years we have had to confront difficult realities within parts of the Barnabas Aid family. We discovered flaws that had become embedded within structures, systems and aspects of governance. Some of those flaws had existed for many years.

“Yet the most important lesson from Jeremiah’s story is not that the vessel was marred. It is that the potter did not give up. He did not discard the clay. He did not abandon the project. Instead, He patiently reworked it into a new vessel, shaping it as seemed best to Him.”

Barnabas Aid stronger than ever before

“Barnabas Aid today is stronger, more transparent, and more globally connected than at any point in its history,” continued Colin.

He also announced Scott Crosby’s appointment as National Director of Barnabas Aid USA and confirmed the Charity Commission’s appointment of Interim Managers for Barnabas Aid UK to support governance and reform.

The keynote address, “The Persecuted Church: Promise, Pressure and Perseverance,” was delivered by Steffan Jones, Regional Coordinator for Wales and South-West England.

Steffan spoke powerfully about God’s promises to His people, the pressures faced by Christians living under persecution, and the remarkable perseverance that continues to characterise the global Church.

He emphasised that persecution has been part of the Church’s reality from the very beginning and continues today in many forms, yet that hope is found in the way Christ leads His Church onward.

Supporting the global Church

Following the morning refreshments, attendees had opportunity to hear from Barnabas Aid partners from different regions of the world.

The session “Myanmar: Healing in the Midst of Conflict,” focused on how Christian communities continue to demonstrate hope and compassion despite ongoing violence and instability. Our partners provide essential healthcare services, including health clinics and surgical care in active conflict zones in Karen State.

“Nigeria: Church Under Fire” examined the devastating effects of religious persecution on Christian families and churches, while also highlighting the courage and steadfast faith of believers who continue to worship and serve Christ in dangerous circumstances.

Meanwhile, “Crisis in Sudan” offered an insightful overview of the humanitarian crisis and explaining how Barnabas Aid is providing emergency relief, shelter, food and hope for Christian refugees displaced by the ongoing civil war. The session also reflected on how God shapes His people in the midst of wilderness and desert places, and His faithfulness to refugees on their journey to neighbouring countries such as Egypt.

Delivering hope and aid

The afternoon began with a second series of breakout sessions.

“Iran: Behind the Veil” explored the hidden reality of Christians living under severe restrictions and shared encouraging accounts of how the Church continues to grow despite intense opposition. A partner presentation highlighted God’s work through theological and Biblical training programmes, the formation of students, pastoral counselling offered to learners, and the increasing participation of women in ministry contexts in Iran.

“Haiti and Cuba: Faith in the Eye of the Storm” explored how believers continue to minister faithfully amid political instability, economic hardship and natural disasters, demonstrating extraordinary trust in God. A third session detailed how, thanks to the faithful help of Barnabas Aid supporters, Barnabas Brekkies in Ghana are helping Christian families build sustainable livelihoods through practical agricultural training and community development initiatives.

Later in the afternoon, Mike Wisheart, International Chief Programmes Officer, presented an overview of Barnabas Aid’s international projects, demonstrating how faithful partnerships with local churches are transforming lives around the world through practical, Christ-centred support. Members of Barnabas Aid’s leadership team also hosted an open Question and Answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions about Barnabas Aid’s vision, future strategy, and ministry priorities while hearing more about the organisation’s plans for the years ahead.

Attendees also visited the exhibition displays, spent time at the prayer wall, and continued conversations sparked by the morning sessions. Many prayed together.

Encouragement and gratitude

Spyridon Papas-Taktikos, UK & Ireland National Director, brought the conference to a close with words of encouragement and gratitude. He reminded attendees that standing with the persecuted Church is not simply an act of compassion but a Biblical calling that reflects the unity of the body of Christ.

The impact of the conference was evident in the conversations that continued throughout the day.

“I came expecting to learn about persecution, but I left inspired by the courage of Christians around the world,” reflected one young attendee. “It made me realise how connected we are as one Church, and I want to pray much more intentionally for those who suffer for their faith.”

A pastor also shared, “This conference has encouraged me both personally and pastorally. The stories we heard were challenging, but they were also full of hope.

“I leave with a renewed commitment to help my congregation understand the realities facing the persecuted Church and to stand with our brothers and sisters through prayer and practical support.”

We thank everyone who attended, volunteered, prayed and helped make 20 June such a meaningful gathering. May the stories shared continue to inspire us to remember those who suffer for Christ and remain faithful partners in God’s global mission.