During my visit to the churches among the Akha people of Thailand, I was gifted a unique messenger bag – a colorful cloth bag with a strap to hang on the shoulder. By the end of this journey, my wife and I had received 16 of these bags as gifts.

Different cultures offer various tokens of hospitality to visitors. In parts of Sri Lanka, you are welcomed with a garland of flowers, while in other places, a shawl is placed on your shoulders. However, the gift of this cloth bag was particularly unique.

Our Frontline director explained the bag’s significance. He illustrated how his community of Akha people is dispersed across five nations, facing seven borders. “Our people once gathered poppies grown for the opium trade and collected them into these bags to sell. For decades, that was our means of survival. It only led to our enslavement. When the Gospel came to our people, we were liberated. Now these bags carry Bibles. It’s our new identity as Christians.”

The Akha people no longer grow or sell opium. Instead, they carry Bibles on their shoulders. The bag has become a significant symbol of their changed lifestyle. Reliance on God has replaced reliance on the drug opium.

Tell us more about what we can do for you

https://alphaministries.com/gifts/frontline-messenger/

Stand with Refugees: A Call to Prayer and Support on World Refugee Day
Today is World Refugee Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and support for those around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict, or persecution. The plight of refugees is a global crisis, affecting millions of people, including more than 365 million Christians who suffer persecution and discrimination, often living as internally displaced individuals desperately seeking safety and assistance.

The Urgent Need for Prayer and Support
In countries like Myanmar and Pakistan, and in many regions like Manipur, India, Christians face severe persecution. They are forced to move from place to place, seeking refuge and support amidst unimaginable hardships. On this World Refugee Day, we are called to stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters in prayer and action.

Let us pray together for:

• All Refugees Fleeing Violence and Hardships: Pray for peace, protection, and provision as they navigate through the challenges of displacement and persecution.
• Christians Facing Persecution Globally: Pray for their safety, courage, and unwavering faith in the face of trials.
• Healing and Restoration: Pray for emotional and physical healing for those who have endured great suffering.
• Alpha Ministries: A Beacon of Hope
• Alpha Ministries is committed to supporting needy regions in the global south, where many face extreme hardships. Our MAPS (Mission Assisting the Persecuted Saints) program provides crucial support to those in desperate need. On this World Refugee Day, your gift can make a significant impact.

For an investment of any amount, you can help provide:

• Shelter: Safe housing for displaced families.
• Relief Kits: Essential food and supplies for daily sustenance.
• Medical Assistance: Healthcare services for those in need.
• Trauma Counseling: Emotional and psychological support for those suffering from severe distress.
• Join Us in Making an Impact
• Hebrews 13:3 reminds us to stand with the suffering in empathy through prayer and action. Your support can bring hope and healing to countless lives. Join Alpha Ministries today in showing the Body of Christ that we care deeply for them. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of persecuted Christians and refugees worldwide.

How You Can Help
Pray: Dedicate time to pray for refugees and persecuted Christians.
Provide Relief: Contribute to Alpha Ministries’ MAPS program to provide essential support.
Spread Awareness: Share this message with your community to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and the need for collective action.
On this World Refugee Day, let us unite in compassion and solidarity, bringing hope and relief to those who need it most. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

For more information and to make a donation, please visit Alpha Ministries.