Hi there, I am Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International – a charity that enables Christians in the UK and Ireland to engage with their persecuted brothers and sisters around the world by praying with them, by offering practical support and by learning lessons of true Christian discipleship with them.

A story of Godly courage

In my first week as CEO of Release, I met Obiora Ike, a pastor from Nigeria who told me how one evening some Islamist extremists came to his home seeking to kill him. They put a gun to his head to shoot him, but before they could, he asked them if he could kneel and pray.

Knowing this might be his last day on earth he prayed. Then suddenly something happened - the assassins decided to leave saying they could not kill a man of God.

What Pastor Obiora did was very courageous. But, the thing that impressed me the most is the fact that he still lives in the same house and continues to witness faithfully for Christ, knowing that more assassins could be sent again at any time.

Supporting those who are suffering for their faith

Over the last 2 years I have met many persecuted Christians like Pastor Obiora who have shared stories of their suffering and their joy of following Christ in adverse circumstances.

Often the people I met have been forced to flee their homes with nothing. Others have been thrown to prison for their faith. Many of them have endured many hardships or seen their loved ones being killed.

They are the people we help through our partners in over 30 countries of the world by providing food, shelter, medicine, legal aid, trauma counselling, and pastoral care.

A gift of courage and a gift of love

The persecuted Christians we help face tough challenges on a daily basis. And, they need our help and our prayers That is why on the 2nd of July 2016 I will be abseiling from the Northampton Tower – the tallest permanent abseil building in the world to raise awareness and funds for persecuted Christians. 

I love a challenge so I am looking forward to doing the abseil and to reaching my fundraising goal.

Please sponsor me today. Together we can help our brothers and sisters in Christ to rebuild their lives, grow strong in their faith and to share the good news.

Thank you and God bless you.