Release International
Founded in 1968, Release International is a UK-based Christian ministry, supporting believers around the world who are persecuted for Christ and the gospel.
We were inspired by the life and witness of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who spent 14 years in communist prisons. His remarkable story was captured in his book, Tortured for Christ.
The words of this biblical command are an important basis for our work:
‘Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated, as if you yourselves were suffering.' (Hebrews 13:3; NIV; 2011)
We are currently active in around 30 countries where, prayerfully, pastorally and practically, we seek to love and serve persecuted Christians.
Project details
Egypt is home to the largest Christian minority in the Middle East with around 10-12% of the population professing faith in Jesus. However, as a minority they face varying levels of discrimination and suffer poverty and lack of education, especially in the more rural areas of Upper Egypt. In local disputes with their neighbours, Christians are often blamed regardless of fault and in some cases have been forced to leave their homes. Working with a local partner, Release International's Operation Hope project serves Christian communities in Upper Egypt helping those who are facing extreme poverty and marginalisation. Families are provided with basic living needs such as beds, toilet facilities, kitchen appliances, food, and funds to help with construction of their homes. The project also helps families to establish micro-businesses so they can begin to support themselves, and it provides psychological and spiritual care through regular visits and discipleship programmes. The Operation Hope project aims to support 2,000 people in around 100 villages in Upper Egypt each year. Through the Guild's generous support multiple practical needs will be met; poverty will be alleviated; the impact of persecution and marginalisation will be reduced; Christian families will be assured of their value and given opportunities to build a future; and ultimately the wider Christian community in Upper Egypt will be established, strengthened, and enabled to flourish.