Pictured: Mary* painting a Christmas card in Turkey that is available for pre-order at Philoi’s Online Store. Proceeds will support her displacement journey.
Mary’s faith journey began in her late twenties when she became a Christian – a choice that changed her life forever. For three years she led a small house church in Karaj, near Tehran. Everything changed when the Iranian authorities raided the church in March, 2018.
Mary was interrogated and told to expect further contact from the Intelligence services. Fearing for her safety and after seeing the pastor of the church detained for two months, Mary knew she had to make the heartbreaking decision to leave her homeland.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, she never gave up. She found refuge in a city near Istanbul, Turkey, where she became part of a lively church community filled with other Iranian Christians. She started a hopeful new chapter of her life when she married in June 2019.
I recently had the honour of visiting Mary and her family in their apartment near Istanbul. We shared a meal and listened to their powerful story. Her home was filled with her beautiful artwork, each piece an emotional reflection of her faith and the struggles she has endured. For her, art has become a vital way to express her emotions and experiences, helping her find peace and strength. Now, you can bring a piece of Mary’s journey into your home with her Christmas card.
Inspired by Mary’s story, we asked her to create a Christmas card for the Philoi’s Christmas card collection. Her artwork captures the season’s joy and reflects the rich cultural heritage and deep faith that has guided her through her hardships. This card is more than just a festive greeting; it represents resilience, hope, and the enduring power of faith.
When you purchase Mary’s Christmas card, you share a message of joy with your loved ones while also supporting Mary’s journey and Philoi Global. Let Mary’s story of courage and creativity inspire you this holiday season as you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
You can pre-order this card HERE, and it will be delivered to you by mid-November. Other Christmas cards are available for immediate dispatch or can be ordered HERE
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE PERSECUTED CHURCH IN DISPLACEMENT:
$75 can provide a refugee family with emergency food rations, covering their basic needs.
$50 can fund a month’s worth of school fees or supply a school pack for a refugee child.
$150 can assist a refugee family with rent or cover medical expenses.
$9,000 can support a refugee family’s resettlement application or cover flights to a safer location in their home country.
Reach out to us for more information or any questions you may have. To give, click here.