By Matt Chancey

I recently received a notification that my colleague at Persecution Project, Ed Lyons, who works as our Director of Ministry Advancement, just celebrated the start of his 16th year with the organization.

Ed’s dedication to our persecuted brothers and sisters has always been an encouragement to me. But as much as I respect Ed and what he’s done for the organization, he would not be celebrating this anniversary without the long-time encouragement and faithful support of thousands of our ministry partners.

I think back at all the friendships made through the years, and I’m just overwhelmed at the team God has brought together spanning thousands of miles and even several continents, to be a special blessing to a largely forgotten segment of His flock in Sudan.

It’s a testimony to the truth found in that old hymn, “His Eye is on the Sparrow”

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

I spoke to Ed about this, and we decided to post some photos below of friends and other members of this “Fellowship of Active Compassion” we’ve been blessed to enjoy over the years. These folks behind the scenes are just some of the many thousands responsible for all the safe water wells repaired, medicine delivered, Bibles and blankets distributed, souls comforted, and hands lifted up in praise.

If you’re reading these lines, it’s because you are a part of this important Fellowship. We want you to know how grateful we are to be the conduits of your love and generosity towards our brothers and sisters in Sudan.

These pictures inspire us to continue to grow and persevere despite the difficulties and challenges of working in a very remote and unstable area of the world. We pray we can enjoy many more years of service together.