The following suggestions have been given to me and I will pass them along for your use.

The letters should be:

1. brief and to the point.

2. polite and respectful.

3. honest, humble, sticking the known facts and not implying that you have more information than you do.

4. directed at the laws and constitution of the country of Belarus on behalf of pastor Georgi Viazovski, Christ Covenant Church and other evangelicals.

Below are some sentences you might use in writing to the authorities in Belarus.  Please do not copy them word-for-word, as this looks more like a campaign than a sincere and personal request.

Your letters matter!  Our brethren need to know we 'remember those who are bound as though we were bound with them'.  The authorities also need to know that people know what they're up to.  

-----------------------------------

Your Excellency,

It has come to our attention that Pastor Georgi Viazovski is being harassed by the police against Article 31 of your Constitution.  As the guarantor of that Constitution, we ask you to investigate the matter and see that freedom of religion is upheld.   

Honored Sir,

We were dismayed to learn that Protestant worship services are being disrupted in Belarus and that pastors are facing criminal charges for discharging their duties as Christian ministers.  We ask you to intervene on their behalf and see that their liberties are restored.  

Dear Sir, 

For more than ten years Christ Covenant Baptist Church of Minsk has ministered the Word of God and Sacraments without disrupting the peace or defying the legal authorities.  Now we hear that its services have been interrupted by the police and its pastor, Georgi Viazovski cited by the police.  We ask you to clear him of all charges and permit his church to resume its ministries.  

Most honorable ____,

It has come to my attention that your officials are seeking to close Christ Covenant Baptist Church in Minsk as an illegal church and to arrest its pastor, Georgi Viazovski for violations, which are assured by your constitution and the religious freedom law.

I understand that the constitution of Belarus guarantees religious liberty and freedom of thought and belief.  These actions seem to violate these principles and the law under which they are acting appears to be unconstitutional.

I urge you to investigate this situation and end the action against Christ Covenant Baptist church and its pastor, G. Viazovski and allow them to worship freely.

International postage is 84 cents for the first ounce.

Be sure to print "PAR AVION" on the front of the envelope.