Washington, D.C: September 22, 2010. (PCP) International Christian Concern (ICC) is launching the first persecution-based campus chapter at the University of Maryland, College Park. “Many students were not aware of the issue of religious persecution,” said club President Jessica Ford. “They thought that worldwide religious freedom was like here in America. When they realized the terrible circumstances some Christians live under, they wanted to assist and learn more.” The campus chapter will have its kick-off meeting on September 23, from 1-2 pm in the Stamp Student Union. All students are welcome regardless of religious background. After the initial meeting the chapter will focus on educating members about the issue, and then increasing campus awareness of persecution. The chapter also plans on partnering with the ICC special blessing campaign by gathering gifts for orphans. “Even though there are around 27 Christian clubs on campus, they are all focused on Bible study or a specific denomination. To date there isn’t one with the mission of helping persecuted Christians overseas. We are changing that,” said Jessica. ICC’s President, Jeff King, stated, “We are so excited to celebrate the launch of the first ICC campus chapter at UMCP. College students around the country have been trying to do this for years and seeing this finally happen is a huge boost to religious freedom. I think college students are a large untapped resource in helping their vulnerable brothers and sisters around the world.”