The most popular shirt on the website is Rope! It has almost 100 views (UPDATE: it now has more than 200 views!!); and it has been the most popular since the beginning of www.shopnewwine.com.
I thought it would be cool to highlight this shirt and give you guys a bit of insight into the meaning behind it.
The ORIGINAL Rope design, still awesome 🙂
I was inspired by a quote I read in Voice of the Martyrs newsletter; a man named Tahir Iqbal, living in Pakistan, was about to be killed for his faith in Jesus Christ. He said “I changed because I found the Truth. I will kiss the rope that hangs me, but I will never deny my faith.”
I have found few things about Tahir, including this article, which includes some more information about his life, how he came to Christ and his death. I couldn’t believe that a man who was by all accounts, a Muslim, converted to Christianity, and would DIE for Jesus. I don’t even know how many ‘Christians’ out there would rather die than give up Jesus.
The article above says Mr. Iqbal was starved to death (or died under some other suspicious circumstances), however Voice of the Martyrs reports he was hung, which explains the statement that started all this.
Whatever the case, I set to designing the shirt. A black shirt so it wouldn’t distract from the design, and simple bold colors to make everything stand out. The rope, of course, on the neckline – which is a rare occurrence for a shirt, because all over or ‘large prints’ go outside the normal range of printing. And a red kiss on the rope. So effortless, yet very powerful. After adding the quote and Mr. Iqbal’s name, I thought it was very necessary to add his location. It’s one thing for a Christian in a freely Christian environment to say that, but it’s a totally different ball game when this person is living in a Christian-hostile environment. I mean, he was refused representation from his Muslim people because he had “turned away”, ‘blasphemed”, and left the ‘true faith’.
But this man knew that the Truth is Jesus Christ, and that if he had faith in the true Lord, he would be saved no matter what. So he boldly proclaimed this fact – the truth changed me, how can I turn back now?
After I designed the shirt, I made up my mind all the profits should go to VOM, for their many amazing ministries. They send church supplies to churches in hostile areas, provide legal counsel and care for families who have loved ones in jail, provide necessities and schooling to children in hostile areas, along with tons of other stuff. (Find out more at www.persecution.com)
I strongly encourage all of you to check out VOM and contribute in any way you can. We have Christian brothers and sisters out there who are suffering in ways we can’t imagine (rape, torture, bombings, arsons) just to have the right to worship the way we do; in a secure sanctuary, with a Bible, in front of our God and friends.
Please pray for these people, they are continually brave and are great ministers of the Gospel.
If you would like to purchase this tee in support of VOM’s work, you can do so on New Wine’s website www.shopnewwine.com!
NEW WINE 