Contact: Amy Jo Jones, Christian Freedom International (CFI), 906-253-2336

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich., May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christian Freedom International (CFI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting persecuted Christians around the world, is celebrating the grand opening of its new handcraft store in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The store will operate in conjunction with the organization's "self-help," or microenterprise program, a venture that generates income for impoverished Christians in countries like Burma, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. CFI purchases quality handcraft items such as bags, clothing, jewelry, furniture and toys directly from Christian artisans, then resells the crafts in the United States and invests the proceeds in other CFI programs. In addition to shopping online through CFI's website (www.christianfreedom.org) or its catalog, customers will now be able to purchase handcraft items at the organization's storefront in Sault Ste. Marie.

Since its official separation from the Swiss-based humanitarian organization Christian Solidarity International in 1996, CFI has actively assisted thousands of Christians worldwide who are harassed, imprisoned, tortured, and martyred for their faith each year. The organization is headed by Jim Jacobson, a former White House policy analyst who served during the Reagan administration before assuming leadership of Christian Freedom International. CFI's other programs include the operation of schools, orphanages and medical clinics, Bible distribution, and political advocacy in Washington DC. In recent months, CFI also worked extensively with the U.S. State Department to assist in the resettlement effort that is now granting asylum to hundreds of persecuted refugees from Burma.

The handcraft store is located in CFI's recently established headquarters at 215 Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie. In addition to its microenterprise outlet, CFI also intends to use the building as the future site of the Center for Religious Freedom, a museum dedicated to raising awareness about the severity of Christian persecution.

For more information about CFI's microenterprise program or to request a catalog, call 1-800-323-2273 or visit www.christianfreedom.org.