What Really is Persecution?

Recently I posed the question on my other blog asking the question What Are You Being Persecuted For? and among the responses I got to my question I was asked how I define persecution.  At first glance I honestly couldn't believe I was being asked that question, and I referred them back to this site.  However, upon further reflection I guess I can see how someone who leads a different lifestyle than me would want to know.  Do I think that being called names is persecution?  How about someone who has a different opinion or worldview than I - is that persecution?  Or is being raped, killed, defamed, ridiculed, beaten, decapitated, spit on, scourged, burned alive, or reviled, discriminated against at work, and all because I believe in Jesus the only persecution?

Well, in today's unbelievable relavistic society I suppose it would be safe to say that we can make persecution whatever we'd like.  However, the reality is that the things I mentioned above are being done to those who profess a faith in the name of Jesus Christ and Him alone.

So today I wanted to share with you some prayer requests from the VOM Canada Prayer Alert this week that are unfortunately more examples of this type of persecution.