Nigeria (MNN) ? A shootout in northeast Nigeria Sunday claimed six lives, three of them members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, suspected of cultivating links with Al Qaeda.

Last week we challenged you to join us in helping us write 12,000 letters to Pastor Youcef who is in prison and has received a death sentence for being a follower of Jesus Christ. This week I am happy to share that 113 more letters have been written to Pastor Youcef and I'm convinced we can reach our goal.

Last year, you may recall that The Voice of the Martyrs launched our wonderful Persecution Workshop classes that are designed to educate, encourage and equip Christians with an understanding of what is happening with Christians worldwide.

Eleven orphans in Laos who were threatened with expulsion from a government school because of their Christian faith have continued to attend church. They slip away one by one on Sunday mornings and walk to church unnoticed.

It was like no protest the world had ever seen. Most riots around the world are violent, with slogans being yelled, signs and banners being waved, and even rocks being thrown. But on May 16, 1966, five hundred Soviet Baptists gathered in the courtyard of the Communist Central Committee. However, unlike most protestors, they did not shout slogans or demands.

Yet another Islamist attack on a church and a violent reaction Christian youth provide more evidence that Nigeria is closer than ever to sliding into a religious civil war. Thus far, authorities have been unable to stem the tide of violence, and in some cases, officials themselves are biased by their religious persuasions. Nigerian Christians are split between wanting to fight back and trying to follow Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek.

Just in time for your weekend, we have a short Persecution Podcast that will equip you with the latest information you can bring to your friends and church members to pray for. Click here to listen to the show.

Today I thought that I would give you a recap of the stories we shared with you this week, just in case you missed something. We have so much to pray for and rejoice in the Lord over. Please share this with your friends and family who care about the persecution of Christians around the world.

Imagine with me for a moment that you're a parent and your daughter ends up missing. This is your flesh and blood, kin, your future. Like most parents you've dreamed of seeing her have children and watching your grandchildren grow up, as you rest and retire in to your older years.