“He cannot come with us!” Paul insisted. “He is a coward and of no use to the ministry.”

UPDATED SATURDAY, APRIL 28 - Today I received the actual mailing address where you can send help if you are moved to. I hope you are.

Christian Today has an absolutely wonderful story about the widow who has forgiven her husbands killers. This is amazing love.

If you have a weak stomach or you visualize things easily - don't click the link below.

I have two friends who are missionaries in Turkey, and so when I read this news and also the horrific news from last week I always wonder if they are my friends. In this case, they aren't, but these stories have been bringing what my friends do closer to my heart. I admit, sometimes I forget the nation they chose to go to be witnesses in...well, what a wake up call these past few weeks have been.

Earlier this week Todd Nettleton appeared on Janet Parshall's America talking about the most recent stories in Christian persecution around the world. Todd discussed the recent three murders in Turkey, as well as mass arrests that have happened in China. You can hear a brief segment of the interview with Janet by clicking here. (Paid members can hear the full interview)

The following prayer request appeared in this weeks Persecution & Prayer Alert from VOM Canada. And I have to tell you that reading this request turned my stomach because of the trauma and horror this young girl has gone through, simply because of her faith in Jesus. I plea with you all to put Shaheena Masih, on your permanent prayer list. This young woman will have a lifetime of memories because of this evil incident and will have a long recovery. Here's her story...

Friends, everyday one of my purposes for this blog is so that you and I can make a positive difference in the lives of our persecuted brothers and sisters. Today I have a wonderful opportunity for you to do just that. Glenn Penner, our partner from VOM Canada has written a very important post about a family in Vietnam that could use our encouragement and support. After you read through this post, please take a few minutes to act and make a positive difference for this family. Also be sure to bookmark Glenn's blog and visit it daily. He always has some great commentary!

In Albania, the first self-declared atheist state in the world, a young Christian by the name of Valerii Nasaruk was arrested for boldly tattooing a cross on his hand. He wanted everyone to know from the first handshake that he stuck to his faith in God. Valerii was frustrated, however, by not being allowed to verbally tell others about God’s love.

A few years ago I had the honor of meeting Dr. Andrew Jackson at a GodBlogCon Conference here in California. Andy is a Pastor and a missionary and writes at the blog Smart Christian.