This week I read a disturbing story reported by Compass Direct News, of Muslims in Nigeria who are kidnapping Christian teenagers and converting them to Islam. The news article chronicled the details of Victor Udo Usen, a 13-year-old and member of the Christ Apostolic Church , who was kidnapped in November 2006 in Sokoto, Nigeria. Even though I have heard of similar incidents in other places around the world, Victor’s story moved me with compassion. As a parent myself, I cannot imagine going through what his family has endured.

One of the ministries of The Voice of the Martyrs is Kids of Courage and this month I wanted to tell you about China's Secret School Room.

INDIA – On March 16, 2007 Pastor John Selvan and Brother Vijay were attacked by more than 30 Hindu extremists when they were returning home from conducting prayer meetings in Bhelahalli, Bangalore, India.

“Why is it that so many Christians sing only once a week? Why only once? If it is right to sing, sing every day. If it is wrong to sing, don’t sing on Sunday.”

This week I would like to thank all of the wonderful persecution bloggers who have taken the time to submit their entries. Get yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of water and take a few minutes reading through all of the entries. You will be blessed.

Every week we try our best to highlight important prayer requests so that you can pray and also let your churches pray. You may get these requests and more sent to your email box by visiting www.persecution.com .

Every once in awhile the ministry of The Voice of the Martyrs comes under criticism by people who hear about the ministry. Recently we came across a blogger that criticized Bibles Unbound for sending only New Testaments, and not whole Bibles. VOM’s Todd Nettleton posted a response to this blogger, who wrote that she wouldn’t support a program “that divides the Scriptures in half.” I thought that his response was worth re-posting here.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake - Phil 1:29

BANGKOK, March 13 (Compass Direct News) – A pastor, his two sons and another young man were reported missing on March 2 after they disappeared en route to a bus stop in Negombo, Sri Lanka. Pastor Victor Emmanuel Yogarajan, 51, from the Gospel Missionary Church in Vavuniya, along with his sons – Daniel Yogarajan, 22, and David Yogarajan, 20 – along with 20-year-old Joseph Sugandakumar, had stayed overnight in Negombo. Other members of Pastor Yogarajan’s family filed a missing persons’ report. Increased disappearances and a general climate of impunity are sparked by clashes between government forces and Tamil rebels.

Last week Todd Nettleton discussed this breaking news when we did our podcast. Today I wanted you to be able to read the story and pass it on to your friends.