"We're not fighting against Communists. We're not fighting against Muslims. We're not even fighting against drug traffickers. We're fighting against 'the God of this world.' The Scriptures call him the serpent or the devil."

One of VOM's contacts from Colombia is sharing about the history of the country and the church there, and how God called him specifically to reach out to the Marxist guerillas there, and then delivered him into a FARC camp by allowing him to be kidnapped by guerillas.

"Sarah" is a Christian from China who has spent a total of six years in prison because of her work as a traveling evangelist. She said that suffering was just a part of her life, not even uncommon. She has been beaten and kicked, handcuffed, and shocked with electric batons. Chinese police grabbed her hair and used it to strike her head against the wall. One even put the shock baton into her mouth, which was then filled with blisters.

Bob Fu of the China Aid Association is sharing about the situation for Christians in China. Right now he is showing for the first time in public a video smuggled out of China that shows a Public Security Bureau officer interrogating Christians last March 23. Eighty house-church pastors were arrested and interrogated, but they managed to film a part of the group interrogation! The PSB leader told these church leaders that he had read the Bible more than they had!

The VOM National Mission Conference began 25 minutes ago..."WEAR THE CROWN."

This week we have a few great posts about persecution and faith that I hope you find a blessing. Let us begin the 6th carnival with a post from Sheryl who blogs about the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage program.

The following devotion is taken from the book Extreme Devotion. As I read through this devotion tonight, I was reminded of something I often tell people when I am feeling like I need Jesus close to me. I tell them, "Sometimes God has your face." If you've ever struggled with doubt or despair, and wandered through a valley of tears, then I think this devotion will touch your heart.

This week the VOM "Wear the Crown" conference is SOLD OUT! We are so happy to see that the Lord has blessed this conference and I wanted to just ask you all to pray for the time all the leaders, speakers and missionaries to the persecuted who will be at this awesome event.

UPDATE 1:04 PM (June 21st) - Here is the podcast url if you are listening via iTunes. Download here.