Newtown Friends Meeting will join millions of Americans across the country in uniting on the one-year anniversary of the Congressional declaration that massacres in the Sudan are genocide during a National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection. Thousands of religious congregations across the United States, with more than a million worshippers, will offer prayers for the people of Darfur, Sudan, from July 15 to 17.

Special Prayer Proclamation: National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection for Darfur, Sudan. Earlier this month, Congress passed resolutions introduced by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Rep. Donald M. Payne (D-NJ), declaring July 15-17, this weekend, as a National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection for Darfur, Sudan. The nearly unanimous, bi-partisan votes, calls upon Americans everywhere to pray for the suffering people of Darfur and for an end to the genocide taking place in Sudan.

Imagine teaching Sunday school and having "Happy Week" only to be accused of paying off children to renounce their Muslim religion. Well, imagine no longer because this is what this case is about.

If you're reading this blog then my guess is that you like reading blogs. But how would you feel if our government said that you couldn't have a blog of your own to express your political or religious views? Well, in China this IS the case. And I think it's just another form of persecution that we can help overcome which is why the Adopt a Chinese blog program was formed.

Human Rights Watch tells us the sad story of a man who was arrested under false charges - attacking his government - and who is now suffering a medical condition that could end his life. The dissident, Akbar Ganji, went on a hunger strike because of being treated unfairly - being persecuted in other words, and has lost 40 pounds as a result.

Last week I shared with you the story about the Chinese defector who left the Chinese Communist Party. Today I'd like you to read this story from the Epoch Times which details his reasons why.

I have a confession to make - I'm really lousy at loving my enemies, and being patient when I am wronged. I'm sure I'm not alone in this, since as an American we have so much and take so much for granted. Most frequently, we take our religious freedom for granted. We forget the power in our faith. We often forget the reason for needing a Savior. But the good news is that despite that, Jesus continues to love us and spur us on to what is right.

Today I wanted to remind you that Voice of the Martyrs has a great ministry to the prisoners called Prisoner Alert . This is one of the most powerful ministries you can engage in because your letters have the power to influence and get some of these dear believers out of prison for their faith in Jesus.

Compass Direct has the following story as a result of the recent London bombings.

Tom Barrett at American Daily has written an excellent article detailing the persecution of Christians.