Editor's note: Each day VOM's Reader Services office gets phone calls, letters and emails from readers across the U.S. and around the world. Today we want to share one of those letters, which came to us from Mary Ann:

In prisons around the world Christians are suffering today because of their Christian faith Farshid Fathi in Iran. Eva Abdallah in Tanzania. Asia Bibi in Pakistan. They are praying and dreaming of the day they’ll be released; the sweet moment they’ll be reunited with their families.

Egypt (MNN) ? The clash was inevitable.

Since it's that time of year when we all get out our Christmas lists and decide what we want to buy for our friends and loved ones, this year I thought, why not consider giving a few gifts from The Voice of the Martyrs bookstore. Not only will you have a great selection of great gifts, which are designed to strengthen your faith and deepen your walk with Christ, but when you buy your gifts from VOM, you also support our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need of help.

"So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth." Job 5:16

North Korea (MNN) ? For the 10th straight year, North Korea tops the Open Doors World Watch List as the country where Christians face the most severe persecution.

Today I'd like to ask you to take action and write a letter of encouragement to Farshid Fathi. We've shared Farshid's story with you before, but I think it's important to remind you of the opportunity you have to be an encouragement to him while he's in prison.

Following the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, persecution escalated. Persecution has intensified even more in recent days.