My heart has been heavy as I read and hear news reports of IS (the Islamic State) giving Christians in Mosul an ultimatum to convert to Islam, pay a high tax (jizya), flee or die. More recently, IS released a video, in which they announced a threat, "Our message to the entire world is that we are the soldiers of the Caliphate state and we are coming." So much of what we are seeing unfold in the Middle East characterizes what has happened to Christians throughout history in that region as well as other restricted nations. As I reflect on this, I am reminded of five truths that are important to remember, in order to keep our eyes focused on what's eternal (Col. 3:2).

The Muslim world is in the midst of celebrating Ramadan, the most holy time on the Islamic calendar. For Christians this is a strategic time to pray for Muslims around the world to come to know Jesus Christ in a personal way.

While VOM staff consistently work with Christian media outlets to tell the stories of persecuted believers around the world, it is sometimes frustrating that secular media outlets rarely delve into such stories.

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

The Voice of the Martyrs has distributed Action Packs to persecuted Christians in countries like Iraq, Pakistan and Sudan for many years. These care packages, filled or sponsored by Christians in the United States, contain clothing, bedding, toiletries and other items of need. Now our front-line workers in and around Syria want to share these packs with Muslim, Syrian refugees as a demonstration of Christ’s love for them. They believe these packs will help open the door for the gospel. We are excited to come alongside these faithful Christians in this incredible outreach opportunity, and we invite you to help us equip these front-line workers. Through a network of workers in and around Syria, VOM hopes to distribute 10,000 Outreach Packs. You can join us in one of two ways:

As I have learned more and more about Islam, I’ve often wondered what its appeal is to people. Islam is growing rapidly, partly because so many people are born into the Muslim faith, but also because so many people are converting to Islam.

We were privileged this week to have a visit from Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the president of Iran Alive Ministries. Dr. Hormoz shares with millions of Iranians around the world each week via satellite television, and receives calls back from hundreds of viewers. Some report amazing miracles and the fact that they are now following Jesus. Some call to argue or to threaten. Here are some highlights from his visit to VOM as he talked about the growth of the church in Iran.

Throughout 2013, "Anna" has written posts for the PersecutionBlog about friendship, culture, and Kingdom-living from her home in the Middle East. We have re-posted some of these blogs during this Christmas week. In this final post in the Moving Toward Muslims series, Anna challenges us to take what we've learned and put it into action.

Throughout 2013, "Anna" has written posts for the PersecutionBlog about friendship, culture, and Kingdom-living from her home in the Middle East. This Christmas week, as we celebrate a Savior who came to earth to save Muslims (and everyone else), we thought it might be good to review some of the lessons Anna has shared with us throughout the year. Tomorrow we’ll have a brand-new post from Anna, her final post for 2013.

Merry Christmas!