This morning even before I read this latest news from VOM Media I was wondering what would happen if some government official came to my church and demanded that the worshippers deny Christ or get killed. I honestly wonder who would stand and who would fold...because I believe some will fold. Well, this morning VOM Media shares with us the lastest from Iran and how the Christians there are STANDING firm. Read on...

A few days ago, I read a Compass Direct News article about a high school teacher in Northern Nigeria who was beaten to death by Muslim students over claims that she desecrated the Quran. As I read the article, I experienced mixed emotions that ranged from shock, anger to disbelief. Compass reported, Christianah Oluwasesin, was supervising a final examination on Islamic religious knowledge when she collected papers, books and bags from the all-girls class and in accordance with school procedure, dropped them in front of the class to prevent cheating.

The following tidbit of news is from our friends at Mission Network News.

This morning I was at my churches weekly prayer meeting (yes, we did meet this week) and I was very encouraged as we got to pray for the persecuted church and the many trials our brothers and sisters face on on daily basis.

This morning I was listening to one of my favorite radio shows online - Wallbuilders Live with Rick Green and David Barton, and David Barton said something that really was a surprise. He said that American colleges are now persecuting Christians on campus. He also said that he doesn't use the term persecution lightly...which is why I thought I'd mention this to you today.

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.

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.

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.

Of late, I am reminded of the importance of an intimate relationship with Christ. I find myself in a privileged position to learn what our brothers and sisters in chains are experiencing. I cannot help but look at their challenges, especially the wives of martyred believers who in the midst of great grief stand faithful in their relationship with Jesus Christ. These faithful believers have such a deep understanding of the price that their loved ones have paid for their belief in Jesus Christ. They have such an intimate relationship with the Lord.