Now that 2011 is winding down and almost over, I wanted to share a few thoughts about the Christians that we all read about and hear about every day, as we blog about this for you. I’ve had the privilege of blogging about Christian persecution for almost seven years and each year it is amazing to me how much Christians are persecuted worldwide. I know by now I shouldn’t be shocked, but there are still days that I look through the news and I am shocked…

North Korea (MNN) ? North Korea sent off their "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il in a massive ceremonial farewell Tuesday. At the same time, North Korea moved to strengthen a new personality cult around Kim's son and successor, Kim Jong-Un.

Given the horrific murders of Christians this week in Nigeria, I found this article, posted at CNSNews.com concerning how Muslims see the use of suicide bombings versus other forms of terrorism, an interesting read. Apparently, while some in the Islamic world have condemned the horrific murders of Christians, many Muslims have not.

It’s not every day that one may read a comic that remembers the persecuted Church. This year, Bruce Tinsley, creator of the comic Mallard Fillmooore, shared with his readers the following wonderful message. Thank you, Bruce!

We are so thankful that The Christian Post has picked up the news that our new Kids of Courage VBS curriculum is available to teach children about the reality of Christian persecution.

Christmas in Nigeria was a bloodbath in one town, as we reported on earlier this week. Sadly, today we are hearing the news that a toddler was murdered today in the Christian dominated village where the early Christian massacres recently took place.

I saw this important post over on the China Aid blog a few days ago, but due to the holidays didn’t have a chance to share it with you until today. As you know, if you’ve read this blog for any length of time, we’ve asked for your prayers for Gao Zhisheng and invited you to sign our petition at http://www.freegao.com. Thank you to all of you who have supported Gao through your prayers and support this past year. As you read the letter that Gao’s wife has written, please pray for her strength as well as for all of Gao’s family.

USA (MNN) ? This isn’t your typical, everyday Sunday school lesson. No fluff or watering-down can be found in this latest Vacation Bible School curriculum.