Throughout history, Christians have utilized persecution as an avenue for ministry. Persecution can place us in situations where we would not normally be or want to be. When we are put in prison or taken to court for our faith, we have a venue that is not normally ours to utilize. We are thrust behind enemy lines where we can minister. Erwin McManus writes in The Barbarian Way: If Christ has won our heart, he will lead us “to advance forward behind enemy lines to win the hearts of those who do not yet know Him or love Him” (Barbarian, 13-14).

Recently, I heard a story from a friend of mine about an old Romanian pastor who he met during one of his travels. He noticed that the pastor was hobbling along and could barely walk; his feet were clearly crippled.

Grief, Rage after Pakistan Church Suicide Bombing

Al-Shabaab has publicly said that they are responsible for the attack on a shopping mall in Kenya. But the group has now had a fatwa issued against it in Somali, the country in which it was founded and in which it has the largest presence. Mission Network News interviewed VOM's Todd Nettleton last week (before the mall attack) about the Fatwa and what it means.

Last month, I shared how I felt like a project when my Muslims friends try to convert me. But what if I turn the tables and ask myself: Should I, as a Christian, convert Muslims?

When Joshua sent two spies to view the land of Jericho, they hid in the house of Rahab the harlot. Rahab’s house was built along the wall of Jericho, a wall constructed to prevent illegal passage of unwelcome visitors. When the king heard the Israeli spies were in town, he immediately sent word to Rahab. He instructed her to bring forth the spies, who had entered her home.

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart” (Psalm 32:10, 11).

Earlier this year VOM announced its second video contest, inviting our readers and others to help us spread the message of the persecuted church through their video skills. The first video contest was to promote signatures on the Call For Mercy petition drive for the release of Asia Bibi in Pakistan.

In the sixteenth century, King Philip II took a hard line against those who would try to interpret Scripture for themselves. Anyone found studying the Bible during this time was hanged, burned at the stake, drowned, torn in pieces, or buried alive.