Eastern Lightning is a cult offshoot of Christianity in China. They believe that God has returned to earth as a woman, "born to an ordinary family in the Northern part of China" to guide mankind for the third and last time.

Todd Nettleton, a spokesman with Voice of the Martyrs USA, says it's the one time of year Christ is openly part of community celebrations. "In a lot of those countries, a Christmas morning worship service is a very common thing. It's a part of the Christmas festivities; it's a part of the Christmas morning." It's also a time of increased threats, harassment, and fear, he explains. "You have the church gathered together; http://www.biblegateway.com/they have a worship service. The challenge is: that can become a target."

This year we have shared countless stories about the persecution of Christians in Orissa which is considered the "Hindu Heartland". Mission Network News along with Morning Star News share a report that is stunning to any American who may not realize that the police in India do not necessarily aim to protect and serve like the police do in America. The contrast is very striking. Consider praying for the police in India as you read how they are joining in persecuting Christians in India.

Egypt (MNN) ? The clash was inevitable.

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.

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

Somalia (MNN) ? As if in answer to the capture of 300 Al-Shabaab members last month in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, the attacks on civilians have gotten more extreme and more public.

The Coptic Patriarch is a highly-respected spiritual leader of about 8 million Coptic Christians living in Egypt. His role is significant for Christians seeking to cope with religious and social discrimination as the Islamist-majority parliament drafts a new Egyptian constitution.

Nigeria (MNN) ? A decade ago, Christians in Nigeria worried about persecution on an annual basis, says Voice of the Martyrs USA. But in 2012, they're being attacked nearly every week. Even the simple act of attending church on a Sunday puts a believer at risk.

Burma (MNN) ? In recent days, Burma's army shot a 7-year-old boy before opening fire on a Kachin refugee camp near the border of China. Dyann Romeijn with Vision Beyond Borders says this isn't the first time soldiers have shot at refugee camps.