One of the signs of the end times is found in Matthew 24:9 where Jesus is answering the disciples when they ask Him what will be the signs of the times when His return is close. After Jesus tells them about how there will be wars and rumors of wars, and end time deception, among other things - He says,“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me".

Four Christians were given suspended prison sentences recently for opening a place of worship without a license in the eastern region of Kabylia, Algeria, according to Asia News.

One of the passions of my heart is to educate fellow believers about the plight of Christians worldwide who are undergoing serious forms of persecution because they believe in the Jesus of the Holy Bible. One very effective way of helping people to understand what is happening to Christians worldwide is by giving them a copy of The Voice of the Martyrs Global Report 2011.

I would like to personally thank all of you for being faithful in praying for and supporting the persecuted church. I know many of you read these posts on Twitter and on our Facebook page, and we want you to know that each and every one of you is valued and appreciated by us here at The Voice of the Martyrs.

International (MNN) ? Governments in India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Indonesia, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have boosted security during the fourth week of Advent.

INDONESIA -- House Churches Closed -- VOM ContactsOn Dec. 12, seven house churches were forcibly closed in West Java, Indonesia, by Muslim extremists who claimed the buildings were being used for "illegal church meetings," according to VOM contacts. Between 200 and 300 extremists from the Islam Protector Front, Moslem Forum and Islamic Reformation Movement gathered outside the houses and demanded to inspect the buildings. The extremists said the buildings, which were being used by the Protestant Batak Christian Huria Church, could not be used for Christian worship services, and they told the congregation to meet elsewhere. The owners of the houses were told they could remain in their homes but could no longer open their homes for Christian worship services. Ask God to use this incident to strengthen the members of this church. Pray that they will demonstrate Christ’s love to those who oppose them and that their faith will be a light that helps guide others to the Lord. Pray that persecuted Christians in Indonesia will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in faith and not grow weary or lose heart.Hebrews 10:32-39CHINA -- Worship Service Raided in Hunan Province -- China Aid AssociationChinese authorities raided a house church on Dec. 12 in the city of Changsha, Hunan Province, according to China Aid Association. Dozens of believers from the Hope Church in Changsha were gathered for worship when police officers and government officials arrived and forced them to disperse. Authorities confiscated several items belonging to the church, including the podium, chairs and air conditioner. Pastor Zing Jinfu and Minister Le were taken to a local police station and questioned for a couple of hours before being released. Pray that members of the Hope Church will be encouraged to continue worshiping together despite government harassment. Ask God to embolden all believers in China to proclaim their faith boldly and demonstrate God’s love to others in the nation.Hebrews 10:23-25INDIA -- Priest Attacked -- VOM ContactsOn Dec. 16, Fr. Thomas Chirattavayalil was attacked by a group of unknown men at his parish house, according to VOM contacts. When Fr. Thomas opened the door of the parish house, armed assailants wearing masks hit him on the head and continued to beat him as they chased him. Fr. Thomas sustained two deep wounds on his head and also received injuries to his shoulder and other parts of his body. Pray that Fr. Thomas will recover completely and that the assailants will be brought to justice.Psalm 91:1-5

I am so thankful for those in the media who are not involved in the daily work of ministering to the persecuted church because when I see people in the media who don't normally cover the issue of Christian persecution, actually cover the issue of Christian persecution, it means so much.