“I wonder if there is a boy here who will . . . bring the gospel to the cannibals?” challenged a missionary in a letter to young James Chalmers’s church. James resolved to be that boy.

For almost eight years I have had the blessing of writing this blog for VOM and I can tell you that for me it's been one of the most wonderful journeys I have taken. Next week will be my last week updating this blog and so I thought I would share with you a few thoughts today since we'll be taking Monday and Tuesday off.

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.

Special thanks to our friends from The American Center for Law & Justice who not only got behind the cause to help free Pastor Youcef, which we saw earlier this year, but who are now helping to raise awareness of Pastor Saeed Abedini who has been in prison in Iran for being a Christian. Reports say he has been abused and that he is a convert from Islam to Christianity.

This week we have a little bit longer podcast that you'll want to tune in for. Learn the latest prayer requests from David and then hear some inspiring comments regarding the persecuted church, fear and hope. What is stronger fear or hope?

Every week we like to end the week by sharing with you some prayer requests for the persecuted church. This week is no different, and since Christmas is early next week I'd like to also ask you to remember to pray on Christmas for our dear brothers and sisters in Christ in restricted nations, since persecution on Christian holidays often increases. Please share these requests with praying friends and family.

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."

Yesterday Todd Nettleton appeared on In the Market with Janet Parshall to discuss the latest developments and news from the persecuted church worldwide. If you missed the show, you are still able to hear the archived podcast by simply clicking here to listen. (This link will open up the media player instantly)

It is Christmas time and what better time of the year than to consider giving a special gift to the persecuted church. I know many of us evaluate what we've given during the year and often make adjustments near the end of the year, which is why I thought I would tell you about a way that you can give a NON-CASH gift to The Voice of the Martyrs and the persecuted church.