Pastor Wurmbrand worked his way through the others prisoners to where another pastor sat motionless on the floor. He had just been thrown into the cell. He was badly beaten. Wurmbrand did not know if he would survive the night.

Today I read a very interesting article from The Associated Press entitled

The following news byte is from our friends at Mission Network News.

Compass Direct released this news story today and as I read through the account and even how the police initially reacted when the Pastor tried to file a report with them about his daughter's rape it is hard not to feel outraged.

Earlier this week Compass Direct posted a news story about another church in Turkey being threatened by armed men. Here's the beginning of the CD article...

If all mankind had been righteous and only one man a sinner, Christ would have come to endure the same cross for this one man. He so loves every individual.

UPDATED: Via Drudge: Aid workers fear death toll in Burma may top 50,000

On May 11, 2005 Evangelist Girmay Ambaye, was arrested by security police in Eritrea for witnessing about Christ to people on a city bus. It is the third time Ambaye has been imprisoned for his faith in the last few years. Please send a letter of encouragement and let Evangelist Ambaye know that you are praying for him and other persecuted believers in Eritrea. Let your friends know about the suffering Christians in Eritrea and encourage them to pray and write to Ambaye. Your letters make a difference sometimes resulting in shorter prison sentences. Write to Evangelist Ambaye today and let him know you are praying for him. Write today by clicking here http://www.prisoneralert.com

I am not sure how many of you have heard this terrible news, but there has been a tremendous tragedy in the nation of Burma, also known as Myanmar. You may also not be aware but the Christian population of Burma is estimated at about 4%, mostly being Baptists and Catholics. And we have mentioned the persecution of Christians there before.

UPDATED 5/8 - I just wanted to come in here and give you an update on the conference. Yesterday my husband and I received news that the airline we were using to get to Oklahoma cancelled our flights, and in order to reroute our trip to Oklahoma at this late date the cost is way to high. We prayed about what we should do, and it appears right now that we will not be going to the conference afterall. However, you should still go!