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)

Ribur was beaten and locked in jail for 60 days because she talked about Jesus.

Gloria is just 30, three years younger than I am. She was 26 when her husband was murdered and she was left to raise two kids on her own.

In prisons around the world Christians are suffering today because of their Christian faith Farshid Fathi in Iran. Eva Abdallah in Tanzania. Asia Bibi in Pakistan. They are praying and dreaming of the day they’ll be released; the sweet moment they’ll be reunited with their families.

Today I'd like to ask you to take action and write a letter of encouragement to Farshid Fathi. We've shared Farshid's story with you before, but I think it's important to remind you of the opportunity you have to be an encouragement to him while he's in prison.

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

A draft constitution was passed today by Egypt's constituent assembly, after many representatives—including Coptic Christians—had left the room to protest the process. Several articles of the constitution raise concerns for Christians who fear that more persecution may be coming in Egypt under President Mohamed Morsi's government.

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.

We have shared numerous times about the plight of Pastor Benham Irani who is suffering for his faith in Christ, while in an Iranian prison and today I wanted to just remind you about him and ask you to write a letter and pray for him and his family.