The bible is the world's most popular holy book, and once again, approximately 600 New Testaments were burned when they were discovered in a routine border inspection.

Despite international criticism, it appears unlikely that Pakistan will amend or repeal its controversial blasphemy laws. The laws impose severe penalties, including the possibility of a death sentence, on those found guilty of insulting Islam. In 2010, Christian Asia Bibi became the first person to receive a death sentence under these laws, for her alleged blasphemy of the prophet Muhammad. Asia Bibi remains in prison while her sentence is under appeal.

At least one Christian has been killed in western Ethiopia in widespread violence resulting from a rumor that a Christian tore a page from a Quran. More than 4,000 Christians have also been displaced after Islamic extremists burned 59 churches and 28 homes in Asendabo, Jimma Zone, beginning Wednesday, March 2.

Great news coming out of Pakistan! Christian mother of seven set free! Full story at Compass Direct.

Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian pastor who suffered in prison for fourteen years, once told a story that he had heard from a fellow prisoner. It had helped him through his most difficult times of torture. The brother told him:

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Turkmenistan announced in a speech on Feb. 2 that the government ban on religious literature for the Orthodox Church has been lifted, according to Forum 18 News. No other church group in the country has the same freedom. Religious publishing is allowed only with government approval, and very little is allowed.

This week has been an exciting week for The Voice of the Martyrs and I'm happy to share with you a few of the media interviews Todd Nettleton,Director of Media Development from The Voice of the Martyrs, also did this week.