Earlier today I came across a blog that mentioned doing a blog round up of the first post in every month for your blog. Good idea....so without further adieu here are the first posts from every month we've been writing about persecution.

It's the end of 2005 and one of the big stories that I followed this year was what is happening to our Christian brothers and sisters in Christ all throughout the world. I have to say that it's been an eye-opening 7 months of writing almost daily about persecution. At times I've literally dreaded coming to my computer and researching this topic because frankly, it can be depressing and overwhelming. Other times, I've been more than excited to get the word out and to mention to you the importance and urgency of prayer. I've also been challenged by the faith of the martyrs and joy that these believers have because of their Lord Jesus.

Today one of my favorite columnists of all time, J. Grant Swank, presents an update on the terrible situation that happened a few months ago where four Christian girls on their way to school were mercilessly attacked, and three were beheaded. The surviving girl said this recently...

Jeff Jacoby has written an interesting piece at Townhall.com about the history of Chanukah and the persecution and victory of the Jews. This is how it ends...

Din Syamsuddin (pictured) who chairs Muhammadiyah, a conservative Islamic organisation with millions of members has offered refuge to Christians in Indonesia during this Christmas season.

Yesterday I missed this interview that Janet Parshall did with Dr. David Hunt from World Serve Ministries, however due to her outstanding archives I was able to listen to the interview she did with him this morning and you have to listen to them talk about the Christians who are in a prison camp who string the Lights of Christmas. Go here and click on Hour 3 part 4 & 5 .

Maybe some American pastors and Christians could learn from these brave priests.

It must be terrible to live in a country, as a Christian, where you are under threat of attack on Christmas. The contrast to America Christianity is amazing to me, because here in America we have large mega churches closing on Christmas for the convenience of the church staff and members who don't think attending church on Christmas is very important, and then in Indonesia we have the church bracing for another possible attack.

I love the Mission Network News service because they always give fresh examples of news from the mission field. Today I received this in an email from them and wanted to share it with you so you can be informed and get involved.

This is an EXCELLENT piece written by Rachel Ehrenfeld who is the director for the American Center for Democracy headquartered in New York. She has also authored a great book called Funding Evil that I actually own and have read, and of course recommend to you if you're interested.