Six men and one widow were taken before the court for committing an extreme crime against the Church of England. They had taught their children the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments in the English language.

"The Jesus Freaks Minute" airs on Christian radio stations nationwide. Each month VOM creates and sends out 12 radio spots sharing the story of a persecuted Christian or another believer totally sold-out for God. Some stories come from recent VOM headlines; others come from the pages of Christian history. And some offer a challenge from the Scripture itself, like this one which will air this month:

Throughout history, Christians have utilized persecution as an avenue for ministry. Persecution can place us in situations where we would not normally be or want to be. When we are put in prison or taken to court for our faith, we have a venue that is not normally ours to utilize. We are thrust behind enemy lines where we can minister. Erwin McManus writes in The Barbarian Way: If Christ has won our heart, he will lead us “to advance forward behind enemy lines to win the hearts of those who do not yet know Him or love Him” (Barbarian, 13-14).

Recently, I heard a story from a friend of mine about an old Romanian pastor who he met during one of his travels. He noticed that the pastor was hobbling along and could barely walk; his feet were clearly crippled.

Grief, Rage after Pakistan Church Suicide Bombing

Al-Shabaab has publicly said that they are responsible for the attack on a shopping mall in Kenya. But the group has now had a fatwa issued against it in Somali, the country in which it was founded and in which it has the largest presence. Mission Network News interviewed VOM's Todd Nettleton last week (before the mall attack) about the Fatwa and what it means.

Last month, I shared how I felt like a project when my Muslims friends try to convert me. But what if I turn the tables and ask myself: Should I, as a Christian, convert Muslims?

When Joshua sent two spies to view the land of Jericho, they hid in the house of Rahab the harlot. Rahab’s house was built along the wall of Jericho, a wall constructed to prevent illegal passage of unwelcome visitors. When the king heard the Israeli spies were in town, he immediately sent word to Rahab. He instructed her to bring forth the spies, who had entered her home.

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart” (Psalm 32:10, 11).