From a letter sent in by a VOM reader:

VOM offices are closed today as our staff join in celebrating Independence Day in the United States. We are thankful for the country where we live and work, and we pray that God will bless our nation and draw many Americans into fellowship with Him.

People often feel threatened by those whose views are opposed to their own. They may not have the skills or patience to debate and dialogue with these people, so they resort, out of frustration and fear, to some form of coercion to get their way. It may be a violent demonstration or a personal attack, but it seldom bears the mark of the lowly Jesus.

Last week, we updated you with recent developments in the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian wife and mother in Pakistan who is facing the death penalty for allegedly blaspheming Mohammed.

Today, we are praying and fasting together for “Rashid,” a new convert to Christianity in Jordan who is going through trials because of his faith. He is experiencing family problems and feels isolated in his new faith. His wife left him and is asking for a divorce. When a VOM worker told him we would be praying for him on July 1, he was amazed. Pray that he grows in his faith. Pray that he will be reconciled with his wife. Pray for more community for him. And pray for the many more brothers and sisters like him in the Middle East, along with the workers who are reaching them for Christ.

A VOM worker in Jordan sent this email yesterday:

Earlier this month Asia Bibi’s husband, Ashiq, was able to visit her in jail. At the time of his visit Asia was sick and receiving treatment from the jail doctor. She complained of a lot of pain in her legs, shoulders and arms.

“If you do not denounce this Jesus, you will die on the cross,” Governor Aegaeas fumed. This Christian had caused him personal embarrassment in the eyes of Rome by spreading Christianity throughout the governor’s Greek province and even to his own wife.

“How can us kids help?” — recent commenter on VOM’s Kids of Courage blog

Maybe you are like me and sometimes when you read stories about the persecuted church around the world you can’t help but think “I’m so glad we don’t have persecution here in America.” It’s true that most of us will never have to face the kind of violence, danger or threats many of our brothers and sisters face for their faith. But will you face no persecution?