I have been a member and supporter of The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) for several years now. God revealed them to me through my sister, Dana, who gave me the book, "The Jesus Freaks" for Christmas almost ten years ago. At the end of the book was an invitation to join. I accepted it and have become as actively involved as I am financially able. Space doesn't allow a proper explanation on what VOM does, how they work, and the wonderful support they have provided the persecuted church for decades. All of that information is available on their website, which I have provided in this post. I hope you take a moment to visit their home page and read of God's work that's being performed through this wonderful organization. Perhaps you, too, will be moved to join in supporting them and our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer far beyond what we can imagine. Their web address is http://www.persecution.com/ (Thank you, Becky, for helping me figure out how to make this a live link!)
In the days to come, I will begin a monthly profile of a particular nation that VOM deems "hostile" or "restricted" to Christians. Each month, there will be a post indicating a particular nation with demographics and statistics, media and watch group reports that, I hope, will provide you with insight into the persecution they endure. I am also praying that my readers will see how close our own nation is moving towards restricting religious freedom by posting news reports from within our own borders. The problem is closer than most will admit.
And, as some of you are aware, I receive VOM's weekly prayer updates which I forward to you from my email. I will be adding a weekly "Prayer Request" post on this blog to keep everyone aware of those in dire need of our prayers and support and updates on their progress.
All around the world the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached by men and women whose very lives are threatened. But like the apostles, they are "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." (Acts 5: 41 NIV). Please continue to pray they will have boldness, healing, strength and a forgiving heart for their persecutors - for Christ's glory and honor.
In the days to come, I will begin a monthly profile of a particular nation that VOM deems "hostile" or "restricted" to Christians. Each month, there will be a post indicating a particular nation with demographics and statistics, media and watch group reports that, I hope, will provide you with insight into the persecution they endure. I am also praying that my readers will see how close our own nation is moving towards restricting religious freedom by posting news reports from within our own borders. The problem is closer than most will admit.
And, as some of you are aware, I receive VOM's weekly prayer updates which I forward to you from my email. I will be adding a weekly "Prayer Request" post on this blog to keep everyone aware of those in dire need of our prayers and support and updates on their progress.
All around the world the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached by men and women whose very lives are threatened. But like the apostles, they are "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." (Acts 5: 41 NIV). Please continue to pray they will have boldness, healing, strength and a forgiving heart for their persecutors - for Christ's glory and honor.
