I recently read a very disturbing report. What follows is part of the report. For the full report, go to http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/index.php/ministry-news/65-news-main/19001-christian-persecution-tops-world-list-who-knew-
Is Christianity the most persecuted religion in the world? Nearly all human-rights groups and Western government agencies that monitor the plight of Christians worldwide agree: Between 200 million and 230 million believers face daily threats of murder, beating, imprisonment and torture, and a further 350 million to 400 million encounter discrimination in areas such as jobs and housing. A conservative estimate of the number of Christians killed for their faith each year is around 150,000.
The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reported last month that Christians were “harassed” by government factors in 102 countries and by social factors, such as mob rule, in 101 countries. The report, stated: “Altogether, Christians faced some form of harassment in two-thirds of all countries,” or 133 nations. In yet clearer terms, “at least” 75 percent of all religious persecution in the world is directed against Christians.
While the plight of Christians in communist and formerly communist countries is “slowly easing,” it is getting worse in India and across the Muslim and Arab world, where even owning a Bible is flirting with danger.
Why aren't Western Christians marching in the streets and demanding action? “Because most of the persecution of Christians is not happening in our own backyard and the issue is not generally reported in the mainstream media,” Corey Odden, CEO of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada.
May we stand with our bothers and sisters throughout the world through prayer, support, and direct action! By the way we are collecting a special Christmas offering to support missionaries and pastors in these persecuted places.
Burdened,
Jeff Powell
