Have you ever read Foxe's Book of Martyrs? Do you think that people were only martyred for their faith in "the olden days?" Well, think again. Persecution of Christians is alive and well in the world today.
Voice of the Martyrs is a group that helps the persecuted church. Here is a brief summary of the group from their website FAQ:
Pastor Richard Wurmbrand founded VOM over 30 years ago. He was in prison in Romania for 14 years for his faith in Christ. In the `60s he and his family were ransomed out of Romania for $10,000 and came to the U.S. where he began traveling, educating the free world of the atrocities committed against Christians in Communist and other restricted countries. VOM's five main purposes are based on Hebrews 13:3. They are: 1. To encourage and empower Christians to fulfill the Great Commission in areas of the world where they are persecuted for their involvement in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ. We accomplish this by providing Bibles, literature, radio broadcasts, and other forms of aid. 2. To give relief to the families of Christian martyrs in these areas of the world. 3. To equip local Christians to win to Christ those persecutors who are opposed to the gospel in countries where believers are actively persecuted for their Christian witness. 4. To undertake projects of encouragement, helping believers rebuild their lives and Christian witness in countries that have formerly suffered Communist oppression. 5. To emphasize the fellowship of all believers by informing the world of atrocities committed against Christians and by remembering their courage and faith. Read our newsletter to learn more about how VOM is helping the persecuted church worldwide.
Ever wish you knew more to help those who are bein persecuted for their faith? Well, VOM has set up a website with a list of those people. You can access it here.