Top 10 Christian Persecution Stories of 2011

So here we are, still in the first week of the New Year, and in my usual browsing the ‘net I’m seeing quite a few end of year lists and compilations for 2011, some of which are quite interesting.

However, the most striking one I’ve seen so far deals with the top Christian persecution stories of 2011. Interesting to me is that if this type of persecution was happing to Jews or Muslims across the world, there would be a huge outcry in our media over it. However, somehow because it’s happening to Christians, the media ignores it and the general public as a whole remains generally oblivious to the plight of those persecuted worldwide for the name of Jesus Christ.

I’ll list the top ten here, and encourage readers to check out the Christian Post for a full breakdown of these ten events.

1 – Firestorms of Violence in Nigeria

2 – Christian Member of Cabinet in Pakistan Gunned Down

3 – Pastor’s Death Sentence Upheld in Iran

4 – Islamist Violence Unleashed in Egypt

5 – In Sudan, Anti-Christian Hostilities Galvanize in North

6 – Shouwang Church Members Arrested Weekly in China

7 – Afghan Convert from Islam Released from Prison

8 – New Level of Violence in Indonesia

9 – Al Shabaab Continues Slaughter of Christians in Somalia

10 – Christian Leaders in Laos Imprisoned

Full article is found here.

A worldwide increase in persecution against believers in Christ is one thing Jesus warned about as being a sign of the end times, a sign of his soon return. This is something I think Christians as a whole need to be more aware of, and more prayerful about as we approach the end of this age. The devil is trying hard to hinder the spread of the gospel… but in the end we know God and his word will prevail. The devil may at times hinder, but he cannot stop the spread of this gospel to the ends of the earth. God’s will will be accomplished in the end.

 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matt 24:14

Even so, come quickly Lord, and may your church pray for the persecuted brethren, and for the spread of the gospel worldwide. Amen.

For more information on Christian persecution, please visit The Voice of The Martyrs at www.persecution.com.