Persecuted Church

Thank you for your column “Persecuted Church.” Christians need to be kept aware of the suffering endured by our brothers and sisters, especially in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. We all need to lift up the persecuted brethren in daily prayer and thank God for our own religious freedom in this nation. If we aren’t paying close attention and faithfully noting our conscience, we too could face further limitation on our religious freedom and witness the curtailing of our own fellowship activities and evangelism efforts right here in America. Already we are limited in public displays at Christmas, wearing of religious jewelry in some schools, student-led prayers and use of schoolrooms for Bible study groups and prayer clubs. I am especially grateful that you include reports on Christians suffering found among various denominations, as I am a practicing Catholic while my husband attends Shady Grove Baptist Church in the Neel Community outside Hartselle. Keep up the good work.