Christian Martyrs and Persecution
100 million Christians around the globe are currently suffering persecution for their faith. Most often persecution takes the form of imprisonment, abuse, and hostilities. In some cases, however, Christians are asked to face more than scorn, prison, or the loss of health—they are asked to face death.
These individuals are the Christian martyrs of our faith. Jesus said in Matthew 10:39 “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
History of Christian Martyrs
From the stoning of Steven to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs to the murder of Jim Elliot, the church has a rich history of those who were willing to give their lives for the sake of the gospel.
During the first century, almost all of Jesus’ disciples suffered martyrdom for his sake. Peter was crucified upside down, Mark was torn to pieces, and Paul was beheaded. As Christianity spread throughout Europe and the British Isles, countless numbers of Christians were tortured and burned at the stake. And few can forget the moving story of Jim Elliot and four others who ventured into the Ecuadorian jungle, never to return.
During the first century, almost all of Jesus’ disciples suffered martyrdom for his sake. Peter was crucified upside down, Mark was torn to pieces, and Paul was beheaded. As Christianity spread throughout Europe and the British Isles, countless numbers of Christians were tortured and burned at the stake. And few can forget the moving story of Jim Elliot and four others who ventured into the Ecuadorian jungle, never to return.
This history reminds us of the great price that belief in God may demand and the great impact that such a sacrifice can have.
But that history has not ended.
Christian Martyrs in the 21st Century
Today there are still many Christians martyrs, those who give their life for their faith. Every year and on every continent men and women face death because of their belief in Jesus Christ. They are the Christian martyrs of this century; the fathers, mothers, grandparents, and children who have lost their lives for the sake of the gospel. Around the world the light of their testimonies continues to shine. Their impact is immeasurable and their stories should not be forgotten.
| The Rodriguez Family Three young children were left alone after Jose and Emilse Rodriguez were martyred for their faith.  Pray | Donate |
| Shakeela Bibi In an attempt to warn her Christian community, Shakeela Bibi was killed by 15 Muslims. Pray | Donate |
| Tapan Kumar Roy Taposhi become a stronger Christian after witnessing her brother Tapan martyred by Muslim extremists for showing the Jesus Film. Pray | Donate |
| Deepe PatrickWhile attending church on the last day of their honeymoon, Deepe was killed in bombing, and her husband Vikash was severely injured.Pray | Donate |
| Necati, Tilmann, and UgurThree believers were working at a small Christian publishing house when a man walked in and stabbed them to death. Pray | Donate |
