Those who are familiar with my books know that I wrote my novel Safely Home to open readers’ eyes to the persecution that Christians in many places face. I still hear people mention the dedication of Safely Home to the Staines family. Their commitment to Christ and their eternal perspective concerning their loved ones was a great example, and it was a privilege to dedicate my book to this wonderful family.

My friend Kerby Anderson, host of the Point of View radio talk show, is a veteran spokesman for causes honoring to Christ. I was very touched by what he wrote below and asked if we could share it. Let’s take it to heart and take appropriate action too. 

Just as our fellow believers can’t be persuaded to abandon their faith because of persecution, such violence in our own churches won’t stop us from gathering and proclaiming and celebrating the Good News of Jesus. 

Safely Home, the painting by Ron DiCianni, has special meaning to me. I wrote a novel, also called Safely Home, set in China and telling the story of Li Quan, a modern day martyr. It was inspired by this beautiful work of art. To this day Ron’s painting hangs on my office wall.

With all of the bad news we hear out of the Middle East, it’s easy to overlook how God is at work in this region in incredible ways, drawing people to Himself and growing His church. I think you’ll be encouraged by what David has to share. 

Iran has the fastest growing church in the world. However, the moment an Iranian says “yes” to Jesus, persecution begins.

Each day, men, women, and children are killed for following Christ. Most often they’re largely ignored by the world but watched by the eyes of Heaven— “the world is not worthy of them” (Hebrews 11:38).

Today my heart is heavy after being assaulted by the evil depicted across the internet of the American journalist being beheaded.

Displayed on the Martyrs Monument (at The Voice of The Martyrs USA ministry office in Bartlesville, Oklahoma) are the names of many martyrs—each one representing a real person with a real story.