What's Coming Next?

"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

                                  Martin Niemöller

This Lutheran pastor and theologian had the right idea. He was a outspoken vocal critic of Adolph Hitler. Persecuting people has not disappeared with the Holocaust.

Take a look at this new research compiled by Open Doors. It's called the World Watch List 2019. Fascinating stuff.

Sometimes, other numbers help explain what's happening a little better:

Increase in persecution jumped 14% from the 2018 report.

Persecution of Christians is happening all over the world, with extreme persecution (death, imprisonment etc.) happening mostly in North Korea, the Middle East, and Africa. The numbers also take into account violence, church life, national life, community life, family life, and private life.

If you look at the chart, you'll see the West is not immune. Mexico and Columbia make the list as well. What has this looked like in a year? Look below.

Eleven Christians are killed every day

because of what they believe.

For a further look at the report, look here. Or here for a much more detailed report. What's coming next?

Yes, it's very dangerous to be a Christian... but what will you do to change the situation?

(Images from Open Doors.)