Kids of Courage

The 2013 The Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Map highlights countries that are restricted, hostile, and monitored.

In “restricted” countries, the government or laws lead to the persecution of Christians. Government in “hostile” nations may try to protect Christians, but individuals or groups may still persecute believers. VOM has received reports of persecution in “monitored” nations, and will be watching the situation in those countries to see how it develops.

The back of the prayer map, shown in the photo, illustrates one way families or groups can use the map to remain aware of persecuted Christians throughout the year.

Subscribers to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter received the prayer map in their January issue. New readers will receive the map after they subscribe. Subscribe to the free newsletter here.

A Buddhist boy monk reading a Bible storybook

In recent years, many people have left Burma to escape violence and the lack of freedoms. Burma has been making some changes and improvements. But thousands of refugees still live in camps for people who had to leave their homes to stay out of danger.

John grew up in a Buddhist family. He was 15 years old when he left Burma. John’s father was dead, and he didn’t know where his mother was. He thought she was probably dead too. Children in places where there is a lot of fighting sometimes get separated from their families.

A blind man also wanted to leave Burma, so John helped him. As he was leading the blind man along the path, they came across five children between the ages of 5 and 10. The children joined John and the blind man on their journey.

Finally the group arrived in Thailand. They quickly found the help that they needed. John realized that everything would not have worked out so well if God had not been with them. He gave his life to Christ!

One day John went to a clinic to help take care of some sick children, and he saw his mother! She was alive, and is now walking with the Lord. She, too, helps the children in the refugee camps.

A VOM friend who visited John in the camp and heard his story said, “What a testimony of how great and mighty our God is!

(Source: Vision Beyond Borders)