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Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12). Today millions of people around the world live this passage. They are persecuted for their belief in Christ. Everyday not just one, but hundreds of Christians are beaten simply because of their faith in Christ. Men, women and children suffer for the Gospel. In the US and Western Europe we are often fail to realize just what most Christians around the world face for their Savior. In many places Christians are second class citizens. They may be subject to arrest, abuse, torture, as well as political and social oppression. In other countries, Christians face systematic genocide and slavery. More people have died for the cause of Christ since 1900's than in any century up to then--combined. Today Christians die because they will not reject Christ. More are beaten and assaulted. Even more face discrimination and isolation. Women in particular face ecomonic oppression and sexual assault. 
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