The "Missionary Activity" Will Continue

Christian persecution is alive and well in many parts of the world. The classic story of Christians willing to lay down their lives is of course Foxe's Book of Martyrs. If you prefer a few more more modern tales consider Jesus Freak from DC Talk.

But if even that is not fresh enough for you, there is the inspiring work of 32-year-old Rami Khader Ayyad, as report by the Christian Post. Ayyad was a Palestinian Christian in Gaza who was killed and his bookstore fire bombed because he was spreading Christianity. This was last weekend. Not 500 years ago. Not 40 years ago behind the Iron Curtain.

He left behind a pregnant wife and 2 young children. Militant groups have stated that attacks will persist if "missionary activity" continues. But the story doesn't quite end there. The bookstore was the only Christian bookstore in Gaza and from the story:

"Two days after the early-morning explosion, Palestinian Bible Society had announced that it was committed to reopening its doors despite the serious damage to the building. Furthermore, the Bible Society staff publicly stated that they forgive the attackers."

Let me just repeat that last part. "... publicly stated that they forgave the attackers." The funny thing about persecuting Christians is that it has a reverse effect. Somehow I think that the "Missionary Activity" will continue.