I get a daily e-mail called, “Religion Today Summaries” through www.crosswalk.com. If you have never been to this web site I highly recommend it. There are a number of great resources on it.
The following story, from that e-mail, really touched my heart. Join me in praying for this couple - and all of the persecuted Church Valerie
Arab Countries: Missionary Couple Faces Discrimination Christian Aid
In much of the Arab world, changing one's religion, particularly if that religion is Islam, presents many problems and, in some cases, dangers. Such is the case with a native missionary couple known to Christian Aid. "Abu," from a Christian background, was engaged to "Rania," a Christian from a Muslim background, three years ago. However, in their respective countries it is illegal for two people from different religious backgrounds to marry, especially if one has changed religions. The couple was forced to marry in Lebanon, where such marriages are allowed. Yet their home countries, including the one in which they are currently ministering, refuse to acknowledge the marriage as legitimate unless it is officially registered with the government. The couple is loath to do that since registering a "cross-religious" marriage would open them to increased persecution and prejudice. A grave worry of the couple's is that, in their current situation, they cannot "legally" have children. Without the problematic official marriage certificate, any children they have will be considered illegitimate and denied birth certificates. They would also be officially designated Muslims. If they were granted asylum abroad, they could not return to their country to do missionary work. They have not sought religious asylum. This couple is only one example of believers in Arab lands who have sacrificed much to serve Christ.