Open Doors 2006 list of Most Persecuted Nations

Open Doors ministry has released it's 2006 annual report and listing of the top 50 Countries where Christians suffer most for their faith.

North Korea tops the list for the fourth year in a row.

The top ten nations are...
1. North Korea
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Iran
4. Somalia
5. Maldives
6. Bhutan
7. Vietnam
8. Yemen
9. Laos
10.China

Although it is hard for many to think of these people as blessed, it is clear in God's Word that they truly are... perhaps those blessings are not apparent at the moment, but eternally they will be made clear. Many of God's children who are suffering and carrying the cross of persecution and those who already wear the white robes described in Revelations have met most [or even all] of the qualities and criteria that Jesus said qualified a believer to be counted as blessed.

Matthew 5:3-12
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 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.

Another vitally important thing that greatly blesses these believers is knowing that they have not been forgotten by their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ... those of us in nations that are not experiencing the same levels of persecution as they.

Revelation 2:9-10 "The Persecuted Church"
I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Remember the plight of the suffering "church of Smyrna", stand in the gap for them through your prayers, advocacy, and the active sowing of seed into those ministries [Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, Christian freedom International, etc...) that would help them not only endure these trials but also supply their very essential needs!

Matthew 25:31-40
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Report of 2006 top ten nations
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/Display.asp?Page=WWL_frontpage