The daily listings below will give you some insight to how Christians in the past and also the present day and time have suffered great pain and agony to serve our Lord & Saviour.
 

Dear Maria,
At last I am able to write to you. We arrived safely at the
new camp, which is about ten miles from town. I can’t describe
life here, but I thank God that I am reasonably healthy and have
the strength to work.
I was put to work in a machine shop with another sister
whose health is very bad. I have to do the work of both of us
or we will both be punished. We work twelve to thirteen hours
every day, and the food is scarce. But I don’t want to
complain.
I wanted to tell you that I thank God he used you to lead me
to Christ. For the first time, I feel my life has a purpose, and I
know for whom I suffer. I have a burning desire to tell everyone
here about the great joy of salvation.
At work they curse and punish me because I cannot be
silent. How could I be? As long as I am able to speak, I will
witness to everyone about his great love.
There are many believers here. Last night we were able to
sneak out to the river, where seven brothers and I were
baptized. I will never forget this wonderful day! Please don’t
weep for me. My purpose here is clear, and my faith remains
strong.
Love,

Your Varia

Some call it destiny. Some refer to it as fate.
Regardless, most people long to give themselves to a
certain cause. Christians know it as a “calling”—God’s
purpose for their lives. When we fulfill God’s purpose
for our individual life, we become part of a much bigger
picture. We are satisfied that whatever we do and
whatever happens to us advances the gospel of Jesus
Christ. We are connected. Useful. For the first time in
our lives, no matter what the circumstances are, we
feel we are actually contributing to something beyond
ourselves. Nothing can defeat someone once they have
taken hold of this purpose. What do you sense is the
greater purpose of your life?

Forgetfulness. It is the number one enemy of prayerfulness. We are quick to offer our prayers of support. Unfortunately, our good intentions are rarely good enough to help us carry through on our commitments to pray for those in need. What can remind you to pray for those who are persecuted around the world? Perhaps a small sticker on the face of your watch will remind you. Each time you look at your watch throughout the day can be an opportunity for you to remember a people group who live under religious persecution. Whatever method you choose to be more mindful of the missed opportunities for prayer, follow through on it. Reading stories about extreme believers will not change anything. Praying for extreme believers can change everything—maybe even today. 

from VOM-Extreme Devotion