I've never experienced harsh persecution for my faith.  I grew up in a city, state, and country where Christianity was the "majority religion."  My parents took me to church and sent me to Christian schools, and for my entire broadcast career, I've worked in Christian radio.  My life has been far different from the one which "Joseph" talks about on today's Footsteps.  Suppose you live in the Middle East.  Imagine being the first to become a believer in your family.  What is the reaction of your father, mother, and wife?  They throw you out of the house!  Your friends and community turn against you.  You can't find a job anywhere.  You end up fleeing for your life.  So, why has God placed me in the comforts of the United States while some of my brothers and sisters in Christ are living under severe persecution?  I don't know.  But, I do believe what Jesus said in the Beatitudes--"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven..." (Matthew 5:11-12, ESV). 

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(Photo of Andy Napier interviewing "Joseph")