Martyr

 The word, 'Martyr' comes from the Greek word, 'martur' and means 'witness' or 'testimony'. The video, 'Martyr' that I have just completed (see Dawnian Production on YouTube) was a Memorial project for me. Ever since I witnessed that scene on the beach in Libya ten years ago, where those 21 young Christian men, gave their lives for Jesus, I have been deeply moved by stories of Christians around the world who have paid with their lives for their testimony to Jesus. This video project for me was personal. Even in the research / production phase of this video, I was impacted on what I read and saw. 

There are approximately 380 million Christians in the world in 2025, that are facing severe persecution, including being a martyr. One in seven Christians worldwide, are now facing persecution. Just a few years ago it was one in nine. (what might that ratio be in 2029!)

It is so easy in our Western culture to be a Christian, but not as easy at it once was and much easier than it will be. People with a Christian worldview are being marginalised and criminalised (this has been going on for decades), but it is now more institutionalised, political and widespread. In the last few years, we have witnessed outright hatred and bigotry against Christians and Christian institutions, with laws being considered (and already passed) that criminalise Christian practices such as prayer. This has been seen in the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria and is being considered by other states including Western Australia.

As a Christian, it is time to be bold and courageous and not to bow to weaponised political bullying but to continue to speak the truth unashamedly. It is time to be silent no longer.

It is important to note that persecution is not unique to Christians - there are many minority groups facing persecution... Yazidis, Bahai's, Druze, Rohingyas, Uyghurs and Roma - to name a few.