Christians have died for their faith in every period of history and on every continent. From the death of Stephen around 33 AD, to the victims of the Roman Caesars, to the martyrs of the Middle Ages, the bloody trail of persecution can be traced right up to this day. In one night alone, the so-called Bartholomew’s Night of 1572, about 5,000 Christians were killed; countless other victims were to follow.

There are no exact figures as to the number of victims of persecution among Christians today. According to cautious estimates, however, one Christian is killed every five minutes. This shocking fact, however, says nothing of the suffering and agony of Christians in labour camps and prisons, where they are ill-treated, humiliated and tortured. Two thirds of Christians worldwide are affected by discrimination and persecution.

At no time in history was the persecution of Christians greater than today. Despite this, the ignorance and indifference towards this tragedy is phenomenal. AVC gives the persecuted a voice and stands alongside them and their families.