The following quotes are taken from the  August/September, 1986 
issue of  HAPPENINGS; published by the Division Of Foreign Missions,
Assembly Of God Headquarters, Springfield, Missouri.
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THE  MOST  DANGEROUS  BUSINESS  IN  THE  WORLD
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... David Barrett, who has done the chief statistical research work on
Christian martyrdom, says: "The annual numbers involved throughout the
20th century are far higher than any of us had hitherto imagined. 
Martyrdom continues to play a major role in local, national, regional,
continental, and global evangelization."
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... Martyrdom for the sake of Jesus Christ has been a constant through
the ages, but the 20th century is proving to be the most difficult of
all for Christian people.  For the year 1900 it is estimated that
35,600 people died for Christ as a result of human hostility.  By 1970,
according to figures compiled by missions researcher David Barrett,
230,000 lost their lives - that year alone - for their faith in Christ.
Just 16 years later, this year, estimates show 330,000 Christians will
follow Christ in martyrdom!
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Bill  Woods