"This is our last cry for help. If the world will not listen to us now then they do not care. Where are the Christians of the world when we need their voices and help?"

Those were the words of an Iraqi Christian following the Aug. 1 attacks on five churches. The bombings killed 11 people and wounded over 50.

The bombings, killings and harassment of Christians in Iraq by Muslim fundamentalists continued after the Aug. 1 attacks, resulting in the exodus of thousands of Christians to such countries as Syria and Jordan.

"When one of us Christians leaves the house, one doesn't know if he will return safe and sound," another Iraqi said. "Christian families are afraid for their children and women. Because of this, many are fleeing from the country"

In a review of events during 2004 in the Persecuted Church, Iraqi Christians took the world's spotlight; caught in the crossfire of the increased violence in that besieged country.

But there was also significant persecution in such countries as Nigeria, Eritrea, Vietnam and China, as well as in many other countries worldwide.

In Nigeria, Muslim fundamentalists increased their attacks, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,500 Christians. Over 9,000 Christian children lost their parents. Open Doors mounted a campaign to rush food and clothing and Christian materials to the homeless in Nigeria.

In 2004 there was a brutal crackdown against evangelical Christians in Eritrea. Since the start of the year, hundreds of believers have been arrested, subjected to interrogation and tortured. Over 200 Christians remain in prison