First Baptist Church of Shelbyville is hosting a Voice of the Martyrs Advance Conference, a regional conference to raise awareness of the persecution being endured by Christians from around the world, on April 16.

The conference, which will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., features speakers from India, China, Iran and another sensitive location who will go beyond the headlines we see in the news to share real life accounts of those who have endured persecution.They tell their journey with American Christians from whom they seek prayer.

“When persecution has a face, it changes how we see the world and how we pray, said Shelbyville pastor Maurice Hollingsworth. “That is the purpose of this event. The Voice of the Martyrs Organization solicits prayer support for those who suffer.”

The Voice of the Martyrs, a non-profit, interdenominational Christian organization, was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith. The conference is free, but advance registration is requested by visiting www.vomevents.com or calling (800) 747-0085. (WR)