The world will never forget the image of those twenty-one men dressed in distinctive orange jumpsuits, paraded by their captors along a beach in Libya. The video production of their brutal execution was broadcast to instill fear into the hearts and minds of millions, but it failed to omit the most crucial part of what is now recognized as the martyrdom of the Twenty-One: the faithful, peaceful, and resilient utterance of the Lord’s name from their lips as they awaited imminent death. This declaration of faith has led to a revival of courage, and a confirmation of what it means to witness as a Christian, around the world. It has not merely transcended denominational lines throughout the Christian family, but has spoken to millions of people of all faiths (and none) who have been inspired by this active testimony.

The martyrdom of twenty-one Christians beheaded by ISIS militants on February 15, 2015 reverberated around the world.