Letter: In praise of the modern day Christian martyrs at IS hands

However, they may not know of the absolute bravery of these true martyrs for their faith and I believe their story is worthy of the widest possible circulation as we so often take our freedom for granted. I was inspired and blessed by reading their story.

These men knew that they were going to be slaughtered. They were denied the opportunity to speak last words to their loved ones in Egypt and one by one they were urged repeatedly to recant their Christian faith. Not one did. Some were clearly whispering prayers. One was heard saying in Arabic, "Jesus, my life is in your hands" as he felt the knife on his neck.

They came from poor village families and some were illiterate (they went to Libya to find work as construction labourers). Their captors shouted at them, "Infidels, infidels!" as they dragged them away. In their captivity before their deaths they encouraged one another to remain loyal to Jesus Christ.

One who escaped back to Egypt reported that the captors were amazed and outraged by the resolve of the men not to convert to Islam even when repeatedly threatened with death.

Amazingly, the mother of one of the young martyrs when interviewed on TV a few days later was asked what she wanted done to the murderers. Sobbing, she said, "We forgive them and pray for the Lord's mercy for them and their families".

The interviewer, a secular Muslim, said afterwards, "Now I understand how Christians take to heart the glorious words of Jesus about loving one's enemies and forgiving those who persecute them".

I agree with a Muslim woman who later, wrote: "Our murderous terrorists and suicide bombers are considered martyrs when they die in action. But they are not. These brave Christians are.

Roy Whittall, Shrewsbury