Even in America, Christians can face martyrdom just like their counterparts in the war-torn countries of the Middle East.
Former Cover Girl and actress Jennifer O'Neill made this assertion as she talked about the newly released film "I'm Not Ashamed" during an interview with The Christian Post. She plays a cameo role, that of a good Samaritan, in the movie.
"I'm Not Ashamed" is an autobiographical film on Rachel Joy Scott, the first student killed during the Columbine High School terrorist attack on April 20, 1999 that resulted in the death of 11 other students and one teacher.
O'Neill, who is also an accomplished author and activist, said she enjoyed being a part of the film because of its message of standing up for one's faith.
The 68-year-old actress said just like what Scott did at Columbine, where she asserted her belief in God before she was killed, "standing up for your faith is normally going to cause you to be martyred," adding that "it happens in different flavours all around the world."
O'Neill said standing up for one's faith in America might not be the same as doing it in the Middle East, but those two instances both have some elements of sacrifice, even martyrdom.
"We might not be shot or decapitated but you might lose your job because you stand up for your faith. There are lots of ways that the enemy is going to come around and try to erode the foundation of the church," she said.
She encouraged her fellow Americans to stand up for their faith, just like what Scott did, saying the country needs them to do that.
"What I think is coming to this country at such a time as this, I have to say this, is if we don't get out and stand up for the principles of God all the way down to our government if we don't [stand up] it's going to be really, really bad."
O'Neill encouraged people to read the Bible and "be obedient to His words."
She also urged fellow Christians to go and watch the movie. "I just hope that people support it because it's a true story. It's not just someone's fantasy. Everyone needs to see it, not just our young people. [It's for] everyone who's going to have the willingness to stand up for their faith," she said.
Initially released last October, "I'm Not Ashamed" is still showing in some theatres in the U.S. The cast includes newcomer Masey McLain as Rachel, Ben Davies ("Courageous"), O'Neill ("Summer of '42") and Jaci Velasquez ("Let The Lion Roar").
