An Assyrian Christian website is reporting that a 14 year old boy has been beheaded by Islamic terrorists in Iraq, after they discovered he was a Christian. Ayad Tariq lived in Baqouba, where he worked maintaining an electric generator. 

Quote: "According to another employee who witnessed the events, and who hid when he saw the insurgents approach, the insurgents questioned Ayad after seeing that his ID stated "Christian", asking if he was truly a "Christian sinner." Ayad replied "yes, I am Christian but I am not a sinner." The insurgents quickly said this is a "dirty Christian sinner!" Then they proceeded to each hold one limb, shouting "Allahu akbar! Allahu akbar!" while beheading the boy.

The Bible states that during the tribulation period, many of the saints will be beheaded for their witness for Christ. Some Christians believe that since beheading is the preferred method of execution in Islam, that Christianity and Islam will collide during the tribulation period. It does seem that Islam is coming more to the fore in the Western world, and that is of course why the "Alliance of Civilizations" was proposed by Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero. But beheading is not unique to Islam. France invented the guillotine, Henry the 8th beheaded his wives and of course John the Baptist was beheaded by King Herod. Although I do believe the rapture will come before the tribulation period, I do hope that I would also be faithful when called to suffer for Him.

Revelation 20:4 
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Source Assyrian International News Agency