I’ve never been in jail. I don’t ever plan to be in jail. And I can’t imagine being in jail. That is a scary place. Usually people are put in jail for breaking a law such as robbery, speeding too many times, or murder. These are all things we would find deserving of jail time. But what if you were put in jail for being a Christian? But more so, what if you were put into jail for being a Christian and following the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and sharing your faith?
We have arrived in Malaysia and are full swing into ministry. Malaysia is a Muslim country and as we walk around that is very evident. During our orientation our contact said one statement that has really stuck with me and is somewhere along these lines: “Be careful when preaching the Gospel- only share if asked or invited to share the Gospel. I don’t want to get a call saying someone complained and then your pastor is in jail.” The pastor of the church we are working with could be put in jail if I push the Gospel on someone- or share without being invited? Seriously? That’ insane. I don’t want someone to go to jail on my behalf. For my whole life this has been so far from me, but here in Malaysia- it’s a reality. Malaysia supports freedom of religion, but for those that are Muslim, if they convert to any other religion (Christianity included) they will be breaking the law.
It makes me go back to the Bible and remember that Paul spent a large amount of time in prison. He wrote a number of letters to churches while he was being sentenced in prison. Life in prison was part of his life. Prison was no match for him. (Considering the walls crumbled and jail doors opened one time). But all that was important was sharing the name of Jesus. And though I don’t want the Pastor we are working with this week to go to jail, we are here to share the love and name of Jesus.
It’s not that easy of a ministry- when we want so badly to share the truth- but we have to know that what we do God is working through. We are enjoying going around, smiling and making friends and planting seeds for future teams and opportunities for this community to come and know Christ.
