What are you willing to sacrifice to follow Jesus? Growing up I read about Paul, Peter and others in the Bible being persecuted for their faith. Before the race I read those stories and it almost felt like that stuff only happened back then. Living in America blinded me to fully understand how real persecution is in other parts of the world. Our freedom to worship and tell others about Jesus openly is something I took for granted.
When we arrived, our host explained that they were going through some “troubles” with the government. John was handed a document to sign saying that he would no longer evangelize. He remained steadfast and handed the document back to governor saying that he refused to sign it, knowing that imprisonment was a possibility. John was also told that one of the two schools that his church had helped to open was getting shut down without real cause, leaving more than a hundred and fifty refugee children without a school. As he was telling us all of this he explained, “This is no surprise. Jesus said persecution would come. It means we are doing something right. We are disrupting the darkness and Satan does not like what we are doing. Even though it is illegal, the government can shut down whatever they want, but that will not stop us. We will just figure out other ways to make His name known.” Following Jesus comes with a cost and their faith, trust and attitude is what I desire.
John 1:5 says, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” That is exactly what I saw happening there.
As the month continued on, the government persisted in putting more and more pressure on John, his family, and the church. Many false accusations and complaints were made about the church and the problem began to get worse day by day. With their unwavering faith they didn’t miss a beat. They continued in boldness sharing the love of Jesus through their church and in the other school that remained open.
Matthew 5:10 says blessed are the persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
On Christmas day I was confused when John was driving us to church, and we showed up at a different church we had not been to all month. Later John’s wife explained to us the government had taken away everything. The government took the church building, John’s house, and the other school was shut down. The worse part was that they were being forced to leave the country, knowing that if they did not cooperate worse persecution would come. They had to leave behind everything.
The following day we all gathered to take down the church sign. I had no words as I saw tears flowing down everyone’s faces. I was filled with emotion and was hurting with and for every person there. It was hard. There were so many unanswered questions- Why? What now? God where are you? Everything that they had poured their lives into the past several years was all taken just like that.
After spending more time in prayer and meeting with our host one last time it was made clear that even through the midst of the pain and hurt from everything that was happening, this was all part of God’s plan. I believe that through all of this, the church will be made stronger.
I Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Even though this is the first time in history in this country for any of this to happen, God has His hand in it. HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT. HIS POWER will be made perfect in OUR WEAKNESS. It is times like these that we must rely of the Lord for our strength, and that is exactly what they were doing.
It was an honor for our team to serve alongside this church family. We learned so much from them. We had the amazing opportunity to help and play with the kids at the school, teach English, go on house visits, drink more tea and coffee than I ever have in my life, worship with them, and even to help out with various things in the church. The people of the church became family to me and we did our best to support, encourage, and love them the best we could every step of the way. They welcomed us in and loved us just as much, if not even more. Every single one of them is incredible and I will never forget the impact that they have made on my life.
This month I experienced what real persecution looks like and saw what it truly means to fear God more than man. The questions I have been asking myself are, “How far am I willing to go to further the kingdom? What sacrifices am I willing to take for Jesus? Who do I fear more, God or man?” I challenge you to ask the same questions for yourself, and get out there to be bold and make His name known wherever you are!
Please be in prayer for:
- The church there to grow and strengthen
- Our friends as they find a new home in a new country
- For all the changes and transitions for everyone involved
- For the softening of the hearts of the government (Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you)
- All of the children who attended the schools that were shut down
- The Syrian refugees
**Names were altered for the safety and security reasons**
