Voices Crying
I have been thinking of the brothers and sisters whom I have never met.
People who, despite great odds, heard the good news of the Gospel, and accepted it with joy. Those who, even to the death, boldly preach the salvation of Jesus Christ to their persecutors. Their lives, and deaths, are a constant witness to the world.
Living in a country where freedom to worship is taken for granted, we can be removed from the very real martyrdom that is taking place right now…right now, in our time.
I have been thinking of the brothers and sisters whom I have never met.
People who, despite great odds, heard the good news of the Gospel, and accepted it with joy. Those who, even to the death, boldly preach the salvation of Jesus Christ to their persecutors. Their lives, and deaths, are a constant witness to the world.
Living in a country where freedom to worship is taken for granted, we can be removed from the very real martyrdom that is taking place right now…right now, in our time.
Would you take time right now…right now – to pray for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for the cause of Christ? Who risk their lives daily to smuggle Bibles, whisper hymns of praise in secret churches, and bravely witness to hostile neighbors?
To pray with perspective for these persecuted believers, I suggest two things:
1 – Read this passage for perspective, and rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s word, the joy set before us, and the exhortation to "strengthen [our] listless hands":
[bible]Hebrews 11:36-12:13[/bible]
2 – Go to the Voice of the Martyrs website.
Then, please pray. Pray for our brothers and sisters.
Sharifa Stevens
Sharifa Stevens is a Manhattan-born, Bronx-raised child of the King, born to Jamaican immigrants, and currently living in Dallas. Sharifa's been singing since she was born. Her passion is to serve God's kingdom by leading His people in worship through music, speaking and writing, and relationships with people. Her heart is also unity, inspired by John. Sharifa hates exercise but likes Chipotle, bagels with a schmeer and lox, salmon sushi, chicken tikka, curried goat (yeah, it's good) with rice and peas, and chocolate lava cakes. She's been happily married to Jonathan since 2006...and he buys her Chipotle.
2 Comments
Heather A. Goodman
I’m reading a book called
I’m reading a book called The Road of Lost Innocence–the story of a Cambodian woman who had been sold into slavery, escaped, and now helps rescue other girls. She has a line in there that says (basically) that her work (when she first began) was not just about distributing condoms to help protect the girls and educate them about disease and cleanliness. It was also about being near them, being with them, connecting with them, and being a shoulder for them to cry on.
I thought that was beautiful.
Sharifa Stevens
Thank you for sharing that
Thank you for sharing that story, Heather. It’s powerful to have the compassion and courage to shoulder some of that pain…or to enter back into it after finding freedom.