Friday, July 26, 2013

Church Planting Movements: Persecution, the Norm


A Fingernail, A Locket of Hair, A Photo

“A fingernail, a locket of your hair, and a photo of yourself!” demanded the mass of students who surrounded Nitha’s dorm room. Nitha had come to this Islamic University for an education. On school break back in her home village, Nitha and her Muslim family members have become strengthened to follow Jesus through what is called a “Discovery Bible Study.” What she received was an opportunity for personal transformation. She returned to her University with a newfound passion for Jesus (Isa Al Masih=Jesus, the Mesiah). 

Frequently, her college friends oppose her when she shares her faith. Even so, Nitha knows to trust the Lord to bring Persons of Peace (Luke 10, Matt. 10-households whom God is preparing) into her life.

And now, those same college friends falsely accused her of theft. In their worldview, to discover guilt or innocence was in the hands of the local dukun (shaman/witch doctor). Nitha refused to give them what they demanded. She knew their false accusations, if “confirmed” by the dukun, would result in her public humiliation and a severe beating. “Was this what Jesus went through?” she thought. She chose to surrender her fears to her newfound Lord and Savior.

Pray for God to give an increase of the ability to hear, listen, and obey His voice to the SOLI/Sumbi Muslim households who are choosing to follow Isa Al Masih. Ask God to increase their worship of Jesus which fuels one’s passion to be bold, to be strong in endurance and obedience, so that they can withstand persecution.—RA

Isaiah 32: 17
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

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