“Are you not afraid of what we will do to you?” the Communist colonel asked, his tone a combination of mockery and challenge.

    Young Pastor Kochanga, having preached only one sermon in his career, stood before the colonel, knowing that the man held the power of life or death over him. He answered in a respectful, yet fervent tone.
    

“Sir, truth is never afraid. Suppose your government would decide to hang all mathematicians. How much would two plus two be then? Two plus two would still be four.

    “We have truth, as true as a mathematical equation. We have the truth that there is a God, and he is our loving Father. We have the truth that Jesus is the Savior of the world and wishes to save everyone, even you. We have truth that there is a Holy Spirit who empowers men and gives them light, and we have the truth that there exists a beautiful paradise.

    “Whatever whips and whatever instruments of torture you have, it will always remain so. Two plus two still equals four.”

    Kochanga was beaten almost beyond recognition and then was never seen again. Though his battered and bloody face was hard to recognize for the other prisoners, in heaven he was immediately known and welcomed.

“Tell the truth.” Children learn this command at an early age, yet its wisdom is timeless. If we will return to simply acknowledging what we know to be true, we will always have the words to say when we are called upon to testify for Christ. Many people often feel unqualified to witness for Christ, saying they lack “training.” We fear being asked a theological question we don’t know how to answer. However, professing Christ doesn’t require course credit in apologetics. Simply tell the truth about what you know—just as those who have experienced religious oppression. Testifying about Christ is easier than it seems. We must go back to the principle we learned in childhood. We are commanded to acknowledge Jesus Christ—to tell the truth.

*If you loved this devotion, please consider buying a few copies of this and give it to your friends to encourage them in their faith.  The book is Extreme Devotion and with your purchase from The Voice of the Martyrs, you will support persecuted Christians all over the world. 

As you read today's devotion from the book Extreme Devotion, I pray that you will feel the courage of the woman you're reading about.  It is amazing her heavenly perspective under the threat of her death for believing in Jesus.  Do you have that type of courage?

It was almost midnight as the women prisoners heard the Communist guards arrive. They quickly gathered around the condemned, a young woman of twenty who had been sentenced to die for her faith in Christ. They whispered hurried good-byes. There were no tears from the young Romanian woman, no screams for mercy.

    Earlier that evening, the prisoners had listened to the young woman, her face glowing with love. “For me, this grave is the doorway to a heavenly city,” she had told them. “Who can tell the beauty of that city? There, sadness is not known. There is only joy and song. Everyone is dressed in the white of purity. We can see God face-to-face. There are such joys that human language cannot express. Why should I weep? Why should I be sad?”
    

She was engaged to be married, but this night, she told them, instead of being with her earthly fiancé, she would meet her heavenly bridegroom.

    The pitiless guards entered the cell, and the woman stepped toward them, ready to go. As she left the cell, surrounded by guards, she began to recite the Apostles’ Creed. Minutes later, with tears streaming down their faces, the remaining prisoners heard shots. The executioners thought they had ended the young woman’s life, but they had only sent her to live forever in a much better place.

Courage is the bridge that carries us from a nominal existence on earth to an inexplicable longing for a heavenly future. Those who fully understand the certainty of heaven’s existence find it easier to exchange their comparably paltry lives on earth for eternal citizenship in heaven. Courage helps us to let go of all we cling to on earth—all the things that make us long to stay here. It takes courage to believe in a life after death. After all, life on earth is all we really know until the moment we die. We are courageous when we launch out in faith, believing Christ has made it possible for us to cross into eternity with him. Once we have made that firm decision, we can face life with purpose and death with courage.

Source: Extreme Devotion

Be inspired by this inspirational story from the book Extreme Devotion, which you may purchase in our The Voice of the Martyrs bookstore.

"I feel as if one of my arms has been cut off,” said Dr. P. P. Job. It was the most difficult sermon of his life: the funeral for his own son. His voice was heavy with emotion. “But with whatever I have left, I will continue to serve Christ’s kingdom.”

    Dr. Job directs The Voice of the Martyrs’ work in India and often risks his life traveling to encourage Christians in restricted nations. He also preaches at large crusades in India and has seen thousands come to Christ.

    His work has angered radical Hindus in his homeland. In June 1999, a rock hurled through his car window hit Dr. Job in the forehead, leaving a bloody gash. A week later Dr. Job’s youngest son, Michael, was walking near the medical school where he was studying to become a doctor. A Fiat driving full speed crashed into Michael and then drove off. The perpetrator was never found. Michael, with massive injuries, fell into a coma and died days later.
    

As he promised, the loss of his son has not stopped Dr. Job’s ministry. Since Michael’s death, Dr. Job has preached more crusades, winning thousands to Christ. The cost for Dr. Job’s ministry has been high: his own son. But he is not alone. God also knows what it is like to lose a son so that others may see salvation.

The road ahead for the persecuted church is steep and may be long. For over two thousand years, many have been motivated by evil in their opposition to the gospel of Christ. As Christians we must be willing to pay a price—even if we are never required to do so. This is the lesson of Abraham’s life. He was willing to sacrifice Isaac—through whom the blessing was going to come. Being willing to sacrifice for our commitment to Christ makes us stronger. The idea of sacrifice clarifies our goals. Sacrifice solidifies our character. Commitments that cost us something change our family, our neighborhood, and our world for Christ. We learn how strong we really can be. Although we don’t wish to lose that which we hold dear—we strive to remain undeterred in our devotion, despite any circumstances.

Enjoy this inspirational story from the book Extreme Devotion, which you may purchase in our The Voice of the Martyrs bookstore.

Ranavalona I, the queen of Madagascar, hated the Christians in her kingdom. Her complaints against them were many: they despised her idols, they were always praying, They always went to church, and their women were chaste. She sent officers to gather all those suspected of being Christians to bring them to trial.

    Sixteen hundred believers, when the charges were read, announced confidently, “Guilty.” They would not deny the charges, for to do so would be to deny Christ. The Queen offered them a second chance to deny Christ and bow to her idols, but each refused. They were thrown into dark, dank dungeons, and many were executed. The Queen was angered more, because for each Christian she had killed, twenty more rose up.
   

 Later, the Queen ordered that fifteen Christians be executed. They were to be thrown over a cliff into a rocky ravine 150 feet below. The Queen’s idols were taken to the top of the cliff, and each Christian was lowered slightly over the edge, tied with ropes.
   

 “Will you worship your Christ or the Queen’s gods?” the soldiers asked each Christian hanging over the precipice.
   

 Each Christian answered, simply, “Christ.” The ropes were cut, and they plunged to the rocks. Some sang as they fell to their deaths. One young girl was spared and declared insane. She later founded a large church.

In most countries, defendants are presumed innocent until they are proven guilty. The underlying principle is that there must be a substantial amount of evidence to convict a person of a crime. Expressing one’s faith in Christ is often a government offense in many countries where the roles of the justice system are reversed. Believers are guilty until proved otherwise. One would have to reject Christ in order to be innocent—in a human, earthly courtroom. However in heaven’s courtroom, the guilty verdict is actually a victory. “Extreme guilt” means providing so much evidence of one’s faith in Christ that there is no way to be acquitted of the charge! The familiar paradox is worth repeating: If you were on trial for being a Christian today, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

As we begin 2012 I'd like to wish you a very happy new year and thank you for making a resolution to pray for the persecuted church and inform your friends and family who may not know about what is happening to Christians worldwide.  We offer a free monthly newsletter that you can sign up for here.

The following is a devotional thought from the wonderful book Extreme Devotion.

“The life of man is a continual death, unless it be that Christ lives in him.”

—IGNATIUS

Ignatius was a disciple of the apostle John and had publicly reproved Emperor Trajan Antioch for worshiping idols. However, Trajan swore to take public revenge on Ignatius in return for his embarrassing rebuke.

Ignatius was arrested and brought to Rome. As he was led away to the pit of lions, he told another believer, “My dear Jesus, my Savior, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped into pieces, the name Jesus would be found on every piece.”

When the multitude of people was assembled to witness his death, Ignatius boldly addressed the cheering crowd. “I am the grain of God. I am ground by the teeth of the beast, that I may be found a pure bread of Christ, who is to me the Bread of Life.”

As soon as he had spoken these words, two hungry lions devoured him. He lived up to his surname, Theophorus, “the bearer of God.” To the very end, he bore the name of God and his Savior on his lips. He had often said, “The crucified Christ is my only and entire love.” And to the end he found solace in this simple truth: “As the world hates the Christians, so God loves them.”

Marriage tradition holds that a wife should bear her husband’s name as a symbol of their union. They are no longer two people, but one. As a couple grows old together, they begin to share more than just the same last name. They share the same friends and interests. They begin to finish each other’s sentences. And some begin to even strangely resemble one another…such is their long-standing intimacy. In the same way, those who bear the name “Christian” or “little Christ” develop the same intimacy—a oneness with the Savior. Are you wearing well the name of Christ? Like Ignatius, does sharing Jesus’ name inspire you to share in his sufferings, his ministry, and his life?

The following quote is in our book Extreme Devotion.  As you consider the depth behind this message, consider if your passion to speak about Christ is at this level of devotion.

I didn’t come here to sit silently with my hands folded on my lap. I came to speak about Christ.

GALINA VILCHINSKAYA, TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD PRISONER FOR CHRIST IN RUSSIA IN THE EARLY 1980S. SHE WAS ARRESTED FOR TEACHING CHILDREN IN A CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMP.

Every first Sunday of the month my husband Randall has the responsibility to give the communion meditation for our church, and this week because of my work with The Voice of the Martyrs, I was able to point him to a great quote from Richard Wurmbrand which he used in his devotion. Here's the quote...

"I have found truly joyful Christians only in the Bible, in the Underground Church, and in prison. - Richard Wurmbrand"

After the church service some friends of mine came to me and shared with me how much they appreciate my husband's meditations, but especially this week, the quote that was used from Richard Wurmbrand, because it made them think, and it reminded them that as Christians in America, where we are relatively free, we often seek after the "experience" when in reality, the work in the mission to serve Christ is often found amidst trial and persecution.

I want to encourage you to use the things you read on our blog, to minister to your friends who take their faith for granted. Today's devotion is from the book Extreme Devotion and has so much to teach us.

Pastor Norbu Promila was pleased with the service as he preached to the tribal people in the mountains of Bhutan. Those gathered seemed especially attentive and open to the Good News. Then in the middle of the sermon, police rushed in through every door, stormed the stage, and forcibly grabbed Norbu.

    Pastor Promila was thrown in prison and tortured, and the authorities ordered him to forsake his call to preach the gospel. He received massive head injuries, and when authorities finally let him go, there was permanent damage to his body. He returned home, where his wife and children were shocked at his bruised and bloodied face. Ten days later, he died as a result of his wounds.

    Pastor Promila’s congregation in this militant Hindu kingdom refused to give up his mission. Shortly after his death, they met together and called for volunteers to continue Norbu’s work among the tribal people. Five hands went up, one of which belonged to his wife. She answered God’s call to missions while also caring for her five children.

    She ministered faithfully, and she and the other workers have seen many tribal people won to Christ. God provided for her needs and her children’s. Mrs. Promila held fast to the knowledge that one day she would see her husband again and be rewarded for her faithfulness to Christ.

What we do for the Lord is not just a job—it’s a mission. A mission is never about a single person’s responsibilities. It is singly focused on Christ and his kingdom. Therefore, someone at the helm of God’s work in a particular area may leave, but the mission itself never dies. God’s work is never left undone. It goes on forever to its completion. Those who are willing to undergo persecution for their faith teach us about the meaning of mission. They recognize that there are only two things that last for eternity—God’s work and human souls. When we are willing to invest our lives in these things, we are involved in a mission with eternal significance.

It was getting late, and the Soviet officer had beaten and tortured Paulus for many hours. “We are not going to torture you anymore,” he said, smiling brutally when the Christian looked up. “We will send you instead to Siberia, where the snow never melts. It is a place of great suffering. You and your family will fit in well.”

    Paulus, instead of being depressed, smiled. “The whole earth belongs to my Father, Captain. Wherever you send me I will be on my Father’s earth.”
    The captain looked at him sharply. “We will take away all you own.”
    “You will need a high ladder, Captain, for my treasures are stored up in heaven.” Paulus still wore a beautiful smile.
    “We will put a bullet between your eyes,” shouted the captain, now angry.
    If you take away my life in this world, my real life of joy and beauty will begin,” answered Paulus. “I am not afraid of being killed.”
    The captain grabbed Paulus by his tattered prison shirt and screamed into his face, “We will not kill you! We will keep you locked alone in a cell and allow no one to come see you!”
    “You cannot do that, Captain,” said Paulus, still smiling. “I have a Friend who can pass through locked doors and iron bars. No one can separate me from the love of Christ.”

Despite an uncertain future, we can be sure of one thing: Christ will face it with us. Whether we are going through a private trial or a public grieving, we are never going alone. In contrast, every human companion will fail us at some point. There will be places in life’s journey where they cannot walk with us—the water will be too deep and their understanding would be murky at best. Only Jesus has the ability to pass through the “iron bars” on our suffering hearts and share these difficult times. Although, in his wisdom, he may not choose to deliver us from our circumstances, his sure presence will see us through them. Smile, knowing you have a Friend from whom you can never be separated.

*If you enjoyed this devotion from the book Extreme Devotion, you may also enjoy many of the other books we offer in our VOM Bookstore.

He’d heard the rumors. In fact, Thomas had heard it directly from other disciples who had seen the Master alive. At least that’s what they had said. “When I see his hands and put my fingers into the nail holes, when I put my hand into the hole in his side made by that Roman spear, then I’ll believe he is risen,” Thomas had said.

    It wasn’t a miracle Thomas wanted. It wasn’t some great sign or wonder. He merely wanted to see the scars on Jesus’ body, the symbols of his suffering. Though Jesus had conquered death and lived in a glorified body, he still had scars—reminders of the price he paid.
   

 Eight days later Jesus appeared again. How foolish Thomas must have felt when he came face to face with the Master. How silly his grandiose statement must have seemed when the other disciples reminded him of it. However, Jesus did not harshly rebuke Thomas. Looking Thomas in the eye, Jesus offered his hands, encouraging him to touch the scars and to believe.

    Christ’s scars remained after his resurrection as a reminder of his still-suffering body. For though he conquered death, his body on earth still suffers. And he can identify with those around the world who bear scars because of their faith in Christ.

Scars are our teachers—vivid reminders of painful lessons. They’re often ugly to look at and not often pointed out for others to notice. Likewise, the scar of persecution in the church is not often the topic of conversation at many Christian gatherings. We consider it unnerving. A mystery. However, its purpose is to teach us. Persecution plays an important part in God’s marvelous plan for the entire world to hear and respond to the gospel. Jesus bore his scars in a public manner. In fact, he encouraged Thomas to touch them in order to teach him. His scars are our teachers—reminding us of the price that was paid for our salvation. We must continue to learn from, not ignore, the price the persecuted church has paid.

*** If you enjoyed this devotion, it's from the book Extreme Devotion, which can be purchased at the VOM bookstore.

I really love to start the week out by sharing with you a devotion from The Voice of the Martyrs book Extreme Devotion.  As you read today's devotion, think about what you would do in this situation.

***

When Ercan Sengul committed his life to Christ in the Muslim nation of Turkey, some saw it as turning his back on his heritage and nation. When he said that he would do anything for God, he had meant it then. But what about now?

    Ercan sat in a dark, dank prison cell surrounded by cell mates. He had been arrested by local police who said that he’d “insulted Islam” by distributing books for a Christian publisher.
    

Ercan cried out to God, begging to be rescued. He knew that he’d done nothing wrong and didn’t deserve to be there. “You said you’d do anything for me,” God whispered to Ercan’s heart. “Did you mean it?”

    Broken before God, Ercan wept and worshipped. He told God in his heart, “I really meant it.” Ercan began to preach three hours each day in prison. He learned that God allowed him to be imprisoned to give him a new mission field! Ercan was in prison for thirty days until witnesses admitted that police had pressured them to sign statements, and the judge found no evidence of any crime.

    The arrest has furthered Ercan’s witness. Since his release, many who shared his cell have visited his church, asking about the God who gave him peace while locked in prison. Ercan still joyfully gives out Christian books, knowing he could be arrested.

Most Christians would admit that suffering is not exactly what we have in mind when we say we want to be used by God. Sure, we want to live out our faith—but not to the point of persecution. We resent being overlooked for promotions at work or excluded from social events. We feel slighted. Cheated. Ripped off. However, we must be willing to prayerfully seek God in the midst of our desperation. The moment we do, we find prayer changes our perspective. We begin to see opportunities for growth. We receive hope. We find promise amid pain. Eventually we begin to discover our current situation, however unfair and undeserved, may be part of God’s plan after all. When we pray for God’s perspective on persecution, we find the courage to be obedient at all costs.