Today I have a sad story to report coming out of Europe. According to the Advent Christian General Conference website a pastor has been sentenced for four years of prison for being critical of the state church in Europe.
And another pastor received five years of probation for similar activity.
Here's a quote from the article regarding the pastor given five years probation...
He is forbidden to be involved directly or indirectly to any such activities again during this period of probation and was ordered to inform all those groups related with them to stop all activities in relation to this offense.
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It is difficult for those in North America to understand how these things can be in 2011. We must remember we still have an enemy who prowls “like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour,” but even more “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” Some people look to a future tribulation believing that Christians might be spared. Jesus prepared his disciples in Palestine, in Eastern Europe, in Myanmar, in North Korea, Egypt and a host of other places for tribulation as a part of following him.
"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved … ” (Matthew 10:17 – 22)
Thank you for continually praying for persecuted Christians around the world.