Imagine discovering that your home has the Arabic “N” scrawled on it and that you have been targeted by ISIS?

James Chalmers was a carefree, high-spirited Scottish boy. “I dearly loved adventure,” he later said, “and a dangerous position was exhilarating.” Perhaps that’s why he listened carefully one Sunday when his minister read a letter from missionaries in Fiji. The preacher, tears in his eyes, added, “I wonder if there is a boy here who will, by and by, bring the gospel to the cannibals.” Young James said quietly, “I will!”—and he wasn’t even yet converted.

In John chapter 11 we read that Lazarus is dead. Jesus tells his disciples that he needs to go to Bethany in Judea, and that he wants them to go with him. The purpose for going is for God’s glory but also so that the Son can be glorified through it. Jesus intended to raise Lazarus from the dead, but the disciples did not know that. All they knew was that the last time Jesus was in Judea there were those who tried to kill him. So Thomas, assuming that Jesus would go back to Judea and risk being killed, rallies his colleagues to go with Jesus and die with him.

Tom Doyle, author of the books Killing Christians and Dreams and Visions, shares more in the current episode of VOMRadio about the true nature of Islam and how the God of the Bible is reaching and rescuing Muslims in the Middle East.

May the words of the old hymn inspire you as you consider Christ's sacrifice for us on this Good Friday:

While in Iraq recently, I was pleased to meet several Christians who are serving their neighbors, even in the midst of their own personal suffering. These “Jesus followers” have lost almost everything that this world values, and they continue to boldly proclaim their faith. They shine brightly in a place that has been darkened by loss, sorrow and hopelessness.

By the time I leave for work, I’ve used nearly 20 gallons of water between a shower, brushing my teeth, and preparing breakfast and coffee. Last week began with World Water Day (Sunday, March 22), and I invite you to consider the ways you depend on water each day and how this unites you with others around the world who depend on Jesus Christ as our living water.

In the current episode of VOMRadio, Tom Doyle, author of a new book about Christians facing persecution in the Middle East, tells us that, in spite of the advance of Islamic State, God is changing the hearts of people in the region as Christians continue to boldly share the gospel message in spite of the risks and violence.

“If they want all three of our kids,” said Tawadros’ widow, Malaka, “it isn’t too much [to give] for Christ.”