Have you heard the term “first world problem?” It refers to the annoyances and “problems” we have because of our wealth and possessions. These are “problems” many people in the developing nations would be happy to have. An example of a first world problem would be not being able to find a matching chair for a new sofa, a restaurant running out of your favorite dessert or having too many options to choose from at the supermarket.

This morning as I looked through photos of Chinese Christians worshiping together, I was struck by all that we have in common. It’s easy to focus on our differences ­— they’re sitting in a one-room home with a dirt floor, wearing clothes that have seen more than a little wear. Some have shoes and some don’t; their hair is styled in ways mine would never manage. I can see that they have Bibles in their laps, but the Chinese script is meaningless to me.

"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

I recently read this story about Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM’s founders, in the book In God’s Underground. This excerpt is long, but I think it’s worth the read. I love the picture it shows of the Wurmbrand’s hearts.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” — Romans 8:18

Rebekha Bibi is a passionate evangelist for the Lord. She is the only single female evangelist VOM helps support in Pakistan. In a male-dominated Muslim culture, few women dare to take on the challenging and dangerous work of evangelism. This fearless woman travels all over, bringing the good news of “Isa Masih” (Jesus Christ), who changed her life. Rebekha grew up as a Muslim, but her heart was changed through the testimony of a Christian friend, and now she wants to share her story with everyone.

The reader in the U.S. will probably never know that Christian in the jungle, yet the chain is there. In order to share this fellowship, the important thing is not that they know each other, but that each link in the chain shares fellowship with the links on either side of them.

They huddled inside the room while hearing the screams of fellow Christians being butchered outside. Pastor Hendrick Pattiwael and his wife were helping to lead the Indonesian youth camp, and they felt responsible for the young people in their care.

Diana was only nineteen when her father was sent to prison for his faith. She and her sister Floarea were left in charge of the family, but soon they lost their factory jobs because of their father’s imprisonment.