Brother Da was a faithful Communist Party member in northern Vietnam when he first heard the Christian programs on his shortwave radio. At first he rejected the ideas as stupid superstition, but after two months of listening, he could no longer resist Christ. He was excited about his love for God, and it seemed to overwhelm his heart. He soon won many of his neighbors to Christ.
But his excitement was short-lived. On December 29, 1998, Vietnamese police, angered by Da’s evangelistic activities, raided his house and led him out at gunpoint. His wife and four children could only watch as he was taken away to a prison camp.
In the crudely constructed labor camp, Da was forced to work in the brick factory. Every day meant carrying another two thousand bricks. If Da did not meet his quota, he was brutally beaten. Just when he thought he could not take the labor anymore, he was released on October 15, 2000.
Still under house arrest, Da was again ordered to stop sharing his faith. He was told, “You have just returned from labor camp. Do you want to go back? Think carefully.”
But Da was committed to a “labor of love” for God, and he continued his work of sharing Christ with those around him. No physical labor—even carrying two thousand bricks a day—could deter him.
Few people would admit they love going to work every day. For some, work is a necessary evil. However, those who labor while being God’s witnesses have a completely different mind-set. God’s work is never drudgery. Yet we are always on the clock, constantly laboring to advance the gospel everywhere. He gives us energy for the task at hand and endurance when times get tough. Why do Christians labor so hard? Is it the paycheck? Is it the bonuses, perks, or other benefits? No, love motivates us to give our all in God’s service. If you love Christ, you will gladly work for him. What has he called you to do today in his service?
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