Update from Contact in Asia

This week we received an update from one of our contacts in Southeast Asia. He relayed inspiring stories of believers in that region and the unique needs of Christians living there.

Our contact told us about a believer who was sentenced to prison for converting to Christianity. While in prison, this man converted 17 fellow prisoners. After this, he was declared insane and placed in a mental hospital for his faith. While he was spending time in the mental hospital, this brother led 32 more people to Christ!

We also learned about a believer who had the opportunity to escape prison if he would denounce his faith, but he refused to deny Jesus and consequently spent an additional four years in prison. During his last two years in prison, this man’s wife would travel three days to the prison so she could visit with her husband for 25 minutes!

We heard about many other brothers and sisters who have been persecuted and imprisoned for their faith. These believers are happy to suffer for Jesus Christ. They are thankful for the prayers and support they have received from Christians in the West.

Many of these believers have a need for Bibles. Several brave Christians are willing to risk their lives to deliver Bibles, but there is always a need for God's Word in restricted nations.

Another need of Christians in Southeast Asia is discipleship. Despite persecution, in the last ten years there have been approximately 1,000,000 new converts to Christianity in one country. Because of the restrictions placed on Christians, it is hard for pastors to safely visit their flock. Bicycles are a great way for a pastor to travel to meet with his congregation. One pastor was able to visit 600 believers with his bicycle, and a pastor with a motor bike could serve 3,000- 4,000 Christians.

Praise God for the new converts in Asia. Pray for the imprisoned Christians and their spouses as they lean on their Father’s love while they are separated from each other.  Pray Christians will be able to receive the spiritual food that they need so they can remain strong as they spread the message of God’s love.