Freedom

Many in the USA celebrated Independence day yesterday. Lots of people remembered the freedom that was won from Great Britain and this is commonly celebrated on the 4th of July. As America celebrated those freedoms, I thought of our brothers and sisters in Christ who don't share in anything resembling this type of freedom in their countries.

For Christians in countries like Nigeria, China, Iran, Sudan, Egypt, and North Korea, basic human rights aren't even allowed. Because these people have decided to follow Christ and live for the Kingdom of heaven, they suffer deprivation, torture, and death.

However, many of those same people have more freedom than people in Western countries. How? They are living for Christ now, counting the costs, and knowing that they may even have to die for their faith.

The Bible says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Jesus brings freedom even if a government doesn't allow you to worship publicly or you can't wear you Christian t-shirt in public. True freedom is in the heart, not what one can do in an earthly country.

In the June issue of VOM's newsletter, I read about a man who shows this type of freedom. Abdulmasi was raised as a Muslim in Nigeria. He killed Christians and even acted like he was a Christian so he could infiltrate churches. One day, the Lord got a hold of him and he repented of his sins and stepped into the freedom that can only come from Christ.

He has since been persecuted by Muslims and he has even lost his own son to the brutality of Islamic extremists. He has had a mob of 2,000 Muslims surround his home seeking to kill him and his family. Through all of this, he still chooses to shine his light for Jesus and tell about the freedom that comes through Him.

So, when you think of freedom, don't only think of political freedom that last for a short while. Think of the true lasting freedom that Christ brings when a person repents and turns to Him.

Christ has come to set the captive free!

Sharing Their Pain

As I read the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) April newsletter, the article "Sharing Their Pain" really stood out to me.

The article told about three Christians in different countries. Shrinomi, who lives in Sri Lanka, was shot twice by hired killers. The killers were hired by a Buddhist businessman who was angry about his wife's conversion. Not only was Shirnomi injured in the shooting, her pastor husband, was killed.

Seyi, is a young man that lives in Nigeria. His city, Jos, broke out in a riot on November 28, 2008. Muslim warriors roamed the city with their machetes. As many as 100 Christians were killed and thousands more were attacked. A mob of militants broke through the gate to Seyi's home, but his parents and siblings were able to escape out the back door. Before he could escape, the Muslim militants caught him and sliced his head several times. Then they left him to die in the burning house. Thankfully, his family was able to drag him to safety, but they were left with trying to pay hospital bills. VOMedical helped Seyi as he travels the road to recovery.

Many people were injured, displaced, or killed during the extreme violence in Orrisa, India last year. Namrata was one of those people. The 10 year old was injured when a bomb, left by a radical Hindu group, exploded in her face. Thanks to VOMedical she was able to have several surgeries that have helped heal her face. Through it all, her faith and joy remained strong.

As I read these stories of victory through pain, my mind began thinking about what I would have done in those circumstances. Would I have had faith that God knew what He was doing? Would I have had joy in Jesus or let the enemy get me down down because of my injuries?

If you do not get the VOM newsletter, I would encourage you to subscribe to it. It's free and well worth reading!

6 Pastors Killed and 40 Churches Destroyed in Nigeria

Muslims attacked Christians and their property on November 28-29. This violence left six pastors dead, at least 500 other people dead, forty churches destroyed, and more than 25,000 people left homeless.


For the whole story, please click here.

Violence in Nigeria

After officials reportedly refused to post local council election results on
Thursday (Nov. 27) – prompting speculation that a party backed largely by
Christians had won – Muslim gangs in the Ali Kazaure area of the city began
attacking Christians, according to local residents. The resulting violence along
political, ethnic and religious lines resulted in a death toll estimated to be
in the hundreds, with more than 300 Muslim corpses reportedly brought to one
mosque.

Pray for peace in the midst of chaos. Pray for those who lost loved ones in the wake of this violence.

For more to read, click here.