Faith Under Fire

"I know your tribulation..." Rev. 2:9

I have recently returned from an international trip where I witnessed first hand the preparation churches are making for an expected increase in persecution. In some places it is already happening. Pastors have been arrested and charged with conducting forced conversions. Sometimes they languish in jail waiting for bail hearings. Despite the elevated threat level the pastors I met were enthusiastic about sharing the good news and they are seeing results particularly among the poor. 

Church leaders are facing the threats with good preparation. Lay leaders are being trained so churches can still function even if pastors cannot attend worship services. Outreaches continue to new people groups including to influential people in the community. 

In settings like this discipleship is critical in preparing Jesus' followers to be well grounded and to carry on the work of making disciples even if they must do so without visible pastoral leadership. 

It is encouraging to know that none of the suffering goes unnoticed by the Lord. It is also inspiring to see Jesus' followers living out the instructions from 1 Corinthians 15:58.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."