“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10, NIV 2011).
I was forwarded this email today from Dr. Rudy Oehm, who partners with me in ministry to a safe part of the world.
“A friend just got a text message from her brother asking her to shower him and his parish in prayer. He is part of a mission and ISIS has taken over the town they are in today. He said ISIS s systematically going house to house to all the Christians and asking the children to denounce Jesus. He said that so far not one child has done so. And so far all have consequently been killed, but not the parents. The UN has withdrawn and the missionaries are on their own. They are determined to stick it out for the sake of these families—even if it means their own deaths. My friend’s brother is very afraid and has no idea how to even begin ministering to these families who have seen their children martyred. Yet, he says he knows God has called him for some reason to be his voice and hands at this place at this time. Even so, he is begging prayers for courage to live out his vocation in such dire circumstances—and, like the children, accept martyrdom if he is called to do so. He asked me to ask everyone we know to please pray for them. These brave parents instilled such a fervent faith in their children that they chose death rather than denial. Please surround them in their loss with your prayers for hope and perseverance.”
I was worried today about saving enough for retirement and whether I could afford a new stovetop for my lake house.
Dear God,
Teach me what it means to risk for your glory.
Amen
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