Uncles off My Back

“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:14-16, NAS.

When Manny* started following Jesus, not all of his family was happy. One uncle, who was exceptionally bright and had reached a higher educational level than anyone else in the family, called Manny an infidel and an idol worshipper. Since following Jesus, Manny had overcome an addiction to drugs and was living a pure life. The uncle, on the other hand, was an alcoholic. While the uncle ridiculed Manny, the rest of the family was happy about the life changes they had seen, and refused to criticize Manny’s faith.

At school, Manny taught the children stories from the Bible. Manny’s uncle came to the school and scolded Manny in front of the children. The uncle said, “You are not satisfied to be an infidel, but you want to make all these children infidels, too.”

Manny had another uncle who also condemned him for following Jesus. One day this second uncle became seriously ill and began coughing up blood. The family was convinced that the uncle was suffering from tuberculosis. Manny warned this uncle that he needed to pray to Jesus and have his sins forgiven. He told him that Jesus was able to heal him. Manny and several other believers came to this uncle and prayed over him for healing. Within a day his conditioned improved so much that he cancelled his plans to go to the hospital.

While both of these uncles refuse to follow Jesus, both have stopped persecuting Manny since the healing. They have seen power in Manny’s life that they can no longer condemn or deny.

*Name changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Both Manny’s uncles will become followers of Jesus.

Followers in Manny’s people group will show love and have endurance in the face of persecution from friends and family.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.