Winning the Jailors

“But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’” Acts 4:19-20, NKJV.

I have counted the cost, taken up my cross, and committed myself to the work of the Kingdom. When the LORD counted me worthy to suffer for His Name, I took it as a great honor. Such suffering will not deter me from my mission to make Him known.

Along with around thirty committed brothers and sisters, I purposed to take the Gospel into a place that has long been closed to sharing God’s Word. We knew the risks, and did not complain when the local authorities arrested us for illegal religious activity. They confiscated over 800 Bibles and other materials that we had planned to distribute. Some of the sisters were released, but the rest of us were sentenced to work in a hard-labor prison camp because of our obedience to Christ.

During our captivity we took every opportunity to befriend our fellow prisoners and guards. We shared our hope freely with all. However, when we showed sacrificial love to our captors we noticed that God did an amazing work in their hearts. Several of the jailed evangelists pooled personal resources to purchase food for a special meal that we prepared and served. We fed all the prisoners and our jailors. Everyone was blessed through this meal.

When the guards saw us sacrificing for them, their hearts completely changed towards us. Four of them even came to trust in our LORD. After more than two months of detention the authorities released us with a stern warning about harsher punishment if we continued to pursue evangelistic activities in their jurisdiction.

My brothers and I have considered their threats, and believe that it is better to obey God. We are looking for another opportunity to return and see what harvest the LORD has prepared for us as we continue to obey Him.

*Excerpt from the testimony of a Last Frontier local evangelist serving in the Pacific Rim.

Pray that:

God will honor the sacrifices made to sow Gospel seeds in hard to reach areas of the Pacific Rim.

Local evangelists will be anointed with boldness and spiritual power as they proclaim Truth in areas long held in spiritual darkness.

People of peace will meet these evangelists and be transformed by the Gospel message.

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