"We have learned that suffering is not the worst thing in the world...disobedience is." - A Vietnamese pastor who was imprisoned for his faith.
I came across this quote in "Foxe - Voices Of The Martyrs" and I thought it would be good to share. It is easy to assume that nothing could be worse than extreme suffering...but for Christians who have been in the midst of that in other parts of the world, there is something worse. Time and time again, I hear about persecuted Christians remaining obedient to Christ even in moments of great suffering. This intense focus on the Savior and His will sustains these saints as they suffer because of His name. I believe that disobedience during suffering would not lead to comfort and peace, but instead would lead to an even greater torment.
If Christians in situations such as these can remain obedient to Christ, then why is it so hard for us?
I have found that the most fulfilling times in my life have come when I have been obedient to Christ. I believe that these first four months as a volunteer for The Voice Of The Martyrs is a testimony of that.
Christy is currently continuing in her role as Apartment Manager/Assistant To The Facilities Director. I am currently continuing in my roles at Bibles Unbound and Order Fulfillment. Both of us are glad to be serving in these roles.
Last month I mentioned that VOM was preparing for a big move from one facility to another. Well, the move has happened! We are in an amazing new facility that will surely enhance the effectiveness of this ministry. Please continue to pray for VOM as we adjust to new surroundings and procedures.
Due to Christy's position as Apartment Manager, we have recently had the opportunity to meet some really cool VOM staff people from other parts of the world. I have been blown away by the bond that exists between brothers and sisters in Christ who not only do not know each other, but who also live on separate continents.
We appreciate all the support we get from you! Here are a couple areas that you can continue to pray for us:
- Our home is still on the market in Mt. Orab, Ohio. We have been trying to sell it since last November.
- Christy and I have already started to pray and think about what God wants us to do when our year committment here with VOM comes to an end in March 2010. It seems weird to think about this already, since it seems like we just got here, but we believe it is necessary to begin to be aware of the different opportunities that are before us.
And, as always, please keep the persecuted church in your prayers. I really hope that all of you have subscribed to VOM's free monthly newsletter! If you haven't, go to http://www.persecution.com/ and sign up. Over 500,000 people are subscribed. Just imagine the difference that is being made by 500,000 people praying for specific brothers and sisters who are being persecuted. I hope that all of you would want to be a part of that!
