How a Widow Was Encouraged to Stay Focused on Christ | ||||
| Persecuted Christians often feel alone in their suffering. Many live in remote areas or places where few other Christians, if any, live. But when they receive help from the global body of Christ, they are encouraged in profound ways. When Ninh’s husband, Doan, was killed in Vietnam because of his faith in Christ, Ninh had difficulty eating and sleeping, and she was too exhausted to work. Her 5-year-old daughter, Mira, was also suffering malnourishment. Ninh’s troubles were compounded when her in-laws demanded that she return the home they had given to her and Doan as a wedding gift. They also took her 16-year-old son, Thai, to live with them. Ninh and her daughter lived with Ninh’s mother and sister for two months, but Ninh’s mother soon became angry about her Christian faith and kicked her and Mira out of the house. A compassionate neighbor rented Ninh his empty pigpen as temporary shelter. And with help from the local and global body of Christ, Ninh cleaned and repaired the structure to make it livable for her and her daughter. Since then, Christians have helped Ninh purchase land, and a small house is being built for her and her children. Ninh plans to start a small business to support her family and dreams of a day when they will have a home that can once again serve as a church. “I want to continue what my husband and I did before his death,” she said. Until then, Ninh is reminded of God’s presence in her life by the love and support of his people. “I feel more encouraged,” Ninh said, “and more security in my heart to keep going and following Jesus.”
When Christians in hostile areas and restricted nations are persecuted for their faith, we can let them know they are cared for and loved by their fellow members of Christ’s body. Your support sustains them and encourages them to stand firm in faith. Your gifts for Persecution Response meet needs like these:
| ||||
| ||||
|
Since Jesus calls Christians to make disciples of all nations, in this blog we'll consider how we might better share the gospel to the world around us.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Minute for Mission: Thursdays in Black
Image The GACEIR winter meeting honoring Thursdays in Black. (provided) The General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Rela...
-
The theme for the final day of Presbyterian Youth Triennium was “Wake Up and Dream,” and the high-energy, thoughtful and feel-good worship...
-
Churches, Denominations and Religions: Find courage and creativity for the elevation of t... : Are you ...
-
“Lights! Camera! Sermon!” Those who gather for worship in PC(USA) faith communities aren’t likely to hear those words spoken from the pulpit...
No comments:
Post a Comment