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)
Today in the Mission Yearbook - Author, speaker and activist Brian McLaren speaks up for the Earth
During a talk at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, McLaren outlines what the world needs most from Christians today November 21, 2024 The...
-
Evergreen Presbyterian Church pastor: ‘I’m glad [members] were bold enough to take that leap’ July 14, 2024 Evergreen Presbyterian Church in...
-
Members of the gun violence prevention group appear on Presbyterian Peacemaking webinar August 4, 2020 Nicole Hockley Halfway throu...
-
Beloved former Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, is honored for his unparalleled legacy of witnessing to God’s justice Augus...
No comments:
Post a Comment