Amazing Faith in other Countries Amidst Persecution

Persecution has been on the increase in various parts of Asia, and I thought I would share a little about it and just a few of my personal reflections on it ...

Precious lives have been taken in Orissa this week... martyred for Jesus' sake. My heart hurts for the family members they leave behind. Yet, too, I know that those who are martyred are in a glorious place ... in heaven with the Savior they loved so dearly while they were still on this earth. And I was reminded just now of Romans 8:18 ... "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (NIV)

I can't even begin to imagine the things believers in so many other countries endure for their love for Jesus. Yet being part of a missions organization, I have seen two incredible threads common throughout so many of the persecution reports ...

First, along with the persecution in other countries, Christ's church is growing and flourishing in the midst of it! And second, those experiencing persecution so often show incredible courage, love, and forgiveness in the midst of it. It is an amazing thing to me! I know this is not of them (for in our flesh dwells no good thing), but a work of Jesus in them ... and it has to be an amazing testimony of the Gospel to those who are persecuting them.

I remember a while back when I was reading Hearts Afire, a book published by Voice of the Martyrs ... as I read the stories of incredible faith in the lives of people in other countries who were willing to risk so much for their faith in Jesus, I was greatly encouraged and strengthened in my own faith.

I feel challenged to pray more faithfully for our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries whose lives so inspire me. What a privilege it is that we can play a part in the labors of these precious brothers and sisters, even though they are on the other side of the world. How amazing God is to allow us to play a part in His redemptive work, whereever we are! I am grateful.

[As I was finishing up this post, the song "I Can Only Imagine" started playing on my headphones ... I can't help but think, How appropriate. For those six precious believers who gave their lives for Jesus in Orissa this week ... they are now in the presence of Jesus. Wow!]

A Memorable August 14

I had a birthday recently, and it made me incredibly grateful ... again and again ... for the great people God has surrounded me with! From people decorating my cubicle at work to making marble slab cheesecake (yum!!!) for me for our department celebration, to a yummy team lunch at Schlotsky's to calling me or posting a Facebook note to wish me a happy birthday ... to cooking delicious Indian food for me and another friend whose birthday is close to mine ... not to mention the amazing party some dear friends threw for me Friday evening. I was truly touched and honored that they would want to throw me a party ... and by all the hard work that went into it! They were so creative ... one of them made a cake in the shape of a pair of flip-flop sandals. I loved it. :o)

And the girls had decided it would be a dress-up party ... which is why I was very surprised and a bit flustered when I walked in the door dressed rather casually ... But they came to the rescue with a dress one of them had "borrowed" from me earlier that week ... it was waiting for me for the party! :) She also gave me a beautiful pearl necklace as a present and to wear for the evening!

From start to finish, I had a wonderful birthday ... I think perhaps my most memorable yet! I can't begin to describe how grateful I am for the amazing people the Lord has blessed me with in my life and the warmth and care they have shown. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special .... y'all know who you are! :)

Cinnamon Rolls, Popcorn, Fellowship

Our department enjoyed some cinnamon rolls this morning for one of our co-worker's birthdays. They definitely hit the spot, especially since I hadn't eaten anything for breakfast. ;-)

I had a friend in the area for the weekend who asked if she could stay with me. I was like, "Sure!" :) She was catching up with some relatives and friends in the area for a good part of the weekend and I had a few things going on as well, so it worked out well that we could come and go as worked best for us ... But last night we did "reconvene" to hang out and catch up. It was a nice time of chatting, watching a movie (complete with popcorn!!!) and praying for each other. I am sleepy today, but glad for the time we were able to share. I love such times of fellowship.

I have so much been enjoying getting to know the young women interning at GFA over the summer. Anna's last day of her internship was Friday, and Erin's is tomorrow. They will be missed! I have been so grateful for the chance to get to know each of them (and Hannah and Jessica!!) and will be in prayer for the Lord to continue to lead their lives. I'm so glad they could come here and spend part of their summer laboring with us all here ... their lives are impacting Asia. :)