It’s August, close to the end of the summer. I’m feeling mentally tired. My summer job involves working at the Amish Village three or four days a week. I give House Tours and entertain some of the summer tourists who want to discover who the Amish are. For other visitors, it means checking one more thing off their bucket list. Many come to feed the animals and have a great time with their children. And for others it means “let’s do one more thing before we head back to Poland”. We have a lot of international visitors.
DISCOURAGED RATHER THAN ENCOURAGED
I speak to people from all over the world daily. It reminds me how many people are lost and without Christ. Quite a few do not even have an inkling of what the Gospel means and the power it can have on their own lives. It’s not popular to be a believer. Persecution of Christians is rampant throughout the world. Like I say, I can get discouraged rather than encouraged.
ENCOURAGED TO SPEAK COURAGEOUSLY
But then God reminded me through the scriptures that persecution can be an encouragement to others. In my case, God used 3 fellas from India to do just that. Paul tells us in the book of Philippians “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me, has really served, to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear, throughout the whole palace guard, and to everyone else, that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God, more courageously and fearlessly.” (Philippians 1:12-14).
MY INDIAN VISITORS
Last week I was giving a tour through the Amish house with several people, three of whom were Indian. After the tour was over, the three gentlemen stayed back to ask me some questions. During our conversation, I said I was a pastor. Suddenly, their faces lit up. Two of them said that they also were pastors. We talked for quite a while about the persecution they suffer in India and how their president opposes Christianity.
16,000 CHURCHES
They then told me their denomination has started 16,000 churches in India. Their voices were filled with joy and hope. It was a privilege for me to speak to them, knowing their story and what they were heading back to. I knew I was in the presence of Godly men; men who would advance the gospel, even while “in chains”.
As I read the end of the Philippians passage, I must ask myself “Do I live more courageously and fearlessly because of hearing their testimony? Do I cave during “Americanized persecution”, or do I stand up for what is true and righteous?
BE ENCOURAGED!
Let’s make it simpler. Do I speak up for Christ when the people around me only see Him as a curse word? Can I resist some of the poor decisions that I made in the past? And finally, do I share the gospel with people around me, “courageously and fearlessly”? Whether it is the Apostle Paul or two Pastors from India, be assured, the message is strong. Be encouraged!
Click to listen to Rebecca Stanley’s testimony of the Indian Church