mentored decided to risk walking the twenty-five miles to reach his
ordination although it would be risky for them to be found at a
Christian service in that non-Christian nation. They made it in time
for the service and praised God to see their friend step into his new
position of leadership.
On the way back to the village, however, anti-Christian militia of
the Sudanese government overtook the three young men. The sol-
diers demanded that the Christians renounce the “lies” they had
heard and spoken at their friend’s ordination. When the young men
refused, the soldiers cut out their tongues and cut off their ears.
With tears in his eyes the African bishop related this tale of hor-
ror to the well-dressed members of the Nashville congregation. I did
not look around me, but I am sure that many of them were consid-
ering, as I was, what they would have done had they been called to
take a stand for Christ after having seen their comrades mutilated.
When remembering the persecuted church, these are the three
things I pray:
- I thank God that I live in a free nation in which I can pray to
him without persecution. - I pray that Jesus will supply me with the faith and courage I
need should a time of persecution come. - And I pray for believers throughout the world who are endur-
ing severe persecution now.
Lord God, Great Deliverer, I thank you for the freedom to pray to
you. I thank you that when I need courage you will supply it. And I
pray for those who are suffering for your name’s sake in other parts
of the world. Come to their rescue, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.101 MOST POWERFUL PRAYERS IN THE BI BLE 141