I  have just watched two videos. They are not professionally produced. They were simply taken from a small video camera by a church member in a house church in Vietnam. The video was taken a few moments after hired government “thugs” broke into the church and attacked the pastor, leaders and church members simply because they worship Jesus. The video is shocking, emotional and heart-breaking. Blood drips from a man’s head wounds. Another cannot walk because of his beating. One is unconscious. Some lie bleeding with their heads resting on Bibles.

I wept as I watched it.

The people of Vietnam are special to my heart. I have worked among these people, visited their homes, trained their pastors and leaders, and walked their streets in prayer. Of the 23 nations I have visited and ministered in, Vietnam is by far the most beautiful, and the people are some of the most humble, respectful, appreciative, and genuine people I have met.

We face many trials, but none like our brothers and sisters in Christ in many places around the world. The things we call “suffering” that challenge and shake our faith pale in comparison to what people are facing right now as I write this letter to you. Lidia and I have attempted to share with our church on many occasions about the depth of commitment of Christians around the world. About their humility. About their strength of character. About their devotion to Christ and unwavering commitment to their faith. Lidia grew up among such people. Through my frequent travels and ministry over the past 30 years, they have become my brothers and sisters.

Like the pastor in Guatemala who was shot eight times and left for dead. God miraculously healed him and when he was offered to move to another part of the country for his safety, he refused because God called him to stay where he was.

Like the pastor in the mountains of Central America who, when there was no other pastor to lead the work, he said, “Here I am, Lord, use me!” as Isaiah did. Though completely illiterate and humanly incapable of the task, he did not look at his inabilities and say “No” to God.

Instead, he simply looked to God and said yes to what he could not do and trusted in God who can do anything. He studied and memorized the Bible as his young son read it to him. God made him very fruitful in his work.

Like the people in Cuba who went to other villages to gather food for us to eat. One family killed their only pig and another their only turkey. Food is rationed there. Families don’t have enough. But they wanted us to be fed. I could hardly swallow the incredible meal they fixed for us, knowing what they had sacrificed for it and questioning in my heart what they would eat the next day. Yet, they were overwhelmed with joy at their sacrifice, a sacrifice far greater than many of us would make.

I could go on with many other examples of people who, through incredible love and devotion to God, do not complain, resist, or reject God or an opportunity to serve, but embrace it with incredible humility and faith.

I wish you could see the faces on these videos.  Maybe if you did, the next time the train is late or the car breaks down or something doesn’t go right, you will remember how blessed you are. Maybe the next time you are asked to do something for God’s church and your flesh wants to resist, you will say “Here I am!” as you will realize the honor that is being bestowed upon you. Maybe the next time you receive counsel or advice or even rebuke, you will thank God for His protection and won’t resist and resent. Maybe the next time it seems your world is falling apart and your faith is shaken, you will remember a God who is greater.

And maybe next time you are asked to pray for those persecuted around the world, you will take that request seriously and go to God in prayer.

Hebrews 11:35 & 38  “Others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection . . . They were too good for this world.”