Dear Friend of the Persecuted Church—

            Do you long for the second coming of Jesus Christ?  I think that those of us that live in abundance forget to desire His coming.  We get so caught up in our things, in the wealth-management and wealth-building and wealth-enjoying that we don’t keep ourselves ready for His appearance “as a thief in the night.”  That’s not to say we don’t look forward to His coming, and to eternal glory, but we have a lot in this world to divert our attention from eternity.  I know, for myself, that I can so easily be distracted from eternal things.

            But imagine yourself as a persecuted Christian.  Imagine yourself not only destitute, but facing violence and suffering because of your faith.  Because you’ve fixed your eyes on Christ, this world has nothing to offer you but sorrow – in the literal sense – and eternity is where your hope is fixed.

            I’m reminded of what Paul said when he was approaching the end of his life.  He had served the Lord well, and he told Timothy, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  (2 Timothy 4:8)  Loving the appearance of Christ, loving His second coming, is the indicator of the sort of faithfulness that results in a crown of righteousness.

            While our challenge to that faithfulness is often the “stuff” of this world, the challenge to the persecuted church is remaining true to the gospel, knowing that doing so takes from them any hope of enjoying this life.  But when they overcome the temptation to give in to the pain, they await Christ’s return with great anticipation.  And to them will be given that crown of righteousness.

            I can tell you for certain that these persecuted Christians are praying for us – praying that we will overcome our attachment to this world and focus on eternal treasure.  Let us pray for them, that they will remain faithful in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Yours for the Body of Christ,

Gabriel J. Waddell
Executive Director

PS: Don’t forget to RSVP for “Persecuted, Not Forsaken” on October 2.  Seats for this exciting event are filling fast – reserve yours today!

---------------------------------------

This Week in the Persecuted Church

Partial Victory Seen in Ruling on Kidnapped Girls

Extremists Launch Attacks in Second Indian State

Get the latest from Remember Ambassadors.                                                                                                                                                

Links to websites not produced by Remember are provided for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily imply an endorsement of the linked site’s content.  Links provided by permission.