| Several people in John’s life demonstrated Christ’s love by imitating Jesus in their everyday lives. John grew up in a predominantly Muslim part of Southern Africa, though his family was culturally Christian. At the age of 10, John traveled to town where he knocked on a stranger’s door and asked for work in exchange for the cost of his school fees, as his village did not have a school. The couple agreed and because of their kindness, John finished primary school and went on to learn other skills. Years later, John attended a church where he heard the gospel message preached in a way that he understood. Growing up, John had never learned about having a personal relationship with Jesus. John’s pastor discipled him intentionally — telling John more about Jesus and how John could use his life to honour God. In the name of Jesus Several years ago, John was kidnapped by a group of extremist terrorists. The group pillaged the market and rounded up people — including John — to carry off the stolen property. Hours later, an exhausted John told the group he could not continue. A soldier stepped forward to kill him. “I started praying in the name of Jesus, but they said, ‘This is not what we know. You have to pray as a Muslim,’” John remembered. “I said, ‘I’m not able to pray as a Muslim, because I know Jesus.’” They beat John, saying, “Who are you to Jesus?” The commander called to the soldiers, “Show him what happened to Jesus.” The soldiers found some nails and hammered John’s knees, feet and wrists into a tree. The ordeal was so extreme, that John passed out and the soldiers left him for dead. He vaguely recalls someone carrying him back to the hospital in the city — and who later shared details with him about the persecution. Long road to recovery After hearing his story, OM workers visited John in the hospital to offer aid and encouragement. During his long recovery, OM helped cover John’s medical expenses, which he otherwise would not have been able to afford. OMers walked alongside John, providing spiritual support, prayer and encouragement and continue to stand with John and other Jesus followers facing persecution. Throughout John’s life, God showed His love, grace and compassion through His followers. The couple used their finances to support a child’s education. The pastor used his discipleship giftings to invest in John’s spiritual growth. A stranger carried John back to the city to receive medical care. And OMers journeyed with John as he recovered and moved forward. • |
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