.

Free Indeed - Part Three
By Lorraine Walker

The picture in the newspaper shows a lady shouting and holding a sign that says, “Christian Community is peace loving. We work for the welfare of the nation in the fields with the spirit of love and brotherhood”. The place is Islamabad, Pakistan and the notice on the sign is also translated into the local language. Christian activists were gathering to condemn the mob-killing of eight Christians in Gojra.

This article didn’t make the front page of our local paper, but it did make the front section earlier this month. Thing is, most of us can’t relate to this kind of religious persecution. Most of us live in countries that allow us the freedom to live, work and worship as we please. We can walk where we want to go, listen to anything we want to hear and speak of that which we believe, without endangering our lives.

The website http://www.christiansincrisis.net/ states that since the death and resurrection of Jesus, 43,000,000 Christians have become martyrs, 50% in the last century alone. Over 200 million Christians face daily persecution. 60% of these are children. These are sobering facts.

Let us take a moment to think of those that face persecution that we only read about. As we thank God for the freedom He has given to us, let us pray for those whose freedom in Christ may cost them their very lives.

Although Christians die daily for their faith in countries where they cannot freely share their faith, these dangers seem to only heighten their determination to show Christ’s love to those around them. What may have become routine to those in the West is a privilege and an honor to these persecuted Christians. And the results of their witness are astounding.

Again this month I am sharing stories submitted by believers in ‘Restricted Access’ nations. Stories of those whose lives have changed because believers chose to risk their very lives in nations that don’t provide the freedom we are used to. Names have been changed but the stories are as genuine.

Donald - Donald expressed genuine interest in Christianity and also wanted a Bible in his own language.  His passion was mixed though, because he still adhered to some of the ancient superstitions that are common in his country.  We're not sure if Donald ever gave his heart to the Lord, but we know that "His Word does not return void", so we are believing for Donald.

Bobby - Bobby was never going to become a Christian.  On the list of likely candidates, his name was last.  You see, Bobby's job was to monitor the activities of Westerners and to report on any "irregularities".  Bobby was a slick operator and was well suited to his position.  Nothing changed for Bobby until God intervened.  Now Bobby lives in a Western country with his family and they all serve the Lord gladly.  What an amazing change Jesus has made in his life.

We will be sharing more on this page about being Free Indeed. Please check with us regularly. If you have anything you wish to share regarding freedom of religion, please write to me at sgmradio.lorrainewalker@gmail.com.