This is a report from the field.
There were many incredible Christians I met.
But one who stood out was a pastor who have been underwent a lot of persecution.
There’s persecution from non-believers of another major religion; the rise of radicals in this country is very disturbing.
He’s been attacked by 200 radicals before and physically hurt but survived.
But he’s told me it didn’t hurt as much as when those who profess to be Christians hurt other Christians.
He said also the maliciousness is actually worst.
I have heard about this pastor from other men we trust and how he’s left a very controlling “Christian” group led by a very controlling pastor who have done everything under the sun: Adultery, physical abuse, money corruption, controlling other pastors and churches, etc. He’s even gotten other religious radicals to attack churches that he disagree with or want to leave his grip.
I admit it was very hard to hear all of this.
I got to meet some of the members who left this controlling alleged Christian group; they wanted to be more biblical.
I teared up meeting them in a very poor village where there’s no shelter.
And they listen to the Word eagerly and they left the previous group to want to be more faithful to the Word.
The pastor who left said what keeps him going is how he was surprised that this church and its members were more stronger than he realized and was far more courageous.
In a country where there’s rise of persecution where the society is against them and the government is against them and also alleged Christian group is against them, it is one of the hardest thing I’ve seen so far and I’ve been around some other Christians in persecuted context.
I prayed for them after writing this post, but it reminds me how the New Testament talks more about problems “within” the church than those outside the church.
A rude awakening indeed. I pray for their strength and protection. May the gospel go forth. I pray for the underground and persecuted churches. It is sad when it comes from within! May you be blessed dear brother and keep that heart of compassion!
God bless you BG, hope you are doing well
Thank you for this report, Jim. I see it happening here, as well. It seems to be lining up with 2 Thessalonians 2:3. It is very sad to see it happening in person. I never thought I would live to see the time of its beginning. God Bless you in your hard labors for the Lord. 🙏
So true we see it happening here too in some extent. Thanks G.W. for reading this!
Enlightening and revealing insight. This happens more subtly within the USA’s churches and “Christians”.
True. I think of “woke” Christianity so called and how they tear Things apart
True! There are many “woke” snowflakes (snowfakes) within the Christian community.
Yes sir! Doing well and the same to you my friend!
When under attack it may help to recall Ephesians 6:12 regarding how we do not wrestle with flesh and bone.
Good reminder
Ouch! Sad that there’s conflict among professing Christians. We see forms of needless conflict (although at a much milder level than what you’re referring to) even here at WordPress. I cringed when I read about that pastor.
Yeah it’s so much cringed and so wicked!! It made me think about the iFB pastors you shared about in the past!! Thanks for reading this, another couch day for me, how about you?
When I read this post, I actually did think about my old IFB pastor. He was a megalomaniac who desired to be a “warlord.” It sounds like the pastor you described was actually farther along the “warlord” path.
Hurrah! I’m glad you got another couch day! I cleaned out half of the garage earlier, which was a bit taxing for an old guy. So I’m “recuperating” on the couch until lights out.
The church needs much prayer!
Indeed!! TY
Thank you for sharing this! It is stunning to me when Christians don’t understand the wolves in sheep’s clothing are inside the church, not outside. Spiritual abuse is no joke and I am thankful for those who got out, I grieve for those who are still there. The witness of the persecuted church humbles me like nothing else.
It has. humbled me a lot! I don’t know how long the window is for me to go to this country given the difficulties from their government…I’m grateful for the opportunity while there’s still some light!
Praying for these brethren, it’s all I can do, while my heart aches and breaks for them. Yet I trust on that day when we stand before the King of kings, they shall be far closer to the throne of grace than someone like me is, for their God-driven faithfulness in the midst of such utterly challenging circumstances.
Brother I feel the same as you do these men And women are heroes. We are nothing but their servants Whenever we pray for them and teach them. Thank you for praying and thank you for comment!
🙏🙏🙏
Praying is a privilege to pray for them amen?!
happy new month…..
True have a blessed new month!
A sobering reflection. Blessings Jim for sharing the everyday struggles of believers in some of the darkest places. May we add these faithful men and women to our prayers.
Amen. You captured it: I think this trip to this country is one of the world’s darkest place besides North Korea