Some parts of Asia are still under Communist rule. With rigid controls on religion, spreading the gospel in these countries is difficult. Many people are atheists or Buddhists and reject that God is the Creator of all things. Even when someone comes to faith in Jesus, they often face persecution from the government or their neighbors.
That did not stop one group of believers who received evangelism and discipleship training. They went out into their communities in Southeast Asia, and many people chose to follow Jesus. Though these new believers have new lives in Christ, their earthly lives have become much more difficult. After professing faith in Jesus, some people were fired from their jobs, had active contracts terminated, or were denied their salaries.
One believer named Bao had been a forest ranger for years and earned a decent salary. But after the government found out that he became a Christian, his employer stopped giving him his paycheck, and Bao was denied any other work benefits he once had. He went from having a successful career to having nothing.
The church has come around these persecuted believers to support and encourage them. By God’s grace, they have remained steadfast in their faith and have been willing to suffer for Christ.
Following Jesus does not mean life will be easy. But these believers in Southeast Asia learned that a life in Christ is better than any earthly treasures.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” -James 1:2-4
Stories From the Field
God is moving among the unreached worldwide. Eyes are being opened to the love and grace that Jesus offers to everyone. Read stories of incredible life change, miracles, and softened hearts on the East-West blog.
