April 2009

Part 2 of In His Father's Footsteps by Dr. Pat

This is part 2 of the story of Johnny who followed in his father’s footsteps and continued spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Along with Johnny’s commitment to serve Christ as his father did, he also quietly suffered at the hands of the local police in their attempts to stop this ministry.

In the past Johnny has been detained 4 times by local police, because of his house church activities, yet he was never charged with a crime.  He was put in a very small, crowded room with violent criminals and was not allowed to sit unless he paid the other prisoners for the privilege.  Johnny also had to pay for food, water, and bathroom privileges.

Before appearing in front of the judge, Johnny was handcuffed. The police routinely tighten the handcuffs to cut off the circulation, and the pain becomes increasingly unbearable.  It is customary to pay $2 to the guard to have him loosen the cuffs.  When Johnny offered the $2, the guard sneered “Even if you give me ten times that amount, I will not loosen your handcuffs.”

During Johnny’s four confinements, the police never kept him in jail for a long time, but each time the message was clear:  Do not continue with your ministry.  Johnny was 17 the first time that he was arrested. Since then he is still paying a price for being a Christian but he is growing stronger in the Lord.

The police keep trying to find ways to harass Believers.  They are usually threatened with a visit to the police station if they continue attending house church meetings.  And yet, Johnny says he will continue what his father started.  God will provide and the Christians will grow stronger and bolder in their witness to their Muslim neighbors.  Johnny has boldness and a joy in his life that is enviable.  And, so many others like him that we have the privilege to know are the same.  Boldness and joy!  The house church will continue and many more will come to Christ.  Praise God for Johnny’s witness.