Embracing Sufferingናሙና

Story 6 – Suffering and Jesus

Tatay Robert nervously approached the pulpit, unfolded his crumpled papers and addressed his friends and neighbors in the church. His nerves quickly abated as he preached on the topic “Love in deed and truth” from 1 John 3. 

We were elated about this first sermon by a man from the community where we served in the church we had planted. But our joy didn’t last much longer than the sermon. 

Monday afternoon was a birthday in the community – which means karaoke and drinking. Robert’s son and daughter-in-law fought, and while he and several other adults were breaking it up, the local officials came and hauled Robert off to jail – after a stop at the hospital to be sure their fists and batons had not caused too much damage. 

Robert was not persecuted directly for his faith, but there is an indirect connection. The local official already had a dislike for our ministry because we fed the people and did not participate in corruption. We prayed with Robert and talked through John 15, reminding all of us that Jesus promises suffering to those who follow Him. 

We spent a year developing relationships with the local government. Our efforts were boosted during the pandemic as we have been able to feed over 100 families every week, including those who think the church made a poor choice in associating with a sinner like Robert. 

Robert recently had another unfortunate encounter with a Barangay Tanod (local neighborhood police). The man provoked Robert’s anger, and our disciple responded with anger and disrespect despite much growth over the past year. They wanted to remove Robert and his family from the community permanently, but we were able to humbly propose church discipline instead of jail and violence, and have placed him in an intense discipleship process living with one of our church-mates for 60 days. 

He will be studying Colossians and Christian living in a wicked and hostile world, well aware that suffering is promised to those who “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work . . .”

We pray this time in God’s Word will produce holiness, endurance, and grace.

Reflection Questions

Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? What sustained you?

How can suffering grow you to be more like Jesus?

How can Scripture help you to endure suffering?