Persecution and Hope

Several years ago, a leader of our work in a South Asian country asked me if some of the organizations that focus on the Persecuted Church would collaborate with us to develop a more holistic approach to empower leaders facing pressure and persecution. Little did I know the journey that question would lead to, or the lessons I would learn along the way.

Many of these organizations were willing to share their resources with us. This provided a stronger, more communal way of supporting persecuted leaders. Networking among these organizations led to our being invited to serve on the Religious Liberty Partnership.

I have learned much from listening to these organizations, and I have been deeply moved as I’ve heard from our alumni and national leaders as they share their personal experiences with persecution. One situation in particular tugs at my heart: Following the military coup in Myanmar, one of our leader’s children has been imprisoned for simply serving as a good Samaritan, handing out water and supplies to the oppressed. His parents have pleaded daily for his release, as he currently faces trial on fictitious charges.

As I have studied Matthew 5:10–12, I find it interesting that, prior to this blessing of the persecuted, Jesus says “blessed are the peacemakers” (5:9). Imagine that: peacemakers facing persecution! A few verses later, there is a call to be salt and light (5:13–16).

The trials of COVID-19 and the resulting economic fallout has caused suffering for many of us. But my friends’ anxiety over their son’s internment haunts me. I have faced trials in my life, but nothing as intense as this daily frenzy of desperation.

Facing persecution and suffering is the way of Jesus. If we suffer for the sake of righteousness or justice, we are walking in the way of Christ. May we live our lives in such a way that we are salt (acting to preserve and protect) and light (reflecting the love of Christ).

Amid their deepest pain, my friends in Myanmar are being both salt and light, sharing the love and hope of Christ to the very soldiers who arrested their child. They have shared the reason for their faith and sought to lead Buddhists and Muslim police officers to Christ. In their suffering, they have become agents of peace and a light to the world.

What a lesson to learn this year. I pray I can live up to my friends’ powerful example of what it means to live and be grace under intense pressure.

Key Quotation

May we live our lives in such a way that we are salt (acting to preserve and protect) and light (reflecting the love of Christ).

Question

What does it mean for you to face persecution today? How might that foster hope in our world?

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Asian Access