Day of the Christian MartyrSample

John Chau, North Sentinel Island

John Chau heard God’s call to be a bearer of God’s truth to the world's unreached people. Over 1 billion people on our planet live where there is no Bible, no church, no missionary, and no gospel presence.

The Sentinelese, who live on an island in the Indian Ocean, are among the world’s most isolated people. They are hostile to all outsiders.

John Chau not only heard God’s call to go but also prepared spiritually, physically, and emotionally for years to effectively take the message of Christ to the people living on North Sentinel Island.

Did John’s obedience result in success? Many would say no, considering his efforts fruitless.

In reality, this is how frontier missions have worked throughout church history. Many who make initial contact for the sake of the gospel do not live to see a people group embrace the message of Christ. The Early Church father Tertullian wrote, “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”

John Chau lived the message of Scripture. He counted the cost, and he knew Christ was worthy of any sacrifice he might make.

Prayer/Response

Father, give me eyes to see those who live without hope in Christ, whether they live across the street or the sea. Move not only my heart but also my feet to meet them. Give me courageous obedience to share the message of salvation. Give me the grace to do so at any cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.