Yesterday we had a special visitor to my church. His name is Peter and he's a missionary to Tanzania.
He requested prayer for safety, as he has been placed on a kill list by extremist Muslims. Two pastors have already been killed in that country; on Sunday, 2-27-13 gunmen shot and killed a Catholic priest as he arrived at church to say Mass and on 2-2-13, Assembly of God Pastor Mathayo Kachiti was beheaded while trying to settle an argument about the butchering of meat. Traditionally and by government decree, Muslims in this country are given the right to be butchers, but Christians are only allowed to butcher animals for their private consumption. A Christian was preparing meat for a funeral, and this sparked the riot that lead to Pastor Mathayo's death. In December, a Catholic priest was shot in the back cheek and as he arrived at church. He is still recovering from his wounds in the hospital.
Additionally, a text message was received by bishops and priests in Tanzania after the death of Father Mushi that stated, "We thank our young men, trained in Somalia, for killing an infidel. Many more will die. We will burn homes and churches. We have not finished: at Easter, be prepared for disaster." It was signed "Muslim Renewal". The text was reported on by the Vatican's Fides news agency. Bishop Shao said, "We have given the warnings we have received to security" authorities in Zanzibar. He said that he was skeptical but hopes that the perpetrators will be apprehended and justice done.
Pastor Peter asked for just one thing: daily prayer. It takes incredible courage to continue to preach the Word of God when you are marked for death. I have committed to pray for him and the Christians living in Tanzania, and hope that you will also. When our pastor asked him what message he'd like to leave us with he replied that we must continue to do what God calls us to do no matter the circumstances. He said that some of his friends had counseled him to lay low for awhile, but he said he must continue to do as God has called him to. This advice, coming from a man who is willing to publicly preach when he has been targeted to be killed, is truly inspiring.
The first video below gives greater detail about the situation in Tanzania, while the second describes persecution worldwide. Several believers give their own testimonies about violence they have suffered.
Please view the second video at your discretion. It contains some graphic images of injuries and scars.
Persecution against us has been going on since Jesus traveled and preached His radical message.
He warned us in Matthew 10:17-22, "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be your speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." He goes on to say in verse 28: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."-John 16:33
Father, I pray for the Christians who are under persecution for loving and serving you. Please strengthen them with Your power so that they may endure. Send Your angels to surround them and protect them. Let them feel Your loving arms around them that they may be comforted in their suffering. I pray that any evil spirits that come against them will be powerless; bind them in the name of Jesus and send them away from Your children. Let them feel the joy of Your Spirit even as they face their trials, and let them feel lifted up by the prayers we send up. And Father, I pray for those who do the persecuting. Soften their hearts and let them feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that they may come to believe in Your son and receive eternal life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wishing you many blessings :)
