Remember Ambassadors

I will freely admit that I like a good spy movie.  I am fascinated by international intrigue, secret missions by highly trained agents, and the stories of top secret activities that keeps us safe–even when we don't know about it.  But I live in a country which directs its espionage for exactly that reason, to keep me safe.  I can hardly imagine what it would be like if the government's agents were coming after me.

That imagination has been reality for North Korean Christians.  There, government agents have been sent to "incriminate, arrest, imprison and sometimes execute believers" (Compass Direct News) by infiltrating small churches and prayer groups, posing as Christians, and springing a trap on them.  The North Korean government considers religion–and Christianity in particular–to be the number one danger to the state.

That gives a whole new meaning to the warning of Matthew 7:15, which warns us to beware of "ravening wolves" that come in sheep's clothing.  Can you even imagine that type of persecution?

Read the full story at Compass Direct News.

This morning, I was delighted to send off the very first Ambassadors Update to all the people who have signed up to be Remember Ambassadors.  That officially marks the launch of what I've been calling "Phase 2."

Phase 1 was this website–establishing a presence, and becoming your resource for news, prayer requests, and information to carry out your passion to assist the persecuted church.

Phase 2 is taking the next step–from information to action.  The goal of Ambassadors is not just to equip you for action, but to give you meaningful ways to minister to the persecuted church.  That is the essence of this newsletter–the first project.  There are so many more to come, but if you want to get involved right now, on a project that has the potential to bless hundreds and thousands of people, this newsletter is the resource for you!

And if you would like to be put on the Ambassadors mailing list, simply e-mail me your address! 

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Though I only met Mahagoub for a couple of days, I will never forget him.  He was a man of enormous heart, character, and passion–and even though we did not speak the same language, his fist-pumping encouragement ministered far beyond any language barriers.

His story is as amazing as the joy he spread to all around him.  He had been a member of the Sudanese parliament, an influential leader and able representative of the tribes of the Nuba Mountains.  But he gave up his position of influence for one simple reason–to preach the gospel of Christ.  He used his political influence and charismatic personality for the greatest good of all, bringing souls into the Kingdom.

The time spent with Brother Mahagoub was precious, and in just a couple of days I felt as if he were a good friend, as well as being a brother in Christ.  As he traveled with us throughout Sudan, he could barely hide his excitement for Remember's work and the movement of Christ throughout the Nuba.

A couple of months after our first Sudan trip, we received the word that Brother Mahagoub was dead.  I was heartbroken, and I wasn't the only one; everyone involved in ministry in central Sudan felt the loss.

We are still not sure what caused his death.  In central Sudan they do not do autopsies, and Brother Mahagoub died on the mission field, in the midst of the Nuba Mountains.  It would appear he died of heart failure, which could easily have been the result of an assassin's poison (a tactic known to have been employed by Muslim extremists in the area) or just the result of many years of hard work, poor diet, and the stress of being a Christian in Sudan.  One thing is certain, though–Mahagoub died doing the work of the Kingdom.

His wife had died of cancer a couple of years before Mahagoub went to be with the Lord, leaving their four children orphans.  Three daughters and one son, each in their teens and early twenties as far as we can establish, left without anyone to provide for their needs.  They can work, but in doing so, have no opportunity to obtain the education necessary to give them a chance to prosper–and to continue in the ministry footsteps of their father.

I am so happy to say, in the face of all of this sadness, that Remember is reaching out to these children in the love of Christ.  We have undertaken to provide them with enough money, on a monthly basis, to provide for their education and basic needs.  Because of your generous work and donations, we are able to make sure that they get back on their feet.  Our support is not a permanent entitlement, but a gift of love to give them the opportunity to be mighty weapons in God's Kingdom.

Will you join me in praying for these four?  Pray for them through the grief of loss and the pain of hunger.  But don't just pray for their current situation; pray for their futures.  They have seen the Body of Christ at work, and the sacrifice the Kingdom is worth.  Pray that this memory will never leave them, and as they grow up that they will become powerful tools in the hands of their Eternal Father.

Only that Father knows what value our investment will be worth.  Let us pray that our assistance to these persecuted children will be the tool of revival throughout the nation of Sudan.

Members of Remember's Sudan team with Mahagoub's children - Khartoum, December 2007.

One of my constant goals is to let you you know how you can be involved in praying for the persecuted church.  I write every week about the power of prayer, and that power is so evident in the lives of our persecuted brothers and sisters.  But do not forget the blessing and power involved when we agree together in prayer!  The Spirit is present when only two or three gather in His name–imagine the power when the worldwide community of believers agrees together.

April 27 has been designated the International Day of Prayer for North Korea.  The people of North Korea have suffered unimaginable devastation at the hands of their communist dictator, and the Global Justice Prayer Network has provided a list prayer requests based on their specific needs.  What amazes me is how so many of these broad needs have a direct link to persecution.  While the citizens of North Korea in the broad sense are suffering, and need our prayers, the Christians of North Korea are specifically suffering–targeted by the enemies of Christ.

I would challenge you to mark April 27 on your calendar and remember to pray for the persecuted church in North Korea.  You will be joining a worldwide "agreement" of intercession!  While you're at it, print out a few prayer brochures, and make sure your friends and family know of this special time to lift up those in need.

For More Information–

Students Arrested for Gospel Materials 

Owning a Bible Could Lead to Arrests 

North Koreans with Faith Ties Face Torture 

North Korea Freedom Week (PDF)

Algeria: Believers Face Diminished Freedoms

Algeria is facing a crisis point.  Churches are being forced to close, and elections are coming up, causing the potential for increased violence and religious limitation.

China: 8 Christian Leaders Still in Detention in Sichuan Province

These leaders have been accused of being "evil cult members," a charge often leveled by Chinese authorities against house church members. 

North Korea: Students Arrested for Gospel Materials

India: Film Team Released from Jail After Sharing the Gospel

Gospel for Asia evangelistic teams are in constant danger of persecution.  This team has a message of praise, though, after they were released from prison–and had a chance to witness to the very authorities that were persecuting them!

Indonesia: Over 100 Churches Closed in 3 Years

Indonesia is a predominately Muslim nation, and the attacks of extremists have led to the closure of 110 churches in the time period between 2004-2007. 

Iraq: Religious Cleansing in North

Laos: Pastor Beaten Almost to Death for Refusing to Give up Faith

Pastor Khamxay was arrested for "bringing foreign religions to Laos."  The government tried to make him sign a piece of paper in which he said he would not be a Christian.  He refused to sign, and in his ensuing prison term converted five of his cellmates to Christianity!  When the guards found out about his witness, they beat him almost to death.

Today I will be taking our two newest bulletin inserts to the printers, but you saw them here first!

Vietnam

Nigeria