Hello ,

Teacher and author Paul Borthwick was on a visit to one of his friends who teaches in Beijing, China. He attended a church with four young men who were new believers thanks to his friend’s ministry. The service was in Mandarin, so Paul understood nothing, but he did think the pastor, a very senior man, seemed a little boring. He was soft-spoken, a little stooped over, and preached without any expressions of excitement or emotion.

At lunch after the service, Paul asked the four young Christians, “Is your pastor a good preacher?” They exclaimed, “Oh yes! He is a great preacher. He spent many years in prison for Jesus Christ.”

Their measurement of the sermon and the pastor’s ministry had nothing to do with oratory ability and everything to do with a life faithfully lived in the face of suffering.

I have to admit that this story took my out of my comfort-zone. I pastor a church in a country that is reasonable peaceful at this time, and some of my "first-world" problems seem like a complete joke when I look at my colleagues in other countries that are suffering for their faith. 

Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.  

Hebrews 13:3

Today, someone that you probably don't even know is struggling and suffering for their faith in another part of our world. Let me challenge you to take a few moments (whenever it crosses your mind), to pause and pray for them. You and I don't know them, but God does...and prayer can make a difference!

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word