Mideast Church of God Fends Off Hostile Actions
In a Middle Eastern country, a small congregation is alive and well, despite persecution. Church members’ homes have been destroyed by fire, curtailing their meeting frequently. The pastor’s son’s house went up in flames beyond recognition.
Subsequently, because of non-Christian influence, they believe, the church was padlocked by the police and all material confiscated. The monetary penalty and police charges were paid to get the padlock removed, and all material was retrieved. Meetings resumed, but then the police began harassing the pastor, who hired an attorney and obtained an injunction to once again reopen the church, despite Muslim complaints and police interference. Even our representative there says the police are applying more pressure due to the many who are giving their lives to Christ. He also was called to the police station to verify that he had documentation for permission to meet.
It is thought that the police are afraid the entire village will come to Jesus, as well as other surrounding villages. In a recent service, a lady who had gotten saved the week before brought four people with her and they got saved! Later, four people were water baptized.
In just one year of being in the area, over 200 new converts have been reached in the home church. About five other prayer groups meet in various locations to whom the church ministers.
The more men try to stop the gospel, the more it will prosper. It has been like that since the days of the New Testament. God does not forsake His own!
—NOTE: There are many areas of the world where security is an issue and missionaries cannot be named in articles. However, that fact should not stop our prayers. Please continue to pray for the persecuted. Pray for supernatural provision and that their faith with patient endurance will come from God.
(Source: Church of God World Missions. By Janet Price)
