Stories from the Field

January 2005

Deaf Man Takes Bold Stand

From IMB CompassionNet Daily Prayer

In one Middle Eastern city a group of deaf men meet to study the Bible. Some of them are already believers; others come to have something to do. Since they are deaf, nobody pays much attention. A few months ago, M. came to the study for the first time. He was captivated by what he learned about Jesus.

At the end of the meeting, the leader asked, “Who loves Jesus?” M raised his hand. At a later meeting, hearing men attended. They started shouting that the group should not be meeting to study the Bible since they are Muslim. After this went on for a while, they asked, “So, who loves Jesus now?” M was the only who raised his hand. Immediately he was attacked and beaten severely.

Later he told the group leader, “We give our suffering as a gift to Jesus.” It is often difficult to be a believer here. Thank God for M and his willingness to endure persecution. May his example make other believers bold. May his love of Jesus be a witness to his persecutors.