Never Give Up Hope - Part 1

Never Give Up Hope - Part 1 Selina’s* stomach stayed knotted. Her nails, chewed down. Her neck, stiff and tense. The dark circles under her eyes were unbecoming for a 20-year-old. This was not the first time her pastor father had not come home. Salina knew this was part of the risk he took working with the secret church, but the wrinkles in her brow still grew deeper. Would he return this time? Would he be missing a hand or foot? Would his fingernails be pulled out? Selina tenderly remembered the last time she had seen her father. She had longed to hug him and hold him before he left, but she had said a quiet goodbye as she took the empty teacup from his hands. As was the custom among her people, he simply put his hand on her head and blessed her in Jesus’ name, and then hugged his son. Selina had wanted to kiss his bearded face that day, hold his hand, and even stop him from leaving.  Now she wished she had. Pastor Quornelius* was acutely aware of how long it had been since he had seen his daughter, Selina, and his dear family. He deeply missed them, but he had critical teaching materials and care packages to deliver to the growing numbers of believers.  But with so few police patrols in this part of Pakistan, Pastor Quornelius was fully aware of the dangers, and bravely carried out his mission. Having been kidnapped before, he prayed he would not be kidnapped again… and that he would return home to his family before winter set in. One With Them Serving the secret church around the world is a high risk calling. Let us become One With Them in Jesus’ work, by covering our courageous brothers and sisters with prayer and encouragement, remembering that a three-strand cord is not easily broken! *Pseudonym   4/23/2013

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city.  “Oh, my Lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:15)