June 11

Persecution

No Denying

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest in your souls.” Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

The people of the Lake Victory islands believe in witchcraft and underworld
spirits. They practice traditional tribal religions and regularly
worship idols. On these islands live mostly outcasts—thieves, prisoners,
people kicked out of the mainland villages.

Christian work in this remote area is slow, as most simply add Jesus
Christ to all of their other beliefs and gods. However, the Holy Spirit
continues to work in the hearts of young believers. Often they are kicked
out of their homes and sometimes even beaten because of their faith.
One of our friends had been a Christian for about a year when she
began to experience abuse from her husband. Her husband still worshiped
idols. He continued to reject Jesus Christ, stating his Islamic
faith as the reason.

During the fast of Ramadan (rah-MUH-don), our friend’s husband
built a shrine next door to their mud home. At the prodding of Muslim
leaders, the husband demanded that his wife worship with him at the
shrine or be beaten.

Late one evening, the husband beat his wife when she refused to
worship his god. After hearing enough screaming, some neighbors came
to rescue her and gave her shelter for the evening.

A couple of days later, she came to talk to us. She shared that she
told her husband that no matter how much he beat her, she would not
deny her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was willing to die before worshiping
any other.

Are we willing to do the same?

—A worker in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Heavenly Father, You are a God who sees. Bring peace to the hearts of these
women in Uganda who are forsaking the false gods to worship You alone. I pray
for the salvation of their husbands. Use missionaries in Uganda to bring the
gospel to those who are lost. Amen.


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