Faith Under Fire
As the holiday cheer kicks in and carols fill the air, let’s remember our brothers and sisters in the shadows – those dwelling in “creative access nations” where an open faith can mean persecution for local believers. For them, Christmas isn’t just about twinkling lights; it’s a season of audacious evangelism, a whisper of hope amidst the watchful eyes of authorities.
Imagine a land where the dominant religion clashes with the Way of Jesus. In places like Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and China, being an active follower of Christ is both risky and fiercely courageous. Many choose Christmas as their one yearly opportunity to publicly testify, celebrate, and share the story of Jesus with anyone who’ll listen – friends, neighbors, even government officials. It’s a bold and defiant display of unashamed faith.
Rock Stars Versus Real Servants
Recently, a famous and revered evangelist named Franklin Graham (Billy Graham’s son) has been traveling through these Southeast Asian countries, sharing the gospel with tens of thousands in large one-time events. These grand gatherings are a testament to the power of traditional evangelism – drawing vast crowds to the message of salvation, often relying on a single powerful speaker and a well-organized event.
But let’s not forget the quieter heroes, those waging war in living rooms, village huts, and hidden fields. This is what we call “overseeding the Gospel,” multiplicative evangelism where the focus shifts from a single event to a multiplying movement of ordinary believers sharing their faith within their own networks and equipping others to do the same.
Jesus Requires the Ordinary
Consider this contrast: On one hand, Franklin stands before a sea of hopeful faces, proclaiming the good news in English through a translator. On the other, a small band of believers gathers in a humble home with curious non-believers. Here, they share their faith in their heart language, fostering an intimate and personal connection with loved ones and lost ones. Both scenes demonstrate the Gospel’s power at work. However, which approach more closely mirrors Jesus’ own model for reaching every people and every place?
These ordinary folks, the unseen Kingdom soldiers of faith, will become a network of Christmas storytellers this December. Weaving through villages, they will share Jesus, plant seeds of hope, and reach far more people than lone evangelists and grand public events can ever impact. This year alone, in 2024, we’ve witnessed these whispers transform into a roar in a certain landlocked Southeast Asian nation. Over a quarter million heard the Gospel, thousands embraced baptism, and new churches blossomed. This bountiful harvest testifies to the relentless passion of these silent missionaries and the fruit of Gospel movements through everyday ordinary believers.
Christmas Miracle
God’s glory shines brightest in the unexpected, often in the hidden places. This holiday season, let us remember those who serve in the shadows, their faith a beacon in the darkness. May their whispers become a mighty chorus, a song of praise that echoes the true meaning of Christmas – that Christ was born and is worthy of all worship!
Drop a comment and share your thoughts. Merry Christmas…
The Asian Roughrider
The Asian Rough Rider 