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Protection in Peru
True Missions Story
by David Boyd
Julio*, a young lay evangelist, had been threatened
by a terrorist group. "You must stop preaching," they
said. "If you do not obey us, you will pay with your blood."
This terrorist group had taken control of the
area where Julio walks from town to town to preach. They had closed
the police outstations and governed the region by their own rules.
Any individual or group that would not cooperate with them was in
danger.
Julio ignored the threats and continued his usual
rounds, preaching in the small mountain churches and encouraging
the believers. Again the terrorists warned Julio, and again he disregarded
the threats against his life. The terrorists were outraged. "Our
vengeance will be complete. We asked for your cooperation, and you
disobeyed us. Now we will make an example of you," they said.
A few days later Julio was ambushed and taken
to the center of one of the larger towns in the area. A crowd gathered
to witness the sentencing. The terrorists hoped that Julio's fate
would put fear into the hearts of Christians and perhaps even result
in closing some churches.
Julio was tied to a chair and carried to the middle
of the square. Sticks of dynamite were tied to each of his arms
and legs. The fuses were lit as Julio began singing praises to God.
Other Christians joined him in praise, encouraging him with songs
about heaven.
Then came the miracle! Suddenly there was a loud
boom as the dynamite exploded. The terrorists thought nothing would
be left of Julio. But when the smoke cleared, there sat Julio unharmed
and still singing praises to God! The terrorists were shocked. They
were so overcome by fear that they ran away. At the same time, all
the Christians were saying, "It's a miracle of God!"
Julio left the square with the Christians. He
continued his ministry in spite of persecution. He held firmly to
the truth that Jesus gives strength to be courageous when needed.
For 20 years, believers in some areas of Peru
have faced danger and persecution. Terrorists have killed several
hundred pastors for preaching about Jesus. But during these difficult
days, God has shown His power. In miraculous ways, He has protected
His followers and reminded them that He is in control. Because of
things like this, it is so important to pray for our missionaries.
There is power in prayer!
*Not his real name.
For more true missions stories, visit the BGMC
web site or contact the National Assemblies of God Children's
Ministries Agency and BGMC at (417) 862-2781 or Dboyd@ag.org.
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