“The government officials are coming today or tomorrow.”
Musa pushed himself up from the rock on the outskirts of his village where he’d been watching the nearby celebration, his stomach now twisting with fear as he met his brother Sani’s gaze.
“Did they find out about the baptism?” Musa asked softly.
Sani nodded slowly, his features tense and voice low. “Someone sent the video to a friend seeking the truth. His father intercepted it and contacted the authorities.”
Taking a deep breath, Musa tried to remain calm. He remembered the warmth and encouragement of Garrett, a Frontiers field worker who had helped Sani understand a dream about Jesus and had studied the Word with both brothers after they put their trust in the Lord. Garrett had helped the men see that a day like this might come.
Though they knew that believing and teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ was considered apostasy by the Islamic government and carried a steep punishment, they couldn’t help but tell others in their community about Him.
Just today, they had baptized the newest believer in the river. While the celebration continued in a nearby home, Musa knew trouble was coming.
“Should I call Garrett?” Sani asked.
“No.” After discipling Musa and Sani for years, Garrett had been forced to move away. Calling him back would only put him in danger, too. “When we first believed, Garrett told us following Jesus would not be easy. He said there would be a cost. Jesus paid it all. So we must be willing to, as well.”
Musa clapped his brother on the back. “Call the elders. We should fast and pray while we wait.”
“You can take my life, but you cannot take Jesus from me.”
Sani ran off to spread the word, and soon, the leaders of their community of Christ followers gathered in Musa’s living room. Sitting in a circle on the rug, they shared their concerns for their families and homes. But their greatest fear was that they would waver in their faith in the face of persecution.
The next morning, 24 men, women, and teenagers were arrested, separated, and interrogated. The officer questioning Musa asked him directly, “Are you Muslim or Christian?”
Apostasy carried a death sentence in his country, and Musa knew he could be convicted without any additional evidence. Fear began to build inside him as the officer spat out more questions. Then, suddenly Musa felt a deep, joyful courage as the Lord’s presence surrounded him. In a clear voice, he said, “I am a follower of Jesus.”
The officer scowled and screamed, spending hours trying to make him recant.
Musa remained resolute. “You can take my life, but you cannot take Jesus from me.”
“The Lord is in control, and we can trust Him.”
Shortly after, he was taken to a crowded cell where he learned the others had also held firm to their testimony.
When they were allowed visitors, several believers from the village came to see them. A few wanted to turn themselves in so they could be together, but Musa urged them to help care for the families of those arrested.
As the days dragged on, conditions in the prison worsened. Musa and the others were repeatedly interrogated, threatened, and subjected to dehumanizing treatment. Their filthy cell was so small they couldn’t all rest on the hard floor at the same time. When they were able to catch moments of sleep, their jailers noisily woke them up.
One of the elders shook his head, tears shining in his tired eyes. “I don’t know how much more I can take. What do you think they’ll do next?”
“What can man do?” Musa asked. “The Lord is in control, and we can trust Him. There is no reason to fear.” He and others began singing worship songs and reciting scripture to encourage one another.
“Because He is faithful, we can be fearless.”
After three weeks, the exasperated authorities set all 24 of the captives free. The believers had refused to recant, and the officials couldn’t execute so many without facing major diplomatic consequences. As Musa was released, he was even granted permission to quietly continue in his faith.
But there was nothing quiet about their return home. Families rejoiced as they reunited, and within days, people from other regions came to hear their stories. Garrett was among them.
He greeted Musa with a tight hug. “I came as soon as I heard. It is so good to see you, my friend.”
Musa recounted the details of his imprisonment, as well as what had happened in the few days since his release. “The wife of one of our elders left him because of his faith. A few others lost their jobs.”
Garrett shook his head. “I hate to say it, but this may not be the last of your suffering.”
“I know.” Musa sighed. “We are preparing our young people for whatever comes next. Jesus died for us, and we’ll be ready to do the same for Him. We’ll stand firm no matter the cost.”
Garrett could see how his friend’s faith had grown. “You’re not afraid, are you?”
“Not anymore.” Musa reflected on everything the Lord had done for him and his people. “Despite the trouble, we are still growing. There are now a thousand of us who believe. I know that means more opposition will come, but God will not abandon us. He was with us in prison, and He will be with us in the future. Because He is faithful, we can be fearless.”
Pray:
- Praise God for the powerful movement of faith among Musa’s people group. Ask God to protect them as they bravely follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
- Lift up long-term teams serving throughout the Muslim world. Ask the Lord to grant them perseverance and favor in difficult and dangerous places.
- Pray that government officials hostile to Christ will hear the Gospel, repent, and trust in Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life.
