Cell group leader Luwin passed me this book titled "Jesus Freaks". Nope, the book isn't about Jesus freaking people He met during his ministry but rather, people who are Freaks about Jesus. This book has recorded the stories of many Christian martyrs who were persecuted and have willingly gave up their lives for God.
I've picked out a few stories to share.
"More Love to Thee"
Pastor Kim and his congregation North Korea 1950s
For years, Pastor Kim and 27 of his flock of Korean saints had lived in hand-dug tunnels beneath the earth. Then, as the Communists were building a road, they discovered the Christians living underground.
The officials brought them out before a crowd of 30,000 in the village of Gok San for a public trail and execution. They were told, "Deny Christ, or you will die." But they refused.
At this point the head Communist officer ordered four children from the group seized and had them prepared for hanging. With ropes tied around their small necks, the officer again commanded the parents to deny Christ.
Not one of the believers would deny their faith. They told the children, "We will soon see you in heaven." The children died quietly.
The officer then called for a steamroller to be brought in. He forced the Chirstians to lie on the ground in its path. As its engine revved, they were given one last chance to recant their faith in Jesus. Again they refused.
As the steam roller began to inch forward, the Christians began to sing a songthey had often sung together. As their bones and bodies were crushed under the pressure of the massive rollers, their lips uttered the words:
"More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee, Thee alone I seek, more love to Thee Let sorrow do its work, more love to Thee Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise This be the parting cry my heart shall raise More love, O Christ, to Thee."
The execution was reported in the North Korean press as an act of suppressing superstition.
"Her Last Prayer"
Girl 16-17 years old Asia 1970s
The Communist soldiers had discovered their illegal Bible study.
As the pastor was reading from the Bible, men with guns suddenly broke into the home, terrorizing the believers who had gathered there to worship. The Communists shouted insults and threatened to the Kill the Christians. The leading officer pointed his gun at the pastor's head. "Hand me your Bible," he demanded.
Reluctantly, the pastor handed over his Bible, his prized possession. With a sneer on his face, the guard threw the Word of God on the floor at his feet.
He glared at the small congregation. "We will let you go," he growled, "but first, you must spit on this book of lies. Anyone who refuses will be shot." The believers had no choice but to obey the officer's order.
A soldier pointed his gun at one of the men. "You first."
The man slowly got up and knelt down by the Bible. Reluctantly, he spit on it, praying, "Father, please forgive me." He stood up and walked to the door. The soldiers stood back and allowed him to leave.
"Okay, you!" the soldier said, nudging a woman forward. In tears she could barely do what the soldier demanded. She spat only a little, but it was enough. She too was allowed to leave.
Quietly, a young girl came forward. Overcome with love for her Lord, she knelt down and picked up the Bible. She wiped off the spit with her dress. "What have they done to Your Word? Please forgive them," she prayed.
The Commmunist soldier put the pistol to her head. Then he pulled the trigger.
I've read half the book and some stories anger me. However, all of them put me to shame. Would I, likewise, put my life before my Lord in such trying circumstances? The spirit says yes but the body is weak.
I think its time I start serving in ministries. I ought to do some mission work too. A former classmate of mine sacrificed a UT to do missions work in some SEA country where preaching the gospel is forbiddened. When he came back, I asked him "Aren't you afraid they'd persecute you?" I can't remember his reply but it was something like "Persecute lor." I'll always remember him as the most polite, well-mannered and righteous person in RP. When I see him, I see Jesus through him. I want to be like that. I want to be a Jesus Freak.