I'd Rather Have Jesus

It was especially cold and late in the evening when the police once again rounded up the group of believers and hauled them to the district administrator's office. Thirteen-year-old Purnima shivered as she and the others were forced to stand out in the open courtyard while the interrogation droned on. The officers bombarded them with the same questions they always asked: "Why do you want to be a Christian?" "Where does your support come from?" "This is a Buddhist country, and you have dishonored us by accepting this foreign religion. Why do you want to turn your people against you?"

One by one the thirty-five believers were questioned throughout the long, cold night. There were about twenty officers, most of them big and intimidating. Purnima cringed as one of them slapped a Christian brother near her. Some in the group cried; others tried to preach. Young Purnima stood before the men who towered over her, praying for enough courage to face the impending questions.

"Who gave you permission to celebrate Christmas in the village of Purtah? This is Bhutan. You are not allowed to celebrate Christmas in Bhutan! This is your last choice: You either return to Buddhism, or you leave Bhutan." The officer was speaking directly to Purnima now, and she felt the impact of his ultimatum. "Do you understand? You are not permitted to stay here and practice this foreign religion. What will it be?"

Purnima didn't doubt for a minute the officer was serious. It was a matter of honor to either get the Christians to recant or to publicly denounce them as traitors and force them out of the country. She had already been kicked out of her home and her village. She had no idea where she would go, but she knew what she must do.

"I will not deny Christ! I do not wish to leave my country, and I will not leave Christ. He is the only One who can save me-or you." Purnima could feel her body shake as she spoke defiantly to the red-faced officer, but her heart was fixed, and in that moment she knew her fate was sealed. She and the others were officially given five days to leave Bhutan. They were told to go to Nepal &

The Christians journeyed three days by foot without incident but grew increasingly exhausted from crossing the mountainous terrain. Coming to an unusually large tree along the road, John, who had become their unofficial leader, suggested they camp out under the tree for a day or so to regain their strength. There was no rush, but the reality of their dilemma was beginning to set in, and Purnima was growing increasingly fearful. She didn't want the others to know, but she had been crying herself to sleep, and since leaving her village, vivid dreams of her mother had been haunting her sleep. This night would be no different ...

"Get up! Get up and hand over your money, and we will let you live!"

Purnima was rudely awakened by loud voices and the impact of a heavy boot slamming into her side.

"I said, get up!"

The pain ripped through her body as the unknown assailant kicked her again. She couldn't tell how many men were attacking them, but there were several of the bandits. Her small group offered no defense.

The vivid cries of her traveling companions told her they, too, were coming under the harsh blows of the thieves. Purnima tried to shield herself as she was repeatedly kicked and beaten. Paralyzing fear gripped her body, but suddenly a verse from the Bible flooded her mind-she thought it was from the Gospel of Matthew-"Do not fear those who kill the body" (Matthew 10:28)&

After the outlaws had sufficiently terrorized the weary refugees and confiscated all their possessions, the robbers lined up four of the Christians, including Purnima. None of the refugees dared to say a word as they stood facing their attackers. There were about twelve of them, each with a bandanna tied around his face. Purnima looked at the others standing beside her. Each was frozen in fear. She knew it would be nothing for the thieves to shoot them on the spot. "You should not report this to the police," one of the men warned as he carelessly swung a pistol in front of them. "If you do, we will come back and kill you." His finger remained on the trigger, and he continued pointing the gun in each one's face to reinforce his words. Purnima closed her eyes and wondered if she would hear the gun go off. When she opened them, the thieves were gone&

This is a passage form the book I'm currently reading, "Hearts of Fire", published by The Voice of the Martyrs. This book covers the stories of eight courageous women who have shown incredible conviction and commitment to Jesus Christ in the face of enormous opposition for their faith in Him. They represent countless others facing similar situations around the world today. Even in the depths of their pain and suffering as Christ's witnesses, His hope strengthens them and His love compels them to reach out to those around them. Please pray for them.

1
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand:

Refrain
Than to be the king of a vast domain
or be held in sin's dread sway!
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
this world affords today.

2
I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame;
I'd rather be true to His holy name:

3
He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs -
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead:

Words by Rhea F. Miller

To request your complimentary copy of "Hearts of Fire" go to:
https://www.persecution.com/HeartsOfFire/?_source_code=WB04MPNL