Every year in November, there is the Day of Prayer for the persecuted church. Voice of the Martyrs has created a short video highlighting the life of one martyr in Laos who was persecuted for being a Christian and sharing his faith. It is a very powerful video of one man’s perseverance through persecution.
In February 2012, Bounchan was released from prison. Voice of the Martyrs interviewed him after spending nearly 13 years in prison. The interview was powerful and compelling.
The following is a portion of the interview with Bounchan and I was simply convicted by it.
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VOM: If someone tells your story to Christians around the world, is there anything that you want to say to the people who prayed for you?
Bounchan: I was in jail. I know how hard the life is, but I want to encourage believers in America to be strong in their faith. I know many Americans have not accepted Jesus Christ yet, but you have the freedom to proclaim Jesus and share the Gospel. Go evangelize in the name of Jesus because you can. You have the right to read the Bible, to pray and go to church. Please, do that.
Please pray for my country Laos, that God will change the country to be the land of the Lord. Pray that everyone accepts Jesus Christ because I know that nothing is worthy in this life except becoming a Christian and following Jesus Christ.
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Oh, how I am convicted to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ because I can. I don’t have to hide, fear, or face prison if I do. And yet, somehow, the enemy has lulled me/us in to inactivity anyway. I have received a precious gift, and with it, a privilege and responsibility to share it. After hearing Bounchan’s story, the obstacles I face in sharing the Gospel don’t seem quite so daunting anymore.
For more information on the persecuted church and to sign up for their free monthly newsletter go to persecution.com.
