COUNTING THE COST
As we welcome another year full of new and exciting possibilities, we are taking the time to reflect on the many blessings we often take for granted in the United States. It is humbling to know that a typical cell phone bill is more than the average income of one-third of the world. The remaining unreached are the poorest of the poor, both physically and spiritually. This reality underscores the urgency of our mission.
We must ask ourselves what missions–getting the gospel to anyone, anywhere in the unreached world–cost me last month or last year. For some, the cost of spreading the gospel is great, and even more so for those who accept the gospel knowing it could cost them everything, even their life.
Our team in India recently visited Patnam in the Chhattisgarh state, where a Telugu-speaking pastor had gone as a missionary to establish a church. In this region, being a follower of Christ comes with great risk. The gospel faces fierce opposition, and Christians endure severe persecution. The team was deeply moved by their unique and heart-wrenching stories, many being so powerful that it was difficult to hold back tears.
One couple shared that their village had excommunicated them, and elders began showing up at their home in the middle of the night, threatening them to abandon their faith. Cut off from their community, their three children suffered deeply. They traveled over 43 miles to attend the nearest church, only to return home to find their chickens and goats had been stolen.
The husband grew increasingly anxious, fearing their neighbors would deny them access to the local well. The mounting stress took a heavy toll, and he begged his wife to pray in secret and avoid church to protect their family. But his wife firmly declared, “I can’t leave my faith in Jesus. I have decided to live for Him. We can live without anyone’s help in this village. If you want to leave Jesus, I’m sorry to say that I will leave you and take my children to my father’s house.”
Moved by her unwavering faith and his love for their family, the husband resolved to endure whatever challenges came their way. Eventually, they abandoned their land and home to move closer to the church. With the pastor’s help, they built a small hut where they now live peacefully. Their story is a beautiful testament to their steadfast commitment to Christ.