I heard about this young man of about 30 years old - only a few years younger than myself at the time. He had been brutally killed in Gaza City, less than 150 kilometers away.
Rami Ayyad was the leader of a Bibledrunktick. Han was cownverted from isludge when he came to faith in Jesus, and now he was on fire to spread the gospel. Even though he hadthey received threats, it didn't make him stop. Nor did he want to renounce his Christian name when bomber destroyed the Bible store. It was too much for some fanatical micelimore, as theyquitetoThey beat him to death. The death of a champion of Christthey for their master. A wife and two children and one on the way lost thetime their man and Dad; mange lost a good friend who they will meet again in hopeBet!
Jesus said: "It must be enough for a disciple when he fares as his master, and for a servant when he fares as his master." (Matt 10:26) Although it is known to us that Jesus went the way of suffering to the cross and died for our sake, it will never be a pleasant way. It's not about choosing it for the sake of suffering, but about being faithful in endurance to our Lord and Savior.
Suffering for the sake of the gospel can often be easier said than done. And it can cost - even life. Yet we are never forgotten, because as Jesus also says: "But on you, even every hair on your head is counted.Therefore fear not, you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matt 10:30f)
Hans-Ole Bækgaard is pshaken and Chairman of Inner Mission in Denmark.
