Whatever degree you and I earned during our undergraduate days; we studied in a Jesus-honoring context. We experienced something unique as we passed through AGTS, CBC, or EU. We walked in safe zones that honored Jesus’ mission to build His world-wide, hope-giving Kingdom – no matter the cost! Whether pre-law, business, art, a ministry/missionary degree, etc., we studied under godly instructors who understood the value and propriety of a healthy, outwardly focused, world-impacting local church.
Assorted degrees notwithstanding, we left Springfield, MO better equipped to contribute to the effectiveness of local churches. Despite problems that occasionally surface from an activist city council, or a few secular universities that enact policies categorizing testimony about Jesus as a micro-aggression, the USA church experiences little drastic, wide-spread persecution. However, many of our global sisters and brothers in Christ experience significant persecution every day. Government practice in China, Libya, Myanmar, Iran, Afghanistan, India, North Korea (and dozens of other countries) not only allow but facilitate beatings, imprisonment, restricted access to essentials, confiscation of property, and killing Jesus followers – simply for living their faith.
In Colossians 4:18b, Paul asked the believers a simple favor. He said, “…Remember my chains.” He knew first-hand about opposition, danger, grueling hardship, and persecution. He died for the gospel still bound in Roman chains. His request now stands as a global principle to remember the “chains” of the persecuted Church around the world.
Embracing the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians on Sunday, November 3 provides one great way to incorporate that “remember principle” into real-time. (Helpful resources available at Voice of the Martyrs, www.persecution.com) As we pray for these – mostly anonymous to us – Christian brothers and sisters, let’s ask for their release but especially intercede for their ability to promote the gospel of Jesus as they endure appalling indignities for honoring His Name. Some of those enduring persecution may serve as missionaries and global workers and perhaps came from among the ranks of our alums. We will, of course, pray for them as well.
As we remember the persecuted church in “chains,” may we never think we and our families stand above suffering for Him. If our Heavenly Father spared not His Son from suffering to redeem humanity (Romans 8:32) who am I, who are we, to withhold ourselves, our sons, daughters and grandchildren from His eternal mission? Let’s prayerfully participate unreservedly in the sometimes dangerous, always non-negotiable lifestyle of advancing His Church, whatever the cost – even “chains.”
Your brother,
Terry L. Yancey, DMin
EU Alumni Pastor & Ministry Training Advocate