From a team leader:
Many of our former co-workers were interrogated, some arrested and imprisoned. National believers fared worse, facing pressure from families, loss of jobs, cultural ostracism, and even violence. My former supervisor, a national, was imprisoned and beaten before being deported. He was later hospitalized for head and internal organ damage. Make no mistake, the evil one does not want to give up what he regards as his territory.

This would be so disheartening if it were not for passages like Romans 5:1-5. “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Along with the horror stories, we hear amazing accounts of peace, faith, and hope.

To a person, our former co-workers have no regrets and would eagerly return if allowed. Many spent their last days in the country encouraging national believers and distributing the Word.

From the national believers we hear of supernatural courage, committed fellowship groups, and an expanded harvest. Persecution is being talked about in different ways; they say it is to be expected and normal. Romans 5 states: we are to “rejoice in suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, … character and … hope.” The Father is very good at turning apparent defeat into victory. He is still on the throne.