Instead of fear...
Social pressure is a powerful tool for getting what you want. Mengen cult leaders know this well and are able to use it to full advantage, Lourens Laureti writes.
The worship service began as a joyous event in the village. Twenty Mengen believers were able to take part in reading through the story of Christ’s last days on earth. Then, just as the reading was finished, a local cult leader showed up, threatening these believers. Soon more unbelievers appeared and were drawn into the conflict, attacking believers and damaging their property.
Rumors began to circulate that more unbelievers would be coming to continue attacks on believers. Lourens shares, “Village elders requested that the police be flown in to help … The guys who caused the trouble hid out in the jungle … The police made every effort, but were unable to find them. The village where we live grew quite empty … Many went and hid in the jungle or slept in their gardens for fear of further trouble.”
It appeared Satan had won. The village was in disarray. Fear and despair reigned.
But God has been at work behind the scenes, Lourens shares. For now, He has brought about a resolution to the conflict and relief from persecution and trials for believers.
The community came together last Sunday and talked. With the encouragement of police, the culprits emerged from their hiding places in the jungle. A village court was called and took place. “It seems,” Lourens reports, “that the situation is resolved for now.”
Church history shouts the truth that the fire of persecution is a great faith-grower. Lourens writes that the Mengen church has been growing through these trials and troubles. “They came together like never before. They sang, prayed, and shared, encouraging their hearts in the Lord.”
“It was amazing—hearing even the unbelievers speaking among themselves about the joy and peace that are evident in believers.”
Lourens says that one unbeliever was heard to remark, “It is not good that the believers are happy in this difficult time. How can they sing and eat and be happy? They should be sad and scared and hide.”
Praise God that His Spirit at work in His church removes fear and gives strength and joy and boldness, even in the face of very difficult circumstances. Pray for His grace in this Mengen village. Pray for believers to be encouraged to stand for Christ and live and respond in faith and obedience to His Word. Pray that the testimony of their response will be a big dose of salt and light to unbelievers and that they will be drawn to Christ through the transformed lives of those who walk by faith.