Courage in Action
“Get out of here,” an officer had told him, “or we will take you away and you will be gone.” Boutros left that street but not the area. He simply walked one street over and began visiting shop after shop to share Christ’s good news. He knew that being salt and light for Jesus required action, not quitting when people opposed his plans.
The police followed him, pulled a black bag over his head, and whisked him away to a prison cell crowded with long-bearded Muslim extremists who had run afoul of the secret police.
Sharing with Love
“Why are you here?” one asked.
“For sharing the love of Christ,” he replied, “which I’d like to share with you too.” And that is exactly what he did. The next day, the head of the secret police sat across from Boutros and angrily interrogated him.
Boutros responded with love, not like-minded anger. “I was just giving out Bibles,” he said. “The Bible teaches us to pray for our leaders and respect them.” At these words, the officer calmed down. Boutros looked him in the eye and said, “God is love. And he loves you.” These words ended the interrogation.
Unstoppable Faith
The officer scribbled down a phone number and slid it to Boutros. “What is this?”
“My personal cell phone number. Let me know if you have any more trouble with the secret police.”
Boutros thanked the man and stopped by the church to shower. After sharing his story, he headed home to his wife and child. The next day, he was back on the streets, proclaiming the gospel to all who would listen. Believers such as Boutros risk everything to spread God’s Word, even putting their lives in danger.
Their stories of courage inspire us as we remember that Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Think of people you know who resist the gospel, as the secret police officer presumably did before he encountered Boutros. Pray that God will speak to their hearts so they will come to know and serve him. After all, God sees in them (as he does in each believer) the potential to exhibit what he sees in Boutros: a courageous faith that will not be deterred.
THE END
Date: 9th August 2025
Martyr: Boutros
Location: Syria
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs “I am n”
Author: Not Specified
Suffering Saturday 155
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