The
last time I saw "AD" he was standing by the Mekong River over 13 years
ago! As a Communist Party member and a former district governor, he was
a leader in his ethnic minority. When he came to faith in 1998 he
began to actively share his faith in the many villages he visited. Many
found Christ, including his own family.
Just
a few weeks after I met him he was arrested. Within a short period of
time was convicted of "treason" and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
For all of the years we worked in FUF Co. we prayed for this family;
when their house burned down we were able to help them re-build.
Life
in prison was harsh and we had reports at various times that his health
was failing. Two of the other Christians arrested with him died in
prison. Many times during the years "AD" was told he would be released
from prison if he just signed a statement renouncing his
faith--something he refused to do.
Right
around Christmas this past year I received a call from his wife. "AD"
would be released soon, she said, if she bought a goat and some cases of
beer and put on a party for the officials. She bought the goat and
waited. As had happened many times before, this was another cruel
trick. Days and weeks slipped by. We, and many concerned brothers and
sisters around the world, waited.
Finally,
at the start of this month we received a call to say he AD was home and
free! We rejoice in this news! We're thankful for this testimony of
patience in long-suffering, of faith and perserverance.
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