Testimonies shared of suffering and deliverance

Lek’s* life has had no shortage of suffering.

Prior to his believing in Jesus, ten of his fifteen children died. After he became a Christian, his children stopped dying.

People in his village noticed! Lek shared the gospel in his village, where several other families became believers as well. But evangelism is illegal in his country, and soon afterward, he was imprisoned for his faith in Jesus. While in prison, Lek continued to tell others about Jesus, and after his release, the church in his area continued to grow.

Lek was imprisoned two more times. During these times of tremendous suffering, he remained committed to loving his enemies. Prisoners in his country receive only the food that family and friends bring to them. On multiple occasions, Lek chose to share his rice with the prison officials.

The last time he was imprisoned, Lek was badly beaten and had severe head injuries. The prison officials thought he was dead, but he recovered. After his recovery, the daughter of one of the officials who had imprisoned Lek was sick. The official came to Lek and asked him to pray for his sick daughter. Lek found it very difficult to respond to this request from one who was clearly an enemy, but he prayed, and the girl was healed.

Personal testimonies, such as Lek’s, were a highlight for those attending the second-ever gathering of Anabaptists Christians in Thailand this fall. The sharing included both the intense struggle, and the powerful witness, of loving enemies—often the very people who are persecuting them.

Following the conference, Life Enrichment Church leader, Pastor Joi, said that he was amazed at the way in which those who gave testimonies were able to persevere in loving their enemies, even through extended persecution and torture. It shows, he said, that “whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for [Jesus] will find it.” (Matt. 16:25).

*names have been changed