In my journal for December 30, 2007 I wrote about an email letter I received from a Christian in Pakistan.
Since receiving his letter I have been praying more for this country. The Christian population in Pakistan suffers in ways we in the United States of America could never fully comprehend. I did, however, write a letter back to this fellow-laborer of the gospel which was sent to him via email. This is what I wrote:
"My dear brother in the faith,
I was thrilled, honored and overjoyed to receive your letter. Your firm faith has touched my heart for I know you live in a land where Christians are often persecuted. It is an honor to write to you, my brother. You have been serving the Lord under difficult circumstances and you much face hardships that we Christians who live in the United States of America have probably never had to endure.
Please give my love and greetings in Christ to all those in your church, and to those who you minister to. I am pleased beyond words to learn you have been using my journal writings and messages with other believers in Pakistan. To hear this news has given me much encouragement. Do pray that I could continue to write without opposition as I am in prison.
Also, tell my brethren that, as it says in Romans 8:18, 'For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.' And let them know that my friends and I are praying for them. In addition, tell the church never to be afraid of those who can kill only their bodies, and nothing more. Their souls belong to the Lord (Matthew 10:28).
If each one remains faithful, he or she will receive special crowns awaiting them in heaven because they served the Lord joyfully while living under difficult circumstances. And I pray for your nation; and may the gospel go forth. One day, my brother, you and I will meet in glory when those Christians form all nations and tribes will gather around the throne of the Lamb. We will join in praise to the One who has redeemed us from our sins with His own blood. Hallelujah! Keep the faith. Your labor shall never be in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58)."
D.B.
"My dear brother in the faith,
I was thrilled, honored and overjoyed to receive your letter. Your firm faith has touched my heart for I know you live in a land where Christians are often persecuted. It is an honor to write to you, my brother. You have been serving the Lord under difficult circumstances and you much face hardships that we Christians who live in the United States of America have probably never had to endure.
Please give my love and greetings in Christ to all those in your church, and to those who you minister to. I am pleased beyond words to learn you have been using my journal writings and messages with other believers in Pakistan. To hear this news has given me much encouragement. Do pray that I could continue to write without opposition as I am in prison.
Also, tell my brethren that, as it says in Romans 8:18, 'For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.' And let them know that my friends and I are praying for them. In addition, tell the church never to be afraid of those who can kill only their bodies, and nothing more. Their souls belong to the Lord (Matthew 10:28).
If each one remains faithful, he or she will receive special crowns awaiting them in heaven because they served the Lord joyfully while living under difficult circumstances. And I pray for your nation; and may the gospel go forth. One day, my brother, you and I will meet in glory when those Christians form all nations and tribes will gather around the throne of the Lamb. We will join in praise to the One who has redeemed us from our sins with His own blood. Hallelujah! Keep the faith. Your labor shall never be in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58)."
D.B.
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