1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. 2 But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

One of the most inspiring mission books I have read is Bruncho. It is story of Bruce Olson who resided in Minnesota and sensed a call from God to go to Columbia. He worked in Columbia for Wycliffe Bible Translators. He was kidnapped and held in captivity for nine months. His prayer was not," God, liberate me", but," Lord, make me effective wherever you place me."   

The Communists captured Olson and accused him of being a CIA agent. During the time of his captivity, he consistently won the trust of his captors teaching them to read, studying the Bible with them, and introducing them to Christ.  He shared that about 60% of 200 men he had Bible studies with came into a definite understanding of Jesus Christ and a Christian commitment. " Olson also experienced a mock execution.

Eventually he was released due to intestinal disorders that caused bleeding and needed blood transfusions.  A national leader of the communist guerrillas told Bruce Olson "We will never forget you are the first person in our camp that we have captured that has been a friend and understand us. We esteem you."    

We praise God for the outcome of the release of Bruce Olson. He handled a hostile crowd because of his faith.  He was not intimidated by death or captivity, and the love of God was shown through his life and ministry to his captors.    

Of course, we know many believers face a hostile crowd and are killed. Ultimately Jesus was. It is important to accept Christ's message about conflict. We don't have to be afraid; we can stand for what we believe, that standing, that struggle, is redemptive.    

I fear Christians all over the world and even in the United States will experience increased persecution. How should we react? The passage this week allows us to see conflict through the experience of Jesus Christ. It can be summed up in the verse "I will never leave you nor forsake you, henceforth we can confidently say, the Lord is my helper, I need not fear for what can man do to me?" Heb. 13:6

Application:   No matter what your circumstances are today know that the Lord is Your helper.

Prayer:   Lord God, as I look at a man like Bruce Olson, give me the patience to use my circumstances to tell others of you in that path that you choose for me.  

Dale.