This past Sunday we took time to pray together for the persecuted church around the world. We saw a video about Bounchan, a Laotian pastor, who spent 13 years in prison for his faith. One of the striking things about this man’s ordeal was how much he depended on and loved God’s Word. He risked personal safety to obtain it and read it. He went through great lengths to hide it and savor even small portions of it. In the midst suffering from physical torture and separation from family, he demonstrated the desire of the Psalmist:

Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is crushed with longing After Your ordinances at all times.

- Psa. 119:18-20

The video ends with a simple question, “What would you do for a Bible?” It is a good question. We are so blessed in our country to have the Scriptures in our own language. We have study tools believers from other nations long for. But do we appreciate our blessings? How do we feel when we hear about men like this? Do we feel convicted by his dedication? Encouraged by his zeal? Outraged by the treatment he received? Concerned for countless others who face similar oppression in the name of Jesus?

We have entered the Thanksgiving season. When we see a man suffer like Bounchan, does it make us increasingly thankful for the blessings we enjoy? We live in a country that was founded on a desire to worship God in freedom, in light of His Word. Is this not a reason to be thankful? Give the Lord thanks for the many freedoms you enjoy, especially the freedom to worship Him in light of His Word. Ask the Lord to give you a greater zeal for Him and the truth. And remember to continue to pray for the persecuted church.

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This video was produced by Voice of the Martyrs. To find out more about VOM and what you can do to care for believers who are persecuted go to www.persecution.com