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I was at an underground house church worshipping,
when four officers barged in and stood before me. Though I
was frightened for a moment, my heart soon calmed. One of them
struck me in the face, knocked me down, and then beat me with
his baton. He didn't stop until a woman of the church bravely
intervened.
Then the officers cuffed me, confiscated my Bible,
hymnbook, and notebook, and asked me many questions. I answered
with wisdom from God, as promised in Matthew 10:19-20: "But
when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how
to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for
it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father
speaking through you."
They took me to the police station and cuffed
me to a chair with a guard standing by. Through all their atrocities,
I was not the least bit afraid, for I knew the Lord was with
me. I prayed, "Lord, I thank you because you are using this
experience to make me feel more of your presence and witness
your mighty works."
The next morning they asked me more questions,
but could not find any fault in my answers. The officers then
left me alone. During their absence, I was able to recover
my Bible, hymnbook, and notebook. I was so glad to regain my
most important possessions! Around noon two women of the church
came to visit me. They requested my release, saying they were
willing to take my place. I was greatly moved by their gesture.
Around three o'clock the officers took me for more interrogation
before releasing me.
Back at the meeting place, I learned how my church
family was praying for me. My heart was extremely grateful
to the Lord for pouring His great love. I knew for the first
time how much He cares. I can now join Job in saying, "My ears
had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5)
- Bible League-trained Chinese
national
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