The Midnight Bible: A Glimmer of Hope in the Darkness
In the heart of the Middle East, where religious persecution is a daily reality, a small group of believers gathered in secret. The dangers were immense—discovery by the authorities could mean imprisonment, torture, or even death. Yet, these courageous individuals risked everything to worship together in an underground church. Their faith was their lifeline, and the Word of God was their greatest treasure, even though they had never held a Bible in their hands.
A Network of Underground Believers
The church in this region operates primarily underground. Believers gather in small, secretive groups, often in homes, to avoid detection. These gatherings are usually limited to family members or close friends, as the government’s harsh stance on Christianity forces them to be extremely cautious. The leadership of these underground churches remains in close contact with each other, staying updated on the challenges they face and identifying potential threats.
By maintaining this close communication, the leaders are able to monitor the situation on the ground, staying aware of any changes in the level of persecution. This network allows them to respond quickly to the needs of believers, whether it’s providing support, distributing Bibles, or offering guidance.
The Midnight Delivery
On one fateful night, as they whispered prayers and shared stories of faith, a loud knock echoed through the room. Fear gripped their hearts. Was it the authorities? Had they been discovered?
The door creaked open, revealing a young man, no older than 18, trembling with fear and clutching a small bundle wrapped in cloth. His face was pale, his hands shaking, but his eyes burned with determination.
This young man had risked his life to bring them something precious—Bibles. He had walked for miles, evaded checkpoints, and hidden the books to ensure they reached the hands of those who needed them most. In a country where owning a Bible was a crime, this act of bravery was nothing short of miraculous.
A Moment of Transformation
As the believers unwrapped the bundle, tears filled their eyes. For many, it was the first time they had ever held a Bible. They opened the pages with trembling hands, their voices quivering as they began to read aloud. The room fell silent, save for the sound of their voices proclaiming the Word of God. In that moment, the weight of their fear and oppression lifted, replaced by an overwhelming sense of hope.
This was more than just a book—it was a symbol of their unshakable faith and the promise of God’s presence, even in the darkest of times. The young man who had delivered the Bibles disappeared into the night, but his act of courage left an indelible mark on the hearts of those believers. They knew that no matter the cost, the truth of the Gospel would continue to shine, even in the face of persecution.
Prayer Points
Prayer for the Spread of God’s True Word: Pray that the true and unaltered Word of God reaches every believer in this region, despite the severe restrictions on religious materials. Ask for protection and provision for the individuals smuggling accurate Bibles into the country, and that the truth of the Gospel penetrates the hearts of those seeking Jesus.
Prayer for Discernment and Clarity: Pray for discernment among believers and those exploring Christianity, that they may recognize the true Word of God and not be misled by any false teachings. Ask for clarity of mind and heart for those confused by the lack of access to Bibles, that they would encounter the true teachings of Christ through faithful evangelists and trustworthy sources.
Prayer for Protection and Strength for Persecuted Christians: Pray for the safety, strength, and courage of Christians in this region who are facing persecution for their faith. Ask God to protect the underground churches, the leaders, and believers who risk their lives to spread the Gospel. May they remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s provision as they navigate these challenges.
Something Greater
Nepal is best known for the highest mountain peak on earth, Mount Everest at over 29,000 feet (8848.86 m). This year over 1000 people will crowd the mountain between the beginning of April and the end of May in an effort to reach the summit. It is a dangerous endeavor. Over 200 frozen bodies litter the mountain. Climbers prepare for years honing their skills on smaller mountains before they undertake Everest. The cost to try is from $40,000 to $100,000 to spend two months in below-freezing temperatures and a few brief minutes at the summit, if you are successful.
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit first in 1953. In a Forbes interview, Hillary said, “Clients are spending a large sum of money just to trek up our route, mainly so they can go back home and boast about it more.” Climbing is a welcome industry in Nepal that attracts adventurers looking to accomplish something “greater.”
What is not particularly welcome in Nepal is a testimony of the power of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, in whose name salvation resides. Over 80% of the country is Hindu. Less than 2% is Christian.
Imagine believers gathered in a pastor’s home to pray, study, and sing. When suddenly local Hindu extremists surround the house, shouting abusively, demanding the Christians cease their worship, finally torching the home and burning it to the ground. What do you do? You move to a relative’s house where you continue to, quietly and humbly, pray, study, and sing while rebuilding the pastor’s home. You stay the course knowing that God is at work. You live daily prepared to respond to any who would ask “why?’ (1 Peter 3:15).
Christ calls us all to live as our Nepalese brothers and sisters on the frontline of Satan’s attack against His Church. Resolute. Confident in Christ. Given fully to God, all we have, all we own, all we are. Knowing we need look no further. We have found the Greatest. We boast in Christ alone.
