Read about it here. Captured by Islamic radicals in Borno State, Pastor George Orjih was threatened and commanded to leave Christ and embrace Islam to save his life.
His response? Did he open a dialogue? Did he express regret for past Christian whatevernesses? Did he say that we are all seeking God, and there are many valid paths? Did he suggest a couple of couches and some candles so they could grope together? Did he, in other words, equivocate to save his life?
No.
Pastor Orjih preached Christ to his captors.
And they beheaded him instantly.
My first thought is, What a wonderful way to go out.
I read that Pastor Orjih was working on his Master's in Theology. I'd say he graduated, with honors.
The direction of Nigeria is of great concern. Sadly, the professedly Christian is wasted on health-and-wealth "gospel" false teaching.
But Pastor Orjih didn't preach that, he preached Christ. And as a result, he is indeed having his best life right now.
Posts
14 comments:
Amen, Dan, amen.
Reading about martyrs for Christ simultaneously breaks my heart and gives me joy. The former because of the violence and cruelty involved; the latter because it is not only exactly what Christ promised, but it is an opportunity for Him to be glorified even in the most terrible of situations. Thanks for posting this.
I pray that my faith would stand such a test.
Amazing story. Thanks for sharing.
"I'd say he graduated, with honors." Amen!
Thank you for honouring this faithful brother in Christ by sharing his story. May our God grant his family strength and peace at this time.
He preached Christ.
And now he is WITH HIM!
I'd say he graduated with "high honors." How weird it is that such stories do not make us tremble with fear but rather arouse thankfulness and encourage us to preach Christ boldly. Thanks for the post.
Aric: I'm with you there. Dan is right when he says "what a wonderful way to go out." But many of the early Christians rushed out to be martyrs and under intense torture often failed to remain faithful to the very end. I often pray that God will make me as strong as the three young men in Daniel (I don't want to mispell the names from my Iphone) who refused to bow down even when threatened with a painful death in the fiery furnace.
Wikipedia says that the Borno's state nickname is "Home of Peace".
Irony? You be the judge.
I'm not brave enough to want to face such a test, but I'm reminded of Paul's words to the Philippians -
Because of my chains most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
"He graduated with honors"... AMEN.
Now that's testimony.
God grant us the grace and strength to do likewise.
May God bless and comfort his wife and children and all of our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Heartliftingly poignant! Thanks, Dan.
~Squirrel
May the Lord comfort Pastor Orjih's family.
Post a Comment