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October 3, 2018
Would You Take a $50,000 Bribe?
By Crossworld
EAST ASIA — Wei met Crossworld workers Mark and Julia five years ago when she joined the staff at their English language school. She wasn’t a believer when she first began working there, but she soon noticed they were different. Unlike other employers, they loved their employees and students, and they made every decision with prayer and integrity.
Time and time again, Mark and Julia shared the gospel with Wei, and before long, she decided to trust Jesus as her Savior. But in her culture, followers of Jesus face fierce persecution.
Wei hid her faith from her devout Buddhist parents-in-law for years, fearing their reaction. She tried to avoid the Buddhist activities that her family participated in, but eventually, it began to bother Wei. She knew she should be proclaiming Jesus to her family, but she didn’t know how.
“What do I do?” she asked Mark and Julia. “How do I show them the love of Jesus when I know they will reject me?”
Mark, Julia, and other believing coworkers surrounded Wei with encouragement. “Show them the fruit of the Spirit,” they told her. “Be joyful, kind, and patient toward your family, and see what changes.”
After several months, it seemed like God was softening the hearts of Wei’s in-laws. She jumped at the opportunity to tell them, “I’m not Buddhist anymore. I follow Jesus now.”
Her in-laws were appalled. “We’ll give you $50,000 to renounce your faith!” they said.
When she refused their offer, threats ensued: “Then we’ll kick you out of the house and take away your son.” Wei’s father-in-law even threatened to attack people at her church. But Wei is standing strong.
Wei’s in-laws gave her six months to decide, and time is almost up. While she’s unsure what will happen when she refuses to deny Jesus, she’s trusting that God will provide for her every need. And because of her boldness to share Jesus despite the consequences, she’s inspired other believers in her workplace to do the same.
Time and time again, Mark and Julia shared the gospel with Wei, and before long, she decided to trust Jesus as her Savior. But in her culture, followers of Jesus face fierce persecution.
Wei hid her faith from her devout Buddhist parents-in-law for years, fearing their reaction. She tried to avoid the Buddhist activities that her family participated in, but eventually, it began to bother Wei. She knew she should be proclaiming Jesus to her family, but she didn’t know how.
“What do I do?” she asked Mark and Julia. “How do I show them the love of Jesus when I know they will reject me?”
Mark, Julia, and other believing coworkers surrounded Wei with encouragement. “Show them the fruit of the Spirit,” they told her. “Be joyful, kind, and patient toward your family, and see what changes.”
After several months, it seemed like God was softening the hearts of Wei’s in-laws. She jumped at the opportunity to tell them, “I’m not Buddhist anymore. I follow Jesus now.”
Her in-laws were appalled. “We’ll give you $50,000 to renounce your faith!” they said.
When she refused their offer, threats ensued: “Then we’ll kick you out of the house and take away your son.” Wei’s father-in-law even threatened to attack people at her church. But Wei is standing strong.
Wei’s in-laws gave her six months to decide, and time is almost up. While she’s unsure what will happen when she refuses to deny Jesus, she’s trusting that God will provide for her every need. And because of her boldness to share Jesus despite the consequences, she’s inspired other believers in her workplace to do the same.
Your part in this story...
Crossworld workers Mark and Julia ask you to pray for these requests.
- Pray that Wei continues to stay strong in her faith in Jesus even in the midst of persecution. Pray also that God will provide for her needs.
- Pray for Wei’s parents-in-law to come to know the one, true, and living God.
- Pray for our language school to have a gospel influence on the surrounding community.
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