"Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6
The year was 1984 and I had been invited to go into communist Romania with a handful of Christian leaders from all around the United States. We would hold services and interact with many protestant churches. We were met at the bord by a communist guide who laid out the rules for us. We could not bring Bibles or ponographic magazines. We were not allowed to meet alone with these Christians. But this was to be food for propaganda, so why let us hold church services three times a day for almost two weeks. We met at 10 am and then got into a bus and headed for the next town for a 2pm service. We finished with an early evening service. I was taken back by the fact that most of the people had walked many miles to each service. The buildings were packed with people...usually double the size of what could comfortably be housed. They stood in the isles, they stood in the doorways, they stood everywhere. No fire marshals and no enforcement.
I can still visualize the services. They went at least two hours and no one complained. The singing of Christian hymns was unbelievable...no hymnals, no pleading to please sing, just singing from the depth of their souls. They had suffered so much and singing seemed to bring comfort and healing. The tears washed away painful memories. We talked with people whom we had never met...but we knew we were one family. Jesus Christ was our Lord. We shook hands...exchanged notes...greeted each other, we cried together and reminded ourselves of the power of the gospel.
I returned home to Stockton and our normal living began. We had it so easy here as we lived for the Lord. For many it was a habit, a routine, and a social gathering. We had moments of dedication - if it was convenient. We had no idea what life could be like if the culture turned against our faith. But I knew that I had experienced something special...maybe once in a lifetime. The fire of persecution had purified the people of faith. They had a story of gladness and sincerity just like 2000 years ago. For almost 40 years I have prayed and preached and served in such a fashion that the church in America would have that same description. I will never give up...Lord please do it again. Pour your Spirit out on your people at Lincoln...and add daily to our fellow pilgrims of faith.
