“… there is a different cross for the Church in the West.”-- Brother Yun

If you are like me, every time you hear the testimonies that come from the persecuted Church you become aware of a deep sense of guilt and shame.

Unfortunately, many overseas mission groups twist this dagger in order to make us respond to their legitimate appeals for financial support. The needs are legitimate but the means to meet the needs often seem manipulative. Regrettably, guilt has been just about the only motive that produced any results.

I just finished reading David Hunt’s remarkable little book, The Heavenly Man. It tells the story of a young man, Yun, coming to faith in China, receiving the Call to serve Christ and suffering unimaginably for his faithfulness. David’s account presents the powerful story in forthright simplicity, without producing the slightest hint of guilt.

Brother Yun’s experience of torture and solitary confinement over the years have led those in the underground Church to regard him as perhaps the most persecuted believer in China, a mark of reverence which he would undoubtedly despise. David tells his complete story; his miraculous release from prison as well as those moments when he had sunk so low that he complained to God in prayer.

His genuine struggles in following the impossible and scandalous call of Jesus flow seamlessly into scenes of his childlike faith which literally opened prison doors and healed the deaf and the blind. Brother Yun’s life is as near a perfect response as we will likely see to the question, “What should a follower of Jesus do in the face of persecution?” I found Brother Yun’s answer, powerfully incarnate in his own suffering life, both disturbingly clear and wonderfully comforting.