Well, not really. My first heroes were of the classic Western type; then they became the type who could leap tall buildings in a single bound; and, then they were private investigators. At a point around the turn of the century my adulations shifted east and Persian Christians became my heroes. Over the past twelve years I’ve spent time with many Iranian Christians who have endured incredible hardships and persecution for their faith. Persecution is something we Americans talk about but is not something to which we can easily relate. I do not personally know any Anglo-Americans who have been jailed, beaten or killed for being a Christian.
Just last week I was privileged to lead a team to a foreign country where Iranian believers have taken refuge in order to train and prepare to take the Gospel into Iran Iran
These people are my heroes. They know a lot more about picking up a cross and following Jesus than I ever will. They believe risking one’s life is what loving God is all about. And you know what? They are right. My heroes really are Persian Christians after all!
Michael McCullar
Michael McCullar
My persecution has not come from the world as much as it has come from those who put on the façade of christianity. Church business has been my greatest distracter and hindrance in my growth in grace and knowledge of Christ. In the past, church business has caused an extramarital affair which led to a bizarre divorce, loss of income; lose of home and material things, and almost the loss (custody) of my children. A contract was put on me. Like the Apostle Paul, I was beaten, shot at, falsely accused and imprisoned, and they pointed their fingers at me, “he’s a devil,” … and all of this was done while they praised their gawd.
ReplyDeleteYes, persecution exists in the U.S., and it all depends on how much one desires to follow Christ. Because it involves in taking up the cross, dying daily, and to follow Him on a straight and narrow path. Although many church businesses seem to conform to the ways of the world, practice things such as Christian yoga, allow known pro-abortionist to be guest speakers, and play secular rock-n-roll before their members, it’s for the remnant to speak out. Paul wrote, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). This is where the proverbially cow cookies hits the fan.
Albeit there is first-century type of persecution in China, Iran, and other countries, I know who I am in Christ, and persecution comes with the territory.