In more than 60 nations, 100 million Christians are facing disinformation, discrimination and persecution (www.idop.org). Click on the map to the left to view a map of where Christians are being persecuted.
Seven of our WBC missionaries are serving in some of these most dangerous areas. Each day they face fear and suppression as they further Christ's Kingdom. However, those they witness to often face even more serious consequences for sharing their faith. The following story is one example of many who are taking up their crosses and following Christ whole-heartedly.
Peter's Story
Muslim Peter, living in a conservative, mountainous part of the subcontinent of Asia, came to know Christ personally through his coworker, a WBC missionary. Peter made the brave move of revealing this information to his wife Rose in hopes of leading her to Christ as well. Instead of receiving this truth with an open heart, Rose turned to her parents and siblings for help. Consequently, Peter's in-laws summoned Peter to their home in a very hostile way, moved their daughter back home and forced him to sign divorce papers and pay the large sum of money required for a divorce. 
While heart-broken over his former wife and in-laws' hardened hearts and his devastated marriage, Peter also had a vision to see life-water spilling forth in his country. Peter's vision confirmed for him that God would be with him and would use him for His purpose. He found strength in his new relationship with Christ as he struggled through the first two months after his divorce. Then came another devastating blow.
Peter's Court Case Consequences
Peter's former in-laws filed a court case against him, claiming he owed them $1,700 from a prenuptial agreement (a huge sum in his country), plus wedding and lawyer expenses. They had bribed police to keep Peter from attending his first two court appearances. Finally, a friend heard of the case and traveled three hours by public transportation to inform Peter that he had to appear in court.
Peter immediately drove to his former in-laws' village where he found out that the first two court cases had actually been cancelled due to a countrywide strike of judges and lawyers. God had protected him from missing his court dates, which would have most likely resulted in a decision against Peter. He also discovered that 20 percent of the cases in the village's court were brought by someone in his former wife's family - they have a reputation of being contentious and trying to sue people.
Peter Experiences Desperation and Determination
Peter's family did not understand the reasons for the divorce because Peter protected them from the full story. Thus, Peter was living with the tension of being misunderstood. The Christian community was surrounding him with support, but it was still very difficult. Although Peter's family tried to help him, at the same time they kept tearing him down by scolding him for all the wrong they believed he had done. His community also looked down on him, making assumptions about his divorce. One rumor was that he had divorced his wife to marry a rich, white westerner. Feeling completely downtrodden, Peter thought about moving away and even contemplated taking his life.
Yet, God sustained Peter. The WBC missionaries who had first led him to Christ prayed and fasted for Peter. They also steered him towards the Word for comfort. The Lord also provided miracles for Peter: an encouraging dream, less expensive firewood for his family and peace of heart. Then, Peter found out that in the midst of all this turmoil his former wife was pregnant with his child.
Six months after the divorce, Peter's former wife gave birth to a baby boy. In many situations like this, the baby would have been killed by people believing he was given birth by an infidel; but God spared the baby's life. Peter drove to the hospital when he heard about the delivery and his former wife agreed to let Peter take the baby home from the hospital to live with him. Her family wanted nothing to do with the child. Peter witnessed God at work first hand as the family gave him his child. This gave him the courage to stay in his country and continue the fight.
This child became the joy of his life and he desired to raise his son to follow Jesus. His son was a sweet reminder every day of God's grace in the midst of a horrific situation.
His former in-laws kept his faith a secret during the court cases, because they were using it to get money from Peter. As soon as the case is over, Peter knows that the in-laws will tell the world about his faith. In Peter's country, he will most likely be stoned to death for His conversion.
Despite this dangerous situation, Peter was determined to stay and make a positive impact in his homeland. God had blessed Peter with opportunities to plant seeds of truth in his countrymen.
Peter said, "We look at a situation or task that confronts us, and we think, 'That is way too difficult for me.' But God simply wants us to take the first step. He will help us with the difficulty. His will sometimes involves a lot of difficulty. But if we know He is with us, we don't have to be afraid to take that first step."
Peter's Court Case Continues
Today, after a series of court dates, Peter's former in-laws fear that the court might go in Peter's favor. They have tried to blackmail him with $5,000, and are trying to move the case from the Civil Court to the higher level Sharia Court. If this happens, Peter will be accused in court of being a Christian and a stoning mob may gather to kill him.
How can you help Peter?
"He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers" (2 Corinthians 1:10b-11a).
Pray for Peter's protection.
Pray for Peter to receive justice.
Pray for the people that receive Peter's witness.
Pray for our missionaries and us, as his brothers and sisters in Christ, to encourage Peter and provide comfort and support.
