I just sat through one of the most powerful and moving times of prayer I’ve ever experienced.  The second and bigger of the two conferences began this afternoon, and after all 100 of us (mostly North Africans) introduced ourselves, the leader of the organization addressed us.  He took us on a fascinating journey of the history of the North African country we are targeting, and at the end of his presentation, he gave a challenge that cut to the core of all in attendance.  He said that if the gospel is going to break through in this very volatile country, then – among other things – we all must be committed to fervent prayer.  For those on the ground (both foeriegn workers and nationals) the challenge was for greater boldness and for a willingness to pay the price of persecution, imprisonment, and maybe even death.  He acknowledged that some in the room already had paid a steep price for their faith.

What happened next shook me to the core.  The leader finished his address by instructing us to pray individually – by  kneeling, getting up and walking around, or just sitting in our seats.  As he did, men began weeping and crying out to the Lord.  I walked out and found a spot just outside the door to pray, and one man rushed out weeping uncontrollably for his country.  When I went back in, I saw men in suits spread out face down on the concrete floor, crying out to the Lord.  One man began singing a song to the Lord in his native tongue, and men and women all over the room joined in, some with arms raised high in full surrender to the Lord.  Through their tears, the people worshiped and praised the Lord through song, desperately crying out for God to move among their people.  When the song ended, nearly all in attendance were in tears as random men read out Scripture verses full of encouragement and hope.

A man who now lives and works in the target country but is from another country – a country that has been guilty of oppressing the target country for hundreds and hundreds of years – got up to ask for forgiveness for the actions of his country.  As he spoke, he wept.  Immediately, men from the target country moved from their places to embrace the man, many speaking out in thick African accents, “We forgive you, brother!”

I watched all of this from the back of the room, and was moved to tears myself.  To stand for Christ and spread the good news will continue to put their lives and families in peril.  Perhaps more now than ever before.  Today, they were challenged again to count the cost, and I watched as they responded in faith to press on – through tears, prayers, and songs of commitment and praise.

I will never understand their plight.  I will never understand what it feels like to have to choose between safety and my faith in Christ.  I will never know all that these people face every single day because they have chosen to follow Jesus.  I will, however, pray for them.  Will you join me?