The great missionary, Adoniram Judson, endured unbelievable hardship to
proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Burma. Hunger and
privation haunted him for seven long years. Arrested and thrown into Ava Prison
for almost a year and a half he was subjected to incredible mistreatment. His
iron chains and shackles left him scarred for the remainder of life. Though
physically low, nevertheless his spirit was undaunted by the circumstances.

Upon release from the torturous prison he immediately asked for permission to
enter another province where he might again resume his preaching. The
government leader indignantly denied his request. He said, “My people are
not fools enough to listen to anything a missionary might say, but I fear they
might be impressed by your scars and turn to your religion.”

____________________________
(Come Ye
Apart
. Kansas City: WordAction Publishing Company, March-May, 2001, p. 87.)


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About The Author

Rev. Derl Keefer pastored in the Church of the Nazarene for over 30 years. He currently serves as the Adult Development Ministries Coordinator for the Sunday School Ministries department at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center. He received his B.A. in Religion from Southern Nazarene University and his M. Div from Nazarene Theological Seminary. His other books include Let's Get Committed, Wedding Sermons and Marriage Ceremonies, and Open Doors.

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