By Nikole Hahn
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:1-2
Decision Magazine published a story in April 2021 about a pastor in Laos imprisoned for a year because he refused to stop worship services and would not abandon his faith in Jesus. What you don’t know is how WorldVenture Global Specialist Frank Pardue knows and is working with this pastor.
“Simeon was one of my students at IGSL (International Graduate School of Leadership) in the Philippines who became a believer and had to leave his tribe because of this,” Frank says. IGSL is in Manila. Many of its students come from closed countries, and when they graduate, they return to their communities for ministry and to share the Gospel.
Simeon went to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and joined a church there. To study freely, he was helped to leave his country and come to the Philippines. Four years later, he returned and began to work with a tribe where Christianity was rapidly growing.
“In time, his relative notified him that there was the start of some people turning to Christ in his home area where he was formerly rejected and persecuted. Would he come back and work among his people and minister there? After much prayer, he did, and that was the beginning of a growing movement toward Christ there. His parents were committed animists and kicked him out of the house, warning him that the leaders would arrest him if he didn’t stop sharing his faith. He didn’t stop and was arrested one Sunday morning before worship began.”
Frank communicated regularly with Simeon until his arrest when all went silent. Frank then shared regular prayer requests about Simeon with Voice of the Martyrs and political people as the world became aware of this pastor’s predicament.
“Initially, he was to be there 6 months – during the time COVID was raging. I eventually could text with another believer who was aware of the situation. I would send out updates as I received them. By now, prayer groups had begun to spread. Then suddenly we saw the news that he was released! He was still given a warning, but he was free to minister again.” Frank shared.
Even during his arrest, house churches began to multiply. Today, several dozen churches have been started and continue to spread. Leaders continue to be imprisoned for their faith as opposition burns among some government leaders. Frank asks that we pray for God’s work among the B people. Also, pray as WorldVenture sends new missionaries to IGSL to continue training local people around Asia who return to their communities and make Gospel Impact around Asia.
Discussion Questions:
Please consider journaling or posting your answer to your own social media. We also welcome your answers on our related posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- What does Simeon’s story teach us about the cost of following Jesus?
- How would you respond if your faith meant losing your family, home, or freedom?
- Why do you think Christianity continues to grow in regions where it is persecuted?
- How do you see prayer playing a part in this?
Articles:
- Read Decision Magazine’s original article here.
- Read Michael and Rebekah Banks information here.
- Briannan Byrd Shares Her Heart For Japan
- Circle of Light
- Learn about Frank Pardue