Risking Everything for Jesus

From a SEND missionary in Asia

Our team recently gathered behind our farm's goat barns, deep in a gap formed over time by a trickling waterfall, to witness something beautiful. Under a canopy of hardwood trees planted a decade ago, six men stood on a row of sandbags that collected the waterfall into a pool. Ranging in age from their late 30s to their early 60s, these men firmly declared their determination never to turn back from Jesus. They understood what following Jesus would cost them. 

A Journey of Faith and Risk 

Our teammate Al* had been investing in these men's lives for the past few years, meeting with them weekly in a small fishing village nestled among mangroves by the sea. Others came and went intermittently. Over the past year, I joined them — studying scripture together, asking hard questions, and uncovering what it truly means to follow Christ.

Two of Jesus' commands rattled them the most: loving their enemies and publicly displaying their faith through baptism. The first command challenged deeply held cultural values of revenge, while the second exposed their ultimate commitment to Jesus to others in their village. We spent many hours contemplating these commands. They took their first step of faith by approaching their enemies with humility and forgiveness. Later, while sitting together in a bamboo hut, they shared with me their desire to obey Jesus and to be baptized. I saw a resolute spirit in their eyes, willing to risk everything for the Lord. 

We wept together. 

An Unlikely Addition 

The night before we gathered, the men prepared a feast for us to celebrate the Lord's Supper after their baptism. They invited the father of one of the men — an elder imam in the village who had periodically attended the group's study — to join in preparations and witness their baptism. Late into the night, the five men spent hours reading portions of Isaiah and John with this elderly leader. During this time, the Holy Spirit opened his eyes to the truth: Jesus is the Creator of this world and the only way to the Father. He asked if he could join the others in baptism. 

We arrived the following day expecting to witness five men — but to our surprise, six stood ready to surrender everything to Jesus! 

A Powerful Moment of Surrender 

So, last week, we gathered at the water's edge while Nasir*, their trusted example of a long-time follower of Jesus, gave them one final warning. Standing waist-deep in the pool, Nasir looked at each of the men on the wall and told them to enter the water only if their hearts were ready to fully obey God. He emphasized that they must leave their old lives behind. Nasir then instructed them to surrender and warned that if anything in their hearts hindered their total devotion, they should refrain from baptism. In response, the men yelled their affirmation with a joy that seemed to shake the trees. 

Pray For These Six Men 

Their journey is just beginning. They have already suffered persecution, and they know it will only increase. Yet, they want their neighbors and village to know and love Jesus. They are boldly telling his stories to their families. Pray that their witness flourishes and that many come to know and follow Jesus through them. And praise God for his powerful work in this community. 

You Are Part of This Story 

Thank you for helping bring the gospel to communities that have never heard of Jesus. Your generosity makes life-changing work like this possible all over the world. 

*Names have been changed for security 

"In response, the men yelled their affirmation with a joy that seemed to shake the trees."