I went to two parties last night! First one was dinner with a dear and best friend, Karen. We met at our favorite Mexican restaurant and dipped gluten-free chips in white cheese (I can never think of the name of it), our entree was Guacamole Mexicana, water to drink and then the party began: fried ice cream and choco taco. Oh yeah…three (or was it two?) laps of the strip mall afterward and we both headed home by dark:thirty!!!
When I got home I realized there was another party going on and I quickly got snuggled in bed, Kindle in hand and Tweet Chat wasn’t working quite right. I persevered and finally snuck in the back door. Happy to see Andrew there another week. But I am missing someone and must reach out to her today – where o where is Marisa? I was full from supper so all the chatter about summer recipes and ice cream didn’t faze me! Then, bam… Kate announced the word prompt for the week:
安息
REST in peace (translation)
00:00
I feel like I wrote this post yesterday. News came (to me for the first time) that Pastor Han in China had been taken, tortured, and slaughtered by the North Koreans. Pastor Han worked tirelessly in the underground church and participated in many rescues of Believers in North Korea. I do not know all the details yet, but he was captured and hacked to death by his captors.
The Persecuted Church is high on my prayer radar. Ten or so days ago, brothers and sisters, were jailed in Nepal for preaching the gospel – they have since been released.
When news came of Pastor Han’s capture and death, the only words I knew to type in the comment box of the article were…
Well done My good and faithful servant, enter now into your Master’s REST.
These events take my breath away. They deeply penetrate my being – I don’t know how else to describe it.
05:00
I can’t leave this post without a few “balm” scriptures – to soothe the ache of such atrocities. I hope you will get a cuppa later, when your world is quiet and ponder these words of HOPE. Because, #hopechangeseverything
- Psalm 16.10-11
- Matthew 25.21,23,46
- John 12.26
- Philippians 1.23
- 2 Timothy 2.12
- 1 Peter 1.7-8
- Revelation 2.10
- Revelation 2.26-28
- Revelation 3.21
- Revelation 7.17
- Revelation 21.7
Resting in His Hope! This breaks my heart, he’s now in the arms of our Precious Lord. Well Done, Faithful Servant of Our Lord.
Yes, he endured to the end. He was faithful, courageous, and brave. God help me.
Hope does change everything. Thanks for sharing the news, may he indeed rest in God’s peace. Blessings to you!
It really, really does, Mari-Anna.
Sobering thoughts, Susan. But yes, we can rest knowing this faithful servant has found his eternal rest with Jesus.
Sobering…yes.
Hope and rest and trust…………they go hand in hand. Thank you, Susan.
They surely do!
Oh Susan, thank you for sharing about Pastor Han and those in Nepal. I have been praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ and am grieved to hear the news of so many being martyred and persecuted for their faith in Jesus. Hope is what anchors us, knowing that God will take care of His.
Hope, the anchor of our soul. #hopechangeseverything
I find it incredibly fascinating that even though Christ knew the horrible atrocities that were to come,..He still calls us to live in an attitude of rest. Even though He knew the tragedy that awaited Him, He was able to live a joyful, peaceful, rest filled life. Thank you for this sweet reminder!
Brooke, I pray THAT kind of peace is given when needed most.
I can hardly comprehend what our brothers and sisters around the world endure for their love of Christ. We pray often in my small group that He would strengthen them and cause them to shine brilliantly in dark places. We have begun to pray the same for ourselves.
Ooh. Your last sentence. And, so we should. xo
When I hear of a martyr giving his life for his faith, I am both sobered as well as challenged.
I cannot imagine what it would be like to face what he faced, but I am reminded that his death was the doorway of life after a full life of dying to self.
Would I back away from danger or continue to live with the risk of martyrdom? How am I at dying to self today?
It seems that Pastor Han lived with a heart fully rested in his Savior. I’d like to move my heart to fully rest in Jesus as well.
Thank you for sharing the story about Pastor Han.
Fully rested. I take pause at your words, Cheryl.
I have a hard time with the hard news too. I love the idea of resting in his promises….yes! I’m over in the 51 spot writing about resting in my fave place.
Tara, we missed you girl.