Round the Sphere Again: Persecution
Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11:25AM 
By Sword
Ligon Duncun linked to a short history of the short lives of missionaries John and Betty Stam, a piece written by their nephew Chip Stam. The Stams
were young missionaries serving with the China Inland Mission in the early 1930’s. Scarcely one year after their marriage in China, they found themselves caught up in the advance of the Communists into the town where they were living. They were captured, held for an exorbitant ransom, marched through the streets of the village, and they were beheaded.
Yesterday was the anniversary of the day in 1934 when the Stams were martyred.
(Chip Stam’s site also has a collection of correspondence from John and Betty Stam.)
By Word
Doug Wilson reminds us that “[w]hile we honor highly those who have bled for Christ, we have to acknowledge that Jesus identifies slanders and revilings as forms of persecution that His followers must endure.” Do you think we are too reluctant to put maligning words spoken against a believer into the category of persecution, perhaps because we realize how much worse it is to die for the faith? Yet God calls these things persecution. Shouldn’t we?
Recently, leaders (and others) in my church have been very publically misrepresented (See, I can’t even bring myself to use the words lied about.), because they “did not shrink back from declaring the whole counsel of God.” Reading this piece helped me see this as true persecution, which, I think, helps me acknowledge the real hurt caused by it.
Labeling what happened as persecution also helps me find hope in the whole mess, for persecution is, in that mysterious way God often works, a sign from him of salvation (see Philippians 1:27-30). Persecution also seems to be one of the ways he grows and strengthens his church.
And while I’m at it (and continuing the Thankful Thursday theme), let me say that I’m thankful for leaders who refuse to shrink back.
Reader Comments (4)
I read a biography of John and Betty Stam when I was in my teens and, like a lot of people, their lives have had lasting impact on me. I'm glad to read more about them on their relative's website. Their writings are stunning.
Well said Rebecca. Great perspective.
Rebecca, This reminder you posted about the Stams was so interesting! In the 70's we hosted monthly OMF(formerly China Inland Mission) prayer meetings in our home with Winifred Crapuchettes for several years. She and her husband Eugene served with the Stams in China. Winifred's husband was killed in an accident in China leaving her alone there with their 4 children. When the Communists took over she miraculously escaped. Thank you so much for posting this! It really brought back a lot of wonderful memories.
God bless you!
Re your 2nd comment. Absolutely ! Slander has run many a good pastor out of the pulpit - Matthew 5:11 - Christ uses persecution and slander in the same breath.