Office of the President
The intensity of effort to suppress, and even shut down, the church
has probably been stronger in Asia than on any other
continent. In China’s history, there have been four
strong pushes in this direction. Since the Korean War,
North Korea has waged a relentless campaign to be rid
of all vestiges of Christianity. In post-1975 Vietnam, many
churches were closed, and a major Bible institute was shut
down, its campus being converted into a government facility. In Indonesia, many
churches have been burned down, with those responsible receiving immunity from
prosecution. With Hindu nationalism on the rise in India, difficulties for believers
there are mounting.
How can Christians facing persecution keep going? We find this biblical principle
tucked away in Exodus 1:12: “The more they (God’s people) were oppressed, the
more they multiplied and spread.” Leaders who oppose the church may feel they
have succeeded in destroying it. But God has never, and will never, permit that to
happen. Instead, by his turnaround power at work, he is able to cause the church to
grow, and even to thrive, under the most difficult circumstances.
In this issue of Outreach Online magazine, we share a few snapshots of thriving
work in several southern Asian countries. In spite of obstacles and hardship, believ-
ers have patiently endured, and in many circumstances thrived, resulting in much
fruit. OMS workers and partners today are building on a strong foundation laid by
previous generations. Seeing what God has done and is doing thrills my heart. As
you read these stories, may your heart be full as well!
Bob Fetherlin
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