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Protection
in by David Boyd |
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Julio*, a
young lay evangelist, had been threatened by a terrorist group. "You
must stop preaching," they said. "If you do not obey us, you will
pay with your blood." |
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This
terrorist group had taken control of the area where Julio walks from town to
town to preach. They had closed the police outstations and governed the
region by their own rules. Any individual or group that would not cooperate
with them was in danger. |
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Julio
ignored the threats and continued his usual rounds, preaching in the small
mountain churches and encouraging the believers. Again the terrorists warned
Julio, and again he disregarded the threats against his life. The terrorists
were outraged. "Our vengeance will be complete. We asked for your
cooperation, and you disobeyed us. Now we will make an example of you,"
they said. |
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A few days
later Julio was ambushed and taken to the center of one of the larger towns
in the area. A crowd gathered to witness the sentencing. The terrorists hoped
that Julio's fate would put fear into the hearts of Christians and perhaps
even result in closing some churches. |
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Julio was
tied to a chair and carried to the middle of the square. Sticks of dynamite
were tied to each of his arms and legs. The fuses were lit as Julio began
singing praises to God. Other Christians joined him in praise, encouraging
him with songs about heaven. |
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Then came
the miracle! Suddenly there was a loud boom as the dynamite exploded. The
terrorists thought nothing would be left of Julio. But when the smoke
cleared, there sat Julio unharmed and still singing praises to God! The
terrorists were shocked. They were so overcome by fear that they ran away. At
the same time, all the Christians were saying, "It's a miracle of
God!" |
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Julio left
the square with the Christians. He continued his ministry in spite of
persecution. He held firmly to the truth that Jesus gives strength to be
courageous when needed. |
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For 20
years, believers in some areas of |
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* Not his
real name. |
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