“Wally refused to renounce his faith in Jesus…”

Lenten Devotional – Day 24

God’s Word: "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." - Revelation 2:10

Story: In 1988, Wally Magdangal was pastoring an underground church in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was a Filipino lay pastor of Christian foreign workers wishing to gather for worship. In 1992, soon after the conclusion of the Gulf War, the house church had grown to over three hundred worshipers, the largest church in the country. The Saudi government became alarmed at the positive impact the church was having and Wally was arrested. While he was in prison, Wally was tortured, abused, and eventually falsely charged with blaspheming Muhammad and Islam. He was tried before the Saudi Arabian High Court and was sentenced to death by public hanging scheduled to take place on Christmas Day 1992. Throughout his terrible ordeal, Wally refused to renounce his faith in Jesus Christ. Outcries from several foreign governments and agencies, including President Fidel Ramos of the Philippines, Amnesty International, and members of the U.S. Congress were made on behalf of Wally to the Saudi Government. And then just a few hours before his scheduled execution, Wally Magdangal miraculously was granted a reprieve. The Saudi Government decided to deport him to the Philippines instead. Today, Wally is itinerant preacher, sharing how the Lord delivered him from persecution.

To Pray for: Being a Christian has never been easy. There are many Christians today who are being persecuted for their faith. Are you regularly praying for those who are persecuted? Today in prayer, remember the Christians in many part of the world who are being persecuted and pray that they may be faithful to Christ.

Quote: "The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup with his Lord." - J.C. Ryle

"So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." - 1 Peter 4:19