Every Monday morning, we hold an online global meeting with many of the Pastors and church leaders that we work with around the world. It’s become an excellent way for all of us to keep up with all that is going on in each other’s lives, ministries, countries, as well as to be able to pray for each other with relevance.

This week, Daniel from Pakistan was sharing about the seeming current strategy that Muslims are following in his country in order to tempt “Christians” to convert to Islam. Daniel shared that in Pakistan, the Muslims have the power, control, and wealth within the country. To be a Christian in Pakistan means persecution in many forms. From being prevented from buying food and drawing water in certain locations to outright physical attacks, martyrdom, and everything in between. Daniel shared that the desire for “wealth” and relief (from the persecution), lately, has been too strong of a temptation for many, and they are leaving “Christianity.”

One of the most difficult examples of this for him is when a wealthy Muslim family finds a beautiful Christian girl they want for their son. They will offer a large sum of money to the Christian family in exchange for them to give their daughter in marriage for their son. Daniel said that the temptation to receive such wealth has proven to be too tempting for many families.

It may seem shocking, maybe even appalling, that “Christian parents” could do such a thing. I think it once again comes back to the content and focus of the “gospel message” that is being taught, believed, and followed. These Pakistani believers have had decades of what I call typical bible teaching that makes “man’s obedience” (for living the Christian life) of greater importance than the results of what Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection accomplished on our behalves. This turns Christianity into a mere religion. A religion that eventually is no longer worth living in poverty for. A religion that is no longer worth being persecuted for. But, when the content and focus of our teaching and discipleship consists solely on unfolding the eternal plan of redemption and ALL that it entails; past, present, and future through faith alone, by grace alone, and in Christ alone…..Then one’s view and version of Christianity moves from being a mere religion to a real relationship with the Almighty Creator of the Universe, Who loves you with a love that surpasses all knowledge, and Who has promised you an eternal hope and inheritance in heaven that He is preserving with His own divine power. This TRUE version of Christianity is not only worth being persecuted for, but it’s worth dying for!

Please continue to pray for God’s grace, wisdom, and direction as we continue to look to Him in trust and dependence for the establishment of the pastors and church leaders upon a true and unmixed gospel message and all that it entails.

Scott McManigle
Pastor of Global Missions