Church Started in Prison
The pastor and the 5 brothers were taken and placed behind bars without evidence of wrong doing.
It is not every day that a church is planted and tended to in prison but it happens more than you may think! Especially in the spiritual hotspots worldwide that continue to see incredible numbers coming to know the Lord.
Pastor Michael works in a small village in India, only 15 kilometers from the main city center. He ministers to a growing flock of believers and weathers the storms of persecution that often come his way. One day, a Hindu woman approached Michael and asked if he could visit her home and pray for her very ill husband. Michael agreed and took five Christian brothers with him, all of whom served in ministry. They laid hands on the sick man and prayed for healing. As he began to recover, a neighbor discovered the believers’ presence and immediately called the authorities. The pastor and the five brothers were taken and placed behind bars without evidence of wrongdoing. Many villagers in the city advocated for their release but the judge denied their pleas for bail. His verdict was incredibly disheartening for the families of the five Christian brothers who now had no one to care for them. The men were the sole providers and there was now no money coming in to support their wives and children. Still, this did not discourage the pastor or the other men. They began to preach to the other prisoners and 40 men accepted the Lord. Then they began to gather to learn the Bible and worship together. A church was planted in the prison which caused great rejoicing in the men’s village! Believers rallied around the brothers’ families and they were well cared for while their husbands remained incarcerated. The Lord has made it very clear that the men are exactly where He wants them to be for the time being and everyone remains deeply encouraged.
In James 1:12, we read this promise: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Pastor Michael and the brothers know the Lord is in control and this knowledge helps them run the race that He has set before them.
