NOTE FROM AN AFRICAN MARTYR

The following account has come to me a couple of times so maybe some of you also have seen it.  It has a message for us.  Of course, we know nothing of this man’s objective relationship with Christ.  But whatever it was, hopefully we can share some of the same sentiments!  Can you, if you are a Christian, say the same things this man did?  Would you be willing to die for your faith, as apparently he did?  Search your heart as I search mine as we read his comments.

Recently I was given a copy of a note found written in the office of a young [preacher] in Zimbabwe, Africa, following his martyrdom for his faith in Jesus Christ.  I quote his letter verbatim:

“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed.  I have the Holy Spirit power.  The die has been cast.  I have stepped over the line.  The decision has been made.  I’m a disciple of his.  I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. 

“My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.  I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.  I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.  I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. 

“I now live by faith, lean in his presence, walk by patience, am uplifted in prayer, and I labor with power.  My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. 

“I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.  I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. 

“I am a disciple of Jesus.  I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me.  And, when he comes for his own, he will have no problem recognizing me . . . my banner will be clear!”