Two of our colleagues in ministry have been imprisoned in Togo since March, 2012. Lawyers and human rights activists have called for the release of Pastor Antonio dos Anjos Monteiro and church member Bruno Amah. A Togolese man implicated Monteiro and Amah as conspirators in an alleged blood trafficking network, but a police search did not produce any incriminating evidence. Since the time of their arrest and incarceration, local authorities have recognized both men’s innocence, but will not release them from prison.
During a recent time of prayer, I was reminded of the words of Jesus in His great Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake" (Matt 5:11). Really? How would you feel if you were imprisoned for many months on false charges, separated from your family and friends? Blessed? What is Jesus trying to tell us? The answer is found in the verse that follows. "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:12).
When we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, we are in the company of great women and men of God who have suffered down through the ages. We never enjoy persecution, but we can rejoice when we suffer as followers of Jesus Christ. Why? Because we know God is at work in this broken world. He is accomplishing His purposes even in the midst of our suffering. He is working all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
How then should we pray for Pastor Antonio and Bruno in Togo? Should we pray for their release from prison? Absolutely. Christians prayed for the apostle Peter and an angel was commissioned to oversee his release (Acts 12:5-10). But don’t forget that the disciples also prayed for their imprisoned colleague John the Baptist, and he remained incarcerated until his death. Was he abandoned by God? Absolutely not. He was blessed and affirmed by God even in his prison cell.
Sometimes God has plans that we know nothing about. The faithful witness of John the Baptist has encouraged persecuted followers of Jesus down through the ages. His witness was not in vain. Let's pray for all who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake that they may know the joy that only God can give and that they may find rest for their souls. And let's make the most of our liberty with thankful hearts.