Faith Under Pressure: Stories From the Persecuted ChurchНамуна

Manga - Don't be ashamed

An Islamic extremist group broke into Manga’s house in Nigeria, searching for Christians. They killed Manga’s father and attacked Manga with a knife. Fearing for his life, Manga began to pray the Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23, and Psalm 118:17.

As he prayed, something shocking happened. The pain he assumed he’d feel when the knife struck him was not there. What an incredible miracle! Manga was rushed to the hospital and treated for his injuries. The doctors didn’t think he would survive, but a second incredible miracle happened. Manga recovered from his injuries! But he was left with scars across his neck, scars he covered up to hide any evidence of what had happened to him.

Romans 1:16 says:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 (NIV)

These words were written by Paul in the book of Romans. In Rome, the idea of following a lower-class Jewish Rabbi who died by crucifixion would have been considered incredibly embarrassing. Paul stands unashamed of the gospel and willing to be embarrassed. Why? Because it is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe!

At one point, Manga was ashamed of his scars and saw them as something that he needed to hide by wearing a collar to cover his neck, but eventually, he began to see the scars as a chance to show others the evidence of God’s existence, love, and faithfulness.

Manga now stands unashamed of the gospel and of his scars, sharing the hope of Jesus in Nigeria, one of the hardest places in the world to be a Christian!

Questions:

1. Have you ever felt ashamed of the gospel? Maybe someone has asked if you’re a Christian and you were scared to share with them about Jesus. (Don’t worry - there's no shame here, we’ve all been there!)
2. What can you learn from Manga and Paul about being willing to stand boldly and declare the gospel, even when people may hurt or bully you for your faith?

Prayer:

“Lord, thank you for Manga’s unwavering faith. Thank you that he stood strong and was willing to lose his life instead of denying you. Help me not to be ashamed of the gospel, but instead help me to stand firm in the gospel. Help me to share it with those around me, that they might come to faith in Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”