Life: Ajit

Part 2 in the Life series.

It was well over a hundred degrees in the small, one room building. A trickle of sunlight penetrated through a tear in the closed blinds, providing barely enough light to read from the tattered paper containing the hand written passages of Scripture.They sat in a circle on the floor, some with arms reaching; some on their hands and knees, with palms up and faces buried in the dirt floor; all of them praising and worshiping the God they serve. Tears streamed down their faces as they sang and cried out with hearts devoted to the One who gave His all; to the One they love... despite the danger they faced.

Ajit left before daylight. It was much earlier than he had to leave, but the darkness would help conceal him. Plus, it was best if the group arrived at different times. Otherwise the authorities or the religious extremists might get suspicious of what's going on. They've already had some close calls. Some within the group have been questioned by their neighbors about where they go when they're gone for the entire day and half the night. They're starting to get afraid. If the extremists find out they are Christians, they and their families could be brutally tortured or even killed. If the authorities find out, they could be put in prison and possibly be tortured and killed there for their faith.

That is what today's meeting is about. Many are afraid. Afraid for themselves. Afraid for their families. Afraid for their congregations. Today, they will cast their fears and concerns on God. They will seek Him and praise Him and worship Him. They will pray intently, seeking His wisdom, knowledge and comfort. He is the only one who can provide these things for them.

As their leader, Ajit must also encourage them. But he is also afraid. He wonders how can he encourage this group of pastors if he himself is scared and needs encouraging? He feels alone and powerless. He prays as he walks. He asks Jesus to provide help and support.