Perseverance Even in Jail

When I'd heard that Delia had been taken into the police station for meeting with several other women to study the Bible, I said to her, ãWow, that must have been awful!ä But she replied, ãOh, it was great!ä She then told me the whole story of how she was herded into a van with the other ten women or so early in the morning and was detained until late at night. They couldn't contact their families to let them know where they were. Thankfully, Delia's husband and family just prayed for her when she didn't show up that afternoon to get their son from kindergarten, and didn't worry too much.

Meanwhile, the police questioned and threatened the women, treating them as though they were Wahabiists÷fanatical Muslims who tend towards terrorism. The women, though, responded kindly and patiently explained their faith, even sweeping the floor of the police station to serve the policemen! Finally, the women were sent home with strict orders to return in the morning.

Delia obeyed them and was shocked at what greeted her the next day. The policemen came up to her and asked her forgiveness for being so mean. They said they realized these women were not a threat and began to ask questions about her faith, one even followed her out of the building as she left wanting more information and a Bible. He asked if she cheated on her husband (a very common occurrence here with both husband and wives) and she said she nor her husband did because they feared God. In the end, the police said, ãKeep on meeting, we'll even allow you to stay here in the capitol city even though some of you don't have living permits (they were from the outlying regions). Just please use a registered place next time!ä

I was so humbled at Delia's response to the situation. Me, in my westernism, would have demanded my rights and tried to pull strings with the American Embassy or something. But, Delia, who didn't have such resources called on Him who has the mightiest resources and He did more than any dignitary could do÷He changed people's hearts!

- anonymous, Central Asia

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