FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
In many parts of our world, countless souls bear the weight of persecution for their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. They endure the sting of rejection, the ache of isolation, and the harsh denial of even life's most basic necessities. For some, the path of faith leads to torture, imprisonment, and the ultimate sacrifice of life itself.
Within the strokes of this painting lies an attempt to capture the essence of the persecuted Church's journey.
The horizontal lines etched across the canvas represent the levels of covert operations undertaken to deliver Bibles and essential supplies to those dwelling in hostile lands. Each line is a testament to the lengths endured to get the Word of God to those in hostile countries.
Within the lines, the weathered pages of my father's Bible (upper right and lower left) bear the weight of John 15:18, “If the world hates you, remember it hated me first,” a reminder that Christ Himself forewarned of the world's hostility towards His followers. In these words, we find solace and strength, knowing that our suffering echoes His own.
The stark black vertical lines stand as solemn sentinels, symbolizing the prison cells that await many who dare to profess their allegiance to Christ. Yet, amidst the darkness, a mark of crimson red in the upper left corner serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice — our very lives laid down in imitation of the One who gave His all for us.
Nestled tenderly across the bottom, lie the images of persecuted individuals, their faces obscured in shadow, their identities veiled from the world's gaze. Though their faces may be hidden, their spirits shine brightly with the light of resilience and unwavering devotion. Let us stand with them, offering prayers of support and acts of love.
As Christ willingly surrendered His life for our sake, may we too be ready to offer ours in service to Him. Let this painting serve as a beacon of remembrance and a call to solidarity, that we may stand in unwavering support of our persecuted brothers and sisters, bearing witness to the enduring power of faith and love.
All proceeds donated to Voice of the Martyrs.
