11. SUDAN: PETER
The brass shackle is called, in Arabic, a bacle. Peter held it out as if it were a sacred
object. It was a great reminder of his family's past and of Peter's great blessing.
His grandfather had made the bacle, but it was not a craft project. In
fact, he was forced to wear it by his Islamic masters. Peter's grandfather
had been captured in Southern Sudan and take to Northern Sudan, where
he was bought and sold as a slave.
Peter's grandfather, though harassed and tormented by his Muslim
masters, would not join their faith. He held fast to his faith in Christ, and
his body bore the scars of his refusal. Because he was not a Muslim, he
was seen as nothing more than an animal.
Shortly before he died, Peter's grandfather had the bacle removed and
gave it to Peter's father. "Our family will not always be slaves," he said, "bu
we must never forget."
12. Later Peter's father gave it to him,
and he carried it with him when he
escaped from his Muslim owner and
fled to freedom. Today, it is no longer
a sign of ownership, but a sin of
God's overcoming power. It is a
symbol of God's hand on a family,
working through three generations to
bring them to freedom.
"Never forget my people," he urged.
"Never stop praying for persecuted
Christians in Sudan."
13. Forgetfulness. It is the number one enemy of
prayerfulness. we are quick to offer our prayers of support.
Unfortunately, our good intentions are rarely good enough to
help us carry through on our commitments to pray for those in
need. What can remind you to pray for those who are
persecuted around the world? Perhaps a small sticker on the
face of your watch will remind you. Each time you look at
your watch throughout the day can be an opportunity for you
to remember a people group who live under religious
persecution. Whatever method you choose to be more mindful
of the missed opportunities for prayer, follow through on it.
Reading stories about extreme believers will not change
anything. Praying for extreme believers can change everting
-maybe even today.
14. What would you have done if you
were one of the characters in the
devotion?
Explain how this verse identifies
with the situation
What did you find
’interesting? Comments ? s?
