Mar 16, 2022 Arrested for a Bible

Do you know why you’re being arrested? demanded the police officer. Surrounded by airport police and getting handcuffed, Amal* prayed silently, Lord, please help me. What do I say?

The answer was given for Amal by another officer, Don’t you know you’re on a watch list for buying a Bible? Dragging Amal to a private room, another officer interjected, He knows; he was already given a warning! This was just the beginning of Amal’s long interrogation.

Weeks before, Amal remembered getting called into the local police station. He had felt apprehensive and tried to think what the reason was. The truth soon came out during the interview: an officer had pretended to be a Christian, selling Amal a BibleÑand had been following him for several days!

Amal had just started to learn about Jesus, and he had been longing to study Christ’s words for himself. He was searching for end-time truth and true peace that he could not find in his family’s native religion. Amal began praying daily for God to lead him into total truth, and in answer to his prayers he met some Christian friends.

Few of these friends had Bibles of their own, but they happily shared God’s Word whenever they’re able to visit together. They studied the Bible together, and Amal was touched by the amazing love of Jesus. He was also inspired by his friends when they would all go together to hand out packed lunches to the homeless. He also participated in their addiction group, where they would teach, encourage and pray for those struggling to overcome. Amal could see Jesus even more in the lives of his friendsÑand he was determined to follow Christ.

Amal’s interrogation at the airport seemed to last forever. He was questioned and re-questioned. Amal continued to pray silently and give clear, simple answers, but he was still met with hostility from the officers. The officers made many threats to him. Amal began to wonder if this would be his last testimony for God.

After more than an hour, another officer joined the group and was brought up to speed on Amal. This officer was a relative to one of Amal’s Christian friends, and he recognized Amal. I’ve seen this young man and his group. They help the homeless and help in an addiction program. They’re doing good things for our community. Talking with the other officers, this officer helped Amal go free! What an answer to prayer! Amal almost cried with relief as he was un-handcuffed and his bags were returned to him.

What a miracle! Going free for owning a Bible in Amal’s country is totally unheard of! And praise God! What Amal and his Christian friends did to bless others returned as a blessing to him.

Amal boarded his plane with relief, but also with apprehension. He collapsed into his seat and closed his eyes to pray in thanksgiving to God. As he prayed, a tear escaped, and Amal realized this was now a one-way trip. There was no way he could return to his country after what happened, on top of being on a Christian watch list. But we know that God has spared his life for a great purpose.

Please pray for Amal as he’s now separated from his family and is facing an unknown future in a foreign country. Pray for believers in countries that are hostile towards Christianity and the Bible.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

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