What Would You Risk to Follow Jesus?
“You can bind my hands and my feet, but you can never bind my heart—my heart belongs to Jesus Christ.”
— A believer in South Asia, sharing his faith in the face of persecution
On a recent trip to South Asia, one of our Global Gates missionaries witnessed one of the most humbling and impactful moments they’ve ever experienced there.
Back in 2017, this missionary had the privilege of baptizing a young fisherman named Babu*—one of the first believers in his area. In time, Babu led his brother Obi* to faith in Christ. Obi quickly became a bold evangelist. Over the years, the missionary and Obi remained connected, though communication was sometimes limited.
During this most recent trip, the missionary was finally able to reconnect with Obi and sit down with him and two of his disciples, Md* and Abu*. What they shared was remarkable.
Together, they are shepherding a rapidly growing gospel movement:
- Over 1,750 believers
- 300+ baptisms by Obi alone
- 17 house churches
- 4 generations of disciples
Obi is currently discipling 10 leaders, while Abu is discipling 13 and Md 20. As they spoke, they sketched out a generational discipleship map, naming individuals and locations until we had to stop them. The gospel is multiplying rapidly.
But it’s not without cost.
They shared painful stories of persecution: beatings, threats, harassment. At one point, Obi and his pregnant wife were beaten with a cricket bat simply for following Jesus.
Still, they press on.
After the conversation, the missionary asked if it might be possible to meet some of the disciples in their homes. They were open to gathering a few but explained that hosting such a meeting in their homes would be dangerous. Their guests’ presence could easily be associated with Christian activity, almost certainly resulting in persecution. Instead, they arranged to meet off the beach in a sparsely wooded area, where the gathering would be less noticeable.
The missionary expected five or six to come. But as they sat down, more and more men arrived—until nearly 20 had gathered. One by one, they shared their testimonies: how they came to faith, who discipled them, and how they’re now discipling others. They asked for prayer—for courage, protection, and for more people in their region to know Jesus. As the sun set, they worshiped together.
This band of faithful disciples—boldly proclaiming Christ in the face of danger—challenged and encouraged them deeply. Their example was a powerful reminder not to take for granted the freedom many of us have to worship without fear.
Please join us in praying for these brothers—for strength, protection, and continued gospel fruit. The gospel is advancing—not through programs or clever strategies, but because Jesus is building His Church, even in the hardest places.
And this story is just one glimpse of what God did during the trip. By His grace:
- 80+ people heard the gospel
- 61 prayed to receive Christ
- 2 were baptized
- 1 house church attended
- 3 new believers were trained in what the Bible says about persecution and church planting
- Laid the groundwork for 2 groups adopting an island of 8,000+ for new work among an almost 100% Muslim population. (Since returning to the U.S., our missionary received a report of a new house church starting on this island).
All glory to Jesus.
He is worthy.
And until all have heard, we press on.
*Names changed for security
If you’re encouraged by this story and feel led to support this Global Gates missionary, we’d love to help you take the next step. Reach out to us at development@globalgates.info to learn how you can be part of what God is doing through him in South Asia and beyond.
