True stories for children - 8          Willing to Bleed for Jesus           Adapted from a true story in The Voice of the Martyrs
A little girl stood outside the doorway of the church longing for the love and joy displayed by those inside. The American missionary had asked her to come in, but she had politely declined. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to accept the kind offer. Quite the opposite; her heart was beckoning her to join in their singing and worship. They seemed so happy, and the fellowship was so spontaneous and natural.  But this was a hostile area in the Philippines, and her father had strictly forbidden her to have anything to do with “those Christians.” Inside, the missionary was praying fervently for her soul. She wanted to teach the little Filipino girl about Jesus and how He shed His blood on a cross so that her sins could be washed away.  At the same time, the girl knew something was happening because each week she found it harder and harder to say no to the missionary. Finally one Sunday morning, she accepted. She accepted not only the invitation to attend the Sunday school class, but also opened her heart to Jesus and became a child of God.  Full of joy, the missionary gave her a beautiful white dress. It symbolized the amazing fact that Jesus had washed all her sins away. Full of joy, she went home with her two special gifts -- the wonderful Spirit of Jesus in her heart and the pretty dress to remind her that God had made her pure and holy inside. A day or so later, the missionary rushed to the next service. She could hardly wait to see the new little Christian again. But the girl was nowhere to be found. No one had seen her or heard anything about her. Concerned, the missionary traveled to her home village. Near her home, she found the young believer lying in the dirt. Her white dress was torn, filthy, and soaked in blood. The girl’s father hadn’t shared the missionary’s joy in his daughter’s newfound faith. In a drunken rage he had beaten her, repeatedly kicked her, and left her to die.   The missionary gently lifted the fragile girl and carried her back to the church where a doctor rushed in to help her. But there was nothing he could do. He removed the ragged dress and cleaned her up, but her injuries were too severe. The young Filipino girl would soon die. The missionary and other friends stayed with her, trying to comfort her during her final hour.  God brought her back to consciousness for a short while, and the girl was able to make an unusual request. Despite the pain of her father's anger and the horrible beating, she wanted to hold the white dress the missionary had  given her. The woman explained that it was torn and soaked with blood and dirt, but dying girl insisted on having it in her hands. With the simple faith of a ten-year-old she whispered, “I just want Jesus to know that I was willing to bleed for Him.” God's Word "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:16-18 Let's talk about it. 1. Why was the little girl standing in the doorway of the church? 2. What did the missionary long to tell her? 3. What does Romans 8:16-18 tell us about suffering?  4. What does Matthew 5:10,12 promise those who trust and follow God?  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. . . Rejoice and be exceedingly glad...” Matthew 5:10,12 The true story about this little martyr who risked her life to follow Jesus was reported in the Voice of the Martyrs' "special publication for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church."   Please pray for the brave Christian children in the Philippines, Pakistan and all the other countries where they face anger and persecution from those who follow other gods.  You can contact The Voice of the Martyrs through their website:  www.persecution.com Home | Preparing for Victory | Armor of God | Persecution