My church recently held a baptism ceremony for new believers. As soon as those being “dipped” came up out of the water, we all erupted in cheers. It was a powerful moment. A life reborn is worth shouting from the rooftops.

I want to share a very special letter I received from an undercover church planter located in a hostile region of Africa. Matthew (named changed for protection) is supported by Heaven's Family as he risks his life to spread the rescue message of Jesus Christ. I hope his story will encourage you as much as it has encouraged me.

Kenn looked down at a scrap of weathered paper in his hands for the umpteenth time as he read the blotchy, hand-written text. It read a Chinese phone number. As a citizen of North Korea, Kenn faced a life-long prison sentence if this seemingly insignificant piece of paper was discovered. And yet he’d kept it hidden all these years, as a life preserver of sorts, in case a certain day should ever come along. Today was that day.

What an incredible year of opportunity it was for me to serve our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ with you! Though there were many challenges, dangers and tears, through it all the Lord never failed to provide and show up when all hope seemed lost.

Dae regained consciousness to find himself lying on the dirty ground. He could feel warm droplets of blood running down from the cuts and bruises that marred his face. Attempting to rise, he winced at the sharp pain that shot through his body. Every breath felt as if someone was driving a spear into his ribs—which, unbeknownst to him, were indeed broken. Although Dae had felt the fear of being beaten by a pair of strangers, he was not surprised.

Nora held her shoulders high and boldly walked toward the darkened entrance of the house. What could be lurking in the darkness? Under her breath, she whispered prayers for continued bravery.