Persecution in Missions – A Practical Theology

The best mission books deal honestly with the challenges and dangers of taking the gospel to the nations. This one is specifically aimed at helping us think through – and prepare for – persecution, opposition, struggles, sorrows, and suffering in mission.

Matt Rhodes, a missionary in Muslim countries, begins by acknowledging that everyone suffers, but that Christians also suffer because we belong to Christ’s kingdom. He gives biblical examples of how Satan uses suffering with destructive intent, fostering a fear of death that holds people in slavery. This affects Christians (including missionaries) and unbelievers who, as Rhodes illustrates from his missionary experience, can be hindered from coming to Christ out of fear.