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The Path to Surrender
From the General Director
TENSIONS
One of the great privileges of the role I serve in is to see and hear the stories and meet some of the people around the world who are living their lives of faith out of extravagant love for others, and obedience to Jesus. It not only humbles me, but also causes tension in my soul.
At times, it’s difficult to align the context of where I live and the things I take for granted with the great challenges and difficult contexts of so many around the world. But wherever we live, whatever our current realities, Jesus calls us to lay down our lives in love and obedience for the sake of others who do not yet know Him. What this looks like will be different for each one of us, but in doing so, we get to see and experience more of his Kingdom together.
CHOICES
Every day we make choices—big choices that will affect the rest of our lives and those around us, and small choices that don’t seem to make much difference. Yet these are choices we are required to make and every one of them leads to certain outcomes that we often don’t see immediately. Our modern world offers more choices in a day than we could ever adequately process.
There is a verse in Jeremiah that has always unsettled me. The prophet has been calling the people of Judah back to their covenant relationship with God for many years. And then he says this in verse 16:
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
What a great invitation from the Lord! To look to the ancient paths, asking for wisdom from the Lord as we make our choices and choose the right path to take. And the reward is to find rest for our souls. It would be nice if it ended there, but the verse has one more significant line in it that gives a rebuke for the response to this invitation… “But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
The prophet then responds with the word, “therefore,” and goes on to explain the consequences of the stubborn path they have chosen, ignoring the good way that God was offering.
Travis Jost in Burundi. See more of his story in the video Surrender: multiply.net/surrender
DEFIANCE
We tend to want to go our own way, don’t we? Or maybe it’s just being lured in by the elusive and scintillating ways of the world. The many paths that are laid out in front of us, with many promises for many things, can often end up empty and meaningless.
Recently, I was reading through the book of Judges and again encountered the ominous statement, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25 ESV). Israel longed for a king like the nations around them. Eventually they had many kings and it still didn’t turn out so well.
To follow Jesus is to recognize that He is not just our friend, but he is our King. He is the King of Kings. Do we walk in obedience and trust, or do we actually live our lives by what seems right in our own eyes? Even as I write that line it challenges me to hold up a mirror and ask the question.
SURRENDER
The value of “laying down our lives in love and obedience” is not just about choosing the right path, but it’s about the posture of our hearts as we choose not to go our own way, humbling ourselves as Jesus did—a very different kind of King. It’s the path and the posture of surrender that Jesus modeled for us in Luke 22:42: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Over the past years, Travis Jost has had to choose the path of surrender numerous times—from the original
call to the nations, leaving behind family and the familiar things of the world of Kansas to venture into a whole new world in Burundi. Travis went from the surprising path of a personal medical crisis to the sudden passing of his dad and then, most recently, losing his mom this past year. Each incident involved another choice of which path to take. By his own admission, Travis didn’t always walk that space well or understand God’s timing. Yet he continued to faithfully surrender to God’s guidance.
Let me forewarn you: this edition of the Witness may stir tension in your soul.
In the pages ahead, you will read stories of surrender to Jesus. It’s a surrender that comes at a cost, is not always fruitful, and doesn’t always have a happy ending. But Jesus promises to be with us each step of the way, and He is doing more than we can see at any moment.
Let me forewarn you: this edition of Witness may stir tension in your soul. It already has in mine. But it’s also a beautiful kingdom invitation to live more fully as God has created us to live. And I pray that it will encourage you, and me, to surrender our lives, and to live more faithfully wherever God has placed us.
Bruce Enns
Stories from the Front Lines
By Christopher Lane
“The history of the church may almost be said to be a history of the trials and sufferings of its members...”
– Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
In the west, we enjoy relative freedom to practice our faith. But for many members of the global church, following Jesus comes with a heavy price. Our brothers and sisters in places like Nigeria, Afghanistan, and North Korea often share in the sufferings of Christ.
What follows are just two of the many accounts we regularly receive from our partners in one of the most dangerous regions of the world: the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). As you read about their encounters with opposition and persecution, please lift these courageous brothers and sisters up in prayer.
Saleh’s Summons
When Brother Saleh (alias) returned from a recent ministry trip, he was praising God. While visiting nearby cities and towns, he had witnessed the Lord working in powerful and exciting ways. House churches were flourishing, new believers were being discipled, seekers were asking questions, Scripture was being distributed, and God’s Kingdom was rapidly advancing. What made this all the more remarkable was that this was taking place in an Islamic nation that has historically been opposed to the Gospel message and has even instituted strict laws to prevent Christian evangelism and mission work.
This was truly cause for rejoicing!
Then Saleh saw the notice waiting at his home—a summons to appear at the police station. There was no explanation, but he knew the reason. Saleh began to pray and sent out an urgent call for others to join him in seeking the Lord’s intervention.
At the police station the next morning, he was escorted into an interrogation room filled with a half dozen
officers. The lead officer explained that Saleh’s name had surfaced in several recent cases involving Christian activity in the region. Brother Saleh had been identified as someone who trains leaders, teaches new believers, and provides Bibles to those who want them. The officer asked him to respond to these allegations.
Saleh told the group that God’s Word instructs followers of Jesus to submit to governing authorities. He added that if he had broken the law, he was prepared to face formal charges in court. When asked about his faith and the gatherings that had been reported, he confirmed that the believers in the area regularly held prayer and church meetings in their homes. He then invited the officers to attend.
When asked about his faith and the gatherings that had been reported, he confirmed that the believers in the area regularly held prayer and church meetings in their homes. He then invited the officers to attend.
In what could only be considered an answer to prayer, the lead officer eventually tore up the file and told Saleh they would not be charging him with anything. Another officer commented that the difficulty with accusing Christians of committing crimes was that their lives were free of wrongdoing. Investigations only seemed to uncover a pattern of helping the poor and loving society.
Sensing an opportunity, Brother Saleh asked if they would like to know more about God’s love. But they declined, explaining that the appropriate place for preaching was at the mosque, not in the police station.
As the interview concluded and Brother Saleh was released, he told the officers that the believers were praying for the government and for them.
“Please continue praying that the Lord would touch the hearts of these authorities,” Saleh says. “Pray for the Lord to grant peace in the midst of ongoing surveillance and resistance that Christians face, and that believers will remain strong and steadfast under pressure. Pray too that if I am summoned again, God will grant boldness, clarity, and protection.
“We love this country and its people, and will keep serving, evangelizing, and praying here. We know that God can change hearts.”
The Delegation
News that a delegation of Islamic officials was making unannounced visits to the homes of Christians in this MENA nation sent shock waves through the believing community. The state religion is Islam and the vast majority of the citizens are Muslim. There are strict laws
against Christian evangelism and Bible distribution, and if a Muslim chooses to leave Islam to follow Jesus, their “apostasy” is legally punishable by death.
When the delegation failed to physically locate any believers, they contacted one of them by phone and demanded that he appear at the police station. Complying with this request, the brother soon learned that the authorities wanted to meet with the local Christians that evening. It was not a good sign.
The location of the meeting was no comfort either. They were expected to gather at the home of a prominent imam. When the believers arrived, they found themselves facing the delegation—several senior Islamic officials and scholars—along with a group of policeman, and a number of observers, who were most likely Salafists (members of a hyperradical Islamic sect).
The leader of the delegation opened the meeting by declaring that in this nation, anyone who departs from Islam must be executed. He explained that apostasy was a threat to national security and social cohesion. Another official noted that two alleged apostates had been executed in the last year and that two more were on death row. The only safe and acceptable course of action for Christians, he said, was to return to Islam.
An hour into the meeting, the call to prayer sounded from a nearby minaret. The delegation rose in response, expecting the believers to join them at the mosque in a show of public repentance. This would demonstrate their intention to return to Islam. But the brothers remained seated. When the delegation returned from prayer, they announced, “We understand you do not wish to come back. There is no more to discuss.” And abruptly, the meeting ended.
But that isn’t the end of the story. These brothers continue to be watched closely. The lingering threat of prosecution and punishment hangs over their heads. Will they be harassed? Will they be arrested? Will they be executed for their faith?
PRAY
Pray for our brothers and sisters as they seek to follow Jesus in this oppressive and dangerous environment. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom and the appropriate words when they stand before officials, giving a bold and truthful account of their faith and the God they serve.
Opening Prison Doors
ASIA | By A Multiply Worker
In July 2025, over 300 believers who gathered at Meadowbrook MB Church in Leamington, Ontario, were asked to stand and intercede for two pastors—one imprisoned in Bangladesh, the other in Myanmar. Both had been behind bars for over a month. Both were in real danger of being put to death for having preached the Good News of Jesus Christ.
What followed was powerful.
The sanctuary was filled with tears and cries to God as the people of Meadowbrook MB lifted up these brothers with deep compassion, praying fervently for their safety, their freedom, and their families. All who participated left that church profoundly moved—and full of faith.
Then, only two days later God answered the prayers of His people on behalf of both pastors—almost simultaneously, in both Bangladesh and Myanmar!
From Bangladesh came this message:
“Our brother was released from prison today! I traveled to his city and just returned to Dhaka, having taken photos with him to mark this moment. Thank you for your faithful prayers! During the six weeks spent in prison, he became a powerful witness. He was the only Christian among the inmates—yet through his testimony, 250 heard the Gospel, and sixty accepted Christ. Nine are now ready for baptism! His wife is rejoicing, and so are we. God has been faithful; He has not forgotten his servant.”
On the same morning, this message was received from Myanmar:
“Today, one of our pastors was released from the military training camp where he was being held! God intervened through a courageous sister in the Lord who dared to step in and negotiate for his release. Right now, he is safe and happily reunited with his wife and daughter. Praise the Lord! Thank you for your prayers!”
The prayers lifted up on behalf of the persecuted are powerful and effective. Six months after this was first written, we celebrated the release of one remaining pastor imprisoned in Bangladesh! Pray for the many pastors and believers in Asia who are facing opposition and persecution. Ask the Father for their protection, and that He would give them guidance and Holy Spirit boldness! And, as you read this, pause and give thanks to God for the safe deliverance of the two brothers in this story. God is opening prison doors!
Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
~ Hebrews 13:3 NIV
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Sunday, November 2, 2025
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is observed on the first Sunday of each November. This is an opportunity to intercede for our Christian brothers and sisters who are living out their faith in Christ in restricted, closed, and hostile environments around the world. Please join us in praying for:
Comfort
Lord, You are the God of all comfort. We ask that You would envelope our persecuted brothers and sisters with Your love, hope, and peace. Be present with them as they face opposition and give them the strength to endure and overcome. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
Boldness
Lord, anoint Your children with boldness and courage. Empower them by Your Spirit to be Your witnesses, carrying the Gospel message to the ends of the earth—making disciples who will make disciples. Remind them that You have not given them the spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Protection
Lord, be a hedge around those who are being threatened, discriminated against, and attacked. Be their refuge and fortress. Give Your angels charge over them to keep them in all their ways. (Psalm 91)
According
to
Open Doors*, in 2024 alone:
4,476 people were killed for faith-related reasons
4,744 individuals were imprisoned
380 million Christians currently face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith
According to World Watch List of top 50 countries where following Jesus costs the most: 7,679 churches and faith-base buildings were attacked
Myanmar ranks number 13 Bangladesh ranks number 24.
169 173
176 & Counting
PERU | By Nikki White
“The first one scared me,” Maricela relates, “but later, it became almost like a game. To date we have encountered 176 scorpions in the house; 176, and still counting! We thank God that none have harmed us. They’re just… uncomfortable. Yes, it’s true—living like this is uncomfortable, but it’s part of our reality.
“It’s what we chose.”
Maricela and Pablo Chavez and their three boys made the choice to leave their home in California in 2022 for a life on mission in Peru. They faced some criticism for this choice; those who knew what it had cost for their families to immigrate from Mexico and settle in the United States in the first place challenged their decision, even calling them ungrateful. The story of their difficult journey into global mission can be heard in the video, God is Calling (multiply.net/god-is-calling).
“We left behind a comfortable lifestyle,” admits Maricela, “and weren’t sure what to expect. For example, we had been told that Almirante was a land of rich agriculture. It
is a desert! Everywhere you look, there’s sand. The heat is almost unbearable.”
What Pablo and Maricela saw when they first arrived in Almirante was not very pretty, but it soon became evident that the true beauty was in the people: they were kind, caring, and welcoming. “They received us at the airport, they received us in their churches,” Pablo says. “It took a little longer for them to receive us in their hearts, though.”
This reluctance came as somewhat of a surprise to the Chavez family. Being of Mexican descent, they had assumed that the transition to life in Peru would be relatively easy. To their chagrin, there was a chasm of difference.
“Even our Spanish wasn’t the same,” Maricela explained. “We had many of the same words, but with completely different meanings! I had to pay very close attention to what people were trying to say. That was a shock for me—I had expected communication to be easy.”
“It was crazy!” Pablo remembers, shaking his head. “Sometimes they would be speaking to me in Spanish, and I would just stand there with my mouth open, thinking, What on earth are you guys saying?”
Being relegated to the status of language learners was only one of the humbling realities of life in Peru. “One time there was an event that required food preparation,” says Maricela, “and I offered to help. They told me that I was peeling the potatoes wrong! I have been peeling potatoes my whole life!” She laughs at the memory. “In the end, I just handed over the knife, and asked them to teach me how to do it right.”
“We left behind a comfortable lifestyle,” admits Maricela, “and weren’t sure what to expect.” Maricela , Pablo and their sons Isaac, Joshua & Samuel
“We had to remember that our role as missionaries was not to come and be in charge of things,” Pablo asserts. “It’s not up to us to make decisions for Peruvians or to direct them, but to see what God is doing and to walk with them on their journey.”
Taking a humble posture of learners was critical in building relationships in the community. “It took time for them to get to know us,” Pablo acknowledges. “Learning their way of speaking Spanish, learning their way of peeling potatoes—all those things were needed for trust to be built, before they would open up and tell us about their real needs, the conflicts in their churches, the problems in their marriages, the brokenness in their families.”
Trust was a two-way street, the couple realized. Even as the church leaders began to invite Pablo to help with conflict resolution on a conference level, addressing issues of moral failure and sin, he also shared his own struggles with them. “On a personal level, I went through a period of depression in the ministry. I lost the joy of serving, and I needed their compassion and support.”
“These last three years have not been easy,” Pablo agrees, “but we didn’t choose Peru because it is easy or pretty or comfortable; we chose it because of the people.”
“Life in Peru is a challenge,” Maricela reflects, “but not just for us. The level of suffering we witness is terrible. At least one person is dying every week! There are always so many who are sick and needing prayer. Sometimes I think that the only things that can thrive in this desert are the flies, mosquitos, lizards and scorpions! But somehow, the Peruvians persevere and grow crops here.” She pauses, pensive. “In a way, that shows their heart. They don’t give up; how could we?”
“These last three years have not been easy,” Pablo agrees, “but we didn’t choose Peru because it is easy or pretty or comfortable; we chose it because of the people. We chose to surrender, we chose to follow Jesus, we chose to serve the ones He loves.”
“By God’s grace, this is what we still choose.”
PRAY
The Chavez family is currently in North America, visiting friends, family and supporting churches and discerning next steps in mission. Their desire is to be in Peru for a second term by January of 2026.
