Believer in Chad risks life to preserve God's property

CHICAGO—Amidst tumultuous political and civil unrest, Bible League-trained Christians continue to stand firm in their faith and pray for God to bring peace and stability to Chad. The country’s president, Idriss Deby, called a state of emergency in mid-February after a coup attempt earlier in the month. Violent rebels ravaged the country, homes and businesses were looted and destroyed, and more than 300,000 Chadians fled the country. Yet, through all the chaos a story of courage emerges.

There was severe fighting near a Bible League ministry center in Chad and while all staff were encouraged to evacuate, one staff member made the bold commitment to stay behind. Joseph*, a security guard for the ministry center, was determined to protect God’s property—including an inventory of Bibles—at all cost. Instead of fleeing to a safer area, Joseph stood guard at the ministry center for several days—during heightened periods of violent outbreaks. “The area around the building was completely flattened, but the building was not looted or touched—and Joseph was safe,” says Bible League’s ministry director for Africa.

While the immediate threat of violence appears to have settled slightly, tensions are still high. “Ministry throughout the area is pretty much at a stand still at this time because of continued insecurity around the country. People are staying close to home and traveling only when necessary, but at this time all Bible League staff members are safe,” says the ministry director for Africa.

While future ministry plans in Chad are being evaluated, the ministry director for the area is confident that the power of God’s life-transforming Word and prayer can bring peace and stability to the area. “The Gospel definitely prospers in difficult times,” he says.

In 2007, Bible League provided 10,800 Bibles and New Testaments to Christians in Chad and more than 3,700 believers were trained to share God’s Word.

*Name changed for security reasons.

“Ministry throughout the area is pretty much at a stand still at this time because of continued insecurity around the country”

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