BURNT ALIVE – 22 January 1999

All through the history of the Church, persecution of the faithful witnesses of the LORD Jesus, is the common thread. Persecution of Christians, is not unusual, in the struggle between light and darkness. One such struggle happened on the intervening night of 22/23 January, in 1999. What a painful tragedy.

It is twenty five years since, Graham Staines, an Australian missionary, working among the lepers, in the state of Orissa, India, was burnt alive along with his two sons Philip 9, and Timothy 7, in their vehicle. He came to India as a 24 year old young man in 1965. Worked among the leprosy victims, and is well respected by the common people, for his tireless and compassionate work. He left behind a rich legacy of love and compassion for those who are such, needy and those who are looked down and rejected by the society in general. Graham Staines was moved and motivated, to love that way, by the love that he himself received from the LORD Jesus Christ.

As we remember Graham Staines, Philip and Timothy today, let us pray for Gladys Staines, his wife, and Esther, their daughter. Let us also remember, all who are undergoing persecution, for their faith in the LORD Jesus Christ, and the many, who are paying the cost, by their blood and their lives. The Word of God says, “7 The memory of the righteous is blessed…” – Proverbs 10:7

Praise be to the LORD for faithful witnesses of Graham Staines, his wife, Gladys Staines, and their children, Esther, Philip and Timothy. May the LORD raise many more, such faithful and obedient witness, for the work of the kingdom of God.