Welcome to this episode of China Compass, the 6th in a weekly series called “The Prison Pulpit”.

I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new region to pray for daily. You can learn more PrayforChina.us. 

Every week, I mention the Appendix to my little memoir, Unbeaten, which details my arrest, interrogation, and deportation from China. This appendix, entitled Remember My Chains, is the written version of a message I have given all over the country dealing with remembering and praying for the persecuted church. You can get the book, Unbeaten, including the sermon, Remember My Chains, at Unbeaten.vip

Today I want to read an illustration from that sermon, written by Richard Wurmband in his book In God's Underground (https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/IGU-english.pdf).

For those who don't know who Richard Wurmband is, let me give you a brief intro:

• Lutheran minister in Romania, part Jewish. 14 years in prison, including 2 in isolation.
• Helped start Voice of the Martyrs, but his son Michael doesn’t trust VOM.
• M. Wurmbrand’s VOM letter: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html
• Michael Wurmbrand’s ministry (free books!) : https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/

Pastor Richard Wurmbrand shares this moving testimony from a dirty underground prison cell:

Our friendship began while I was trying to eat my first meal at Craiova (prison). The vile, greasy smell of the soup preceded its arrival in the cell. Shreds of rotten cabbage and unwashed [intestines] floated in a scum. But to eat was a duty and I emptied my dish.

“How can you?” asked [my friend], whose stomach had revolted. 

“It was a Christian secret,” I said. “I think of St. Paul’s words ‘Rejoice with those that rejoice.’ Then I remember friends in America who are now eating grilled chicken, and I thank God with them as I take the first mouthful of soup. Next, I rejoice with friends in England who may be eating roast beef. And I get down another mouthful. So, by way of many friendly countries, I rejoice with those that rejoice—and stay alive.”

[My friend] and I had to share a bunk through the hot, stuffy nights. I was [blessed] not to be on the floor. “You lie very still,” he said as others coughed and fidgeted around us. “What are you thinking? Does St. Paul help you now, too?”

I replied, “Yes, for now I rejoice with those in the West by thinking of their comfortable homes, and the books they have, the holidays they can plan, the music they hear, the love they have for their wives and children. And I remember the second part of the verse, from the epistle to the Romans, ‘And weep with those that weep.’ 

I am sure that in the West many thousands think of us and try to help us with their prayers.”