My brow wrinkles when he asks.
“Can we spend our time today in Romans, chapters 5-8 again?”
I’m perplexed by the Chinese math professor’s request at the start of our weekly Skype Bible Study because he has a remarkable memory.
A passionate, new follower of Christ in a city of 3.6 million people—he is isolated from Christian fellowship, and he is eager to discuss the Bible.
I ask, “Why do you want to review those chapters?” It’s been over two months since we read those chapters. Why does he want to revisit? We completed the entire book a week ago. A chapter each week, sometimes two weeks on the same chapter, reading out loud, then examining the text to discuss the application.
“I just heard about Bin Jao, a Christian in a prison nearby,” he says. “The charges are false. He was arrested because he gives out Bibles and tells people about Jesus.”
The Nánáo (“hard to bear”) Prison is known for its filthy conditions and harsh treatment of inmates, especially those held for illegal religious activity.
At her previous visit, his wife asked, “What can I bring you?” They both know the prison restrictions for visitors to only bring food or clothing to the inmates.
Most of the Christian prisoners are placed in solitary confinement to prevent praying and singing together. Visitors are allowed only once a week.
He replies, “Please bring me Romans, chapters 5-8.” Her cheeks warm pink as she departs.
Visitors are allowed only once a week.
She arrives seven days later at the prison gate greeted by a guard with vacant eyes and a grimace of disdain.
He searches her pockets, eyeing the purse and bundle she carries. He empties her tattered purse on a table. Common items a woman carries tumble out, and three small coins. As he stuffs things back in her purse, he swiftly scoops up two of the coins. His piercing stare locks on her eyes. Defiantly, he slides the coins into his pocket.
His gaze falls on the small bundle. Unfolding the wrapping paper reveals three apples. He inspects them for attempts to hide contraband in the fruit. Finding nothing, he quickly presses the wrapper around the fruit and grabs her purse. He signals her to get up and follow.
Barred cells line both sides of a dimly lit hallway. Arriving at her husband’s cell she sees him sitting motionless on a mat with a faint light falling on his shoulders and knees. He raises his head with heaviness.
She notices new bruises on his arm and neck. He shrugs with an assurance that this too will pass.
The guard tosses the bundle through the bars. The apples roll to the perimeter as the wrapping drifts to the grungy floor. He turns and walks to the other end of the hallway still gripping her purse.
As the couple draws close, their foreheads touch through the bars—contact that brings more bruises if seen by the guards.
His eyes brighten and beam gratitude. In hushed tones, she reports on the children and the church. Multiple nods of resigned confidence by both.
An angry voice invades their moment of tenderness. “Visiting time is over!” the guard declares. Their eyes meet again, and moisten.
The guard tugs her arm, motioning toward the end of the hall. She glances back to remember her husband’s face as she recedes into the darkness of the corridor. The lock makes its resounding “clank,” followed by barren silence.
He moves to his mat. Silent for an extended moment, ignoring the fruit, he places the wrapper on the mat in the light.
His hands move with a gentle reverence as he smooths out the wrapper. With the eagerness of a thirsty man, he reads:
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Romans 8:3-5
On the plain wrapping paper are the hand-copied chapters 5-8 of Romans.
He pauses. With eyes closed and lifted head, he whispers words of praise. His request has been fulfilled. The passage begins with hope—and concludes with assurance.
“nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:39
His resolve is refreshed.
He shrugs with an assurance that this too will pass.
On my computer screen, I see a tearful eye as my Chinese friend says, “Now I understand why he wanted those chapters.”
And, in the quietness of my heart, I declare to myself, “I am not going to complain today.”
If this story has touched your heart, will you let me know?
Many Christians face severe persecution today. Pray for them and thank God for the many blessings you have.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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