Thomas Hudson, England 1558
The crowd looked on, curious at what the martyr would do next. Thomas Hudson had come this far without denying his faith. The bishop had questioned him again and again, he'd not weakened in prison, and now he was walking to the place of execution. At the last minute, would he recant? Just before the chain around him was made fast, Hudson stooped, slipped out from under the chain, and stood a little to one side. A hush came over the crowd-everyone wondered why he hesitated. The Christian prayed. Only Hudson knew the real reason he had stepped down. At the last minutehe had suddenly been attacked with doubts and felt his faith grow weak. Not willing to die while feeling this way, he fell upon his knees and prayed to God, who sent him comfort. Then he rose with great joy, as a reborn man, and cried, "Now, thank God, I'm strong. I don't care what man can do to me!"
Going to the stake again, he put the chain around himself. The fire was lit.
Philip, Sudan 1996
The guards picked up a burning log from the fire. "Renounce your faith in Jesus Christ!" they commanded. We will burn you and cut you until you become
a Muslim". Philip had been taken to a military barracks along with thirty-five other Christians. Islamic officials began to beat them and curse them.
Fore eleven days, Philip and several of his friends were bound, beaten, and burned as government soldiers tried to convert them to the Islamic faith. None of the twelve women survived the torture. Philip still bears the scars on his chest left by the burning log used to torture him. He later told reporters: "My faith was very strong when they burned me. I prayed, 'God I will never forget you'. I refused to be a Muslim because I knew God was with me" The Bible tells us everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). Philip paid a heavy price for his faith in Jesus. His body became a burnt offering to the Lord. But he did not turn away from Jesus and Jesus did not turn away from him. God stayed with him and gave him the grace to withstand the torture.
Trofim Dimitrov, Belene, Bulgaria 1960s
Trofim Dimitrov could hear the dogs barking long before he reached the pit. One the way, he prayed fervently for his enemies, the guards, who then threw him down, naked to the hungry dogs. Immediately, a great howling was heard. When the officers looked down into the pit, they saw Brother Dimitrov kneeling in prayer and the dogs in panic. Barking widly, the dogs were trying to jump the walls in order to save themselves from the strange power emanating from him! But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11-12
