Eight Women in the Underground Church and Their Stories of Costly Faith
Kidnapped. Beaten. Imprisoned.
Hearts of Fire introduces you to the stories of eight courageous women who showed incredible conviction and commitment to Jesus Christ in the face of opposition for their faith in him.
Chapter 6 is about Ling’s story.
In the School of Suffering
China, 1973
Nine-year-old Ling had been out in the village all morning with her older sister, begging for food. They were taking a rest under the large ginkgo tree that overshadowed their hut when her mother called her. “Ling, come quickly,” she said. “Your father wants to see you.”
She and her sisters spent most of their time outside the tiny, overcrowded bamboo-and-grass hut their family called home. Most of the time they were either begging for food or scavenging for coal from the iron factory nearby; they gave the coal to their parents to sell or use for cooking. As far as Ling knew, her family had always been extremely poor, but lately things had gotten even worse. Her father’s poor health was deteriorating dramatically, and Ling was worried about what the future would bring—and about her mother.
“Ling, please, let’s not keep your father waiting,” her mother’s weary voice pleaded. Ling reluctantly left her peaceful spot under the old tree and joined her mother, sisters, and little brother around the family bed—a bed all six of them shared. It was the main piece of furniture in the one-room hut.
You’ll meet women who demonstrated extraordinary boldness and tenacity, refusing to cower from advancing the kingdom in nations hostile to Christ. These role models of dedication and passion will inspire you to
- develop a deeper faith
- remain steadfast amid life’s difficulties
- pursue Christ with a heart aflame, no matter the cost!