.....test

For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people Colossians 1:4

The Rev. and Mrs. Robert Porteous were missionaries with China Inland Mission beginning in the 1920's. They ministered in Jianxi Province and they began an intensive Bible school. Beginning in the late 1920's, communist troops rose to power and began disrupting life in the province.

In 1931, the Porteous family was taken prisoner by the communists. They were led to a lonely spot on top of a hill where they were to be executed. The leader said, "This is the place." The executioner took a long knife from its holder and raised it above the necks of the courageous couple. 

Certain death seemed imminent. However, instead of cringing and begging for mercy, the couple began to sing. The bandits stared open-mouthed as they heard this hymn...

    "Face to face with Christ, my Savior, 

    Face to face-what will it be?

    When with rapture I behold him, 

    Jesus Christ who died for me."

These two were ready for death and thought that would be their last song. But, no order was given for their execution. The executioner returned the knife to its place, and the couple was released and enjoyed another 40 years of ministry.

May we, filled with faith, be willing to give it all for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, no matter what the cost!  

     I have decided to follow Jesus

     I have decided to follow Jesus

     I have decided to follow Jesus

     No turning back, no turning back

- peter kennedy