April 3rd, 2008 - Banquet with Enemies

The business has been built up for 16 years to the point where over 1000 families were able to receive an income. The Christians involved with the business had been able to share the love and truth of Jesus with those they worked with.

In an area where there had been no believers, there are now many hundreds. However, the provincial and local leaders were not happy and responded with harassment and pressure and opposition to the point where the business had to close.

Why were the leaders so opposed? It is not clear but it may be that they are afraid of losing their control? Or, maybe they are jealous?  Whatever, the reason they caused deep pain and frustration and loss to the business people and the over 1000 families that received their livelihood through the business.

How did the business people respond? The night before the business officially closed and left town the business people hosted a farewell dinner and invited the governor, vice-governor, and many different heads of government to come. Even though the business people knew that it was some of these people who were responsible for revoking their business license, they felt it was important to ‘turn the other cheek’ and show God’s love. In the end neither the governor nor vice-governor came, but the third-ranking person in the province along with the heads of several of the departments did come. They had a good time of reminiscing about old days, looked at some pictures and enjoyed good food together. The Christian business people hope that by not displaying anger or bitterness (thankfully, God has enabled them to let go of those feelings) they would give witness to God’s grace in their lives.