The Heavenly Man

As I read the story of the Asian woman who protested during the Chinese president’s White House visit, I was reminded of our freedoms as Americans. Though she is facing a fine or jail sentence, she will not be tortured or killed as would happen in so many other countries. From what I heard on the radio as her protest began Chinese television stations went black. Last year I read the story of The Heavenly Man. Now whenever I think of China I remember Brother Yun’s testimony and think of the persucution endured by Chinese Christians.
"The Heavenly Man by Brothur Yun with Paul Hattaway is the intensely dramatic story of how God took a young, half-starved boy from a poor village in Henan Province and used him mightily to preach the gospel despite horrific opposition and persecution. Brother Yun is one of China’s house church leaders, a man who from his youth has suffered prolonged tortures and imprisonments for his faith. However, throughout the book Yun kept pointing to the character and heart of Jesus."
This is a book that changed my life. Reading of this man’s utter devotion to God, despite all circumstances, challenged me to look at my lack of utmost faith. Beginning with his year of prayer and fasting to receive the Word of God, on through his imprisonments and torture, I realize how blessed we are. Though forces around us are eating away at our liberties, we still stand in freedom unimagined by Christian brothers and sisters around the world. I would highly recommend reading the Heavenly Man. I must warn of very graphic descriptions of torture he endured in Chinese prisons. Sometimes it is very difficult to read of the hardships beyond my comprehension, yet his testimony is that God was faithful! This man is looking at eternity, not his life in this world. I desire the burden of heart to pray and fast for those around me who don’t know God. To pour out my life for Christ not walking in my own strength. It begins each day with quiet time so I can know and hear the voice of Him who died to save me. Brother Yun gives a convicting example of this. Remember him!