6 Bible verses that encourage our partners

Our partners are working in places where following Jesus comes at a cost – often leading to rejection and persecution. We asked them to share some of their favourite Bible verses with us that they hold onto when their faith is under fire.

Rawan* from The Yemen Project is from a Muslim background. She was introduced to Jesus through a Christian friend and now works to broadcast the good news with others. Her favourite verse is from the well-known words of Matthew 11:28, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Telling us why it speaks to her so personally, she said, “this verse deeply touched my heart because it reveals the image of the true God – His mercy and tenderness towards us which is completely different from the image of God in Islam.”

For Samer*, who works for the Panamanian Project in a country we can’t name due to security reasons, being a Christian is a huge risk. But the words of Psalm 146 v3  – ‘Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.’ – is a go to verse because “it always reminds me the right place to put my trust and hope.”

John 3 v16 was shared by several partners. Paul, who supports Iraq FM, explains why it’s one of his favourites: “it encourages me to love everyone around me and to share God’s love with them.”

“This verse is an assurance that God wants the best for me and that nothing can reach me outside His will.” explains Pastor Amadou*, Director of Radio T in Mali, “Indeed, who can be our enemy if God is on our side!” In a nation where there is rising jihadist violence and persecution of Christians, these verses are a rock and encouragement for Amadou and his team.

A passage that came up several times was Psalm 23. Nesanet* who works for the Ethiopia Media Project explained why she loves it, “it reminds me that the Lord takes care of me and His sheep. He gives new life to my soul, and He is my guide in the ways of righteousness because of His name.”

Kiry, who works with our partner FEBC Cambodia on the Khmer Audio Bible Project shared the scripture that often encourages him, “my favourite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. Jesus reminds me that He is the true source of strength. When I feel weak and afraid, I know He carries me.”