As we acknowledge that many saints of God have preceded us, have been an example for us, and have preserved the faith, this sermon focuses on two saints of the last century. First is the Romanian pastor, Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned for 14 years by the Communist regime which had taken over his country. From him we learn courageous boldness, endurance, and love for our persecutors. The second saint is Lilias Trotter, the accomplished artist in England who left fame and fortune to devote her life to bringing the gospel of Christ to the Muslim people of Algeria. From her we see a woman who, though from a privileged class, gladly served the cloistered and oppressed women of the Algerian culture. As we run our race, we should be aware of this "cloud of witnesses," follow their devotion and courage, and look supremely to Jesus who despised the suffering of the cross as he looked for the joy to come. |