Grace and patience in the midst of persecution

I received this e-mail from a friend who herself received it from India.

There was another spurt of violence against the christians last week here in this city. One of the local pastor here was beaten up badly in his house last sunday for preaching in one of the slums of the city. Please ask God´s people over there to pray for all of us here as we need more grace and patience from the Lord to face these kind of situations. (emphasis mine)

What an encouragement to see how these believers are reacting to persecution. May we have that same kind of faith when we are persecuted.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)

Please remember to pray for the persecuted church worldwide.