Under such circumstances, for what do these Christians pray? They pray that their Christian brothers who are actually undergoing the persecution will be given the spiritual strength to stand firm in their faith.​—Col. 4:12.

When Christ Jesus was persecuted, he did not ask God to free him from all persecution. He remained firm in his faith under the assault. He did not compromise to escape persecution. Similarly, throughout the entire persecution-ridden country of Malawi, Jehovah’s witnesses have maintained their faith in God.

Thus, it is certain that the prayers of Christians in this matter have reached God and have been answered. As God’s own Word promises: “A righteous man’s supplication, when it is at work, has much force.”​—Jas. 5:16.

By maintaining their faith, these courageous Christians prove that Satan the Devil is a liar, and that God is the truth teller. Satan had challenged God that no man would keep his faith under physical affliction. (Job 2:1-10) Jehovah’s witnesses in Malawi have stood out as a testimony to the world that they will keep their love for God no matter what unjust persecution comes upon them.

In this way, they can say as Jesus did: “I have conquered the world.”​—John 16:33.

Sustaining Hope

While no person wants persecution with its pain and threat of death, Jehovah’s witnesses endure it. They endure because they love God and they trust his promises that he will reward them for their faithful course. This helps to sustain their faith.

The Bible promises that God will soon usher in a righteous new order to replace the present corrupt system of things. In that new order, amid paradisaic conditions, honest-hearted persons will enjoy perfect life under a righteous administration. (Rev. 21:4) Hence, Jehovah’s witnesses will not jeopardize their experiencing the fulfillment of that marvelous hope by compromising God’s laws just for the sake of temporary relief. Jesus did not do that. Neither did his disciples and apostles. Nor do Jehovah’s witnesses today.

Jesus also said: “Do not fear those who kill the body and after this are not able to do anything more.” (Luke 12:4) He showed that, not men, but God is the one to be feared, since our prospect for eternal life depends on him. A person who is killed because of his faith in God will have his life restored in the resurrection, for the Bible says: “There is going to be a resurrection.” (Acts 24:15) But at the rapidly approaching time of the execution of God’s judgments against unrighteous persons, those killed by God will lose out everlastingly.​—Matt. 25:41-46.

Also, while persecution leaves a scar on the mind and body of the one being persecuted, that is only temporary. In God’s new order, “the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart.” (Isa. 65:17) The joys then will so far outweigh any past grief as to push it into the dim memory, if the person cares to remember it at all.

A Vital Help in Time of Need

THROUGHOUT the world, in over 200 lands, Jehovah’s witnesses have been deeply concerned about their Christian brothers from Malawi. Strenuous efforts have been made to help them. In addition, Jehovah’s witnesses have done something else of vital importance.

What is that? Daily, the world over, the prayers of hundreds of thousands of these Christians are ascending to God on behalf of their Malawian brothers. These prayers are being said by individuals, in small groups, at congregation meetings and at larger assemblies.