𠐓lessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.� (Mat. 5:10)
Our First Martyr in China
Growing up in a rural village in China, Mei Yu was happy to be studying in a top university in a big city. Like many students from the countryside, she shares a Spartan studio apartment with another girl. The only problem was that Mei Yu𠏋 roommate frequently brought her boyfriend home.
In May of this year, Mei Yu was met by a disciple. After about one month of Bible Study, she was baptized into Christ on June 28th. Her new found purpose gave Mei Yu the conviction to confront her roommate and her immoral situation. At the same time, Mei Yu started the process of moving out of the apartment and staying over at the sisters� apartment. Just when everyone was celebrating Mei Yu and her renewed life in Christ, Satan was stirring the heart of a very unhappy man. The roommate𠏋 boyfriend, finding out Mei Yu𠏋 objection, decided to get rid of her and her righteous influence over his girlfriend once and for all. On a fateful day in August, under the pretense of borrowing money, Mei Yu went back to the apartment, where he strangled and killed her. His delay in disposing her body produced the stench that eventually led to his arrest and subsequent confession to the murder.
Mei Yu had only been a disciple for over a month, yet she was the source of joy for her Bible Talk brothers and sisters. She was always eager to serve the disciples and frequently talked about her dream for China mission. This senseless killing only reminded us of how lost the world is, as well as the urgent need to change it. Just like Jesus, her righteous conviction led to her death. While we are consoled by her heaven-bound destiny, we can㦙 help but be reminded that, however much its economy expansion impresses the world, China remains a brutal society at its godless heart. With this tragedy, the Chinese disciples are indignant by the evil intention of this world, and at the same time, inspired by the righteous conviction of our martyred sister. We are determined to carry the cross further into the very heart of China.
