Seeing Suffering and Persecution Through a New Lens
Tinku Thompson Personal, Health and Ministry Updates
Hello Friends and Family,
As t025 came to a close, and we stepped into 2026, I found myself reflecting on how many changes happened around us. I began drafting this update in November, but with a very busy schedule, I couldn’t complete and send it then. Recently, someone asked me why I no longer send these newsletters, and that question made me realize how long it has been since I last shared an update. So here I am, grateful for the opportunity to reconnect.
When I look back on 2025, it stands out as the year I traveled the most in my life in a year. I am thankful for all the people whom I met and who helped me during my travels. During one of my trips in November, I visited another country and heard firsthand about the challenges believers face because of their faith. These conversations were both sobering and deeply moving.
In Christianity, faith is never meant to be forced. It is a voluntary response to God’s grace. Scripture teaches us that we are saved by faith, not by compulsion. Sadly, misunderstandings about conversion have led to suffering for many believers. I personally know someone who was physically assaulted after being falsely accused of forceful conversion while simply conducting a worship service in his church. Incidents like these remind us that following Christ can come at a real cost.
I had the privilege of listening to many individuals share their experiences and perspectives on these issues. Through those conversations, I was reminded that Jesus Himself clearly taught that suffering and persecution would be part of discipleship. Following Christ is not only about receiving blessings; it is also about faithfully enduring hardship for His name. At the same time, Jesus assured His followers that suffering for righteousness is never wasted—it carries God’s blessing and an eternal reward.
Jesus warned His disciples that opposition would come simply because they belong to Him:
John 15:18–20 (NIV)
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”
We often pray for deliverance from our problems. Sometimes God grants deliverance, but at other times He gives perseverance to endure. The outcomes are not always the same. Peter was miraculously rescued from prison, yet only days earlier, James was killed by the sword and did not escape. Stephen, a powerful preacher and evangelist, was also stoned to death.
Persecution is not new to the church. Yet history shows that where there is pressure and persecution, believers often grow stronger in faith and the church continues to expand. A church without external challenges can sometimes turn inward, become divided over internal matters, and gradually weaken. But a church facing trials and persecution often stands united and grows stronger together.
Let’s continue to pray for people who are facing persecution for their faith. Let us pray that the Lord will strengthen them and help them to be faithful till the end.
✍️Quotes of this edition
“The greatest threat to Christianity is Christians trying to be like the world instead of like Christ.” — A.W. Tozer
“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” - Oswald Chambers
📔My Health/Personal Update
Thank you for your continued prayers for my complete recovery. By God’s grace, I have been doing well and experienced no issues during my recent travels. In December, I completed 4 years post transplant. Attempts are being made to reduce medications. I deeply value and appreciate your continued prayers during this season.
I am also planning a trip to Africa in the month of March 2026. Plans are being finalized.
Once again, I want to thank everyone who has not given up but continues to pray for me.
🎬My New Media Updates
Thriving Talk
All details are here - https://gospel-link.com/podcast-thriving-talk/.
Hindi Podcast - जीवन उन्नति संवाद (Jeevan Unnati Samvaad) - Life Growth Talk
Video Messages
Full Video
Outside Messages
English
English Message Playlist (Many New Messages are added)
Malayalam/ English
Malayalam/English Message Playlist (Many New Messages are added)
Malayalam Messages
📔Blogs
Spiritual Journey Insights Blog (Many New blogs added)
AI, Machine Learning & Robotics by Dr. Giby Raphael
✍️Papers
🔥Focus for the next few weeks.
Travel Prperation
Local Ministry Assignments
📚Reading Updates
My updated reading profile is here - Goodreads profile.
🎓Some articles worth reading
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Mission India Office Nagpur
