God's church is a Bible-centered church, and it grows strong under persecution.

I wept more in Korea than in all the past several years put together. These experiences changed my life. I could never be quite the same again... I felt sadder, older. I felt as though I had gone in a boy and come out a man.

Some of the happiest Christians I have met have been life-long sufferers. They have had every reason to sigh and complain, being denied so many privileges and pleasures that they see others enjoy, yet they have found greater cause for gratitude and joy than many who are prosperous, vigorous, and strong.

Our sufferings may be hard to bear, but they teach us lessons which, in turn, equip and enable us to help others.

We can react with bitterness and hate God, as some do, or we can accept suffering as a natural part of life and a condition that comes with living in this world. We cannot avoid suffering, but we can determine our response to it.

The entire world is in turmoil. We are living in a time of enormous conflict and cultural transformation. We have been stunned by shockwaves of change in nation after nation, all around the globe.

Being a Christian does not exempt us from tough training, which may mean suffering. If the training were easy, we would not be prepared for the tough days ahead.

To suffer for the faith is not a penalty; it is a privilege.

Peter said: "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you" (1 Peter 4:14).

Joy cannot be pursued. It comes from within. It is a state of being. It does not depend on circumstances, but triumphs over circumstances. It produces a gentleness of spirit and a magnetic personality.

Just because you are happy it does not mean that the day is perfect but that you have looked beyond its imperfections.

Character, not circumstances, makes the man.