Persecution in Philippines

In a nation where militant groups threaten believers with kidnapping, violence, and death, three Christians wrestle with fear, loss, and the cost of following Christ. As they recall the bravery of a martyred leader and the spread of the gospel in the midst of tragedy, their conversation becomes a rallying cry to keep preaching, keep praying, and keep trusting God—no matter the cost. This gripping drama brings to life real-world persecution and the unshakable hope found in Jesus.

Cast: 3

Bible Reference: Matthew Acts 16:19-24

Set: standard

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props: none

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions: none

Time: 6

Sample of script:

All enter stage.

1: The bombings! The kidnapping! The murder! We simply can’t go on like this, afraid for our very lives. I don’t think I can take this persecution any longer.

2: I hate to admit it, we are getting nowhere. The Abu Sayyaf is too strong, too well organized. They are demanding a fully independent Islamic state, and they have the resources to make it happen.

3: But it is a small group, likely less than 1,500 militants and mercenaries. They can’t stop the preaching of the Word of God in the Philippines.

1: Small, yes—but with strong links to big money and well-financed terrorists, like Libya and Osama bin Laden. We can’t stand up to them.

2: We are right back to where we started several years ago, when Stephen was chosen to take a leadership role here. (Pauses) Stephen! What a mighty worker for the Lord he was, such eloquence as he preached throughout Manila, bringing many people to Jesus.

3: Yes, indeed, that he was! A mighty man of God.

1: Mighty and brave, but foolhardy as well. We tried to warn him to be less critical of the government. It was only a matter of time before they would seek to silence him.

3: Stephen was not one to soft-pedal or candy-coat his message of salvation. Always told it like it was. Reminds me a lot of the other Stephen—the New Testament Stephen.

2: And where did it get him? Kidnapped! And then murdered when we weren’t able to come up with the ransom that Abdurajak Janjalani and the Abu Sayyaf murderers demanded.

3: They tell that Stephen stood brave right up until the end—praying, singing hymns, and praising God until his last breath of life left his beaten body.

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