This Lent, be inspired and encouraged with stories of six Christians who faced fierce battles because of their faith in Jesus, yet met with God in the midst of it.
This downloadable, printable small group resource covers six weekly sessions and was produced in partnership with 24-7 Prayer.
Each session begins with a short film (see below – each one is about 5 minutes) and a bible passage. This is followed by questions that help you dig deeper, plus pointers to help you pray about what you've learned.
The Story of Omar Perez: Hope in the Wilderness
Rev Omar was a prominent church leader in Cuba, who spent three brutal years in prison. Suffering daily physical and mental torture, Omar found that as he hit his lowest point, God met with him in an incredible way.
The Story of Bob Fu: Transformation in the Wilderness
Bob was a student leader in the Tiananmen Square protests. An encounter with God saved him and others from unimaginable violence and took him on an extraordinary journey from prison to the corridors of power, speaking for religious freedom.
Download the film
The Story of Ladan: Truth in the Wilderness
Ladan was subjected to interrogation and solitary confinement in Iran because of her faith in Jesus. Moved by an insatiable thirst for the bible, she stole a pen from her interrogator and began writing passages of scripture on her cell wall. Ladan’s story is an amazing challenge and encouragement to treasure and depend upon the word of God.
Download the film
The Story of Helen Berhane: Worship in the Wilderness
Helen is an Eritrean gospel singer who spent 32 months imprisoned by the Eritrean authorities in a shipping container. Freezing cold at night and burning hot by day, and even tortured, Helen chose to worship. In her wilderness, God gave her a new song.
Download the film
The Story of Carlos Lamelas: Faith in the Wilderness
Carlos Lamelas was imprisoned for four months on false charges of 'human trafficking'. His actual 'crime' was to call for greater religious freedom in Cuba. Although prison was designed to break him, he found that Jesus made his faith stronger, as he discovered God’s faithfulness in the wilderness.
Download the film
The Story of Muyiwa Olarewaju: Peace in the Wilderness
Muyiwa is well known as a TV and Radio broadcaster and one of the UK’s leading gospel singers. What you may not know is that his father, a community leader in Nigeria, was assassinated for his faith in 1996. Through this tragedy Muyiwa learned to find his identity in God and, through worship and prayer, discovered peace in the wilderness.
Sign up for updates on the work of CSW
#2 CSW manifesto
We believe no one should suffer discrimination, harassment or persecution because of their beliefs