The local religious leader was upset. He had recently returned to his home village in rural Ethiopia from South Africa where he had studied Islamics. But he found "Michael" living there, and he didn’t appreciate him at all.

Michael had come from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. As a city boy, he’d had access to harmful substances which he abused until he was near death. At last his mother’s love and prayers drew him to faith in Christ, and he surrendered gladly to his new Master. After studying at a Bible school in southern Ethiopia, he went as a missionary to a small village far from his home. He boldly taught the people about Jesus, and he trained other Christians to do the same.

The angry religious leader invited Michael to a meeting where they could discuss their different faiths—no, not at the local coffee shop, but in a small hotel far from town. Michael weighed the danger and went along. After they had talked for several hours, the young antagonist said, “You know, I could kill you.” Michael replied, “I wouldn’t have come if I weren’t ready to die.” Suddenly the man’s demeanor changed. He leaned close and whispered, “I, too, would like to follow Jesus.” May God help him to be strong in faith, whatever it costs!

My heart aches for an answer to the question, “Why do they have to pay so high a price?” In the echoing silence, I hear another question: Would I be willing to pay so high a price for the love of my Lord?