June 27

Betsie’s sleeping place beside me in prison was empty. She had just died. I motioned to a newly arrived Russian prisoner who was looking for a place to sleep, and she gratefully joined me.

We were sharing the same pillow, and with our faces so close, I wanted to speak. But I did not know her language.

“Jezus Christus?” I asked softly.

“Oh!” she exclaimed. Quickly making the sign of the cross, she threw her arms around me.

She who had been my sister for fifty-two years had left me. A Russian woman now claimed my love. And there would be others, too, who would be my sisters and brothers in Christ all around the world.

Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.

Luke 18:29-30     

Lord, when we accepted You as our Saviour, You welcomed us into a worldwide family, filled with loving brothers and sisters. Thank You for this gift of fellowship.