The daughter of a pastor in the DRC has survived being shot by persecutors. Deep in the heart of Africa, tribal spirt worshippers desired instruments from the church of a Christian pastor for their occult rituals; they demanded he hand them over. He refused and the group left with murder in their hearts. They later returned, intending to kill him, only to find his 21-year-old daughter, Odette, instead. They chopped off two of her fingers and then instructed her to kneel for her execution. The bullet entered her head right above her left cheekbone and found its exit out the right side of her jaw. Remarkably, Odette survived the attack saying later, “I felt a peace in spite of the situation.” Surgeons in Uganda struggled to repair her face, and despite the damage to her body, Odette is calm. Says a front-line-worker, “She is confident in her faith in Christ, and because of this, she doesn’t seem to worry about her situation.” Odette needs additional surgery, hopefully this year.
Lord Jesus, You endured the hatred of this world, poured out on You at the cross. Your face was beaten beyond recognition and Your body pierced for us. Thank You that You gave Your daughter, Odette, peace to endure the hatred poured out on her body for being Your beloved. The enemies of the cross despise You and therefore, those of us who follow You. Odette knows this firsthand. We ask that she would continue with a heart full of peace as she lives her life. Thank you she can still speak and tell of her faith and confidence in You, despite the persecution she’s endured. May her story spark life in the hearts of others as they turn to You for salvation, Jesus. It is in Your beautiful, almighty name that we pray. Amen.
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all of my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”—Psalm 34:4-5
