Slain Day 11 Jean Paul Sankagui
Rhonda Darville
April 28, 2025

Philippians 1:21-30
John 16:25-33
Joshua 24:14-18
Revelation 2:8-11
Civil unrest in the country of Central African Republic (CAR) became real to me when my sister-friend, Julie, shared news of her sister’s kidnapping by rival, non-Christian factions in CAR. There we were, sitting in her living room in Virginia, discussing atrocities my mind could not fathom but Julie knew all too well. My sister-friend was born and raised in the CAR and personally knew the struggle and violence happening there.
Pastor Jean Paul Sankagui experienced these same struggles when he was martyred in CAR in 2017. As I learned his story, I was reminded of Jesus’s words in John 16:33:
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
Shortly before His sacrificial death, Jesus foretold the suffering He would endure, and told His disciples to expect the same. Yet as His disciples, we can take heart, knowing He is ultimately victorious. Our trials and tribulations will not hamper our eternity with Him. The trials of this present life are nothing compared to what we gain by faithfully following Jesus, even in suffering and death.
Pastor Jean Paul embodied this promise. He desired to be a voice for the Gospel in the Central African Republic. His church was situated in an extremely hostile environment and he did not shrink away from proclaiming the Good News to those around.
During times of conflict, he refused to flee to safety. Pastor Jean Paul had a wife, seven children, and eleven grandchildren; when his family chose to remain in ministry despite the danger, they depicted Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD.” They faced strong resistance from local Muslims, who, though a demographic minority, wielded power derived from financial success. Their weapons consisted of the sword and money.
Pastor Jean Paul joined other pastors and believers who took up their cross and followed Jesus. (Matthew 16:24-28) Like Jesus, they too have become conquerors (Romans 8:37-39) and will not experience the “second death” (Revelation 2:11), or eternal separation from God. In Philippians 1:21, early Church preacher and apostle, Paul, explains, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Pastor Jean Paul and his fellow believers who suffered death for their faith were a witness of the great call of Christ. Their lives are a spiritual heritage to those who knew them and to those of us, who hear of their faith in the face of death. Their testimony lives on. Their faith encourages us to press on!
As I consider Pastor Jean Paul and others who suffered death for their belief, as well as the faithful followers of Jesus listed in Hebrews 11, and our beloved Saviour Jesus Christ Himself, I realise I personally must understand the value of the call to follow Jesus Christ.
I have found immense value in His call, knowing the love Jesus demonstrated for me by laying down His life for me while I was still a sinner (Romans 5:8) transcends what anyone else has done or will do for me. In my finite mind, I cannot fully comprehend the depth of His love for me, but I am compelled to respond in kind.
I realise that, like Pastor Jean Paul and those who have gone before, I am just a sojourner in this world. My life is temporary, so I must be a good steward of the gift given to me. I, too, must join the ranks and take up my cross and follow Jesus. My voice must echo the love and knowledge of Christ’s sacrifice so others may gain freedom.
You and I may not be martyred for our faith, but our own personal desires must be crucified and Christ’s life and sacrifice must be magnified. We, as disciples of Christ, must die to sin daily and renew our minds with the knowledge of Scripture. (Romans 12:2) As disciples, our purpose is to proclaim the Good News and share our testimony of His great love to us.
In closing, I’d like to leave you with the words of the hymn I Have Decided:
“I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus,
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.”
May these words encourage us as we follow Jesus,
choosing courage and faithfulness in the face of suffering,
believing He has conquered sin and death!
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