Faith Under Fire: Stories of Unshaken Courage

Throughout history, believers in Jesus Christ have faced trials that tested their faith to the breaking point. Some were ridiculed, others imprisoned, and many even gave their lives—all for the sake of the One they followed. Jesus himself forewarned His followers, saying, "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it" (Matt. 10:39). This timeless call has echoed through generations, inspiring countless Christians to stay true in the face of persecution.

The theme of persecution is one that has shadowed believers since the early days of Christianity, shaping our faith and reminding us of what it truly means to follow Christ. Students in the 7th-12th grade Student Advancement Day Writing Class (An Introduction to Journalism) have taken on the challenge of exploring this theme through selected stories in Foxe's Book of Martyrs. This book recounts powerful accounts of believers who paid the ultimate price for their faith. John Foxe, a man who dedicated 25 years of his life to gathering these stories, captured the courage of those who endured Rome’s ten great persecutions and beyond.

Our class has studied these stories, not just as historical accounts, but as testimonies to the unshakable courage that faith can inspire. We hope that by sharing what we’ve learned, we can encourage other Christian teens to stand strong in their faith. While we may not face the same trials, the courage of these martyrs is a reminder that faith worth living for is also faith worth standing for—no matter the cost.


Below, you’ll find links to each student’s article. Each piece offers a unique perspective on a story of courage and sacrifice, as seen through the eyes of a young writer inspired by Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. As you read, consider what these lives say to us today and how they might encourage you to stand firm in your own faith journey.

Micah Ace: Micah's Article

Jinger Hening: Justin

Johanna Henning: Peter

Derek Henning: Sebastian

Bethany Roberts: Blandina

Haylie Henning: Symphorosa & Her Seven Sons

Peyton Lemay: Quirinus

Daniel Roberts The Catacombs

Caleb Gulczynski: Caleb's Article

Luke Gulczynski: Simeon

Jeremiah Holt: Nero's 1st Persecution

Mikey Lemay: The Theban Legion

Matthew Roberts: Matthew's Article

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Neologisms

Today my juniors and seniors created some new words from the roots, prefixes, and suffixes they were studying for this unit. Can you guess the meanings of the following? Once upon a moon's eclipse, there lived an 1.) abautoite man. He could see where his body was going to go and stop it when it got there. His wife was 2.) contravidurely intended not to believe him until one day they became 3.) interquetuded. They died. 1. abautoite=to stay away from oneself 2. contravidure=to see the opposite 3. interquetude=being equal among oneself The loquacious 1.) perilogite, who always seemed to be talking, was discussing a nebulous topic. He seemed to believe he had 2.) intervisitare into this intense topic of 3.) interphyrites. 1. perilogite: one who reasons around 2. intervisitare: act of seeing between 3. interphyrites: one who is around nature My most favorite author is an intergramite who writes marvelous tales about contravisures of political views. One story tells of a
Read more

Missions Conference: Original Poetry

Image
Missions conference.  It came and went but not without a lot of hard work by the academy students.  One of the high schoolers' projects was to create a missions poem and perform it for the class.  The following was written by a member of the class of 2013. Sacrifice and Service by Thomas Hames Missionaries give their all, Nothing they're withholding. They have heard their Master's call, He their lives is molding Into vessels fit for use For His holy mission; Able to withstand abuse For Christ's Great Commission. Flowing from their every deed Is God's sovereign power. Hum'bly they God's voice do heed He who is their Tower; They to Him do oft resort, 'Lone they would but cower. And bring unto God the sort Satan would devour. Unto you with pleading voice Jesus Christ is calling. Will His mission be your choice: To keep souls from falling? All that is requir'd of you Is complete surrender. He
Read more