Not Afraid

“Be not afraid. Only believe.” If only the words on the plaque that Josef and Emilie had made together were as easy to practice as the letters had been to form.

As a Christian pastor in Communist Kazakhstan, Josef senses that he may soon be arrested. Should he flee with his young family, or should he stay and support his congregation?

His decision leads to separation from his family. While Emilie struggles to support their children in his absence, Josef faces hardships of his own. Long hours of questioning. Days in a lonely prison cell. Weeks of waiting for sentencing. Months in a crude labor camp.

Will Josef and Emilie succumb to anger, hatred, and fear? Or will they come through, still believing—and not afraid?

This fictionalized story is loosely based on the autobiography of Johann and Elfriede Steffen. It reminds us that God is faithful to strengthen His children in times of fear and persecution.