Escape. In the face of suffering, wanting to escape is a common reaction. But what to do if we can't run? Maybe try to ignore it. Try to change the circumstances to end it. What if it's too much and we cannot avoid it? All of these are human and understandable responses. However, none of them work when the suffering we face is out of control and threatens to be as final as death. Anneken Jans was 28 years old when she faced death. In Rotterdam, the Netherlands, she was tried for her Anabaptist faith and sentenced to drowning on January 24, 1539. The book Martyrs Mirror relates that, on the way to the place of her execution, she offered money to whomever would adopt her baby (15 months old). In her last words, recorded in a letter addressed to her son, Anneken writes: "Be not ashamed to confess Him [Christ] before men; do not fear men; rather give up your life, than to depart from the truth." Facing suffering and even death, this young woman responded with unusual courage and confidence. Jesus' last words to his disciples also show courage and confidence. "Take heart! I have overcome the world." As Anneken discovered, the life that Jesus invites us to follow produces peace, courage and confidence amid suffering. By living in dependence on the Father, we find that we are not alone and that the powers of this world do not have the last word. It is not about escaping or ignoring the pain. It is not a matter of merely staying positive. It's not that circumstances turn for the better unexpectedly. A life that gives us the strength we need to face extreme suffering is centred on Jesus. It is about overcoming domination, revenge, accumulation and isolation with God's love. The life that Jesus lived is more powerful than darkness, lies and death. In the light of his life we can face affliction and even death with courage and the certainty of a new tomorrow. As we celebrate Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday, let's pray for our global church. May we live as Jesus did, overcoming darkness with love. May the members of our global communion facing extreme suffering receive the courage that God's presence makes possible. | 
