Here in the United States, I believe we often take for granted the privilege we have to worship God and teach children about Him in freedom.
I have a friend who lives in China. Born and raised there. I cannot reveal his name due to security issues.
He is the primary person who provides training and resources for those who serve in children's ministry in the underground churches in China. At the time of this writing, he is providing training and resources for over 100,000 children's ministry leaders in the underground churches.
A few months ago, some of the underground churches had a Vacation Bible School. Someone found out and turned them in to the communist police. The police came and arrested the VBS leaders and took them to prison. The leaders will probably spend months and maybe even years for simply trying to teach God's Word to children.
When I first met my friend in China, I asked him how He became a believer. I was curious how someone who was born and raised in China heard the Gospel. He shared that decades earlier, a missionary from Houston, Texas had come to China and led his great, great, great grandfather to Jesus. He said he is a 5th generation believer.
This was a great reminder of two things.
First, you won't see all of the fruit of your ministry until years from now. Some of the fruit you won't see until you get to Heaven. Stay faithful. God will use you beyond anything you can imagine.
Secondly, join me in praying for our brothers and sisters who serve Jesus in the midst of intimidation and persecution. Pray that the Word of God will continue to spread even in the face of jail time.