Bearing Burdens Internationally
German Parliament Reichstag © sborisov – Fotolia.com
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the world that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. (John 15:18-20)
Increasing numbers of Christians are facing persecution – politically, socially, physically, and emotionally. As His followers we are to be His lights in the world, but not of the world. The question is not IF we will be persecuted or suffer as His children, but WHEN.
Jürgen and Rosemarie Dudek
Recently I had an opportunity to meet a family who is boldy standing alone, feeling the weight of oppression, and suffering for Jesus. Jürgen and Rosemarie Dudek live in Germany where homeschooling is essentially banned. Because they desire to educate their children at home in light of God’s Word, they are perpetually scrutinized and persecuted by the German government. I would like to share their story because:
- It reminds me how many brothers and sisters around the world are being called, for a variety of reasons, to stand alone for Christ.
- It reminds me that to whom much has been given, much will be required. There are wonderful opportunities for international believers to be burden bearers for those who are suffering for Jesus’ sake.
- It reminds me that God’s grace is always enough.
The Testimony of Embattled German Homeschoolers
One month ago my mom, sisters, and I spent a weekend together at the annual Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) conference in Rochester, Minnesota. Nearly 500 homeschool parents, graduates, and students were seated one afternoon in a conference break-out session to listen as German homeschooling father, Jürgen Dudek, shared his family’s ten-year, ongoing battle for homeschooling freedoms in Germany. I was amazed. Addressing us was a man who, despite great pressures, continued to order his steps in the fear of the Lord rather than fear of governmental disapproval. Jürgen Dudek aptly reminded us that living for One instead of the multitude is often riddled with obstacles.
Limited Educational Options
When their oldest son reached school-age, Jürgen and Rosemarie enrolled him in a Christian school in Germany. After just a few months however, they felt an increasing unease and hoped for another option for the education of their child. Although a private school was available, it was required to use state-approved curriculum. After reading a story about a German couple in the 1980′s who chose to homeschool their children despite heavy opposition, Jürgen felt that God was leading him to give up everything necessary to do the same. Jürgen resigned from his journalism job in the city and moved his family into a rural area where they have been homeschooling their eight children for the past ten years.
Ten Years of Trials
Their urban move began a long, up-hill battle for the freedom to continue homeschooling. At least one court case has been issued against the Dudeks each of the past ten years.
Though the threat of imprisonment had always been possible, the Dudeks never received a jail sentence in their early homeschooling years. That changed in 2008. Despite their respectable reputation in their community, a hardcore prosecutor sought diligently to procure a prison sentence. The appointed judge, not wanting to subject them to jail time, ordered a high monetary fine instead, hoping to appease the prosecutor. It didn’t work. Following the hearing, the prosecutor turned to Jürgen and said, “You don’t need to worry about that fine. You won’t need to pay it. I will send you to jail.”
The prosecuting attorney appealed to a higher court, and in the next court ruling, Jürgen and Rosemarie were each sentenced to three months in jail. Jürgen recalled, “It became very clear to us… If God wasn’t answering those prayers -that we didn’t need to go to jail- then God was definitely doing something else… although everything seemed to collapse.”
God provided two excellent attorneys to work on behalf of the Dudeks. They diligently sought to overturn the judge’s jail sentence. Their efforts were successful.
Daniel and Jürgen Dudek at Minnesota’s Speaker of the House Desk
I Chose You Out of the World
Though the jail sentence was overturned, Jürgen and Rosemarie realize the future of homeschooling in Germany is far from decided. Dozens of German homeschooling families are facing similar pressures. Some have been fined. Some have lost custody of their children. Some have fled the country.
Jürgen explained, “It is not all about fines or jail sentences… There is someone or something trying to take away your children and break up your family. They are always telling you between the lines that you’re not allowed to be the family you are. We don’t want you to be like this. We want you to be different.”
Jesus words are clear, “I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you”
Suffering can be a reflection of our identity in Jesus. It is a straight, narrow, and difficult road. Yet, it is not without great hope. Though they do not yet see the fruit of their obedience, the Dudeks look forward by faith as Abraham did in Hebrews 11:8-10, 13:
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God… 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Though they are seen as criminals, though their family is constantly pressured to conform, though they live under the scrutiny of the government, and though they have been subject to slander, the Dudek family continues to live for the only Judge whose rule is of any consequence.
After one particular court ruling, Jürgen remembers, “The media people came flocking in. It was a wonderful opportunity to give testimony (saying) ‘What is this one judge? We have a higher Judge up in heaven and He is our final Judge. And there is a final judgment.’”
Dudeks welcomed onto the Minnesota House Floor
Dudeks are Welcomed to the Minnesota Capitol
Following the MÂCHÉ conference, Jürgen and his 16 year-old son Daniel were welcomed to the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul by MÂCHÉ board members, legislators, and pro-homeschooling advocates. Several receptions were arranged for them to meet and engage with legislators and to learn about Minnesota’s history of homeschooling.
Jürgen addresses legislators at a Minnesota Senate Reception
International Burden-Bearers
During their visit to the Minnesota Capitol, Jürgen and Daniel were welcomed by several legislators into the Historic Supreme Court Chambers. While inside the stately chambers, legislators prayed to the Lord on behalf of this embattled German family. It was incredible to watch the body of Christ, normally separated by the Atlantic Ocean, join together to lift up these international burdens to the Lord of All.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
We are a part of ONE body. International burden-bearing opportunities are vast. Yet, we can start linking arms with our worldwide brothers and sisters in Christ as Minnesota legislators did – in prayer. The One who sovereignly reigns over all will hear His children.
If victory is to be obtained, it will be through God’s powerful, sustaining, gracious hand. None can thwart His purposes. International burden-bearing is precious!
Pastor David Watkins, Jürgen Dudek, Senator Dan Hall, and Daniel Dudek praying in the Historic Minnesota Supreme Court Chambers
Dudek photographs by Molly Tuma
