A pastor who turned his hostage video into a Christian testimony has been beheaded.

Rev. Lawan Andimi was abducted by Boko Haram in Nigeria. The group then forced him to record a video that was supposed to be a plea for rescue.

Instead, Pastor Andimi told his family and friends, “Be patient, don’t cry, don’t worry. But thank God for everything.” His testimony showed that he was ready to die for his Lord.

And soon thereafter, he did.

According to Open Doors, Nigeria led the world in Christian martyrdoms last year, with 1,350 confirmed.

Each died for the One who died for us all.

They remind us of the biblical admonition that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). And they join the “souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God” in reigning with our Lord (Revelation 20:4).

May we make their courage our own.

When last did it cost you something significant to follow Jesus?