Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:38-39
Aron and Companions (1994)
Crucified
Three Christians were crucified in the Nuba mountains of Sudan during the summer of 1994. They were identified as Aron, a pastor, and two other Christians from Akon. According to a visitor who conducted a fact-finding visit to the area, six-inch nails were used for the crucifixion. Anglican Bishop Daniel Zindo of Yambio said about the killings, “There is no clear reason except that they are Christians.”
The Nuba mountains are in South Kordofan state, on the border of what is now the independent nation of South Sudan. Many Nuba people allied with the South during the long and bloody civil war (1983-2005) in which the North fought to Islamise and Arabise the South. Christians were frequently harassed by the regime (see 28 March).
Blessed are you Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for you have, in your mercy, been so kind as to allow me a death like yours.
Papylus of Thyateira (martyred late 2nd or early 3rd century)