“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (Act 13:52) This “joy and the Holy Spirit” seemed to be the characteristics of the early missionary activities of the disciples. Nonetheless, the joy and the Holy Spirit did not sprout out from wherever their preaching and proclaiming of the work of Jesus Christ were well received. On the contrary, it was originated whenever they had been persecuted. This was how Paul and Barnabas felt when they were performing missionary activities in the city of Antioch as the elders of the synagogue stirred up a persecution and expelled them from their territory. “So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name (Jesus).” (Act 5:41) That was the same joy which Peter and other apostles experienced in Jerusalem teaching and proclaiming Messiah, Jesus. The high priest was jealous at their signs and wonders that they had Peter and other apostles flogged, dismissed and ordered to stop speaking in the name of Jesus. Could we feel like the apostles “being filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” whenever we are persecuted as we are defending truth and justice? Joy is an attitude of life. We firmly believe that the Lord has not abandoned us. He must be with us even though we are in pain and suffering. “Holy Spirit, please inflame the Fire of Love in our hearts.”