When he asked around the village why the children didn't show up, he discovered the local priest threatened the children with punishment if they attended his bible studies. The priest was also the school bible teacher so the children were afraid of retribution with school work and grades. Eventually 12 students began attending regularly, two of the girls became believers and there was a moment of decision when the priest arrived at bible study demanding children to leave with him. Marcel said about half of the children stood up to the priest and stayed in bible study with him. Soon after, he had about 30-40 (sometimes 50) consistent children in that village. Pretty amazing story of courage in the heart of those children. I'll let you know about dinner with the king in tomorrow's post.