I heard this story years ago during the 1990's.
I believe it is relevant for the Church today, in this country we love so dear. It could be an up coming reality, which unfortunately there may be many who will not stand true in that hour, should it ever come to this type of trial.

Years ago in China, there was a small group of Christians who feared their government because it was unlawful for them to worship the true and living God. These individuals would wait until the late hours of the night, when most were in their beds and the streets we empty and quiet. These believers would sneak out quietly to gather together secretly in an underground room just a few at a time, in order to not draw attention to themselves.
Little did this small group of believers know that, they were being watched.
One night about 15 minutes after all that were to arrive, were gathered together, the door to the room burst open.
There stood a military officer stood in the doorway. He said; You have been found out! If there be any here in this group, who wants to leave without judgment, you may leave now. He said nothing more.
In just a minute or so, this one would get up, then another would get up and then another. After a few minutes had past, no others stood up and left.
After these had all left the room, the soldier shut the door and said; I too am a believer, and I wanted to be sure the Church was pure.

Our Lord told us in Luke 21:12-19
But "before" all these, "they" shall lay hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Settle it therefore in "your hearts", not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I' will give you a mouth and wisdom, which "all" your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and "some" of you shall they' cause to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated' of "all" men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In "your" patience posses ye your souls.

Not all....beloved...will be put to death, but "some of us."
We should settle it in our heart....should it come to such an event.
To me...I get to go home. For truly we are strangers in this present world.
They' hate us, but we love them, and pray for them that they too might know our wonderful and merciful and gracious Lord Jesus Christ.

Those believers in the underground room in China, were prepared to die, only to rejoice....in the knowledge that their would be enemy, was also a brethren in Christ.
God Bless
KML