Advocates for Persecuted Christians

In several New Testament passages, there are references to the persecution and imprisonment of Christians. Jesus, in his eschatological and apocalyptic discourses predicts it. Luke in the Book of Acts mentions it several times; the apostles Peter and Paul speak of it; the author of Hebrews (13:3) speaks of it; the author of Revelation also refers to it. Jesus himself would endure such sufferings and says that any follower of his should expect the same. Indeed, such persecution and imprisonment was also viewed by the ancient church as a clear sign of one’s faithfulness to Christ.

What a contrast this is to the present state of Christendom in the affluent West! Here the masses flock to churches that preach a gospel of health and wealth. Christians and congregations are far too self-preoccupied; spending time and energy on petty conflicts about the colour of the church carpet; whining about their pastor’s long sermons; and complaining about singing too many new hymns.

Meanwhile, according to reports by organizations—including Christian NGOs—who monitor the violation of religious freedom around the globe; it is estimated that anywhere from 100 million to 200 million Christians are persecuted because of their faith in Christ. Yet, in the so-called mainstream mass media very little of this is covered or highlighted—one wonders why? Could it be that with an increasing secularization of the mass media, there is now a preferred bias against Christianity?

As Jesus taught in Matthew 25:40: ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ The apostle Paul, who described the church as the body of Christ with many members, yet one body, said in 1 Cor 12:26: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.” The 100 to 200 million Christians who are persecuted and imprisoned seek our support through our prayers and serving as advocates-ambassadors on their behalf to appeal to authorities for their safety, fair treatment, and release from prisoners.

In searching on Google, I discovered The International Day Of Prayer For The Persecuted Church website—the designated day was November 14 this year. On this website, there are 17 links to different Christian organizations who are involved in ministry to the persecuted Church. Many/most are evangelical, conservative or even fundamentalist theologically—one wonders why the more liberal and mainline denominations are not involved in this ministry—however, I do respect the work some of these organisations do. The Rev. Richard Wurmbrand’s (who spent 14 years in Communist Romanian prisons) organisation, The Voice of the Martyrs—there are also several links on the main website that take you to other national VOM websites, and PrisonerAlert.com, which assists readers in taking action—is one that provides practical information on how to be an advocate through letter writing directly to imprisoned Christians to encourage them as well as to government authorities.

I encourage readers to check out these websites, choose an organisation that you can support, and become involved by taking action through a ministry of prayer and advocacy letter writing. You may also wish to start a special group in your congregation or denomination. The possibilities are open. For as concentration camp survivor, Pastor Martin Niemoeller once said: “In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak.”

Aung San Suu Kyi

After spending seven and one-half years under house arrest in her native Burma [Myanmar], Nobel Peace laureate has been released. For how long this time, no one knows, and under how many conditions placed upon her by the military junta, again we cannot be certain. Suu Kyi is truly a courageous person, and ranks as a prophet as well as a leading political hero of her country—for she has remained totally committed to peace with justice and democracy in Burma. The injustice of the political situation in Burma has been, and continues to be, an almost insurmountable challenge for the citizens of that nation who work for a democratic society through peaceful, non-violent means. May world opinion and the providence of God bear enough pressure on the present leadership of Burma to orchestrate a peaceful transition from the military junta to a true, properly elected democratic government. God bless and long live Aung San Suu Kyi! You can read mother corps’ article on Suu Kyi’s release here.

Oct 26 and 3 Lutheran Hymnwriters

Today, October 26, Lutherans around the world celebrate 3 of three favourite hymnwriters: Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt. All 3 were German Lutheran pastors. A popular Advent hymn by Philipp Nicolai is “Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying.” A familiar Lenten-Good Friday hymn based on Isaiah 53 by Johann Heermann is “Ah, Holy Jesus.” My favourite all-time traditional hymn was written by Paul Gerhardt, “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth,” a Lenten hymn based on Isaiah 53. You can learn and read more about these hymnwriters by clicking on their names and their hymns. Once you’ve clicked on a hymn, you can listen to the tune and sing along by clicking on Midi.

Prayer: O God of majesty, whom saints and angels delight delight to worship: Thank you for pouring out your Spirit on your servants Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann and Paul Gerhardt who, with the gifts of music, enliven our praises and proclaim your word with power. Through this ministry you have given us new awareness of your beauty and grace, and join our voices with all the choirs of heaven, both now and forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [ Prayer slightly edited from: Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 74 ].

Aaronic Benediction

This is an inspirational rendition of the Priestly/Aaronic Benediction in Hebrew.

Quotes on forgiveness

The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naïve forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget. –Thomas S. Szasz

With Christ’s prayer of forgiveness from the cross the universal religion of revenge is overcome and the universal law of retaliation is annulled. –Jűrgen Moltmann

Forgiveness is the economy of the heart…Forgiveness saves expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and waste of spirits. –Hannah More

Forgiveness is choosing to love. It is the first skill of self-giving love. –Mohandas K. Gandhi

The idea is to rescue myself from the role of a victim. That I have a choice left. Though I can’t change what has happened, I can choose how to react. And I don’t want to spend the rest of my life being bitter and locked up. –Tori Amos

 

Blessed Thanksgiving

Douglas John Hall's essay in Christian Century

Canadian theologian, Douglas John Hall, who taught theology at McGill University in Montreal, has written an essay on "How my mind has changed," in the Christian Century. Hall, I've often thought, is more of a Lutheran than a devoted United Church member. Why he did not become a Lutheran is difficult to understand, given his insights into and gravitation to Martin Luther and his theologia Crucis [theology of the cross]. Hall is still very counterculture when it comes to the modus operandi of mainline North American denominations. He believes that the majority of North American denominations have missed Jesus' teachings on the "small things" [e.g. his saying on salt and yeast] and their value are paradigmatic for an ecclesiology of the cross in our present day context. You can read his essay here.