Sunday 22 July 2012

Most Endangered Peoples in Poland


It’s a land of large cathedrals and prayer candles, statues of Mary and revered priests.  If being a Christian is based on culture or tradition, then Poland may be the most Christian culture in the world.  But if being a Christian is based on a heart choice to love God and follow Christ and His teaching, then Poland is one of the most forgotten nations of the world.  Almost 95% of all the municipalities in Poland do NOT HAVE EVEN A SINGLE evangelical church.

 
With passion in her voice, one woman who is giving her life for the people of Poland comments, “If we are brave enough to allow Christ to show us the reality beyond the illusion of empty religion and prosperity, then we will be broken by His love for this country.   
 
She continues, “For too long we have been deceived into thinking that those who show outward signs of religion and share a history similar to our own do not need to hear about Christ.  This misconception has led us into a blissful unawareness of the spiritual battle that rages throughout Europe. At first glance Poles look… deeply devoted to faith and family. Looking closer it becomes apparent that God’s presence is missing from their lives... Adherence to empty religion has no transforming power. It is only an illusion. 
 
Most Poles admit that they go to church because our culture tells them they have to,” tells one Polish man.  When they do something wrong, they go to confession.  The priest offers forgiveness in exchange for acts of penance. Temporary forgiveness is theirs until the next time they mess up.  They end up stuck in an endless cycle, never experiencing the true grace or forgiveness. 
 
One young Polish woman observes, “We are taught from a young age that we are defined by religious traditions whether or not we understand or agree with them.  Questioning the authority and teachings of the church is a sin.  As a result people are turning away from the church in search of the truth…

There is no limit to what gifts and abilities can be used in Poland… only authentic relationship with Christ lived out in every day circumstances. 

You can be a part of shaping lives in Poland.  Will you help them experience the truth behind the illusion?


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Sunday 15 July 2012

Most Endangered Peoples

They are the most endangered peoples of the world.

 


Visit ‘The Unfinished Task’ link above. The figures change at an alarming rate – every 30 seconds another 43 people are born into people groups who currently have no access to the gospel.  Eighty-six people per minute!  The mathematics is frightening.  Peoples in danger – in danger of living and dying without Christ, endangered because they haven’t even had a chance to hear.  Frightening but not hopeless.

I think of Nazma and Rozi, Sudha's husband and Ruksana’s eldest brother. And little Anjali and the rapidly growing Nargiz.  I want to hang out with them forever!  I want them there, worshipping Jesus with us.  And worshipping Jesus now.

If it is true that Jesus is the one and only God, the only one worthy of being worshipped, if He is with us, giving us all authority to bring salvation to everyone who will believe, then what in the world are we doing about those who have never even heard of him?

“There can be no weary resignation, no cowardly retreat, and no merciless contentment among Christ’s people while he is disowned among thousands of unreached peoples.  Every Christian (who loves people and honours Christ) must care about this.” John Piper. 

He goes onto say, “any good-hearted goal, without the desire to give people eternal joy in God, is condemnation with a kind face.” 

Because if they don’t hear they are condemned, kind face or not, they are in danger.

The call has been given, the gauntlet thrown down.  Will we, the Church of Jesus Christ, rise up for the most endangered of the world?


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