I wrote this email to a Middle-Eastern Christian Leader today and am eagerly waiting his reply. I would appreciate your thoughts on the topic as well. I am seriously seeking an answer and would welcome serious reflection from those that care to respond. Here's my letter . . .
"Dear _____: I had the pleasure of hearing you speak very recently and was impressed with what God has done and can do and is doing in your part of the world. As a committed Christian, involved actively in mission work both in Canada and Africa, I am fully aware of the need to love our enemies; pray for them; and releasing the truth unto them. God does the rest.
"I understand the need for that in order that many may come to a full knowledge of HIM. I commend you for what you and your team are doing in the midst of the situation you are in.
"My question, however, has to do with the "other aspect" of what may also be our responsibility, but I am not sure. And that is this:
"While we have a responsibility to do all the Bible empowers us to do to introduce men and women to Christ, do we as "Body of Christ" also have any responsibility in utilizing our influence to stem the genocide (for that is what I believe it amounts to if we collectively are aware of all Christians that are persecuted and killed by others) that we see before us around the world? Do we have a responsibility to take stronger action together to convince the non-Islamic countries that we must act to stop this globally before it is too late? Do we have a responsibility to act like those who acted to protect Jews against Hitler, for example? I fear the "boot" of intolerant radical Islam is making big gains and is marching and stomping across the face of the earth.
"As one who works with those in Africa, I see it annually coming down from northern Africa to south of the Sahara dessert and having a great influence with its power, money, and fear-causing approach. I simply ask "Is it time for some of the Church's well-known leaders to come together to discuss what can be done to influence those global leaders that will still hear us?"
"I realize the simple answer may be "We cannot do that, only God can". I know that, and I must admit I find it difficult to share my feelings on this topic with so many that have no idea of what is going on across the face of the earth these days. The devil is working 24/7 and he has undertaken an incredible recruiting program, as well as a major initiative to lie to the world. Yes, only God can -- but what can we do with God, for God, and for our children and grandchildren for the sake of God's Kingdom? I am not yet ready to believe the answer is "nothing". Perhaps you or others can convince me otherwise.
"Please understand I am asking about the "other side" of the equation -- you have well handled the Christian's responsibility to "the Great Commission". I have no quarrel with that and am on board. My heart yearns to discover what God would have us do for those that are Christians already, to keep them from perishing at the hands of the enemy. Think of it as the difference between "witnessing to slaves" in the days of slavery and protecting the slaves that have been freed after England and the United States abolished slavery. Are we doing anything for the latter situation including those Muslims that are being converted to Christianity even today? (The young lady you mentioned in your talk comes to mind.)
"That is my sincere question.
"I would appreciate your thoughts on this and I would be happy to correspond with you on this issue. If there was some interest as to how an ordinary man like me could be involved in helping bring this about, I would be happy to devote myself to it.
"In His Service with you, Ken B. Godevenos, Toronto."
"Dear _____: I had the pleasure of hearing you speak very recently and was impressed with what God has done and can do and is doing in your part of the world. As a committed Christian, involved actively in mission work both in Canada and Africa, I am fully aware of the need to love our enemies; pray for them; and releasing the truth unto them. God does the rest.
"I understand the need for that in order that many may come to a full knowledge of HIM. I commend you for what you and your team are doing in the midst of the situation you are in.
"My question, however, has to do with the "other aspect" of what may also be our responsibility, but I am not sure. And that is this:
"While we have a responsibility to do all the Bible empowers us to do to introduce men and women to Christ, do we as "Body of Christ" also have any responsibility in utilizing our influence to stem the genocide (for that is what I believe it amounts to if we collectively are aware of all Christians that are persecuted and killed by others) that we see before us around the world? Do we have a responsibility to take stronger action together to convince the non-Islamic countries that we must act to stop this globally before it is too late? Do we have a responsibility to act like those who acted to protect Jews against Hitler, for example? I fear the "boot" of intolerant radical Islam is making big gains and is marching and stomping across the face of the earth.
"As one who works with those in Africa, I see it annually coming down from northern Africa to south of the Sahara dessert and having a great influence with its power, money, and fear-causing approach. I simply ask "Is it time for some of the Church's well-known leaders to come together to discuss what can be done to influence those global leaders that will still hear us?"
"I realize the simple answer may be "We cannot do that, only God can". I know that, and I must admit I find it difficult to share my feelings on this topic with so many that have no idea of what is going on across the face of the earth these days. The devil is working 24/7 and he has undertaken an incredible recruiting program, as well as a major initiative to lie to the world. Yes, only God can -- but what can we do with God, for God, and for our children and grandchildren for the sake of God's Kingdom? I am not yet ready to believe the answer is "nothing". Perhaps you or others can convince me otherwise.
"Please understand I am asking about the "other side" of the equation -- you have well handled the Christian's responsibility to "the Great Commission". I have no quarrel with that and am on board. My heart yearns to discover what God would have us do for those that are Christians already, to keep them from perishing at the hands of the enemy. Think of it as the difference between "witnessing to slaves" in the days of slavery and protecting the slaves that have been freed after England and the United States abolished slavery. Are we doing anything for the latter situation including those Muslims that are being converted to Christianity even today? (The young lady you mentioned in your talk comes to mind.)
"That is my sincere question.
"I would appreciate your thoughts on this and I would be happy to correspond with you on this issue. If there was some interest as to how an ordinary man like me could be involved in helping bring this about, I would be happy to devote myself to it.
"In His Service with you, Ken B. Godevenos, Toronto."
[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]
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