Thought for the Week - 17th September 2023

 

Dear Friends, 

In the Open Doors prayer diary recently we have been praying for China and heard the story of Ming*. The Open Doors magazine tells his story, saying, ‘Imagine that someone watched you open this magazine. They know where you’re sitting, and who you’re with. They know the last thing you looked at on your phone, the last thing you searched for online, the last time you went to meet people. Your moves are watched – not just by cameras in the street, but online too. That’s a little like what life is like for Ming* in China. It makes following Jesus and sharing the gospel really hard – but he’s determined to do it, no matter the cost’. Ming* was arrested for smuggling Bibles and although released could no longer attend church as the authorities watch him closely. He has even lost contact with his family because his father-in-law forbade him from having any contact with his wife and children because of his faith. But God called Ming* to go back to his hometown and tell people about the Lord there. He says, ‘I learned much more about Christ and how good God is. This was also the turning point for me. Learning about Jesus made me realise that my friends and community back home needed Him too’. To read more on this story in the latest magazine go to https://media.opendoorsuk.org/document/pdf/OD-UK-2023-SEP-MAG.pdf. In Matthew 9 we read, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’ (Matthew 9:37-38). There are many people around the world, and in this country, who are seeking answers to their questions about life and faith. Our task as Jesus’ disciples today is to share the story of the good news with others, that they may find Jesus Christ for themselves and that he would transform their lives.

(*Name changed for security reasons)

Grace and peace,

Neil

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