Release International was founded by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand to serve persecuted Christians and to make the church in the West more aware of this suffering. Many of us recall Wurmbrand as a hero who himself spent many years in a Romanian prison for his faith. Today’s heroes are Egyptian, Syrian, and from so many other parts of the world.
Writing recently of his contact with Canon Andrew White of Baghdad, Paul Robinson says:
‘Many have told him to leave Iraq but he has taken inspiration and comfort from the words of Gladys Aylward, pioneer missionary to China: ‘Life is pitiful, death so familiar, suffering and pain so common, yet I would not be anywhere else. Do not wish me out of this, or in any way seek to get me out, for I will not be got out while this trial is on. These are my people, God has given them to me, and I will live, or die, with them for Him and for his glory.’
Paul has asked me to let you know that he and his team would be more than happy to speak at Army conferences, meetings and small groups. Coming from an Army background he is well aware of who we are and how we think and operate. He has a great testimony of his own.”For further information please refer to www.releaseinternational.org or contact Paul direct by email probinson@releaseinternational.org.
Paul Robinson
6 comments:
In November, we have two remembrance days. On November 11, we remember those who gave their lives in several wars to bring us freedom, and those who still risk their lives in service to their country, and rightly so as a nation. On November 1st there is a largely forgotten day of remembrance, All Saints or All Hallows Day, where we are to remember those who have died for their faith, and those around the world live out their faith, sometimes in dangerous settings. I would like to suggest that it is time we took this day seriously, and not let it be outshone in our children's lives by the night before, Halloween. In Sunday services, once a year, why cannot we take a moment to remember those who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel, as well as those they left behind to carry on their calling, especially suffering Christians around the world.
I believe Sunday 3rd November is 'suffering church' Sunday. Although for suffering Christians, this is every day, at least it is recognised in the church calendar. I will focus in my meeting on the Christian persecution that is happening around the world. It's good for us to try to understand what our Christian brothers and sisters are going through for the sake of the Gospel. I've done this before, and the congregation has been visibly moved. Most of them had no idea it was happening.
I am usually on the piano at our corps and on this Sunday each year I play for the offering Martin LLuther's "A Mighty Fortress is Our God". Not only is the music majestic but the words so fit the purpose of this Sunday to remember in our thoughts and prayers our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. I always think more should be made of this Sunday.
1.A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevaling.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
2.Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.
3.And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
4.That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.
Lorna Simard
Soldier
Canadian territory
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