A humbling experience this afternoon as my wife and I went to a dinner/fundraiser to benefit a young lady from our church family, who has been on a mission in China for the last eight months. Several members stood up and shared from her monthly newsletters that she has sent to us telling of her experiences so far. As I closed my eyes and listened quietly to the stories of her experiences with living in East Asia, the new friendships she has made and the repression of religious freedoms within the government; I realize just how lucky we are here in our country to have the freedoms we have.
We are called by Christ to be BOLD in our faith, here in our own country as well as to the nations of the earth.
"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among the peoples" (Psalm 96:3)
How challenging it is for us to do that. It isn't easy is it? I've been a public school music teacher for nearly twenty five years now and find that it's been difficult on many occasions to separate my profession of teaching with my "passion" for Christ and ministry to others. It's a fine line to walk. But should I? Should I really be walking that "fine line" as it were - between keeping a line of separation between my profession with my passion?
As I listened to the stories from East Asia of how our young missionaries were asking for prayer for themselves to be able to continue with school over there and not be sent home early (it is the law in some countries over there, that if you are caught proselytizing, you will be sent home!) as well as prayer for those close friendships and bonds that have been formed over there to continue and grow in knowledge and boldness in Christ. I realized just how lucky and "spoiled" we have become with our own freedoms.
I pray for the young missionaries in China, I pray for all missionaries. I pray for You, my church family, my family and myself for boldness in Christ as well as protection. I close with this short verse from Proverbs for you to meditate on...
"The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." (Pr. 29:25)
Blessings,
Dave
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