What do you think of people who are church- goers in your neighbourhood?  Nice people, decent people, helpful people ? But would we still go to church if it meant persecution?   People of any faith would have to feel strongly about what they believe to suffer anything from being denied jobs, to abuse, torture and death.

Around the world, believing sometimes has terrible consequences. In Iran just recently, 3 Christian men were sentenced to 50 lashes because they had drunk wine!  All they had done was to take Communion!

Would churchgoers survive that?  I think that my Christianity – your Christianity- would have to be obvious as a living and dynamic faith,  to stand firm under that threat !

In an accepting society, nobody minds if we quietly believe what we want, and maybe gather together to worship and encourage each other. But surely we should be aiming to be upfront about what Jesus Christ did and what he can do for us today. We have his commission; “Go into all the world and tell people the good news” etc. The trouble is, it’s old news, and people aren’t always excited any more.

Some time ago, when we often had lots of overseas students back to meals at our home, one student asked me the question. “Who is Jesus ?” It wasn’t old news to her!

 Elspeth Jackman, Christchurch High Oaks, St.Albans.

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