Let me start with clearly stating that many other religions show love and compassion. Many other religions have and are currently feeding the hungry, healing the sick, providing homes to those in need, and doing things that make a difference. Christianity is not exclusive in that regard.While that is true, I am convinced that Christianity is uniquely different. Where other religions put people in bondage, true Christians know freedom and are much more relaxed. Where aid can temporary help someones condition, true Christianity offers a heart transformation that offers wisdom and comfort in any and every situation. (A "true Christian" is one who is a follower of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is alive and real and personal. The individual believes in a person, not just a system, and experiences a relationship, not just a religion. You are not born into it, and it does not come from following a set of rules. I am talking about evangelical Christianity.)Christianity is demonized by some here in America. They see it as holding people back, as intolerant and too exclusive. There have recently been books suggesting the world would be better off without Christianity. I suggest the opposite is true. Christianity is the one thing that has civilized us. A true belief in the God of the Bible is the most important factor that has allowed Western Civilization to make the moral, scientific, and political advances we hold dear.For those who question that concept, consider a recent column on Times Online entitled "As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God: Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem-the crushing passivity of the people's mindset" by Matthew Parris. Here is how it begins:
Before Christmas I returned, after 45 years, to the country that as a boy I knew as Nyasaland. Today it's Malawi, and The Times Christmas Appeal includes a small British charity working there. Pump Aid helps rural communities to install a simple pump, letting people keep their village wells sealed and clean. I went to see this work.
It inspired me, renewing my flagging faith in development charities. But travelling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too: one I've been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I've been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.
Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.
Here is a link to the full article: "As an atheist..."
A few days ago Mike & Brenda McCollum sent out an update to their supporters. With the blessing and full support of the field staff and home office of SEND, the McCollum's will leave Croatia and return to the States at the end of February. They will spend time getting counsel and meeting with SEND to determine their next step. Their desire is to continue with SEND in some capacity at another location or in the home office.
