Professional Documents
Culture Documents
www.barnabasfund.org
MARCH/APRIL 2012
IN THIS ISSUE
Equipping and resourcing leadership for the persecuted Church The Arab Spring one year on: Islamism in the ascendant Jesus Christ: the divine Son of God
In this issue, we feature our latest book, which uncovers the truth about the real Jesus, and also Rosemary Sookhdeos most recent book on how to reach Muslims for Christ.
sometim sometimes from within the churches, n h by those who claim that Jesus was just y h a good man. And Muslims, while they acknowledge Him as a prophet, also deny that He is God. This new edition of H. Dermot McDonalds compelling book clearly presents the Biblical teaching on the h humanity and deity of Christ. The a author first sets out the evidence fo for Jesus human nature, traces it development and explains its ts s significance. Then he puts the case for Christs deity and expounds it using the titles that the Bible gives to Him. He also provides a brief analysis of Christs saving work and His exaltation at Gods right hand. This robust and rigorous introduction uncovers the truth about the real Jesus, and will strengthen and deepen your faith in Him.
Isaac Publishing, paperback, 120 pp, price to be confirmed
Coming soon...
6.99
Who Who is the Real Jes s? eal Jesu Unco ncovering the Tru e ruth
H. Dermot McDonald m The New Testament testifies that the Testa Lord Jesus Christ is both human and hris divine. His identity as the Word of di iden God who became flesh is at the very became foundation of ou Ch fo our Christian faith, and witho without it that faith is in vain. Yet it t fait is often called into question, even s i
6.99
A distinctively Islamic financial system has become a major player on the world economic stage in the last 20 year yea s. Muslim scholars, clerics and s a financia o ganisa o h fi ancial orga sations have gen ated enerat d a wide range of alternative econom c n alte native eco omic products, initially in the Muslim world a y s and more an mo recently in the West. These ar dev op g t are developing into an increasingly s ngly l lucrative market. v market. I In this significant study of shari i sig ca tudy ria financ Patrick Sookh eo discusses nce, atrick khde d c s the problems and dangers pre m e resented by the Islamic economy and highlights the implications for global economics and politics, while also looking at the nature and implications of sharia itself. i
Isaac Publishing, paperback, 114 pp, , offe offer price 6.99 including postage 9 i (RR (RRP 6.99 99)
To order these books, please visit www.barnabasfund.org/shop. Alternatively, please contact your nearest Barnabas Fund office (addresses on back cover). Cheques for the UK should be made payable to Barnabas Fund.
Speaking Out
for Persecuted Christians
Contents
4 Compassion in Action
In
his 1986 collection of essays The Drowned and the Saved, Italian chemist and writer Primo Levi described a recurring nightmare that he experienced after his liberation from Auschwitz. In the dream, Levi returns from the Second World War concentration camp and recounts its full horror to his remaining family and friends, only to see them turn away disbelieving or worse still uninterested. For those who suffer and tell their experience to others, it can be excruciating to encounter a reaction of embarrassment, disbelief, apathy or even denial of what they have endured. On 22 December the British Daily Telegraph published an article headed How can we remain silent while Christians are being persecuted? This was followed on 31 December by an article in the prestigious Economist magazine on Christians and lions: the worlds most widely followed faith is gathering persecutors. These were for me among the greatest encouragements of 2011, signalling that the persecution of Christians is being recognised as an urgent issue, no longer to be swept under the carpet. I believe that this change is due at least in part, under God, to the efforts of grass-roots Christians over many years who have signed petitions, written letters, campaigned and prayed for persecuted Christians. As Christians we are familiar with suffering. Our Saviour is a man of suffering, and familiar with pain (Isaiah 53:3). Our God is a suffering God, one whose heart of love can be broken. Such thoughts will be uppermost in our minds as we approach Good Friday, and remember the suffering and death of Christ on the cross for our sins. We glory in His cross as well as in His resurrection on the rst Easter Day, and accept the call to share in His sufferings.
So we must not deny, dismiss or minimise the suffering of our persecuted brothers and sisters. Is such silent indifference really so far from Pilates hand-washing? Pilate tried to distance himself from the crucixion of Jesus by refusing responsibility, and thus salving his conscience. Tragically his example is followed by many governments and even Christians today. A small community of Afghan Christians is living in Delhi. As converts from Islam, they are in severe danger in their home country. But India does not allow them to settle permanently, and Western governments, who are quick to condemn non-Western countries for human rights abuses, will not accept them. One New Zealand diplomat even said that the converts brought their predicament on themselves by choosing to leave Islam. Even more disturbing, in this and many other cases, is the failure of Christians in positions of political power to use their inuence on behalf of their suffering brothers and sisters. The leadership of the Church is often little different. To be silent in the face of an abuse is to condone it and share the guilt. When the British House of Lords debated the position of Christians in the Middle East on 9 December 2011, Lord (Dolar) Popat, a Hindu who ed Uganda when Idi Amin persecuted the Indians in 1971, spoke of the enormity of this sin: to witness persecution, then sit back and do nothing to stop it. As we reect on the suffering of our Lord this Good Friday, let us take every opportunity to speak up for suffering Christians where they cannot speak for themselves. Let us also remember that although Pilate washed his hands, our Father God did not wash His hands, but rather raised up Jesus from the dead, vindicated and victorious.
Flood relief in South Asia, winter warmth in Armenia 8 Newsdesk The Arab Spring: Islamists take control 10 Campaign Speaking out for persecuted and vulnerable Christians PULL-OUT Equipping the Church What does the Bible say about the Lord Jesus Christ? 11 Barnabas Partners
Can you help us make known the needs of the suffering Church? 12 Spotlight
Equipping and resourcing Christian leaders 14 Learning from the Persecuted Church Protection and guidance through faith in Christ 16 Biblical Reection Present suffering and glorious hope 18 In Touch New Barnabas ofces in Scotland and Northern Ireland
The paper used in this publication comes from sustainable forests and can be 100% recycled
To guard the safety of Christians in hostile environments, names may have been changed or omitted. Thank you for your understanding. Front cover: Pastor Y put aside the possibility of leading an afuent urban church in order to pastor a small poor church in rural Java, Indonesia. He also serves in a wider ministry and is very much on re for the Lord. Last year, while on a ministry trip, he broke his leg in a motorcycle accident where he ended up in a canal and his helmet broke in two. Funds from Barnabas covered his surgery, treatment and rehabilitation costs. Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version. Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders and obtain permission for stories and images used in this publication. Barnabas Fund apologises for any errors or omissions and will be grateful for any further information regarding copyright. Barnabas Fund 2012 BARNABAS AID MARCH/APRIL 2012 3
COMPASSION IN ACTION
how barnabas
68,064 for support of Christian school
(US$104,705; 82,441)
Christian children in the Bethlehem area feel safe at this Christian school
Every inch of the school building is full of children. This was the delighted comment to Barnabas from the head teacher of a Christian school we support in Bethlehem. The school always accepts the maximum number of students it can accommodate, and the total in this academic year is 280 (aged 3-11). But even after building an extension last year, which was also funded by Barnabas, they still have to turn down many children because of lack of space. What makes the school so attractive is its positive Christian atmosphere in a town where many of the Christians are leaving because of the many pressures they face. The good quality of the education, the clean and cheerful surroundings and the strong commitment and loving care of the teachers add to its appeal. Many Christian families in Bethlehem are very poor and needy, but with Barnabas Fund helping to cover the running costs, the school charges only minimal fees. The neediest children of all are allowed to attend for free.
Ugandan Christians on their hr hristia way home with ba of seed t th bags for planting their o heir own crops
As we distributed the seed packs, we were struck by how many vulnerable people were being reached. A blind woman was led by a small girl, some disabled folk were helped by friends and many old or poor folk thanked us profusely. Barnabas Fund not only provided emergency relief for hungry Christians during the East Africa drought but also helped with longerterm solutions. About 3,000 highly vulnerable Ugandan Christians received seed for harvesting their own crops. Each household received three bags with seed of sorghum, rice and soy bean. These are quick-growing plants that are ready for harvesting within 90 days. The recipients also received instructions on how best to plant the seeds, and during the growing season the organisers visited them to advise them on the growing.
An Arabic Christian childrens magazine is full of Bible stories, colourful cartoons with contemporary Christian messages, attractive images and crosswords. Many of the readers, aged 7 to 15, send in their solutions to the quizzes and provide their photos to be published as friends of the magazine. Not only do they learn more about their faith, but also they gain greater condence in their Christian identity. This is important in a context where Christians are despised by society at large. Barnabas latest grant helps pay for the salary of three members of staff as well as printing and distribution costs. Competition prizes such as books or other gifts are also bought with the grant. Thanks to this support the copies can be given away free or for a tiny sum.
Project reference 25-359 Project reference XX-207
is helping
2,913 for evangelist couples upkeep
(US$4,486; 3,529)
COMPASSION IN ACTION
The Bible encourages us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Peter 1:22). Thank you for making this love practical and enabling us to help our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters around the globe. On these pages is a selection of reports about some of the many people we have supported recently, thanks to your gifts. Please pray as you read.
5,000 for orphan and widow support
(US$7,700; 6,000)
Orphans in rural Kenya are fed a healthy meal of maize, beans and rice
Baptism of one of the rst believers from a dark region of Tajikistan Aasia Bibis husband Ashiq with daughters Eisham (12), Sidra (18) and Esha (13)
Barnabas Fund is helping to support the family of Aasia Bibi, a Christian mother who has been in jail for almost three years. She was falsely accused of deling the name of Muhammad in June 2009 and sentenced to death. Because of his wifes situation it is now too dangerous for Aasias husband, Ashiq, to go out to work, and the family have been left without any income. The Christian community where they live is trying to help them but are too poor to cover all their needs. Our most recent grant provided urgent needs such as winter bedding and warm clothing. We also provide them with a monthly food parcel.
Farkhod and Zukhra, who received support from Barnabas for their upkeep, recently moved to a city in Tajikistan close to the border of Afghanistan to share the Gospel with anyone who is willing to listen to them. Almost everyone living there is Muslim. The city is a dangerous and spiritually dark place, notorious for its drugs and arms. Large numbers are unemployed, and many people either end up working in illegal trades or addicted to drugs. A shockingly high number of people overdose on drugs or commit suicide. The couple are in a good position to bring the Gospel there. Before nding freedom in Christ, both were drug addicts for many years. Farkhod converted from Islam and Zukhras father is a Muslim.
You have put a lot of smiles on the needy, vulnerable widows and orphans in this ministry. A group of Christians in Kenya, supported by Barnabas, are feeding 31 orphans and providing for their healthcare and school fees. With our help they are also creating opportunities for Christian widows to generate their own income. The ministry is working in a rural area where Islam is growing rapidly. They feel called to provide hope and practical help to His children who suffer the discrimination that results from their faith in Him. Last years severe East African drought caused them to step up their feeding programme. This was quite a challenge, because the cost of food had become extremely high. They told us that they work hard day and night to order and bargain for the best prices. With the latest grant from Barnabas the ministry bought and installed a maize mill. This enables Christian widows, who work together in a shop, to earn a small income.
COMPASSION IN ACTION
bringing hope,
expenses. The average cost per family was 136 (US$210; 165).
Many Christians in north-western Armenia live in domings, draughty shacks in which they cannot stay warm during the winter months
Barnabas Fund provided Christian families with wood and grants for gas to keep them warm during the freezing winter
Barnabas Fund recently supported two Christian training initiatives in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Forty church leaders, many from distant, isolated parts of Tajikistan, met together for a three-day study programme. All of them are converts from Islam. Salman (see photo) testied, I believed in Jesus two years ago and after that my wife came to Jesus too. We are from a very difcult region for sharing the Gospel. This seminar encouraged us in our ministry and helped us to be strong in faith. I had many questions when I read the Bible and I have received answers to my questions. A grant from Barnabas paid for the students transport costs and stationery, as well as utilities and food for the three days.
Several churches in a city in Kazakhstan joined forces to provide a one-year Bible school. It was designed to be intensive but also to t into busy family, ministry and work schedules and so was held on three evenings in the week. Last year 23 students graduated from the programme. Barnabas paid for transport costs for teachers, books and teaching materials. One student writes, During all the period of study I was thanking God for this school, for teachers, for His love to us. Study time ew by as if it was just one day. It was very valuable for me that teachers shared their own experience and feelings. I felt very close presence of God during my study.
Salman and his wife were greatly encouraged by the three-day leadership training programme in Tajikistan
transforming lives
COMPASSION IN ACTION
Last year saw exceptional ooding in many countries across Asia. Barnabas sent emergency relief to Christians in Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand. The packages contained items such as food staples, clean drinking water, cooking utensils, mosquito nets and anti-bacterial wash. In Pakistan Barnabas provided emergency aid to 886 Christian families affected by the 2011 oods. One church in Hyderabad relayed to us the great difculties they had in bringing emergency packages to Christians in three areas near to them. When their trucks were fully loaded and ready to go, the team prayed for a safe journey before departing. In many places the water had not yet fully receded and the roads were still submerged up to 45cm: Everywhere there was stagnant water. Our truck wheel got stuck in the mud. We hired a tractor and loaded 50 relief bags. After a great struggle our truck came out from mud and we thanked God and again started our journey to Khipro.
In Bangladesh Barnabas Fund sent relief to 935 Christian families. The organisers bought goods locally and church members volunteered to distribute the emergency packages. One of the recipients of the relief packages, Pastor Roghu Nath Sarker, who ministers to the 50 Christian families living in a large village, told us, Our village was under water for one month. I was visiting all of the families. Many had become sick and I was praying for them and sometimes I myself became sick. We were praying for help and in fact we needed food. He then thanked Barnabas and added, We believe that the Lord himself has sent this relief through Barnabas Fund. Even though we do not know them and they are far away from Bangladesh. Lakhhi Sarker, a widow with four young children in a village in Bangladesh, lost her familys source of food when her small rice eld ooded before harvest-time. For 15 long days they had only one meal per day. Our project partner writes that when she received the ood aid relief, she began to cry and cry. She gave thanks to God and was so much grateful to Barnabas Fund.
Project references 00-634 (Disaster Relief Fund) 75-745 (Burma disaster relief) 41-919 (Pakistan oods feeding)
11,195 in Bangladesh
(US$17,236, 13,561)
7,490 in Cambodia
(US$11,530, 9,073)
8,968 in Philippines
(US$13,808, 10,864)
5,399 in Thailand
(US$8,310, 6,539)
NEWSDESK
Sce es Scenes rom the Ara Spring. Left to right: Egypt (Source: monasosh, F kr.com Tunisi (Source: Scenes from the Arab Spring. Left to right: Egypt (Source: monasosh, Flickr.com ), Tunisia (Source: Habib Mhenni, Wik c th he ab in . Left right ght: t ypt (S ur p S rc monasosh on o h, s b M h nni, Wikipedia.org ), henn , Libya Sourc VO Lib Libya (Source: VOA E. Arrott Wikipedia.o g ), Syria (S urce: Syria-Frames Libya (Source: VOA - E. Arrott Wikipedia.org ), Syria (Source: Syria-Frames-Of-Freedom, Flickr.com) i r OA Arrot r tt ki dia.o dia ri (S rc Syria Fr me ia So y a- ra e m)
I was leading the congregation in prayers. Our eyes were closed when some gunmen stormed the church and opened re on the congregation...
around 35 worshippers were killed as explosives were hurled at the congregation as they left the service. The violence prompted President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the most troubled areas.
gunmen stormed a church in Gombe, capital of Gombe State, on 5 January 2012, during a prayer meeting, killing at least eight Christians. Pastor Johnson Jauro, whose wife was shot dead in the attack, said:
NEWSDESK
vote in Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco. Ennahda, the main Islamist group in Tunisia, insists that its approach to sharia is consistent with the countrys progressive traditions, but deputy leader Hamadi Jebali sparked alarm in November when he referred to the countrys future in terms of a Caliphate, historically a single transnational Islamic state based on sharia. In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhoods Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) has been promoting itself as a moderate Islamic group, but the Salast party al-Nur is much more explicit about its intentions to impose a strict interpretation of Islam. The Islamist Islah Party is expected to be the main
force in post-Saleh Yemen, while the Libyan National Transitional Council has stated that sharia will be the principal source of law in the countrys new constitution. This new Islamic political order can lead only to a worsening of conditions for Christian minorities in the region; they suffered decades of discrimination and restrictions, even persecution, under the old regimes, but the fallen dictators did at least keep Islamist extremists in check. There has been a surge of antiChristian violence since the ousting of Mubarak in Egypt, prompting an exodus of an estimated 100,000 Christian families. Meanwhile, Syrian
Christians are fearful that they could suffer a repeat of what happened to their Iraqi counterparts in postSaddam Hussein Iraq if Assad falls; Islamist extremists were free to wreak havoc on the Christian community in Iraq, and hundreds of thousands were forced to ee their homes as a result. Many went to Syria, which was one of the last bastions of peace and equality for Christians in the Arab world. As the Arab Spring spread through the region around this time last year, Barnabas Fund sounded one of the early warning sirens that it could lead to a Christian Autumn; sadly, this prediction is increasingly becoming a reality.
Pastor Umar Mulinde after acid was thrown over his face and r Umar u inde afte cid w thrown over s face and a fter d n back (Source: Vision Group / New Vision Printing and Publishing urc Visi Group New Vision rc is ew i ntin and Publishing ti ublish ng ub Company) pa pany an
PROCLAIM FREEDOM
Barnabas Funds Proclaim Freedom campaign will run to the end of 2012 and will seek to raise the prole of the persecuted Church around the world. It will have two specic aims: to press governments to be active in promoting human rights in other countries for all minorities, but especially religious freedom for the roughly 200 million Christians living under the shadow of persecution, discrimination and disadvantage to press governments to work to ensure that other countries bring to justice citizens who either incite anti-Christian hatred or engage in anti-Christian violence A copy of the Proclaim Freedom petition is enclosed with this magazine. It provides us all with an opportunity to inform our governments that the time for words is over and that decisive policies should be followed, aimed at putting pressure on states that persecute or condone the persecution of Christians and assisting other countries to improve the lot of minority groups within their borders. Please sign this petition and promote it within your church and community. You can help us inuence government policy, which in turn could bring greater hope and freedom to our brothers and sisters throughout the world. You can obtain additional copies of the petition sheet by contacting your local Barnabas ofce (addresses on back cover), or by downloading them from www.barnabas.org/proclaim-freedom-petition. You are also welcome to photocopy the sheet yourself.
been imposed in several countries. Converts from Islam in countries such as Afghanistan and Iran can face the death penalty. Aasia Bibi, a Christian mother, remains on death row in Pakistan after being convicted under the notorious blasphemy laws. In North Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka and parts of India, life has been getting worse for many Christians, to mention but a few contexts. Christians are one of the largest and most persecuted groups in the world.2 Yet they often appear to be the most neglected group in Western governments foreign policy. There is little concrete engagement with the issues, even though governments may recognise that respect for minorities and human rights is a foundation stone for national and international peace and security. Governments have signicant potential inuence with other countries. Massive amounts of foreign aid are given to poorer countries; this aid can be well directed or unwisely directed. States maintain diplomatic relations, bilateral ties and security arrangements and cooperate in many elds. Most countries have signed up to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other conventions, some of which have specic legal mechanisms for dealing with countries who do not meet their responsibilities. There is plenty of scope for positive inuence.
If you believe in the cause of freedom, then proclaim it, live it and protect it, for humanitys future depends on it.
Henry M. Scoop Jackson (1912 1983) US Congressman and Senator The emerging dominance of Islamists following the Arab Spring is unlikely to result in any improvement in human rights for religious minorities in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt or elsewhere in the Arab world. The situation is just as serious for Christians in many other parts of the globe. Last year Islamist groups in Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Somalia, for example, also carried out attacks against Christians. In Nigeria, the President declared a state of emergency on 1 January 2012 in response to a spate of Islamist attacks against Christians. In Central Asia a number of legislative restrictions on freedom of religion have
1 How can we remain silent while Christians are being persecuted?, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 2011 Ho ain silent while Christi silent hile Christians e being persecuted?, bein ted? Dail Teleg h Daily Telegraph, 22 D mber 2011 December 2 Christians and Lions, The Economist, 31 December 2011. 3 As cited by the OSCE Chair on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also Focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions. 10 BARNABAS AID MARCH/APRIL 2012
We continue our series on some of the key teachings of the Christian faith by focussing on the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ.
he Lord Jesus Christ is the heart and soul of the Christian faith. Without Him every one of its distinctive claims about God and His relation to us falls to the ground in ruins. Only because He is the Word of God made esh (John 1:1, 14), the One who was in the form of God but was made in human likeness (Philippians 2:6-7), can He reveal God perfectly to us and open for us the way back to Him. So any attack on the Person of Christ is an attack on the integrity of Christianity itself. The Person of Christ in the Bible But for Christians, Jesus Christ is not just the Lord but our Lord, not just the Saviour but our Saviour. With God the The Synoptic Gospels and Acts Father and the Holy Spirit, He is the most important Person The accounts in the rst three Gospels of Jesus public in our lives, the One who makes us what we most truly are, and (at least ideally) our closest friend. So those who call His ministry present Him as a prophet, someone who declares identity into question are challenging not only the content of an authoritative message from God in the power of the Holy our faith, but also our most vital and signicant relationship. Spirit. The title is found once on His own lips (Luke 4:24 and The New Testament (NT) paints a series of very rich parallel passages), and He is also hailed as a prophet by others and varied portraits of Jesus Christ, which together make up a (e.g. Matthew 21:11; Luke 24:19). His ministry is empowered powerful and coherent picture. But the principal non-Christian by the Spirit (Luke 4:14); and He proclaims a Gospel from religions all deny some of its central elements. They do this God (Mark 1:14-15). either by putting other human beings or gods on the same or But although the title of prophet is an accurate descripa higher level with Christ (such as the many gods of Hindu- tion of Jesus, it is not a sufcient one. When He asks His ism) or by rejecting key Biblical statements about Him (such disciples who people say that He is, their list of suggestions as those relating to His deity and includes various prophetic gures divine Sonship). Any attack on the Person of Christ (Mark 8:28). But when Jesus asks Islam does both of these is an attack on the integrity of who they say that He is, Peter replies things. It places many other prophChristianity itself. You are the Christ (Messiah in ets on a level with Jesus (whom Hebrew) (Mark 8:29). Jesus is not Muslims call Isa), and it elevates the prophet of Islam, Mu- only a prophetic gure, but also a royal one; He is the Christ, hammad, to a vastly higher place. It also declares that Jesus Gods anointed King of His people Israel. Jesus identity as the Christ is revealed at various places was just a human being and not God; that someone else was crucied in His place; and that He did not rise from the dead. in these Gospels, including His baptism when He is anointed Yet because the Muslim Isa seems to resemble the Christian by the Spirit (Matthew 3:16) and His triumphal procession Jesus in some other ways, many people, even some Christians, to Jerusalem when the crowds acclaim Him as Son of David believe that the two gures are essentially the same. (Matthew 21:9). As Messiah, Jesus brings in the Kingdom of How are we to respond to these claims and witness God, His saving rule, through His preaching and powerful effectively to our Lord? The rst step must be to understand works (Matthew 4:23; Luke 11:20). In His Person and minclearly what the NT has to say about Him. In this paper we istry the great Old Testament (OT) promises of salvation and will look briey1 at its teaching in four main sections: the rst restoration begin to be fullled (Matthew 1:21-23; 4:15-16). three Gospels and Acts; the letters of Paul; the Gospel and But the three Gospels also show us that Jesus role as letters of John; and the rest of the NT. We will then look at Messiah can be fully understood only in terms of His suffer-
how this relates to and challenges Muslim (and other) views of His Person. The NT writers paint their picture of Christ like a group of skilled workers putting up a magnicent building. Matthew, Mark and Luke lay a solid and extensive foundation; Paul raises a beautiful and complex structure; and John adds the roof with its soaring pinnacles. Other authors add various rich adornments. As we shall see, their completed work reveals the majestic glory of the Son of God, who is both fully God and fully human.
II
1: A comprehensive treatment of everything that the NT says about Jesus Christ would require a large volume! We will focus here on its most important afrmations about Him, especially those that are particularly relevant to mission among Muslims and others. 2: 2 and 3 John contribute little to our understanding of the Person of Christ, so only the rst letter is mentioned here.
www.barnabasfund.org
BARNABAS PARTNERS
Barnabas Partners
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the rst day until now. Philippians 1:3-5
Ch t an rayin in Zimbabwe Christians praying in Zimbabwe h n ray ng abw w
At Barnabas Fund we are very grateful for the prayers and generosity of our supporters, which enable us, with the help of our Lord, to transform the lives of so many Christians who suffer for their faith. But the needs are immense, and we want to share them with as many people as possible. The Apostle Paul rejoiced that his readers in Philippi were partners with him in his ministry of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. And we too recognise our need for partners in our ministry of making known the plight of the persecuted churches. Our partners include the numerous Christian individuals, churches and organisations through whom we channel our aid to the persecuted Church in many countries. They also include the voluntary representatives who give selessly of their time and energy to support what we do in many churches and regions across the UK. If you share our passion for serving our suffering brothers and sisters and have the time and desire to join us in this work, then we would like to invite you too to become a Barnabas Partner. There are several roles you can choose from.
Prayer Partner
Prayer is our leading priority. If God has given you a burden to pray for persecuted Christians, you may like to become a Prayer Partner by joining one of our dedicated prayer groups or setting up one of your own. We will provide Prayer Partners with a Prayer Group Starter Pack, and with regular prayer updates.
Church Partner
As a Church Partner, you can support our ministry in any or all of the following ways: Distributing the Barnabas Aid magazine and other printed materials at your church Encouraging prayer at church prayer meetings and services or through your notice sheet Alerting your church leaders to emergency needs Promoting special events such as the annual Suffering Church Sunday, and encouraging church members to support our petitions and campaigns Motivating individuals and churches to support Barnabas Fund and to receive Barnabas
Aid
Area Partner
Area Partners promote the work of Barnabas Fund across a local area rather than within just one fellowship. We would like to have at least one Area Partner in each county or district, but the area covered by each person can be tailored according to the time that you have to give. In this role you might help to promote special Barnabas Fund meetings in the area, distribute material to local churches, look for opportunities for speakers and support Church Partners.
Speaker
We are also looking for individuals who have experience in public speaking (and maybe preaching) to give a voice to persecuted Christians who cannot speak for themselves. As a Speaker you may be approached by Barnabas Fund to undertake a few speaking engagements each year in local churches or for Christian groups, though we understand that these must t with your own schedule. You will also be free to initiate your own engagements.
In addition to our regular material, Area Partners, Church Partners and Speakers will receive a bi-monthly brieng which will highlight key information for you to pass on to your church. You will be supplied with extra resources (such as DVDs, PowerPoint presentations, posters and leaets) about our ministry and the projects we support. You will also be invited to regional brieng events, when you can learn more about persecuted Christians around the world and how to be effective in your ministry with Barnabas Fund.
We greatly appreciate the efforts of all our Partners, regardless of how much time they can give to helping us. If you are interested in taking on one of these roles, please apply online at www.barnabasfund.org/partnership, or by email to partnership@barnabasfund.org, or contact your national ofce (addresses on back cover).
SPOTLIGHT
You made it possible for us to remain in the Lords service when every reason urged us to retreat from discouragement, retreat from lack of sufcient funds and retire from insufcient know-how. You have encouraged us, funded us and educated us when we so much needed it. If we are a kite the Lord is ying, you are the string in his hands.
Francis Omondi, senior ministry leader, Kenya priority in Barnabas Funds ministry is to strengthen, equip and encourage Christian leaders who are serving the Lord in contexts of pressure or hostility. From senior leaders who head up large organisations to simple pastors caring for their ock, Barnabas Fund partners with them to enable them in their ministry.
Barnabas Fund has been a real source of inspiration and encouragement to us strengthening our hands in ministry over the past seven years. They have not only made us strong, bold and courageous but have given to us through their nancial support the will and resolve to take the message of the Gospel across Guyana and the Caribbean
Paul Mursalin heads up a ministry in Guyana, South America, that is reaching Muslims with the message of the Gospel via television.
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the rst day until now (Philippians 1:4-5).
SPOTLIGHT
We also fund specialised training to equip leaders with particular skills needed in their own ministry contexts and to help them face persecution. Workshops, Bible courses and conferences help individuals to develop ministry skills and bring leaders together for teaching, encouragement and to share about the challenges they face, seek solutions and develop strategies to respond. Barnabas also invests in the church leaders of the future through seminars for Christian students. For example, in Bangladesh young people are the key to the health of a Christian minority that is despised and marginalised. We funded 73% of the costs of four regional conferences, attended by 320 students in total. The conference theme was Hebrews 10:22-24, and there were workshops on mission, culture, and dealing with the frustrations of life as a Christian student or seeking work in a country where Christians are discriminated against.
During 2010 and 2011 Barnabas provided 1,480,834 pieces of Christian literature, including Bibles and other items, in 14 languages and 24 countries.
Many Christian leaders are desperately short of the ministry resources that we take for granted in the West. Christian books and study materials are especially important. Barnabas Fund provides for the translation, printing and distribution of Bibles and other Christian books, booklets and magazines in various languages. For example, in Pakistan an Urdu study Bible and a synopsis of the four Gospels have been produced for the rst time.
In situations of hostility or pressure from other religions, Christians need to be well grounded in their faith and need a thorough understanding of why they believe in Christ. For this purpose effective leadership is vital. Whilst we profoundly believe that it is the Holy Spirit who guides, encourages and supports His people, particularly those in leadership positions, it can also be very helpful for them to be equipped and resourced. But in some countries, many dedicated and hard-working church leaders have not had the opportunity of training to equip them for their ministry. In the last two years, Barnabas Fund has supported 10,240 Christians who are equipping themselves for service by studying. We support theological colleges, Bible colleges, and other Christian training institutes in 26 countries, including Algeria, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan. A Bible school in Kyrgyzstan is equipping men and women to become pastors and missionaries in their own country. One graduate said, Knowledge that I get here helps me very much in ministry It is especially important because we live in Islam majority country. Therefore we need to know Christian dogmatic questions to talk about Jesus and to explain many problems.
Pas o Pa tor Khok r (front left) receiving his Urdu asto as or ok oka ont left) c v u Study Bible from the Pakistan Bible Society u y ef he k stan B n t
It was my great desire to get this Bible The whole congregation will be blessed through this book.
Pastor Sharif Khokhar received an Urdu Study Bible from Barnabas Fund to help him in understanding the Bible and preparing sermons for his church members. Discrimination and fear of violence are part of daily life for many pastors in Pakistan. Many also live in deep poverty.
Pastor H. in Algeria Courageous and faithful, enduring hardship and persecution, hundreds of evangelists, church-planters and pastors are faithfully serving the Lord in their own homelands with support from Barnabas Fund. In the last two years, our assistance, together with local donations or small income-generation projects, has enabled 573 full-time Christian workers to continue serving the Lord in 33 countries.
I thank you and the brothers and sisters in Barnabas Fund organisation who are a great blessing to me and my family, as you have been my partners in the work which the Lord has accomplished through me. I am truly very encouraged and relieved on the issue of finance for my needs and the needs of my family.
Spiritual hunger fed by Bible training in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Wracked by bloody conict for many years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is also a desperately poor country. Many trained pastors have been killed in the violence and churches are being led by those who have had no opportunity to train. Some do not even own a copy of the Bible.
The atmosphere throughout the week was vibrant and there was an air of expectation and excitement... These pastors are hungry for teaching, reported one
One hundred senior pastors and 20 leading women workers from all over the DRC attended the training and each received a copy of the Africa Bible Commentary. Another 40 were so eager to learn that they attached themselves unofcially to the session, sitting at the back, listening and taking notes.
Reference numbers: 00-430 Leadership Training Fund 00-360 Christian Literature 00-362 Bibles and Scriptures 00-477 Pastors Support Fund 00-478 Evangelists Support Fund
Leaning on the
a story of persecution
Lord
Debbie came from a strict Muslim family in a Muslim-majority country. Her father was an inuential businessman with contacts in the government. Here is her testimony. Trying to ll an empty heart
Debbie says, Growing up I had everything I wanted. I always felt the need of being close to the creator, I did all my Islamic requirements to be a good servant to Allah; I also followed and obeyed my fathers rules But I was angry and lonely growing up. When I was 17 I wanted to run away from my life. Of course that was not possible so I came up with a plan of going out of the country to study. I expected that my father would not easily accept this plan, because I am a girl and girls should stay home, but surprisingly he agreed to send me to England to study. I moved to England in 1998 and found that it was very different from my country. I started my studies and after a while I started making friends and learning the life that was offered to many young people in England: parties, alcohol and even drugs. I was so lost in my heart and felt so lonely and rejected for my whole life that new friendships were a way to ll my empty heart. It did not take me long to understand that nothing was lling that emptiness I felt like I was so far from the creator and as a Muslim girl I was not doing the right things by drinking and going to parties. This made me feel even more depressed and lost. The last straw in my life happened when I found out that my anc was cheating on me.
LEARNING FROM THE PERSECUTED CHURCH church, she replied, That it is not ever possible. I am a Muslim girl and I know that Christianity is corrupted; why would I go to listen to lies of the people when I knew that Islam is the nal religion on earth? But the next morning, Debbie was at church! How had she ended up back there, and why did all the people there look happy and act like they loved each other when they were not even related? Every Sunday for two months, Debbie went to church to try to understand what they were saying and how they were so full of love and hope. She decided Christianity was a happy loving religion and thought, I should just become a Christian and maybe that is the way I will be like them; happy, joyful and loving. I could still believe in Allah. Happy with her decision and thinking this would not be a problem for anyone, she called her father to tell him that she had become a Christian. To her surprise, he did not like it, and she found herself out on the streets within two weeks. Debbie says I was rejected by all of my friends, my aunt and everyone I knew. They were all against me just because I said I had become a Christian. As I was Shortly after I moved into their house they got me a Bible in my own language. I started reading and fell in love with the Word of God. It was so deep but also so easy to read and understand. It was so touching and full of love that I was weeping and laughing; all of my emotions were upside down and I could not understand why or how this book was touching my heart so much. I would read and take notes and ask a lot of questions every day. I came to an understanding of who Jesus really is, why He died on the cross and what salvation means. In April 2000, I was baptised. to trust Him and follow Him no matter how difcult it seemed. He said he would lead me and I was to follow Him. In the morning I knew He wanted me to go back to my home country, where there was a secret Bible school that would take me and hide me. I could learn and study the Bible in my own language and share the Gospel with my people. But going back could mean possible death, because her father could easily nd her. Debbie declares, When faith rises up, nothing can stop God from what he has planned. I had faith and trusted him to take care of the details. Despite her lack of paperwork, passport or ID, she managed to leave Britain. When she arrived in her home country, the computers were not working, the customs ofcers were unable to check her name against their records, and she passed through without difculty. She says, It was like I did not exist. I was not in England and nobody knew that I was in my home country. I could be free to study the Word of God.
Kidnapped
Shortly after her baptism, Debbie was kidnapped outside her home. Her abductors said they would kill her unless she returned to her country as a Muslim. Refusing, she started to sing her favourite worship song. Debbie recalls, I was a believer and a follower of Jesus with my full heart and not even death could separate me from Him. I was not scared nor did I feel pain from the cuts on my neck. After all that they had done and said to me, I was still peaceful and could sing a song. That was not what they
My Jesus, My Saviour, Lord, there is none like you; all of my days I want to praise the wonders of your mighty love.
Debbies favourite worship song, which she sang to her captors
thinking that this is the worst thing to happen to me I realised my father was sending his friends to take me back to my home town. If I went back, many bad things could happen to me, including death. It was a cold rainy day and I was wet and hungry. I was ghting with God saying, just because I said I will believe you and be a Christian look at what is happening to me. I cried out asking for my life back even if I hated it; then I said, Give me a family and friends, make me happy and feel like I belong, I can trust again, then I will give you my whole life and will serve you until the last day of my life. Nothing happened. No angels came down from heaven, nor did I hear a sound, but a peace took over my mind.
were expecting. Confused, her captors let her go, and after a short stay in hospital Debbie returned to S and B.
A new family
A few minutes later, Debbies phone rang. A couple from the church (S and B) wanted to meet her for lunch. When they found out she no longer had a place to live, they gave her a room in their house.
BIBLICAL REFLECTION
ritrea is an extreme example, but only because persecution there is so severe. In this and every issue of Barnabas Aid we tell the story of Christians in many parts of the world who suffer because of their faith in Christ. For many thousands of our brothers and sisters, discrimination, oppression and persecution are part of their daily experience. Even for Christians in the supposedly more tolerant West, the insidious and relentless pressure of mockery and marginalisation can often be hard to bear. How are these sufferings for Christ to be endured? In other words, how can we stay faithful to our Lord in the face of them, continuing to confess His Name and maintaining a consistent Christian lifestyle? This is one of the questions that our passage, from Pauls letter to the Romans, is intended to answer.
required for Christian discipleship (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). On a much greater and vastly more important scale, this is also the message of our passage. Paul says to his readers, I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in [or to] us (verse 18). He acknowledges that suffering is an inescapable part of authentic Christian living here and now: in the verse just before he has said that our status as co-heirs with Christ is conditional on our suffering with Him (verse 17). But this anguish ies upwards on the scales when weighed against what we will receive later, because those who suffer with Christ will also have the amazing privilege of being gloried with Him. For us too, the future gain is most denitely worth the present pain. The immediate context of Pauls argument is his teaching in 8:1-11. Here he explains how God, through Christ and the Spirit, has set believers free from the esh (which is the sinful state of human beings), from sin and from death. In doing this God has made it possible for us to full His law; so if we live our lives according to the Spirits promptings and in the Spirits power, He will bring us life and peace, and in the end God will raise us from the dead. In light of this great act of God, Paul goes on to explain how Christians are to endure suffering for
the sake of their Lord. The passage falls naturally into two sections: verses 12-17 and verses 18-30.
BIBLICAL REFLECTION
sisters who suffer acute forms of persecution. But the past action of God on our behalf urges us on from behind; the future promise of God about our glory draws us on from in front; and the present enabling of the Spirit empowers us from within.
as it should. As part of this great deliverance, the bodies of believers will also be redeemed, as we rise to share Christs resurrection glory and His rule over the renewed and redeemed creation.
We do not fully understand how the distress of the persecuted churches, or even our own, is used by God for our good, but we know that the end result is greater blessing than we can imagine.
Life for Christians is not easy in the meantime! Although we hope condently for these great blessings, we do not possess them yet, and are still bound up with the pain of the unredeemed creation. But even though we do not even know what is right to pray, Gods Spirit within us intercedes on our behalf. In the midst of our sufferings we have someone to stand with us before God, whose groaning, too deep for words, expresses what we long to say but cannot.
And God works everything together for good for His people, those whom He has called to Himself and who love Him. Even the most extreme sufferings that we may have to endure for Him are worked into His purpose to transform us into the image of His Son, a process that ends in our being gloried with Him. We do not fully understand how the distress of the persecuted churches, or even our own, is used by God for our good, but we know that the end result is greater blessing than we can imagine. When the gain of our glorious hope is unpacked in this way, we realise that it really is more than worth the pain of our present sufferings. Not only are we promised a share in Christs resurrection and reign in a world made new; we also have the Spirit to lead us there through His intercession, and Gods promise to use even our trials to full His wonderful purpose for us. These convictions, sealed on our hearts by that same Spirit, enable us to stand rm in the face of persecution.
IN TOUCH
Barnabas Fund would like to give a special thank you to Josiah Davis, age 6, from London for raising money to help Christians in Pakistan. Josiah writes, Dear Barnabas Fund, I sold my chocolate tifn at our church toddler group. I collected 26. This money is for the Christians in Pakistan who are living under tarpaulin because of the oods in 2010. From Josiah Davis.
W We are pleased to announce that we now have regional ofces in Scotland a Northern Ireland. We are thankful to the Lord for the great interest and shown in these posts and have been able to appoint outstanding individuals with relevant previous experience. Robbie Toop is our new Barnabas Fund Scotland Coordinator. He can be contacted by email on scotland@barnabasfund.org or by phone on 07798627376. Kris Baraniuk will be the Coordinator for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He can be contacted by email on NI@barnabasfund.org or ROI@barnabasfund.org or by phone on 07867854604.
k ta kist akista r stian a ed raise h g Josiah ( ig ) ra sed 2 or hristian Josiah (right) raised 26 for Christians in Pakistan
Did you know if you are selling an item via eBay, you can no between 10% and w donate 100% of the sale pr oceeds to Barnabas Fund? First, visit our eBay charity About us pa ge. To nd this, go www.ebay.co.u to k and go to the Sell menu. Select the option and then Bro Sell for Charity wse our charities in the right hand colum n. Next, click on sell now. You can then list your item/s in th specify the amount e usual way and of the sale that you wish Barnabas Fund addition, if you are to receive. In a UK tax payer, jus t select Gift Aid and to your donation at 25% will be added no cost to yourself.
The weeks leading up to Easter provide a good opportunity for us to focus on the needs of the persecuted Church, in both prayer and practical giving.
We are pleased to include with this magazine a copy of our 2012 Lent prayer booklet. We hope you nd this a useful tool to inspire and assist your prayers for Christians around the world in the weeks before Easter. Further copies are available to order from your nearest Barnabas ofce (addresses on back cover) or from our website (www. barnabasfund.org/resources). Please would you also consider making a donation or asking your church to take up an Easter offering to help our Christian brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith at this time? Thank you for your faithful support for persecuted Christians.
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Abolishing the Law of Apostasy future action Petition Delivered to UK Foreign Ofce
Barnabas Fund would like to express our gratitude to 69,013 people from a variety of countries who signed our Apostasy Petition in 2009-10. The petition called on national governments to support all efforts by Muslims to have the Islamic apostasy law abolished, so that Muslims who choose to leave their faith are no longer liable to any penalty but are free to follow their new convictions without fear, in accordance with Article 18 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Barnabas Fund will continue to press in 2012 for the abolition of this iniquitous law. According to all schools of sharia (Islamic law), an adult male Muslim who chooses to leave his faith should be killed. The punishment for a Muslim woman who apostatises is either imprisonment (with or without beatings) or death, according to the school of sharia. The sharia laws were codied by Islamic scholars in the 8th and 9th centuries. They interpreted two basic sources the Quran and the hadith (traditions recording what Muhammad said and
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You may contact Barnabas Fund at the following addresses: UK 9 Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX Telephone 024 7623 1923 Fax 024 7683 4718 From outside the UK Telephone +44 24 7623 1923 Fax +44 24 7683 4718 Email info@barnabasfund.org Registered charity number 1092935 Company registered in England number 4029536 For a list of all trustees, please contact Barnabas Fund UK at the Coventry address above. Australia Postal Suite 107, 236 Hyperdome, Loganholme QLD 4129 Telephone (07) 3806 1076 or 1300 365 799 Fax (07) 3806 4076 Email bfaustralia@barnabasfund.org Germany German supporters may send gifts for Barnabas Fund via Hilfe fr Brder who will provide you with a tax-deductible receipt. Please mention that the donation is for SPC 20 Barnabas Fund. If you would like your donation to go to a specic project of Barnabas Fund, please inform the Barnabas Fund ofce in Pewsey, UK. Account holder: Hilfe fr Brder e.V. Account number: 415 600 Bank: Evang. Kreditgenossenschaft Stuttgart Bankcode (BLZ): 520 604 10
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