Yes, I’m still sad for the people of Ukraine ….. and the many other countries in conflict. However, we spent last week in Sweden with Somali Christians living in Europe. Each one was a refugee from civil war at home and through hardship and suffering has put their trust in Jesus. Life is tough, but the praise was vibrant.

Somalis, themselves Sunni Muslims, have always been very strong supporters of Islam. Followers of Christ used to be rare indeed. Things are changing. With all the upheaval in that war-torn land people are moving and more willing to form new alliances.

The following night she dreamed again. This time her mother was calling her to sit by her and read from the Qur’an. Shania often did this for the family. She opened the book and heard herself read in Somali, not Arabic, “Jesus said, ‘I am the way the truth and the life.’” Everyone was angry, realising these words were not in the Qur’an. Again she heard herself read these unfamiliar words. Just as she was about to be attacked, the figure in white came, scooped her up and she escaped. Now, she knew it was Jesus she must worship. She Googled the verse, bought a Gospel of John, found a church and believed.

Full of enthusiasm she shared with Shino and the family back in Sweden, but for them this was a shameful act. Apostasy means instant divorce for Somalis, and Shania’s mother said Shino must leave her and take the children. He was also angry, but he himself had been raised without a mother and couldn’t bear to see his children suffer likewise. As long as she didn’t make them Christian too, perhaps he could live and let live. It was too late! His son and daughter were already believers and wanted to attend the church Shania had found. They shared with Dad, “Jesus said, ‘If you disown me before men I will disown you before my Father in heaven'” (Matthew 10: 33).

Shino was challenged and secretly began reading John’s Gospel in his taxi between fares. When the threats from Sweden got stronger telling him he must kill his wife, he noticed it’s the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy; Jesus, the Good Shepherd, brings life (John 10:10). Finally, one night he read the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). It seemed similar to Islam, the punishment being stoning…..but the ending was so so different. The one without sin should throw the first stone. From his Muslim background and reading of the Qur’an Shino knew Jesus was sinless and that he, alone, had this right. And yet he didn’t. Deeply moved he read on and found Jesus speaking directly to him. “Unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins (John 8:24)!” Shino returned home literally trembling at the Word and was united to his wife in faith.

Now, they are sharing their stories over the internet with Somalis right across the globe. Through their YouTube channel and social media outlets they are helping Somalis understand the gospel, come to faith and grow in the Lord.

I heard sad words last week spoken by an Afghan woman in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that shook Paktika province, near the border with Pakistan.

“God is trying to find as many ways possible to kill us.”

With over 1,000 dead and thousands more left injured and homeless, there is mourning in every street.

Lamentations

Something similar happened in Iran in 2003. A huge earthquake hit the southern city of Bam, and many of the traditional mud brick houses collapsed; out of a town of 100,000, around a third perished in the earthquake. Suddenly the government that had expelled foreigners threw open their doors and 87 NGOs from all over the world were entering Iran, without difficulty, collecting visas at the airport. God answered our prayers to open the country, but not in the way we had imagined. Julyan arrived, representing Operation Mercy, to a scene of utter devastation.

Behind the statistics were countless tales of human tragedy. A woman in the graveyard was screaming and throwing dust over her head in hysterical grief as she mourned the loss of her husband and all five of her children. This childless widow in her destitute state seemed to express the immeasurable pain of the suffering community at a time of national disaster. She resembled the Daughter of Zion, the Old Testament people of God, who experience the calamities of God’s judgement. The prophet Jeremiah laments on their behalf,

‘Look around and see. Is there any suffering like my suffering that was inflicted on me, that the Lord brought on me in the day of his fierce anger?’ (Lamentations 1:12).

Comfort

The Bible does teach earthquakes are a sign of the last days, when everything that can be shaken will be shaken, in order to reveal that which cannot be shaken. However, Muslims only understand God as Creator and Judge. It is the Christian’s privilege and responsibility to share he is also a gracious, forgiving Father who comes alongside us in our sorrows as a comforter, and who has overcome death in the resurrection of Jesus to give us hope. Those experiencing trauma and hardship, wherever they may be, need Christ’s presence alongside them demonstrating God’s compassion, helping to rebuild shattered lives, offering the true hope of the gospel. The church must be there in the hard shaken places to be both witnesses and advocates for the suffering.

If the inhabitants of Bam in Iran, or Paktika province in Afghanistan, are to find Jesus the Saviour God’s people have to go through the hardship with them. Like Jeremiah, the church must become the eyewitness, helping them to give voice and lament heavenward, acting as an advocate before God and the world. Those suffering mustn’t feel forgotten. Someone needs to speak tenderly and cry out like the prophet Isaiah, “Comfort, comfort my people!”

Footsteps of Blessing

Initially in the city of Bam there was need of relief work, but as the months passed the larger NGOs left. Operation Mercy staff stayed. They stayed through fiercely cold winters and suffocatingly hot summers to establish a rehabilitation centre to help survivors with spinal injuries who couldn’t find work. Sohrab was one who had to be carried to the centre in a blanket. Since breaking his back he had suffered terrible bed sores. Unable to cope, his wife had left him, and Sohrab had given up the will to live. With nursing care, good nutrition and the hope filled atmosphere at the centre, Sohrab’s health improved. He found the strength to persevere with the physiotherapy that enabled him to sit up and use a wheelchair. His wife returned, and he took up wood carving again.

After the earthquake in Iran, a local driver commented,

“The footsteps of the Christians have blessed Bam.”

What did he mean? The blessing was in their coming. It was in their staying, walking with them in their pain. As Paul said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, ‘Beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News’ (Romans 10:14-15).

Website: http://www.mercy.se
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/OpMercyInternational
https://www.instagram.com/opmercyint/

After the war, my parents both worked for Barry Ostlere and Shepherd Ltd, the main rival to Nairns. Romance began when my father, a joiner, was sent to the typing pool to mend Mum’s chair. Only Dad’s older brother was given the opportunity of further education, and Dad had rather reluctantly become Grandad’s apprentice. Mum was always trying and failing to lose weight, but maybe had she been skinny, she wouldn’t have broken her chair, and never married my dad! When my brother Barry was little, my parents didn’t want to have another baby so soon. Of course, they got used to the idea, but I wasn’t exactly planned …. except in the heart of my Heavenly Father (Ps.139:14).

This weekend I was sharing thoughts from Psalm 139 with a group of women, and was struck again by the awesomeness of God and his ways! We struggle to hold the mystery of God’s sovereignty together with our free will and responsibility, but they’re really two sides of the same coin. God’s ultimate authority and power give me great security and confidence; not like fate that makes folk passive. Our decisions and choices really are important, but without belief in God’s sovereignty I would be paralysed to take action in fear of making mistakes. It’s a great relief to know God isn’t taken by surprise when we get it wrong, and never has to play catch up. Rather, knowing us inside out, our motivations, thoughts, words and habits, he still lovingly allows us to partner with him, and this should make us brave to live for him, because he really does work all things together for his good purposes. His complete knowledge and constant presence with us should motivate us to co-labour with him and pray fervently,

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting (Ps139:23)!

Whether you’re an ardent fan of royalty or not, you can’t grudge our Queen a platinum jubilee celebration. Seventy years of faithful service is a real achievement, and in a day when duty and sacrifice are not highly esteemed the Queen is a great example of commitment to her coronation vow and resolute dedication to her role. She would be the first to give the credit to God’s grace and to Jesus, the bedrock of her Christian faith.

Jubilee

Jubilee has come to mean a big celebration, but its first mention is in the Bible. Every 50th year was to be a Jubilee, a kind of reset for the people of God. We read about it in Leviticus 25. The law provided for restoration socially, economically and even environmentally, as slaves were set free, land was returned to the original owners, and the earth was rested for a year. Yes, it was radical, and there seems to be no evidence that the Israelites actually kept it. We shouldn’t be surprised because we all fail to keep God’s laws.

When we look at our world today, we see our relationships with God, our fellow human beings and creation itself, are all marred by sin. Most people realise that something major has gone wrong but feel helpless to bring change. Many know fragmentation in their own lives, aware of personal psychological issues, unresolved emotional pain and mental health problems. There’s a lostness, a brokenness that yearns for reconciliation and healing.

How great our need of a Saviour!

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry he announces ‘the year of God’s favour’, or Jubilee, foretold by the prophet Isaiah (Isa. 61). Jesus unpacks God’s vision of freedom and renewal and clearly identifies himself as the Messiah who fulfils this Jubilee. “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4 v21).

Pentecost

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee of her 70 year reign coincides with Pentecost, when after the ascension of Christ to the throne of God 2000 years ago, he pours out his Holy Spirit, writing his law on our hearts and empowering us to live out a countercultural Jubilee lifestyle, renouncing greed and selfishness.

On Thursday evening our long weekend of celebrations began with the lighting of beacons all across the UK and the Commonwealth countries, in recognition of Queen Elizabeth’s outstanding life’s work. Lighting beacons as a means of marking key milestones has a long tradition dating back centuries to when it was a communication tool; the chain of beacons being used to spread important news.

Oh, that the Holy Spirit this Pentecost would kindle fire in our hearts, making churches a chain of beacons of hope throughout our land and across the world, proclaiming the Kingship of Jesus, and of God here now, and coming one day in all its fullness.

Let our hearts’ cry out, ‘Please light the beacons!’

Funeral Furore

Two days later I was flicking through news channels and while BBC was obsessing over the Wagatha Christie trial, I began to follow the live coverage of Shireen Abu Akleh’s funeral on Al Jazeera. I listened to eye witness accounts of fellow reporters standing with her when she was shot in the neck, and with her colleague Ali Samudi who was shot in the shoulder. Another in the group said they had been told about Israeli snipers on the roofs, but as it was quiet and they were wearing vests marked ‘press’ they felt safe from any real danger. Now, in their minds they were not caught in crossfire but rather targeted because they were Palestinian journalists.

The 51 year old veteran reporter was much loved and respected, so it was no surprise that thousands flocked to pay tribute by accompanying her coffin from the hospital in occupied East Jerusalem. I watched horrific scenes unfold as the Israeli police brutally assaulted the pallbearers. Officers fired tear gas and stun grenades and beat the mourners with batons in their efforts to confiscate national flags. At one point the coffin almost hit the ground, so fierce was the attack.

Politics and People

I feel privileged to have watched this live coverage, because there were details largely missed by other news outlets. Shireen was a Christian from Bethlehem and was buried in a Christian cemetery on Mount Zion. Her death united all Palestinian communities and has brought them a fresh emphasis on working together for their cause. In the months before her death Shireen was studying Hebrew in order to better understand Jewish reporting. The priest who would conduct her funeral was interviewed briefly above the bedlam as he headed into the church.

“I am standing here in Jerusalem to declare that we Christians believe in the power of love, not the love of power, and in the words of Jesus, ‘Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.’”

On Friday bells from a variety of denominations throughout Jerusalem rang out for half an hour in mourning, and today sirens wailed across the West Bank as hundreds of thousands in refugee camps remember Nakba, Arabic for catastrophe, when the state of Israel was founded.

The events of these last few days are a reminder of how deep the anger and bitterness of this conflict runs in Palestinian hearts and minds, and how heavy-handed Israeli forces can be in response. As Christians we don’t need to take sides. We can love the people without endorsing the actions of their governments. Let’s stand with the church on both sides of the conflict, interceding and lamenting and like Shireen having compassion for the poor and oppressed. Like her, may we be willing to speak truth to power and support peacemaking initiatives, knowing that deep and lasting peace only comes through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

On Easter Sunday two disciples of Jesus, confused and saddened by events of that weekend, are joined by ‘a stranger’ as they walk home from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Their problem? Despite the teachings of Jesus and his explicit warnings on several occasions, they had focused on only one aspect of Messiahship. He would be the triumphant king! In their minds this had to mean the end of occupation, not death in weakness and shame on a Roman cross.

Open the Scriptures

Jesus calls them foolish, slow to believe ALL that was spoken by the prophets. What a wonderful teaching session that must have been, as the very author of life unpacks for them the things concerning himself in ALL the Scriptures (Luke 24:25). How we need this. Jesus from Genesis to Malachi! The Old Testament is important to help us appreciate who Jesus is from Matthew to Revelation, and Jesus in the New Testament is vital to our understanding of the Old.

Open our minds

What did Jesus share concerning himself? Starting with the Books of Moses he no doubt drew their attention to Adam and Eve’s shame being covered with skins and the promise that though her descendant would crush the serpent’s head, his heel would be bruised. I’m sure he talked of the promise to Abraham and the substitution of the ram in place of his son – then the Passover lamb and the protection of the blood. Did he show how the whole sacrificial system foreshadowed the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 who would be led like a lamb to slaughter and pierced for our transgressions.

Sometimes I fear our understanding is limited because we focus on our favourite verses, without grasping the big picture of God’s plan for the world, and the role he has given to us, his followers. Perhaps this Bible study with Jesus brought home to them the awfulness of sin, the deep deep love of God and the inevitability of Calvary, that the path to glory was through pain and death. It was this opening of Scripture and the opening of their minds that caused their hearts to burn.

Open our eyes

Later in the chapter when the resurrected Jesus appears again we read he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem (Luke 24:44).”

Our friends on the road persuade Jesus to stay, and he turns from stranger to listener, to Bible teacher, to host at the table. Suddenly they see clearly; they recognise Jesus in the breaking of the bread. What wonderful communion as at last their hearts are in harmony with his. Jesus suddenly disappears but Cleopas and his friend have had their eyes opened to God, his plan and their role, all much bigger than they had thought. With great joy they return to Jerusalem and obey their commission to go and tell.

Ukraine’s National Bird

Yesterday was Mothering Sunday and I was thinking of mothers in Ukraine left alone to explain to their children why their family has been separated. So many sad farewells at the windows of packed evacuation trains. Of course, their Mother’s Day is celebrated, like the rest of the world, on May 8th. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if by international Mother’s Day this ugly war was over and like their national bird, they could return to their homeland.

Mother’s Heart

It’s hard to imagine going back to cities where homes and infrastructure are totally destroyed. So many fathers and husbands killed. I just read about a woman who arrived at the Hungarian border with four children. Only one was her own. One was her sister’s. She had gone to search for water but didn’t come back. Another she found in the street beside her parents who were lying dead. The fourth child she had met wandering in the ruined streets, so she took him in as well. This is just an example of so many tragic stories.

Sparrows

I remember comforting my own children in the 80s when my husband Julyan was arrested with other members of the Turkish church; plain clothed policemen searched our house in the middle of the night and removed bibles and many of our Christian books. Emma, aged 7, was relieved her dad was together with the ‘uncles’ she loved and trusted and who could help answer difficult questions. Samim, aged 4, was concerned that if the police were reading all our books to understand Christianity, it might take a long time! He suggested we send them his books which had pictures.

We learned from our Iranian friends their celebration of Nowruz, their New Year traditions at the spring equinox. This ancient festival predates Islam and is celebrated by many countries with links to Persian culture. With its emphasis on new life, darkness to light, barrenness to fruitfulness, I find it easy to incorporate it into my wonder of Easter when I remember the death and resurrection of Jesus; in Christ the old is gone and everything is made New.

Haft-seen Table

God’s Table

God affirms in the psalms that he can spread a table in the wilderness (Psalm 78:19). As we pray for those fleeing war to find a welcome and warm hospitality wherever they find themselves, let’s determine to be part of the answer. God even prepares a table in the presence of enemies (Psalm 23:5). May those living in war-torn cities, cities under siege, find miraculous provision and protection. Let’s keep praying.

In this time of suffering and great trial, in countries plagued by war, famine and disease, many church leaders have stayed to serve the people. More Iranians, Afghans and Kurds are following Jesus. In Ukraine Scriptures are in demand. Deep questions are being asked, and the weapons of praise and prayer are being wielded. As the nations are shaken may many come and find meaning in The Lord’s Table of bread and wine, symbols of Jesus’ body and blood given for us. We all need forgiveness, strength to persevere in faith and hope that God’s new day is coming soon.

New Day

How we long for the day when the Kingdom of God fully comes and peace reigns on earth. Then the tears of individual believers will be wiped away. However, God seems to acknowledge national suffering too, for he says the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of nations (Revelation 22:2), and the Psalmist prays, “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy!” (Ps 67:4).

Prayer:

Thank you for the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Thank you for the church and the many believers in Ukraine and Russia. Like sunflowers that turn to follow the sun, in this time of great trial may there be a massive turning to you, their true Son!

Prayer:

We know that we can’t live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Thank you for the courage of your church and their leaders who continue to care for their people and sow the seeds of your Word broadly in these desperate days. May this crisis bring a spiritual awakening throughout Europe.

The Chief Rabbi in Ukraine has called all Christians to join with Jews in praying Psalm 31 together. A staff worker for the Ukrainian Bible Society and pastor of a church says this psalm of David is their reality right now and God is speaking to many through its timeless words of truth. May the Word of God continue to be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (119:105).

Prayer:

Faithful God, your people are in distress; they are filled with sorrow fear and grief. You see their affliction in cities under bombardment. Mute the lying lips that spread fake news, and bring down the proud. You are God. Show your love, bring deliverance as we plead together with the Ukrainian saints for mercy. Let your people be strong, take courage and wait for you, Lord.