Kingdom workers

It's almost getting a little late for this post, as the immediate excitement is fading. I have to say, it is embarrassing to see how much fear we as Christians have to talk about "religion," whether it is with other Christians in public (where we could be overheard), or whether it is to non-believers. To some extent; it seems worse at work, because that would be considered inappropriate. The other day, however, I had some sort of eye-opening: What it comes down to is this: Our embarrassment and shame to reveal ourselves as "Christians" I think shows a deep underlying refusal to believe that God is "who He says He is;" namely all-powerful, ever-present, and above all things (and people, including their opinions of you and me, mind you) of this world. If we really believed that God is just that big, and we believe that God is on our side, then how come we don't act "proud to be Christian," and boast in Him all the time? Somehow, that question just resonated with me, and I resolved right then to practice "boasting in Him" more often, despite all my science-coworkers (who will probably think that it's "weak" or "not scientifically sound" to believe that God created the whole world). Don't you think it's AWESOME that He DID?

For my encouragement, God then provided some excellent examples of three kingdom workers who, quite unlike me, are not afraid: 3 middle-schoolers whom I teach on Sunday mornings. Scary, huh? The one with the responsibility to teach, being "schooled" by her students! It was an entirely off-topic conversation that started after class, but almost made all of us late for service:) The first shared how she had invited a non-believing friend (with anti-Christian parents) to her house to play, and intentionally set out all the "Christian" things she owned. Turns out, this friend was hooked on a CD that day, that her nonbelieving mother (get this) ordered as a Birthday present through a Christian bookstore. Now, my Sunday schooler was struggling to see how this girl could become a Christian, with her parents being opposed to "religion." So, girl #2 shared stories of 2 girls that had become faithful believers despite their parents. And on it went, how she and a friend had been inviting others to church-related fun activities, and one of five is now a regular attendee at some of their meetings. Girl #3 shared how she had also invited others, but none had yet come. However, her excitement for Christ was obvious, because the minute I said that I sometimes felt "shy" to reveal that I'm a Christian, she retorted: "No, I'm excited to tell people!" (sort of saying, "What's wrong with YOU?) These young Christians are out there, doing the work of the harvesters, and I'm ashamed to say, I've not kept up with them. But what an encouragement to hear first-hand what God is doing in our community!

In conclusion, we decided to pray for these teenagers, and especially their seeking friends, this week, anytime a snapping sound or a clapping sound is heard... feel free to join in that prayer in any way you wish!

Silke