Christian Soldiers: Soul Martyrs

Today I heard on the radio and subsequently saw on the internet the story of Gayle Williams who has been shot by the Taliban. her alledged crime was 'Spreading Christianity'. Her Christian humanitarian work for the charity 'Serve Afghanistan' was offerred to all regardless of religion or nationality. A spokesman for the charity said 'God loves people so we love people'. That was what cost Gayle her life: her love for mankind.

Just a matter of months ago Colonel Bo Brekke was gunned down in his office shortly after taking part in a worship service. The story goes that he was killed for taking a principled stand - the case is yet to be tried.

These two individuals - and countless others - driven by the gospel call to serve all of mankind have paid the true cost and gained their reward: 'To live is Christ and to die is gain' (Philippians 1:21). Both can be rightly and properly called Christian Soldiers and martyred because of God's guidance upon their soul. No one would want these deaths to occur. Not one person wants another to suffer in the name of Christ - but his living and teaching always let his followers know that the road would not be smooth. For those of his followers whose lives are easy the example of Bo Brekke and Gayle Williams serves to remind each one of us - today is the day we serve Christ. It will be costly to be a disciple and the company of followers gone before who have died in spiritual combat deserve our remebrance of their suffering as an inspiration for our sacrificial serve.

Thank God for our Soul Martyrs - Well done good and faithful servants.

What a weekend!

No not partying 'til I drop but following that sometimes narrow road up to the Caithness Coast, spending time with my boys and lovely wife who is thankfully getting stronger by the day although tiring very quickly.
Spending time with good people and remembering that experience is no preparation for personal pain particularly when someone is taken from us - their earthly life coming to an end their eternal life continuing but those who have ministered to them as friends are left with real pain and the challenge of continuing in relevant ministry, yet our God who calls home is the same God who equips for the day to day ministry of caring that continues. A new friend of mine is in my prayers as he faces the prospect of ongoing care for family members as well as pastoral care for others around the fellowship.
Having thought a lot about death in recent days I am now convinced more than ever of God's overall control and our utter helplessness in the face of that plan so that our faith is all we are left with - that and the knowledge that it is not until Jesus is all we have that we realise that he really is all we need.