Among persecuted Christians
The lecture was presented by speaker Br. Dariusz Pacan, representative of the “Open Doors” organization.
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus Christ” – with this verse from II Peter 1:2 Br. Darek began the evening meeting. In the song sung by the youth, the word “vigil” – very close to the heart of the Open Doors employee – rang strongly. Although we live in the longest time of peace in our country, but we see that this world is in conflict all the time. People are ruthless, but true peace will not come until the one who is the prince of peace – Jesus – comes. God watches over everything and nothing will escape His control. Life with Jesus is not just a walk through flowery meadows, but sometimes it is a walk through a dark valley. The psalmist David said: “I do not fear, for God is with me.” When one wants to conquer a peak, one is constantly walking uphill. It is the same with Christianity – we have to calculate the cost.
During the lecture, we watched several short films depicting the situation of persecuted Christians in various places around the world: testimonies of women from Bangladesh, Alonzo and Sylvia from Mexico.
In Psalm 90:12, which Moses wrote, we read: “Teach us to number our days, that we may possess a wise heart!” So what can we do? – Asked Br. Darek. We can pray and write letters to persecuted Christians, and God knows best how to guide your life.
Br. Witek thanked us for bringing us closer to the topic of persecution in the modern world, and read Romans 5:1-3, where Rev. Paul comforts Christians in a very strange way. We who are justified by faith have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. When I go through tribulations, my human nature, such as impatience, anger, etc., is revealed. Then I can suffer in the flesh and end up with sin. There is only the question, “Do I want to accept the gospel”?
Br. Leszek Czyz confessed that he was impressed by this lecture. We don’t realize how many people have to suffer for the gospel. Many would like to repair the whole world, but we must start with ourselves (Galatians 5:17). Jesus paved the way for us to peace, to unity – through suffering to glory. This lecture gave us a better understanding of those who suffer and made us realize that we should be more grateful for the time and place where we can live.
