March 31, 2003

Walking with heroes
___Some ask why we stay in a Muslim country during dangerous times.
___Some tell us we cannot travel because of risk. Some say the age of Western career missionaries is over because long-term commitment is counter-cultural, and it is cheaper to "hire" our mission work done.
___I am praying that God will call out people to go counter-culture to know the joy and agony of being transplanted into other cultures to share Jesus with those who never have heard or experienced the gospel. Why?
___Because I have walked with some heroes recently:
___ A husband and wife from Asian country 1 have started a church-planting movement although it is illegal and their lives are constantly under threat.
___ A brother from Asian country 2 lives under a death threat. His brother is a military commander of a well-known terrorist group. He joyfully tells of seeing emerging groups of believers.
___ A brother from Asian country 3 was forced to choose following Christ or legally remaining his daughter's father. Choosing Christ, he was not allowed to take his role as father at her wedding.
___ Another brother in Asian country 4 left a successful pastorate and salary in order to reach an ethnic group that hates his own ethnic group. He serves knowing the secret police have him under surveillance.
___ An American in Asian country 5 was recently threatened at gunpoint. He still witnesses there.
___Jesus said: "Take up your cross," die to self and follow me.
___ S. Kent Parks
___ Unreached people groups Asia

Proud heritage
___It is saddening to hear about those who are ashamed to call themselves Baptists.
___I pray they understand why we are called Baptist. It is a title that was given to us by our persecutors. We opposed infant baptism and thus were given the label. Many Christians who took this stand were martyred for their beliefs.
___We should be ashamed that we have allowed public opinion to dictate what we call ourselves. This title comes from a proud heritage of believers who took a stand for what was right.
___Maybe we should drop the words "Christian" and "born again," because they might make someone think we are too slanted.
___ John Sanders
___ Lubbock
___What do you think? Submit letters for Texas Baptist Forum via e-mail to marvknox@baptiststandard.com or regular mail at Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267. Because of space considerations, letters must be no longer than 250 words. They may be edited to accommodate space. Published letters reflect a cross-section of letters received.

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