The Upper Room Diaries

It is interesting to note that there was actually a time when Jesus said that it would be impossible for a certain group of religious people to be saved. To that, his disciples were greatly astonished and asked “who then can be saved?” [Jesus looked at them and said “with man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”] (Matthew 19:26)

As I dive deeper into Missions I come to realize that religious sensitivity is a very real issue. You may think that I am talking about Singapore, but no, I am primarily referring to the situation abroad. Our situation here in Singapore is very mild compared to certain regions abroad. Hence the task of Missions Awareness (Publicity for Missions) is to know what can be said and what cannot be said. Usually, it is the things that cannot be said that are the most inspiring. The challenge is to say what cannot be said, in the wisest way possible, so that you as the Church, can rally behind the people involved and support them in prayer. This massive task would require much wisdom from the Lord.

At the beginning of this year, I had an encouraging chat with one of our Chinese brothers. Speaking of missionaries, he said that back home, being a missionary is one of the most respected in terms of ministry vocations. The reason is “because they really serve God using their life.” Reading this in English does not justify the effect it meant in Mandarin. What he meant was that many people are willing to serve God using their gift and talents, but not many people are willing to do the same with their life. This is what our missionaries and mission workers are doing right now. Many of them are risking their very lives in the land of their ministry. They are forced to go under cover. Much of their work cannot be made known to you as the surveillance over there is a very real issue. This resulted in them doing ministry very detached from the Church in Singapore. Little of us know of their work and who they are, and much less to pray for them.

The media has proven to be really powerful. In some countries the Christians are portrayed to be anti-authority, rioters who want their rights. The thing was that I actually believed those official press releases. It was only when I heard it from our people on the ground that I found out that the real situation there was not like what it was portrayed by the media. The reality is that God is moving powerfully. When the world seeks to suppress and shame the people of God, God is the one who vindicates them. Our reputation is in the hands of the Lord.

Let these individuals, who cannot be named, be an inspiration to you. As much as the presence of the enemy is real, the protection of our God is even more real. Pray for an undying passion for the Lord. Keep that fire burning! It is this fire that will spur us to live life missionally.