Where There is Bullying and Persecution Those Leaders With a Voice Must Speak Out Wherever Possible |
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By: Sandy Shaw Posted: 2008-08-31 04:58:40 |
| The massive enormous needs around our world are rapidly increasing. It must be a challenging role for those in the front line of the Aid Agencies who have to confront and endure these scenes day by day.Many people are faced by seismic social, cultural and political issues, and Aid workers risk venturing out beyond the barricades in order to provide help for those who are marginalised in some way.I can never understand why so many Christians are persecuted by their fellow nationals. Christians normally want to do all they possibly can to help the situation. Their desire is to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. But of course, there is an enemy of Jesus Christ and His Disciples who seeks to do all he can to undermine and destroy those who have a vibrant and vital faith.Many Pastors and Leaders are aware of just how vulnerable they are and how dangerous their circumstances can be at times. At the time of writing this article information has reached me of another Pastor and his wife losing their lives as a direct consequence of having a strong faith in Jesus Christ.It can be difficult for believers in Jesus Christ to acquire a job in certain nations and it is almost impossible for them to be promoted above the most menial tasks.Education is another serious issue. In so many countries where education is available, parents cannot afford to send their children to school and elsewhere if the child comes from a Christian home another barrier is raised when it come to attending School, College or University. I have been involved in this work for over 30 years and I am all too aware of the hurdles which confront so many.Able children are denied education and talented youngsters are prevented from reaching their full potential. Poverty is one outcome and it could be so easily avoided.Where there is bullying and persecution those with a voice must speak out.If you can help in areas of education, healthcare and providing a stable environment, do all you possibly can and if you can give to reliable Aid Agencies who seek to serve with integrity give all you can. We work with Tear Fund and World Vision and it is so rewarding to learn of what is being accomplished. When I return to Kenya I hope to see some of the projects. As well as teaching Pastors and Leaders at various Seminars I will be visiting Schools and Orphanages - and there is a growing number of Orphanages.Leaders who have servant hearts are so needed across the world - and perhaps even in the city or town where you live. We normally do not have to travel to Africa to discover very real crying needs.Where you see a need - where money is required, give - or visit those in prison - but read about those who are suffering and commit yourself to doing whatever you possibly can.Sandy Shaw.Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.Sandy Shaw |
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