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EAST COAST COVENANTER A TRIANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE EAST COAST CONFERENCE OF THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
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faithful & humble in suffering HOWARD K. BURGOYNE SUPERINTENDENT, EAST COAST CONFERENCE
How is your church engaging the sufferings of Christ and for Christ in the world?
A
Around the world 100 million Christians are experiencing intense suffering for their identity and practice as followers of Jesus. In countries such as Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, North Korea, China, Iraq and Sudan (among others), it is altogether commonplace for the followers of Jesus to be targeted for persecution – economic discrimination, harassment, loss of property and violence. Political and religious extremism are the masks that cover the personal animosity and ignorance that foment hatred, intolerance and mistrust. For most of us the headlines that bring us this news fails to present it in the full light of the gospel. Suffering for the sake of the Gospel is more than a shocking crime. It is also a Divine witness to the victory of God. It is a privilege not to be sought, but embraced where necessary and unavoidable. Such suffering is a privilege - it is “for him” – that is for Christ. It participates in the mystery of Christ’s suffering which is entered into for the sake of others. Such righteous suffering demonstrates the defeat of the very Evil that animates the Enemy for whom we pray when we suffer persecution. Suffering for the sake of the Gospel is mostly a foreign experience to Westerners. I remember growing up with stories of Christians suffering behind the Curtains of Iron or Bamboo. The stories were powerful, and we felt somewhat guilty for not suffering in any overt way for the Faith. The suffering we focused on were the trials and travails of people’s illnesses, surgeries, and domestic hardships. Most prayer requests in church prayer meetings centered on these topics. Growing up in a middle class suburban culture we seemed so removed from any confrontation that might lead to Gospel suffering. We kept most of our religious activities centered in the church building or in our homes. We did not preach in public squares, march in civil protests, or occupy City Hall.
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How unlike the witness of the early church! Where in our context would this text make any sense? “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.” (2 Corinthians 6:4–5, NIV) As the Gospel advances in an increasingly hostile culture it is inevitable that Christians will be drawn again towards these difficulties, because of the revolutionary nature of the Gospel. Where this is true, do not despair but take hope! With persecution comes the power of the Spirit - purifying, strengthening and preserving the witness of Christ. Join me in praying for the 100 million brothers and sisters who daily suffer persecution for the Faith. Pray not only that they might be delivered from persecution, but also made victorious in the midst of it. On the move,
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.
PHILIPPIANS 1:29 (NIV)
IN THIS ISSUE: Faithful & Humble in Suffering 1 Ongoing ECC Sandy Relief 2 Movement of Vitality 3 Covenant Village Updates 4 Ädelbrook Update 4 Church Vitality Meets Planting 5
Conference Church Plants 5 Tending the Fire (AIL) 6 Retreat Recap (Youth) 6 Seafarers Mission Update 7 Working Alongside The Quichua 8 Conference Transitions 8
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