Today I heard Prince Edward talk on the radio on how the Duke of of Edinburgh Awards holds a ‘chance of death’. It seems to have caused no small ripple in Australia. He went on to say, of course, he hoped no-one would die, but it has happened. Has it put people off? Far from it. It has only added to the experience
The truth is Christianity is exciting, but sometimes it can be dangerous. At this point everything that we proclaim to hold dear is tested.
Perhaps it is humility that stops us saying how different we are to people. Sometimes it is because we just don’t feel that different! Our being a Christian can be seen as ineffectual. It is only when faith is tested that we find out if it means anything or not.
Last night the faith of a 41-year-old man was tested in south London.
In today’s Evening Standard on page 5, tucked away in the top right-hand corner is a story of a church volunteer who was stabbed repeatedly by a load of youths in Deptford outside a church-organised meeting. The event was aimed at trying to keep teenagers away from crime.
He is now fighting for his life in a south London hospital. It was also reported that a 16-year-old boy stepped in to try and stop it and found himself being stabbing.
It was a church’s initiative to bring peace to the streets of London. They did not have to hold such a meeting, but they did.
It was a man’s own initiative to go and speak to the gang. He did not have to get involved, but he did.
It was the 16-year-old boy’s initiative to try and help this man, more than twice his age. He did not have to, but he did.
It is all too common nowadays to just look the other way or walk on the other side of the street. The man is now fighting for his life. What could compelled someone to do such a thing other than Jesus?
These are the kind of Christians I would like my non-Christian friend to meet.
Please join with me in praying for that man and boy in Deptford, and that God’s peace may break out in this part of south London with young lives being transformed and given hope.
Today I feel privileged to be part of this beloved thing we call the Church.
ASD
