Persecution in China

I am linking to two pages - first to an online petition that can be signed asking the Chinese Government to release a Human rights attorney (who is also a Christian), and the second, a document that he wrote speaking of a previous incarceration.

Warning: The the second link (the document that Gao wrote detailing a previous abduction) is fairly graphic, and difficult to read. We owe it to those of our spiritual family that suffer such things to read, listen to, acknowledge and share their stories.

Please read, and then pray for Gao and his family.

.j.

"Afraid?"

A couple of months ago I finished a book by Randy Alcorn titled "Safely Home." The book is powerful, and I highly recommend it. It is primarily about the heavy persecution of the Christian Church, told in the setting of present day China. At the end of the book, a poem is quoted, which really is the point of this post. Read it, and read it again. And if you get the chance, read Randy's book as well.

Afraid ? Of What?

To feel the spirit's glad release?

To pass from pain to perfect peace,

The strife and strain of life to cease?

Afraid - of that?

Afraid? Of What?

Afraid to see the Savior's face

To hear His welcome and to trace

The glory gleam from wounds of grace?

Afraid - of that?

Afraid? Of What?

A flash, a crash, a pierced heart;

Darkness, light, O Heaven's art!

A wound of His a counterpart!

Afraid - of that?

Afraid? Of What?

To do by death what life could not -

Baptize with blood a stony plot,

Till souls shall blossom from the spot?

Afraid - of that?