Bible study

Yesterday, Sara and I went with PH to a prison nearby to meet with the local evangelists. We sat with the evangelists (some know our names, which is an odd feeling) and listened as they discussed the issues that they are going through in their congregations. Why did we meet in the prison you ask? Simple, it was a central location to meet. After the discussion we took a look at the scriptures that would be used for this week. During this Bible study some of the prisoners and community members came in. It was a time where they could ask question about the scripture to a minister. This is a rare opportunity.

After the Bible study we had a short communion service. I stood next to two men that had killed an Indian Muslim and cut up his body for "medicine". It really made me thing about what communion really means. Perhaps is was the fact that I was reading about Marxist ideas in Christianity shortly before we started the Bible study, but I could really see that in communion everyone is equal in the eyes of God. No one is to be denied the forgiving grace of God. No one. God loves everyone equally. That is the point. I think that is the point of Christianity. Love.

No matter what happens. No matter what we do wrong, or right. We are all loved by God. We are all forgiven.

I have been thinking a lot about sin, forgiveness, and love lately. Especially love. As I was coming back from the orphanage that I visited today, I thought about the love of a child. The purity, and unquestioning trust and love of a child is something that is lost as we get older. I think everyone longs at one point or another to regain that level of trust and that openness of love. Love is what Jesus asks from all of us, whether or not you believe in the salvation aspect of Christianity. It is through love that we can defeat the "Rome" of greedy behavior. It is through love that we see that it is ever so important to forgive those who have wronged us. To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help those in need. It is through love that we can find peace. It is through love that the kingdom of God is found.

On a side note, Tim has malaria. Pole sana, Tim. That brings the malaria count to 50% for Wartburgers in TZ.

Peace,
PHW