January 2 – Fear (part three)

For You have been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain storm against a wall” - Isaiah 25:4

Yesterday the question was asked 'So what has changed? And the response was 'Fear. Fear is closing the golden door.

The families, who seek refuge from war-torn countries in the Middle East, whether they are Christian or Muslim, are children of God created in His image. They are our brothers and sisters and we must provide them refuge without discrimination.

This nation, if it is to follow the principles upon which it was founded, needs to heed the call to not just welcome strangers, but to love them, care for them, and protect them.

We must stop the rhetoric of hate and fear.

We must stop dividing ourselves by who and how we worship.

As but a stranger in your land, I ask that you not close the golden door ‒ the door that offers sanctuary and the possibility of a new life to strangers in far greater need.

Last Sunday the Newbold minibus was again in Dunkirk, working with ADRA France to provide help to those in the refugee camp. AdventHelp continues to run a mini clinic out of a bus on the Greek Island of Lesbos, providing essential help to refugees stumbling, soaked to the skin, off open boats. I've seen photos of what some of them have suffered under the hands of ISIS in Syria. Photos we cannot print. Do we block them for the fear that one may be a terrorist – or do we share the hope and compassion that we have as servants of Jesus Christ?

On Monday evening, the BBC aired a controversial programme, Reggie Yates' Extreme UK: Gay and Under Attack. It does not make for comfortable viewing – and I doubt many Adventists tuned in. After all, the whole premise of the programme sits uncomfortably with the Adventist ethos on human sexuality. But those who did watch found Reggie visiting Balham church at about 8 minutes into the programme. He had positive – and gently negative things to say about his experience. Should Adventists have participated in such a controversial show? I am sure there are those who will argue both sides – but for senior pastor, Michael Mbui, the opportunity seemed open to share hope with another part of our UK community that often lives in fear.

The current top favourite quote from Adventist Church co-founder, Ellen White, comes from her book, Ministry of Healing, p 143-144. Maybe it is so popular because it speaks to the heart of where we are at the close of 2015, as much as to where Jesus was in first century Palestine.

"Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, 'Follow Me'.

"There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counselled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit."

Our challenge: Living in fear – or living with hope and compassion? That challenge may influence the way you spend this Advent season.

[Victor Hulbert]

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....” Corinthians 13:3-8

Music today is by the Gaither Vocal Band - “Where No one Stands Alone.” Click on the picture to listen.