www.faithinfocus.org.nz

Volume 47/4, May 2020

The Church in

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash The Church in China

JOHN GORIS

An amazing look at an Regardless of the perceived openness displayed by China to the rest of the amazingplace3 world, there still seems to be an element of mystique attached to that exotic country. In some sense it seems far removed from our way of life. In the in China and an back of our minds might be the thought of an ancient civilisation which opendoorhere8 was formerly not very welcoming to western foreigners, whom they referred to as barbarians. The West came to trade and exploit what China had to An offer and it didn’t always go smoothly. Churchinanotherlanguage?12 Nevertheless, after many years and much perseverance, China opened its borders, welcomed the Westerners and some years later restricted them again after WWII because of the 1949 cultural revolution and the amazing Focusonfaith14 establishment of the People’s Republic of China, when the communist party Is Jesus worth losing everything you China did not want infiltration from became the ruling party under Chairman Mao Zedong. have, even life itself?Indeed! For in Je- the West. They had their own religious LettersfromNewZealand15 In the 70s and 80s, China began to open up to the world to a larger sus, God has given useverything we movements, or moralism and philoso- degree, and was willing to trade on a much larger scale. This has made look at an need for time and eternity. phies of life in Confucianism and Dao- The Chinese Church has been ism: respect for family life and loyalty. Letterstotheeditor16 China an economic powerhouse, second only to the United States. China seems to be an amazing place. However, it has a dark side, and confronted with this choice, especially Even Buddhism had entered China, part of that is the lack of freedom experienced by its people, especially in during the past 100 years. Nonetheless, and was of foreign origin, but … it was Global family and the Coronavirus19 the area of religion. amazing the Church in China has been growing still Asian. Recently, it came to light that there are camps where members of the rapidly since World War II. … but God is at work! Muslim community in China are detained and re-educated. Members of the Until the last two centuries China Falun Gong are openly persecuted along with Christians. had generally been opposed to The amazing thing was, however, that There is news that crosses are continuing to be removed from all churches place Christianity. It was seen as a foreign when the gospel began to take root in China, ministers and elders are imprisoned, evangelising is prohibited and and Western religion. In the in China, it grew slowly but firmly, the list of restrictions goes on. It costs a lot to be a Christian. experience of many Asian countries, and then grew even rapidly despite Published monthly for the Reformed Churches For the Christian in China, it is not as it is here, where we may worship the West represented “imperialism”. increasingly difficult circumstances, of New Zealand openly without government interference, where we may evangelise without European countries had been particularly during the second half of “colonising” big parts of Southern Asia, the twentieth century. Let me cite one All correspondence regarding editorial fear of imprisonment and conduct the affairs of the church without the State content and advertising should be sent to: dictating how we function and what we teach and how our buildings look. Australasia, and the Pacific. typical case. The Editor: We Christians who live in the free world, may possibly take our freedoms Walter Walraven for granted and fail to remember our persecuted brethren in China in our Email: [email protected] prayer. And in spite of intense persecution at times, the church in China website: www.faithinfocus.org.nz continues to grow at an overwhelming rate, which is possibly alarming to Editorial Assistant: the Communist Party. However, their fight is against the Sovereign Lord Mrs Sally Davey who continues building His church in China and wheresoever He pleases. Production: Our contributors write about the church in China which give us much Distribution: M. & D. van der Zwaag to think about. Design & Layout: Matrix Typography Mr John Goris recounts an encounter with a breath-taking land and its Printed by: Flying Colours people. Distribution for Australia: S Bolhuis Mr Bruce Hoyt considers the present in China and here. Email: [email protected] Ph: 0419 043 116 A Wuhan church experiences grace in the midst of a national crisis, by Gina Goh. Copy Deadline: Mrs Sally Davey describes visiting a church in Chile. Six weeks preceding the month of Global family and the Coronavirus, by Sadiri Joy Tira. publication. Church and family notices are Letters to the editor, Focus on faith with J C Ryle,Letters from New free, subject to sufficient space and editorial acceptance. Zealand with the late Dirk Vanderpyl,Gleanings, Presbytery reports from around the churches round out this issue. All correspondence regarding distribution and payment of subscriptions to: The Secretary: The opinions expressed in this magazine are not to be considered the official position of Mrs Nicola Wharekawa the Reformed Churches of New Zealand unless they expound the Biblical system of doctrine contained in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Email: [email protected] Dordt, or the Westminster Confession of Faith, or reflect the successive Acts of Synod of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand. On the other hand, care is taken to ensure Subscription per volume: that articles and opinions do not directly contradict the official position of the Reformed $40.00 (eleven issues) Churches as contained in the above sources without attention being called to that fact. Bulk Rate: $40.00 Overseas: $60.00 NB: In line with common publishing practiceFaith in Focus reserves the right to publish the names of all contributors with their articles, unless compelling reasons are given to Electronically Mailed (overseas only): $40.00 the editor for not doing so. This applies to both print and online versions. Image by Vicky Tao on Unsplash

2 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2 020 3 A certain imprisoned pastor was un- this trip. With a local friend we visited For many centuries the Chinese Em- Mao Zedong founded the People’s Re- willing to betray his believing friends. He a TSPM church where I heard a good peror/King brought a yearly sacrifice as public of China. was promptly imprisoned, and put in the gospel message (an interpreter priest of God Most High/Shang Di. The In October 2019 the Communist- filthiest location of the prison. He kept translated, through our head-phones). Shrine is still in Beijing, viz. the so-called styled republic of China celebrated 70 praying and clinging to the Lord. Then he The amazing thing was that although “Temple of Heaven”, literally, the altar of years. It has in recent years acted as a began fasting too. The guards despised we arrived 30 minutes before the heaven (1). more “self-styled supremacy”, under- him and kept humiliating him, but he morning worship service, the church of By Daniel’s time there were already scoring its atheistic basis. Atheism has ba- persevered in prayer and fasting. After 2000 was already packed, and people Jewish people living in China, according sically become a “religion”, virtually about seventy days of neither eating nor were queuing up to get inside (Imagine to a Jewish record, and they were nick- denying any other religion the right of drinking, he was examined in the this in New Zealand!). People sat on named as “the people who do not eat existence. Christianity in particular has prison’s hospital. There was no sickness the floor in the aisles, and wherever the sinew of the hip”. Note what Genesis been targeted by this. or disease in him, but he was completely they could find a place to sit or stand. 32:32 says about this. Despite the crackdown on churches dehydrated. The doctors expected him Government interference did not appear in many areas, the Church had been to die at any time. Yet he persevered in to be strong at that time. Earlier days growing. Persecution is growing, and so the Lord and sang psalms, fasting for 74 Before leaving New Zealand the local Many Chinese have presumed that is the Church. This is not surprising for days in total. Society office had advised me to Christianity is a Western religion. the Lord Jesus Himself predicted this al- Other prisoners took note, and came visit Amity Press in Nanjing. However, if they were more aware of ready two thousand years ago: “If the to his cell to ask for prayer and seek re- It was an eye-opener to see such a their own history, they would know that world hates you, know that it has hated pentance. A prayer revival swept through massive set-up, where by that time al- the first gospel message was brought to Me before it hated you …” (John 15:18), the churches in the region, but also in ready over 40 million Chinese had China from the Middle East. A Syrian and“… in the world you will have tribu- the prison. Many of the prison commu- been printed. Since then, numbers Christian, named , arrived in lation, but take heart: I have overcome nity came to faith. (Remember Paul and reached over 80 million. Led by one of Xian, China, during the Tang dynasty in the world.” (John 16:33). Silas singing in the Philippi prison?) the managers, we walked around the ca. 630 AD. It was referred to as “The The left most character means Eventually, after four years, he was whole printing place, our eyes “popping coming of the Light”. The emperor From TSPM to house churches “ship” or “vessel”. released from prison, but was told not to out”. received him cordially. His gospel The government-controlled TSPM preach again. But this brother feared message even reached the Mongolian church still attracted many thousands, The upper righthand character is God rather than man. He went on Looking into the past … Empire several hundred years later, and especially in the bigger cities. the Chinese number “eight”. preaching and baptizing. On one occa- In seeking to understand the present it is known that members of the royal But government-control often cur- The bottom right hand character situation of the Christian Church in family there, were Christians, and even tailed and restricted God’s truth! How- is the word for “mouth” or “per- China one needs to have some basic some army generals. Sadly, the impact ever, many so-called “house-churches” son.” The first boat mentioned in knowledge of the past. That past has did not last. sprang up in city and country areas. the Bible is Noah’s ark. Just how indeed amazing aspects worth being At a much later time, during the wan- There has generally been a severe short- many people or “mouths” were acquainted with. China has a particularly ing years of the , a number age of pastors, but lay leaders filled the aboard this ship or vessel? Gen- amazing history with fascinating of Jesuit priests entered China. The most gaps in many areas. esis 7:13 tells us: “In the self- highlights. prominent of these was One of the reasons why “house- same day entered Noah, and Think, first of all, of the spread of (1552-1610). Apart from the gospel they churches” came into existence, was that Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, peoples and civilisations since the build- also brought Western science, notably Christians became aware of restric- the sons of Noah, and Noah’s ing of the Tower of Babel and its conse- mathematics and astronomy. Ricci spoke tions placed on their faith in the wife, and the three wives of his quent judgment by God (Gen 11). This Chinese fluently in no time, and also fol- TSPM churches (Three-Self-Patriotic- sons with them, into the ark”. So began a scattering of great proportions: lowed a Chinese life-style. Initially there Movement). They could only meet in Noah’s ark was a ship or a vessel people moved far and wide on Planet was an openness, but after about one fixed locations, and besides, an atheistic with eight people. Yet the Earth. hundred years the “Barbarian foreigners” government supervised its teachings and Chinese language – predating the As people began to move from the were banned. actions. Originally the aim seemed “rea- Hebrew in which the Old Testa- Middle East a proportion, mostly sonable”, as the intention was that the ment was written by at least 700 Semites, moved to the eastern part of the Recent times church in China should be free from for- years – records this fact in per- Asian continent. Eventually the Chinese By the beginning of the 19th century eign “imperialist” control (therefore pa- fect detail. nation was born and established. Its typ- (in 1807) the Englishman Robert triotic). However, that turned out to be ical language characters betray a knowl- Morrison (1782-1834) arrived in China ultimately controlled by the Party. The edge of the earliest parts of human his- as the first Protestant missionary, soon Three-Self idea stood for “supported by tory. For instance, the Chinese character to be followed by of the their own workers, handling their own for “boat”, portrays a floating vessel with China Inland Mission (CIM). Despite a affairs, spreading the gospel by them- eight people on board – Noah’s Flood. growing number of Christians, there selves rather than by foreigners”. It Zhejiang Province sion about one thousand people were Not only that, in its early days there were also growing numbers of would also eliminate a plurality of Chris- baptized. was already an awareness of Almighty opponents. tian denominations. Ultimately it came This is but one example. There are God: no wonder these people had an- By 1911 the so-called to be under the umbrella of the Chinese many more. The church kept growing cestors who had come out of the Ark. initiated the killing of many missionaries, government. During the Cultural Revolu- despite severe persecution! The wordShang Di is the near equivalent as well as many Chinese Christians. tion, in the nineteen-seventies, many of“God Most High”,the name we read In 1911 also, the rule of the emperors TSPM churches were actually closed. A brief visit … about in Genesis 14:18-20. We come came to an end, and China was declared David Adeney (p143) says of the In 2006 it was my privilege to visit China across that Name in Abraham’s en- a republic. Dr Sun Yat Sen became a re- “” movement that it could (Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces). My counter with Melchizedek, who was spected leader (we saw his mausoleum be described in the words of Revelation daughter Grace accompanied me on both king and priest. in Nanjing). However in 1949 Chairman 3:8 “I know your works. Behold, I have

4 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 5 set before you an open door, which no care by the members (1Cor12:12ff). However, no one can prevent the talents.” Every part of the body counts, one is able to shut; I know that you have Gradually the gospel began to spread Holy Spirit from doing His regenerating whether you have one talent or ten! but little power, and yet you have kept further inland. work in the hearts of people, nor can any Ever realized that? My Word, and have not denied My More recently, you will have heard of government institution read the thoughts It is so vital that weHEAR the Word, Name.” Pastor of the Early Rain Church and prayers of the human heart! HEED the Word, andHIDE the Word in in Chengdu. In December 2018 he was Besides, the Lord Jesus said clearly: our hearts! (Ps 119:11) Some well-known leaders imprisoned, not to be released before “Let the children come to Me, do not Some names of the earlier leaders still Dec 2028. The Reformation faith has hinder them, for the Kingdom of God stand out: we mentionNee To-Sheng been spreading there, but Christians are belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14) (better known as Watchman Nee), who being scattered, just as we read in Acts And … what if WE face severe persecution …? served in . Shortly after his re- 11:19, only … to becomemore small Conclusions … so that we even are robbed of our Bibles? Are we prepared to have basic lease from twenty years of imprison- groups of believers. What canwe learn from the Church in Scripture knowledge under our cap? Thinking of that possible scenario, ment, he passed into the Lord’s pres- Further North, in Xinjiang province, China? I thought hard about having a MINI-Bible in the back of my mind. And ence, in 1972.Wang Ming-Dao was an the gospel also began to spread, but so For one thing: God’s work in human here it is …. Remember the thrust of FIVE Psalms: 1, 2, 3, 23, 32. evangelical preacher in Beijing. He far few of the practising Muslim popula- lives can’t be undone! Those who are preached a strong gospel-message, and tion have been touched. Yet across this truly born again have become citizens of PSALM 1 – Awareness many people, young and old, were area responses to Trans World Radio are heaven (Phil 3:20), and no human gov- There are two kinds of people in this world: those FOR and those AGAINST greatly blessed by his evangelical preach- growing. ernment can prevent them from entering Christ (see Matt. 12:30). ing. He was not afraid to speak out. Op- One of the amazing features of ear- into the new Jerusalem. Remember the (1) The righteous: they shall flourish like a tree. position grew from the side of the TSPM lier days, when copies of the Bible were words of our Saviour: “My sheep hear (2) The unrighteous: they are like chaff, which the wind drives away. church officials, and political watchdogs. scarce, was the determined effort of My voice, and I know them, and they fol- PSALM 2 – God and His Anointed Son, the Messiah (the Gospel psalm) Elsewhere there was alsoBrother Lamb many to memorise Scripture. Even peo- low Me, andnoone will snatch them out God laughs when He sees the world “up in arms”, waging war, against Him: in the south of China, preaching at The ple who were unable to read would of My hand.” (John 10:28). He has set His Son (Jesus) on the throne: Big Horse Lane meeting place. And not memorise, and both oldand young did For another thing: Even if the church Our only hope: “Kiss the Son” (vs 12), and be at peace with Him. to be forgotten there was the great evan- benefit from this. The Bible was trea- in many areas is scattered, remember gelist of the earlier days,,who sured and many hearts were changed. that where even “two or three are gath- PSALM 3 – The persecuted believer( David hunted by his own son) travelled and preached widely, in South- The Bible became a key tool in the lives ered in My Name,” says Jesus, “there I “How many are my foes …”, but You, O Lord, are my shield! East Asia as well. of Chinese Christians. am in their midst.” “I lay down and slept … I will not be afraid.” Pastor Chung was arrested in 1969, Amazingly, the reality of Jesus words PSALM 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd! and He cares. and sent to a labour camp for nine years. God is at work, but the enemy is in John 12:24 are becoming more and When the Lord is my Shepherd He will lead me all the way through life, When he returned in 1978 he found that too! more true:“… unless a grain of wheat so that I will surely reach my Home in Heaven. his flock had grown to about 5000 con- We are constantly made aware of a falls into the earth and dies, it remains by fessing Christians. Persecution drove wide range of means to restrict and itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much PSALM 32 – The psalm of amazing grace. people closer to the Lord, and to each afflict Christians in numerous ways. fruit…” Blessed are those whose sins are covered: clean forgiven. other in sharing the Truth, and establish- Currently the following restrictions are And let us never forget that Jesus Forgiven sinners also experience God’s protection and guidance in ing meeting points. in place … said:“… I will build My church, and the their lives (see vs 7&8). God used amazing tools in all this. • No one under the age of 18 years gates of Hades shall not overpower it.” There was a young lady, who had had may enter a church. (Matt 16:18) only two years of education, but God • No persons may gather for worship Let us follow our brothers and sisters used her mightily. Her name wasWhite (strictly speaking) except in govern- there in their great love for God’s Word, Plum. Others like her became a blessing, ment-authorised churches (TSPM in their deep love and strong bond with and were enabled by the Lord to heal, to churches). Christ; and in their desire to share the Literature consulted: speak and to suffer. • House churches are prohibited from Truth even when it is costly to do so. Leslie LYALL (Ed.)The Phoenix Rises (an OMF book) In one case a government leader’s teaching the Scriptures or receiving Leslie LYALL,Come Wind, Come Weather And … what shall this man Watchman NEE,What Shall This Man Do? wife was dying of an incurable disease. offerings. Chan Kei THONG,Faith of our fathers (Discovering Every effort was made, until at last she • Children may not be taught the do … ? God in Ancient China) – footnote (1) was taken to a Christian home where content of the Christian faith, not In one of his books (“What shall this man David H. ADENEY,China: The Church’s Long March they prayed for her. She was healed in- even at home, do?”) pastor Watchman Nee draws our (an OMF book) stantly. What a testimony! • Visitors to hospitals, etc may not pray attention to the parable of the Talents (For safety reasons I have omitted some other resources) The city of Wenzhou in Zhejiang for the sick. which Jesus told in Matthew 25:14-30. province became known as the • Nursing homes are forbidden to have He underscores what the Lord had to say “Jerusalem” of China. This area was ini- religious services. about the man with the one talent. Re- Mr John Goris is a member of the tially evangelized in the early days of the • The authorities are using force to member that the man excused himself Reformed Church in Wellington and an China Inland Mission, and it has been a harass Christians, cutting off power for having only one talent.”Ah!” says emeritus minister of the word and stronghold of the gospel since. In one of and water supplies; in some places Watchman Nee, “the life of the whole sacraments. the counties in this province one particu- even stopping pension payments if body (the church) may be hampered and lar village was 80% Christian. Even Com- they gather for worship (Jiangxi impoverished by the burial of those single munist party members came to join the province). church. Even with so many Christians the In fact, the general public is moni- number of pastors was small: in 1998 the tored by surveillance cameras, and pur- ratio was one pastor per 10,000 believ- chases “on line” are checked for Chris- ers. That meant ultimately, more mutual tian literature orders, etc.

6 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 7 order” or “interfere with the educational was shut down more than 60 police and The Church in China system of the state.” Religious Affairs officials stormed the It is not hard to conclude that teaching Rongguili Church in Guangzhou during BRUCE HOYT children and youth about God and His a children’s Bible class Saturday morning. self-revelation in Scripture will be Authorities from the Education and prohibited since the “educational system Religious Affairs departments seized of the state” in China is officially atheistic more than 4,000 books and other items. and communistic. And anything that the The district’s Ethnic and Religious Affairs state might regard as disrupting public bureau said the congregation violated order will be quickly suppressed. To our Religious Affairs regulations and told ears this does not sound like religious members to attend any of the 15 freedom at all. And so it has proven registered Protestant churches (TSPM) in increasingly over the past two years. the city. These are just a few of the shutdowns The recent crackdown that have taken place since February From 2014 to 2016 the churches in 2018. Time Magazine website reported and an open door Wenzhou experienced an unexpected in a January 2020 article2 that “Hundreds government campaign to demolish of Protestant house churches have been crosses and tear down newly constructed closed in recent years, according to the church buildings. The campaign took U.S. Commission on International here churches in Wenzhou, which had Religious Freedom.” survived the terrible years of the Cultural Also from that same article, “Fenggang Revolution, by surprise. These churches Yang, a professor of sociology and the Inmanychurchesthe were the fruit of Western missionary Director of the Center on Religion and Article 36 of the Constitution of the Religious bodies and religious affairs are work and had been shaped by Western Chinese Society at Purdue University teachingofScriptureis People's Republic of China (PRC) of not subject to any foreign domination. church traditions, including the tells TIME that there are about 116 million 1982 states: Citizens of the People's To us who have enjoyed religious megachurch concept prominent in Protestant Christians in mainland China shallow,andtraining Republic of China enjoy freedom of freedom for several centuries the first America and South Korea. Copying the in 2020. … Compare that with an religious belief. No state organ, public two sentences sound great. But an evil “bigger is better” model was taken for estimated 90 million members in the thatleadstomature, organization or individual may compel spectre lies behind the word “normal” granted.1 Communist Party, and government citizens to believe in, or not to believe in the third sentence. What are normal The campaign was not restricted to leaders believe they have cause for faithful,godlylivingis in, any religion; nor may they discriminate religious activities and who defines them? Wenzhou. It soon spread far and wide concern, Willy Lam, adjunct professor against citizens who believe in, or do Since the Constitution of the PRC was with hundreds if not thousands of at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s minimal.Asaresultthe not believe in, any religion. The state formulated by the Chinese Communist churches under attack in many places. Center for China Studies says.” protects normal religious activities. No Party (CCP), it is obvious that the state More recently it has intensified. But the crackdown not only targets crackdownhascauseda one may make use of religion to engage defines these terms. That evil spectre In February 2018 as part of the churches, it is targeting the home. in activities that disrupt public order, further shows itself in the fourth sentence reforms of president-for-life, Xi Jinping, Schools are actively promoting hugere-evaluationof impair the health of citizens or interfere when it forbids the use of religion to the state re-organised the supervision of opposition to religion, especially Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China with the educational system of the state. engage in activities that “disrupt public religious activities to fall under the direct Christianity. Teachers are giving churchteachingand control of the Communist Party Central school-age children intensely Committee. After that a significant anti-Christian propaganda, building on practice crackdown on churches began. In the new Regulations on Religious Affairs September 2018 Chinese authorities (February 2018) that ban anyone under closed down Zion Church in Beijing. the age of 18 from entering a church. And then in December 2018 the The Italian-based Bitter Winter3 reports authorities shut down the Early Rain that teachers are telling children that Covenant Church, a Reformed church Christianity is a “xie jiao” (Chinese for in Chengdu. More than 100 members “cult”) and that if they love their parents of the church were arrested, including they will warn them not to participate. the pastor, Wang Yi, and his wife, Jiang In a school textbook titled “Morality and Rong. The pastor was later charged with Society” a mother found lessons studied “inciting subversion of state power and by her young son on how to resist the operating an illegal business.” Most of “xie jiao.” the members were released after a time of interrogation that included beatings Responses of Chinese Christians and torture for some. After almost a year to the crackdown in detention one of the elders was How have Chinese Christians responded sentenced in November 2019 to four to this crackdown against the years in prison. And in December 2019 unregistered churches and even some the pastor was sentenced to nine years of the registered churches in the Three in prison. Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM)? Just a week after the Early Rain church Many churches in China focus on Photo by Kirill Sharkovski on Unsplash

8 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 9 promises of temporal benefits from God, members faced veiled threats from local caregivers for their child whom they as he learned more of God’s word, he such as healing, influence or wealth. authorities and many were asked to sign have registered in a primary or secondary began to realise that all people have According to some surveys, 90% of a pledge promising to leave Zion Church. school here in New Zealand. Many of sinned against God and deserve His converts to Protestant Christianity, in Some lost their jobs or were evicted them are disaffected with the atheistic punishment. Over subsequent months both house churches and in registered from rented apartments because police and materialistic society of China and he realised that we can only be saved TSPM churches, cite healing as a reason intimidated their bosses and landlords.5 are quite willing to learn about the Bible from our sinful self through Jesus taking for their conversion.4 (This may no longer On August 30, 2018, “A Declaration and Christianity, especially if they can our punishment and our being forgiven be accurate due to the large number of for the Sake of the Christian Faith”6 was improve their English at the same time. through faith in Him. And so after about new churches in urban centres published and signed by 198 pastors. In I have been teaching Asian people 15 months he and his wife publicly established over the past two decades.) it these pastors declared, “For the sake here in Christchurch for over two years, professed their faith and were baptised In many churches the teaching of of the gospel, we are willing to suffer giving an overview of the Bible’s story together with their son. Now he knows OnAugust30,2018,“A Scripture is shallow, and training that all external losses brought about by unfair of creation, fall, redemption and God has His plan and that we are very leads to mature, faithful, godly living is law enforcement. Out of a love for our consummation. We have had between limited. SY says, “I thank God for giving DeclarationfortheSake minimal. As a result the crackdown has fellow citizens, we are willing to give up 6 and 15 people attending the class that me everything. He guided me here and caused a huge re-evaluation of church all of our earthly rights.” Less than a meets weekly from 7:30 to 9:00 Sunday helped me join His family step by step.” oftheChristianFaith” teaching and practice. Questions are week later nearly 500 pastors, many of evenings. Those attending have come EZ’s maternal grandmother was a being asked: What is really important in them from Reformed Churches, had largely through invitations of people Christian who taught her many stories waspublishedand being a Christian? Why has God allowed signed the declaration. already in the class. Through this class from the Bible. But EZ believed they Christians to suffer such opposition? How A further response is seen in Wuhan and other means (teaching by other were just “Christian stories” – not really signedby198pastors. should churches respond to the forced where the outbreak of the coronavirus Christians, attending church, Chinese true, not history, because she was taught Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China closure of church buildings and to occurred in December 2019. Christians Bible study groups, etc.) God has brought Initthesepastors confiscation and destruction of property, responded with courage and compassion some to true faith in Christ by His word instructional material, and Bibles? How despite the opposition and persecution and Spirit. Here are brief testimonies of declared,“Forthesake should churches that take different they had experienced. HeartCry two of those who have been in the class. approaches to persecution treat each Missionary Society reported, “Now it is SY’s mother believed in God but ofthegospel,weare other? the 10th day since the city has been seldom went to church because she The very fact Christians are asking separated by quarantine, and protective couldn’t understand much since she willingtosufferall such questions is a good sign that a masks are the most valuable thing in didn’t speak Mandarin well. SY would healthy re-examination is taking place. Wuhan. Money is useless because you go with his mother to church when he externallossesbrought It is an indication that Christians are can’t find a store that sells the masks. returned occasionally to his home town, counting the cost of following Jesus. People are in a desperate situation. In but he believed that only science gives aboutbyunfairlaw During this period of persecution many response, our brothers and sisters preach us truth. While at university, despite the may find the cost too great and walk the gospel and give out tracts and free strong communist doctrine that was enforcement.Outofa away like the rich young ruler in Mark masks. They are sharing the word of taught, he began to see many of China’s 10:17-22. But historically the Lord has hope and comfort from God. They have problems: government control, injustice, loveforourfellow used persecution to purify and strengthen become more and more favored in the corruption and lack of personal freedom. His church down through history, and city, even in the authorities’ eyes. These He was one of only a few students who citizens,wearewilling we may have confidence that He will churches in Wuhan keep themselves thought independently and wanted to do such a work among His people in away from all the rumors and pol itical pursue freedom. He began a study of togiveupallofour China during this time of testing. issues, they just do what a true Christian law which he believed would enable On the other hand there are some should do in this situation: preaching him to promote justice. However, he earthlyrights.”Lessthat churches that are well-taught in the the gospel and being witnesses of true soon realised that activism in the pursuit Scripture and mature in their grasp of peace and true hope that come from of justice was a hopeless endeavour and aweeklaternearly500 the teaching of Scripture who are Jesus Christ in front of the non-believers became very discouraged. responding in humble faith and who are in panic and hopelessness.”7 SY became anxious for himself and pastors,manyofthem obedience to the Lord even though that his family and began to realise his atheist means they must disobey the ungodly Opportunity in New Zealand belief was wrong. He started to think fromReformed demands of the state which are contrary Although God is certainly at work among that before he could help others he must to God’s commands. This has led to His people in China, it is increasingly learn about God. One step in that Churches,hadsigned their church buildings being closed, the difficult for Western Christians to have direction was deciding to come to New leaders interrogated, beaten and even any direct influence in China. The new Zealand. Upon arrival in Christchurch the declaration. tortured, and the pastors being convicted regulations make very clear that foreign he looked for a church that would be and sentenced for crimes against the influence in religious matters is forbidden suitable for his family. Providentially state. These churches recognise they and reprisals will be swift. However, the through a cooking and English class they must obey God rather than man and Chinese people are still allowed to travel were led to the Reformed Church of they are willing to suffer for the Lord’s abroad (except for the restriction Christchurch. And they found many very name. For example in September 2018 imposed by many nations including New friendly people. It was quite a contrast after Jin Mingri, the pastor of Zion Church Zealand as a result of the coronavirus with China where folks don’t trust each in northern Beijing, refused to install outbreak). Many Chinese people have other, don’t love each other, and don’t surveillance cameras in the church, come to New Zealand for business, talk with others even at church. police interrogated hundreds of the study, or to learn English. Many Chinese SY had often wondered why God 1500-member congregation. The mums (and some dads) have come as treated China so badly for centuries. But

Photo by Kirill Sharkovski on Unsplash

10 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 11 in school that “all religions are not true.” 6 https://www.stcharlesinstitute.org/voices/ approached him afterwards. Lacking the go on to 5am!) we tried unsuccessfully to When her grandmother died, her mother 2018/9/4/198-chinese-christian-leadersand- exact words for a Christian greeting I get an Uber ride to the church (apparently countingsign-public-joint-statement exclaimed “Christian brother!” and shook at 9:30 in the morning, Uber drivers are became a loyal Christian and pushed 7 https://heartcrymissionary.com/mission- her children to go to church. But EZ updates/a-door-opened-in-wuhan-china/ his hand. He responded with reciprocating still asleep in holiday-town Chile). So, in was a rebellious teenager. After university enthusiasm and a warm smile. a regular taxi, we set off and arrived at she went to church with her mother Mr Bruce Hoyt is a member of the He said that he could most certainly the church a little late. The service was when she returned home for holidays Reformed Church in Dovedale, recommend a local church to us. Another already underway, but some kindly but it didn’t seem real and she realised Christchurch and an emeritus minister wedding guest acting as a translator, he gentlemen at the door greeted us and we that the pastor and other teachers were of the word and sacraments. gave us the details of what he said was found a seat without too much difficulty. not well educated in the Bible. a good local church, and even phoned The congregation were having a Bible When EZ and her family came to the pastor to check on the service time. reading, and though we didn’t know the Christchurch, her brother searched the Here are his handwritten directions: text a helpful man along the pew showed internet and found the closest church was the Reformed Church of Christchurch – which they promptly began attending Outward focus since her brother said they would find friends in church. They did! They went SALLY DAVEY to a Bible study but found the English too difficult and so were directed to attend our class of Chinese people. It was through this class that they learned that the Bible is God’s word, real history written by 40 different authors. It wasn’t Church in another just stories made up by one man. They began to understand that science does not always teach the truth. God created the world and made humans in His language? image. They could see that the Bible made sense and the teaching was believable. In church EZ felt the need to face herself when the minister prayed. I should have realized: not many Why not stay in your accommodation She realised sin was the cause of human people in Chile outside of Santiago and read the Bible, a book, or find a suffering and came to believe that Jesus speak much English. We were leaving sermon online somewhere? Thereally died for us so that we would be forgiven for the wedding of young Chilean motivated might try to find an expat through faith in Him. And so after nearly friends in February this year, and I’d English-language church, perhaps. But two years she and her husband publicly somehow assumed that we’d get by our experience that Sunday morning professed their faith in Jesus and together with English and a handful of Spanish in Villarrica, Chile, proved to us at with their son were baptised. phrases. Chile, after all, I thought, is least that you can have a wonderful These are just two examples of people not that far from the U.S., trade time worshipping with God’s people, from China who have “turned to God happens with that nation (and with even in another language that you do from idols to serve the living and true ours), and more than a few young not speak yourself. God” (1 Thess. 1:9). We have also been people study in English-speaking It started at the wedding on the able to witness others in the class turning countries. Saturday afternoon. The young couple, to God and putting faith in Christ. There When we arrived in the lakeside Sebastian and Sandra, had become is a wide open door for mission work holiday destination in southern Chile Christians about 18 months before; right outside our door. Let us seize this where the wedding was to take place, and though they didn’t know many opportunity God has given us. however, we quickly realised Google Christians in the holiday resort they’d translate was going to be the key to chosen for their wedding, they had Notes communication. Uber drivers, shop sought out an evangelical pastor from 1 https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/ proprietors, hotel staff and café Sebastian’s town about 40km away chinasource-blog-posts/persecution-a- workers were reduced to smiles and and had asked if he would marry dangerous-opportunity-for-the-church-in-china 2 https://time.com/5757591/wang-yi-prison- hand gestures to get the point across them. This man was a jolly fellow in sentence-china-christianity/ to us hopeless Kiwis. We loved the his 40s, who clearly loved God’s Word. The church is named Iglesia Centros us where it was in his Bible. Though in Iglesia Centros Biblios. 3 https://bitterwinter.org/ place and the people seemed so He had chosen to expound several Biblios, part of a group of evangelical Spanish, we could see from the wording 4 Cited from: Tang, Edmond (2005).‘Yellers’ friendly, but in-depth communication key biblical passages on marriage as churches started originally by Baptist that it was 1 Thessalonians, and so we and Healers: Pentecostalism and the Study of about deeper matters of life was his wedding message – and with the missionaries from the United States, we could look it up on our Bible apps. The Grassroots Christianity in China. In Anderson, Allan; Tang, Edmond (eds.). Asian and possible with only a few, including the help of a couple of English-speaking were told. Our wedding pastor seemed to sermon followed, preached by a youngish Pentecostal: The Charismatic Face of very interesting lady who owned the Chileans there, we quickly figured out know the leadership of this church, and man with energy and a clear, decisive Christianity in Asia. Oxford: Regnum. pp. 481– hotel. he was speaking the truth. It suddenly gave it his hearty, personal recommendation manner. This was of course in Spanish, 485. In this kind of situation many of occurred to me he might be willing for faithful biblical teaching. so we just listened and tried to pick up 5 https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/ us are tempted to think – what’s the to recommend a local church we could The next morning, after leaving the the occasional word which was similar to 3501047 point of looking out a local church? worship at the following day, so I reception at 1am (we were told it would English.

12 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 13 Then came the singing, several hymns with some of Sebastian’s family. We suppose. I tell you that myriads of kind is utterly useless. It can neither ponder well the words of Christ to which which, by the time we got to the second have even more reason to pray for them Focus on faith Protestants and Roman Catholics are satisfy, nor sanctify, nor save. I have already referred. It is by the or third verse, were easy to sing along now, knowing they are probably in the constantly saying on Sundays, “I believe,” I invite you in all affection, to consider unfolding of these words, that I shall with. Once we’d worked out how to front line of dealing with the coronavirus who know nothing whatever of believing. the question which heads this tract. I hope to make you feel the weight of pronounce the words by following the pandemic that will sweep across Chile J C RYLE They cannot explain what they mean. ask you to give me your attention while the question, “Do you believe?” rest of the congregation, it was no as well as everywhere else. They neither know what, nor in whom, I try to place it before you in its full Continued next month problem to sing – and it was a surprisingly We were both touched by these they believe. They can give no account proportions. In order to see clearly the uplifting experience. I’d experienced the after-church conversations. They gave of their faith. Reader, a belief of this importance of “believing,” you should same kind of thing a month or two us a window into a community of faithful Do you believe? before when we’d been in the German- Christians trying to live out their faith speaking part of Switzerland . It really in their own local community, different is a joy to be able to sing out the words from New Zealand in so many ways. of praise along with other Christians in And yet the basic spiritual problems are “God so loved the world, that He their language. It was another proof to the same. Ours is doubtless a more gave His only begotten Son, that Letters from New Zealand me of the important role of singing in wealthy society, but we are simply more whoever believes in Him should not a worship service. arrogant and possibly more heedless in perish – but have everlasting life.” After the service was over we greeted our neglect of the God who made us. John 3:16 D. G. VANDERPYL a few people with the Spanish phrases Chile has problems with sexual we had learned by then, and asked if promiscuity, too; but while we are Look at the well-known text which there was anyone there who also spoke hardened to it, Chileans seem to be a heads this page. Its words are April 1985 missionary, the main reason being the that they were not Christi- English. Yes, there was: a young husband bit casual and hapless about its probably familiar to your ears. You inability to raise the budget with an ans. One was assumed to and wife came over and began speaking consequences. have very likely heard them, or read It came to pass that a newly elected annual increase of $20-30,000. There be a Christian, with Paul, while I was greeted by a I was moved by these Christians’ them, or quoted them, a hundred came up with a splendid idea, or was also a strong sentiment that whether or not brother and sister in their late twenties concern for the lost around them. Our times. But have you ever considered so he thought, which he consequently must first begin with each one attended a or early thirties. new friends told us that quite a number what a vast amount of divinity this shared with some of his colleagues. The member of the church showing a church. Today, it These latter two spoke really good of the Christians in their church had text contains? No wonder that Luther elder posted twenty invitations to all willingness to bring the Gospel of is quite common English – the brother was doing some been converted in the last few years. called it “the Bible in miniature!” those on his list for home visitations. the Lord Jesus Christ to his friend for people to confess, study at a local college with the aim of In our conversations we got the And have you ever considered what The letter informed the recipients who and neighbour. sometimes even with a becoming a pastor; and his sister was impression that everyone wanted to see an immensely solemn question arises their elder was, advised of his availability, But that same meeting certain pride, that they a professional translator. Both of them their friends and relatives come to Christ out ofthis text? The Lord Jesus says, and invited them to an evening at his declared a unanimous are not Christians. Moreover, were earnest Christians who were too. They weren’t callous to the spiritual “Whoever believes shall not perish.” home. willingness to give full when people do make a point converted only two or three years before, plight of others, and that seemed natural, Now, reader, DO YOU BELIEVE? The evening came, the coffee was support to two of claiming to be a Christian, more and were trying to serve the Lord and good. If we have enjoyed the Questions about religion are made, and there were plenty of cakes neighbouring small often than not they appear to be faithfully. The sister was concerned benefits of coming to know Christ, how seldom popular. They frighten on the plates. With a bit of background congregations embracing a very conservative form of about the political unrest in Chile at the could we not want that for others? people. They oblige them to look music, the elder and his wife waited for which are presently Christian belief by using the term ‘born time; but recognized that the Another thing we noticed was how within and to think. The insolvent the guests to arrive. The first guest was vacant and to help again’ Christian. Agnostics and liberal ungodliness of the culture, with its amazingly neat and tidy the church was. tradesman does not like his books to a young man in his tracksuit who had them to again Christians now tend to go on the alert accompanying social problems, was the This was a kind of message to us, in be searched. The faithless steward jogged to their place. While an animated become fully-fledged whenever they hear a person claim to deeper heart issue. She wanted to know that it told us how important they does not like his accounts to be conversation tookplace, the three of witnesses in their respective be saying or doing something ‘as a whether we had problems in New thought coming to church was. They examined. And the unconverted them waited for all the others to come. communities. Another motion asked the Christian’.” Professor Geering concludes Zealand society because of people’s lack cared about the place they meet in. professing Christian does not like to But between him and another elder with Session to prepare a plan of action to by saying, “There was a time when the of interest in Christianity. Yes, definitely, Taking good care of your building be asked home-questions about his his wife, that newly elected elder got prioritise the work of church expansion, word ‘Christian’ was associated with all I told her – and that led on to a really presents an attractive face to the world. soul. the message: that his constituents were both in the short- and long-term, with that is good, wholesome and worthwhile. interesting conversation about our In some parts of the world, this also But questions about religion are very busy people. Another elder, also the end result being the calling of a But if the present trend continues, it respective cultures and the place of the presents a striking contrast with dirty very useful. The Lord Jesus Christ newly elected, tried to entice his home missionary, but only after the will come to be associated with limited Christian faith in transforming culture. streets, uncollected rubbish and rack asked many questions during His constituents with a barbecue. Between congregation responds to the call of vision and narrow-minded bigotry.” Both she and her brother also told me and ruin around them. It reflects an ministry on earth. The servant of him and his wife and another family discipleship and spiritual growth, as this I am glad that, in the eyes of Lloyd about their family, how their mother ability to organize for the common good Christ ought not to be ashamed to who turned up for the invitation, they must occur from within the church. Geering, I have limited vision and am a had recently become a Christian, and – and it says “welcome”. do likewise. Questions about things had more meat and sausages than their narrow-minded bigot. of their passionate desire for their father We left this friendly place very happy necessary to salvation – questions stomachs could handle. Lloyd Geering, the Presbyterian heretic Abridged to believe in the Lord Jesus. I promised we had gone. We’d become more aware which probe the conscience, and who denied the bodily resurrection of them we would pray for him – and we of the way Christ is extending his bring men face to face with God – The Hamilton congregation had several our Lord and is convinced that his bones have. kingdom among every tribe and tongue such questions often bring life and quite exciting meetings; the first one are still somewhere near Jerusalem, It turned out that the young couple and nation; and made us glad to think health to souls. I know few questions was attended by about 150 members, made some revealing statements on the Paul was speaking with were both that one day we will all be gathered more important than the one before discussing the pros and cons of a new meaning of “Christian”. He observed doctors. They worked at the local around his throne in heaven. It didn’t you today. DO YOU BELIEVE? organ at the cost of approximately that there is a subtle change occurring hospital in Loncoche, the small town really matter that we didn’t understand Reader, the question before you $20,000; the pros prevailed and the in the way the word “Christian” is being where the family of our friend Sebastian everything we heard during that service. is no easy one to answer. Think not church gained a beautiful organ publicly used, including a distinct shift (the bridegroom of the day before) lived. What we saw, and did understand, were to thrust it aside by the off-hand supposedly to last at least another two from positive to negative associations. We were amazed by this providence, the unmistakable marks of true Christian answer, “Of course I believe.” I tell generations. The other meeting, “UP until fifty years ago,” he said, “the and hope that one of these days they belief, and true Christian love. you this day, that true belief is no attended by about 40 members, rejected vast majority of New Zealanders would will have opportunity to share the gospel such "matter of course” as you a proposal for a locally stationed home have been affronted if you had suggested

14 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 15 Letters to the editor climate change, and her overt faith makes material to publish on climate change her uniquely suited to reach those who and at least publish an alternate view to Re: Climate are skeptical of science to the point of balance the view presented. rejecting it.” Peter Mahoney Dr Hayhoe states: change “I don't believe in climate change, and I never have because it is not a religion,” Dear Editor Reformed Churches of New Zealand. a climate scientist or biologist or says Hayhoe. ”As a scientist I look at Thank you for your recent articles Re: Pray for Greta I am therefore very disappointed that botanist) yet he feels qualified to the data and the facts and they are Eds. Response published by Mr. Jon Dykstra and the Faith in Focus would publish such makes statements about CO2 such clear: climate is changing, humans are Mrs. Christine Farenhorst, and the an incredibly damaging, defamatory and as “there has been a substantial responsible, the impacts are already letter of response to Mr. Dykstra by biased article. increase in the productivity of the serious, and there are solutions if we Mr. Bartlett. Dear Sir, The writer advocates readers become world’s crops and forests due to the act now.” Dear Peter, My main concern with the articles I was surprised to find that the February acquainted with a fair and balanced increased carbon dioxide concen- https://www.good.is/dr-katharine- Thank you for your letter. You assume is the overall tone towards climate 2020 edition ofFaith in Focus included view of Christian Scientists, yet the writer trations” without any facts or hayhoe-climate-scientist that because such articles as the one in change that appears to be set, by an article titled “Pray for Greta” makes no effort at all to follow her own evidence being cited, however question are published in this magazine, Faith in Focus magazine. Mr. Dykstra’s The article presented a view that advice and at no point offers any serious a. The key issue with this reference On the Topic of Carbon Dioxide she therefore they are the view of the RCNZ. article was in effect, a denial of the Greta Thunberg’s address about her fears scientific evidence that Climate change is that Dr Humphreys acknow- states: I can confidently state, that is definitely science of climate change by on Climate change were: is hype, in fact it seems that her only ledges that CO2 in the atmo- “The reality, though, is that climate not the case, nor do our churches have attempting to discredit “scientists” by • disrespectful; approach is to attack the messenger. sphere is increasing, but he does change is affecting us today. It’s doing a position on climate issues. The the wrong they have committed in • lies, which her parents and Swedish The writer’s own biased view was the not respond to the main negative this by taking many of the risks we disclaimer on p2 of this magazine makes the past. In the same vein, Ms. educators indoctrinated her with; basis for the article, and she cherry issues that this causes i.e. Global already face naturally – floods and it quite clear where our obligations lie Farenhorst’s article was more of an • misplaced because she did not listen picked evidence to find anyone or warming and sea level rise, both storms, heat and drought – and in regard to articles and opinions. It ad hominen attack on the teenage to what Dr Pielke had to say in 2014 anything written which would support of which will impact the supersizing or exacerbating them. And states: activist Greta Thunberg, rather than about weather extremes in the US her view. It was not balanced and vulnerable people of the earth the the more carbon we produce, the more The opinions expressed in this the intended point by point rebuttal since 1900; demonstrated a very flawed approach most. dangerous the effects will be over the magazine are not to be considered of climate change information as set • that she did not read an article in to finding truth. coming decades.” the official position of the All of the other arguments about out by Thunberg in a recent speech. the Toronto Sun that suggested The writer provides no evidence or https://www.chatelaine.com/living/ Reformed Churches of New Greta’s speech are speculation or Since when has Faith in Focus Canadas temperature was warmer in serious scientific data to support her climate-change-myths-debunked-by- Zealand unless they expound the hearsay, which do not demonstrate any magazine become a vehicle of climate the past because someone omitted assertion. It is simply an opinion piece scientist/ Biblical system of doctrine love or compassion for the writer her change denial? data; of a writer of historical fiction. contained in the Heidelberg family, or any respect to those people In general, I agree with Mr. • from ideas, motivated mostly by The only two scientist’s references On the topic of weather extremes: Catechism, the Belgic Confession, who empathise with her. At worst it Dykstra that we are not climate evolutionists and coached by Luisa cited are flawed and out of context. “The links between hurricanes and the Canons of Dordt, or the could be considered as trolling or bullying change scientists. We do not have Neubauer who works for Bill and climate change are complex, but some Westminster Confession of Faith, 1. Dr Roger Piekle’s statement in 2014 as the writer is making personal criticism access to the raw data and the Melinda Gates; aspects are getting clearer. Tropical or reflect the successive Acts of “there is precious little evidence that of a young person, where she has no analyses that are causing serious • misplaced because she did not storms draw their energy from ocean Synod of the Reformed Churches extremes have become worse in the concern to ecologists and climate understand that increasing personal relationship, in the public eye heat – and more than 90 percent of the of New Zealand. On the other US since at least 1900, with the scientists for the last four decades; atmospheric CO2. Actually improves which can be extremely hurtful and heat trapped by greenhouse gas hand, care is taken to ensure that exception of more winter storms all we have is God’s Word. Therefore, plant growth according to Dr Russ damaging. emissions is being stored in the ocean. articles and opinions do not since 1950 and overall fewer colder it is concerning to see that Mr. Humphreys; Attacking another person has no place Storms that survive the cradle of directly contradict the official spells.” can be dismissed because Dykstra, in particular, does not seem • created by adults with their own in our Church’s publication. formation can intensify quickly and position of the Reformed Churches a. While no evidence is provided to acknowledge what the Bible says agendas; This view is damaging for many of become immensely powerful.” as contained in the above sources that Dr Pielke is a Christian, the regarding the curse upon the earth. • hype that she believed because she our denominations young people, as it http://katharinehayhoe.com/wp2016/ without attention being called to reference is taken out of context, Climate change is an outworking of had Asperger syndrome, an obsessive- suggests we do not care or even believe category/uncategorized/ that fact. he does believe in climate the curse (Gen 3:17-18). The effect compulsive disorder, she was that Climate Change is an issue worth change.” Pielke has also written of continuously increasing depressed, a vegan, she was a solitary, discussing. On the topic of Christians believing in However, it is an undeniable fact, that extensively on climate change consumption of high-intensity serious and crosseyed child. climate change: everyone is being confronted with the policy. He has written that he resources, such as fossil fuels, and An alternate view Katharine Hayhoe asked her Juneau subject of climate change by the media accepts the IPCC view of the unchecked growth in a closed system After this surprisingly cruel personal However, an alternate view can be audience how a Christian, like herself, and others, and I am sure many people underlying science, stating, “The (capitalism) leads to ever-increasing attack on an individual, the writer then informed by serious science from a could truly say they were pro-life if they are thinking about it. This is a good issue IPCC has concluded that green- waste production (CO2) and waste suggested that Christians should be serious Christian scientist. ignored the damage being done by for us to discuss and I welcome the house gas emissions resulting from heat. challenged by the climate change hype, By the writer’s own recommendations, climate change. “I’m a climate scientist debate in Faith in Focus and trust it will human activity are an important While the earth is indeed an and be acquainted with a fair and a far more credible Christian Climate because I’m a Christian,” she said. sharpen our thinking on the subject and driver of changes in climate. And intricate and well-made system that balanced view of Christian scientists scientist is Dr Katherine Hayhoe. Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist, a help us come to an informed opinion, on this basis alone I am personally is perfectly designed by God for us about Climate change. “Hayhoe is the Director of the professor of political science at Texas of which there are many. convinced that it makes sense to to live in, it is also subject to the The reader of the article is left with Climate Change Center at Texas Tech Tech, and a climate advocate. Furthermore, the author of the take action to limit greenhouse effects of the curse (Gen 3:17-18); the sense that what Greta said can be University. She was named one of Time’s http://katharinehayhoe.com/wp2016/ February article “Pray for Greta” wasn’t gas emissions. and if continuously and rapaciously disregarded and therefore the idea of Most Influential People in 2014, one of category/uncategorized/ the only one put off by Greta Thunberg’s http://sciencepolicy.colorado.edu/ abused to create wealth for greedy climate change is not much more than Fortune’s 50 Greatest Leaders in 2017, less than respectful tone in her little admin/publication_files/resource- humans, its compensatory hype. Moreover as it is printed in our and recently received a U.N. Champion I respectfully request that theFaith speech at the United Nations. It was 2466-2006.09.pdf mechanisms will be overwhelmed. of the Earth award for Science and in Focus team exhibit more discernment good that someone pointed that out. denominations magazine one could also Climate change is an outworking of assume that this was the view of the 2. Dr Russ Humphreys is a physicist (not Innovation. She is a leading voice on and sensitivity when they are looking for Ed.

16 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 17 the curse. In this way, the earth can be likened Churches mission in focus to a human body. The body is also an intricate and perfectly designed SADIRI JOY TIRA organism; however, it is subject to the effects of the curse. When it breaks down, and sickness or injury occurs, Covid 19 we use medical technology such as antibiotics, vaccines and surgery to by H24X counteract the effects of the curse. This is a clear example of God’s common grace to all mankind. Global family and The earth is the same. When we Dear God, identify the effects of the curse on this I wonder what is in your plan evacuated and repatriated to their earth, we are obligated, through our What have you designed for man dominion mandate (Gen 1:28, 9:1-3), the Coronavirus homelands – a reverse diaspora! to ameliorate these negative effects. W Life as we know it is changing daily Last week, the Asia Theological We need to minimize the damage People aren’t going through life gaily Association announced that Rev. Dr. Wilson Teo, a respected Singaporean we do to this planet, and by developing There is anxiety, panic and fear clean and green technologies (God’s church leader, senior pastor of Grace common grace to mankind), reverse Scared for all that they hold dear The World Health Organization has of travelers – businesspeople, Assembly in Singapore, has been the damage that is done, thus avoiding Scared for their loved ones and their kin named the Coronavirus, “Covid-19”. international students, migrant workers, infected with Covid-19. To date, 16 This virus started in Central China and family members seeking reunion, and cases linked to the congregation have causing further damage. In doing so, Terrified of going out, so stay in we are also caring for the less privileged, has spread to over 51,800 even recreational migrants, have been been identified. more vulnerable nations of the wold, Working from home and shopping online lab-confirmed cases globally. locked down and isolated. How do we respond to the Covid- who depend on fragile subsistence Follow the new rules or you’ll get a fine This outbreak has impacted Airports, markets, malls, schools, 19? I am not a medical expert, economic growth, tourism industries, recreational facilities, and even church economist, or political scientist, but agrarian lifestyles. And the laws keep changing every day If we ignore climate change by geopolitical landscapes, and “people buildings are closely monitored. just like Wilson Teo, I was a local unthinkingly aligning ourselves to all Is this the week you’ll get your last pay on the move.” Specifically, thousands Foreigners in China are now being church pastor, and a reflective the political views of the Western right Don’t kiss or shake hands, or invade my space wing (because they have decided that Brings out the best and worst in our race it is expedient to use Christians as a voter base), then we are not displaying Some go blithely about their business a Berean attitude. Should we not search And others are aggressive or acrimonious out the truth with “readiness of mind So what do you do, how do you respond and eagerness”, by assessing what we hear againstall of God’s Word? As a Christian do you look beyond Therefore, I would urge a balanced, The panic on earth and to God cry fearless approach to the issue of climate Do you ask what God is doing and why change. We need to consider the What does he plan, only time will tell presentation of the clear physical science that is displayed by the vast But I know that it is good on him to dwell majority of climate and environmental Am I scared, not at all, for I know scientists, in the same manner that we That if I die it’s to him that I’ll go use the science presented by medical researchers to discover illness and I hope that in this time of turmoil disease in the human body, and treat I can be a light that will the devil foil it. I do not need to be afraid Will Vaatstra God’s in control, his plans are made He has a purpose for all that occurs And will do what he prefers And I trust him for this world is his And through this he makes my faith increase Christ is the answer to every ‘why’ My faith is founded on God most high. Amen.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

18 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 Faith in Focus Volume 47/4 May 2020 19 practitioner of international migration. as they diligently research and care for “Kingdom business.” They can even Let me suggest a brief response to those afflicted, even as we extend care send their financial contributions via this global crises through the lenses of to families and communities affected online banking. Small group discipleship biblical-theology, missiology, and by disease. classes and even board or committee pastoral ministry. And, somewhat overlooked in meetings can be held via Zoom pastoral dialogue, we must encourage conferences. People can still come First, we need our theology to be responsible citizenship. I am referring together in the cyber world. moored in solid biblical truths to practicing good hygiene, and heeding The church is God’s family, called and principles, because this will quarantine instructions. to persevere in times of trials, help our ethical practices. tribulations, and suffering; to pray for Finally, the Covid-19 crises gives each other, and to extend care and respect to other nations. God is sovereign and all-knowing. His us incredible missiological opportunities. Covid-19 cannot hinder the mission eyes are not closed to global current of the church. The Kingdom advances. events and personal crisis. God is our The prophet Micah summoned God’s refuge in times of troubles, and he is Sadiri “Joy” Tira (DMiss, Western people to show justice, constant love, our defender, as well as our deliverer. Seminary; DMin, Reformed Theological and to live in humble fellowship with With this guarantee, we must not Seminary) is Coordinator for the God (Mic. 6:8). During the worst fear (Ps. 91). Even God’s children are Lausanne Diasporas North American times, enmity among nations can be exposed to pestilence, as recorded in Strategy Group. He also serves as alleviated when benevolence, justice, the Bible. For example, leprosy was Missiology Specialist at the Jaffray mercy, and humility are extended to deadly and rampant during the Roman Centre for Global Initiatives at those in national crises. period. The lepers were isolated and Ambrose University and Seminary God expects his people to display considered unclean social outcasts, but (AUS), Calgary, AB, Canada; on the the Kingdom ethics and qualities Jesus, the compassionate healer, Advisory Council of Gospel-Life.net at including humility, mercy, peacefulness, ministered to them, transcending the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton etc. (Matt. 5:2-12). The disciples of gender, cultural, and racial College in Illinois, USA, and on the Jesus Christ are summoned to be his considerations of the time. Board of Directors for SIM (Canada) witnesses of God’s goodness in Today, we are exposed to all kinds and MoveIn International. of infectious diseases, including Covid- Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and everywhere in the world. How do we 19. The words of the Apostle Paul are https://www.christianitytoday.com comforting: “Can anything separate us do that in a time of restricted travel? from the love of Christ? Can trouble, Let us remember, we are living in February 25, 2020, Lausanne suffering, and hard times or hunger and technological age. Technology makes nakedness, or danger or death... I am people accessible. sure nothing can separate us from God’s Immigration experts are predicting love...” (Rom. 8:31-39). this to have the potential of being a great “lock down,” that is, people Second, during seasons of cannot travel beyond their borders. epidemic outbreaks, the church Travelers and pilgrims are shut out and forbidden to travel. must respond pastorally. For example, many Chinese nationals are currently considered I am writing this post in Toronto, persona non grata in many countries. Ontario, arguably, “the most Even international students and multicultural city in the world.” diplomats are restricted from travel. Recently, I invited a friend for dinner. Public spaces are being locked down He responded, “Great, but I don’t like to protect people from potential eating ‘oriental’ food – these restaurants exposures to the virus. have corona viruses!” Still, these people may be reached I was appalled to hear these via technological tools such as the radio, condescending and discriminating TV, internet, YouTube, social media, comments. Pastors have a prophetic and communication apps (e.g., Skype, voice and we must remind God’s Zoom), and telephones. people to practice peace, hope, and Local congregations must adjust courage, and encourage God’s people their missional thinking and be to be empathetic and sympathetic to innovative in their evangelism, those who are hurting. discipleship, and worship activities, Further, we must encourage our including prayer services and congregations to pray for and support celebrations. The church buildings and the medical scientists, pharmacologists. assembly halls may be inaccessible, but medical doctors, and hospital workers congregations can carry on in their

20 Faith in Focus Volume 47/3 April 2020