It's for Freedom That Christ Set Us Free

 

We will call her Amagi, which is the earliest written form of the word for "freedom," found on a clay document written aroub 2300 B.C. Amagi is a widow, desperately poor, yet her dream is to tell every woman in Central Asia about freedom in Christ. We can't use her real name or country due to persecution of Christians in her region. House church leaders in her city have been arrested multiple times, as it is illegal to hold any religious meetings without the consent of the authorities. Over the past two years several registered churches have lost their legal status and over 100 others have had their requests denied. Servant-leader training is even more strictly banned, but small groups have decided to meet anyway.

 

Many Central Asian students testified that they were overcome by the love shown by those who witnessed to them. They were amazed as Christian family membres or friends reacted in love when custom dictated they be treated with contempt and beating. A big impact of the training has been in their personal relationships with God. As they come to know Him better, they gain confidence, security, and tremendous relief, as well as the boldness and desire to share with others about the possibility of knowing one's sins have been completely forgiven. Some have introduced their entire family and extended families as well as friends and neighbors to Christ. Others have boldly spoken about their faith despite torture and state sanction on their activities.

 

In this season of Advent and celebrating the birth of Immanuel—God with us—it is good to remember that Christ came so that we might be set free. Free from the power of sin over us. Free from the penalthy of death for rebellion against o holy God. Free from fear in uncertain economic times. May the Lord show each of us how we can respond as our brothers and sisters in Central Asia have: fearlessly and tangibly sharing the love of Christ that breaks through all barriers with those across the table from us, down the street and around the world.

 

 

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Name	Size	Type	Last Modified
2006 12 Restricted Access	240.0 KB	PDF Document	3/21/2009 9:52:02 PM
2008 02 Central Asia	521.2 KB	PDF Document	3/21/2009 10:56:03 PM
2008 12 Central Asia	575.6 KB	PDF Document	3/23/2009 8:56:45 AM
2009 04 Shepherds Heart Retreat	556.4 KB	PDF Document	11/6/2009 11:44:14 AM
2009 11 High Cost	300.9 KB	PDF Document	11/6/2009 11:44:16 AM