Dear Editor,
Let me give a Third World perspective on the recent actions of Islamic extremists.
It is really sad to read about the increasing number of murderous attacks on Westerners or Europeans by militant groups.
At the same time it is also sad to notice the increasing hostility of your own power holders or government towards the free proclamation of Christ and his redeeming love.
But, writing as a Third World, evangelical Reformed Christian who has served the gospel in Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea, I believe there are deeper issues that Western Christians need to face.
1. Rapid failure inside the church of God- conscious leadership and declining influence on society. Could what you are experiencing be God’s judgment on your spiritual arrogance, lack of biblical honesty and pride in doing missionary work in poorer countries. By concentrating on the poor you have produced ‘rice Christians’ in order to look successful to supporters. Morally sensitive nonbelievers outside and inside the church find this kind of ‘gospel’ cheap and dishonest.
2. Losing freedom of speech. Could this be God's judgment on the rich, Western/Eastern churches for refusing to listen to the cry of those who respect your mission concerns, but seek to raise concerns that your method and content may be destroying true Christian gospel witness in poor countries?
3. Powerlessness in spite of pulpit smartness. Could it be an expression of God’s displeasure, since much missionary work serves only to dull the conscience and minds of poorer or less educated nations, like Papua New Guinea, towards the massive robbery of their natural resources of oil, natural gas, gold, timber, silver, copper, etc. I’ve heard it said: ‘They gave us the Bibles and took away our diamonds’.
Whether I am right or wrong, may God grant you his wisdom, love and honour to know and do the truth in mission work and to repent and put things right where reformation and honesty are crucial.
Yours,
