Note from the Board December 2015
Note from the Board – Rob Reilly
It is easy for me to be caught off guard by tragedy and evil in the world around me and especially in my own life. In 1 Peter 4:12 we are told “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Seneca, Roman philosopher famously said “Ignis aurum probat, miseria fortes viros” (Fire tests gold, affliction tests strong men). God uses trials of all kinds, tragedies, and persecutions, to refine us. In Isaiah 48:10 we are told “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” Most of us can exercise our faith with very little impact on our daily life, however, this is not true in many parts of the world today. Yet the church seems most vibrant and alive in places where standing for Christ can come at a high cost. When visiting a Unite4Africa pastor in a predominantly Muslim community in Ethiopia, this stark contrast was both sobering and inspiring. He felt called to move his family to this community and plant a church. He described the death threats he continues to receive against him and his family. God uses affliction to purify His people and draw them to Himself. It is true in war, most affliction happens on the front lines of battle. Please join us is supporting pastors and training them for they are eager to spread the gospel in Africa.
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas
Thank you for your partnership
God bless
Rob