The last 3 days we have had Rory Alec and 3 other people from G-d TV with us. So for three days the political work has stopped and we have just concentrated on the wonderful diversity of the church ministry, from our youth and children's work to the women's work and finally the whole church.
We filmed all over Baghdad, seeing the site of the infamous statue of Saddam Hussein which was pulled down at the entrance of the Americans in 2003. This morning [Sunday] we filmed by the Tigris River, I could not but think of Psalm 137.1; "By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion." In verse 4 we read; "How can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?"
For a moment I want to go back to the G-d TV team. They all said that it was the most incredible place that they have ever been to. They had seen so many things but I asked them for their highlight. They all said the same thing. The most amazing thing was the people; people who had seen such persecution and yet they could see the Lord in their eyes and the Glory of G-d in this place. That is how we can "sing the Lord's song in a strange land".
It has been truly wonderful to have the G-d TV team with us.
Fishing or feeding the flock
This weekend we have been looking at the miraculous catch of fish in John 21, when the disciples caught 153 fish. 153 is such an important number, since at the time it was said there were 153 types of fish. The catch of 153 fish thus represented the fact that the Kingdom of G-d was big enough for everybody.
The explanation of the theologian, Jerome, was that 100 represented the Jews, 50 the Gentiles and 3 the blessed Trinity thus 153. Augustine's view was that 10 represented the Ten Commandments and thus the law, 7 represented the gifts of the Holy Spirit. So this makes 17 not 153 but if you add all the numbers together from 1-17 you get 153. So 153 is a totally inclusive number.
Then we have Jesus asking Peter if he "loved him more than these". Jesus was not asking if he loved him more than the other disciples did but did he love him more than the fish. He was called to fish for men. He used to fish for fish but then had become a disciple. After Jesus died, Peter had gone back to his old job, his old security, and he was no good at it any more. So Jesus is telling us that we must stick at what he has called us to do.
Finally Jesus tells Peter that one day he would be persecuted and killed for his faith but still he should follow him. Here in Baghdad it was a clear word to us all. Many of our people have been persecuted and killed for their love of Jesus but still we are called to follow him. We have never thought for one moment of not following the way of Jesus. Why? Because the love of Jesus is always with us in a supernatural way. His glory, majesty, power and direction are always with us. We do not know if we will even survive the next day but we do know that whether here or there our Lord will always be with us.
The violence and murders continue as ever. Today, those who are being charged with the massacre at the Syrian Catholic Church were taken to the Ministry of the Interior for questioning. Somehow the group's leader in handcuffs managed to get hold of an officer's gun and shot several people dead. A full scale battle broke out and 17 people were killed. How on earth this happened we simply do not know but like so much in this place it is all a mystery.
Grace and peace,
Canon Andrew White
Andrew White, the dedicated 'Vicar of Baghdad', encounters daily tragedy...
- What happened to his faith when a young girl in his congregation died, after much hope and prayer?
- Every time he returns to Iraq he may be saying goodbye to his family for the last time. What do they think?
- He suffers from MS. How does he remain cheerful despite his physical weakness, and its progression?
- What does he say to God, alone in his study, late at night? Looking ahead, can he be optimistic about the future?
Purchase Faith under Fire
Andrew
