Recently I had a couple of distressed telephone calls from some young parents, who were hurt and angered by a conversation which had begun on the ‘Face book” page of a friend.

The friend had decided to remove her 5 year old son from school 1/2 an hour early, one day a week, in order to avoid Religious Instruction. The alternative, as he was the only one not attending, was for her sone to sit at the back of the clas and do seperate work. She was very angry that “in a secular society” children should be forced to undergo religious instruction. There were some 300 commments (many quite long) posted. The debate which ensued was very heated with derogatory comments/judgements being made about teachers of religion and parents who want their children given such instruction.

Reading the arguments put forward was, sadly, enlightening. Don’t be mistaken… it is not easy to be a Christian in this country of “free speech” and democracy… especially for younger generations. What we took for granted (i.e. religon in schools) is under threat, yet still there is a need/desire or searching after faith and meaning. We continue to have baptism enquiries, and, in March alone I will baptise 6 children.

Sometimes we forget that we have a Mission to fulfill in this area. The population of the surrounding area continues to grow, with a large proportion being young families. How sad that we tend to equate “mission” to activities overseas or among the poor or our indigenous communities.

Jesus wasn’t born to save a small group of men and women who gathered around him at a particular time and place. He didn’t come simple to nurture them and help them feel good. He prepared them to share the gospel with others… and we are called to do the same. Jesus told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. I beleive he says the same to us here and now.

Many Blessings

Reverend Shan