DownshoreDrift

Today is the one year anniversary of the London terror bombings that killed 52 and injured over 700 more. The bombings were sponsored by Al-Quaida and were front page news all over the world. Today, they had a moment of silence at King's Cross Station of the London Underground. During a visit to London, I rode the tube through there only a year before with one of my best friends from college who was both in NYC during 9/11 and London last year during the bombings. I have had the privilege of travelling quite a bit on mission trips and for other reasons over the past couple of years and I actually heard about the bombings standing in a market at the Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, while picking up a Jerusalem Post. A Palestinian looking over my shoulder let out an "Oh No," and I knew what he meant. Everytime Al-Quaida enacted a terrorist attack, life became harder for the Palestinians. The tension was high in Jerusalem over the next couple of days as people wondered if there would be other attacks or crackdowns by the Israeli's against the Palestinians. I was staying in a British hotel at David's Gate at the time and had a chance to offer condolences to the British nationals that were both working and staying there. It was an interesting time, to say the least.  I was very concerned about my friend, because he took the tube from King's Cross to work. I later found out he was alright.

During my studies leading up to our trip to Jordan and Jerusalem, I learned a great deal about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the whole situation in the Middle East. We travelled throughout Jordan, spoke with a lot of people, heard their stories, and found out that opinions toward America are definitely mixed. Some hate America and distrust everything we do. Others, are grateful for our participation over there and want the economic opportunities that good relations with the U.S. provide. As I travelled through Europe and India the year before, I found that most people were very interested in America and had strong opinions, most of them good. We are both loved, respected, feared, and hated. It was very interesting to me that in every newspaper, there would be news about America. The whole world watches us and whatever we do has enormous consequences. I don't think I fully understood that.

America is at war with terrorists, and rightfully so, considering 9/11 and further attacks, like the bombings in London. I pray that we stop all terrorism and that we have victory in the War in Iraq. My best friend in the world is over there in the U.S. Army right now.  As Christians, however, how does all of this affect us and other believers? How do you think this has affected the work of American missionaries overseas?  One truth that was brought home to me as I travelled, is that I am a Christian first and an American second. I have more in common with the Jordanian man who converted to Christianity from Islam that I met with in the Palestinian refugee camp, than I do with most Americans. I have more in common with the Christian family that we met in the slum of New Delhi, India than I do with most Americans. This is because we are both children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. I love my country dearly and would gladly spill my own blood for her freedom, but as Christians first, how does that affect how we see the world?  How do we balance our patriotism with our first citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven? How does being a global Christian affect our view on things? How can we, as Christians, bring peace wherever we go, encourage other believers, and use our incredible privileges as citizens of the most powerful nation on earth to help others?   Here are some possibilities:

• Pray for the persecuted church - check out organizations like Voice of the Martyrs that are advocates for persecuted Christians everywhere and ask God what you can do.
• Pray for our troops, our leaders, and all those affected by terrorist acts.  God is a God of mercy, but He is also a God of justice. Pray that justice be carried out. Even though, we will never have complete safety or security until Christ returns, we work toward that end everyday. Pray, "On earth as it is in Heaven . . ."
• Get to know internationals in your city. I am making a concerted effort to get to know the Indian community where I live. It has been really interesting as I have gotten to know community leaders and am building relationships with them so the gospel can flow freely and I can do my own part to improve international relations.
• Realize that you are part of global Christianity, not just American Christianity. How does that affect your views and your lifestyle? I do believe that God loves and has blessed America incredibly, but He is God over the whole world, not just our national god.
• Pray for the terrorists, that God would bring His peace and salvation to their hearts, and that they would repent and cease making war. They are souls made in God's image that are held captive by the evil one. May we pray for our enemies.  Brother Andrew has a great perspective on this in Light Force: A Stirring Account of the Church Caught in the Middle East Crossfire .
• Engage in the work of global missions in a holistic way. We are called to disciple the NATIONS. What does it mean to disciple a nation? It includes seeing individual conversions, but it also means that we are to bring a Christian worldview to every aspect of life, including social, political, and economic structures.  How can you help influence the nations through your business or your profession? How can you bring biblical values to the policies of your chosen field? The opportunities are endless.

Terrorism will not go away when we eradicate Al-Quaida or when we win in Iraq. It is the last resort for alienated people who want to assert their will through force and fear. The only One who can truly change the hearts of men is Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can bring true peace. Pray for Al-Quaida, that God would send his gospel to them, that they would repent, and be saved and lay down their weapons. I seem to remember another terrorist in the Bible who had a similar experience on the Road to Damascus. May God do it again.