To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain   After years of civil war, the tiny island nation of Sri Lanka was left with deep physical and emotional scars. Thousands were left homeless; others had lost family members; in some places entire villages had been destroyed. Pastor Neil and his wife Shiromi, burdened by the deep wounds left on its citizens, moved to the village of Ampara located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. With a heart to minister to the traumatized youth in the area, many of whose families had been displaced by civil war, they ministered sacrificially - often in the midst of their own hunger and desperate need. The young couple quickly became part of the community and was loved by many as they ministered reconciliation to broken families. As their ministry grew beyond the troubled youth, Shiromi began reaching out to women who were victims of domestic violence. But, in spite of the many villagers who benefited from their ministry, some were not happy with their work. That’s when the threats began. On February 18, 2008, just outside their home, a bullet pierced Pastor Neil’s heart, ending his earthly life. People who knew the pastor believed that it was a hired gun that killed him and that it was religiously motivated. At only 37 years-of-age Pastor Neil had known that the day would come when his life would end. But, while seeing the inevitability of his imminent death, he was convinced that his ministry would not end, proclaiming, “After me, thousands will rise to proclaim Christ’s message.” Pastor Neil’s wife Shiromi and their little boy, then a two-year-old, were also shot in the attack, but survived. Now, five years later, the small house church in Ampara is growing under Shiromi’s care and guidance. Besides preaching and worshiping every Sunday, Shiromi visits members on weekdays. As Shiromi and their son continue to build their lives in the very place where Pastor Neil was taken from them, his words still ring true as the gospel is message is being told…and many are coming to Christ.  One With Them The New Testament was written by persecuted Christians, to persecuted Christians, with instructions for living a Godly life in a world hostile to the Gospel. How relevant that is to today’s Christians! Join in prayer and support for Shiromi and her child – Be One With Them – praying for strength of faith, for God’s protection, and for His provision of daily needs. One With Them CHALLENGE While Christians everywhere cherish their Bible, it is a daily “how to” guide for those suffering for Christ today. Open Doors supplied 2.4 million Bibles to persecuted Christians last year. Will you help send Bibles this year? Please prayerfully consider the options on the Open Doors USA website.  2013.06.24

“Greater love has no one than this; that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)