"Ten thousand shall fall at the right..."

Dear Christian Friend,

"Ten thousand shall fall at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee."

People riot in the streets, set fire to buses, overturn cars and throw stones at the police. They get bullets in return. The prices go ever higher, but the meager salaries of the poor stay low. Poor, poor lost humanity! They are not starving but are fighting for a few luxuries. They fight and burn, making more material losses besides being wounded with some dying, The rich are also mercenary and cruel, ready to defend what they have, even though they and their children are in continual danger also. The Bible does not want us to get into that battle. We are not to dream up some impossible ideal utopia and try to force it through politically. The Bible does not suggest that even Christians should all be equal materially. In fact, it commands the poor to be content and the rich to be merciful, dedicating their assets to the Lord, not turning it over to a government, all of which are falling short of being guided by God.

The early church had all in common for a short time. This was a practice entered into voluntarily by the Apostles and some others for that initial time and place. The church was not instructed as it extended into other lands. Missionaries on some foreign fields often have more in common than personal at their station, but, in general, do not advise it to their converts.

Our Christians are staying home, while others are fighting and rioting, going to the house of prayer instead of having to end up wounded in the hospital. God is taking care of them materially, also. Christians in the US, like yourself, are sending more than usual. Material help and food is distributed to the believers and to other needy with children in their vicinity.

Occasionally, some Christian innocently passing by gets caught in the cross fire, or, like me, is passing when a bomb goes off. God has not promised to keep His children from all suffering in this life. Rather, He repeatedly forewarns us that there will be every manner of testing and suffering, but that He will be with us every moment. Nothing will come but what His love allows, and He will give His grace in abundance. I can testify that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Everyone should take up that yoke and he will feel our little tribulations are but of a moment. Our manifold blessings are so much more than the trials. They are not to be compared to the glory that awaits us, a heaven that begins already in this life with His joy and presence.

Here is an interesting thought: Guatemala was in severe guerrilla warfare for some years with terrorist killings and military death squads. Then the military looked for some honest man to be president and see what would happen. The whole situation calmed down immediately, miraculously. The economic situation also began to be better. Then the corrupt politicians who had been kept out by the evangelical president, united up again as before. The trouble began as before, both in rioting and great economic downturn and suffering.

Meanwhile, the gospel is still doing its miraculous spiritual work in the lives and hearts of many. So keep us in your prayers. Praise the Lord for how wondrously He has answered your prayers for us in the past.

Orland Wolfram