Archive Tag: persecution

Is God On Israel’s Side?

by Shaun Groves

“Please, do you want a picture?” Our guide herded us into position in front of the photographer. “This is how we live,” she said.

God put on skin and moved into this neighborhood two thousand years ago. Today Bethlehem is part of the West Bank, cities walled in behind concrete erected by the Israeli government.

Inside the walls unemployment is almost 60% today. Outside, in the rest of Israel, it is less than 6%. Inside the walls Christians make up, at the very least, 15% of the West Bank’s population. Outside the walls Christians are less than 2% of Israel’s population.

Almost all of us bought a copy of our group’s photograph. To support our brothers and sisters living in Bethlehem. View Post

And The Church Grows

by Shaun Groves

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 Manuel had been a Christian for only four years when he became Pastor Manuel. “It was the seventies,” he said. “Persecution was great.” Rocks thrown through church windows. Church members harassed and… Read More

Eating With Adults

by Shaun Groves

On the way to the restaurant Wess (the president of Compassion International) told me a story.  In the 1980’s, when Ethiopia was under communist rule and the Church was forced underground by intense persecution, Wess held covert meetings with Church leaders to discuss future plans to bring Compassion’s ministry to… Read More