Eleven of us met in our lounge/dining room for our small group meeting and had a most enriching time sharing fellowship and the word. It was very informal and everyone was encouraged to speak and pray.
The superstitious Chinese refrain from using the word 'death' during the Lunar New Year, but as Christians we speak freely on any subject, death included. "O death where is you sting? O grave where is your victory? exclaims Paul. For Christ has conquered death and when the time comes for us to leave this world, we know we will be with Him in Heaven forever.
I am reminded of the German Pastor Bonhoeffer, imprisoned by the Nazis. Then came the day in April 1945 when he was told to get ready for his death. He asked his guards to allow him five minutes for a last prayer in his cell. Then he shook hands with them and said, "For me, this is the beginning of life. Now to be with Him."
Immediately after a quick lunch we got a lift from my wife's sister, Angela to visit an elderly couple related to her. Both are in their eighties, rather frail, but mentally alert for their age. They do not claim to be Christians, but do not object to us speaking about our Christian faith and sharing a prayer with them.
We returned home by bus. The journey took a long time because of the heavy traffic. We give thanks to God for the privilege of sharing fellowship and our faith with others.
As a Christian I must give a reason for the hope that is in me. However, in the end it is the fruit of holy living which is the greatest argument for the truth of my faith.
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