Moments of Inspiration

A brief story of Polycarp.

He was a follower of John and knew Paul, he was Bishop of Smyrna. He was a humble man not very learned. His knowledge of the scriptures was not as good as some, but his belief was unshakable. He was martyred in AD 155.

He preached that to deny Christ had come in the flesh is to be the antichrist, to deny the evidenced of the cross was to be of the Devil. To say there is no resurrection or judgement is to be the son of Satan.

His whereabouts was revealed by a houseboy who had been tortured. When he was brought before the governor, he was asked to swear to the luck of causer to save himself. However, he replied was that he could not blaspheme his King and Saviour.

His final prayer was to bless God for giving him this day and hour that he may be numbered among the martyred and rise
again, to everlasting life. As his prayer ended, they lit the fire, but it formed the shape of a hollow chamber around him. He
was like a loaf of bread baking in the oven. When they saw that his body would not be destroyed, they stabbed him as they did, a dove and blood gushed out and put out the flames.

Polycarp’s bravery and complete faith has filled me with wonder and awe. It is amazing that he had such faith and trust in the Lord. I pray that l might be as brave if l were persecuted or had to face death for my faith.

Mission to India

A while ago l partnered myself with Mission to India. Their aim to save souls. Their faith once they accept Jesus as their saviour is amazing. One occasion comes to mind.

A Christian man’s son was murdered, his killer was sent to jail. Because of this his family were left without their breadwinner. Eventually they were so desperate they came to the village and threw themselves on the mercy of the man whose son had been killed. Instead of condemning them, they took them in and cared for them. The killer heard of this and requested to see them and thank them.

Eventually he himself became a Christian. When he was released, he came to the village. Knelt before the man and the whole village and confessed his guilt and also gave testimony to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. How many of us would show that kind of love and forgiveness?

Mission to India has set up bible schools, where children as young as six are saved from hard slave labour and forced marriage. They also help their families and teach them a better way of life in Jesus. The girls receive education as girls are not allowed to be educated in India if of a lower cast. The bible schools help many and bring them to Christ.

This is only the beginning of their journey as they will be persecuted by both Muslims and Hindus. They also have people called planters who are sent out to set up new churches much as the early Christians did after the rising up to heaven of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are spreading the gospel to India. They need our prayers and any help we are able to give them.

Praise God for all they do in his name.
For more information please visit: https://missionindia.org.uk/ 

By June Davis