Sharing the Son Means Leaving the Shade

by Sally Matheny

Enthusiasm fresh as the morning

My enthusiasm glittered with the morning sun. It was my first time serving a meal at the project. 

People slowly filtered into the commons area. My cheerful greetings were not returned. 

Instantly, I sensed a divide greater than the table between us. They had come for the food. Nothing else.

An inexplicable heaviness stifled communication. Icy silence, as well as sharp tongues, severed most attempts at interaction. It was obvious. We were not welcome.

                        

After helping distribute the food, I retreated under the outstretched branches of a tree. Thankfully, I’d thought to bring a lawn chair. It provided a secure place to perch and watch the crowd. Most of the missions team stayed under the shady tent. Two or three pastors mingled and tried to chisel out conversations.

Then I saw her.

A young woman, probably in her early twenties, stood off to the side, alone. She was looking around as if searching for something.

I hesitated. The last woman I had approached gruffly informed me she was waiting on someone. Perhaps this young woman was waiting as well.

Yet, she continued to stand there. Sweat flowed down her face. She hugged her drink and chips in one arm and her hamburger in the other. What was she looking for?

Seating was limited. Most people grabbed their food and hustled back to their homes. Could this woman possibly be one of the few who wanted to sit and stay awhile?

Slowly, I eased out from under the tree’s protection. I wondered if she would be like the others and berate me for being there. I was an outsider—different ethnicity, different economic level, a different worldview.

“Hi. Are you looking for someone?” I asked.

She shyly shook her head no. I didn’t recognize any anger in her face. It appeared to be more like discomfort.

“Would you like to sit down to eat?”

A simple nod yes.

I looked around at the few tables provided. No empty seats. I scanned the grassy area under the trees. An empty chair sat beside mine.

“Would you like to sit under the tree? It’s cooler.”

Sharing the Son Means Leaving the Shade

She nodded and followed me to the tree. The distance was short, but we didn’t arrive in time to claim both chairs. Only my chair was left so I offered it to her.

As she sat down, I introduced myself. She told me her name but I couldn't hear her over someone yelling. I did not ask her to repeat it.

I smiled, trying hard not to be insincerely cheery. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope you like your burger.” 

An awkward silence followed. I motioned toward the tent. “I’ve got to go help serve.”

She smiled with another silent nod.  

As I stood under the shade of the tent, I kept looking back over at the tree. The woman quietly ate. A young man chattered away beside her but she wasn’t responding.

Something inside told me to go tell her why we were there. We weren’t just giving away free meals. We were sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

But the earlier rejections of the crowd stifled my response.

The crowd dwindled. Only a few remained in line. I decided handing out napkins to folks would be helpful.

“Would you like a napkin?”

A few minutes passed. Another expressionless face approached.

“Would you like a napkin?”

Another five minutes passed before anyone needed my valuable napkin distribution service. This is ridiculous. I should just go talk to her.

I neatly stacked the napkins on the corner of the table and turned back towards the tree. 

She was gone. 

As quietly as she had slipped into my life, she had slipped out. Along with my opportunity to tell her how much God loves her. And how He offers a joy so great, that she’d have a hard time staying so quiet.

Plant a seed of hope.

And for my silence, I am sorry.

Perhaps she already had a relationship with Christ. I hope so.

I understand when we first meet someone, it’s not always the best time to share Christ.

Although often,

it is.

 ”But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 

Always be prepared 

to give an answer to everyone who asks you 

to give the reason for the hope that you have. 

But do this with gentleness and respect.”  

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Bring Your Bible to School Day Means More Than You Think

by Sally Matheny

Students with Bibles

The effect of supporting “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” is greater than you think.

There are 195 independent countries in the world, plus approximately 60 dependent areas and five disputed territories.

According to Open Doors USA, the following countries are where Christians endure the most severe persecution for their faith:

 1.    North Korea

 2.    Iraq

 3.    Eritrea

 4.    Afghanistan

 5.    Syria

 6.    Pakistan

 7.    Somalia

 8.    Sudan

 9.    Iran

10.  Libya

Bibles in their native languages are banned in many of these countries. Persecution includes oppression, imprisonment, and death. While we sympathize, many of us choose to isolate ourselves from the terrors abroad. Those countries are far away from us.

Guess which country ranked #40 on the list of 195 for persecuting Christians?

Our next-door neighbor, Mexico. That totally surprised me.

We can visit Open Doors USA and Voice of the Martyrs for better understanding and to learn ways to help.

But, what does all that have to do with our country and Bring Your Bible to School Day?

Talking About Life and Death

     by Sally Matheny

Talking About Life and Death

     We were seventeen years old and looking forward to graduation when it happened.

     Our friendship began only a year and a half earlier. Jan's family had recently moved to North Carolina from Ohio. The school year had already begun. She was the new kid without friends. And she had cancer.

     Our Junior Civinettes club went to her house to welcome her to the neighborhood and introduce ourselves as her new friends. We were nervous about going because we had never met anyone our age with cancer. I knew my boyfriend’s mother had survived Hodgkin’s.  That’s what Jan had so I figured she'd be a survivor, too.

     Jan and I became good friends. We hung out at school and visited each other’s homes. We never talked about cancer or life or death. We didn’t talk about it when her sandy blonde hair began to fall out. She only asked if I’d help her brush off the loose hairs from her sweater.  I did and assured her she looked fine.

     We didn’t talk about life and death when she came to school one day wearing a wig and people began to whisper. And stare. I just walked alongside her.  

     We didn’t talk about life and death when she grew weaker. She only asked if I’d help carry her books.  I did, and when I couldn’t, I enlisted others to help.  Jan had many friends. She always smiled and made conversation easy for those who dared to come close to her. A teen with cancer is a difficult thing to understand. I tried not to think about it. Jan was fun to be with and I knew she would get well.

A teen with cancer is a difficult thing to understand.

     So, we didn't talk about life and death. Not when we had to stop and let her rest a lot when we played tennis, not when she missed school, not when I drove her to chemotherapy, not when she had to have a hysterectomy.

     I thought life and death were the things people talked about when they got old.

     Except Jan didn't grow old.

     She died.

     Then, I panicked. Because Jan and I had not talked about the deeper truths of life. As nice as she was, I didn’t know if my dear friend believed in Jesus Christ. And then, it was too late.

     Sure, I had considered talking to Jan before. But, I was afraid if I talked about such things, she would think I assumed she was going to die. We were a few short months away from graduation and Jan was as excited about it as I was. Despite her illness, she had worked hard and was slated to graduate with honors. She didn't talk about future plans for college, or work, and I didn't ask about them, or where she'd spend her eternity.

     My heart grieved the loss of my friend and ached because I had failed her. The burden became too great. Before the funeral, I talked to Jan’s mom. She assured me Jan was a Christian.

     Relief came, but not peace. I had failed my friend. I could have been more encouraging to her during her difficult journey. We could have talked about the hope we shared in Jesus Christ. Why had I not prayed with her instead of just for her? 

     I was given a bittersweet gift my senior year in high school—a glimpse of how quickly things pass— opportunities, friends, life. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. No one.

Life is fleeting.

     Granted I was just seventeen. Perhaps I was too hard on myself. But I sure wish I'd been braver and talked about important, life-changing things.

     It's not always easy, but it's vital we talk about the reality of death and the hope of eternal life.

Please share ways you've initiated a conversation with someone about their eternity.

What are some ways we can encourage our teens to courageously make the most of every opportunity?

         

Saluting the Brave Army Chaplain Corps

by Sally Matheny

Chaplain candidates praying.
(Photo by Capt. Kristin Mack)

Did you know July 29, 1775 is the official birthday of the American Chaplaincy Corps? 

Although some pastors enlisted or were commissioned as early as April 1775, it wasn’t until July when Congress recognized chaplains as part of the national army. Their rank was equal to that of a Captain.

Chaplains often trained to perform medical procedures in addition to attending to the spiritual needs of the troops. It made sense. While some did fight with weapons, most chaplains were back at camp either praying for those heading to battle, the wounded returning from battle, or over the deceased.

Chaplains gave sacrificially in more than one way. Many of those first army chaplains were required to pay those who were filling in for them at their home churches.

Back in September of 1776, Congress recognized the spiritual need of soldiers, whether the soldiers realized it or not. Congress passed the “Articles of War” which included fines and confinement for soldiers not attending services.

Serving as a chaplain was not for the faint of heart either. Any chaplain bowing out of the stresses of war, by going AWOL, was court-martialed and fined.

Rules and expectations varied within the different branches of service. The Navy Chaplaincy, established in November 1776, required religious services twice a day and a service on Sunday.

According to legend, seamen are typically known for their colorful language. It’s interesting to note one of the early rules for the Navy:

"If any shall be heard to swear, curse, or blaspheme the name of God, the Commander is strictly enjoined to punish them for every offense, by causing them to wear a wooden collar or some other shameful badge of distinction ... Commissioned officers forfeit one shilling for each offense, a warrant or inferior officer, six pence. For drunkenness, a seaman shall be put in irons until sober - if an officer he shall forfeit two days pay." 

Drury, Clifford Merril, The History of the Chaplain Corps, United States Navy - Volume One - 1778-1939, (Washington, DC, US Government Printing Office, 1948).

Take note, Congress ordered 20,000 Bibles for the Army in 1777.

Why Christians Are Afraid to Speak Up & How to Squash Those Fears

by Sally Matheny

Photo by Pixabay

Why are some Christians afraid to speak the truth of Jesus Christ when they are at school, at work, or even at church? 

I believe it boils down to three fears. Fear of rejection, fear of persecution, and fear of inadequacy. How do I know? A few of them have crept up on me, too.

Let’s consider our “what if” fears and talk about ways to squash them.

Fear of Rejection

You’ve heard these—maybe even said a few.

“What if kids stop talking to me, because I’m talking about Jesus?”

“I could be ostracized in the group.”

“If I talk about God, won’t people say I think I’m better than everyone else?”

We may see eyes roll, hear snide remarks, or feel as if we’re invisible. We may be denied access to the popular group at school. Overlooked for a job promotion.

Former friends now

keep

their

d i s t a n c e.

Rejection may lead to persecution.

Fear of Persecution

“The kids will make fun of me if they know I’m a Christian.”

“If I speak the whole Truth, they’ll say its hate speech.”

“No one will respect me. They’ll think I’m a fanatic. I might even lose my job.”

Persecution to most American Christians means being singled out, harassed, perhaps bullied.

Persecution to Pakistani, Asia Bibi, meant a beating for sharing her faith to Muslim women. Imprisoned for violating subsection C of Pakistan’s 295 blasphemy law - blasphemy against the prophet Muhammad, she was sentenced to death. The death sentence was not carried out, but she’s been imprisoned since 2009. Even though she is sick and misses her family, she will not renounce her faith.

Asia's story takes our perception of persecution to another level.

Teaching the Shy Child (and Parent) to Share Christ

Has your child ever wanted to do something, but was just too shy or scared to do it?

Our family decided to participate in a one-day community outreach event at a local laundry facility. At first, our eleven-year-old son eagerly looked forward to the event. Then, as the day drew near, he tried to find reasons to be excused. 


"Maybe I should go stay at a friend's house while you go." 

"I'm not sure about doing this. What if I don't know what to say?" 

Although amiable, he’s shy with strangers—especially adults.

Unfortunately, there have been too many times when I’ve kept him within his comfort zone. It was time to do brave things. Since he is a Christian, I appealed to his heart.

Bring Your Bible to School Day: What You Can Share

by Sally Matheny

Did you know Thursday, October 8, 2015 is “Bring Your Bible to School Day”? 

Legally, your child can take his Bible to school any day—you may not have known that either.

Students have the freedom to take and read their Bibles, talk about their religious beliefs, pray, and ask others if they’d like to join them as long as the actions are voluntary, student-initiated, not disruptive, and take place during non-instructional time.

Focus on the Family initiated the first “Bring Your Bible to School Day” in October 2014. Approximately 8,000 students participated in the event. This year that number is expected to increase.

So, how can parents help their children prepare for this special day?

One Key Element in Telling a Great Story

by Sally Matheny

Tell a Great Story

At the end of each day, we all have stories to tell. The neighbor’s kid vomited on the front porch. The boss ranted for an hour at work. The doctor called with good news!

Most people are eager to share what’s going on in their lives. I want to encourage you to include a crucial ingredient when you tell your stories. This element will turn your good story into a great one.

You Missed It! (Encouraging the Doubters)

by Sally Matheny

It Was Awesome and You Missed It!

         “You missed it!”

     Don’t you hate hearing those words? Perhaps you went to get a hotdog, and missed the best play ever made at home plate—by your child—the one who hasn’t scored a run in three years. Everyone kept exclaiming how awesome it was. 

And... 
you missed it!

     Or maybe you had plans to meet some friends at a restaurant. At the last minute, you decided not to go. You had your reasons. But they didn’t seem so great when you heard about your friends' spectacular evening.

    A celebrity ate at the table beside them. An exciting conversation took place, the celebrity treated them to desserts, and they each received free tickets and backstage passes to his upcoming concert. Each of your buddies called to tell you their version of the incredible evening. And...
you missed it!

     We’ve all had sinking moments like this. Don’t feel bad. Even one of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas (a.k.a Didymus) missed the most amazing miracle of all time.

     Three days after Jesus died on a cross, all of his disciples, except for Thomas, sat in a room together. The doors were locked for fear of persecution. Bewildered by recent events—the death of Jesus, finding his tomb empty, and news that a few had actually seen Jesus alive—the disciples were overwhelmed.

     Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them comforting them with words of peace! Awestruck by Jesus’ pierced hands and feet, they first thought he was a ghost, until they saw him eat food. Everyone knows ghosts can't eat food. Jesus also spoke to them and opened their minds so they could understand. And they believed.

     All except Thomas.

     Where in the world was Thomas? Was it his turn to retrieve water from the well that day? Did he send a message to the rest of the guys that he needed a day off? Perhaps he awoke that morning with a headache from all the stress. 

Whatever the reason, Thomas missed it.    

     Assuredly, Thomas had to listen to each, of his ten friends, share their personal experience of what happened. While Thomas’s heart was still grieving and his confused mind reeling, he must have endured quite a bit. 

Who knows? It's possible Thomas had to put up with  Luke’s constant, beaming grin, Matthew's singing at all hours, or John’s spontaneous praise dancing! 

     Did Thomas think all ten men hallucinated at once? Was he angry? Did he put on an attitude of bitterness? All we know for sure, is Thomas said he would not believe until he saw Jesus’ scars and touched the spear-penetrated side himself.

     Ever since then, and for the rest of time, he’ll be remembered as “Doubting Thomas.” Poor Thomas. 

Do you doubt the power of Christ?

     Perhaps, there is something else to consider. Even though Thomas had his doubts, he did not turn from God. He did not flee from the disciples. The enthusiastic sincerity of his friends compelled him to hang around. 

     Perhaps the other disciples showed empathy to Thomas, encouraging him to remember the words Jesus’ spoke during his ministry on earth. Recollecting their own qualms, they showed Thomas kindness and loved him with grace. Maybe they continued to remind Thomas of all Jesus’ miracles they had witnessed.

    What if, every night, while the others slept in peace, Thomas cried out to the Lord to help him remember, to help him believe?  

     A whole week passed—10,080 minutes.    

     Between listening to the accounts of the miraculous event, over and over again, and lying awake at night trying to make sense of it all, I bet most of those 10,080 minutes Thomas struggled.

     Although skeptical, Thomas still stayed close to the disciples. All he knew was when he left his friends they were fearful and confused, and the next time he saw them they were drastically changed--full of joy and anticipation. Whatever wonderful thing happened to them, Thomas wanted it, too. He was on the brink of believing.

     Then, it happened. One week later Jesus appeared to the disciples again and this time, Thomas was there.

Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.

(John 20:26-27, NIV)

     By then, Thomas did not need to touch Jesus’ scars. As Christ came across the room, Thomas allowed Him to come into his heart. He believed and cried out, “My Lord, and my God!” 

Don't give up sharing your faith.

     Is there someone you know who is struggling like Thomas? Perhaps he expresses his doubts yet, he still hangs around, intrigued by the way you live your life; fascinated by your sincere belief that Jesus is alive and rules in your heart.

     You’ve repeatedly shared your Christian beliefs. No matter how wonderfully you present the gospel, you cannot make him believe. Keep praying and allow the Holy Spirit to work. Don’t give up.

     Perhaps your friend realizes he’s missing something exciting and miraculous. He is on the brink of believing.

     Share with us. Have you had an experience with a “doubting Thomas”?