In the past week, nine churches in rural Alabama have been burned by arsonists. Five were burned in Bibb County (south of B'ham) Friday, February 3. Four were burned in the west Alabama counties of Sumter, Greene, and Pickens on Tuesday, February 7. We don't know much about these fires. We don't know why they were started. We don't know if there is any correlation between the two sets of fires. We don't know if there were any racial motivations. Four of the first five churches were predominantly white. All four of Tuesday's rash were predominantly black.
I do know that if this happened in Mobile, we would feal terrorized and fearful. I also know that churches from around the state and region would come to our help, bringing us hope and strength.
Could there be a stronger message than for these nine churches to be rebuilt and resotred, maybe better and stronger than ever? It would tell the terrorists that the Gospel of Jesus Christ doesn't concede to evil. It would also tell people who live in the ashes of burned and broken lives that the church has Good News to share about a God who has the power to heal and make new.
In rural communities, it is often the case that churches are the center of community life. Please pray for these churches, their pastors, and their communities.
1 comment:
Brian, your thoughts and prayer here is right on. I have heard anecdotal accounts of churches whose buildings have been burned or destroyed in some other way, and it has a catalyzing effect on the church and its mission. A church under duress, or persecution suddenly becomes focused on what is really important, and the bickering over carpet color, pew cushions, and electric guitars ceases. My prayer for these churches, is that out of this persecution comes extreme missional focus -- and the strength will be there.
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