Are the rumors true?
The curious join celebrations and hear the gospel.
December is a busy time for global partner Paul* with Ecclesia Ministry. He shares a few things their church community does as they near Christmas.
“We are busy preparing for Christmas time. This is a busy time as the children end their school term and families prepare for visitors.
Every year, as a church, we study the Christmas story by reading through the book of Luke. We want to be sure everyone knows the gospel and can share it, as Christians are more likely to publicly declare their faith during this time. Children learn the story, too, and act it out in dramas (as seen above).
This time of year, many non-Christians are also very interested in Christianity, so we hold many celebrations. Big celebrations not only attract attention but also are non-threatening events for curious people to stop by and observe. Many want to see if rumors they have heard about Christians are true, so they join our celebrations.
Since the children are out of school, they go house to house looking for sweets or biscuits. Adults come by, too, so it is important to also have small cakes or biscuits for them. It is a very social time. Especially in refugee communities where everyone is so close, it is important to be ready to extend hospitality.
Join us in praying for the gospel to be proclaimed this December when many are curious and open to hearing the truth about Jesus.”
*Names altered to protect the identity of those working in areas of increased persecution.