Day 15 - Deuteronomy 22:11 - Deuteronomy 33:23
Day 16 - Deuteronomy 33:24 Joshua 13:22
Christianity is a minority religion in Sri Lanka. Christianity was introduced to the island in first century, probably in AD 72. Traditionally, after Thomas the Apostle's visit in Kerala in AD 52.
Whilst in what might be considered more recent history, the Maritime Provinces of Ceylon were in Portuguese hands for one and a half centuries from 1509 during which time the Roman Catholic Church was formally established.
In 1658 the Dutch took over the territory. Reformed Christianity was the faith of Holland and the intolerance and warfare which characterize relations between protestants and Roman Catholics in Europe led the Dutch to do everything possible to suppress the Roman Catholic religion in Ceylon. This they failed to do.
The Maritime area then fell into British hands in 1796, where in varying ambivalence much of the work of the reformed churches was neglected, during which time Buddhism saw a resurgence.
It was around 1812 when sir Robert Brownrigg gave a very definite encouragement to Missionary societies, and when the first arrived in 1814 they found that the authorities were only too pleased to allow them to preach and to establish schools at the expense of the missionary society and they found the Sinhalese villagers very glad to rebuild the schools which the British had largely allowed to decay. (History of the Methodist church in Ceylon 1814 - 1964)
So why do I mentioned this, I guess it's because when you realise in the 250 years or so that have elapsed and despite all the religious fervour, of mission work, the Portuguese Catholics; the Dutch reformed and all the British missionary activity, it's strange to realise that only around 10% of the population here in Sri Lanka are Christian of which one and half percent are of the reformed free church evangelistic movements.
Population 21,400,000
2.1 million Roman Catholic
32,000 Reformed/ Nonconformist / Evangelical
In conversation with some students and reading reports in News and Christian publications, the suggestion is thst Christians are facing increasing levels of persecution in this heavily Buddhist country, and the pressure has turned violent in several cases.
This is the challenge that the new presbyters from this college know only too well, realising in some cases the important work is in building relationships with local Buddhists and especially not to engage in proselytising. One student tells of having to build a wall around the manse to protect from violence and assault, and another of taking up a positions with no church building due to local opposition.
Yet, amid all this, the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ goes out with the energy that their forefathers would approve.
I too have had easy converstions with strangers in the street who are only too happy to acknowledge and own their Christian faith.
Thing is, at home in the UK and western "Christian" countries we have I believe in some places become complacent, self satisfied with our faith, and for many, church (as someone here pointed out) "is more of a crutch, there are a lot of needy people in our churches." It's becoming more of "hospital than a barracks" as someone else put it, becoming more self serving and self satisfying at times quite selfish, than serving the true purpose and nature of church.
Jesus gave us the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20) and it's all about inspiring a passion for evangelism in our communities, empowering each of us, and our churches, to be talking about Jesus.
We have nothing to be afraid of save ridicule, the students here may face real persecution.
Think about!
And decide to do something about it today.
You already have the names of the students leaving - continue to pray for them, and yourself and your church wherever that may be.
Day 16 - Deuteronomy 33:24 Joshua 13:22
Christianity is a minority religion in Sri Lanka. Christianity was introduced to the island in first century, probably in AD 72. Traditionally, after Thomas the Apostle's visit in Kerala in AD 52.
Whilst in what might be considered more recent history, the Maritime Provinces of Ceylon were in Portuguese hands for one and a half centuries from 1509 during which time the Roman Catholic Church was formally established.
In 1658 the Dutch took over the territory. Reformed Christianity was the faith of Holland and the intolerance and warfare which characterize relations between protestants and Roman Catholics in Europe led the Dutch to do everything possible to suppress the Roman Catholic religion in Ceylon. This they failed to do.
The Maritime area then fell into British hands in 1796, where in varying ambivalence much of the work of the reformed churches was neglected, during which time Buddhism saw a resurgence.
It was around 1812 when sir Robert Brownrigg gave a very definite encouragement to Missionary societies, and when the first arrived in 1814 they found that the authorities were only too pleased to allow them to preach and to establish schools at the expense of the missionary society and they found the Sinhalese villagers very glad to rebuild the schools which the British had largely allowed to decay. (History of the Methodist church in Ceylon 1814 - 1964)
 |
| Luke 14:23 |
Population 21,400,000
2.1 million Roman Catholic
32,000 Reformed/ Nonconformist / Evangelical
In conversation with some students and reading reports in News and Christian publications, the suggestion is thst Christians are facing increasing levels of persecution in this heavily Buddhist country, and the pressure has turned violent in several cases.
This is the challenge that the new presbyters from this college know only too well, realising in some cases the important work is in building relationships with local Buddhists and especially not to engage in proselytising. One student tells of having to build a wall around the manse to protect from violence and assault, and another of taking up a positions with no church building due to local opposition.
Yet, amid all this, the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ goes out with the energy that their forefathers would approve.
 |
| Luke 14:23 |
I too have had easy converstions with strangers in the street who are only too happy to acknowledge and own their Christian faith.
Thing is, at home in the UK and western "Christian" countries we have I believe in some places become complacent, self satisfied with our faith, and for many, church (as someone here pointed out) "is more of a crutch, there are a lot of needy people in our churches." It's becoming more of "hospital than a barracks" as someone else put it, becoming more self serving and self satisfying at times quite selfish, than serving the true purpose and nature of church.
Jesus gave us the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20) and it's all about inspiring a passion for evangelism in our communities, empowering each of us, and our churches, to be talking about Jesus.
We have nothing to be afraid of save ridicule, the students here may face real persecution.
Think about!
And decide to do something about it today.
You already have the names of the students leaving - continue to pray for them, and yourself and your church wherever that may be.
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