Early Education Is Critical
A Church of God World Missions worker offers insights on how the Church must position itself in the Far East where Buddhism is everywhere.
Far East — I saw small children look up at Buddha as they were carried in their parents’ arms. Very early on, these children learn the basics of their Christ-less religion as their friends and relatives repeatedly bowed before their “god.”
Part of the reality for children in the Far East is that they receive a strong atheist education when they go to school and are forbidden to hear the Gospel. Most of the children have never even heard the name of Jesus and are strictly disciplined if they are found to have received Christ as Savior. This discipline could range from physical punishment to being publicly ostracized. In fact, one Asian man I know has two nieces (one in elementary, the other in high school) who have already been punished for being associated with Christianity.
I saw small children look up at a figure of Buddha as they were carried in their parents’ arms. Very early on, these children learn the basics of their Christ-less religion as their friends and relatives repeatedly bowed before their “god.” My heart broke to see that this lifeless, powerless idol would become their “god” as they knew nothing else. As we walked through their temples, we prayed for God to bring down strongholds and I believe He is already doing so.
I went into a Bible school late at night to share the Word along with some of the other team members. To our surprise the Bible school students’ ages ranged from 13-17 years old. We could tell that this was very serious business to these children. We know that God is moving in this country, that He is raising a might army to take over this area of the world.
On a couple of occasions, I heard testimonies from sisters in the Far East persecuted Church who mentioned the abuse they endured as children and God’s healing power upon their bodies, minds and spirits. While I praise God with them that they have been healed and restored, many more children need to discover God’s power. Many more parents need to learn about Christ’s abundant life for their families. I pray for these children and I pray that God gives me another shot at impacting these children’s lives.
© 2009 Church of God World Missions
