Trusting God in a World of Terror

By a missionary in South Asia

Five guidelines for missions in an age of terrorism

During the war in Afghanistan, posters of Bin Laden were big-sellers in the markets. Large demonstrations against the American war on Afghanistan filled the streets. Effigies of President Bush were burned in protest against U.S. aggression. Obviously, the "War on Terror" is viewed differently by people in South Asia . A preemptive war against Iraq would be likely to cause an even more negative response.

Officially, the government of the South Asian country in which I live has supported the United States ' position. As major recipients of U.S. aid, they have no choice. However, many people cannot understand why the country with the largest supply of weapons of mass destruction has the moral right to demand that other countries disarm. Our neighbors ask us frank questions: Why should innocent people in Afghanistan be killed when there were no Afghans involved in the attacks on September 11? In fact, many wonder if the attacks were simply an attempt by Israel to make Muslims look bad-they perceive the war against terrorism as a war against Islam.

Since the U.S. is considered to be a Christian country, the hostilities could be interpreted as a new crusade, resulting in anti-Christian as well as anti-American backlash. The "War on Terror" has the potential to lead to a war on the church around the world. As Christians living and working in an Islamic country, how are we to respond to this threat?

We must trust in God's protection.

Our safety is not determined by our location, but by our Protector. There is nowhere to hide from danger. Returning to America is not the answer; more Americans have died from terrorist attacks in the U.S. than in the rest of the world. We are as safe here as we would be anywhere, because no one can harm us without God's permission.

Our trust has been strengthened by reviewing how God has protected missionaries in the past. Throughout the Gulf War, the Afghan War, and many other conflicts, God has kept us safe. During the Afghan War, God protected us in many ways:

Bringing Islamic Fundamentalist Parties into Power : Ironically, because the fundamentalist parties are a part of a coalition government, they had to support the government position and were not able to cause trouble in the streets.

Support of Local Government Authorities : They were concerned for our welfare and offered extra police protection to help ensure it.

Support of Local Muslim Leaders : In neighborhood mosques, they announced their appreciation of our work and refused to allow anti-American demonstrations in our area.

Through Weather: A large demonstration was planned to occur one Friday after the Muslim prayer time. We gathered at the same time to pray for God's protection. As we began to pray, thunder started to roll. God brought a rainstorm to wash out the demonstration.

Through Accidents: That same Friday, another demonstration began 10 miles north of us. Throngs of protestors filled the streets. Suddenly, a truck lost its brakes as it approached the crowd, injuring several and ending the protest. Instead of protesting against the American hospital, some ended up being treated there, where they heard and saw the good news of God's love for them in action.

God has used government officials, Muslim preachers, rainstorms, and runaway trucks to protect us. As we look to the future, we can say with the Psalmist: "I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me!"(Psalm 57:1-3).

We must submit to God's purposes.

Seeing the many ways that God has protected us in the past gives us confidence that He can protect us in the future. However, our primary hope is not that we will be spared, but that God's name will be glorified. As Paul said, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. To live is Christ, to die is gain " (Philippians 1:21 ).

We must ask for God's wisdom.

The threat of terrorism and anti-American or anti-Christian backlash is real and constantly changing. We must wait on God for wisdom in knowing how to deal with these threats in ways that honor Him and promote the cause of His kingdom. We do not want to create hindrances to the cause of the gospel either by foolishness or by fear. Our missionaries have developed a list of potential responses to a graded series of threat levels. When faced with potentially dangerous situations, we pray together for God's direction on which of these responses is appropriate. In the past, some of our responses have been to:

Restrict unnecessary or night-time travel.
Postpone group meetings and large functions.
Cancel planned visits by guests and short-term personnel.
Stay in our homes on Fridays (the special prayer day for Muslims).
Request police protection for our properties.
Change the time and place of church services.
Close our city offices.
Remain in our homes until the threat was lifted.

We must proclaim God's love through both words and actions.

It is essential that the people around us know that God loves them. They need to see Christ's love in us and hear the good news that God has provided a way to peace through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. When nations speak of war and retaliation, God's people must proclaim the good news of God's love as revealed in the sacrificial death of his Son.

We must be wary of the desire for retaliation. The sad cycle of vengeance and violence has been played out countless times across the Middle East and around the world. The only power strong enough to defeat hate is God's love. Only good can overcome evil. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil.Do not take revenge my friends, but leave room for God's wrath.Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:17-21).

We must pray for God's peace.

In 1 Timothy, we are told to "pray for kings and all those in authority so that we can live peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness." In other words, we are to request both peace for the spread of the gospel and wisdom for our leaders. We must pray that God will bring a change of regime in Iraq and in every other nation whose leaders stand against the truth. True peace can come only when hearts are changed by the love of God.

If Christians all over the world trust in God's protection, submit to His purposes, ask for His wisdom, proclaim His love, and pray for peace, there is no doubt that God will be glorified.

See also Standing Firm, a companion article by this missionary's wife.