“i’ve got scarves and caps and sweaters”

it is officially fall here in the land down under. crisp mornings and chilly evenings have forced me to whip out the ‘ole REI jacket and encompass my bare neck in my plush, comfy scarves. it is actually quite refreshing, this cooler weather, given the fact that i haven’t experienced any nippy days in about a year. coming to perth last september allowed me to snag back to back summertime. sweet! oh, and for those music guru’s out there, i am sure you can appreciate the title of my blog, taken honorably from death cab for cutie’s genius-of-a-song “blacking out the friction.”

although this weekend was quite chilly, taylor organized a successfully fun and enjoyable BBQ at king’s park.  he is volunteering with a refugee center and has been paired up with a Burmese family, helping them learn English and settle into their new life here. during one of taylor’s chat’s with Mr. Moo (the Burmese father) several weeks back, he discovered that the Moos had never experienced a true aussie BBQ. so, fast forward to saturday and we were quick to change that unfortunate reality!  our westchurch crew invited heaps of friends and spent the afternoon grilling out on the barbie, playing cricket and just enjoying each other’s company. i was touched by Mrs. Moos story about their journey to perth 4 months ago and even wanted to take her two cute kiddos home with me after the day was over. gorgeousness! the best part was the blending of cultures and backgrounds: Australian, American, Indonesian, Chinese, Burmese. all of us coming together and enjoying the day together–quite beautiful.

Vespers went really smoothly last night. it was our first time to implement singing into the service. how lovely it was singing a couple old hymns as taylor quietly played the guitar in the corner of the sanctuary. like last blog, here is the station i created for the service. it is based upon Acts 7’s account of the stoning of stephen. the station was accompanied by a world map on the wall. i had researched the top five persecuted countries in the world and taped several facts next to the country. my hope is that you gain some insight and compassion for those persecuted around the world as you read the following meditation.  

Martyrdom around the World…

Just like Stephen was stoned because of his faith in Acts 7, many people today are persecuted and killed for their own religious beliefs.

Fortunately, as Christians in Western Australia (insert America here!), we do not have to deal with the reality of religious persecution and oppression.

However, many people around the world are tormented and abused daily for their religious beliefs.

Accompanying the map, which locates several top persecuted countries, are some general religious and political facts about each country.

Take time to dwell upon these facts, pray for those individuals suffering because of their faith, and thank God that you are free to worship God without fear of abuse or persecution.

Lord,

I pray for persecuted believers around the world, for their protection, strength and care. Bless them with courage to live as witnesses for the Gospel before their accusers. I pray also for Christians, like myself, who are not facing persecution: that we would not be immune to the suffering of others and that God would give us the strength and boldness needed if persecution were to come our way.  Blessed be your name, O Mighty God.

                                                                                 Amen.

North Korea

-freedom of religions, thought, and conscience is nonexistent

-an estimated 500,000 Christians

-tens of thousands of Christians are currently abused in prison camps

-persons who refuse to accept the regime leader, Kim-John II, as supreme authority are severely punished

-as many as 3 million people have died of starvation since 1994

-famine, drought, political and religious oppression, have forced many to flee to China

Saudi Arabia

-no legal protection for freedom of religion

-legal system based on Islamic law

-Apostasy, conversion to another religion, is punishable by death

Iran

-many Christians are arrested and beaten daily

-the Mojanhadin-e-Khaleq extremist group has been implicated in several violent acts against Christians

-a new wave of persecution of Christians began in June 2005, after the election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

 Vietnam

 -one of the last communist-ruled countries in the world

-the atheist regime aims to keep religion under strict control

-Christianity is regarded as a Western religion that threatens state power

-in September 2004, the State Department designated Vietman as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act for severe violations of religious freedom

China

-the government allows for practice of Christianity as long as it is done under the auspices of the state controlled churches.

-the Chinese government continues to engage in severe violations of religious freedom

-during 2005, a massive crack-down took place on house churches throughout China in which thousands of Christians were arrested.

alright, to end on a lighter note, i thought i’d recount a culturally insightful highlight that occurred while babysitting my regular three tiny tots, Hayley (7), Kai (3), and Jessica (2). it brought about a wide smile and genuine chuckle.

Hayley (in her adorably innocent and enthusiastic aussie accent) “Oi, Sarah Kate, shall we make star jumps?”

Me (equally enthusiastic, of course) For sure, Hays, but you’ll have to teach me how to make them first.”

Hayley (hand on hip, hip jutted out, smirk on face while giggling) “you make them like THIS, silly!”

Hayley then proceeds to do jumping jack after jumping jack until breathless, concluding her performance by saying “see, you make your body into a STAR and then JUMP…it’s really fun!”

so there you go, another word difference i stumbled across today. and c’mon, isn’t “star jump” a way cooler phrase to describe those torturous elementary school exercises than “jumping jack”? i think so…  : )

praying that God blesses you with peace and guidance today,

sarah kate