Dream Awakener

What They Lack In Congregation, They Make Up For In Faith
Originally uploaded by Peter from Wellington

Leslie Newbigin was an amazing missionary in India.  When he lived in Madras his house was half-way between the airport and the city, so it was a great place for different pastors and priests to stop off and have lunch.  After lunch, people would always ask him a question.  They would ask, "Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the church in India?  To which he had to develop a standard reply.  He said, "I believe Jesus rose from the dead, and therefore the question doesn’t arise.  In regards to a fact, one is not optimistic or pessimistic.  One is believing or unbelieving.

Sometimes people as me, JR, how do think things will go with the church in North America, are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?   I tell them I put my lot in with Newbigin and say: Jesus rose from the dead.  It’s not a matter of optimism or pessimism; it is a matter of belief and unbelief.