BZeal http://bzeal.antville.org Zeal for God's house [Note: You are receiving this report as a subscriber to the Brazil list. See information below on how to unsubscribe.] VIOLENCE IN BRAZIL by J. Randal Matheny A number of people have asked us if we are safe amidst the violence that has overwhelmed the state of São Paulo. I have described some of the attacks taking place and our reaction to them in my article today in Forthright Magazine: http://www.forthright.net/final_phase/state_of_siege.htm From a missionary standpoint, I would add these perspectives here. First, it does not appear that these outbreaks of violence would warrant evacuation or abandonment of our post. At times Jesus himself escaped from persecution, since his hour had not yet arrived. He also instructed his apostles to flee fierce opposition: "When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes" (Matthew 10:23). Paul and Barnabas did this several times (see Acts 13:50-51; 14:5-6). He told his followers to flee Jerusalem when the Romans besieged and destroyed it (Matthew 24:16), even telling them how to recognize the moment to abandon the city (Mark 13:14). These situations are not analogous to ours, but they do show that there is a time to leave a place when preaching the gospel is no longer possible. Here, that time is not now. The dangers to our lives appear to be minimal. The threat should be short-lived. The opportunities, though limited perhaps in the short term, remain for us to teach and preach. Second, following this thought, it may be that this will turn out for the progress of the gospel. Many people voted for the president, a socialist outsider who promised honesty in government. He is up for reelection this year. These outbreaks of violence, together with revelations of corruption deep within the government, may help people to give up their hope in a political and social solution to problems in order to seek out the spiritual answer in Christ. Regardless of political persuasions and currents, people will feel more insecure, more unsure of their physical safety. The proclamation of joy in eternal hope and peace from walking with the Lord may ressonate with new meaning for many. Therefore, we consider this a time, aside from taking care of our personal safety, to continue teaching, among the brethren, confidence in the Lord and preaching a heavenly salvation which can never be torched, robbed, or riddled with bullets.