Faith
Trusting God’s Call as Strangers Abroad
Faith Facts
- God faithfully goes before those He sends into unfamiliar lands, calling His people to trust in His guidance and presence.
- The power of the gospel transforms hearts even in difficult circumstances, offering hope that surpasses all earthly aid.
- Living with a posture of “Hineni”—”Here I am”—is essential for Christians responding to God’s call, no matter the cost or uncertainty.
Throughout Scripture, God calls His followers to step out of their comfort zones, learning to rely on His strength rather than their own understanding. This journey often begins with welcoming strangers and sharing Christ’s love, creating a legacy of faith that crosses generations.
Sonya’s family experienced the gospel firsthand through the kindness of Christian strangers, shaping their lives and launching them into ministries of hospitality and outreach.
Twenty years later, Sonya became a stranger herself while interning in the Middle East, where she witnessed the hardships and faith of people different from herself.
During a visit to Hungary, she encountered refugees in distress and recalled Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
That experience inspired her to return and serve in medical and refugee ministry, facing challenges with humility and learning to seek God’s comfort and strength despite cultural barriers.
She met a young refugee transformed by the gospel, whose joy in discovering God’s love was greater than all material assistance could offer.
Sonya’s journey of faith continued as she pursued theological studies in the United States, trusting God’s leading and provision in times of personal hardship and doubt.
At Arise Asia, Sarah Breuel’s teaching on “Hineni”—offered by Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah—encouraged Sonya to respond faithfully to God despite uncertainty.
Sarah Breuel said, “God’s people never graduate from Hineni.”
Through moments of fear and surrender, Sonya was reminded by her mother, “It is God who calls you and sends you. He will take care of us while you are gone.”
Embracing the discipline of surrender, Sonya learned that letting go of precious desires draws believers closer to God’s faithfulness and lovingkindness.
Trusting that God’s presence goes with her, Sonya continues to obey His call, knowing He meets His children wherever they go.
We are called, as followers of Christ, to answer God’s call with boldness and trust, surrendering our fears and embracing the adventure of faith. Let’s pray for courage to say “Here I am” in every season, confident that the Lord’s compassion and provision never fail.
Faith Facts
- Three-quarters of girls and young women aged 7 to 21 have experienced online harm, with cases of sextortion rising by 2,600% in 2024.
- The UK’s Online Safety Act recognizes online threats to young people as ‘Primary Priority,’ but enforcement remains challenging.
- Christian communities are called to provide safe, supportive spaces and cultivate biblical truth and discernment in young lives.
The internet shapes the lives of nearly all young people, providing opportunities but also exposing them to unique dangers. Girls and young women face particular risks, from online abuse to harmful role models that can erode self-worth.
As Christian leaders, it is vital to confront digital misogyny and reject values that contradict God’s design for human dignity. We are called to respond with moral clarity and courage, standing firm for truth.
Education anchored in biblical wisdom offers protection, teaching youth to discern what is real and valuable in God’s sight. Programmes like ‘Staying Safe in the Digital World’ equip girls with practical tools and spiritual strength.
Effective legislation is needed to hold tech companies accountable and protect the most vulnerable. Discussion about these challenges within faith communities ensures young people know they are not alone and have trustworthy adults to turn to.
Trusted adults—whether parents, teachers, or Christian volunteers—must be visible advocates, offering both guidance and protection. Children and teens need opportunities to discuss online challenges openly and access support when needed.
While practical steps like limiting screen time are important, true safety stems from a blend of spiritual discipleship and digital awareness. Our actions should point to a lifestyle of wholesome relationships and faith-filled living, not just restriction.
We must model healthy habits, prioritizing time with family, faith, and activities that nourish the soul. The digital age demands active stewardship, rooted in our biblical calling to protect, love, and guide every child.
Now is the time for Christians to lead, championing online safety and Kingdom values for girls and young women—and shining as a light in the darkness of the digital world.
Faith Facts
- More than 200 celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo and Benedict Cumberbatch, signed a petition urging the release of convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti.
- Barghouti, linked to the Fatah terrorist group, was convicted of orchestrating attacks resulting in the deaths of Israeli civilians.
- Christian leaders criticized the celebrities for supporting Barghouti, calling attention to the moral implications of their actions.
Christian values call us to remember the sanctity of life and the importance of standing with victims of violence rather than those who promote terror. These public figures’ actions raise important questions about our nation’s moral compass and the need to uphold biblical justice.
“Barghouti was convicted of five murders. That’s bad enough, but he also led one terrorist organization and co-founded a second, responsible for incalculable human suffering,” said Liora Rez, StopAntisemitism founder and executive director.
We must remain steadfast in upholding truth and defending innocent lives, rejecting the glorification of those who inflict suffering. Let us pray for discernment and courage to stand for righteousness, no matter how popular the opposition may be.
Faith Facts
- The House of Bishops paused standalone same-sex blessing services, citing constitutional and theological concerns.
- Current guidelines still allow ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ in existing church services.
- The decision follows legal advice warning changes must follow proper Church governance.
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, emphasized the importance of adhering to Biblical doctrine and church law in considering changes to marriage teachings.
He addressed the Winchester Diocesan Synod, affirming that upholding God’s design for marriage preserves unity and integrity within the Church of England.
“The sheer constitutional difficulty of making such changes brought us face to face with the importance of due process,” Bishop Mounstephen stated.
The bishops’ consensus to pause reflects a commitment to protect the Church’s foundation and honor scriptural values before adjusting any practices.
He warned against circumventing established governance, highlighting that such shortcuts undermine trust and stability in the church community.
Rev Canon John Dunnett, representing evangelical Anglicans, also expressed ongoing concern about the direction of these issues, underlining the need for vigilance in preserving Christian doctrine.
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