The Blind Spot

I sent out an email reminding us of the 10/40 window and the urgent needs for prayer and missions in this region. But lets consider a region that I want to call THE BLIND SPOT

''Church attendance in Ireland, though still among the highest in Western Europe, has fallen from about 85% to 60% from 1975 to 2004, according to the Dublin Archdiocese.''
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-08-10-europe-religion-cover_x.htm

''The Methodist Church suffered a net loss of about 300 churches, and the Church of England fell by more than 100 during this period. It follows figures released by the Church of England at the beginning of the year, that showed little sign that its long-term decline was being reversed.'' http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_060228cres.shtml

Western Europe has been experience a large decline in Christian over the last 20 years or less. When we consider this region we have much to give thanks for in history, but it seems as if little can be celebrated in the present. Church history seems to have happened largely in Europe. The emergence of Roman Catholicism, The Reformation, St Patrick and his preservation of Christianity during a period when the flame seemed to have been extinguished.

The so-called 'Ages' of history is staged on the landscape of Europe...The Dark Ages, The Middle Ages, Pre-Modern and Age of Discovery. Many of these characters of history also find their significance in the iconic religion of Europe: Christianity. Films that portray these different periods are often filled with wonderful cinematography, but I am often left repenting and celebrating at the same time. The Crusades against the Muslims in the name of God...the Islamic retaliations. God using frail men to preserve HIS truths and the hinging of these men in history because they have been chosen by God.

I must confess that my decision to serve in this area of the world was sparsely influenced by the above factors of this epoch making region. I came simply out of obedience to God. God didn't have to perform any great fete, He only needed to open the door and foot the bill that would have been incurred by my willingness to serve. He has done that!! Even in the midst of my unfaithfulness and disgrace, he has shown His Grace to me.

But history is just that, history. If one should take a survey of Christianity in Ireland, both north and south, the figures would be misleading. Majority of the persons here consider themselves either Catholic or Protestant. Nominally this country though split is Christian. A friend of mine would normally say, ''Its not about orthodoxy, but orthoproxy''. Catholic and Protestant means little here I have found in terms of allegiance to God as PNP or JLP in Jamaica or Republican or Democratic in the USA or left-wing or right wing. It is just another badge not any serious statement of conviction or conversion.

The reality of Western Europe is that there is a surge of ideologies that tame the truth of the Gospel...salvation is only through Jesus Christ through faith by Grace. This region has gone BLIND in a sense. Spirituality is pursued without allegiance to God, the Christian God. The influx of Islam in many regions pose a threat to religion freedom. One debate that was on prompted this headline, Europe Is Christian, but Turkey's Crescent Moon Shines in its Skies. That reality is pretty much evident and is growing not just as it concerns Turkey, but many parts of Europe.

I have been looking at the state of Newcastle, the area that I work in and asking myself a question...'Have the churches here stopped short of the ideology of the reformation?' Luther and the other precursory contributors to the reformation sought to make the Scriptures the only rule of the Church. Not to form another group of people who are stopping short of obeying scripture in its entirety. There is a silence that exists here in the Spiritual Realm. This silence is not in words, but in action. This seem unwillingness to attempt full surrender to Holy Spirit in every sphere, come what may. Most of these kids will go through there life sitting in church pews (those who go) not knowing anything about the Holy Spirit or His active role in the lives of believers.

The state of the church in Western Europe might seem to be getting a lifeline since 'The Pentecostal Churches...started nearly 500 churches since 1998, the research showed.' This too can be misleading, since it is also stated that, 'Christian Research has previously suggested that churches may be heading for extinction by 2040 - with just two per cent of the population attending Sunday services and the average age of congregations rising to 64.'

In your prayers consider the above and pray. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send reapers. Pray for the state of the church and the mobilization of Christians in this region by the power of the Holy Spirit.