“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-36
Mark,
I trust all is well with you and your family in Ocala and that your Church is continuing to grow in size and in depth in the Lord. I attended Zion in Clarion. I’m not sure if you’ll remember. Through a series of life changes, I know find myself in xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, xxxxxxxxxxx working for a multi-national company in the legal department. I’m also sharing preaching duties on Sundays with an elderly pastor in what is basically a small growing home Church of about 25 to 30 members that meet on the second floor of a building downtown in a rough section of town.
The news of what Pastor Terry Jones is planning to do on September 11 in burning copies of the Quran is beginning to reach us in xxxxxxxx, and Christian organizations are obviously concerned. Its likely to escalate attacks on Church’s and Christians and possibly deaths and seriously set back missionary efforts.
Please pray for protection of Christians currently in Muslim countries and especially those who are public about their faith in any kind of missionary and Church work. Pray that Pastor Jones’ heart might be changed, and if he is unchanging or God in His wisdom decides not to, that God’s people in Muslim countries weather the storm in a way that brings glory to God.
If you know any pastors in the Gainesville area who might be able to impress upon Pastor Jones the consequences of his actions, please feel free to pass this email on to them.
Thank you and God bless you.
In Christ,
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