NO COMPROMISE MEDIA Contributor
Are you willing to do the same even though they may persecute you?
What is OB? OB stands for Operation Blessing . They are a Christian based organization that helps all types of people who are in need.
What caught my attention to this article is the group of people that Operation Blessing helped in a time of need.
source OB Gives Philippines Residents Sense of Hope
MINDINAO, Philippines – This summer, flash floods in the southern Philippines have left hundreds of families homeless, while an ongoing war between the government and Muslim rebels has forced thousands more into evacuation centers.
Even though Christians are persecuted by Muslims in this part of the world:
source Muslims Kill 10 in Philippines Christmas Day
COTABATO: Ten people were killed when Muslim separatist guerrillas launched attacks and occupied a village in the southern Philippines, military and police officials said on Thursday.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attacked Midtungo village in the southern island of Mindanao with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles on Tuesday, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Julieto Ando said. The militants killed nine residents and wounded another, he said, updating an earlier toll of six after three more deaths were discovered.
source Philippines Rebels Kill Christians, report
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (BosNewsLife)– Two men are dead and another remained missing Saturday, April 25, after some 40 Muslim militants raided the predominately Christian village of Sitio Arco in Basilan province in the southern Philippines, a Christian rights group said.
source Philippines: Christians forbidden to display cross, sing hymns in Muslim south
… many Filipinos were shocked to learn from a privileges speech of Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Piumentel Jr., the untiring advocate of federalism (out of concern for the Muslim Filipinos), that in Marawi City and Sulu province it is forbidden to display the cross—the symbol of Christianity—at the top or frontage of buildings, including church spires.
Christians are also proscribed from singing religious hymns. This makes it impossible for Catholics to hold sung High Masses and Protestants to melodiously exclaim their joy at the blessings of Amazing Grace.
Is intolerance toward Christian symbols and hymns in Marawi and Sulu the specter of Talibanization rearing its ugly head? Some Marawi City people are proud of their city being the Philippines’ “lone Islamic City.” They exult over trycyles there that proclaim their being the “Gift of Allah” and not of Jesus.
Christian men and women put their feelings aside and came to the aid of those in need; even if some of those who were in need harbored hatred against them in their hearts.
Unson Demaguil is Muslim and the town’s municipal secretary.
“The people here have nothing to go back to because their houses have been burned,” Demaguil said. “The people are economically depressed and they are dependent on the NGO’s for their food.”
…Operation Blessing’s Albino Mercado Jr. believes that the disaster relief efforts sow peace and hope to the region.
“This is our way of showing the Muslims that we Christians care for them,” the pastor said. “We share the love of Jesus to them.”
Final Thoughts
For those of you who have not experienced Islam as others have in the different parts of the world, violence and terror towards Christians is all too common by those who follow its teachings of Islam:
Al-Qitâl
4. So, when you meet (in fight Jihâd in Allâh’s Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islâm), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allâh to continue in carrying out Jihâd against the disbelievers till they embrace Islâm (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allâh’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allâh, He will never let their deeds be lost…
Whereas the teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior are the complete opposite.
Matthew 5:43-48 NIV “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (44) But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (46) If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? (47) And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (48) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I am a firm believer that actions speak louder than words, and the actions of Operation Blessing shows the love of Jesus, and that message they sent by example of the Christian walk was powerful.
They loved those they helped as Jesus would love them, and showed them what Jesus can bring to everyone. Are you willing do the same?
