Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1
In July, 2011 the world was stunned as peaceful Norway experienced a bombing
in downtown Oslo and the shooting massacre at a youth camp outside the capital.
When the dust settled, the shocking death toll stood at seventy-six. Letters and
e-mails of comfort, support and prayers for the grieving families and nation
poured into the Open Doors-Norway office. On July 25th our Norwegian Director
sent out the following message:
On behalf of our people and nation, I want to thank all of you around the
world who are praying for us and are sending words of comfort after the terrible
acts that have shaken the nation.
A week ago my wife and I met the Ortiz family in Ariel, Israel. They
experienced a bomb attack that almost killed their son Ami a few years ago. They
gave us a cup with the Israeli and Norwegian flags on it, and an inscription
from Isaiah 40:1,
Comfort, yes comfort my people! The last days these words have
become a message to our people, the Norwegian nation.
In Haifa we also met the parents of a Christian girl who was one of many
victims after a suicide bomber killed dozens of Israeli school children on a bus
some years ago. Every year they have a memorial day. They have buttons with the
text: ‘Don’t forget – don´t forgive.’ But the Christian parents said, ‘We
cannot wear that button. We do not want revenge or hatred to fill our hearts. We
are called to forgive and love.’ But of course, they will always have the
pain.
It is not possible to find words that express the pain and sadness we feel
after such cruel deeds. But we can already see good and beautiful things coming
up. People are focusing on how to comfort and help each other. People cry
together, and king, queen and prime minister show their emotions before the
whole nation. Politicians from different parties are talking to another in a
different way, and people admire their good leadership in this difficult time.
There are great discussions and wise speeches about the most important subjects.
As a nation we have hard days, but also days of learning.
People come to church in a very humble way. It is a place for prayers,
lamentations, hope, comfort and love in these days; a place to meet the
Comforter and Saviour.
In Open Doors we frequently get information about terror against sisters and
brothers from so many places in the world. Some times it feels ‘far away.’ But
now we will hopefully understand more of the fear and threat every persecuted
Christian faces in their lives.
Grace and peace! The staff of Open Doors-Norway
RESPONSE: Thank God that He comforts us so that we can use His comfort to
comfort others.
PRAYER: Pray today for all brothers and sisters experiencing the
fear and pain of terror and loss.
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