One of the most stirring missionary reports published in recent years is Jackie Pullinger’s Chasing the Dragon. It tells the moving, exciting story of a young English woman who was rejected by missionary councils and went alone and unsupported to the slums of Hong Kong.
Two things really stand out. One is the reinvigorating strength that Jackie Pullinger gained through regular prayer in the Spirit–often ‘on the run’, for there was no other time–and the other is the power of love.
What endeared her to the hearts of the slum people and teenage gang members was the fact that she was prepared to identify herself with them and to be one with them, although it took a long time to convince them she really did intend to go on living among them.
Eventually, Pullinger broke through–but only after years of hardship, dedication, and pain.
There was only one way to prove that she really loved those people–and that was to stay with them, weep with them, laugh with them, pray with them and eat with them.
Only through love–and through that love penetrating the barriers that had hitherto effectively shut out the gospel–could such a ministry work.
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.
The word ‘seal’ is an interesting one. A seal is a mark of authenticity. Some months after I graduated from university, having passed my final examinations, I was presented with a testamur on which was the University seal.
The degree was mine before I received the certificate. I had done all the necessary work and I had the results to prove it. But the testamur–and the seal–authenticated it.
This is like our experience in Christ. The moment we believe in Jesus Christ, we are genuine citizens of the kingdom of God and members of the family of God.
No doubt about it. God has done everything necessary to ensure that. It’s not even like a university course. There are no examinations, no assignments, although unquestionably we now belong to God (Colossians 1:13).
When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, it is like receiving a degree testamur. He ‘seals’ what has already been done and authenticates it for all to see.
This does not make us any more Christian. That would be impossible. But it does confirm what we are.
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.