What would Jesus do Week 5, 2013

Each got a copy of the suspension letter dated 10/08/2004. Their professional association organised an industrial action in the hospital lasting 4 days in July 2004. Two of the three had served in the leadership of the association that suspended them, one at a national level. All had participated in such industrial actions before; indeed one had been a national leader during a particularly celebrated and prolonged industrial action. This time around they chose not to participate, convinced that Jesus would not have downed tools were he working in their shoes, and made clear their faith was the basis of the deed. Indeed the former national leader when praying during the national strike kept receiving from God to go back and submit to the government authority. So for the 4 days they quietly went about their duties, not calling media attention to their position. What was the strike all about? What had been the response or lack of it from the management? That was not what mattered to them; just “what would Jesus do?” This is, in fact, what you were called to do, because Christ also suffered for you and left an example for you to follow in his steps 1Pt 2:21(ISV). The suspension letter barred them from the association’s programmes (academic inclusive), institution-bequeathed lounge, and any service by the secretariat. They were to be expelled from the association if an apology letter did not come within 6months. The decisions had been ratified by the congress and the letter signed by the relevant officials. Copies were sent to parent and associate organisations. Their records of service were to be expunged from the association records. Prayers went up nationally and otherwise for them, part of the prayers being to love the persecutors and have their persecutors repent. We sometimes believe persecution is limited to places where people are not church- goers or claim to be Christians; not so. This happened in igboland. According to Joshua project website there are over 24 million Igbos, 98% of who are adherents of the Christian religion. This makes igbos the most evangelised of the major Nigerian ethnicities. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted2Ti 3:12(ISV). What has happened since? No apology letter was written. At the time of the letter 2 of them had been facing child bearing challenges. Within a year one had started having children, now has twins (and I suspect has had to tell God it’s enough). The other has male and female children and currently heads a tertiary health facility and is employing and fighting for the welfare of the cadre of those who brought persecution. Bless those who persecute you. Keep on blessing them, and never curse them Rom 12:14(ISV). The third also is settled. Of the executive that did this, 2 could not complete the training programme; happily at least 2 know the Lord. Don’t look for persecution; just love and cling to Jesus. It’ll find you someday.