I have a good idea how the pastor of the Methodist church in Birkenshaw, England, feels today after finding that someone broke into their church for the purpose of hateful vandalism.
That's right, England, not a Middle East or Asian country where Christians are a minority. Though I suppose there are some stats that might give credence to the notion that Christians are fast becoming a minority in much of the Western world as well.
Sandy Clifford reports for the Telegraph & Argus: Vandals burn Bibles in shock church attack in Birkenshaw.
Church-goers have been left shocked after thugs burned Bibles and tore a crucifix from a wall in an orgy of vandalism.The desecration was discovered when an art group which was meeting in Birkenshaw Methodist Church Hall opened the premises for their session.
As well as scorching Bibles, the vandals slashed hymn books in the wrecking spree. A large crucifix on the interior wall of the church had also been dragged to the floor.
The piano, speakers, and other items were also damaged.
It will be costly to fix and replace the vandalized items but I am hoping that the church reaction will be one of praise to God in the face of this hatred. I hope too that they will earnestly go to battle with the spiritual encampments of Satan in their area and pray that these vandals would return to the church, not as vandals, but as fellow brothers or sisters, forgiven and set free through the blood of the Lamb.