- Sat, Apr 05, 2008
- Persecuted Church
Shut Up and Compete: Putting a Gag on Olympic Athletes
I'll never forget hearing nearly seven years ago that China had been selected as the host country for the 2008 Olympics. Now the time has come.
I'll never forget hearing nearly seven years ago that China had been selected as the host country for the 2008 Olympics. Now the time has come.
Some of you prayed a while back for work I was doing for a chapter in a book with Joe Gibbs. Some information about that book has been sent to us, so I wanted to pass it on. What's below in italics is the info, then my comments follow.
Scott Klusendorf's new book, The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, releases today.
After I was sent the prepub manuscript of this book, and asked to endorse it, I wrote, “Scott Klusendorf has produced a marvelous resource that will equip pro-lifers to communicate more creatively and effectively as they engage our culture."
Today marks the public release of the Manhattan Declaration, which Chuck Colson invited me to sign several weeks ago. After reading it, I gladly agreed to do so.
For the ten years since I wrote Safely Home, I’ve been regularly asked, “Isn’t persecution of Chinese Christians a thing of the past?” Yes, there are some good developments, including more Christian books being printed in China. I’m grateful for that. But despite the improvements in some areas, where persecution isn’t as bad as it once was, there are still many Chinese Christians who are persecuted.

Francis Schaeffer was one of three writers (the others being Lewis and Tozer) who influenced me most profoundly when I was a new believer in the early 1970’s. I remember like it was yesterday reading his The Church Before the Watching World, where he said the following.
I’m writing today about a very serious development that threatens religious freedom in our country. I am not one to overreact to such things, but this particular case may have far-reaching implications.
I have a lot of respect for Chuck Colson, who is in the hospital with a serious condition, in need of our prayers. I appreciate his involvement in helping the Christian community develop a godly worldview by keeping us informed about timely issues facing our nation.
Last Saturday afternoon, Chuck Colson went home to be with the Lord. After founding Prison Fellowship in 1976, Chuck ministered in more than 800 prisons, in 40 countries around the world, over the next 35 years. EPM has had the privilege of supporting their ministry for many years.
As 2012 winds up, I am pondering the departure this year of many Christ-followers, including our brother Chuck Colson. As I shared in a post after Chuck’s death, I have the highest regard for him. He was one of my heroes.