I have no doubt the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference will be a life-changing conference. From Bill Myer’s “Hearing His Answer” keynote Thursday morning through Bob Hostetler’s closing keynote, “A Writer’s Dream,” CCWC 2011 will encourage and equip you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives. It is critical that we do exactly that whether through books, periodicals, or the Internet.
Through nonfiction and the power of story we can “Write His Answer in an Age of Opposition” as Liz Babbs from Great Britain will challenge us in her Thursday evening keynote. William Agius from Mission International will speak from first-hand experience of the “Works of God in the Middle East” on Friday morning. That evening four members of the faculty will briefly address the need to “Write His Answer to the Issues that Concern Us” followed by round tables. Saturday morning Rusty Wright from The Amy Foundation will talk about “Advocacy Apologetics: Finding Common Ground.”
As I listen to the news, I can’t help but wonder how much longer we will have the freedom to print and distribute Christian literature. I am convinced that NOW is the time to “Write His Answer.” The sense of urgency I feel is underscored by Wednesday’s news that Shahbaz Bhatti, the Minister of Minorities in Pakistan and the only Christian on the cabinet, was martyred. If you read my previous blog, you know that he spoke at the Philly conference about ten years ago. Daily I hear about Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted or martyred for their faith, but this is the first time I personally know someone who has paid the ultimate price.
In a video prior to his assassination Shahbaz said, “I want to share that I believe in Jesus Christ who has given His own life for us. I know what is the meaning of cross. And I am following of the cross” (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12617562).
We will “Focus on the Cross” in CCWC’s Wednesday evening opening session with Sister Hope, a friend of Shahbaz who has written three must-read articles about him at www.assistnews.net.
Please join me in praying for Shahbaz’ mother and for the Christians in Pakistan. And pray for our witness as Christians here in America. I visited the Belief blog on CNN Wednesday (http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/02/critic-of-pakistan-blasphemy-law-shot-and-killed/#comments) and was appalled by the comments. “Ohhhh, I bet there’s a LOT of christians who wish they could make blasphemy laws here in the U.S. Christian Sharia Law, here we come!” one person said.
My heart cries out, “Oh that we might write and live Your answer.”
Sobering thoughts, to be sure. Praying for the conference this year, for lives to be changed and for Christian writers to answer the call to Write His Answer!
Such sad news. Such sad times happening now. Lord be with his family in their grief and with all of us as we give ourselves into your care.