FINDING FAITH IN THE CHRISTMAS PARADOX: where life in Syria meets faith in New Zealand
Christmas is the celebration of contradictions. And even though it is filled with profound paradoxes, it reveals deep spiritual truths. There are moments when these paradoxes becomes deeply personal, as we move between worlds so far removed, they seem separated not by borders, but by galaxies. For me, on a personal level, 2025 was the year that stitched these paradoxes together — with visits to Lebanon, Syria and New Zealand, it was a year of contrasts, collisions, and yet quiet acts of coexistence. These paradoxes press upon us three questions.
THE CARROT, THE EGG AND THE TEA BAG
What flavour will I release today when I converse about load-shedding, crime, corruption, and everything else that so easily robs me of the joy I have? Through all the years of serving the Persecuted Church, my life was filled with living examples of TEA BAG CHRISTIANS. I have not only been inspired but transformed by those who embrace the cross, patiently endure their suffering, and become beacons of light in their communities.
The 2-minute war in Syria – Looking at suffering in the light of eternity
Through the eyes of an eternal God who sees a thousand years as 3 hours, the 12-year conflict in Syria equals 2 minutes and 20 seconds. How glorious to know therefore that time submits to God and that He exists outside the boundaries of the time capsule we live in that contains our hardships and suffering altogether.