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The English word “martyr” is an almost direct transliteration from the New Testament Greek word, martus, which originally meant “a witness.” It was especially used in the early church to signify those who were witnesses of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and consequently many of the apostles died giving their testimony of their Lord. In current usage it usually means one who is killed for refusing to renounce their religious faith, practices, and beliefs.

There are a lot of “missing persons” in our world today whose situation of poverty, injustice, and suffering makes God weep. The missing persons are not strangers to God, for God already has reached out to care for them. Yet they are strangers in the world who need to know God cares through the witness of a church that practices a ministry of hospitality and justice.

Just Hospitality: God’s Welcome in a World of Difference, Letty M. Russell, edited by J. Shannon Clarkson

and Kate M. Ott, pp.18-19.

1 John 2:12

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.

1 John 3: 2

Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.

Guide my feet while I run this race. Guide my feet while I run this race. Guide my feet while I run this race, for I don't want to run this race in vain!

Hold my hand . . .Stand by me . . .I’m your child . . .Search my heart . . .Guide my feet . . .

1 John 2:12

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.

1 John 3:19

And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him