Concerns about survival of Christians in the US

SelahForever · #1 06-25-2018, 05:00 PM

I only have a few minutes, so I will elaborate on my thoughts on this later. I have lurked here occasionally on an off for the past few years, and have thought here and there of chiming in my thoughts sometimes. I haven't done so, just because I usually am somewhat shy in regards to expressing myself and debate sometimes, and usually others would say what I'm thinking.

Anyway, recently I've been thinking about survivalism for my family and my fellowship's families more and more. Not so much in regards to a natural disaster or economic disaster, although I have considered that too. (We have prepared ourselves a bit with that) More so, in regards to every day living for my children and grandchildren, and maybe even myself and my husband. (We are relatively younger couple in our early 30s.)

What I wanted to discuss is this thought that has been on my mind often lately.
An elder apostolic lady, an old family friend told me a few years ago that the days were approaching soon, that one day Apostolic Pentecostals would only be able to employ and rely on each other and would be essentially blacklisted in regular society in the the US. That just by the fact of being a bible believing Christian, you would become a target.

Our family aren't really even political people, (I'm trying to avoid talking politics too much) but the fact that sometimes others can observe we seem traditional in our private lives has already drawn ire, from acquaintances at times. I'm going to be really frank and admit I haven't done much evangelism outside my small circle of influence in a few years, so it's absolutely not that. I think for us, that part of it is that I'm a stay at home mom with a young children, I'm a homeschooler and I'm a Christian. I'm not pushy about any of it, (unless someone asks about Jesus, then of course I gladly share!) but that's just not enough for some people. Honestly, I've tried to tone down my usual way of dressing, as to try to blend in the best I can. For example, I've grown up to a degree wearing jean skirts and I enjoy wearing them. They are comfortable and they match nearly everything and I can get down in the dirt with the kids with most of them. Anyway, I almost never take them out of the closet now unless I'm going to a friends house to fellowship and that's it. I also am careful not to mention homeschooling as one example with acquaintances or neighbors. I've had some bad experiences and encounters with people before when people discover we aren't the average every day family next door. This has happened even when I've been very kind and accepting of others in general.

I was wondering if this thought is on any one else's mind. I wondering if the future about say employment, or education and just further persecution in general. And if so, what might be do to prepare for that in the church as a body? Any thoughts on this? It's not quite as simple as prepping for a disaster and doing lots of food storage and things like that. So any other ideas?

For us, I know I need to lean more on Jesus in prayer about this, and I absolutely will. But I need to be honest and say, yes as of right now I am a bit scared. When I look down the road for my family and others, this is on my mind. Yes, I am very very concerned for my children's future too. One of my parent's is a duel citizen of another country, and I keep wondering if we should emigrate at some point if possible, and consider building a life there if we can. Or pray on that as a possibility anyway. One problem is, I doubt that country would be much friendlier to us, and may not provide these religious freedoms at some point in the future either. Anyway, I was wondering is anyone has had any similar sort of thoughts, and concerns and also if anyone had any ideas about how to maybe prepare for that.

SelahForever · #2 06-25-2018, 05:02 PM

I meant to elaborate on my thoughts later, but it seems I elaborated plenty now anyway! I meant I will elaborate more on my thoughts later. Thanks!

SelahForever · #3 06-25-2018, 05:20 PM

Anyway, I was wondering most is, if anyone has had any similar sort of thoughts.

I keep thinking about what our elder and friend said to me years ago. I wonder if that day might might be approaching. Hopefully not too fast, but it feels fast enough. Basically that regardless of anything else, just by being what we are, we will be targeted and blacklisted. It seems an amazing thought that just a little more than 10-15 years ago when I was not long out of high school, that idea was so far out of left field I figured it was likely many generations away. Now...I'm wondering just how close we are to it here in the US, after all.

Anyway, to anyone that will comment. To anyone here thanks for listening, and sorry if I had too many run on sentences here. I promise I'm stricter with the kids about writing and grammar! I'm running around as busy as usual today, and this is just an 'off the cuff stream of consciousness' type of posting for whosoever might be able to sympathize with my concerns. I'd also like to see see who might offer their thoughts and perspectives on this topic too.

Amanah · #4 06-25-2018, 05:36 PM

Sister Selah,

I am sorry that you feel so fearful, it seems as if you are worrying about things that may happen that you cant change.

Stay close to Jesus and trust Him to take care of you. In the meantime, enjoy your family and church, enjoy your life, don't live life in fear.

SelahForever · #5 06-25-2018, 05:45 PM

Amanah, Thanks so much! You sound like just like my husband and my aunt! They are both in the faith, and agree with you!

Perhaps I am too fearful. It's something I've long struggled with and I do pray through here and there when it creeps up on me again.
Part of this all is, I do feel like its reasonable for me to think about this a bit and prepare my family as best as I can since I am in a teaching role for them. I'm not taking over for my husband on it, (something I make sure to check myself on if need be) because he does think my concerns are reasonable, and agrees with me to a degree. He just believes I'm too fearful in regards to how I approach everything. You all may be right!

Evang.Benincasa · #6 06-25-2018, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SelahForever

I haven't done so, just because I usually am somewhat shy in regards to expressing myself

I feel the same way.

n david · #7 06-25-2018, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

I feel the same way.

Evang.Benincasa · #8 06-25-2018, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david

Amanah · #9 06-25-2018, 05:55 PM

Sister Selah, these brothers are teasing you, they have a great sense of humor.

Brother Benincasa is anything but shy, he is also a very smart and knowledgeable elder.

SelahForever · #10 06-25-2018, 05:59 PM

Thanks Amanah! It's no problem! I don't mind being teased a bit! I am actually am really very shy but when I poke out of my shell occasionally, I sometimes end up having a lot (or too much) to say. LOL