My Christian faith is of utmost importance to me, so on my journey I've continued to go to church every Sunday. I have met amazing people along the way and had very special moments of encounters and providence.
This week is Easter, where Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus spent His life demonstrating God's radical love. He made a way for all people to have new life in Him, and our response is to turn from our old ways and believe in Him.
Finding churches to fellowship in is not always easy. In China, for example, there are not many churches authorised by the authorities to operate, and they are not easy to find. In Saudi Arabia churches are illegal but I was able to attend the online service of my home church in Wellington.
I have a number of times had church come to me, for example at hotels. Once I was at the reception of my hotel in Indonesia with some laundry, and I heard singing from across the street. I didn't understand the words but it sounded like a church gathering so I went across. It was one of the most memorable church services I've been to on this journey.
In many countries I've travelled through, the pressure remains high for many Christians and, in general, following Jesus will mean some level of persecution. Open Doors share that more than 365 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. I encourage you to support the ministry of Open Doors. This, of course, does not diminish the pressure and sufferings my wonderful Muslim friends live with, and I'm angered by the fact that people from any faith have to suffer discrimination and persecution.
One of my biggest disappointments on this journey has been that I have not been able to cycle in Israel. This journey was partly a pilgrimage to Israel to cycle in the footsteps of Jesus. However, to my joy I have been cycling in the footsteps of Paul's missionary journeys in Greece lately and visited churches dedicated to him.
My faith has helped me through the tough times in life. Being part of groups of people sharing life together and praying for each other has often blessed me beyond words. I don't feel I could have taken on this journey as confidently as I have if it wasn't for my faith.
Mental health is related and connected to our physical, spiritual, family and environmental health says the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation. If spiritual health is not part of your life, I encourage you to investigate this in your life. An Alpha course may be helpful.
I will finish with a quote from the Bible from Numbers 6:24-26. I have been praying this scripture many times over people on this trip. If you would like it sung over you by Christians across the world, here is the YouTube video.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.