Today the Church remembers the martyrs of New Guinea who died on this day in 1942. James Kiefer writes that: “When World War II threatened Papua and New Guinea, it was obvious that missionaries of European origin were in danger. There was talk of leaving. Bishop Philip Strong wrote to his clergy: ‘We must endeavor to carry on our work. God expects this of us. The church at home, which sent us out, will surely expect it of us. The universal church expects it of us. The people whom we serve expect it of us. We could never hold up our faces again if, for our own safety, we all forsook Him and fled, when the shadows of the Passion began to gather around Him in His spiritual and mystical body, the Church in Papua.’ They stayed. Almost immediately there were arrests. Eight clergymen and two laymen were executed ‘as an example’ on September 2, 1942. In the next few years, many Papuan Christians of all Churches risked their own lives to care for the wounded.”
There are those who are still being martyred for their faith in Christ. All we have to do is to look to Iraq where ISIS is putting Christians to death simply because they are followers of Christ. Please keep all Christians in Iraq in your prayers.
Let us pray: Almighty God, we remember before you this day the blessed martyrs of New Guinea, who, following the example of their Savior, laid down their lives for their friends; and we pray that we, who honor their memory, may imitate their loyalty and faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Invite Someone to Church Sunday is on the 21st of September 2014. Please invite someone to Church to experience the joy of the Good News.
The 6th Annual Art Show, “Let There Be Light,” will start on the 4th of October and last for 1 week.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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