Dear Sir,

It is with deep sadness to hear that brethren attending a prayer meeting in an AME church in the US have been shot to death — nine people including the pastor.

The circumstances of this heinous act of murder and hate gives rise to deep dismay by all right-thinking people. While the racial connotations of this crime are sickening, it is another example of Christians being persecuted.

People of Christian faith are being beaten, their churches burned down and even being forced to go underground to worship. We now see Bible prophesy leaping off the pages and encourage the faithful to remain strong.

We will continue to witness all manner of wickedness in a fallen world. Believers must not hate but forgive and pray for the families and swift justice as prescribed by law. Pray for the shooter that he will repent and receive God’s forgiveness.

In Islamic republics, Christianity has been outlawed and pastors imprisoned with congregations intimidated into silence about spreading their faith. The early church were likewise treated, including being thrown to the lions for the entertainment of sinful audiences. These events send our sense of outrage into the stratosphere of confusion, causing us to ask why such an abomination should be visited on God-fearing people seeking to do his will in prayer and Bible study.

We live in a fallen, dangerous world and nowhere is safe. Lawlessness, disrespect, drunkenness and antisocial behaviour have become the norm.

Political upheaval everywhere is the commentary of the state of our world. Schoolgirls are abducted and forced into marriages and made to accept a religion they do not believe. These are the beginnings of sorrows, as stated in God’s word.

Hell has enlarged itself and all manner of wickedness and hate for God and his son Jesus can be expected. Brace yourselves people of God, the end is not yet.

Wayne B Scott