The following is a list of this month's articles.

At the Lord's Table - Shock Therapy

Islam - Understanding the Present Crisis

Listen to the Prophets of II Chronicles (5)

What Can the Righteous Do?

Whose Prediction was Right and Whose Wrong?

First Caribbean Christadelphian

Quiz - Fundamentals

At the Lord's Table
Shock Therapy

Shock therapy is one of the most controversial of psychiatric treatments. It is also one of the most effective. It is usually offered to people who are so severely depressed that they are endangering their life. Critics say that it is like a form of medieval torture and has no place in 21^st century medicine. But the simple truth is that it works, and works well." (Kwame McKenzie: Depression. 2000, p.69-70).

God uses shock therapy. The generality of men and women are in such a state of spiritual and moral depression that there is often no other way that He can treat or cure us.

We have just read Judges 19 and 20. What a barbaric tale of blatant gender discrimination, rape, sodomy, self interest and violence! It is for all the world like a modern "adult" video, "requiring parental guidance"! The Levite declares that he is on his way "to the house of the LORD," yet he and his host in Gibeah lock themselves in while his girlfriend is left out in the street to die a horrifying death at the hands of a brutal gang of sexual perverts. No wonder the writer of Judges comments, In those days everyone did just as he pleased or whatever was right in his own eyes. What else could he have told us?

However, even this selfish Levite was appalled at the moral and spiritual depths to which God’s holy people had fallen. "When he reached home, he took a knife and cut up his concubine [girlfriend], limb by limb, into twelve parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. Everyone who saw it said, ‘Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!’" Imagine the gruesome, grisly procedure. There was no refrigeration. The twelve broken, mangled, rotting, stinking, body parts were shared around the twelve representatives of Israel.

Truly this was shock therapy, and it worked. It "worked well." "Then all the Israelites came out as one man and assembled before the LORD." At last, united! After decades, maybe a century, of division and fraternal strife, they were one at last. Prophetic words had fallen on deaf ears. The priests had failed hopelessly. It took a bloody, broken body, shared around, to unite them.

The last supper represented the Lord’s greatest use of shock therapy: a desperate, caring attempt to cure his followers of their fatal disunity. Disunity is a fatal disease: make no mistake. It seems only shock therapy can cure it. As our Lord shared the symbolic body and blood, he appealed to the weak, half-converted twelve. "Share it among yourselves." Then he prayed: "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you loved me" (John 17:23).

Will the shock therapy of the Lord’s table work for us, his 21^st century people? As we now pass around the symbols of broken body, and the poured out blood, will it really be true for us that "we come out as one man and assemble before the Lord," after years of disunity and unseemly strife? How powerfully does this table speak! Look at what wicked men and women did to my Beloved Son! For you it is my Son’s battered, abused, crucified body, oozing blood from head, back, hands, feet and side. It is very rarely that we read Lamentations 3:1-26 in preparation for the emblems. Next time you preside, read it. It is shock therapy. "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?"

Judges 20 tells us that maybe God’s shock therapy will work, even though nothing else will. Perhaps that is the answer to the terrible questions: Why did Jesus have to die? Why was he crucified? Maybe this will unite us, so that all men will know that we really are the true body of Christ. With our stiff necks and hard hearts, is it true that we must see the stark reality of a bleeding body, broken and cut up, then passed around the tribes of spiritual Israel before we unite as one man in worship and service? Perhaps.

So, as we pass around the emblems of bread and wine this morning, may God shock us all into true contrition. For remember, like the Israelites in the days of the Judges, and the twelve with Jesus at the Last Supper, we all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way: and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Devon Walker, Round Hill

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Islam
Understanding the Present Crisis

As a Caribbean Christadelphian with close relatives who are Moslems, I want to warn my brothers and sisters how serious is the present world situation. Most Christians, especially western Christians, do not understand Islam at all. The teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and the teachings of Muhammed are so fundamentally opposed, and their entire modes of thinking are so different, that they cannot possibly be reconciled. Issa (Jesus) is mentioned frequently in the Quran, Islam’s holy book, but although he is called "Messiah" and the holy child of Mary, his personality and doctrines as represented in the Quran bear no resemblance to the historical Jesus of the Gospels.

In the following passages the contrast can be seen immediately.

Jesus: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies" (Matt. 5:43-44).

Muhammed: "Prepare against the infidels whatever weapons you can lay your hands on, so that you may strike terror in the hearts of your enemies. Kill them wherever you find them and drive them out from where they drove you out" (The Spoils of War 60, The Cow 191).

In Islam love must be restricted to fellow-Moslems only, while infidels who scorn Islam and refuse to be converted must be made objects of hate and targets of terror. Jesus’ commandment to love our enemies is totally incomprehensible to a Moslem.

This contrast is based upon another. Christians are not to avenge themselves (Rom. 12:19). Vengeance is the prerogative of God and based upon His unerring knowledge, justice, and above all, mercy. The coming Day of Judgement will reveal the hidden motives of men. On the other hand, Moslems are frequently urged by the Quran to be instruments of God’s wrath and to wage holy war here and now. Deliberate rejection of the Prophet is all that is needed to justify a jihad or holy war.

War, as proclaimed by Islam’s holy men, is not at all like war as understood by the rest of the world. It is fought essentially by totally dedicated individuals, not by armies. For a Moslem, defeat, and even strategic retreat, are not options. They are unthinkable. A Moslem who turns his back on an enemy goes straight to Hell. "Anyone who turns his back on the infidel in the day of battle will go to Hell, to be passed through boiling water and roasted in the fire, with their intestines cut to shreds" (The Spoils of War 15, Sad 59).

The infuriating and seemingly "devious" behaviour of Yasser Arafat is puzzling to Israelis but entirely explicable when you know what he believes. A suicide bomber is not a young man who is tired of life, mentally deranged or manic-depressive. He is sane, often with a happy personality among his Moslem friends, but with a profound religious conviction -- somewhat like many early Christian martyrs. And the incentives for the suicide terrorist are very attractive indeed: beyond the momentary fatal blast lies a wonderful eternity in Paradise: there is pleasure for them, paired with graceful, comely virgin girls with big, beautiful dark eyes, reclining on green cushions and rich carpets, goblets full to overflowing, food served on golden plates - and they will not know any death (The Announcement 30, Ar Rahman 72, Smoke 54).

If Americans – Christians, Jews or atheists – believe that television pictures of a mighty war machine on the move has any deterring effect upon Moslems, they are in for a shock. Muhammed insisted that enemy numbers or military might are completely irrelevant. The warriors of Allah must inevitably overwhelm the infidels, however well armed. Jesus also promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against his church. The big difference is that during his absence in heaven winning the world for Christ is by loving not fighting.

The most troublesome aspect of Islam is that right here and now it demands that all Moslems must only be ruled by Moslems, never by unbelievers. However small a minority Moslems form in any country or society, they are obligated to scheme and plot relentlessly to overthrow the existing political and religious order and establish a Moslem regime to which all non-Moslems must then capitulate and submit. This is, of course, the reason for Abu Bakr’s initially successful coup in Trinidad a few years ago, an island where committed Moslems make up not much more than 10 per cent of the population! And it is the reason for the vicious persecution of Christadelphians in the Philippines, where Moslems are in the same proportion. According to the Quran, Allah decreed fourteen hundred years ago that all the world must eventually be made subject to Islamic law, preferably by conversion, but if there is resistance, then by irresistible force. However, and this is important, in war Moslems must never be the initial aggressors. But when infidels attempt to stop Moslem expansion or attack a holy shrine, such as the El-Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem, then the call for jihad or holy war must be made by religious leaders everywhere.

Talking with my Moslem relatives, I see no end to the present war before the return of the Lord Jesus to Jerusalem to raise the dead and judge the world. Before then, terrorism will only end if Christians, Jews and atheists submit to Islam and all its demands, including the right of Moslems to rule themselves under Islamic law in any country in the world, including all western countries.

Islam, like Judaism when Jesus was on earth, is based upon the maxim, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy." Bible Christianity, following the commandments of Christ, is based upon the principle, "Love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God: for God is love" (I John 4:7-8).

Name withheld by request.

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Listen to the Prophets of II Chronicles (5)
Jahaziel Ben-Zechariah

A prophet is not a fortune teller or a clairvoyant. A lady dear to my heart said of one prophet, "I perceive that this is a holy man of God" (II Kings 4:9).

We need prophets like those in II Chronicles in our brotherhood today, holy men and women of God who will encourage His people in these critical times. See how powerfully and effectively Jahaziel did just that when times were critical long ago. Just consider his exhortations (II Chron. 20:14-17). We desperately need exhortations like his now, practical exhortations, that speak to the deep needs of ordinary saints, helping them through the hard times, sharing their hardships, and thrilling to their joys, too.

Jahaziel’s exhortations

1. Stand firm, and then see the deliverance that the LORD will give you.

Typically, God does not deliver the chicken-hearted. In our present distress in the Caribbean, the need to stand firm is absolutely paramount. I was so encouraged when I reached the Kingston meeting hall to be greeted with a wonderful smile by faithful Daisy Allen, a sister far older and feebler than myself, not long out of hospital after major surgery, whose regular presence at the Lord’s table says without words, Stand firm, my sister, stand firm, my brother, stand firm.

2. Do not be afraid.

Who would not be afraid when terrorism is all around? All around me here people are jumpy and nervous, wondering why the dogs are so noisy, and what the latest gunfire is all about. You really do have to say to yourself, Listen, heart, do not be afraid.

3. Do not be discouraged.

The brotherhood is experiencing worldwide growth and also, in some places, significant revival. But remember, there are many ecclesias that once were true lighthouses, vibrant and glowing with zeal. But often through circumstances beyond their control, faithful ones now sleep, others have migrated, and some tragically are estranged by inter-ecclesial strife. The few that are left are easy targets of Satan’s shafts of discouragement. Port Antonio (see News and Notices section) was once my favourite ecclesia. In 1979, they had 25 baptisms in one year. Every visitor came under the spell of their zeal. They were renowned for their valiant witness. Tourists sent picture postcards all over the world showing the Bible message on their meeting hall. That hall often held 200, and resounded to joyful praises written and composed by the members themselves. Now they have four "moveable" members. It seems that all they have until the Lord’s coming are memories. Brothers and sisters, pray for the many ecclesias that have no exciting ecclesial news to send to our magazines. Remember Jahaziel’s exhortation.

It is possible that Jahaziel had a special interest in music. Certainly he encouraged Jehoshaphat to fill the temple of the LORD with song, praising God "with very loud voice," and with "harps and lutes and trumpets." The brotherhood is very blessed in having two brand new Christadelphian song books, an enlarged Praise the Lord, and the expanded Christadelphian Hymn Book 2001, replacing our worn out "black hymn book" as we know it here. Let us use them as Jehoshaphat did, as he responded to Jahaziel’s prophetic encouragement.

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We would like to respond to a number of kind enquiries regarding our welfare from brethren and sisters who have commented on the rare international media reports about Jamaica.

We who live in the Kingston area would like to express our thanks and appreciation for this encouragement, and for many prayers on our behalf.

It will put our situation here in perspective when we tell you that more people have been shot, blown up or in other ways killed in the streets and homes of Kingston, and one or two adjacent cities, during the past year than in 25 years of the "troubles" in Northern Ireland, and far more than all the Israelis and Palestinians killed in the Middle East since the latest Muslim intifada began. This carnage is not occasional; it is a constant toll – every day and night. Nor is it "nation against nation," as in the British Isles and the Middle East, but often among armed neighbours living in adjacent streets. According to official reports, on one recent Sunday 25,000 rounds from high-powered weapons were directed at the government security forces in the vicinity of our meeting hall during a period of eight hours.

We want to thank two groups of brethren and sisters. Our love and gratitude must be expressed to those beloved Jamaicans from other ecclesias who have rallied to support us Kingstonians in our trials: Bro. Devon & Sis. Christine Walker of Round Hill; Bro. Travis & Sis. Debbie Matthews of Balaclava, and Bro. Patrick & Sis. Annette Johnson of May Pen. All three couples stepped in courageously after the assassination of Kingston’s recording brother, Aaron (Glen) Isaacs, and gave us valiant support. In particular, we must honour Annette, who accompanied Patrick on a seventy-five mile drive, passing through streets still tense from days of political violence and ruled by narco-terrorists, only hours before the birth of their second child was due. We thank God for such extraordinary loving devotion.

The second group includes the many overseas visitors who have come to Jamaica for missionary training programmes and other ecclesial activities despite the sensational media reports and the reality on the ground. Please, every one, accept our thanks.

"In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me, ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain’? For look, the wicked shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD is on his heavenly throne. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates" Psalm 11.

Please pray for us.
Brethren and sisters of Kingston

Editors of the Caribbean Pioneer

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1. "Ours has been the first and will doubtless be the last party of whites to visit this profitless locality. We did not stay, for no cities of gold are there as we had hoped."
2. "God will assuredly assist us to wipe Israel off the face of his Holy Land."
3. "The Lord will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other. But I will not completely abandon or destroy you."
4. "A very expedient exchange which will greatly benefit our nation."
5. "This is the owner’s son. Come on, let’s kill him, and we will get his property."
6. "A totally irresponsible purchase, which posterity will call Seward’s folly."
7. "You have heard what an Assyrian emperor does to any country he decides to destroy? Do you think that you can escape?"
8. "I assure you that wherever the gospel is preached all over the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."
9. "Don’t you realize that it is better for you to let one man die for the people, instead of having the whole nation destroyed?"
10. "Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will never pass away."

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For more than a hundred years until now, it has always been assumed that the first Caribbean Christadelphians were Mary Blenman, her son John and her daughter Viola. They were Barbadians from a distinguished aristocratic lineage in that island, and were baptised in London, England, in May, 1884. John returned to the Caribbean, where six or more members of Mary’s extended family were baptised in Barbados and Guyana during the 1890’s.

The first Christadelphian baptisms of residents carried out in the Caribbean took place in 1889 and 1891. Isaac Barnes was baptised in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 15, 1889. He became one of the most dynamic preachers in the history of the brotherhood and, along with Bro. Harry Clements of London, pioneered a successful Bible mission to Liberia in West Africa. E. A. Thomas was baptised in October, 1889, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Sam Husbands, a relative of Mary Blenman and a converted Baptist evangelist, was baptised in Bridgetown, Barbados, very early in 1891, followed in March, 1891, in Georgetown by Amy Phillips, the first Guyanese Christadelphian to be baptised.

Until 1994, it was believed that Isaac Barnes was the first Jamaican Christadelphian. In that year, the Caribbean Pioneer learned that Jamaicans Joseph Isaiah Gooding and wife Catherine were baptised at the Sydney Central Ecclesia in Australia in September, 1884, only four months after the Blenman family in London. There are descendants of the Goodings today in ecclesias in Australia and England.

Now we have learned that the Blenmans were not the first Caribbean Christadelphians and the Goodings were not the first Jamaicans. In 1878, Agnes Rose of Jamaica was baptised by a friend of John Thomas somewhere in "western Canada."

We know that

• Agnes was an avid Bible student from an early age, and "determined to find out the truth."
• She emigrated from Jamaica to New York, probably in 1877.
• It is possible that she met Christadelphians in New York.
• In 1878 she moved to "western Canada" where she was baptised by a brother Ryckmeyer, who had been a friend of John Thomas and a member of the Cooper Institute ecclesia in New York.
• In 1882, she moved to Toronto and attended one of the ecclesias in that city.
• In 1883, elder brother Ross and others in Toronto persuaded her that she had "become better informed on some points" since her baptism five years before, and so "to make her calling sure" Agnes was re-immersed on April 8. [In those days, this was a relatively frequent practice. For example, Robert Roberts was baptised in Aberdeen following a good confession, and re-immersed years afterwards in Edinburgh to satisfy the scruples of his future father-in-law].
• Agnes was unmarried in 1883.

These are the only facts known to us. Can any North American brother or sister provide more details to fill out the story of Agnes Rose, the very first Caribbean Christadelphian?

The Editors

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Quiz
Fundamentals

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