More modern day Daniels

If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Daniel remained blameless in a corrupt culture throughout his sixty years of service. They could find no corruption in him. Corruption is endemic in many societies all across the world and it is a great challenge for Christians to be able to resist such a temptation.

A Graduate
Ruly is an Indonesian graduate who studied for a doctorate in Australia and then returned home. He is a fine example of a graduate who is a modern-day Daniel.

Ruly was given authority to decide who would provide electricity to a large part of the country. He put the contract out to tender and received several orders. One large company offered him a personal bribe. He turned it down. They returned with an increased offer--he turned it down too.

They became very angry and asked outright, "Why don't you take a bribe? Everyone else does!" Almost without thinking and clearly helped by the Holy Spirit he replied, "I will not take your bribe because I have already been bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and you cannot give me anything worth more than that." The two men were dumbfounded. Over the next two days they each returned, on their own, to ask forgiveness. In this strongly Muslim culture, one had come from a Protestant background and the other a Roman Catholic background. They were rebuked by the conduct of this believer.

A Student
In Mexico in 2002, public transport in Vera Cruz was privatised. Fare increases seemed inevitable and half fares for students were to disappear. Edwin Gomez was one of the student representatives elected to meet with the transport leader. At this meeting, the transport official proposed giving students a 25% discount, but they rejected that. A few days later, they were invited for a luxurious dinner and offered personal benefits if they stayed quiet. Finally, they were each handed an envelop with 80,000 pesos in cash (US 8000). After struggling with the temptation to accept, Edwin stood up ad said no, and handed his back. He could see the reproachful looks from other students. Then a girl rose to her feet and supported him. Gradually they all gave the envelopes back. The transport staff were amazed at their uprightness and resolve not to increase fares. It was a wonderful work of the Holy Spirit in Edwin's life that evening, helping him resist this bribe. As he left, he put his hands in his pocket--he had only four pesos.

In Mexico, Christian students do not just speak of being 'salt and light' or of living in a way that denounces destructive forces. They speak of wishing to be 'sparkles of hope' (in Hamilton, "communities of hope') in the university world.

For more stories from all over the world pick up a copy of Shining like Stars by Lindsay Brown from Catalyst books http://www.catalyst.ac.nz/store