Think before you preach
Not surprisingly, the Taliban made good on their promise to start killing the South Korean Christian missionary hostages -- the bullet-riddled body of a pastor was found at the site pictured above. The church that sent the young volunteers said it would stop "some" of its work in Afghanistan; the Korean government is having to resort to fines against those who try to travel to Afghanistan, because months of telling citizens how dangerous such a trip would be obviously didn't sink in.
Because this is what gets to me about this case: Not only did these Koreans put their own lives in danger, put their country in a tough spot, and endanger Afghan or even U.S. forces who may have to intervene at some point, but do they understand that any converts or even associates they gain would be subject to execution under Afghan law that bans apostasy? (A friend put it so in an e-mail earlier today: "Here's the Bible, you'll love it. Oh, by the way, you will probably be executed for having one. L8r!") These aggressive evangelists need to take into account how their actions could hurt the people around them as well as being realistic about their own safety.
Ms. Johnson,
I don't think you understand the values of true Christianity as seen through out the ages.
Every one of Jesus' 12 disciples (save one) laid down their lives for the privilege of sharing the "Good News". There are some things more important than life itself.
I believe that God also expects you to have a certain care for the body that He gave you, and a similar care for the well-being and safety of others. I also believe that faith and reason are inextricably linked, and God gave us the smarts to carry out missions wisely and with common sense -- and with the responsibility to distinguish perseverance from recklessness.
I think the more noble mission would be getting Christians or would-be converts out of Afghanistan.
Missionary!! There is a movie from India called "Rain." In it a man says to a woman "Religion is all about money'" and ain't that true! Also an old African refrain says "The white man came to Africa. He took our land, our animals, our people, our hands (see Belgian Congo) our gold and mineral and he gave us...Jesus." Exactly the same refrain can be apply to the historical Spanish conquest of the New World. That initially Christianity began with good morals and good intentions, is true. All that changed when Jesus's dogmas were used for the quest of gold and power. Missionary should stay home and take care of local problems, which everyone has.