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Hi,
“OK - let’s get this over with”, I thought.
As I worked through the Census questions, I did mutter to myself about how many there were, and the detail required. Finally, I got to the end of my own responses, and the next challenge was to rally the other members of our household to do the same.
Census night is one of those times that unites us all with the same awkward challenge. Some of the questions felt a bit confronting, too, don’t you think? But I know good data helps in decision making, so I get that it’s an important thing to do.
Among them, one question invited us to pause and consider something much deeper: where do I place my faith?
The Bureau of Statistics frames this around religious affiliation – which denomination or religion do you most associate with, and they asked the question in a pretty muddled order. But this is radically different to the question Jesus asks us in Matthew 16:15 – “who do you say I am?”. This is the most important question for us all to wrestle with, no matter which box you ticked on Tuesday.
True Christian Faith is grounded in relationship with Jesus, who said “I am the way, the truth and the life”. True faith is a quiet trust that goes on to shape how we love our families, care for our neighbours, carry sorrow, make good decisions and hold on to hope when life goes off the rails.
Now the forms have been completed, Australia will wait for the national picture to take shape. But long before any results are published, Jesus has already spoken a beautiful word over His people:
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” Psalm 139:1
What a comforting reminder.
We are counted by a nation, but we are known by God. Not as numbers on a page, but as people He sees, loves and calls by name.
In a culture where Christian faith can sometimes feel quieter or less visible, your partnership with Vision helps keep the hope of Jesus close to people who need encouragement. Through radio, digital content, devotionals, podcasts, prayer and more, Australians are being reminded every day that God sees them, loves them and is near.
The Census may record a moment in time, but the Gospel keeps reaching hearts day after day, in homes, cars, workplaces, hospital rooms, farms and quiet places where someone may be longing to know they are not alone.
Thank you for standing with Vision. Thank you for praying, giving and believing that God’s Word still speaks with comfort, clarity and life. Your generosity helps keep Christian hope present and accessible for people right across Australia.
Please continue to stand with us as we help Australians look to God daily, and gently remind them that in Jesus, they are seen, loved and never forgotten.
Because whatever the national picture may show, Jesus is still the hope every heart needs.
Blessings, |
