DAWN Fridayfax 1999 #04

"As a born-again Christian, I have represented my nation here in Belgrade since 1st May 1991. I have served Nigeria as a diplomat in various nations since 1965, and have lived in Bonn, Nairobi, Ottawa, Islamabad, Canberra and London, among others. I was appointed as ambassador in 1984, then in Lusaka, Zambia, and have been here in Belgrade since 1991. A Christian ambassador has in a sense a double role: he must attempt to be clear about his Christianity while maintaining a close relationship with various government agencies. As an 'evangelical' ambassador, one is not always welcome in a country in which the Orthodox church has a strong influence. Ambassadors are first of all diplomats, and as such, work closely with the Foreign Ministry. I consider it advisable for an ambassador to openly proclaim his faith; other government officials are not obliged to share his convictions, but will at least respect them. Ambassadors represent their respective head of State, and are shown the appropriate honour in their host country. This means that the position can be used to petition for religious freedom where the need arises. An ambassador must also know and respect his host country's particular sore points and local sensitivities, and hence ask God for particular wisdom and leading (James 1:5). The difficulties caused by these conflicting tasks can be solved easily by relying on the power of God through the Holy Spirit. With God, all things are possible!

As ambassador, one has the chance to travel extensively in one's host country, so I have come into contact with many Christian churches, but of course also with the local government officials. As a result, I am well aware of Christians' particular problems, and can use my diplomatic and organisational contacts to subtly awaken or enhance international understanding of the situation. As a Christian, I have often been able to speak in churches to encourage the local Christians. Personally, I attend a Pentecostal church in Belgrade, where I am a lay preacher, and am regularly invited to preach in various churches throughout the country and in the neighbouring nations.

Where religious freedom is lacking, a Christian ambassador should make his offices available for services, Bible studies and the like. By law, the embassy and ambassador's residence are part of the territory of the ambassador's home country, and generally enjoys diplomatic immunity. For example, a Christian house fellowship has been meeting in my apartment since 1991.

In Yugoslavia, evangelical Christians are still occasionally seen as a sect or even Satanists, and regularly as promoting the country's political isolation. Some evangelical churches have been attacked and some Christians - including me - criticised in the media.

I desire to not only continue to be a good ambassador for my country, but also 'an ambassador of Christ'. I believe that the honour in all things belongs to God, because he is the reason for my nomination as ambassador in Belgrade in these hard times. Whenever possible, I will intervene for religious freedom in Yugoslavia, particularly for the Evangelicals who are under particular pressure. Christians in other countries should continue to pray for Yugoslavia, and visit the country to see the reality for themselves and to encourage the local Christians. My e-mail address is Nigeria@eunet.yu."

Source: Mark Albrecht, e-mail MarkAlbrecht@xc.org

Source: Advance Newsletter 11/98

Source: James Owusu, Village Missions International, fax (+1)-830-997-0952, e-mail vmiusa@ktc.com