Please, Remember Them

It is always difficult to discuss some issues here. We are receiving articles that tell us that meetings in houses are being curtailed more and more. They have been told that they must have surveillance cameras in their meeting venue. Some are refusing and having their water cut,  and it is threatened to have their electric cut as well. The individual leaders of this movement are trying to decide what is the best step, but regardless what they do the assumption is that there will be more restrictions and difficulties.

In discussions during our Friday night meetings, one gentleman, in awe, has repeatedly said how mutually supportive our groups are. He says that it is extremely rare in this culture to reach out beyond one’s family, and he sees this happening in his village and also in other contexts. He has previously worked with the government, and he says, “This is why the government is so concerned. Any group that can come together like this is a threat to the government.” I assure him that the point is not to challenge the government, but rather provide a haven for people. But what happens if the government is pointedly wrong in what is being required? At that point, yes,  our organization becomes a moral voice. What is the right step? People here are in the midst of deciding how to proceed. Please remember them.