American Missionary Statesmen George Verwer Comments on British Riots

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service


BROMLEY, KENT, UK (ANS) -- "These are wild, restless and dangerous days here in the U.K., where my wife and I have lived for almost 50 years," says veteran missionary pioneer statesman George Verwer, an American living in London.

George Verwer (right) being interviewed by ANS Founder Dan Wooding.

The New Jersey-born visionary/founder and former International Director of Operation Mobilization (OM), writes in an e-mail to ANS: "The riots and anger and hatred that hit London over the past days has spread to other parts of England. I am sure you have seen it on the news or read about it. Many here find it hard to believe. The government also has been taken by surprise, and there is a lot of worry as we look forward to the Olympics less than a year away."
Verwer says: "The death of one person, who seems to be very connected to the dark society, was the trigger for something that has been smoldering for year. He was shot by the police and only yesterday was news released that he was not armed or has not fired any shot."

According to Verwer there are lots of debates going on surrounding the incident and the riots and looting that has followed in its wake.

"Some say it's all just mindless..others say there are reasons.I think it is both, but let me give some of my reasons why this is happening," Verwer said.

"There is massive unemployment in the UK and especially among the young. When I saw the statistics, I could hardly believe it," Verwer said.

"There is (also) a huge breakdown of the family, and marriage as a God-given institution is mocked and abandoned by others.

Third, there are massive alcohol and drug problems.

A building set on fire in London during recent riots.

Verwer states, "There is a 'laying aside' of the Ten Commandments and even the Fear of God. Atheism has become more popular, and many are saying that there is no place for God in government. Praise the Lord many, even in the government, do not fall for that, and our Queen does not accept that."

Verwer adds: "There are a lot of unrealistic expectations on every side. People expect too much from the government and the police and what they call 'the system.' In Europe today (among) the new generation, most believe they system - government, etc., owes them something, and must take care of them."

Students especially are angry over increased fees, which are still low compared to say the U.S., Verwer said.

Many politicians have been cheating on expenses and this has had massive publicity, he said.

"'If politicians can take, then why can't we take? is the mindset of some. Into this flow all kinds of miscommunication -- especially in a society which in many ways is still a 'Class Society.' There is a huge underprivileged underclass. They are not suffering that much, but they feel they are. This is especially true of those who have no foundation of Spiritual Values."

Verwer said that greed is key to the problems in British society.

Verwer concluded: "Most politicians have proven to be very selfish, greedy people, and this all in the press. More and more people, who themselves are greedy and want a piece of the pie, somehow though social networking -- combined with their anger -- have launched into the streets.

"I am sure there are more reasons in our complex society, but these are a few that are in my mind. Nothing is more important than the sinful nature and lostness everwhere when people do not know the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ."

---

** Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can donate online to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Ne wswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter