My name is Christian and I live where Christians are being killed

[Xtian]

Is it wrong to change my name from Christian to something else because of the tense situation of things around where I live as Christians are being killed on a daily basis 🤔 

[Jwanon]

4 hours ago, Xtian said:

Is it wrong to change my name from Christian to something else because of the tense situation of things around where I live as Christians are being killed on a daily basis 🤔 

 

Hi brother Christian,

 

I'm sorry you are living through such a difficult ordeal. I can understand why you would consider hiding your identity

 

However, may I suggest that you consider these words from our King:

 

"For whoever becomes ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of man will be ashamed of that person when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:26)

 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are not ashamed nor do we cower before men. Let's not tremble before them, for they can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Let us lift our heads up high towards Heaven, towards the One who has both life and death in his hands, and who rewards all those who endure all trials until the end.

 

We proudly carry the name of Jehovah's Christian Witnesses ☺️

Edited 19 hours ago by Jwanon

[Qapla]

I knew a young person many years ago whose last name was Mas. He was Hispanic and had begun studying when he was in his late teens. He was the only one in his family to accept the Truth. He got baptized when he was 18. When he turned 21, he legally changed his name.

 

I should mention, it was not his last name he changed, it was his first. He became Stephen Mas. His parents couldn't understand why he would do such a thing. They thought his name was perfectly acceptable. They had named him "Christ" (pronounced like "Chris" with a "t"). So, his name was "Christmas". He said he never really did like his name, but after becoming a JW he did not want that name at all!

 

None of the JW's thought it was odd or wrong that he changed his name so he would no longer be called the name of a worldly holiday.

 

I have known other JW's that changed their names for various reasons.

[Dages]

5 hours ago, Xtian said:

Is it wrong to change my name from Christian to something else because of the tense situation of things around where I live as Christians are being killed on a daily basis 🤔 

There is nothing wrong with changing your name for safety reason. A name is a name. As far as you don't change your relation with Jehovah 

[TJ86]

My dear brother Christian,

 

I was deeply touched to learn about the difficulties you and other brothers are facing there in Nigeria. We truly live in challenging times, but know that you are not alone. All of us, your worldwide family, care and pray for you.

 

Sometimes, fear tries to speak louder, but Jehovah gives us the exact strength for each day. He assures us:

 

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”  

Isaiah 41:10

 

And also:  

“I hold you by your right hand.”  

Isaiah 41:13

 

These are not just beautiful words. Jehovah truly holds your hand, especially when the environment around seems threatening. He understands your fears and does not ask anything from you beyond what you can give with His help.

 

Continue to follow the wise guidance of the elders and the branch there in Nigeria, who are surely aware of the situation and guided by Jehovah. Jesus told us to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves”  (Matthew 10:16).   Description and balance are always part of our service.

 

And remember: courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is continuing to trust in Jehovah even when there are human reasons to fear. David said:  

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”  Psalm 56:3

 

Jehovah is proud of your faithful effort. No matter how small the step you can take today — Jehovah values each one. He also promises to comfort us so that we can remain steadfast:  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

Count on your brothers around the world. And above all, count on Jehovah, who never abandons those who trust in Him.

[Ishaya]

I feel your fear my brother,if you live in the interior north of Nigeria you're really not safe as a Christian there,those Muslims there are not exposed to outside world,they can be very intolerant of other religions.

My wife told me of how they were constantly in fear when living in maiduguri among the very few Christians in a Muslim dominated community.they finally had to relocate to my area close to Abuja where Christian communities are far more predominant.

 

Understandably not everyone can easily change location,but if the danger is so glaring where you live,I would suggest you consider changing your location instead of your name.there are a lot of other safe places you can relocate to in Nigeria and live happily while waiting for the end of this system to come.

[Brandon]

6 hours ago, Xtian said:

where I live

Are you in northern Nigeria?

[Qapla]

7 hours ago, Xtian said:

Is it wrong to change my name from Christian to something else

 

The simple answer is "No", it is not wrong to change your name. You did not pick your name, someone else did. If you want to change it, for whatever reason, that is your decision. Don't let anyone tell you that you can/should or can't/shouldn't change it. The decision is yours and others should respect that.

 

Our names, in this system we live in and in the modern times we live, were not given to us by Jehovah. In most cases they were given to us by our parents. They may have had some reason or simply liked the way it sounded - or in some cases, just to be different.

 

There are many reasons a person may want to change their name ... those reasons are not "wrong" just because someone else thinks they are.

 

I will give you some examples of names and why someone might want to change it:

• Some years back it made the news because a mother named her daughter "la-ton". It is pronounced "La'dashton". I have no idea if the girl changed it
• I knew a home builder with the last name "Juedes". It was pronounced "Yidis" His middle name was Allen, so he changed his last name to "Allen" and used the tetter "J." as his middle initial. He did this for business reasons.
• When we got married, my wife dropped her first name and used her middle name and the first letter from her maiden name as a middle initial and my last name as her last name. She had never been called by her first name her entire life since it was the same as her mother's name.
• In the Bible we have examples of ones whose names were changed - like Saul who became Paul

 

If you would feel better with a different first name, that is your choice and don't let anyone try to tell you it is "wrong" to change it.

 

Edited 16 hours ago by Qapla

[Miss Bea]

Prayers, brother, prayers. Thank you for speaking up. As ugly as things are there, we need to know, so we can go to Jehovah in your behalf. Come Kingdom, Come. Płease.