The View from the Firehouse

Moving

2006-09-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the grass is indeed greener on the other side, the Firehouse has moved you will be redirected. If you link to this site and would like to continue linking to it the new URL is http://theviewfromthefirehouse.wordpress.com/

Reflecting on 9-11-01

2006-09-11T10:28:00.001-08:00

Today Sept 11 2006 we have a lot to reflect on. On this day in the year 2001, 2948 people lost their life including 343 of my fellow fire fighters.

The one thing I’d like everyone reading this post to do today while remembering the ones that we lost, is to take time and think about your eternal state. None of us knows the day of their death so please take sometime and reflect on this also, Hebrews 9:27 says And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. Death is something that is finial and it is worth our time to take a few minutes and ponder our fate.

Please also understand I’m not condemning the victims of this attack, only pleading with you to consider your own fate.

9-11 sermons that should be worth listing to:

Dan Phillips
John Piper

Imagine

2006-09-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

We've been transported back to 9-10-01, you know what is going to happen tomorrow, and you've been given the chance to share your faith with thousands of people at the World Trade Center. How would you do it knowing that tomorrow these very people you are talking to will face death?

The Ten Commandments Extreme Redneck Style

2006-09-01T16:19:00.000-08:00

That would be Cajun for all of you who did know

1. God is number 1... and das' All.
2. Don't pray to nuthin' or nobody...jus' God.
3. Don't cuss nobody... 'specially da Good Lord.
4. It's Sunday... pass yauself by God's House
5. Yo folks dun did it all... lissen to dem.
6. Killin duck an fish, dat's OK.... people - No!
7. God give you a wife... sleep wit' jus her.
8. Don't take nobody's boat... or nuttin' else.
9. Stop Lyin'... yo tongue gonna fall out!
10. Don't go wantin' somebody's stuff.

VOM News and Prayer Update: August 29

2006-08-29T17:18:00.000-08:00

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."(Galations 6:2)

CHINA
(Compass Direct)
On August 17th, Chinese authorities released Zan Aizong, a journalist who reported the Hangzhou City police using force to demolish an unregistered church building and beating hundreds of believers on July 29th. Zan, the former China Ocean News Zhejiang Province bureau chief, was arrested on August 11th for "spreading rumors and disturbing social order." Two days before his arrest, Zan received a notice from his employer that he was "no more suitable for the job." As a journalist, Zan said in a telephone interview on August 20th, "my responsibility is to report the truth, even though it means losing my job." According to Yu Jie, a founder of the Beijing Church of Ark, Zan was recently baptized in a house church in Hanzhou. Yu believes Zan's experience in jail will only make him identify more with the plight of the believers.

Give thanks to God for Zan's release. Pray the Lord will provide a job for him and allow him to continue his ministry of countering the lies of the enemy. Pray Jesus will use Zan's increased compassion for suffering Christians to bring relief to many believers.

INDIA
(VOM sources)
Official sources reported that on August 20th, one person was killed and five others injured when unidentified persons fired at a congregation in Churachandpur district of Manipu. Evening services were being held in the Evangelical Baptist Church in Vengnuom area when some armed persons in combat dress came in a vehicle and started firing in the direction of the church. The incident happened when armed persons in a van were challenged by armed miscreants near the church. Immediately after they were challenged, the occupants of the van, whom local residents suspect to be security forces in mufti, emerged from the vehicle and started indiscriminate firing towards the church which was filled with people. One believer died at the spot, while another succumbed to his injuries at the district hospital. Four others were injured. In addition, one man was hurt when he was knocked down by someone evacuating the injured on a scooter.

That same day, Pastor Jwala was conducting a morning worship service in Sheopur near Jhalsy when a group of radicals with a local leader entered the meeting with hockey sticks and mercilessly attacked Pastor Jwala and members of the congregation. After the brutal attacks, they were taken to the police station where pastor Jwala was booked under the Anti Conversion Law. Bail was not granted to the victims.

Pray God will comfort with His deep peace those who mourn for the dead. Pray the Lord Jesus will touch the injured with His healing power. Pray the Christians will be faithful witnesses of the love and forgiveness of their enemies, leading them to repentance and salvation.

MALAYSIA
(ASSIST News Service)
Lina Joy (42), who was born Azlina Jailani to Malay parents, converted from Islam to Christianity when she was 26. Since Malaysian law requires a Muslim's religious matters to be decided in a Sharia (Islamic) Court, Lina had to get a certificate from the Sharia Court to show she had permission to convert to Christianity. As long as Lina is officially identified as a Muslim she is legally compelled to marry a Muslim man in a Muslim ceremony and be subject to Islamic Laws, including Islamic family law. Lina has been fighting for her rights. Two earlier court cases were dismissed, so her counsel is now challenging the decision in the Federal Court. The Federal Court ruling will clarify whether the religious freedom of Malaysia's Muslims is determined by the Constitution (which gives liberty) or Sharia (which denies it). The decision is still pending. As all Malays (50 percent of the population) are defined by the Constitution as Muslim, religious freedom is thereby denied them from birth on racial grounds.

Meanwhile, in the northern state of Kelantan, state-funded Islamic missionaries are receiving financial incentives to convert tribal Orang Asli people to Islam. Islamic missionaries who agree to live and work among them will receive free housing, a monthly allowance of 1,000 ringgit (US$270) and a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Those who marry tribal women will be given 10,000 ringgit (US$2,700).

Pray God will give Prime Minister Badawi the courage to stand for justice and religious liberty. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in the hearts of the judges to enable Lina Joy and all Malaysians to enjoy freedom to live under God's law without interference. Pray Malaysian Christians will be filled with supernatural love for those who oppose them, allowing them to see the One who loves them and longs to draw them close to Himself.

PAKISTAN
(Compass Direct)
In an attempted land-grab, Muslim attackers have terrorized a predominantly Christian village in Pakistan's Punjab province over the past two weeks and demolished its church. Three Christian men were hospitalized with serious hatchet wounds from an initial August 7th attack on a village 20 miles southwest of Lahore. The Muslim aggressors, led by Yaqoob Maher, came from a neighboring village. Another critically injured Christian, Bashir Masih, was abducted and remains missing since a second assault on the village on August 12th, when he tried to stop armed attackers from stealing his cattle. When Christian villagers tried to file an official complaint against the assailants, Sharaqpur police instead filed an official complaint against 10 of the villagers, accusing the Christians of "opening fire" on Maher.

Pray the power of the Holy Spirit will give these villagers boldness and zeal for the Lord, not allowing the Muslims to have victory over their minds. Pray the Lord will keep Bashir Masih safe and quickly return him to his village. Pray for the Muslims whose eyes have been blinded by the enemy of their souls.

UZBEKISTAN
(Forum 18)
Uzbekistan intends to impose massive fines and jail people and the leaders of their religious communities for sharing their beliefs outside places of worship. The proposals were made at an August 4th meeting of religious leaders, called by the state Religious Affairs Committee. Those attending the meeting were representatives of state-registered religious organizations, including the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Uzbekistan, the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Central Asia, the Catholic Church in Tashkent, the Jewish community, the Baptist Union and the Full Gospel Church. All unregistered religious activity is illegal in Uzbekistan. The state Religious Affairs Committee told the religious leaders that they and their clergy must stop their members and those who regularly attend places of worship from sharing their beliefs with anyone outside their churches. The fine for sharing their beliefs would be between 200 and 600 times the minimum monthly salary. Persistent proselytizing would impose jail sentences between three and eight years on them and their religious leaders. Leaders of religious communities are fearful of openly attacking the proposals because of the danger of reprisals against their communities by the authorities. There is currently a crackdown on religious believers of many faiths taking place in Uzbekistan.

Pray all Christians will be emboldened to obey God rather than man. Pray their witness will confound the authorities as they see the power of Jesus through the life of His followers. Pray our merciful God will bless thousands of people in Uzbekistan with every spiritual blessing in the knowledge of Christ their Savior.

How Long are we

2006-08-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

going to allow the government to take over our decisions:

Restrictions already ban smoking in licensed day-care centers. Now the smoking ban extends to a less-formal baby-sitter arrangement in some one's home, so long as a sitter is getting paid, even if the care is for just one child.article

And it gets better:

Ossiander tried to delete the baby-sitter provision, with vocal support from Paul Bauer. They said it would be impossible to enforce and it's up to a parent to decide not to put their child in a smoker's care. Ossiander's amendment failed.

"What level of secondhand smoke is acceptable for children?" Traini said. "None."

So what's next spanking hurts your child, so what are we no longer do that, own a gun not with children around. After all you can't be trusted to make the right choice for you children. And don't even think about raising your children to be Christians, because that would make them closed minded bigots.

If you read the whole article the Anchorage Assembly passed a law that would ban smoking in bars. I really didn't have a problem since I no longer go to bars. My wife tried to say some people don't have a choice of were they are going to work, I just don't buy that. How far are we going to let government decide for us. Look at this quote.

During the debate Tuesday night, Ossiander at one point rattled off a long list of high risk jobs, like commercial fishing, or jobs where employees are exposed to toxins, like dry cleaners.

"I don't believe government can make every job completely safe," she said.

Allan Tesche, in his first Assembly meeting since emergency heart surgery in May, said it was cynical to say the Assembly can't make all work places safer.

"If we pass this ordinance, we are going to make work places safer," Tesche said just before the final vote. "That we can't do a perfect job is no excuse."

But this one takes the cake:

"This government will not let people die on their own when we can take a simple regulatory measure and say you can't smoke indoors, take it outside," Tesche said. "That is exactly what government should be doing."

You see I as a grown adult can no longer decide what is safe. Boy where wore these guys when I decided to join the military has a firefighter. Maybe they are right it's not safe defending this country, not to mention running into burning building. I shouldn't have been allowed to make them dangerous decisions.

VOM News and Prayer Update: August 15

2006-08-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

"The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."(Zephaniah 3:17)

CHINA
(China Aid Association)
A pastor in the Three-Self Church in Pinglu County, Shanxi Province was prohibited from preaching and forced to leave the church by the Religious Affairs Bureau. The Pinglu Church invited a Hong Kong-based American pastor, Dennis Balcombe (Chinese name Bao Dening), to visit the church. The evening of July 9th, the head of the Pinglu Religious Affairs Bureau, Zhang Lianjie, came to the church and tried to dismiss the Bible classes and forbid the children to listen to Bible stories. He returned the next day with more officials, forcing the elders to retract their invitation to Pastor Bao Dening. In spite of immense pressure, church activities continued. On July 24th, Zhang came again and announced that a meeting would be held the next day to "discuss" Pastor Hu Qinghua's leaving Pinlu. All the members of TSPM (Three-Self-Patriotic Movement) and CCC (Chinese Christianity Council) were to be at the meeting. The meeting began at 6 p.m. and the elders enumerated the achievements of Pastor Hu since taking charge of the church. The meeting continued till 11 p.m., but no matter how hard the elders insisted, Zhang Lianjie declared that Pastor Hu Qinghua had to leave Pinglu Church immediately. Pastor Hu Qinghua has left Pinglu, but he still tries to comfort and encourage the brothers and sisters in Linglu Church, by phone, to stand firm in the truth.

Pray God will protect and comfort Pastor Hu Qingua with His loving presence. Pray the Holy Spirit will give the church members His grace to forgive officials who don't know Jesus. Pray the believers will remain strong in their faith and be more than conquerors.

EGYPT
(Compass Direct)
Authorities in Alexandria have detained seven Christian men without charge since a fatal knife attack on churches there last April triggered two days of violence. Alexandrian Christians plan to sue the country's Interior Ministry for the men's release, as well as for compensation for Christian-owned shops and Orthodox churches that were damaged during the unrest. Hesham Azmy Iskender was among 101 Christians and Muslims who were originally detained. Over the following month, police released most of the prisoners. However, they have continued to renew the imprisonment of Iskender and six other Christians, even after the prosecutor general issued orders for the release of all the detainees in May.

Pray God will move in His merciful power to secure the release of these seven prisoners. Pray Christians in Egypt will know the inner peace that comes from forgiving their enemies. Pray Muslim officials in Egypt will turn to the One who can save their souls.

Pray God will comfort Asya Khadim and keep her safe. Pray our omnipotent Father will put a stop to the Hudood Ordinances. Pray our God of love will remove Muslim authorities' hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh.

INDIA
(Compass Direct)
On August 8th, a day after extending the bail of leaders of Emmanuel Mission International (EMI), the Rajasthan High Court today restored the registration of five of the mission's institutions and unfroze EMI bank accounts. EMI attorney Mohammad Akram told Compass that the court annulled the cancellation of registration of the EMI institutions without specifying a date and also ordered that their bank accounts be revived. Akram said the court also ordered the state Social Welfare Department to pull out its officials deployed at the EMI orphanage in Kota district. The officials were appointed at the orphanage following a June 13th high court order that dismissed five writ petitions EMI had filed challenging the revoking of registration of five of its institutions.

(Gospel for Asia)
In July, three students from a Gospel for Asia Bible College in Maharashtra were hospitalized after being attacked and severely beaten by a group of anti-Christian extremists. A month later, two pastors' wives were stripped and beaten before a village council for their faith in Christ. Both incidents are evidence of the growing oppression of Christians in central India, reports Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan. The three students, along with a few Christians from a local church, were returning from sharing the gospel in a neighboring village when they were attacked. The Hindu fundamentalists beat the believers with belts and large sticks, and pummeled them with their fists. A group of local residents saw the attack and intervened to break up the beating and rescue the believers. The pastors' wives in Chhattisgarh state were "dragged before the community council, stripped naked and beaten for accepting Jesus and following Him," reported GFA regional leader M.A. Lalachan.

(Gospel for Asia)
The freedom of millions of lost men, women and children to respond to the love and grace of Jesus Christ is in danger of being trampled down in the legislatures of two Indian states. Gospel for Asia regional leader M.A. Lalachan said the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have passed anti-conversion bills aimed at keeping people from responding to the Good News of Jesus Christ. He called for prayer for the hundreds of missionaries working in the two states, for the Bible college students there and for the hundreds of churches now under threat from anti-Christian state governments.

Give thanks and praise to God that His work in Emmanuel Mission in Kota will be able to continue. Continue to pray for all of our brothers and sisters in India, asking God to defeat the spiritual forces of evil that drive the desperate measures of Hindu fanatics. Pray that despite any new restrictive legislation, millions of lost men, women and children will come to know the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

IRAN
(Compass Direct)
Seven years after Issa Motamedi Mojdehi converted from Islam to Christianity, Iranian secret police have jailed him for abandoning Islam, but officially charged him with illegal drug trafficking. Authorities formally charged the 31-year-old Christian with drug trafficking when he was arrested two weeks ago. Secret police officials have told Motamedi Mojdehi that his real offense, said to be recorded in his confidential legal file, is abandoning Islam. Officials told him unless he renounces his Christian faith and returns to Islam, he will remain in jail and possibly face execution. An officer identified only as Mr. Baghani warned the arrested Christian that it might take "several executions" before Iranians understand the consequences of apostasy under Islamic law.

Pray our Omnipotent Father will protect Issa from all harm. Pray he will be kept strong by the precious Word he has hidden in his heart. Pray the mercy of God will keep Issa faithful to His Lord and Savior.

PAKISTAN
(Compass Direct)
A Christian girl has gone into hiding in Pakistan to escape Muslim in-laws who beat and raped her for fleeing her forced marriage and refusing to practice Islam. Asya Khadim, 15, won a divorce from her abusive Muslim husband in February and sought shelter with a local aid organization to avoid reprisal attacks. Khadim had been married to Tanveer Qadir for almost 13 months when her mother filed the divorce case on her behalf in January 2006. "They tried to force me to read the Quran," the Christian girl told Compass. "My husband beat me every day for two months because I refused." Khadim's case highlights ongoing national debate over the controversial Hudood Ordinances that some say encourage domestic violence against women. Give thanks to the Lord that when Asya called to the Lord in her distress, He heard her and allowed her to escape her abusive in-laws. Pray God will work a miracle of His grace to take away her memories of the suffering. Pray for Muslims everywhere to hear and receive the gospel of peace, the glad tidings of good things.

VOM News and Prayer Update: August 8

2006-08-10T05:12:00.000-08:00

"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."(Luke 12:6-7)

BANGLADESH
(VOM sources)
On the morning of April 14th, four drivers of four different buses were hired by a militant Muslim group to crash into the SUV of our VOM contact, Andrew. On his way to visit 17 Muslim convert families, Andrew was rammed by a bus while in the front passenger seat of his moving vehicle. Immediately after the collision, the bus driver ran from the scene and reported to the leader of the hiring Islamic group that he killed the targeted Christian preacher in the red SUV. Andrew's left elbow was broken from the impact, and his right forearm was embedded with glass and severely lacerated in five places. Wasting no time, two men from the Islamic group went to the accident site to confirm the bus driver's account, but they were too late. Andrew's driver had already driven the smashed SUV away from the scene to the nearest city, where Andrew, unconscious, was later admitted to a government hospital. The Voice of the Martyrs is providing continuing medical treatment for Andrew, who was attacked for his Christian witness.

Pray the Lord will heal Andrew quickly and completely. Pray Andrew will continue bold and courageous in his faith. Pray our omnipotent Father will astound the bus driver with the reality of His presence and the loving forgiveness of Jesus.

BHUTAN
(International Christian Concern)
Two Christians, who had been imprisoned in Bhutan on charges of proselytism, have been released. The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) was told by Christians inside the country that on Saturday, July 29th, the two men had been released and reunited with their families. "Benjamin" (Budhu Mani Dungana) and "John" (Purna Bahadhur Tamang) were arrested on January 7, 2006, in the small town of Paro after sharing the gospel with a non-Christian family. Jeremy Sewall, ICC's Regional Policy Analyst for South Asia, stated, "We wish to thank everyone who prayed for these men and contacted government officials to ask for their release. This is incredibly good news."

Pray the Lord will strengthen and protect Benjamin and John as they rejoice in their freedom and rebuild their lives. Pray God will help government officials allow more freedom to the people and not be overly concerned with the need to keep their "identity." Pray Christians will be the light of Christ in a dark place.

Pray God will comfort Asya Khadim and keep her safe. Pray our omnipotent Father will put a stop to the Hudood Ordinances. Pray our God of love will remove Muslim authorities' hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh.

CHINA
(China Aid Association)

Fifty house-church leaders and Christians are still being detained after their church building was destroyed by the Chinese government on July 29, 2006. Meanwhile, the Chinese House Church Alliance issued an urgent statement calling for an independent international investigation regarding the forced destruction of the church and arbitrary arrests of these Christians. Among the 50 detained, four are still missing. On July 29, 2006, the local government sent several hundred trucks, four excavators, and thousands of military policemen to the building site to destroy the church. There were several thousand Christians there. When the police violently dispersed them, some Christians were injured, and over 50 were arrested. Since the Chinese central government official still denies the existence of those arrested, their church family members are greatly concerned. The church has not received any information about the conditions of their brothers and sisters in prison.
On the morning of July 27th, a Sunday school teacher's training class in Wangxi Production Group, Gengwang Zhuang, Tong Xu Village; Huainan City, Anhui Province was attacked by the local national security guard squad. Based on eyewitness information, some Christians, including 90 children (age 9-16), and 40 adults, were attending a summer Bible teacher's training class in the home of Li Lizhong, a villager in Anhui Province, when the local police suddenly attacked them. The party branch secretary of the village, went to Li Lizhong's house with another village cadre member. They scouted the training class on the pretext of examining "family planning," and left. A half hour later, more than 40 village cadre members and a squad of the National Security Guarder stormed into the village and surrounded Li's house. Under the pretext that the training class was disturbing the peace, the police swarmed the house. Some church equipment was carried away. In the whole process, the police did not show a search warrant or any legal certificate. All the children were released after registering their names and other personal information. More than 40 adults were taken to the police station and all were released at 3:00 a.m. the next morning, except for two, Pastor Li Lizhong and Sister Cai Yili, who were sentenced to 15 days administrative custody.
Three more Christian leaders from Xiaoshan district were arrested on August 3rd, 47 are still in jail. The three leaders are Brother Ni Huiming (45), Sister Shen Zhuke (52), and Brother Shen Jian (48).The local authority is threatening to force all Christian companies to pay a heavy fine for their support of the church building which was destroyed on July 29th. One Christian lady, Sister Wang Aizhen from Kanshan town, Xiaoshgan district, was severely beaten by the anti-riot police on July 29th, and one of her chest bones was broken. She is still being hospitalized.

Pray the Christians will remain faithful to Jesus, loving in their attitude toward their enemies, and bold in their witness. Pray those in prison will be comforted by the Word they have hidden in their hearts. Pray many Chinese officials will realize they are working for a cause that does not satisfy their deepest longings.

IRAN
(ASSIST News Service)
July 24th, an Iranian Christian, named Issa Motamadi, was imprisoned on account of his faith. French internet news site VoxDei reports that Issa Motamadi, a resident of the North-western town of Resht, the capital of Gilan Province, will soon stand trial before a Revolutionary Tribunal. While Issa Motamadi has been accused of apostasy, it is likely that a non-religious charge will eventually be leveled against him in order to prevent accusations of religious persecution. Article 23 of Iran's Constitution states: "The investigation of individuals' beliefs is forbidden, and no one may be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief." Allegedly, Issa and his wife Parvah came to the attention of the authorities around seven months ago when they decided to give their newborn son a Biblical, Christian name. Sources explain that this is interpreted as a sign of irrevocable rupture with Islam as it demonstrates that the child is born to Christian parents. Identified as Christian from birth, he cannot be accused of apostasy. There causes great concern that President Ahmadinejad may escalate persecution of Christians.

Pray Issa and Parvah will be strong as they stand up for Jesus. Pray that human rights and religious liberty organizations will intercede for Issa with appeals to their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pray our loving and merciful Savior will make Himself known to the authorities in Iran who are in bondage to the tenets of Islam.

Presumed Guilty

2006-06-27T21:14:00.000-08:00

James Scott Bell

Since becoming a Christian, I seldom read novels anymore. There are simply not enough authors whose views I felt I could trust. Almost overnight I went from a fairly active fictional reader to one who now almost only reads non fiction. The reason I did this was because I didn’t want to be filled with the junk that was out there. I have however found a few Christian fictional authors that I enjoy, and to that I am pleased to introduce you to another author whom I will be adding to the list of authors I plan on reading, his name James Scott Bell.

From cover to cover this book unravels a heart pounding, page turning thrill ride that just begs to be read. However, what I enjoyed most about this book was the crystal clear presentation of the Gospel. Sure, this book deals with hard issues, including porn, a pastor falling, and a wife struggling to keep her family together. But the author never left the sight of the blood stained Cross. Sadly, of the Christian fiction authors I’ve read this is by far the easiest to discern that the author had Christ on his mind, and I truly enjoyed that aspect the most. You will not be sorry if you check this book out.

What can one person do?

2006-06-23T21:50:00.000-08:00

Stolen from the great Flannel

2006-06-23T19:15:00.000-08:00

You are Spider-Man

Spider-Man		75%
Robin		70%
Superman		65%
Iron Man		60%
Hulk		60%
Green Lantern		55%
The Flash		55%
Catwoman		50%
Supergirl		35%
Batman		20%
Wonder Woman		10%

You are intelligent, witty,
a bit geeky and have great
power and responsibility.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

Mayday Fly In Update

2006-05-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to you that have asked how it went with the witnessing booth. Sorry that it’s taken so long to respond, but things at work have been busy, and I’ve not had time to update you all. So I’ll do my best to express into words what went on that day.

It was a great time; God sure answered my prayers, to push me out of my comfort zone. I also want to thank him for a partner like Warren, Warren I know your modest but your courage was inspirational to me.

It truly was awesome to watch people become convicted of sin right before you eyes. It was also neat to see people come and want to take tracts.

Since we've wrapped things up this weekend I've started to reading the book The Soul Winner by C. Spurgean and I really feel the quote on the back of the book really sums up my feelings well:

If you are eager for real joy, I am persuaded that no joy of growing wealthy, no joy of increasing knowledge, no joy of influence over your fellow creatures, no joy of any other sort, can ever compare with the rapture of saving a soul from death.

I can't say for sure if any souls were saved, but just the sear joy of serving in Christ’s army and for once fighting on the front lines is great. I've never been on my knees as earnestly has I've had to be preparing for this event. You see I suffer from a great fear of just talking to people, yet this weekend I felt none of that because God took my fear from and gave me the strength to sow his seed, I truly can’t think of any better answer that He could have given me than that.

It has also opened other doors, Warren and I spook last night at the youth group at the local Assembly of God on sharing your faith. This is even more encourging do to the fact that Warren and I attend two different churches here in town.

Free Hardcore Website

2006-05-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

OK this is a must for all you men out there, and well I quess women to if you into that sort of stuff. This is by far the greatest XXX website I've come across and the best part is that it's free. So check it out.

If your a Christain, are you sharing your faith with the lost?

2006-04-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

This comes from Ray Comfort's web site Living waters let it convict you to step out of your comfort zone and share your faith with a fallen world.

This is an excerpt of an e-mail to Ray from an atheist.

"You are really convinced that you've got all the answers. You've really got yourself tricked into believing that you're 100% right. Well, let me tell you just one thing. Do you consider yourself to be compassionate of other humans? If you're right, as you say you are, and you believe that, then how can you sleep at night? When you speak with me, you are speaking with someone who you believe is walking directly into eternal damnation, into an endless onslaught of horrendous pain which your 'loving' god created, yet you stand by and do nothing.

If you believed one bit that thousands every day were falling into an eternal and unchangeable fate, you should be running the streets mad with rage at their blindness. That's equivalent to standing on a street corner and watching every person that passes you walk blindly directly into the path of a bus and die, yet you stand idly by and do nothing. You're just twiddling your thumbs, happy in the knowledge that one day that 'walk' signal will shine your way across the road.

Think about it. Imagine the horrors Hell must have in store if the Bible is true. You're just going to allow that to happen and not care about saving anyone but yourself? If you're right then you're an uncaring, unemotional and purely selfish (expletive) that has no right to talk about subjects such as love and caring."

Personal prayer request

2006-04-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

This weekend a friend and I are taking a step of faith and getting a booth at a local event here in Valdez. We've got a booth and we a going to try and witness to some people. I'm not afraid to admit that I'm more than a little nervous as I've never done anything like this, and I'm not all that good at speaking to strangers. So I'm trusting that God will use me in some small way to reach out to the lost.

Prayers for April 25, 2006

2006-04-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
(Colossians 3:1-4)

Prayers for April 25, 2006
From The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for CHINA
CHINA (Compass Direct)
The court judging house-church leader Zhang Rongliang acknowledged, "There is insufficient evidence and ambiguous facts," and has submitted the case to the Zhengzhou City Intermediate People's Court asking for legal advice. The Zhongmu City People's Court made the request after a two-hour court hearing in April, during which Zhang (charged with falsifying a passport) argued his right for a passport as a Chinese citizen. Zhang also denied the accusation he was behind "attaining passport through cheating" for three of his co-workers. Henan police arrested 55-year-old Zhang without charges on December 1, 2004. Only months later were charges brought against him.

Give thanks to God the court acknowledges the weakness of the charges against Zhang. Pray he will be completely exonerated and released very soon. Pray Chinese authorities will recognize they need not fear Christians.

(China Aid Association)
China Aid Association's field investigators in China report seven foreign evangelical church leaders including five Americans and two Taiwanese were interrogated for five hours on March 23, 2006. Eighty Chinese house-church leaders from 20 provinces were attending a meeting with Christian leaders from America. These 80 leaders represent 25 Chinese minority groups. The five Americans are from churches in Greensboro, North Carolina. Among them two are white Americans and three are Chinese Americans. Since the two white American pastors are still inside China and some of the released Chinese pastors are still monitored by the Chinese security agents, their names are not available to the public. CAA learned this raid was directly orchestrated by the director of the Public Security Bureau of Yunnan province and carried out jointly by the officers from the provincial public security, national security, foreign affairs office, religious affairs bureau and military police officers. According to an eyewitness, the Chinese officers' attitudes were very rude, and they refused to show their IDs and even ate all of the food prepared for the pastors' lunch. The foreign religious leaders were accused by their interrogators of being foreign religious infiltrators. At 2:00 p.m. (Beijing Time), following a five-hour marathon interrogation, all of those arrested were released, and some were followed back to their home provinces.

Pray God will protect the faithful believers who are still under surveillance. Pray authorities will see Christ in them. Pray the Lord will continue to grow His body in China.

Pray for EGYPT
EGYPT (ASSIST News Service)
Muslims and Coptic Christians have clashed in Alexandria, Egypt, after a Coptic worshipper was stabbed to death in church. Egyptian officials have blamed the attacks on extremists, but Coptic Christians say the government is not doing enough to protect them. On Saturday, April 15th, thousands of Copts joined the funeral procession for Noshy Atta Guirgis, the Coptic Christian killed during the attacks on four Coptic churches in Alexandria on Good Friday. Seventeen Copts were also injured during the attacks. Muslims clashed with Copts who were peacefully marching on Saturday along the funeral route in Alexandria. The Copts were protesting statements made by Egyptian officials about the church attacks. The BBC reported that while the Egyptian government has stated a "deranged" man was arrested for carrying out all the attacks at the three churches, some Copts believe they were carried out simultaneously as part of an anti-Christian plot by extremist Muslims. In a statement, the Alexandria Clergy Council and the Alexandria Laymen Council condemned the official statements by Egyptian officials on the attacks as "deceptive" and lacking in "transparency." According to Dr. Monir Dowoud, president of the International Christian Union, Copts in Egypt have been the victims of severe human rights abuses and oppression for many years.

Pray the Holy Spirit will give Coptic Christians boldness to proclaim their faith and the mind of Christ to forgive their enemies. Pray the witness of Christians will be to the glory and praise of God. Pray many Muslims will tire of continual violence and seek the Prince of Peace.

Pray for ERITREA
ERITREA (Compass Direct)
In addition to the jailing of another Protestant pastor in February, authorities have also jailed 70 Muslims for opposing the government appointment of the chief mufti. Informed sources in Asmara confirmed in early April the 70 Muslim prisoners arrested in the past two years are confined in one cell at the Wongel Mermera center. Most of the 28 jailed pastors and priests from the Protestant and Orthodox churches are also held at the Wongel Mermera center, where prison authorities have gathered them into one cell to keep them from "influencing other prisoners with the gospel." Asmara sources have confirmed the arrest of Pastor Daniel Heilemichel of the Charismatic Word of Power Church, taken from his home on February 23rd. "His wife is in great distress," a local Christian told Compass, noting the couple had been married just a month prior to Heilemichel's arrest.

Pray Jesus Himself will be in the midst of the imprisoned Eritreans. Pray the Holy Spirit will strengthen the Christian prisoners to be both bold and loving in their witness. Pray millions of Christians worldwide will come boldly to the throne of grace and these suffering Christians will obtain God's mercy and grace in their great need.

Pray for INDIA
INDIA (Compass Direct)
Two weeks ago, Hindu leaders attending a centenary celebration of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) converted at least 344 tribal Christians to Hinduism. Although police were present, they took no action to enforce Orissa state anti-conversion laws that require official permission for such events. The so-called "reconversions" took place on Sunday (April 9th), as key Hindu dignitaries encouraged the Christians to blow conch shells and recite Hindu scriptures in a symbolic "return" to Hinduism—though most tribal people are traditionally animist, not Hindu. The RSS had set a target of reconverting more than 10,000 people. Observers said intense media scrutiny lowered conversion numbers.

Pray our forgiving Father will gently draw those who were pressured to "reconvert" back into His loving arms. Give thanks to God the media attention helped lower the conversion numbers. Pray the Lord will empower Christian evangelists to continue bringing many Hindus and animists into His Kingdom.

(Compass Direct)
An anti-conversion bill passed by the Rajasthan state assembly last Friday (April 7th) is unconstitutional and could lead to an "explosive situation" in the state, Christians say. Religious tensions in the state are already high following the March 16th arrest of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Thomas, president of Emmanuel Mission International. Thomas is charged with hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. "In the context of the ongoing harassment of Christians in Kota district, Rajasthan, the anti-conversion law will lead to an explosive situation," Dr. John Dayal, secretary general of the All India Christian Council, told Compass.

Pray God in His omnipotent power will block the plans of Hindus in Rajasthan state who plan to use the anti-conversion bill to persecute believers. Pray Christians will know the inner peace that comes from their faith in Christ. Pray for the Hindus who have never known the joy of salvation.

(ASSIST News Service)
India's Supreme Court has granted Hopegivers' founder Bishop M.A. Thomas relief from an outstanding arrest warrant. The 72-year-old Thomas had been forced into hiding for more than two months because of death threats from radicals and persecution by anti-Christian local authorities. Meanwhile, Dr. Samuel Thomas, Hopegivers' co-founder, has now been held in jail for 33 days on the charges of "creating communal disharmony." His bail hearing has been delayed three times.

Praise God Bishop Thomas no longer has to remain in hiding. Pray Jesus will strengthen Dr. Samuel Thomas with a sense of His comforting presence. Pray the witness of Dr. Thomas' forgiving love will lead many to seek his Savior.

Pray for NORTH KOREA
NORTH KOREA (Jubilee Campaign)
This week has been designated "North Korean Freedom Week." The activities kicked off with a concert and program April 22nd in Lafayette Park (across from the White House) to appeal to the world to free all abductees held in North Korea. Throughout the week there will be many events calling attention to the plight of Christians in North Korea. There will be an all-night prayer vigil for North Korean refugees, jailed humanitarian workers and repatriated North Koreans. On the 28th and 29th there will be prayer vigils in Los Angeles and Houston, respectively. In a statement promoting North Korea Freedom Week, Charles W. Colson said, "Living here in the United States, it is hard for us to imagine that up to 200,000 people, including thousands of children, are held in the horrid political prison camps of North Korea. The religious and political oppression in North Korea is unimaginably brutal."
Pray God in His mercy will answer the prayers of the millions of Christians who are pleading for the release of their brothers and sisters in North Korea. Pray Jesus will comfort the suffering believers with His loving presence. Pray the light of Christ will shine brightly to overpower the spiritual darkness in North Korea.

Prayers for April 11, 2006

2006-04-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

"11 The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace."
(Psalm 29:11)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (Compass Direct)
A major Chinese house-church leader was scheduled for a potentially decisive court hearing April 6th, after more than 16 months in police custody. Zhang Rongliang was arrested by Henan police without charges on December 1, 2004. Only months later was he charged with "attaining a passport through cheating" and with "illegal border crossing." Chinese authorities often deny passports to well-known house-church leaders. Health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure have grown worse while he has been in custody. Previously, Zhang had been detained five times and spent a total of 12 years in prison for his religious activities. "This will be his third hearing," said a co-worker who asked to remain anonymous. "This time I hope the court can make an independent decision based on truth and justice." Although VOM has no further news of the outcome of this trial, we are concerned for Zhang's welfare.

Pray God will soften the hearts of the authorities to release this innocent man with serious health problems. Pray Zhang's faith will continue to inspire the millions of members of the house churches he led. Pray those who attend the trial will seek the One who has given Zhang so much peace in the midst of suffering.

EGYPT (Compass Direct)
Following a three-month search, an Egyptian Christian has discovered his missing sister living with a Muslim family near her home town and now professing faith in Islam. Spurred by a brief telephone message from Theresa Ghattass Kamal saying she was being held against her will and forced to convert to Islam, Sa'eed Ghattass Kamal recently tracked his sister. He found her in the Bedouin desert area of El-Ga'ar, near his home in Wadi El-Natroun, 50 miles northwest of Cairo. Flanked by her suspected captors and with only her eyes showing through her veil, Theresa Kamal sat with her brother for 90 minutes but only spoke once. "I have converted to Islam. I have found the right path," she reportedly said in a trembling voice.

Pray Jesus will draw near to Theresa Kamal, giving her His comfort and the strength to endure. Pray God will show Himself powerful on her behalf, allowing her to get away. Pray Jesus will appear to her captors through powerful dreams and visions.

NEPAL (ASSIST News Service)
Nepali evangelist Kumar was making plans to travel from his village to the capital city of Katmandu for a worship conference in early March, when three Mao insurgents paid him a visit. They approached Kumar, and demanded a 5,000 rupee "donation," (about $70 U.S.) to support their cause. When Kumar couldn't pay, they kidnapped him. They told Kumar he should stop following the foreign religion of Christianity and join them. They also said whatever money he was getting to do gospel work, he must give to them instead. Although he was afraid, Kumar insisted he must continue doing the work of the gospel. Hearing this, the rebels took Kumar and forced him to work as their porter, carrying weapons. Kumar followed the Maoists for 15 days against his will, on their military missions, carrying rifles and pressure-cooker bombs. He had little to eat and had to watch helplessly while the Maoists threatened other villagers like himself to get food and money to support their army. Eventually, Kumar was able to borrow money to give to the Maoists so they would let him go. He was released on March 15th. Kumar returned to his wife and five young children. Kumar's experience is not an unusual one. In the past 10 years of the ongoing Nepalese civil war, the Maoist guerrilla-based insurgency, who claims to be fighting for a democratic new Nepal, has often used force and scare tactics to elicit support. For gospel workers like Kumar, pressure comes from both the Mao rebels and the Royal Nepal Army police who are loyal to the king. Any kind of gathering is looked upon with suspicion by the police, ever on the look-out for guerrillas. Mao rebels see every able-bodied man as a potential recruit or supporter of their cause. Christians are often caught in the middle.

Pray God will give Nepali Christians His peace that comes from forgiving their enemies. Pray Jesus will grow His Body of believers in spite of opposition and danger. Pray the true Lord of Nepal will bring peace to this troubled land.

NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
"If you are forcing me to marry a man who is a Muslim simply because of my decision to become a Christian, then I will rather have you kill me than accept to marry this man." These were the bitter words of Jamila Noma, now 16, to her father, Malam Noma, in an Islamic court two years ago in Jimeri village, Bauchi state of Northern Nigeria. The girl had been arrested by police and brought before an Islamic court on the orders of her father when she became a Christian and rejected his decision to marry her off to a Muslim man. These two years have left her in an uncertain situation. The court has not decided the case; she has been disowned by her father and has been forced out of the family home. Jamila is staying with her lawyer, Suleiman Wurno, who is trying legal means to stop her from being prosecuted. He also has enrolled her in vocational training to become a tailor.

Pray God will protect Jamila from harm and cause her case to be dismissed. Pray she will find employment as a tailor and the Lord will provide a Christian husband for her. Pray God will soften the heart of Jamila's father to accept his daughter and allow her to visit her family safely.

VIETNAM (Compass Direct)
Less than a year after believers in Vietnam's central Quang Ngai province saw some of their dwellings destroyed, a mob burned down five homes of other Hre minority Christians in the legally recognized Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South). Church leaders believe local authorities either allowed or instigated the burning of the five homes owned by Hre Christians in Son Tinh Commune, Son Tay district of Quang Ngai province, on the morning of March 7th. In addition, two believers who had rebuilt area homes destroyed in July 2005 had their outbuildings for storing paddy rice burned on March 4th. One of the Christians, Dinh Van Heo, lost 55 sacks of rice and recently faced severe pressure to recant his faith.

Pray God will move in the hearts of the Quang Ngai authorities to enforce justice in this province. Pray the Christians' witness of love and forgiveness will lead many to Christ. Pray these acts of violence against the property of Christians will cause people to seek the Prince of Peace.

Credo

2006-04-05T21:05:00.000-08:00

By Ray Pritchard

I have an embarrassing confession to make, while I had heard of the Apostles’ Creed I didn’t know or at least I wasn’t aware I knew what it said. As it turns out the lyrics to Rich Mullins Creed are taken from this creed. So for those of you who like me don’t know what it says:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
The Creator of heaven and earth,
And Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered and under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
And sits at the right hand of God the father Almighty,
Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And life everlasting.

Amen

So you may be asking why write a book on an ancient creed. Well Mr. Prithard sums it up in the first chapter:

There are three good answers to that question. First, it is the oldest and most widely accepted creed, recognized by all branches of Christianity-Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox. For two thousand years it has served as a succinct statement of the irreducible minimum of the Christian faith. Second, it offers a broad survey of Christian doctrine. It starts with the creation and ends with eternal life. That’s about as broad as you can get. As we will see, it is not comprehensive, but everything it covers is important. If you want to go back to basics, this is a good place to begin. Third, the Creed offers a radical challenge to skepticism of this generation. The people of the world doubt that we can be certain about anything. Over against that uncertainty we have the first two words of the Creed: “I believe,” and that is good for the soul.

Ray Pritchard does a wonderful job of dissecting and explaining the Biblical backing for each line of this creed. In a day and age were all kinds of beliefs get lumped into Christendom this is a refreshing introduction back into Biblical Christianity. This book never backs down from the truth, but at the same is still polite.

Another thing that Mr. Pritchard does well is to take topics that scholars have written complex volumes on and boils them down so that simple minded people like me can understand it. I would highly suggest this book especially if you are sacred of big words like doctrine and theology, because this book does a wonderful job of tackling both topics, even if it is only the bare essentials of the Christian faith, without at anytime getting over complicated.

Prayers for April 4, 2006

2006-04-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

"But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."
(I Corinthians 12:24b-26)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

ALGERIA (ASSIST News Service)
A presidential order that establishes new conditions for the exercise of non-Muslim religious practice was passed in the Algerian Ummah council (Senate) on March 13th, and March 15th in the Algerian National Assembly (Parliament). As a presidential order, the text would not have even been open to debate. The penal aspects of the text are: between a two- and five-year prison term and a fine of approximately (US) $7,000 to (US) $14,000 for anyone who "incites, constrains or uses seductive means seeking to convert a Muslim to another religion or who produces, stores or distributes printed documents or audio-visual formats or any other format or means which seeks to shake the faith of a Muslim." Arabic News reports the new law "is an attempt to withstand the Christianizing campaign which had witnessed notable activity recently."

Pray Christians will be faithful and loving witnesses of their Savior under all circumstances. Give thanks to God that this new law signifies many people are turning to Christ. Pray our omnipotent Father will cause the light of His Son to shine even when people prefer the darkness.

CUBA (Compass Direct)
March 31st marked 40 days of imprisonment without charge for Rev. Carlos Lamelas, an evangelical pastor in Cuba jailed for allegedly aiding refugees who sought to emigrate illegally. "An 'instructor' (police appointed) is supposed to show up to explain the charges to Carlos and his lawyer," according to a source close to the Lamelas family. Some observers believe Lamelas was targeted for harassment because he challenged the government on religious rights issues while serving as national president of his church. He told his wife Uramis during a 15-minute visit at the Villa Marita Detention Center in Havana that he was "pretty discouraged" because the legal case is not moving forward.

Pray the love and power of the Holy Spirit will fill Rev. Lamelas' mind with hope and trust in God's love for him. Pray the Lord will give his family members great courage and faithfulness. Pray God will soften the hearts of the Cuban authorities and help them see all Cubans deserve the right to worship freely.

ERITREA (ASSIST News Service)
Since May 2002, the repressive regime of President Isaias Afwerki has closed down all independent evangelical churches and refused to allow their members to meet anywhere for worship, according to Compass Direct. Although ordered to apply for legal registration, none of these churches has been granted government recognition. Evangelical believers caught by the police while gathering in their homes are arrested and detained, often held incommunicado for months without charges. Nearly 1,800 Eritrean Christians are now believed to be under arrest because of their religious beliefs and held in police stations, military camps and prisons in 12 known locations across Eritrea, according to Compass. The jailed Protestants are routinely subjected to physical beatings and severe psychological pressure to deny their religious beliefs. One of the mothers was asked to visit them and convince them to sign a document stating they will practice "individual religion" but not together with other believers. They were told there are no restrictions in reading their Bibles and praying, but they were to do it individually and always on their own. Not one signed, and they remain faithful.

Offer up prayers of thanksgiving for these faithful believers who have not denied their Lord and Savior. Pray their loving witness will lead others to seek the God of peace. Pray God will give all Christians a sense of hope that despite persecution and suffering, He is building His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

INDIA (Compass Direct)
In remanding the president of the Emmanuel Mission International (EMI) to judicial custody until April 10th, a Rajasthan court ordered the administration to keep the Rev. Dr. Samuel Thomas in a cell separate from Hindu extremist inmates allegedly plotting to assault him. Thomas' attorney, Mohammad Akram, told Compass he had pleaded in court his client be given a cell separate from jailed militants accused of violence against Christians. EMI officials said other Hindu extremists were hatching a conspiracy to falsely implicate Thomas for illegal trade in drugs. A delegation from the All India Christian Council has submitted a report to the prime minister, concluding that Rajasthan state is harassing Christians due to pressure from the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). During a three-day tour of the Kota area, the delegation also met Samuel Thomas in police custody. Thomas told the delegation he had not been mistreated, but he was worried about EMI's orphanage and the hospital. At the hospital the delegation found patients had not received adequate care because of police presence and threats that if anyone were treated, staff members would be arrested and the facility closed down.

Pray God will continue to protect Dr. Thomas from physical harm. Pray those who never sought the Lord will see Jesus in Dr. Thomas and turn to Him. Pray God will move in power to protect and maintain the orphanage and hospital founded by Dr. Thomas' father.

(Compass Direct)
A Hindu extremist group planning centenary celebrations in April hopes to "reconvert" as many as 10,000 tribal Christians to Hinduism during the event. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold the Dharma Jogna in Orissa, India, on April 8th – 10th. Given the recent trend of mass "reconversion" ceremonies organized by the RSS and its sister organization, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council), Christian leaders fear many tribal people may be persuaded to reconvert against their will. "We are extremely worried," said the Rev. Dandia Basi Hrudaya, secretary of the Orissa chapter of the All India Christian Council (AICC). "The AICC and other Christian leaders are meeting this week to finalize plans to protect the tribals during this event."

Pray the Lord of all creation will strengthen the faith of the tribal people with supernatural courage to stand up for Jesus. Pray the Holy Spirit will send a spirit of confusion into the minds of the Hindu extremists. Pray the plans of the organizers of this event will backfire and more Hindus will seek to know Christ.

INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
A local council in West Java has warned several congregations in the Rancaekek Kencana housing complex in Bandung to abandon their "nomadic" cell group system, which allows limited numbers of Christians to meet together in private homes. In letters to the churches, the council also warned Christians to stop meeting in buildings that were converted some years ago into permanent--though unregistered--worship facilities. A joint decree issued in 1969, by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, requires all religious groups to seek permission from neighbors and district officials before they build or establish a place of worship. Since Christians are a distinct minority in Indonesia, the decree has made it virtually impossible to secure church permits.

Pray God will keep the Christians strong in their faith and guide them to places where they can continue to meet and worship. Pray their witness of love and peace will lead many to seek their Lord and Savior. Pray the Holy Spirit will enlighten Muslim authorities to the reality of Jesus' love for them.

Prayers for March 28, 2006

2006-03-29T17:10:00.000-09:00

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:

' For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.'

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Psalm 146:6-8)

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for AFGHANISTAN
AFGHANISTAN (ASSIST News Service and VOM sources)
Abdul Rahman, who converted from Islam to Christianity and was prosecuted in a Kabul court, has been released. He could have been sentenced to death. Rahman was arrested last month after his family went to the police and accused him of becoming a Christian. Such a conversion violates the country's Islamic laws. During the hearing, the defendant allegedly confessed he converted from Islam to Christianity 16 years ago when he was 25 and working as a medical aid worker for Afghan refugees in neighboring Pakistan. Afghanistan's constitution is based on Shariah law, which states any Muslim who rejects their religion should be sentenced to death. The prosecutor, Abdul Wasi, said he had offered to drop the charges if Rahman changed his religion back to Islam, but the defendant refused. International publicity put pressure on the court to release him, but he will be in grave danger as long as he remains in the country. Muslim extremists view Rahman as an apostate who must be killed according to Islamic law.

Thank our merciful Lord that Rahman was released from custody. Pray God will protect him and provide a safe haven for him outside of Afghanistan. Pray the exceptional worldwide publicity covering this case will awaken the world to the true nature of Islam, and bring about a spiritual revival in Afghanistan.

(Compass Direct)
Compass has confirmed the arrest of two other Afghan Christians. Another Afghan convert to Christianity was beaten severely outside his home by a group of six men who finally knocked him unconscious with a hard blow to his temple. He woke up in the hospital two hours later. "Our brother remains steadfast, despite the ostracism and beatings," one of his friends said.

Pray international media will continue to publicize the persecution of Christians in Afghanistan and other countries. Pray God will protect and strengthen His faithful followers. Pray those who are suffering for their steadfast faith will bring forth a harvest of souls finding true peace in Jesus Christ.

Pray for CHINA
CHINA (China Aid Association)
CAA learned 24 house-church leaders are still missing following a police raid on a house-church leader's meeting in Henan province. According to an eyewitness report, at noon on March 13th, a number of public security officials raided a house-church meeting at Wen county, Henan province. Eighty Chinese house-church leaders from different counties of Henan province were attending a co-workers' meeting. All of the leaders were then taken into custody after the police searched their bodies and confiscated the cash on them. While 36 from Wen county were released within 24 hours, 24 of those from other counties are still missing. None of their whereabouts are known. Last week CAA also released a Defense Statement prepared by the defense lawyers of a controversial religious group leader, Xu Shuangfu. Xu Shuangfu stated he had sustained an extortion of confession by severe torture, including denial of sleep for long periods and pouring hot pepper, gasoline and ginger juice into his nostrils. He was hung for long periods with his armed stretched and bound, shocked with electricity applied to copper wires bound around his extremities and hit with clubs on a helmet worn on his head. After seven days and nights of severe torture, he finally confessed to the unsubstantiated charges of authorizing the killing of members of the Eastern Lightning sect.

Pray the 24 Christians still in custody will know the comfort of Jesus' presence. Pray they will be released soon. Pray Xu Shuangfu will remember the apostle Peter and know Jesus' love and forgiveness.

Pray for INDIA
INDIA (Compass Direct)
A Hindu extremist group planning centenary celebrations in April hopes to "reconvert" as many as 10,000 tribal Christians to Hinduism during the event. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold the Dharma Jogna in Orissa, India April 8th – 10th. Given the recent trend of mass "reconversion" ceremonies organized by the RSS and its sister organization, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council), Christian leaders fear many tribal people may be persuaded to reconvert against their will. "We are extremely worried," said the Rev. Dandia Basi Hrudaya, secretary of the Orissa chapter of the All India Christian Council (AICC). "The AICC and other Christian leaders are meeting this week to finalize plans to protect the tribals during this event."

Pray our powerful, omnipotent God will protect all those who have chosen to believe in His Son. Pray the Holy Spirit will send a spirit of confusion among the Hindus attending the "reconversion" ceremonies. Pray Christians worldwide will join in fervent prayer that our one true God be glorified in this event.

(Compass Direct)
The Rev. Tongkhojang Lunkim was released at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday (March 18th), after being held captive for two months by the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) in Manipur state, northeast India. Before handing him over, the KLA forced Lunkim to apologize for and stop his alleged "anti-KLA activities." The Rev. M. Haokhothong, Lunkim's son-in-law, told Compass he was grateful for those who have prayed for the release. "I met Lunkim this evening in his home, but unfortunately he is too weak and unable to speak," Haokhothong said. "He is on a glucose drip, and a nurse is attending him." Lunkim--a missionary and human rights activist--was a key spokesman for the people of Manipur.

Give thanks to God for the release of Rev. Lunkim. Pray he will know the presence and healing power of Jesus as he recovers from the trauma of imprisonment. Pray God will give him supernatural peace of mind as he forgives his captors.

Pray for TURKEY
TURKEY (Compass Direct)
On March 11th, a Turkish Muslim shouting insults against Christianity pulled a long butcher knife on two priests and a group of teenagers at a Latin Catholic church in Mersin, threatening them and their families. In a 30-minute standoff in the town on the southern coast of Turkey, Erdal Gurel entered the parish convent of St. Antoine's Catholic Church while 25 of the church's young people were rehearsing for an Easter passion play. After threatening Hanri Leylek, a priest, with a knife, cursing Christianity and chasing the youths, the 19-year-old Gurel was apprehended by police. It was unclear, however, whether he remained in custody. In a country where media often portray the tiny Protestant community negatively, some news organizations here took notice when Muslims threatened Christians at a recent book fair last week. Normally, Turkish nationalists threatening to hang local Protestants for operating a Christian literature stall at the Bursa annual book fair wouldn't have raised an eyebrow. But it wasn't long before Turkish television video and newspaper commentary were running. Some of the commentary only further fanned anti-Christian sentiment.

Give thanks and praise to God that the threatened priest and teenagers weren't harmed. Pray God will soften the heart of Erdal Gurel, bringing him to repentance and the desire for forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. Pray moderate Muslims in Turkey will not allow their country to be governed by Islamic extremists.

He That Winneth Souls is Wise

2006-03-26T18:32:00.000-09:00

"He that winneth souls is wise." -- Proverbs 11:30

There are vast multitudes in this enlightened land of ours who are in open rebellion against God. "We will not have this man, Jesus Christ, to reign over us," is the heartless cry that winds its flight from office, shop, store, factory, home, college, and the busy mart of trade. Lots of people are willing, my friends, to accept whatever they want from the Bible. They would like to codify it; they would like to sit down and eliminate that which isn't pleasant to them to receive and which they don't like to adjust their lives to, and insert something they would like. You take it as it is given, and if you don't, you will go to Hell. God almighty won't adjust His principles to suit the opinions of anybody. The Lord has made His revelation known to the world, and it is up to you and not to the Lord. He has done all He ever will or can do to save this world. He has given sunshine and rain and ground; it is up to you to plant the seed, to plow it or starve to death. God has done His part; He will do no more.

Almost sounds like this was preached today, it was actually it was preached in 1922 by Billy Sunday read the whole sermon here

Prayers for March 21, 2006

2006-03-23T16:51:00.000-09:00

"Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them?
Who keeps truth forever,
Who executes justice for the oppressed?
Who gives food to the hungry?
The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners,
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind,
The LORD raises those who are bowed down,
The LORD loves the righteous."
(Psalm 146:6-8)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

BELARUS (ASSIST News Service)
On March 13th, Georgi Vyazovsky of Christ's Covenant Reformed Baptist Church in Belarus was freed from a Minsk prison on completion of a 10-day sentence for conducting religious worship in his own home. After his release, Pastor Vyazovsky told Forum 18 News Service he felt "splendid" and even joked he had lost weight due to the "good diet." Held in cells with five and later 13 other inmates, he said both they and the warders were "amazed" he was there for religious activity. One of the staff remarked the judge must have gone crazy. To Forum 18's knowledge, Pastor Vyazovsky is the first person to have been imprisoned for religious worship in Belarus for 20 years. When 30 members of various Protestant churches gathered at the prison to meet Pastor Vyazovsky, police roughly moved them some 400 meters away, while some 20 special police officers stood by. Pastor Vyazovsky confirmed there has been no further attempt to prosecute church members since his conviction. However, the Pentecostal bishop of the Minsk region is now threatened with prosecution as well. Sergei Tsvor, who is also first vice-chairman of the Pentecostal Union and pastor of the Minsk-based Good News Church, told Forum 18 that police visited the free-standing residential house where his 100-strong congregation met during a service some six weeks ago. When an officer drew up a protocol against the bishop on the grounds he had no right to lead the gathering under the law on public demonstrations, Tsvor told Forum 18, "I told them that it wasn't a demonstration or a picket, but a worship service." He was summoned to a hearing at Minsk's Moscow District Court on March 9th, but the judge was busy with another case and told him he would be summoned again. He has heard nothing since.

Pray our almighty and all-powerful God will protect His followers in Belarus. Pray every Christian will be a witness of Jesus' persevering love. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in power to bring the light of Christ to all countries with a heritage of communistic atheism.

INDIA (Compass Direct)
On March 16th, Rajasthan state police officers arrested the Rev. Dr. Samuel Thomas, president of Emmanuel Mission International (EMI) and son of Archbishop M.A.Thomas, EMI's founder. The arrest took place in Noida, Uttar Pradesh state. Both Thomas and his father had gone underground after Hindu extremists falsely accused them of distributing a controversial book that alleged defamed their religion and deities. Archbishop Thomas is still in hiding. In the past few months, projects run by the ministry he founded--including orphanages, schools and a hospital--have been targeted for closure by a wide array of Hindu extremists, including some who have offered a reward of $26,000 for the heads of the archbishop and his son. Dr. Thomas, who was accompanied by two lawyers, was arrested in Noida, Uttar Pradesh state, in the driveway of the home of a lawyer who is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India. Five or six men, one of whom claimed to be the station house officer of the police station in Kota, Rajasthan state, tried to push Thomas into a car. One of them then put a firearm to the face of one of the lawyers and warned them not to resist the arrest. The officers neglected to follow proper procedure--showing neither their identity cards nor an arrest warrant.

Pray God will protect Dr. Thomas, giving him calm faith and the opportunity to be a witness of the keeping power of his Savior. Pray God will protect the Christian school and orphanage in Kota, Rajasthan. Pray the prayers and written protests of Christians worldwide will force the Indian government to release Dr. Thomas and allow the E.M.I. facility to remain open.

IRAN (Compass Direct)
The lawyer representing imprisoned Iranian Christian Hamid Pourmand has petitioned for his early release from Tehran's Evin Prison this month, during Iran's annual prisoners' amnesty. A lay pastor jailed 18 months ago, Pourmand continues to be allowed regular visits at home with his family for three to five days each month. Hundreds of Iranian prisoners are released each year between the February 11th anniversary of the 1989 Iranian revolution and Iranian Now Ruz (New Year) celebrations on March 21st. "We don't know how the authorities will respond to this appeal," an Iranian Christian in contact with Pourmand's lawyer told Compass. "But, we know the prison officials and guards have extended very good cooperation with Hamid these past months."

Pray God will soften the hearts of the authorities and allow Pourmand's release very soon. Give thanks to the Father for His sustaining power and the good witness Pourmand has been throughout his trial and imprisonment. Pray Pourmand's release will be just the beginning of a movement to allow more religious freedom in Iran.

MALAYSIA (Compass Direct)
Two significant legal developments have left Malaysians hotly debating religious rights and Islamic law (shariah). The first development was the enactment of a new Islamic Family Law in December that made it easier for Muslim men to acquire up to four wives. These men no longer have to prove their financial capacity or ability to treat all four wives equally. The law also made divorce far easier and gave husbands the power to freeze the bank accounts of their former spouses. Under Malaysian law, any convert to Christianity must apply to a shariah (Muslim law) court to legally renounce Islam. Many Christians prefer to remain silent converts rather than take their battle to the shariah courts, where apostasy or conversion out of Islam is punishable by whipping, fines, imprisonment and--in the most extreme application--death.

Pray God will comfort Muslim women in Malaysia with a sense of His presence in their suffering, ultimately bringing them to placing their trust in Him. Pray Christians will reach out to the rejected wives, giving them safe homes and the knowledge of Jesus' love. Pray the Holy Spirit will move powerfully in Malaysia, undermining the efforts of the authorities to make Malaysia an all-Muslim country.

UZBEKISTAN (ASSIST News Service)
The persecution of Protestants continues throughout Uzbekistan, says Igor Rotar, writing for Forum 18 News Service. Recent incidents reported to Forum 18 include the interrogation of a group of 40 Protestants for 18 days, the unlawful imposition of a fine for "security" on one woman, Protestants in a café being ordered by police to state they were in an unauthorized religious meeting, and nine Pentecostals at a social gathering whose permitted religious literature was confiscated (including copies of the New Testament). Fines were also imposed. Christian lawyer Islander Najafov told Forum 18, "No one can prevent people from visiting each other and talking about religious issues!"

Pray God will strengthen and embolden His followers in Uzbekistan. Pray God will direct them exactly when to be subject to the authorities and when to be obedient to His authority. Pray the willingness of Christians to tell of their daily walk with the Lord will lead many to Christ.

The Wilderking Trilogy

2006-03-23T16:37:00.000-09:00

The Bark of the Bog Owl
The Secret of the Swamp King

By Jonathan Rogers

For me the test of a good book, especially one that’s fictional, are the characters and a story that draws you in so that you feel like you're a part of the action. And well quite frankly Mr. Rogers does a fantastic job of that. From start to finish this book draws you in and takes you on an adventure. “Ha-ha-ha-hrawffff-wooooooo.” Very loosely based on King David’s adolescent life, Mr. Rogers uses vivid imagery and rich character detail, to create a world that just keeps bringing you back for more.

I’m not sure how much authors like to be compared to one another, but I can’t help being reminded of my favorite fantasy author, from my childhood days, Piers Anthony. I think this is primarily due to the fact that both authors set their characters in places that are distinctively American. Piers Anthony’s Xanth used Florida, and I for some reason picture Jonathan Rogers’ Corenwald as taking place somewhere in the Deep South that however maybe were the comparison ends. And if I remember correctly Piers Anthony tended to blur the line of morality in his novels while Jonathan Rogers stays true to Biblical values.

Before Harry Potter came out parents complained that there children wouldn’t read anything. Well after I was finished reading both books, I let my friend’s 14 year old son borrow them and not only did he read them in just a few days, he went to the Wilderking website to find out about the third book in the trilogy, which by the way comes out on May 1st, and he was bummed out that there was only two books. Now, there are not many books out there, save maybe the Potter series that can spark that kind interest in young people. This is one author that I plan to keep my eye on, not only for myself, but I can’t wait to have my children’s eyes light up as they are whisked away into the adventure of a good book.

My one complaint about both books is that they ended far too soon, but don’t just take my word for it find more reviews for The Bark of Bog Owl and The Secret of the Swamp King.

Help save a Christian brother

2006-03-22T18:10:00.000-09:00

I just learned from VOM's blog of a petition that AFA has put together to get President Bush to intervene in what the Afghanistan government is trying do to Abdul Rahman. So stop what your doing and go here and send an email to President Bush intervene.

Now I understand that this is really in God's hands. But it is my hope and prayer that this will at the very minimum it will expose that fact that the persecution of Christians happens everyday all over the world. Sadly I'm afraid that it will only get worst before Christ returns in Glory.

Science for the Soul

2006-03-15T08:13:00.000-09:00

Scientific Evidence of Human Souls
By Kevin T. Favero

OK, let me start by stating that I’ve enjoyed this book immensely. I found it to be a very thought provoking look at the theories surrounding the soul and free will. Mr. Favero does a splendid job of taking a topic that is very complex and breaking it down so that the everyday lay person will understand it. Some very difficult topics have been handled, quantum mechanics, biology and that horrible of all topics math.

With that being said I’m sorry to say that I found very little new evidence for a human soul. However I think the author did well at taking existing theories and explaining the holes and lack of “common sense” there is in current science. He also points out that with out free will there would be no soul. It is this premise in which the bulk of the book focuses on.

While I was semi disappointed in the content of this book, I was very pleased with how the author explains himself and the various theories out there today. Kevin Favero has a gift for taking the extremely complex subjects in this book and breaking them down so the lay person understands them. I honestly believe that both scientist and your average Joe (like myself), will find this book enjoyable.

God is the Gospel

2006-03-15T08:10:00.000-09:00

Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of Himself
By John Piper

OK, this is probably the only book that I’ve received from Mind and Media that I’ve not enjoyed 100 percent. I’m not saying that the topic of this book is not relevant or that I didn’t learn anything from it. To me it just seemed to drone on and on. However I did enjoy the fact that this book tackles the truth of God being the Whole Gospel.

This book centers on 2 Cor 4:4-6

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Mr. Piper explains these verses like this

When I say that God Is the Gospel I mean that the highest, best, final, decisive good of the gospel, without which no other gifts would be good, is the glory of God in the face of Christ revealed for our everlasting enjoyment. The saving love of God is God’s commitment to do everything necessary to enthrall us with what is most deeply and durably satisfying, namely himself. (Emphasis in original found on page 13)

Boy what else can you say but wow.

For me this book started out with a definite mission, only to wonder off toward the middle of the book. It totally just bogged down on me; in fact I almost put it down. Thankfully it refocused toward the end of the book. As a matter of fact it got down right convicting at the end, especially when he started asking questions about why do we pursue to be like Christ. Is it to brink glory to God or is it so we can be admired and liked by others.

It has been a few weeks since I put this book down and the concepts are still rolling around in my head. I really feel I did the book a disservice by reading it cover to cover, after all the sub-title of this book does say Meditations on Gods love... I think a person would benfit more from this book if it is read as a devotional rather than straight through. Here the format of this book is key, each chapter is broken down into bite sized section, that would easily only take five or ten minutes to read.

Overall this book was just mediocre to me. But don’t only take my word for it, find more reviews for the book here .

Prayers for March 14, 2006

2006-03-14T22:13:00.000-09:00

"And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."
(Deuteronomy 31:7-9)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (China Aid Association)
The first trial of the 17 top leaders from a Chinese religious group ended March 3rd, after three-and-a-half days. Inhumane torture, including sexual abuse, was revealed by some defendants during the court trial. CAA learned from a government source that only one relative of each of the 17 defendants was allowed to attend the hearing. One defendant, Mr. Xu, immediately revoked his so-called "confession papers" as soon as the court finished reading the prosecutors interrogation records. He said the listed confessions were signed under enormous torture, when "I would rather die than live." He was hung in the air for five hours after sleep deprivation for five days and nights. Some self-claimed "torture experts" tied his fingers, toes and genitals with wire and then connected the wire to electricity. One defendant was hung in the air with a very thick blanket and then electrified after he got extremely wet. Mr. Xu's daughter, Ms. Xu Baiyin, described her father as "calm and peaceful." "In his final remark, he urged everyone in the court to believe in Jesus; otherwise, they will one day face eternal judgments in heaven. He also urged his children to continue to follow Christ without fear." Government sources have said Xu and at least three co-defendants will be sentenced to death.

Give thanks to God for these faithful followers of Jesus who are trusting in His power to sustain them. Pray that as Christians around the world petition the Chinese government and lift these believers in fervent prayer, God will have mercy on them, not only sparing their lives, but also releasing them from further prison time. Pray their witness of calm peace will move the hearts of all who watched them during this trial and authorities will come to know the One who is seeking them before it is too late.

INDIA (ASSIST News Service)
Recent events in India have caused hardships for Hopegivers International in their ongoing efforts to provide care, food and shelter for some of the orphans in their charge. In a letter to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi, Hopegivers Founder Bishop M. A. Thomas says: "The Rajasthan state police and the administration have unleashed a reign of terror on our institutions and attempts have been made on the lives of our senior administrators. The government-sponsored radicals, in the very presence of local police, have indulged in large scale vandalism of our properties and continue to file cases without merit against us on a daily basis. Our lives are in danger, and police officials are helpless under the political disposition in Rajasthan. The supplies to our hospitals, orphanages and schools are running out, and the children will suffer if something is not done now." Reports are circulating that building inspectors are being recruited to find fault with the orphanages, schools and church buildings in order to have them condemned and torn down. They would be replaced with yoga centers and Hindu temples. Registrations for all institutions and programs are being revoked without cause on an arbitrary basis.

Pray our loving Father will protect His children in the besieged compound, giving them food for their bodies and spirits. Pray the staff members will be witnesses of faith and hope and especially love. Pray God will answer the prayers of Christians worldwide to stop the harassment and threats of violence to this facility.

(Compass Direct)
Hindu villagers in the Eastern state of West Bengal assaulted Christian women from two different families on Thursday (March 2nd) and on February 16th. In last week's assault, six young men forced their way into the home of Kanai Kamelia in East Medinipur district, Manhandling and tried to sexually assault his wife, Renuka Kamelia. The young men reviled the Kamelia family for attending a Christian prayer meeting. Renuka Kamelia, who bled profusely after the assault, later went to the Bhupathinagar police station, where police were said to have reluctantly registered her complaint. However, the officer in charge told Compass he had no knowledge of the attack. In the February attack, 13 local residents attacked the wife of influential Christian leader Biman Bandhu Patra. Leading the attack was Patra's brother, who had long been upset about his decision to become a Christian.

Pray God will strengthen the hearts of these families as they trust in Him. Pray the Lord will move with power to change the hearts of the six young men, leading them to repentance and the joy of their salvation. Pray for a miracle of God's grace to bring Patra's brother into His Kingdom.

IRAN (Religion Today)
Baptist Press reports the U.S. Commission on International Freedom called for Washington to take action amid what it described as rapidly deteriorating conditions for religious minorities in the Islamic state, even though it acknowledged the White House's policy alternatives are limited. Threats by political and religious leaders, as well as imprisonments and violence, have increased for religious minorities in Iran in recent months, the USCIRF said in a recent news release. Conditions had already begun to decline before Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected Iran's president in August, but public remarks by the new president and other leaders have demonstrated things could become worse for non-Muslims in the country. There is no direct diplomatic relationship between the United States and Iran. The State Department has designated Iran as one of the "countries of particular concern," a list of the world's worst violators of religious liberty.

Pray Christians in Iran will continue to trust God in spite of opposition. Pray the Holy Spirit will strengthen them with His love and power. Pray God will bring about a great spiritual revival in Iran to break the bonds of the enemy.

PAKISTAN (Compass Direct)
On March 3rd, two Muslim seminarians in Pakistan's Punjab province were found guilty today of murdering a Pakistani Christian, who died 22 months ago after being tortured to convert to Islam. Before a courtroom packed with Islamic madrassa students and police, Judge Javed Iqbal Warraich sentenced Maulvi Ghulam Rasool and Mohammed Tayyab to 25 years in prison for their part in torturing and killing Catholic university student Javed Anjum. Prosecution lawyer Khalil Tahir Sindhu told Compass he was pleased with the verdict, but he would appeal for the sentence to be changed to the death penalty.

Praise God for this sign of His justice. Give thanks for the courageous judge who pronounced this sentence before a courtroom full of madrassa students and police. Pray the two guilty men will have an opportunity to hear and believe the Good News of Jesus' love and forgiveness.

GAZA (Compass Direct)
The Palestinian Bible Society has temporarily closed down its center and bookshop in Gaza City after it came under a bombing threat, reports acting Secretary General, Nashat Filmon. Unknown masked gunmen distributed pamphlets on Palestine Square in Gaza City last month, threatening to blow up the building housing the Bible Society if it did not close down before the end of February. Last month two small pipe bombs exploded at the entrance of the center, causing damage, but no injuries. The Bible Society's center in Bir Zeit on the West Bank was also attacked two weeks ago, with militants breaking windows and attempting to set its student facility on fire.

Pray God will make an opportunity for Bibles to be distributed in Gaza in spite of the closed Bible Society and bookstore. Pray courageous and joyful Christians will stand out in this environment, giving hope to those who live in the bondage of fear. Pray Jesus will give Muslims visions and dreams of Himself, surprising them with the joy of His patient, persevering love.

Pinewood Derby '06

2006-03-11T21:23:00.000-09:00

Good Evening ladies and gents, and welcome to the post race show this evening's event was quite the show with outstanding performances by all the racers.

I'd like to take the time right now to introduce to you, a hot new race team fresh out of the 1st grade. Yes, that's right it is my pleasure to announce the arrival of Team Disney, a team consisting of Dale and James as pit men/"drivers", their father has lead car designer, and mom as CEO.

Yes as you can see here they are going to be a tough crew to beat. Here they are now proudly showing off there hard work.

Just so you know who to root for.

And yes here you have them on pit row.

This one almost cost them their brotherhood, it was a grueling race, but in the end they showed that they were true to there family.

To the victor go the spoils. It was a hard day of racing but in the end these fine young men walked away with two awards. James got the prestigious "Eat my dust" award. While Dale walked away with the much coveted "Best General Lee" award.

There were alot of lessons learned. For one dad hates seeing the disappointment on his kids face, but knows they have to learn these kind of lessons. Make sure the cars wieght, as close to five oz as you can get them, don't start painting until you have it set were you want to put the wieghts at. Always ensure you have fun. The boys didn't place at all and it was really hard to see Dale hurt that much, but in the end it's best that they learn now that you can't always win. I think next year they are going to built the vast majority of the car, with hand tools. This year they did the sanding and most of the painting, and have two very good looking cars.

I Wish

2006-03-08T21:41:00.000-09:00

To all my Brothers and Sisters out there

I wish you could know what it is like to search a burning bedroom for trapped children at 3 AM, flames rolling above your head, your palms and knees burning as you crawl, the floor sagging under your weight as the kitchen below you burns.

I wish you could comprehend a wife's horror at 6 in the morning as I Check her husband of 40 years for a pulse and find none. I star t CPR anyway, hoping to bring him back, knowing intuitively it is too late. But wanting his wife and family to know everything possible was done to try to save his life.

I wish you knew the unique smell of burning insulation, the taste of soot-filled mucus, the feeling of intense heat through your turnout gear, the sound of flames crackling, the eeriness of being able to see absolutely nothing in dense smoke-sensations that I've become too familiar with.

I wish you could read my mind as I respond to a building fire "Is this a false alarm or a working fire? How is the building constructed? What hazards await me? Is anyone trapped?"

Or to call, "What is wrong with the patient? Is it minor or life-threatening? Is the caller really in distress or is he waiting for us with a 2 X 4 or a gun?"

I wish you could be in the emergency room as a doctor pronounces dead The beautiful five-year old girl that I have been trying to save during the past 25 minutes, who will never go on her first date or say the words, "I Love you Mommy" again.

I wish you could know the frustration I feel in the cab of the engine, squad or my personal vehicle, the driver with his foot pressing down hard on the pedal, my arm tugging again and again at the air horn chain, as you fail to yield the right-of-way at an intersection or in traffic. When you need us how ever, your first comment upon our arrival will be, "It took you forever to get here!"

I wish you could know my thoughts as I help extricate a girl of teenage years from the remains of her automobile. "What if this was my daughter, sister, my girlfriend or a friend? What were her parents reaction going to be when they opened the door to find a police officer with hat in hand?"

I wish you could know how it feels to walk in the back door and greet My parents and family, not having the heart to tell them that I nearly did NOT come back from the last call.

I wish you could know how it feels dispatching officers, firefighters and EMT's out and when we call for them and our heart drops because no one answers back or to hear a bone chilling 911 call of a child or wife needing assistance.

I wish you could feel the hurt as people verbally, and sometimes physically, abuse us or belittle what I do, or as they express their attitudes of "It will never happen to me."

I wish you could realize the physical, emotional and mental drain or Missed meals, lost sleep and forgone social activities, in addition to all the tragedy my eyes have seen.

I wish you could know the brotherhood and self-satisfaction of helping save a life or preserving someone's property, or being able to be there in time of crisis, or creating order from total chaos.

I wish you could understand what it feels like to have a little boy Tugging at your arm and asking, "Is Mommy okay?" Not even being able to look in his eyes without tears from your own and not knowing what to say. Or to have to hold back a long time friend who watches his buddy having CPR done on him as they take him away in the Medic Unit. You know all along he did not have his seat belt on. A sensation that I have become too familiar with.

Unless you have lived with this kind of life, you will never truly understand or appreciate who I am, who we are, or what our job really means to us........I wish you could though.

Prayers for March 7, 2006

2006-03-07T14:53:00.000-09:00

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
(Matthew 5:43-44)

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for CHINA
CHINA (China Aid Association)
Thirty-six house-church leaders, school students and the students' teachers were taken into custody in a raid on Wednesday, March 1st. They were released the evening of that same day, shortly after CAA called for their release. However, the 10,000 copies of the unlawfully confiscated Christian literature were not returned. Instead, they were given to a government committee, which will rule whether or not they are illegal literature. The released students continued their classes the next day. CAA also learned that a top provincial Public Security Bureau (PSB) official who directs the crackdown campaign decided to grant the release after increased international pressure.

Give thanks to God that these innocent believers are free. Give praise to the Lord for the work of China Aid Association in responding quickly to the plight of our Christian brothers and sisters. Pray God will use the literature to bring the Chinese officials out of the desert land of unbelief into His glorious Kingdom.

Pray for CUBA
CUBA (Compass Direct)
Cuban authorities jailed an evangelical pastor, who was the former president of his denomination, last week, apparently on charges of aiding illegal emigrants. Relatives of the Rev. Carlos Lamelas, however, said the supposed allegations against him are groundless. "They accuse him of getting people out of the country illegally, which is a big lie," said one. "If he had that kind of money, he wouldn't be living with hunger like he is now." Some sources believe police targeted Lamelas because he has challenged the Castro regime on religious rights issues. Police allowed Uramis Lamelas a 10-minute visit with her husband on February 27th, one week following his arrest. She said he appeared "exhausted and depressed," and he had been isolated from other inmates during his confinement.

Pray Jesus will surround Rev. Lamelas with the reality of His comforting, loving presence. Pray the family and friends of Rev. Lamelas will know the peace that comes from trusting in God. Pray God will convict Cuban authorities of their inhumanity toward Christians and lead them to Christ.

Pray for KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN (ASSIST News Service)
Baptist pastor Pyotr Panafidin's refusal to pay a massive fine imposed last September for leading his unregistered church in the Southern town of Taraz in Kazakhstan, led to a three-day imprisonment and the decision to confiscate his home. Detained at a court hearing on February 27th, Panafidin was due for release on March 2nd. Pastor Panafidin also faces the prospect of his home being seized for non-payment of a massive fine handed down last September for his leadership of an unregistered religious congregation. "Of course we're worried--if the house is seized, Pastor Panafidin, his wife Katya and their nine children will be homeless," a local Baptist told Forum 18 News. "If a religious community is not registered with the authorities, that is no reason to restrict it." He says the requirement for religious communities to register must be removed for Kazakhstan to meet its international human rights commitments. Other Baptists who refuse to register their congregations with the authorities on principle also face pressure from the police and public prosecutor's office.

Pray publicity will thwart the plans of the authorities, Pastor Panafidin will retain his home, and the fine will be waived. Pray the members of all unregistered churches in Kazakhstan will be witnesses to the loving reality of Jesus Christ. Pray for a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit to sweep away the spiritual darkness of this country and bring in the light of Christ.

Pray for NIGERIA
NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
On February 23rd, Muslim rioters killed 10 Christians and set ablaze nine churches in Kontagora, Niger state, in Central Nigeria. The militants in Kontagora joined their counterparts in Northern Nigeria to protest what Muslims see as the blasphemy of the prophet of Islam, Mohammed, in cartoons published by a newspaper in Denmark. "The Muslim fanatics attacked Christians and burnt churches throughout the night," Joseph Bawa, a Christian resident of Kontagora, told Compass by telephone. The militants clubbed Bawa and his family. He said, "I was beaten up by these Muslims, it is only God that saved me--I would have been killed."

Continue to pray God will protect His followers from the spirit of violence sparked by the publication of the cartoons. Pray Jesus will comfort those mourning the loss of loved ones. Pray God will work a miracle of His love and power to break the spirit of violence in the hearts of fanatical Muslims, bringing them into His peaceful Kingdom.

Pot Smoking Safe?

2006-03-02T10:14:00.000-09:00

I'm sure many people have seen the ad on TV with two boys smoking pot, when one pulls out a gun a points it at his friend. Then the boy pulls the trigger and the gun goes off and the ad than fades to black.

Well I have also seen a spoof of this, can't remeber if it was an ad on TV or some silly movie. But the jest of the spoof was that this could never happen. Well guess what It has happened.

Police say Cerda, Gonzalez and several other teenagers were smoking marijuana about 4:45 p.m. in a home on Jeannie Court in the Penland Mobile Home Park directly across the street from the Northway Mall. They were passing around several guns when Cerda put a handgun to Gonzalez's head and pulled the trigger, Markiewicz said. Read full artice here(may or may not have to register)

I'm not trying to make light of this. It is indeed tragic that one young man no longer walks this earth. It just that when I heard about this, I was struck by the sadly ironic fact that this happened while they were doing what they were doing what the were doing.

Prayers for February 28, 2006

2006-03-01T07:20:00.000-09:00

"I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies."
(Psalm 18:1-3)

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for INDIA
INDIA (Gospel for India/Compass Direct/agapepress)
According to Gospel for Asia (GFA), the level of persecution against Christians in India has reached new levels in early 2006, as Hindu extremists work to incite violence against believers. The fight centers on Hindutva, literally "Hinduness," a growing ideology that has a purely Hindu nation as its goal. At a recent large rally, Hindu nationalists called on the states to make their own anti-conversion laws. Please pray for the following situations:

1. On February 17th, a band of radicals destroyed a church building and Christian school in Kota, District of Rajasthan State. (Gospel for India)
2. A GFA native missionary and several other believers are in jail because of a radical plot to frame them for the murder of a child. The 16-month-old child of a Muslim family had suffered from a prolonged illness. When the parents quarreled with a Christian pastor over some land, members of the local Hindu nationalist party advised them to dash their child against some rocks, breaking its bones. They then filed murder charges against Pastor Kasota and 10 others. (Gospel for India)
3. On February 8th, an Indian woman from Canada and three youths beat the pastor of an independent church in Punjab so severely that he required hospital treatment. The woman had been involved in a land dispute with the church and hired the youths to beat up the pastor who would not give up land that legally belonged to the church. (Compass Direct)
4. More than 10,000 students are graduating from Hopegivers International Seminary this month. Most of the students are Dalits, people considered below the fourfold Hindu caste system. (Agapepress)

Pray God will put a hedge of protection around all His faithful ones in India. Pray the Dalits, who know God's great love for them, will share their faith in Jesus throughout all India. Pray the Holy Spirit will open the hearts of many Hindus to the reality of the gospel.

Pray for NIGERIA
NIGERIA (Compass Direct/ASSIST News Service/Religion Today)
Christians and churches have been the subjects of recent violent attacks. Please pray for the following:

1. The Nigerian government last week said intelligence agents had found that Kano state in Northern Nigeria is asking foreign Islamic governments for help to train militants in"intelligence" and "the practice of jihad." (Compass Direct)
2. A Catholic priest and 50 other Christians were killed February 18th, when Muslim extremists, enraged by caricatures of the prophet Muhammad, burned 31 churches in two cities in Borno state. (ASSIST News Service)
3. Christian mobs in Onistsha attacked Muslim motorists and traders on February 22nd, leaving more than 30 people dead. (Religion Today)

Pray the Lord will comfort all those who mourn for their loved ones. Pray God will give all Christians in Nigeria His special power and grace to forgive their attackers. Pray God will convict the vengeful Christians of their betrayal of Jesus' love for them and all people.

Pray for PAKISTAN
PAKISTAN Violent protests against the cartoons of Mohammad that targeted Western businesses and institutions have spread to Christians who are seen as followers of a Western religion. Please pray for the following:

1. On February 13th, Muslim college students and Islamic militants vandalized missionary-run Edward's College in Peshawar, smashing windows in various buildings. Two days later protestors in Peshawar damaged St. Michael's Convent School, St. Elizabeth's Girls' College, and a mission hospital run by the Church of Pakistan. A United Presbyterian girls' school in Kasur was also damaged by a mob of several thousand Muslims. (VOM Canada)
2. A crowd of Muslims in the southern province of Sindh, burned down two churches and a convent school February 22nd, reportedly over an incident of Koran desecration. Local sources said the violence occurred after a Muslim was arrested for allegedly burning pages of the Koran and trying to frame his Christian father-in-law. (Compass Direct)
3. Yousaf Masih, a Christian detained on blasphemy charges, has been released on bail. Two days later, 65 of 85 Muslims, detained for the assault on churches in Sangla Hill, were also released. The blasphemy charge against Masih, a semi-illiterate farm hand, provoked a mob of 2,000 Muslims to attack and set fire to three churches, a convent, two schools, a hostel for girls and several Christian homes. (Religion Today)

Pray Christians in Pakistan will bless the Lord with their faithful witness to His amazing love for His enemies. Pray moderate Muslims all over the world will speak up in protest against the evil violence of Islamic extremists. Give thanks to God Yousaf Masih has been released, and pray God will protect him from any retaliation by the Muslims.

The Hounds of Sin

2006-02-26T05:14:00.000-09:00

“A dear friend of mine who was quite a lover of the chase, told me the following story: ‘Rising early one morning,’ he said, ‘I heard the baying of a score of deerhounds in pursuit of their quarry. Looking away to a broad, open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making its way across, and giving signs, moreover, that its race was well-nigh run. Reaching the rails of the enclosure, it leaped over and crouched within ten feet from where I stood. A moment later two of the hounds came over, when the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast, and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. I felt, just then, that all the dogs in the West could not, and should not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength.’ So is it, when human helplessness appeals to Almighty God. Well do I remember when the hounds of sin were after my soul, until, at last, I ran into the arms of Almighty God.”-A. C. Dixon.

I think this paints an pretty accurate picture of what it is like when we surrender ourselfs to God.

Prayers for February 21, 2006

2006-02-23T08:49:00.000-09:00

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
(Jeremiah 29:11-13).

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com
Pray for CHINA
CHINA (Compass Direct)
When Chinese house-church historian Zhang Yinan applied for a passport, in order to attend a prayer breakfast in Washington this month, police immediately surrounded his house and followed his wife to the hospital where she works as a nurse. Zhang, 50, was arrested on September 26, 2003, and imprisoned for two years on charges of "attempting to subvert the national government." He was released last September, but the Lushan County Police Bureau has retained his personal documents, including his identity card, making it impossible for him to travel. Police in Henan used Zhang’s personal prayer journals as evidence to accuse him of trying to overthrow the government. Zhang recently demanded the return of these journals and other documents, but police officer Li Haitao, Zhang’s chief interrogator, refused. When asked for an explanation, Li said he had to continue studying the journals to find any other incriminating evidence against Zhang.

Pray Zhang will hold fast his faith and witness to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Pray God will give Zhang His mind-boggling spirit of love toward the officials who are harassing him. Pray Li Haitao will actually read Zhang’s journals and be drawn to the One who is calling him.

Pray for INDIA
INDIA (Compass Direct)
Christianity is a major threat to Indian nationalism, indicated organizers of a "reconversion" rally held last weekend in Gujarat yesterday during the closing ceremony. Organizers of the Shabri Kumbh led the 60,000-strong crowd to repeat, "I will save my religion," and the throng often shouted, "Jai Shri Ram (Praise be to the god Rama)." The assembly resolved to save the Hindu religion and Bharat Mata (Mother India goddess) by reconverting Christians. Sadhvi Ritambhara, a popular Hindu preacher whose programs are aired on several TV channels, said, "They (Christians) call us harvest. They intend to pluck us out. And foreigners want to do this to us." Ritambhara said it was imperative for Hindus to take up arms to save their religion.

Pray the God of love and peace will protect His children. Pray the Lord will give Indian Christians an extra measure of discernment and courageous hearts to proclaim the gospel. Pray their witness will draw many to Christ.

(Gospel for Asia)
In a recent incident, two Gospel for India (GFA) missionaries in Haryana were attacked as they were showing the Man of Mercy film about Jesus. More than 200 villagers had gathered to watch the film in the courtyard of a believer’s home when a group of young Hindu militants attacked and started beating the missionaries. William, one of the missionaries, is the pastor of a Believers Church; and Eno, the other, works in the Gospel for Asia film ministry. Some of those watching the film tried to rescue the believers, but they, too, were cruelly beaten. The police came and took control of the situation, but as soon as they left, about 1,000 radicals surrounded the house, shouting anti-Christian slogans and threatening the believers. Miraculously, God intervened and the owner prevented them from entering his property. If this were an isolated incident, it would still be extremely serious. But it is worse. All across India, Hindu radicals are openly attacking Christians, and the situation is getting more and more difficult for believers.

Give thanks to God that He prevented the radical Hindus from entering the home of the believer who allowed this film to be shown on his property. Pray William and Eno will not become discouraged and will be strengthened to carry forward His ministry. Pray God’s love will touch those who are spreading the darkness of hate over the nation of India and He will renew their hearts.

Pray God will comfort the injured believers and heal them quickly. Pray they will remain grounded and steadfast in their faith. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in great power throughout India to break the spiritual bondage of Hinduism.

Pray for the NIGERIA
NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
A nursing school was recently closed down following the suspected kidnapping of a Christian student by Islamic militants on Friday (February 10th). The extremists had accused Ladi Mohammed, a female student of the School of Nursing and Midwifery in the capital city of northern Nigeria’s Sokoto state, of blasphemy against the prophet Mohammed. "For this reason, the militants, who threatened to cut off her head, hunted and kidnapped her after she fled from the school," said John Usman, a Christian student at the institution. School authorities closed the school for security reasons. They had already expelled Mohammed from the institution last week for the alleged remarks. School authorities would not say what she uttered to elicit such a harsh reaction from the Muslim students and institutional authorities. She is not with the police, and her parents have been searching for her.

Pray Jesus will surround Ladi Mohammed with the certainty of His calm and loving presence. Pray the police will make a serious effort to find her. Pray God will comfort her family and Christian friends with the knowledge that the battle is His.

Pray for PALESTINE
PALESTINE (VOM-Canada)
A February 14th report from Middle East Concern states the Gaza office of the Palestine Bible Society has been forced to close. The Bible Society received a letter from militants demanding the Bible Society completely close down their operations and not reopen anywhere else in Gaza. They also demanded the landlord evict them from the building by February 28th. The letter warned if these demands were not met, all residents should leave the building because it will be blown up March 1st. A bomb was placed outside the office to reinforce the threat. As a result of the letter, the landlord has demanded the office close, at least for the time being. The building also houses several Muslim families. Palestinian Christians ask us to pray they will trust the Lord’s protection and not give way to these threats.

Pray God will give Palestinian Christians great discernment to do His will in response to this threat. Pray He will protect them as they follow His guidance. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in great power to thwart the plans of radical Muslims in Palestine.

K.P. Yohannan on Legalism

2006-02-15T05:10:00.000-09:00

I enjoyed K.P.'s article on legalism when I go the lastest issue of Send.

Many Christians make the mistake of thinking that obeying the Bible makes them spiritual. Mahatma Gandhi obeyed the Sermon on the Mount quite literally—yet he never became a follower of Christ. The Pharisees knew their Bible well, yet Jesus told them, “You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me!” (John 5:39, Amplified, emphasis added).

Under the Old Covenant, the people of Israel gave themselves to obey the letter of the Law. There were plenty of dos and don’ts to follow. But now, under the New Covenant, we are called to be partakers of His nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Do you see the difference?

If the Bible is for us only a book to obey, we go back to living under the Old Covenant. We become legalistic like the Pharisees as we seek our own righteousness. But God intends for His Word to touch and transform our lives as it reveals Jesus to us.

The Word of God tells us that Jesus’ life was “the light of men” (John 1:4). A set of instructions or doctrines will never show us the way or give us power to live. Only Jesus can do that. His very life, His example, is what gives us understanding, discernment and clarity for living in the perfect will of God at all times and in all situations. He is not only our Savior, but also the One who goes before us—our forerunner (Hebrews 6:20)

Later he says

2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that as we look into the Word of God, we see the very nature of Jesus—and the Holy Spirit changes us into His likeness day by day, transforming us on the inside to become just like what we are seeing.

Practically, what does this mean? We must seek Jesus daily by reading God’s Word and comparing our hearts with His. We must measure our humility, obedience, love and passion for the lost by what we see in Him.

True godliness is not just following some rules and regulations; rather, it is allowing the Lord Jesus to live through our earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7). It becomes “no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). And as we long to live as Jesus lived and learn to die daily to our selves, we will watch in wonder as He makes us more and more like Him!

From the latest issuse of Send click link to read the whole thing.

Prayers for February 14, 2006

2006-02-14T21:49:00.000-09:00

"Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications.
If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning-
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel
From all his iniquities." (Psalm 130).

We apologize if you did not receive your prayer update for February 8th. We were experiencing technical difficulties. We appreciate your faithful prayers. May the Lord bless you over the following week.

VOM Web Team

From The Voice of the Martyrs

ERITREA (Compass Direct)
On February 1st, Eritrean military authorities jailed 75 Protestant Christians at the Sawa Military Training Camp for "reading Bibles and praying during their free time," local sources in the small East Africa nation confirmed. Most of the newly arrested evangelicals, 37 of them women, are student youths doing their compulsory national military service at Sawa, a remote center near Eritrea's mountainous western border with Sudan. The 75 young draftees put under "military detention and punishment" had not attempted to conduct any Christian meeting at Sawa or committed any other transgression of military law. "In Sawa, to possess your own Bible and keep your personal devotion and loyalty to Christ is not allowed," an Eritrean Christian told Compass. "This is considered an act of Christian extremism."

Pray the imprisoned Christians will astound their captors with their strong, uncompromising faith. Pray God will protect them and bless them with an encouraging sense of His presence. Pray the Lord will bring about a change in the government of Eritrea that will allow Christian draftees to have Bibles.

INDIA (Compass Direct)
Extremists encouraged Hindu residents of a village in Malkangiri district, Orissa state, to attack Christian residents on January 24th, leaving at least 10 Christians injured with two requiring hospitalization. Four missionaries from the Indian Evangelical Team and 14 Christian families were at a believer's house in Koikonda village when members of the Hindu extremist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh apparently gathered a group of about 50 people. They surrounded the home and demanded the missionaries come out. As soon as the missionaries complied, the mob started beating them and attacked other Christians in the house. One of the missionaries, Vijay Kumar, fell unconscious and did not regain consciousness until three days later. He and missionary Baldas Gopal were hospitalized with serious internal injuries.

Pray God will comfort the injured believers and heal them quickly. Pray they will remain grounded and steadfast in their faith. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in great power throughout India to break the spiritual bondage of Hinduism.

IRAN (ASSIST News Service)
According to Open Doors, Muslim background believers (MBBs) are outlawed for the first time in years. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regime is dealing a severe blow to Christian revival in the country. "The last 10 years were relatively calm," said Open Doors staff worker Stefan van Velde. "Between 1990 and 2004, Christian life wasn't easy, but we counted fewer arrests and fewer incidents of torture than in the period before 1990. But, in September 2004, almost 90 church leaders were arrested. Hamid Pourmand, one of the leaders, is still in prison. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment and miraculously escaped the death penalty." Police and secret services also contribute to this persecution. Since the summer of 2005, more Christians have been temporarily arrested and beaten. Ghorban Dordi Tourani, a house-church leader, was assassinated in November 2005. Ethnic Christians are still allowed to express their faith within their own church walls, but Muslim background believers face tremendous risk. The government wants them to return to Islam. Churches are forbidden to support these MBBs. As a result, ethnic churches are removing their support from their brothers and sisters of Muslim origin. The MBBs now form little cell groups which only meet in secret. Van Velde said, "They aren't intimidated by the government and continue to spread the gospel. Muslims who came to the Lord in the past few years fear nothing and nobody."

Pray the Muslim background believers will remain loving and bold in their faith. Pray Hamid Pourmand will know Jesus' presence with him and have opportunities to share his faith. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in revival power among the ethnic Christian community, giving them a fearless love for their MBB brethren.

PAKISTAN (ASSIST News Service/Religion Today)
Muslim men and women attacked yet another church in Pakistan in Kanwanlit, a village some 3 kilometers from Daska, a sub-district of Sailkot, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 3rd. Some of the attackers smashed doors, windows and the altar of the church. The mob reportedly spat on the Bible and hymn books after trampling them under their feet. The Muslim women inflicted torture on the Christian women. Verro and Salima, two Christian women, sustained critical injuries. Both of Verro's legs were broken by the Muslim women. The village falls under the control of the Daska Saddar Police Station, but the police only appeared at the scene of the incident after Muslim residents of the village were done with the job of ransacking, and desecrating the church. According to Religion Today, the roots of the attack go back to November 2005, when landowner named Iqbal bought a piece of property adjacent to the church. He than began a process of "encroachment," using more and more of the church's land to park his vehicles and tie up his animals. After failed attempts to buy the property from Iqbal, the Christians opened a court case against the landowner on January 12th, leading to Iqbal's arrest. Released on bail on January 26rh, Iqbal threatened the Christian community with retribution for opening the case against him. The February 3rd attack was triggered when Verro Masih and Saleema Masih challenged Iqbal's relatives for tying up livestock on the church property. After the Muslims left, the women were immediately admitted to a government hospital three miles away.

Pray God will work a miracle of His grace, giving these Christians His forgiving heart toward their attackers. Pray justice will be done in the courts to allow the church to use their property without interference. Pray the women's rapid healing and recovery will be a witness of Jesus' love and healing power.

VENEZUELA (Compass Direct)
Complying with President Hugo Chavez's order to leave Venezuela's indigenous lands by today, the last two New Tribes Mission (NTM) workers left the area late last week. They joined other NTM staff members at Puerto Ordaz, even as Venezuela's courts considered New Tribes' appeal of the expulsion order. Chavez' edict, published in the Official Gazette last November 14th, expelled NTM from indigenous landsnot from Venezuela. The tiny churches among Venezuela's indigenous peoples will be immediately affected. "What we need to pray about is for these people who will take the leadership of their own people," said Samuel Olson, head of the Evangelical Council of Venezuela. "They have to run their own ship."

Pray God will work in mighty power to soften the heart of President Chavez. Pray the Lord will guide the missionaries expelled from indigenous lands to find what He has planned for their continued ministry. Pray that as the indigenous people are left without human leadership, they will rely on God to teach them His ways and the outcome of this evil act will work to God's glory.

Blog Explosion Textlink Disclaimer

2006-02-13T21:09:00.000-09:00

Just added Blog Explosion's Texlink link box. I buy no means endorse any blogs that happen to apper there. Hopefully they'll get the bugs worked out of the categories here in a couple of weeks. So if you think your're going to be offended by one of the links than don't click on it.

You're very religious right?

2006-02-08T03:49:00.000-09:00

I love it when people don't beat around the bush and are up front about what they belive.

KING: So what do you do? Are you acting? What are you doing?

CAMERON: Yes, well let's see. Last year we finished "Left Behind, World at War." That's based on the Left Behind book series with Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye.

KING: Religious books.

CAMERON: Yes, kind of end of the world apocalyptic thrillers.

KING: You're very religious right?

CAMERON: No, I'm not religious. I'm a Christian but I'm not big on religion but I do produce a television program right now called "The Way of the Master" and that basically is -- it's a Christian reality program where we kind of unmask the -- the hypocrisy of a lot of modern religion that you see today.

And then we go out on the streets and confront people with what is it that you believe about stuff like heaven and hell and God and how to make peace with God? And then we talk with them about how they can find eternal life.

Read the whole Transcript

It's about time

2006-02-07T03:05:00.000-09:00

For a new look.

Prayers for January 31, 2006

2006-01-31T14:35:00.000-09:00

We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure"
(1 Corinthians 4:10-12, NASB).

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for EGYPT
EGYPT (Compass Direct)
One Christian has died, and at least 11 Egyptians reportedly injured on January 19th when Muslims clashed with security police and set fire to a Christian community center in Upper Egypt. Coptic Christian Kamaal Shaker died of injuries he received when a group of Muslims set fire to an Orthodox-owned building in the town of el-Udaysaat, near the city of Luxor. Coptic Orthodox Pope Shenouda III plans to send seven bishops to el-Udaysaat tomorrow for Shaker's funeral service, Youssef Sidhom, editor of the Egyptian weekly Watani reported. He said the funeral would be held at a venue unlicensed as a church, in apparent protest against Egypt's restrictive law governing the building and basic upkeep of non-Muslim places of worship.

Pray the Coptic Christians respond with the mind of Christ toward their Muslim neighbors. Pray God will comfort Kamaal Shaker's family and friends and quickly heal those who were injured. Pray God will build His church in Egypt to give honor and glory to Jesus.

Pray for INDIA
INDIA (Compass Direct)
At this time last year, 55-year-old Noor Jehan Ahmed lived peacefully in the village of Nagaon, in the Northeastern state of Assam. Her extended household of 29 people formed a Christian enclave within the majority Muslim community. A Muslim father, angry over his daughter's relationship with a Christian man, hatched a conspiracy to accuse Ahmed of forced conversion. Her family was shattered, and she spent two months in prison. Court cases are still pending, and the community is now clearly divided on religious lines.

Pray Ahmed will have God's special peace, knowing she and her family are established in the truth. Pray the love and power of the Holy Spirit will overcome the Muslim father's anger. Pray the Lord will soften the hearts of both the Muslims and Christians and bring peace to the village and many to salvation.

(Compass Direct)
A pastor and his cousin charged with attempted forced conversion in Orissa state were released on bail on January 24th, leaving five Hindu villagers charged with assault and setting fire to the pastor's house still in custody. On January 15th, Hindu villagers attacked Rabindra Mallick as he returned home from a nearby market. The next morning, a group of about 15 villagers armed with sticks stormed the home of his older brother, Pastor Kulamani Mallick, assaulting him and his family. Pastor Mallick and two other family members required hospital treatment for minor injuries. The assailants set fire to their house, and seven adjacent houses also were burned and destroyed-in total, six homes belonging to Christians were gutted. Shortly thereafter, a village woman accused the pastor and two of his relatives of forced conversion.

Pray Pastor Mallick and all the Christians will forgive those who burned down their homes. Pray the Christians whose homes were spared will provide shelter and aid to their suffering friends. Pray those who see the love of Jesus in action will desire to know Him.

Pray for INDONESIA
INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
On January 17th, judges at Indonesia's Constitutional Court ruled the Child Protection Act is in line with the constitution and should not be amended. The Rev. Ruyandi Hutasoit had challenged Article 86 of the Act, which was used as the basis for sentencing Dr. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun to three years in prison on September 1, 2005. The Christian Sunday school teachers were arrested in May 2005, after members of a local Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI or Muslim Clerics Council) in West Java accused them of trying to convert Muslim children. Judge Jimly Asshiddique said Rev. Hutasoit had no right to contest the Child Protection Act, since he had not experienced any "direct losses" under it. (Click here)

Pray God will comfort and protect these faithful and innocent women, giving them patience as all the legal means for their release appear to be exhausted. Pray they will have many opportunities to share their faith with other prisoners. Pray what the authorities meant for harm will work to God's glory.

Pray for TURKEY
TURKEY (Compass Direct)
Following Sunday worship services January 8th, five young men attacked and threatened to kill a Protestant church leader in Turkey's fourth largest city. Kamil Kiroglu, 29, was beaten unconscious twice along the street after leaving his church premises in Adana at about 5:00 p.m. "They were trying to force me to deny Jesus," Kiroglu said. "But each time they asked me to deny Jesus and become a Muslim, I was saying, 'Jesus is Lord.' The more I said, 'Jesus is Lord,' the more they beat me." Wielding a long butcher knife, one of the unidentified attackers threatened to kill him if he refused to deny his Christian faith and return to Islam. The five strangers showed up at the Adana Protestant Church's rented facility 45 minutes before the Sunday service began around 2:00 p.m. The group's leader said that he had "converted" the four Turks with him to Christianity, but he did not know how to teach them. They waited until after the service when everyone had left before confronting Kiroglu and asking him to deny Jesus. Kiroglu told Compass, "I am praising God not because He saved me from death, but because He helped me not to deny Him in the shadow of death."

Give thanks to God that He spared Kiroglu's life. Pray his example of faithfulness will be an inspiration to his congregation and all who hear of his ordeal. Pray the Lord will lead his attackers to seek the Lord Jesus who gave Pastor Kiroglu the strength to endure.

Pray for ERITREA
ERITREA (ASSIST News Services)
The Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church has been forced out of office and officially placed under house arrest. In a report monitored by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), and forwarded to ANS, the Web site states Abune Antonios had earlier been removed from effective control of the Patriarchate and confined to ceremonial duties. His non-appearance at the recent Epiphany celebrations adds weight to reports of his total removal from office. Abune Antonios is said to have been informed of his dismissal last week following secret meetings of the Holy Synod, the church's administrative body. Since his ordination in April 2004, Patriarch Antonios is said to have been increasingly critical of the government's continual interventions into church matters. CSW states: "The meetings were convened by Yoftahe Dimetros, a government-appointed lay person, who assumed administrative control of the Patriarchate in contravention of the church's constitution, which reserves membership of the Holy Synod to ordained Bishops and the chairmanship of the Synod to the Patriarch." (Click here)

Pray Patriarch Antonius will know God's peace as he casts all his cares on Him. Pray Christians worldwide will continue to lift Eritrea in prayer asking God to move powerfully to overcome the repressive authorities. Pray the people of Eritrea will long to know the peace of Christ Jesus.

Differences

2006-01-30T21:13:00.000-09:00

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked
about his bill and the barber replies: "I'm sorry, I cannot accept money
from you; I'm doing community service this week." The florist is pleased and
leaves the shop.

Next morning when the barber goes to open there is a thank you card and a
dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the
barber again replies: "I'm sorry, I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing
community service this week." The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

Next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a thank you card and a
dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later a Republican comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill
the barber again replies: "I'm sorry, I cannot accept money from you; I'm
doing community service this week." The Republican is very happy and leaves
the shop.

Next morning when the barber goes to open, there is a thank you card and a
dozen different books such as "How to Improve Your Business" and "Becoming
More Successful."

Then a Democrat comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the
barber again replies: "I'm sorry, I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing
community service this week." The Democrat is very happy and leaves the
shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen
Democrats lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between, left
and right.

How did Judas Die?

2006-01-26T13:03:00.000-09:00

For some odd reason I’ve been thinking about the so called contradiction between Matthew’s telling of Judas’s death and Luke’s telling of it in Acts.

Matt 27:5

So Judas threw the silver coins into the temple and left. Then he went out and hanged himself.

Acts 1:12
(Now this man Judas acquired a field with the reward of his unjust deed, and falling headfirst he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. NET

I think it is important here to point out that Luke does not say that Judas died from this fall, just that he fall headfirst and his intestines gushed out.

Now most apologists will tell you that Judas did indeed hang himself and the tree branch broke. Critics have often scoffed at this, and I admit this seems to be an over simplistic explanation and this is what got me thinking:

While stationed in Korea, I had the unfortunate opportunity to respond to a hanging. The cops were on scene before us; saw that the gentleman had indeed been dead for quite sometime. When we got there, in order to preserve the “crime scene” they only allowed my captain to enter. Well needless to say firemen can have an almost morbid curiosity, so by the time he got back we had a million questions for him, one of which was what did he look like? As you can imagine it was not a pretty picture, his neck had elongated and the blood had started to pool in his lower abdominal area. They believe he was dead for at least a couple of days.

When I sat out to write this, I was going to make the argument that gravity took its course, and his body stretched out and laid out flat at which point his bowels spilled out. But then I thought about it, I realized that position would be hard to defend. I mean not knowing how tall Judas was, how big of a tree he chose or how rigimortus may affect my theory.

That is when it dawned on me; the explanation was so simple I almost kicked myself. Just how do you get a dead person out of a tree, especially one that wasn’t a very popular person? After all, I’m sure the remaining disciples were not running out there to let him down, not to mention that the Jewish people had very strict rules regarding the handling of dead people:

Num 19:11-14
(11) " 'Whoever touches the corpse of any person will be unclean seven days.
(12) He must purify himself with water on the third day and on the seventh day, and so will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third day and the seventh day, then he will not be clean.
(13) Anyone who touches the corpse of any dead person and does not purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the Lord. And that person must be cut off from Israel, because the water for impurity was not sprinkled upon him. He will be unclean; his uncleanness remains on him.
(14) " 'This is the law: when a man dies in a tent, anyone who comes into the tent and all who are in the tent will be unclean seven days. NET

So let me tell you how I picture it. I see people complaining of this awful smell coming from this dead corpse. Now who were they complaining to? Well that would be the people that were in charge back then, and that would be the Romans. And how do you think the Romans dealt with this? Well having spent eight years in the military I know who they sent, the lowest person on the totem pole. So back to the question at hand, how do you get a dead person out of a tree? Well lets just say if I was the person send out to do this job that no body wanted I’d cut the guy out of the tree. So what to you think happens to a rotting corpse when you cut him out of a tree, well for one, he falls and after his legs hit the ground he would naturally fall head first, rather it was on his face, on his back or to the sides. So here’s my second question for you what happens to a rotting bloated corpse after its taken a fall from some height? My guess is that something gives and it sure isn’t the ground.

Is this what happened? Heck I don’t know, nobody on this earth knows for sure. The point I’m trying to make is if you want to you can easily make the case that the Bible contradicts it’s self in many places. But I can just as easily make the case that the sky is green and the grass is blue, it doesn’t make me anymore right.

It’s so easy for people to key in on these so called contradictions, that they never take a look at the bigger picture. The Bible is not merely one book written in somebody’s spare time, but 66 books written by around 40 different humans over a matter of thousands of years, yet stills maintains a central theme, has been found to be factual by many an archaeologist, and has foretold of future events that later came true.

Many people can take what I have just written and explain it away in a matter of minutes, but the truth of the matter is that there is truly only one author of the Bible and that is God himself. The same God that created you in the womb and gave you life is the same God of both the Old and New Testaments. You see the same God that people call harsh and unforgiving in the Old Testament is the same God that humbled himself and came to earth in human form in the New Testament, He is unchanging.

Okay let me wrap this up; I know I’ve gotten way of the topic. Let me just conclude with this, what do you think happens when you die. Are you like many people and think that as I’ve been a good person and I’ll go to heaven. Well I’ll challenge you take this quick test and find out if you good enough to get into heaven, I promise you it’ll only take a few minutes out of your day to complete. You now life is so funny one minute you’re on top of the world, the next your gone, to be heard from no more, so take the test and find out if you’ll get to heaven.

Prayers for January 24, 2006

2006-01-26T13:00:00.000-09:00

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.... By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (Hebrews 11:1, 5-6 NASB).

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for CHINA
CHINA (VOM-Canada)
Gao Zhisheng, a prominent lawyer who had his legal license suspended by Chinese authorities for representing religious rights, faced an attempt on his life January 17th. China Aid Association reported Gao was traveling in Beijing when a vehicle with an obscured license plate suddenly stopped in front of him. He narrowly missed hitting the vehicle, stopped and got out to investigate. The driver of the other car then attempted to run down Gao, but he was able to dodge out of the path of the vehicle. As the car sped away, the newspaper covering the license plate blew away and the plate number was reported. It is believed the driver was a security agent of the Chinese government. Throughout the incident, a military vehicle was observing nearby.

Pray Gao will continue to experience God's protection even though his work angers those in authority. Pray Gao and his friends within the house churches will continue to share Christ with boldness and even share their faith with their persecutors. Pray with confidence for Chinese authorities, knowing God's hand is not shortened that it cannot save.

Pray for INDIA
INDIA (VOM-Canada)
On January 14th, approximately 40 Hindu militants opposed to a children's home and school being constructed in the Northeastern Indian village of Tikri in Uttaranchal came to the construction site and threatened to kill the workers who were building the new facility. The workers all fled for their lives. Ashish Massey, head of the North India Evangelistic Association (NIEA) funding the project, has also been similarly threatened by the militants. Khumi Massey, a staff member of NIEA, reported some of the local villagers allegedly complained to the activists that the Christians had come to their village to convert them. In a separate incident in West Bengal, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority demolished a church building and orphanage on January 16th, despite on-going legal proceedings. According to Indian Express, the development authority claimed the buildings were impeding a planned road expansion. At the time of its destruction, the orphanage was home to 30 children and 20 women.

Pray those who are serving these little ones in the name of the Father will know His protection. Pray the displaced children and women in West Bengal will find housing even better housing than what they had before. Pray God will prove Himself strong on behalf of His children and many Hindus will find joy in Jesus as their Savior.

(Compass Direct)
Hindu extremists attacked Christians in two incidents in Andhra Pradesh state on January 12th and 13th. Seven Christians, including two pastors, sustained injuries. In Nizamabad district on January 12th, a mob of about 100 extremists attacked a group of Christians led by the pastor of a Pentecostal church as they distributed Christian pamphlets near a bus stand. Police intervened before they could burn the pastor alive. On January 13th, in the same district, members of the Hindu extremist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh dragged five people from a 5-year-old girl's birthday party and beat them. Among the victims was Pastor Nagani Swami David, who was kicked unconscious and left at a Hindu temple.

Pray God will comfort and heal those who were injured in these attacks. Pray the Christians will forgive their enemies and make Jesus' love known among the Hindus. Pray God will work a miracle of His grace and power to stop these Hindu extremists from any further attacks on Christians.

Pray for INDONESIA
INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
Government officials in Bandung, West Java, ordered eight house churches in the Rancaekek Kencana housing complex to cease meeting in private homes starting Sunday January 15th. Each church received the order by letter last Friday the 13th, following a meeting the previous day attended by local government officials, police, the commander of the local military and the leader of a local Muslim forum. Several of the churches in the complex met for worship that Sunday anyway, saying they had no alternative venue. The churches first applied for permits in 1993, but were rejected. Under a ministerial decree issued in 1969, all religious groups must apply for permits-and since neighbors must give their approval before a permit is granted, the decree is a huge obstacle for churches meeting in Muslim majority communities.

Pray God will give His strength and courage to these believers as they continue to meet and willingly face the consequences. Pray Christians worldwide will offer fervent prayers to the Lord God on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Indonesia. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in power to bring Muslims to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Pray for LAOS
LAOS (Compass Direct)
An itinerant evangelist, pastor and father of four children, was brutally murdered in southern Laos the week before Christmas. The body of Aroun Voraphorn was found on December 23rd, abandoned on a jungle road near his home village of Huaysiat. His wife last heard from him on December 18th, when he told her by telephone he would arrive late for his youngest daughter's birthday party as he was buying a birthday cake. Religious motives for the killing cannot be ruled out, as the evangelist had been imprisoned for his faith in 1996. At a funeral service on Christmas Eve, his wife Metta Voraphorn pleaded with Christians in Laos to continue preaching the gospel fearlessly, as her husband had done.

Pray God will comfort Vaoraphorn's family with His special peace. Pray the murder of this innocent man will increase the zeal of his Christian friends to spread word of our God of peace. Pray the light of the Holy Spirit will overcome the spiritual darkness in Laos.

(Missions Insider)
After becoming believers in Christ a few months ago, six families were verbally ordered by the local chief and police of the village to relocate to another village. They were told villagers did not want any Christians living in their village of Nongthorn, Lowngam district, Saravan province. In addition, several Lao Christian leaders and their wives are missing for no apparent reason. They have disappeared with no trace of their whereabouts.

Pray God will protect the harassed families and the missing Christian leaders with His strong arm. Pray He will strengthen them to stand fast in the faith. Pray the Lord will guide them and wherever they go their witness will be to His glory.

Pray for UZBEKISTAN
UZBEKISTAN (Compass Direct)
Compass Direct reported a program televised regionally in Uzbekistan last summer has left entire communities convinced that a Protestant congregation is an "extremist" group worse than fundamentalist Islam. Entitled "Zalolat" (Disaster), the 22-minute "exposé" sensationalized a police raid last June against the Full Gospel Church in Urgench, capital of Khorezm province in Northwest Uzbekistan. Interspersing scenes from the raid with interviews with local police, judicial and Muslim officials, the program represented Pastor Ruzmet Voisov and his congregation as "Christian extremists" guilty of breaking the laws of Uzbekistan and trying to destroy national stability.

Pray as Christians in Uzbekistan live in the light of Christ they will see God defeat the plans of the enemy. Pray moderate Muslims will speak up against the violence of Islamic extremists. Pray God will give many Muslims dreams and visions that will open their hearts and minds to Jesus as their Savior.

Prayers for January 17, 2006

2006-01-23T16:20:00.000-09:00

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands."
(Psalm 138:7-8)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

CUBA (ASSIST News Service)
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reported that at least three Protestant churches have been forcibly closed in Cuba since harsh legislation on house churches was announced in 2005. Two of the churches, located in the western provinces of Guantanamo and Holguin, were forcibly closed. The first was confiscated by local authorities in August and the other threatened with demolition at the end of last year. A third church, in a suburb of Havana, was demolished at the end of last year while church members looked on. To justify their closure, all of the churches were targeted by the authorities as being "illegal constructions." When the new legislation was announced in April, requiring all house churches to register with authorities, church leaders expressed concern the registration process was so complicated it was practically impossible. CSW reported many church leaders believed this was really an attempt to shut down the house-church movement across Cuba. Because many churches have grown in the last decade, most existing church buildings are too small to accommodate all their members. The logical alternative for many of these churches has been the establishment of house churches that explains, in part, the expansion of the house-church movement across Cuba. There are now an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 house churches across the island, with each accommodating somewhere between 30 and 200 worshippers who meet weekly.

Give thanks to God that Christian faith is growing in Cuba despite government attempts to stop it. Pray those who are being harassed by authorities will have the mind of Christ as they deal with officials. Pray that as faithful Christians respond in love to their enemies, the Spirit of God will soften hearts and many will accept Jesus and the forgiveness of their sins through His blood.

ETHIOPIA (VOM-Canada)
Aman, an evangelist, was returning from a church service in Meki, 134 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, on January 1st, when a group of Muslims surrounded him. According to VOMC sources in Ethiopia, one member of the group began hitting Aman with a large stick and continued to pound on his body until people passing by intervened. Aman was taken to a hospital in Shashemene, where he remained unconscious for two days. At last report Aman was still in intensive care.

Pray Aman's mind and body will be fully restored so he can continue to share Christ with his friends and neighbors. Pray the attackers will recognize their guilt and turn to Christ for forgiveness. Ask God to comfort Aman and those who are close to him.

INDIA (Compass Direct)
A number of key Christian leaders recently called on the Indian government to ban or strictly supervise a massive Hindu "reawakening" event to be held in the tribal district of Dangs, Gujarat state, February 11th -13th. At least 500,000 Hindus are expected to attend. The Christian leaders fear the event may unleash a wave of violence against tribal Christians and animists. Hindu extremist groups have organized the event and expect it to generate enough momentum to trigger thousands of Christians to turn "back to the Hindu fold." They have also published materials calling for the destruction of the Christian faith in the same way the Hindu god Ram destroyed the demon Ravana in the Hindu scriptures.

Pray the Holy Spirit will move in power to prevent this demonstration from becoming violent. Pray Christians in the area will live in courageous faith and love toward their Hindu neighbors. Pray God will lead many Hindus to forsake the hundreds of gods they fear and turn to the One who loves them.

INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
The Indonesian government has established a new Security Operation Command to investigate violence in Central Sulawesi following a New Year's Eve bomb explosion in Palu that killed eight people and injured 56 others. The bombing is the latest in a string of violent incidents in the past two years, repeating the conflict between Muslims and Christians that claimed over 1,000 lives between 1998 and 2001. The bomb exploded in a marketplace in a Christian area at 6:30 a.m., as residents were buying pork for their festive meals. Pork is offensive to Muslims, and the bombing of what locals call a "Christian market" where the meat is sold may point to Islamic terrorists. Human rights groups immediately called for an independent investigation, but the government responded with the new Security Operation Command, which planned to send 1,100 police reinforcements and an unspecified number of soldiers to Poso and Palu. A member of the Regional Representatives Council who has studied the violence in Palu and Poso said religious sentiment is not the main problem in the area because the bombing of Christian markets and the earlier beheading of Christian schoolgirls "failed to provoke violence" from the Christian community.

Praise God the Christians under attack did not respond with violence. Pray the example of Christian love will cause nominal Muslims to seek the God of peace. Pray our omnipotent God will move to display His glory throughout all the islands of Indonesia.

PAKISTAN (Compass Direct)
Last week in the Punjabi town of Sangla Hill, a Pakistani Muslim dropped formal charges against a Christian he had accused of setting fire pages of the Koran. Last November Mohammed Saleem's accusation triggered a violent reprisal from local Muslims, destroying four churches and landing Yousaf Masih in jail for allegedly desecrating the Koran. As part of a reconciliation agreement reached by local Muslim and Christian leaders on January 5th, Saleem signed an affidavit declaring Masih innocent. Local Christian leaders agreed not to press charges against the mob of 2,000 Muslims who attacked the town's Christian community. Police have held 88 rioters in custody since the assault. It is not yet clear how the agreement will affect legal proceedings. Bail has been denied to the 88 rioters, and Masih also remains under arrest.

Offer praises and thanksgiving for this answer to prayer. Pray Masih will soon be released. Pray the Muslim who made the unfounded charges that caused all the destruction will be led to repent and receive forgiveness from Jesus.

Turth

2006-01-09T04:58:00.000-09:00

Dinosaurs, dating and the age of the earth

2006-01-07T05:28:00.000-09:00

Aig had good question posed to them:

Let me get clear about your beliefs. HOw old do you believe the Earth is? And how do you debunk carbon dating? Dinosaur bones have been dated, based on the half life of certain elements, at millions of years. The earliest human remains found are nowhere near that old. Also, in the bible there is no reference to dinosaurs. I would think that a creature of such threat to life and sheer size would be mentioned, at least in passing. Perhaps I am not familiar with the passage that clearly describes man walking amongst dinosaurs.

I'm only going to post the respone to the carbon dating part of the response, you can read the rest here

Carbon-14 can only give an age of about 50,000 to 100,000 years maximum due to its short half-life of less than 6,000 years. Please see What about carbon dating?

Also, creationists have been using carbon-14 to undermine alleged “millions of years” dates. Since carbon-14 should be decayed so much as to be undetectable within about 100,000 years, then a sample tested by using methods based on uranium decay or potassium argon, etc. which yields a date of 200 million years should not contain measurable amounts of carbon-14 in the sample, and yet such samples have been found! Please see Measurable 14C in Fossilized Organic Materials: Confirming the Young Earth Creation-Flood Model.

Did Jesus exist? Court to decide

2006-01-06T05:32:00.000-09:00

An Italian court is tackling Jesus -- and whether the Roman Catholic Church may be breaking the law by teaching that he existed 2,000 years ago.

"I started this lawsuit because I wanted to deal the final blow against the Church, the bearer of obscurantism and regression," Cascioli told Reuters.
Cascioli says Righi, and by extension the whole Church, broke two Italian laws. The first is "Abuso di Credulita Popolare" (Abuse of Popular Belief) meant to protect people against being swindled or conned. The second crime, he says, is "Sostituzione di Persona," or impersonation.
"The Church constructed Christ upon the personality of John of Gamala," Cascioli claimed, referring to the 1st century Jew who fought against the Roman army.

When I first read this I thought it be something to keep an eye on. That is until I got to this statement:

"In my book, 'The Fable of Christ,' I present proof Jesus did not exist as a historic figure. He must now refute this by showing proof of Christ's existence," Cascioli said

Seems to me that someone wants publicity for their book.

When the Sabbath was over . . . .

2006-01-04T19:19:00.000-09:00

Mark 16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought aromatic spices so that they might go and anoint him.

Are these just throw-away words used to set the stage for the arrival of the women to anoint the body of Jesus after His crucifixion? Far from it! These words have something very important to say to us at Christmas.

Chances are you are reading this devotion sometime after Christmas has come and gone. So what now? Is the best you have to look forward to a trip to the malls to return gifts? Is your mind suddenly filled with taking down the decorations, making trips to the attic, and returning your house to the usual chaos after the special Christmas chaos? If Christmas is nothing more than sparkles and bows, it will last about as long as a green-sprinkled, tree-shaped cookie.

When the Sabbath was over, the women encountered the empty grave and the reality that Jesus had risen from the grave. When the Sabbath was over, their lives took on new purpose as the angel commanded them to share the Good News with the others in Galilee.

Christmas is over, and our lives should never be the same. Christmas is over, and we have been reminded how God took on human form to share in all the aspects of life, including the suffering, that we must endure. Christmas is over, and we have hopefully drawn closer to our God, Who not only lived, but lives today. Let the reality of this awesome truth take hold of you as you enter even more joyfully the days after Christmas.

O Lord, my God, may my life reflect the glorious truth that You have walked the earth as a human being. May my life bear witness that You continue to live and reign. May my life be one of joyful expectation of Your arrival once more. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

This was an online Devotional that was emailed to me I didn't know who wrote it, but I still wanted to post it.

Nature Never Stops Talking “The Wonderful Ingenuity of Nature”

2006-01-04T05:34:00.000-09:00

By Samuel J. Alibrando

Have you ever taken a look around you and wondered, how everything kinda of fits together like a jigsaw puzzle. Take for example the fact that right now, right this very minute you are inhaling oxygen, and exhaling, as waste CO2. While the plant you have on your desk is doing just the opposite. Kinda of makes you wonder how that happened so perfectly doesn’t it. Sadly there are people out there that will have you believe it all happened by dumb luck.

Nature Never Stops Talking is a series of articles written by the author for a local newspaper. This book takes a hard look at how nature works, all the while asking how did all this happen by chance? For instance did you know that snow isn’t white, I know that threw me for a loop too. And I bet you didn’t know trees “talk” to each other. Don’t believe me here read for yourself in the excerpts from the book's website.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It’s not only very informative, but its also just plain fun to read. One of the great things about it is you don’t need a college degree to understand it. Mr. Alibrando does a great job of showing how ingeniously the earth and everything on it works together and how well thought out its design is.

“Evolution, which I once considered fully credible, lost its appeal for me the more I learned. Specifically, the most obvious is that incredible engineering designing itself accidentally and without intelligence. From the realms of space, our precision solar system, to the effect of delicate weather when temperatures change by few degrees, life in the oceans, forest, jungles and the intricate balance of dependence between so many forms of life. Do I go on? From galaxies to cells, molecules, atoms and electrons we find precise, consistent, often predictable but always amazingly constructed design.
To me, this design not only proves intelligence, but most of it surpasses all human intelligence. There are specialists in every field of science and medicine all trying to grasp so many things still unknown or understand – just in their own field of specialty.”

Still believe the earth is here by accident. Then do yourself a favor pick up a copy of this book. If nothing else it’ll give you something to think about.

Prayers for January 3, 2006

2006-01-04T04:49:00.000-09:00

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
Praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord
From this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its going down
The Lord's name is to be praised.

The Lord is high above all nations,
His glory above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God,
Who dwells on high,
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
That He may seat him with princes-
With the princes of His people.
He grants the barren woman a home,
Like a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
(Psalm 113)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
Following the closure of scores of churches in the past two years, the Indonesian government is revising a controversial law to regulate places of worship. Christian leaders fear the changes will do little to keep Muslim communities from blocking or shutting down churches. The original 1969 decree requires all religious groups to apply for permits before setting up a place of worship. Neighbors in the immediate vicinity of a proposed church, mosque or Hindu temple must give their consent before a permit is granted. Under proposed revisions, community members will serve as "inter-faith forums" to give approval before a church could even apply for a permit. This will give them even more power in establishing the religious make-up of a village. "If it comes down to a vote, Muslim leaders will influence others to vote against churches," Father Antonius Benny Susetyo, a spokesman for the Indonesian Bishops' Council, told Compass.

Pray God will give Indonesian Christians a spirit of wisdom for the present and great hope for the future. Pray they will draw close to the Lord in worship wherever and whenever they meet. Pray Muslims will be frustrated with their inability to stamp out Christianity and come to realize the eternal authority and love of Jesus Christ.

TURKEY (Compass Direct)
For the third time in six months, Turkish Christian Yakup Cindilli has failed to appear at court hearings against the ultra-nationalists who beat him into a coma two years ago for distributing New Testaments in his hometown. The clerk of the Orhangazi Criminal Court near Bursa, in northwestern Turkey, confirmed to Compass last week that Cindilli had not attended a December 15th hearing. Partially recovered, Cindilli had left Orhangazi last June, apparently circulating in various areas of Istanbul over the summer months. With his whereabouts unknown, it is presumed he may not have known about the hearings scheduled on his case. Although his assailants were jailed, one was released a month later and the other two granted bail after three months. The Orhangazi judge has postponed the criminal court hearing on Cindilli's case until March 16th.

Pray Cindilli will be able to have another series of medical tests to prove the severity of his injuries. Pray he will be willing and able to attend the March 16th hearing. Pray that as the time for the trial drags on, the Lord will lead his attackers to repentance and faith in Jesus.

TURKMENISTAN (ASSIST News Services)
After four weeks of holding services in a rented hall in the capital Ashgabad (Ashgabat), the registered Greater Grace Protestant church was banned in late November from holding meetings in publicly owned premises. Registered religious communities cannot rent publicly owned premises or meet in private homes. Obstruction to finding places they were allowed to use for worship was one of the major complaints from registered religious communities at a government-sponsored roundtable meeting in Ashgabad in late October. Greater Grace church signed a rental contract with a geological institution in Ashgabad to hold services there on Sundays. "It was a good hall," church members report. "We invited officials from the city's Religious Affairs Office and they came to the services-it was all done officially and openly." Then, after the fourth service, an official of the city administration's Religious Affairs Office told the church it could not continue meeting in the state-owned hall. The church believes the decision originated with the MSS secret police. The church is planning to write to the Adalat (Fairness or Justice) Ministry to seek clarification. "Other people who want to rent state facilities can do so, but not religious communities it seems," church members complained. "I don't know why-there's no law which forbids this." The Greater Grace church gained official registration from the Adalat Ministry at the end of August after a year of foot-dragging.

Pray the Lord will soften the hearts of officials in the Adalat Ministry and allow this church to continue renting a hall for worship. Pray the healing power of Jesus will bring His life and love into the hearts of everyone in the region.

(VOM-Canada)
Seven Christians in Turkmenistan were gathered for prayer in a home when government officials and a Muslim imam raided their meeting. The home belonged to a recent convert named Oguldurdy. The attack took place on December 17th, in the northeastern town of Deynau, according to a report from Forum 18. During the raid, officials searched the home for Christian literature and confiscated two Bibles. The seven were then taken to the Public Prosecutor's office where they were threatened and insulted. They were told they should be publicly denounced as traitors. One woman was threatened with expulsion from her rented apartment.

Pray the Lord will grace His people with the quiet joy that comes from knowing they are falsely accused for Christ's sake. Pray their trust in Christ will overshadow any fear they might face. Ask God to restore the Bibles and Christian literature taken from them.

RUSSIA (ASSIST News Service)
Russia is currently experiencing a resurgence of religious repression similar to that of an earlier period in the country's history. "Our country, Russia, experiences a very difficult time now. In many respects it is very similar to the 1920-1930 period in Russian history," writes Isabel Du Toit, Head of Prayer Ministry for the TBN and Association of Christian Churches "Union of Christians," in an e-mail obtained by ASSIST News Service (ANS). "Today we face a new wave of slander against Christian leaders in Russia. There are waves of gossip to discredit Russian main Christian leaders, i.e. Bishop Sergey Ryahovsky (head of the Russian Pentecostal Union), Bishop Paul Okara (head of the Russian Evangelical Church) and Bishop Igor 'Nikki' Nikitin (head of the Association of Christian Churches' Union of Christians)." Du Toit asks concerned Christians in the United States to "please stand with us in prayer to end this tendency and prevent the repetition of these happenings."

Pray the Spirit of Christ will fill Russian churches and their leaders. Pray God will protect His Body from splits and destruction. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit throughout Russia.

INDIA (Compass Direct)
From setting fire to churches to force "reconversion" to Hinduism, extremists persecuted Roman Catholics throughout 2005. In several cases of religiously motivated violence this year, police refused to file charges, leaving the victims with no legal means to pursue their complaints. In other cases desecration of religious objects was recorded only as petty crime or theft. Christian leaders may disagree on whether persecution has increased in India this year, but undisputed are the scars many Catholics bear for the Savior whose birth they are celebrating. (Click here)

Pray the Catholics under attack will draw close to Jesus, their Protector. Pray the suffering of all Christians in India will bring unity to the Body of Christ. Pray the Holy Spirit will draw Hindus to seek TRUTH.

Review of Spiritual Counterfeits Project

2005-12-30T02:52:00.000-09:00

SCP (Spiritual Counterfeits Project) Journal (Vol. 28.4-29:1 2005)

I’m pretty excited about having the opportunity to review this product. I should start by airing out a few problems I have with SPC. The biggest issue I have is their web site , which I feel should be more informative and user-friendly. They do offer some sample articles of their journals, but I feel they should offer more information.

Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest let me tell you about some of the positive stuff that SPC has to offer. One of the coolest things I’ve found is the SCP Access Info and Counseling Hotline. If you have a question or problem with a cult you can call them up and talk to a real live, flesh and blood person. The other thing that stands out is the fact that the people they employ have been saved from the different cults that they provide info about.

OK, now to the important stuff what I thought of the articles in this issue:

The Soul under Siege Can “the war on terror” be won?
By Lee Penn

I’m sad to say that I missed reading part I, but the fact of the matter is Part II is a complete and separate article in and of itself.

In a nutshell this article is about the players that are pushing not only for a one world government but also a one world religion. It is very well written and quick to the point, and I thought it more than covered the topic.

From Old Gnosticism to New Age “An Historical Analysis of the Impact of Secret Orders and Mystery Religions from the 6th Century to the Modern Era”.
By Alan Morrison

If you think the title is long you should have read the article. While over all the info within is quite fascinating I felt it got to over detailed at times. However it is interesting to see how Gnosticism has had so much influence on the modern thought process, including Darwinism.

Despite how I feel about the article being long winded, I did learn a lot on were the concept of a “heaven on Earth” came from.

The Suicide Option “When Life has Lost Meaning”
By Josh Ong
This is by far and away the most touching article in this issue. The author here is a very brave young man, who sadly reached the point of no return and tries to kill himself. Mr. Ong bravely shares his journal entries both before and after he attempted suicide. In the mist of the darkness this young man gets a glimpse of hope. Thankfully out of this Josh comes to now Christ. It is varying interesting seeing what loneliness and rejection (not to mention the enemy) can do to the human mind.

Over all I am well pleased with this issues. The articles do a great job of providing a lot of information in a very limited space. I have already started to read the newest issue and hope to have it reviewed shortly. I will offer one note of warning, this Journal is geared to those that are very interested in apologetics; I believe most others would find the depth of the issues covered by SCP to be boring and uninteresting.

For more reviews go here.

Fed up

2005-12-24T13:05:00.000-09:00

Sorry if this isn't a nice happy go lucky CHRISTmas post but, *sigh* I just ran into a friend of the faimly's and it would seem that her loving caring husband just up and left her and their five kids. That just PISSES ME OFF. What is happening in Amercia when a men can't or won't be men and stay commited to their wife and kids they've committed too.

Well I quess it's one more sign that we need Christ like never before. I also feel a burden to be more forward with sharing my faith.

Christmas is Less Than a Week Away

2005-12-23T00:13:00.000-09:00

Were are your thoughts this Christmas season. Maybe your rushing around tring to found those last minute, or if your like me your wondering what you'll be getting this year.
How many times have you thought about Christ.

Prayers for December 20, 2005

2005-12-22T14:13:00.000-09:00

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
(Isaiah 9:6-7)

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for BELARUS
BELARUS (ASSIST News Service)
The lower house of the Belarusian National Assembly has passed a tough new security bill making "discrediting the Republic of Belarus' a criminal offence." Belarus' security forces (KGB) will have the power to act against those who commit "crimes against the state," e.g., by reporting repression and persecution. Last year the 600-strong New Life Church in Minsk was refused registration, and no one would rent premises to them. They purchased a cowshed where they started meeting and worshipping. The authorities then fined the church for allegedly violating the Land Code, as a cowshed may not be designated for religious use. The church's pastor, Vyacheslav Goncharenko, has been fined frequently. According to Forum 18 (F18), the Minsk City Administrative Committee ordered the sale of the cowshed. The state will now confiscate New Life's property. F18 recently saw a report written by a top religious affairs official expressing regret officials have not been active enough in controlling and repressing religion. He complains of the state's failure to return an alternative Orthodox community to the Moscow Patriarchate, failure to stop Baptists conducting two or three services a week, "freely and systematically distributing religious literature," and conducting "an illegal water baptism" lasting over four hours with over 300 participants. He describes the situation as "depressing" and vows to ensure religion is brought under control by the end of the year.

Pray God will use the witness of faithful Christians to demonstrate His love and grace to those who oppose Him. Pray they will keep growing in wisdom, grace, patience and faith in their Redeemer.

Pray for INDONESIA
INDONESIA (VOM-Canada)
Unknown attackers set fire to the Beth Eden Protestant Church in Manado, Indonesia, on the night of December 8th. There were no injuries, even though the pastor and his family were living in the building. However, the building received extensive damage. Stephen Liow, the church's pastor, told Asia News he had been receiving anonymous calls in the past few months from people threatening to burn down the church building. The Christmas season in Indonesia has often been a time of suffering for Christians who are targeted by Islamic militants. Due to the heightened threat of terrorism, thousands of police officers have been put on alert. A police spokesman said, "Churches and other worship buildings have become our top security priority along with entertainment centres, shopping compounds."

Pray the Lord Jesus will protect His followers as they celebrate his birth. Pray Pastor Liow will have the heart of Christ as he leads the congregation through this stressful time. Ask that the faithfulness of believers will spark a new work of the Holy Spirit throughout Indonesia.

Pray for IRAN
IRAN (Compass Direct)
The United States has approved emergency resettlement for a family of four Iranian Christians left stranded in Turkey since an October deportation order. Widow Zivar Khademian, together with her daughter Fatemeh Moini, 19, and sons Hossein and Kazem Moini, both in their early 30s, had fled to Turkey in January 2003. After arriving in Turkey, the family was twice refused UNHCR refugee status, despite their status as former Muslims who had converted to Christianity. Under Iran's strict Islamic laws, anyone who abandons the Muslim faith faces the death penalty.

Give thanks to God that Zivar and her children can come to the United States. Pray they will find strong Christian friends to help them in their adjustment to a new life here.

Pray for IRAN
IRAN (Compass Direct)
Last week during Friday prayers in Pakistan's Punjab province, Muslim clerics, flanked by government officials, demanded the public execution of a Christian accused of blasphemy. An Islamist group leader has since called for a nationwide protest tomorrow urging the execution of Yousaf Masih, a Christian accused of burning pages from the Koran three weeks ago. The accusations triggered Muslim violence in the Punjabi town of Sangla Hill that destroyed four churches. Eyewitnesses have said they saw a Muslim who owed Masih a large amount of money throw a burning match into a room containing a Koran. Sangla Hill police have arrested and tortured four of Masih's six brothers, prompting the alleged blasphemer to give himself up in exchange for their release.

Pray God will move in His loving power to prevent this execution and the truth regarding the circumstances will be made known. Pray the Lord will strengthen Christians, leading many to Christ.

(VOM-Canada)
The earthquake that hit the Kashmir region of India and Pakistan October 8th killed thousands and left more than 3 million homeless. With the urgent need for shelter, Pakistani authorities are reportedly evicting hundreds of Christians from their homes to make room for the homeless. Bishop Anthony Lobo of Islamabad-Rawalpindi told Catholic news agencies at least 40 families in a district near Joharabad in Sind province were forced out of their homes. He believes officials prefer this alternative because it saves the time and money needed to erect shelters for the refugees. Bishop Lobo said, "We are the most vulnerable people, we are very poor and we are easy targets." Some are seeing this as a slap in the face, as Christians were actively involved in relief operations for those suffering from the earthquake, regardless of their religious affiliation. Bishop Lobo has begun assembling a legal team to prevent similar evictions in other Christian communities.

Pray God will give Bishop Lobo great wisdom as he deals with government officials. Pray our faithful Lord will provide housing and basic supplies for those who trust in Him. Pray this will result in an opportunity to promote the truth of God's Word in Sind province.

Pray for IRAN
IRAN UZBEKISTAN ASSIST News Service)
The situation of Uzbek Christians has deteriorated considerably since the May demonstrations in the city of Andijan in the Ferghana Valley. Christians are now under much tighter control, and they are getting more "invitations" to come to the police office to answer questions and receive more fines. In the last few months, there have been more frequent incidents of physical and psychological violence against Christians to force them to renounce their faith. President Karimov is very afraid of losing his job," said Esther Amado, Open Doors coordinator for Central Asia. "For this reason, he deals harshly with everyone he considers a threat to his regime." During these past months, many congregations have lost their registration and worship services have more frequently been interrupted by the police. Not only church leaders, but also those present in the meeting are taken to the police station to be interrogated. Police officers sometimes exert extreme pressure on Christians. Kural Bekjanov, 19, was held in prison and tortured for one month this summer. Fellow inmates also beat him terribly when they found out about his Christian faith. Bekjanov's physical and mental recovery may take years. His family is in serious financial difficulty because they had to pay for Bekjanov's food when he was detained and for medical treatment since his release.

Pray Uzbek Christians will remain strong, knowing their help comes from the Lord. Pray God will strengthen them to continue to bear fruit for His Kingdom. Pray the hand of the Lord will be upon President Karimov, bringing him out of darkness into His glorious light.

Prayers for December 14, 2005

2005-12-17T20:17:00.000-09:00

"The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father's God, and I will exalt Him."
(Exodus 15:2)

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for EGYPT
EGYPT (Compass Direct)
Under threat from Egypt's security police for holding services at his house church, a Protestant pastor has been run down by a taxi in Cairo, and subsequently died of internal bleeding and a broken skull. Pastor Ezzat Habib, his son Ibram Habib and a friend were crossing the street in Cairo's Matereya district on the evening of October 23rd, when a parked taxi pulled into the street and hit them from behind. The 58-year-old pastor was immediately taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery the following morning but died later that day. The incident culminates two years of harassment, during which Pastor Habib was jailed and tortured.

Pray God will comfort the family and friends of Pastor Habib. Pray Christians in Egypt will remain confident in their Savior despite harassment and murder. Pray Muslims will realize they can't kill the soul (Matthew 10:28).

Pray for INDIA
INDIA (Compass Direct)
Christians in the Kakradara area of Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh state are living in fear after extremists barred access to their new church and beat up their pastor and visiting evangelists after a church dedication ceremony on November 5th. The pastor and evangelists were stopped by 12 men carrying long sticks. As Pastor T. Samuel, the district coordinator for Jesus Redeems Ministries, began answering their questions, one of the assailants hit Pastor Ramesh Bhuria from behind. The mob then beat all five Christians. Later, the extremists and other residents visited Bhuria's home and threatened to "cut (him) into pieces" if he continued his Christian activity in the village. The same threats were issued to other church members.

Two militant Hindu groups struck churches in Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh states on Sunday (December 4th). At least 25 members of the Hindu extremist group Dharma Sena attacked a church in Raipur, Chattisgarh state, severely beating five Christians. After beating four Christians in the church, the attackers took them and a pastor from another area church into a Hindu temple, where they tried to force them to bow down to idols. Also on Sunday, a group of 15 extremists from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh attacked a pastor in Jhabua district of the north central state of Madhya Pradesh. Police declined to arrest any of the militant Hindus, but instead detained the pastor, Anil Mehra of Indian Evangelical Team, for more than 10 hours for "disrupting public peace."

(Gospel for Asia)
Not long ago 60 new believers in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh were threatened with death if they did not return to Hinduism. We thanked God when He answered our prayers and the Christians were spared. Now, however, the place where that church was meeting has been forcefully taken over by radical Hindus and turned into a temple. It is the first time in the 26-year history of Gospel for Asia that a place of worship has been taken over and defiled as a temple. The Believers Church pastor, Ramesh Masih Bhatti, and his family have been forced to move from the building, which was their home for the past 25 years, and are now living with relatives. Local officials have done nothing about the takeover, having apparently sided with the Hindus. The leader of the Hindus in Himachal Pradesh is now threatening a massive, village-by-village campaign to force Christians to convert back to Hinduism.

Pray Christians in India will stand firm knowing they are children of God, not recognized by the world but beloved of their Father. Pray their witness will lead many to Christ. Pray the Holy Spirit will move powerfully in India, bringing glory to God.

Pray for NIGERIA
NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
Pastor Zacheous Habu Bu Ngwenche may find himself back in police detention if he does not produce a convert from Islam abducted from his house by Muslim militants in September. The 31-year-old pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church in Akwanga, in central Nigeria's Nasarawa state, was arrested twice in September for harboring a Muslim, Bature Suleimanu Idi, who converted to Christianity. After the second arrest, he spent seven days in a cell in Lafia, the state capital. Muslim militants pressured police into arresting him the second time even after officials had confirmed that Bature Suleimanu Idi had not been coerced into converting to Christianity. "I have now been told to produce the Muslim convert, even when the police know that it is the Muslims that abducted Idi," Ngwenche said. "My fear is that he will be killed." (Click here)

Pray God will protect Idi and give him great courage to remain faithful to Jesus. Pray Pastor Negwenche will know the presence and peace of God as he deals with the Muslims who are harassing him. Pray the publicity surrounding these unjust accusations will cause Muslims worldwide to question their beliefs.

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED)

2005-12-08T10:52:00.000-09:00

by Tim Bete

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse;

With only six hours left, until morning light,

Assembling kids' presents would take me all night.

19,000 pieces -- bolts, washers and screws,

To be put together, and me with no clue;

All I had for tools were some needle-nose pliers,

A Swiss Army Knife and a Phillips screwdriver.

When out on the lawn there arose such a racket,

I threw down my pliers and put on my jacket;

I swung open the door, to check out the noise,

And saw a red-suited man, bringing more toys.

I shouted, "Hey, you on my lawn, what's the idea!"

As my shrubs were being eaten by eight small reindeer;

The big man looked up at me and said with a smile,

"There's more to assemble -- it will take you a while."

"My kids don't need more toys," I countered right quick,

But he wouldn't hear "no," that stubborn Saint Nick;

"These new toys have detailed instructions," he said,

And he winked as he lifted a bag from his sled.

Then he pulled a bunch of woodchips out of his bag,

"It's a dollhouse," he said, as he looked at the tag;

"It has 6,000 small pieces, plus one or two,

You can make it if you have a gallon of glue."

"And, there are no axle holes on this toy car,

With only two wheels it won't go very far;

Perhaps you can whip up some rubber for tires,

I'm sure you can do it before you retire."

"But Nick," I pleaded, "don't you have simple toys?

Can't they build simple things -- those elves you employ?"

"How 'bout a ball, a rag doll or gun that shoots darts,

Or some other present made of only one part?"

Santa said, "Those kinds of toys are passé these days,

It's complicated gadgets that are all the craze;

So, please take these here toys and I'll be on my way,

I have houses to get to and visits to pay."

"I don't want any more toys!" I yelled quite in shock,

Then I slammed the door shut and I secured the lock;

And I took off my coat and went back to my bench,

And tried to read the directions -- printed in French.

Then just as I found I was missing a screw,

That old coot came sneaking right down through my flue;

"You forgot all these toys," said the man dressed in red,

Then he put his sack right down and here's what he said.

"You're not alone staying up all through the night,

Dads all over the world are in the same plight;

They don't have the right tools, or any instructions,

They're eyes are bleary and they're minds don't quite function."

Then he left me there speechless, alone with my work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk;

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle;

But I heard him exclaim, as he jumped in his sleigh,

"You'll need 62 batteries -- all triple A."

Any parent will enjoy this. Thanks to Mr Bete for allowing me to use it.

Prayers for December 6, 2005

2005-12-06T17:01:00.000-09:00

"When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed" (Revelation 6:9-11).

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

From The Voice of the Martyrs

EGYPT (Compass Direct)
Hany Samir Tawfik, a 29-year-old Egyptian Copt, has been released from jail after being held without charges for 28 months. He was set free June 28th, from Gharbaliat Prison near Alexandria. His release came seven months after his case was first publicized outside Egypt. He had been arrested by Egypt's State Security Investigation (SSI) authorities on March 3, 2003. A Coptic Christian who had gone to Saudi Arabia to work, Tawfik was deported back to Egypt in the summer of 2002, after requesting asylum from the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. He was promptly detained for interrogation at Cairo's notorious SSI headquarters but released after 52 days. Seven months later, Tawfik was again arrested under unknown accusations.

Thank God for his release. Pray Tawfik will continue to seek a closer walk with Jesus and be the fragrance of Christ to everyone he meets.

INDONESIA (ASSIST News Service)
VOM recently reported that on November 8th, two girls were attacked on their way to a Christian school. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports Siti Nuraini, 17, a Muslim, died in Poso Kota general hospital November 9th. Her Christian friend Ivon, also 17, remains in critical condition. This incident closely followed the beheading of three Christian schoolgirls on October 29th, and represented a further escalation of violence. The Reverend Rinaldy Damanik, Moderator for the Central Sulawesi Christian Reform Church, and Chairman of the Central Sulawesi Churches Crisis Co-ordination Centre, has been in close contact with Christians and government officials in Sulawesi and has appealed for a stop to the violence. He stressed security officials needed to act promptly to ensure those guilty of the attacks are brought to justice and also to try and prevent further attacks. As reported in the Jakarta Post, Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said the President had ordered security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice and urged residents not to launch revenge.

Pray the family and friends of Siti Nuraini will long for the love and mercy of Jesus. Pray the Lord Jesus will touch Ivon with His healing power. Pray God will use this attack to build His Kingdom and their suffering will not be in vain.

An international Christian human rights organization is urging the immediate release of three wrongly accused Indonesian Christian Sunday school teachers who have lost their appeal to overturn charges. This means a three-year prison term for the womenDr. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun. They are currently serving a three-year prison sentence in the Indramayu district of West Java, having been wrongly convicted of "attempting to coerce children to change their religion" under the Indonesian "Child Protection Act." Christian Freedom International (CFI), reports that on November 22, 2005, the three Sunday school teachers lost an important appeal to have their sentences reduced or overturned by a higher court.

Pray God will soften the heart of the judge who will hear the next appeal, giving him compassion for these innocent women. Pray they will be comforted and made aware of the many people who are praying for them. Pray the Lord will minister to the children while their teachers are in prison.

IRAN (VOM-USA)
An Iranian Christian convert was kidnapped from his home in northeastern Iran last week and stabbed to death. His bleeding body was thrown in front of his home a few hours later. Ghorban Tori, 50, was pastoring an independent house church of converted Christians in Gonbad-e-Kavus. Within hours of the November 22nd murder, local secret police arrived at the pastor's home, searching for Bibles and other banned Christian books written in the Farsi language. According to one source, during the past eight days representatives of the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) have arrested and severely tortured 10 other Christians in several cities, including Tehran. (Click here for original story posted on 12-05-2005, for most recent update, click here.)

Pray the Lord will comfort Tori's family and friends. Pray Christians in Iran will continue courageously, boldly and lovingly, confident in their Savior. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in victorious power to overcome the forces of evil in Iran.

RUSSIA (Religion Today)
The Russian government reports that within the coming weeks it may begin tightening control of foreign missionaries and religious organizations. According to reports, the Justice Ministry is considering adopting stricter rules on granting visas to foreign missionariesan action that, if effective, would lead to the limitation of missionaries to Russia. The government also expressed plans to make the suppression of religious centers easier while causing registration of religious organizations more difficult. "It sounds like it's all going back like it was during the Soviet time," commented Sergey Rakhuba, vice president of Russian Ministries. He believes the Russian Orthodox Church is involved in the proposal. Rakhuba states: "Even if restrictions on foreign missionaries are forthcoming, church growth and evangelism in Russia will not be hindered. I don't think that it will affect evangelism because you cannot stop people from talking about Christ. You cannot stop people talking about their experiences with Jesus. And that's what Russian Ministries is doing."

Pray God will lead the foreign missionaries to begin intensive training and discipling of Russian believers to be pastors and evangelists among their own people. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in power in the Russian Orthodox Church, bringing many to know the joy of their salvation. Pray Russian Christians will be bold and loving as they share with others their experiences with Jesus.

2005-12-06T16:41:00.000-09:00

You are...Edmund. Thoughtful and philosophical, you
have made mistakes in the past but have
straightened things out and are now where you
need to be. You are content to be a wise
counsellor, rather than a great leader, though
you can be either if you must.

Which Chronicles of Narnia character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Stolen from the great Flannel Avenger

What’s the Deal with Wicca? A Deeper Look into the Dark Side of Today’s Witchcraft.

2005-12-06T13:08:00.000-09:00

By Steve Russo

I started reading this book knowing noting about Wicca. After reading it I’m still no expert, but I do have a strong foundation to build upon. Mr. Russo does a great job of explaining Wicca and giving background information on its origin, as will as showing how it’s gaining acceptance with not only young people but society in general.

This book easily reaches its target audience, which I would say to be teenagers who have an interest in Wicca. As a matter of fact I wish I had read chapter seven: A Sense of belonging, when I was at that age.

Do you feel like you belong and really know who you are? This is another area of spiritual deception that we sometimes fail to recognize. If the devil can keep us confused about our true identity, he’ll keep us frustrated, lacking confidence, and we will not experience a satisfying and fulfilling life.

Hearing something like this could have saved me and others around me a lot of heartache.

This book does a great job of being biblical, without sounding preachy. You can really tell the author has a heart for young people.

My Wife and I

2005-11-30T17:22:00.000-09:00

The past couple of nights I have had the most pleasurable experience in bed with my wife, before I tell what it was let me give you a little history on my wife and I.

We actually met thought a dating service, we dated for a couple of months and then I got deployed to the dessert for four months. While there Zena called me and told me she was pregnant, which to me was great news, I’ve always wanted to be a father.

Well the time came for her to have her first ultra sound, I called her or she called me, I don’t remember now but this is how the conversation went…

Me: So how’s the baby
Her: The babies are doing fine
Me: *long silence, than stuttering* bbbaabbbies
Her: we’re having twins
Me:
Her: hello any one there

After that I didn’t call her back for awhile, I was afraid there would be more good news.

So anyway, I get back from my TDY and we got an apartment together. But I wasn’t ready to be tied down, you know what I mean, I had more wild oats to sow.

Toward the end of Zena’s pregnancy the doctors put her on bed rest in the hospital. On the way home from visiting her I stopped in to my favorite bar and have a beer. Well one thing leads to another and I hook up with this lady that I don’t even know. Can you believe that my future wife is in the hospital, in pain, with my children and I’m shacking up with someone I don’t know!

Well that relationship went on for about a week and ended with me getting caught. Thankfully Zena forgave me for that. Sad thing is, back then if I thought I could get away with it, I probably would have did it again. That is how evil I was.

Ok, so let’s skip ahead a little. I get this new job, we move, from Anchorage to Valdez. Things aren’t going well; I’m working two weeks on, two weeks off, when I’m working its 12 hours at a time. Zena is home with twin boys, in a place were she knows no one. I didn’t know it at the time but Zena was in a deep depression, she wasn’t feeling like she was worth anything and I didn’t notice and sure wasn’t giving her the love she needed. We fought a lot, one memory that sticks out to me was a fight we had where I ended up sticking a kitchen knife thought an overhead cabinet. You see I have always had a violent temper, there just something in me that feeds of anger; it’s almost like a high.

My wife and I have been thought a lot of ups and downs, in the short time we’ve been together. For some unknown reason Zena has stuck by me. We got married when the boys where two. It’s been a total of 7 years since we’ve been dating; I think five years of that have been as man and wife. I can tell you thought that we are stronger now than we’ve ever been before. You see about three yrs ago I became a follower of Christ. It hasn’t always been easy, as a matter of fact it can get down right hard at times, but God has been faithful and the work that he has begun in me, while far from being complete, has changed me. I am not the self consumed person that I was all them years ago, don’t get me wrong I’m not perfect and I still struggle, sometimes I fall flat on may face. But the times I fall God is there to pick me up.

So what have my wife and I doing these past few nights that been so great, well for the first time we’ve been praying together. That may not sound like a big deal to you, but to me it’s the greatest thing. You see up until a couple of weeks ago, I would have told you that my wife was not a Christian, but I just don’t know anymore. I try to remember that growing in Christ can be a slow process; it sure has been for me.

Prayers for November 29, 2005

2005-11-30T17:00:00.000-09:00

"Surely my soul remembers And is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'Therefore I have hope in Him.' The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him."(Lamentations 3:20-25, NASB)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (ASSIST News Service)
China Aid Association (CAA) reports eight Chinese house-church leaders in Henan province were released early November 19th, after being arrested and imprisoned November 3rd, at midnight. None of the confiscated church property was returned. Among those released were Pastor Huang Hailang (aged 40) and Pastor Wei Lin (20s) who, China Aid Association reports, "were tortured with their legs wounded by the interrogators on November 3rd." According to a CAA field reporter, all of the released are in good spirits with thankful hearts to God and to those who prayed and helped in their release. Meanwhile, CAA learned kidnapped house-church leader, Pastor Zhang Mingxuan, was sent from Beijing to an unknown location in Sheqi county, Henan province November 19th. According to a reliable source, the action to move Pastor Zhang from Beijing was to prevent him from meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush during his visit in China.

Pray believers worldwide will continue to lift the Chinese government before the Throne of the Almighty, pleading with Him to relieve our suffering brothers and sisters. Pray God will help authorities understand they are fighting a Power much greater than they realized. Pray Christians in China will rejoice in their freedom in Christ Jesus.

EGYPT (Compass Direct)
At the risk of losing family honor, an Egyptian Christian couple went public last week reporting the questionable, sudden disappearance of their daughter. After highlighting 21-year-old Heba Nabil Narouz Ghali in "missing persons" reports in the newspaper and over national television, the Ghali family has identified a Muslim man they are accusing of kidnapping their daughter seven weeks ago. A November 10th article in the weekly El-Wafd newspaper stated the young woman was last seen September 28th leaving work at a local supermarket in Sheikh Zayid, a suburb of Cairo. The Ghali family also released their daughter's picture and a request for information in a November 11th broadcast on TV Channel Three. Athanasius William, the family's attorney, plans to file a kidnapping report next week. He hopes this will obligate the police to produce Nabil Ghali's daughter. However, he said in similar cases in the past, "I only know of one where the girl had the courage to say that she was taken by force."

Pray God will protect Heba Ghali and keep her aware of Jesus' presence with her. Pray the Lord will remove her fear of retaliation and give her courage to admit she was kidnapped. Pray the Holy Spirit will "kidnap" the hearts of Muslim men and bring them to their Savior.

INDIA (Compass Direct)
Members of the Believers' Church in India (BCI) in Himachal Pradesh state met peacefully on Sunday, despite death and arson threats issued by Hindu extremists November 4th. The extremists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council) and its youth wing, Bajrang Dal, assaulted the pastor and threatened to burn him and his 60 church members if they failed to take part in a November 20th "reconversion" ceremony. The planned reconversion ceremony was apparently dropped due to police intervention. "About 20 people came for the (church) service. This was lower than usual as some villagers were facing opposition, but at least we were able to meet without incident," said Ramesh Masih, son of Pastor Feroz Masih.

Give thanks to God for the testimony of the 20 members of the Believers' Church who trusted their Father enough to attend the service despite Hindu threats. Thank Him the meeting was not hindered by any opposition. Pray for God's grace to Hindus and that He will draw them to Himself.

INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
Indonesian Christians are in shock as details emerge of two vicious attacks in the town of Palu, Central Sulawesi. On November 19th, motorbike riders shot a man and woman at close range shortly after they left a church service. Palu is near the town of Poso, where machete and shooting attacks have killed four teenage girls and seriously injured two others in the past month. The victims of Saturday's shooting were identified as Novlin Pallinggi, 37, and her husband Pudji Laksono, 45. Pallinggi remains in critical condition, while Laksono is stable. Two women and one man were attacked with machetes, killing one of the women November 18th in the same town. Officials have refused to comment on the religious affiliation of the three victims.(Click here)

Pray God will release His merciful healing power to restore Pallinggi and Laksono to perfect health. Pray Jesus will comfort all whose loved ones have suffered severe attacks because of their faith in Him. Pray Muslims will personally come to know the Lord is God and there is no other.

PAKISTAN (Religion Today)
Sparked by allegations that a Christian had burned pages from the Koran, an enraged mob of 2,000 men, armed with sticks, hammers and flammable substances, attacked the Catholic parish compound November 12th, in Sangla Hill. Father Samson Dilawar watched from the roof as the crowd destroyed the mission that had taken almost a century to build. They broke into the Church of the Holy Spirit, smashing the marble altar and shattering the stained-glass windows. Father Dilawar's house was set on fire before moving on to St. Anthony's Girls School, where the students had already been sent home. Father Dilawar retreated into the locked room where nuns were praying. The attackers "tried to break the door down, but did not succeed. Otherwise, we could have all been killed." Two other churches-one Presbyterian, one Salvation Army-as well as at least half a dozen houses belonging to Catholic families were also burned. The violence has shocked Pakistan's Christian community and highlighted the failure of authorities to protect religious minorities.

Give thanks to God no one was killed in these destructive attacks. Pray all those in Pakistan who claim salvation through the blood of Jesus will remember they are ambassadors for Christ. Pray those who attacked these churches will come to repentance and seek forgiveness from our loving and merciful Father.

Happy Thanksgiving, a know it's a little late but...

2005-11-28T22:04:00.000-09:00

I haven't been around a puter for almost two weeks. My brother thought I should spend Thanksgiving back east, so he paid for my faimly and myself to fly down to the lower 48.

When I left town the little bit of snow we got early had melted. When we got back home this is what my poor truck looked like:

VOM Prayers for November 08, 2005

2005-11-08T07:49:00.000-09:00

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.'" (Revelation 5:9-10)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (Religion Today)
Although China allows "belief" in a religion, the Chinese constitution does not guarantee the right to practice that religion. Adults often face severe consequences for religious actions but generally are not required to deny their faith. However, officials attempt to weaken children's faith by encouraging them to deny Jesus altogether. According to Open Doors, Public Security Bureau officers recently burst into a Sunday school room and herded 30 children into a van. Despite the scary situation, one child started singing. The van soon was filled with song. Upon arrival at the police station, the children marched bravely into the interrogation room still singing to the Lord. Threatened with having to write "I do not believe in Jesus" 100 times before they would be released, the children instead wrote: "I believe in Jesus today. I will believe in Jesus tomorrow. I will believe in Jesus forever!" Exasperated, officials called the children's parents, some of whom denied Christ. When a widowed believer came to pick up her twin sons, she refused to deny Jesus. The officers threatened her: "If you do not deny Jesus, we will not release your sons!" The widow replied, "Well, I guess you will just have to keep them, because without Jesus, there would be no way for me to take care of them!" With no avenues left open to them, the officials said, "Take your sons and go!"

Give thanks and praise to God for the faithful witness of these children. Pray the light of their faith will brighten the spiritual darkness around them. Pray God will continue to strengthen them as they face the pressures of adulthood.

GUINEA (ASSIST News Service)
A baptism ceremony in Nzerekore was attacked Wednesday, Ocober 19th, by Muslims. They complained the music from the service disturbed their prayers at a nearby mosque. Ten people were injured, two seriously, and several houses were sacked. The Muslims rioted again that Friday evening and razed a local video store. Elite soldiers had to be deployed to restore order. Several guns were confiscated, and a curfew was imposed. During the weekend some 100 people were arrested, with 56 still detained. Nzerekore is located in the Forest Region of southeastern Guinea, close to adjoining borders of Liberia, Ivory Coast and Guinea. The region is awash with bored ex-soldiers, illegal weapons and illegal immigrants. The wider region, especially neighboring Ivory Coast, is simmering with ethnic and religious tensions. Guinea is 85.4 percent Muslim, 9.7 percent African Traditional Religion (ATR), and 4.7 percent Christian. After decades of Marxist, pro-Islamic persecution of the church, there is now religious freedom in Guinea. The Guinean church has embraced missions, and in the past decade, indigenous workers have begun witnessing cross-culturally to previously unreached people groups. The Guinean church is growing. But in recent years, as Islam has radicalized worldwide, the Christian minority in Guinea has been increasingly on the painful end of a revived Islamic intolerance.

Pray God will protect, preserve and strengthen the Christians of Guinea, blessing their witness for His glory and His eternal Kingdom. Pray the Son will set people free from the spiritual shackles that have kept them in darkness. Pray the Lord will empower pastors, evangelists and all believers with His wisdom, discernment and all-encompassing love as they deal with their Muslim neighbors.

INDONESIA (ASSIST News Service)
Reuters news agency reports that Indonesian police have increased patrols in the violence-plagued Poso area of Sulawesi island. Three Christian teenage girls were beheaded by assailants dressed in black on October 29th, as they walked to school. So far no witness has been questioned and no suspect arrested, according to police. One student survived and described the attack. The three headless bodies of the girls, dressed in brown uniforms, were left at the site of the attack. The remainder of their bodies was found at separate locations two hours later by residents. Television news showed wailing and distraught relatives of the students viewing their corpses in coffins. According to Reuters, Muslim-Christian clashes in the Poso area killed 2,000 people from 1998 through 2001, when a peace agreement was reached. About 85 percent of Indonesia's 220 million people are Muslim. But in some eastern parts, Christian and Muslim populations are about equal. Most Indonesian Muslims are moderates, but there has been an increasingly active militant minority in recent years. (Click here)

Pray the gruesome horror of this attack will cause moderate Muslims to question their faith. Pray Jesus will surround the girls' grieving families and friends with His comforting presence. Pray the girl who survived the attack will recognize that God saved her for His purposes.

NIGERIA (VOM-Canada)
Sardauna Anaruwa Sashi, once a devout Muslim, became a faithful follower of Christ earlier this year. Having learned of his conversion, the police apprehended him on September 21st. According to an October 31st report by Compass Direct, during four days of detention, the 30-year-old resident of Paiko was severely tortured. He claims that at one point police beat him with their batons and almost killed him. It was only through the intervention of his pastor and a lawyer from his church that he was released. Since he has become an "infidel" in the eyes of his Muslim employer, he can no longer care for their cattle. Besides the loss of income he faces, Sashi's pastor has said that the Muslims will also never abandon their resolve to kill him. Sashi has reportedly received death threats since his release. While he fears for his life and the lives of his wife and relatives who have also turned to Christ, he testifies he will never recant. Paiko is located in Niger state, one of Nigeria's Northern states where Shariah Law has been imposed.

Pray the Lord will strengthen Sashi's faith as He provides for his needs. Pray God will help his wife and family members remain true to the Lord. Pray the love and power of the Holy Spirit will take away the resolve in the Muslims' hearts to see Sashi killed.

SOMALIA (VOM sources)
Dr. Osman Sheik Ahmed, a well-known figure in Somalia's higher education sphere, was shot and killed October 7th, in Northern Mogadishu. Witnesses have confirmed to Dr. Osman's family and members of his house church that he was assassinated by Islamic hit men from Mogadishu's radical Islamic courts. He is survived by his wife, Zahra Ali Hassan and nine children. His wife is in hiding fearing for her life. Reuters reported in 2003, that a top leader of Kulanka Culimada, the Islamic terror group that runs the Islamic courts said: "All Somali Christians must be killed according to the Islamic Law. Such people do not have a place in Somalia and we will never recognize their existence and we will slaughter them." Dr. Osman began assisting a number of Christian NGO's from 1988-1990, as a volunteer. His skills in government relations and pubic service earned him a great deal of respect from Somalis and from the international community he was assisting. It is a tough time for the Christian community in Mogadishu, where three Somali Christians were attacked on October 31st. Rev. Hirsi was shot in the stomach and is in serious condition, hospitalized in a coma. Mr. Nur sustained injury in the arm, and Mr. Mohammed was spared of physical harm.

Pray God will strengthen the suffering Christians in Somalia, making Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. Pray the faithful witness of Somali Christians will bring many Muslims to Christ. Give thanks to God that, contrary to human logic, no amount of persecution can thwart the Christian faith and for church growth in most areas where the blood of the martyrs is shed.

From the Mouth of Babes

2005-11-02T10:23:00.000-09:00

So I come home from work last night, I’m tried and hungry, all I want to do is eat and go to bed. Thankfully my wife had dinner ready and we sat down at the table, something we don’t do enough of, and I start eating.

My six year old son says, “Don’t we need to pray”.

To which I reply, “You should always pray and thank God before you eat”.

Than he says, “What you doing eating, lets pray”.

I just couldn’t argue with that, after all my wife and I have tried to raise them to be thankful to God for everything. So we stopped eating and prayed.

This Weeks VOM Prayers

2005-11-01T07:50:00.000-09:00

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

From The Voice of the Martyrs

EGYPT (ASSIST News Service)
Three people died during a riot outside a Coptic church in Alexandria, Egypt. The riot was in protest of a play accused of offending Islam. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reports police used sticks and tear gas to hold back a crowd of around 5,000 protesters, who marched on St. George's church. Dozens of people were injured in the crush. Police report one man inhaled tear gas, was trampled and later died. October 19th, a nun was stabbed by a Muslim, who protested the sale of a DVD of the play, staged at the church in 2003. The demonstration was the latest in a series of incidents at the church related to the 2003 performance of the play entitled, "I Once Was Blind But Now I See." The drama tells the story of a poor young Copt who is drawn to Islamist militants who then try to kill him. Coptic Christian leaders report the play depicts the dangers of extremism, not of Islam. The church's director, Rev. Augustinous, denied the play was offensive to Islam because its Christian hero is ultimately saved by a Muslim friend. Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 70 million people. Egypt's majority is Muslim.

Pray the publicity surrounding this event will lead many Muslims to view the DVD and question the tenets of their faith. Pray Coptic Christians will be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit as they deal with fanatic Muslims. Pray the Lord will surround Coptic Christians with His love and mercy and protect them from harm.

NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
Christians in the rural areas of Kano are afraid to send their children to public schools, fearing they will be forced to convert to Islam. Students are being forced to study Arabic, Islam, and say Islamic prayers. Moreover, Christian leaders report the government refuses to grant churches permission to establish schools in rural areas. "The strategy is to force Christians to send their children to public schools so they can be forced to become Muslims," said Rev. Murtala Marti Dangora, secretary of the Kano district of the Evangelical Church of West Africa. Rev. Dangora, a former Muslim, said there are still numerous cases of persecution in the state; in one case, 15 Christians were forced to flee Banda village because of Muslim antagonism. Another Christian leader noted that Christians in Kano state have lost religious liberty and are seen as second-class citizens.

Pray Christians worldwide will lift these members of the Body of Christ before His Throne. Pray God will hear their cry and work a miracle of His grace to allow believers in Nigeria to worship freely. Pray many Muslim authorities will seek the true God who loves them and grieves for their lost souls.

TURKEY (VOM sources)
VOM has received word that a high-ranking U.S. official has solidified an agreement for the freedom of the Iranian widow and her children who had been ordered to be deported to Iran where they faced imprisonment and possible execution. The agreement states they "cannot be" deported to Iran. An arrangement is being processed for the necessary paperwork to allow them to leave Turkey very soon.

Join with this family, their friends and intercessors worldwide in praising God for His divine intervention. Pray they will find a good home, Christian friends and suitable employment in the place God has prepared for them. Continue to pray God will move in love and mercy to free Christians suffering from the violent oppression of Islam.

INDIA (Gospel for Asia)
In another delay, the Indian Supreme Court has withheld its decision on the Dalit civil rights case until November. This delay is a positive development, allowing the Court to take seriously this case of discrimination against Dalit Christians and not rush in judgment. It also allows Christians to have more time to intercede with prayer, asking God to guide the thoughts and decisions of the judges. Under the current law, Dalits lose some of their basic constitutional rights when they become Christians; they are no longer eligible for affirmative action placements in education, employment, government and many other areas-rights granted to Dalits who are Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist. According to a government census, some 20 million Dalits have become Christians. Equally important, there are many Dalits whose only hesitation to becoming Christians is fear of this legalized discrimination.

Pray our merciful Father will lead the Supreme Court of India to correct these injustices. Pray fervently on behalf of these millions of Dalit men, women and children who suffer unjust discrimination. Pray the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of Hindus to see every person is of value and precious in the sight of God.

UZBEKISTAN (Compass Direct)
Christians in a remote village of Uzbekistan are being beaten, publicly humiliated and chased out of their homes and jobs for converting to Christianity. A local strongman is orchestrating harsh opposition to the small congregation in Janbashkala village, near Turtkul in southwestern Uzbekistan. Tokhtabay Sadikov has pressured local police and civic officials, the prosecutor's office, the secret police and Muslim clerics to impose punishing measures against every villager known to have "abandoned the Muslim faith of their parents." The water supply to Christian homes in the village has been cut off, and the church of nearly 100 has dwindled to 20.

Pray God will give Christians in Janbashkala supernatural courage, boldness in their faith and love for their Muslim neighbors. Pray the Lord will honor the commitment of faithful believers with His presence and guidance. Pray this overcoming remnant will lead many to Christ.

How do you Picture Christ

2005-10-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

One of my biggest pet peeves is how Hollywood betrays Jesus. Even back in the day, Christ was this frail dude typically with blue eyes.

Ok, let’s think about it Jesus was raised by Joseph to be a carpenter this was back before power tools and at a time when children helped out at a young age. In the book The Bible or the Axe William Levi tells how he and his brother were shepherds at ages five and six, just to give you an idea of how young He may have been.

So this is how I picture Jesus, first of he a Jew so had at least dark hair and eyes, and probably a darker skin tone. I also picture him as being a rather big person, after all cutting and sawing on wood, not to mention cutting trees down, would have build muscles. I picture his hands to have calluses on calluses, the kind of hand that swallows yours when you shake it.

Ok, let’s deal with Jesus’ character first off as Flannel points out He was God. He was the same God from the Old Testament, which means He was not only loving, but just as will. I know that it’s popular to focuses on Christ’s love, but think about it when He was dealing with people He knew what was in their hearts. Think about 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, younger ones, be subject to older ones, and all being subject to one another. Put on humility. For God resists proud ones, but He gives grace to the humble. Now with this in mind think or better yet reread the gospels, I think you’ll find a difference in how Jesus treated the Pharisees, and how he treated for example the woman in John 8. As well as some of the things he said to the leaders of that day.

One last thing, by keeping in mind that Jesus was God, and their for the same yesterday today and forever, you can easily see that what Christ did in the temple when He cleaned house, He was not sinning(I’ve heard people that would call themselves Christians say this). He was merely being the holy and just God He has always been.

This has been brought to you via the great Flannel Avenger’s Blogsphere Bible Study.

Confused

2005-10-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

Ok I just don’t understand this, the Salvation Army bad. Selling sex toys ok?!?

Dear Mr. Maximus

2005-10-13T02:51:00.000-08:00

The Holy Bible has served us well just as it is." Well, isn't that nice. I mean, besides the fact that the Holy Bible wasn't given to us all at once, as it is. For about 500 years, in fact, the canon didn't exist in it's present configuration. But I guess we can ignore such history, and just contract 2000 years into today.
Oh, and what about that thing in Matthew 27:25? I mean, if it's served us just fine so far, does that mean the anti-Semitic discrimination and violence inspired by this verse is okay? Are we not allowed to look at the historical person of Matthew and notice that he had a very confrontational relationship with Pharisidic Jews, which may have led to such animosity in his writing? Or do we just accept that the Jews really are at fault, and all Jews should be punished?--Maximus' comment

So what your saying is that because certain groups use parts of the bible to spew there hatred and venom. Than we should just disregard that part of it, I don’t deny the fact that people have and still are twisting God’s word to suit their own purpose. Not everyone likes John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” So does that mean we should take that out or say that it is not true?

2Ti 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

I’m sorry you may think I’m foolish or naïve, but I take the Bible to be the perfect word of God. It bothers me when people tamper with it. I believe in a God that can do anything, including preserving His word from mans imperfectness.

Here are a couple of links that you’ll find a lot and I do mean a lot of articles on questions concerning the bible as well as one that gives examples of history from the Bible. I’ll be honest, I’ve not had the time to read them all, however they are from a source that I trust.

I would ask you to not be so rude when you post here.

Prayers for October 11, 2005

2005-10-12T18:54:00.000-08:00

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."
(Psalm 91:1,2)

From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (China Aid Association)
State security agents threatened Christian businessman, Tong Qimiao, while he was being hospitalized for a broken chest bone, caused by brutal torture. The agents showed Mr. Tong China Aid Association's news release on his case and forced him to write a statement that he was never beaten during interrogation. The officials of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce also showed up at the emergency room and threatened him that his license would be revoked unless he cooperated with the state security agents. Mr. Tong Qimiao was so seriously beaten by the state security agents on September 30th that his chest bone was broken. Reliable sources told CAA that Mr. Tong and his family would not give in and they would file a lawsuit against the agents. "We are shocked by what happened to Mr. Tong, and it is even more inhumane and barbarian that this happened in the hospital," said Bob Fu, President of China Aid Association. "This kind of case happens as the Chinese government is ambitiously developing the Western region. We urge the Chinese government to take exact steps to protect people's freedom of religion, which is enshrined in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China."

Pray God will work out His justice in this case. Pray the Lord will heal Mr. Tong quickly. Pray international publicity concerning Mr. Tong's treatment will bring an end to China's persecution of Christians.

INDIA (Compass Direct)
Religious tensions in Punjab state increased last week, as police beat several Christians in jail. They had taken them to jail to presumably protect them from Hindu extremists. At least 40 Christians were praying at a home in Maloud the night of September 25th when a mob, including members of the Hindu extremist group Bajrang Dal, stormed the house. The mob threatened the Christians and beat some of them. Believers called the police, and four of them-Gurdev Singh, Balkaran Singh, Jaswant Singh and Amar Singh, a pastor-were taken into custody, as the mob grew increasingly violent. At Maloud's police station, Assistant Sub-Inspector Hukum Chand Sharma, repeatedly struck the Christians, gravely injuring Gurdev Singh and Amar Singh. Later he also beat a 60-year-old pastor, Sukhdev Singh, who was later hospitalized with serious injuries.

Nine Christians in Chattisgarh's Durg district are on trial for disrupting the peace between two communities, by "attempting to convert" Hindu villagers with offers of money. On Monday, September 26th, the pastor and eight members of a church appeared before a judge, who offered to dismiss the case if the Christians would agree to stop their activities.,They declined to do, asserting that the allegations against them were false. Police had arrested the group on June 6th and charged them with disturbing the peace, after a mob of around 200 people attacked the Christians and accused them of offering money to convert Hindu villagers. Police did not file any charges against the attackers. Meanwhile, two other Christians in another district of Chattisgarh are awaiting charges against them for their alleged role in fraudulent "conversion."

Pray our compassionate Savior will physically and emotionally heal the injured believers. Pray they will display God's heart toward their enemies. Pray the police will recognize that their attempts to wipe out Christianity were in vain.

INDONESIA (Christian Freedom International)
Christian Freedom International, a fact-finding mission to Indonesia, reveals alarming and growing evidence of religious persecution against minority Christians. Christian Freedom International (CFI) president Jim Jacobson, conducted a fact-finding mission to Indonesia, the world's largest Islamic nation, in September 2005, visiting numerous forcibly closed churches in West Java. CFI urges the Indonesia government to allow religious freedom, to intervene and stop the forced shut-down of churches and to denounce the radical Islamic group known as AGAP. AGAP is an abbreviation for Aliansi Gerakan Ant Pemurtadan, which translated into English means Anti-Apostasy Alliance Movement. According to Jacobson, "AGAP has a mission to close churches and basically eradicate Christianity in Indonesia. They use fear, intimidation, threats, and obscure government regulations, in cooperation with local officials, to accomplish their goal." At least 35 churches in Bandung and neighboring regions have been closed by Islamic mobs during the past 12 months alone. A free copy of the Christian Freedom International fact-finding report entitled, "Churches Forced to Close in Indonesia" can be viewed or downloaded online by visiting www.christianfreedom.org.

Pray Christians in Indonesia will remain faithful to Jesus, knowing His grace is sufficient for them. Pray that as the persecution of Christians increases, our powerful God will grow His church. Pray many Muslims will tire of the violence and seek the God of peace and His Son, Jesus Christ.

NIGERIA (ASSIST News Service)
Rejoice Gwammikat Daniel Chirdap, the 16-year-old who disappeared during a visit to her father's house in Kagadama, Yelwa, has been returned to her family. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that Rejoice disappeared on September 12, 2005. Two days later her family received a letter from the Bauchi State Shari'ah Commission informing them it had given custody of Rejoice to Imam Yakubu of Kagadama, Yelwa. There has been no explanation as to how Rejoice, a minor, came to be in the Commission's hands without parental consent. CSW states that following widespread publicity and high-level advocacy on Rejoice's disappearance, the Bauchi State Police Force finally took action on September 23rd. "They intervened decisively and the Bauchi State Shari'ah Commission handed Rejoice over to her family. Although somewhat traumatized by her experience, a medical examination revealed that Rejoice was otherwise unharmed," CSW said.

Give thanks to our merciful Father that Rejoice was returned to her family unharmed. Praise God that the international publicity and prayers of thousands of Christians caused the Bauchi State Shari'ah Commission to act on her behalf. Pray God will also grant His mercy to all those who persecute Christians in Nigeria, bringing them into His loving arms and eternal Kingdom.

More Cartoons

2005-10-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

The Danger of Taking the Bible with a Grain of Salt

2005-10-08T00:39:00.000-08:00

I just don’t understand this, the Catholic church as recently denounced the Bible, or at least parts of it:

THE hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church has published a teaching document
instructing the faithful that some parts of the Bible are not actually true.

The Catholic bishops of England, Wales and Scotland are warning their five
million worshippers, as well as any others drawn to the study of scripture,
that they should not expect “total accuracy” from the Bible. “We should not
expect to find in Scripture full scientific accuracy or complete historical
precision,” they say in The Gift of Scripture. The document is timely, coming as
it does amid the rise of the religious Right, in particular in the US.

Why even read and study the bible if you don’t belive it’s the true and inspired Word of God. This article goes one to state what you they believe to be true and untrue:

UNTRUE
Genesis ii, 21-22
So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall
upon the man, and while he slept he took one of his
ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the
rib which the Lord God had taken from the man
he made into a woman and brought her to the man

Genesis iii, 16
God said to the woman [after she was beguiled by
the serpent]: “I will greatly multiply your pain
in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth
children, yet your desire shall be for your
husband, and he shall rule over you.”

Matthew xxvii, 25
The words of the crowd: “His blood be
on us and on our children.”

Revelation xix,20
And the beast was captured, and with it the
false prophet who in its presence had worked the
signs by which he deceived those who had
received the mark of the beast and those who
worshipped its image. These two were thrown
alive into the lake of fire that burns with
brimstone.”

TRUE
Exodus iii, 14
God reveals himself to Moses as: “I am who I
am.”

Leviticus
xxvi,12
“I will be your God, and you shall be my
people.”

Exodus
xx,1-17
The Ten Commandments

Matthew v,7
The Sermon on the Mount

Mark viii,29
Peter declares Jesus to be the Christ

Luke i
The Virgin Birth

John xx,28
Proof of bodily resurrection
Read the article for yourself

So basically they’re picking and choosing what parts of the Bible can be believed and witch parts cannot. I notice that they have Exodus 20:1-17 included in the true section. I wonder if they realize that Ex 20:8 says this

20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 20:9 For six days you may labor and do all your work, 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, or your male servant, or your female servant, or your cattle, or your resident foreigner who is in your gates. 20:11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, and he rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

AiG has a good rebuttal on it’s website:

An article in The Times of London by Ruth Gledhill about this study book is
accompanied on the newspaper’s website by a discussion. One posting, by an
atheist, is particularly telling. Referring to the Gift of Scripture’s repudiation of biblical literalism and creationism, the atheist says:
‘Having been obliged at last to make these concessions, I wonder how much
longer it will take for the virgin birth, the divinity of Christ and the
resurrection also to be conceded as “symbolic”.

Now if an atheist can see what will happen if this continues, than why can't Christians. I don’t know to me it just one sign that the end is near!

VOM letter writing

2005-10-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I talked about writing letters to Christian prisoners. I found this article today:

(AgapePress) - Zhang Yi-Nan, a leader in the Chinese house church movement
who was arrested in 2003 in connection with his Christian activities, has
been released after spending two years in a labor camp. Communist Chinese
authorities released Zhang last week from the Ping Ding Shan City Bailou Labor
Camp in Henan Province, China. The Christian prisoner had been taken into
custody in September of 2003 and charged with subverting the Chinese
government and socialist order. But, even after he had completed two years
of laojiao, or “re-education through labor,” Zhang was not immediately allowed
to go home. According to a report from Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), a ministry to persecuted
Christians worldwide, Zhang was escorted from the labor camp by ten policement;
but instead of taking him home, he was first taken to the Lushan County Police
Station, where he was “instructed” about what he should not say or do following
his release. Reportedly, police told the ex-detainee that he was “very defiant”
for not admitting his “mistakes” -- i.e., choosing to follow Christ and
belonging to an unregistered house church rather than China's official state
church. Zhang was finally allowed to go home with his wife and son. Upon
arriving home, one of the first things he did was to watch a video documentary
called The Cross: Jesus in China. The humble Christian leader later remarked
that, compared with what other Chinese Christians have gone through, his own
suffering was nothing. “I am just so privileged to taste a little bit of the
Lord's cross,” he said. Todd Nettleton, a spokesman with VOM, believes the
strong response of fellow Christians who participated in a letter writing
campaign on Zhang's behalf probably played a significant role in his release.
Nettleton says the labor camp detainee was featured on PrisonerAlert.com, a
website the ministry has set up, through which people can write to Christians in
prison around the world. “About 2,700 people went on the website, looked at
Brother Zhang's profile, and then composed a letter to him,” the VOM
representative says. “The website also translates the letters into the language
of the prisoner, so his letters were in Chinese."

So you see it works so if you haven't or even if you have. Go to Prisoner Alert, and write a letter today.

The power of God's Word to change people

2005-10-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

Check out this article, ok this is just an awesome story. It goes to show you the power of God's Word.

Does meek equal weak?

2005-10-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Why is it that people think Christians are these weak, frail people that are hiding behind an outdated book?

I was watching a western staring Sam Huston, called The Quick and the Dead. Well about half way through this movie Sam Huston grabs this guy and says something along the lines of “When are you going to knock of the meek with inherit the earth junk.” This got me thinking, what does that word meek mean?

So I did a quick study on the word meek, using E-Sword, and this is what I came up with.

Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Strong’s

G4239
πραΰ́ς
praus
prah-ooce'
Apparently a primary word; mild, that is, (by implication) humble: - meek. See also G4235.Meek
MEEK, a. [L. mucus; Eng. mucilage; Heb. to melt.]

Thayer

G4239
πραΰ́ς
praus
Thayer Definition:
1) mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness
Part of Speech: adjective
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: apparently a primary word
Citing in TDNT: 6:645, 929

Webster's

1. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries.

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all men. Num 12.

2. Appropriately, humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations. Christ says, "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls." Mat 11.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Mat 5.

This Webster’s definition is from one of the first dictionary that Noah Webster published. So what does Webster say now:

Pronunciation: 'mEkFunction: adjectiveEtymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse mjukr gentle; akin to Welsh mwyth soft1 : enduring injury with patience and without resentment : MILD 2 : deficient in spirit and courage : SUBMISSIVE 3 : not violent or strong : MODERATE

Boy, what a difference a few hundred years will make, in the meaning of a word.

In the Beginning…There Were No Diapers

2005-10-01T22:57:00.000-08:00

By Tim Bete

Surely if you’re a parent you can relate to this:

Saint Paul wrote, “One who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.” Sometimes I feel like I’m speaking in tongues and my children aren’t able to interpret. Perhaps I need to pray harder for my children to understand me. I’m sure they’re praying for me. I’m sure they’re praying for me to understand them. I recently found out the firefighters in our town need some prayers too.

In a nearby preschool, a local firefighter was teaching fire safety to three- and four-year-olds. One of his first questions was, “What do you do if your clothes are on fire?” Instantly, one of the kids shouted out, “Close your closet door!” Answers like that make it difficult to continue a presentation.

This book is at times humorous, at times laugh out loud funny, but at all times it was very enjoyable. What I enjoyed most about it, was reading it and remembering the times when my own children did similar things.

The only thing I want to know is how much did he have to pay the poor sap on the front cover to hold two loaded weapons of mass destruction at himself with the safeties off.

Now if you not sure if you’re a parent, why don’t you take Mr. Bete’s quiz to see if you are?

To find more reviews check outMind and Media who has provided this book to me as a gift. for my review.

Have a minute?

2005-09-29T22:30:00.000-08:00

Do you have a spare minute? You must have your reading this right now. Stacy Harp from the VOM Blog has issued a challenge.

If you've visited this blog you know that I post weekly prayer updates from the Voice of the Martyers. I now many of you have prayed, but how about taking it a step further. Go to Prisoner Alert, they have what they call a letter authoring tool, that takes just a couple of seconds to fill out. This think even translates it for you and than for the price of a stamp you can send our brother and sisters in chains an encourging note. It really is that easy.

Prayers for September 27, 2005

2005-09-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

Tom White shares an interrogation experience in this excerpt from God's Missiles Over Cuba:

I stopped responding to his questions and stared directly into his eyes.... I continued to pray in front of him like this for hours...
"What are you doing?" he demanded.
"I am praying for you."
His mouth dropped open.... He looked nervously around the room, then started drumming his fingers on the desk. In the next session I was surprised to see him wearing sunglasses. Evidently he didn't want me to see his eyes. God doesn't need eye contact. He deals with the heart. I continued to pray.

Thanks be to our Lord Jesus for giving the kind of love that drives His people to pray for those who persecute them! Thank you for being willing to stand in the gap and to intercede for these dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

From The Voice of the Martyrs

CUBA (VOM-Canada)
House-church leaders in Cuba are expressing concern over new government directives issued in April and due to come into effect this month. According to a September 15th report from Forum 18, the new legislation requires all currently operating house churches to register with the authorities. In recent years, some leaders attempted to register their house churches and faced such restrictive complications, that few have managed to complete the process. Under the new directives, if registration is refused, permission can never be granted to meet in that home. Church members may file an application to hold services in a different home within 15 days of the refusal. The legislation also restricts the number of house churches within a particular area and requires detailed reporting of all services and those in attendance. No signs may be displayed that pertain to the church. Foreigners are prohibited from any involvement or attendance of services in house churches in mountainous regions, without government approval. Authorities retain the right to supervise the services to ensure compliance. House churches failing to comply will be closed down and face fines up to a sum equivalent to 50 months' wages.

Give thanks and praise to God for His faithful followers in Cuba. Pray God will give wisdom to church leaders who attempt to register and make plans for the future of their fellowships. Pray the Lord will continue to grow His church in Cuba in spite of government interference.

EGYPT (Compass Direct)
Egypt's leading forensic doctor, Dr. Ayman Soda, has refuted a court physician's report against Coptic Christian Shafik Saleh Shafik. The case has prompted death threats by Muslims, where Shafik is accused of binding and beating Magda Refaat Gayed before she fled his Cairo shelter for troubled women, On September 20th, Dr. Soda testified it would have been impossible for Magda to have jumped from a height of 11 feet, as she claimed, as the ropes and chains would have precluded free movement. The Gayed family had requested that the then 16-year-old Coptic Christian girl be placed in Shafik's safe-house after she had run away from home with a Muslim man. Two weeks after she had disappeared from home, she was discovered living with a Muslim group that had promised she could marry the man as soon as she converted to Islam. The three judges of Cairo's Abbassiya Criminal Court No. 15 delayed giving a verdict until October 17th. (Click here)

Give thanks to God that the truth has been revealed. Pray the Lord will convict Magda of her false testimony and bring her to repentance. Pray the judges who rule on this October case will not be intimidated by Muslim extremists.

INDIA (VOM sources)
Radical Hindus have expelled evangelist Zacariah (24) from his village for spreading the good news. Zacariah has been working among a poor Hindu community for four years. He started his ministry with a JESUS film team and later began a small, challenging ministry among the poor Hindus. Zacariah has a small congregation of 15-20 people in a village in the Chickmaglur district of Karnataka state in southern India, where he continued his prayer meeting despite an expulsion order issued by radical Hindus. They have now threatened a death penalty for his continued refusal to accept the expulsion order. Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) is intervening to protect the life of this bold soldier of Jesus Christ. A political leader has been asked to interact with the police to extend protection.

Praise God for the bold witness of this faithful believer who continues to reach out with the love of his Savior to the poor. Pray God will surround Zacariah with His strong arm of protection. Pray our merciful and omnipotent Father will reveal Himself to the radical Hindus and bring His peace to India.

PAKISTAN (Compass Direct)
Maria Samar John was bought by her husband, Abdul Ghaffar, and forced to convert to Islam. A year ago, he disappeared with their two toddler children, then 5-year-old Joshua and 3-year-old Mariam. Ghaffar left Lahore, Pakistan, with the children and there have been no new clues to their whereabouts since October 2nd last year when a judge issued a warrant for Ghaffar's arrest. "I miss them a lot and I have been weeping for them," John told Compass as she described the past year without Joshua and Miriam. "I pray to God for their safety and safe return."

Pray God will protect these innocent children and bring them home to their mother. Pray the Lord will reveal the whereabouts of Abdul Ghaffar and he will be brought to justice. Pray Jesus will make himself known and bring comfort to all women who suffer under the bondage of Islam.

VIETNAM (Compass Direct)
Officials in Son Ha district incited a mob to burn down the home of evangelist Dinh Van Hoang in Quang Ngai province on August 21st, because he would not sign a paper denying his Christian faith. Local authorities came to Hoang's home that Sunday morning and told him Christians were not accepted there. They warned him he would have to give up his religious faith or face the destruction of his home. Hoang, as he has done previously, replied he could not give up his faith. Soon after, a mob burned down his house containing all his possessions. Additionally, in late July authorities in Son Tinh, Quang Ngai Province, destroyed the homes of 10 Hre families because they would not give up their Christian faith. The actions came after Vietnam adopted legislative measures supposed to support greater religious freedom.

Pray Hoang will continue to trust in God, who works His judgment on all who are oppressed. Pray Christians in Vietnam will continue bold in their faith and loving witness. Pray officials will enforce the new legislation so it provides more religious freedom.

The Bible or the Axe

2005-09-15T03:29:00.000-08:00

By William O. Levi as told by A.F. Chai

I’ll admit that when I finished reading this book, I realized it was not about what I thought it was going to be about. I thought this book was going to be about the persecution of Christians in Sudan. While this book does indeed deal with the awful treatment of south Sudan Christians by Islamic Jihadists, the heart of this book is how God delivered William Levi out of this harsh, cruel environment and used him for a greater purpose in the furthering of His kingdom.

The book starts out giving a very short but detailed history of Christianity in Africa. From there we learn that while William was a little over a year old his family decides to leave their homeland and become refugees in the Uganda wilderness. It is not until years later that William is able to return to his homeland in order to pursue his education.

As William continues his desire to receive an education things become increasing harder, until ultimately they seem impossible. Yet it when things look their worst that God begins to unveil his plan, as this book progresses things do not get any easier and at times they seem almost desperate. But God is faithful, and we quickly learn how God uses these hard, dark times to shape William so that His will can be done.

I know this has almost become a catch phrase, but this book truly touched me. I find it amazing how even though Mr. Levi is at times harshly treated, he never becomes bitter or angry toward his enemies. I have already written a little about this here.

To see how God ends up using William O. Levi please check out Operation Nehemiah. And for more reviews go to Mind and Media, who supplied me this book as a gift for reviewing it, and read what others are saying.

Prayers for September 13, 2005

2005-09-14T03:18:00.000-08:00

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:37-39).

From The Voice of the Martyrs

BURMA (Christian Freedom International)
Christian Freedom International received a report yesterday that the Full Gospel Assembly, a fast-growing church movement in the Kyauktada Township of Rangoon, Myanmar (Burma), was ordered by the military government to shut down. According to reports, State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) officials ordered Reverend Mung Tawng, of the Full Gospel Assembly, to cease all activities. An unnamed Burmese source urges Christians around the world to pray for Myanmar (Burma) saying, "It is a sad thing to hear that many churches have been shut down in Myanmar (Burma). Let us not forget the fact that freedom of worship is also one of the rights we have as human beings." Since 1999, the U.S. Secretary of State has designated Myanmar (Burma) as a "Country of Particular Concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act for their particularly severe violations of religious freedom.

Pray our omnipotent Father will bring peace and justice to this troubled country. Pray Christians will speak out, knowing God's Word will not return to Him void.

ERITREA (Compass Direct)
Eritrean police arrested a bridal couple along with their 18 wedding guests on Sunday night, September 4th, dragging them to jail because they were Pentecostals, authorities said. The seven women and 13 men were attending a private wedding ceremony in the home of the bride when Asmara police raided the house. Breaking into the traditional wedding tent of the groom, the police took him into custody along with his bride, the best men and bridesmaids. Jailed at Police Station No. 5 in Asmara, the 20 prisoners included two key leaders of the Hallelujah Church, Aklilu Habteab and Kashay Imbaye, as well as Zerit Gebreneguse, an evangelist in the Philadelphia Church. The church reportedly had taken careful precautions, as there was no singing or noticeable Christian activity, but somehow police learned about the wedding and arrived just as the ceremony was beginning.

Pray God will keep these prisoners as the apple of His eye and hold them under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 17:8). Pray the Holy Spirit will empower them to be witnesses of the love and faithfulness of their Savior. Pray God will answer the impassioned prayers of Christians worldwide to bring about the release of their suffering brothers and sisters.

PALESTINE (VOM-Canada)
On September 4th, the homes of at least 14 Christian families in the village of Taybeh, northeast of Ramallah, Palestine, were torched by Muslims from the neighboring village of Dir Jarir. The Muslims destroyed a store, a farm and a gas station. They also vandalized cars and beat the villagers as they fled their homes. The extent of the damage was exacerbated by problems coordinating the Palestinian Security Forces and the Israel Defense Forces, which delayed the response by several hours. The violence was instigated by the death of a Muslim woman who was killed by relatives after they suspected that she had been involved in a romantic relationship with a Christian man. When the family found out, they forced her to drink po(VOM-Canada)
On September 4th, the homes of at least 14 Christian families in the village of Taybeh, northeast of Ramallah, Palestine, were torched by Muslims from the neighboring village of Dir Jarir. The Muslims destroyed a store, a farm and a gas station. They also vandalized cars and beat the villagers as they fled their homes. The extent of the damage was exacerbated by problems coordinating the Palestinian Security Forces and the Israel Defense Forces, which delayed the response by several hours. The violence was instigated by the death of a Muslim woman who was killed by relatives after they suspected that she had been involved in a romantic relationship with a Christian man. When the family found out, they forced her to drink poison and then buried her without notifying the authorities. When Palestinian authority decided to investigate and planned to exhume the body, the family feared the relationship would be discovered. The attack was reportedly to avenge what her family considered the dishonoring of a Muslim woman.

Pray God will protect His faithful children in this hostile environment. Pray the Lord will give them grace and courage to forgive their enemies. Pray the Holy Spirit will bring the Muslims to repentance for their inhumane treatment of an innocent girl and the subsequent attack.

KAZAKHSTAN (ASSIST News Service)
Pressure continues on Protestants in the Atyrau region of northwestern Kazakhstan as authorities find pretexts to refuse religious communities registration. At least two local Protestant churches have been arbitrarily denied registration. This is a serious concern now that unregistered religious activity in Kazakhstan has been made illegal and punishable. Local Protestants in Gulsary have tried unsuccessfully to register the Resurrection Church at the Atyrau regional Justice Administration four times. A Protestant from Gulsary, who preferred not to be named, told Forum 18 that on August 6th, two officials from the Gulsary district public prosecutor's office came to a church meeting and made all the church members write statements explaining why they were taking part in the activities of an unregistered church. They warned church members that if they met again they would be fined. "Basically, they are deliberately driving us into a trap," the Gulsary Protestant complained to Forum 18. "They find pretexts to refuse us registration, and then when we meet together they accuse us of breaking the law." Officials were already putting pressure on members of unregistered churches, but now they have acquired the ability to do this legally.

Pray the Protestants will continue to meet and bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray they will trust the Holy Spirit to give them His words when they are dealing with the authorities. Pray God will bring a sweeping revival to this Islamic country.

Reflections on 9/11

2005-09-12T01:15:00.000-08:00

As I remember the events that took place that tragic day I’m torn in two directions. One as an American I feel a call to arms not only to defend this great nation, but also to seek out and destroy radical Islam. But there is a growing, I don’t know if feeling is the right word, maybe desire would better, I just believe it is time for me, at least to start forgiving my enemies. Not only did Christ teach us to love our enemies but He also said that hate is murder, and I’ve been harboring a lot of hate in my heart. I feel that it is time for me to let go of the hate, while still remembering the events of 9/11.

I want to illustrate my point and I happen to be reading a book that does a very good job of doing just that. The book is called The Bible or the Axe and it’s written but William O. Levi. For you to understand this illustration I’ll need to give you some background info on Mr. Levi, he is a Messianic believer from an African Hebrew tribal group he grew up as a refugee in Uganda and later returned to Sudan. These are his thoughts after a lesson from his grandfather (who was a pastor) on Ephesians 6:

He wanted all of us to understand that our earthly enemies were just people who needed God’s love. I could choose to dispatch them to eternal damnation with a bullet or a sword, or I could serve them and reach out to them with the redeeming message of the Gospel of Christ. In choosing the latter, he wanted me to know that I would have to be prepared to sacrifice my life for my enemies, just as Christ did when He died for the redemption of men who hated Him. He wanted us all to understand that the war and the corruption and the hunger and the pain and the hatred were symptoms of the disease of sin. God’s overarching plan, I would come to understand, is not about me or my comfort. It is about His redemptive plan.

To me those are some pretty strong words, while I have not finished this book, I know that latter William Levi suffers greatly for his belief in Christ, I’m very interested in seeing how he deals with this.

After reading this I began to think about my own attitude, the funny think about forgiveness , a least for me, its super easy to talk about but much harder to live out.

Below is the part of Eph 6 that William's grandfather was teahing on.

Ephesians 6

Exhortations for Spiritual Warfare

6:10 Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 6:11 Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 6:13 For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. 6:14 Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, 6:15 by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, 6:16 and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 6:18 With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints. 6:19 Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak—that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel, 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak.

Never Forget, but working on forgiveness

2005-09-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

343 Firefighters Answer Their Last Bell ~ September 11, 2001

A
Joseph Agnello, Lad.118

Lt. Brian Ahearn, Bat.13

Eric Allen, Sqd.18 (D)

Richard Allen, Lad.15

Capt. James Amato, Sqd.1

Calixto Anaya Jr., Eng.4

Joseph Angelini, Res.1 (D)

Joseph Angelini Jr., Lad.4

Faustino Apostol Jr., Bat.2

David Arce, Eng.33

Louis Arena, Lad.5 (D)

Carl Asaro, Bat.9 Lt.

Gregg Atlas, Eng.10

Gerald Atwood, Lad.21

B
Gerald Baptiste, Lad.9

A.C. Gerard Barbara, Cmd. Ctr.

Matthew Barnes, Lad.25

Arthur Barry, Lad.15

Lt. Steven Bates, Eng.235

Carl Bedigian, Eng.214

Stephen Belson, Bat.7

John Bergin, Res.5

Paul Beyer, Eng.6

Peter Bielfeld, Lad.42

Brian Bilcher, Sqd.1

Carl Bini, Res.5

Christopher Blackwell, Res.3

Michael Bocchino, Bat.48

Frank Bonomo, Eng.230

Gary Box, Sqd.1

Michael Boyle, Eng.33

Kevin Bracken, Eng.40

Michael Brennan, Lad.4

Peter Brennan, Res.4

Capt. Daniel Brethel, Lad.24 (D)

Capt. Patrick Brown, Lad.3

Andrew Brunn, Lad.5 (D)

Capt. Vincent Brunton, Lad.105

F.M. Ronald Bucca

Greg Buck, Eng.201

Capt. William Burke Jr., Eng.21

A.C. Donald Burns, Cmd. Ctr.

John Burnside, Lad.20

Thomas Butler, Sqd.1

Patrick Byrne, Lad.101

C
George Cain, Lad.7

Salvatore Calabro, Lad.101

Capt. Frank Callahan, Lad.35

Michael Cammarata, Lad.11

Brian Cannizzaro, Lad.101

Dennis Carey, Hmc.1

Michael Carlo, Eng.230

Michael Carroll, Lad.3

Peter Carroll, Sqd.1 (D)

Thomas Casoria, Eng.22

Michael Cawley, Lad.136

Vernon Cherry, Lad.118

Nicholas Chiofalo, Eng.235

John Chipura, Eng.219

Michael Clarke, Lad.2

Steven Coakley, Eng.217

Tarel Coleman, Sqd.252

John Collins, Lad.25

Robert Cordice, Sqd.1

Ruben Correa, Eng.74

James Coyle, Lad.3

Robert Crawford, Safety

Lt. John Crisci, H.M.

B.C. Dennis Cross, Bat.57 (D)

Thomas Cullen III, Sqd. 41

Robert Curatolo, Lad.16 (D)

D
Lt. Edward D'Atri, Sqd.1

Michael D'Auria, Eng.40

Scott Davidson, Lad.118

Edward Day, Lad.11

B.C. Thomas DeAngelis, Bat. 8

Manuel Delvalle, Eng.5

Martin DeMeo, H.M. 1

David DeRubbio, Eng.226

Lt. Andrew Desperito, Eng.1 (D)

B.C. Dennis Devlin, Bat.9

Gerard Dewan, Lad.3

George DiPasquale, Lad.2

Lt. Kevin Donnelly, Lad.3

Lt. Kevin Dowdell, Res.4

B.C. Raymond Downey, Soc.

Gerard Duffy, Lad.21

E
Capt. Martin Egan, Jr., Div.15 (D)

Michael Elferis, Eng.22

Francis Esposito, Eng.235

Lt. Michael Esposito, Sqd.1

Robert Evans, Eng.33

F
B.C. John Fanning, H.O.

Capt. Thomas Farino, Eng.26

Terrence Farrell, Res.4

Capt. Joseph Farrelly, Div.1 Dep. Comm.

William Feehan, (D)

Lee Fehling, Eng.235

Alan Feinberg, Bat.9

Michael Fiore, Res.5

Lt. John Fischer, Lad.20

Andre Fletcher, Res.5

John Florio, Eng.214

Lt. Michael Fodor, Lad.21

Thomas Foley, Res.3

David Fontana, Sqd.1

Robert Foti, Lad.7

Andrew Fredericks, Sqd.18

Lt. Peter Freund, Eng.55

G
Thomas Gambino Jr., Res.3

Chief of Dept. Peter Ganci, Jr. (D)

Lt. Charles Garbarini, Bat.9

Thomas Gardner, Hmc.1

Matthew Garvey, Sqd.1

Bruce Gary, Eng.40

Gary Geidel, Res.1 B.C.

Edward Geraghty, Bat.9

Dennis Germain, Lad.2

Lt. Vincent Giammona, Lad.5

James Giberson, Lad.35

Ronnie Gies, Sqd.288

Paul Gill, Eng.54

Lt. John Ginley, Eng.40

Jeffrey Giordano, Lad.3

John Giordano, Hmc.1

Keith Glascoe, Lad.21

James Gray, Lad.20 B.C.

Joseph Grzelak, Bat.48

Jose Guadalupe, Eng.54

Lt. Geoffrey Guja, Bat.43

Lt. Joseph Gullickson, Lad.101

H
David Halderman, Sqd.18

Lt. Vincent Halloran, Lad.8

Robert Hamilton, Sqd.41

Sean Hanley, Lad.20 (D)

Thomas Hannafin, Lad.5

Dana Hannon, Eng.26

Daniel Harlin, Lad.2

Lt. Harvey Harrell, Res.5

Lt. Stephen Harrell, Bat.7

Capt. Thomas Haskell, Jr., Div.15

Timothy Haskell, Sqd.18 (D)

Capt. Terence Hatton, Res.1

Michael Haub, Lad.4

Lt. Michael Healey, Sqd.41

John Hefferman, Lad.11

Ronnie Henderson, Eng.279

Joseph Henry, Lad.21

William Henry, Res.1 (D)

Thomas Hetzel, Lad.13

Capt. Brian Hickey, Res.4 Lt.

Timothy Higgins, S.O.C.

Jonathan Hohmann, Hmc.1

Thomas Holohan, Eng.6

Joseph Hunter, Sqd.288

Capt. Walter Hynes, Lad.13 (D)

I
Jonathan Ielpi, Sqd.288

Capt. Frederick Ill Jr., Lad.2

J
William Johnston, Eng.6

Andrew Jordan, Lad.132

Karl Joseph, Eng.207

Lt. Anthony Jovic, Bat.47

Angel Juarbe Jr., Lad.12

Mychal Judge, Chaplain (D)

K
Vincent Kane, Eng.22 B.C.

Charles Kasper, S.O.C.

Paul Keating, Lad.5

Richard Kelly Jr., Lad.11

Thomas R. Kelly, Lad.15

Thomas W. Kelly, Lad.105

Thomas Kennedy, Lad.101

Lt. Ronald Kerwin, Sqd.288

Michael Kiefer, Lad.132

Robert King Jr., Eng.33

Scott Kopytko, Lad.15

William Krukowski, Lad.21

Kenneth Kumpel, Lad.25

Thomas Kuveikis, Sqd.252

L
David LaForge, Lad.20

William Lake, Res.2

Robert Lane, Eng.55

Peter Langone, Sqd.252

Scott Larsen, Lad.15 Lt.

Joseph Leavey, Lad.15

Neil Leavy, Eng.217

Daniel Libretti, Res.2

Carlos Lillo, Paramedic

Robert Linnane, Lad.20

Michael Lynch, Eng.40

Michael Lynch, Lad.4

Michael Lyons, Sqd.41

Patrick Lyons, Sqd.252

M
Joseph Maffeo, Lad.101

William Mahoney, Res 4

Joseph Maloney, Lad.3 (D)

B.C. Joseph Marchbanks Jr, Bat.12

Lt. Charles Margiotta, Bat.22

Kenneth Marino, Res.1

John Marshall, Eng.23 Lt.

Peter Martin, Res.2

Lt. Paul Martini, Eng.23

Joseph Mascali, T.S.U. 2

Keithroy Maynard, Eng.33

Brian McAleese, Eng.226

John McAvoy, Lad.3 T

homas McCann, Bat.8

Lt. William McGinn, Sqd.18

B.C. William McGovern, Bat.2 (D)

Dennis McHugh, Lad.13

Robert McMahon, Lad.20

Robert McPadden, Eng.23

Terence McShane, Lad.101

Timothy McSweeney, Lad.3

Martin McWilliams, Eng.22 (D)

Raymond Meisenheimer, Res.3

Charles Mendez, Lad.7

Steve Mercado, Eng.40

Douglas Miller, Res.5

Henry Miller Jr, Lad.105

Robert Minara, Lad.25

Thomas Mingione, Lad.132

Lt. Paul Mitchell, Bat.1

Capt. Louis Modafferi, Res.5

Lt. Dennis Mojica, Res.1 (D)

Manuel Mojica, Sqd.18 (D)

Carl Molinaro, Lad.2

Michael Montesi, Res.1

Capt. Thomas Moody, Div.1

B.C. John Moran, Bat.49

Vincent Morello, Lad.35

Christopher Mozzillo, Eng.55

Richard Muldowney Jr, Lad.07

Michael Mullan, Lad.12

Dennis Mulligan, Lad.2

Lt. Raymond Murphy, Lad.16

N
Lt. Robert Nagel, Eng.58

John Napolitano, Res.2

Peter Nelson, Res.4

Gerard Nevins, Res.1

O
Dennis O'Berg, Lad.105

Lt. Daniel O'Callaghan, Lad.4

Douglas Oelschlager, Lad.15

Joseph Ogren, Lad.3

Lt. Thomas O'Hagan, Bat.4

Samuel Oitice, Lad.4

Patrick O'Keefe, Res.1

Capt. William O'Keefe, Div.15 (D)

Eric Olsen, Lad.15

Jeffery Olsen, Eng.10

Steven Olson, Lad.3

Kevin O'Rourke, Res.2

Michael Otten, Lad.35

P
Jeffery Palazzo, Res.5

B.C. Orio Palmer, Bat.7

Frank Palombo, Lad.105

Paul Pansini, Eng.10

B.C. John Paolillo, Bat.11

James Pappageorge, Eng.23

Robert Parro, Eng.8

Durrell Pearsall, Res.4

Lt. Glenn Perry, Bat.12

Lt. Philip Petti, Bat.7

Lt. Kevin Pfeifer, Eng. 33

Lt. Kenneth Phelan, Bat.32

Christopher Pickford, Eng.201

Shawn Powell, Eng.207

Vincent Princiotta, Lad.7

Kevin Prior, Sqd.252

B.C. Richard Prunty, Bat.2 (D)

Q
Lincoln Quappe, Res.2

Lt. Michael Quilty, Lad.11

Ricardo Quinn, Paramedic

R
Leonard Ragaglia, Eng.54

Michael Ragusa, Eng.279

Edward Rall, Res.2

Adam Rand, Sqd.288

Donald Regan, Res.3

Lt. Robert Regan, Lad.118

Christian Regenhard, Lad.131

Kevin Reilly, Eng.207

Lt. Vernon Richard, Lad.7

James Riches, Eng.4

Joseph Rivelli, Lad.25

Michael Roberts, Eng.214

Michael E. Roberts, Lad.35

Anthony Rodriguez, Eng.279

Matthew Rogan, Lad.11

Nicholas Rossomando, Res.5

Paul Ruback, Lad.25

Stephen Russell, Eng.55

Lt. Michael Russo, S.O.C.

B.C. Matthew Ryan, Bat.1

S
Thomas Sabella, Lad.13

Christopher Santora, Eng.54

John Santore, Lad.5 (D)

Gregory Saucedo, Lad.5

Dennis Scauso, H.M. 1

John Schardt, Eng.201

B.C. Fred Scheffold, Bat.12

Thomas Schoales, Eng.4

Gerard Schrang, Res.3 (D)

Gregory Sikorsky, Sqd.41

Stephen Siller, Sqd.1

Stanley Smagala Jr, Eng.226

Kevin Smith, H.M. 1

Leon Smith Jr, Lad 118

Robert Spear Jr, Eng.26

oseph Spor, Res.3

B.C. Lawrence Stack, Bat.50

Capt. Timothy Stackpole, Div.11 (D)

Gregory Stajk, Lad.13

Jeffery Stark, Eng.230

Benjamin Suarez, Lad.21

Daniel Suhr, Eng.216 (D)

Lt. Christopher Sullivan, Lad.111

Brian Sweeney, Res.1

T
Sean Tallon, Lad.10

Allan Tarasiewicz, Res.5

Paul Tegtmeier, Eng.4

John Tierney, Lad.9

John Tipping II, Lad.4

Hector Tirado Jr, Eng.23

V
Richard Vanhine, Sqd.41

Peter Vega, Lad.118

Lawrence Veling, Eng.235

John Vigiano II, Lad.132

Sergio Villanueva, Lad.132

Lawrence Virgilio, Sqd.18 (D)

W
Lt. Robert Wallace, Eng.205

Jeffery Walz, Lad. 9

Lt. Michael Warchola, Lad.5 (D)

Capt. Patrick Waters, S.O.C.

Kenneth Watson, Eng.214

Michael Weinberg, Eng.1 (D)

David Weiss, Res.1

Timothy Welty, Sqd.288

Eugene Whelan, Eng.230

Edward White, Eng.230

Mark Whitford, Eng.23

Lt. Glenn Wilkinson, Eng.238 (D)

B.C. John Williamson, Bat.6 (D)

Capt. David Wooley, Lad.4

Y
Raymond York, Eng.285 (D)

Sex and the Supremacy of Christ Review

2005-09-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

What’s the picture you get when you say sex and Christian in the same breath, or for that matter sex and marriage? To most people I think it’s safe to say they see boring. Even when I showed this book to a Christian friend of mine, he kinda of mumbled under his breath “I wonder if it says missionary position or nothing. And is it any surprise with this day and age teaching if it feels good do it. And don’t get married until you’ve sowed your wild oats. The concept of virginity is mocked and down right hated in some corners.

What this book does and does extremely well is begin to untangle sex from the twisted knot of sin, and restore it to its rightful place as a gift from God to be enjoyed by husband and wife. I can not begin to do this book justice with my own words, so what want to do is allow the book to speak for it’s self as much as possible with out giving away too much.

While this book is edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor, it has quite a few contributors. It is broken down in five parts. Here I think it would be easier for me to just show you:

Part one: God and Sex
Sex and the Supremacy of Christ: Part One
Sex and the Supremacy of Christ: Part Two
John Piper
The Goodness of Sex and the Glory of God
Ben Patterson

Part Two Sin and Sex
Making All Things New: Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken
David Powlison
Homosexual Marriage as a Challenge to the Church: Biblical and Cultural Reflections
R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

Part Three Men and Sex
Sex and the Single Man
Mark Dever, Michael Lawrence, Matt Schmucker and Scott Croft
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God: What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know
C.J. Mahaney

Part Four Women and Sex
Sex and the Single Woman
Carolyn McCulley
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God: What Every Christian Wife Needs to Know
Carolyn Mahaney

Part Five History and Sex
Martin Luther’s Reform of Marriage
Justin Taylor
Christian Hedonists or Religious Prudes? The Puritans on Sex
Mark Dever

Justin Taylor lays the foundation for this book in the introduction:

The genesis of this volume and its attempt to answer that question was the Desiring God National Conference (2004), entitled “Sex and the Supremacy of Christ.” We wanted to approach the topic with frankness and reverence, with the supremacy of Christ as both our foundation and our aim. What do sex and the supremacy of Christ have to do with each other, and what implications should this have for our everyday lives?

Later in the introduction he quotes’s Al Mohler:

Christians have no right to be embarrassed when it comes to talking
about sex and sexuality. An unhealthy reticence or embarrassment in dealing with these issues is a form of disrespect to God’s creation. Whatever God made is good, and every good thing God made has an intended purpose that ultimately reveals His own glory. When conservative Christians respond to sex with ambivalence or embarrassment, we slander the goodness of God and hide God’s glory which is intended to be revealed in the right use of creation’s gifts.

In Chapter one John Piper went a step further when he said:

Let me therefore sate again the two points that fly as a double banner over this book. 1) sexuality is designed by Christ as a way to know God more fully; and 2) knowing Christ more fully in all his infinite supremacy is designed as a way of guarding and guiding our sexuality. All sexual corruption serves to conceal the true knowledge of Christ, and the true knowledge of Christ serves to prevent sexual corruption.

Ok I’m now going to skip all the way down to Chapter 4, because this was were my eyes stared to be opened on just how much sin has stained the joy of sex. By far this was my favorite chapter. Not only does it talk about the “big” sins of sex, but also those “little” sins that easily get sweep under the cover as not hurting anyone. Mr. Powlison doesn’t just stop there but goes on to explain how Christ can begin to heal us:

You can hardly bear to put a name on what some people do, or on what happens to some people. Is your sexuality misshapen and misdirected? Sexual evils are among the dark things that pour forth from within our hearts. Jesus bluntly indicts a roster of sexual wrongs (Mark 7:21-23)-and offers costly mercy to the repentant. Has your sexuality been harmed by others? Some people experience terrible suffering at the hands of predators, users, misuses, and abusers. Jesus fiercely curses those who trip up other (Matt 18:6-7) - and offers safe refuge to sufferers.

On the one hand, sex becomes a complex darkness. On the other hand, sex becomes a garden of simple, pure delights. Which picture represents you?

It’s not really a fair question. You probably can’t answer either-or, because most likely you’re somewhere in the middle. This chapter is about making new, about long restoring of joys to the broken and dirtied. In other words, it’s about the process of change. It’s about moving along a trajectory away from the dark and toward the light. It’s about knowing where you’re heading while you’re still somewhere in the middle.

For the sake of time let me conclude with this, this book touches every major aspect of what sex should mean to a Christian. Like I said before, this book takes a giant step in the right direction towards restoring the true nature of sex, and how we should not, as Christians, be ashamed of using it to bring glory to God. After all it’s His gift to us, and we should enjoy it, not fear it.

This book truly has something for everyone. I’ll admit this book took me longer to read than others, not because it’s complex or hard to understand, but for the shear fact that there is so much information in its 270 pages, and is a must have.

For more reviews go to Mind and Media, who supplied me this book as a gift from Crossway publishers.

Prayers for September 6, 2005

2005-09-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations."
(Psalm 100)

It is a joy to know that we serve a God who never changes and is worthy of our praise! Please pray that as these precious brothers and sisters in Christ face various trials that they would be shining examples of God's mercy and truth. Thank you for praying this week!

VOM Web Team

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for CHINA
CHINA (ASSIST News Service)
Two recent news releases from China Aid Association (CAA) document a shocking escalation of persecution in China. There seems to be a direct correlation between increasing Russian-Chinese-Central Asian solidarity and growing persecution of unsanctioned Protestant Christians in those states. China is systematically strengthening its assault on "cults" (which includes house churches.) On July 7th, Pastor Cai Zhuohua faced court in Beijing charged with "illegal business operations" for printing more than 200,000 Bibles and other Christian books. (As they were given away and not sold, there was no "business.") He is in prison awaiting sentence. Two women, Ms. Gu Junging (38) and Ms. Ren Daoyun (60) are still in prison following the detention and interrogation of two American students and 43 Chinese believers whom Ms. Ren Daoyun had hosted in her home. Mr. Song Jun, Mr. He Jiangwei and Ms. Liang Fanglan are still held incommunicado following a house-church raid in Xinjiang province on August 7th. On August 15th, five American church leaders were arrested in Jiangxi province along with 27 house-church pastors. The group had simply been enjoying Christian fellowship together. Where they are being detained is not known, but God knows, therefore, we will confidently and dependently approach his "throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16).

Give thanks to God for these courageous Christians who know God is in control and will work all to His glory. Pray the Lord will grant them mercy and grace in their time of great need. Pray the supernatural grace of China's persecuted believers will convict their persecutors and the Holy Spirit will bring sweeping revival to all of China

Pray for INDONESIA
INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
On September 1st, Indonesian judges sentenced three women to three years in prison for allowing Muslim children to attend a Christian Sunday school program. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun received their sentence after judges found them guilty of attempting to convert children under the Child Protection Act of 2002. The Sunday school teachers had instructed the children to get permission from their parents before attending the program, and those who did not have permission were asked to go home, according to Jeff Hammond of Bless Indonesia Today. The three women were relieved they had not been given the maximum five-year prison sentence but were devastated at the prospect of being separated from their children, who range from 6 to 19 years of age. Before the trial session, Islamic extremists took over the courtroom and made murderous threats. (Click here)

Give thanks to God the lives of these faithful believers were protected from the violent mob in the courtroom. Pray God will comfort these faithful believers with the assurance He will protect their children, providing Christian friends to care for them with sympathy and tender love. Pray when this case is appealed in the Supreme Court, the fact the Muslim children had their parents' consent to attend the meetings will be emphasized and bring about their release.

Pray for IRAN
IRAN (ASSIST News Service)
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has flooded the Majlis (parliament) with former Revolutionary Guards while Ayatollah Khamenei has made key changes in security structures and strategies to entrench the Revolutionary Guards' hegemony over all law enforcement agencies. Now that Iran has begun to enact a policy of zero-tolerance toward breaches of the ideals of the Islamic revolution, it does not require much imagination to see how much pain and trauma Christians, other non-Muslims and freedom-loving Persians are destined to experience as Ayatollah Khamenei and President Ahmadinejad forcefully advance their Shi'ite vision of a pure Islamic state. Under orders from their new police chief, Iran's police have commenced a crackdown on "models of corruption," or in other words poorly veiled women. (Iran Focus August 27th) Iran's new Minister of Justice vowed on Saturday August 20th, that "being improperly veiled and not wearing a veil are no different. When it is clear from the appearance of a woman that she has violated the law, then the crime is obvious and law enforcement agents can take legal measures against her." He has also made it clear members of the para-military Bassij and the notorious Ansar-e Hizbollah, government organized gangs of hooligans, are regarded as law enforcement agents in clergy-ruled Iran. (Iran Focus August 25th) (Click here)

Pray God will raise up Christian prayer warriors worldwide to stand in the gap for His witness in Iran. Pray the Lord will empower the few Christians with a holy boldness to continue faithful to Jesus. Pray for the Muslim authorities who need to know the reality of our loving heavenly Father.

Pray for MEXICO
MEXICO (Compass Direct)
Huichol native mobs in Jalisco state have driven Christians from their homes and threatened to burn them to death, according to news reports. Beginning August 14th, the first wave of 70 Huichol refugees from the village of Agua Fria, near Mezquitic, fled on foot across the state border into Tepic, Nayarit, beginning August 14th. The total number of refugees was expected to reach more than 300. Most arrived ill from the 20-hour walk. The refugees took only one change of clothing per person. They left behind some 250 acres of land, along with bean and corn crops, cattle, horses, burros, chickens and houses, plus personal possessions. Town leaders insisted that if the Huichol Christians wish to return to Agua Fria, they must renounce their faith and return to native traditions and rites-such as drinking liquor and using hallucinatory peyote-which are practiced alongside Roman Catholic customs.

Pray these believers will remain firm in their faith during this time. Pray they will live out the words of the writer of Hebrews, "But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" (11:16).

Pray for VIETNAM
VIETNAM (Compass Direct)
On August 30th, as part of Vietnam's National Day amnesty, Rev. Nguyen Hong Quang, a Mennonite pastor convicted of resisting officers doing their duty, was released from prison. The Vietnamese Mennonite Church leader had faced severe pressure to sign an admission of guilt. Rev. Quang, convicted on November 12, 2004, has been held in five different prisons. According to area Mennonites, at times he was abused by fellow prisoners who were rewarded for doing so by the authorities. His health deteriorated considerably during hard labor at a prison in Dak Lak province, and he suffered frequent fainting spells.

Praise God Rev. Quang was released from prison. Ask God for his complete healing-body, soul and spirit-as well as eternal fruit from his time in prison.

Katrina prayer request

2005-09-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

If your a christain by now you've prayed in one form or another for the people down there. But today I read an dehearting article. When the people we look up to save us are having a hard time dealing with stuff, you know things are bad.

I know alot of the time police and fireman, are looked at as heroes, but the turth of the matter is we are human. And when your around the dark side of humanaity, it can get hard to cope. So as your praying remeber to pray for the rescuers, that they whould be givien the abilty to deal with the death and descution that they are dealing with. And if your a blogger please do me a favor and pass this along.

Prayers for August 30, 2005

2005-08-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

"I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness,
I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you,
And I will appoint you as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations" (Isaiah 42:6).

The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for IRAQ
IRAQ (Christian Freedom International)
The radical "Iraqi Resistance" group is accusing Christian Freedom International and others of attempting to "Christianize" Iraq. Muhammad Abu Nasr of the "Free Arab Voice" wrote in the August issue of the "Iraqi Resistance Report" that "missionaries push Christianization under protection of U.S. occupation." According to Nasr, "Under the protection of the U.S. military occupation of Baghdad, American Christian missionaries have been pushing efforts at Christianization in Iraq (and that a) Christian Bible Society has set up a Bible society in the middle of occupied Baghdad." Christian Freedom International has been sending much needed humanitarian supplies to Iraq that is in turn distributed through local churches in Baghdad. "The aid," said CFI president Jim Jacobson, "is sent to local churches in Baghdad and freely distributed to all Iraqis regardless of their religion." "It is true," said Jacobson, "we do send Arabic language Bibles, but this is because the Bibles are in great demand and requested by Iraqi Christians."

Give thanks to God that Christian witness in Iraq is strong enough to warrant strong criticism from radical Muslims. Pray for the protection of all Christians who are distributing the Word of God to many who do not know Him. Pray many Muslims will see the love of Jesus in these caring people and will want to know the source of their extraordinary compassion.

Pray for PAKISTAN
PAKISTAN (Missions Insider)
A Muslim backlash against Christians, who are seen by many Pakistanis as tied to often reviled America, continued with two attacks on native missionaries. Several weeks ago a missionary was visited by three Muslim men late at night. The men held him at gunpoint and locked him and his family in a back room while they searched his house for two hours. They stole Bibles and Christian literature as well as blankets intended for orphaned children, and destroyed what they could not steal, including a computer and motorbike. Their parting words were a death threat. A few days later, a team of five young gospel workers witnessing in a North Pakistan village were surrounded by 300 Muslim extremists who beat them. The men were dragged to a local police station where policemen refused to let reporters photograph the victims. Thankfully, all the missionaries have been released.

Pray God will strengthen these faithful servants in Pakistan to continue to speak boldly about their Savior. Pray the attackers will be dumbfounded by the forgiving spirit of the believers. Pray all Muslims in Pakistan will see Christianity is not an American religion, but a relationship with the almighty, all-loving God.

Pray for LAOS
LAOS (BosNewsLife News)
Across the country village chiefs and other workers have been pressured by communist authorities to give up their Christian faith. Human rights workers say the government regards church activities as questioning the communist system and threatens the government's power. In recent months communist-backed local authorities and police have raided several villages where possibly dozens of believers were tortured and detained on false charges ranging from owning "illegal weapons" to holding "illegal gatherings." An underground evangelical church leader says: "We know of several incidents near the Vietnam border where Laos police raided villages and forced locals to stand for three days with their hands in the air till they renounced their faith in Christ. Nobody is able to keep up with that kind of torture for so long." Those who refused to obey were allegedly put in jail. He knows of six Christians in jail, including two brothers who were imprisoned about six years ago while another man sentenced with them died in recent years. (www.bosnewslife.com)

Pray God will give Christians supernatural endurance to withstand torture. Pray those who denied Christ will know Christ's forgiveness and compassion. Pray God will cause the Christian faith to continue to grow in Laos and bring peace to that suffering nation.

Pray for SAUDI ARABIA
SAUDI ARABIA (ASSIST News Service)
AsiaNews has reported that, with the death of King Fahd and the arrival of King Abdullah, the persecution by the Saudi Kingdom of believers of religions other than Islam, especially Christians, is on the rise. AsiaNews sources in the Saudi capital have confirmed the religious police, called the Muttawa, has raided the homes of foreigners, especially suspect homes (i.e. those where Christians live). This has forced many groups who used to meet in the privacy of their homes for prayer to stop. Furthermore, people have stopped meeting out of fear the police might link them to one another. Indians are particularly targeted. In the last few months, nine Indians were arrested for illegal religious activities. The story goes on to say: "The Saudi government has banned any religious practice other than Wahhabi fundamentalist Islam. Any missionary activity or public expression of faith (having Bibles, wearing a crucifix, holding a rosary, praying in public) is outlawed. The religious police, well-known for its violence and torture, make sure that the ban is enforced." (Click here)

Pray God will give Christians in Saudi Arabia a fearless trust in His direction for their lives. Pray their faithfulness will lead many Muslims to Christ. Pray international pressure will expose these restrictive laws and the brutality of the religious police.

Pray for TURKMENISTAN
TURKMENISTAN (VOM-Canada)
On August 15th, police from the anti-terrorist branch in the northeastern Turkmenistan town of Dashoguz (Dashhowuz) summoned church leaders from the city's registered Baptist church for interrogation following the raid of an open-air service the previous day. According to Forum 18, the believers had just finished their worship service in the countryside outside the town and were gathering to enjoy a lunch together when police officers appeared and started questioning what they were doing. The officers then confiscated their Bibles and hymnals. When church leaders met with the police the following day, the officers claimed the church's national registration was not valid in northern Turkmenistan. "Individuals can only believe alone on their own at home," police told them. The church leaders were then pressured to write statements on how they became Christians and why they had Bibles. They were also pressured to sign declarations that they would not meet until the church obtained state registration. The leaders told the police, "We will continue to meet in the future, as our faith does not depend on registration."

Pray for the believers' continued boldness and determination to worship God despite the opposition of authorities. Pray God will give wisdom and discretion to each of the church leaders. Pray this witness of faith and courage will lead many to Christ.

A good read

2005-08-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

Juilet has a post up you should read.

Prayers for August 23, 2005

2005-08-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

"We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts..." (Romans 5:3-5)

From The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Visit: Persecution.com

Pray for CHINA
CHINA CHINA (VOM-Canada)
On August 16th, beloved house-church pastor Allen Yuan was whisked from his earthly life into eternal life with Christ. In 1946, with the help of a Norwegian pastor, Allen Yuan started a church in a rented hall and every year saw some 20 to 50 people come to Christ and be baptized. In 1950, after Mao Tse-Tung came to power and began the communist regime, a number of church leaders met with Premier Zhou En Lai, and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) was born. It continues today as a government instrument that seeks to control religious life and inhibit evangelism. Allen Yuan was among 11 preachers who refused to join the TSPM; and in 1955, they were all put in prison. Allen Yuan, who was 46 at the time, was given a life sentence. He was sent to a labor camp near the Russian border, where it was very cold, the food was bad, and the work was hard; but during his 22-year sentence, he was never sick. In prison he had no Bible, and there were no other Protestant Christians. His wife suffered untold hardships in bringing up their children. After his release in 1979, he continued to be encouraged by Psalm 27 as he went through all kinds of difficulties and threats created by government officials and the police. (Click here)

Give thanks to God for the example of this faithful servant who is now in the presence of his Savior. Pray his life story will continue to inspire and encourage Christians all over the world. Pray the witness of Christians like Allen Yuan will draw authorities in China into a relationship with Christ.

Pray for IRAN
IRAN (Compass Direct)
Eleven months after Iranian police arrested Hamid Pourmand for converting to Christianity, authorities at Tehran's Evin Prison continue to pressure the former Muslim to return to Islam. Pourmand faces at least two more years in jail for his conversion. He was acquitted of apostasy charges before an Islamic court in the southern port city of Bandar-i Bushehr in May, but he remains under verbal pressure from Tehran prison officials to recant his Christian faith. The lay pastor is serving a three-year military court sentence for "deceiving the Iranian armed forces" by allegedly concealing his conversion to Christianity 25 years ago. Iranian law forbids non-Muslims from holding positions as officers over Muslims in the armed forces. Pourmand has been allowed two official prison leaves since the end of June. "His family was very grateful for these days together," said a source in touch with Pourmand's family, which has no regular source of income apart from the support of various Christians.

Pray Pourmand will remain faithful under the constant pressure to return to Islam. Praise God that he was given some time with his family. Pray his witness of faith and love will lead others to Christ.

Pray for VIETNAM
VIETNAM (Compass Direct)
Last week Vietnamese prison authorities offered to release Mennonite pastor Nguyen Hong Quang if he would confess to a crime for which he is serving a three-year sentence. In March 2004, Rev. Quang confronted two plainclothes policemen who had harassed some of his workers, the basis of his conviction in November 2004 for "interfering with officers doing their duty." On August 9th, authorities took Rev. Quang 155.3 miles to another prison to offer him freedom, but he refused to sign a declaration of guilt. Publicity over Rev. Quang's case has embarrassed the Vietnamese government, as it is urgently trying to show the world a kinder face in its treatment of religious groups. (Click here)

Praise God for His faithful servant Rev. Quang, who refuses to deny his Lord and Savior. Pray his example will inspire many Christians to be bold in their faith. Pray this incident will be used as evidence to other world governments of Vietnam's lack of religious freedom.

Pray for INDONESIA
INDONESIA (ASSIST News Services)
The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) discussed a "problem" at their four-day national congress the last week of July. According to the Jakarta Post, the clerical delegation was concerned Christian preachers were converting Muslims "at an alarming rate." They were "most disturbed" by "the phenomenon of the construction of churches." Demonstrating the extent hard-liners have infiltrated and now control the MUI, the congress released an 11-point fatwa (edict) denouncing liberal interpretations of Islam, secularism and pluralism as un-Islamic, and promoting a hard-line, intolerant orthodox Islam that denies equality to women and non-Muslims. As Indonesia's highest Islamic authority, the MUI is responsible for Muslim doctrine in the country. According to Jubilee Campaign, the MUI receives some 5 billion Rupees (nearly US$600,000) of government funding annually. Meanwhile, 35 churches have been closed in West Java since the MUI issued their fatwa, and Dr Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun remain imprisoned without bail in West Java on charges of "Christianization" of Muslim children. If convicted, the women (who altogether have eight children) face up to five years in prison, and Christians would subsequently be risking imprisonment when introducing Muslim minors to Christ.

Pray God will protect the three imprisoned Sunday school teachers and their children, giving them quiet comfort and wisdom as they prepare for their weekly appearance in court. Pray Indonesia's pastors will be drawn closer to God and His spirit of unity with each other and their congregations. Pray God will use President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla as His instruments to preserve religious liberty in Indonesia.

Pray for UZBEKISTAN
UZBEKISTAN (ASSIST News Service)
On August 13th, Forum 18 News Service Central Asia Correspondent, Igor Rotar, was deported from Uzbekistan's Tashkent Airport. According to his account, Rotar was detained for two days at the airport by representatives of Uzbek authorities who initially tried to force him to leave the country "voluntarily" at his own expense, thus avoiding an official deportation. Rotar said his detention began August 11th, when his name came up on a computer list of "undesirable" persons that was compiled by the Uzbek National Security Service secret police. At the airport he was isolated in an area where there was a telephone but he was not allowed to contact anyone, even the embassy of his own country, Russia. Uzbek law allows a detained foreigner the right to contact his embassy. When Rotar refused to leave voluntarily, he was given an official order that did not state the reason for his deportation but stated, "Entry to the Republic of Uzbekistan closed." Forum 18 News Service stated, "The Uzbek government has thus unintentionally shown how religious freedom is an excellent 'litmus test' of the state of human rights in any society. It has also caused world attention to be focused once more on the very serious human rights abuses committed by the Uzbek government."

Pray God will use this unfavorable publicity to lighten the Uzbek government's restrictions on religious freedom in their country. Pray Jesus will reveal to Igor Rotar His plans for his future.Pray for all Uzbeks caught in the bondage of Islam with no knowledge of our merciful God.

Misconceptions

2005-08-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

You ever read something and automatically form an opinion of it.

When I was looking for a church the first thing I did was pick up the local phonebook, which typically lists church’s by denomination. There are 4 or 5 bible teaching churches in this town, of those, three of the major denominations are here. You have Lutheran, Southern Baptist, and the Assemblies of God. Then you have an Independent Baptist Church(not sure who there independent of), a community church(of with I’m a member of) and one that’s listed as charismatic (which is the church that I’m taking The Way of the Master course). All this mind you for a town that has a population of 4 maybe 5 thousand.

As I have listed those off I bet that you have formed a picture in your head I know I did. Ok lets get to the point. Let me tell you what I picture when I hear the word charismatic. The first real church I remember going to was with my dad, they have been what I’ve always considered charismatic. They would do a lot of strange stuff, I don’t think I need to go into details. So this picture has been stuck in my head for a long time.

Last night what I saw are people that have a deep love for the Lord. The young lady that did the Q&A session this evening spoke with a passion and fire. You can’t look in your Bible and say well you know she a woman and she can’t stand up and talk or a 100 other different verses in the Bible that you can pull out and twist all around and say “here you doing it wrong.” What she did last night was a pure gift from God. Man, woman, heck God has even used a talking donkey, to do his will. The point I’m trying to make is that sometimes we need to put aside our opinions and take a look around us. The Body of Christ is in deep need of repair, and it’s up to us as Christian to do the leg work.

So why am I writing this, this is me taking the time to tell them I’m sorry for judging them and asking them to forgive me. My intention is to email this to the pastor with asking him to at least pass this on to the others in this class, with my deepest thanks for encouraging me.

One last think before I go. That list of churches at the top, none of them are the true “church”. The True Church is not some building. The Church is the believers in Christ, and our pastor is the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s time to stop sitting around and saying “You know the world is sure going hell in a hand basket.” Duh read your Bible, THE WORLD IS GOING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET, and the time for sitting is over.

Catching up

2005-08-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

Boy it's been a busy summer between working on the house, fishing, a visit from my mom, teaching my boys to fish, work, and have I mentioned fishing. Anywhy the roof is near completion and things are starting to wound down.

I've started taking a course at a local church called The Way of the Master.
While sometimes I think they can almost over simplifiy things. I still feel that their main goal is getting people out of their comfort zones and sharing there faith with people.

Today a comment was left by Apostle John, on my VOM Prayer post. Something I want to make clear those post are all the work of VOM.I have asked and recived premission to post them. I just feel that sometimes I get too much creidt for something I've cut and pasted.

Ok anywhy, I went over to Apostle John's blog and found two post that are well worth your time to read they are Praying for Osama Bin Ladin and Pray for PEACH? while I consider myself in support of the war in Iraq, I so can understand a Christian agurement against it. While you're over there take a look around his blog, you will not be sorry.

In Response

2005-08-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

I think I understand your post and your banner on top. My sense (and hope) is that the Christian faith is much bigger than the moral questions of abortion and fire-insurance so that people don't end up in hell.

Eddy brings up some good points, what is Christianity about. There a lot of people that will tell you that you should accept Christ because He will make you feel better and cause all your troubles to go away. While I’ve have seen what Christ has done in my life, I’d have to say that using Jesus as “band aid” (for lack of a better term) is not exactly right. In Matthew Jesus says:

10:34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace but a sword. 10:35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, 10:36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.
10:37 “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 10:38 And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life because of me will find it. NET

It the easiest thing in the world to say you’re a Christian, but to get up everyday and “walk the walk” can be one of the hardest. When Jesus says lose your life He not talking about death, He saying deny yourself what the world has to offer and follow me. Luke 12 says:

12:16 He then told them a parable: “The land of a certain rich man produced an abundant crop, 12:17 so he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 12:18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 12:19 And I will say to myself, “You have plenty of goods stored up for many years; relax, eat, drink, celebrate!”’ 12:20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 12:21 So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, but is not rich toward God. “NET

Now as far as fire-insurance goes there are only two choices you can make. Heaven or Hell. I don’t pretend to know what hell’s like, I think I’ve heard it best described as eternal separation from God. And there is only one way to get to heaven, and that is because God became a man and took the punishment for our sins, not so we could feel better, not to make our problems go away, but because He loved us. Just about everyone knows John 3:16 but there are five other verses that in my opinion that should go along with it.

3:16 For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 3:18 The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 3:19 Now this is the basis for judging: that the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. 3:20 For everyone who does evil deeds hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. 3:21 But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God. NET

I challenge anyone that reading this to take a little quiz just click on this button.

VOM Prayers

2005-08-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

"Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, 'Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?' But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 9:20-22).

This week pray those who are persecuting our brothers and sisters in Christ will be transformed by the power of God's grace (like Saul of Tarsus), leaving all who see and hear amazed by their witness for Christ!

Thank you for praying!

VOM Web Team

Prayers for August 16, 2005
From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (VOM)
China Aid Association (CAA) reports that more than 210 Chinese house-church pastors and believers have been arrested in Hubei, Hebei and Henan provinces since July 2005. It also states that two tourists were mistreated when arrested in Hubei province. On August 2nd, while two American theological students were preparing to have Christian fellowship with 41 Chinese house-church pastors and believers at their host family's home in Hubei province, approximately 30 Chinese plain-clothed police officers rushed into the house. One student sustained injuries to his wrists after being handcuffed because he wanted to put his shoes on before he was forced into an unmarked police car. They were neither permitted to contact the U.S. Embassy nor permitted to show their U.S. passports and other identification cards. They were released at 5:00 p.m. following a seven-hour interrogation. Some of their belongings, including their personal Bibles, notebooks and books on Westminster Confession of Faith were confiscated. The same day 41 Chinese pastors and believers from the evangelical South China Church were taken to prison. At the time of this report, 30 had been released. The remaining 11, including 38-year-old Ms. Wang Hua and 32-year-old Ms. Wang Xiao, as well as the hostess, Ms. Ren Daoyun, are still in prison. According to eyewitness reports, many of them were tortured. Sixty-year-old Ms. Ren has been repeatedly beaten by Mr. Lei Youxin, the director of the prison. He kicked her, punched her face, and beat her head against the wall with a prison chair. (Click here)

Pray God will continue to bless the people of China with a hunger for His Word. Pray they will know His presence as they are bold in sharing their faith. Pray publicity concerning the two American students will expose the reality of religious persecution in China.

ERITREA (VOM-Canada)
On May 28th, an evangelical wedding was raided by Eritrean police, and guests were taken into custody. According to Release Eritrea, 70 Christians detained at that wedding have recently been moved to one of the hottest places on earth, a desert detention camp near the port city of Massawa. The camp is routinely used to punish young people, as temperatures in the area often reach 120 degrees. Two young people died in 2001, from heat stroke. Christian Solidarity Worldwide also reports that one Christian has apparently died as a result of the torture he endured in an Eritrean prison. Kelati Awalom, a member of the Rhema Church, was arrested for a third time on March 17, 2004, and was detained for three months, along with two of his daughters. According to reports, he was beaten until he was partially paralyzed. After his release, he continued to suffer the effects of the beating until he died at his home on July 24, 2005. Only three Christian denominations (Lutheran, Orthodox and Roman Catholic) are legally registered with the government. Anyone belonging to a different denomination or independent church risks harassment, prison and torture. Hundreds of Eritrean believers are suffering for their faith in detention camps around the country, where they are sometimes locked in metal shipping containers in the desert sun with limited food and water.

Pray God will give His followers in prison the strength to endure and a supernatural love for their persecutors. Pray the attitude of believers will draw many to Christ. Pray international publicity concerning this inhumane treatment of innocents will bring about the release of imprisoned Christians.

INDIA (Compass Direct)
Hindu villagers have accused a Christian couple in Pradesh state of attempted forced conversion. Jagdish and Grace Nayak were arrested July 19th, in Indore district. Dharmendra Chaterjee invited them to his house for prayer. After they finished praying, Chaterjee called his neighbors into the house and accused the Nayaks of enticing his family to convert to Christianity in return for education, health care and other benefits, including money for a family wedding. The Nayaks were detained by villagers, including members of the Dharma Raksha Samiti (DRS, or Religious Protection Committee) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu extremist group. Police soon took them into custody. A police inspector told Compass he believed the complaint was a planned attempt by the DRS and the RSS to keep the Nayaks away from the village.

Pray God in His mighty power will protect Jagdish and Grace from further arrests and harassment. Pray Chaterjee will remember the prayers for him and his family that were offered in good faith before the one true God of love and mercy. Pray all Christians in the region will remain faithful and Christlike.

Hindu extremists have begun a campaign to "reconvert" Christians from Dalit backgrounds in the north central Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The World Hindu Council plans to convert to Hinduism at least 80,000 Dalits (India's "untouchables" who occupy the lowest place in the caste system) in the region by year's end. Hindu organizations conducted a survey claiming more than 200,000 Dalits in one part of the state had converted to Christianity.

Pray God will dispel any spirit of fear among the Dalits who have come to know the One who loves them. Pray He will protect those who share their faith with the Dalits. Pray for the Hindu extremists who do not know how much God loves them.

INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
With angry hecklers in the West Java courtroom calling them liars, three Indonesian women accused of trying to convert Muslim children tried to defend themselves. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun were questioned about activities and materials used in their Christian education program for children from an elementary school. Bangun explained the children prayed, read the Bible, sang and sometimes colored pictures. In response, Judge Hasby J. Tholib said the women should never have allowed Muslim children to attend the program. Bangun and Zakaria replied they had no hidden agenda and had been completely honest with the children's parents who gave full consent to the program though none will come forward to say so now. Before the hearing ended, the prosecuting attorney announced the case would be transferred to the High Court, a move that could considerably lengthen the trial. (Click here)

Pray the peaceful, calm composure of these three women will be a witness to those observing the angry Muslim hecklers. Pray the prayers offered by Christians worldwide will bring about the release of these innocent believers. Pray the children who attended their classes will become faithful followers of Christ.

An angry mob has attacked a boarding house at a theological school in Pulo village, Makasar district, east Jakarta, twice, causing more than $10,000 in damage. The Arastamar Theological School's boarding house served students from other provinces. The mob included members of the Front Pembela Islam (FPI or Islamic Defender's Front); the FPI had accused the school of building a church. Local eyewitnesses say government officials accompanied the unruly crowd that attacked without advance warning. When the mob attacked a second time, students were able to turn them away. Local Muslim leaders such as Habib Hussin, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia, have objected to the presence of the school, despite every attempt by school management to meet legal requirements.

Pray the staff and students of the theological school will be able to repair the physical damage to their property as they grow in Jesus. Pray they will continue strong in their witness of Jesus' love.

NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
Church and government leaders in Northern Nigeria are growing restless over President Olusegun Obasanjo's failure to prevent Northern states from using Shariah Law to persecute Christians. Nigeria's Northern Christian leaders have demanded that Obasanjo's government put a stop to the Islamic law practiced in 12 Northern states. Saidu Dogo, secretary general of the northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said the organization has written Obasanjo about Muslims demolishing church buildings, rejecting applications to build new churches and denying land to Christians. "Yet, we see mosques being built on every corner of the streets-you don't even need government approval in these states to build mosques," Dogo told Compass. In Jos, capital of central Nigeria's Plateau state, Gov. Joshua Dariye spoke out against Islamic abuses resulting from Shariah law when he received the governor of Zamfara state, the first state to adopt Shariah in 2000.

Pray our merciful God will give President Obasanjo wisdom, direction and courage in putting a stop to the use of Shariah Law in Northern Nigeria. Pray the witness of born-again believers will change the hearts of Muslim extremists and bring them into God's Kingdom.

An Interesting Quiz

2005-07-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

How would you respond in these situations?

1. A preacher and his wife are very, very poor. They already have 14 kids. Now she finds out she’s pregnant with the 15th. They’re living in tremendous poverty. Considering their poverty and the excessive world population, would you consider recommending she get an abortion?

2. The father is sick with sniffles, the mother has TB. Of their four children, the first is blind, the second has died, the third is deaf, the fourth has TB. She finds she’s pregnant again. Given this extreme situation, would you consider recommending abortion?

3. A white man raped a 13-year-old black girl and she’s now pregnant. If you were her parents, would you consider recommending abortion?

4. A teenage girl is pregnant. She’s not married. Her fiancé is not the father of the baby, and he’s upset. Would you recommend abortion?

In the first case, you would have killed John Wesley, one of the great evangelists in the 19th century. In the second case, you would have killed Beethoven. In the third case, you would have killed Ethel Waters, the great black gospel singer. If you said yes to the fourth case, you would have declared the murder of Jesus Christ!

God is the author of life, and He has givenevery single individual supreme value. Each life—whether inside or outside the womb—should therefore be valued by us. God knows the plans He has for each individual and has written in His book all the days ordained for us before one of them came to be. When we presume to know better than God who should be given life, we are putting ourselves in the place of God and are guilty of idolatry.

The above was taken form the The Evidence Bible which you can view by clicking on the botton on the left hand side

Just another example of God's beauty

2005-07-20T15:30:00.000-08:00