Peace and Comfort of the Holy Spirit

Today's living martyr's [Greek meaning of the word means "witness"] covet our prayers, and some ask for only this in order to sustain them through their difficult trials, imprisonments and persecutions.

These specific words reflect the sentiments of many of our persecuted brethren

[lyrics to Stephen Curtis Chapman's song HIDING PLACE]

"I'm not asking you to take away my troubles, Lord... Cause it's through the stormy weather I learn to trust you more. So I thank You for Your promise I have come to knowYour unfailing love surrounds me, when I need it most.."

* An important prayer point for the Peresecuted Church

Pray that these brothers and sisters in Christ are continually covered and reassured with the peace that surpasses all human understanding that only the Holy Spirit can bring them.

Paul's Personal Mission Statement

This devotional I received tby Os Hillman shows the great necessity of 'sharing in' the sufferings of our persecuted brethren [standing with them during their trials] as well as the value of similar trials in our own lives...

Paul's Personal Mission Statement
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 - Acts 21:11-12

Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three important characteristics.

To know Christ.

To know and experience His power.

To identify with His sufferings.

All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product. Salvation is a by-product. Miracles are a by-product. Christlikeness is a by-product. Paul's focus was on relationship. He understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he would experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship, there would be suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties. Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. If we are living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face similar battles; it simply comes with the territory.

Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more intimately.

TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman © 2005.

- USE WITH AUTHOR'S PERMISSION ONLY! -

Covering North Korea - 3 years intercession

Open Doors has an initiative intended to fully cover North Korea [considered by many as the number one most persecuted area in the world] 24/7 for a three year period. Each of the 1008 prayer warriors they are seeking will pray for 10 specific minutes a week.

From Open Doors site...

http://www.opendoors.org/3ypnk-us/

"We are very pleased to welcome you to the prayer chain of the Prayer campaign for North Korea. North Korea is a closed country, but prayer can transcend the borders!The goal is to have at least 1,008 prayer warriors, who each pray for ten minutes a week. Will you help?

Militants call for public hanging of Pakastani Christian

There is a call for the execution of a * Pakistani * Christian Yousaf Masih [imprisoned for suspected blasphemy] and a demand for the "elimination" of other Christians by militant Muslim extremists. Large groups numbering in the thousands are being further incited by their religious leaders for violence against Christians

Keep in mind that most [if not all] of these accusations are falsely brought against Christians and that the local law enforcement and government usually support the accusors usually without any tangible evidence except for the verbal accusation.. Satan is working through many people to use the new blasphemy laws of that nation as a tool against Christians and other minorities.

Pray for God's justice in this matter and that His heavenly angels surround and protect Yousaf Masih and others currently in danger.Also pray for the grieving family and friends of 27 year-old Christian cobbler, Pervaiz Masih, from Awami Colony, Lahore who was shot dead [ December 9th ] by unknown assailants.

Pakistani Christians urgently need prayer!

Please cover these brothers and sisters and the unsaved in prayer, praying for peace and safety!Attacks are being made on churches convents, homes and individuals and there is a call by militants for continued violence that is inciting many of the muslims within this area.

http://www.csw.org.uk/

Quote from Christian Solidarity...

"... On December 4, the Catholic Church’s National Commission for Justice and Peace organized a National Consultation meeting on “Ending Religious Intolerance”. The conference, in Lahore, brought together religious and civil society leaders from around the country, including representatives of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), the Christian Study Centre, the Commission for Peace and Human Development and the Centre of Legal Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS).

"... the Sangla Hill violence as “merely one manifestation of the alarming level of religious intolerance prevailing in the country, being fueled by hate speech and discriminatory laws.”

There has been a surge of violence and persecution against Christians in Pakistan in recent weeks that is severe and continues to escalate. Other religious minorities besides Christians are also being endangered and need prayer coverPlease cover these brothers and sisters and the unsaved in prayer, praying for peace and safety!Attacks are being made on churches convents, homes and individuals and there is a call by militants for continued violence that is inciting many of the muslims within this area.

http://www.csw.org.uk/

Quote from Christian Solidarity...

"... On December 4, the Catholic Church’s National Commission for Justice and Peace organized a National Consultation meeting on “Ending Religious Intolerance”. The conference, in Lahore, brought together religious and civil society leaders from around the country, including representatives of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), the Christian Study Centre, the Commission for Peace and Human Development and the Centre of Legal Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS). "... the Sangla Hill violence as “merely one manifestation of the alarming level of religious intolerance prevailing in the country, being fueled by hate speech and discriminatory laws.”

Christmas Efforts Supporting the Persecuted Church

Christmas Care for Persecuted Nigerian Christians

Voice of the Martyr's Christmas outreach for 2005 is geared to provide essentials such as food, items for personal hygeine, Bibles, eating utensils, teaching cd's and dvd players.

A $25 donation sponsors a CHRISTMAS CARE PACK for children and includes...

"Each shoulder bag includes a T-shirt, New Testament and Christian children's books, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, school supplies, plastic eating utensils, some food and a few sweets..."

$75 donation will provide a VILLAGE OUTREACH PACK which includes...

"...a VCD player, two CDs on the life of Christ, New Testaments and Christian children's books, He Lived Among Us in Hausa, and large-print Bibles in Hausa and English. With each Village Outreach Pack, VOM will add a bag of rice..." Nigerian Christians share these with their non-believing neighbors and it is an additional witness to them of the love of Christ.Please visit their site to find out how you can be a part of this wonderful outreach this holiday season!

https://www.vombooks.com/qry/qe_store.taf?_id=A373551896

Open Doors ministry - Gifts for the persecuted

Some special ways to give to the persecuted

http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=catalog _overview

Only a few dollars purchases 'seed' that will reap a rewarding spiritual crop and treasures in heaven, while furthering the great commission...*

A few examples

$4 - Provide Bibles for Persecuted Believers in China(or) Send Bibles to Help Bring Peace to Colombia
$15- Provide Sunday School Curricula for Children in China
$121 - Equip a Pastor for a Fast-Growing Church in India
$78 - Launch a Ministry Center in Africa
$150 - Multiply a Pastor’s Effectiveness with a Bicycle
$50 - Teach an Impoverished Christian Woman How to Sew

Atrocities of North Korea's "Death" Camps

The world has basically turned a blind eye on the horrors faced by people living in North Korea for the past several decades and it is time for the church to take a strong advocacy role in support of the worlds most restricted nation in the area of Christian persecution and quality of life for ALL North Koreans.

The human rights violations are hard to comprehend, but we need to be start getting educated. North Korean's need our prayer and our voice to be heard through advocacy efforts. The more I read about this nation, the more I am reminded of the Nazi Holocaust, the same "spirit" is prevailing now in North Korea.Death camps still exist even in this present age.

Quote from New York Sun...

"... These and other "horrifying" violations of human rights and religious freedom in North Korea are reported in a new study by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, titled "'Thank You, Father Kim Il Sung': Eyewitness Accounts of Severe Violations of Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion in North Korea."

** Warning: The first paragraph of the article in the link below is very graphic http://www.nysun.com/article/23082

Quote from VOM fact sheet on North Korea...

"... Very few people have ever lived to speak about the atrocities committed in the dozens of labor camps spread across North Korea. And those who have escaped tell a story beyond belief..."

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_150_profile.h tml?_nc=f3d5c44f3da6e3b1100b1805366c5a33

It's OK & legal to Say "Merry Christmas" - Find out your rights!

The Alliance Defense Fund is launching their yearly program to inform the public about their legal rights to celebrate the holiday's and display their Christian beliefs.

"In order to eliminate any confusion with regard to your right to publicly celebrate Christmas, these frequently asked questions and resources will equip you with the information needed to dispel the myths and excuses that are used to silence those of us who acknowledge Christmas publicly..."

MERRY CHRISTMAS - IT'S OK TO SAY IT!

Christmas Encouragement for the Persecuted

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has a Christmas effort meant to encourage our brothers and sisters currently imprisoned for their faith with special directions and greetings in the language of the prisoners that can be used on the cards you send.

Why not be a tremendous blessing to those who are bound in the chains of injustice and suffering in the name of Jesus Christ this season and also show their persecutors that the love of Christ knows no boundaries, it is truly universal?

Quoted from their site...

About CSW:

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a human rights organisation specialising in religious freedom. CSW works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.

Advocacy Program for the Persecuted Church

Open Doors has launched a new advocacy program
for those supporting the Persecuted Church...

Quote from their Advocacy Mission Statement...

"We are inviting fellow Christians to join in the effort to seek justice for those who are falsely discriminated against, imprisoned, fined, and tortured for following Christ. Your involvement will not only express the love of Christ, but it will also strengthen the church to continue evangelism in areas of severe spiritual opposition.."

* Sign their first E-petition for persecuted Christians in Eritrea...

Quote from...
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/Display.asp?Page=Home

SANTA ANA, CA (Nov. 7, 2005) –

"The persecution of evangelical Christians in the eastern African country of Eritrea continues unabated. Currently 26 full-time pastors and 1,752 Eritrean Christians are known to be held in prisons, military confinement camps and shipping containers for meeting secretly for prayer and worship outside government-approved churches, according to Compass Direct.

Those wanting to become advocates and take their support of the Persecuted Church to an even deeper level can join their ongoing advocacy program..."

http://www.odusa.org/Display.asp?Page=AdvocacyParticipation

* Reminder:

November 13th is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Too Small To be Ignored

By Jeremy ReynaldsSpecial Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

"... In his new book “Too Small to Ignore", Dr. Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International, the respected evangelical child development ministry, says that Americans need to dramatically change the way they think about children. Stafford argues that adults need to intervene and take a stand for those who don’t have a voice. He says we fail to do so at our peril..."

I had the priviledge recently to hear a radio interview with Wess Stafford about his new book and his experiences of first hand abuse at the hands of school administrators as a child. I was greatly moved and am assured that this man truly has an impassioned heart for children worldwide and that Compassion International is an organization that truly lives up to it's name.

Good News for Li Xiaodong!

Many groups and individual joined hands in behalf of brother Li Xiaodong to bring about this victory and answer to prayer!

Saturday, October 8, 2005

CHINESE CHRISTIAN GETS THE GREEN LIGHT TO STAY IN THE U.S.
By Jeremy Reynalds
Special Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

* Excerpt from Assist News Report *

FAIRFAX, VA (ANS) -- Following a recent decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a Chinese refugee may stay in the United States.According to a news release from the Jubilee Campaign, a human rights organization, the Dept. Of Homeland Security (DHS) reversed its position in the refugee protection case of Mr. Li Xiaodong when officials determined he may remain in America.

According to the Jubilee Campaign, religious freedom and human rights groups, including Christians throughout the U.S., had collaboratively protested the decision of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Li v. Gonzales. Jubilee Campaign worked with Congressional offices and others to advocate a reversal of policy within DHS and the U.S. Dept. of Justice (DOJ) concerning asylum cases involving religious-based persecution.

http://www.assistnews.net/

Drinking from the Ditches in Uzbekistan

Uzbek House Church Faces Crushing Opposition
by Compass Direct

In his village Tokhtabay Sadikov is considered a "strong man" a zealous Muslim and cruel persecutor of Christians in a remote village of Uzbekistan.

Kaldibek Primbetov, is the leader of the diminishing group of Protestants in Janbashkala village who have undergone extreme trials in an on-going attempt led by one powerful man to stamp out the Christian presence in this primarily Muslim area.

Below is a powerful example of the degradation these children of God are enduring; Quote...

"This past June, Sadikov ordered village authorities to turn off water services to all the known Christians in the village. “Our children have to drink dirty ditch water,” Primbetov said, “so they all get sick.” Despite pleas to the water company and local doctors, no one has dared to oppose Sadikov’s orders. .."

Journalist urges Pastors to update their Congregations on Persecuted Church

A Report from Assist News Service...

Sunday, October 16, 2005

VETERAN JOURNALIST APPEALS FOR CHURCHES TO 'OPEN UP THEIR CONGREGATIONS TO NEWS ABOUT THE PERSECUTED CHURCH'

For Immediate Release

Contact: Dan Wooding at (949) 472-0974-GARDEN GROVE, CA

(ANS) -- Veteran journalist Dan Wooding has issued an appeal to pastors of churches around the world to open up their congregations to news updates about the persecuted church.

Wooding, 64, founder of the ASSIST News Service (ANS), based in Garden Grove, California, has suggested that pastors appoint a correspondent from their church to bring regular live updates about the persecuted church at their Saturday or Sunday services.

I believe it is vital that Christians become aware of what is happening to their brothers and sisters around the world so that they can pray for them and also get involved in helping them in a practical way, said Wooding, who before he moved to the United States in 1982 with his wife Norma, and two sons, Andrew and Peter, worked in London, England, as a senior reporter for The Christian, The Middlesex County Times as well as two Fleet Street national newspapers The Sunday People and the Sunday Mirror. He was also a regular reporter for BBCs Radio One.

Wooding gives regular live updates about the persecuted church on Pastors Perspective, which he co-hosts with Brian Brodersen. They present the show each Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on KWVE FM 107.9 which is also broadcast on various other U.S. radio stations. (The show can he heard live from 3-4 PM, Pacific Time, on the web at www.kwve.org.

He also co-hosts Window on the World with Bruce Sonnenberg, a five-minute weekly program that is carried on more than 420 U.S. stations and a further 50 around the world.

If pastors would appoint someone from their church to bring these updates, I believe the congregations would then become informed about the fact that we are part of a worldwide body of believers, and that many of those Christians are paying a huge price for their faith. They need to know that we are standing with them in these troubled times. The reports could be between five and ten minutes in length.

Wooding, himself a pastor’s son, says that there are about 200 million Christians in more than 60 countries that face persecution on a daily basis.

He added, The church correspondents who could bring these reports to each congregation can get their information from ANS http://www.assistnews.net/ which we provide to thousands of media outlets and Christians who wish to keep up to date with the news from around the world.

Wooding explained that all they have to do is to log onto the ANS website and then click on the red button which says, Subscribe to ASSIST News. They can also subscribe by sending an e-mail to Dan Wooding at danjuma1@aol.com.

He also said that there are also many other excellent sources that can provide news on this topic.

Wooding concluded by saying, I hope that many churches will heed my appeal and, by so doing, help equip their congregations with this vital information that our correspondents provide man of the hot spots of the world.

** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

America turns her back on the Persecuted!

~ Important Advocacy Issue ~

Regarding Safe Asylum for

Victims of Religious Persecution

This was my letter to the Attorney general of the United States regarding the unfair decision/s denying Xiondong Li, a persecuted Chinese Christian asylum in this country. You can contact Alberto Gonzales at the e-mail address below, and tell your representatives in congress your concern over this decision.

Subject:

Please Overrule Unfair Denial of U.S. Asylum for Xiondong Li, China

To: AskDOJ@usdoj.gov.

Alberto Gonzales
United States Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dear Mr. Gonzales,

Christian Freedom International (CFI) has brought this critical situation to my attention and I am strongly urging you to use your authority to examine and (rightly) overrule the unfair ruling/s given by Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and Board of Immigration Appeals which denied U.S. asylum to Mr. Xiaodong Li, of China.

* An article by the Alliance Defense Fund concerning case of Xiondong Li.. http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/story.aspx?cid=3514

The board very wrongly concluded Xiaodong Li had actually left China because he "...feared legal action or prosecution, not persecution." The board said he was punished for "illegal activities and not for his religion." The decision to deny him asylum and send him back to the authorities in China was not only unconscionable, but also a violation of his basic human rights.

This unfair ruling has determined to return him right back into the hands of those who (through threats and physical torture) coerced a confession of “illegal house church” activity from him in the first place. Mr. Li and a few friends had been meeting weekly to do a bible study and sing hymns. There is a huge difference between two or more being gathered in His name to study the Word and give praise and the running of a church, and the U.N says individuals have this right to privately worship in China.

This man fled a nation of oppression and religious persecution and came to the United States (a land built upon the premise of religious freedoms and liberty) hoping to find freedom from persecution, but is now rewarded (for his faith in us, the U.S.A) with merciless rejection. The actions of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and Board of Immigration Appeals are shameful.

In Communist China the authorities work hard to suppress the growth of Christianity and will use a combination of fear-based threats, physical beatings and torture (sometimes resulting in death), destructions of home and property (in Li’s case, electric shocks were used on him in addition to beatings by the police) to extricate confessions of “illegal house church” activity from many Chinese Christians.

China is a member of the U.N. and basic human rights of it’s people should be upheld but this is not Happening. Contrary to the public “face” that the Chinese government tries to present to the world concerning religious freedom, the grim reality is far of many Chinese Christians is far removed.

Very few requests for new church permits are ever granted even to those who are willing to submit themselves to the control and authority of the “state sanctioned version of Christianity” (a very poor substitute and mere shadow of true Christianity) currently “allowed” by the government. This has resulted in a growing number of house churches who do not possess an “official permit”. For those who fear the dangerous consequences of belonging to these unauthorized house churches many have chosen to worship in the privacy of their own homes without any kind of church setting or organization in place.

According to the U.N Article these individuals should have a clear right to worship without fear. Unfortunately they are targeted for extreme persecution by authorities who will stop at nothing to suppress the spread of Christianity. The Chinese Communist solution to achieving that goal is fear, torture, imprisonment, destruction of home and property, all used as weapons to often procure “false confessions” or to force them to publicly renounce and promise authorities that they will stop practicing their Christian faith.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations) states:
Article 18.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 20.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

The U.S. court system has essentially approved further human rights violations of Xiaodong Li and also set a dangerous and shameful precedent for our nation… But you as an individual are empowered to do something to change that and make it right, I hope and pray that you will. Religious persecution is alive and well in China and many other nations, if we are to no longer recognize or acknowledge this we truly have become a nation without mercy and without a soul.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

November 13th 2005

International Day of Prayer

for the Persecuted Church

~

Lift up Our

Persecuted Brothers & Sisters

in Christ on this Day

~

Update on Court Ruling Indonesia - Happy Week

I wanted to update you on this...

All three were found guilty on all charges and sentenced to three years in prison. It has been commented that this could be a blessing in disquise as the women, missionaries, judge, lawyer etc... were all threatened with death if they had been found innocent. Anti-Christian radicals had brought a coffin for the women that they intended to use if they wound up getting acquitted. There is tremendous spiritual darkness operating here, but God can and will always use things for the good of those who love Him. Please pray for spiritual protection and blessings of the holy spirit for these women in the days ahead. May they win the hearts of their captors and other prisoners to Christ.You can find the article
on...

http://www.persecution.org/newsite/

Father,

In the name of Jesus Christ,

I bring before you these three women - Dr. Rebecca Laonita, Mrs. Ratna Mala Bangun, and Mrs. Ety Pangesti who have been unfairly judged and convicted because of their faith. I ask you to give them a spirit of peace and a strong hedge of spiritual protection during this time of turmoil as great evil has risen up against them because of You and Your name. Honor these chldren of yours with mercy, release them from their prisons in Your perfect time and give them opportunity to move the hearts of their jailors and other prisoners towards You. Bless them with long lives so that they continue to do the work that You have set aside for them. Keep Your strong hand of protection over them as they endure this trial.

We give you thanks and praise and glorify You Lord. Knowing that Your will has been done.

In Jesus name,

I give thanks and praise and honor to You!

Amen.

50 Ways to Help Persecuted Christians - Free Guide

Christian Freedom International is offering free ministry guides on 50 ways to help the persecuted Christians. If interested you can go to their site and request one...

http://www.christianfreedom.org/messages.aspx?id=599

God bless!

Interceders Needed for Sept 1st Indonesian Christians Court Decision

Please pray for the a fair and just ruling on Sept. 1st for Dr. Rebecca Laonita, Mrs. Ratna Mala Bangun, and Mrs. Ety Pangesti.

* Intercede for Indonesian Christians Court Decision

These woman have undergone terrible oppression, false accusations and the trial has been a source of death threats, an atmosphere of hatred and disruption and Islamic jihad propaganda. These women have had to appear before the court one day a week since their imprisonment, the court case began June 30th.

Quote from Assist News Story Article..

"Earlier this year Dr. Rebecca Laonita, Mrs. Ratna Mala Bangun, and Mrs. Ety Pangesti conducted a “Happy Week” VBS-type program in their homes in the village of Haurgelis, West Java. Eventually about a score of Muslim children also attended with permission of their parents. They were arrested on charges of "Christianization" of Muslim children, and immediately jailed. The court case began on June 30. "

Even if they are found by the court to be innocent - Muslims have promised vengence and death on them and their families, so no matter what happens God's hand and protection must be stayed over these women.Christians have been asked to strongly intercede for these women and their families (too). The final verdictwill be on Sept 1st. Let the holy God of heaven prevail, and justice be done for these women.

Here is the link for their pictures and more information. http://www.worldchristianministries.org/resources/IslamicRadical
sAgitateJudges.asp

German's Send Children to School Abroad to Avoid Public Education

Due to the fact that homeschooling continues to be illegal in Germany and their public education system is indoctrinating children with rather wordly sex education programs and other practices contrary to their Christian beliefs, several Baptist families are making the hard decision to leave the country and send their children abroad to countries where homeschooling is legal.

Quote...

"The parents said they had resisted anti-Christian ideologies under Communism in the Soviet Union. Now they were extremely disappointed to find themselves in an even more hostile environment in a free Western democracy. .."

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty

The Becket Fund
* Protecting the Religious Freedom of all traditions

Some Quotes about the Organization & it's Purpose...

"The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is a nonpartisan, interfaith, legal and educational institute dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religious traditions..."

"Freedom of religion is a basic human right that no government may lawfully deny; it is not a gift of the state, but instead is rooted in the inherent dignity of the human person..."

Updates on India's Anti Conversion Laws

A good source for updates on India's anti-conversion law and how it is effecting the freedoms of Christians in India. It is important to be aware of and keep track of how these type of laws once established work to both prohibit the preaching of the gospel and prevent the saving of souls.

Lanka Liberty News Reports
* A Web-site dedicated to Religious Freedom in Sri Lanka

Quote from Home page...

"... The April 1, 2005, edition of The Wall Street Journal Asia featured an editorial (subscription only) against Sri Lanka's proposed anti-conversion law: "Anyone cutting through the mush can see that the proposed law is a simple case of denying freedoms -- of expression on the part of the faith-based aid organizations, and of religion on the part of individual Sri Lankans." ...

Christian Freedom International

Mission Statement...

"... CFI Helps Persecuted Christians Christian Freedom International is an interdenominational human rights organization for religious liberty helping persecuted Christians..."

..." The mission of CFI, however, is to reach the part of the persecuted church that is. . .

. . .the most repressed,
. . .most cutoff,
. . .and most isolated..."

Click to Donate Bibles Through Open Doors

Open Doors click to donate site, each daily click will help work to donate one book of the Bible to a persecuted Christian who has never owned a copy of God's Word. They have a daily click-thru "goal" of 1320, which is always exceeded.

Stats show how many full Bibles were donated so far that month...
http://www.donatebibles.org/Stats.asp

Open Doors is an awesome ministry whom I am happy to support. The seed you plant here is gaurenteed to produce a wonderful spiritual harvest!

Click to Help Feed & Care for Needy Children

Site: HungryChildren.com

A donation is made by LEXXTECH.com and advertising sponsors (when you visit their individual sites) for every 1000 visitors who click thru to a site sponsor, the sponsor will donate $25 to help provide funds to support food and care of needy children and ministries; all donations are also matched by LEXXTech.com.

http://hungrychildren.com/index.html

Help Feed the Poor with One Click of your PC

Site: The Hunger Site

* Each individuals click per day accounts for 1.1 cups food
Sponsored by Mercy Corps and America's Second Harvest

http://www.thehungersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites

Site: Stop the Hunger!

* Each individuals click per day accounts for 3.3 cups food
Proceeds go to America's Second Harvest

http://www.stopthehunger.com/hunger/

The Deception over Embryonic Stem Cell Research

This is a current testimony of Dr. Kelly Hollowell from a few months ago... Note the statement where she says no human trials for ESC (Embryonic Stem Cells) exist. I had read (elsewhere) that one of the problems in the trials in mice and rats was that they were producing a great deal of cancer and cell abnormalities in the results, so of course we would hope they wouldn't have moved on to actual human trials with those kind of results.. thank God for that, at least.

Dr. Hollowell's Testimony Before Virginia Senate Panel

Quote...

On February 3, Dr. Kelly Hollowell, senior strategist for the Center for Reclaiming America, testified in front of the Virginia Senate Committee on Education and Health, urging the senators to bar state funds from being used to experiment on human embryonic stem cells. Five days later, the Virginia Senate voted 23-17 to do exactly that!...

Current or potential use of embryonic stem cells:

First, allow me to make clear that there are no currently approved treatments using ESCs. Nor do human trials involving ESCs exist. Even success in animal models is modest and rare. What’s more, experts predict a minimum 10 years before any treatments using ESCs might be available. In fact, little more than discouraging, if not frightening, drawbacks exist to this research, all of which are well-documented in peer reviewed scientific journals.

* Other articles...

Frist decision “morally misguided” and “blow to pro-life cause”

Quote...

Dr. Kelly Hollowell, the Center’s Senior Strategic Analyst reports that while embryonic stem cells ‘have not cured a single lab rat,’ adult stem cells have treated over 58 diseases in human patients, including Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and juvenile diabetes. A listing of current applications of adult stem cells with research journal citations is located at http://www.reclaimamerica.org/download/StemCellFacts.pdf

“According to Dr. Hollowell, who holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, ‘embryonic stem cell research is unsafe, unethical, scientifically unproven, and unnecessary, in light of advances using adult stem cells.’”

Gospel for Asia - A Ministry worth talking about!

This "Gospel for Asia" sounds like an awesome ministry!

Quotes from their site...

But the harsh reality is that 2.7 billion people of our generation are still unreached with the Gospel. What answers are we prepared to give to the living God when He asks about the blood of these multitudes on our hands?
Today, we have the great privilege of helping them come to know Jesus. If we will commit to live for what is eternal, this generation can be reached with the Gospel.

I pray that Gospel for Asia will become like a bridge, giving you the opportunity to walk away from your own preoccupations to the harvest fields of Asia--and see the perishing multitudes through the eyes of Jesus.

Highest Ranking Christian in Muslim State Dies Tragically

Terribly sad news comes from Southern Sudan today, as the helicopter death of their new Vice President has been reported. A strong Christian and supporter of missions and other efforts, this truly is a blow for this troubled nation where many have suffered severe persecution in the name of Christ.

Keep them in your prayers!

Highest Ranking Christian in Muslim State Dies Tragically

By Douglas W. Phillips,
with Matthew Chancey Contributing

Quote...

"Sudan, a nation of many sorrows, has suffered yet another tragic blow to the cause of freedom early this morning with the death of the newly inaugurated President of Southern Sudan, Dr. John Garang. He was the highest ranking Christian in the world of an officially Islamic state...."

Destruction of Mennonite Property in Vietnam

It was recently report that on July 19, 2005 authorities wrecked destruction upon the Vietnam Church center and family home of [currently imprisoned] Rev. Nguyen Hong Quang. Parts that were not included in the court order (that claimed certain sections were build without a permit) were also destroyed.

Mrs. Nguyen Hong Quang and two of her children were home when the devastation by over 200 city officials and workers who also videotaped the desecration of parts of the church and home was done. Mrs. Quan's cell phone communications were blocked and no one was allowed access to her until all the destruction was complete.

The Vietnam Mennonite Church General Office is asking Christian communities across the world to pray and to do everything possible to encourage & support this family, inform the media and raise awareness.
The Reverand Quang who is currently imprisoned has experienced an increasingly poor state of health. This family and church has experienced continuing great oppression and persecution.

Keep this family and church in the forefront of your prayers!

Praying for (our) Persecutors

We know that as Christians we are instructed to pray for those who spitefully persecute us, Richard Wasserfalls article helps explains why. Those of us who support the persecuted church in prayer, must also stand in prayer for those who persecute them and show Christ's love and mercy to ALL.

* Praying for persecutors indelible *

by Richard Wasserfall
Christian Monitor

18-Jul-2005

Quote from the article...

"But Jesus' gospel takes us a revolutionary step further. He asks us to pray for our persecutors, not to stop short just asking God to deal justly with them...."

VOM Persecution Blog Officially Launches

Voice of the Martyr's now has an "official blog" which is only a couple months old. Please visit it to gather current news on the plight of persecuted Christians world-wide.

Quote...

"Christian ministry Voice of the Martyrs has begun a blog to share news and information about Christian persecution around the globe. The purpose of the blog is to call attention to the plight of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith."...

Is the U.S.A Persecution's Final Outpost?

The worldwide rise of Christian persecution has been matched in our own nation by a lesser form of persecution (we call it religious discrimination). Slowly but surely the United States has begun to follow suit after other "so called" civilized nations and the suppression of Christian expression and free speech, the "legal abililty" to speak forth the whole Word, and in some cases even to evangelize is fast becoming more & more squashed by the God Smashers within this very nation..

Is the U.S.A the final outpost of Christian persecution? I believe it is. I'm not saying we will be the last nation standing, far from it. But on this celebration of our country's "independance" I wonder how many more freedoms will have been sacrificed by this time next year in these United States of America?

I thank God for the freedoms I still have, & although at this point every effort to maintain them will be an ever increasing uphill battle, we must continue to press on, hold on... and keep watch over this nation. Because once we as Christians lose our voice in our own backyards, our ability to evangelize the rest of the world will be lost along with it. We will know what persecution is, we have seen it from afar.. but not yet truly felt it but we will soon enough.

For those of us who support and watch over the persecuted church we should possess a greater awareness of what is coming, & I pray that we are as prepared and faithful as the great cloud of witnesses we have seen... as we too may one day (soon) wear the white robes of the martyrd.

The Internet may be the last front of evangelization, so use it well while you are still able... until big brother or the A.C.L.U. or some other God Smasher has put a law in place that pulls the plug on that freedom too.

Happy Fourth of July

&

God Bless America!

The Amazing Grace of Persecuted Christians

I am really floored by the faith and grace and absolutely Christ-likeness I see in some of the testimonies of persecuted Christians in third world countries.

A picture is worth a thousand words and this months Voice of the Martyr's has a special photo section. So many beautiful pictures of the persecuted and oppressed, but something on the last page really spoke volumes... saving the best for last (or maybe the worst depending on your perspective)... there was a photo of a young man with his arms raised in praise and the light of Christ was just emanating from his smile. I say arms, because he no longer has hands or wrists to raise in praise. Many would rather not look upon and "see" the terrible evidence of persecution.. it is real and it is absolutely devastating. I think this is the reason many Christians seem to avoid the issue, sort of pushing it to the back of their minds as if it really is not such a big deal.

It is hard sometimes to look at the desecration done to these faithful witnesses, but looking past and into their spirit we see that all is still well with their soul... & oh how beautiful these faithful ones must look to the Lord who sees straight into the heart!

Fairness & Accountability in Broadcasting Act - NOT!

You must inform yourself about the ramifications of Bill HR 501 -
"The Fairness and Accountabilty in Broadcasting Act" which is a ferocious wolf in sheep's clothing (Fair in name only) that can bring freedom of religious expression on the airwaves (TV & Radio) in the USA to a crippling halt in a matter of a few short weeks. I am hardly "crying wolf here" there is a dangerous and looming reality of the negative impact such an act would have on Christian broadcasting across this country. Christian radio and television broadcasting as we know it would cease to exist.

This act was originally introduced and approved back when radio and television broadcasts and stations were very few (1950's) and intended to ensure variety in programming for that time (way before we had literally hundreds of stations to chose from as we do today) and was later repealed in 1987 by the FCC who said it "violates the First Amendment and contravenes the public interest."

The literal results of having this bill passed would be any ordinary citizen (or group) could file a complaint calling to have a stations license revoked because they were not providing (counter programming of an equal viewpoint) for every single program the station airs.

That means that a Christian station broadcasting a pro-life view program would have to air a pro-choice program, and on and on. If they did not and someone (any individual) complained that they were violating the act by not doing so, the individual could file a complaint to have the station investigated and it's license revoked. At that point the station would have to comply, in some manner.

A sermon on the gospel could literally require a counter speech broadcast on the truths of atheism, paganism, etc... Station managers not wanting to compromise their station or ministry integrity will most likely chose to air neither type of program.

This is a pandora's box and once opened the A.C.L.U and any other individual or organization desiring to remove God from the public square can use this option to intimidate, oppose and legally cripple every radio station and television broadcast station that airs Christian programming and not counter views along with them.

Who is in control here, certainly not the individual radio or tv station to decide what they broadcast. The intent of this Bill introduced by NY Louise Slaughter is clearly the liberals design to shut down the opposing voice of the Christian right and if passed it literally does have the power to do it!

http://www.theorator.com/bills109/hr501.html

Keep on top of the status of this bill, and if you oppose it... then contact your representatives now, before it is too late to do so.

Schiavo findings don't justify 'cruel death'

Some quotes...

"No amount of brain injury ever justifies denying a person proper humane care," Pavone said. "That includes food and water." ...

"There are those who will use this autopsy report to claim that the death by dehydration imposed on Terri Schiavo was compassionate or merciful," she continued. "Others would say such a life is not worth living. Such thinking is misguided and absolutely wrong. Those decisions are not ours to make." ...

Effects of Uprooting Zimbabwe's Lower Class

There is a serious human rights issue effectings the lives of Zimbabwe's neediest citizens and it needs global attention! I hope the nations rise to the defense of (and find a way to help deliver) these people from these circumstances. People are not trash, and this is a travesty.

* Zimbabwe's 'Cleanup' Takes a Vast Human Toll

By MICHAEL WINES
Published: June 11, 2005

A Quote From the NY Times Article..

"The United Nations estimates that the campaign, Operation Murambatsvina, using a Shona word meaning "drive out the rubbish," has so far left 200,000 people homeless and 30,000 vendors jobless. Human rights and civic leaders say the numbers could be several times that,..."

~

Please join me in praying for those who are now homeless...

~

Father, In the name of Jesus Christ...

~

We stand before your holy throne of grace

and are standing in the gap

for the poor and needy of Zimbabwe,

many who have been cast from their homes

and driven out of their towns and neighborhoods.

~

Send in missions and relief organizations

to care for and find ways to help them.

Deliver them from this terrible plight!

~

Give them a spirit of hope and

let them have opportunity to hear &

receive Your Word into their hearts,

and all Your promises that follow.

~

Father, Restore the cold hearts of stone

who have shown them no mercy

back into repentant hearts of flesh.

Forgive those who have mercilessly treated them,

for truly they do not know what they do.

~

Lord, we trust that your hand is on this situation

and on this people and Your will shall be done.

~

In the name of Jesus, we give thanks and praise!

Amen

Creating and destroying life all in the name of research

The war to protect the unborn battles on, in this case bills to allow unlimited government funding of embryonic stem cell research. Passing those type of bills woul be great news for biotech firms who will use most of this money for other research and purposes (why they are pushing for it in the first place) as it has been proven and scientifically documented that adult stem cell and umbilical stems cells are much much more effective in researching and finding actual cures to diseases than embryonic cells.

Create a life to end one? This premise does not fly with me. The logic of secular humanism can add 2 + 2 and can "create" any desired result they want ... though in most cases it will not be a morally or ethically sound outcome.

Do some research about the difference and effectiveness of adult stem cell vs. embryonic before you even think to stand behind bills like these.

House Defies Bush, Approves Stem Cell Bill

Should Parents be Licensed?

Albert Mohler - Author
Speaker, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Thursday, April 28, 2005

Should Parents Be Licensed? An Ominous New Debate

Limiting reproductive rights (to have children) & parental authority are on the secular horizon of this nation IF secular ethicists and philosophers have their way... I found this article both astounding and disturbing.

Article based on the article moral, spiritual and ethical issues surrounding the idea of "Should Parents be Licensed?" The origins of the idea of this state based system were formed by Hugh LaFollette, who wrote the 1980 volume, Licensing Parents.

All I can say is... "Oh brother, big brother! What next, pray tell?" We have seen the terrible fruits of state controlled reproduction in nations like China.

Proclaim it in the Light!

Matthew 10:27-28 (NKJV)
27 "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

God Will turn your Darkness into Light!

I heard an uplifting and very encouraging teaching given by Charles Stanley that can help both those undergoing persecution in it's many forms, and those who are their champions and protectors. Going through trials can be a great blessing, but we need to understand the conditions that are needed in order for that to occur...

~

My Notes from...

Charles Stanley's Sermon

"Walking with God through the Dark Times"

!
* God will turn your darkness into Light!
~
The unsaved are walking in darkness.

~

Those who are saved (born-again) will oftentimes find themselves

walking thru darkness.
~
.... The difference will be IF God is in your life!
~
The story of Joseph was used as an example of how God can use
the dark times for good, if one remains obedient and faithful.

~
* Six Main Points *

~

God will never leave you or forsake you

(even in the dark times).

~

God has a specific purpose for your life & ALL things
can work for the good of those who love God.

~

The darkness will last as long as is necessary for God to

accomplish His purpose.

~

We learn more in the darkness than in the light.

~
Even in dark times we are still walking

(moving) toward the light.

~
IF I refuse to follow the light which is before me,

I will remain wandering about in the darkness.

~

* Witnessing Application *

~

Share what you have learned through your

experience in the darkness with those themselves

who are currently walking through it.

Stop the Suffering!

Revelation 7:17 (NKJV)
17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Unborn Babies Do feel Pain!

I wan't to discuss some aspects & my own perspective of the
Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2005
(Introduced in Senate, 1/24/05)

Here is a "new term" you might want to take note of...
* Pain Capable Unborn Child

An Important Note...
It is acknowledged (as in no disagreement within the scientific community) that unborn children (fetal age) *20 weeks and older do experience considerable pain in any of the available abortion procedures. In fact, much more so than a newborn would because of the thinness of the babies skin at that stage of development.
~
*Although there is debate on what age their ability to feel pain first develops, some doctors claim perhaps as early as seven weeks - to some limited degree.

In trying to do some additional research and see what kind of updates to this were out on the web I see that there are some Christian groups that have an extreme and skewed perception of this bill which is intended to "at least" eliminate the pain of abortion. These groups are classifying it as a "death regulation" and say that the bill itself should be condemned.

That makes no sense to me?

Abortion is legal and in this secular world I don't think we will as Christians be able to totally wipe it from the face of the earth from a "legal" perspective, certainly not in the near future. We have to gain small victories and begin to gain footholds that will lead to the tearing down of walls.. before we will ever come close to winning the war on abortion.

We may make great strides and eliminate abortion in it's most gruesome forms (Partial birth abortion) and we may work to educate the culture and awaken many to the true value of life and reduce the amount of abortions significantly - but with the increasing secularization and pro-death attitude of nations (not just the U.S. but worldwide) that are increasing at a rapid pace, the secular world will probably never allow for the complete reversal and totaly illegalization of "all forms" of abortion.

Yes, I do know that all things are possible with God, but we have to acknowledge the times we are living in and keep that in perspective. So for now, we press on. Our goal is for good, to completely eliminate evil. We shouldn't lose sight of that. But, we can only accomplish this by taking things one step at a time.

I support the passing of this act. I think every pro-life supporter and woman who may be chosing abortion (as an option) read about the act and learn the truths of abortion. The wonderful thing about this act is that no one is in disagreement over the scientific findings here, so there should be no argument and cries of bias as we often have in the debate over abortion.

Unborn babies certainly do feel pain, abortion results in death, and the procedures can cause excruciating pain and suffering. We can not sweep that fact under the carpet, no matter what side of the fence we happen to be standing on.

~

I hate abortion, and would like to see it eliminated in all forms. But, if some form of "mercy" can be interjected into this awful procedure, then let it be for the sake of those unborn babies.

~

I have full belief these children go straight to the arms of Jesus, even though their physical lives and future potential have been cut-off ... Still, It would be better to leave their mother's womb and this earthly world in some semblance of peace, rather than screaming and in terrible pain. After living for almost 18 years with the chronic pain of Fibromyalgia I have great empathy for those who are or would suffer from such. It was one of the reasons I took a strong stand on the starvation and dehydration of Terri Schiavo. We are living in a world where mercy is becoming increasing extinct, or it's definition corrupted.

~~

I ask that we not forsake mercy (as expressed in the Bible) and do not shoot ourselves in the Pro-life foot just because this act still allows for abortion itself. It is a step in the right direction, although it may not eliminate the evil of abortion.. It can still open up doors that will lead to the preservation of human life!

~

Knowing that their child will feel great pain during this procedure, many women will opt out of the choice of death for their child completely. Once women begin to see that child growing in their wombs as a developing human being - A baby who can and does feel pain, it will make the difference in the way they perceive (him/her) and many lives will be saved. Just as the addition of ultra-sound machines at pregnancy crisis centers are also making in-roads and saving lives, as we speak.

~~

I hope you will thoroughly reseach this issue and try to keep a "big picture" perspective on the potential for good (not only mercy for the unborn, but the opening of eyes that are blind to the gruesome truths of abortion) that the passing of this act can represent. We have a choice, stand completely against it and let the unborn continue to suffer excruciating deaths, or support it. Anyway, that is my perspective.

~~

I am standing on the side of life, and I do support the passing of the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act.

Prayer over North Korea

Father in the name I Jesus,
I come before Your holy throne of grace and ask that
You place a spiritual restraint over the governments and
military forces within North Korea.

I ask that You break the strong bond of the false religion
and spirit of communism that holds this country under
Satan's bondage.

I ask that Your holy spirit move like a river over it's people
and open their hearts to You.

I ask that the light of Christ be shone brightly in your
believers who are there as witnesses and undergoing
great persecution and trials and that they preach
Your Word and that it will be heard
against all odds.

May every obstacle that prohibits evangelization
be broken down and let the holy spirit
flow through the cities and towns
and countryside.

Set a hedge of protection around those nations
surrounding this country and let no effort of evil
by the North Korean government prosper.

Give strength to it's peoples,

protect and bless the children.

I pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

North Korea Religious Cults

North Korea is a fascinating example of how a leader diefied himself and his successor and outlawed all other religions.

~

If you look at North Korea you will see a country where a man (set himself up as a God to be worshipped, as well as his son) Kim Il-sung, the deified 'Eternal President' of North Korea, who died in July 1994.. + now his son current President Kim Jong-il.

~

Both must be worshipped and "images/statures" of the diefied leader are found all over the nation and all other religion is prohibited. And anyone who reads the news should know how dangerous and satan controlled this particular leader is.

* Information on North Korea's Religious Cults

Eastern Lightning Cult - Threat to China House Church Movement

~ Study on the Eastern Lightning Cult ~

~`~

I am starting to do some research on a dangerous religious cult in China called "Eastern Lightning" that has worked to persecute the church in China, especially members of the house church movement and those in rural areas who are not well educated in the Word.

~

This cult developed in the early 1990's. Both it's leader and members are the proverbial wolves in sheeps clothing - tricking the elect (targeting Christians) into joining, then brainwashing them with their false doctrines, and holding them there through torture, and threats of death. Chinese Christians say that being abducted by this cult is much worse experience than being taken prisoner by the Communists. Many Christians who escape the cult are greatly wounded in both body and spirit from the experience.

~
"Lightning" is a chinese woman who claims to be Jesus Christ returned to earth. You must believe in and follow her and her doctrines to acquire salvation. They believe the church is in the third age there is "only judgement and punishment, without any grace." Strict obedience is required in order to avoid eternal damnation.

~

* Basic info on the Eastern Lightning Cult

http://www.imb.org/easia/classroom/religion/eastlight.html

~

* A Quote from...

http://www.blessedquietness.com/journal/housechu/lightning.htm

"This new cult in China is extremely vicious. If you join and try to leave, they will beat you, maim you, and eventually try to kill you. It is now obvious why the Chinese government has concerns about alleged Christian cults. They government, not being made up of men with the slightest understanding of Christian truth, is treating all Christian groups with suspicion. You will understand why here. If you are a Chinese Christian, or looking into the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, STAY AWAY FROM EASTERN LIGHTNING. They are deadly"

~

* If anyone else has done research on this cult, let me know! .. The basic information I have found out on the net is over two years old, though brief mentions of the cult activity effecting the persecuted church are more recent.

It's Really all about... Life!

~

** It's been a few day's since I posted here.

My P.C. had a breakdown,

but God willing it is back to life... for now.

That's what it really is all about, isn't it?

~

Life...
You do know that it's a gift? It springs into being as if by magic and then somewhere down the road the flame is estinguished and the body is no more, but the Spirit lives on... Eternally.

Life...
It mean so many things to people, so much to some and so very little to others. Some hold human life dear, Others embrace the "planet", while there are those who make animals and their rights a priority and pour out the whole of themselves themselves into protecting them.

~

~

Oh, how Jesus loved the little children!

He blessed them, you know? He said we must be as they are, in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. But, many men do not feel the same, and give little thought to slaughtering the unborn, abusing & preying upon the helpless & innocent - those who have little or perhaps, no voice at all.

Persecution can occur at any time during life's journey. Those who defile and persecute attach little or no value to human life and completely misunderstand it's true purpose. But we will always be God's children, from the moment of conception, from the cradle to the grave... and all of eternity.

God created life, and gave it purpose. And He gave us purpose. He knew us long before the womb. Our value to Him is beyond measure and human understanding. My prayer for all is that we all learn to know the heart of God so extremely well that we can truly understand and grasp what life (in all it's forms) is all about, and how much we should cherish it.. and fight for it. That we be able to put things in the right priority and perspective, according to His Word.

All, in the name of Jesus.

~

** I dedicate this post to the memory of Terri Schiavo.

Have a blessed Easter Sunday!

~
May God bless you, the Holy Spirit fill you &
His peace encompass both you & your families
on this blessed Resurrection Sunday!

~

- "He is Risen!"

Luke 24:5-7 (NKJV)
5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
~

Resurrection Sunday - Day "10" for Terri??

As the legal storms continue to battle, Terri loses more and more of her grip on this life. Today is the sixth day of dehydration and starvation, at this point most patients begin a swift decline into a physical oblivion that results in the cessation of a life, as they knew it. Part of me thinks (along with many other's at this time) that God has decided enough is enough, & this time Terri will not be saved through the intervention of man and the courts. It's not that "we" have given up, it's just that now we have given this over fully to God and have seen how man continues to reject His will in this area. Extreme spiritual corruption of our courts, judges with blinded hearts who are rejecting all moral and ethical past "truths" and inventing new insidious ones to replace them. This thinking reminds me of Nazism and it's inhumane view of life and treatment of it, more and more. This is torture, there is suffering here...

Terri Schiavo has become more than a woman, more than a standard to fight for.. she is an enigma. Through her suffering and affliction the world has seen in an ever clearer light the true spiritual polarization in this nation, which lags not too far behind the rest of the world in it's beliefs and practices. We are at the end of an era, I feel that. If Terri Schiavo's tragic saga began today, and not years ago... I doubt we would ever have known her.

What a joyous day, Easter Sunday.. or Resurrection Sunday as many of us evangelicals refer to it. Yet my desire to rejoice and praise is overshadowed by this terrible spiritual darkness that is growing thicker over Terri and her family. Can you feel it too? It is much more than irony that this is occurring during the most holy of weeks we followers of Christ partake in. If Terri is somehow still alive, and has been redeemed for a time longer.. this coming Sunday when receiving communion, remember Terri, along with the sacrifice that Christ made for her on the cross at Calvary. Think back on what occurred later... the empty tomb, and the words the angels spoke... Remember Mary "thinking" she was speaking to the gardener and finding it was her risen Saviour instead!

Chocolate bunnies, baskets and ham dinners are no substition for those scriptural memories etched forever upon our. Terri Schiavo won't be partaking in the, she won't be receiving communion in memory... where will Terri be this coming Resurrection Sunday? Right now... only God knows for sure. Kept Terri and her family in your prayers, and hide them deep within your hearts on that glorious day. Because, this will be a Resurrection Sunday we will not likely be able to ever forget. May your tears be mixed with praise.

Take care & God bless!

Why I believe in "Jesus Miracles"

The world is aware that they removed Terri's feeding tube today. Yesterday I spent sometime at the Terrisfight.org site watching the video clips and reading a little background. How can this not break people's hearts? I just think a lot of people want to sweep it under the carpet and out of sight now.

Seem's that I am one of the few who is willing to speak out and ask for a real "Jesus miracle" here. Everyone else is "mainly" asking for comfort for her parents [now] as they undergo this ordeal, but there is nothing much more said about actual healing for Terri. We are supposed to Ask, Seek, Knock... not limit what we ask for any reasons.

I don't have any kind of healing ministry, I am not letting down anyone's expectations if my prayers and petitions don't produce the exact results I asked for. So I am not afraid to ask for Jesus miracles and "risk" my spiritual reputation. Jesus Miracles... the biggies. He raised the dead, cleansed lepers, made people cripped from birth whole.

Why is it easier to ask God to completely heal and cure a person from cancer, but not so easy to publicly ask Him to heal a severely brain damaged woman already disabled for many years? Is it OK to do it privately in your prayer closet - but not (out in public) where you may be ridiculed for asking for what seems to be the impossible?

And there is more to this issue than many are willing to face. Not only is it about a fight of good vs. evil for one woman's right to live, and protection for disabled peoples rights, but it is an issue that forces us to take a hard look and think about all those who will still may be lost in darkness at the time of their deaths... the lost and unsaved of this present world.

The eternal state of the person we pray for must always be taken into consideration. For that reason, we must not fear to ask God for the Jesus kind of miracles, for the extraordinary, the seemingly impossible things that only God can make possible... no matter how bleak the outlook may seem in the world's eyes. After all, true faith is believing in the unseen things, isn't it?

Prayer for Mercy and Healing for Terri

Merciful Father,

We stand before Your holy throne of grace and petition You in behalf of Terri Schiavo, In the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, our hearts cry out for this woman and we must be a voice for her, although we know that You can and do hear the voice of her spirit.

~

Lord, show Terri Your unending mercies and bring healing into her life in abundant measure. Father, we are asking for great and mighty miracles, we believe, we know that You can make miracles abound in all our lives.. You still do, and that You will... all according to Your perfect plan.

~

Oh Lord, break the cords that satan has tried to place around Terri's life, set her free from all this terrible evil that seeks to destroy her and end her life. Give her another chance at an abundant life, Father... to call You Lord, to call Jesus Saviour, to tell the world of Your mercy and grace and love!

~

Lord, we lay Terri and her life at Your feet right now and entrust them to You. Let Your wings of mercy and love cover her and her family. We believe You will bestow Your mercy and blessings upon her. Let the Holy Spirit fill her and bring healing to every part of her body, soul and spirit.

~

Let the peace that surpasses all human understanding cover and strengthen her parents, friends, and other loved ones who seek after good for Terri, not destruction.

~

You are a just God, a righteous God, a merciful and loving Father. We give thanks and praise to You, and glorify Your holy name. We continue to stand in the gap for Terri, as You fufill our petitions and answer prayers, according to Your perfect will. We give You praise and thanksgivings, alway in the name of Jesus Christ our loving Saviour.

~

Amen

White House Press Release - Terri Schiavo 3/17

* I found this posted on http://www.terrisfight.org/

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary - For Immediate Release
March 17, 2005

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.

Dedicated Psalm for Terri

Today I dedicate Psalm 103 to Terri Schiavo and ask God for the victory! God has recently put this Psalm upon my heart and it was confirmed just a short time ago... I feel it would be a good one to meditate on in her behalf.

NKJV Psalm 103

* Praise for the LORD's Mercies

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them. 19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Too late for Terri Schiavo?

I feel such a spirit of injustice over this issue and great disappointment. Only 600 people in total showed up for the two rallies held for Terri this past Saturday and Sunday, and frankly I found those numbers pretty pathetic. Did everyone's local churches mention and perhaps set aside special prayer for her that Sunday, and support them spiritually? Did they even think to do it?

Satan has such a grip on the people surrounding this case, the entire legal system and most of those in our government. Divine intervention from God is the only thing that is going to sway these circumstances and save this woman. Our courts have failed us, our judges continue to fail us and are destroying our country. God must intervene because the men who make the life and death decisions that could save this woman and others like here have lost their sense of humanity and have failed and will continue to fail all of us.

Jesus is the only answer. If we don't travail in prayer to God to open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a miracle and intervene in a mighty way, then as Christians we too will have failed Terri Schiavo. God is looking on and waiting for us to act in obedience and faith... I wonder how many are going to respond? I know many have such a burden over this, and believe that our God is a God who performs miracles in this day and age, but the sad thing is I think many more do not "really" believe it and have just given themselves over to a spirit of apathy.

No matter how discouraging this looks and whatever the ultimate outcome we must still press on and stand in the gap as never before. because that is what spiritual accountability is all about.
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* Article Posted LATE on Thu, Mar. 17, 2005
SAMANTHA GROSS
Associated Press

Efforts to keep Terri alive hit Road Block

Excerpt from Article...
As lawmakers in Tallahassee and Washington wrestled unsuccessfully with legislation intended to keep her alive, legal avenues were shut down by the state and U.S. Supreme courts, diminishing hopes for a solution to block her husband before the deadline.

Comment by Terri's Parents Attorney...
"Everything is a longshot," said David Gibbs, attorney for Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler.

** And the voices that stand in behalf of inhumanity, injustice and death speak out as well
- Design Sister -

Comment by her husband's attorney...
"It would be such a horrible tragedy for Terri to have this delayed again," said George Felos, the attorney for her husband, Michael Schiavo. "Either Terri's rights and wishes are going to be carried out tomorrow at 1 p.m. or there is going to be another unconstitutional intervention."