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.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
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! -
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?
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.
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.”
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
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
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
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