The Bulletin Board:(Please SCROLL DOWN this page to find the article titled on this post in LARGE CAPITAL LETTERS. Thank you.)
PRAY FOR AMERICA: THANK GOD for His many blessings on America throughout it's history. May we then ask that AMERICA once again be a blessing TO GOD, by once again submitting to HIS will in our affairs - both personal and national - that He may truly "heal our land." (2 Chron. 7:14)
Month of RAMADAN - Please make note that the Muslim month of Ramadan this year is June 28-July 27. This is the second year I will join with the over 1 billion Muslims in their annual time of prayer and fasting (sun-up to sun-down each day) and ask God to reveal Himself to them in dreams and visions. As this is the time each year when they are most open to spiritual things, I ask you to join me that God would speak clearly to each one and come to lead millions to leave their kingdom of darkness for Jesus' kingdom of light. (Col. 1:13-14) - Stan
RAMADAN 2014 - Day # 2 - Kindness - "Teach me so I can minister to other women," During a 3-year prison sentence, Ange became a Christian. Now a pastor's wife, she was anxious to learn so she could help others. Lord, many women living in Islamic nations are oppressed and marginalized. Send godly women to minster to them in kindness, praising Your Holy Name. - from Open Doors Ramadan Prayer Guide for the Persecuted Church.
SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november
WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:
7/18 - PRAY FOR THE PRESENT CONFLICT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS TO END SOON BEFORE MORE INNOCENT LIVES ARE LOST ON BOTH SIDES.
6/13 - PRAY FOR THE CRISIS HAPPENING NOW IN IRAQ (see post #907)
LATEST SAHEED NEWS! May 22 - "Pastor Saeed Forcibly Returned to Prison after Beating" - By Caitlin Burke,CBN News, May 22, 2014;
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/May/Pastor-Saeed-Beaten-Sent-Back-to-Iran-Prison/ "Saeed Abedini, a U.S. pastor imprisoned for his faith, was severely beaten at an Iranian hospital before being returned to the brutal Rajai Shahr prison. His Iranian family claims the transfer was unexpected and the reason is unclear. But one of the guards involved in the transfer suggested recent Iranian nuclear talks could be a motive, the family said...""
We need to continue to pray for Pastor Saeed - that his health will improve and that he will be re-united with his wife and two young children who live in the United States. We also remain hopeful that in addition to getting the medical care he so desperately needs, that Iranian officials display the kind of humanitarian treatment that often accompanies the start of the Iranian New Year which began on March 21st. This is the time of year when the Iranian government frequently offers clemency to prisoners of conscience. [If you have not yet, please sign the petition for his clemency- http://beheardproject.com/saeed#sign]
/PRAYER ALERT- UKRAINE: As the Lord leads, please pray:
*For God to suppress President Putin’s ambitions to "restore" the Soviet empire.
*For the people of Ukrainen [esp. for the church 'to be THE church'] as they wait to see if the Russian troops will advance.
*About President Obama and to use wisdom in crafting our foreign policy, and wisdom for his advisers.
PRAYER ALERT!"Kim Jong-un Calls for Execution of 33 Christians" - 3/7/2014; http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/Prayerwatch?pw=3651 "North Korea tyrant Kim Jong-un has reportedly ordered that 33 Christians believed to be working alongside South Korean Baptist missionary Kim Jung-wook be put to death. The South Korean missionary - who was arrested last year - and his accomplices have reportedly started 500 or so underground churches..."[PRAY that the plans for execution would be rescinded, and these believers released.] [Che\ck out: They'll Be Dead By Morning (What Difference Will It Make) http://loristanleyroeleveld.blogspot.com/2014/03/theyll-be-dead-by-morning-what.html
NEWS ALERT/PRAISE! "Iran Allows Surgery on Ailing, Imprisoned Pastor" - CBNNews.com,March 07, 2014;http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/March/Iran-Allows-Dire-Surgery-on-Ailing-Imprisoned-Pastor-/ The Iranian government has finally allowed doctors to perform surgery on imprisoned Pastor Benham Irani.Irani suffered from a herniated disc and bleeding intestines and urgently needed medical care. PRAY for the final release of Pastor Irani and others imprisoned for their faith.
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"Louis Zamperini, American Hero - The Story of a Man Who Could Not Be Broken" - By: John Stonestreet|Breakpoint.org: July 11, 2014; http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/25643?spMailingID=9002058&spUserID=MTMyMjM2ODE5OQS2&spJobID=340908253&spReportId=MzQwOTA4MjUzS0
Louis Zamperini proved the old adage that truth is often stranger than fiction. But he also proved it could be more glorious, too.
Last year, my friend and colleague Eric Metaxas released a book entitled “7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness.” It’s a compelling look at seven men, including Chuck Colson, who made a difference in their generations.My only quibble with Eric about this book is that he didn’t include a chapter on a World War II hero and former Olympian who died on July 2 at the ripe old age of 97—Louis Zamperini.
Of course, I can understand why. Eric did include famous Olympian Eric Liddell, who died in a Japanese concentration camp at the end of the Second World War.But he could have called the book “8 Men” and included a chapter on the indomitable Louis Zamperini… His story really is that good. Here's an outline:
Bullied as a youngster because of his Italian heritage, the athletic Zamperini began, as he said, “beating the tar out of every one” of his tormentors. He admitted, “I was so good at it that I started relishing the idea of getting even. I was sort of addicted to it.” So his parents got him into track and field to provide an outlet for his aggressiveness. As a high school track star in 1934, Zamperini set a world interscholastic record in the mile. In 1936, he made the U.S. Olympic team, even rooming with Jesse Owens.Though Louis didn’t “medal” in his event, the 5,000 meters, he earned a meeting with Adolf Hitler after running the final lap in an amazing 56 seconds. Hitler shook his hand, remarking, “That boy with the fast finish.”
By 1943, he was at war in the Pacific as a bombardier. Lieutenant Zamperini crashed in the Pacific when his B-24 developed mechanical problems. Of the 11 crew members, only Louis and one companion survived--enduring 47 days on a raft in shark-infested waters before being captured by Japanese forces, and subsequently sent to a prison camp for two years, where he was tortured. One Japanese camp sergeant, nicknamed “the Bird,” beat Louis over and over in a psychotic fury. But Louis would later say, “Pain never bothered me. Destroying my dignity stuck with me.” The U.S. military had even declared him dead.
Somehow though, Louis survived. He married Cynthia in 1946, but struggled with rage, nightmares, and depression. One night he even woke up to find his hands around his wife’s neck. Something had to change.
In 1949, Cynthia went to the Los Angeles Billy Graham Crusade. And she urged Louis to go, too. He initially refused, but then he relented and went, where he heard the Good News of forgiveness in Christ, trusted in the Lord and began a personal journey of forgiveness that has touched the world.
In his autobiography, “Devil at My Heels,” Louis said, “I think the hardest thing in life is to forgive. Hate is self-destructive. If you hate someone, you’re not hurting the person you hate, you’re hurting yourself.” So in 1950 he went back to Japan and preached a message of forgiveness and love to imprisoned war criminals who had hurt him, and even threw his arms around them. What a picture of doing good to one’s persecutors! But he wasn’t finished.
When Louis was 81, in 1998, he ran part of the Olympic Torch relay for the Winter Games in Nagano. While there he sought out “the Bird” to offer forgiveness, but tragically, the old prison guard—who had somehow avoided prosecution as a war criminal—refused to even see him. But at least Louis tried.
The best-selling biography of Zamperini by Laura Hillenbrand, “Unbroken,” was released in 2010. And next year, Angelina Jolie will release a major motion picture based on his life. Speaking about Louis’s death, Jolie said, “It is a loss impossible to describe. We are so grateful for how enriched our lives are for having known him. We will miss him terribly.” Let’s pray that the Christian secrets of Zamperini’s greatness don’t get left on the cutting room floor!
And as we’re praying with thanksgiving for his life and impact, let’s remember anew how stories like Zamperini’s can point a wayward culture to grace and truth.
[bold and italics emphasis mine]
FURTHER READING AND INFORMATION
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption - Laura Hillenbrand | Random House | November 2010
"Olympian Louis Zamperini Dies at 97" - ESPN News | July 3, 2014; http://espn.go.com/olympics/story/_/id/11171984/war-hero-olympian-louis-zamperini-dies-97
"Louis Zamperini, Olympian and ‘Unbroken’ War Survivor, with the Lord at 97; He met Adolph Hitler and Billy Graham" - Dan Woodling | CrossMap | July 3, 2014; http://crossmap.christianpost.com/news/louis-zamperini-olympian-and-unbroken-war-survivor-with-the-lord-at-97-he-met-adolph-hitle-and-billy-graham-11188
Devil at My Heels - Louis Zamperini | William Morrow Paperbacks | November 2011
PRAY FOR AMERICA: THANK GOD for His many blessings on America throughout it's history. May we then ask that AMERICA once again be a blessing TO GOD, by once again submitting to HIS will in our affairs - both personal and national - that He may truly "heal our land." (2 Chron. 7:14)
Month of RAMADAN - Please make note that the Muslim month of Ramadan this year is June 28-July 27. This is the second year I will join with the over 1 billion Muslims in their annual time of prayer and fasting (sun-up to sun-down each day) and ask God to reveal Himself to them in dreams and visions. As this is the time each year when they are most open to spiritual things, I ask you to join me that God would speak clearly to each one and come to lead millions to leave their kingdom of darkness for Jesus' kingdom of light. (Col. 1:13-14) - Stan
RAMADAN 2014 - Day # 2 - Kindness - "Teach me so I can minister to other women," During a 3-year prison sentence, Ange became a Christian. Now a pastor's wife, she was anxious to learn so she could help others. Lord, many women living in Islamic nations are oppressed and marginalized. Send godly women to minster to them in kindness, praising Your Holy Name. - from Open Doors Ramadan Prayer Guide for the Persecuted Church.
SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november
WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:
7/18 - PRAY FOR THE PRESENT CONFLICT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS TO END SOON BEFORE MORE INNOCENT LIVES ARE LOST ON BOTH SIDES.
6/13 - PRAY FOR THE CRISIS HAPPENING NOW IN IRAQ (see post #907)
LATEST SAHEED NEWS! May 22 - "Pastor Saeed Forcibly Returned to Prison after Beating" - By Caitlin Burke,CBN News, May 22, 2014;
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/May/Pastor-Saeed-Beaten-Sent-Back-to-Iran-Prison/ "Saeed Abedini, a U.S. pastor imprisoned for his faith, was severely beaten at an Iranian hospital before being returned to the brutal Rajai Shahr prison. His Iranian family claims the transfer was unexpected and the reason is unclear. But one of the guards involved in the transfer suggested recent Iranian nuclear talks could be a motive, the family said...""
We need to continue to pray for Pastor Saeed - that his health will improve and that he will be re-united with his wife and two young children who live in the United States. We also remain hopeful that in addition to getting the medical care he so desperately needs, that Iranian officials display the kind of humanitarian treatment that often accompanies the start of the Iranian New Year which began on March 21st. This is the time of year when the Iranian government frequently offers clemency to prisoners of conscience. [If you have not yet, please sign the petition for his clemency- http://beheardproject.com/saeed#sign]
PRAY ALSO : - For comfort and peace for Saeed’s wife and children here in the U.S.\
- For a strong witness and testimony from Pastor Abedini in the prison where God has placed him
- For Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ
- For leadership from the White House and State Department in defending the freedoms of Abedini and other Americans
- GO TO SaveSaeed.org to sign a petition over 600,000 others asking for his immediate release
*For God to suppress President Putin’s ambitions to "restore" the Soviet empire.
*For the people of Ukrainen [esp. for the church 'to be THE church'] as they wait to see if the Russian troops will advance.
*About President Obama and to use wisdom in crafting our foreign policy, and wisdom for his advisers.
PRAYER ALERT!"Kim Jong-un Calls for Execution of 33 Christians" - 3/7/2014; http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/Prayerwatch?pw=3651 "North Korea tyrant Kim Jong-un has reportedly ordered that 33 Christians believed to be working alongside South Korean Baptist missionary Kim Jung-wook be put to death. The South Korean missionary - who was arrested last year - and his accomplices have reportedly started 500 or so underground churches..."[PRAY that the plans for execution would be rescinded, and these believers released.] [Che\ck out: They'll Be Dead By Morning (What Difference Will It Make) http://loristanleyroeleveld.blogspot.com/2014/03/theyll-be-dead-by-morning-what.html
NEWS ALERT/PRAISE! "Iran Allows Surgery on Ailing, Imprisoned Pastor" - CBNNews.com,March 07, 2014;http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/March/Iran-Allows-Dire-Surgery-on-Ailing-Imprisoned-Pastor-/ The Iranian government has finally allowed doctors to perform surgery on imprisoned Pastor Benham Irani.Irani suffered from a herniated disc and bleeding intestines and urgently needed medical care. PRAY for the final release of Pastor Irani and others imprisoned for their faith.
Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]
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Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]
"Louis Zamperini, American Hero - The Story of a Man Who Could Not Be Broken" - By: John Stonestreet|Breakpoint.org: July 11, 2014; http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/25643?spMailingID=9002058&spUserID=MTMyMjM2ODE5OQS2&spJobID=340908253&spReportId=MzQwOTA4MjUzS0
Louis Zamperini proved the old adage that truth is often stranger than fiction. But he also proved it could be more glorious, too.
Last year, my friend and colleague Eric Metaxas released a book entitled “7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness.” It’s a compelling look at seven men, including Chuck Colson, who made a difference in their generations.My only quibble with Eric about this book is that he didn’t include a chapter on a World War II hero and former Olympian who died on July 2 at the ripe old age of 97—Louis Zamperini.
Of course, I can understand why. Eric did include famous Olympian Eric Liddell, who died in a Japanese concentration camp at the end of the Second World War.But he could have called the book “8 Men” and included a chapter on the indomitable Louis Zamperini… His story really is that good. Here's an outline:
Bullied as a youngster because of his Italian heritage, the athletic Zamperini began, as he said, “beating the tar out of every one” of his tormentors. He admitted, “I was so good at it that I started relishing the idea of getting even. I was sort of addicted to it.” So his parents got him into track and field to provide an outlet for his aggressiveness. As a high school track star in 1934, Zamperini set a world interscholastic record in the mile. In 1936, he made the U.S. Olympic team, even rooming with Jesse Owens.Though Louis didn’t “medal” in his event, the 5,000 meters, he earned a meeting with Adolf Hitler after running the final lap in an amazing 56 seconds. Hitler shook his hand, remarking, “That boy with the fast finish.”
By 1943, he was at war in the Pacific as a bombardier. Lieutenant Zamperini crashed in the Pacific when his B-24 developed mechanical problems. Of the 11 crew members, only Louis and one companion survived--enduring 47 days on a raft in shark-infested waters before being captured by Japanese forces, and subsequently sent to a prison camp for two years, where he was tortured. One Japanese camp sergeant, nicknamed “the Bird,” beat Louis over and over in a psychotic fury. But Louis would later say, “Pain never bothered me. Destroying my dignity stuck with me.” The U.S. military had even declared him dead.
Somehow though, Louis survived. He married Cynthia in 1946, but struggled with rage, nightmares, and depression. One night he even woke up to find his hands around his wife’s neck. Something had to change.
In 1949, Cynthia went to the Los Angeles Billy Graham Crusade. And she urged Louis to go, too. He initially refused, but then he relented and went, where he heard the Good News of forgiveness in Christ, trusted in the Lord and began a personal journey of forgiveness that has touched the world.
In his autobiography, “Devil at My Heels,” Louis said, “I think the hardest thing in life is to forgive. Hate is self-destructive. If you hate someone, you’re not hurting the person you hate, you’re hurting yourself.” So in 1950 he went back to Japan and preached a message of forgiveness and love to imprisoned war criminals who had hurt him, and even threw his arms around them. What a picture of doing good to one’s persecutors! But he wasn’t finished.
When Louis was 81, in 1998, he ran part of the Olympic Torch relay for the Winter Games in Nagano. While there he sought out “the Bird” to offer forgiveness, but tragically, the old prison guard—who had somehow avoided prosecution as a war criminal—refused to even see him. But at least Louis tried.
The best-selling biography of Zamperini by Laura Hillenbrand, “Unbroken,” was released in 2010. And next year, Angelina Jolie will release a major motion picture based on his life. Speaking about Louis’s death, Jolie said, “It is a loss impossible to describe. We are so grateful for how enriched our lives are for having known him. We will miss him terribly.” Let’s pray that the Christian secrets of Zamperini’s greatness don’t get left on the cutting room floor!
And as we’re praying with thanksgiving for his life and impact, let’s remember anew how stories like Zamperini’s can point a wayward culture to grace and truth.
[bold and italics emphasis mine]
FURTHER READING AND INFORMATION
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption - Laura Hillenbrand | Random House | November 2010
"Olympian Louis Zamperini Dies at 97" - ESPN News | July 3, 2014; http://espn.go.com/olympics/story/_/id/11171984/war-hero-olympian-louis-zamperini-dies-97
"Louis Zamperini, Olympian and ‘Unbroken’ War Survivor, with the Lord at 97; He met Adolph Hitler and Billy Graham" - Dan Woodling | CrossMap | July 3, 2014; http://crossmap.christianpost.com/news/louis-zamperini-olympian-and-unbroken-war-survivor-with-the-lord-at-97-he-met-adolph-hitle-and-billy-graham-11188
Devil at My Heels - Louis Zamperini | William Morrow Paperbacks | November 2011
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