The Bulletin Board:(Please SCROLL DOWN this page to find the article titled on this post in LARGE CAPITAL LETTERS. Thank you.)
ANSWERED PRAYER! Sudanese Christian Mom Now Free, Arrives in Italy! - CBNNews.com,July 24, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/July/Sudanese-Mother-Now-Free-Arrives-in-Italy-/ - "Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese Christian woman who nearly died for refusing to recant her faith, is now a free woman. Ibrahim, 27, arrived in Italy Thursday following an extended stay at the U.S. Embassy in Sudan." ..."She is the tip of the iceberg," Zuhdi Jasser, vice-chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, testified before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee. .. "For every one case of Meriam Ibrahim, there are hundreds, if not thousands of those Sudanese and others who are victims of a draconian implementation of Sharia law that creates an existence for the Sudanese under the leadership of President Bashir that is really an abomination of religious freedom," he charged.
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
Last Day of RAMADAN 2014 - Day # 30 - Peace - May the feet of Christians around the globe, especially those in Islamic countries, be shod with "sandals of peace" as they struggle against the darkness. Father, on this final day of Ramadan, fill the hearts of Muslims everywhere with a hunger for peace that can only be filled by your Spirit. - 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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"Where's the Outrage, Righteous Indignation?" - http://blogs.cbn.com/beltwaybuzz/archive/2014/07/24/wheres-the-outrage-righteous-indignation.aspx [AS I SEE IT: It's one thing for our government to be near absent in the release of the wife of an American Christian (see item below), but I find it disheartening and inexplicable why I have not heard prayers lifted for our persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide from our pulpits. Why do we not engage the Enemy in the most effective way we can as the Body of Christ - with our intercession before our Heavenly Father? Is Heaven not asking, "Where is My Church?" P.S. - To encourage you that in the midst of difficult times for so many Christians, be sure to check out tomrrow's post (#750) about revival in Iran (Yes, Iran!)- Stan]
It's a headline that broke the collective heart of our newsroom: "Ancient Christian Community in Iraq Is No More"
For about 2,000 years, Iraqi Christians - a small but significant minority - have called Iraq home. Today, that group is being systematically targeted for annihilation. The majority of Iraq's once-thriving Christian community in Mosul have abandoned their homes and belongings in a desperate attempt to save their lives after extremists with [the] Islamic State gave them only three options: convert to Islam, pay a religious tax, or face execution. The few who stayed behind likely will become martyrs.
One expert told CBN News some even had their fingers chopped off so insurgents could steal their wedding bands. Their crime? While in some cultures the system of justice demands and eye for and eye or the loss of limb for theft, no such crime was committed here. They're simply guilty of professing a faith in Jesus Christ. And in some majority Muslim countries that can result in charges of apostasy or blasphemy.
For Christians in Iraq, who trace their biblical heritage to the Old Testament times of Abraham, the notion of apostasy is as absurd and as far-fetched as a desert without sand. Thriving as one of the world's oldest, continuously existing Christian communities, they were never Muslim adherents. So accusing them of renouncing Islam is a trumped-up charge. Furthermore, it's unlikely any Arab Christian in his or her right mind would disparage Islam or the prophet Muhammad given the close connection between culture, religion, and politics.
Christians in the West need to stand up for our persecuted brothers and sisters. We also need to acknowledge whatever forms of "persecution" or "injustice" we think we suffer grossly pales in comparison to what's happening in other countries like North Korea, Pakistan, Syria, and Sudan, where a young Christian mother had been imprisoned and sentenced to die for converting to Christianity. Fortunately, Meriam Irbrahim, along with her two young children, finally found freedom today. But there are many more, including Pastor Saeed Abedini imprisoned in Iran, who remain shackled and silenced for their faith.
What's happening in Iran, Sudan, and other places hostile to religious freedom should serve as a wake up call for the church and Christians worldwide. Where is the outrage? Where are the rallies and demonstrations? Where are the 24-hour prayer vigils? Are we doing enough? Whatever the answer, we can always do more. We need to channel the anger from the pain and suffering of fellow believers and turn it into action.
First and foremost, we should always adopt a posture of prayer. Secondly, we should employ wisdom and join our voices in unison to encourage our leaders, both in the church and the political arena, to use their influence to shape attitudes and change policy.
It should not be overlooked that Meriam Ibrahim's release and consequent freedom came just one day after a congressional hearing specifically on her case.
As the apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, it's time pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, and love -- and fight the good fight of faith. It's the cause for which our Savior died, and our persecuted brothers and sisters deserve no less.
[bold and italics emphasis mine]
"US Mostly Absent in Meriam Ibrahim Release" - By Caitlin Burke, July 26, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/July/Critics-US-Conspicuously-Absent-in-Ibrahim-Release/ "Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese mom who refused to recant her Christian faith even in the face of death, will soon head to the United States.The news comes one day after she and her family were allowed to leave the U.S. Embassy in Sudan, where they took refuge after her release from prison.Meanwhile, critics note that although Ibrahim's husband and children are American citizens, it was the Italian government and the Vatican that negotiated her release, not the United States. Tina Ramirez, founder of the religious freedom organization Hardwired, said that's unacceptable."It is a matter of U.S. foreign policy under the International Freedom Act of 1998 that we do care about religious freedom whether it's an American citizen or not an American citizen," Ramirez told CBN News. "But the fact that her husband is an American citizen makes this case more unfortunate that the U.S. didn't get involved from the beginning," she said.
ANSWERED PRAYER! Sudanese Christian Mom Now Free, Arrives in Italy! - CBNNews.com,July 24, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/July/Sudanese-Mother-Now-Free-Arrives-in-Italy-/ - "Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese Christian woman who nearly died for refusing to recant her faith, is now a free woman. Ibrahim, 27, arrived in Italy Thursday following an extended stay at the U.S. Embassy in Sudan." ..."She is the tip of the iceberg," Zuhdi Jasser, vice-chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, testified before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee. .. "For every one case of Meriam Ibrahim, there are hundreds, if not thousands of those Sudanese and others who are victims of a draconian implementation of Sharia law that creates an existence for the Sudanese under the leadership of President Bashir that is really an abomination of religious freedom," he charged.
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
Last Day of RAMADAN 2014 - Day # 30 - Peace - May the feet of Christians around the globe, especially those in Islamic countries, be shod with "sandals of peace" as they struggle against the darkness. Father, on this final day of Ramadan, fill the hearts of Muslims everywhere with a hunger for peace that can only be filled by your Spirit. - 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.]
"Where's the Outrage, Righteous Indignation?" - http://blogs.cbn.com/beltwaybuzz/archive/2014/07/24/wheres-the-outrage-righteous-indignation.aspx [AS I SEE IT: It's one thing for our government to be near absent in the release of the wife of an American Christian (see item below), but I find it disheartening and inexplicable why I have not heard prayers lifted for our persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide from our pulpits. Why do we not engage the Enemy in the most effective way we can as the Body of Christ - with our intercession before our Heavenly Father? Is Heaven not asking, "Where is My Church?" P.S. - To encourage you that in the midst of difficult times for so many Christians, be sure to check out tomrrow's post (#750) about revival in Iran (Yes, Iran!)- Stan]
It's a headline that broke the collective heart of our newsroom: "Ancient Christian Community in Iraq Is No More"
For about 2,000 years, Iraqi Christians - a small but significant minority - have called Iraq home. Today, that group is being systematically targeted for annihilation. The majority of Iraq's once-thriving Christian community in Mosul have abandoned their homes and belongings in a desperate attempt to save their lives after extremists with [the] Islamic State gave them only three options: convert to Islam, pay a religious tax, or face execution. The few who stayed behind likely will become martyrs.
One expert told CBN News some even had their fingers chopped off so insurgents could steal their wedding bands. Their crime? While in some cultures the system of justice demands and eye for and eye or the loss of limb for theft, no such crime was committed here. They're simply guilty of professing a faith in Jesus Christ. And in some majority Muslim countries that can result in charges of apostasy or blasphemy.
For Christians in Iraq, who trace their biblical heritage to the Old Testament times of Abraham, the notion of apostasy is as absurd and as far-fetched as a desert without sand. Thriving as one of the world's oldest, continuously existing Christian communities, they were never Muslim adherents. So accusing them of renouncing Islam is a trumped-up charge. Furthermore, it's unlikely any Arab Christian in his or her right mind would disparage Islam or the prophet Muhammad given the close connection between culture, religion, and politics.
Christians in the West need to stand up for our persecuted brothers and sisters. We also need to acknowledge whatever forms of "persecution" or "injustice" we think we suffer grossly pales in comparison to what's happening in other countries like North Korea, Pakistan, Syria, and Sudan, where a young Christian mother had been imprisoned and sentenced to die for converting to Christianity. Fortunately, Meriam Irbrahim, along with her two young children, finally found freedom today. But there are many more, including Pastor Saeed Abedini imprisoned in Iran, who remain shackled and silenced for their faith.
What's happening in Iran, Sudan, and other places hostile to religious freedom should serve as a wake up call for the church and Christians worldwide. Where is the outrage? Where are the rallies and demonstrations? Where are the 24-hour prayer vigils? Are we doing enough? Whatever the answer, we can always do more. We need to channel the anger from the pain and suffering of fellow believers and turn it into action.
First and foremost, we should always adopt a posture of prayer. Secondly, we should employ wisdom and join our voices in unison to encourage our leaders, both in the church and the political arena, to use their influence to shape attitudes and change policy.
It should not be overlooked that Meriam Ibrahim's release and consequent freedom came just one day after a congressional hearing specifically on her case.
As the apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, it's time pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, and love -- and fight the good fight of faith. It's the cause for which our Savior died, and our persecuted brothers and sisters deserve no less.
[bold and italics emphasis mine]
"US Mostly Absent in Meriam Ibrahim Release" - By Caitlin Burke, July 26, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/July/Critics-US-Conspicuously-Absent-in-Ibrahim-Release/ "Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese mom who refused to recant her Christian faith even in the face of death, will soon head to the United States.The news comes one day after she and her family were allowed to leave the U.S. Embassy in Sudan, where they took refuge after her release from prison.Meanwhile, critics note that although Ibrahim's husband and children are American citizens, it was the Italian government and the Vatican that negotiated her release, not the United States. Tina Ramirez, founder of the religious freedom organization Hardwired, said that's unacceptable."It is a matter of U.S. foreign policy under the International Freedom Act of 1998 that we do care about religious freedom whether it's an American citizen or not an American citizen," Ramirez told CBN News. "But the fact that her husband is an American citizen makes this case more unfortunate that the U.S. didn't get involved from the beginning," she said.
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