The Eyes of a Woman

 

Their eyes...their eyes can speak volumes...of the hope that is in each female for someone to love her, protect her, tell her she is important. They plead for justice, equality and liberation. They show strength of character, determination and love for her family. They can also convey loss, fear, hopelessness and despair.

Jesus saw this in the eyes of the widow whose son had just died (Luke 11:1), the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), the woman caught in adultery (John 8) and so many others throughout His time on earth. Their eyes spoke volumes about their suffering. And His heart was moved with tenderness and compassion for them. He reached out to not only heal and free them but to touch them and call them "daughter" (Matthew 9:22). 

He broke all societal norms in His inclusion and outreach toward women. He elevated the status of women more than any other human ever has. It is a testament to the power of the Gospel that where true, heartfelt Christianity spreads, women and girls benefit.
One such example can be seen in the life of William Carey, missionary to India. 

"William Carey," argues an (Indian) female social science scholar, "was the first man to stand against both the ruthless murders and widespread oppression of women, virtually synonymous with Hinduism in the 18th and 19th centuries. The male in India was crushing the female through polygamy, female infanticide, child marriage, widow-burning, euthanasia and forced female illiteracy, all sanctioned by religion. The British Government timidly accepted these social evils as being an irreversible and an intrinsic part of India's religious mores. 

Carey began to conduct systematic sociological and scriptural research. He published his reports in order to raise public opinion and protest both in Bengal and England. He influenced a whole generation of civil servants, his students at Fort William College, to resist these evils. 

Carey opened schools for girls. When widows converted to Christianity, he arranged marriages for them rather than allowing them to be burned alive. It was Carey's persistent 25 year battle against sati that finally led to Lord Bentinck's famous Edict in 1829, banning one of the most abominable of all religious practices in the world: "widow-burning." (Vishal and Ruth Mangalwadi).

Today, the eyes that haunt me most are those of Muslim women and girls. Their fate is similar, in many ways, to the Indian women of Carey's time. Polygamy, female infanticide, child marriage, honor killings and forced female illiteracy, all sanctioned by religion. Yet the American government, in many ways, seems to mirror the British government by timidly accepting these social evils as being an irreversible and an intrinsic part of Muslim religious mores. 

Why? Political correctness, fear of being named racist or intolerant of Islam? 

Whatever the reason, as in the time of William Carey, it is not going to be the government of America, or any other nation, that speaks up for the Muslim women. It MUST be the Church. 

We must allow God to break our hearts for these women and girls. We must pray for them...especially that they would find Isa (Jesus), the One who loves them and can provide them with hope they have never known. We must reach out to Muslim women in our area...ask God to show you one or two and then pray for them and become their friends.

Their eyes...they can speak of pain that an American woman can not even fathom, but they can also speak of peace and joy that only Jesus, the lover of their souls, can give them. 

Christian Persecution in Christian Colombia?

Would you be surprised to know that a country where more than 90% of the people claim to be Christian is also one of the top 50 countries where it is the most dangerous to follow Jesus? Open Doors, an organization that tracks persecution of the church puts out a yearly list of the 50 most dangerous countries to follow Jesus – in 2019’s “Watch List,” the country of Columbia, in South America, comes in at #47. How can a country that is almost entirely “Christian” still be a dangerous place to be a follower of Jesus?

One of the main reasons that Christians in Columbia are targeted is because they choose to genuinely follow Jesus. Even though a historic peace agreement between the government and anti-government rebels was signed after more than 50 years of fighting, there are troubling signs that the peace deal is not working as well as hoped, and in September of this year the president of Columbia launched a new crackdown against the opposition groups.

So, what does a government conflict have to do with Christians? These anti-government groups often rely on brutal guerilla warfare to survive, and plenty of illegal activity to fund themselves, such a drug production and trafficking. When someone from one of these groups, or someone who lives where they have control begins to truly follow Jesus, they won’t take part in any drug deals anymore, and will encourage others not to do it. Those who have participated in the violence will denounce it, and will try to defend the weak and the powerless. In areas where everyone has to pay protection money, some pastors will refuse to do so on behalf of their churches, and will encourage young men not to join these groups. As you may imagine, decisions like these “ruin” the business. The situation is serious: at least four pastors in Columbia have been assassinated this year already. A recent study by the mayor’s office in the capital city of Bogotá show that over a 3-year period almost 13% of all pastors in the capital city have received death threats.

Another challenging issue unrelated to the drug cartels is that even with the majority of the people at least claiming to be “Christian,” a significant minority of people are indigenous, following ancestral beliefs, including witchcraft. When people from these groups come to faith in Jesus, they face significant persecution from their communities, which can include harassment, threats and violence.

Pray for believers in Columbia, both for those making bold stands against the guerilla groups and drug cartels and also for those who are persecuted by their own indigenous communities. Pray for peace in the country, and an end to the injustices that exist there!

When Christians Suffer

In a world torn by sin, all people suffer. But Christians may ask, “Since God promises to bless His children, why do believers suffer?” Why does God not always rescue Christians from suffering?

■ Suffering constructs Christ-like lives and builds the Church. Mark 8:34-35; Romans 5:3-4; 8:29; Acts 8:1-3; Colossians 1:24

■ Suffering prepares Christians to comfort other sufferers. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

■ Suffering corrects Christians when we go the wrong way. Psalm 119:67; 2 Corinthians 1:9

■ Suffering changes Christians’ deepest desires so that we long for God and heaven more than this world.
Psalm 73:21-28; Acts 7:54-59

■ Suffering is cosmic, showing angels, demons and all creation how God works in His people and the world.
Job 1-2; John 9:3

■ Suffering for Christ and His Church is a Christian’s privilege. John 9:3; Romans 8:17; Philippians 3:7-10

The world calls suffering meaningless and does everything to avoid or control it. No one should choose to suffer needlessly. But God gives believers unique opportunities to bring Him glory and enjoy fellowship with Him through the suffering He ordains for us.

Taken from Bible Study Fellowship International

Ignatius - Thrown to the Lions Yet Praising God

Icon of the martyrdom of Saint Ignatius

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."  Matthew 24:14

The next few months of this blog will look at the lives of missionaries through the ages. It is my hope that you will be encouraged and strengthened in your faith as you see God's hand working through the lives of ordinary people as they followed the will of an extraordinary God. 

The first period of time covers the time of the Apostolic Church, Christ to 500 AD. During this time, Christians often came into conflict with the Roman government because they refused to worship Caesar as God. Despite the persecution, "by the end of the third century, the majority of the residents of some areas controlled by Rome were Christians converts. (The Gospel had reached such places as Sri Lanka, Algeria, Portugal, Morocco, Britain, France, India, Switzerland and Belgium, with Armenia accepting Christianity as their state religion in 304 AD...see Timeline of Christian Missions). The high cost of following Christ was more to be treasured than the Roman sword," Foxes Voices of the Martyrs. And God brought great good out of this persecution because as persecution arose in one area, Christians would flee to other regions, thus spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. 

The missionaries that will be highlighted during this period are:

Ignatius of Antioch (30-107 AD)

Polycarp of Smyrna (70-155 AD)

Ulfilas (311-381 AD)

Patrick (389-461 AD)

Ignatius of Antioch     (30-107 AD)

"I would rather die for Christ than rule the whole earth."

Born around the time of Jesus' return to Heaven, Ignatius was good friends with the disciple John. Tradition says that he was one of the children that Jesus took in His arms and blessed. It is believed that his appointment to be bishop of Antioch came from the apostle Peter. Ignatius "wrote with a focus on Christ and the unity of the church - themes he sounded before the trial court (held when he was seventy-two) where he faced trumped up charges of disloyalty to Rome for failing to bow to pagan deities," (Foxes, 49). 

Ignatius was part of new spiritual movement whose followers could never again offer Rome ultimate loyalty. "Throughly devoted to Christ...he was part of that great generation who taught and built the church, buried the apostles, collected their writings, stood before the emperor's psychotic wrath, and fought heretics and swindlers infiltrating the movement," (Foxes, 50). 

En route to his martyrdom in Rome, Ignatius wrote a series of seven letters which have been preserved as an example of very early Christian theology. Important topics addressed in these letters include ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops. The letters were addressed 

- To the Ephesians (Turkey)

- To the Magnesians (Turkey)

- Letter to the Trallians (Turkey)

- To the Romans (Italy)

- To the Philadelphians (Turkey)

- To the Smyrnaeans (Turkey)

- To Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna (Ignatius). 

He was sent to the lions by Emperor Trajan, with these words to those who knew him, "Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing of visible or invisible things so that I may but win Christ. Come fire and cross and grapplings with wild beasts, the rending of my bones and body...only let it be mine to attain Christ." (Foxes, 50).  

The Hope of a Coming World Revival

Do you know that more people have come to know Christ in the last 100 years than in all the centuries before that combined? That is a staggering but exciting thought! Even though we may not be very aware of it in America, the Holy Spirit is moving and bringing salvation to untold millions throughout the world. That is just what the Bible said would happen as we anticipate the Lord's return. "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit," (Joel 2:28, 29). In this post, I hope to encourage you and excite you about what the Lord will do. Isn't it exciting to think that it may be done in our generation!

     So often the news tends to focus on the bad. And in reading the Bible we know that things will get worse as the end approaches (2 Tim 3:12; 2 Thes 2:1-3). "Famines, pestilence and earthquakes of staggering proportions will occur. Wars and intrigue will fill the earth. Hate will bind the hearts of men. No one will feel secure. As moral integrity breaks down, apostasy in the Church will increase. Those who do not conform to the spirit of the age will be hard pressed, and many will be martyred. (As you are reading this, many examples of these truths have probably come to mind.) Clearly, the cost of discipleship will be high. Yet, amid this terrible adversity, Scripture indicates that revival will sweep across the earth...the terrors will actually create an environment for earnest heart searching," (Robert E. Coleman).

     We are seeing this today in countries like China, Iran and Vietnam, where greater persecution of Christians is leading to greater growth in the Church! "Through the purging of revival, God's people will be brought to the true beauty of holiness. Our Lord expects to present His bride unto Himself 'a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless,' (Eph 5:27; 1 Jn 3:2-3; 2 Cor 7:1; 1 Pet 1:13-16; 3:4). The trials of the last days will serve as fires to refine the gold of Christian character. A purified Church will be able to receive unhindered the power of the outpoured Spirit, and thereby more boldly enter into the mission of Christ" (Coleman).

     God has never promised that He would save every Christian from suffering on this earth. That belief is easy to come by in the relatively safe Church of America but is not found in the Church in much of the rest of the world. Instead, Jesus promised His followers hardship at every turn. But in that hardship, He also promised to be with us, to refine us, and to use us for His glory and to draw others to Himself. We must not fear the affliction but understand it when it comes. This is a message for the Church in America! I believe our time of ease may be soon over. We, as a Church, need to prepare to suffer affliction as our brothers and sisters in Christ are doing throughout the world. And we must not fear this affliction but see it for what it is - a means for growing the Church of Christ, growing closer to the Lord on an individual level and ultimately glorifying Him as we show the world that our Lord and Savior, who suffered for us, is worth suffering and dying for!

     But in this suffering is the hope of a coming world revival! People who are full of the Holy Spirit as a result of their suffering, are committed to God's work. Do you know where there is a huge movement of people to bring the Gospel to the Muslims...China! A country of great persecution is burning with the desire to see those, lost in a religion of great persecution (Islam), come to Christ. An example of this is the ministry Back to Jerusalem. You can learn more about them at http://www.backtojerusalem.com/  When you go to the website you may notice that the pictures of many of the Christian leaders of this movement need to be obscured so as to protect them from a government who would like to destroy them. Where is this same passion for the Muslims in America? I believe that passion often comes with persecution, thus we see that the persecution that God allows His church to undergo is not in vain. It has a purpose!

     I believe that God's passion to get out the message of Jesus to the lost nations of this world will increase. You are reading this blog and I am writing this blog because He is growing in us a passion for the lost! Be encouraged that the greatest day of evangelism, what Joel 2:23, Hos 6:3, Zech 10:1 and James 5:7 refer to as the "latter rain," is before us. "The harvesting may be short in duration and may require enormous sacrifice, but it will be the most far-reaching acceptance of the Gospel this world has ever seen. The massive turning of Christ by people from the four corners of the earth will prepare the way for the coming of the King," (Coleman)

     "Anticipation of our Lord's return is a summons to action. We must cast off anything that blocks the flow of the Holy Spirit and commit ourselves to being about the Father's business. World evangelization now is the responsibility around which our lives should be centered. Whatever our gifts, we are all needed in the witness of the Gospel," (Coleman).

     Let's make this more personal for a moment. What trials are you facing in your life right now? For me, I struggle with the day-to-day challenges of raising a family of six, homeschooling, meeting the needs of my husband and involvement in outside organizations. When the daily trials occur, it is so easy to forget all about the Lord and act in the flesh...to get irritated, angry and then feel guilty. But what if I asked God for a new perspective? What if I asked Him to help me see the trials He allows in my daily life as ways to be purified in Him? As opportunities to pray more, trust more and grow more in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? He may be using the daily struggles of motherhood (or fatherhood, work, singleness, etc.) as periods of refinement to grow compassion and patience in us, compassion that may one day extend beyond our own homes to the nations; patience that may one day be manifested in mission work for the Lord.

     Through the daily struggles and as we anticipate a coming world revival, prayer is our greatest resource. We need to be asking God daily, how do you want to use me? Who should I be praying for? What are You doing in the world and how can I get involved?

     "Something great is on the horizon. You can almost feel it in the air. Though forces of evil are becoming more sinister and aggressive, there is a corresponding cry for spiritual awakening. Across the world, never has there been more yearning by more people for spiritual reality, nor has the Church ever had the means it now has to take the glad tidings of salvation to the lost, unreached people of the earth. What a day to be alive!

     Certainly this is a not a time for despair. The King's coming is certain. And in preparation for His return we may be the very generation that will see the greatest movement of revival since the beginning of time!" (Coleman)

    

    

    

    

Why Does God Allow Christian Persecution?

In my last blog entry I about Voice of the Martyrs and Christian persecution. Why does God allow this persecution we might ask? Because in no other act of a human being is God’s love shown more profoundly. Jesus was the ultimate martyr. He gave His life for us and He tells us time and again that we must be willing to do the same for others.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  Matthew 5:44

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  John 15:88

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  2 Timothy 3:12

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  1 Peter 4:12-14

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.  2 Corinthians 4:8-12

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  Romans 8:35-37

Giving their lives for Christ is just what Christians are doing all over the world. As people willingly sacrifice their lives, not just through death but also through other types of loss and persecution, those around them see a God who is worth giving everything for. As they see Christians give everything for God, they begin to believe that God loves them and will give everything for them.

Let me interject some thoughts about America at this point. Right now, there is much concern about the future of America, both financially and morally, but I don’t think we, as Christians, should be worried and concerned or look on this as entirely bad. According to Robert E. Coleman, "The Church should not fear affliction, though it causes anguish and even death. Suffering may be necessary to convince us that we do not live by bread alone. When received as an expression of God's trust, our suffering can be a means of helping us comprehend more of the love of Christ, 'who suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps' (1 Pet 2:21; Heb. 2:10, 5:8). Without hardship, probably few of us would learn much about the deeper life of grace."

We all know this is true in our own lives. When we go through difficult times, it draws us closer to the Lord. Well, maybe God has more difficult times ahead for the Church in America, in order to draw her closer to Him and purify her for greater works as we anticipate the return, someday, of our Lord Jesus Christ.

After you read a bit about the persecuted church, you may ask yourself, why am I not hearing about this on the news? One reason is that the visual media have eroded the faith of believers in God’s sovereignty in the world. Television cameramen swoop down on the wars, famines, disasters and tragedies of this world. (if it bleeds, it leads). The beautiful, wholesome and good is less photogenic, so what God does and what God’s servants are achieving are rarely noticed. Like Elisha’s servant (2 Kings 6), we need our eyes opened to see reality. The view from a heavenly vantage point is very different. There is a titanic struggle going on in the heavenlies between the forces of the Lord Jesus and the hosts of darkness and the effects in our world are dramatic. Yet the victory has already been won on the cross!”

Sharing the good news of that victory and encouraging the persecuted church is what Voice of the Martyrs is all about. There are many different things that they do, but I will just highlight a few:

They launch balloons, covered with Bible verses, into North Korea...the most closed nation on earth; they also send weekly Christian faxes to North Korean businesses...using any means to get the Bible into North Korea. They help with Chinese safe houses where North Koreans can find shelter and safety when they are escaping from North Korea. At these homes they often find faith in Jesus Christ as well.

In Pakistan they encourage and give legal aid to Christian prisoners and their families; you can send Action Packs into Pakistan...bags filled with clothing, blankets, the Bible and Christian literature and they produce and distribute many evangelistic tools to help win Muslims to Christ.

In China they support Christian prisoners and their families and provide aid to Christians whose churches have been destroyed.

There are many more ways that VoM can help you to help the persecuted church: signing up to receive the weekly prayers requests, writing letters to prisoners and sending blankets to Sudan. We have been given SO MUCH in America. Jesus asks us to help the least of these. VoM makes it very easy to do this. It has changed my life!

Yes, the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters can be shocking, sad and depressing. If...we stop here. But, there’s more to this story! I’d like to conclude by sharing with you what God is doing in these three countries specifically. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 16:18, that “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Satan is doing his best to destroy Christians and keep the lost from ever hearing about the good news of Jesus Christ. But our God is greater and more powerful and He is winning the battle one person at a time!

In North Korea: the number of Christians is growing despite persecution with the percentage of Christian as high as 10%!  Hearts are longing for truth and for a loving relationship with their Creator so much so that many who flee to China and receive Christ go back into North Korea, with the reality of certain death if they are caught, to share the Good News with their family and friends. Many believe that the North Korean government will fall and South Korea, a very Christian nation, is waiting to flood the country with the good news of Jesus. Just as a side note...100 years ago, Korea had no Protestant Church and was thought of as “impossible to penetrate.” Today the country is over 30% Christian and in Seoul, alone, there are over 7,000 churches...we lived there for 2 years and I can attest to the truth of this!

In Pakistan: Christians have become the second largest religious minority. Incredibly, God is appearing to Muslims in visions and dreams (more than 1/3 of the converts in Turkey said they came to Christ because He appeared to them in a dream).

In China: Every day approximately 23,000 Chinese come to know Christ! In fact, right now there are many more Christians in China than members of the Communist party. There is so much more I could share but I will end this. God is doing incredible things throughout the world and it is our joy and privilege to be involved!!!

Voice of the Martyrs

One thing I would like to do with this blog is to introduce you to some of the wonderful ministries that are out there, helping spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping those who are sharing the news. One  such organization is Voice of the Martyrs. I first learned about VoM when we were in the process of adopting our oldest daughter from China. I didn't really know much about the daily persecution that Christians undergo throughout the world for their faith and their incredible testimonies. VoM helped me learn so much!

When Jesus was asked by His disciples about His return, Jesus spoke these words (Luke 21),
"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.”

Persecution, betrayal, martyrdom - these are not things that many of us may think of very often in America, where it is relatively easy to be a Christian. But in many countries our Christian family is treated horribly! Imagine yourself at church on Sunday morning or at a ladies' Bible study. Now, if you lived in North Korea, Vietnam, China, Pakistan, Iran or a host of other nations, the police could come into the room, take everyone to prison and torture or even kill you without any legal proceedings. Right now Pastor Andrew Brunson is on trial in Turkey for sharing his faith, Pastor John Cao was sentenced to 7 years in prison in China for sharing his faith and two men were arrested in Pakistan for handing a Christian book to a man in a marketplace.

When many Christians in America do think about persecution and martyrdom, they automatically think of Rome, the gladiators, lions, Stephen and Paul. But do you know that more Christians became martyrs for their faith in the last century, approximately 41 million, than in all the centuries before that combined?

I encourage you to go to the VoM website, read through it and sign up to receive their free monthly newsletter. You can also order the free book Tortured for Christ. Learn about what our brothers and sisters are enduring as Christians so that your heart will be broken for them and so that you will pray for them. Prayer for the persecuted church is the number one thing each of us can do and it is the main request that they have. We need to do what Hebrews 13:3 asks of us, “Remember those in prison as if you yourselves were prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

Why Do Christians Suffer?

Ever since I have been interested in and burdened for the persecuted church and the lost, the issue of suffering comes up repeatedly. We know the Bible says time and again that if we follow Christ we will suffer.  I have listed just a few of the many references to suffering and persecution:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.—Matthew 5:10-12   

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.—John 15:18-20   

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:35-39  

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,—2 Timothy 3:12   

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.—1 Peter 4:12-14, 16

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ---- John 12:24-25

Jesus tells us that we will be persecuted. But why? Because in no other act of a human being is God’s love shown more profoundly. Jesus was the ultimate martyr. He gave His life for us and He tells us time and again that we must be willing to do the same for others. And that is just what Christians are doing all over the world.  

As people willingly sacrifice their lives, not just through death but also through other types of loss and persecution, those around them see a God who is worth giving everything for. As they see Christians give everything for God, they begin to believe that God loves them and will give everything for them.

    
The Christian Church grows through persecution. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” God is glorified when people see that faith in Him is worth losing everything on this earth, even life itself. Actions speak louder than words. When people see Christians who are bold in their belief and desire to tell others about Christ, even at the risk of persecution, unbelievers often want to know more. Paul even said, in Philippians 1:14, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

    
Let me interject some thoughts about America at this point. Right now, there is much concern about the future of America, morally and financially, but I don’t think we, as Christians, should be worried and concerned or look on this as entirely bad. According to Robert E. Coleman, "The Church should not fear affliction, though it causes anguish and even death. Suffering may be necessary to convince us that we do not live by bread alone. When received as an expression of God's trust, our suffering can be a means of helping us comprehend more of the love of Christ, 'who suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps' (1 Pet 2:21; Heb. 2:10, 5:8). "

    
Without hardship, probably few of us would learn much about the deeper life of grace. We all know this is true in our own lives. When we go through difficult times, it draws us closer to the Lord. Well, maybe God has more difficult times ahead for the Church in America, in order to draw her closer to Him and purify her for greater works as we anticipate the return, someday, of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

    
In addition to persecution and suffering drawing the non-believer and us, closer to the Lord, it helps to keep in mind that we are in a spiritual battle. The Church doesn't talk about this as much as it used to (remember "Onward Christian Soldiers"), but that doesn't mean the battle isn't being waged. Satan hates us: This is a spiritual battle first and foremost. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This battle is greater than any other battle on earth. And unlike the war on terrorism or any other war, it’s a battle not just for freedom on earth but freedom from Hell and Satan for eternity.

    
I write all this fully aware that I have never suffered on the scale that many are suffering today. I pray that when the suffering comes in my life, I will be reminded of all of God's promises that He will be with me and will give me the strength to endure. I share all this with the belief that we, as a Church, need to be mindful of those who suffer, pray for them and do all we can to help them, and be prepared (as much as we can be) for suffering, knowing "that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Rom 5:3-5)

This life is so short compared to eternity! If we are asked to suffer so that Christ will be glorified and so that other people will not suffer for eternity in Hell, I pray that each of us will be willing to obey.

I Against My Brother

I just watched a really good video on what it is like to be a Christian in Somalia. You can watch it below

 The website  I Against My Brother also has a 4-page Bible study for use after watching the film. This would be great for Sunday School, small groups and even homeschooling. The below news report is by CBN:


Muslims turning to Christ in Somalia is the subject of the new short film "I Against My Brother."

At only 15 minutes long, producers hope the film will become an evangelism tool -- something that Somalis could even watch on a cell phone.

"I Against My Brother" dramatizes the true story of a Somali woman who came to believe in Christ.

For her the cost was extremely high. In Somalia, she says, being a Muslim is seen as a part of being Somali.

"Somali people are very close. We share everything," the woman said in the film. "In our house there was only one room and there were seven of us."

In a surprise move to the city, the Somali woman encounters a Christian family. They show her God's love as they befriend her.

She then started reading the Bible in secret.

"I thought, 'Even if this (the Bible) is true, there's no way I can accept it. I'm a Somali. There's no other world I can go live in. If I accept this I will be killed,'" the woman recalled.

Eventually, the woman converted. The movie shows the real dangers she faced after coming to Christ.

The filmmaker told CBN News those dangers make it tough for Somali Christians to worship. They've even had to remain anonymous for this story due to security concerns.

"Somali Christians are very underground. They don't know each other. As far as I know there's no church of Somali believers pastored by a Somali pastor," one of the filmmakers said.

The filmmakers hope the Western church will watch the movie and pray for Somalis.

"The Somali people make international news almost every week for stuff that's really terrible," the other producer added.

"There's piracy, there's terrorism, there's the war in Somalia, there's the refugee camps," he continued. "And we want the church as they read these headlines to have a different response than the world has."

The filmmakers also hope that small groups will take advantage of online bible study materials -- and commit to praying weekly for the persecuted church in Somalia.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 13 November 2011

Today, Christian believers all over the world will be setting aside time to intercede on behalf of our Brothers and Sisters who are facing persecution for their faith.   The goal of this global concert of prayer is to increase awareness of the opposition and violence Christians are enduring worldwide, stand in the gap for these courageous men and women, and call the Church to action on their behalf.   "We believe prayer changes things," the sponsors of this event say.  "Exactly what happens is a mystery of faith.  God invites us to present to Him our requests and to pray without ceasing.  The most we can do is the least we can do - pray. " For more information on this important call to prayer, go to www.persecutedchurch.org.

PRAY FOR: those Christians who are being discriminated against, verbally and physically abused, detained, arrested, tortured, and even killed because they choose to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.  (The Bible, I Peter 4:13,14) these Brothers and Sisters to remain strong in the faith, boldly sharing the Gospel.  Pray for the Lord to use them as light and salt to oppressive authorities, guards, and fellow prisoners.  (The Bible, Matthew 5:13,14) families who have lost loved ones and seen family members attacked, imprisoned and murdered.  Ask the Lord to comfort and strengthen them, and help them remain faithful to Him.  (The Bible, II Corinthians 1:3,4) Christian Believers who are alone - in prisons, in secret jails, and in dungeon-like situations.  Pray for the Lord to draw near to them and make His presence known.  (The Bible, Hebrews 10:22) leaders and governments in nations of the 10/40 Window where this mistreatment takes place.  Pray for the Lord to soften and change their hearts - transforming them from "Sauls" to "Pauls."  (The Bible, Colossians 1:13) the Kingdom of God to come in great power and glory to every dark corner, bringing an end to the violence and hatred Christians are enduring.  (The Bible, I Corinthians 4:20)

The way of victory

"because of the tender mercy of our God, 

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

to shine on those living in darkness 

and in the shadow of death, 

to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Luke 1:78-79

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened

 in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, 

the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

That power is like the working of his mighty strength,

which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead

and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms"

Ephesians 1:18-20

During this past week, there has been much talk within my own family, on Facebook amongst friends and in the news, about two Christians who are facing the death penalty from Muslim governments for believing in Jesus - Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani of Iran and Asia Bibi of Pakistan. In addition, the news is full of reports about the killing of Al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki. 

How should we respond as Christians and Americans? What response would glorify God?

I believe we can find the right response if we look to our Lord Jesus as an example. He modeled for us both tenderness and strength. These two qualities, living within us and working in agreement, are what we need to respond to the Muslim question.

"Christ Jesus is the artist. He created the world with colors and textures human artists have tried for thousands of years to imitate. Christ Jesus is the musician. He gave the angels their voices. Christ Jesus is the tenderhearted, ministering to our every need.

Christ Jesus is also the warrior, forever leading us in triumphant procession, if only we will follow

(2 Corinthians 2:14). In our great weakness, He is strong. Christ Jesus is the blessed embodiment of both characteristics. He has set an example before us of true manhood and true womanhood," (from A Heart Like His by Beth Moore).

We must model the tenderness of Christ toward the Muslims. Each Muslim was created in God's image, tenderly and lovingly by His own hand. He desires their salvation. He loves them and asks each of us to love them, to desire good for them, to befriend them and share with them the good news of salvation.

Ultimately, the battle is not for freedom in America or anywhere else on this earth. It is ultimately for the freedom of each soul. Hatred and anger will only close doors to the Muslim world that need to be left open if they will ever have the hope of finding Christ as their Savior.

We must also model the strength of Christ toward the threat of an Islamic take-over of our nation and the world. When I survey the evil that is done in the name of this religion it chills me. 

I believe that Satan knows his time is short. Christ will return in triumph and strength, but in the mean time, the devil is throwing every kind of evil and stronghold he can at the human race, and much of it is embodied in Islam. We must, as a nation, recognize this evil and do all we can to stop the spread of this religion to our own land and the other nations.

Yet, how do we show the strength to stop this evil? Is it ultimately through our military might? I don't think so. Take Afghanistan and Iraq for an example. Has our military presence in these two nations truly stopped the spread of Islamic fundamentalism? Are the people any more free to choose Christ as their Savior or do they still live under the fear of honor killings and other such violence if they leave Islam?

Do we kill them all? Does that really stop Islam? No...more and more young men, angered by loss and brainwashed by Imams, will step forward to fill the shoes of those who died in jihad. And ultimately, is that victory in Christ...killing human enemies? That was the mistake made by the Crusades.

The only way to truly stop the spread of Islam is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, showing strength toward Satan and gentleness toward the Muslims. We must win them with the love of Christ.

That is how the Romans, Vikings, Goths, African and Asian tribes, Irish Druids and so many others were turned from their murderous ways. It was with strength toward Satan and tenderness toward the individuals. They were stopped with the love of Christ.

We must model gentleness and strength toward any enemy in this world. It is not the way of weakness but the way of victory.

Prisoners no more

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.  Hebrews 13:3

More Christians have been persecuted and martyred for their faith in this past century than all the other centuries combined. The 21st century has seen many more suffer, as Jesus told us we we would, in order to bring the Good News to a dying world.

Voice of the Martyrs is an organization that helps those being persecuted. One way is through a letter writing campaign. When a Christian is arrested, Christians can go to Prisoner Alert to learn about their brothers and sisters who are imprisoned and then to write letters. The letter is done online and printed in the language of the prisoner. The address and correct amount of postage are given so that the letter can be mailed. 

These letters are effective. They encourage the believer and they let those holding the prisoner know that he or she is not forgotten. Sometimes, this outside interest can help in the release of the prisoner. 

We have cause to rejoice because recently, two Christians were released from prison. Their stories are below. I encourage you to take a few minutes today to learn about a persecuted Christian and write a letter.  Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.  Hebrews 13:3

Location: China
Arrested: December 2004
Days Imprisoned: 2464


Released Aug. 31, 2011
Print Fact Sheet
09/28/2007 Update

Pastor Zhang Rongliang was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison. According to China Aid Association the verdict was issued by Zhongmu County People’s Court.

Pastor Zhang Rongliang, a prominent Chinese house church leader, was arrested in a rented apartment at Xuzhai village the afternoon of December 1, 2004. Zhang already had spent 12 years in prison for his faith during five separate detentions. He experienced harsh torture, including electric shock, during his previous prison terms. After being held in prison for a year, officials attempted to transfer him from a prison in Xinmi to one in Zhongmu. Fearing that because of his fragile condition he might die, officials at Zhongmu would not accept him. He was instead taken to a hospital in Xinmi.

Pastor Zhang suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure in addition to other chronic health problems. Later he was transferred to a Zhongmu City hospital where he spent most of February and March 2006.

He appeared in court April 6, 2006, more than 16 months after his arrest, for his third hearing on charges of “attaining a passport through cheating” and “illegal border crossing.” At this hearing the court acknowledged there was insufficient evidence for the case and asked for legal advice from a higher court.


Pastor Zhang Released
After seven and half years of in prison, Pastor Zhang Rongliang was released. Even though he was tortured and even faced death, Zhang intends to continue ministering and living for the Lord. He has moved to a coastal town to live with a family member, rest, spend quiet time with God and seek his will for future ministry.

Pastor Rongliang thanks the Lord and all those who prayed for him during his time in prison. It is uncertain whether government officials are keeping him under surveillance. Please pray for Zhang as he recovers and continues ministering in China.

Location: Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Arrested: September 2010
Days Imprisoned: 359


Released Monday, Aug. 29, 2011
Print Fact Sheet
06/20/2011 Update

Pastor Vahik Abrahamian and his wife Sonia Keshish-Avanesian were with their friends, Arash Kermanjani, and his wife, Arezo Teymouri, when all four friends were detained on September 4, 2010.

The two couples were arrested at the Abrahamians' home in Hamadan, west Iran, and taken to the Ministry of Islamic Guidance prison.

For the first 40 days, they were held in solitary confinement and reportedly suffered physical abuse and psychological pressure.

The four have been accused of various offenses, including propagating Christianity, opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran, and having contact with exiled opposition figures. They have not yet been charged.

Over six months have passed since the two men and two women were arrested. They are under pressure and intense interrogation, according to Mohabat News. They were transferred from Hamadan prison to Iran’s notorious Evin prison in Tehran.

Their families are concerned for their health, but have not been able to find news of their loved ones. They are also worried about the children of the believers.

Pastor Vahik was arrested once before, on Feb. 20, 2010, on charges of conducting activities among Muslims. He spent two months in prison before being released on bail. Pastor Vahik has dual citizenship in Iran and the Netherlands, but because of his passion for the Iranian people, he chose to live in Iran.

Source: Mohabat News

Pastor Vahik Released!
Pastor Vahik Abrahamian was released after a year in prisoner. He was released pending trial after family and friends raised the equivalent of about $10,000 for his bail. An extended member the family told FCNN that the whole family is rejoicing and have expressed their gratitude first to God for His gracious protection and intervention. They are also thankful for their Christian family worldwide who have not ceased praying and advocating on their behalf.

Two Christian prisoners in Iran speak out

I often speak of the persecuted church in the world and ask you to pray for them. Please read the below interview to see how your prayers have impacted real lives. Maryam and Marzieh were held in an Iranian prison for 259 days because they are Christians. The prayers and letters from Christians made a huge impact on their lives. 

(interview from Elam Ministries) 

They had to overcome the fear of life imprisonment and the possibility of execution because they loved and followed Jesus Christ. They had to remain strong through weeks in solitary confinement, and endless hours of interrogation by Iranian officials and religious leaders. They had to endure months of harsh living conditions and debilitating sickness. In their first interview since their 259 day ordeal in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison in 2009, Maryam Rostampour (29) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (32) tell Sam Yeghnazar what life was like in prison and how they survived.

In their first interview since their release, they tell Sam Yeghnazar, Elam’s Founder and Director, what life was like in prison. They share how they had strengthen themselves in the Lord to overcome the fear of execution or life-imprisonment and maintain peace and hope through very dark days.

The shadow of execution

SY: What was the worst thing that happened to you?

Marzieh: One of the worst was the execution of two of my fellow prisoners. I had never experienced such a thing. One of those killed was my roommate. We had spent a lot of time together. And one day they took her to be executed. For a week I was in shock that killing a human being was so easy. She lived among us, a fellow human being; I saw her every day, and we said, ‘Hello’. The next day she is not there. After these executions the spirit of sorrow and death hung over the prison. There was deadly silence everywhere. We all felt this. There was nothing we could do. Everyone was under pressure. The sadness was overwhelming. We stared at each other but had no power to speak. This was the worst experience. It was horrifying and tangible. (Marzieh is heard weeping)

Maryam: The worst thing for me was the execution of Shireen who became a close friend in prison.

SY: Did you ever fear execution?

Maryam: I never thought about execution, I thought we might be sentenced to life imprisonment because that is the punishment for women convicted of apostasy. I just thought this was something we would have to bear.

Marzieh: Before prison we talked about execution, but when we got to prison and experienced the fear of it - our way of talking changed. The very first night that we were arrested, when they threatened us, we were really frightened. We never imagined we would be so frightened; we had talked about these things before. But the atmosphere there and what happened to us frightened us beyond our expectations. We were confined to a dark and dirty room and paralysed with fear. We could see the fear in each other’s faces. We prayed and what calmed us was the presence of God and the peace that He gave us.

I just want to add, it is easy to say that I give my life for the Lord and I will do anything for Him, even die. I always thought it would be a privilege to give my life for the Lord. You say these things. I know for sure that if this would happen to us we would rejoice ultimately. But human fears gripped us. The power the Lord gave us helped us to overcome these fears, just as when we prayed in the police station, God banished our fear and renewed our strength.

From ‘Unclean apostate!’ to ‘Please pray for me’

SY: How did the guards treat you?

Maryam: When we were arrested most of the guards treated us badly, especially when they knew we had been involved in evangelism. They would curse us and would not let us drink water from the public tap or use the wash basin. But this changed and eventually they asked us to pray for them.

SY: How did the other prisoners treat you?

Marzieh: Some called us ‘Dirty, unclean, apostates,’ but their opinion changed and they asked for forgiveness. We had become an example to them and they would take our side.

Maryam: At Evin Prison the well-educated political and business prisoners called us ‘Mortad Kasif’ (Unclean apostates). In less than a month everything changed. As they got to know us, they were curious about our faith, they respected us and called upon us to sort out arguments they had between themselves.

SY: Did any other prisoners come to faith?

Yes. There were those who accepted Christ. When we were in Vozara (the first prison the women were taken to) we prayed the sinner’s prayer with many of the prostitutes. They prayed themselves and we prayed for them. But there were others who were too frightened to confess their faith. There were many who were impacted.

Letters ‘gave us hope’

SY: What message do you have for the thousands who prayed for you when you were in prison?

Marzieh: I would like to thank them for their prayers and support, and the letters they sent us. During this time it wasn’t just Maryam and Marzieh who were imprisoned, but all these prayer warriors. This was a great encouragement for us. We felt their presence alongside us. So please keep praying for those who are in prison for their faith, believers in Afghanistan and Pakistan and other places. Don’t think that your prayers are unimportant.

SY: What happened to the thousands of letters you were sent?

Marzieh: We heard that people sent us letters in prison, but we didn’t get any of them: Just hearing that people sent us letters, was a great encouragement to us. And what’s interesting is that the guards who opened our letters, read the Bible verses and the prayers, and were impacted. We know this because they told us and mentioned some of the verses from the Gospel. I can’t thank them (those who sent letters) with all that is in my heart; I can say ‘thank you,’ but this is not enough.

Maryam: I thank them. It’s true we didn’t see the letters they sent, but we knew there was a large group supporting us. This was a huge encouragement to us and helped us to stand firm. We heard from our guards that forty to fifty letters were coming every day. They saw how Christians stood together to support their own. This was something that gave us hope.

(To read about more Christians who are imprisoned and to write letters to them - the letters are translated online...very easy process...go to Prisoner Alert)

Global Hot Spots

When we look at the world around us with all of its problems, we may often ask ourselves...what can we do?

We can Pray!

Every day, as Christians, we can spend some time praying. Prayer is:
- an act of faith
- an act of obedience
- an act of worship
- an act of warfare
- an act of sacrifice
- an act of labor
- an act of love

So, even though we may be many miles away from an area that needs prayer, we can learn about what is going on and pray daily.

One outstanding resource to use in praying for the world is Operation World. The publishers just came out with the 7th edition of this book. You can use it as a daily prayer resource and you can also go to their website Operation World for daily prayer guidance.

I want to share their list of Global Hot Spots and ask that you would pray regularly over these areas of the world. "Listed here are some of the critical international hot spots most likely to cause turmoil, conflict, suffering or even war in the coming years. These need to be covered in prayer.

1) The future of Jerusalem. The world's holiest city is probably also its most volatile flashpoint. Conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has resisted major international efforts to resolve it. The fundamental and seemingly irreconcilable differences between most Israelis and Arabs means that any outbreak of serious conflict can easily embroil neighboring countries - especially Lebanon and Syria, Many feel that such a war is almost inevitable. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

2) The Korean Peninsula is shared between an untenable, failing dictatorship and an affluent but nervous democracy. If or when reunification comes, the main questions are whether it will happen peacefully and at what cost rebuilding the North will occur. War would be disastrous for both sides.
Pray for peaceful reunification and freedom for North Koreans.

3) Somalia is a textbook example of a failed state; it is a broken land populated by warlords, pirates, an uprooted and exiled shambles of a government and a number of aggressive Islamist groups. The upheaval has spilled into the Horn of Africa and significantly affected marine traffic in the busy shipping lanes along its coast. Pray for peace to come to Somalia and for protection for its innocent citizens, especially the secret Christians.

4) Central Africa, while not the cauldron of anarchy it was in the 1990s, retains much of the upheaval and unrest of those dark times. Eastern DRC and northwest Uganda, in particular, still suffer from the predations of lawless militias. Pray for increased peace and an end to child abduction by the militias.

5) Afghanistan and Pakistan remain vulnerable to religious extremism. While the former has been stabilized significantly by heavy foreign presence, religious terrorism and violence have gripped Pakistan (Asia Bibi is one example) in the past decade. The porous mountain borders between the two countries offer the ideal location for the Taliban to persist with their radical Islamist agenda. Both remain among the world's most unstable and dangerous nations. Pray for peace and for religious freedom.

6) China's growing self-confidence and assertiveness seem less of a threat externally as it seeks to engage the world as a financial, rather than a military, power. However, its increasing global strength is not without its opponents - and victims. There are also increasing tensions with the Uyghur and Tibetan minorities, the looming demographic and economic fallout of a rapidly aging population resulting from the One Child Policy and the massive gender gap with a shortfall of millions of females. China also continues to be one of, if not the biggest, persecutor of Christians. Pray for Christianity to continue to sweep across China, transforming the country for Christ's glory.

7) Sudan's deep divide between north and south is currently spanned by an awkward truce after decades of conflict and civil war. The results of the 2011 referendum, just voted on last week (read more here), in the south regarding independence will bring profound consequences. Additionally, Darfur remains an unresolved tragedy. Literally millions are uprooted from these two regions, victims of Arabist, Islamist agendas on the part of the government of Khartoum. Pray for peace and protection for Sudan's citizens.

8) Iran is a regional power unto itself and the Shi'ite half of the West Asia/Middle East region. Its unbending stance on developing nuclear power and its notable influence in Iraq may put it on a collision course with other nations, particularly in the West. It also has its own internal stability issues and has stepped up persecution of the growing Christian church. Pray for freedom in Christ for the people of Iran.

9) The Himalayan region simmers with tension and division. The competing claims over Kashmir, the volatile nature of Nepal, the oppression of Tibet, the upheaval in Bangladesh and Northeast India and the opposition of India and Pakistan on many issues make this a potentially dangerous area - especially since the three main players are all nuclear powers. Pray for peace and the continued penetration of the Gospel within this region.

10) The Mexico-U.S. drug corridor is an area where the hedonistic excesses of American appetites effectively fund brutal wars between various drug cartels and government forces. Tensions from immigration issues further fuel the fire. Pray for peace and an end to the drug trade.

11) The West African fault line between Islam and Christianity has seen clashes, mob violence and civil war, especially in Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire. Religious differences are exacerbated and fueled by ethnic divisions. Pray for peace and the spread of Christianity.

12) A Southeast Asian corridor, from Myanmar through Thailand down to Malaysia and Indonesia, offers a range of potential flashpoints - the Burmese military junta's brutality, the widening socio-political chasm and possible military coup in Thailand, the Muslim unrest in Thailand's south and the continual threat of Islamism in Malaysia, Indonesia and Mindanao. Pray for peace in this region.

13) The Caucasus has long been a hotbed of ethnic violence, with the overlay of renewed Russian imperialism and deep religious divides. More radical and violent forms of Islam are beginning to assert themselves, and secessionist regions in the Russian Caucasus are displaying increasing boldness in pushing for autonomy. Pray for peace and wisdom for the governments in these regions and for the spread of Christianity.

14) Immigration into Europe is an unstoppable tide of humanity from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe. The plunging birthrates in EU countries and the affluence, stability and generous social services in Europe are factors that pull in immigrants, many of who are coming from countries where conflict rages. While immigration is utterly necessary for the demographic and economic survival of Europe, the potential for resentment and violent backlash on the part of the native peoples of the EU is also strong. Postmodern secularism, Islam and Christianity must learn to co-exist or face a very turbulent future. Pray for peace and wisdom for EU governments as well as the salvation of immigrants.