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

Pray to end Human Trafficking - the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world

This brothel keeper and her slaves are in a red-light district in Mumbai, India. The women and girls used in prostitution may be exploited 10 to 40 times a night, sometimes keeping as little as 20 rupees (less than 50 cents) per encounter. The Madam takes the biggest cut for herself, then pays the landlord, the pimps, and her "protectors." Government corruption is one of the driving factors behind the burgeoning trade in human beings. 

Human trafficking is the illegal commerce in human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labour - a modern-day form of slavery. It is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, and tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest after the drug-trade. Today there are between 12 and 27 million people trapped in forced labour, bonded labour and sexual slavery in the world. Nearly 80% of those trafficked are used for sexual exploitation.

In 2009, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) created a taskforce on human trafficking in an effort to raise awareness on this issue. The aim of the taskforce is to prevent and combat trafficking by developing strategic and effective actions and tools that will help equip local churches and their leaders to become responsive to the victims of human trafficking.

Answers to Prayer
Compassionate men and women have created businesses that offer a future and a hope to people who need a means to support themselves. Vocational training and the development of businesses which embrace God's purposes - and the women and men He has created - are key to prevention and an essential part of restoration for those vulnerable to and victimized by human trafficking.

There is an increase in anti-trafficking legislation in countries around the world. Pray for the just and consistent application of such legislation, adequate training for officers of the court and the political will and courage to see prosecutions to trial. Trafficking rings are often connected to very powerful and influential organized crime rings.

Challenges for Prayer
Human trafficking is accelerating globally. The trade in human beings has now surpassed drug smuggling as one of the most profitable businesses in the world. A disproportionate number of women are involved in human trafficking, not only as victims but also as traffickers. Female offenders have a far more prominent role in present-day slavery than in most other forms of crime. Pray for both the trapped and the traffickers, especially former victims who have become perpetrators. Pray that God would frustrate the efforts of those who make a living from the suffering of others.

Labour exploitation. Men are victims of trafficking, too. Many countries allow employers to seize the passports of their employees, increasing vulnerability to human rights and labour violations. Also, up to 10-15% of those working in prostitution in Thailand are men, a number of whom have been trafficked for such purposes.

Internal trafficking is growing inside many countries, making it much more difficult to identify victims and prosecute offenders. China is particularly culpable in this area; true figures for internal trafficking are substantial but undocumented, but most of the girls have been trafficked from other areas in China. Traffickers themselves report that it only usually takes one month to keep a girl under tight restrictions and then she is broken and surrenders herself to her captivity. There are currently around seven million prostitutes in China alone, and research has found that 80% of them were trafficked or forced in some way when they first started. A new trend is the appetite for girls 14-15 years old. The trade in virginity is very profitable in much of Asia. Traffickers employ handsome young men to bring the girls in; this lover then gets a cut from the girl’s income. A large part of the overall problem faced is corruption. Traffickers and brothel owners will be arrested but face small sentences and, with the right connections, can pay themselves out. Those who perpetrate such exploitation often have no understanding of just how wrong what they do is.

Sex tourism is burgeoning as the global financial crisis makes travel to some areas of the world a bargain at the same time that unemployment and growing desperation make women, children and families even more vulnerable to exploitation. Pray for the following specific situations.

Girls and sometimes boys in India are married to gods at an early age and end up in brothels. Many contract HIV/AIDS and die very early - by age 15 or 16. Is it another form of human sacrifice? Pray for the spiritual dimensions of this destructive practice to be broken by God. Even 8-year-old girls are for sale now in places. Pray for rescue of the children involved.

The demand for prostitution in Thailand must cease. Thailand draws vulnerable women and girls into its borders to satisfy Thai men, foreign sex tourists and "expatriates" alike. Contrary to what is most visible, the vast majority of prostitution in Thailand (over 90%) caters to Thai clients. Presently most ministries reach out to those women and men working as prostitutes who service foreign clients. Pray that God might raise up ministries, especially Thai-led, to those men and women servicing Thai clients. Pray that the Church would take a stand for sexual purity. Pray that public policy makers would implement justice and effective policy that addresses those who use prostitutes, and not just the sex workers themselves. Widespread corruption within the police and government helps to perpetuate this ubiquitous structure of wickedness.

Eastern Europe and the Central Asian states situated on the Silk Road are highly vulnerable to sex trafficking. A combination of poverty, lack of moral grounding, strong organized crime rings and weak governments work to exploit tens of thousands of women. While every Eastern European country struggles with this challenge, it is mainly though Kyrgyzstan that trafficking of girls from the whole of Central Asia occurs to the Gulf States, Turkey and Europe. One large problem faced is corruption in state structures which prevents their effectiveness in combating trafficking. Churches are young and unaware of the problem, and they are not ready, able or willing to actively press for solutions. The political situation in the country does not currently allow for government collaboration on this issue.

The hidden nature to prostitution and trafficking in the US, Western Europe and other developed nations needs to be brought into the light. There is a lack of awareness regarding the connections between prostitution and trafficking, as well as the degree to which most cities and neighbourhoods house trafficking activity. Western culture has become so accepting of the exploitation of sex and sexuality that the danger exists of making prostitution and sexual degradation normative.

Praise God that more churches, organizations and even governments are beginning to combat the global demand for commercial sexual and labour exploitation. Pray that God would change the hearts of those who commodify others for their own gain.

Victims returning to their homes and countries of origin experience ongoing difficulties in reintegration. Leaving prostitution and trafficking is not only incredibly difficult but complex and often requires a huge amount of support. Pray that families would not shun daughters that society tells them are ruined. Pray also that the Church would become a family to those feeling without help or hope. The global Church, operating locally, can be a powerful force in the battle against human trafficking, and for the restoration of its victims. Pray for the faithful Christians who leave their homes to visit dark streets and give hope and help to women forced to sell their bodies, and for the believers committed to walk and work as their companions on the long journey of restoration.

Christian response to the issues surrounding human trafficking and the people involved varies by country. Pray for the following specific situations, which are just a few prominent examples among many:

Spain. Thank God for evangelical Christians in Spain who approached the major political parties in their country to ask what they were planning to do about prostitution. "If you will draft a legislation that is good for women in Spain," the Christians were told, "we will bring it to Parliament." Pray for continued governmental co-operation and for legislation that bears good results.

India. Christians and churches in India are making conscious efforts to address issues related to prostitution and human trafficking, but it has been a struggle at every stage. While there are positive signs of redemption and rehabilitation for victims, there is still a struggle to help the Christian community accept these rehabilitated people and especially arrange marriages for the young adults. The Indian Church has not fully welcomed them into fellowship in many places.

United Kingdom. We praise God for those churches - particularly the emerging ones - that are making conscious efforts to fully accept those formerly caught in trafficking rings and to disciple them. There are over 60 church-based projects that provide this and other support across the UK. Despite the increased awareness of the problem, however, many of these projects are laying off staff due to lack of funds. Please pray for a well-equipped and sustainable Christian outreach to flourish.

Philippines. Pray for more labourers to reach out to the hundreds of thousands of women, men and children trapped in prostitution in the Philippines. Pray also for the few Christian organizations already working there: Kalinga Ministry, YWAM-Olongapo, RENEW Foundation, FOCUS, Samaritana, Sinalikway Outreach, Christian Cultural Development Foundation and Sinag.

We follow the Son of Man, who came to seek and to save the lost. As we pursue His purposes in these dark places, we can be confident that the darkness has not, and will not, overcome Him.

This information was taken from Operation World

Suffering brings us closer to God

India, Myanmar, Bangladesh Hit with Floods

"While many areas on the globe are experiencing a tremendous drought, a torrential downpour has made its way to Northern India, Myanmar (Burma) and Bangladesh. The unwelcome rains have left thousands of people homeless and in need of help."


As soon as I saw this headline in my email box, I sent up a quick prayer to the Lord for these people. As I prayed, I remarked to God how these people are so very poor already and now a natural disaster. 

As I prayed this, I was struck with the idea that now, through this disaster, God is opening doors for Christians to go in and help them...not only through disaster relief but by sharing the Gospel with them. God knows our hearts. He knows that our hearts are most open to Him in our suffering. It's when things are not going well, when we are not self-sufficient and content, that we began to look to Him.

In addition, as a result of this tragedy, Christians around the world, like me...like you, will pray, today, for India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, when we most likely would not have even thought of them. And "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

Does God send these disasters...I don't know. I don't believe He does because God is a God of light and not darkness. He is a God of goodness and not evil. But, like the story of Joseph and so many other instances in the Bible...especially the death of Jesus...does God bring good out of tragedy and suffering? YES! "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  Isaiah 55:8-11

So, are Christians going into India, Myanmar and Bangladesh to bring them material and spiritual help. Yes! Here is the rest of the email:

Gospel for Asia is providing as much assistance as it can to those suffering from the downpour.

India: National Highways Collapse
Four states in India are battling against floods. In Assam, India, two primary national highways considered "lifelines" collapsed after three to four days of continuous rain. In one of the worst hit areas of Assam, helicopters were sent out to rescue marooned people.

In the West Bengal islands, rain has weakened several river embankments. Reports indicate that about 2,500 houses have been damaged by the flood waters.

Bihar, India, has about 500 houses that have been affected. Out of those 500 houses, a GFA field correspondent reports that 90 of those were homes of Bridge of Hope children, and another 20 belonged to believers of a local GFA-supported congregation. Thankfully, the church building and the Bridge of Hope centers in the flooded areas were not destroyed by the rising water.

In Jammu and Kashmir, India, houses and other structures are collapsing, killing a number of people and injuring others. Landslides are also a problem, washing off stretches of road and obstructing villages.

Myanmar: Villages Unreachable
In the country of Myanmar (Burma), villagers had to desert their houses to escape the rising waters.

A GFA field correspondent reported that local missionaries serving in this country are not able to reach many villages because of collapsed bridges.

"They are going through a difficult situation," he said. "Please pray the Lord will console the hearts of the people who are affected in this flood."

Bangladesh: Children Cry for Food
In Bangladesh, steady rain washed away houses, cows, goats, rice paddy fields and other crops. Out of the thousands affected, 238 families belong to seven GFA-supported churches in the surrounding area.

"The people are suffering without food and work," a GFA field correspondent explained. "Their condition is so pathetic that their children are crying and asking for food, but the parents cannot provide food for them."

Help in Time of Need
GFA Compassion Services teams are making their way into villages, government-run refugee camps and school buildings temporarily housing people in desperate need of help. They are distributing biscuits, rice, milk powder, salt and other food items.

"It is hard for us to imagine the intense suffering these poor and helpless people are facing," said GFA President K.P. Yohannan. "I am so grateful for this opportunity we have to bring relief and hope for these precious people in Jesus' name."

Some areas are still too difficult to reach, but GFA Compassion Services teams will persist until they are able to provide help to all who are suffering.

• Please pray the relief teams will reach the people in time and help save them from starvation.
• Pray GFA-supported missionaries are able to share the love of Christ as they minister to those who have lost so much.
• Pray for the flood victims to experience the Lord's comfort during this difficult time.
• Pray the rain will subside so restoration and reconstruction can begin.

Severe Famine in Somalia - Please Pray!

SOMALIA - FAMINE Please Pray!!! SUMMARY: Lack of rain, failed crops, and ongoing civil conflict have combined to create a disastrous situation in Somalia.  The United Nations and other groups are predicting widespread malnutrition and even famine conditions.  Tens of thousands have already died and 12.5 million people are now at risk of starvation and death.

Photo: abc.com The entire Horn of Africa region is experiencing the worst drought in 60 years. This has led to crop failures and severe food shortages. In July, the United Nations declared a famine in two regions of Somalia. "Unless we see a massive increase in response," the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief said, "the famine will spread to five or six more regions. Tens of thousands of Somalis have already died, and hundreds of thousands face starvation." Complicating this situation is the fact that Somalia does not have a functioning central government. Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups control entire sections of the nation. The two areas where famine has already been declared are controlled by al-Shabaab - and Western aid is not being allowed in. According to the New York Times, the terrorists are also "imprisoning displaced and starving Somalis who were trying to escape Shabab territory." "The famine is as much about failed politics as failed rains," the president of the African Development Bank said. Many Somalis have fled the region, hoping to find relief in the refugee camps of northern Kenya. But the camps were built for 90,000 people and now house 400,000. Reaching the camps also requires days, even weeks of travel on foot. "The refugees arrive bedraggled, exhausted and often bereaved as loved ones die on the long trek... It is hard to imagine the horror of mothers forced to leave their infants behind to die as they trek for weeks to reach safety." Somalia is ranked number 5 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2011 for worst persecutors of Christians. WIN partners pray for Somalia on Day 28 of the WINDOW INTERNATIONAL NETWORK Praying Through the Window 9: Global Terrorism and World Religions prayer calendar. PRAY FOR: the Lord to provide for the people of Somalia. Ask Him to enable Christian humanitarian agencies to gain access to the regions where Somalis are in need. (The Bible, Philippians 4:19) food, clean water, shelter, and medicine to be made available to those who are at risk of malnutrition, hunger, and death. (The Bible, Psalm 65:9; Matthew 25:40) al-Shabaab and every other terrorist group in Somalia to be defeated, have their funding cut off, and fail in their efforts to recruit. (The Bible, Psalm 7:9) the Lord to establish a government in this lawless nation. Pray for Him to raise up men and women to lead Somalia in integrity and the fear of the Lord. (The Bible, Proverbs 1:7) the international community to respond quickly to the crisis in Somalia. Ask the Lord to give leaders wisdom and strategies for addressing this problem. (The Bible, Proverbs 3:13,14) the Lord to comfort those who have lost loved ones and who have fled from their homes. Petition Him to provide a safe place of refuge for them. (The Bible, II Corinthians 1:3,4; Psalm 18:2) the Christians in Somalia to call out to the Lord for relief. Pray for them to humble themselves, seek God, and ask Him to heal their land. (The Bible, Psalm 40:1; II Chronicles 7:14) this potential disaster to become an opportunity for the Gospel to be preached and for Muslims to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 10:9) a great harvest of souls in Somalia as the Kingdom of God comes in power. (The Bible, I Corinthians 4:20)

What do we do with evil?

For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. Lamentations 3:33

"You have seen, O Lord, the wrong done to me. Uphold my cause!" Lamentations 3:59

Persecution of Christians, AIDS, orphans, sexual trafficking, cancer, genocide, terrorist attacks, divorce...the horrors and atrocities of this world seem to be without end. Where is the hope? Where is the justice? Where is the solution? Who do we blame? Who do we appeal to for help? Will good ever come?

These are questions all of us ask regularly, especially when faced with the sadness and evil in this life. How we answer these questions makes a world of difference in what actions we will take and what mindset we will embrace.

David of Bible times, after defeating Goliath, now faced an even greater foe...King Saul. Jealous of David, Saul pursued him for years, trying to kill him. When a priest sheltered David, Saul found out and had the priest, along with 84 other Jewish priests, slaughtered (1 Samuel 22:6-23). David discovered this and felt incredible horror. He must have asked himself these very questions.

David's response is a model for all of us when faced with horror and tragedy.

1) He placed blame where it should have been: on Saul and on evil. We need to remember this as well. "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5 God is not the author of evil and destruction...Satan is. But praise God, when Satan "intended to harm me...God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full," John 10:10

2) He reminded himself that God will repay evil. David wrote Psalm 52 about this very incident...the killing of the priests. In Psalm 52:5 he says: "Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living." Satan will not get away with destroying human life forever. There will be justice because "the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" Isaiah 30:18


3) He placed his hope solely in God. "I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope," Psalm 52:9. God is still on His throne no matter what Satan does. Our only hope is in God. Not in government, not in ourselves, not in others, not in medicine or the military or money...only in God.

4) He reminded himself that God is good!  "for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints," Psalm 52:9. No matter how bad things look, God is good. He is good all the time and He longs to be good to us. His love for us is immeasurable. We need to rest in that truth. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations, Psalm 100:5.

"In the face of unimaginable horror, we must cast our imaginations on Christ, our only hope. His Word will be our anchor when our faith is tossed like the waves," Beth Moore (Bible study author and leader).

The purpose of life

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. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."  John 12:25-28

At this particular time in His ministry, Jesus is predicting His suffering, His agony, His death. He knows what is to come and He is human. The humanity in Him shudders at the thought of His upcoming sacrifice and His soul is troubled. He clearly recognizes the two choices that lay before Him: “hate” His life and become a living sacrifice for all humanity or “love” His life and fail to glorify the Father and save the human race. This battle within Him troubles His soul.

Rarely in Scripture does it portray Jesus as having a heart that is troubled for Himself. Yet here, He is weighing the most important decision He will ever make...to go forward with the Father’s plan and suffer more than any man on earth has ever suffered or turn back in self-preservation. His prayers reveal the two options that He had, appeal to Father God to save Him or appeal to Father God for His name to be glorified.

I believe that God would have answered either prayer. He would have saved Jesus from  the upcoming death if self-preservation had been Jesus’ choice. God would also cause His name to be glorified if that was the choice Jesus made. Praise God for all time that Jesus chose the second path...to glorify the Father and make a way for eternal relationship with Himself for the entire human race.

These prayers of Jesus parallel the choices Jesus’ followers must make today. We can “love” our life, holding fast to any security, safety, and ease that it affords us...focused entirely on self-preservation. Or we can “hate” our lives, holding all that we have in open hands, trusting Father God to give and take as He deems best, focused on glorifying God above all else. And just as it was for Jesus, this choice can cause our hearts to be troubled.

As His followers who desire to walk in obedience and be used by the Lord to bring others to Him, we must understand what Jesus said: “it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” Just like Jesus, there is a reason, a purpose, for each of us. God could have taken each of us to Heaven as soon as we accepted Jesus as our Savior, but He did not because each of us has a purpose on this earth.

Our purpose is to glorify the Lord and point others to Him. We are His ambassadors, His representatives, His hands and feet to a lost and dying world. Our purpose is much greater than ourselves and our purpose requires that we lose ourselves in the bigger picture of God and His Kingdom plan.

I can only speak for myself. I must make the same choice that Jesus made...to save my life for my sake or lose my life for His sake. This decision is not made once but time and again, day after day. And just like with Jesus, it will cause my heart to be troubled as my sinful, selfish human nature battles against the Holy Spirit’s guidance within me.

As I choose to lose my life for His sake and continue to ask God to glorify His name with my life regardless of the short term outcome, the future becomes less clear. By not holding on to the “American Dream” lifestyle but instead, putting the future in His hands, uncertainty abounds. Where I will live, the relative safety and security of my life, what I will do with my time...all of this is uncertain. It is an adventure into unchartered territory. It brings to mind the words of a song by one of my favorite singers, Steven Curtis Chapman:
Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure

We blaze a new trail into the glorious unknown when we follow the Lord. Life isn’t predictable, it isn’t safe, it isn’t easy, but it is so very glorious. And, after all, that is what we were created for and the only place we will find true beauty, happiness, joy and eternal peace...when we live out the purpose that God has for our lives. Jesus made that choice and with His help, we too can make it each and every day.

Robert Park speaks out about his time in North Korea

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, 

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly; 

defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Proverbs 31:8-9

Nearly a year has passed since the Korean American missionary, Robert Park, crossed the frozen Tumen River and walked from China into North Korea. Attentive border guards immediately arrested Park and took him to a North Korean prison where he suffered sexual abuse and torture.

Many of Park's friends are North Korean defectors--they told him how Christians and others are sent to concentration camps, tortured and left to die. Park knew what he was up against before crossing the border, yet he was willing to pay the price.

Whether or not you agree with his conduct, one cannot help but admire his passion, advocacy, and commitment to Christ. Tired of Christians "talking the talk" but not "walking the walk," Park decided to do something to draw attention to the plight of Christians in North Korea. As a result, he suffered excruciating pain and suffering at the hands of the brutal totalitarian regime. He doesn't like to talk about it or give much detail of the torture he experienced, but he reportedly told one reporter that he would "never be able to have a marriage or any kind of relationship."

How are Christians faring in North Korea today and what does he think about those who are evangelized in China or South Korea and then sent back to the North? He responds to those questions in clip one of our CBN News interview.

In clip two, Park explains what he did when he first crossed the border into North Korea.

In clip three, he discusses how he was treated by his North Korea interrogators and what he said to them.

In our fourth and final interview clip, Park explains what Christians can do to make a difference for our North Korean brothers and sisters in Christ.

Please take the time to view all four clips and then pray. Few Christians suffer worse than those in North Korea.

Clip 1 - Underground Church:

Clip 2 - When Park Entered North Korea:

Clip 3 - What He Told His Captors:

Clip 4 - How to Make a Difference:

Print     Email to a Friend    posted on Monday, November 08, 2010 8:03 AM

In the words of an Iraqi brother

Picture of Iraqi church prior to attack

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, 
when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 
Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; 
at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 
You sympathized with those in prison 
and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, 
because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 
So do not throw away your confidence; 
it will be richly rewarded. 
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, 
you will receive what he has promised. 
For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come 
and will not delay. 
But my righteous one will live by faith. 
And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." 
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, 
but of those who believe and are saved.
Hebrews 10:32-39


On Oct. 31, Islamic extremists attacked worshipers at the Syrian Catholic Church of Baghdad, Iraq, killing 59 Christians and severely injuring more than 80 others, according to Voice of the Martyrs sources. Several gunmen armed with automatic weapons and explosives entered the church during a worship service and opened fire on worshipers. Two priests were among those killed in the attack.

"[This church was attacked] because they are very active, especially among the youth and community," VOM contacts said. "This church works closely with the United Bible Society and VOM by distributing Bibles and Action Packs in Iraq. This is the second time this church has been targeted; in 2004 it was hit with a car bomb."

A militant organization called the Islamic State of Iraq, which has links to al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Compass Direct News. Following the attack, sources told VOM that churches throughout the city had received death-threat letters, warning them to stop their Christian activities or face similar consequences. The threats have caused many churches to cancel services.


Just two days ago I received an email from our friend Malath. Our family met Malath at our church, Jubilee in South Korea. He was attending seminary there. Since then, we have remained friends. Below is his email message and plea for prayer.



Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, that how I would like to start sharing with you how we are doing in Iraq/ Baghdad.

Actually we are not doing very well these days, as you know the extremists attacked one of the Catholic Church last week which is three blocks far from my church, and they killed more 50 people and so many injured people. what happened created among  Christians frustration and fear. if  you have a look at the pictures and hear the stories of those who were in there you cannot hold your tears and even your feelings. the situation was so hard even beyond our imagination. all I can say we are truly living the book Acts. we are seeing with our hearts, minds, and eyes what dose it mean to be Christian.   the Christians stayed at their homes after that, as long as they cannot protect their families from the hand of terrorists in the churches, however today the extremists killed many Christians in their houses by using guns and explosive things. that made the situation more hard and worse.

I do not want to say we are doing great, and we have great faith during this time. I am personally so concerned about my church, my people, and my family. at the same Sunday when they attacked the Catholic Church the Iraqi Police came to my church at the middle of our service and talked to me. the police guy told me "please stop the service and let your people go home NOW NOW, we are not able to protect you if anything happens so just run". I was in a situation that could not imagine for a while, and could imagine my church people would be hostages or murdered, however that what the Lord said to all of us in john 16 "All this I told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue, in fact a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God"

 I am reading the Bible now in a different way that I never read it before, in a way when I could imagine all what the Lord said I might go through, and all what happened in early church could my church also go through. Now I can understand more Paul when he said "And now, compelled by the Holy Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- that task of testifying to the Gospel of God's Grace" now I could feel what Paul said and what was his heart and emotions.

brothers and sisters, "Christianity without suffering is tasteless", we believe God has something very special to our churches in Iraq. we do not know yet, but it could be unity among the churches, let the whole world know what is going on among in Islamic countries, revival among the catholic church and even the evangelical church in Iraq and the whole world

As I am writing this e-mail to you, I got a message on my phone I would like to share it with you " dear malath please be carful because today they killed many Christians and they put under their cars explosive things so watch and search your car carefully before every time you drive it. also I heard they are collecting information about Christians in our areas, and even they are spying on our phones, take care" that just to make the picture more clear to you and to know how to pray for us.

please keep us in your prayers, ask the Lord to let us speak always about him and his love. and being faithful to him in our faith, action, word, and prayer. He is so good, and I love Him and His kingdom so much. please pray for me so I can say and Live what Paul says " I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Jesus has given me- that task of testifying to the Gospel of God's Grace"

Thank you so much, and let us always remember and believe God is good all the time

God bless you

Malath




Please pray for Iraqi Christians, especially for the families of those killed and injured in the Oct. 31 attack. Ask God to comfort and minister to them during this difficult time. Pray that in the aftermath of this brutal violence, Iraqi Christians will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in faith, and not grow weary or lose heart. Pray for peace and stability in Iraq.

North Koreans needs our prayers

He changes times and seasons; 
he sets up kings and deposes them. 
He gives wisdom to the wise 
and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:21




I continue to be burdened for the people of North Korea. Their life is one of starvation, fear, intimidation and loss. They are the most persecuted nation on earth, where cannibalism is common.

Yet even in this modern-day hell on earth, God's Spirit is moving and bringing people to Jesus against incredible odds.

We need to pray, daily, for North Korea! Allow God to burden your heart for them.

Emergency Prayer Alert - NORTH KOREA PRAY for North Korean Transfer of Power WIN PRAYER ALERT North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Il recently announced that his son, Kim Jong-un will succeed him. As the transfer of power approaches, the North Korean regime is working to build a new personality cult around Jong-un.

At the age of 69, with reportedly failing health (including rumors of a stroke), North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il has chosen a successor to carry on his regime - his son, Kim Jong-un.  Jong-Il is revered by some in North Korea as a god and is referred to as Supreme Leader, Dear Leader, Father, and the General. He took power from his father, Kim Il-sung, who also had a personality cult centered around him and was worshiped and feared. Jong-Il currently commands the fourth largest standing army in the world. Jong-Il's third son, Kim Jong-un is a four-star general in the Korean People's Army. He is believed to be 27 years old (his date of birth is unknown) and speaks four languages. He will become the leader of North Korea when his father steps down from power.  As one of Kim Jong-Il's personal staff noted, "If power is to be handed over then Jong-un is the best for it. He has superb gifts, is a big drinker and never admits defeat." Kim Jong-Il's oldest son has a different opinion. He stated in October 2010 that when power is transferred to his younger brother, the regime will crumble. "North Korea will collapse soon. How long can this regime last?" Some analysts are also concerned about the transfer of power. They foresee a struggle and a possible leadership crisis. If Kim Jong-un does manage to take control, they say, he will need to make serious reforms in order to maintain control. North Korea is number 1 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2010 of the world's worst persecutors of Christians. WIN partners pray for North Korea on Day 27 of the Window International Network Praying Through The Window 9: Global Terrorism and World Religions prayer calendar. PRAY FOR: the Lord to raise up the leader of His choice to guide North Korea out from Communism. (The Bible, Daniel 2:21) the man or woman who takes power to be compassionate and sensitive to the needs of the people. Pray for an end to the vicious tyranny and abuse that has characterized the regime since 1948. (The Bible, Psalm 103:2-5) the Lord to relieve the people of North Korea from hunger, poverty, and political and spiritual oppression. (The Bible, Psalm 18:2) the hearts of all leaders in this dark nation to be softened by the work of the Holy Spirit and open to the Gospel. Pray for the salvation of Kim Jong-Il and his entire family. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:4) the Lord to protect, strengthen and encourage Christian Believers as they face intense persecution for their decision to follow Jesus Christ. (The Bible, I Peter 4:13) peace throughout East Asia - especially between North and South Korea. Ask the Lord to station His mighty, warring angels around North Korea and keep the government from acting on threats of war. (The Bible, Psalm 4:8) the Kingdom of God to come to North Korea in power and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, I Corinthians 4:20) Sources: BBC News, Korea Times

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More from Auntie Katie in Uganda

God has brought me to the awareness of an incredible servant of His living in Uganda. Her name is Katie. She is a young American woman who has adopted more than 13 Ugandan children and lives with them. She reaches out to a huge number of people daily with the love and care of Christ. She is modeling what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I stand in awe at what the Lord can do with a life that is totally sold out to Him.

I blogged about her earlier this year at Katie in Uganda. When I first was referred to her website by a friend, I spent the next three nights reading every single one of her blogs. It was a journey of emotion, ending in a greater love for the Lord and what He is doing in the world.

Here is her latest blog entry...it can be found at Amazima blog

In May I stood in front of a crowd of 500 people and spoke of our sweet adopted grandmother, Grace:

“Grace is an 80 year old woman, blind and all alone. The cold rain drips through her grass thatched roof and onto her face which she covers with a plastic bag. AIDS makes it impossible for her body to fight off any illness, including the tuberculosis that is wreaking havock on her already-emaciated frame. Malnutrition makes it impossible for her to even sit, let alone walk.

Today, Grace is an 80 year old woman loved by many, and loving the Lord with her whole heart. She is warm in her hospital bed. With the help of medicine and Jesus, Grace has gained weight, partially regained her sight, and is able to stand up to greet me. Today, Grace is still dying. But today Grace is dying with dignity, with love surrounding her, and with a place prepared for her in Heaven.”

In June, just a week after I came home from my time in the states, Grace went to that place prepared for her. Though still warm in her hospital bed, she had once again deteriorated to being unable to even hold up her head. She could barely speak, but rather just groaned or moaned to let you know she could hear you, that she was still here. I was able to be with her just hours before she went to be with Jesus. Her poor little body simply could not fight anymore. As I held her hand in those last hours, I whispered to her not to be afraid. That even though she was in immense pain, Jesus had not forgotten, He was preparing her place and soon she would be with Him forever. As I spoke the words into her ear, my heart said a silent prayer, “Soon Lord. Quickly Lord. Please. Please, please.”

Selfishly, I was devastated by her death. Selfishly, I hated having to tell me sweet little girls that there beloved grandmother was no longer here. Selfishly, I miss her sweet, hilarious personality and her kisses and her whispers in my ear. But more than I am sad, I am so thankful for our time with her. I am thankful for what we learned from her and what she learned from us. I am so thankful that God brought her into our family. And I am beyond thankful that she is now safe with Him.

A few weeks after we lost our sweet Jja jja, another friend joined us in our home. Napongo was a severely malnourished, HIV positive, beautiful 4 year old little girl. She had huge, infected wounds on her stomach that was swollen and distended from malnutrition and parasites. It is a common belief here that if you make many small incisions on a child’s stomach and rub local herbs and salt in them, that the swelling will reduce. Obviously this doesn’t work and had left Napongo covered in nasty, oozing cuts. At first, I tried giving her 14 year old Auntie (who also happened to be Napongo’s primary care giver while her mother had gone to the big city to look for work) the medicine Napongo needed, clean bandages for her jigger infested feet and infected belly, and nutritious food. When I came back a week later to check on her though, I only found her condition worse. I think I don’t really need to tell you what happened next – we took her home, along with her 9 year old sister Alapea to be our translator since none of us speak Karimojong. (we are learning though!)

Napongo’s is a beautiful story of redemption, healing, and God’s incredible grace. I spent hours upon hours digging the jiggers out that had burrowed deep into the girls’ feet. My sweet children welcomed Napongo and Alapea with open arms and we fed them and loved them just as much as we could. Napongo was put on medicine and began gaining weight rapidly, turning into a healthy, happy 4 year old. Unfortunately, she never quite learned to use the toilet, and I am forever indebted to my children for helping me clean up all the poop left in all corners of the house. Today, Napongo is back at home. Her mother has returned from Kampala and is surprised to see how well she is doing. So far, she seems to be doing a great job of maintaining her care, which is such an answered prayer.

During the time we were caring for Napongo, my sweet friend Ashley lost her daughter to a sudden and unexpected bout with pneumonia. Just days later, my good friend Santina gave birth to a beautiful baby and as I sat on her dirt floor, covered in afterbirth and cradling this precious little life, she announced that she would like to name her daughter Katie. A few days later, my friend Kodette also had a baby, but the baby was almost 3 months early, and after being refused treatment at three different hospitals because of her tribe, this baby girl also went to be with Jesus.

Suffering. Rejoicing. Squalor. Beauty. Love. Pain.

If you have been keeping up with my blog you read about 23 year old Nabakosa, who my friend Renee was nursing and who I promptly fell in love with. Her death just 12 days later was far more devataing that the death of Jja Jja Grace. Of course, I was still rejoicing that Nabakosa, who had lived such a life of neglect and despair was once again with her maker, dancing with angel. But I was also infuriated at how preventable her situation was. She was in her awful state ONLY because no one had cared for her. No one had loved her. No one had even given her a second thought. Just typing it causes me to weep – to have no human interaction, touch or love for almost 23 years is simply unfathomable. My precious children spent hours sitting on our kitchen floor praying for Nabukosa when we were not at Renee’s loving on her. She had such a special place in her heart. When she died, I looked at God and plainly told Him that I was tired of this. Tired of telling telling my children that another one of their friends had died of something preventable. Tired of witnessing the suffering of these precious innocent people and wondering why God didn’t bring them to us sooner so we could do more to help. Trusting in His perfect plan but still wondering.

Today 20 year-old Maria and her 6 pound, 2 year old, beautiful baby girl Agnes are staying with us. Maria brought Agnes to me on death’s doorstep a month and a half ago and asked if I had any medicine that could help her because the baby she had before Agnes died a few years ago. I knew this baby needed a whole lot more than medicine, so we brought them home where I could monitor baby Agnes and teach Maria to make high fat milk and other things that are nutritious for her baby. Our whole family absolutely adores Agnes and Maria and Agnes has gained almost 4 pounds since being here. Most exciting is that Maria has been listening to the Bible read in Karimojong! She carries her “proclaimer” (a little radio-like device that proclaims the Bible in different remote languages) around with her everywhere – there is constantly a man’s voices shouting the Gospel in Karimojong through my house at maximum volume. I cannot wait to see what the Lord will do in her heart.

Today I drove into Masese with my van full of singing children only to find that my dear friend Mary had lost the baby she has been carrying for 7 months. Jja Jja Ruth passed away after she was sent home from the hospital where they said there was nothing more to do. Patricia’s biological sister Shariwa is about to lose her baby to the worst case of malnutrition I have ever seen because she stopped prostituting her self when she came to know Jesus 6 months ago, and now has no money for food. They will live with us now while we nurse the baby back to health and look for a job for momma.

I would like to tell you that as I become more and more surrounded with sorrow and squalor, it gets easier or less painful. But it doesn’t. The brokenness of this world does not become any less sad. Each and every time, it is overwhelmingly devastating that people have to live, and die, like this. While it does not get easier, I have found that I am able to face each one with a little more hope. I always hope that my friends will live here on earth with me, but I tell them all with a new sense of urgency about Jesus because mostly, I want them to live with HIM, whether here or in heaven. I see the sadness, but I also see the redemption.

If we are really following Jesus, we will go to the hard places. Being a Christ follower means being acquainted with sorrow. Because we must know sorrow to be able to fully appreciate Joy. Joy costs pain, but the pain is worth it.

So we go. This is where our family is today and where I hope to stay – loving, because He first loved us. Going into the pit, entering into the sorrow because He entered for us first and because by His grace, redemption is on the other side - again, and again, and again.