Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers - Beliefnet.com

Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers - Beliefnet.com

"Howdy, Neighbor!" This is a wonderful, inspiring little piece to read... be sure to go through all the shared quotes by clicking "next".   We could all do with a little inspiration.

Fwd: Alliance Defense Fund Update - The Truth about Church and State

Following is shared with us from Alliance Defense Fund:

The Truth about Church and State

In California, the Desert Sands Unified School District cancelled a brick paver fundraiser at Palm Desert High School. Why? To ensure that a few Bible-verse-engraved pavers that had been purchased by two Christian women would not be included in the new school walkway.

For decades, radical, anti-Christian groups, like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its allies, have perpetuated the myth that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires a so-called "separation of church and state." As a result, many government and school officials - like those at Desert Sands Unified School District - falsely believe it is their duty to extinguish your freedom to express your faith in public.

We must spread the truth about church and state, so that Christians in communities across America will boldly stand against attacks on Our First Liberty - religious freedom - from those who oppose the Gospel.

Unite with other Christians by adding your voice to this declaration for religious freedom today.

Thanks so much for your time today!
God Bless!

ADF - Alliance Defense Fund

My family and I live in the United States.  What I mainly post on this blog is news of persecution and martyrdom -- most of these "news" stories are from countries outside the United States.  For many of us Americans, we just think "oh, it'll never happen to us."  Well, my friends and family, brothers and sisters, if it is happening to "other" countries, it IS still happening to us.  WE are all human.  WE are all one.  WE need to be informed of things going on in all countries.  WE need to help our brothers and sisters.

As for my fellow Americans... if you needed it to come to the United States in order to get your attention, please read the following post.  Don't just stop at the excerpt.  Visit the Alliance Defense Fund website and read what they have to share.  Then read what they are trying to do about it.  I urge you to just take a look.

Excerpt from the website of Alliance Defense Fund:

Throughout our history, America has been a land defined by religious faith and freedom. Religious freedom is our first and most fundamental, God-given right deemed so precious that our Founding Fathers enshrined it in the U.S. Constitution.

So why is religious freedom under attack in America today?

For decades, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other radical anti-Christian groups have been on a mission to eliminate public expression of our nation's faith and heritage. By influencing the government, filing lawsuits, and spreading the myth of the so-called "separation of church and state," the opposition has been successful at forcing its leftist agenda on Americans.  READ MORE

Please be sure to visit the Alliance Defense Fund and maybe sign up to receive their newsletters in your inbox.  God Bless, and thank you for your time today.  

Voice of the Martyrs : House Church Leader Kidnapped

An excerpt from a Crosswalk.com eNewsletter:

IRAQ — House Church Leader Kidnapped

In Dehouk, Iraq, tears streamed down a young girl's face as she explained to VOM worker how a Muslim group broke into her home and took her father. The active house church planter Jamal works among the Shabak people, who have Jewish roots and speak Arabic and Kurdish. The VOM worker said Jamal was a very dedicated gospel worker. VOM sources believe a fundamentalist Muslim group, possibly Al Qaeda, kidnapped Jamal because he has led many Muslims to Christ. The home of one of Jamal's recent converts was sprayed with machine gun...  READ MORE

I realize it's hard to believe persecution and martyrdom still runs rampant in the world today.  That's why I have this blog.  Even if I only post occasionally, I want everyone to realize what's really going on... especially in the "world" of religion.  Take care and God Bless.

Under Persecution : PrisonerAlert.com

Read MORE Here from PrisonerAlert.com

Youcef Nadarkhani, a 34-year-old pastor from Rasht, about 750 miles northwest of Tehran, was arrested in October 2009 after he protested a government policy that required children, including his 8- and 9-year-old sons, to study the Quran in school. Youcef told school officials that the Iranian constitution allows for freedom of religious practice. As a result of his protest, secret police called him before a political tribunal and arrested him for protesting. The charges were later amended to apostasy and evangelism of Muslims. Youcef was tried on Sept. 21–22, 2010 by the 1st Court of the Revolutionary Tribunal and sentenced to death on Nov. 13 for apostasy.

The pastor is imprisoned in Lakan prison, where authorities have used various methods, including medication, to convert him back to Islam...

Please Read MORE Here from PrisonerAlert.com
and sign up for their alerts.

God Bless....

5 Minutes with K.P. – Clinging to Shadows « Gospel for Asia Books

Visit Gospel for Asia and read about what they are doing to help the children. You can request a Free Book - Revolution In World Missions, you can Sponsor a Child with Gospel for Asia, you can Sponsor a Missionary or simply just read about the Gospel of Asia organization. It's a beautiful thing.  Below is an excerpt from their founder's blog...please be sure to click on to read more.

The earth seemed to tremble at the mighty shout of the Israelites as the priests carried the ark of the covenant into their war camp. Now the battle could begin. Their guarantee for victory had just arrived! The people cheered and celebrated. It would be just like in the days of Moses and Joshua: The ark would go before them, and no enemy, however strong had even the slightest chance of defeating the armies of Israel.

With great confidence the Israelites marched out to meet the Philistines, who were shaking in their boots, expecting to be wiped out by the God of Israel. But to everyone's amazement and horror, God was not with His people. The two priests Hophni and Phinehas...

Please click to read more....

Hoping you had a FUN and SAFE holiday weekend (if you're in the US celebrating the Fourth of July).

God Bless!!

Free Shipping Sitewide! Precious Moments

The ultimate in Gifts for your loved ones and friends... for any and all occasions! They are offering Free Shipping on the entire site June 28, 2011.

God Bless!!

Emergency Call for Help from Burma Quake Victims

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/-Prayer-Alert--Emergency-Call-for-Help-from-Burma-Quake-Victims.html?soid=1011289464089&aid=Is7DlH1MRYo

Josh Wilson -- I Refuse

See the video via YouTube of
Josh Wilson singing
"I Refuse"....

Verse:

Cuz I don't wanna live like I don't care....
I don't wanna say another empty prayer... I refuse to....
sit around and wait for someone else...
To do what God has told me to do myself... Oh I could choooose....
not to move, but I Refuse....

God Bless!!

Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

Wow!  What a powerful message this song brings... and my 7-year old calls it "sticky", because it gets stuck in your head.  Haha!  This is just beautiful.  Can't say enough about the talent -- God's true Gift -- to these Casting Crown folks:

I hope you find this as beautiful and heart-warming as we do, and share it with your loved ones as well!

God Bless!

ICC PR: Afghan Christian Faces Potential Death Sentence for Apostasy

	The following Press Release was given by International Christian Concern  www.persecution.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afghan Christian Faces Potential Death Sentence for Apostasy

Given One Week to Renounce Christian Faith

Washington, D.C. (January 3, 2011) – International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a judge has given an Afghan convert from Islam to Christianity a week to renounce his faith, or else be sentenced with the death penalty or up to twenty years' imprisonment. The verdict is expected this week.

Shoaib Assadullah was arrested on October 21 in Mazar-e-Sharif for giving a Bible to a man who later reported him to local authorities. He is currently in a prison in Mazar-e-Sharif, in northern Afghanistan.

ICC sources closely following the case tell us that at a court hearing on December 28, Assadullah was told to recant Christianity and return to Islam. Pamir Productions spoke to Assadullah on December 31. Assadullah said, "he is quite certain that they [court officials] will give him the death penalty. At his last court appearance, the judge gave him one final week to renounce his faith otherwise he would be hanged or killed for his faith. Shoaib stated he has given his life completely into the hands of Jesus. He said he was so happy for the spiritual fight, saying, 'Without my faith I would not be able to live'."

In ICC source in Mazar-e-Sharif was told by a court official today that Assadullah will be summoned to court on January 4 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Afghanistan is a signatory of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). According to article 18, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

Aidan Clay, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "Shoaib Assadullah may be given a death sentence as early as tomorrow if the international community does not act quickly. If Assadullah is executed, his death will signify the failure of the United States and her allies to liberate Afghanistan from the radical ideals of the Taliban after investing millions of dollars to reform the country's judicial system. We urge the international community to demand the immediate release of Assadullah and to hold Afghanistan accountable to its commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

Call the Afghanistan embassy in your country to express your concern:

United States: +1 202 483 6410  
Canada: +1 613 563 4223 
United Kingdom: + 44 207 589 88 91/2
Germany: +49 22 825 1925
France: +33 1 45 25 05 29
Australia: +61 2 62827311 6282/6034

For interviews, contact Aidan Clay, Regional Manager for the Middle East: clay@persecution.org

ICC (International Christian Concern) | www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please visit International Christian Concern to learn more about their mission and what they are about.  They can certainly use your help!

Fwd: [Persecution Alert] Nigerian Christians Killed in Seven Christmas Eve Bombings

Christian Aid Mission sent this recent Mission Insiders Report:

Nigerian Christians Killed in Seven Christmas Eve Bombings

JOS, Nigeria (December 29, 2010) - While the city of Jos is still in flames and under a 24-hour military curfew, the first eye-witness reports have begun to come in from indigenous missionaries trapped by the continuing violence. Over 80 people were killed in seven bombings and assaults on Christmas Eve and the death toll is mounting as street fighting continues.

According to a trusted indigenous leader, thousands of internally displaced refugees are on the move. He confirmed that pastors and Christian leaders were targeted and killed in the attacks.

Christian Aid Mission Africa Director Rae Burnett said that the missionary, who is executive director of the one of the mission agencies Christian Aid assists in Jos, is asking Christians around the world to urgently pray for Christians in Nigeria, especially those in the city of Jos. "We are in regular contact with indigenous missions' leaders there and are already collecting aid for the survivors - helping them to bury the dead, rebuild homes and churches and heal broken lives."

Wire service reports say authorities first believed the attacks were orchestrated by a militant Islamic group that has killed dozens of Christians since September in the region. However a new and different terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the Christmas Eve assassinations in Jos and church burnings in Borno State as well.

Rae Burnett released parts of an email report from Gabriel Barau, the executive director of Missionary Crusaders Ministries, who was in Jos for a Christmas field visit when the attacks began.

"Right now, my family and I are still trapped on the outskirts of Jos where Muslim fanatics have set the city on fire once again," he wrote yesterday. "I will send more reports and updates on this as I get more information tonight and tomorrow."

Gabriel confirmed reports that the violence began on Christmas Eve when he says seven terrorist bombs were planted in two churches and a market area within Jos City, Plateau State. All exploded successfully, killing many victims.


"Because of the tense situation, I am not able to take any pictures as the city has been taken over by military personnel. The governor has ordered the military to shoot-on-sight anyone caught fomenting trouble.

"Meanwhile the city is locked up. Conditions are tense and many people are still looking for their lost ones. I understand that the many refugees in the city already number over 300,000 - people who have fled their homes because of attacks.

"While the Jos violence is still going on," Barau said, "another six people including two pastors were killed and a church burnt down in Maiduguri, Borno State. We need prayers for the believers and the work we are doing among these people as radical Muslims are becoming very hostile to Christians in Nigeria. Our mission board, MCM, has a missionary already surveying Maiduguri to help reach the Kanuri people there who are 100% Muslims.

"Pray for our people and missionaries among the Muslims. We will not relent in our efforts to reach them as the Lord is raising up a people for his name among them. Pray for us."

Click here to donate online for this persecuted ministry and others in Nigeria.

Or call 1-800-977-5650 to donate. Please use gift code: 550MCM.
Christian Aid Mission

**  If YOU would like to receive Christian Aid Mission's Insider Report, click right here and learn more about it!


God Bless... :)

The Manger and The Cross: Disturbing? or Delightful?

C.J. Mahaney, President of Sovereign Grace Ministries, shared an article on Crosswalk.com called Disturbing Christmas: The Manger and the Cross.  I found this article pretty gripping... felt the need to share it with you:

"The days before Christmas can be a tiring season of preparation, planning, shopping, and wrapping. But I think as we prepare for the Christmas celebrations, dinners, travel, and gift giving, it's equally important that we pause and prepare our souls for Christmas.

During this time of year, it may be easy to forget that the bigger purpose behind Bethlehem was Calvary. But the purpose of the manger was realized in the horrors of the cross. The purpose of his birth was his death...." 

Please find the article in it's entirety right here.

---

Receive FREE Shipping On Any Order Over $45 At FamilyChristian.com.

Buy R.C. Sproul's "The Consequences of Ideas" for only $12.80. Shop Now!

Buy "Providence: God in Control" in audio. Shop Now!

The Mission of Ligonier Ministries is to make complex biblical truths easy to understand. The founder, Dr. R.C. Sproul is known by Christians of all walks of life for his ability to clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. This has led to hundreds of education series on a broad range of topics, including the popular and respected Reformation Study Bible.

Add your Voice to the Prayer Team

IFCJ: Prayer Team

Join the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews in lifting up Israel and the Jewish People in Prayer...

Add your Voice to the Prayer Team

Fires have been raging out of control in northern Israel since early Thursday morning. So far, 41 people have been killed, 17,000 people have been evacuated, and 7,500 acres have been burned. As this, the largest fire in Israel’s history, continues to rage on, these numbers will undoubtedly grow. In this time of great need, Israel desperately needs your prayers.

• Pray for firefighters and other officials fighting this blaze, that they will soon extinguish the flames
• Pray for those who have been injured by the fires, that their recovery will be quick and complete.
• Pray for family members and friends of those who have been killed, that God will comfort them in their grief.
• Pray for those who have been evacuated with only the clothes on their back, that God will provide for their need for food, shelter, and medicine.
• Pray for government officials in Israel and in other countries that have offered help, that God will help them all work together wisely and peacefully.

Add your Voice to the Prayer Team

God Bless....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving from our family to yours. Take care, God Bless, and be sure to thank Him not only today, but each and every day.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Family Christian Stores 

Find, Grow, Share and Celebrate your Faith

Receive $10 Off Your Purchase Of $65 Or More

A Sincere Word of Gratitude...

On behalf of my family and myself, I wish to Thank all of our veterans -- those who have served and those currently serving.  Without you - where would we be?  Waking up every morning and reminding myself I have the freedom to believe what I believe and think what I think -- that privilege is possible thanks to self-less folks such as yourselves.  Your family has my sympathy and much gratitude as well, as they face life's daily hardships, big and small, without you at their sides. 


Thank you and God Bless you...

Giving Sight to the Blind | VerticalThought [October - December 2010]

This is wonderful news!

Giving Sight to the Blind | VerticalThought [October - December 2010]

You can receive printed publications at no charge -- not to mention a free subscription to an incredibly insightful magazine. I've been receiving the magazine for over a year now, and it's the first magazine I read from front cover to back. Then, after receiving my first issue, I hopped back online and had a subscription sent to my niece (currently 16 years old). They do a wonderful job of lining up current events with what the Bible has told us. It's very intriguing and at times, jaw-dropping.

Giving Sight to the Blind | VerticalThought [October - December 2010]

At least keep them bookmarked, or submit your email to receive them in your inbox.

God Bless!!

Bhutanese Man Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Christian Film

Please follow the link below to learn about this man's story:

http://www.persecution.org/2010/10/29/bhutanese-man-sentenced-to-three-years-in-prison-for-christian-film/

AFGHANISTAN — Aid Workers’ Deaths Set Tone for Afghan Christians

Crosswalk.com and Voice of the Martyrs brings us this:

"An investigation into who is responsible for the deaths of eight Christian aid workers continues. According to the Associated Press, a Taliban representative said they had killed the aid workers because they were spies and were "preaching Christianity." The executive director of International Assistance Mission rejected the initial report that the attacks were a result of a robbery. In recent months, experts expressed concern over political threats against local Christians and these latest incidents have the potential to intimidate further both local and foreign Christians in Afghanistan. Pray for the protection of Christians in Afghanistan. Pray the Lord will give the small Christian community in this nation a spirit of faithfulness and confidence. Ask the Lord to use this recent tragedy to accomplish his purposes in Afghanistan."

 Read more here.

Take care of you and God Bless!