Reality Check: Don’t Forget Your Persecuted Brothers

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 – J. Lee Grady Newsletters – Fire In My Bones 

Last week many of our brothers and sisters lost their lives for Christ. How should we respond to the cry of the martyrs?

Last week while millions of Americans crammed into theaters to see Alice in Wonderland in 3-D, many Christians in other parts of the world were attacked, raped or killed for the cause of the gospel.

This past weekend I received an urgent message from my friend Christopher Alam, a U.S.-based evangelist, who was writing from Southeast Asia to inform me of a terrible atrocity in Myanmar.

“As long as our brothers and sisters are dying for Christ in other nations, we cannot take off our armor or live in a fantasy world of prosperity and instant blessing.” (more…)

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The Face of Courage—a Saudi Woman’s Powerful Poem Denouncing Fatwas and Extremism could Make Her a Winner on Abu Dhabi TV’s “Million’s Poet Contest”

Islamic woman speaks outby Aimee Herd : Apr 1, 2010 : Staff – Daily Mail Online

“My poetry has always been provocative. It’s a way to express myself and give voice to Arab women, silenced by those who have hijacked our culture and our religion.”

Hissa Hilel, a Saudi Arabian mother of four, has been composing lines of poetry since she was just 12. Now, at 43, she has a chance to win over a million dollars in Abu Dhabi TV’s reality contest, The Million’s Poet.

But, it’s not just the fact that Hilel is the first woman to make it to the finals on the show that has every talking about her; it’s her poetry itself.

One of her most recent poems addressed the subject of Islamic clerics who promote terrorism and extremism, and who issue fatwas (rules), which rob people and especially women of their rights.

In her poem, Hilel described the clerics as “vicious in voice, barbaric, angry and blind, wearing death as a robe cinched with a belt…” (a reference to suicide belts). (more…)

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Passion Play Drew 20,000 Onlookers in London’s Trafalgar Square

Passion of the Christby Michael Ireland : Apr 7, 2010 : ASSIST News

“One scene in particular captures people,..It is the occasion where Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him and three times Peter says yes. Then the cock crows, because Peter did deny him once. He is forgiven, and Jesus turns to the audiences and says: ‘Be bold, love my Church.’ There’s not a dry eye. One time I was standing by this tall man…and he was crying his eyes out.”

(London, UK)—Roman soldiers dressed in authentic-styled armor of the 12th Legion, tramped through Trafalgar Square in the center of London on Good Friday afternoon, as the story of the Passion of Jesus was re-enacted by a cast of more than 100. According to Ind.Catholic News.com, the Good Friday production by the Wintershall Estate theatre company, drew an estimated audience of up to 20,000 people, among them families, church groups and tourists, who, in spite of showery weather, crammed onto steps around the Square and the front of the National Gallery for both the dress rehearsal and main performance.

The Catholic website says some members of the audience were recruited in the crowd scenes.

The drama, accompanied by a beautiful musical score, depicted some of the key events in the life of Jesus (played by actor Simon Hemingway-shown on left)—scenes of miracles, his entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, driving the shopkeepers from the Temple, the Last Supper, his betrayal and trial, death and Resurrection. (more…)

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Son of Hamas Founder Shares Faith Journey, Reveals He Spied for Israel in New Book

Son of Hamas Founder now following Christ02 March 2010 – Ken Walker – Featured News Charisma Online
  
The son of a Hamas founder whose Christian conversion made international headlines released the complete story of his faith journey Tuesday in a memoir brimming with spy-novel-like drama.

Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef details a six-year-long conversion process that originated with a Bible study in Jerusalem and resulted in his departure from the Islamic terrorist organization. He was baptized in 2005 near Tel Aviv in a ceremony performed by a San Diego woman visiting the church that Yousef attended.

The 31-year-old says his faith has sustained him ever since, particularly since leaving his homeland in 2007. The pain of separation is better understood when one reads his account of the lifelong, close-knit ties forged by Palestinian families.

“Whenever I compare my pain to [Christ’s], I forget my pain,” said Yousef, who lives on the West Coast.

“When I feel alone in this journey, I know that He feels with me because He went through much worse. Every step I get closer to the cross I learn more about His sacrifice and pain, which absolutely makes me forget about my pain.” (more…)

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Scrolls of the Nations Prophetic Word from the Lord to the Nation of Australia

Dear family & friends in Christ in Australia, The 'Scrolls of the Nations' prophetic word from the Lord was received by one of our CTFM intercessors at our weekly prayer…

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Report on Options Plus Care Orientation Day – Pregnancy Crisis Counselling

Counsellors watching a live ultrasoundCounsellors at Options Plus Care Orientation Dear family & friends in Christ,

 

Around 100,000 babies are aborted every year in Australia.

 

We at CTFM thank the Lord for every single person who has been working tirelessly to reduce this number and we continue to pray against the legalisation and practice of abortion.

 

No one thought that the slave trade would stop, but thanks to William Wilberforce and others it did. So too, we pray the same regarding the ending of abortion.

 

I know we all need to pray and lobby our politicians, but what is equally important is to help these people not to have an abortion through counselling and supporting them. Yes, this is what Options + Care is all about. Even if someone decides to have an abortion after counselling, we will continue to love and help them as much as possible. 

 

Thank you so much for your prayer and practical support as the Options + Care Orientation Day on 17th April was a great success. Pas Daniel shared the vision that God gave him in 1998 while he was in the USA to be a Voice for the Voiceless. Sister Geraldine, the coordinator for O+C , shared her heart and passion to save the next generation of children in Australia. Then the team watched a very challenging DVD titled ‘After The Choice’ that included a group of women talking about what happened after their abortions. There was not a dry eye in the place as everyone watched these ladies share how they all suffered in silence for many years and pleaded with others not to have an abortion. (more…)

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Many pray in Tongues for the first time, Healings & Salvations as Holy Spirit fire falls in Bellingen (Coffs Harbour), Canberra, & Hallam (Melbourne)

Praying at the altarSome of the youth were baptised in the Holy SpiritDear family & friends in Christ in Australia and around the World,

1) What an amazing weekend it has been with exciting reports coming in from 3 different locations across Australia of God’s mighty presence transforming lives over the ANZAC weekend!

Pas Daniel ministered in Bellingen in NSW on Saturday night and at 3 services on Sunday as many people travelled from the surrounding country towns of Newcastle, Kempsey, Eungia Rail, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Urunga, Coffs Harbour, Torminna, and Dorrigo to catch the revival fire of the Holy Spirit  as God moved so powerfully in radically transforming lives for Jesus at all the meetings!

On Saturday night the service went on for almost 5 hours! On Sunday night 17 people (mostly youth and teenagers) responded to the altar call to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and within 7 minutes 14 of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and started praying in tongues for the very first time in their lives! Pas Daniel stated, “The youth were so excited, they were jumping for joy. This brought so much joy to my heart. This is the next generation being empowered to rise up for Jesus!”

A young man, who was known to some in the church as a real rascal in town, walked off the street into one of the meetings. He was radically touched by God and gave his life to Jesus on Saturday night. Pas Daniel prayed over him and gave him a BIG HUG. This somewhat surprised the young man and then he received a prophetic Word from the Lord. The next night he came for the meeting, sat through the whole service, then responded to the altar call for prayer, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prayed in tongues! He then approached Pas Daniel and gave him a hug. Glory to God as the supernatural transformation of this young man happened in just 24 hours! What a mighty God we serve! (more…)

Continue ReadingMany pray in Tongues for the first time, Healings & Salvations as Holy Spirit fire falls in Bellingen (Coffs Harbour), Canberra, & Hallam (Melbourne)

God’s definition of ‘family’

by Greg Laurie – March 13, 2010

In my last column, I made a case for a biblical worldview, based on the watershed truth that there is a living God, and He has revealed Himself in Scripture.

With this in mind, we can ready ourselves to discuss some of the more controversial, “hot-button” issues in our culture today.

Going back to the Ten Commandments, you may remember that this list of 10 can be divided into two sections. The first four commands deal with man’s relationship with God, and the second six speak to man’s relationship with man. It is that second grouping of commandments in Exodus 20 that will speak most clearly to our “hot button” issues.

Verse 12: “Honor your father and mother …”

Isn’t it interesting … before a word is spoken about how to treat others, God starts with the family. (more…)

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U.S. Court Rules that National Day of Prayer is Unconstitutional

John Jalsevac (Apr. 16, 2010)

A little history: June 30, 1812: It being a duty peculiarly incumbent in a time of public calamity and war, humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our dependence on Almighty God, and to implore His aid and protection:

Therefore, Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that a joint committee of both Houses wait on the President of the United States, and request that he recommend a day of public humiliation and prayer to be observed by the people of the United States, with religious solemnity, and the offering of fervent supplications to the Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on their arms, and the speedy restoration of peace. (Resolution requesting the President of the United States to recommend a day of public humiliation and prayer)

In a decision released Thursday, U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb declared the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. The decision comes in the case filed by The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a Wisconsin-based organization, which challenged the constitutionality of a 1988 federal law giving the president the authority to designate the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer. (“The First Prayer in Congress” by T.H. Matteson 1848)

The day of prayer “goes beyond mere ‘acknowledgment’ of religion because its sole purpose is to encourage all citizens to engage in prayer, an inherently religious exercise that serves no secular function in this context,” Crabb wrote. “In this instance, the government has taken sides on a matter that must be left to individual conscience.” (more…)

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European Union Moves to Defend Persecuted Christians

Friday, February 26, 2010 – By Michael Ireland Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service 

Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@aol.com

WASHINGTON, D.C, (ANS) — The European Union (EU) has established a working group to protect persecuted Christians and prepare a manual for embassies of member states regarding the treatment of persecuted Christian minorities.

According to International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org, Italy’s Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini, in an interview yesterday with the Italian daily newspaper Avvenire said, “We could promote a group of like-minded countries who take to heart the right of Christians to profess their faith anywhere in the world. …You see, Christians have never had a political group offering them strong support through their governments.”

ICC reported that the Foreign Minister also stated that his country will hold an international conference on religious freedom this year and will soon introduce a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly regarding the rights of Christians. (more…)

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Revival in Canberra this weekend with preacher from Kenya / Pr Daniel in Coffs Harbor, NSW / CTFM Schedule in Melbourne

Hungry for Holy SpiritDear family & friends in Christ,

1) We have great news for those of you in the Canberra area.  Once again the Holy Spirit revival meetings are continuing this weekend on Saturday 24th at 6.30pm & Sunday 25th at 10am & 6.30pm. The venue is Canberra High School, Bindubi Street, Macquarie.

Pastor Kinyua from Kenya is a mighty prophetic intercessor who has tremendously blessed the people at CTFM in Melbourne over the past few weeks and will now be ministering in Canberra in the Holy Spirit Revival. This man of God ministers with an apostolic anointing of intercessory prayer and revelatory teaching to take others deeper into the river of God’s holy presence.

Do not miss this great opportunity for you, your family, friends, and others to receive a miraculous life transforming encounter with Jesus Christ, the reigning King of kings and LORD of lords! 

  (more…)

Continue ReadingRevival in Canberra this weekend with preacher from Kenya / Pr Daniel in Coffs Harbor, NSW / CTFM Schedule in Melbourne

Canberra Revival for Jesus – Amazing Testimonies of Healings, Supernatural Dreams, Visions & Encounters with Angels

Woman healed of spine problemMan healed from hip problems and gives life to JesusDear family & friends in Christ in Australia and around the World,
 
Over the past several weeks the increasing outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit in Canberra, Australia has been experienced by many hundreds of people from all walks of life! On some nights at the revival crowds of up to 300 people packed the hall at Canberra High School.
 
Once again Monday night was glorious with spiritually thirsty people drinking from the river of God’s Presence while praising and worshipping Him for several hours at the altar!
 
Pas Daniel said, “It was like an army that had just won a battle, celebrating its victory, and on its way to Praying at the altarclaim a nation! I was so blessed to see so many young people absolutely drunk with the new wine of the Spirit of God, worshipping the Lord so freely with tears streaming down their cheeks.”
 
Many at the revival meetings in Canberra received prophetic words from the Lord. On Monday night there was a real anointing for spiritual battle and the people stepped right into intercessory warfare for Australia. There was also an amazing sense of God’s Agape Love pouring out into everyone present as people hugged each other as one big family.

Many testified of having supernatural dreams and visions over the past few nights, including Angels being empowered in the heavens to triumph over Satan’s demonic powers of darkness, bringing great revival and transformation to Australia! They saw that the corporate worship and praise given from the united body of Christ to the Lord Jesus Christ was a key for the Angelic hosts of heaven to be further equipped and empowered to reclaim Australia for Jesus! (more…)

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Victoria – Review of ‘hate crime’ laws

Removal of Free Speech in VictoriaSalt Shakers E-News – Helping Christians Make A Difference

‘Hate crimes’ are under review in Victoria. If what is being proposed in one of the review documents is introduced into legislation, it will mean even MORE RESTRICTIONS on the freedom of speech.

In fact, if you OFFEND or INSULT a homosexual you could be hauled before the Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission – and with their NEW POWERS, the EOHRC could launch their own investigation into behaviour they think ‘offends’ someone! Churches and Christians will be under even more threat if this is put into legislation!

Last year Victoria’s Attorney-General Rob Hulls initiated changes to the Sentencing Act regarding the sentencing of hate crimes. The amendment requires a sentencing court to have regard to whether an offence was motivated (wholly or partially) by hatred of, or prejudice against, a group of people with common characteristics with which the victim was associated or with which the offender believed the victim was associated.

But that isn’t enough for Mr Hulls.

Mr Hulls has asked Hon Geoffrey Eames, a retired Supreme Court judge, to conduct a review of ‘Identity Motivated Hate Crime’ in Victoria to “determine whether current hate crime laws are adequate”. They are considering whether ‘hate crimes’ should be a specific part of the criminal law. (more…)

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Canberra Revival extended another night as crowd nears 300 people – Healing of deafness, severe spinal problems and more, Mormons get saved, and 51 people receive baptism of Holy Spirit!!!

Hungry for Holy SpiritDear family & friends in Christ in Australia and around the World,
 
The Canberra revival meetings have been once again extended for another night, tonight Monday the 19th of April at 6.30pm at Canberra High School, Bindubi Street, Macquarie. 

Do not miss this great opportunity you, your family, friends, and others to receive a miraculous life transforming encounter with Jesus Christ, the reigning King of kings and LORD of lords! 
 
We thank and praise God for His wonderful hand at work mightily in our nation’s capital city Canberra. Many who are attended the revival meetings commented that they had never ever seen anything like this in their lifetime in Canberra. Well, we believe this is God’s kairos time for our nation of Australia to rise up and step into His prophetic destiny, possessing this land that He has promised to give us as an inheritance, this Great South Land of the Holy Spirit!
 
Over the weekend people packed the hall once again and every service went on for more than 4-5 hours as people from 29-30 churches, of all ages, from many ethnicities, cities, and walks of life, absolutely soaked in the mighty life transforming presence of God!  Many people received Miraculous Healing, Deliverance, Salvation, Restoration, Reconciliation, and the list goes on and on as many glorified the Lord by giving testimonies of His amazing miracles, signs, and wonders in their lives!

(more…)

Continue ReadingCanberra Revival extended another night as crowd nears 300 people – Healing of deafness, severe spinal problems and more, Mormons get saved, and 51 people receive baptism of Holy Spirit!!!