Christians matyred yearly

The featured article is from The Gospel Herald. 

The only place i have ever heard of Muslims being persecuted is in the Hindu-Muslim rivalries in India, and in Tibet, the Buddhists are in danger. I have seen many footages on youtube and both ´secular´and underground tv stations showing persecutions of Christians all over the world. Why is this so? Why are people persecuting others and forcing them into or out of something, if not killing them because of differences? All through the ages, it seem to me, evil has proven its bloodthirsty grip runs through mankind so easily. So much hate. 

Let us not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters. 

May the Lord always be our light, in our hearts, minds and spirit. Thank you Lord for your blessings, your lessons and your everlasting love.

Shocking Figures Reveal 105,000 Christians Martyred Each Year

By Daniel Blake  Christian Post Correspondent   Thu, Jun, 09 2011 05:28 AM PT

An international interfaith conference has revealed that 105,000 Christians are being killed every year simply because of their faith.

The shocking figures revealed at the “International Conference on Inter-religious dialogue between Christians, Jews and Muslims,” held in Hungary, show that a Christian is killed every five minutes somewhere in the world because of their faith.

Massimo Introvigne, representative of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians, added that these figures did not include the victims of civil wars, or wars between nations, but only the people put to death because they are Christians.

According to the “Catholic Culture” publication, Introvigne said, “If these figures are not cried out to the world, if this massacre is not stopped, if it is not recognized that the persecution against Christians is the first worldwide emergency with regard to religious discrimination and violence, dialogue between religions will only produce wonderful symposia but no concrete results.”

Metropolitan Hilarion, who is the foreign minister of the Russian Orthodox Church, highlighted to the delegates that of the Christians being persecuted every year “at least one million” were children.

The event was hosted by the Hungarian government as a highlight of its EU presidency of the European Union, and religious representatives from across the world, and from across various faiths, gathered.

In a hopeful sign, the Egyptian diplomat Mahmoud Aly told congregants that the North African country was preparing to pass a number of laws that would protect the Christian minorities in Egypt.

Aly explained that new legislation would ensure those that commit hate speech, or gather in hostile groups outside churches, would be prosecuted.

Cardinal Péter Erdo of Budapest commented: “But the danger is for many Christian communities in the Middle East to die out for emigration. For all Christians will escape feeling threatened. And Europe should be preparing for a new wave of emigration, this time of Christians fleeing persecution.”

Bishop fears genocide in Sudan

The featured article is from Christian Today India. Please read and pray and fast with us as you are able for a solution to this crisis: Reading that message seem to make me want to read more and try and make sure many other people read and pray and fast as much as we can for others. It is so awesome to know that we can and should pray for others. I used to think that one can only pray and fast for oneself, as that was what i was taught. You can pray for others but essentially, one prays and fasts for oneself and one´s sins; but in our Lord Jesus, i pray and fast for others now, with faith that He will help. It is beautiful. So please, read and pray and fast with us as you are able for a solution to this crisis. Our brothers and sisters in Sudan are literally being exterminated, slowly but surely. Please also pray that the advent of Sharia law is stopped worldwide.

May the Lord be with us all.

¨Bishop fears genocide in Sudan
By: Karen Peake
Wednesday, 22 June 2011, 17:23 
The Bishop of Kadugli is calling upon Christians worldwide to pray and fast ahead of South Sudan’s secession next month.

Bishop Andudu Adam Elnail has warned of a possible “genocide” in the Nuba Mountains region, where violence has broken out in recent weeks.

The region, home to many Christians, will remain under the control of Khartoum and the Muslim North when South Sudan gains its independence on July 9.

As Sudanese tanks and artillery move in, hundreds of thousands of Nuba are fleeing their homes and development agencies have withdrawn their staff.

UN officials and eyewitnesses escaping the bloodshed tell of elders being executed by the Sudanese Army and bombing campaigns that have destroyed churches and homes.

With Khartoum ordering the UN peacekeeping mission out, there are serious concerns that atrocities will spiral unchecked across the state of South Kordofan.

“Once again we are facing the nightmare of genocide of our people in a final attempt to erase our culture and society from the face of the earth,” said Bishop Elnail.

“It is not a war between armies that is being fought in our land, but the utter destruction of our way of life and our history, as demonstrated by the genocide of our neighbours and relatives in Darfur.

“This is a war of domination and eradication, at its core it is a war of terror by the government of Sudan against their people.”

He expressed concern for the future of Christians in the North, which President Omar al-Bashir declared will be ruled by Sharia law after July 9.

The bishop said that President al-Bashir’s refusal to recognise the legitimate presence of the Christian minority in the North was a “declaration of their determination to also end the remembrance of our Christian heritage that dates back two thousand years”.

The bishop is asking that Christians in Sudan and around the world join in praying and fasting for the country on June 26.

“Please pray and fast with us as you are able for a solution to this crisis,” he said.¨

my thoughts: Praising God: 20 Bible quotes for Thanksgiving

— I have a lot to be thankful for. I have been called to hear God´s word – Thank you Lord God. My heart has been opened to Him – Thank you Jesus. I live with a wonderful, beautiful man (with specific characters i personally need) in a wonderful, beautiful land where i learn something new every day. I am blessed with learning about patience and sacrifice, humility and reminders of giving, wonders of prayers and worship and loving the people He has made – Thank you Holy Father. I am blessed with wonders of God´s creations everywhere i look. I feel loved; fear does not dominate me and I feel the breeze of peace every now and then. – Thank you God, how I love you. Thank you for all your blessings and love. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. — 

Praising God: 20 Bible quotes for Thanksgiving

¨Thanksgiving is a time when we consciously sit back and reflect upon the good things in our lives and remember why we should be grateful for what we have. But if you’re religious, you are probably taking stock in your life and praising God on a regular basis—instead of waiting for the holiday season to show your gratitude. This collection of quotes is for people to thank God for what they have—this Thanksgiving and beyond.

1. “Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead!”
–I Peter 1:6

2. “Be content with what you have, for God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’”
–Hebrews 13:5,6

3. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence.”
–Jeremiah 17:7

4. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
–Psalms 119:105

5. “Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.”
–Job 37:14

6. “God has poured out his love into our hearts.”
–Romans 5:5

7. “In the Lord, put your trust.”
–Psalms 11:1

8. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
–Proverbs 3:5,6

9. “A merry heart doeth good like medicine.”
–Proverbs 17:22

10. “O, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.”
–I Chronicles 16:34

11. “I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, and sing praises unto thy name.”
–Psalms 18.49

12. “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”
–Psalms 30.12

13. “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay your vows unto the most High.”
–Psalms 50.14

14. “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”
–Psalms 75.1

15. “Let us thank God for his priceless gift!”
–2 Corinthians 9.15

16. “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
–Ephesians 5.4

17. “Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs; sing and make music from your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God.”
–Ephesians 5.19-20

18. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
–Colossians 3.17

19. “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God.”
–I Thessalonians 5.16-18

20. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
–I Timothy 4.4-5¨

my thoughts: be positive

— i was reading this blog: be positive! by Moment with Jesus. great blog. learning some new words. learning bible chapters in Bahasa Indonesia. ..

being positive, especially being positive all the time, even when bad things happen to us. it is truly a reminder and an encouraging to read the bible of people who are patient, positive and preserver. i  have to remember that God does not measure time as we do, He works in eternity mode. being positive helps us cultivate patience and hopefully understanding and wisdom, not to mention living righteously. 

Thank you so much for this. 🙂 —

¨Baca: Kejadian 50:15-21

Banyak orang bilang, “Think Positive!” ato “Be Positive!” kepada orang yang lagi putus asa dan butuh dihibur. Sayangnya seringkali kalimat seperti itu enggak dianggap terlalu serius. Padahal kekuatan sikap positif enggak sekedar membuat perasaan kita jauh lebih baik, melainkan sanggup mengubah keadaan ato situasi yang kita hadapi. Bersikap positif enggak berarti kita sedang menenteramkan bagi ato menyangkali kenyataan pahit. Kalo kita berpikir bahwa bersikap positif berarti menyangkali kenyataan, maka kita salah besar!

Bersikap positif adalah soal cara pikir kita. Cara pandang yang benar sangat menentukan reaksi kita. Waktu temen lupa ngembaliin CD yang dipinjamnya, kita bisa menduga dia sengaja pengen nilep ato kita berpikir dia lagi sibuk banget ampe kelupaan ato enggak sempat. Negative thingking membuat reaksi kita negatif juga. Kalo kita menganggap doi sengaja enggak ngembaliin barang kita, maka kita akan merasa jengkel, bersikap ketus dan memarahi dia. Sebaliknya kalo kita berpikir positif, reaksi kita pun akan jadi positif. Mungkin kita bisa SMS ngingetin sebelum ketemuan untuk membawa CD itu ato nyamperin rumahnya mengambil barang tersebut sekalian main kesana.

Kalo kita masih menganggur sampai hari ini, masih jomblo, masih nyusun skripsi yang enggak kelar-kelar, ato tengah menjalani kondisi apapun yang enggak kita harapkan-tetaplah bersikap positif. Bersikap positif adalah modal yang kuat untuk kita bertekun, terus berusaha dan akhirnya berhasil. Bersikap positif membuat kita semangat menghadapi hari seberat apapun. Bersikap positif membuat kita menjalani hari dengan ucapan syukur. Bersikap positif membuat kita punya banyak teman. Bersikap positif membuat kita melihat tangan penyertaan Tuhan dalam setiap aktivitas kita. Yusuf memberi kita teladan bersikap positif sepanjang hidupnya. Saat menjadi budak, saat dipenjara, saat dilupakan bahkan saat ada kesempatan untuk membalas dendam baik kepada saudara-saudaranya, kepada isterin Potifar ato kepada siapapun yang telah menyakitinya selama ini. Sepanjang hidupnya Yusuf bersikap positif sehingga ia bisa memahami rencana Allah dalam kehidupanya untuk memelihara kehidupan bangsanya. Bagaimana dengan kita?¨

my thoughts : “Every truly Christian household is a church”

“Every truly Christian household is a church” 

— Read this blod from The M Blog the other day. Its is wonderful. To have God with us all day long at home ( and wherever we are), to consciously invite Him be with us throughout the day: as we wake up, as we do our chores and work, as we eat, as we walk, talk about Him to each other, learn and worship all day everyday is something we must all strife for I think. It is always the littlest things that add up and become great. I think church is a time for true fellowship with the people and the Lord but everyday is the time for fellowship with God personally and with family. 

p.s need to work on making home ¨a palace of joy¨too. —

¨I am indebted to Alan Knox for pointing out the following April 5, 1874 excerpt from a message entitled, Building the Church: Additions to the Church. At the end of the quote is the name of the well known pastor who preached these words.

I want you to notice this, that they were breaking bread from house to house, and ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart. They did not think that religion was meant only for Sundays, and for what men now-a-days call the House of God. Their own houses were houses of God, and their own meals were so mixed and mingled with the Lord’s Supper that to this day the most cautious student of the Bible cannot tell when they stopped eating their common meals, and when they began eating the Supper of the Lord. They elevated their meals into diets for worship: they so consecrated everything with prayer and praise that all around them was holiness to the Lord. I wish our houses were, in this way, dedicated to the Lord, so that we worshipped God all day long, and made our homes temples for the living God… 

Does God need a house? He who made the heavens and the earth, does he dwell in temples made with hands? What crass ignorance this is! No house beneath the sky is more holy than the place where a Christian lives, and eats, and drinks, and sleeps, and praises the Lord in all that he does, and there is no worship more heavenly than that which is presented by holy families, devoted to the fear of the Lord.

To sacrifice home worship to public worship is a most evil course of action. Morning and evening devotion in a little home is infinitely more pleasing in the sight of God than all the cathedral pomp which delights the carnal eye and ear. Every truly Christian household is a church, and as such it is competent for the discharge of any function of divine worship, whatever it may be. Are we not all priests? Why do we need to call in others to make devotion a performance? Let every man be a priest in his own house. Are you not all kings if you love the Lord? Then make your houses palaces of joy and temples of holiness. One reason why the early church had such a blessing was because her members had such homes. When we are like them we will have “added to the church those who were being saved.” 

–C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) ¨

Belajarlah Dari Sang Elang (via tweenty9)

What an inspiring story. Thank you so much for this! Amazing are the creations of the Lord, much much more so the Lord God our creator. Blessed be your name O Lord Jesus. Off with the old man and long live the newborn. Help me empty myself of the old me Lord, fill me with your Spirit Lord. Create in me a new heart, a clean heart and a good spirit O Lord, so that I may make You smile always.

Kawan, saya membaca dari sebuah artikel tentang kehidupan elang yang penuh dengan tantangan hidup yang dapat kita ambil pelajaran untuk kita terapakan di kehidupan kita. Seperti yang kita tahu, Elang merupakan lambang pemberani dan keperkasaan yang merajai langit. Dengan paruh yang tajam, cakar dengan cengkraman kokoh dan sayap yang lebar, Elang terbang dan menjalani kehidupannya dengan berani. Elang mampu hidup hingga 70 tahun melebihi umur makh … Read More

via tweenty9

a reminder from a blog – how to BE a true follower of Jesus

For a few days now, a sense of indignation has been rising inside me. I have been trying to put it aside to no avail. We have been trying trying to get our landlord to give us a price on a piece of land we have been talking to him about, while asking around to get an idea of how much land around here is worth, we got to know that he hasn’t been very nice. We paid more than 500% more than what is usually paid to rent land for grazing and planting. Earlier this year, he told us he had to pull out of the agreement we had for another piece of land that we had already started work on AND the already-paid rented land because he had a ready buyer and we were taking too long to pay him…when we had an agreement that he would wait as we had already paid rent and will be renting again this year. The deal with the ¨new buyer¨fell through. When we started to look for a new place to live, as our finances we getting really low and we realized that he was charging way to high, he let us stay for free these 3 months, just get our own water and pay the electricity bill. We thought that it was out of the goodness of his heart but we soon realized that we not only have paid for rent all the way to August for land we could not do anything with, but negotiating for rent this year and doing some research, asking around woke us up. We were still willing to buy land, albeit at a smaller and different location and no farming ground, from him to help him out but he quoted many times higher because of ´the view´ although there was no electricity, water nor proper roads up to it. It does have a really pretty view and he did say he would take a small payment and wait for the rest when we sold our stuff but things seem to be spiraling out-of-control. What would happen if we paid the deposit and started work and he changed his mind when a buyer comes along? I prefer not to deal with him but my fiancee is a very patient man. Today, I got almost angry when my fiancee told me he had said that we wont find any other place with a good price like he is offering; also, we had been scouting around other towns for land and the prices quoted are unbelievable. The reason for this? The Americans are willing to pay the prices they quote. One was charging 140,000 for a hectare and then came down to the truck price in only a few minutes as he really liked it and another wanted 80,000 for less than half a hectare (there were Americans living nearby) and another by the highway, wanted half a million! And they say city people are money-hungry! *sigh…im letting it go as i write. We have been praying for the Lord to show us where He wants us to be..if He wants us to stay here and continue our work here or be somewhere else. I am confident that the Lord will guide us.

When I got home, I was reading the Welcome page of Christian Blessings and this was there:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay”, says the Lord. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:9-19,21.

The whole thing kinda soothed me and made me remember what I must do, how Im suppose to be but that last sentence really got me. I had told my fiancee I don’t want to deal with the landlord again because he is so arrogant in saying that we will not find a better deal anywhere else and that we´ll be back asking about the land again. I am the arrogant one. If we are suppose to be here and deal with him, so be it. Forgive me my Lord. Thank you for your reminder. Thank you for all the lessons and blessings. Protect us O Lord. Help me, guide me to be one of Your righteous ones Lord. Amen.

me

I am a new believer of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I believe that He was sent by God our Father to earth, as a human being, to save us from sin and death. Jesus Christ, our Lord is the light of mankind. With His sacrifice, His lashes, His crucification and His death, He took all our sins and death with Him and with His resurrection, we are born again! We have our advocate with God our Father. We have life. We have eternity. Jesus Christ is our Lord and mighty Saviour! Love abounds!

I was a former believer of Islam. As one, I felt alone and restless a lot. I was taught to and did pray as time permits, with school, work etc. It felt like a regime and my heart was not in it. I tried to ask elders and friends about it but i felt unanswered. I understood there was a God that judged all our acts, who could be merciful but I was not sure if God was with me, hearing me. I felt that God was far away. There was only the cycle of everyday life and people to deal with. My parents worked very hard and we were usually at a babysitter`s house. I think we were sent to more than 5 different ones in as many years. One of them molested me for about a year until I had the courage to say I was big enough to take care of my brothers on my own. My father married another lady and life became increasingly unpleasant, confusing and sad. I was sent to the Islamic equivalent of Sunday school for awhile then taken out. For many years, life was school and conflicts at home and between my mum and dad´s family. I never had many friends and became increasingly quiet. I found solace only in story books and music. I realized that I was inadequate with people then. Most people made me uncomfortable. The only people i talked to was a close girlfriend, my father and my grandmother. When my father died suddenly, I felt completely lost and alone. I retreated inside and into my books and routine, still, I wanted to die. I went through my days like a zombie, then nights reading almost waiting for the door to open and for my dad to walk in. After a while, with the help of my grandma and life which kept on going, I thought I was me again. But I felt like there was a big gaping hole in me. I tried to pray more, I joined a religious organization, specifically for beginners and went to classes. I learn some things that helped me a little but the hole was still there and I saw different kind of people that made me back out slowly and leave the place. Years went by and I retreated deeper and deeper inside myself pretending I was fine. I began to question a lot of things like why we were praying in a language I did not understand, how come God didn’t want us to just pray and talk to him in the language i knew, why cnt we eat pork when God made those too, whats wrong with dogs, why is drink forbidden, why I feel so alone. I felt God wasn’t listening, I felt that people were just following things blindly. As time went by, I made decisions that changed my life and regrets multiplied. I tried to cast them aside and keep on moving but I was getting so tired inside. What was the point in all this? No one seemed to see me. I did not think God was listening, maybe cos of all the things I had done. The only time when I felt my family getting close together with me was when i was getting married. The family I had came into was a good one, a big and close one. I tried so hard to assimilate but I always felt like I did not belong. Other problems arose and I was retreating further inside. I kept trying to be better with my ex then, my health, work and my insides went haywire and finally went bust. I loved my ex-mum and dad in law a lot so i tried and tried. Every time there was a family gathering I was fighting inside, especially when it was a religious one. Not only did i not know how to read the quern at the level they were all in, I did not want to. Always, even with so many people around, i felt alone. I spoke to family members, to friends and most of them told me that life is a test and we have to persevere. To what? Even heaven sounded like it was more for men than women. One actually told me to look at my mum’s life. I was horrified. I was terrified of becoming her. She had been unhappy for as long as i can remember. I felt confused, bad and exhausted. Again, I started to stay away from people. I started to read about Buddhism and so-called spiritual books to find a bit of peace, I read about Hinduism and life from different perspectives, I was chastised for reading and having ‘weird’ books in my house. At this time, I was really into the internet. Then, suddenly I couldn’t be there any more, was offered something I hoped for and left the country. Here, i feel calm which is amazing and after awhile, energized. it was beautiful to be calm.

I fully believe that I was saved by our Lord Jesus Christ when He led me here. It was a miracle and a wondrous thing that I am here. I had never even taught about visiting , let alone living here. It was not in my list of places to visit. For some reason, I felt like I had come home. With the calm, life went on and I learnt something everyday. After knowing my fiancee a while, he began to tell me about the Lord. Slowly but surely, I saw things, people, life a different way. I saw God a different way. I began to want to learn more and then we read the bible, and everything made sense. There is no confusion, everything is in order and it is amazing to see how things enfold historically and even now. I began to be more open inside and I began to love God, our Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

It is so comforting not only to believe but really know that God loves us. From the very beginning to the very end. His awesome Love and Grace is manifested in Jesus Christ, for us. And God, is not just God, He is Abba our Father.

All glory to our Father, I am so very grateful. Thank you for bringing me here, for saving me. I love you Jesus! And Holy Spirit, thank you for being there guiding me always and everyday. I pray that I always walk in the light, that I be a good person walking in Your way doing Your will always. In Jesus name, Amen!

fear vs hope

i was so afraid but its slowly abating. is it really fear? i was afraid of what would happen to my family if they knew i am a born again christian. a believer, with lots of love for Jesus, who wants to be even more in love, who wants to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to always walk in the light, in righteousness and grace that i am blessed with. a seeker of the Lord and His will. is it a fear of being ostracized? not really, its fear that i ll hurt them, which is weird. i think its remnants of the old me.

when you love Jesus and learn more and more about Him and His word, all fear will disappear.

i have hope and pray for them every day. and for the Holy Ghost to come into my life, into me. there has been many instances when i know the Lord is with me, watching, protecting me. blessing me. i learn every single day. it is amazing. i have felt noted differences as to how i feel about things and people, what i want and like, how i see things and people. i know now that He really is watching and listening, and He loves me, us. that is so very beautiful.

yesterday, i found blogs and comments from people in Singapore who are like me. it was amazing. i was so very happy. i AM so happy, encouraged.

Thank you Lord. Blessed be your name.

A Day of Remembrance (via Called for Greatness)

This is beautiful. I try to make everyday a little day of remembrance as i live and learn. Thank you for this. Thank you Lord Jesus.

We should always remember that the Lord has done great things for us: how he broke the sin nature that held us in bondage; how he healed all of our sickness and wrong thinking; how he kept us from the grave in a harmful situation, and on and on. Those immediate things came to mind when I heard, “This is a day of remembrance!”  But the Holy Spirit was quick to say, “No, THIS will be a day of remembrance.  You will be able to look back on this day … Read More

via Called for Greatness