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Media Alert: Our very own Todd Nettleton, who is the Director of News Services, will appear nationwide today on Moody broadcasting show Prime Time America to discuss Christian persecution and how you may help.
The show is at 5 P.M. Eastern and 2 P.M. Pacific time.
Please visit Prime Time America and you may also listen live online.
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But not everyone is happy with this decision. The article goes on to say,
"I think it's a bad idea," said Dick Paasch, 69, from Billings, Montana. "The Chinese Revolution ... in the years 1958-1960, there were something like 26 million people starved to death. Why would we want to celebrate something like that?
"I think the Chinese have come a long way since then, but I certainly wouldn't celebrate the revolution," he said.
Representatives for the building say it won't incur any extra costs to use the colored floodlights, so taxpayers won't have to pay a dime. But tourists thought it would have been better if the building would have stayed white this Wednesday.
"It seems a little out of place in New York City, an American city, having communist colors," said Cathy Crismore of Lancaster, California. "That doesn't seem right."
The Voice of the Martyrs has covered the Christian persecution that happens all the time under the communist regime of China and would ask today that you would remember China in your prayers and especially those who are serving Jesus in that nation.
China is a restricted nation with 7.25% of the population as Christians. There are more Christians in prison or under detention in China than in any other country. The house church movement (unregistered churches), which comprises approximately 90 percent of China's Christians, endures unimaginable persecution, yet stands on its commitment to preach the gospel, no matter the cost
To learn more about China as a restricted nation, click here.
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Few Bibles
The man hiked to a place some distance from his home. He walked as quietly as possible to a secret spot on the ground that he knew well. After looking around to see if any strangers were watching, he knelt down in the dirt. He gently lifted a piece of sod out of a hidden hole in the ground. He brushed away leaves, then carefully removed a sack. Now he could read the Bible inside the sack.
Most Christians around the world do not have to go to so much trouble to have their devotions. But the Christian hiking in the woods lives in North Korea. People who own a Bible in his country can go to jail for years. The government punishes people for following Jesus.
Read the full story and then tell a few kids and have them sign up to get the Kids of Courage materials.
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Today's good news comes from our friends at Compass Direct. Click here for the full article.
Court in West Java rescinds mayor’s order revoking permit.
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On Sept. 16, The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Pakistan reported that 20 year old Sandul Bibi’s faith is strong and she is encouraged by reading the Bible and a copy of Tortured for Christ.
Despite being held in prison for 11 months without a trial, Sandul has been encouraged by reading the Bible and a copy of Tortured for Christ, a book written by VOM’s founder Richard Wurmbrand. “In the month of March, Sandul…studied that book. She is really encouraged. Last month when she traveled for Faisalabad for [a] court hearing, secretly she gave that book (Torture for Christ) to her father Gull Sheer and said to him,’ Please read it in jail. This is a unique book,’” VOM contacts said.
When Sandul’s family visited her in prison during the recent Muslim holiday, Ramadan, she told them Muslims told her to pray and fast with them, but she refused telling them, “I am Christian I pray to Jesus Christ why should I say prayers with you. I will not do that.” Even though Sandul has faced some challenges in prison, she told her family that her faith in Christ is strong. “When I feel lonely, I talk with God during the prayers, in the presence of God I feel strengthened and peace in mind. I am happy that this way” God fulfils His Words that “I am with you,” Sandul said.
Sandul and her father Gulsher were arrested in October 2008 and charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the "blasphemy" law. Sandul was falsely accused of ripping pages from the Quran. On Oct. 9 a large crowd of Muslims attacked Christian families at a church, throwing stones and firing guns. They were shouting, "Kill Gulsher and his daughter Sandul." Sandul and her father, Gulsher Masih, were arrested after a mob from the local mosque surrounded their house. Loudspeakers from different mosques broadcast accusations that Christians had disgraced the Quran, calling Muslims to attack and burn their homes. The angry crowd threw stones and set fire to Sandul's home. Christians believe Sandul and her father were targeted and arrested because they were aggressively winning villagers to Christ.
VOM is continuing to support Sandul’s family and encourages you to pray for Sandul and Gulsher as they remain in prison. Pray for their release and for the false charges to be dismissed. Ask God to encourage other believers in Pakistan who are unashamedly standing for Christ. To send letters of encouragement to Sandul and Gulsher go to http://www.prisoneralert.com/
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Lately I have been really meditating on Matthew 10:32-33 which says, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." So, as I read today's excerpt from the best selling book Extreme Devotion, I thought what amazing faith this woman had to endure such torture for Christ, and yet not deny Him. All I can say is WOW...
Blandina was a servant who was so filled with God’s power that those who took turns torturing her day and night finally gave up. In fact, her torture seemed to make Blandina’s faith stronger. She boldly proclaimed her faith, saying, “I am a Christian; we will not be ashamed.”
Blandina was persecuted during the reign of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (A.D. 161–170). It was during this time that the Christians kept strict records of their sufferings. They hoped to encourage other believers who would follow with the true stories of endurance.
Blandina was hung on a post, yet she endured, serving to encourage
those who witnessed her torture. Having survived this scenario, she was
then put into an arena with lions along with a fifteen-year-old
Christian boy named Ponticus, who was encouraged by her example.
Blandina did not show despair before the animals but was “rejoicing and
exulting at her departure as if invited to a wedding supper.”
Twice Blandina was thrown before starving lions that would not touch her. Thus, she returned to prison unharmed. She was eventually “torn by the lions, scourged, put into a net and tossed about by a wild bull, and placed naked into a red-hot metal chair.” Yet she lived and encouraged all near her to remain steadfast in their faith. Blandina was eventually killed with a sword after her torturers were unable to make her deny her faith.
Although unrelated to Christian witness, there are situations we can’t
seem to escape that are painfully challenging. Raising a difficult
child at home. Laboring beside a difficult coworker. Enduring a
difficult living arrangement. There are times when we think we can no
longer bear the strain and we are tempted to just give up. No matter
what the circumstances, God gives us the endurance and the strength to
do whatever he calls us to do. God asked Blandina to endure torture. He
may prod us to seek help in our parenting, confront our coworker, or
undertake some other seemingly impossible task. Injecting the name of
Jesus, we can be his witness. Regardless of our scenario, God is with
us, giving us patience and even joy. In what areas do you need this
extreme endurance that comes only from our gracious God?
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Last week I told you about our pal Glenn Penner at our sister ministry The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, and I asked you to pray for Glenn because he has been diagnosed with a pneumonia. A few days ago Glenn's wife, Denita, shared on his blog that he wasn't doing very well so they admitted Glenn to the hospital so they could treat him there and so he could be watched more closely.
Denita needs your prayers too, because she shared with us that she feels helpless during times like these. So please, remember both Glenn and Denita as well as those others who surround the Penner family.
One other thing I should mention is that Glenn has requested today on his blog that he would appreciate not having comments sent to him about trying different diets. He said, and I quote, "I also find such comments of little comfort as I struggle to check my emails a couple of times a day. It is very frustrating to have to deal with multiple unsolicited health advice, regardless of how well-meaning it is. It is too reminiscent of Job’s friends."
Thank you for your prayers and let's thank God for Glenn's honesty. I love that about Glenn, as well as his sense of humor.
To keep posted on the latest, please visit Glenn's blog.
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“In the month of March, Sandul…studied that (Tortured for Christ) book. She is really encouraged. Last month when she traveled for Faisalabad for [a] court hearing, secretly she gave that book (Torture for Christ) to her father Gull Sheer and said to him, ‘Please read it in jail. This is a unique book,’” VOM contacts said.
When Sandul’s family visited her in prison during Ramadan, the recent Muslim holiday, Muslim women told her to join them in their prayers and fasting, she refused telling them, “I am Christian I pray to Jesus Christ why should I say prayers with you. I will not do that.” Even though Sandul has faced some challenges in prison, she told her family her faith in Christ is strong. “When I feel lonely, I talk with God during the prayers, in the presence of God I feel strengthened and peace in mind. I am happy that this way God fulfils his words: ‘I am with you.’” Sandul said.
Sandul and her father Gulsher were arrested in October 2008 and charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the “blasphemy" law.” Sandul was falsely accused of ripping pages from the Quran. Following their arrest, a large crowd of Muslims attacked Christian families at a church, throwing stones and firing guns. They were shouting, “Kill Gulsher and his daughter Sandul.” Sandul and her father, Gulsher Masih, were arrested after a mob from the local mosque surrounded their house. Loudspeakers from different mosques broadcast accusations that Christians had disgraced the Quran, calling Muslims to attack and burn their homes. The angry crowd threw stones and set fire to Sandul's home. Christians believe Sandul and her father were targeted and arrested because they were aggressively winning villagers to Christ.
VOM is continuing to support Sandul’s family and encourages you to pray for Sandul and Gulsher as they remain in prison. Pray for their release and for the false charges to be dismissed. Ask God to encourage other believers in Pakistan who are unashamedly standing for Christ. To send letters of encouragement to Sandul and Gulsher go to www.prisoneralert.com
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This is a press release from our friends at China Aid.
September 25, 2009 WASHINGTON, DC--Referencing the venerable presidential speechwriter and New York Times columnist Michael Gerson, Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia berated the Obama Administration for neglecting human rights concerns on Wednesday morning (September 23, 2009). His dynamic speech preceded President Obama's Speech to the UN that evening, in which the President pledged US commitment to siding with "those who stand up for freedom." Read the Congressman's remarks below: Extensions of Remarks HON. FRANK R. WOLF of Virginia Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Administration Once Again Sidelines Human Rights Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I again rise to express my deep disappointment with the Obama administration’s sidelining of human rights in U.S. foreign policy. Two years ago, the Dalai Lama received the Congressional Gold Medal in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. President Bush personally presented it to him. I was there for the occasion where this man of peace and dignity was honored for his life’s work in promoting basic rights for his people. Next month, the Dalai Lama will again visit Washington, but this time he will be denied a visit with President Obama lest it ruffle feathers in Beijing in the lead up to the president’s visit there in November. Contrast this approach with President Reagan’s 1988 speech in defense of religious liberty at the ancient Danilov Monastery in Russia. In his remarks he had the courage to invoke a quote by Solzhenitsyn about the faith of the people of Russia. In so doing, he respectfully made the point that religious freedom is central to who we are as Americans, and as such our leaders will not be silenced on this score for fear of offending oppressive governments. I believe that history shows this administration could learn from that approach. Sadly, the White House’s treatment of the Dalai Lama is not an isolated incident. Gerson notes, “…rebuffing the Dalai Lama is part of a pattern. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has argued that pressing China on human rights ‘can’t interfere with the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis and the security crisis…’” But this begs the question, what of the human rights crisis in China? Just yesterday, the Associated Press reported that “China has closed Tibet to foreign tourists and deployed soldiers armed with machine guns in the streets of Beijing — part of a raft of stringent security measures ahead of the 60th anniversary of communist rule. Even kite-flying has been banned in the capital.” This is the government we are trying to curry favor with? I’d prefer to find common cause and solidarity with the people of Tibet, with the persecuted house church and Catholic bishops, with the repressed Falun Gong. The administration’s approach in China has been mirrored elsewhere at the expense of oppressed people the world over. Gerson continues, “Overtures to repressive governments in Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Venezuela, Syria and Egypt have generally ignored the struggles of dissidents and prisoners in those nations. So far, the Obama era is hardly a high point of human rights solidarity.” It seems we could also add Burma to that list. Today’s Post reports that “For the first time in nine years, the United States allowed Burma's foreign minister to come to Washington, a sign of softening U.S. policy toward the military junta that has run that Asian nation for nearly five decades.” The Post notes, “Under the 2003 Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, the White House needs to approve a waiver to allow Burmese officials who are attending the U.N. General Assembly to travel more than 25 miles outside of New York.” On the reported eve of the administration’s much anticipated release of a Burma policy review, the waiving of this sanction for a major general in the Burmese Army, to essentially sight-see in Washington, sends the wrong message. Earlier this week, the Post featured an article with the headline, “U.S. Faces Doubts About Leadership on Human Rights,” which reported, “as the U.N. General Assembly gets underway this week, human rights activists and political analysts say the new approach has undercut U.S. leadership on human rights issues.” I submit for the Record the entire article, which offers a grim but accurate assessment of this failed approach. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Are we not friends of the persecuted Coptic Christian in Egypt? Are we not friends of the North Koreans enslaved in the gulag? Are we not friends of the repressed Cuban or Iranian democracy activist? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes, which makes this administration’s deliberate sidelining of human rights that much more devastating. View the referenced article by Michael Gerson for The Washington Post:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092203006.html
I submit for the Record an op-ed from today’s Washington Post aptly titled “A Cold Shoulder to Liberty.” Columnist Michael Gerson writes of the administration’s snub of the Dalai Lama on his upcoming visit to the nation’s capital.
I am reminded of another administration which declined to meet with a dissident for fear of souring an upcoming meeting. It was 1975, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was set to visit Washington. Henry Kissinger led the charge in refusing him a meeting with President Ford, who was worried about upsetting Soviet leader Brezhnev prior to the upcoming summit.
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