Good Morning,
Praise the Lord it is Friday. Praise the Lord, for Sunday is coming. One of my favorite days of the week is Sunday. On the Lord's day I want to be in His house to worship Him. I get a great kick out of worshipping Jesus, the Risen one, with His people those love Him. It's a kind of dress rehearsal for the things to come. Last Monday morning our grand daughter Micah called me and said, "Grandpa I went to church and Sunday School". Micah will be three years old in November. She, together with her brother Simeon and their parents, worships at the historic Park Street church in Boston. One of the surgeons I had for my surgery in Boston worships there. His wife is a Sunday School teacher there. What a way to live and a what a way to serve Jesus the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
By the way, do you realize that we have less than three months until Christmas?
I recently read of a woman who wanted to go to jail. Maria Brunner is tired of her “lazy” husband and “demanding” children. Her husband is unemployed, so she supports their three young children by cleaning people’s houses. Even though Brunner’s husband is unemployed, he has managed to run up several unpaid parking tickets. In fact, the bill for them is almost $5,000. Mr. Brunner somehow kept the tickets a secret from his wife, but as the owner of the vehicle, she is responsible. She must spend three months behind bars in her town of Poing, Germany if she doesn’t come up with the money to pay for the tickets. But Maria says, “I’ve had enough of scraping a living for the family. . . As long as I get food and a hot shower every day, I don’t mind being sent to jail. I can finally get some rest and relaxation.” The police said that when they went to arrest Maria, “she seemed really happy to see us. . . and repeatedly thanked us for arresting her.” The article stated that while most people taken into custody cover their heads in shame, Maria “smiled and waved as she was driven off to jail.” We live in a very hectic, demanding world. We become over burdened, over- stressed, and overworked. Our Lord offers an amazing invitation, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). Most of us, however, go running from one thing to another without ever slowing down. We don’t just have tasks, we multitask. We don’t make time for God, time for relaxation, or time for our families. It is criminal that our children often have even more hectic schedules than we do. When our batteries are running out of power, we get edgy, impatient, and angry. We may not know what to do with all the explosive feelings inside. Praise the Lord for the Day of the Lord. It is the Day of Resurrection. It is the day for worship and celebration. It is the day to remind us that the Lord is in control, and that we are not. It is also a day to recharge, renew, and reinvigorate. One writer puts it well when he says, “Sabbath is taking a day a week to remind myself that I did not make the world and that it will continue to exist without my efforts. Sabbath is a day when my work is done, even if it isn’t. Sabbath is a day when my job is to enjoy. Period. Sabbath is a day when I am fully available to myself and those I love most. Sabbath is a day when I remember that when God made the world, he saw that it was good. Sabbath is a day when I produce nothing. Sabbath is a day when I remind myself that I am not a machine. Sabbath is a day when at the end I say, ‘I didn’t do anything today,’ and I don’t add, ‘And I feel guilty.’ Sabbath is a day when my phone is turned off, I don’t check my email, and you can’t get ahold of me” (Rob Bell in Velvet Elvis, pp. 117-118). The Bible says, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:9-11). Not taking Sabbath is a setup for spiritual disaster. We lose touch with reality — socially, psychologically, physically and spiritually. Sabbath is not a luxury; it is something I need for survival. By doing less, we actually end up doing more. A bow that is always bent with the tension of the string will end up shooting far fewer arrows than one whose string is taken off for a time each day. If God came to give me life, I want to experience that life to its fullest. This pleases God. Jesus reminded us, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). In other words, the Sabbath was made for our benefit. Martin Moore-Ede, in his book "Twenty-Four Hour Society: Understanding Human Limits in a World That Never Stops", says, “Our most notorious industrial accidents in recent years — Exxon Valdez, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, the fatal navigational error of Korean Air Lines 007 — all occurred in the middle of the night. When the USS Vincennes shot down an Iranian A300 airbus killing all 290 people aboard, fatigue-stressed operators in the high tech Combat Information Center on the carrier misinterpreted radar data and repeatedly told their captain that the jet was descending as if to attack when in fact the airliner remained on a normal flight path. In the Challenger space shuttle disaster, key NASA officials made the ill-fated decision to go ahead with the launch after working twenty hours straight and getting only two to three hours of sleep the night before. Their error in judgment cost the lives of seven astronauts and nearly killed the U.S. space program. We ignore our need for rest and renewal at the peril of others and ourselves.” In the Gospel of Mark we read, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mark 6:31). Hebrews 10:19-25 states, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Wow!
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoxopsRSfdU
Modern Day Tribal Wisdom
The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from generation to generation, says that when you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.
In modern education and expanded government, however, a whole range of far more advanced strategies are often employed, such as:
1. Buying a stronger whip.2. Changing riders.3. Threatening the horse with termination.4. Appointing a committee to study the horse.5. Arranging to visit other countries to see how others ride dead horses.6. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included.7. Re-classifying the dead horse as "living-impaired."8. Hiring outside contractors to ride the dead horse.9. Harnessing several dead horses together to increase the speed.10. Providing additional funding and/or training to increase the dead horse's performance.11. Doing a productivity study to see if lighter riders would improve the dead horse's performance.12. Declaring that as the dead horse does not have to be fed, it is less costly, carries lower overhead, and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line of the economy than do some other horses.13. Rewriting the expected performance requirements for all horses.14. Promoting the dead horse to a supervisory position.15. As a last resort, sell it on Ebay.
Friday, September 26, 2008
India update 9-26-08
Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America
September 25, 2008
Press Release
The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) held a very successful Prayer Vigil today outside the White House to grieve the dead Christians and to highlight the continuing violence against Christians in India. The event was organized as a combined effort of various non-profit advocacy and human rights organizations in the US. Large number of people turned out for the Prayer Vigil in spite of unfriendly weather.
The Vigil observed a minute of silence in prayer for the victims of religious violence all across India. Leaders who spoke at the rally expressed FIACONA¢s full support for the Civil Nuclear Agreement with India. Many of them while appreciating Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his personal views on the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, expressed their total and strong dissatisfaction over his government, especially the way the Home Ministry of India is handling this crisis.
The Federation declared that it holds the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of India responsible for any lives lost and damage caused to the churches and properties due to their inefficiency in stopping this violence.
FIACONA demands that the Central Government should rehabilitate the victims, pay five lakh compensation for the dead and three lakh for property damage directly in supervision by a central government agency and not by the state government. FIACONA also demands that the President of India must remove the Orissa State Government from power for its repeated failure of gross constitutional violations. FIACONA demands the indictment of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for passive approval of the killings, rape and destruction of the churches and properties of Christians.
FIACONA demands the Prime Minister impose an immediate ban on radical fundamentalist groups such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrangdal and their parent ideological group the Rashtriya Swyamasevak Sangh (RSS).
FIACONA also demands an immediate inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the death of Swami and the violence that followed in Orissa instead of the state appointed judiciary inquiry.
The rally was supported and coordinated by organizations including Jubilee campaign, Christian Solidarity International and all Christian church organizations.
For the favor of publication
Rev. Bernard Malik
302-354-5452
www.fiacona.org
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:25am Bajrang Dal involved in Karnataka communal violence: Home Ministry- PTI News
New Delhi, Sept 25 (PTI) Bajrang Dal elements were allegedly involved in communal violence in Karnataka and the state government must apply stringent laws against those who were involved in it, the Union Home Ministry said here today.There was a "sense of uneasiness" in Karnataka and Christian community was "visibly upset and unhappy" over the recent communal violence there, Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry M L Kumawat said here.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more newsman's blog 1 comment
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:21am Centre warns Orissa again
The Centre is understood to have issued an advisory to the Orissa Government under Article 355 of Constitution today asking it to control apparent lawlessness in the State. The Advisory issued by Union Home Secretary Mr. Madhukar Gupta did not mention Article 355 but gave instructions on steps to be taken to bring the situation under control.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:21am Statue of St. Mary damaged in Kanyakumari
NAGERCOIL: A statue of Virgin Mary was found damaged on St. Joseph’s Church campus at Karavilai near Rajakkamangalam in Kanyakumari district on Thursday. A glass case in which the statue was kept was also found damaged.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:20am Attack continues in Kandhamal
About 210 houses torched, 15 Churches destroyed, 2 deaths, one seriously injured and bombs were used to attack Christian villages.Two hacked to death and bombs were used to attack Christians. Houses and Churches were either torched or damaged in various parts of the district. Situation in Kandhamal district to turn for the worse today.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog 1 comment
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:11am Prayer houses damaged, houses burnt in Kandhamal- The Hindu
Prafulla Das, The HinduPHULBANI (Orissa): Attacks on members of the Christian community and protests against police action continued in the riot-hit Kandhamal district of Orissa for the third day on Thursday.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
Thu, 25/09/2008 - 7:35pm Maoist in Orissa warns Sangh Parivar
Express News Services, Bhubaneswar (24th September’08)Renewing its warning to members of the saffron brigade, the state organization committee of CPI (Maoist) has trained its guns on at least 14 persons accusing them of targeting the minorities in the volatile Khandamal district.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
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Govt deploys more police after Orissa religious clashes
Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:21am IST
Email Print
Share Single Page
[-] Text [+]
By Jatindra Dash
BHUBANESWAR (Reuters) - The government deployed hundreds more central police to Orissa on Friday after one person was killed and several injured in fresh clashes between Hindus and Christians triggered by religious conversions.
More than 700 federal police are being sent to Orissa after the death in rural Kandhamal district following clashes between Christians and Hindus on Thursday. Several houses were also set on fire.
The violence came after a string of attacks on Christians in three Indian states that has left at least 20 people dead and dozens of churches damaged in the last month. Christians have responded with some violence in Orissa.
More than 3,000 central police have already been deployed in the region. Violence first erupted in Orissa after the killing of a Hindu leader linked to the main opposition Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and four others last month.
"We have moved seven more companies of paramilitary forces to the troubled areas," Orissa's inspector general of police in charge of law and order, Pradeep Kapur, said.
The attacks on Christians in India have been condemned by Pope Benedict and Roman Catholic bishops have urged the European Union to treat persecution of Christians as a humanitarian emergency.
But violence has continued, especially in Kandhamal where thousands of Christians now live in government camps because their homes are destroyed or they are too fearful to return.
Religious clashes have also been reported in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
India does not have a long history of attacks on minority Christians, but intolerance has risen in the past two decades with a revival of Hindu nationalism.
Many Hindu nationalists say they are determined to fight Christian missionaries they accuse of converting poor Indians. Christians say lower-caste Hindus convert willingly to escape discrimination.
In Karnataka, at least 20 churches have been burnt by Hindu mobs in the past two weeks.
Hindu nationalists rule outright or share power in the three states where Christians have come under attack.
September 25, 2008
Press Release
The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) held a very successful Prayer Vigil today outside the White House to grieve the dead Christians and to highlight the continuing violence against Christians in India. The event was organized as a combined effort of various non-profit advocacy and human rights organizations in the US. Large number of people turned out for the Prayer Vigil in spite of unfriendly weather.
The Vigil observed a minute of silence in prayer for the victims of religious violence all across India. Leaders who spoke at the rally expressed FIACONA¢s full support for the Civil Nuclear Agreement with India. Many of them while appreciating Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his personal views on the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, expressed their total and strong dissatisfaction over his government, especially the way the Home Ministry of India is handling this crisis.
The Federation declared that it holds the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of India responsible for any lives lost and damage caused to the churches and properties due to their inefficiency in stopping this violence.
FIACONA demands that the Central Government should rehabilitate the victims, pay five lakh compensation for the dead and three lakh for property damage directly in supervision by a central government agency and not by the state government. FIACONA also demands that the President of India must remove the Orissa State Government from power for its repeated failure of gross constitutional violations. FIACONA demands the indictment of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for passive approval of the killings, rape and destruction of the churches and properties of Christians.
FIACONA demands the Prime Minister impose an immediate ban on radical fundamentalist groups such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrangdal and their parent ideological group the Rashtriya Swyamasevak Sangh (RSS).
FIACONA also demands an immediate inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the death of Swami and the violence that followed in Orissa instead of the state appointed judiciary inquiry.
The rally was supported and coordinated by organizations including Jubilee campaign, Christian Solidarity International and all Christian church organizations.
For the favor of publication
Rev. Bernard Malik
302-354-5452
www.fiacona.org
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:25am Bajrang Dal involved in Karnataka communal violence: Home Ministry- PTI News
New Delhi, Sept 25 (PTI) Bajrang Dal elements were allegedly involved in communal violence in Karnataka and the state government must apply stringent laws against those who were involved in it, the Union Home Ministry said here today.There was a "sense of uneasiness" in Karnataka and Christian community was "visibly upset and unhappy" over the recent communal violence there, Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry M L Kumawat said here.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more newsman's blog 1 comment
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:21am Centre warns Orissa again
The Centre is understood to have issued an advisory to the Orissa Government under Article 355 of Constitution today asking it to control apparent lawlessness in the State. The Advisory issued by Union Home Secretary Mr. Madhukar Gupta did not mention Article 355 but gave instructions on steps to be taken to bring the situation under control.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:21am Statue of St. Mary damaged in Kanyakumari
NAGERCOIL: A statue of Virgin Mary was found damaged on St. Joseph’s Church campus at Karavilai near Rajakkamangalam in Kanyakumari district on Thursday. A glass case in which the statue was kept was also found damaged.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:20am Attack continues in Kandhamal
About 210 houses torched, 15 Churches destroyed, 2 deaths, one seriously injured and bombs were used to attack Christian villages.Two hacked to death and bombs were used to attack Christians. Houses and Churches were either torched or damaged in various parts of the district. Situation in Kandhamal district to turn for the worse today.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog 1 comment
Fri, 26/09/2008 - 9:11am Prayer houses damaged, houses burnt in Kandhamal- The Hindu
Prafulla Das, The HinduPHULBANI (Orissa): Attacks on members of the Christian community and protests against police action continued in the riot-hit Kandhamal district of Orissa for the third day on Thursday.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
Thu, 25/09/2008 - 7:35pm Maoist in Orissa warns Sangh Parivar
Express News Services, Bhubaneswar (24th September’08)Renewing its warning to members of the saffron brigade, the state organization committee of CPI (Maoist) has trained its guns on at least 14 persons accusing them of targeting the minorities in the volatile Khandamal district.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
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South Asia
World
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Do More With Reuters -->
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
About Thomson Reuters
Govt deploys more police after Orissa religious clashes
Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:21am IST
Email Print
Share Single Page
[-] Text [+]
By Jatindra Dash
BHUBANESWAR (Reuters) - The government deployed hundreds more central police to Orissa on Friday after one person was killed and several injured in fresh clashes between Hindus and Christians triggered by religious conversions.
More than 700 federal police are being sent to Orissa after the death in rural Kandhamal district following clashes between Christians and Hindus on Thursday. Several houses were also set on fire.
The violence came after a string of attacks on Christians in three Indian states that has left at least 20 people dead and dozens of churches damaged in the last month. Christians have responded with some violence in Orissa.
More than 3,000 central police have already been deployed in the region. Violence first erupted in Orissa after the killing of a Hindu leader linked to the main opposition Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and four others last month.
"We have moved seven more companies of paramilitary forces to the troubled areas," Orissa's inspector general of police in charge of law and order, Pradeep Kapur, said.
The attacks on Christians in India have been condemned by Pope Benedict and Roman Catholic bishops have urged the European Union to treat persecution of Christians as a humanitarian emergency.
But violence has continued, especially in Kandhamal where thousands of Christians now live in government camps because their homes are destroyed or they are too fearful to return.
Religious clashes have also been reported in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
India does not have a long history of attacks on minority Christians, but intolerance has risen in the past two decades with a revival of Hindu nationalism.
Many Hindu nationalists say they are determined to fight Christian missionaries they accuse of converting poor Indians. Christians say lower-caste Hindus convert willingly to escape discrimination.
In Karnataka, at least 20 churches have been burnt by Hindu mobs in the past two weeks.
Hindu nationalists rule outright or share power in the three states where Christians have come under attack.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Brown's Daily Word 9-25-08
Good Morning,
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord for His Church on earth. We have His Word, His promise that "Upon this Rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell can not prevail against it". It is great honor to serve the Lord. It is a great privilege to be part of His Church and serve Him as Lord and Savior. I started to teach Sunday School and to preach when I was 16. That was 44 years ago. The Lord has been faithful, and He is more than wonderful. I was asked to speak in a mid-week service at the North Syracuse Baptist Church yesterday. This church is pastored by our dear friend Dr. George Miller, formerly the president of Davis College. It was a great blessing to be with him and with his people. One of the verses I used in my sharing was taken from Revelation 12:11
The book of Revelation is filled with strange and wonderful symbolism which is charged with emotion. Here, in chapter 12, a woman appears clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. The red dragon is the devil, who once was a glorious angel but who rebelled against God. In an attempt to take God's place, the devil led a revolt, taking with him a third of the angels. Those heavenly angels then became demons. The devil is said to attempt to kill the woman’s child. He hates God and God’s Son, as well as the people of God. Remember that shortly after Jesus’ birth, Herod, the Roman ruler, followed the devil’s will as he killed all the children in that region in an attempt to kill Jesus, the child-king. Jesus' parents escaped to Egypt. The devil also roused the people of Jesus’ own home town to kill him (Luke 4:29). Finally, the devil tried to kill him on the cross, but Jesus was “snatched up to the throne of God,” and Christ’s resurrection and ascension decisively defeated the devil’s plans to destroy the Messiah. God’s plan to save the world through Christ prevailed, and the devil was thrown down to the earth through the redemptive work of Christ. Finding himself limited to the earth, the devil pursues "the woman", who now represents all the people of God, in an attempt to harm God’s followers. As Austin Farrer says, “It is precisely when Satan has lost the battle for the souls of the saints in heaven that he begins the fruitless persecution of their bodies.” The persecution of the people of God is represented by the water that spews forth from the dragon’s mouth like a river. In other words, a flood of persecution comes against the church as the devil goes off to make war against the woman and the rest of her offspring — “those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” It is interesting that it is water that comes from the dragon’s mouth. Normally, the imagery is fire coming from a dragon’s mouth, but this is symbolic of his lack of power to do real harm. The basic message of Revelation 12 is that there is an vital role for the church to play during the world’s last days. There are three important messages that John is giving us in this chapter about the purpose of the church in the last days, and the first is, they will be God’s witnesses. As the world’s darkness deepens, it is never more important for us to be the light of the world. As the world travels further into error, it is never more important for us to announce the truth. As the world becomes more and more immersed in its own sin, it is never more important for us to be an example of moral and ethical integrity. As the world gives in to the pressures of conformity, it is never more important to be people of courage and strength. The purpose of our lives is not to protect ourselves and our rights, because what we have is just too important not to share. We dare not keep this to ourselves and thereby shut others out of the kingdom. Plus, it is the very thing that gives our lives power and enables us to overcome the evil of this world. Remember how the persecuted people of God overcame the power of evil in the last days? It says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11). They did not overcome by being silent, but by the word of their testimony, and they did so under tremendous opposition and persecution. Jesus taught his disciples, saying, “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:17-20). Our purpose is to speak the word of truth and share with people the transforming power of Jesus Christ. They need to know that he can change their lives and bring them forgiveness. But how will they know if we do not tell them? We cannot be more concerned with protecting ourselves than we are about getting the word out, because that is what Christ has charged us to do. I am always amazed when I read about the lives of the first Christians. Listen to this passage from the book of Acts: “They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 5:40-42). They were beaten, and threatened with more, but their minds were on the honor of sharing in the sufferings of Christ, and the privilege of sharing the good news. John wrote the book of Revelation to a group of people who were suffering greatly because they dared to be Christ’s witnesses. John too was suffering, for he wrote, “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos (a prison) because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). They refused to be quiet, because the news was too good and too important to keep to themselves. In spite of the persecution, “the word of God continued to increase and spread” (Acts 12:24). Why should it be any less today? What we should understand about the church’s place in the last days is that the people of the Body of Christ will be persecuted. Whatever your interpretation of Revelation, whether you believe the people of God will go through the Tribulation or be spared from it, you understand that the church will face persecution. In fact, the church is facing persecution in almost every corner of the world today. In China, followers of Jesus are killed, imprisoned and tortured. Their homes are destroyed and their means of making a living are taken from them. When all the missionaries were expelled from the country, many thought that was the end of Christianity in China. But when China became open to the West again, what we found was a church that had multiplied exponentially. The number of Christians had exploded, and the church was strong in spite of the enormous price people paid in order to follow Christ. What we have discovered throughout history is that when the church is persecuted it becomes stronger and more pure than ever. That is when people take their faith seriously. We have to understand that we are in a spiritual war, and we have a very powerful enemy. The apostle Peter wrote, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8-9). We have an adversary who wants to destroy us spiritually and rob us of eternal life. His hatred toward God extends to God’s people. But we are not to fear him, for Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). We need to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are at this very hour undergoing enormous suffering, merely because they dare to name the name of Jesus. Churches are burned in many of the Muslim countries, and it is illegal to become a Christian. Families disown those who put their faith in Christ. They are being sold into slavery in the Sudan. Christians are beaten or arrested for having a Bible in North Korea. But, in spite of their suffering, they are begging for Bibles and sharing their faith. They meet secretly for worship. They are living out what we have read about in the 12th chapter of Revelation.
The Christians in Orissa are facing blatant and barbaric persecution in the hands militant Hindus. The persecution is intense every day. I spoke to Bishop D.K. Mohant yesterday. The leaders are very concerned. The militant Hindus are are targeting the Christian leaders, like Bishops, pastors, and evangelists. They have burned down close to 5000 homes belonging to the Christians. 90% of the church buildings in Phulbani District of Orissa have been burned down. Some 60,000 Christians are homeless, living in the refugee camps.
In the midst of the relentless persecution of Christians, Orissa State is also experiencing the Mother of all Floods. It is the worst flood to hit Orissa in 55 years. 18 districts out of total 30 districts (Counties) submerged in water. Four million Hindus are homeless. They are stranded in the open fields looking for higher ground. The very limited rescue operations inadequate to rescue them. Their properties are washed away, including the cattle. Many of the people who are stranded have been bitten by the poisonous snakes. I believe the Lord allows the floods to remind us the He is in control. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The wrath of our enemy is against us, but, “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). We are to expect opposition, and we are to expect God’s strength which will enable us to endure. The Bible says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Not everyone is going to love us, and some will even hate us. But God will be with us like he was with Daniel in the lion’s den. He will be with us as He was with the Hebrews in the fiery furnace. He will be with us like he was with Jeremiah and the other prophets who spoke the word of God and experienced mistreatment by the world, but came through it victoriously. The Bible speaks of those who were persecuted for their faith when it says, “Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated — the world was not worthy of them” (Hebrews 11:36-38). The world was not worthy of them, but heaven will welcome them. We should understand that the church’s place in the last days is, they will be victorious. Here is the power of God. The people of God are often in the minority; they are persecuted and killed for their faith; they are overwhelmed by the political and military powers of the world, and yet they are victorious. They overcome all the odds and overcome the world. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The people of God must become victorious, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11). The church will overcome when they take great risks for the kingdom of God. We overcome when we begin to risk and live dangerously for God. It is not in sitting in our comfortable homes, or church, that we overcome, It is by getting outside the walls and beginning to make a difference in the world. It takes courage to overcome, and this is a precious quality which God rewards mightily. Near the end of the book of Revelation, we hear Jesus say, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars — their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (Revelation 21:3-8). Those who are cowardly find themselves sharing the same fate as those who have been immoral and evil. But those who are willing to suffer for Christ find that every tear is wiped away and they have no more pain. They find that everything is new. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached about death and heaven as if he might be going there at any time. He said, “The minute you conquer the fear of death, at that moment you are free. I submit to you that if a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” Many years later, Cassie Bernall, who was shot to death at Columbine High School after telling her assailant that she still believed in Jesus, was inspired by King’s words. She had underlined King’s thoughts on death and courage. Did she, like King, sense what would happen in her life and the courage she would need for that time? One writer said, “Why did these words speak to her at such a young age? It is such a great mystery. But I do know this. She had found something she was willing to live for, and even to die for, and that made all the difference in her life.” Jesus said, “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). We are called to be God’s witnesses and to endure temporary persecution, in order to be ultimately victorious and inherit an eternal kingdom.
What a way to live, what a way to serve, what a way to die, and what a way to live eternally.
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twuLr5rQmp0
Prayer Requests for September 25, 2008
President Bush has called for the federal government to provide a financial response to the current economic crisis; Senator McCain and Senator Obama will join him at the White House today, along with congressional leaders of both parties. Pray for the President, the candidates, Treasury Secretary Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, Senate Banking Committee Chair Dodd and others as they seek the best way to respond; pray for wisdom and for a spirit of great understanding and cooperation as they work together. Pray also for all struggling with setbacks due to the poor economy.
Pray for President Bush as he meets today with Michel Suleiman, President of Lebanon, and later, with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority. He will also meet with Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. Pray for God’s guidance and strength in each of these meetings. Give thanks for the many encounters President and Mrs. Bush had during the United Nations General Assembly held this week in New York City. Pray for the continued strengthening of relationships and for God’s will to come from this important event. Pray for President Bush as on 10/3 he speaks to participants of the White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy, being held 10/1-3 in Reno, NV. Ask God to guide these leaders as they consider the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat.
Pray for conveners of the presidential debates as Senator John McCain has withdrawn from Friday’s debate. He was set to meet Senator Barack Obama in the first of three presidential debates this Friday, 9/26 at the University of Mississippi in Oxford with a focus on foreign policy and national security. Pray for wisdom as organizers seek a time to re-schedule the debate. Pray for Senator Biden and Governor Palin as they meet for the only vice presidential debate 10/2 at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Pray for each one as they prepare and discuss matters of importance to their campaigns. Pray for godly wisdom for both, for strong interest on the part of citizens and for views and abilities to be appropriately portrayed. Pray for the members of the U.S. Supreme Court as they begin hearing oral arguments for the new term on 10/6—for godly wisdom, health and clarity for each one.Give thanks that most Hurricane Ike evacuees have returned to their homes and power has been restored to most homes and businesses, with the exception of greater Galveston. Pray for grace as residents return, particularly for those who have lost loved ones, homes or possessions, asking God to strengthen each community and its helping agencies—that His love will be lived out in the actions of others.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month! Pray for the pastors of our nation as they serve with faithfulness and dedication, asking God to encourage and bless them. Pray for parishioners to find creative and thoughtful ways to honor their pastors, youth pastors, children’s ministry workers and all ministry staff. Pray especially for those who are struggling. Click HERE for a free eCard you can email to your pastor or other ministry person. Give thanks for the success of See You at the Pole, a nationwide, student-led prayer gathering that involved thousands of students across North America. Pray for those who participated to continue the habit of prayer for their school and their country, and pray for a deepening of the commitment to prayer on campuses. Pray for our troops as they serve the causes of freedom and liberty in many places around the world. Pray for those who are in harm’s way in Afghanistan and Iraq, and pray for contractors who also encounter great risk as they help rebuild vital infrastructures.
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord for His Church on earth. We have His Word, His promise that "Upon this Rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell can not prevail against it". It is great honor to serve the Lord. It is a great privilege to be part of His Church and serve Him as Lord and Savior. I started to teach Sunday School and to preach when I was 16. That was 44 years ago. The Lord has been faithful, and He is more than wonderful. I was asked to speak in a mid-week service at the North Syracuse Baptist Church yesterday. This church is pastored by our dear friend Dr. George Miller, formerly the president of Davis College. It was a great blessing to be with him and with his people. One of the verses I used in my sharing was taken from Revelation 12:11
The book of Revelation is filled with strange and wonderful symbolism which is charged with emotion. Here, in chapter 12, a woman appears clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. The red dragon is the devil, who once was a glorious angel but who rebelled against God. In an attempt to take God's place, the devil led a revolt, taking with him a third of the angels. Those heavenly angels then became demons. The devil is said to attempt to kill the woman’s child. He hates God and God’s Son, as well as the people of God. Remember that shortly after Jesus’ birth, Herod, the Roman ruler, followed the devil’s will as he killed all the children in that region in an attempt to kill Jesus, the child-king. Jesus' parents escaped to Egypt. The devil also roused the people of Jesus’ own home town to kill him (Luke 4:29). Finally, the devil tried to kill him on the cross, but Jesus was “snatched up to the throne of God,” and Christ’s resurrection and ascension decisively defeated the devil’s plans to destroy the Messiah. God’s plan to save the world through Christ prevailed, and the devil was thrown down to the earth through the redemptive work of Christ. Finding himself limited to the earth, the devil pursues "the woman", who now represents all the people of God, in an attempt to harm God’s followers. As Austin Farrer says, “It is precisely when Satan has lost the battle for the souls of the saints in heaven that he begins the fruitless persecution of their bodies.” The persecution of the people of God is represented by the water that spews forth from the dragon’s mouth like a river. In other words, a flood of persecution comes against the church as the devil goes off to make war against the woman and the rest of her offspring — “those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” It is interesting that it is water that comes from the dragon’s mouth. Normally, the imagery is fire coming from a dragon’s mouth, but this is symbolic of his lack of power to do real harm. The basic message of Revelation 12 is that there is an vital role for the church to play during the world’s last days. There are three important messages that John is giving us in this chapter about the purpose of the church in the last days, and the first is, they will be God’s witnesses. As the world’s darkness deepens, it is never more important for us to be the light of the world. As the world travels further into error, it is never more important for us to announce the truth. As the world becomes more and more immersed in its own sin, it is never more important for us to be an example of moral and ethical integrity. As the world gives in to the pressures of conformity, it is never more important to be people of courage and strength. The purpose of our lives is not to protect ourselves and our rights, because what we have is just too important not to share. We dare not keep this to ourselves and thereby shut others out of the kingdom. Plus, it is the very thing that gives our lives power and enables us to overcome the evil of this world. Remember how the persecuted people of God overcame the power of evil in the last days? It says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11). They did not overcome by being silent, but by the word of their testimony, and they did so under tremendous opposition and persecution. Jesus taught his disciples, saying, “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:17-20). Our purpose is to speak the word of truth and share with people the transforming power of Jesus Christ. They need to know that he can change their lives and bring them forgiveness. But how will they know if we do not tell them? We cannot be more concerned with protecting ourselves than we are about getting the word out, because that is what Christ has charged us to do. I am always amazed when I read about the lives of the first Christians. Listen to this passage from the book of Acts: “They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 5:40-42). They were beaten, and threatened with more, but their minds were on the honor of sharing in the sufferings of Christ, and the privilege of sharing the good news. John wrote the book of Revelation to a group of people who were suffering greatly because they dared to be Christ’s witnesses. John too was suffering, for he wrote, “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos (a prison) because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). They refused to be quiet, because the news was too good and too important to keep to themselves. In spite of the persecution, “the word of God continued to increase and spread” (Acts 12:24). Why should it be any less today? What we should understand about the church’s place in the last days is that the people of the Body of Christ will be persecuted. Whatever your interpretation of Revelation, whether you believe the people of God will go through the Tribulation or be spared from it, you understand that the church will face persecution. In fact, the church is facing persecution in almost every corner of the world today. In China, followers of Jesus are killed, imprisoned and tortured. Their homes are destroyed and their means of making a living are taken from them. When all the missionaries were expelled from the country, many thought that was the end of Christianity in China. But when China became open to the West again, what we found was a church that had multiplied exponentially. The number of Christians had exploded, and the church was strong in spite of the enormous price people paid in order to follow Christ. What we have discovered throughout history is that when the church is persecuted it becomes stronger and more pure than ever. That is when people take their faith seriously. We have to understand that we are in a spiritual war, and we have a very powerful enemy. The apostle Peter wrote, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8-9). We have an adversary who wants to destroy us spiritually and rob us of eternal life. His hatred toward God extends to God’s people. But we are not to fear him, for Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). We need to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are at this very hour undergoing enormous suffering, merely because they dare to name the name of Jesus. Churches are burned in many of the Muslim countries, and it is illegal to become a Christian. Families disown those who put their faith in Christ. They are being sold into slavery in the Sudan. Christians are beaten or arrested for having a Bible in North Korea. But, in spite of their suffering, they are begging for Bibles and sharing their faith. They meet secretly for worship. They are living out what we have read about in the 12th chapter of Revelation.
The Christians in Orissa are facing blatant and barbaric persecution in the hands militant Hindus. The persecution is intense every day. I spoke to Bishop D.K. Mohant yesterday. The leaders are very concerned. The militant Hindus are are targeting the Christian leaders, like Bishops, pastors, and evangelists. They have burned down close to 5000 homes belonging to the Christians. 90% of the church buildings in Phulbani District of Orissa have been burned down. Some 60,000 Christians are homeless, living in the refugee camps.
In the midst of the relentless persecution of Christians, Orissa State is also experiencing the Mother of all Floods. It is the worst flood to hit Orissa in 55 years. 18 districts out of total 30 districts (Counties) submerged in water. Four million Hindus are homeless. They are stranded in the open fields looking for higher ground. The very limited rescue operations inadequate to rescue them. Their properties are washed away, including the cattle. Many of the people who are stranded have been bitten by the poisonous snakes. I believe the Lord allows the floods to remind us the He is in control. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The wrath of our enemy is against us, but, “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). We are to expect opposition, and we are to expect God’s strength which will enable us to endure. The Bible says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Not everyone is going to love us, and some will even hate us. But God will be with us like he was with Daniel in the lion’s den. He will be with us as He was with the Hebrews in the fiery furnace. He will be with us like he was with Jeremiah and the other prophets who spoke the word of God and experienced mistreatment by the world, but came through it victoriously. The Bible speaks of those who were persecuted for their faith when it says, “Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated — the world was not worthy of them” (Hebrews 11:36-38). The world was not worthy of them, but heaven will welcome them. We should understand that the church’s place in the last days is, they will be victorious. Here is the power of God. The people of God are often in the minority; they are persecuted and killed for their faith; they are overwhelmed by the political and military powers of the world, and yet they are victorious. They overcome all the odds and overcome the world. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The people of God must become victorious, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11). The church will overcome when they take great risks for the kingdom of God. We overcome when we begin to risk and live dangerously for God. It is not in sitting in our comfortable homes, or church, that we overcome, It is by getting outside the walls and beginning to make a difference in the world. It takes courage to overcome, and this is a precious quality which God rewards mightily. Near the end of the book of Revelation, we hear Jesus say, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars — their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (Revelation 21:3-8). Those who are cowardly find themselves sharing the same fate as those who have been immoral and evil. But those who are willing to suffer for Christ find that every tear is wiped away and they have no more pain. They find that everything is new. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached about death and heaven as if he might be going there at any time. He said, “The minute you conquer the fear of death, at that moment you are free. I submit to you that if a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” Many years later, Cassie Bernall, who was shot to death at Columbine High School after telling her assailant that she still believed in Jesus, was inspired by King’s words. She had underlined King’s thoughts on death and courage. Did she, like King, sense what would happen in her life and the courage she would need for that time? One writer said, “Why did these words speak to her at such a young age? It is such a great mystery. But I do know this. She had found something she was willing to live for, and even to die for, and that made all the difference in her life.” Jesus said, “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). We are called to be God’s witnesses and to endure temporary persecution, in order to be ultimately victorious and inherit an eternal kingdom.
What a way to live, what a way to serve, what a way to die, and what a way to live eternally.
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twuLr5rQmp0
Prayer Requests for September 25, 2008
President Bush has called for the federal government to provide a financial response to the current economic crisis; Senator McCain and Senator Obama will join him at the White House today, along with congressional leaders of both parties. Pray for the President, the candidates, Treasury Secretary Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, Senate Banking Committee Chair Dodd and others as they seek the best way to respond; pray for wisdom and for a spirit of great understanding and cooperation as they work together. Pray also for all struggling with setbacks due to the poor economy.
Pray for President Bush as he meets today with Michel Suleiman, President of Lebanon, and later, with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority. He will also meet with Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. Pray for God’s guidance and strength in each of these meetings. Give thanks for the many encounters President and Mrs. Bush had during the United Nations General Assembly held this week in New York City. Pray for the continued strengthening of relationships and for God’s will to come from this important event. Pray for President Bush as on 10/3 he speaks to participants of the White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy, being held 10/1-3 in Reno, NV. Ask God to guide these leaders as they consider the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat.
Pray for conveners of the presidential debates as Senator John McCain has withdrawn from Friday’s debate. He was set to meet Senator Barack Obama in the first of three presidential debates this Friday, 9/26 at the University of Mississippi in Oxford with a focus on foreign policy and national security. Pray for wisdom as organizers seek a time to re-schedule the debate. Pray for Senator Biden and Governor Palin as they meet for the only vice presidential debate 10/2 at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Pray for each one as they prepare and discuss matters of importance to their campaigns. Pray for godly wisdom for both, for strong interest on the part of citizens and for views and abilities to be appropriately portrayed. Pray for the members of the U.S. Supreme Court as they begin hearing oral arguments for the new term on 10/6—for godly wisdom, health and clarity for each one.Give thanks that most Hurricane Ike evacuees have returned to their homes and power has been restored to most homes and businesses, with the exception of greater Galveston. Pray for grace as residents return, particularly for those who have lost loved ones, homes or possessions, asking God to strengthen each community and its helping agencies—that His love will be lived out in the actions of others.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month! Pray for the pastors of our nation as they serve with faithfulness and dedication, asking God to encourage and bless them. Pray for parishioners to find creative and thoughtful ways to honor their pastors, youth pastors, children’s ministry workers and all ministry staff. Pray especially for those who are struggling. Click HERE for a free eCard you can email to your pastor or other ministry person. Give thanks for the success of See You at the Pole, a nationwide, student-led prayer gathering that involved thousands of students across North America. Pray for those who participated to continue the habit of prayer for their school and their country, and pray for a deepening of the commitment to prayer on campuses. Pray for our troops as they serve the causes of freedom and liberty in many places around the world. Pray for those who are in harm’s way in Afghanistan and Iraq, and pray for contractors who also encounter great risk as they help rebuild vital infrastructures.
India update 9-25-08
Thu, 25/09/2008 - 9:09am Orissa Update : 5 houses burnt at Totapadar, Kandhamal
The situation is still wornesing, the radicals are setting fire to the left out Christian housesin Orissa.
On 24th September 2008 the Sangh Parivar have torched 5 houses belonging to Christians in Shankare Khole block of Totapadar, Kandhamal district.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
newsman's blog add new comment
Wed, 24/09/2008 - 7:18pm St Mary's Church Jamshedpur Desecretated
On the night of 23rd September, radical elements broke open the doorof St Mary's Church, N Road, Bistupur, Janshedpur
The extremists, opened the Tabernacle, took out of this most Holyplace the Ciborium which contains the Sacred Blessed Hosts, The evilraidcals left the sacred Hosts on the Table and took away theCibroium.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, North India
read more newsman's blog 1 comment
Wed, 24/09/2008 - 3:43pm KANDHAMAL IS ON FIRE AGAIN :
NO FOOD, NO SHELTER, NO SECURITY, NOW NO CONNECTIVITY FOR CHRISTIANS NOW IN KANDHAMAL, HIGH ALERT ALL OVER !Kandhamal was totally cut off from all sorts of communication and Electricity since 23rd September morning and the next day Christians in the relief camps there declared Hunger Strike.
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
Wed, 24/09/2008 - 3:28pm FIACONA demands Ban on VHP
Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations in North America (FIACONA) seeks an immediate ban on Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), as the VHP has openly established itself as an anti-Christian organization of militant characteristics.The militancy is nowhere short of terrorism and it neither reflects the thoughts of the majority Indian Hindus nor does it represent them The violence against Christians in Orissa was perpetrated by Hindu radicals, allegedly by the VHP. Hindus are a peace-loving community who follow Ahimsa (non-violence) . President of FIACONA, Reverend Bernard Malik says, "Since VHP does not follow Ahimsa, it has no right to represent Hindus, it has become a militant organization that most of the Hindus do not identify with, and thus in the interest of the Hindus and in the national interest of secularism, FIACONA demands an immediate ban on the VHP." Mr. Titus Mathew General Secretary said, "Because of its bloody track record VHP should be disowned by all Indians and particularly by Hindus for misrepresentation of true Hindu values."
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog 1 comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 9:47pm Bible and effigy of Cardinal burnt in Jharkhand
Ranchi-23rd SeptThe effigy of Cardinal Toppo was burnt on Sept 23rd bySarna Tribals egged on by the Sangh parivar saffron out fits due to a Bible published by the Bible Society of India around 10.30 Am, at the Albert Chowk, Ranchi city, Jharkhand state.
The situation is still wornesing, the radicals are setting fire to the left out Christian housesin Orissa.
On 24th September 2008 the Sangh Parivar have torched 5 houses belonging to Christians in Shankare Khole block of Totapadar, Kandhamal district.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
newsman's blog add new comment
Wed, 24/09/2008 - 7:18pm St Mary's Church Jamshedpur Desecretated
On the night of 23rd September, radical elements broke open the doorof St Mary's Church, N Road, Bistupur, Janshedpur
The extremists, opened the Tabernacle, took out of this most Holyplace the Ciborium which contains the Sacred Blessed Hosts, The evilraidcals left the sacred Hosts on the Table and took away theCibroium.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, North India
read more newsman's blog 1 comment
Wed, 24/09/2008 - 3:43pm KANDHAMAL IS ON FIRE AGAIN :
NO FOOD, NO SHELTER, NO SECURITY, NOW NO CONNECTIVITY FOR CHRISTIANS NOW IN KANDHAMAL, HIGH ALERT ALL OVER !Kandhamal was totally cut off from all sorts of communication and Electricity since 23rd September morning and the next day Christians in the relief camps there declared Hunger Strike.
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more newsman's blog add new comment
Wed, 24/09/2008 - 3:28pm FIACONA demands Ban on VHP
Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations in North America (FIACONA) seeks an immediate ban on Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), as the VHP has openly established itself as an anti-Christian organization of militant characteristics.The militancy is nowhere short of terrorism and it neither reflects the thoughts of the majority Indian Hindus nor does it represent them The violence against Christians in Orissa was perpetrated by Hindu radicals, allegedly by the VHP. Hindus are a peace-loving community who follow Ahimsa (non-violence) . President of FIACONA, Reverend Bernard Malik says, "Since VHP does not follow Ahimsa, it has no right to represent Hindus, it has become a militant organization that most of the Hindus do not identify with, and thus in the interest of the Hindus and in the national interest of secularism, FIACONA demands an immediate ban on the VHP." Mr. Titus Mathew General Secretary said, "Because of its bloody track record VHP should be disowned by all Indians and particularly by Hindus for misrepresentation of true Hindu values."
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more newsman's blog 1 comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 9:47pm Bible and effigy of Cardinal burnt in Jharkhand
Ranchi-23rd SeptThe effigy of Cardinal Toppo was burnt on Sept 23rd bySarna Tribals egged on by the Sangh parivar saffron out fits due to a Bible published by the Bible Society of India around 10.30 Am, at the Albert Chowk, Ranchi city, Jharkhand state.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Brown's Daily Word 9/24/08
Good Morning,
Praise the Lord for this new day a gift from the Lord. We live in a world full of concerns and crises. Thank you for praying for the persecuted Christians going through times of traumatic crisis in Orissa India. The Lord of the Church is concerned and compassionate towards them.
George Barna, a religious researcher stated, “We asked [American adults] what they felt were the most important reasons for churches to exist. Among the most frequent answers provided was to demonstrate the love of God by helping the needy." When you think of God, you might think of the Almighty Creator of the universe. Or, you might think of God as perfect holiness, into whose presence we dare not enter uninvited! You may also think of God as a loving father who has compassion for his children. Scripture says, “As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him” (Psalm 103:11). God cares about his creation. Further, God gently loves his entire creation with a tender compassion, “The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made” (Psalm 145:8-9). Compassion is simply understanding someone’s deepest needs together with a desire to do something about it. It is always directed at something or someone, and God is compassionate toward all of us. Bill Hybels has said, “You have never locked eyes with another human being who isn’t valuable to God.” No one is outside the compassion of God. How far would God go to alleviate our hurt and pain and sinfulness? Matthew tells us, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them” (Matthew 9:36). Remember, compassion is always directed toward someone. Jesus’ compassion was directed toward the crowds, “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” He cares for the lost, and out of his compassion, Jesus came to rescue/find/to save the lost. If lost people matter to God so much that he sent His only Son Jesus, and if lost people matter so much to Jesus that he died to save them, then shouldn’t they matter to us? Ralph Neighbor, pastor of Houston’s West Memorial Baptist Church tells the story of a man named Jack, Jack had been president of a large corporation. When he was diagnosed with cancer, the company ruthlessly dumped him. He went through his insurance, used his life savings, and had practically nothing left. A pastor visited him with one of his deacons, who said, "Jack, you speak so openly about the brief life you have left. I wonder if you’ve prepared for your life after death?" “Jack stood up, livid with rage. "You -- ---- Christians. All you ever think about is what’s going to happen to me after I die. If your God is so great, why doesn’t he do something about the real problems of life?" He went on to tell us he was leaving his wife penniless and his daughter without money for college. Then he ordered us out. Later the deacon insisted on returning. Pastor Neighbor and his deacon went. "Jack, I know I offended you," he said. "I humbly apologize. But I want you to know I’ve been working since then. Your first problem is where your family will live after you die. A realtor in our church has agreed to sell your house and give your wife his commission. I guarantee you that, if you’ll permit us, some other men and I will make the house payments until it’s sold. Then, I’ve contacted the owner of an apartment house down the street. He’s offered your wife a three-bedroom apartment plus free utilities and an $850-a-month salary in return for her collecting rents and supervising plumbing and electrical repairs. The income from your house should pay for your daughter’s college. I just wanted you to know your family will be cared for." “Jack cried like a baby. He died shortly thereafter, so wrapped in pain that he never accepted Christ. But he experienced God’s love even while rejecting him. And his widow, touched by compassionate Christians, responded to the gospel message.” (Citation: Van Campbell, Homer, Louisiana. Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 1.) Friends, our neighborhood and our world need to be touched by compassionate Christians.
In Jesus our Saviour and Lord,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-zJHgaoVa4
All About Investments
STOCK: A magical piece of paper that is worth $33.75 until the moment you buy it. It will then be worth $8.50.
BOND: What you had with your spouse until you pawned his/her golf clubs to invest in Amazon.com.
BROKER: The person you trust to help you make major financial decisions.Please note the first five letters of this word spell "Broke".
BEAR: What your trade account and wallet will be when you take a flyer on that hot stock tip your secretary gave you.
BULL: What your broker uses to explain why your mutual funds tanked during the last quarter.
MARGIN: Where you scribble the latest quotes when you're supposed to be listening to your manager's presentation.
SHORT POSITION: A type of trade where, in theory, a person sells stocks he doesn't actually own. Since this also only ever works in theory, a short position is what a person usually ends up being in (i.e. "The rent, sir?" "Hahaha, well, I'm a little short this month.").
COMMISSION: The only reliable way to make money on the stock market, which is why your broker charges you one.
YAK: What you do into a pail when you discover your stocks have plunged and your broker is making a margin call.
Praise the Lord for this new day a gift from the Lord. We live in a world full of concerns and crises. Thank you for praying for the persecuted Christians going through times of traumatic crisis in Orissa India. The Lord of the Church is concerned and compassionate towards them.
George Barna, a religious researcher stated, “We asked [American adults] what they felt were the most important reasons for churches to exist. Among the most frequent answers provided was to demonstrate the love of God by helping the needy." When you think of God, you might think of the Almighty Creator of the universe. Or, you might think of God as perfect holiness, into whose presence we dare not enter uninvited! You may also think of God as a loving father who has compassion for his children. Scripture says, “As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him” (Psalm 103:11). God cares about his creation. Further, God gently loves his entire creation with a tender compassion, “The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made” (Psalm 145:8-9). Compassion is simply understanding someone’s deepest needs together with a desire to do something about it. It is always directed at something or someone, and God is compassionate toward all of us. Bill Hybels has said, “You have never locked eyes with another human being who isn’t valuable to God.” No one is outside the compassion of God. How far would God go to alleviate our hurt and pain and sinfulness? Matthew tells us, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them” (Matthew 9:36). Remember, compassion is always directed toward someone. Jesus’ compassion was directed toward the crowds, “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” He cares for the lost, and out of his compassion, Jesus came to rescue/find/to save the lost. If lost people matter to God so much that he sent His only Son Jesus, and if lost people matter so much to Jesus that he died to save them, then shouldn’t they matter to us? Ralph Neighbor, pastor of Houston’s West Memorial Baptist Church tells the story of a man named Jack, Jack had been president of a large corporation. When he was diagnosed with cancer, the company ruthlessly dumped him. He went through his insurance, used his life savings, and had practically nothing left. A pastor visited him with one of his deacons, who said, "Jack, you speak so openly about the brief life you have left. I wonder if you’ve prepared for your life after death?" “Jack stood up, livid with rage. "You -- ---- Christians. All you ever think about is what’s going to happen to me after I die. If your God is so great, why doesn’t he do something about the real problems of life?" He went on to tell us he was leaving his wife penniless and his daughter without money for college. Then he ordered us out. Later the deacon insisted on returning. Pastor Neighbor and his deacon went. "Jack, I know I offended you," he said. "I humbly apologize. But I want you to know I’ve been working since then. Your first problem is where your family will live after you die. A realtor in our church has agreed to sell your house and give your wife his commission. I guarantee you that, if you’ll permit us, some other men and I will make the house payments until it’s sold. Then, I’ve contacted the owner of an apartment house down the street. He’s offered your wife a three-bedroom apartment plus free utilities and an $850-a-month salary in return for her collecting rents and supervising plumbing and electrical repairs. The income from your house should pay for your daughter’s college. I just wanted you to know your family will be cared for." “Jack cried like a baby. He died shortly thereafter, so wrapped in pain that he never accepted Christ. But he experienced God’s love even while rejecting him. And his widow, touched by compassionate Christians, responded to the gospel message.” (Citation: Van Campbell, Homer, Louisiana. Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 1.) Friends, our neighborhood and our world need to be touched by compassionate Christians.
In Jesus our Saviour and Lord,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-zJHgaoVa4
All About Investments
STOCK: A magical piece of paper that is worth $33.75 until the moment you buy it. It will then be worth $8.50.
BOND: What you had with your spouse until you pawned his/her golf clubs to invest in Amazon.com.
BROKER: The person you trust to help you make major financial decisions.Please note the first five letters of this word spell "Broke".
BEAR: What your trade account and wallet will be when you take a flyer on that hot stock tip your secretary gave you.
BULL: What your broker uses to explain why your mutual funds tanked during the last quarter.
MARGIN: Where you scribble the latest quotes when you're supposed to be listening to your manager's presentation.
SHORT POSITION: A type of trade where, in theory, a person sells stocks he doesn't actually own. Since this also only ever works in theory, a short position is what a person usually ends up being in (i.e. "The rent, sir?" "Hahaha, well, I'm a little short this month.").
COMMISSION: The only reliable way to make money on the stock market, which is why your broker charges you one.
YAK: What you do into a pail when you discover your stocks have plunged and your broker is making a margin call.
India update 9-24-08
The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) is established to represent a network of Indian Christian Organizations in the United States and Canada. FIACONA has formed strong alliances with interfaith groups and works towards the unity and goodwill of Indians around the world. FIACONA is an advocacy group for freedom of faith and is by far the most influential and recognized face of Indian Christians abroad.FIACONA is deeply concerned about the increasing threats to the secular and pluralistic nature of Indian society and about the state of religious freedom of Christians in India. Breaking News And Headlines
White House Prayer Vigil Press Release
Orissa Killing continue...
Anti-Christian violence: NPF, BJYM lament empty promises
Minorities Commission seeks action against Bajrang Dal
Bangalore Bishop slams Karnataka CM
Italian bishops want EU-India summit discuss violence
FIACONA to Hold Prayer Vigil at White House
Karna CM ensures stringent action against those found guilty
Indian Christians Protest in Tronto, Canada
Three more churches attacked in Karnataka
International Religious Freedom Report Condemns India's Record
Prayer Vigil at white House on 25th September from 2-5 PM
Centre may intervene in Orissa, K'taka
Despite Centre’s rap, Christians attacked in Karnataka
Orissa leadership was not proactive: NCM report
FIACONA Condemns Destruction of Churches and Demands Withdrawal of Show Cause Notices to Christian Institutions in Karnataka
Stiff warning to Karnataka, Orissa under Article 355
Church attacked in MP, Centre considering warning
White House Prayer Vigil Press Release
Orissa Killing continue...
Anti-Christian violence: NPF, BJYM lament empty promises
Minorities Commission seeks action against Bajrang Dal
Bangalore Bishop slams Karnataka CM
Italian bishops want EU-India summit discuss violence
FIACONA to Hold Prayer Vigil at White House
Karna CM ensures stringent action against those found guilty
Indian Christians Protest in Tronto, Canada
Three more churches attacked in Karnataka
International Religious Freedom Report Condemns India's Record
Prayer Vigil at white House on 25th September from 2-5 PM
Centre may intervene in Orissa, K'taka
Despite Centre’s rap, Christians attacked in Karnataka
Orissa leadership was not proactive: NCM report
FIACONA Condemns Destruction of Churches and Demands Withdrawal of Show Cause Notices to Christian Institutions in Karnataka
Stiff warning to Karnataka, Orissa under Article 355
Church attacked in MP, Centre considering warning
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Brown's Daily Word 9-23-08
Good Morning,
Praise the Lord for this beautiful day. The brilliant fall season is ushering in brilliant and magnificent colors here in New York. It is going to be sunny and stunning today. Praise the Lord for His majesty and mercy. He makes all the best things in life free. He desires the best for us. He desires that we hunger after the best He offers.
Jim Collins’ book, "Good To Great", sold more than a million copies. The first sentence captures his main point, “Good is the enemy of great.” Collins believes that most organizations fail to become great because they are good, and we settle for good. Good is good enough for most people. Most Christians remember a time when they thirsted deeply for more of Jesus. There is a song that captures how we felt, “More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show, more of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me. More, more about Jesus….” After the iceberg ripped open the hull of the Titanic, all who stayed with her would die. Of course, there were many who did not realize that a fatal blow had been struck. They continued to party with no fear—singing, drinking, dancing, and laughing. Others knew the ship hit ice, but they refused the lifeboats because they could not imagine the Titanic sinking. The headlines of the April 16, 1912, Los Angeles Times tell the story and a parable, “Fifteen Hundred Lives Lost When Titanic Plunges Headlong Into Depths of the Sea.” Many passengers failed to recognize that they were lost, even resisting efforts to get them into lifeboats. So today, too few realize their own need. There is an old saying among evangelists which states, “The hardest work is not getting folks saved, but getting them lost.” John Piper adds, “The hardest thing is not to satisfy thirst, but to make people feel thirst for God. All men thirst. But not all thirst for God.” What do you thirst for? When Jesus says, “If anyone thirsts,” I take him to indicate thirst for God, for his kingdom, for more of his grace and glory. In Matthew 5.6, Jesus blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus does not promise to satisfy thirst for riches and personal glory. Everyone thirsts after something. Many thirst after pleasure—whether it be new purchases, food, music, or any selfish fantasies. Thirsty people seek to quench their thirst, often stopping to sip from cisterns, hoping to satisfy their desire. But do we thirst for God? Jesus offers himself as water for all who do, for all who feel anxiety of soul, conviction of sin, need of forgiveness, loneliness for a permanent home, the sense of lost-ness, and a need for purpose. He is the water of Life for all who know the brokenness of the world and the heart-breaking pain of fractured relationships, and for all who want a change of heart, a delight in what is good, victory over sin, more courage, more hope, more purity, more faith, more love, and more confidence. These are the deep desires of those who thirst for God. C. S. Lewis said that it is refusing to be satisfied with “drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered [you. We are] like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” John Piper said, “It is not that our desire for pleasure is too strong but too weak! We have settled for a home, a family, a few friends, a job, a television, a microwave oven, an occasional night out, a yearly vacation, and perhaps a new personal computer. We have accustomed ourselves to such meager, short-lived pleasures that our capacity for joy has shriveled.” In C. S. Lewis’ "The Silver Chair", Jill Pole is whisked away from England to Narnia. The adventure begins poorly as she is frightened by a large lion and ends up face down in the grass, crying. When she stopped, she found she was dreadfully thirsty. She heard one, small, persistent sound, and felt almost sure it was the sound of running water. There was no sign of the lion; but there were so many trees about that it might easily be quite close without her seeing it. But her thirst was very bad now, and she plucked up her courage to go and look for that running water. It was not difficult to decide where the sound was coming from. It grew clearer every moment and, sooner than she expected, she came to an open glade and saw the stream. But although the sight of the water made her feel ten times thirstier than before, she didn’t rush forward and drink. She stood as still as if she had been turned into stone, with her mouth wide open. And she had a very good reason; just on this side of the stream lay the lion. The Lion spoke to her, “If you’re thirsty, you may drink.” For a second she stared here and there, wondering who had spoken. Then the voice said again, “If you are thirsty, come and drink,” and of course she remembered what Scrubb had said about animals talking in that other world and realized that it was the lion speaking. "She had not seen its lips move this time, and the voice was not like a man’s. It was deeper, wilder, and stronger; a sort of heavy, golden voice. It did not make her any less frightened than she had been before, but it made her frightened in rather a different way." “Are you not thirsty?” said the Lion? “I’m dying of thirst,” said Jill. “Then drink,” said the Lion. “May I – could I – would you mind going away while I do?” said Jill? "The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience. The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic. 'Will you promise not to – do anything to me if I do come?' Said Jill." 'I make no promise,' said the Lion. "Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer." "'Do you eat girls?' she said." “'I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms,' said the Lion. It didn’t say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it." “'I daren’t come and drink,' said Jill." “'Then you will die of thirst,' said the Lion." “'Oh, dear,' said Jill, coming another step nearer. 'I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.'” “'There is no other stream,' said the Lion." "It never occurred to Jill to disbelieve the Lion—no one who had seen his stern face could do that—and her mind suddenly made itself up. It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted…." It will not be safe to come to Jesus to drink. But it will be the coldest, most refreshing water you ever taste, if you have the courage to come.
In Him,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW4oJ0jTHqg
Praise the Lord for this beautiful day. The brilliant fall season is ushering in brilliant and magnificent colors here in New York. It is going to be sunny and stunning today. Praise the Lord for His majesty and mercy. He makes all the best things in life free. He desires the best for us. He desires that we hunger after the best He offers.
Jim Collins’ book, "Good To Great", sold more than a million copies. The first sentence captures his main point, “Good is the enemy of great.” Collins believes that most organizations fail to become great because they are good, and we settle for good. Good is good enough for most people. Most Christians remember a time when they thirsted deeply for more of Jesus. There is a song that captures how we felt, “More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show, more of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me. More, more about Jesus….” After the iceberg ripped open the hull of the Titanic, all who stayed with her would die. Of course, there were many who did not realize that a fatal blow had been struck. They continued to party with no fear—singing, drinking, dancing, and laughing. Others knew the ship hit ice, but they refused the lifeboats because they could not imagine the Titanic sinking. The headlines of the April 16, 1912, Los Angeles Times tell the story and a parable, “Fifteen Hundred Lives Lost When Titanic Plunges Headlong Into Depths of the Sea.” Many passengers failed to recognize that they were lost, even resisting efforts to get them into lifeboats. So today, too few realize their own need. There is an old saying among evangelists which states, “The hardest work is not getting folks saved, but getting them lost.” John Piper adds, “The hardest thing is not to satisfy thirst, but to make people feel thirst for God. All men thirst. But not all thirst for God.” What do you thirst for? When Jesus says, “If anyone thirsts,” I take him to indicate thirst for God, for his kingdom, for more of his grace and glory. In Matthew 5.6, Jesus blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus does not promise to satisfy thirst for riches and personal glory. Everyone thirsts after something. Many thirst after pleasure—whether it be new purchases, food, music, or any selfish fantasies. Thirsty people seek to quench their thirst, often stopping to sip from cisterns, hoping to satisfy their desire. But do we thirst for God? Jesus offers himself as water for all who do, for all who feel anxiety of soul, conviction of sin, need of forgiveness, loneliness for a permanent home, the sense of lost-ness, and a need for purpose. He is the water of Life for all who know the brokenness of the world and the heart-breaking pain of fractured relationships, and for all who want a change of heart, a delight in what is good, victory over sin, more courage, more hope, more purity, more faith, more love, and more confidence. These are the deep desires of those who thirst for God. C. S. Lewis said that it is refusing to be satisfied with “drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered [you. We are] like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” John Piper said, “It is not that our desire for pleasure is too strong but too weak! We have settled for a home, a family, a few friends, a job, a television, a microwave oven, an occasional night out, a yearly vacation, and perhaps a new personal computer. We have accustomed ourselves to such meager, short-lived pleasures that our capacity for joy has shriveled.” In C. S. Lewis’ "The Silver Chair", Jill Pole is whisked away from England to Narnia. The adventure begins poorly as she is frightened by a large lion and ends up face down in the grass, crying. When she stopped, she found she was dreadfully thirsty. She heard one, small, persistent sound, and felt almost sure it was the sound of running water. There was no sign of the lion; but there were so many trees about that it might easily be quite close without her seeing it. But her thirst was very bad now, and she plucked up her courage to go and look for that running water. It was not difficult to decide where the sound was coming from. It grew clearer every moment and, sooner than she expected, she came to an open glade and saw the stream. But although the sight of the water made her feel ten times thirstier than before, she didn’t rush forward and drink. She stood as still as if she had been turned into stone, with her mouth wide open. And she had a very good reason; just on this side of the stream lay the lion. The Lion spoke to her, “If you’re thirsty, you may drink.” For a second she stared here and there, wondering who had spoken. Then the voice said again, “If you are thirsty, come and drink,” and of course she remembered what Scrubb had said about animals talking in that other world and realized that it was the lion speaking. "She had not seen its lips move this time, and the voice was not like a man’s. It was deeper, wilder, and stronger; a sort of heavy, golden voice. It did not make her any less frightened than she had been before, but it made her frightened in rather a different way." “Are you not thirsty?” said the Lion? “I’m dying of thirst,” said Jill. “Then drink,” said the Lion. “May I – could I – would you mind going away while I do?” said Jill? "The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience. The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic. 'Will you promise not to – do anything to me if I do come?' Said Jill." 'I make no promise,' said the Lion. "Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer." "'Do you eat girls?' she said." “'I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms,' said the Lion. It didn’t say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it." “'I daren’t come and drink,' said Jill." “'Then you will die of thirst,' said the Lion." “'Oh, dear,' said Jill, coming another step nearer. 'I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.'” “'There is no other stream,' said the Lion." "It never occurred to Jill to disbelieve the Lion—no one who had seen his stern face could do that—and her mind suddenly made itself up. It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted…." It will not be safe to come to Jesus to drink. But it will be the coldest, most refreshing water you ever taste, if you have the courage to come.
In Him,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW4oJ0jTHqg
India update 9-23-08
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 4:12pm INDIA Violence, Murder Continue In Orissa Despite Promises Of Protection
September 22, 2008NEW DELHI (UCAN) -- One more death has been reported from the eastern Indian state of Orissa, as anti-Christian violence continues elsewhere in the country.The latest reported victim in Orissa is Isharo Digal, 42, from Malipada village in Kandhamal district, according to information from the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Catholic archbishop's residence in Bhubaneswar, the state capital, 1,745 kilometers southeast of New Delhi.
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 10:49am Bush urged to discuss religious violence with Manmohan
Washington : Taking note of the recent violence against the Christian community in India, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged President George W Bush to raise the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during their meeting on Thursday.
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 9:16am Prayer Vigil for Orissa Sept 25, Thursday 2 PM in front of White House
Peace Rally/Prayer Vigil for the victims of religious violence in Orissa, Karnataka, Mangalore and other places in India.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 6:53am Orissa :a Khandhamal Christian girl gangraped by radicals
A young 20 yrs old Christian girl was gang raped by the VHP rioters.TheCHristian girl lived close to Tikabali police station in Kandhmal,
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 6:45am A preacher and disciple strangulated to death in Uttarakhand
Dehra Dun, September 22In the fourth incident of violence against Christians in Uttarakhand, Sadhu Astey (56), a Catholic preacher and his disciple, Mercy (32), were found strangulated to death in "Samarpanalaya", an ashram run by them in Chotta Rampur.In a bizarre incident that led to scare amongst Christians in Uttarakhand, a Christian Catholic priest and a women volunteer were found murdered in their 'ashram' in Chotta Rampur village near Herbertpur in Vikasnagar tehsil of Dehra Dun district today.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, North India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog 1 comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 6:18am Peoples Tribunal to probe attacks agianst Christians-no trust in gvt probe
Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has constituted a Peoples Tribunal having Justice (retd) M F Saldanha as its chairman in order to conduct a private probe into the attacks on places of worship and Christians.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
September 22, 2008NEW DELHI (UCAN) -- One more death has been reported from the eastern Indian state of Orissa, as anti-Christian violence continues elsewhere in the country.The latest reported victim in Orissa is Isharo Digal, 42, from Malipada village in Kandhamal district, according to information from the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Catholic archbishop's residence in Bhubaneswar, the state capital, 1,745 kilometers southeast of New Delhi.
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 10:49am Bush urged to discuss religious violence with Manmohan
Washington : Taking note of the recent violence against the Christian community in India, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged President George W Bush to raise the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during their meeting on Thursday.
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 9:16am Prayer Vigil for Orissa Sept 25, Thursday 2 PM in front of White House
Peace Rally/Prayer Vigil for the victims of religious violence in Orissa, Karnataka, Mangalore and other places in India.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 6:53am Orissa :a Khandhamal Christian girl gangraped by radicals
A young 20 yrs old Christian girl was gang raped by the VHP rioters.TheCHristian girl lived close to Tikabali police station in Kandhmal,
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 6:45am A preacher and disciple strangulated to death in Uttarakhand
Dehra Dun, September 22In the fourth incident of violence against Christians in Uttarakhand, Sadhu Astey (56), a Catholic preacher and his disciple, Mercy (32), were found strangulated to death in "Samarpanalaya", an ashram run by them in Chotta Rampur.In a bizarre incident that led to scare amongst Christians in Uttarakhand, a Christian Catholic priest and a women volunteer were found murdered in their 'ashram' in Chotta Rampur village near Herbertpur in Vikasnagar tehsil of Dehra Dun district today.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, North India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog 1 comment
Tue, 23/09/2008 - 6:18am Peoples Tribunal to probe attacks agianst Christians-no trust in gvt probe
Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has constituted a Peoples Tribunal having Justice (retd) M F Saldanha as its chairman in order to conduct a private probe into the attacks on places of worship and Christians.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
Monday, September 22, 2008
Brown's Daily Word 9-22-08
Good Morning,
Praise the Lord for this new day. Praise the Lord for the Open Door He places before us that we may go out to serve Him. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. We get our significance by serving the Savior. In Luke 12:35-44, 48b, Jesus reminded the disciples that the very thing that they should be doing when He comes back is serving. When Jesus comes back, He wants to find servants who have given their hearts to live out God’s purpose and to serve the needs of others. This idea of servant-hood may be the most difficult thing for us to understand in our culture today. Servant-hood requires a mental shift, a change in your attitudes, and a change in your heart. God is always more interested in why we do something than in what we do. Attitudes count more than achievements. God is looking for people who are willing to fulfill their God-given purpose with a servant’s heart.
King Amaziah lost God’s favor because, although he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, he did not serve with a servant’s heart. Real servants are self forgetful. They focus on others, not themselves. True humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. Paul said to forget yourself long enough to lend a helping hand. This is what it means to "lose your life"-- forgetting yourself in service to others. When we stop focusing on our own needs, we become aware of the needs around us. Jesus emptied himself and became a servant. When was the last time you emptied yourself for someone else’s benefit? You cannot be a servant if you are full of yourself. It’s only when we forget ourselves that we do the things that deserve to be remembered. After we hear the invitation to serve and embrace the opportunity, then Jesus calls us to realize the urgency. That sense of urgency comes because we don’t know when the master will return but we do know that his expectation is to find us serving Him. So, every day we are called to urgently live out the master’s will. We do this because we realize that time is running out regarding His return, and because we serve an audience of One. Our time is meant to be spent in doing the Master’s will and that His will is that we serve others and meet their needs in the name of Jesus Christ, sharing His love with them. We recognize we don’t have a lot of time. Every day we are faced with the opportunity of a new day to serve the will of the Master, never knowing when time will run out. No time is right or perfect for being a servant. There are always other things, , and circumstances pressing on us. Often we hear people say they don’t have time to serve. Jesus is saying that the urgency of not knowing when the Master will return leads us to one conclusion: the time is now. The fact is, when you are a servant and you realize the urgency, it can be inconvenient. When you are a servant, sometimes you have to put your desires and your needs on the back burner so you can serve others. It is all about having an attitude of urgency.
At the end of the day, as servants and followers of Jesus Christ, we realize this life is not about ourselves. On the contrary, it is all about meeting the needs of others. Servants always realize the urgency of helping someone else. S ervants are called not just to sacrifice but to sacrifice more. God wants all of us to give more of our time and to give more of ourselves. He wants us to be more available for his use. He is watching us. There is something about having a heart of urgency and recognizing the opportunity of the life Jesus has to offer. Serving is not a one-time opportunity. Being a servant is a life-long identity because Jesus wants us to be just like Him. Serving is a 24/7, 365 days a year thing. Serving is all about living out our true, life calling. Robbie Goldman tells the story of growing up. He recalls that his my mom and dad came up with a crazy idea in which the family would prepare a meal, then all go downtown and serve it to the homeless young people on the streets. He writes, "There we were, a little suburban family learning about what God could do with a little faith. It truly formed my way of serving. I recall where my youngest sister would have the plastic ware all neatly wrapped by the time my other sister and I came home from school. I can still remember smelling the incredible scent coming from the kitchen. We would then all rush to get our homework done so that when dad got home, we could be on our way. We all then loaded up to take the beautiful banquet downtown. Over the years as I grew, I watched as these young people we served would thank my parents, and more importantly, would thank us kids. They would always love to see what little costume my baby sister was wearing, which I think made them so happy to see her smile. I would serve the bread or whatever side dish was made, but mainly I think I did a lot of learning throughout those times. When people ask me, Why do I serve God so radically? I honestly cannot understand what they see as being so radical. It seems to me that what I do is very simple, and really the only way I know how to live for God. I learned radical service is only a perception from the outside. I learned that loving people and just being real to everyone is all it takes. That is why today I choose to serve God.”
May Jesus propel us to serve Him today with joy and obedience.
In Him,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxKy_NxB398
Mon, 22/09/2008 - 2:22pm Image from St. James Church attack - Bangalore
Images from St. James Church attack in Bangalore on 21st September 2008. Case has been registered in Amruthalli police station in Bangalore. The government has promised action to punish the attackers.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Mon, 22/09/2008 - 12:57pm Orissa flood situation
Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 - Despite falling water level in Orissa rivers including the virulent Mahanadi, relief operation in flood ravaged areas was today hit due to shortage of manpower and boats, worsening the plight of over six lakh marooned people.
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Mon, 22/09/2008 - 8:57am Violence continues in Kandhamal
Bhubaneswar: Contrary to the Orissa government’s claim, reports of arson and kidnapping were received at the Kandhamal district headquarters town on Sunday. Police received information that 10 houses were torched at Gochhapada police area on Saturday.The Hindu 21.09.08
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Mon, 22/09/2008 - 6:49am Civic authorities open church shut by them in Karnataka
DAVANGERE: A few officials of the Davangere City Corporation reportedly broke open the seal of the Nitya Jeeva Devalaya Church in Saraswathinagar here on Sunday, pasting a report on one of its walls stating that the documents submitted by it were in order and were authentic.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 4:08pm Runima Digal told the police in her written complaint that murders have threatened to leave christianity
Bhubaneswar, Sep 21 - Contrary to the Orissa government's claim that the situation in riot-hit Kandhamal district was returning to normalcy, reports of arson and kidnapping were received at the district headquarters town.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 4:03pm Two Churches near Cochin damaged in Kerala
Kochi:21st Sept.ANGAMALY (Kerala): Two churches, one of them among the oldest in India, were vandalised by unidentified people in the early hours of Sunday at Akapparambu in Nedumbassery panchayat, about 35 km from Kochi city.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
Praise the Lord for this new day. Praise the Lord for the Open Door He places before us that we may go out to serve Him. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. We get our significance by serving the Savior. In Luke 12:35-44, 48b, Jesus reminded the disciples that the very thing that they should be doing when He comes back is serving. When Jesus comes back, He wants to find servants who have given their hearts to live out God’s purpose and to serve the needs of others. This idea of servant-hood may be the most difficult thing for us to understand in our culture today. Servant-hood requires a mental shift, a change in your attitudes, and a change in your heart. God is always more interested in why we do something than in what we do. Attitudes count more than achievements. God is looking for people who are willing to fulfill their God-given purpose with a servant’s heart.
King Amaziah lost God’s favor because, although he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, he did not serve with a servant’s heart. Real servants are self forgetful. They focus on others, not themselves. True humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. Paul said to forget yourself long enough to lend a helping hand. This is what it means to "lose your life"-- forgetting yourself in service to others. When we stop focusing on our own needs, we become aware of the needs around us. Jesus emptied himself and became a servant. When was the last time you emptied yourself for someone else’s benefit? You cannot be a servant if you are full of yourself. It’s only when we forget ourselves that we do the things that deserve to be remembered. After we hear the invitation to serve and embrace the opportunity, then Jesus calls us to realize the urgency. That sense of urgency comes because we don’t know when the master will return but we do know that his expectation is to find us serving Him. So, every day we are called to urgently live out the master’s will. We do this because we realize that time is running out regarding His return, and because we serve an audience of One. Our time is meant to be spent in doing the Master’s will and that His will is that we serve others and meet their needs in the name of Jesus Christ, sharing His love with them. We recognize we don’t have a lot of time. Every day we are faced with the opportunity of a new day to serve the will of the Master, never knowing when time will run out. No time is right or perfect for being a servant. There are always other things, , and circumstances pressing on us. Often we hear people say they don’t have time to serve. Jesus is saying that the urgency of not knowing when the Master will return leads us to one conclusion: the time is now. The fact is, when you are a servant and you realize the urgency, it can be inconvenient. When you are a servant, sometimes you have to put your desires and your needs on the back burner so you can serve others. It is all about having an attitude of urgency.
At the end of the day, as servants and followers of Jesus Christ, we realize this life is not about ourselves. On the contrary, it is all about meeting the needs of others. Servants always realize the urgency of helping someone else. S ervants are called not just to sacrifice but to sacrifice more. God wants all of us to give more of our time and to give more of ourselves. He wants us to be more available for his use. He is watching us. There is something about having a heart of urgency and recognizing the opportunity of the life Jesus has to offer. Serving is not a one-time opportunity. Being a servant is a life-long identity because Jesus wants us to be just like Him. Serving is a 24/7, 365 days a year thing. Serving is all about living out our true, life calling. Robbie Goldman tells the story of growing up. He recalls that his my mom and dad came up with a crazy idea in which the family would prepare a meal, then all go downtown and serve it to the homeless young people on the streets. He writes, "There we were, a little suburban family learning about what God could do with a little faith. It truly formed my way of serving. I recall where my youngest sister would have the plastic ware all neatly wrapped by the time my other sister and I came home from school. I can still remember smelling the incredible scent coming from the kitchen. We would then all rush to get our homework done so that when dad got home, we could be on our way. We all then loaded up to take the beautiful banquet downtown. Over the years as I grew, I watched as these young people we served would thank my parents, and more importantly, would thank us kids. They would always love to see what little costume my baby sister was wearing, which I think made them so happy to see her smile. I would serve the bread or whatever side dish was made, but mainly I think I did a lot of learning throughout those times. When people ask me, Why do I serve God so radically? I honestly cannot understand what they see as being so radical. It seems to me that what I do is very simple, and really the only way I know how to live for God. I learned radical service is only a perception from the outside. I learned that loving people and just being real to everyone is all it takes. That is why today I choose to serve God.”
May Jesus propel us to serve Him today with joy and obedience.
In Him,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxKy_NxB398
Mon, 22/09/2008 - 2:22pm Image from St. James Church attack - Bangalore
Images from St. James Church attack in Bangalore on 21st September 2008. Case has been registered in Amruthalli police station in Bangalore. The government has promised action to punish the attackers.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Mon, 22/09/2008 - 12:57pm Orissa flood situation
Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 - Despite falling water level in Orissa rivers including the virulent Mahanadi, relief operation in flood ravaged areas was today hit due to shortage of manpower and boats, worsening the plight of over six lakh marooned people.
posted in: Current Issue, , East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Mon, 22/09/2008 - 8:57am Violence continues in Kandhamal
Bhubaneswar: Contrary to the Orissa government’s claim, reports of arson and kidnapping were received at the Kandhamal district headquarters town on Sunday. Police received information that 10 houses were torched at Gochhapada police area on Saturday.The Hindu 21.09.08
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Mon, 22/09/2008 - 6:49am Civic authorities open church shut by them in Karnataka
DAVANGERE: A few officials of the Davangere City Corporation reportedly broke open the seal of the Nitya Jeeva Devalaya Church in Saraswathinagar here on Sunday, pasting a report on one of its walls stating that the documents submitted by it were in order and were authentic.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 4:08pm Runima Digal told the police in her written complaint that murders have threatened to leave christianity
Bhubaneswar, Sep 21 - Contrary to the Orissa government's claim that the situation in riot-hit Kandhamal district was returning to normalcy, reports of arson and kidnapping were received at the district headquarters town.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 4:03pm Two Churches near Cochin damaged in Kerala
Kochi:21st Sept.ANGAMALY (Kerala): Two churches, one of them among the oldest in India, were vandalised by unidentified people in the early hours of Sunday at Akapparambu in Nedumbassery panchayat, about 35 km from Kochi city.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
Sunday, September 21, 2008
India update 9-21-08
NCM blames Bajrang Dal for Karnataka, Orissa violence
New Delhi, Sep 21 (PTI) The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has blamed Sangh Parivar outfit Bajrang Dal for the communal violence in the NDA-ruled states of Karnataka and Orissa."Our teams have returned from both the states. Activists of Bajrang Dal are involved in these attacks in both places. NCM will send reports on the whole gamut of communal clashes in the twin states to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon," NCM Chairman Md Shafi Qureshi told PTI.Condemning the attack on churches in Kandhamal and other areas of Orissa and in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikmagalur and Mangalore in Karnataka, the Commission stressed the need for immediate confidence building measures to allay the fear from the minds of the minorities in both states.Qureshi accused the Karnataka government of serious lapses in handling the situation. "The churches in different parts of the state were attacked one by one in succession and not all of a sudden. Something should have been done immediately when the attacks started," Qureshi said.The Commission also demanded immediate arrest of the culprits so that "no one dares to repeat such incidents in future." Qureshi said tension still continues in Udupi and Mangalore in Karnataka. PTI
Christian Council organises protests against atrocities
Vijayawada, Sept 21: A procession, protesting against 'growing number of atrocities' against Christians allegedly by the Bajrang Dal, in Orissa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh among other states, was carried out here by All India Christian Council. Describing the violence as an attack on secularism council's national secretary Sam Paul said yesterday that such incidents were posing a threat to religious harmony adding the Centre was being soft on the perpetrators. Paul also demanded a ban on the Sangh Parivar, Bajrang Dal and VHP. The Orissa government had lost all credibility to govern the state after failing to take action against religious forces that were openly admitting their involvement in the violence, Paul said adding that relief camps provided by the government were ill-equipped and ill-stocked. 23,000 individuals from 350 villages that were attacked in Orissa were seeking refuge in the camps, Paul said adding they were not being provided proper blankets and food among other things. He said religious conversions were not anti-constitutional but 'Hindutva' forces have launched a false campaign while the media too was biased in covering news pertaining to conversions. Bureau Report
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 8:45am Breaking News-Report at 12.00pm: Three churches vandalised in Karnataka and pastor arrested
(1)St. James Catholic Church at Marianpalaya was vandalized in the early hours by the anti Christian outfits. The goons have desecrated and broke open cupboards in the church . Marianpalaya church has also schools and colleges in its premises Door/Window and statue of Mother Mary was damaged in the attack.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog 1 comment
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 8:06am National commission for Minorities to sumit final report to Prime minister
New Delhi:
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is likely to submit its report regarding the attacks on Christians and churches in Karnataka to the Prime Ministers Office on Tuesday.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 6:47am Iswar Digal abducted and hacked to death in Kandhamal on 20th Sept
Bhubaneswar-Orissa
Violence continued in Kandhamal as a Dalit Christian was reportedly abducted and hacked to death by VHP ACTIVISTS in his village on Saturday morning while he was going back to a relief camp after seeing his ailing father.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sat, 20/09/2008 - 10:29pm GCIC strongly condemns the Bomb Blast in Islamabad
All terrorism is evil and an attack on Life itself, This cowardly actthat claimed the lives of atleast 40 people and injured more than 100is condemned in the strongest possible terms.
posted in: Current Issue, Beliefs, Other Countries
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sat, 20/09/2008 - 9:01pm Karnataka up date-Pastor and believers arrested and detained in Sidapur police station
Pastor Biju,Sunil and five other believers were arrested from Thalikare village by Siddapura police.Siddapura is 28 Kms away from Medikere.The arrested pastors and believers are denied permission to contact outside world.Evangelist Sunil,Roy,Kumar, Meenakshi and Baiju were talking to children in Guya Palakere village and was arrested on a complaint from one Mr. Halappa. The evangelists were taken to Siddapura Police station for enquiry and were charged under IPC section 149,143,295 and 448.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog 1 comment
Sat, 20/09/2008 - 8:52pm Orissa update
It seems the Sangh Parivar radicals are leaving no Christian house but are destroying each one to fulfil their fury of anger when the inmates are either in the Jungle or in the relief camps.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Orissa floods hit lakhs
BHUBANESWAR, Sept. 20: The Mahanadi mimicked Kosi today in Orissa with over 15.62 lakh cusec water flowing at Mundali and flood waters causing 28 breaches along the river system to inundate and cut off several villages. The flood has claimed 16 lives so far, official sources said.A total of 15 lakh people living in 17 out of 30 districts in the state have been affected. Crop areas of over 2.47 lakh hectare have been inundated. The flood, described as the worst-ever since 1982 by officials, has marooned 191 villages. Over 1.80 lakh people of low-lying areas have been evacuated while hundreds of others have taken shelter on national highway and cyclone shelters.Banki, Bayalismauza were disconnected from the rest of the state by flood waters. Some of the breaches were huge ~ up to 200 meters, villagers said. Chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas. He declared seven days’ relief and closure of educational institutions for two days in the affected coastal districts.The Army has been kept ready while relief supplies were air-dropped in Banki today. Two choppers have been pressed into service while another three have been requisitioned, officials said. The velocity and quantity of water flowing in the rivers was such that the embankment roads were washed away at many places. Even boats sanctioned for rescue operations found it difficult to negotiate the swelling and swirling waters. Cuttack, Kendrapara, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts were worst affected.Flood waters also entered institutions and homes of low-lying areas on the periphery of the state capital. The chief minister, Mr Naveen Patnaik, today sent a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh demanding that floods in Orissa be declared a national calamity and an interim assistance of Rs 1,500 crore from the National Calamity Relief Fund. sns
New Delhi, Sep 21 (PTI) The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has blamed Sangh Parivar outfit Bajrang Dal for the communal violence in the NDA-ruled states of Karnataka and Orissa."Our teams have returned from both the states. Activists of Bajrang Dal are involved in these attacks in both places. NCM will send reports on the whole gamut of communal clashes in the twin states to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon," NCM Chairman Md Shafi Qureshi told PTI.Condemning the attack on churches in Kandhamal and other areas of Orissa and in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikmagalur and Mangalore in Karnataka, the Commission stressed the need for immediate confidence building measures to allay the fear from the minds of the minorities in both states.Qureshi accused the Karnataka government of serious lapses in handling the situation. "The churches in different parts of the state were attacked one by one in succession and not all of a sudden. Something should have been done immediately when the attacks started," Qureshi said.The Commission also demanded immediate arrest of the culprits so that "no one dares to repeat such incidents in future." Qureshi said tension still continues in Udupi and Mangalore in Karnataka. PTI
Christian Council organises protests against atrocities
Vijayawada, Sept 21: A procession, protesting against 'growing number of atrocities' against Christians allegedly by the Bajrang Dal, in Orissa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh among other states, was carried out here by All India Christian Council. Describing the violence as an attack on secularism council's national secretary Sam Paul said yesterday that such incidents were posing a threat to religious harmony adding the Centre was being soft on the perpetrators. Paul also demanded a ban on the Sangh Parivar, Bajrang Dal and VHP. The Orissa government had lost all credibility to govern the state after failing to take action against religious forces that were openly admitting their involvement in the violence, Paul said adding that relief camps provided by the government were ill-equipped and ill-stocked. 23,000 individuals from 350 villages that were attacked in Orissa were seeking refuge in the camps, Paul said adding they were not being provided proper blankets and food among other things. He said religious conversions were not anti-constitutional but 'Hindutva' forces have launched a false campaign while the media too was biased in covering news pertaining to conversions. Bureau Report
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 8:45am Breaking News-Report at 12.00pm: Three churches vandalised in Karnataka and pastor arrested
(1)St. James Catholic Church at Marianpalaya was vandalized in the early hours by the anti Christian outfits. The goons have desecrated and broke open cupboards in the church . Marianpalaya church has also schools and colleges in its premises Door/Window and statue of Mother Mary was damaged in the attack.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog 1 comment
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 8:06am National commission for Minorities to sumit final report to Prime minister
New Delhi:
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is likely to submit its report regarding the attacks on Christians and churches in Karnataka to the Prime Ministers Office on Tuesday.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sun, 21/09/2008 - 6:47am Iswar Digal abducted and hacked to death in Kandhamal on 20th Sept
Bhubaneswar-Orissa
Violence continued in Kandhamal as a Dalit Christian was reportedly abducted and hacked to death by VHP ACTIVISTS in his village on Saturday morning while he was going back to a relief camp after seeing his ailing father.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sat, 20/09/2008 - 10:29pm GCIC strongly condemns the Bomb Blast in Islamabad
All terrorism is evil and an attack on Life itself, This cowardly actthat claimed the lives of atleast 40 people and injured more than 100is condemned in the strongest possible terms.
posted in: Current Issue, Beliefs, Other Countries
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Sat, 20/09/2008 - 9:01pm Karnataka up date-Pastor and believers arrested and detained in Sidapur police station
Pastor Biju,Sunil and five other believers were arrested from Thalikare village by Siddapura police.Siddapura is 28 Kms away from Medikere.The arrested pastors and believers are denied permission to contact outside world.Evangelist Sunil,Roy,Kumar, Meenakshi and Baiju were talking to children in Guya Palakere village and was arrested on a complaint from one Mr. Halappa. The evangelists were taken to Siddapura Police station for enquiry and were charged under IPC section 149,143,295 and 448.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog 1 comment
Sat, 20/09/2008 - 8:52pm Orissa update
It seems the Sangh Parivar radicals are leaving no Christian house but are destroying each one to fulfil their fury of anger when the inmates are either in the Jungle or in the relief camps.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, East India
read more Dr. Sajan's blog add new comment
Orissa floods hit lakhs
BHUBANESWAR, Sept. 20: The Mahanadi mimicked Kosi today in Orissa with over 15.62 lakh cusec water flowing at Mundali and flood waters causing 28 breaches along the river system to inundate and cut off several villages. The flood has claimed 16 lives so far, official sources said.A total of 15 lakh people living in 17 out of 30 districts in the state have been affected. Crop areas of over 2.47 lakh hectare have been inundated. The flood, described as the worst-ever since 1982 by officials, has marooned 191 villages. Over 1.80 lakh people of low-lying areas have been evacuated while hundreds of others have taken shelter on national highway and cyclone shelters.Banki, Bayalismauza were disconnected from the rest of the state by flood waters. Some of the breaches were huge ~ up to 200 meters, villagers said. Chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas. He declared seven days’ relief and closure of educational institutions for two days in the affected coastal districts.The Army has been kept ready while relief supplies were air-dropped in Banki today. Two choppers have been pressed into service while another three have been requisitioned, officials said. The velocity and quantity of water flowing in the rivers was such that the embankment roads were washed away at many places. Even boats sanctioned for rescue operations found it difficult to negotiate the swelling and swirling waters. Cuttack, Kendrapara, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts were worst affected.Flood waters also entered institutions and homes of low-lying areas on the periphery of the state capital. The chief minister, Mr Naveen Patnaik, today sent a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh demanding that floods in Orissa be declared a national calamity and an interim assistance of Rs 1,500 crore from the National Calamity Relief Fund. sns
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