Why does God allow things like this to happen?

 

Why does God allow things like this to happen?

By Alice Smith

The small south Texas town where I grew up has Spanish
moss drooping from the trees, winding narrow streets, and
stifling humidity that in time I became accustomed to.  The
lazy days of summer brought us a good game of baseball,
fishing at the lake, or swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.
Children filled the placid streets with bikes, skates and
homemade go-carts. It was a simpler time; and our town—
population 5,000—was a simpler place.

The closeness we shared as friends and family gave us a
sense of security. Most everyone knew each other so there
was little need to lock our doors at night or to fear walking
the streets alone. Yet, in the summer of 1956, at the age of
six, I encountered a different kind of uncertainty—sexual
abuse.

One dark summer night I was in bed about to fall asleep,
when...

Continued...
http://apps.attainresponse.com/upl/eddiesmith@comf5-com/1390944826501.pdf

Dhobi, Hindu of Nepal

Dhobi, Hindu of Nepal This caste group from India and Pakistan specializes in washing clothes. The word Dhobi is derived from the Hindi word dhona, which means to wash. Dhobi usually operate door to door, collecting dirty linen from households. After a day or two, they return the linen washed, sometimes starched and ironed. A Dhobi is likely to be of many different origins, from those whose ancestors took the occupation of washing clothes evolving over time into a distinct community bound by rules of endogamy (marrying only within the community). They live in multi-caste villages, but occupy their own distinct quarters. Each of their settlements contains an informal caste council, known as a Biradari Panchayat. The Panchayat acts as an instrument of social control, dealing with issues such as divorce and adultery. Ministry Obstacles The Dhobi speak a number of languages in Nepal, and each language subgroup may need its own church planting project. Outreach Ideas There are growing numbers of Christian believers in Nepal. Pray that some of these will be led to help disciple the few Dhobi who are presently Christians, helping them to mature enough to take the Gospel message to all of their community. Pray for the followers of Christ A few Dhobi have identified themselves as Christians to the census of Nepal. Please pray these people will grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray also they will regularly fellowship together for mutual encouragement and edification. Pray for the entire people group Pray for a rising literacy rate among the Dhobi, especially for the youth. Pray also for improved medical care and adequate employment opportunities. Scripture Focus "Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised." 1 Chronicles 16:24-25		People Name: Dhobi, Hindu Country: Nepal 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 76,000 World Population: 12,400,000 Language: Maithili Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Burma: Chin State Government Orders Removal Of Cross, Elder Prosecuted

Burma: Chin State Government Orders Removal Of Cross, Elder Prosecuted

By Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST and ASSIST News Service

HAKHA TOWN, CHIN STATE, BURMA (ANS – January 28, 2015) -- An ethnic Chin elder was due to appear in court today (Wednesday, January 28, 2015) on “trumped-up charges” which Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) believes are connected with his involvement in the planting of a cross on a hill in Hakha town, Chin State, in April last year.

The Chin State government has ordered the 54 foot-high cross, which it argues has been erected illegally to be removed on January 30th.

The Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) reports that the elder, Tial Cem, has been accused of cutting down pine trees without official permission, in breach of article 42 (b) of the 1992 Forest Law. To date, he has reportedly been summoned to Hakha Township Court six times, and is due to appear in court again today.

If found guilty, he could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

“According to Tial Cem, the charges refer to land situated adjacent to where the cross has been planted and owned by J.P. Biak Tin Sang,” explained a spokesperson for CSW. “An order to remove the cross, issued by the Chin State government, states that failure to dismantle and remove the cross would result in action being taken against J.P. Biak Tin Sang, who was also involved in planting the cross.

“The order stipulates that the cross must be dismantled and removed from Caarcaang Hill in Hakha by January 30th on the basis that it was constructed without permission.”

He went on to say, “Tial Cem told CHRO that they did not seek official permission for the cross as they did not believe it would be granted. Chin Christian organizations face discriminatory restrictions which make it virtually impossible to secure such official permission for religious monuments and buildings.”

According to CHRO’s 2012 report, “Threats to Our Existence: Persecution of Ethnic Chin Christians in Burma”, outlines these restrictions in detail and documents the destruction of 13 Christian crosses in Chin State, four of which were destroyed under the current government.

CSW detailed violations of freedom of religion in its 2007 report, “Carrying the Cross: The military regime’s campaign of restrictions, discrimination, and persecution against Christians in Burma”.

Local people in Hakha have received written permission from the Hakha Township police force to hold demonstrations protesting the government order to remove the cross on February 2 and 3, 2015. Protest organizers have been informed by Chin State Chief Minister Hung Ngai that the cross was planted without seeking official permission from the government, and was therefore illegal, but that the matter would be discussed further at a meeting of the Chin State cabinet, which is likely to take place the week beginning February 2nd.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, said: “The destruction of Christian crosses in Chin State has long been a policy of the Burmese authorities, often accompanied by forcing Chin Christian villagers to build Buddhist pagodas in their place. If Burma is to proceed down a genuine path of reform, it must protect the most basic human right of freedom of religion, and allow Christians in Chin State to construct symbols of their religion in appropriate ways.

“The order to destroy this cross, and the prosecution of the Chin elder, illustrate once again that freedom of religion continues to be violated in Burma. We call on the authorities in Chin State to rescind the order to destroy the cross and to drop the charges against Tial Cem.”

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, e-mail kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Note: Burma, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, commonly shortened to Myanmar, is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand.

Photo captions:

1) A young refugee from Burma's ethnic Chin minority, holds a placard on World Refugee Day (Photo: Reuters/Parivartan Sharma)

2) Prayer site on Calvary Mountain, Hakha (Photo: CHRO)

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Urdu of Oman

Urdu of Oman The term "Urdu" does not adequately describe the Urdu people as such, but is merely a language distinction. Urdu-speaking Muslims are not an ethnic group in a strict sense, but are rather a collection of ethnic groups which have been widely dispersed geographically. They possess a sense of "group identity" based on language, cultural and historical factors. A majority of Urdu speakers live in Pakistan and the northern states of India. Urdu speakers are descendants of immigrants who were the "cream of society" in their own countries. Some are descendants of Arab merchants and soldiers. Others descended from Turks, Persians, and Pashtuns. Although the Urdu are all Muslims, this is no longer a strongly unifying factor. Since entire communities tended to migrate together, different Islamic sects of Urdu speakers are found in different countries. Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition can be expected as Jesus is presented to people. Workers should be prepared but not intimidated by this. Outreach Ideas Perhaps the Urdu will learn of the availability of Jesus film downloads from the web, as well as scripture and other resources. Please pray they will desire to download and use these resources. Pray for the followers of Christ There are probably no followers today of Jesus among the Urdu speakers of Oman. Please pray the Lord will begin stirring the hearts of these people to find out more about Isa (Jesus), as he is known in the Koran. Pray for a curiosity so that when the Gospel comes it will be welcomed. Pray for the entire people group Please pray Urdu-speaking Muslims in all countries of residence will gain an interest in knowing and serving Jesus the Messiah. Scripture Focus "Now to Him who is able to do exceedlingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21		People Name: Urdu Country: Oman 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 65,000 World Population: 1,666,000 Language: Urdu Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Cham, Western of Cambodia

Cham, Western of Cambodia Long ago, the Cham had a strong empire, called Champa, located in southern Vietnam. In 1471, Champa was invaded and destroyed by the Vietnamese, and most freemen and aristocrats fled to Cambodia. In 1975, more than 250,000 Muslim Cham lived in Cambodia. With the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime, however, their population was decimated. Captured and removed from their homes, they were forbidden to speak their native language and forced to eat pork, which is an abomination to Muslims. About 100,000 Cham were said to have been executed. Cham villagers are extremely poor, and their settlements convey a sense of impermanence. They are now largely integrated into the Cambodian lifestyle and many now speak Khmer (Cambodian). Ministry Obstacles This Muslim community living in Buddhist Cambodia may have become especially protective of their culture and their religion. Outreach Ideas Sustained prayer is needed to prepare hearts of the Cham. Gospel recordings and the Jesus film can both be useful in communicating the good news of Jesus. Pray for the followers of Christ There are some believers in Christ among the Cham of Cambodia. Pray the Jesus film and Gospel recordings (which are available) will be taken to these believers. Workers are needed. Pray for the entire people group Pray for improved living conditions for the Cham, for employment opportunities, and for good schools to be available for the children. Scripture Focus "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Revelation 7:9		People Name: Cham, Western Country: Cambodia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 237,000 World Population: 289,000 Language: Cham, Western Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Kalbelia of India

Kalbelia of India The Kalbelia live a nomadic life and have belonged as members of the untouchable castes, shunned by mainstream society. Their main occupation has been catching snakes and trading snake venom. Hence, the dance movements and the costumes of their community bear a resemblance to that of serpents. Traditionally, Kalbelia men carried cobras in cane baskets from door to door in villages while their women sang and danced and begged for alms. They revere the cobra. Kalbelias have traditionally been a fringe group in society, living in spaces outside the village where they reside in makeshift camps called deras. They move their deras from one place to another in a circuitous route. More recently, performing arts are a major source of income for them, and others are employed in agriculture. They are Hindu. Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition can be expected as Jesus is presented to this Hindu community. Workers need to prayerfully prepare for this. Outreach Ideas Perhaps some of the Kalbelia will discover the Jesus film and Gospel recordings on the Internet, as well as scripture. Pray the Lord will prompt them to listen, view and download, and that he will give them understanding. Pray for the followers of Christ None of the Kalbelia community have reported themselves as Christians to the Indian census. There probably are no followers of Jesus among them today. Perhaps the Lord will soon call many to himself, and they will need prayer support. Pray for the entire people group Please pray this low caste community will find ways to improve their standard of living. They need better education for their children, and they need employment opportunities. Scripture Focus "This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14		People Name: Kalbelia Country: India 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 98,000 World Population: 98,000 Language: Hindi Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Ati of China

Ati of China Several hundred years ago, tribes like the Ati lived relatively uninterrupted lives in the hills of central Yunnan. The Han Chinese then flooded the area in massive waves of migration, especially over the last 150 years. Today groups like the Ati, swamped amid the sea of Han Chinese, are barely noticeable to outsiders. As the Han grew in numbers and influence, they forced the Ati off the best land and into the mountains. The Ati were forced to move in order to retain their customs and ethnicity. Those who stayed in the rural areas were soon absorbed culturally and linguistically. The Ati are ardent animists and polytheists. In particular they revere and worship the Dragon god. Most Ati villages have a "dragon tree" set aside for this purpose. Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition will surely be encountered as Jesus is presented to these followers of "the Dragon god". Outreach Ideas Pray for Han Chinese followers of Christ to take an interest in the Ati people, and to be willing to overcome tribal barriers in order to take the news of Jesus to these people. Gospel recordings are available to help with this. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray for the few individuals in the Ati people group who identify themselves as Christians. Pray they will come to truly know Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Pray for the entire people group Pray for the Ati to be completely set free from "the Dragon god". Freedom comes from knowing and serving Jesus Christ. Scripture Focus "...that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else." 1 Kings 8:60		People Name: Ati Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 16,000 World Population: 16,000 Language: Sani Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Palembang of Indonesia

Palembang of Indonesia Palembang is the name of a city and a people group. The Palembang people live mostly in Palembang city, but also live in other areas. A typical Palembang house is designed in a distinctive pyramid shape. Most of their houses are raised, standing above water or land. A child is free to draw family lineage by choosing his family or clan name from the father's or the mother's clan. Other traditions are also "free". For example, a newlywed couple is free to live wherever they want. Although Islamic commitment is very high, the role of the shaman is still prominent in many areas of life. For example, if something is lost or someone is sick, a shaman is usually consulted first. Ministry Obstacles The Palembang is a very large people group, and has a long history of strong commitment to Islam. Outreach Ideas Please pray the very few followers of Jesus among the Palembang will grow in maturity and numbers, such that they will be able to take the good news of Christ to all their own tribe. They will need help from Christians outside the tribe, since the task is large. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray the few followers of Jesus among the Palembang will learn to be joyful always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances. Pray for the entire people group Because of their dependence on rice as their livelihood, the Musi people need irrigation technology so they can make use of the river water for irrigating their rice farms in order to have two or even three harvests a year. Scripture Focus "For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations ... says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11		People Name: Palembang Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 3,098,000 World Population: 3,109,000 Language: Musi Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Badyara, Badyaranke of Guinea

Badyara, Badyaranke of Guinea Most Badyara earn their primary living as subsistence farmers, with villages consisting of 100 to 500 people. Parents do not allow a young couple to marry if they are suspected of loving each other. They believe that the man will lose his power over the woman if he loves her, and vice versa. They are very proud of their unique historical and cultural roots. Islam is the predominant religion. However, they believe that spirits live in the rocks. Each house has a little jar filled with small rocks for protection and appeasement of the spirits. Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition to the Gospel message is always to be expected, and workers should be prepared for it. Outreach Ideas Gospel recordings are available in the Badyara language. Pray for workers to carry these recordings to the people, and for receptive hearts to listen and understand. Pray for the followers of Christ There are a few professing Christians among the Badyara. Pray they will clearly understand the basis of a relationship with God, that is, faith in the finished work of Christ. Pray for accuracy of understanding and faithfulness in practice. Pray for the entire people group Pray for good yields for farm crops, and for good farming practices. Pray also for employment opportunities for the youth of the tribe. Scripture Focus "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Revelation 7:9		People Name: Badyara, Badyaranke Country: Guinea 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 9,500 World Population: 16,000 Language: Badyara Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Rangrez, Muslim of Pakistan

Rangrez, Muslim of Pakistan The word 'rangrez' means a dyer in the Persian language, and the community has been connected with this occupation, while others were tailors and washermen. They have three subdivisions: the Lalgarh, Nilgarh, and Chhipi. Chhipi are placed in the lowest position, because they dyed and printed clothes; whereas the Lalgarh and Nilgarh generally prepare color from indigo. They are a Sunni Muslim community. They also visit the shrines of various Sufi saints found in North India, such as Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Rangrez now have Other Backward caste status in most states of North India. There are a number of Rangrez caste associations. Quite a few Rangrez have immigrated to Pakistan. Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition may be the strongest barrier to the Gospel in Pakistan. Outreach Ideas Electronic communication offers wonderful opportunities for the Gospel in countries otherwise closed to Christian workers. Radio, Internet, satellite television – all are helpful. Pray for the followers of Christ None of the Rangrez have identified themselves as Christians to the census, not in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, or Nepal. There may be a few secret believers, and these people need prayer support. Pray they will find each other for mutual encouragement and instruction. Pray for the entire people group Please pray the Rangrez community will be increasingly drawn to the man Isa (Jesus) as the Koran is read in the mosque. Pray the Lord will open their minds and hearts to understand and believe that Jesus is deity, the son of God, and that he died for our sins. Scripture Focus "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20		People Name: Rangrez, Muslim Country: Pakistan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 64,000 World Population: 364,000 Language: Panjabi, Western Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Nguan of Laos

Nguan of Laos The Nguan live in stilted houses. Craftsmen carve images into the stilts. Their villages are arranged with the houses in a circular pattern, facing towards a communal house in the middle. The Nguan divide into two main clans, which are named after two different kinds of birds: Sim Takok and Sim Ome. To the clan members, these birds are sacred and must never be killed. The Nguan are animists. They sacrifice chickens to appease the spirit of the forest, kill pigs to placate the spirit of the village, and cows or buffaloes to the spirit of the house. Shamans are still active among the Nguan. Their main job is to preside over the annual rice festival, when a pig is sacrificed. Ministry Obstacles Laos does not offer a welcome to Christian workers. Creative means of access is helpful. Outreach Ideas Perhaps workers will be sent to the nominal Christians in this tribe, to disciple them such that they will grow in numbers and maturity. They have the potential of reaching their own people with the Gospel. Pray for the followers of Christ There are several Nguan who would identify themselves as Christians, but they may have only a superficial understanding of what knowing and following Christ means. Pray the Lord's Spirit will give them understanding. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Nguan tribe will be set free from worshipping created things, and will come to understand there is a way they can know the Creator God. Jesus is that Way. Scripture Focus "For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations ... says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11		People Name: Nguan Country: Laos 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 34,000 World Population: 34,000 Language: Khmu Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: Portions Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Arab, Iranian of Iran

Arab, Iranian of Iran More than one million Arabs have spilled across the Iraqi-Iranian border to live in Iran. Iranian Arabs have remained culturally isolated from most other Iranians, and live a wide variety of lifestyles. Although they remain devoted Muslims, in cities there has been a gradual decline of traditional practices among Iranian Arabs. For example, those living in cities generally give women a greater degree of freedom than those in rural areas. Those in rural areas tend to be loyal to their communities, have high standards of hospitality, and place great emphasis on family honor. Most Iranians are Shi'ite Muslims, including Iranian Arabs. Ministry Obstacles The Iranian government strives to keep Christian influence and presence in the country to a minimum, or to eliminate it entirely. Outreach Ideas The Lord is building his church in Iran. Pray for Iranian Arabs to be included as the Holy Spirit moves in this land, drawing people to Jesus. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray for the followers of Jesus Christ among the Arabs of Iran. Pray they will represent Christ well, and be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Pray for the entire people group Pray for Iranian Arabs to be given a growing interest in Jesus the Messiah. Perhaps he will show himself to many through dreams and visions. Scripture Focus "This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14		People Name: Arab, Iranian Country: Iran 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 1,405,000 World Population: 1,405,000 Language: Arabic, Mesopotamian Spoken Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2