Jumat, 31 Juli 2015

MENJANGKAU DAN MENGASIHI ORANG-ORANG KETURUNAN ISMAEL BAGI KRISTUS

MENJANGKAU DAN MENGASIHI ORANG-ORANG KETURUNAN ISMAEL BAGI KRISTUS

1. Mengajarkan Kristus.

Telah dikembangkan sebuah metode baru dalam memberitakan Injil kepada orang-orang keturunan Ismael, yang disebut jalur kenabian. Metode ini diadaptasi dengan baik untuk pengajaran, traktat, dan bercerita dengan alat-alat khusus, seperti gelang-gelang dan buku-buku tanpa kata. Cara ini sekarang digunakan oleh pekerja-pekerja dari beberapa organisasi di Amerika, Timur Tengah, Asia, Afrika, dan Eropa.

Kasih terbesar bagi orang-orang keturunan Ismael adalah dengan menceritakan Injil kepada mereka. Akan tetapi, doktrin-doktrin keturunan Ismael memiliki "tembok-tembok penghalang" terhadap metode-metode pengabaran Injil secara tradisional. Mereka berpikir kita bodoh karena memercayai bahwa Allah bersedia menjadi manusia dan mati bagi dosa-dosa kita. Kami mendapati, bahkan ketika orang-orang keturunan Ismael "mengucapkan doa" untuk menerima Kristus setelah penyampaian penginjilan tradisional, mereka biasanya tidak memahami hal tersebut. Sebagai contoh, seseorang berkata kepada Dr. C, "Oh ya, kami memiliki doa yang sama dalam kitab kami." Jelas, ada kebutuhan pemahaman yang lebih mendalam terhadap pesan Injil.

Metode jalur kenabian dipelopori oleh salah satu penginjil (juga seorang peneliti) dari Timur Tengah, setelah bertahun-tahun memenangkan orang-orang keturunan Ismael bagi Kristus di tiga benua. Metode ini memperlihatkan Injil secara kronologis dengan menggunakan tokoh-tokoh Alkitab yang dikenal umum oleh umat keturunan Ismael, tetapi berbeda dengan beberapa metode yang mengontekstualisasikan Injil, pengajaran-pengajaran dari Alkitab, bukan kitab mereka.

Kehidupan para tokoh dalam Perjanjian Lama, yang disebut oleh orang keturunan Ismael sebagai "nabi-nabi", digunakan untuk membuat langkah-langkah setahap yang mengarah pada Injil. Cara ini menggunakan istilah yang tidak asing bagi mereka, termasuk kata "Allah". Beberapa orang Kristen menolak menggunakan kata tersebut sebagai kata ganti "Tuhan", dengan menunjukkan perbedaan karakter antara Allah dan TUHAN. Kami setuju dengan perbedaan tersebut dan kami sengaja membahasnya dalam pengenalan Injil. Akan tetapi, orang-orang Kristen dari semua denominasi dan Alkitab di Timur Tengah menggunakan kata "Allah" sehingga kita juga menggunakannya. Yesus adalah sebuah mawar yang dengan nama apa pun akan tetap merebak wangi!

Hal yang biasanya tidak disadari oleh orang Kristen adalah hampir setiap kalimat dalam metode ini, sampai Yesaya disebutkan, berkaitan dengan konsep dalam keturunan Ismael. Sebagai contoh, pengorbanan anak Abraham berkaitan dengan peristiwa yang paling suci dalam komunitas mereka, Perayaan Kurban, yang masih dirayakan dengan pengorbanan darah sampai hari ini. (Hati-hati untuk tidak teralihkan kepada persoalan Ishak vs Ismail dalam pengorbanan.)

Orang-orang keturunan Ismael percaya "tidak ada seorang pun diselamatkan, yang terpisah dari belas kasihan Allah". Kami sepakat dengan hal itu. Akan tetapi, metode jalur kenabian menekankan bahwa Allah adalah sangat murah hati, dan Ia telah menunjukkan kepada kita bahwa keadilan-Nya menuntut pengorbanan darah. Hanya di dalam Yesus, keadilan dan belas kasih Allah seimbang.

Dari waktu ke waktu, ketika kami menjelaskan Injil dengan cara ini, umat keturunan Ismael menjadi kagum. Kami melihat "klik" (titik temu - Red.) dalam mata mereka. Akhirnya, mereka mengerti apa yang sebelumnya tampak tidak masuk akal. Hal ini tidak berarti bahwa mereka menerimanya. Tugas kita adalah untuk menyampaikan kebenaran dengan jelas dan berdoa agar Roh memanfaatkan momen tersebut (Yohanes 4:24; 2 Korintus 4:2; Yohanes 6:44).

2. Lihat bahan-bahan untuk jalan kenabian dalam beberapa bahasa dan format.

Ayat-ayat favorit yang dapat digunakan selama bekerja dengan orang-orang keturunan Ismael: banyak ayat dalam Kitab Suci menjadi memiliki pemahaman yang baru setelah menceritakan iman Anda kepada mereka. Kami mengetahui bahwa hal-hal ini sangat membantu, dan kami menyarankan Anda untuk merenungkannya. Terutama, habiskanlah waktu untuk berpikir secara mendalam dan berdoa tentang alasan Yesus datang ke bumi, dan penebusan-Nya:

Yohanes 4:24 - "Allah itu Roh dan barangsiapa menyembah Dia, harus menyembah-Nya dalam roh dan kebenaran."
Yohanes 6:44 - "Tidak ada seorangpun yang dapat datang kepada-Ku, jikalau ia tidak ditarik oleh Bapa yang mengutus Aku, dan ia akan Kubangkitkan pada akhir zaman."
Lukas 1:35 - Anak rohani dari Allah.
Roma 3:21-27 - keadilan dan penebusan.
Yohanes 5:31-39 - Yesus menyampaikan tiga alasan mengapa kita harus mengikut Dia.
Yesaya 9:6 - memprediksi "Allah yang perkasa, Bapa yang kekal" akan datang ke bumi. Disimpan dalam gulungan kitab di Laut Mati sebelum Kristus.
Yesaya 53 - Mesias sebagai korban bagi kita.
Ibrani 2:10 - tepat bahwa Allah menderita karena segala sesuatu adalah milik-Nya.
Yohanes 4:48 - ada beberapa orang yang memerlukan keajaiban untuk dapat percaya.

Mari kita berdoa untuk mereka! (t/N. Risanti)

Manobo, Umayamnon in Philippines

Manobo, Umayamnon in Philippines
The Umayamnon are one of several subgroups of Manobo in the Philippines. The different subgoups are highly dispersed on the island of Mindanao. The Umayamnon live within the headwaters of Pulangi River in Bukidnon Province and Umayam River in Agusan del Sur. Agricultural production is supplemented by hunting and food gathering. They live very ordinary lives, mostly dependent on below subsistence-level upland farming, fishing from the river, and gathering non-timber natural resources. Their existence and survival are being threatened in their ancestral land by migrants and some other sub-tribes of Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur. They live far below the poverty line.
Ministry Obstacles
Lack of workers may prevent this tribe from learning more fully about the way of salvation found in Jesus Christ.
Outreach Ideas
There are many evangelical Christians in the Philippines. Pray the Lord will lead some to the Umayamnon Manobo, to tell them about Jesus.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are a few individuals in this tribe who have professed Christianity. Please pray they will accurately understand what it means to receive Christ as Savior and Lord, and to be real disciples of Christ. They need teachers to help them in this matter.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Umayamnon tribe will find ways to raise their standard of living. Their children need education, and they need employment opportunities and improved medical care.
Scripture Focus
"Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name." 1 Chronicles 16:28-29
 

People Name: Manobo, Umayamnon
Country: Philippines
10/40 Window: No
Population: 6,800
World Population: 6,800
Language: Manobo, Agusan
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Bible: New Testament
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2

Pakistani Christian Innocent of Blasphemy Charges

Pakistani Christian Innocent of Blasphemy Charges
By Michael Ireland, Senior Reporter, ASSIST News Service answritermike@gmail.com
GUJRANWALA, PAKISTAN (ANS, July 28, 2015) – A Pakistani Christian believer has been acquitted and declared innocent of blasphemy charges after the complainant told the Sessions Judge that he was innocent and did not commit the alleged offense.
According to LEAD (Legal Evangelical Association Development) www.leadfamily.blogspot.com, Arif Masih was on July 25, 2015, acquitted and declared innocent of blasphemy charges by the court of Mr. Iftikhar Husain Cheema, Additional and Sessions Judge of Wazirabad, after the complainant of the case, Mr. Khuram Shahzad, told the court Masif was innocent and did not commit any offence.
mi Location of Gujranwala in Punjab ProvinceIn an e-mail update on the case, LEAD says that in October 2013, two brothers -- Tariq Masih and Arif Masih -- had been falsely accused of blasphemy at Thatha Faqir Ullah, a Christian Colony of Wazirabad city, Gujranwala District (FIR -- First Informiation Report -- Number 533/2013, dated October 29, 2013) under section 295 B PPC was registered at the Waziranbad Police Station Saddar against them.
In the e-mail, received by the ASSIST News Service, LEAD stated: “Our colleague Mr. Nadeem Masih, a Christian lawyer, worked diligently and made agreed the complainant and witnesses with the help of family of the victim to give their statements in the favor of the accused in the court and the complainant gave his statement, which was considered by the court and the accused released.”
LEAD explained that Tariq Masih worked at the cutlery factory and in his spare time used to sell firecrackers to earn extra money. His brother Arif Masih was working on the Pakistan Railway. He is stated to have been innocent. Tariq, the main accused in the case, has relocated to Thailand.
On October 25, 2013, Muzammil Malik bought the firecrackers from Tariq Masih for the wedding of Muhammad Zahid. Some of the firecrackers did not work properly, according to the complaint made by Khurram Shahzad, and when the firecrackers did not crack, he opened them and noticed they were made with pages from the Quran. This was also stated by Tajjamul Butt and Muhammad Waris, witnesses to the case. Tariq Masih relocated to Thailand and Arif Masih was arrested, charged, and acquitted.
Gujranwala is an industrial city in Gujranwala District, Punjab province of Pakistan, and is the seventh-most-populous Pakistani metropolitan area.
LEAD is an advocacy and legal aid organization working in Pakistan fighting for minorities' rights and defends victims of blasphemy laws. It promotes awareness through its educational projects. The organization is a registered relief, development, advocacy and free legal aid organization dedicated to working with children, families, communities, Churches and different denominations to overcome poverty and injustice. LEAD requests moral and physical support for uplifting the poor and Christian community, see www.leadfamily.blogspot.com.
Michael Ireland small usePhoto One: Location of Gujranwala
Photo Two: Michael Ireland
About the writer: Michael Ireland is a Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as a volunteer Internet Journalist and Ordained Minister who has served with ASSIST Ministries and ASSIST News Service since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. Click http://paper.li/Michael_ASSIST/1410485204 to see a daily digest of Michael's stories for ANS.
** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).

Syrian Refugee Crisis Meets Greek Debt Crisis

Syrian Refugee Crisis Meets Greek Debt Crisis
From Christian Aid Mission (www.christianaid.org) -- For Immediate Release
Contact: Amie Cotton APR, +1 (434) 327-1240, Amie@christianaid.org
GREECE (ANS – July 28, 2015) -- Fallout from Greece's international debt crisis is expected to further squeeze war-ravaged arrivals from Syria, but the refugees and an indigenous group serving them are rising to the challenge.
Greek Debt Crisis 2 Christian Aid MissionBanks reopened in Greece on Monday (July 20), after three weeks of shut-down to avert a crash while the government scrambled to obtain a bailout from international creditors. The first days of the shut-down, however, left the ministry to Syrian refugees, Bridges, with a cash shortage.
Bridges Directors Ilias and Voula Antouan considered skipping distribution of one Wednesday of groceries due to the crisis, Voula Antouan said. They explained the situation to their core group of Syrian refugees, seeing it also as an opportunity to inform them about European issues.
The directors were pleasantly surprised and encouraged when the Syrians they have worked so hard to serve offered to help them in return.
“They looked at us and said, ‘I have got some money; I will lend it to you, and you give it back when this ends,’” Voula Antouan said. “We really have to admit that God has been our shield and protection, as we went through these capital controls as if they never existed. That Wednesday we were able to provide groceries for about 209 people.”
Throughout June, the ministry provided 850 Syrians with groceries and clothes, she added.
Some 31,000 refugees, most of them from Syria, came to Greece in June. The capital controls that began June 29 included the closure of money transfer offices such as Western Union that refugees rely on.
“The refugees are using mainly, if not exclusively, Western Union to transfer money,” Antouan said. “By my point of view, this is partially good, as this way they were not able to transfer money to their smugglers.”
After seeing their homes in Syria bombed and their relatives killed, refugees in Greece now struggle to afford housing and food. That task became tougher this week, as terms of Greece's bailout include a 23 percent tax, up from 13 percent, on many food and other items. In exchange for bridge loans to make payments on debt to the International Monetary Fund and the European Union, Greece agreed to the tax hikes as well as privatizations that are expected to drive other prices higher.
“More effects will be brought to the surface, as we shall have about a 10 percent increase on many of our groceries plus on many other services,” Antouan said.
The ministry works with several social, medical and other agencies not only to meet basic needs of refugees but to advocate on their behalf. Though small, the group is one of the most effective groups ministering to refugees in Greece; the Antouans’ sometimes laugh when the larger agencies to which it refers refugees suggest they return to Bridges for help.
“When we send our people to other agencies to find help, they come back to us with a piece of paper and laughter as they show it to us, saying, ‘They told me that if I want to get help I have to call Ilias, and they wrote his name and phone here,’” Antouan said.
Most of the refugees are passing through Greece enroute to other destinations, so their priorities are food and shelter, as well as attaining legal status that will smooth their paths elsewhere. Bridges helps them with these needs, especially temporary housing, as it addresses their deepest spiritual needs. Refugees regularly put their trust in Jesus.
Christian Aid Mission new logo“During June we had the joy to lead many Syrians to Jesus and baptize four of them,” Antouan said. “Out of those, three are already in other European countries building their new life.”
At times the directors feel it is impossible to fully grasp the hardship the refugees face. Antouan said she and her husband asked the fourth person baptized, formerly Muslim, if he would share his faith with his wife, who is still in Syria. He replied, “If I do that by phone, there are two possibilities: My wife and children will be either kidnapped or murdered.”
The new Christian has asked for prayer to get his wife and children out of Syria and bring them to Greece.
Hundreds of refugees are coming to the Greek islands every day. The ministry receives calls daily from people from Syria and elsewhere – Egypt, Turkey and Jordan, among others – looking for assistance in a country reeling from economic crisis that, even in the best of times, is ill-equipped to receive them. Shelters, medical services and jobs are in short supply.
Smugglers are getting rich from Syrians' despair, Antouan said. In spite of their hardship and vulnerability, those who arrive seek to give as much as they receive, she said.
“We have a 5-year-old boy who is here with his mother; the parents are divorced,” she said. “He lost his voice when their house was bombed before they left Syria. He is under psychological tests. The mother has legalized herself in Greece and is helping us with groceries and clothing distribution, organizing our storage, and doing home visits, as she is still unemployed.”
Whenever the ministry can afford it, it supports the mother financially, as she works with all her heart alongside the ministry team, she said.
Last month, at least 25 refugees benefitting from Bridges left for other European countries, but the number attending the ministry's worship meetings remains constant with the continual stream of newcomers. The directors strive to remain in contact with those who leave, and they have considered starting Bridges branches in the European countries in which the refugees are settling. Those departing regularly ask the Antouans’ when are they coming to countries such as Belgium, Germany or Sweden.
“We are blessed to hear their voices before they go, saying, 'You must help us to start the same there!’” Antouan said. “We are blessed to see how Jesus changes hearts and rebuilds broken lives so that then they become servants of others.”
To help support ministry to Syrian refugees in Greece, you may contribute online at http://www.christianaid.org/Gifts/Basket.aspx,  or call 434-977-5650. If you prefer to mail your gift, please mail to Christian Aid Mission, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906, USA.
Photo caption: Syrian refugees can still be seen living on the streets of Athens. (Photo: Christian Aid Mission). 2) Christian Aid Mission logo.
Note: Christian Aid Mission is an evangelical missionary organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that assists indigenous missionary ministries overseas through prayer, advocacy and financial support. Since 1953, Christian Aid Mission has identified, evaluated and assisted more than 1,500 ministries in more than 130 countries that are reaching the unreached for Christ in areas of the world where there is no witness for Christ, where Christians suffer from poverty or persecution, or where foreign missionaries are not allowed. Today, we assist more than 500 ministries overseas with tens of thousands of indigenous or native missionaries in the field. These ministries are currently working among more than 1,000 people groups in 100+ countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.christianaid.org.
** You may republish this story with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)

Zhaba in China

Zhaba in China
The Zhaba are counted as part of the Tibetan nationality, although they speak a Qiangic language. Sexual promiscuity has long been rife among the Zhaba. They worship a wide variety of demons and ghosts. These influences date back to the pre-Buddhist Tibetan religion of Bon. They believe large demons live inside mountains, and so they offer frequent sacrifices to appease them. There are no known Christians among the Zhaba, although there are a few Tibetan Catholics farther west near Litang.
Ministry Obstacles
The Zhaba have been in bondage to evil spiritual forces for many generations. These bonds are not easily broken.
Outreach Ideas
Workers need to find ways to assist these people with their material and physical needs, as well as with spiritual needs.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Even though there are no known followers of Jesus among the Zhaba people today, pray that the Spirit of God would be even now preparing the people to receive the gospel with gladness.
Pray for the entire people group
The Zhaba lead hard lives. Workers seeking to reach them will need to help them physically and not just spiritually. Pray for greatly improved living conditions for the Zhaba.
Scripture Focus
"Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." Matthew 25:40
 

People Name: Zhaba
Country: China
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 8,400
World Population: 8,400
Language: Zhaba
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Bible: None
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1


Concern grows for Pakistani-Christian girls who are seen as easy targets for forced conversion through rape

Concern grows for Pakistani-Christian girls who are seen as easy targets for forced conversion through rape
By Michael Ireland, Senior Reporter, ASSIST News Service answritermike@gmail.com
PUNJAB, PAKISTAN (ANS, July 29, 2015) -- A Christian mother of three who was kidnapped and raped by her Muslim landlord, has again highlighted the dangers faced by young women who are followers of Christ.
According to the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA) www.britishpakistanichristians.org,   the incident occurred on July 23, 2015 when Fouzia Sadiq was abducted from a field located at at Burj Mahalam, Chak No.35, Pattoki**, located in Punjab Province of Pakistan, where she worked on as a bonded laborer.
mi BPCA Officer Mehwish Prays with victim familyBPCA says details of the abduction have not yet been made public. However, Muslim landlord Muhammed Nazir employed the whole family, including the children in a form of modern day slavery, paying very little money and providing squalid shelter. The husband signed a contract with a thumbprint because he was unable to read it. Only 7 percent of Christians attain an adequate level of literacy.
In an e-mail update, obtained by ASSIST News, BPCA says: “This family has been oppressed for generations and when they discovered their daughter had been abducted they approached the landlord's house and were told by the brother that she would be returned shortly. The family simply waited prayerfully for the return of their daughter and told no-one of the incident. The next day when they returned for their daughter they were threatened with violence and warned not to say anything as the girl was now property of Muhammed Nazir who had married her after she had allegedly accepted Islam.”
BPCA said its officer Mehwish Bhatti has travelled to the location to speak with the family and has offered help, which the family have accepted. “We will be placing the family in our BPCA safe house and have already coordinated a solicitor who will challenge the local Police station to register an FIR (First Incident Report).”
Iqra Sadiq, Fouzia's sister, said: "My sister has been missing for five days and police are refusing to register an FIR, my heart is broken. Our landlord is a cruel man and we have been starving since he stopped the little payment that was due to us. We have no power and have to face such injustice, please help us!"
BPCA says Mehwish Bhatti left enough money for the family to survive and travel to its secret safe house. The family consist of Father Sadiq Masih (60) who is paralyzed and cannot work, his wife Bashira (55), and seven children. “Mehwish left enough money for the family to feed themselves and to travel to our safe house. We are desperately going to need donations to help them further,” the advocacy group said.
BPCA says tragedies such as these are not rare, but commonplace and in their April 2014 report "Movement of Solidarity and Peace in Pakistan" stated that 1,000 girls are abducted, raped and forced into Islamic marriage every year, 700 of which are estimated to be Christian girls.
BPCA cites the latter’s report, which states: "....cases of forced marriages/conversions follow a distinctive pattern: Christian girls — usually between the ages of 12 and 25 — are abducted, converted to Islam, and married to the abductor or third party. The victim’s family usually files a First Information Report (FIR) for abduction or rape with the local police station. The abductor, on behalf of the victim girl, files a counter FIR, accusing the Christian family of harassing the willfully-converted and married girl, and for conspiring to convert the girl back to Christianity. Upon production in the courts or before the magistrate, the victim girl is asked to testify whether she converted and married of her own free will or if she was abducted. (In most cases, the girl remains in custody of the abductor while judicial proceedings are carried out). Upon the girl’s pronouncement that she willfully converted and consented to the marriage, the case is settled without relief for the family. Once in the custody of the abductor, the victim girl may be subjected to sexual violence, rape, forced prostitution, human trafficking and sale, or other domestic abuse."
According to the BPCA email, in Jan 2012, The News (http://www.thenews.com.pk) reported on a Muslim brothel that had been created with Christian rape and forced conversion victims, in a place called Ayub Goth, near the town of Essa Nagri in Karachi, only meters away from a Catholic Church.
BPCA states: “Moreover, Muslim men gather in the very same Christian area every evening armed with guns and pick which houses they will loot and which girls will be raped. In one incident, an elderly mother from Essa Nagri, told The News. ‘I had to bear the screaming of her two daughters while she was behind a locked door in another room crying and praying.’ She has been quoted as saying: ‘I saw two of my daughters being raped in front of me.’ It is considered that Chooras have no integrity.’ She says that around midnight, men from other areas start gathering in their neighborhood. ‘They are usually drunk. They choose which home they will plunder.’”
The BPCA is currently providing shelter for the family of Sherish and Farzana and free legal aid, after the two sisters were abducted at gunpoint, brutalized and gang-raped for more than 12 hours.
These sisters were then dumped naked and unconscious in the same field they were kidnapped from and found by their father and a friend who had been up all night searching for them. The girls were left vulnerable as their annual earnings were GBP£592 (USD$925) per year, meaning they could not afford a toilet at their home and had to use a local field to relieve themselves. When the sisters' family took the case to the local police they were ignored until humanitarian pressure resulted in an FIR being laid and arrests being made.
BPCA’s Mehwish Bhatti stated: “The pain felt by our sisters in Pakistan wounds the heart of our community. Latest victim Fouzia Bibi was a mother of three, yet she may still be forced to remain in the forced Islamic marriage despite existing legal precedents from Lahore High court which clearly state that a ‘married Christian woman cannot be remarried to a Muslim even if converted. Sexual abuse against religious minority women is covered under Hadu’d laws – which does not distinguish rape from adultery and gives the same punishment in both cases. Moreover, these cases are tried in Islamic Shari’a courts which are permitted to give punishments to non-Muslims but forbid the appearance of non-Muslim lawyers in court or to be a presiding officer. Non-Muslims are also not considered equal witnesses to Muslims in Shari’a courts. Worse still, radical clerics and imams in their mosques and madrassers preach that if you rape non-Muslim minority women then you will obtain a special status in heaven.’"
He added: "I fear for Fouzia and will pray endlessly for our sister as she has to fight a system set up to undermine Christians. When courts make judgements in these cases more often than not, they forgo the age limit allowing forcible marriages of girls under the legal age of 14, discounting family objections and basing decisions on the testimonies of weeping victims. Victims who claim to be consenting to the marriage and having adopted Islam, when the girls have never been removed from the custody of the assailants and are threatened with violence to them and their families if they dare to speak the truth. In such cases the authority of a Muslim man's words significantly outweighs that of Christians, so they have little hope of ever retrieving Fouzia from a life of pain, brutality and debauchery."
Mehwish Bhatti concluded: "These injustices have been allowed to continue unchecked by a government insouciant to the concerns of their largest minority. While the west continues to fund Pakistan through large foreign aid subsidies, they make themselves more complicit in the ongoing genocide of minorities living there. The BPCA has so often called for a cessation of Britain's foreign aid budget to Pakistan or use of the budget as a lever for change in the poor human rights record of Pakistan. But realpolitick based on intrinsic trade agreements and ostensible ally status of Pakistan in the war against terror have created little appetite in our heartless politicians for such action.”
**Pattoki is a town in the Kasur District of the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is the headquarters of Pattoki Tehsil, an administrative subdivision of the district. It is the only city in Pakistan that has a flower market mainly for roses. The city is known as "The City of Flowers."
Photo One: BPCA Officer Mehwish Bhatti prays with the victim family (Courtesy BPCA).
Photo Two: Michael Ireland
Michael Ireland small useAbout the writer: Michael Ireland is a Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as a volunteer Internet Journalist and Ordained Minister who has served with ASSIST Ministries and ASSIST News Service since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. Click http://paper.li/Michael_ASSIST/1410485204 to see a daily digest of Michael's stories for ANS.
** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).

Islamic State executioner Jihadi John on the run

Islamic State executioner Jihadi John on the run
By Mark Ellis, Special to ASSIST News Service
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ANS - July 29, 2015) -- Notorious executioner Mohammed Emwazi is believed to have fled Islamic State because he believes the terror-based caliphate has no further use for him, according to a report by the UK-based Daily Express.
It is thought that Emwazi, also known as Jihadi John, left the hyper-militant group a few weeks ago and is on the run in Syria – reportedly headed for North Africa. A U.S. intelligence source was quoted as saying he is hiding in Libya.
Kuwaiti-born Emwazi is wanted for the horrific beheadings of journalists and aid workers Stephen Sotloff, James Foley, David Haines, Alan Henning and Peter Kassig.
Jihadi John Mark EllisJihadi John first appeared in an August 2014 video, dressed completely in black with only his eyes exposed. He spoke with a British accent, but authorities did not reveal his identity until February. He has not been seen in any videos since January, leading some to speculate he might be dead.
Islamic State would drop him “like a stone or worse if they feel he is no longer of any use to them,” a source told the Daily Express. “So it is possible he will end up suffering the same fate as his victims”.
The British terrorist, originally from London, was said to be unnerved by the publicity he received after he was identified as the murderer of the British and American hostages, according to the source. He knows British and US Special Forces in Iraq and Syria are hunting for him. They would like to apprehend or kill the 26-year-old terrorist.
Emwazi is alarmed by the fact that his unmasking has reduced his value as an Islamic State killer, according to the Daily Express.
A school friend of the terrorist said Emwazi was “not a good Muslim” during his school years. He dressed “like a gangster rapper, smoked drugs, drank and was violent towards other boys,” the anonymous friend told the Daily Express.
“The fact he portrays himself as a strict Muslim is laughable and shameful. I never saw him pray or wear Islamic dress – he would not even mention religion at all.”
Photo caption: The shocking act of beheading David Haines.
About the writer: Mark Ellis is a senior correspondent for the ASSIST News Service and also the founder of www.Godreports.com,  a website that shares stories, testimonies and videos from the church around the world to build interest and involvement in world missions.
** You may republish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)   

Konjo Coastal in Indonesia

Konjo Coastal in Indonesia
The Coastal Konjo are a community which maintains traditional ways of living, such as wearing black clothes, not using tools and practicing occultism as part of their animistic worship. They have never had a king and do not follow a system of social stratification like other Konjo groups. They tend to be materialistic and proud. They demonstrate a competitive desire to gain more wealth but spend lavishly to impress others. They also feel that they must protect their siri (honor/self-esteem), as well as that of the community. They are Muslim, however animistic practices are still maintained and the Islamic religious leader does not have much influence. The people choose him for leading religious ceremonies and duties in the mosque. An Amma Toa (old father) from the Konjo Hitam is regarded as the religious leader in the area and is feared because of his magical powers.
Ministry Obstacles
This people group is strongly committed to their traditions, and they are a proud people.
Outreach Ideas
Gospel recordings are available in their language. Pray for workers to take these to the people.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Please pray for those few individuals in this tribe who are Christians. Pray they will clearly understand what it means to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, trusting him fully for forgiveness of sin and for power to live this life.
Pray for the entire people group
The Coastal Konjo need to be prepared for encountering the changes of the modern world so that they can adapt to the changing world without losing their identity. They need leaders who understand loyalty to traditional customs while also introducing new and beneficial practices. Pray for these things.
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: Konjo Coastal
Country: Indonesia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 217,000
World Population: 217,000
Language: Konjo, Coastal
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:
1.2

Pepperdine students chose to serve Syrian refugees during summer break

Pepperdine students chose to serve Syrian refugees during summer break
By Mark Ellis, Special to ASSIST News Service
Caleb Scott Mark EllisSOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ANS - July 30, 2015) -- Caleb Scott and Ben Drolet will be juniors next year at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. While some students may have chosen to surf the waves in Malibu during their summer vacation, these two Jesus-followers decided to minister to Syrian refugees in northern Jordan for almost six weeks.
As International Studies majors, they had been following the warfare in Syria and the tragic plight of refugee families victimized by the crisis. “We wanted to be part of the solution,” Caleb says.
They emailed several ministries working with refugees and a Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Mafraq, Jordan was the first to respond to the young men’s inquiry. “They needed workers and asked us to come,” Caleb notes.
Weeks later they found themselves at the church, ideally located in the heart of the city, only eight miles from the Syrian border. While the al-Zaatari refugee camp – located nearby – holds 81,000 Syrian refugees, there are another 76,000 refugees in the city — essentially overflow from the camp.
Caleb and Ben helped distribute food boxes, medical supplies, mattresses, gas stoves, blankets and pillows. “When we delivered the food we would drink tea with them and share about Jesus,” Caleb notes. “Many were very open to hearing about Jesus, especially because of the violence they’re seeing.”
“Two people told us we as Christians are doing more for them than their Muslim brothers,” he adds.
Caleb met one Bedouin nomad’s family with 20 children. “I met with them every week and they were excited to hear Bible stories,” Caleb says. “The father would not let us start telling the stories until everyone in the family was there.”
Photo caption: Caleb Scott with his guitar.
About the writer: Mark Ellis is a senior correspondent for the ASSIST News Service and also the founder of www.Godreports.com,  a website that shares stories, testimonies and videos from the church around the world to build interest and involvement in world missions.
** You may republish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net

The forgotten crisis in Central African Republic

The forgotten crisis in Central African Republic
By Michael Ireland, Senior Reporter, ASSIST News Service answritermike@gmail.com
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (ANS, July 30, 2015) -- On July 25, 2014, a ceasefire was signed between the two main warring groups in the Central African Republic: a predominantly Muslim rebel coalition known as Séléka, and violent vigilante groups who opposed their advance through the country, which became known as the “anti-Balaka” (“Balaka” means “machete”), according to World Watch Monitor www.worldwatchmonitor.org.
World Watch Monitor says that a year later, the Central African Republic may have dropped out of global news headlines, but the suffering of its people has continued.
In an online article, World Watch Monitor says that International intervention by UN forces helped to restore security in the cities its forces occupied, but it left the interior largely unprotected and open for armed militias. UN troops have been accused of not doing enough to protect the local population and even of committing atrocities themselves.
mi Map of Central African Republic Open Doros Intl. 07 30 2015World Watch Monitor, which is particularly concerned with reporting on the underlying causes of persecution and aims to connect the dots to reveal the forces behind acts of violence and injustice, says the Séléka rebel movement, together with the local Muslim population (consisting of mainly Chadian and Sudanese migrant descent and Fulani Mbororo herdsmen) continues to dominate the north and east of the country, while the anti-Balaka holds sway in the south and west, virtually dividing the country into two halves.
“Despite the peace agreement, Central Africans – particularly those in the northeast – are still tormented by persistent violence. Access to the northeast is very limited, as road travel is impossible and there are no commercial flights,” the organization says.
“World Watch Monitor has heard reports of Fulani herdsmen abducting hundreds of people in the northeast, subjecting them to hard labor and using women as sex slaves. The herdsmen also reportedly invaded the towns of Mbres and Bria, where they killed many Christians, burning down their homes and churches and forcing many to flee. Pastors were hunted down and killed,” the group reports.
In an analysis piece written for the web and posted July 29, 2015, World Watch Monitor describes the experiences of three Central Africans contacted by an anonymous source, which provide further insight into the horrors still being experienced by Christians.
Lucien
Lucien Debriel, 48, is a pastor from a village in the north of the country, near the market town of Kaga Bandoro. He explained: “When Séléka arrived in Kaga Bandoro, the sound of gunfire from heavy weapons could be heard from all directions.”
World Watch Monitor says that when he heard the rebels coming, Debriel hid at home with his wife Angelique and their six children, but they were then forced to listen as the rebels killed three of their neighbors and dumped their bodies in nearby boreholes.
Terrified and traumatized, his family fled, joining other villagers hiding in the bush, but Debriel said the stress of the situation proved too much for his wife Angelique, who became ill and died soon after. She was only 42.
“While we were still mourning,” Debriel explained, “one of her family members who belonged to Séléka came into the bush with others and accused me of having killed Angelique by neglecting her health. He said I had to pay a fine of CFAF 250,000 [just over $400USD].”
Some Christians helped raise money, knowing that the man would kill Debriel if he did not pay up. But they could gather only CFAF 100,000 (just over $160USD).
“They [Séléka] said the money was not enough … They took my goats and six bags of groundnuts. They also took the church’s musical instruments,” Debriel said.
Séléka returned again a few days later to demand the rest of the money, but Debriel had nothing to give, World Watch Monitor reported.
“When I told them I had no more to give, they again threatened to kill me and destroyed the church benches,” he said.
Debriel’s congregation begged him to flee to the Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camp with his six children. There, he found several other pastors. Many report great shortage in food and shelter.
World Watch Monitor explained that although Séléka as a group has been disbanded, the Fulani herdsmen who were part of the rebellion continue to rule over the area. The people of Kaga Bandoro feel like they are in a prison.
“The Fulani prevent them from moving two kilometers beyond the city to farm or harvest their crops. Instead, those crops have now become food for the Fulani herds<’ the group stated.
World Watch Monitor stated that some of those who have ventured back to their destroyed homes in search of food have been killed. Out of desperation for food, the locals have sent their women to look for food and firewood, but many of them have been raped at gunpoint – some by one man, some by two, some by up to seven. The effect on marriages has been devastating.
Omer
According to World Watch Monitor, the town of Bangassou, in the east of CAR, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, was invaded in March 2013 after Séléka defeated the national army. Séléka rebels soon began harassing the local population with the help of local Muslims.
“As the main source of authority in the region, this left regional prefect Omer Youmoina in grave danger<’ the group stated.
“However, Youmoina praises the courage of a group of pastors who decided to confront Séléka. They marched to their camp and asked the rebels whether they were fighting a jihad (holy war) or political war. If it was purely political, they asked, then why were Christians being targeted?”
World Watch Monitor explained that although the leader of the rebels promised to stop harassing the people, Séléka members came to the home of one of the pastors that very night to rape some of the women under his care. Many more Christians were then killed, women raped and Christians’ homes, businesses and churches looted and destroyed.
The group said: “After spending two months in the DRC, Youmoina decided to return with his 12 children. At the time of writing, he remains the only local authority to have returned to the town.”
Daud*
Daud (not his real name, withheld for security reasons) is from Bambari, an important market town in the southern province of Ouaka. For almost 50 years, the Christian and Muslim inhabitants lived in relative peace, working together, renting houses from each other, intermarrying, and trading at the same markets.
“However,” World Watch Monitor says,”after the arrival of Séléka in January 2013 the situation changed radically. Local Muslims helped Séléka murder Christians, loot their homes, rape their wives, and destroy their businesses and crops. Muslim men who refused to join in were recruited by force. Christians lived in deep sorrow, as most of them had lost several family members.”
As a result, Bambari became divided, one half consisting of Muslims protected by Séléka and the other half of non-Muslims (predominantly Christians), World Watch Monitor reports.
It stated: “The situation worsened after the anti-Balaka attacks on Bangui in December 2013 because it led to revenge attacks on the non-Muslims of Bambari (in the Akpe quarter specifically).”
On December 23, Séléka burned houses and churches and killed men as they were fleeing to the St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral, which served as an IDP camp for the Christian population. They also fired shots into the camp and threw a grenade into it, which killed 87 people.
World Watch Monitor continued: “Today, churches in the west of Bambari hold services, but those in areas controlled by Séléka do not. Even where churches are still open, Christians often do not attend because they fear for their lives and do not trust the UN to protect them.
“Like all Central Africans, Daud’s life has been turned upside down by the crisis in his country, but his conversion from Islam to Christianity made his life even more complicated.”
The group says Daud’s Muslim family was furious and sought to kill him. Meanwhile, anti-Balaka members distrusted him for his ties to the local Muslim community. They killed many members of his family; the few that survived were forced to flee.
Had it not been for the protection of his church, Daud said, he would have not survived.
“Some of my family call me and are surprised when they hear that I am still alive,” he said.
*Daud’s real name has been withheld to protect his identity.
Photo One: Central African Republic. Map courtesy Open Doors International
Phoot Two: Michael Ireland
Michael Ireland small useAbout the writer: Michael Ireland is a Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as a volunteer Internet Journalist and Ordained Minister who has served with ASSIST Ministries and ASSIST News Service since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. Click http://paper.li/Michael_ASSIST/1410485204 to see a daily digest of Michael's stories for ANS.
** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).

Yora, Manu Park Panoan in Peru

Yora, Manu Park Panoan in Peru
The Yora live in the jungles of Peru and have had very limited contact with the outside world. They prefer to live in isolation, and sometimes go deep into the jungle to avoid outsiders such as loggers. They are quite vulnerable to diseases which may be brought by outsiders.
Ministry Obstacles
Access to this tribe is obviously quite limited and difficult.
Outreach Ideas
Trust must be established with these people. Scripture portions are available in their language, and workers who have won the trust of the people and can read the language may be able to minister the scriptures to them.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There may be a few in the tribe who know of Christ. Pray for an accurate understanding of who he is and what he has done. Pray against mixing traditional religions with the purity of the Gospel.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for protection against diseases, and against outsiders brutalizing the people. Pray that outsiders will treat the Yora people kindly.
Scripture Focus
"How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" Romans 10:14-15
 

People Name: Yora, Manu Park Panoan
Country: Peru
10/40 Window: No
Population: 500
World Population: 500
Language: Yora
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Bible: Portions
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

GPN - 31/07/2015

31/07/2015

Dear Dave,

A friend is one who comes in when all others have gone out. Proverbs 17:17; 18:24

IMPORTANT: Mrs. S.B. asks us to pray for a successful hip surgery. For a miracle of healing for her daughter C. who is being treated for breast cancer. For God's help in the relationship of her granddaughter S. with R. They have two children. Ms. R.

For healing of a spastic colon for Mr. W.W. and deliverance of attacks in his mind.

USA: Mrs. L.G. asks us to pray for healing of her husband who had a heart attack.

Pray for Mr. R.R., for strength and a speedy recovery of an open heart surgery. Also for new strength for his wife who takes care of him.

Mrs. A. asks prayer that she will be delivered from sorcery and that she will live in God's victory.

Mrs. P. has to pay tax remission and needs God's provision in this.

Pray for Ms. E., for God's guidance and provision in a Christian life partner.

Mrs. L.P. needs to leave her past behind. That she will put her faith in the promises of God's Word.

Pray for healing of the eyes of Mrs. J.R. and for restoration in the relationship with her two sons. And for her ex, that his eyes will be opened and that he returns to God.

Mr. L.D. was attacked by two men. Pray that he receives God's rest again.

Mrs. V.H. grieves over her family and suffers from physical pains in the chest and abdomen. Pray for her healing, victory and power in spirit, soul and body.

Pray that Mrs. Petra L. will recieve God's peace and encouragement. That she will attent church again.

Mrs. G.v.E. feels very confused and struggles in her faith. Pray for God's peace and that she will set her mind on Jesus as her Rock.

PRAYER WORKS: My youngest son has received a new home after two prayer requests. Pray: For my ex-husband, that he returns to Jesus. Mrs. W.

The Blessing Family Message Station
NEW, MODERN AND SUPER FAST!
Listen non-stop to the faith-building messages of anointed preachers with singing, music and special prayer. Choose your own language, preacher and topic. Listen, download, like it, put in your favorites, share with others and much more! Pray and thank God that this station will reach many people in places where little or nothing of the Gospel is found and where people are on their own. Tune in at maasbachradio.com.

We wish you a very blessed weekend!
The team of Global Prayer Network

Nigeria: Mubi During and after the Carnage -- From the perspective of schooling

Nigeria: Mubi During and after the Carnage -- From the perspective of schooling
By Prof. Herbert M. Eze, Special to the ASSIST News Service
MUBI, NIGERIA (ANS – July 31, 2015) -- As the academic year 2014/015 ended on Friday July 24, 2015 in Nigeria, it is necessary to tell the unfortunate story of how many schools in northeastern Nigeria with particular reference to those in Mubi, Adamawa State, had less than one term of schooling out of the three terms, due to the activities of the Boko Haram (BH) insurgents.
Mubi School Herbert EzeI have delayed in telling the story of what our school suffered amidst the crises that engulfed this part of Nigeria until I personally travelled to Mubi after it was recovered by the Joint Task Force (JTF) to see what is left of the city and its investments after the carnage.
The forces of Boko Haram entered the city of Mubi and began to unleash terror on Wednesday, October 24, 2014. I would have arrived Mubi the previous day, Tuesday, if I had not changed my travel plan to go the upper week.
Our school Supervisor arrived Mubi from Onitsha on Monday, the 22nd, and just left the school compound a few minutes on Wednesday morning before the BH struck at about 10.45 am. She escaped from where she was because coming back would be suicidal, but she called the school and warned them of the unfortunate development in the city. It was a call that helped in saving many lives although we lost some lives.
The supervisor and one of the head teachers who escaped death during the Mubi crises fled to Yola but became stranded as their journey to Onitsha was delayed for days because luxury buses were not available for their journey down south. Even when they became available, the population waiting in Yola for the journey was too much, therefore people lined up for days before it could reach their turn for the journey.
These two ladies visited me in Nnewi on Saturday, November 8, 2014, after their return from Yola and gave me first- hand account of what transpired in Mubi during the BH incident. They informed me that the school lost our Chairman of Parents Teachers Association (P.T.A), and a male parent of our school children.
Resumption date for the third term 2014/015 in Evangel Academy, Mubi, was on Monday, 27 April. I sent a text message to our key staff members to inform them, however, it was only the principal that called me on that day and reported his arrival to Mubi. For security reasons, our staff from the East and the school children from the eastern area did not respond. Even among the indigenes, it took some time before staff and school children started gradually returning to school.
General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) became president elect following the presidential and national assembly elections on 29th of April and later sworn in as president a month later. Our staff and people from the east began trickling into the city when people started to feel a bit secure after GMB was sworn in peacefully as President.
Even till the end of the term on Friday, July 24, 2015, we only had less than a-quarter of the previous school population and could hardly pay our available staff not to talk of adding the cost of my transport and other expenditures to Mubi during the trip. This accounts for my not travelling again to participate in the end of the year event scheduled for Sunday, July 26th.
I hope to be in Mubi at the beginning of next term for Teacher Education and Planning Programme (TEPP) which has been our tradition almost since the inception of Evangel Academy in 1987. However, the security situation is yet to improve following the recent killings in Askira Uba near Mubi by BH insurgents believed to have come from Sambisa forest.
We pray that President Buhari will soon deliver on his promise of defeating and totally uprooting terrorism in the country. Until then, the hope of having steady schooling in Mubi is dashed. For the whole academic year, 2014/015, we lost first and second term and the third term was incomplete. Although we may not say this for all the schools in northeastern States of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, but sure, for most of them.
Mubi school 2 Herbert EzeIf the government pay their public school staff and maintain their schools from the federation and state accounts which accrue from our oil money, taxes and other public funds, from where will private schools pay their staff and maintain their schools; especially these schools in crises affected areas which lost much/most of their population and returned to damaged and abandoned compounds? Are the staff, pupils and students in these school not Nigerians? Some financial support from the government and philanthropists, in such a time as this, will help to encourage their efforts in contributing to education in Nigeria.
Evangel Academy, Mubi, in Adamawa State has provided education in the State for nearly three decades through our Day-care, Nursery, Primary and Secondary School programs. Our vision/ proposal for a private university is only on hold due to the present crises in the northeast. We have made significant contribution towards the development of Adamawa State in various ways. (See GNAGAD/NISSGA 2014 Award, The Majesty Magazine, p. 54. Our Majesty Global Magazine, Abuja).
Our graduates serve at various places in Adamawa State and Nigeria both at the public and private sectors. Many of them are presently in higher institutions at different places in the country and overseas.
Photo captions: 1) Evangel Academy Students before the incident. 2) Students before the Boko Haram incident,
Prof. Herbert M. Eze can be reached by email at hmezefom@gmail.com. 
** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).