ISTANBUL ATTACK: DON'T LET THE TERRORISTS WIN

ISTANBUL ATTACK: DON'T LET THE TERRORISTS WIN	Dr. Jim Denison June 30, 2016

"It was like hell," said an eyewitness to the Istanbul airport attacks. "It looked like a disaster movie," said another. As you watch the continuing covering of the tragedy in Turkey, what do you feel? Grief for those who are in shock and mourning? Anger at the deluded murderers who slaughtered innocent people in the service of an ideology that is a lie from hell? I share your pain and outrage. But there's an unstated realization in the back of our minds as well: we know we could be next. If terrorists could kill Muslims in Turkey and Americans in Boston and San Bernardino and Orlando, they can strike anywhere. This is something new and insidious for us. I recently saw Free State of Jones, a film portraying an uprising against Confederate hostilities in Mississippi. I had not realized the degree to which innocent civilians were brutalized during the Civil War, many by troops on their side of the conflict. During World War II, artillery was stationed along the West Coast to combat a possible Japanese invasion, but few Americans worried that foreign soldiers would attack them as they went about their daily lives. Now for the first time, we live in the knowledge that the next airport bombing or workplace terrorism attack could find us. How should we respond to this reality? Some choose fiction. They deny the reality of their mortality and refuse to think about death and the beyond. A recent poll asked unchurched Americans how often they thought about whether they would go to heaven when they die. Only eighteen percent said they consider their eternal destination daily or even weekly. But denying mortality, like denying you have cancer, doesn't make its reality less real. I was listening to sports talk radio this week and heard a conversation regarding the death of NFL coach Buddy Ryan. His twin sons Rex and Rob are coaching on the same NFL team for the first time, but he didn't live long enough to see their first game. One radio commentator stated, "Wherever he is, he's watching them." However, our personal opinion about the afterlife doesn't affect eternal reality. Fiction doesn't change facts: "The earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner" (Isaiah 51:6). We must all die and then face judgment before Almighty God (Hebrews 9:27). Others choose fear. The Istanbul attacks are expected to decimate the Turkish economy as tourists stay away. This is the very thing ISIS wants. Terrorists terrorize. They want us to stay home, to live in trepidation, to fear their next move. Many "fear continually all the day because of the wrath of the oppressor, when he sets himself to destroy" (Isaiah 51:13). Our Lord wants us to reject fiction and fear for faith: "I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of hosts is his name" (v. 15). If we turn fear into prayer, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). In a time of fiction and fear, faith is our greatest witness. And it is our best response to those who would terrorize our world: "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8). Let's choose to be blessed today. Note: for more on finding God's truth in a word filled with deception, please see my Benghazi report: can you trust the media?     If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe here.

Turkey Takes Brunt of Refugee Crisis

Turkey Takes Brunt of Refugee Crisis

June 30, 2016

Syrian families sent back from Greece are swelling Turkey's refugee numbers.

No one has drowned in Turkey's Aegean waters in the past three months, thanks to a pact the country signed with the European Union that discouraged refugees from trying to reach Greece by sea – one reason Turkey now has even more refugees than it can handle.
Refugee attempts to board smugglers' boats to Greece fell by more than 90 percent after the deal signed in March allowed the country to return undocumented migrants to Turkey. Facing the certainty of being turned back, refugees desperate to start a new life in Europe realized the rewards of trying to reach Greek shores were not worth the risks. Under the agreement, the EU is supposed to take one Syrian refugee for each one sent back from Greece, besides accelerating Turkey's bid for EU membership, but the immediate effect has been to swell Turkey's refugee population to 3 million, including 2.75 million Syrians.
"There are always new people coming to the camps," the director of a ministry based in Turkey said. "Many people are returning after trying to escape to Europe by crossing the Aegean Sea to get to Greece. We are trying to provide tents for those that are returning."
While the number of migrant deaths by drowning in the Aegean has fallen, more boats have capsized en route to Italy. The sinking of two large boats bound for Italy in May killed nearly 1,000 people. In Turkey, meantime, a grim situation is quietly eating away lives. The government says only 272,000 of the 3 million refugees are living in official camps; the rest are scrambling for housing in cities throughout the country or have resorted to primitive camps such as those that have sprung up spontaneously in Adana and Gaziantep.

"They have begun to understand that Christians are good people," the ministry director said. "These people have been able to see the love of Christ through this."

The indigenous ministry in Turkey makes regular trips to the two camps.
"It gets very hot in the summer months in Adana and Gaziantep, and they have no refrigerators," the director said. "In some camps, they do have electricity. We are thinking of trying to provide small refrigerators for many of our tents. It will help them be more relaxed."
Disease and illnesses are common in the camps, and the ministry is working on measures to improve preventative hygiene. The team plans to give out detergent for refugees to wash their clothes, and a recent invasion of insects on some areas' food supplies has prompted an effort to get the camps sprayed.
"We are afraid of another bug outbreak starting," the indigenous missionary said. "The mothers are especially afraid of this."
Thanks to support from Christian Aid Mission, the ministry has become known in the camps since civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, and the director has seen a change in the attitude of the refugees. When the ministry first began distributing food, medicines and other relief items, desperate and hungry arrivals twice nearly knocked the director over clamoring for food, he said.
"Culturally, they did not trust us, because they did not know our hearts and who we were," he said. "Now that they know us, they are finally lining up in an organized way. It makes me very happy to see this change. There were two new families getting in the line and yelling, 'Give some to us, give some to us, too.' But we heard someone say in the crowd, 'They are are Christians – wait. They will distribute everything equally.'"

Food for children and infants is in high demand at refugee camps in Turkey.

Without the ministry team saying anything about the Christian injunction not to discriminate, the predominantly Muslim refugees came to understand that Christians believe in equality, he said.
"They have begun to understand that Christians are good people," he said. "With all of my heart, I thank Christian Aid donors. These people have been able to see the love of Christ through this."
After distributing items to tents, the ministry members ask refugees if the team can pray for them. Without hesitation, the refugees openly invite ministry members to pray for them, he said.
"I know that you are sending your gifts to us to help feed people's physical needs, but we are also filling them up spiritually," he said.
There are so many new refugee arrivals that the ministry director would like to visit the camps more often each month. Adana and Gaziantep are only two hours apart, so he can visit both camps in one day. The people in the camps are continually pleading as they share their needs for tents, wheat, sugar, milk, baby food and especially food for children, he said.
"I may be tired, but these children are pulling for me to help them more and more, because our God is love," the director said. "As we serve and distribute things, these children are learning about God as we tell them, 'God loves you, and God is bringing these things to you.'"
Thanking the donors of Christian Aid Mission for the opportunity to show the love of Christ, he recalled how a child learning Turkish described his excitement about the arrival of distribution trucks.
"He said, 'When you are coming to distribute the food, I get so happy and cannot sleep. I will eat all of the jam and milk that you give us. I am so happy.' I am sending greetings from a camp where a child that receives jam and milk for food is so excited. I thank you for your prayers, support, and for providing us the opportunity to serve these precious and needy people."
To help indigenous missionaries to meet needs, you may contribute online using the form below, 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. Please use Gift Code: 400REF. Thank you!

Grit for Survival

Grit for Survival  

Syrian refugees to Turkey arrive at a fertile, productive country but quickly learn they have no access to it, as language, cultural and legal barriers confine them to run-down apartments or makeshift camps where they lug supplies from indigenous missionaries to their tents. They have urgent needs for food, clean water, baby formula, diapers and medicine. “The conditions of the suffering refugees are getting worse day by day, hour by hour,” the director of a ministry based in Turkey said. “So we are praying to be able to show them the mercy of the Lord, with God touching their hearts through this way. Please pray we can preach the gospel not only to refugees, but also to every unreached people in Adana. We have to hurry to give them a hand.”

Government Officials, Mid-East Experts, NGOs, and Church Leaders Launch Movement in Support of Persecuted Christians in the Middle East

Government Officials, Mid-East Experts, NGOs, and Church Leaders Launch Movement in Support of Persecuted Christians in the Middle East

Key Leaders to Gather at "The Bridge" Conference on Persecution

By Michael Ireland, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service, www.assistnews.net

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS, June 30, 2016) — A gathering of NGOs, government officials, church leaders, and others concerned about the intolerable persecution being perpetrated against Christians and other religious minorities, is set for July 7-9 in Washington DC, and is free for attendees.

This timely conference, called “The Bridge,” is primarily focused on the plight of Christians and the disappearing church in the Middle East. This movement of leaders will meet to discuss the situation on the ground for Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East, as well as possible policies to secure their future in the region.

According to a media release from International Christian Concern, ICC) www.persecution.org: “The Bridge comes in the wake of CIA Director John Brennan's comments just last week that efforts against ISIS "have not reduced the group's terrorism capability and global reach," and the State Departments declaration of ISIS' actions against religious minorities as genocide.

Attendees will grow a deeper understanding of this designation and possible next steps toward ending this genocide. The conference will also provide attendees with an education of the situation for Christians in the Middle East, training breakout sessions, and the ability to network with other organizations and individuals who share concerns for Christians and other religious minorities in this region.

Those participating will hear from keynote speaker Eric Metaxas, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Senator Ted Cruz, the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, David Saperstein, Congressman Joe Pitts, retired 3-star general, William Boykin, Former US Department of State Coordinator for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications, Alberto Fernandez, and more.

On July 8 & 9 (July 7 is an invite-only session for politicians and Human Rights NGO’s), “The Bridge” is gathering the Church in the US to meet their persecuted brothers and sisters and those that work on their behalf.

“From members of Congress, to nonprofits, to churches, missions pastors, missionaries, and the persecuted themselves, we are gathering the Free and Persecuted Church together to learn from each other and to learn how to connect and fight for the Persecuted Church,” said Jeff King, President, International Christian Concern, www.Persecution.org.

“This is a conference about Persecution where the speakers and leaders we gather will give you the inside scoop on ISIS, persecution, how to get your church engaged, as well as how to connect and assist Christians in persecuted countries,” King said, adding: “Finally, in the persecuted Church, you find real devotion, sacrifice, and great love for the Lord in spite of the terrible cost Christians pay for their faith. It is our hope and desire for the Lord to touch our hearts at this conference and call us to revival.

“It’s that spirit that we love and hope to spread, starting with you!”

King stated of the event, "83 percent of Christians have left Iraq since 2003, indicative of the larger exodus of Christians from this region. This unprecedented movement will raise awareness and work to identify solutions for Christians to stay in this region, living peacefully with neighbors of other faiths.

“The persecution and violence that has been felt by Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East should trouble anyone who values freedom of belief and religious liberty. This conference is the perfect way to hear from victims of these acts regarding the situation on the ground. It also allows attendees to hear from experts on the region, leaders of NGOs that provide support and aide, victims, and government officials regarding policy proposals for addressing this religious persecution."

For more information regarding the conference, or to register to attend, please visit the conference website.

ICC (International Christian Concern) www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

For interviews, please contact: Marylin Guillen-Carrera, Marketing Specialist, International Christian Concern, 301-329-6965, marketing@persecution.org .

Photo captions: 1) The Bridge Conference Logo (Courtesy ICC). 2) Jeff King. 3) Michael Ireland.

About the writer: Michael Ireland is a volunteer internet journalist serving as Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as an Ordained Minister who has served with ASSIST Ministries and written for ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net) since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia.

** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)

Journalism - Simply and Powerfully

Journalism - Simply and Powerfully

By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST News Service

LAKE FOREST, CA (ANS - June 30, 2016) -- This week is a special focus for ANS as we are holding our first ever ASSISTNEWS-A-THON. Please go to www.assistnews.net and give today! Your support empowers us to bring news stories from a Christian perspective and vital updates on the persecuted church.

Your gift of $25, $50, $100, or more, will help us in our goal of raising $25,000 to keep this vital news service free to all our subscribers.

All week long, friends of ANS are bringing messages about why ASSIST is so important to them. Today we hear from our good friend Chuck Pollak, Ph. D, who is known to many Christian TV and radio broadcasters as a veteran NRB committee member. He is also President of Sharing International (http://www.sharingonline.org/), as well as a dedicated educator and visionary. Here’s what Chuck Pollak has to say about ANS:

It is exceedingly rare to have access to a news source that covers stories critical to the Church International, done with sensitivity, grace and accuracy, and one that is free of charge to all who care to understand current issues. Such a publication is the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).

For many years, I have been a loyal reader of this fine service, and part of the reason is that I am is I personally know the publisher and lead reporter, Dan Wooding… and I trust him.

During my service as a broadcaster and reporter in the Middle East, Dan and I met in Israel just after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and I was instantly struck with his curiosity and the professionalism in which he held himself.

Dan had recently entered the field of Christian media after a successful secular career in London, England, and had just come from Uganda where he, and his friend, Ray Barnett, had researched and written the best-selling book, “Uganda Holocaust,” which graphically told the story of Idi Amin’s terrible eight years of misrule, during which an estimated 300,000 Christians were slaughtered by Amin and his henchmen.

As he travelled throughout Uganda, Dan was tireless, interviewing victims, soldiers, family members… always looking for the truth that often times becomes hidden by the glaring headlines… stories that are harder to do, but bring greater understanding to the audience.

He was just the same when he visited me in Israel and also at the Voice of Hope radio station in southern Lebanon, where I was working at the time. Little did either of know that not long after, in October 1985, the station would be attacked by four terrorists -- during which they were killed, -- along with two Lebanese employees of the station. Also the buildings were blown up. The station has been operated since 1979 by George Otis' High Adventure Ministries and amazingly, less than 12 hours after the raid, the station was broadcasting again, using borrowed equipment set up in a shack. Fortunately, I was not around when this all took place.

This kind of reporting is what Dan Wooding and his loyal staff bring to each story they do, and his stories on the persecuted church bring to his readers the sacrifices made by many for the profession of their faith. The mainline press rarely covers these stories. The benevolent, peaceful basis of the Christian faith makes them a target, especially in countries where they are in the minority…this is less interesting to the market-driven press than those who make much more noise and commit ever greater heinous crimes to get the attention they so crave.

ANS does journalism “the old-fashioned way”. This means it does good research, reportage and analysis, simply and powerfully. But, how does one “monetize” this altruistic form of truth-telling? For Dan and his crew, what they do and the danger often times they are in because of it, is a “calling”.

For them this means believing God for their personal support. There is no doubt that this is difficult, as many other Christian organizations have found other ways to raise funds by commercial means for travel and staff salaries and other vital costs to keep going.

Dan and the ASSIST staff give their talent, creativity and efforts, freely to the Body of Christ… giving knowledge and perspective so that Believers will know how to pray… and prayerfully… know how to act!

We read that “to whom much is given…. much is required” and we (the Church) have received greatly from the hundreds of unique stories that ASSIST covers. They deserve our thoughts… our prayers… AND our support!

I heartily endorse the efforts of ASSIST News Service and ask you to join us in providing the financial support they need to fulfill this great work!

(Chuck Pollak can be contacted by e-mail at: ctp@sharingonline.org ).

So, how you can help?

Well, it’s quite easy. Just log onto www.assistnews.net and click on the “DONATE TO ASSIST NEWS” button to make your gift of any amount. In fact, it could be a figure that the Lord lays on your heart. You can also send a check made out to “ASSIST” and mail it to: PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609, USA.

Every dollar your send will make a huge difference for persecuted believers -- our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Remember, also, in the US, all of your gifts are tax-deductible.

I hope that we can depend on you today, and thank you on behalf of the ANS team!

Photo captions: 1) Sharing God's Love in Africa. Vision Africa Radio (VAR) Station Manager, Ohakah Uche Ama-Ohakah, Sharing International’s Chuck Pollak, and VAR Founder & President, Bishop Dr. Sunday N. Onuoha, with a new transmitter. 2) Chuck Pollak speaking. 3) Dan Wooding with Ray Barnett in Uganda while researching their best-selling book.

** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).

Iran: Christian woman forced back to prison before end of medical treatment

Iran: Christian woman forced back to prison before end of medical treatment

By Mark Ellis, Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

IRAN (ANS - June 30, 2016) -- Maryam Zargaran was sent back to prison before her medical treatment could be finished, after the prosecutor’s office refused to extend her medical leave.

On June 6th, she was granted a temporary release from prison, but on June 19th the authorities demanded she return, according to World Watch Monitor (https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/).

Her family applied for an extension, but they were refused and she returned to prison June 27th.

Maryam has been serving a four-year jail term for “acting against national security.” She went on a hunger strike to protest the prison’s refusal to allow her to receive treatment for long-term health problems.

Maryam, a convert from Islam, is nearly three years into her sentence at Tehran’s notorious Evin prison. She was originally arrested in January 2013, in connection with her work at an orphanage with Saeed Abedini, who was also imprisoned, but eventually released in January this year, according to World Watch Monitor.

A member of the her family told Mohabat News: “Maryam hasn’t left her bed in four days. She is burning with fever and has been on hunger strike to raise her protest against prison authorities’ indifference toward her health. She is suffering from serious health issues.

Before going on hunger strike, she had lost 25kg and her health issues had intensified. Authorities do not show the slightest concern over Maryam’s health. In addition, she is suffering from depression and takes medication for it.”

Maryam has a history of heart problems and has recently reported pain in her ears and head. In October 2015 she was allowed to receive a few days’ treatment outside the prison, but forced to return before it was completed.

Meanwhile, in the northern city of Rasht, two Christians have been released on bail after nearly three weeks in jail, according to World Watch Monitor.

Yasser Mossayebzadeh and Saheb Fadaie were arrested on May 13th with Youcef Nadarkhani, an Iranian pastor once sentenced to death for apostasy, and his wife, Tina. The couple were released later that day, but Mossayebzadeh, Fadaie and another Christian, Mohammad Reza Omidi, were detained.

Mossayebzadeh and Fadaie were each forced to pay the equivalent of $33,000 for bail. Omidi was not given that option, though it is not yet clear why.

Since 2015, more than 150 Christians have been detained by the Iranian authorities. Many are in jail, while others, including Mossayebzadeh and Fadaie, have been released conditionally, pending sentencing or an appeal.

Some observe an increase in fear and intimidation tactics by the authorities.

“There are fewer raids on house churches, but instead people are summoned to security for interrogation,” says Rob Duncan at Middle East Concern. “There is a lot of pressure on people to leave the country as a result. Also, when people are arrested and charged, bail demands are high and can financially cripple a family.”

Photo captions:  1) Maryam Zargaran. 2) Dan Wooding welcomes Mark Ellis to the set of their TV show, "Windows on the World."

About the writer: Mark Ellis is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), and also founder of www.GodReports.com, a website that shares stories, testimonies and videos from the church around the world. He is also co-host for "Widows on the World" with ANS Founder, Dan Wooding, which is airred weeekly on the Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network (http://hsbn.tv).

** You may republish this and anh of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASISST News Service (www.assistnews.net). Please tell your friends that they can have a complimentary subscription to the ASSIST News Service by going to the website.

BULETIN DOA "OPEN DOORS" -- JULI 2016

BULETIN DOA "OPEN DOORS" -- JULI 2016

Jumat, 1 Juli 2016 -- China

John adalah seorang misionaris China yang melayani orang percaya di daerah terpencil Tibet lebih dari 10 tahun, dengan risiko besar dalam menjangkau yang belum terjangkau dengan perjalanan pergi dan pulang saat kondisi sedang sakit. Berdoa bagi kesehatan Saudara John dan perlindungan Tuhan selama ia melayani orang Tibet.

Sabtu, 2 Juli 2016 -- China

Saudara Ali, orang percaya dari kaum SALAM, mengalami aniaya karena iman kepada Yesus. Ketika ia mencoba untuk menyampaikan Injil kepada orangtuanya dan dua saudaranya, mereka sangat marah dan mengusir Ali dan istrinya. Berdoa agar Ali terus diberikan keberanian menjadi saksi Kristus, dan berdoa bagi istri dan anaknya.

Minggu, 3 Juli 2016 -- Korea Utara

Beberapa wanita Korea Utara dibaptis bulan lalu setelah mereka menunggu dengan persiapan yang lama. Berdoa supaya kehidupan mereka menjadi terang dan garam.

Senin, 4 Juli 2016 -- Korea Utara

Para pekerja dan mitra OD selalu dalam bahaya, seperti penculikan dan serangan. Namun, mereka tetap berani menyebarkan Injil di ladang misi. Berdoa bagi keselamatan pekerja di lapangan, memohon kepada Tuhan Yesus untuk perlindungan fisik dan spiritual mereka.

Selasa, 5 Juli 2016 -- Tunisia

Bersyukur untuk orang percaya dari generasi kedua, anak-anak mereka telah percaya kepada Yesus. Berdoa bagi pertumbuhan iman dan pengenalan mereka akan Yesus dan perlindungan bagi mereka.

Rabu, 6 Juli 2016 -- Tunisia

Mounir, orang percaya dari SALAM, saat ini sendirian tanpa ada persekutuan dengan saudara seiman. Berdoalah agar ia dapat menemukan orang Kristen di tempat di mana dia tinggal.

Kamis, 7 Juli 2016 -- Libya

Berdoalah bagi orang percaya lokal yang siap pergi untuk menjangkau orang-orang di sekitarnya. Berdoa agar Tuhan memberikan perlindungan pada saat mereka melayani.

Jumat, 8 Juli 2016 -- Libya

Banyak orang percaya yang terjebak di daerah-daerah di mana terjadi konflik dan pertempuran. Teruslah berdoa bagi perlindungan Tuhan secara fisik dan rohani bagi mereka.

Sabtu, 9 Juli 2016 -- Libya

Kami masih menerima laporan tentang orang percaya yang menjadi migran di Libya mengalami penculikan. Teruslah berdoa, mohon perlindungan Tuhan bagi umat percaya ini. Banyak terjadi rasisme dan penganiayaan terhadap kaum minoritas Kristen.

Minggu, 10 Juli 2016 -- Iran

Berdoa untuk Ebrahim Firouzi yang ditahan di Penjara Rajai Shahr di Karaj atas tuduhan palsu tindak kriminal. Dia dijatuhi hukuman lima tahun penjara. Selama proses hukum, ia berusaha untuk kuat dalam menghadapi penganiayaan, tetapi di sisi lain ia sangat membutuhkan dukungan doa.

Senin, 11 Juli 2016 -- Iran

Berdoalah agar gereja-gereja di Iran yang ditutup paksa oleh pemerintah dapat dibuka untuk ibadah kembali. Di pengadilan, Ebrahim Firouzi menulis, "Biarkan suara puji-pujian terdengar lagi di gedung gereja! Berdoalah agar saya dapat menjadi contoh yang baik bagi para tahanan lainnya."

Selasa, 12 Juli 2016 -- Iran

Puji Tuhan, program TV SAT mendapat respons baik dari penonton TV SAT. Berdoalah agar tim responden program TV SAT ini dapat menjadi berkat dalam percakapan setiap hari lewat telepon, dan jiwa-jiwa dimenangkan.

Rabu, 13 Juli 2016 -- Iran

Berdoa bagi Khamenei, Pemimpin Tertinggi Iran, agar Tuhan menjamah hati dan setiap keputusannya, dan ia mengalami perjumpaan ilahi melalui wahyu dari Roh Kudus.

Kamis, 14 Juli 2016 -- Aljazair

Tahun ini, "Ordonansi 06-03" merayakan ulang tahun ke-10. Hukum ini sangat membatasi kebebasan dalam beribadah bagi orang Kristen. Doakan agar hukum ini bisa dihapuskan.

Jumat, 15 Juli 2016 -- Aljazair

Masa depan keadaan politik tampaknya menunjukkan ketidakpastian setelah terpilihnya Presiden Bouteflika. Untuk itu, para pemimpin gereja harus mempersiapkan jemaat agar berdiri kuat. Berdoalah agar gereja siap dalam menghadapi masa depan politik yang tidak menentu ini.

Sabtu, 16 Juli 2016 -- Mauritania

Berdoa untuk curah hujan di padang gurun pasir Mauritania. Jika hujan tidak datang di musim ini, akan ada kelaparan terjadi. Berdoa agar Tuhan menurunkan hujan, terlebih lagi curahan firman Tuhan yang akan memuaskan rasa lapar bagi banyak orang.

Minggu, 17 Juli 2016 -- Mauritania

Berdoa bagi kelompok Minoritas yang mengalami penganiayaan. Berdoa agar mereka mendapat kekuatan dan tetap menjadi saksi bagi Kristus di negara ini.

Senin, 18 Juli 2016 -- Mauritania

Beberapa orang percaya belajar keterampilan mengenai usaha baru. Berdoa agar keterampilan tersebut memiliki nilai-nilai positif sehingga akan tercipta kestabilan ekonomi bagi orang percaya.

Selasa, 19 Juli 2016 -- Suriah

Doakan para pemimpin gereja agar mereka mendapatkan hikmat surgawi dalam menghadapi situasi yang mereka hadapi sekarang. Berdoa agar kepemimpinan yang tepat guna dan praktis mampu memberikan solusi bagi banyak pertanyaan dan tantangan.

Rabu, 20 Juli 2016 -- Suriah

Berdoa agar firman Tuhan menjamah setiap orang yang kehilangan pengharapan dan membutuhkan kasih Bapa Surgawi. Berdoa agar melalui Roh Kudus, mereka akan dibawa kepada Kristus karena membutuhkan harapan.

Kamis, 21 Juli 2016 -- Irak

Pergumulan yang utama bagi orang Kristen di Irak adalah supaya tetap memiliki pengharapan karena mereka tinggal di tenda bersama dengan keluarga selama dua tahun. Mereka masih memiliki harapan untuk dapat melihat rumah mereka kembali. Teruslah berdoa bagi mereka karena kita tahu bahwa Yesus dapat memberi mereka harapan.

Jumat, 22 Juli 2016 -- Irak

Berdoa bagi orang Kristen agar menjadi motivator dan pemberi semangat. Berdoalah agar Tuhan membangkitkan para penyemangat di tengah-tengah para pengungsi sehingga mereka menemukan harapan lagi.

Sabtu, 23 Juli 2016 -- Lebanon

Berdoalah bagi negara ini dalam menghadapi begitu banyak tantangan dalam mengurus jutaan pengungsi. Berdoa bagi gereja yang membantu para pengungsi Suriah dan Irak agar Tuhan menyatakan pemeliharaan-Nya bagi para pengungsi.

Minggu, 24 Juli 2016 -- Lebanon

Berdoa bagi acara konferensi Kristen yang akan dilakukan selama musim panas. Berdoa agar konferensi ini akan memberikan dampak bagi peserta. Berdoa juga bagi TV dan Radio Kristen agar firman Tuhan yang diberitakan akan menjamah setiap orang yang mendengar.

Senin, 25 Juli 2016 -- Israel dan Palestina

Pada akhir Juni lalu, Musalaha akan menyelenggarakan konferensi gerakan rekonsiliasi bagi 14 orang Kristen Palestina dan 14 wanita Yahudi Mesianik. Ini merupakan permulaan grup baru. Berdoa agar persahabatan yang dibangun hari-hari ini akan tumbuh kuat di masa depan. Berdoa agar Tuhan memberkati setiap prinsip alkitabiah dalam pemulihan.

Selasa, 26 Juli 2016 -- Israel dan Palestina

Berdoa bagi sekelompok orang muda dari Israel, Tepi Barat, dan Jalur Gaza yang akan bergabung dalam Hari Pemuda sedunia di Krakow, Polandia 25 -- 31 Juli. Melalui acara ini, diharapkan akan hadir ribuan pemuda dari seluruh dunia. Berdoa untuk sukacita, persekutuan indah, dan kebangunan rohani.

Rabu, 27 Juli 2016 -- Israel dan Palestina

Teruslah berdoa bagi orang-orang Kristen di Gaza, bagi para pemimpin gereja, fasilitas umum seperti rumah sakit dan sekolah. Berdoa agar menjadi berkat dan membawa harapan bagi banyak orang.

Kamis, 28 Juli 2016 -- Asia Tengah

Berdoa bagi Said dan gerejanya. Said mendapatkan panggilan telepon (panggilan ketiga dalam tujuh hari terakhir). Penelepon mengancam akan meledakkan gereja dengan bom. Doakan untuk perlindungan gereja dan umat-Nya. Berdoa bagi Said agar diberikan kedamaian dan memercayakan situasi ini kepada Allah.

Jumat, 29 Juli 2016 -- Asia Tengah

Berdoa bagi Olga, seorang misionaris. Ia ditangkap oleh polisi di rumahnya saat melakukan ibadah. Mereka menginterogasinya selama beberapa jam dan mengancam akan memenjarakan dia dengan tuduhan melakukan Kristenisasi. Pagi harinya, ia dibebaskan, tetapi dengan peringatan bahwa ia tidak boleh lagi memberitakan Injil.

Sabtu, 30 Juli 2016 -- Turkmenistan

Polisi rahasia memperingatkan pendeta Gereja Baptis di Mary untuk tidak mengadakan kemah musim panas bagi anak-anak pada tahun 2016. Berdoa untuk perlindungan para panitia yang mengorganisir kamp ini dan supaya kamp ini dapat dilaksanakan.

Minggu, 31 Juli 2016 -- Kazakhstan

Berdoa bagi Imara. Ia menerima Kristus beberapa bulan lalu melalui kesaksian temannya Oksana. Suaminya menceraikan dia dan meninggalkan dia beserta anaknya. Orangtua dan saudaranya membenci Imara. Berdoa bagi Imara agar tetap kuat dalam iman, teguh berdiri menghadapi situasi tersebut.

Nepal: Influential Buddhist monk receives Jesus

Nepal: Influential Buddhist monk receives Jesus

By Mark Ellis, Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

NEPAL (ANS - June 30, 2016) -- The Nepal earthquake in 2015 killed over 8,000 people and was the worst natural disaster to strike that country since 1934. Hundreds of thousands were left homeless — with entire villages flattened — which prompted many Christian organization to respond with humanitarian aid.

A prominent Buddhist monk observed carefully as Christians helped rebuild his community last year after the massive temblor reduced his neighborhood to rubble.

“As a powerful Tibetan monk with 1,000 disciples, his word was law,” a ministry director for Christian Aid Mission reported. “He was watching us for seven days continually as Christians became salt and light to the community.”

Between the witness of the Christian workers and a powerful move of the Holy Spirit on the man’s heart something remarkable happened.

“After watching us for seven days, he said, ‘I’m going to give my life to Jesus.'”

Before the earthquake, the Buddhist leader had never allowed homegrown missionaries to preach in his area.

But he was disheartened when he observed that none of his monastery colleagues assisted with aid or rebuilding following the earthquake.

“Where are the 330 million gods of Hinduism? Where are the Buddhists?” the monk asked.

MORE

About the writer: Mark Ellis is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), and also founder of www.GodReports.com, a website that shares stories, testimonies and videos from the church around the world. He is also co-host for "Widows on the World" with ANS Founder, Dan Wooding, which is airred weeekly on the Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network (http://hsbn.tv).

** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net). Please tell your friends that they can have a complimentary subscription to the ASSIST News Service by going to the website.

From pauper to prince to preacher

From pauper to prince to preacher

By Mark Ellis, Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ANS - June 30, 2016) -- After his father was murdered his mother slid into drug addiction. In and out of shelters and foster care, he received the Lord at six-years-old and immediately began speaking in tongues and preaching the gospel.

“Dad was an auto mechanic and ran his own business,” says Bryce Popken.

“Mom was a beautiful model and it was love at first sight,” he recalls. “But dad had a problem with alcohol that consumed his life.”

When Bryce was 18-months-old his father and a friend got drunk, belligerent with one another, and began to argue over a property line. “One thing led to another and my dad’s best friend shot him eight times with a shotgun.”

Bryce’s mother “went off the deep end,” and became mired in addiction. She lacked discernment regarding men and often attached herself to other addicts or drug dealers with abusive tendencies.

“My little sister was in the arms of my mother and a guy knocked my mom’s teeth out. That same guy was doing drugs. My mom tried to get clean, tried to get us into a shelter. She tried her best to take care of me. I could tell she had a problem.”

Poor choices caused a downward spiral of impoverishment. “I remember being a little kid and not having food in the cupboards, no pillows or blankets to sleep with, just a dirty sheet at the motel.”

“Sometimes we slept in cars, mostly motel hopping. It was a different place every week or month. It depended on how well mom did with panhandling or her boyfriend’s drug deals,” he recounts.

His mother sometimes used Bryce as a prop to ask people for money at gas stations.

Photo captions: 1) Bryce preaching. 2) Bryce and Janet were married in 2013. 3) Mark Elis with Dan Wooding after recording their "Windows on the World" TV show.

MORE

About the writer: Mark Ellis is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), and also founder of www.GodReports.com, a website that shares stories, testimonies and videos from the church around the world. He is also co-host for "Widows on the World" with ANS Founder, Dan Wooding, which is airred weeekly on the Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network (http://hsbn.tv).

** You may republish this and anh of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASISST News Service (www.assistnews.net). Please tell your friends that they can have a complimentary subscription to the ASSIST News Service by going to the website.

SURIAH DALAM PERJALANAN YANG TAK MENENTU

SURIAH DALAM PERJALANAN YANG TAK MENENTU

Hingga sampai masa-masa terakhir, Suriah adalah negara yang makmur dan stabil. Anak-anak mengenyam pendidikan, orang muda melanjutkan ke jenjang yang lebih tinggi. Di bawah pemerintahan Assad, kelompok-kelompok minoritas etnis dan agama hidup damai dengan mayoritas masyarakat yang Muslim Suni.

Dengan munculnya Arab Spring, situasi berubah secara dramatis. Tahun 2011, meletus perang sipil, yang berlarut-larut menjadi semakin buruk dari tahun ke tahun. Lebih dari separuh penduduk telah meninggalkan kampung halaman mereka dan mulai menempuh perjalanan yang tidak pasti. Lebih dari 4 juta orang kini tinggal di negara-negara tetangga, yang bersusah payah untuk menampung mereka. Tak seorang pun tahu apa yang akan terjadi pada masa mendatang.

Tetapi kemudian, perjalanan yang tak menentu ini juga memungkinkan umat Muslim untuk melepaskan diri dari lingkungan sosial yang diawasi dengan ketat. Hal itu juga memungkinkan mereka untuk menyatakan ketertarikan mereka terhadap iman Kristen secara lebih terbuka. Dan lagi, hal-hal mengerikan yang dilakukan oleh ekstremis gerakan Negara Islam (IS) telah menantang umat Muslim untuk mempertanyakan nilai-nilai yang diajarkan agama mereka. Banyak orang Muslim kini terbuka terhadap undangan atau ajakan untuk ke gereja, yang menyatakan kepada mereka kasih yang nyata melalui pembagian paket bahan makanan, selimut, bahan-bahan penghangat, dan bimbingan konseling. Di beberapa wilayah, gereja-gereja penuh dengan orang-orang yang baru percaya, sementara di tempat-tempat lainnya ada keterbukaan dan banyak peluang untuk berbicara tentang iman.

Sebuah keluarga di Beirut menceritakan bagaimana mereka melarikan diri dari Suriah menuju Lebanon dan meninggalkan segala sesuatunya. Mereka tinggal di sebuah apartemen kecil. Mereka mengalami kesulitan untuk memberi makan seluruh anggota keluarga, dan anak-anak tidak bisa ke sekolah setiap hari. Akan tetapi, di tengah-tengah situasi yang seperti ini, mereka berkata, "Kami telah kehilangan rumah kami, tetapi di dalam Yesus kami menemukan sesuatu yang jauh lebih berharga."

Mari kita berdoa:

1. Untuk berakhirnya konflik di Suriah. Mungkin, secara manusia ini terasa mustahil, tetapi Tuhan sanggup.

2. Bagi jutaan pengungsi dan terpenuhinya kebutuhan-kebutuhan lahiriah dan batiniah mereka.

3. Agar pihak gereja menanggapi dengan sepenuh hati kasih dalam menolong dan mendukung para pengungsi, baik dengan kebutuhan sesaat maupun yang berkesinambungan, sementara para pengungsi itu membaur di tanah airnya yang baru.

"Banyak Muslim yang terbuka sekarang untuk undangan ke gereja-gereja."

Simeulue in Indonesia

Simeulue in Indonesia The Simeulue people live on Simeulue Island located 200 kilometers off the western coast of Aceh Province. Generally, the Simeulue make a living from fishing and farming. Each village usually has one mosque or musholla (prayer-house). The Simeulue people are nearly all Muslim. They are very proud that there are no churches, temples or any other religions present among them. Despite their exclusive Islamic status, many are still influenced by animistic and folk beliefs. Ministry Obstacles The Simeulue have made a strong commitment to Islam. Only the Lord can bring discernment as to who Jesus is, and what He has provided on their behalf. Spiritual matters are spiritually discerned. Outreach Ideas Christians need to minister to the physical and material needs of the Simeulue, building bridges of trust and friendship. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the few followers of Christ among the Simeulue, that they will be able to fellowship together. Pray for their protection. Pray they will be without any kind of impurity, or greed. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Lord will open the spiritual eyes of the Simeulue to see who Jesus truly is, deity, the Son of God. Scripture Focus "See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples." Isaiah 49:22		People Name: Simeulue Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 55,000 World Population: 55,000 Language: Simeulue Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

ROHINGYA: KELOMPOK MASYARAKAT DI PERBATASAN WILAYAH

ROHINGYA: KELOMPOK MASYARAKAT DI PERBATASAN WILAYAH

Masyarakat Rohingya hidup di perbatasan Ruang Asia Selatan dan Ruang Indo-Malaysia dalam Graha Islam. Lokasi yang berada di antara perbedaan-perbedaan yang besar secara politis, bahasa, dan etnis ini mengakibatkan timbulnya banyak tantangan bagi mereka.

Orang Muslim Rohingya telah berabad-abad hidup di bagian utara dari wilayah yang sekarang dikenal sebagai Myanmar. Selama waktu itu, mereka hidup damai dengan tetangga-tetangga mereka yang sebagian besar beragama Buddha. Ketika Myanmar (kemudian dikenal sebagai Burma) menerima kemerdekaannya tahun 1948, masyarakat Rohingya untuk pertama kalinya diakui sebagai minoritas dengan hak-hak yang sama. Akan tetapi, pada tahun 1982 kediktatoran militer yang sedang berkuasa menerbitkan sebuah hukum yang mengakibatkan orang Rohingya tidak lagi diterima sebagai warga negara. Hal itu menjadikan dua juta orang sebagai salah satu kelompok etnis terbesar di dunia yang tanpa pengakuan akan kewarganegaraannya.

Diskriminasi semakin memburuk pada tahun 2012 ketika merebak kekerasan antara umat Buddha dan masyarakat Rohingya. Ratusan orang terbunuh dan banyak desa orang Rohingya dihancurkan. Semenjak itu, 100.000 orang Rohingya ditampung di kamp-kamp pengungsian atau perkampungan-perkampungan -- yang sering kali hanya beberapa kilometer jaraknya dari kediaman mereka yang dulu. Situasi ini memicu bertumbuhnya gerakan para pengungsi. Ratusan ribu orang Rohingya telah melarikan diri di negara-negara tetangga. Cukup menyedihkan bahwa sering kali mereka menjadi korban perdagangan manusia dan berujung pada perlakuan kriminal.

Orang Rohingya sedang dalam perjalanan menuju masa depan yang tak pasti -- tanpa tanah air, tanpa pembela/penolong, tercabut dari akar budaya dan tanpa pengharapan. Akan tetapi, Tuhan "tidak melupakan jeritan orang yang tertindas" (Mazmur 9:13). Di berbagai tempat, orang Rohingya telah menemukan pengharapan dan kesukaan oleh iman di dalam Kristus Yesus. Akan tetapi, masih banyak di antara kelompok masyarakat yang berharga ini tidak memiliki kesempatan mendengar berita Injil.

Mari kita berdoa:

1. Supaya ada keadilan dalam penyelesaian dari konflik ini.

2. Agar orang Rohingya dapat hidup damai di tanah airnya dan di wilayah-wilayah di mana mereka mengungsi.

3. Untuk usaha-usaha global yang berupaya memberikan kesempatan kepada orang Rohingya untuk berkembang, menjalani hidup yang bermartabat, dapat memberikan kepada anak-anak mereka masa depan yang lebih baik.

Istanbul bombing: don't let terrorism be the 'new normal'

Istanbul bombing: don't let terrorism be the 'new normal'	Dr. Jim Denison June 29, 2016

I was in a staff meeting yesterday afternoon when news broke of another terrorist attack in Istanbul. As of this morning, forty-one are dead and 239 are injured. The Turkish prime minister has announced that ISIS is likely responsible for this atrocity. If this seems like another chapter in the same horrific story, you're right. Yesterday's airport bombing is the eighth terrorist attack in Turkey this year. Radical Islamists have struck tourist areas in Istanbul and the capitol city of Ankara as well as cities in southeastern Turkey. I have been everywhere terrorists have struck and have flown into and out of Istanbul's airport numerous times. Any of the dead could have been me. Sixteen other terrorist attacks this year have been linked to ISIS. Yesterday's tragedy came after an ISIS spokesman called for renewed atrocities during the last ten days of Ramadan. As with numerous other attacks, Muslims were on the front lines of the assault, proving that radical Muslims will kill other Muslims as readily as they target anyone else. Let's remember why this is happening. ISIS and other radical Islamists are convinced that the West has been attacking Islam since the Crusades. The Qur'an requires Muslims to defend Islam. Therefore, they believe that attacking Western targets is a defense of Islam. Civilians are on the front lines since they support their governments with their taxes and military service. To radicalized Muslims, every killing yesterday advanced Islam. As a result, no place is safe. The more ISIS loses territory in Iraq and Syria, the more it will sponsor and incite terrorism abroad. Yesterday's atrocity is by no means the last we should expect as this "war on terror" continues. It's easy to become numb to the carnage. We were initially shocked by reports of ISIS beheadings, but now they are common news stories. Bombings that slaughter innocent people used to outrage the world, but now they numb us with their frequency. Therein lies my point. Every person who was murdered yesterday was someone's son or daughter. Many were fathers and mothers and grandparents. Hundreds of people around the world are grieving this morning as deeply as you and I would if we lost someone we love. Their shattered lives will never be the same. This despicable act of cowardice will mark the survivors for the rest of their lives. We must never accept terrorism as the "new normal." Every terrorist is deceived by Satan, a "murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). Every victim is someone God created and loved so much that he sent his Son to die for them. Our Lord is outraged at this atrocity and calls on us to share his grief. He wants us to pray fervently for spiritual awakening in the Muslim world, as this is the true answer to radical Islam. He wants us to pray for Istanbul survivors to find Jesus in their pain and grief. He wants us to repent of our self-sufficiency, admitting in this age of terrorism that we are indeed "a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14). And he wants us to grieve with our Father in the loss of so many he loves. I once heard a career missionary pray, "Lord break my heart for what breaks your heart." Will you make his prayer yours?     If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe here.

Belitung in Indonesia

Belitung in Indonesia The traditional Belitung house is built on a raised platform with bark walls and roofs of sago palm leaves. They also have temporary villages used during harvest. These houses are built at the edge of the forest and are usually lived in during the time the people work in the field. The Belitung adhere to Islam which came to the area around the 17th century. In spite of their dedication to Islam, many Belitung people are still influenced by animistic belief in spirits. Ministry Obstacles These people live on Belitung island, making access somewhat a challenge. Outreach Ideas Christians can help encourage and disciple the Christian believers in this people group, praying for them and providing discipleship materials. As these disciples grow they will be able to minister to their own people. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the few followers of Jesus among the Belitung community. Pray they will fellowship together and grow strong in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray for the entire people group Pray for the material and physical needs of the Belitung to be met. Pray they will be able to provide good schooling for their children. Scripture Focus "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16		People Name: Belitung Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 110,000 World Population: 110,000 Language: Malay Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Questionable Need Audio NT (FCBH): Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Istanbul Ataturk airport attack: Deaths rise to 41 as Turkey mourns

Istanbul Ataturk airport attack: Deaths rise to 41 as Turkey mourns

Pope Francis denounced the “brutal terrorist attack”

By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST News Service

ISTANBUL, TURKEY (ANS – June 29, 2016) -- Turkey is observing a national day of mourning after a gun and suicide bomb attack on Istanbul's Ataturk airport killed 41 people, including 13 foreign nationals.

According to the BBC, three attackers arrived in a taxi and began firing at the terminal entrance late on Tuesday. They blew themselves up after police fired back.

Officials say 239 people were injured, with 41 still intensive care.

PM Binali Yildirim said early signs pointed to so-called Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

However, no-one has so far admitted carrying out the attack.

The BBC went on to say that Turkish investigators are examining CCTV footage, witness statements and mobile phone video recorded by terrified passengers to try to determine the identity of the attackers.

The Dogan news agency said autopsies on the three dead men suggested they may be foreign nationals but this has not been confirmed.

Turkish Health Minister Recep Akdag says that 128 people remain in hospital, including nationals of Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Switzerland, the Associated Press reports.

The Istanbul city governor said 41 people were killed, including 13 foreign or dual nationals.

Cleaners worked through the morning to sweep up shattered glass, while workers repaired cables and ceiling tiles. Heavily-armed security personnel were patrolling the airport.

“Flights had resumed in the early morning, though with many cancellations and delays,” said the BBC.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Wednesday a national day of mourning and said the attack should serve as a turning point in the global fight against militant groups.

Reports of the attack vary but it appears the attackers opened fire at the entrance where X-ray machines are positioned, sparking an exchange with police. At least two of the attackers ran into the building.

Footage on social media shows one moving through the building as people around him flee. He is shot by police and remains on the ground for about 20 seconds before blowing himself up. All three attackers were killed.

Paul Roos, who was due to fly home to South Africa, told Reuters he saw one of the attackers.

“He was wearing all black. His face was not masked. We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him. Two explosions went off shortly after one another. By that time he had stopped shooting.

“He turned around and started coming towards us. He was holding his gun inside his jacket. He looked around anxiously to see if anyone was going to stop him and then went down the escalator. We heard some more gunfire and then another explosion, and then it was over.”

The US called the attack “heinous”, saying America remained “steadfast in our support for Turkey.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to Turkey in a phone call with Mr Erdogan, as the pair seek to rebuild ties.

The attack on Ataturk airport - Europe's third busiest - is the sixth major attack this year targeting either Istanbul or Turkey's capital, Ankara.

The country's economy has been badly hit as a result of falling tourism.

Pope Francis denounced the “brutal terrorist attack” and the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the “despicable terrorist act,”

Photo captions: 1) People stand outside the entrance as they leave the airport after two explosions followed by gunfire hit the Turkey's biggest airport of Ataturk in Istanbul, on June 28, 2016 (AFP Photo/Ozan Kose). 2) Women comfort each other outside of the airport. 3) Relatives of Siddik Turgan, a customs officer at Ataturk airport, attend his funeral (EPA). 4) Norma and Dan Wooding. (Bryan Seltzer).

About the writer: Dan Wooding, 75, is an award-winning winning author, broadcaster and journalist born in Nigeria of British missionary parents, Alfred and Anne Wooding. He was raised in the UK and is now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he has been married for nearly 53 years. They have two sons, Andrew and Peter, and six grandchildren, who all live in the UK. Dan is the founder and international director of the ASSIST News Service (ANS), and the author or co-author of some 45 books. Dan has a weekly radio show and two TV programs all based in Southern California. Before moving to the US, Dan was a senior reporter with two of the UK’s largest circulation newspapers and was also an interviewer for BBC Radio One in London.

** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net).