Church Bell Rings in Iraq for the First Time in Two Years

Church Bell Rings in Iraq for the First Time in Two Years	Nick Pitts October 26, 2016

Note from Jim: I am grateful to Nick Pitts, our Director of Cultural Engagement, for writing today’s Cultural Commentary. You can subscribe to his Daily Briefing, an overview of the news with biblical insights, by clicking here. A church bell rang for the first time in two years as Iraqi Kurdish forces continued their push toward Mosul. Located in Bartella, this primarily Christian town is nine miles from the ISIS stronghold. Kurdish forces secured around thirty-eight square miles and “a significant stretch” of the highway as they sought to retake the city from ISIS. The night was longer than expected, but the joyful ringing of the bell in the morning was sweeter than anticipated. Around thirty thousand Iraqi security force personnel, assisted by US-led coalition air strikes, launched the long-awaited offensive to retake Mosul over a week ago. But tragically, these great gains accompanied heartbreaking losses. UN reports indicate that ISIS fighters killed fifteen civilians and threw their bodies into a river to spread terror and send a signal. A Middle Eastern news service noted, “ISIS terrorist gangs executed nine of its members for fleeing the battle against the security forces in Mosul, by throwing them in trenches containing a burning oil.” In 2003, Iraq boasted an estimated 1.3 million Christians. Now, leaders put that number at fewer than four hundred thousand. Despite their dwindling numbers and dire circumstances, the bell in Bartella rang. For those who have ears to hear, the ringing of the bell sounds like Jesus in Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Jesus never promised his followers a comfortable life, but he did assure them he would provide comfort in this life (2 Corinthians 1:2–4). The situation in Iraq provides perspective when considering the difficulties in the American context. Our circumstances are different, but our mission is the same: his kingdom come, his will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Christians take part in a global movement that seeks to make peace in the chaos and bring hope to the downcast. Peace never comes idly; rather it requires hard work against the status quo. Hope is not found in a political candidate but a resurrected King. Christians are more than a voting bloc; we are people who deeply believe that God is good regardless of what is happening and Jesus is Lord regardless of who is elected. The vehicle for this global movement is the church. This body of believers remind each other of the good news of Jesus. His love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14), his grace equips us (2 Corinthians 12:9), and his promises sustain us (Psalm 54:4). We are more than a Sunday morning gathering. We are his hands and feet throughout the week as we meet needs and serve others. The church bell rings in Bartella because of the loving sacrifices many made for their community. G. K. Chesterton wrote, “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” Chesterton understood that love is a far greater motivating factor than hate. Love launched a thousand ships, made an innocent man fall silent before a tribunal, and raised a dead man to life. Without love, bells clang noisily like gongs (1 Corinthians 13:1). Bells are welcomed, but gongs are avoided. Today, let freedom ring. The enemy may be near, they may be strong, but they will not be victorious. If it is a work of love, it cannot fail (2 Corinthians 2:13-15, 1 Corinthians 15:58). Nick Note: Today, I am honored to be in New York to participate in the Movement Day Global Cities conference. Movement Day is catalyzing leadership teams from the world's largest cities to serve their cities more effectively by advancing high-level, city-changing collaborative partnerships. For updates throughout the week, check out my videos on our Facebook page.     If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe here.

Concerns raised for American Missionary Couple in Turkey

Concerns raised for American Missionary Couple in Turkey

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

IZMIR, TURKEY (ANS, Oct. 26, 2016) – Turkish officials arrested and detained an American couple on October 7 in the coastal city of Izmir on grounds of conducting activities constituted as “national security risks.”

Voice of the Persecuted (https://voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com) received an update on the couple, Andrew Brunson and his wife, Norine’s situation as of late Friday, October 21.

The ministry said Norine and Andrew have been living in Turkey for 23 years, running a church with the full knowledge of the local authorities, said Lois Kanalos, Founder/Advocate, Voice Of The Persecuted, www.voiceofthepersecuted.org.

“They were summoned to the police department on Friday, October 7, for what they assumed would be questions about their recent residency application. Upon their arrival they were presented with a letter from Ankara labeling them a threat to national security and ordering their deportation. They were immediately detained, their phones were confiscated, and they were completely isolated from the outside world,” Voice of the Persecuted said in an update.

The ministry said the authorities denied repeated requests from their lawyers, the US State Department, and friends to see them or communicate with them in any way.

“They were explicitly forbidden from having a Bible, and were not allowed to receive books or any change of clothes. Andrew’s glasses and watch were taken away. They were told that their government had forgotten about them and that ‘hopefully’ they would be deported, suggesting that they might simply disappear and never be heard from again.”

The ministry said Norine was released after 12 days (Oct. 19) and verbally told that all charges against her were dropped, but her lawyer has told her that is almost certainly not true, given that nothing was put in writing. She was allowed to see Andrew for half an hour on October 20, but was denied any access on October 21. Apart from Norine, Andrew has had no contact with the outside world since October 7.

In the update, Voice of the Persecuted said: “Norine and Andrew explicitly waived their right to protest the deportation, and yet there has been no deportation to date. The right to legal counsel is guaranteed under Turkish law, and the right of the US State Department to visit detained US citizens is guaranteed by 36(1)(c) of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which Turkey has ratified. Both of these rights have clearly been violated.”

The ministry update continued: “At this point, the priority is to get Norine and Andrew safely out of Turkey, something entirely in keeping with the deportation order. Norine’s current visa expires on November 10, and though she might be forced to leave at any time, she really does not want to leave the country without Andrew. Norine is also concerned that her husband might be transferred from the current immigration center to a prison. Prison in that environment is entirely different from prison in the United States, and often includes people disappearing and without ever being heard from again.”

The ministry explained: “There are far more serious charges supposedly brought against them, but none of it in writing, and none of it with any semblance of transparency or accountability. Those charges cannot be discussed openly, but Norine indicates that it’s difficult to overstate how dangerous the situation is.”

Voice of the Persecuted said: “The new objective is to see Norine and Andrew safely released from Turkey. They are willing and ready to comply with the deportation order, and yet the authorities continue to hold Andrew. Very little progress has been made through normal channels, so we will now start pressing the issue through Congress, through the media, and through the Turkish embassy.”

They stated: “It is time to press Turkey for Norine and Andrew’s rights to be restored. If the objective was to deport them, why detain them and deny them rights guaranteed under both Turkish and international law? Where are they being held and why have the charges not been stated in writing? Why hold them in isolation and confiscate things like Andrew’s glasses?”

Anyone reading this is encouraged to help spread the word. If you have media contacts, or know how to effectively disseminate this information, please contact: info@voiceofthepersecuted.org.

The ministry update concluded: “As always, your continued prayers are much appreciated, and we know that God will cause good to come from this.”

See previous story here: http://tinyurl.com/h4zon4y

PLEASE ACT NOW by:

**Praying and sharing this urgent prayer request.

**Praying that Andrew would be released from detention.

**Praying that the authorities would not discriminate against Christians in Turkey.

**Praying for religious freedom in Turkey.

**Contacting your elected officials asking them to take immediate and serious action for the release of these two Americans, our brother and sister in Christ Jesus.

How to Contact Your Federal, State and Local Elected Officials https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

Photo captions: 1) Norine and Andrew Brunson. 2) Voice of the Persecuted logo. 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 since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. Please consider helping Michael cover his expenses in bringing news of the Persecuted Church, by logging-on to: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/ireland-michael

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

Nisu, Jianshui in China

Nisu, Jianshui in China The Jianshui Nisu have been a dominant group in southern Yunnan for many centuries. They worship numerous spirits, some of whom are considered benevolent and others evil. The first missionaries in Jianshui arrived in 1933 and stayed for two years, and today there are a small number of Nisu Christians in Gaoda District. Ministry Obstacles Spirit worship must be overcome and replaced by worship of the living God. Outreach Ideas Han Chinese believers may be able to help disciple the Jianshui Nisu believers, giving them a vision to reach the remainder of their people group. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the believers among the Jianshui Nisu, that they would be properly taught in the faith, making the most of every opportunity, understanding what the Lord's will is. Pray for the entire people group Pray that all of the Jianshui Nisu people group will increasingly desire to learn of Jesus, his life and finished work on the cross. Scripture Focus "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance." Psalm 33:12		People Name: Nisu, Jianshui Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 225,000 World Population: 225,000 Language: Nisu, Southern Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: None Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

War, ISIS Cruelty Traumatize Syrian Refugees

War, ISIS Cruelty Traumatize Syrian Refugees

October 27, 2016

Unofficial refugee camps in Turkey are seeing more psychologically hurting arrivals from Aleppo, Syria.

One of thousands of refugees in acute need of trauma counseling, an elderly Syrian in Turkey lost two children and other relatives following intensified airstrikes and bombings in Aleppo, Syria.
The director of a ministry based in southern Turkey said the refugee had fled Aleppo with his wife two years ago, but his son and daughter were unable to escape and had been living under Islamic State (ISIS) control.
"The old man said that five days ago, when Russia attacked with war planes, he lost his son and daughter," the director said. "His daughter-in-law also was injured, and they brought her to the hospital in Antakya [Turkey, near the Syrian border]. She had an operation, but three days later she also died."
The anguished refugee asked the Christian leader if his ministry could help them.
"The old man was crying, and he asked me where he should go or what should he do," he said. "He told us that only he and his wife were left, and they have no one with them. They have lost their only son and daughter and their son's family, and they cannot work to provide food for their survival."
The indigenous ministry has seen a surge in refugees from Aleppo as Syrian government and Russian forces have mounted offensives to retake areas of the city from rebel units in the past month, he said. Like the elderly man trying to kiss the ministry director's hand as he begged for help, most of them need trauma counseling, which ministry workers provide as they listen to their stories and pray with them.

"The old man was crying, and he asked me where he should go or what should he do," the ministry director said. "They cannot work to provide food for their survival."

With more than 2.7 million refugees in Turkey, there aren't enough aid agencies to meet the overwhelming needs of those suffering psychological trauma, said the director of another ministry serving those who have fled war in Syria and Iraq. The particular cruelty of ISIS adds another dimension of pain to those suffering the atrocities of war.
"There should be maybe 100 ministries to reach them," the Istanbul-based ministry director said. "Every family has a loss from war, every family. And some of the stories are so terrible, I cannot even tell you - some stories are just like nightmares. And they are living with that burden every day."
His team has been ministering to one traumatized, Syrian family in southern Turkey for three years. The first year, the family was hiding in a collapsed building and had no contact with anyone, he said - when workers tried to help them, they just ran away. In Syria, the mother had been raped and the father tortured.
She was the first to arrive in Turkey, having escaped ISIS with the help of Kurdish fighters. After a year, team members established a bond with the Sunni Muslim couple's small daughter, which proved to be a link to the rest of the family. They became friendly with the ministry team members, who subsequently arranged for trauma counseling for the entire family.
"Now they're working, they're taking care of themselves, and the father can work and the mother can take care of children and the children are going to school because of our ministry to them over three years," he said. "Now they probably will be Christians. We started to share the gospel five months ago, and now they are very open, especially the wife. I believe she will be Christian very soon."
The distress of refugee life compounds the psychological scars of war. The leader of the ministry based in southern Turkey said he receives phone calls from unofficial camps informing him that many people have arrived who have nothing to sleep on.
"They were trying to set up their own tent, but they have no material to cover the tent," he said. "During the summer months the weather is very hot, so they cannot sit in the tent, and they have no shade to protect themselves from the heat."
On a recent visit to such a makeshift camp, his team found many newborn babies in the tents that had already been set up.

Entire families are suffering emotional trauma in makeshift refugee camps in Turkey.

"Most of the babies were 1 month old, and a few of them only 5 days old," he said. "Every mother we spoke to was asking for baby formula and diapers for the babies, and they kept saying they could not produce milk since they cannot get proper food for themselves. It is heart-breaking stories like this that we hear from the suffering refugees."
When ministry team members arrive, the refugees crowd around them asking for help, and oftentimes all the workers can tell them is, "We will see - if we can, we will bring help for you," he said. The ministry provides baby formula, diapers, food boxes and clean water only as donor assistance permits.
"They need clean water since no official office comes to clean the [unofficial] camp," the director said. "The water becomes so dirty that they cannot sleep at night from the smell, not to mention all the illness that happens as a result."
The trauma that refugees suffer extends to the workers serving them. As team members help to bear refugees' burdens, they experience secondary trauma that wears them down emotionally, especially as they are facing opposition in their outreach and lack of a worship facility in their church fellowship.
"We have really big responsibilities on our back, not only with our fellowship but also with the refugees as well, as many Muslims were coming to the Lord," the director said. "We see evil working so hard to make us fail to reach them, so please pray we can stand against evil. Life is getting harder for us since we lack support."
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!

The ‘Fortunate’ Ones

The ‘Fortunate’ Ones  

Syrian refugees arriving in Greece are fewer in number since a European Union agreement went into effect earlier this year to stem the flow, but they are greater in need than earlier arrivals such as the ones pictured here, the co-director of an Arabic-speaking ministry based in Athens said. “The groups that have arrived lately in Greece are the most vulnerable, having lost family members,” she said. “They’re from a poorer background, sick, tortured or persecuted, trapped in camps where they sleep on the floor, with very poor quality food, with poor medical care, in despair believing that they would find a better place in Europe.” A recent refugee had to sell her child’s diapers and milk in order to pay for transit to the ministry base from a camp in Greece, telling the director, “They told me that only the ‘Arabic Church’ can help us. Even if you do nothing for me, I thank you because you spent time with me and you listened to me. No one has done this.” The co-director said the pain of both the refugees and the team members ministering to them is increasingly daily, as needs outstrip resources. “Actually, we really need your prayers for this, as the pain we face every day is really overwhelming,” she said.

Wassulu in Guinea

Wassulu in Guinea A warm and hospitable people, the Wassulu of West Africa claim to originate from the Futa Jalon (Fulani) of Guinea. Geopolitical borders do not define the area inhabited by the Wassulu people. The Wassulu region expands from the southwest corner of Mali, to the northwest corner of Ivory Coast and the northeast part of Guinea. Their villages are often remote. Although there is strong evidence of Muslim practices in their villages, many of the Wassulu also continue to follow traditional African religious beliefs and practices. Ministry Obstacles To follow Jesus among the Wassulu is to create division between oneself and family and friends. Such divisions are very significant barriers to belief. Outreach Ideas The Kissi tribe in Guinea has a large number of Christian believers. Perhaps the Kissi will carry the Gospel of Christ to their Wassulu neighbors. Pray to this end. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the followers of Jesus among the Wassulu community, that they will find each other in order to fellowship. Pray for accuracy in understanding the Gospel of grace. Pray they won't mix the teachings of Christ with traditional African religions. Pray for the entire people group Pray that each mature individual in the Wassulu tribe will have at least one opportunity to clearly hear the good news about Jesus in his or her mother tongue. Pray even for more than one opportunity, since it usually requires several in order to really understand and believe. Scripture Focus "Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see." Matthew 22:9		People Name: Wassulu Country: Guinea 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 126,000 World Population: 330,000 Language: Maninkakan, Eastern Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Jack Chick, Cartoonist Whose Controversial Tracts Became Cult Hits, has died at 92

Jack Chick, Cartoonist Whose Controversial Tracts Became Cult Hits, has died at 92

He is said to have distributed more than 750 million tracts, nicknamed “chicklets,” over five decades

By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST News Service

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA (ANS – October 26, 2016) -- Jack Chick, the controversial cartoonist who became the biggest name in tract evangelism, died on Sunday at the age 92.

According to a friend, he had been suffering from diabetes and heart problems.

A Facebook posting on the Chick Publications page, which is based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Chick died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday evening.

The posting added: “He will be interred in a small private ceremony. Condolences can be sent to Chick Publications (postmaster@chick.com ), and they will be taken to his widow. God bless you all.”

The posting also promised that the company would continue Chick's method, vision and purpose.

Jack Chick was born in Los Angeles on April 13, 1924, and came to faith shortly after the end of World War II. Reports say that it was while he was on his honeymoon and was listening to Charles E. Fuller’s radio show, “Old Fashioned Revival Hour.”

Unable to find a publisher, Chick published his first cartoon revival book in 1961 using $800 he borrowed from a credit union. He founded Chick Publications in 1970.

Chick wanted his tracts to be handed out in bulk and were available cheaply. Chick’s company claimed it had sold about 750 million of them, translated into more than 100 languages.

“His burden has always been to get the Gospel into the hands of millions of lost people around the world,” said his website -- http://www.chick.com/.

In a story on his death, the Associated Press (AP) said, “Chick's pulpy, lurid cartoons combined traditional evangelism with frankly conspiracy-minded attacks. He and later other illustrators produced several hundred tracts over the decades. Latching onto the issues of the day, the tracts took aim at abortion, occultism, ecumenism and other perceived evils.

“They portrayed everything from rock music to Dungeons & Dragons and Harry Potter as literal traps of the Devil.

“One tract, ‘The Walking Dead,’ tapped into the hit zombie TV show but argued: ‘We're all like zombies. The spirits inside our souls are dead.’”

Christianity Today (CT) called Chick, “The biggest name in tract evangelism,” adding that that his signature black-and-white panel comics warned against the dangers of everything from the occult to Family Guy.

CT went on to say, “Chick’s messages were controversial -- including among evangelicals -- but his work enjoyed a global reach. His most popular tract -- This Was Your Life! -- was translated into more than 60 languages.

“The former technical illustrator began drawing and funding his first comic books and pocket-sized tracks in the early 1960s, according to Christian Comics International. Chick Publications grew to start its own print shop, and took off in the ‘70s.”

The CT story went on to say, “His evangelistic furor was inspired by sermons from revivalist Charles Finney, whose theology continues to underline Chick’s tracks, according to researcher Daniel Silliman. He quotes Chick as saying, ‘When everything is caving in, and when the world laughs at the church, that’s when we need revival…. Christians are self-satisfied and complacent. God’s got a handful of people out there who really mean business, but the rest are playing games.’”

Among comic artists, Jack Chick rose to a level of fascination as one of the bestselling underground publishers in the world, said media reports. Early news of his death on the site Boing Boing launched Chick’s name as a national trending topic on Twitter on Monday afternoon.

Among the many provocative tracts Chick produced were two attacking the Catholic Church, namely, “Last Rites” and another which asked, “Are Roman Catholics Christians?”

Despite his death, his iconic style lives on. This summer, a parody tract came out targeting Donald Trump. (See http://boingboing.net/2016/07/19/trump-tracts-subgenius-inflec.html).

Although he had many critics, Chick also had a loyal band of followers, one of whom is veteran broadcaster, Tim Berends, who hosts the “Jesus and Tim in Las Vegas” show which is aired each Saturday at 1:30 PM (Pacific Time), on KKVV (1060 am and 101.5 FM).

Berends told the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), that Chick was “one of the greatest influences on my life.”

He went on to say, “For years I spoke to Jack practically every day around 5:00 pm and would give him a report on the 300 Chick tracts that I would hand out on the Las Vegas Strip. He was instrumental in introducing me to Pilot Mike Cahill. Since he did that, Mike and I have been on over 40 trips including, including nine trips to Israel and 18 trips to Mexican border towns and many capitals in Central and South American countries handing out Chick Tracts.

“I can only imagine what it was like when he arrived in Heaven. I wouldn't have been surprised if the Lord asked believers to stand in line to meet the Apostle Paul because the line for Jack Chick was just too long.”

Christianity Today said that in the late 1990s, a media watchdog site described the secular fascination with Chick, saying: “To some, Chick tracts are American folk art, or even a form of religious pornography, titillating and somewhat dangerous. Chick is the ultimate underground artist: single-minded and self-published, passionately committed to his message without regard for external social forces.”

It added, “Chick’s 150-plus tracts center around distinguishing the ‘saved’ from the ‘lost,’ the latter represented by various culture war targets over the years.”

Scholar Martin Lund in the book Comics and Power, said, “Despite claims to eternal truths, tract subjects are frequently chosen in response to contemporary trends and ideas, references to communism have vanished from Chick’s post-Cold War output, and eight of the twelve ‘Islam’ tracts were published after 2001.”

One of the frequently asked questions on Chick’s site is, “Why preach against false religions? Why not just preach Jesus?” His site’s response, in part said: “Here is why: God said, ‘When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.’ (Ezekiel 3:18). It’s not hard to see that God requires us to speak up, even if it is unpopular.”

Photo captions: 1) Jack Chick at the 2007 Alternative Press Expo (Scott Beale / Laughing Squid). 2) Cartoon on the Chick website following his death. 3) One of his Anti-Catholic tracts. 4) Jack Chick (center) seen here with Tim Berends (left) and pilot, Mike Cahill. 5) The Anti-Trump tract. 6) Dan Wooding.

About the writer: Dan Wooding, 75, is an award-winning winning author, broadcaster and journalist who was born in Nigeria of British missionary parents, and is now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he has been married for more than 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). He is the author of some 45 books, and has been a full-time journalist since 1968. While still based in London, Dan Wooding was a senior reporter for two of Great Britain’s largest-circulation newspapers, and was an interviewer for BBC Radio One and for LBC, the capital city’s main commercial talk station. Dan now has a weekly radio show and two TV shows all based in Southern California.

** 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 receive a complimentary subscription to ANS by going to the above website and signing up there.

Lhokpu in Bhutan

Lhokpu in Bhutan The Lhop have a reputation of being shy, kind and gentle; their name Doya (daya) means kind-hearted. The history and the origin of the Lhop remains a mystery, but the Lhops have lived and evolved as a part of the Am Mo Chhu valley since time immemorial. According to a tradition in Satakha, one of the Lhop villages, they worship a deity called Talang. Ministry Obstacles The Lhop reside in a remote area of the world. Outreach Ideas Christian workers can carry the Gospel message to these people using oral means of communication: stories, films, and recordings. Pray for the followers of Christ There may be no followers of Christ among the Lhop community at present, but pray for the ones the Lord will soon lead to himself. Pray they become well established in the faith, trusting Christ fully and following him faithfully. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Lhop community will be prepared to enter the 21st century, educating their children and with skills to make them employable. Scripture Focus "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6		People Name: Lhokpu Country: Bhutan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 3,400 World Population: 3,400 Language: Lhokpu Primary Religion: Buddhism Bible: None Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level:

Religion and Services for the Homeless. An Immoral Combination?

Religion and Services for the Homeless. An Immoral Combination?

By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreynalds@gmail.com )

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS-OCT 23, 2016) -- A while ago, I was flabbergasted to hear about the head of a homeless agency who reportedly thought it is “immoral” to mix religion with delivery of services to the homeless. There are others who also believe the same way.

Maybe he or his clients have had bad experiences with those who combine religion with helping the homeless. If that’s the case, it’s sad, because the gospel is supposed to be “good news.”

At Joy Junction, a faith based ministry, we think sharing Jesus kindly and compassionately with our guests is essential. Why do we feel so strongly about that message?

It has been my experience after working with New Mexico’s homeless for over 30 years, that people often fall into drug abuse and an inappropriate use of alcohol in an attempt to escape the emotional pain and despair that characterize their lives.

While regularly working with medical and mental health professionals, Joy Junction offers a relationship with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone on which to build a fully recovered life. We believe that to do otherwise would be “immoral.”

I remember some time back talking to a guy standing by an empty 12 pack of a very strong malt liquor. We were talking about how encouragement from Joy Junction’s Lifeline’s staff, and food from our truck, had motivated him to no longer steal or do drugs.

However, his answer when I asked him about the alcohol will haunt me forever. He pointed to a concrete culvert, and said, “See that? It’s where I slept last night. That stuff (pointing to the alcohol) helps me not notice the bugs, the mice or think about my life.”

He said he was working on drinking so much and gratefully said “yes,” when I asked if I could pray with him. While he obviously needed many physical resources, what else other than a relationship with Jesus will help him get through each day?

But what others think about sharing Jesus when helping the homeless with food and shelter? At he time I first shared this piece, we asked some of our Facebook friends. They were quick to respond.

Rita said, “I am a graduate of Joy Junction. It is an establishment that helped me in so many ways. And having a devotional in the mornings (helped) set the path for a new day.”

Angel said, “It is essential and very much needed. Your ministry is wonderful for the homeless and the people that are not homeless. If only more people followed your example.”

Charles said that Jesus gives hope to those who feel they have none.

He added, “Keep up the good work, Joy Junction, and when someone tells you to not mix religious beliefs with helping someone or tells you to turn your shirt inside out, ) remember Romans 6:1. ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God through salvation for anyone who chooses to accept it.’”

Andrea commented, “I’m Jewish so the way I see it, your savior was a Jew so it’s all fine. Besides if someone doesn’t want to hear the preaching they will tell you. I give to various food banks and to Joy Junction. The bottom line is tzedakah (charity). Give to those less fortunate than yourself.”

I liked what Joel said. “I’m not a big fan of anyone pushing any religion; however, you do it with taste and class. You do not try to ram it down anyone’s throat like other groups. I may not believe in the same god that you do, but when someone tells me ‘God bless,’ I don’t get insulted by it, I say ‘thank you,’ and then go about my day.”

Paula also had encouraging words. She wrote that while she believes in “live and let live,” as long as no one is being hurt, “I firmly believe in God, and that’s what makes me the strong, compassionate and giving person I am.”

She added, “I appreciate your organization and am glad to see you all doing what you do . If you want to praise our Lord, I stand behind you 110 percent.”

Destiny said she was okay with it, as long as food or services are not denied to those who 'reject' religion or our 'outlook' on it.

She continued, “But if you’re withholding food or clothing on the basis they have to partake in any religion/religious activity then I can see it as a problem. Helping those in need should be just that, without pushing your agenda on them. Love the work Joy Junction does though, and I donate to them all the time.”

I appreciate everyone who responded. My question to the agency head whose comment motivated me to write this piece, and anyone else who doesn’t believe in sharing the gospel when assisting the homeless, would be, “What other form of real encouragement is there for a homeless and hungry person after basic human needs have been taken care of it?”

Photo captions: 1) Jeremy Reynalds greets a homeless man. 2) A concrete culvert similar to the one slept in by the individual featured in the story. 3) Jeremy and Elma Reynalds.

About the writer: Jeremy Reynalds, who was born in Bournemouth, UK, is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, www.joyjunction.org. He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. One of his more recent books is “From Destitute to Ph.D.” Additional details on the book are available at www.myhomelessjourney.com. His latest book is "Two Hearts One Vision." It is available at www.twoheartsonevisionthebook.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife, Elma. For more information, please contact Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@gmail.com .

** You may republish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net). Please also tell your friends and colleagues that they can receive a complimentary subscription to the ASSIST News Service by going to the ANS website (see above) and signing up there.

A Matter of Faith -- And Here’s the Good News!

A Matter of Faith -- And Here’s the Good News!

By Carol Round, Special to ASSIST News Service (Writer’s Opinion)

GROVE, OK (ANS – October 23, 2016) -- “Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed -- it is the same Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is squarely built upon this wonderful message; and it is this Good News that saves you if you still firmly believe it, unless of course you never really believed it in the first place” -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (TLB).

Tired of the negative news? Me too. You can’t watch television, read a newspaper or peruse social media without being bombarded with bad news. Depressing news. Sad news. News that leaves us wondering why and how our world has become so dark.

Then, good news happens. A story on television, a newspaper article or a post on social media reminds us that there is still light in the world, a light that reflects the goodness still alive and well bringing hope to our weary souls and our heavy hearts.

At the heart of the gospel message is hope, hope of better days, a better future and a better life awaiting us once we leave this fallen world. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, not man. That is, if you ever believed it in the first place.

Even if we have believed and placed our hope in Him, our steps falter when we become weary and want to quit because we’re overwhelmed with responsibilities. We take on too much. We’re too busy. We don’t have time to stop and listen for that still, small voice reassuring us, guiding us, speaking to our spirits and inviting us to take refuge in His arms.

His arms are where I long to be when I want to give up, when I am discouraged, when the bad news outweighs the good. Then, I remember His promises, His provision and His love. They never end.

Author John MacDuff wrote, “Trust God where you cannot see Him. Do not try to penetrate the cloud He brings over you; rather look to the bow that is on it. The mystery is God’s; the promise is yours.”

God may be a mystery but His promises never change. We must pick up His Holy Word and meditate on them each day to strengthen our faith and remind us we are not alone.

In Deuteronomy 31:8, we are reminded of His faithfulness: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’”

His promises are Good News, the news that Jesus Christ has overcome the world. No matter what the headlines spout or what we read and hear, we can take heart, knowing that God never changes. His Word is still relevant today. We have to believe it, take it into our spirits and live free of the negativity.

To stay positive in a negative world, we must fill our minds with the good, the Good News of the gospel. Are you doing that?

Photo: 1) Good News Newspaper (http://goodnewsplanet.com/what-a-week-of-good-news/). 2) Carol Round.

Note: I always love hearing from my readers. Please feel free to email me with your thoughts at carol@carolaround.com . You can also visit my blog at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, just contact me at either of the above places with your request and I’ll be happy to respond to your message.

** You may republish this or any of our stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net). Please tell your friends or colleagues that they can receive a complimentary subscription to our news service by going to the above ANS website and signing up there.

Turmoil in Pakistan as Extremists Call for Lynching of Two Blasphemy Law Victims

Turmoil in Pakistan as Extremists Call for Lynching of Two Blasphemy Law Victims

By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreyands@gmail.com )

LONDON, UK. (ANS-October, 23, 2016) -- Community tension is on the upswing against Christians in Pakistan as Muslims call for the blood of two blasphemy law victims.

According to a news release from the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA), over the last few weeks the legal sagas of Asia Bibi, 46, and Nabeel Masih, 16, have been putting Pakistan’s judicial system through its most difficult test yet.

BPCA commented, “Sadly for these victims and to the consternation of millions of people around the globe who have been watching intently hoping for Pakistan to bring justice to these innocent victims,” the courts have failed.

Last week the trial of Bibi, a mother of five imprisoned for seven years, was postponed indefinitely.

BPCA said that apparently a judge who should have been on a panel of three presiding over her trial, failed to recognize until the day of trial that Bibi’s case was closely connected with the murder of Salmaan Taseer.

Justice Iqbal Hameed abstained himself from sitting on the panel claiming a conflict of interest in what, BPCA commented, was “a dubious act that has invoked widespread condemnation from humanitarians who believe his act to be one of cowardice.”

Protests have been held across the country, in which extremist groups are inciting the already conservative Muslim communities in Pakistan to call for the blood of Asia Bibi.

Sunni Muslim groups have coordinated mass demonstrations across Pakistan, chanting slogans and displaying signs calling for Bibi to be hanged.

Hundreds of members and supporters of Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah gathered last week in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore to declare their hatred for her.

“It will be a war if accursed Asia escapes. We are united to guard the honor of Rasool Allah. We are his servants,” Mukhtar, one of many protesters in Lahore supporting Bibi’s hanging, told AsiaNews.

“Was Pakistan formed to hang the lovers and spare blasphemers? Why is Asia Bibi not hanged even after the death sentence by Lahore High Court and Supreme Court,” he asked, warning “the government will pay if it acts on foreign agenda and betrays us.”

BPCA said that a high ranking Punjab judge has offered to become part of the appeals panel, and intimated he would uphold the death penalty issued by the High Court of Lahore.

“I have long studied the case,” the Assistant Attorney General Chaudhry Ahmad Zubair Farooq said, “ ... and overwhelming evidence and testimonies have emerged against the defendant.”

This week Masih faced the jeers of a mob of in excess of 80 Muslims seeking his death, whilst in Lahore High Court awaiting his sentence for charges of blasphemy.

Masih’s “crime” was to post a Facebook image that is said to be derogatory to Muslims on the walls of his friends’ Facebook.

On Friday, a judge announced the young teenager could face the death sentence.

Ostensibly the alleged blasphemy crime with which Masih is charged breaches section 295 and 295A of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, which should hold a maximum sentence of 10 years.

However, BPCA said, the courts in Pakistan “are known for their manipulation of laws which are used as a tool to discriminate against minorities.”

The presiding judge in Masih’s case felt that the image (which allegedly no one but the accusers and the police ever saw on his Facebook page), constituted a crime against Muhammed. As such, Masih now faces a death sentence simply for inappropriate use of social media.

After the hearing, Masih, his family and his legal defense team had to be escorted out of the court surrounded by armed guards.

However, BPCA suggested, “The intense atmosphere in the courts suggests security measures will need to be beefed up at any future trial dates. Even as the trial ensued, the mob was growing in size as those in attendance were calling friends to come and join them.”

Masih’s family are in hiding, and may never be safe again in a country where Christians hold pariah status. Communities of Christians nationwide have been warned that if Masih and Bibi are not hanged for their crimes, then Muslims will attack Christian communities to kill as many as they can.

According to BPCA, additional security teams are being posted at churches. Despite the threats church attendances seem to have grown, as Christians seek hope for their situation through God.

Wilson Chowdhry, chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association said in the news release, “I am totally dismayed by the (lack of) humanity exhibited by the Muslim community in Pakistan towards these two innocent and defenseless Christians.”

He added, “The hatred incomprehensible to those in the West is now commonplace in Pakistan. The survival of Christianity in Pakistanis is facing an unprecedented threat. We call on Western nations to use their power of leverage through foreign aid budgets to defend the defenseless.”
For more information visit www.britishpakistanichristians.org

Photo captions: 1) Asia Bibi. 2) Muslims who want Asia Bibi to hang. 3) Jeremy and Elma Reynalds.

About the writer: Jeremy Reynalds, who was born in Bournemouth, UK, is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, www.joyjunction.org. He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. One of his more recent books is “From Destitute to Ph.D.” Additional details on the book are available at www.myhomelessjourney.com. His latest book is "Two Hearts One Vision." It is available at www.twoheartsonevisionthebook.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife, Elma. For more information, please contact Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@gmail.com .

** You may republish this and any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net). Please also tell your friends and colleagues that they can receive a complimentary subscription to the ASSIST News Service by going to the ANS website (see above) and signing up there