Senin, 30 April 2012
Pakistanis Pay Tribute to Cecil Chaudhry, a National Hero
Kamis, 26 April 2012
Bombers Attack Center in Christian Area of Jos, Nigeria
Selasa, 17 April 2012
Christians in peril as Sudan and South Sudan head towards war
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN (ANS) -- The threat of an all-out war between Sudan and South Sudan is mounting amid intensifying fighting in the disputed border region, putting Christians in both nations in great danger.
3,700 people are said to have fled Jau, which lies across the border from Southern Kordofan,
since the attacks
(AFP/HO Stuart Price)
Barnabas Fund, based in the UK says that Fierce clashes in the oil-rich territory over the last three weeks have been described as the worst fighting since South Sudan gained independence in July 2011.
The UN Security Council last week expressed its "deep and growing alarm" over the "escalating conflict", and said that the situation threatened to return the countries to full-scale war.
Sudan, which has been indiscriminately dropping bombs in the border regions and the South for almost a year, said that if Southern troops do not comply with a UN order to withdraw from the Heglig oilfields, Khartoum "will chase them out" and "hit deep inside South Sudan".
"The tensions threaten a return to the deadly civil war that devastated the South and left more than two million people, mainly Southern Christians, dead," said a Barnabas Fund spokesperson.
"The independence of South Sudan was meant to herald a new dawn of peace, but a number of serious issues between the two countries remain unresolved, including disputed border territory, oil revenue and citizenship rights."
Left in limbo
South Sudanese boy shows he plans
to protect himself
The spokesperson went on to say that the hostility between the two nations has left people of Southern origin, who are mainly Christian and mainly African, in the overwhelmingly Muslim and Arab Republic of Sudan in a state of limbo and increasing danger. They were stripped of their citizenship of Sudan after the South voted to secede in January 2011 and given until 8 April to sort out their papers.
That deadline has now passed, and, treated as foreigners in Sudan, they have been denied work permits, while South Sudan has not yet started issuing identity documents. Thus they have been left without an official nationality.
A deal that would have given citizens of both countries key rights - to live, work and own property - in the other state has stalled, and there is little hope of further progress; a planned summit between the two presidents at the beginning of April was called off because of the violence in the border region.
A mother and child trying to shelter from the possible upcoming all-out war
"Thousands of people are consequently living rough, hundreds of them on wasteland around Khartoum, having had to give up their homes; many do not have the money and resources to transport their families and possessions to South Sudan. Around three-quarters of them are Christians," said the Barnabas Fund spokesperson.
One community leader said: "We've been out of our homes for three months. We're going to South Sudan, but we need the help of the two governments to return to our country. The people here are very tired. The men have no work, no food; that is our situation."
Barnabas Fund is helping to meet the practical needs of Christians in both Sudan and South Sudan. We are providing returning refugees with emergency supplies, including sorghum (grain), salt, plastic sheeting for shelters, mosquito nets, blankets, water drums and cooking pots.
A family that has been provided shelter
Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, said: "A return to war would be a tragedy, especially for Christians in both territories who, during the long civil war, were particular targets of Khartoum's aggression. Christians in Sudan are already suffering greatly as a result of the unresolved tensions between the two countries; many have been left homeless and in great need. The humanitarian situation will only deteriorate as the latest conflict intensifies."
Give Today
If you would like to help Christians in Sudan and South Sudan, please make a donation to the Sudan and South Sudan General Fund (project 48-990). Donate Online (www.barnabasfund.org/donations/usa/?id=48-990&appealCode=SUD%2004/12 ) using their secure server.
Jumat, 13 April 2012
Afghan Viewer Testifies to God's Healing Power
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
IRAN (ANS) -- It was only by chance that Mina* caught a glimpse of a SAT-7 program on TV. In fact, she doesn't even own a TV or know what email is. Mina was visiting a friend in Iran who was watching SAT-7 and-as normal social protocol could predict-Mina joined in watching.
An Afghan woman
According to a story by Melissa M. Brown, Communications Assistant at SAT-7® (www.sat7usa.org), at the time, Mina was suffering from depression that followed a serious medical procedure. Doubtless the taxing health problems and psychological stress made this middle-aged woman dream of a more sublime existence.
"A few days before the New Year, Mina had unusual dreams in which Jesus appeared to her. Jesus told Mina that He needed her to help him by making dough from flour," said Brown. "Then, Jesus disappeared and a man saying he was a helper of Jesus told Mina that there is too much dough.half the world is filled with dough and waiting for Jesus to make bread with them. Like most dreams, the vision was an ephemeral experience, but this one was not easily forgotten throughout the day.
"Mina awoke and responded to the suggestions in her dreams by seeking more knowledge about Jesus. She later contacted SAT-7 to share her story. In tears, she said that she is healed of her depression and that she loves Jesus with all her heart."
1 John 1:3 in Farsi
Melissa Brown went to to say, "Mina's faith is exceptional! Personally, I have a tendency to struggle with the intangible. A Bible can be held and passed around and quoted, but a vision or dream? I pit the surreal against the scientific because my ability to explain events in my life makes me feel in control, and superior to other forces at work.
"I tell myself a strange dream means that maybe I shouldn't have eaten that cookie dough or taken melatonin before bed. Not all dreams are necessarily God-inspired, and maybe they are just a sleepy-time manifestation of ideas that have been long-forming in the subconscious. But at the same time, this woman's dream had a productive function-she responded to Jesus! Am I missing out on the miraculous in my own life?
"Not being a theologian, I can't verify to anyone that her dream was definitely a manifestation of God's will. But perhaps the more important point is the spiritual change the dream encouraged in Mina's life by revealing God and drawing her closer to Him. In the Old Testament, dreams and visions were not an uncommon way for God to express Himself."
She then said that the Bible states that in the end days, these experiences will be an integral part of spiritual life: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." (Acts 2:17)
*Name has been changed for privacy
Kamis, 12 April 2012
Mongol of China
Mongol of China
In the thirteenth century, Genghis Khan formed one of the greatest world empires by uniting the Mongol tribes. In the centuries that followed, the once mighty Mongol empire was squeezed between the growing Russian and Chinese empires. One-third of all the Mongols lived in what later became known as the Mongolian People's Republic. The remaining two-thirds lived in the Inner Mongolian region of China.
Ministry Obstacles
The Mongolians live in an area that is somewhat difficult for outsiders to access.
Outreach Ideas
Pray the emerging church among the Mongols will become mature enough and large enough to effectively take the Gospel message to all of their own people.
Pray for the followers of Christ
The Lord is building His church among the Mongols. Pray these early believers will become firmly grounded in the faith, fully trusting Christ for salvation and for power to live this life.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Mongolian people may be able to improve their standard of living, being able to provide good schools for their children and employment opportunities for the breadwinners.
Scripture Focus
"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38
People Name: Mongol
Country: China
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 6,947,000
World Population: 7,089,000
Language: Mongolian, Peripheral
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2
Rabu, 11 April 2012
Uyghur of China
Uyghur of China
The Uyghurs live in the western portion of China. Their origins can be traced back to Turkish nomads who lived in the former Soviet Union, south of Lake Baikal. In 840 AD they were forced by the Kirghiz to leave their homeland, and most of them immigrated to Xinjiang province of western China, where they have remained until today. The strategic location of their oasis homes allowed them to be the "middlemen" for commerce between the orient and Europe.
Ministry Obstacles
For a Uyghur to follow Christ is to lose much of his place in his family and community.
Outreach Ideas
Christians need to form bridges of friendship with the Uyghurs, serving them materially and physically as well as spiritually.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are few Christian believers among the Uyghurs of China, but pray for those that know Christ. Pray they will be taught the Scriptures, will be hungry to learn and grow, and will follow Christ zealously.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Uyghurs will increasingly be drawn to Isa (Jesus) as he is referred to in the Koran, curious to find out more about this man. Pray the Lord will reveal Himself to them, and call many to follow Him.
Scripture Focus
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14
People Name: Uyghur
Country: China
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 10,779,000
World Population: 11,129,000
Language: Uyghur
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1
Pakistani Woman Accused of 'Blasphemy' Illegally Held in Jail
Authorities fail to file charge sheet against young mother of 6-month-old
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
LAHORE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Compass Direct News (CDN) is reporting that the mother of a 6-month-old girl has been wrongly jailed for more than a month, as Pakistani authorities have failed to file a charge sheet within the mandatory 14-day period against the young Christian woman falsely accused of "blaspheming" the prophet of Islam, her attorney said.
CDN says that Shamim Bibi, 26, of village Chak No. 170/7R Colony, in the Fort Abbas area of Bahawalpur district, was charged under Section 295-C of Pakistan's "blasphemy" statutes after neighbors accused her of uttering remarks against Muhammad. She was arrested on Feb. 28.
"Speaking ill of Muhammad in Pakistan is punishable by life imprisonment or death under Pakistan's internationally condemned blasphemy laws," said the CDN story. "Her lawyer, Mahboob A. Khan, said police were supposed to register a charge sheet within 14 days of filing the First Information Report under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
"Police say that they have forwarded the charge sheet to the prosecution department, but there has been nothing from them either, he said."
Khan added, "The judicial process is painfully slow, and it's even slower in such sensitive matters. I just hope the judge realizes the gaps in the case, and even if he does not muster enough courage to quash the case, he should at least set her free on bail."
For more information please go to: www.compassdirect.org
Mali: Christians flee imposition of Sharia
- plus Nigeria update (Kaduna Easter bombing)
By Elizabeth Kendal
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin (RLPB) 154
Special to ASSIST News Service
AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- Having seized the capitals of the three main northern provinces in three days -- Kidal, on 30 March, Gao on 31 March and Timbuktu on 1 April -- the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad (NMLA) declared it had achieved its military goal. (NMLA is the ethnic Tuareg rebel group that has seized control of northern Mali.) Consequently, on Thursday 5 April the NMLA announced a ceasefire. Whilst the NMLA has been fighting for political ends -- specifically for autonomy in their homeland -- they have been aided by Islamic jihadists who have been fighting for religious ends, specifically an Islamic state where Sharia (Islamic) Law is enforced. No sooner had the NMLA achieved its goal, the jihadists of Ansar Dine hoisted the black flag of al-Qaeda and announced the imposition of Sharia. Some 100 Nigerian Boko Haram militants who assisted in the capture of Gao have also established a presence there. Sources advise there are four distinct flags flying in Goa: the NMLA, Boko Haram, Ansar Dine and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). However, it is the jihadists calling the shots, not the professedly secular NMLA.
The Tuareg rebellion has left northern Mali devastated. There have been reports of pack rapes as well as massive destruction and looting. The UN's office of humanitarian affairs reports: 'Malians in the northern towns of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu are hiding in their homes in fear following the weekend takeover by rebel groups, during which hospitals, health clinics, government buildings, and most NGO and UN offices and warehouses were looted, and in some cases destroyed, leaving the bulk of humanitarian operations suspended.' (IRIN, 3 April.) Head of the Malian office of Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Julia McDade, told IRIN: 'Everyone [in Gao] is in hiding, everyone's vehicles have been stolen . every single office has been ransacked.' Caritas Mali reported that its local office in Gao was destroyed along with the local church which served Gao's 200-strong Catholic community.
Reportedly, Ansar Dine has distributed leaflets containing a contact number saying that anyone who feels threatened or endangered should call Ansar Dine for assistance. One resident reports being on a bus of families fleeing Gao that was ambushed by Tuareg militants who were robbing everyone. People called the Ansar Dine 'hotline' and jihadists were quickly on the scene. The passengers then watched in horror as the jihadists slit the throat of one of the Tuareg militants to cries of 'Allahu Akbar'.
The shocking violence and destruction, but especially the Islamist threat, has forced virtually the entire Christian population of northern Mali to flee for their lives. The Guardian received an unconfirmed report that the Christian prefect of the town of Bourem had been executed along with his whole family. More than 90 percent of Timbuktu's approximately 300 Christians have fled according to Baptist Pastor Nock Ag Info Yattara, whose congregation has worshipped in Timbuktu since the 1950s. He added that not one of its 205 people is left. In Timbuktu, Ansar Dine is controlling the city and its military base, while the NMLA is camped out at the airport. 'What I deplore,' laments Ou smane Halle, the mayor of Timbuktu, 'is the departure of the Christian community . . . I cannot guarantee their safety. And these are people that have lived side by side with us for centuries.'
For full report see:
MALI: Christians flee as jihadists sieze control of north
Religious Liberty Monitoring, 11 April 2012
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL --
* guarantee the safety of his displaced and threatened people and supply all their needs: spiritual, emotional and physical (food, medical supplies and refuge).
* 'frustrate' (NIV) / 'thwart' (NASB) the way of the wicked (Psalm 146:9c) so that northern Mali will not become an Islamic state and al-Qaeda sanctuary; may he intervene to restore democracy and liberty to northern Mali so that the light of Christ might shine there openly.
* redeem the present sufferings for his own ends, turning the schemes of the wicked 'upside down' (Psalm 146:9c KJV), so that falsehood might be exposed and rejected, truth might be illuminated and lifted up and doors long closed might be opened for gospel ministry.
'The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.' (Psalm 146:9 ESV)
SUMMARY FOR BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MALI CHRISTIANS FLEE IMPOSITION OF SHARIA
Ethnic Tuareg rebels have seized control of northern Mali. Whilst the main rebel group, the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad, is professedly secular, its ally, a jihadist faction known as Ansar Dine, has wrested contr ol, hoisted the black flag of al-Qaeda and announced the imposition of Sharia Law. The Tuareg rebellion has devastated northern Mali. There have been reports of pack rapes and violence, whilst the massive destruction and widespread looting has left the humanitarian aid sector totally crippled. Christian charities and churches have been destroyed. With Christians being targeted, virtually the entire Christian population of northern Mali has been forced to flee. Please pray for the Church in Mali.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NIGERIA: GIVE THANKS AND KEEP PRAYING
On Easter Sunday a Boko Haram bomber attempted to get access to the 1st Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) on Gwari Road, Kaduna. However, his car was turned away at the barricades despite his having a military uniform folded on the back seat. As he drove away, the massive bomb exploded outside a hotel opposite the church. So far 39 people have died, most of whom were Okada (motor-cyc le taxi) drivers parked at the hotel. The massive explosion damaged the ECWA Good News Church and the nearby All Nations Christian Assembly Church, blowing in the windows and destroying fans and roofing. However, the churchgoers worshipping at Easter services inside were protected. Thank the Lord while continuing to pray that he will protect his people (Psalm 125:2) and frustrate the schemes of the wicked (Psalm 146:9).
PEPERANGAN ROHANI
0BULETIN DOA -- Peperangan Rohani
Edisi April 2012, Vol.04 No.52
DAFTAR ISI
ARTIKEL DOA 1: SENJATA KITA DALAM PEPERANGAN
ARTIKEL DOA 2: PERANG ROHANI
STOP PRESS: GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR NORTH KOREA
Shalom,
Ketika kita berdoa syafaat, sebenarnya kita sedang memasuki sebuah peperangan yang sengit dengan kuasa-kuasa di udara. Karena itu, seharusnya kita bersiap sedia dengan segala baju zirah yang sudah dipersiapkan oleh Allah untuk kita pakai. Dalam edisi e-Doa kali ini, kami mengajak Anda menyimak artikel mengenai senjata yang kita pakai dan apa yang kita lakukan dalam peperangan rohani. Kiranya, artikel-artikel yang kami sajikan ini memperlengkapi Anda. Tuhan Yesus memberkati!
Redaksi Tamu e-Doa,
Yosua Setyo Yudo
< http://doa.sabda.org >
ARTIKEL DOA 1: SENJATA KITA DALAM PEPERANGAN
Orang beriman harus senantiasa diperlengkapi dengan sejumlah jenis senjata. Efesus 6:10-11 berkata, "Akhirnya, hendaklah kamu kuat di dalam Tuhan, di dalam kekuatan kuasa-Nya. Kenakanlah seluruh perlengkapan senjata Allah, supaya kamu dapat bertahan melawan tipu muslihat Iblis." Orang semacam ini adalah orang yang siap menghadapi musuh. Iblis akan melakukan segala upaya untuk mencegah, jangan sampai Anda memiliki ilmu pengetahuan dari Allah. Sekalipun Anda berhasil memiliki senjata itu, ia akan berusaha merebutnya. Anda akan mengalami ujian dalam hal ini, dan ada beberapa orang yang tidak lulus dalam ujian tersebut. Iblis akan menyatakan bahwa Anda tidak memerlukan senjata itu. Sebaiknya senjata itu dibuang saja, sebab senjata itu tidak bermanfaat bagi Anda.
Pada suatu saat, saya didatangi seorang laki-laki di dalam suatu kebaktian, tatkala saya sedang menyinggung masalah ini di dalam khotbah saya. Ia mengatakan bahwa senjata itu tidak mempan baginya. Saya katakan kepadanya apabila senjata Allah itu tidak mempan, maka ia dapat menyebut Tuhan itu pembohong. Kalau firman Allah itu sebagai senjata tidak mempan dalam hidup Anda, maka hal itu disebabkan oleh karena Anda menggunakannya secara tidak benar.
Allah tidak pernah gagal dalam melaksanakan kebenaran. Memang musuh dengan gigih menolak Anda masuk ke dalam kawasan yang pernah ia kuasai karena ia senang menjalankan kekuasaan gelap yang penuh dengan roh jahat di udara. Ia ingin terus melanjutkan kekuasaannya atas diri umat manusia. Ia sangat menyesalkan adanya campur tangan Tuhan dalam hal ini. Ia akan memusatkan segala kekuatan dan tenaganya untuk merintangi Anda melalui suatu peperangan yang dahsyat. Kalau serangan-serangannya berhasil Anda patahkan dan ia tidak berhasil menguasai jalan pikiran Anda, maka ia akan mencoba mengusik Anda melalui jiwa Anda, keadaan tubuh Anda, keadaan keluarga Anda, atau kondisi kehidupan Anda. Oleh sebab itu, hendaklah Anda siap sedia senantiasa menghadapi segala gangguan iblis itu, karena ia pasti tidak akan tinggal diam. Gangguan itu akan terus datang merongrong.
Tempat yang tadinya merupakan anugerah yang istimewa bagi Anda, kini menjadi tempat yang luar biasa berbahaya. Tidak ada kebenaran yang lebih tangguh dalam melawan musuh, kecuali kewibawaan iman pada orang yang percaya. Roh Tuhan berdoa melalui rasul Paulus, kiranya mata sidang jemaat boleh terbuka lebar, agar mereka bisa menyadari sepenuhnya perlengkapan senjata yang ampuh, yang telah diperuntukkan untuk menjaga keamanan diri mereka. Saya pernah menyaksikan sejumlah orang yang berhasil dijungkirbalikkan oleh iblis. Banyak pula orang yang berusaha dengan tekun untuk menguasai kebenaran Allah, atau telah memperoleh pelajaran tentang kebenaran Allah itu. Mereka telah berusaha dengan sekuat tenaga, untuk dapat melaksanakan dengan baik apa yang diajarkan oleh firman Allah. Sering kali, mereka berhasil ditaklukkan iblis dari segi kelemahan jasmaniah mereka, sebab mereka tidak bisa lagi ditaklukkan melalui kekuatan benteng iman rohani mereka. Iblis senantiasa berusaha mengalahkan mereka melalui segala cara, apa saja yang ia sanggupi. Namun, kepada setiap orang, telah disediakan perlengkapan senjata, yang bisa menjamin keamanan diri mereka itu. Apabila manusia itu berhasil memanfaatkan senjata dari Allah itu dengan tepat, maka ia pasti berhasil mengalahkan iblis.
Seorang yang beriman haruslah senantiasa diperlengkapi dengan senjata. Efesus 6:10-17 berkata, "Akhirnya, hendaklah kamu kuat di dalam Tuhan, di dalam kekuatan kuasa-Nya. Kenakanlah seluruh perlengkapan senjata Allah, supaya kamu dapat bertahan melawan tipu muslihat Iblis. Karena perjuangan kita bukanlah melawan darah dan daging, tetapi melawan pemerintah-pemerintah, melawan penguasa-penguasa, melawan penghulu-penghulu dunia yang gelap itu, melawan roh-roh jahat di udara. Sebab itu ambillah seluruh perlengkapan senjata Allah, supaya kamu dapat mengadakan perlawanan pada hari yang jahat itu dan tetap berdiri sesudah kamu menyelesaikan segala sesuatu. Jadi berdirilah tegap, berikat pinggangkan kebenaran dan berbaju zirahkan keadilan, kakimu berkasutkan kerelaan untuk memberitakan Injil damai sejahtera, dalam segala keadaan pergunakanlah perisai iman, sebab dengan perisai itu kamu akan dapat memadamkan semua panah api dari si jahat, dan terimalah ketopong keselamatan dan pedang Roh, yaitu firman Allah." Berbagai macam bagian senjata yang disebutkan di sini, melambangkan sikap kehidupan rohani tertentu, yang harus dipertahankan oleh orang beriman. Dengan mengenakan senjata rohani ini, maka seorang yang beriman akan terlindung dari bahaya musuh, dan tidak terhalang dalam melaksanakan tugas pelayanannya. Yang ia perlukan hanyalah bagaimana caranya ia terus-menerus bisa bertahan, agar senjatanya itu tetap cemerlang dan dapat dimanfaatkan bagi kepentingannya dengan mantap.
Ikat pinggang kebenaran merupakan lambang dari pemahaman yang mendalam terhadap isi firman Allah. Seperti halnya fungsi ikat pinggang bagi seorang tentara sebagai tempat kaitan segala macam senjata lain baginya, agar tetap bisa bertahan pada tempatnya masing-masing, maka ikat pinggang kebenaran berfungsi demikian juga.
Tameng dada yang terbuat dari logam merupakan lambang keadilan. Hal ini memunyai dua macam penerapan. Pertama, Yesus adalah lambang dari segala keadilan. Itulah sebabnya, kita tempatkan Dia sebagai pelindung keadilan yang utama. Kedua, lukisan dari sikap ketaatan kita terhadap firman Tuhan, bahwa kaki kita harus beralaskan sepatu yang siap sedia untuk menyebarkan Kabar Baik bagi umat manusia. Hal ini merupakan tugas kepeloporan dalam menyampaikan firman Tuhan kepada manusia, yang patut dilaksanakan dengan setia.
Tameng kepercayaan. Tameng itu merupakan senjata pelindung bagi seluruh tubuh kita. Hal ini merupakan lambang tentang keamanan diri kita selengkapnya, dan merupakan tempat pengungsian yang aman di bawah darah yang telah ditumpahkan di atas bukit Kalvari, di mana tidak ada satu kekuatan musuh apa pun juga yang bisa berhasil menembusnya.
Ketopong keselamatan, seperti yang disinggung dalam 1 Tesalonika 5:8, yang merupakan harapan terhadap keselamatan itu. Harapan akan keselamatan itu merupakan satu-satunya topi pengaman yang mampu melindungi bagian kepala kita dalam masa-masa penuh kepicikan, sehingga janganlah kepala kita jadi bingung atau pecah, sehingga kita berpaling dari sesuatu yang mengandung kebenaran.
Pedang Roh, yang tiada lain adalah firman Tuhan itu sendiri. Bagi kita, hal ini harus kita tafsirkan bahwa firman Allah itu, hendaklah kita gunakan secara aktif sebagai senjata. Senjata-senjata yang lainnya itu tergolong jenis senjata yang dapat kita pakai dalam corak membela diri atau mempertahankan diri semata-mata.
Selanjutnya Efesus 6:18 menyatakan, "Dalam segala doa dan permohonan. Berdoalah setiap waktu di dalam Roh dan berjaga-jagalah di dalam doamu itu dengan permohonan yang tak putus-putusnya untuk segala orang kudus." Nah, kini kita telah siap siaga untuk melakukan peperangan melawan musuh, karena kita sudah diperlengkapi sepenuhnya dengan senjata yang ampuh. Oleh sebab itu, apabila kita berdoa di dalam Roh, maka kita pun dapat melaksanakan tugas perjuangan kita dengan gilang-gemilang.
Diambil dan disunting seperlunya dari:
Judul asli buku: Authority of the Believer
Judul buku: Kewibawaan Orang Beriman
Penulis: Kenneth E. Hagin
Penerjemah: Wimanjaya K. Liotohe
Penerbit: Yayasan Pekabaran Injil "IMMANUEL", Jakarta 1981
Halaman: 36 -- 38
ARTIKEL DOA 2: PERANG ROHANI
Keberadaan Iblis dan Roh-Roh Jahat
Beda dari yang dikesankan oleh film-film hantu Hong Kong yang jenaka, film-film misterius X-files yang mencampuradukkan data, fiksi, kebenaran, dan kesesatan, atau film-film hantu serial beberapa televisi Indonesia yang banyak mengundang asosiasi binal pemirsa; Alkitab menelanjangi taktik-taktik mematikan dan strategi-strategi busuk iblis dan roh-roh jahat. Alkitab menegaskan bahwa iblis adalah kepala dari para malaikat Tuhan yang jatuh. Iblis "diabolos" berarti musuh, sebab ia memang memusuhi Allah (1 Tawarikh 21:1; Ayub 1-2; Zakharia 3:1-2) dan menyerang umat Allah (Wahyu 12:9-10). Ia menjadi ilah dunia ini dengan memimpin orang-orang yang bergaya hidup duniawi, yaitu tidak tunduk terhadap kehendak Allah (Yohanes 12:31; 2 Korintus 4:4; Efesus 2:2; 1 Yohanes 5:9).
Iblis bersama dengan semua makhluk rohani lain yang jatuh, yaitu para roh jahat dan manusia yang tidak mau taat terhadap Injil Yesus Kristus, adalah calon penghuni neraka. Mereka telah berkeras hati untuk menentang kebaikan, kebenaran, kehendak, dan kerajaan Kristus. Sementara masa penantian ini, mereka benar-benar memiliki kuasa untuk melakukan berbagai kejahatan yang intinya ditujukan kepada Allah, tetapi sasarannya sering kali ditembakkan kepada orang beriman. Calvin menggambarkan mereka bergentayangan ke sana ke mari mencari mangsa, namun sambil menyeret-nyeret rantai pengikat, sebab mereka telah ditaklukkan Kristus dan tidak mungkin mereka dapat mengalahkan Allah.
Strategi dan Kegiatan Roh-Roh Jahat
Dalam Perjanjian Lama, Iblis mencobai Hawa dan Adam karena manusia pertama itu memberi perhatian bagi tipu dayanya. Iblis dan roh-roh jahat mendapatkan peluang besar untuk merusak peradaban manusia. Kuasa kejahatan membelenggu hati dan tindakan manusia. Namun demikian, baru di Perjanjian Baru, ketika penyataan Allah hadir nyata dalam diri Yesus Kristus, perbuatan-perbuatan jahat iblis ditelanjangi. Selain mencobai Tuhan Yesus, di balik berbagai penyakit dan kemalangan tertentu ada kegiatan roh-roh jahat (Markus 5:1-15; 9:17-18; Lukas 1:14). Iblis ditelanjangi tipu dayanya dengan disebut sebagai malaikat terang (2 Korintus 11:14), singa yang mengaum-ngaum (1 Petrus 5:8), naga atau ular tua (Wahyu 12:9), pembunuh dan bapak pendusta (Yohanes 8:44). Dia berusaha mempertahankan manusia dalam dosa, menggelapkan pikiran mereka hingga tidak dapat menerima kebenaran Injil Kristus (2 Korintus 4:4), membuat para cerdik cendekia duniawi menganggap hikmat Allah sebagai suatu kebodohan (1 Korintus 1:18-25), dan menawan pikiran mereka dalam benteng kejahatannya (2 Korintus 10:5).
Kemenangan Kristus
Iblis dan roh-roh jahat hanyalah makhluk ciptaan Allah. Mereka berkuasa, tetapi tidak mahakuasa. Mereka lebih tinggi dan hebat dari manusia. Karena itu, kita tidak boleh bermain-main dengannya atau memberi peluang apa pun kepadanya. Namun, mereka tetap makhluk yang tunduk, tergantung eksistensi, dan ruang geraknya pada keputusan Allah yang berdaulat. Ketika mengutus para murid-Nya, Kristus memberi mereka kuasa untuk mengusir roh-roh jahat (Lukas 9:10; 10:17). Iblis dan roh-roh jahat takut dan tunduk kepada Yesus (Markus 1:25; 3:11-12; 9:25). Meski sudah dihancurkan Kristus di dalam peperangan dahsyat di salib, iblis dan roh-roh jahat masih diberi sisa kekuatan dan kesempatan. Namun, dengan mengandalkan kuasa dan wibawa serta perlengkapan perang rohani yang Kristus berikan, kita dapat mengalahkannya (Markus 16:15-18; Efesus 6:10-18). Itu sebabnya dalam kondisi dan keadaan bagaimanapun, iblis dan roh-roh jahat harus dipandang dan diperlakukan sebagai musuh yang sudah dikalahkan (Kolose 2:15).
Mana yang dari Iblis, Mana yang Kelemahan Kita?
Perlu kita sadari bahwa tidak semua masalah adalah ulah iblis dan antek-anteknya. Bisa juga (dan sangat besar kemungkinannya) masalah itu adalah akibat kelemahan kita sendiri. Masalahnya, kita sulit membedakan mana konflik dan masalah yang bersumber pada diri manusia sendiri, mana yang berasal dari kuasa kegelapan.
Bernard menyebut itu sebagai masalah "inter morsum serpentis et mortum mentis" (antara sengat iblis dan pikiran yang sakit terkena sengat). Bedanya, pertama, masalah yang datang dari hati kita sendiri tumbuh perlahan dan berangsur, sedangkan yang datang dari roh jahat adalah serangan dan bersifat mendadak. Kedua, ide atau kesalahan dari kita tidak begitu mengerikan seperti yang datang dari iblis dan roh jahat. Bukankah kita tidak takut melihat anak kita sendiri? Tetapi, ide yang datang dari iblis sangat menakutkan, misalnya, ide untuk menghujat dan dorongan untuk bunuh diri. Ketiga, hal yang berasal dari iblis dan dilemparkan ke dalam pikiran kita akan kita tanggapi dengan keengganan penolakan, pengelakan. Tak seorang pun dengan senang hati menyambut roh jahat bila ia menyerang, baik berupa ide maupun penampakan diri. Lebih dari semuanya, Roh Kudus akan memberi kita kemampuan membedakan roh, dengan mengajar hati kita berbagai prinsip kebenaran firman tentang hal-hal tersebut.
Perang Rohani Kita
Jadi, ada tiga kemungkinan dari apa yang kita sebut "perang rohani". Pertama, perang rohani dalam arti melawan kelemahan dosa diri sendiri. Kedua, perang rohani dalam arti melawan godaan keduniawian. Ketiga, perang rohani karena diserang roh-roh jahat. Dua yang pertama tidak perlu diartikan sebagai perang melawan kuasa-kuasa roh jahat. Di dalam Kristus, yaitu bila dalam pertolongan Roh Kudus kita bersatu dengan Kristus dalam kematian dan kebangkitan-Nya, kita dapat mengatasi sifat dosa kita dan godaan dunia ini. Tetapi, bila kita tidak bersekutu dengan-Nya, bisa jadi kelemahan dan kegagalan kita dimanfaatkan iblis dan roh-roh jahat untuk kepentingan kejahatan mereka. Hanya konflik ketigalah yang patut kita golongkan sebagai perang melawan kuasa-kuasa jahat di angkasa. Bila itu terjadi, Tuhan tidak meninggalkan kita sebagai piatu. Pastikan bahwa tidak ada peluang di pihak kita yang menjadi sebab roh-roh jahat itu beroleh kesempatan menyerang kita. Arahkan usaha iman dan harap kita ke kuasa dan janji Tuhan Yesus. Dalam pertumbuhan, hidup sehari-hari, dan pelayanan, pasti tiga jenis perang rohani itu akan kita hadapi. Ingatlah: aku yang lama telah mati bersama Kristus. Dunia kehilangan daya tariknya bila keindahan Kristus terpampang jelas dalam hati sanubari kita. Roh-roh jahat sudah dilucuti kuasanya oleh Tuhan Yesus di salib-Nya. Itulah rahasia kemenangan Kristen.
Diambil dari:
Judul buku: Menerbangi Terowongan Cahaya
Penulis: Paul Hidayat
Penerbit: Yayasan Persekutuan Pembaca Alkitab, Jakarta 2002
Halaman: 74 -- 77
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Senin, 09 April 2012
Suicide Bomber Targets Churches in Kaduna, Nigeria
Repelled by church security, suspected Islamic extremist detonates blast at nearby taxi stand
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
KADUNA, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Compass Direct News (CDN) is reporting that churches celebrating Easter services were the targets of a suicide bomber who killed at least 38 people yesterday in Kaduna city in northern Nigeria, sources said.
Site of a bomb explosion at a road in Kaduna, Nigeria on Sunday, April 8, 2012
CDN said that security personnel at one of the church buildings blocked the bomber, believed to belong to the Boko Haram Islamic sect, who then decided to detonate his explosives in the street at a nearby motorcycle taxi center, the sources said.
"Dozens of people were injured in addition to those killed," said the CDN story. "The bombs damaged the buildings of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Good News church and the All Nations Christian Assembly, besides blasting off roofs from homes and hotels and destroying vehicles."
Located on the same street, Gwari Road, are the Redeemed Christian Church of God and an Assemblies of God church. Luka Binniyat, a Christian resident of the city, told Compass that law enforcement agents believed the ECWA church was the primary target.
"Richard Markus, a detective, mentioned that the bomber's main target was the ECWA Good News church a few meters from the scene of the bomb blast," Binniyat said. "He tried forcing his way past, but the security man stood in between him and the blockade. He even pushed him a ways before some policemen manning the gate of the church rushed down to the scene."
Another scene of the aftermath of
the bombing in Kaduna
Boko Haram (literally, "Forbidden Book," translated as "Western education is forbidden") has targeted state offices, law enforcement sites and some moderate mosques in its effort to destabilize the government and impose a strict version of sharia (Islamic law) on all of Nigeria, but Kaduna resident Stanley Yakubu said that Christians are one of its main targets.
"The truth is that there is a deliberate effort to silence or eliminate the Christians in the north," he said.
For more information, please go to: www.compassdirect.org
Berber, Kabyle of Algeria
Berber, Kabyle of Algeria
The Kabyle name derives from the name of the mountainous region in the north of Algeria, which they traditionally inhabit. The traditional economy of the area is based on orchards and olive trees, and tapestry or pottery. The area was gradually taken over by the French from 1857, despite vigorous local resistance. The armed Algerian revolutionary resistance to French colonialism, the National Liberation Front (FLN) recruited several of its historical leaders in this region.
Ministry Obstacles
Access to the Kabyle Berbers of Algeria is limited.
Outreach Ideas
Gospel television and radio can have good effect in North Africa, not being restricted by national borders.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the followers of Jesus among the Kabyle Berbers, that they will be faithful to fellowship together, and will grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray they will live a life worthy of their calling in Christ.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Kabyle community will have an increasing desire for the One who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Pray the Spirit of Christ will satisfy this desire.
Scripture Focus
"God has granted to the Gentiles [nations] also the repentance that leads to life." Acts 11:18
People Name: Berber, Kabyle
Country: Algeria
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 3,394,000
World Population: 4,150,000
Language: Kabyle
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: New Testament
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2
Minggu, 08 April 2012
Syrian Christians in Desperate Times
By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
SYRIA (ANS) -- The city of Homs, the third largest in Syria, has now seen almost its entire Christian population of 50,000 to 60,000 flee for safety as fighting continues in the stricken country.
'This church was damaged by the fighting in Homs.'
(Freedom House).
According to a story by Barnabas Fund, the number of Christians left in the city has reportedly fallen to below 1,000 after the strife between the troops of President Bashar Assad and anti-government forces reached its peak there last month.
Christians have fled to surrounding villages, other major Syrian cities, and even Lebanon. Those who remain have spoken of a growing "atmosphere of fear."
Barnabas Fund said during the worst of the conflict, opposition forces attacked churches and also occupied an evangelical school and home for the elderly, which were then shelled by the army. Church leaders have reported that Muslim neighbors are turning on the Christians, and that Muslim extremists from other countries have been coming to Homs to join the fighting.
Barnabas Fund said Christians have also suffered kidnappings and gruesome murders. Some Christian families, unable to pay a ransom for their relatives' release, and fearing that they may be tortured, have been driven to ask the kidnappers to kill their loved ones at once.
The number of doctors in Homs has dwindled from 850 to 35-50, and the number of functioning hospitals from 40-45 to just five or six. Some hospitals have been attacked and destroyed; others have closed because they have no drugs or other resources, and two more have been robbed to equip field hospitals. Five schools have also been damaged.
Barnabas Fund said the displaced Christians face an uncertain future and are concerned that they may be unable to return home, while the plight of those who remain is truly desperate. Prices have rocketed, supplies have run low, and it has often been too dangerous to go out.
Danger beyond Homs
Christians are seriously endangered in other parts of Syria too, Barnabas Fund said. Not only are they generally assumed to be pro-Assad, but also a strongly Islamist element amongst the rebels will attack them just because they are Christians.
Barnabas Fund said bombs have already exploded in the Christian quarters of Damascus and Aleppo. Church leaders hesitate to travel at night, believing that, as symbols of the Christian presence they may be special targets for assassination. The authorities have warned the churches not to gather in large numbers over the Easter celebration period in case their meetings are bombed.
One church leader told Barnabas Fund, "We hope for a safe future but nobody knows what will happen. There are many outside influences. We fear sectarian conflict. We fear becoming like Iraq. If the Christians leave the Arab countries, it will be a loss for everybody."
Another added, "God willing, Syria will come out of it, but at what cost? I am not very optimistic that our Christian community will survive."
Barnabas Fund is working directly with Christian partners in the country to get emergency aid to needy Christians throughout Syria, including those from Homs and the victims of the bombings.
Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, said in a news release, "I have just returned from meeting Syrian church leaders, and I am more than ever convinced that our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria need our help."
He added, "The dark days of the Middle Ages when many churches were burned and Christians slaughtered in the region are threatening to return, endangering the very existence of the churches in this land that has had a Christian presence for almost 2,000 years. Please help us to support the Christians of Syria in their desperate need."
Barnabas Fund provides hope and aid for the persecuted church. For more information go to www.barnabasfund.org
Moor of Mauritania
Moor of Mauritania
The Moors are very proud people, conveying a sense of superiority to others in the area. Within their society, the Koran is faithfully followed. The term "Moor" is generally applied to any person, regardless of skin color, who speaks one of the Hassaniya dialects.
Ministry Obstacles
Scripture is not available in the language of the Moor, and access to the Moor is limited.
Outreach Ideas
The Jesus film and Gospel recordings are available. Pray for workers and for access.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the relatively few believers among the Moor, that they may be like-minded, being one in spirit and purpose, looking not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray each individual in the Moor community may be prepared for the Gospel message when it comes to them.
Scripture Focus
"The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My glory." Isaiah 66:18
People Name: Moor
Country: Mauritania
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 2,971,000
World Population: 6,673,000
Language: Hassaniyya
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: None
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2
Iran: Historic Christian Cemetery demolished in Kerman Province
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
KERMAN PROVINCE, IRAN (ANS) -- News of the destruction of a 200 year old historic cemetery in the Ghal'e-dokhtar area of Kerman province, south-east of the Iranian capital of Tehran, by agents of the Iranian government, has just reached the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)
A man points to the destruction of gravestone in the cemetery
According to the Iranian Christian News Service, Mohabat News (http://mohabatnews.com), the Islamic republic's agents had first of all destroyed an historic church building in Kerman, and now they have also "completely demolished" the Christian cemetery.
"Based on this report, local people estimate that this cemetery has existed for more than two hundred years," said a spokesperson for Mohabat News.
The news service of a cultural heritage organization quoted Mohammad Mehdi Afzali, head of public relations for the Cultural Heritage organization of Kerman, as saying, "Destruction of this cemetery was conducted as part of a project by the municipality and Cultural Heritage organization, to release lands around Ghal'e-Dokhtar and Ghal'e Ardeshir."
He added, "After the reports and photos of this destruction were published by news services, a team of experts of the Cultural Heritage office of Kerman was sent out to the cemetery to prepare an expert report."
The spokesperson for Mohabat News said, Of course, Mr. Afzali denied this report in an interview with the pro-regime news service, IRNA on Wednesday."
Concerning this issue, Mr. Movahedi, Deputy Director of the General Office of Cultural Heritage of Kerman said, "The historical cemetery of Christians is located in the territory of Ghal'e-Dokhtar and as far as the territory of monuments is concerned, it is necessary for all the places located in the territory of Ghal'e-Dokhtar to receive proper attention."
Mr. Movahedi added that he is "still waiting" for the report of the experts and reliable information on this historical cemetery and specific results would be announced in the coming week.
Prior to this report, a historical church building in Kerman, which was registered as a national monument, was brought down using bulldozers. The church building was registered as a national monument in 2009 and so had to be protected and restored.
"However, it was completely destroyed overnight using heavy machinery for unknown reasons," said the Mohabat News spokesperson.
"Also, according to published reports, a historic English cemetery in Boushehr port, which was also used as a burial ground for Armenian minorities of Boushehr, is in a tragic condition in which all the crosses have been taken out of the ground.
"Day after day it seems that this historical graveyard is approaching complete destruction. Several attempts to contact officials of Cultural Heritage of Boushehr to obtain further information on this cemetery remain unanswered."
pr
Christian leader beheaded as Islamists terrorize Mali
By Charles Gardner
Special to ASSIST News Service
TIMBUKTU, MALI (ANS) -- A Christian leader has been beheaded and others are being threatened with similar treatment as Islamic militants run amok in Mali, West Africa.
Islamic troops in Timbuktu
Christians have fled the town of Timbuktu in the north of the country where harsh Sharia Law has already been imposed amid reports that churches in Gao, 200 miles to the east, have been completely destroyed.
The news comes in the wake of a military coup in the country, one of the effects of which is that sanctions applied from outside has cut off electricity supplies, further delaying reports of the latest upheavals along with desperate pleas for help.
Among those affected is British Bible college graduate Timothee (Tim) Yattara, who recently returned home to his home country in a bid to help spread the gospel in this remote - and now dangerous - part of Africa located on the edge of the Sahara.
Tim has fled with his family to Bamako, the country's main city some 400 miles away in the south-west, but without the money to rent a house.
Tim Yattara
"We have escaped in the wake of horrible death threats as the Islamists have a list of all the Christians in Timbuktu whom they intend to execute by beheading. As proof of their intentions, one leader has already been killed in this way and some churches in Gao have been demolished. Most Christians have already fled for safety, but Sharia Law has been imposed all over the north.
"As refugees in Bamako, life is very difficult for me and my family as we are in desperate need of finance, just to pay for shelter and safety," he said.
Already suffering famine through drought, Mali is being terrorized by Al Qaida and associated rebels said to be claiming the northern part of the territory as their homeland.
Only last week we were reporting that Timbuktu was surrounded by tents inhabited by impoverished people who have fled the countryside in the wake of the spreading famine, exacerbated by rising unemployment and massive inflation with many struggling to find food and work.
And with a government now overthrown by a coup, the security situation has been made even worse by rebels from Libya loyal to their former leader Col Gaddafi.
Anyone able to help should e-mail Tim at timfromtimbucktu@googlemail.com to whom you are able to send aid directly by Western Union.
Tim knows nothing is impossible with God, however. As reported on the site last week, he was miraculously raised from the dead through the prayers of his family when he was a little boy. (See: www.assistnews.net/Stories/2012/s12030149.htm)
Selasa, 03 April 2012
Vakkaliga of India
Vakkaliga of India
Animal husbandry, settled cultivation and horticulture are the traditional occupations of this community. They are Hindu by religion and celebrate festivals like Hire Suggi and Kire Suggi (harvest festivals). Only men participate in their traditional Suggi Kunita dance. A widow is allowed to live with a man of her choice without a ceremonial marriage.
Ministry Obstacles
The Vakkaliga community may have many misconceptions about what it means to know and follow Christ.
Outreach Ideas
Redemptive analogies coupled with favorable relationships with these people may be helpful.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the Christians among the Bakkaliga, that they will be accurately instructed in the faith, and become mature disciples of Christ. Pray they will put off falsehood and speak truthfully to one another, in love.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Vakkaliga community, that they will be able to support their families adequately, and have access to health care. Pray they will desire to worship the Creator, not the creation.
Scripture Focus
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14
People Name: Vakkaliga
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 5,884,000
World Population: 5,884,000
Language: Kannada
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2
Prau for Bengali of United States
Bengali of United States
Bengalis are a heterogeneous and considerably diverse ethnic group. They are mostly concentrated in Bangladesh and the state of West Bengal in India, but are also scattered into many countries, including the USA. The Bengalis are known for their artistic and cultural achievements.
Ministry Obstacles
Bengalis in the USA may very well have a protectionist mindset, not willing to open up to Christians around them.
Outreach Ideas
American Christians need to seek out the Bengalis around them, finding ways to befriend them.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the followers of Jesus among the Bengali in the USA, few in number. Pray the Lord will give them hearts to search for Christians in the communities where they live. May they be lead to true followers of Christ, to help them grow.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Bengali in the USA will be led into contact with true disciples of Jesus, and will be protected from nominal Christians who don't represent Christ well.
Scripture Focus
"But indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord." Numbers 14:21
People Name: Bengali
Country: United States
10/40 Window: No
Population: 213,000
World Population: 1,503,000
Language: Bengali
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2
Pray for Iu Mien of China
Iu Mien of China
Even though they occupy land up to heights of 12,000 feet, the Yao have ingeniously adapted to their landscape by carefully constructing terraced rice paddies that hang off the sides of steep cliffs. The family unit is very important to the Yao, and divorce is a rare occurrence among them. The Yao religion is a combination of ancestor worship and exorcism of ghosts. They are a people living in gross spiritual darkness, crying out to a host of gods who can neither hear them nor help them. More than half of the Yao have never once heard the name of Jesus.
Ministry Obstacles
The Yao reside in mountainous areas, making access somewhat difficult. More importantly, they have a worldview that is different from the scriptural worldview. Their worldview can be viewed as "pre-scriptural", however, a preparation.
Outreach Ideas
Pray that Han Chinese believers in Christ will be burdened to carry the Gospel to the Yao peoples. Pray that ethnic hostilities will be overcome.
Pray for the followers of Christ
The Yao are a large people group, and there are some Christian believers among them. Pray for these believers to faithfully fellowship together, and come to an accurate understanding of the Gospel of grace. Pray they will be zealous to learn of Christ, and follow Him.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray that the Yao people will be set free from the spiritual bondage they have been in for generations. Pray for the light of the Gospel of Christ to deeply penetrate the darkness.
Scripture Focus
"And those who lead many to righteousness [will shine] like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3
People Name: Iu Mien
Country: China
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 1,182,000
World Population: 1,522,000
Language: Iu Mien
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2
Seven Dead in Shooting Rampage at an Oakland Christian University
Suspected gunman identified by police. He was a former nursing student
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
OAKLAND, CA (ANS) -- A gunman who today (Monday, April 2, 2012), allegedly opened fire at a Christian university in Oakland, California, killing at least seven people and wounding as many as three more, has been arrested.
Shocking scene at the Christian University
(Photo: BBC website)
Police have named him as 43-year-old One L. Goh, a former nursing student at the Oikos University, which caters to the Korean-American Christian community.
Oakland police Chief Howard Jordan said that the shooter had opened fire in a classroom at Oikos University and the former student later surrendered at a supermarket in nearby Alameda city.
Jordan said police recovered the weapon they believe he used during the rampage.
"It's going to take us a few days to put the pieces together," Jordan said. "We do not have a motive."
Police first received a 911 call at 10:33 a.m. reporting a woman on the ground bleeding. As more calls came in from the school, the first arriving officer found a victim suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound, he said.
Mr. Goh is believed to be an Oakland resident, Mr. Jordan said during Monday evening's press conference.
He estimated it would take a few days "to put the pieces together," adding: "We do not have a motive."
The gunman had opened fire throughout the building, leaving a "very bloody scene," he told reporters.
"Officers found several victims throughout the classroom, throughout the building," he said.
Scene shortly after the shooting rampage
"There were several people hiding in locked buildings, locked doors behind desks, as you can imagine, very frightened, very scared. Some of them were injured so we had to rescue them out. We had to force our way into a number of rooms."
More officers arrived and formed a boundary around the school on the belief that the suspect was still inside, he said.
"This unprecedented tragedy was shocking and senseless," Jordan said.
Pastor Jong Kim, who founded the Christian university about 10 years ago, told the Oakland Tribune that the shooter was a former nursing student at the college.
He said he had heard about 30 gunshots in the building, adding: "I stayed in my office."
A witness, Brian Snow, told local news station KGO-TV: "One of the people who was inside the building, was saying there is a crazy guy inside.
"She did say someone got shot in the chest right next to her before she got taken off in an ambulance."
A woman who was doing errands nearby, Angie Johnson, told the San Francisco Chronicle she helped a woman with a gunshot wound in her arm.
Mayor of Oakland Jean Quan speaking
The Mayor of Oakland Jean Quan said: "This is the kind of incident that hurts a whole community."
Mayor Quan stated that most of the victims appeared to be from the city's Korean-American community, and the city was working to find multilingual counselors to help survivors.
"No American mayor wants to have this situation," she said. "It seems over the last decade, we've gotten used to seeing senseless mass killings like this, and we'll have to question the availability of guns and the need for other services in our community."
The college, which caters to the Korean-American Christian community, offers degrees in theology, music, nursing and Asian medicine, according to its website (www.oikosuniversity.org).
Logo of the University
Youngkyo Choi, Chairman, Board of Directors of Oikos University said on the website, "We are an independent institution that was established specifically to serve the community of Northern California in general and San Francisco and Oakland areas in particular. Oikos University was launched to provide highest standard education with Christian value and inspiration.
"Oikos University has a very specific goal and mission to offer education programs in the area of religious studies, music, and vocational nursing in that we motivate, educate and equip students in such a way that they will be able to live enriched life by fulfilling their goals in life and serve the community with their learned professions and skills."
The website also says, "The mission of Oikos University is to educate men and women to be the leaders to serve the church, local communities, and the world by using their learned skills and professions in the areas of biblical studies, music performance, Asian medicine and practical vocational nursing."
It adds that its vision is, "to educate emerging Christian leaders to transform and bless the world at every level - from the church and local community levels to the realm of world entire. The fulfillment of this vision inspires, motivates, drives and defines the work of Oikos University."
The school is affiliated with Praise God Korean Church in Oakland and Shepherd University of San Francisco.
Now comes the long path back for those at this university who have suffered such a terrible event on their campus.
Minggu, 01 April 2012
Pray for Madura of Indonesia
Madura of Indonesia
The Madura are the third largest people group in Indonesia. They are renowned for their harsh character and lifestyles. This is probably caused by their natural surroundings and their history of oppression by others. The majority of Madura people are known for being very devout Sunni Muslims. Nevertheless, many Madura people seek security by the use of magic spells that are used in an attempt to control both good and evil spirits.
Ministry Obstacles
The large Madura community has long resisted the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but that can change.
Outreach Ideas
Much sustained, focused prayer is needed to prepare the hearts of the Madura to understand and believe the good news of Jesus. Prayer prepares the ground.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are only a few Christian believers among the large Madura people group. Pray they will rest firmly upon Jesus and His finished work on the cross, being zealous to know and serve Him, and living consistently in the power of His Spirit. Pray they will be tactful yet bold witnesses for Christ to their own people.
Pray for the entire people group
Madura people generally have a low income. Medical services, better nutrition and education are greatly needed. Education, especially jobs skills education, is an immense need.
Scripture Focus
"The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My glory." Isaiah 66:18
People Name: Madura
Country: Indonesia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 7,907,000
World Population: 7,907,000
Language: Madura
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2
BULETIN DOA "OPEN DOORS" -- April 2012
BULETIN DOA "OPEN DOORS" -- April 2012
Minggu, 1 April 2012 -- Tajikistan
Pemerintah Tajikistan menetapkan peraturan baru perihal mendapatkan pendidikan agama di Tajikistan. Peraturan tersebut menetapkan bahwa setiap orang yang ingin pergi ke luar negeri untuk pendidikan agama, harus terlebih dahulu mendapatkan gelar di bidang agama dari negara. Masalahnya, tidak ada pendidikan Kristen di negara ini. Berdoalah untuk kemungkinan dibukanya sekolah bagi umat Kristen yang diakui oleh pemerintah.
Senin, 2 April 2012 -- Qatar
Teruslah berdoa agar Tuhan melindungi MBB di Qatar. Berdoa agar mereka dapat menikmati persekutuan bersama umat seiman dan pelayanan misi Tuhan dapat terus bertumbuh di gereja-gereja lokal.
Selasa, 3 April 2012 -- Pakistan
Teruslah berdoa untuk AB, ibu dari empat anak yang saat ini berada di penjara Pakistan. Bersyukur atas setiap umat Kristen yang telah mengunjunginya selama Natal. Terus berdoa untuk keadaan fisiknya dalam menghadapi setiap kekerasan di penjara. Berdoa juga agar terjadi perkembangan atas kasusnya yang hingga saat ini belum menunjukkan kemajuan berarti.
Rabu, 4 April 2012 -- Tunisia
Berdoalah untuk para pemimpin gereja di Tunisia dalam menghadapi segala tantangan dan kemungkinan penganiayaan.
Kamis, 5 April 2012 -- Bhutan
Para sukarelawan di sekolah minggu dalam gereja lokal bersemangat dan berkomitmen dalam pelayanan yang mereka pilih, meskipun jumlah mereka relatif sedikit. Para sukarelawan ini membutuhkan tempat untuk belajar dan memperoleh seperangkat keterampilan yang dibutuhkan untuk menjadi guru sekolah minggu. Tetaplah berdoa agar pintu terbuka dan mereka bisa diperlengkapi.
Jumat, 6 April 2012 -- Bhutan
Kekristenan dibatasi di Bhutan. Pada tingkat politik, undang-undang telah diperbarui berdasarkan peraturan agama Buddha sebagai agama utama. Praktik iman Kristen hanya dapat dilakukan di dalam rumah-rumah umat Kristen saja. Berdoalah kepada Tuhan untuk hikmat-Nya atas umat Kristen untuk menyikapi situasi ini.
Sabtu, 7 April 2012 -- Turkmenistan
Teruslah berdoa untuk setiap tahap dalam proses penerjemahan firman Tuhan ke dalam bahasa setempat. Hal ini harus melalui proses yang panjang dan dilakukan dengan penuh hikmat dan kesabaran. Teruslah berdoa untuk tim yang bertanggung jawab dalam proyek penerjemahan ini.
Minggu, 8 April 2012 -- Laos
Bersyukur untuk karya Tuhan di tengah pelayanan kaum muda di Laos. Pemimpin-pemimpin bangsa di masa depan telah diperlengkapi dan diharapkan mereka dapat berkarya. Tidak hanya di gereja, tetapi di setiap area -- olahraga, hiburan, pemerintahan, ekonomi, dan pendidikan. Dengan prinsip-prinsip yang berdasar pada firman Tuhan dan kebenaran yang ditanam di hati dan pikiran para pemuda, diharapkan Injil dapat dibagikan, bahkan di tengah-tengah area yang sepertinya mustahil untuk dijangkau. Puji Tuhan untuk perkembangan ini!
Senin, 9 April 2012 -- Indonesia
Mengucap syukur atas pemulihan umat Kristen berlatar belakang agama lain, pasca letusan Gunung Bromo tahun 2011. Di bawah proyek sosial ekonomi yang dilakukan oleh Open Doors, saat ini mereka mulai bertani kubis kembali. Berdoalah kepada Tuhan, agar mereka mendapatkan hasil panen yang baik pada tahun-tahun mendatang.
Selasa, 10 April 2012 -- Kawasan Israel dan Palestina
Berdoa agar Tuhan memberikan tuntunan dan kekuatan bagi umat Kristen di West Bank. Tidak mudah menjadi pengikut Kristus di tengah negara yang mayoritas agama lain. Teruslah berdoa agar Tuhan memberikan hikmat dan perlindungan, khususnya bagi para pemimpin gereja.
Rabu, 11 April 2012 -- Myanmar
Biaya bepergian di Myanmar sangat mahal. Warga harus membayar surat rekomendasi, kartu identifikasi, dan izin hanya untuk berpindah dari satu kota ke kota lain. Bagi umat Kristen, biaya-biaya ini sering dinaikkan menjadi lebih mahal. Banyak dari mereka yang melakukan perjalanan untuk berpartisipasi dalam pelatihan pemuridan yang diselenggarakan oleh gereja. Berdoalah agar Tuhan dapat memenuhi segala keperluan dan kerinduan mereka untuk menghadiri pelatihan pemuridan tersebut.
Kamis, 12 April 2012 -- Uyghur
Teruslah berdoa bagi A, yang saat ini masih berada di penjara. Berdoalah bagi anak-anak dan istrinya, agar dapat melewati situasi ini. Berdoalah agar mereka sekeluarga dapat mengalami kasih setia dan penyertaan Tuhan dalam keadaan ini.
Jumat, 13 April 2012 -- Korea Utara
Teruslah berdoa untuk Korea Utara. Saat ini mereka sedang mempersiapkan sebuah peringatan hari jadi Kim Il Sung yang ke-100 pada tanggal 15 April 2012. Banyak orang yang tewas karena kelaparan dan ribuan umat Kristen tewas di Kamp kerja paksa. Pada saat yang bersamaan, pemerintah menghabiskan jutaan dolar untuk kemeriahan acara tersebut.
Sabtu, 14 April 2012 -- Korea Utara
Berdoa untuk para penjaga dan mata-mata, serta pihak-pihak lain yang melakukan penganiayaan atas umat Kristen di Korea Utara, agar mereka dapat menemukan kebenaran sejati dalam Kristus melalui kesaksian umat Kristen.
Minggu, 15 April 2012 -- Afganistan
Berdoa untuk umat Kristen di Afganistan, agar dapat membawa pengaruh positif bagi kelompok sosial yang memiliki kesempatan untuk menceritakan kasih setia Tuhan di tengah masyarakat.
Senin, 16 April 2012 -- Brunei
Meskipun hanya ada beberapa umat Kristen di Brunei, mereka melakukan yang terbaik untuk menjadi saksi Kristus di negara ini. Banyak dari mereka yang masih harus menutupi keberadaan mereka sebagai pengikut Kristus, tidak dapat bersekutu, serta melakukan pelatihan. Berdoalah bagi saudara-saudari kita di Brunei.
Selasa, 17 April 2012 -- Brunei
Departemen Agama mengawasi secara ketat setiap aktivitas yang dicurigai mengonversi umat M ke agama lain. Umat Kristen sangat rentan terhadap kecurigaan ini. Berdoalah agar mereka dapat menemukan cara-cara yang efektif untuk bisa mengenal Kristus melalui kesaksian umat Kristen. Selain itu, berdoalah bagi setiap pengikut Kristus agar siap berbicara tentang pengharapan yang mereka miliki dalam Kristus, saat Tuhan memanggil mereka untuk pelayanan-Nya.
Rabu, 18 April 2012 -- Maladewa
Pembatasan diberlakukan kepada pekerja imigran dan kaum ekspatriat. Mereka dilarang untuk memberitakan kekristenan. Siapa pun yang melakukannya dan bagaimana pun bentuknya, akan dihukum dan dideportasi ke negara asalnya. Berdoalah agar Roh Kudus terus memberikan perlindungan, pimpinan, dan damai sejahtera melampaui akal pikiran manusia atas umat Kristen di Maladewa.
Kamis, 19 April 2012 -- Maladewa
Maladewa adalah salah satu Negara yang memiliki tingkat perceraian tertinggi. Ada banyak anak dan pemuda yang tumbuh dengan gejolak emosional karena disfungsi dalam keluarga. Berdoalah bagi anak-anak ini agar dapat menemukan kebenaran Tuhan, sehingga mereka akan menemukan arti dan tujuan dalam hidup.
Jumat 20 April 2012 -- Turkmenistan
Berdoalah bagi pemerintah Turkmenistan. Kiranya mereka mulai terbuka dan memberikan izin bagi gereja dan organisasi-organisasi Kristen untuk berdiri serta memberikan kemudahan dalam pengajuan izin.
Sabtu, 21 April 2012 -- Bangladesh
Buta huruf terus menjadi hambatan bagi banyak umat Kristen di daerah terpencil untuk mengenal Tuhan lebih dalam. Untuk pertumbuhan rohani, mereka hanya mengandalkan khotbah mingguan dari gereja. Teruslah berdoa bagi 100 kelas yang akan diadakan di Bangladesh tahun ini. Berdoa agar kelas-kelas ini dapat membantu umat Kristen untuk dapat membaca firman Tuhan.
Minggu, 22 April 2012 -- Sri Lanka
Akibat kekurangan sumber daya finansial, pendeta dan para pekerja gereja di Sri Lanka tidak dapat membeli buku-buku yang dapat membantu mereka lebih efektif dalam pelayanan. Tahun ini, Open Doors akan mendistribusikan satu set buku untuk lulusan seminari Alkitab. Berdoalah agar proyek distribusi ini menciptakan dampak jangka panjang dalam hidup dan iman mereka.
Senin, 23 April 2012 -- Libya
Berdoa bagi mereka yang terlibat dalam proyek distribusi buku-buku ke negara ini. Kiranya mereka terus berada dalam perlindungan Tuhan.
Selasa, 24 April 2012 -- Sri Lanka
Pendeta R dari Timur Sri Lanka menghadiri Seminar SSTS Open Doors tahun 2011. Ia bersaksi: "Kami telah melalui kesulitan selama perang. Banyak pendeta lari dari pelayanan selama masa kesulitan. Banyak pendeta yang mengkhianati rekan-rekan seiman mereka. Kami telah melihat dan mengerti melalui perspektif firman Tuhan, bagaimana seharusnya kami merespons penganiayaan. Ini adalah pelajaran berharga bagi kami dalam pelayanan. Kami memuji Tuhan untuk jawaban ini." Teruslah berdoa untuk seminar SSTS di Sri Lanka, agar dapat memberkati pendeta dan hamba-hamba Tuhan lainnya.
Rabu, 25 April 2012 -- Vietnam
Mayoritas umat Kristen di Vietnam berasal dari 54 kelompok suku yang diakui pemerintah. Mereka tinggal di tempat-tempat terpencil yang sulit untuk dijangkau karena keadaan jalan yang rusak dan pengawasan dari pejabat lokal yang ketat. Terus berdoa bagi gereja di Vietnam agar menemukan cara-cara untuk dapat menjangkau umat Kristen yang hidup terisolasi.
Kamis, 26 April 2012 -- Vietnam
Program baca tulis Open Doors di Vietnam yang diselenggarakan bersama dua denominasi gereja rumah terus mengubah kehidupan banyak orang percaya. Dampak program ini membawa umat Kristen semakin aktif melayani di gereja-gereja dan komunitas mereka, bahkan membuka peluang dalam pekerjaan dan kehidupan mereka. Mereka semakin efektif menjadi saksi Kristus. Bersyukur pada Tuhan untuk program ini.
Jumat, 27 April 2012 -- Suriah
Teruslah berdoa agar Tuhan memberikan perlindungan atas gereja dan umat Kristen di Suriah. Kiranya ada kesatuan antara gereja-gereja di Suriah. Berdoa secara khusus bagi negara ini karena situasi terus memburuk akibat perang saudara. Banyak rakyat menjadi korban, terkhusus anak-anak.
Sabtu, 28 April 2012 -- Filipina Selatan
Tahun ini, Open Doors akan menyelenggarakan pelatihan untuk 20 orang yang sebagian besar para guru dan fasilitator. Mereka merupakan kontributor utama program pelatihan Alkitab Open Doors di Filipina Selatan. Berdoa agar melalui acara, para peserta diperlengkapi untuk menemukan cara-cara inovatif ketika mengajar umat Kristen dari latar belakang agama lain.
Minggu, 29 April 2012 -- Filipina Selatan
Kejahatan meningkat di kalangan pemuda Filipina karena kemiskinan dan kelalaian orang tua. Berdoalah bagi umat Kristen dalam merespons situasi ini. Berdoalah bagi mereka, agar dapat menjadi garam dan terang Tuhan di tengah lingkungan dan komunitas. Berdoa juga untuk kaum muda yang melayani bersama Open Doors, serta program anak-anak di bagian Selatan, agar semua yang terlibat terus menjadi berkat.
Senin, 30 April 2012 -- Kirgizstan
Berdoa bagi D (16 tahun) yang diserang oleh teman-teman. Mereka marah kepadanya karena kesaksian D tentang kekristenan. Mereka memukulinya sehingga mengakibatkan D mengalami gegar otak, mengancamnya, mengolok-olok, dan memaksa D menyangkal imannya. Para penyerang juga mengirim surat kepada pendeta D dan menuntut penutupan gereja. Berdoalah agar D menemukan kekuatan dalam Tuhan.
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