Selasa, 26 Februari 2013

Tanzanian attack against Christian


Tanzanian Attacks against Christians Leave Believers Wary over Future

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Three incident of violence against Christian ministers in Tanzania have left believers in the Eastern African nation concerned over the future of religious freedom.
Father Evaristus Mushi
According to a news release from Open Doors USA (www.OpenDoorsUSA.org), on Sunday, Feb. 17, gunmen shot and killed a Catholic priest on the island of Zanzibar. The gunman waited for Father Evaristus Mushi as he parked his car outside the St Joseph's parish, surrounded the car and killed him while he was still in the vehicle. "He was about to celebrate the first Sunday mass of Lent. The attackers fled on a motorcycle. Islanders knew Fr. Mushi as a philanthropist and advocate of interfaith dialogue. Police say they have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder, but their motive remains unknown," said the release.
On Feb. 2, on mainland Tanzania, an Assemblies of God minister, Pastor Mathayo Kachili, was hacked to death in the Geita region when he intervened in an altercation between villagers over the slaughter of an animal. According to sources, there was a group of Muslims who had demanded immediate closure of butcheries owned by Christians.
As far as Open Doors could determine, the demand is based on a longstanding tradition, together with a local government directive, that gave Muslims the sole right to act as butchers. In this incident the church had a non-Muslim butcher prepare meat to be served at a funeral. When the Muslims heard about this, they went on a rampage against the church in which Pastor Kachili was killed.
This sign says it all
The release went on to say that on Dec. 26, 2012, Catholic priest Father Ambrose Mkenda sustained serious injuries when unknown gunmen shot at him. He says he was followed by two men on a motorcycle as he was returning to his parish in Tomondo after work. The attackers shot him as he left his car. He sustained two bullet wounds, one to the cheek and one to the back. The gunmen then ransacked the rectory. Fr. Mkenda was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was later transferred to Dar es Salaam where he underwent surgery to extract the bullets. Father Anthony Makunde, secretary general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, told a local newspaper, The Guardian, that the situation signaled a plot to destroy peace in the country.
"The situations on Zanzibar and in the northwestern town of Geita remain tense," added the Open Doors USA release.
Tanzania is ranked No. 24 on the Open Doors World Watch List of the worst persecutors of Christians. The 2013 ranking was released in early January. Previously Tanzania was unranked. Islamic extremism is the main persecution dynamic for the country. Tanzania is a Christian majority country with a very substantial Muslim population. But Zanzibar is 97 percent Muslim.
Prayer points from Open Doors:
1. Peace to prevail in the communities affected by the violence. Pray that the government would take decisive action in resolving issues pertinent to the incidents.
2. Justice to prevail in all of these cases.
3. The wife and several children as they mourn the death of Pastor Kachili. Also pray for his church members to be comforted during this time. Pray that others would be able to stand up and lead the congregation with wisdom.
4. God's comfort to all those affected by the death of Father Mushi.
5. A speedy recovery for Father Mkenda.

For almost 60 years Open Doors has worked in the world's most oppressive and restrictive countries, strengthening Christians to stand strong in the face of persecution and equipping them to shine Christ's light in these places. Open Doors empowers persecuted Christians by supplying Bibles and Christian literature, training Christian leaders, facilitating social/economic projects and uniting believers in the West in prayer for Christians, who are the most persecuted religious group in the world and are oppressed in at least 60 countries. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to their website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
For more information or to set up an interview, contact Open Doors USA Media Relations Director Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email JerryD@odusa.org.

Widow's struggle to survive


Widow's Struggle to Survive

Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release

CARROLLTON, TX (ANS) -- Sarojini had overcome her husband's death, pushed back thoughts of suicide and pressed forward when failure seemed imminent. But the doctor's words shattered her triumphs as if they were nothing. Would her fight end so simply, with a diagnosis she couldn't afford to treat? With her children left as orphans?
She had two days to find out.
Woman Widowed with Two Children
Sarojini agonized over her inability to properly provide for her children
Sarojini's husband, Vaibhav, had died in an accident, giving the mother of two no time to prepare for life as a widow. She had no source of income, and her family could do little to help. Her parents were too old to work and her siblings had hungry families of their own. Her in-laws provided a small house, but paying for food and other daily needs remained an almost impossible challenge for Sarojini. She couldn't find work, and as she and her children struggled for mere survival, her family's emotional support felt increasingly meaningless.
Heartache and loneliness overwhelmed her, and thoughts of suicide flowed easily through her mind. . .
But Sarojini couldn't give in to such thoughts.
When it all seemed too much to bear, she thought of her son and daughter, Yuvraj and Arpita. If not for herself, she would press on for them. She would find some way to provide for her family.
Widow Scrapes by with Factory Job
Sarojini's long days at the factory barely provided for basic needs, and her children had to drop out of school to make ends meet
Sarojini found a job at a factory. It required long hours, but the pay was hardly sufficient for running a household. To stretch the wages further, her children had to drop out of school, ruining any hope Sarojini had of giving them a better life than the one she was living now. As she watched other kids going to school, it broke her heart to think of Yuvraj and Arpita sitting at home, waiting for futures as wage laborers, or worse.
There was nothing she could do about it except continue her work and dream of a promotion or another job opening. But one day on the factory line, she felt a sudden pain, and even her most meager aspirations were thrown into jeopardy.
Medical Emergency Leaves Future Shaky
As Sarojini clutched her abdomen in agony, her co-workers rushed her to the hospital. The doctors ordered a battery of tests she couldn't afford, so her friends pitched in to cover the costs. But there was more bad news on the way.
Sarojini had a dire case of kidney stones, the doctor explained, and she needed to have surgery within two days, or risk permanent damage.
The operation was expensive and Sarojini certainly couldn't pay for it on her own. She left the hospital with the doctor's warning ringing in her ears and headed back to work, toward her only chance for survival.
She desperately explained the situation to her manager and asked for an advance in pay, but the manager offered no mercy. He told Sarojini to go home so he could replace her with someone in better health.
Widow Loses Hope after Losing Job
That evening, Sarojini lay in bed, fighting the pain and wondering what would happen to her children. When there was a knock at the door, her daughter answered it, and soon the girl returned with a small group of women. The leader introduced herself as Manjari.
Seeing Sarojini's condition, the women kindly shared about the love of Jesus. Then they gave her some water and prayed that God would heal her.
After the prayer, Sarojini felt a little better, and Manjari gave her a book about God's power to heal and a phone number Sarojini could call any time. She also invited Sarojini to come to the church her husband pastored and receive more prayer.
The pain returned as the night wore on, so Sarojini asked her daughter to give her more of the water the women had prayed over and to read the book to her. As she drank the water and Arpita read, Sarojini felt as if someone were touching her.
Suddenly, the pain was gone.
Life Restored by Prayer
As Sarojini lay in bed suffering, a group of women came to share Christ's love and pray for her
The next morning, Sarojini called to tell Manjari and her husband about her healing and ask them to come over for more prayer. When they did, they continued to share the love of Christ and Sarojini eagerly embraced Him. Today, Sarojini's kidney problems are gone, and God has lifted her financial burden as well. Looking to Jesus as her provider, she found a job as a maid that meets her needs, and every day, she sees God working to bless her and her children.
Now Sarojini is growing in her faith with the support of other believers
Because Sarojini heard a message of hope in her time of need, she no longer lives in fear of tomorrow because Christ is her assurance for today. Help more widows like Sarojini by sponsoring a woman missionary. If you like to sponsor a woman missionary. Please go to: http://www.gfa.org/women/sponsor/

Pray for Fulani

 
Fulani, Maasina of Mali
 
Fulani, Maasina of Mali
The Fulani people comprise the largest nomadic society in the world. The Fula Maasina are located predominantly in the Maasina region of Mali. The culture and lifestyle of the Fula Maasina who live there are virtually identical to those of the other Fulani peoples in West Africa. Houses belonging to the settled Fula Maasina are typically round with mud walls and thatched roofs. They are strongly Sunni Muslim.
Ministry Obstacles
The identity of the Fulani tribes has long been tied to Islam. To follow Jesus as a Fulani is to risk cutting oneself off from family and friends--serious losses indeed.
Outreach Ideas
Sustained and focused prayer is needed for the Fulani tribes, to prepare their hearts. Many Christian workers are needed for these large tribes. Pray for workers, for the harvest is ripening.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray the few Christian believers among the Maasina Fulani will be sent teachers and materials to help them grow in Christ. They need prayer support. Pray they will clearly understand the Gospel of grace, not mixing it with the religion of good works. Pray they will see the need to be obedient to Christ out of gratitude.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the large Fulani tribes of West Africa will be able to care adequately for their families, that they will have sufficient rain for their livestock and crops. Pray they will make schooling a priority for their children. Pray for the widow and orphan, that they be cared for by the community.
Scripture Focus
"All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." Matthew 25:32
 

People Name: Fulani, Maasina
Country: Mali
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 1,315,000
World Population: 1,337,000
Language: Fulfulde, Maasina
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

 

Global Prayer Network - Prayer Request


GPN 02-26-2013

'Difficulties are stepping stones to great success.' ((Phil. 3:13)
God bless you this week, Greetings from Marga Hooglugt
URGENT! Pray for a miracle of totally healing for Mr. F.C. He has a while pancreatic-inflammation and is already for three months in the hospital. Suddenly it seems like there are also problems with his kidneys and heart. Pray also for strength for his pregnant wife and his little daughter. Miss. M.N.
Please pray for H. She is in great pain with her arm. Miss V.
Iraq: Please pray for the nearly 500,000 Assyrian Christian refugees. Many went to Syria and now are in a nightmare. Please pray as we assist those to safety.
Please pray for the Assyrian Christians not only in Syria, but in Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and many other countries they are unable to do anything. Please pray for Prime Minister Maliki, President Talibani and Foreign Minister Zebari who promised an Assyrian Christian Province in the Assyrian homeland as a place they can all come back to. Please pray for President Talibani as he has had a heart attack and is still quite ill. Would you still pray for me at the Hospital? Mr. K.J. Prayergram
New York City: Pray for me. The days are bad and riding the subway at night for 4 years homeless at the age of 66 has left me tired and weak. It is hard to concentrate. God richly bless you, Mr. D. 
Indonesia: Islamists attacked churches in South Sulawesi with Molotov cocktails in February. Several buildings sustained damage, but no injuries were reported. Police determined that all five attacks were carried out by the same group. Two motorcycles with homemade bombs attacked the church. All of the attacked churches held services on Sunday, despite the threats. The Jakarta Christian Communications Forum has reported an increase in the number of threats against churches since 2009. Pray for Gods protection for the Christians and the churches. VOM Contact
Mr. J.R. is under psychological treatment, because he is the victim of a paedophile father. He is very confused in his feelings and asks prayer for healing, so he will be able to be a normal man.
I work in psychiatry. 20 years ago it was still a Christian setting’. After many mergers anymore. I ask your prayers for the change and protection of our workers on the floor, with fortunately still some Christians. I ask your prayers for the opening for me on a new workstation (Christian). Pray for deliverance of a client who is addicted and bound in his room and hears voices that speak to him. Pray that the Lord touches his heart and will be delivered from his addiction. Mr. GJ.W.
Eritrea: The number of Christians arrested in Asmara, the Eritrean capital, last month is now up to 50. All of the believers, detained since mid-January, are still being held, and the most are church leaders. Thirty believers were arrested on Jan. 20 at a worship meeting of the Philadelphia church held in a private home. One of those arrested was an 85-year-old woman, who was also accused of hosting Bible study groups in her home. The raids were described as "well-planned and targeting Bible study leaders." The imprisoned Christians are being held in the notorious Karchele security prison in Asmara. Pray for God’s protection and their release. VOM Contact
URGENT: Please pray for a miracle of healing from cancer for Mrs. J.B. Due to the effects of her chemotherapy, her body is weakened. She relies on the Lord for her healing.
URGENT: Please pray for healing and strength for Mrs. R. She's had surgery for cervical cancer. Because of the chemo treatments she is very weak.

Jumat, 22 Februari 2013

ATTACK ON INDIAN REVIVAL MEETING

Attack on Indian Revival Meeting Sends Christians underground
Hindutva elements beat women and children; pastor's location unknown

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- As police looked on, militants attacked a Christian church in central India earlier this month, causing severe injuries to some and sending the pastor into hiding, according to witnesses.
According to a story by World Watch Monitor, the assault took place during the second day of a Feb. 7-9 revival meeting at India Christian Assembly of God Church in the city of Rajnandgaon. That's about 72 kilometers west of Raipur, the capital of the mostly rural, and overwhelmingly Hindu, state of Chhattisgarh.
World Watch Monitor said the revival meeting included a graduation ceremony of 14 students who attended a short Bible training program. About 300 Christians had gathered to witness the ceremony and attend the revival meeting. Attendees came from the neighboring states of Maharashtra, West Bengal, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh.
"Everything went well on the first day of the meeting until the afternoon of the second day," a witness told World Watch Monitor. The witness asked not to be named in order to avoid possible retribution from the attackers.
World Watch Monitor said at about 3 p.m., a group of more than 30 young men disrupted the meeting. They began to interrogate the pastor, Thomas Abraham, and other church leaders, who protested the interruption.
The witness said the intruders were from several Hindu nationalist groups, including Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, and Dharma Sena.
"They started to manhandle and beat people, tear Bibles, abused the God of Christians and strode over children," World Watch Monitor reported the witness said. More attackers joined in, their faces covered, and armed with sticks and iron rods. Men, women and children were beaten. Church property and vehicles were damaged.
"There was chaos and Christians started to flee for their lives in whichever direction they could," the witness said.
Police were called, but they did not intervene and "played the role of mere spectators," the witness told World Watch Monitor.
Attacks continued until 6 p.m., the witness said. Some Christians, from Maharashtra and Orissa, suffered injuries behind the ear and to the eye from being struck with iron rods. They were admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment, though later they left the hospital without informing the authorities.
Christian leaders from Rajnandgaon told World Watch Monitor they approached the superintendent of police, who came to the scene of the attack and began an investigation. He was stymied, however, because Abraham, the pastor, had disappeared. Police are watching the church building and are searching for Abraham.
World Watch Monitor said India is 31 on the 2013 World Watch List, a ranking of the 50 countries where being a Christian is most difficult.
Though Christians live openly without challenge in many parts of huge and diverse India, nationalistic Hindutva movements in some regions have attacked Christian communities with regularity, according to Open Doors International, which publishes the list. Open Doors is a worldwide ministry to persecuted Christians.



Pray for Fulani

 
Fulani, Adamawa of Cameroon
 
Fulani, Adamawa of Cameroon
The Adamawa Fulani are the group of Fulani who live in Nigeria's Adamawa province, and some of these people have found their way to Cameroon. The Fulani are a proud people who teach their young children to have tribal dignity. Fulani children are required to love their mothers and respect their elders. They are also taught to strictly hold on to important values such as generosity, honesty, and modesty.
Ministry Obstacles
The identity of the Fulani is tied to Islam. To follow Jesus is to risk losing much that is important within the Fulani culture.
Outreach Ideas
Much prayer is needed to prepare the hearts of the Fulani to seek the truth of the good news of Jesus. Pray they will become eager to learn and respond, with faith believing. Pray for workers.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are some Adamawa Fulani who are Christian believers. Pray they will be taught the truths of Scripture, and will grow to become zealous disciples of Christ. Pray they lead holy lives.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Fulani people will be able to care adequately for their families, and make schooling a priority for their children.
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: Fulani, Adamawa
Country: Cameroon
10/40 Window: No
Population: 1,755,000
World Population: 3,875,000
Language: Fulfulde, Adamawa
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2

 

Rabu, 20 Februari 2013

53 Ethiopian Christian get arrests in Saudi Arabia at private worship service

Saudi Arabia Arrests 53 Ethiopian Christians at Private Worship Service

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

SAUDI ARABIA (ANS) -- Saudi authorities on Feb. 8 arrested 53 Ethiopian Christians, mostly women, who were attending a worship service in the private, rented home of an Ethiopian believer in Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
That's according to a news release from the World Evangelical Alliance's Religious Liberty Commission (WEA-RLC) which said it learned this from sources inside the Arab kingdom.

The Christians - 46 women and six men including three church leaders - were arrested at about 10 a.m. last Friday, a close relative of one of those arrested told WEA-RLC.
The three church leaders - two of them women - were produced in an Islamic court in Dammam the same day when authorities alleged they were converting Muslims to Christianity, the source added.

WEA-RLC said authorities are likely to release two of the Ethiopian Christians who have residential permits on Monday, and the others are expected to be deported.

Dammam, a center for petroleum and natural gas and all commerce in the eastern parts of the kingdom, is a large metropolitan, industrial area and a major seaport.
However, WEA-RLC said, religious freedom is not granted to the numerous visitors or expats in the region, like elsewhere in the nation. A Saudi girl who embraced Christianity and fled Dammam in Sept. 2012 was granted asylum in Sweden last month, according to Al-Yaum newspaper.

WEA-RLC said in Dec. 2011, Saudi authorities arrested 35 Ethiopian Christians, 29 of them women, for "illicit mingling," after police arrested them when they raided a private prayer gathering in Jeddah. Of those arrested 29 were women, who were subjected to arbitrary body cavity searches in custody, according to Human Rights Watch.

"We call on Saudi authorities to treat all those arrested with dignity, and release them immediately as there is apparently no evidence for any offense against them," Godfrey Yogarajah, WEA-RLC executive director, said in the news release.
He added, "Arrest of believers for peacefully gathering for worship goes against the spirit of Saudi Arabia's promotion of inter-religious dialogue in international (forums)."

More than 10 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, the Saudi government has failed to implement a number of promised reforms related to promoting freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief, noted the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom in its 2012 annual report.

"The Saudi government persists in banning all forms of public religious expression other than that of the government's own interpretation of one school of Sunni Islam; prohibits churches, synagogues, temples, and other non-Muslim places of worship; uses in its schools and posts online state textbooks that continue to espouse intolerance and incite violence; and periodically interferes with private religious practice," WEA-RLC stated the report said.
The Religious Liberty Commission monitors he religious liberty situation in more than 100 nations, defending persecuted Christians, informs the global church, challenges the Church to pray (www.idop.org) and gives assistance to the suffering.

For more go to www.worldevangelicals.org/commissions/rlc.

Copts Protest Church Attack in Egypt


Copts Protest Church Attack in Egypt; Church Attacked Again

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

EGYPT (ANS) -- Hundreds of Copts rallied on Sunday evening Feb. 17 against the torching of St. Georges church in Sarsena on Feb. 15, as well as the escalation of destruction of churches by Muslims.
Coptic rally
According to a story by Mary Abdelmassih for the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), several Coptic rights groups organized a march from Shubra, a densely populated area in Cairo, to the High Court building in downtown Cairo, to "demand justice" as the organizers said. Demonstrators demanded the Sarsena church be rebuilt and the perpetrators be prosecuted, in addition to the assailants of previous attacks on the churches during the last two years since the ousting of Mubarak.
AINA said they also demanded an end to the customary "reconciliation" meetings forced on Copts by the authorities, in which Copts lose all their rights.
"We are going down to the streets for the church torched in Fayoum," said Yvonne Mosad, of the Maspero Coptic Youth Union, "and against the customary reconciliation meetings held every time something takes place against the Copts. We want the application of the law."
AINA said the Coptic demonstrators included a large number of children accompanying their parents. A large number of liberal Muslims joined the demonstration.
The marchers chanted "Maspero, Maspero," calling for the completion of their march to the State radio and TV building in Maspero, the site of the massacre that killed 24 Copts and injured over 300.
AINA said according to officials, the attack on St. George's Church was triggered by a Muslim family living next to the church, who complained about the sound coming from the church during mass on Fridays and Sundays. The Muslim family has been living next to the church for 15 years and had not complained previously.
During the attack on Friday, AINA said, Muslims voiced the real issue, which was the church is "an unlawful neighbor to the Muslims who live adjacent to it and must therefore be moved."
The Tamiya security chief said in an interview on Al-Hayat independent Egyptian channel that the torching was not of a church but a small room annexed to the Coptic community center. and the church wanted to build it without a license. He also said that what was torched was a single wooden chair. But the church said it wasn't a community center, but a real church.

AINA said authorities placed a security guard at the gate of the church. The guard prevented the media from filming the church and prevented reporters and local parishioners from entering the church.
AINA said a "reconciliation" meeting was held on Saturday evening, which many found to be unfair and humiliating, like all such previous meetings forced by authorities.
AINA said the meeting was attended by seven Copts without the presence of the clergy, four of whom were chosen by the Muslims, the Muslim neighbor family that complained, four Muslim arbitrators and the heads of the security and Chief of Detectives in Tamiya.
AINA said the church was attacked once again by Muslims while the meeting was in progress. Molotov cocktails and stones were thrown at the church while Muslims shouted, "We do not want the church."
According to AINA, some Muslims climbed up the church to completely destroy the remains of the wooden dome.
One of the Coptic delegation to the "reconciliation" meeting, Gameel Abraham, left in protest of the unfairness of the terms of "reconciliation" set for the Copts.
AINA said he commented that the losses suffered by the church were destruction in parts of the dome and the windows, as well as seats which were torched, icons, images and saints' relics.
At the meeting the neighboring Muslim family wanted to classify the church as a community center, but this was rejected by the Copts. Police records classify the building as a church.
AINA said among the conditions in the agreement imposed on the church, which the Coptic delegation was forced to sign, is that it is not allowed to restore the church to its original height before the attack. It will have to stay the height after the attack, not exceeding 3 meters.
The church was also forced to agree to build a 17 meter long, 30 centimeter thick wall from inside the church area, filled with soundproof material. In addition, AINA said, it has to build another wall, 5 centimeters thick, between the church and the Muslim neighbor, (also filled with soundproof material), to mask the sound of hymns emanating from the church.
AINA said it was also decided that the roof of the church be covered with soundproof material as well as the tiling of the roof of the Muslim neighbor, at the expense of the church, to further diminish the "noise" coming out of church during its semi-weekly mass.
The church was forced to agree not to use the spare area outside to increase the size of the church or to use it as a kindergarten, but to use it as a store room.
AINA said there was nothing said about who will be responsible for paying for the losses suffered by the church, and whether the dome and the Holy Cross on top of the dome that were destroyed by the Muslims will be replaced.
No one responsible for the church assault has been arrested.

God At work through all difficulties (Open Doors)

God At Work Through All Difficulties
Pastor Yosef was stunned … his 22-year old church did not have the proper building permit, and was now facing closure by the government!
Church development was going well; in fact, it exceeded his expectations. Over the past five years, Pastor Yosef eagerly watched as his congregation grew to over sixty people. This was especially surprising since his church was located in a Muslim majority neighborhood!  Although members of the community were not interested in Christianity, they were tolerant of a Christian church. The neighborhood was peaceful, and Pastor Yosef felt very optimistic about the future.
In the middle of this joy, trouble arose. On Feb. 12, 2012, Pastor Yosef received a memo from the Forum Komunikasi Umat Beragama (FKUB), requesting that he attend their next meeting. In spite of its stated purpose to foster understanding and tolerance between religious groups, the FKUB – or Inter-religious Harmony Forum, an organization comprised of representatives from all religions in Indonesia - had a Muslim majority. Pastor Yosef knew that they would not be impartial. 
At the meeting, the FKUB presented Pastor Yosef with a petition stating that the people in his community wanted the church to move away. The leaders also stated that the church did not have a proper building permit. Pastor Yosef’s stomach knotted. This was impossible to believe! The church had been established 22 years ago, well before the law was created which made church permits mandatory.
A few days later, Yosef interviewed several villagers. “I went around and asked their opinion about our church’s location. I found out only five Muslim neighbors petitioned to close our church!” Pastor Yosef immediately began working to obtain the correct building permit.
One With Them
In the face of uncommon circumstances, where only five people could create so much trouble for many others, Pastor Yosef remained steadfast. Today, despite unusual circumstances in your life, remain One With Them in your prayers and love for believers in East Java. Please pray for all persecuted believers as they go through their daily lives, fully relying on God’s provision.

2013.02.20




"See, I have set before you an open door that no one can shut.”
(Revelations 3:8 )
 

PRAY FOR FULANI

Fulani, Sokoto of Nigeria
 
Fulani, Sokoto of Nigeria
Sokoto is one of the states of Nigeria, and Sokoto is also a city. During the reign of the Fulani Empire in the 19th century Sokoto was an important Fula state. In the year 2000, Islamic Shari'ah law was introduced in several northern states of Nigeria including Sokoto State. The Sokoto Fulani are a sub-group of the much larger Fulani people, a tribe that is spread across much of West Africa.
Ministry Obstacles
Tensions between the mostly Muslim people of northern Nigeria and the mostly Christian people of the south have long been high. For a northern Fulani to follow Christ is to risk being seen as a traitor.
Outreach Ideas
Nigeria has a large number of Christian believers. Perhaps some will be able to overcome tribal animosities and carry the good news of Jesus to the northern Fulani tribes. Pray to this end.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the few Sokoto Fulani who know and follow Jesus Christ. Pray they will faithfully fellowship together, and will learn to live in the power of Christ's Spirit. Pray they will live holy lives, and will represent Christ well to their family and friends.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the large Fulani tribe, that they will be drawn increasingly to Isa (Jesus) as he is referred to in the Koran, desiring to find out more about this Man. Pray also they will be able to make schooling a priority for their children, preparing them for life in the rapidly changing 21st century.
Scripture Focus
"Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name." 1 Chronicles 16:28-29
 

People Name: Fulani, Sokoto
Country: Nigeria
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 2,842,000
World Population: 3,625,000
Language: Fulfulde, Central-Eastern Niger
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: Portions
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2

 

Jumat, 15 Februari 2013

PENGHALANG BERUPA TIDAK MENGAMPUNI

ARTIKEL DOA: PENGHALANG BERUPA TIDAK MENGAMPUNI (1)

Banyak orang Kristen memunyai penghalang di dalam kehidupannya. Penghalang ini menghambat kemajuan rohani kita -- sesuatu yang mengikat; yang membuat frustrasi; menyebabkan tertunduk; menghalangi sukacita, damai sejahtera, kepuasan, dan penggenapan atas apa yang seharusnya kita miliki. Jika ada penghalang yang timbul antara Allah dan manusia, itu terjadi dari pihak manusia, bukan dari pihak Allah karena pada saat kematian dan kebangkitan Yesus, semua penghalang runtuh di sisi Allah. Salah satu penghalang terbesar untuk memperoleh damai sejahtera yang penuh dan perhentian yang sempurna adalah tidak mau mengampuni. Mari memerhatikan apa yang Yesus ajarkan dalam Matius 18:15-35.

Matius 18:18-19 memiliki apa yang saya sebut "pusat kuasa" dari gereja -- tempat dari semua kuasa dan kewenangan. Ini adalah sel dari gereja: 2 atau 3 orang percaya dipimpin bersama-sama oleh Roh ke dalam nama Tuhan Yesus. Dalam kehidupan jasmani, jika kehidupan sel tercerai berai, maka kehidupan menjadi tidak sehat. Hal ini juga berlaku bagi tubuh Kristus, yaitu gereja. Jika kehidupan sel setempat rusak, maka keseluruhan tubuh tidak akan sehat. Di dalam sel inilah terletak benih-benih atau sumber-sumber dari semua kehidupan gereja dan sumber dari semua kuasa.

Akan tetapi, janji dari kuasa ini dikelilingi dan dijaga dengan sebuah pagar. Anda tidak dapat memasukinya kecuali Anda memenuhi syarat-syaratnya. Saya sebut pagar ini "hubungan yang benar". Dalam Matius 18:15-17, Yesus berbicara tentang apa yang harus dilakukan kalau saudara Anda berbuat kesalahan pada Anda. Selanjutnya, ayat 19 berkata, "... jika dua orang dari padamu sepakat ...." Kata "gerika" yang dipergunakan di sini sama dengan kata "simfoni". Jadi, tidak sekadar kesepakatan secara intelektual, tetapi kesepakatan, kesehatian, keselarasan. Itulah ketika dua orang mulai berada dalam kesatuan roh. Secara alami, kalau Anda mau membuat simfoni, ada dua hal yang harus Anda punyai. Anda harus punya aransemen dan konduktor. Dalam alam rohani, jika Anda mau memunyai simfoni, Anda juga harus memunyai dua hal yang sama. Aransemennya adalah kehendak Allah; konduktornya adalah Roh Kudus.

Kesehatian atau kesepakatan tidaklah sekadar berkata, "Kita setuju." Kesehatian adalah berada dalam harmoni secara Roh dengan orang lain. Jika kita sudah sampai pada tempat dari harmoni rohani yang sebenarnya, kita tidak akan dapat dihalangi oleh apa pun. Karena hal ini, setan akan berusaha sedapat-dapatnya untuk mencegah orang-orang Kristen sampai ke tempat ini, dan dia sudah sangat berhasil dengan sebagian besar orang yang menyebut diri mereka Kristen.

Dalam Perjanjian Lama, Allah sudah menghadapi masalah yang cukup besar dengan umat Israel. Ia sudah menyatakan diri-Nya sebagai Allah yang tidak dapat ditampilkan secara memadai, baik melalui gambaran, lukisan, atau wujud apa pun. Usaha-usaha untuk membuat tiruan Allah secara tegas dilarang. Akan tetapi, berulang kali kita mendapati bahwa Israel jatuh ke dalam kesalahan dengan membuat patung atau berhala dan berkata, "Ini mewakili Allah." Kesalahan yang sama dilakukan juga oleh orang-orang Kristen pada masa sekarang. Tubuh Yesus Kristus tidak dapat ditampilkan secara kelembagaan. Akan tetapi, seiring dengan perjalanan waktu, orang-orang Kristen berkali-kali mencoba membuat sesuatu yang bisa dilihat dan diraba dari hal-hal yang rohani. Mereka mencoba untuk menghasilkan organisasi, lembaga, sesuatu yang dimaksudkan untuk mengikat bersama-sama, yang menggantikan kesatuan dan hubungan yang seharusnya dari tubuh Yesus Kristus.

Sebagai contoh, Bala Keselamatan (ini bukan merupakan kritikan terhadap Bala Keselamatan). Di dalam Bala Keselamatan ada kesatuan organisasi yang kuat, yang sama dengan organisasi ketentaraan. Selanjutnya, ada ikatan kebersamaan melalui seragam sehingga kalau Anda melihat mereka, segera saja Anda akan mengenali dan berkata, "Dia dari Bala Keselamatan." Semua yang dapat dilakukan untuk menghasilkan kesatuan dan struktur organisasi dapat dijumpai di sana. Namun demikian, 2 orang dari Bala Keselamatan bisa saja berada dalam perselisihan yang tidak dapat dihindarkan lagi -- jauh dari kesatuan dan harmoni, bahkan bisa jadi mereka saling berlawanan. Dua orang bisa saja berada dalam Bala Keselamatan, dan yang satu bisa saja sudah bertobat dan dilahirkan kembali, sedangkan yang lain belum dilahirkan kembali. Mereka bahkan tidak berada dalam tingkatan rohani yang sama. Akibatnya, dewasa ini ada banyak orang Kristen dalam tubuh Kristus berada dalam hubungan yang keliru dengan orang lain, dan mereka bahkan tidak menyadari kalau ada hal yang keliru.

Suatu malam, dalam sebuah kebaktian, 5 orang maju ke depan untuk meminta dukungan doa. Saya digerakkan untuk bertanya kepada setiap orang secara pribadi, "Apakah ada sikap tidak mau mengampuni, kemarahan, atau kemauan untuk balas dendam di dalam hati Anda?" Dari 5 orang yang maju, 3 orang berkata, "Ya, memang ada." Saya menjawab, "Apakah Anda benar-benar mau agar saya mendoakan Anda? Saya dapat saja langsung mendoakan Anda, tetapi apa yang harus dilakukan agar doa itu ada pengaruhnya? Dan, tahukah Anda apa yang mereka katakan? "Lebih baik kami pergi dan membereskan dulu semuanya, kemudian kembali ke sini untuk didoakan."

Luar biasa! Namun, yang sebenarnya luar biasa adalah bahwa ada orang-orang yang tidak menyadari adanya hubungan yang salah. Mengapa mereka bisa dikelabui? Mereka sudah mengizinkan sejumlah hal lahiriah sebagai pengganti yang membutakan mereka terhadap kenyataan batiniah.

Jika kesatuan lahiriah tidak ada hubungannya dengan hubungan rohani batiniah di dalam tubuh Kristus, lalu apa yang dapat menjaga tubuh Kristus secara kebersamaan? Apa yang merupakan sifat dan sumber yang benar dari kesatuan kita? Kita mendapatkan jawaban atas pertanyaan yang sangat penting ini di dalam dua pasal dari Efesus dan Kolose. Di dalam Efesus 4:16, Paulus berbicara tentang "Dari pada-Nyalah seluruh tubuh, -- yang rapi tersusun dan diikat menjadi satu oleh pelayanan semua bagiannya, sesuai dengan kadar pekerjaan tiap-tiap anggota -- menerima pertumbuhannya dan membangun dirinya dalam kasih." Jika Anda tidak mau mengampuni orang lain, Allah tidak akan mengampuni Anda.

Dalam Kolose 2:19, dalam konteks yang sama, Paulus berbicara tentang Kristus sebagai kepala "seluruh tubuh yang ditunjang dan diikat menjadi satu oleh urat-urat dan sendi-sendi; menerima pertumbuhan ilahinya." Ada dua hal yang Paulus katakan tentang mempersatukan atau menjadikan satu anggota-anggota tubuh: Ditunjang dan diikat. Apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan ditunjang dan diikat? Ditunjang adalah hubungan antara anggota-anggota tubuh. Diikat adalah sikap yang terjadi di antara anggota-anggota tersebut.

Secara alami, lengan kita memiliki tiga tulang. Meskipun masing-masing kuat dan sehat, berfungsinya tulang-tulang itu secara berhasil bergantung pada penunjang yang kita sebut siku. Masing-masing tulang dapat berada dalam keadaan yang sehat sempurna, namun demikian lengan tidak akan bisa bergerak jika penunjang tidak berfungsi sebagaimana seharusnya. Hal ini berlaku juga dengan tubuh Kristus. Hubungan Anda dengan yang lain merupakan penunjang yang membuat Anda sesuai di dalam Tubuh.

Sekali lagi, dalam Efesus 4:3 dan Kolose 3:14, Paulus berbicara mengenai Ikatan yang kuat, yang mempersatukan seluruh Tubuh. Ikatan yang sangat perlu, yang dapat menjaga Tubuh Kristus dalam kesatuan yang benar adalah kasih. Tetapi bila sikap ini tidak dijumpai, maka seluruh fungsi dari Tubuh akan lenyap. Jika kita berada dalam hubungan yang salah dengan sesama orang Kristen, tubuh tidak akan dapat berfungsi; kita juga tidak akan dapat menerima apa yang kita butuhkan untuk diri kita sendiri -- kita tidak hanya menutup berkat bagi orang lain, tetapi kita juga menutup berkat bagi diri sendiri.

Pada suatu kali, sesudah berkhotbah di sebuah gereja, saya pergi ke gereja yang lain dan menyampaikan khotbah yang sama. Akan tetapi, di gereja yang kedua ini, saya merasakan ada sesuatu yang tidak beres. Tahukah Anda, apa yang saya temukan? Di gereja yang memiliki anggota aktif sekitar 400 orang pada hari Minggu, ternyata terjadi perpecahan di antara mereka. Orang-orang yang berada di sebelah kanan saya tidak berbicara dengan orang-orang yang berada di sebelah kiri saya selama 5 tahun. Ketika mereka saling bertemu di jalan, mereka mengambil jalan simpang untuk menghindar. Sebagai akibatnya, bagi saya, berkhotbah kepada orang-orang seperti itu adalah membuang-buang waktu saja karena tidak memungkinkan bagi Roh Kudus untuk bekerja di dalam gereja yang sedemikian.

Dalam Matius 18:23-35, kita mendapatkan perumpamaan tentang seorang hamba yang tidak mau mengampuni. Ayat terakhir dari pasal ini menunjukkan kepada kita bahwa Yesus berbicara mengenai orang-orang yang menyebut dirinya Kristen. Hamba yang pertama di dalam perumpamaan ini berutang 10.000 talenta. Karena tidak mampu membayar, dia nyaris dimasukkan ke dalam penjara. Ia memohonkan belas kasihan kepada tuannya. Tuannya mengampuni dia dengan menghapuskan semua utangnya. Akan tetapi, sementara berjalan keluar, ia bertemu dengan sesama pelayan yang berutang kepadanya 100 dinar. Ketika temannya ini meminta belas kasihan kepadanya, ia enggan melakukannya.

Ketika tuannya mengetahui perbuatan hambanya yang telah ia ampuni itu, tuannya sangat marah. Sesudah memanggilnya dan menanyakan apa yang terjadi, tuannya berkata, "Kamu hamba yang jahat." Kemudian, tuan itu memerintahkan, "Serahkan dia kepada algojo, sampai dia melunasi utang-utangnya." Dan, ayat yang terakhir berkata, "Demikian juga akan dilakukan oleh Bapa-Ku yang di Sorga kepadamu, jika kamu tidak mengampuni dengan segenap hati saudara-saudaramu yang berbuat kesalahan kepadamu."

Diambil dan disunting seperlunya dari:
Judul majalah: Hidup dalam Kristus Vol.18, No.2
Penulis: Derek Prince
Penerbit: Yayasan Pusat Hidup Baru
Halaman: 6 -- 10

Uzbek, Northern of Uzbekistan

 
Uzbek, Northern of Uzbekistan
 
Uzbek, Northern of Uzbekistan
The earliest ancestors of the Uzbeks, the Central Asian Turks, aided Genghis Khan in his conquest of Eastern Europe in the 1300's. Eventually, as unity between the Turks and Mongols faded, numerous warring kingdoms were formed. It was from several of these kingdoms that the Uzbeks descended.
Ministry Obstacles
Creative ideas are needed as to how to best enter the country and minister; proselytizing is forbidden.
Outreach Ideas
Many younger Uzbeks are looking for a belief system to satisfy their deepest spiritual hunger. Christ can fulfill this hunger.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the believers among the Uzbeks, that the Lord will give them pastors and teachers who will rightly teach the Scriptures, model Godly behavior, and who are zealous in their love for the Lord.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Uzbeks will hunger and thirst for life to be found only in Jesus Christ.
Scripture Focus
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His Name; make known among the nations what He has done." Psalm 105:1
 

People Name: Uzbek, Northern
Country: Uzbekistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 22,301,000
World Population: 25,388,000
Language: Uzbek, Northern
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: New Testament
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

Pray for Fulbe-Mbororo of Nigeria

 
Fulbe-Mbororo of Nigeria
 
Fulbe-Mbororo of Nigeria
Scattered mostly in Nigeria and Cameroon, these semi-nomadic people fiercely reject anything they perceive as contrary to their lifestyle of roaming with their cattle herds. This includes education, (they are mostly illiterate), and permanent homes. They are widely regarded as troublesome impediments to the large cattle ranchers. One businessman and member of a ruling party has established two large cattle ranches, forcing the Mbororo tribal people from their historic grazing land. They were given no compensation. Their illiteracy and intense independence have placed them on unequal footing with greedy people like these who take advantage of them.
Ministry Obstacles
Illiteracy is an obstacle to learning about Christ if the Gospel comes to them only in printed form.
Outreach Ideas
Christians need to be genuinely concerned about the material welfare of the Mbororo people, finding ways to assist them, building friendships and trust.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray the few Christian believers among the Mbororo people will be sent teachers to help them become well established in the faith. Pray they will find each other in order to fellowship together. Pray they will learn to live in the power of Christ's Spirit, experiencing the fruit of Christ's Spirit consistently.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Mborro tribe will be able to care adequately for their families, and be led to be better prepared for the rapidly changing conditions of the 21st century. Pray they will see the need to make schooling a priority for their children.
Scripture Focus
"He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy He will save." Psalm 72:13
 

People Name: Fulbe-Mbororo
Country: Nigeria
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 2,465,000
World Population: 2,747,000
Language: Fulfulde, Nigerian
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: New Testament
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1