Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Boycott Starbucks???




My family just sent me a Starbucks Gift Certificate in the mail. Before I could use it I hear Christian groups are trying to boycott that store because in a recent meeting the Starbuck staff said that the



" Seattle-based coffee company mentioned support for same-sex marriage as a core value of the company. "
As far as that goes Starbucks is not alone other name brands are promoting that standard. I am definitely not too happy to hear this, but I am not overly surprised.
Anti-God Messages on Cups?
Also there has been quite a debate over their Anti-God messages on some of their cups. Incidentally they claim that they also have pro God statements on other cups. They are part of  program of quotes on their cups called, "As I see it". 
see this link for the details on this: http://www.wnd.com/2007/05/41531/
As far as Boycotting.......... read this from Moore: 
Some Christians are wondering whether we ought to join in the boycott.
 I say no.
It’s not that I’m saying a boycott in and of itself is always evil or wrong. It’s just that, in this case (and in many like it) a boycott exposes us to all of our worst tendencies. Christians are tempted, again and again, to fight like the devil to please the Lord.
A boycott is a display of power, particularly of economic power. The boycott shows a corporation (or government or service provider) that the aggrieved party can hurt the company, by depriving it of revenue. The boycott, if it’s successful, eventually causes the powers-that-be to yield, conceding that they need the money of the boycott participants more than they need whatever cause they were supporting. It is a contest of who has more buying power, and thus is of more value to the company.
We lose that argument. 
(I liked this article from the perspective of nonresistance.) I scanned over it and liked it at face value.  See the rest on http://www.russellmoore.com/2012/03/25/should-christians-boycott-starbucks/
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO MY SIMPLE CUP OF JOE--THAT TASTED NOT SO POLITICAL?


In regards to the drink itself  1 Cor: 10:25-26
Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
Romans 14:14
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

In the News: Think it through the next time you kidnap your youth group

A youth group was having a study evening, when men came in and forced pillowcases onto the 17 Pennsylvanian youth's heads and ushered them into a van for interrogation. They then drove to the pastor's house where they told them it was just a mock-up to  illustrate what it may take to be a missionary on the foreign field. I guess it was pretty big surprise because a parent filed a report to the police and it has a chance to turn unpleasant. At first thought it could prove to be an interesting object lesson, but it seems a little more prep work is needed for such extra-curricular activities here in America.
For details there is a link here.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/pa-pastor-has-youth-group-kidnapped-as-persecution-lesson-72121


Friday, March 23, 2012

Iran Underground Church is Growing Despite Persecution



Sad to say in a split second's moment of thought--when you think of Iran you may think about nukes, religious fanatics, and missiles pointed at Israel for a showdown. If you give it more thought you may think of it as a country full of humanity. For instance somebody's loving mother, father, brother, or sister lives there. God loves each and everyone. Then as you get closer you can see something or rather sense that there are prayers going heavenward on behalf of it's underground church of Muslim Background believers. That is powerful when you think of the hostility they must face to make a simple decision to follow Christ. We can allow media to dim our eyes or dull the senses in forgetting that God's love and Spirit can penetrate into a country like Iran and grow. Here is some excerpts from an article that caught my eye:

Despite the Iranian government's ongoing crackdown of Christians living in the primarily Islamic country, the number of Muslims converting to become Christians is growing at an explosive rate, according to the persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA.

There is even talk of witnessing a Christian revival, especially among young people living in the country, say Open Doors ministry workers in the Middle East.
A house church movement within Iran is part of that revival and has triggered "many secret meetings." The growth in the number of Christians is happening in all regions, but mostly in larger cities, say Open Doors workers in the region.


In one city alone, Isfahan, more than a dozen Christians were arrested in less than a month, beginning in late February.
As The Christian Post has previously reported, although the established church in countries such as Iran suffers great violence, it is the underground, invisible church that continues to grow. Christians are putting their lives at risk for their continued faith.
According to Open Doors USA President and CEO Carl Moeller, a stream of Christianity has arisen in the Middle East's invisible church, sometimes referred to as the Muslim Background Believer Church.
"Men and women, out of emptiness of their current situation spiritually, are turning to faith in Jesus Christ despite the literally lethal risks in doing so," Moeller said. "That's only attributable to the work of the Holy Spirit."
"Iranians are very outgoing and want to speak about their faith," the ministry worker said. "That is why discipleship training (with elements of outreach and communications) for Iranian believers is successful. If you tell them that a Christian should share, the Iranian Christian shares."

See this article http://www.christianpost.com/news/open-doors-growth-of-christianity-in-iran-explosive-71946/

Open Doors the Source: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Responsibility of Fatherhood (Child of the King)






ANOTHER WIEBE'S QUOTES

What an awesome responsibility is fatherhood. Do our children trust us? Have we proven trustworthy in spite of our failings and stumblings?  We can feel inadequate in this, but what a beautiful call to become more loving, more caring, and more trustworthy fathers.
 J.W.

Every person is a child of an earthly father. There are different levels of fatherhood. Some of these fathers are fathers only in the strictest sense of the word and may not even be known of their children. A father may love his child, but not enough to sacrifice his own ambitions and desires for the child's well-being. Then there are fathers who are the kind of father that every child needs and deserves. These fathers are willing to sacrifice themselves to provide for their children. They attempt to provide for their child's emotional needs by loving him uncondition­ally, spending time with him, and lending a listening ear. They do their best to provide for his physical needs by supplying food, clothing, and health care. Time is spent teaching their child the skills he will need for life. Most of all, the needs of the soul are met by teaching the child about God and His will. These fathers want only what is best for their child, and will do all in their power to provide it. Their desire is to never do anything to, or ask anything of, their child that would be unfair or detrimental to his well-being.
Even good fathers will make mistakes, but their children learn to trust and love them. These children are not overly concerned about their next meal. They are not afraid of their surroundings as long as their hand is in their father's hand. They believe what they are told because their father has been proven trustworthy. They can take their burdens and stresses to him and find relief because they know their father will help, and they can expect everything to turn out all right.
There is one Father whose love, truth, fairness, strength, resources, wisdom, beauty, security, and providential care incomparably outshines that of all others. This father is the King we are studying about. He is God, the great I AM (Exod. 3:14). This Father knows how to care for His children perfectly because He created them. He is the creator also of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), and of every beautiful thing in life, both natural and spiritual. It is His will to bless His children. He wants each of His children to be happy, and what He asks of them and sends their way is only for their good and the good of their fellowmen.
Some of His children, however, have not learned to trust Him but feel compelled to obey Him. They feel—perhaps subconsciously—that they would be happier taking their own way. Like the prodigal son, they feel there is a bigger, more exciting world away from the Father. This shows they do not really understand their Father. God gives to His children all they need to be truly happy. The closer they follow Him the more fulfilled they will be in life. He made them to live in harmony with Him, and living outside of His will brings stresses to their bodies and minds.
Those who trust Him and stay close to Him find in Him rest, hap­piness, and freedom. "Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God" (Rom. 8:21). He has promised rest (Matt. 11:28), He has prom­ised peace (Ps. 29:11), and He has promised to provide our daily needs (Matt. 6:33). Best of all, He promises eternal life to His children (John
10:28).
The children of the King need never feel that they are part of a los­ing or unworthy cause. Their King rules the universe, and every knee will bow before Him. No matter what the common opinion of mankind may be, and no matter how important or majestic things of the worldly kingdom appear, this King is in control. His children are on the win­ning side. When they do His bidding they are answering the highest calling in life.
Are you a child of the King? If so, give yourself fully to Him. He desires you. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee" (Jer. 31:3). You are the apple of His eye. "For he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye" (Zech. 2:8). He desires your beauty. Allow Him to purify your life. If you are not His child, His invitation is to you. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor.
6:17-18).
   Children of the King
Lesson 2, March 11, 2012 
Adult and Youth Sunday School Lessons 

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Pinzi Ambulance for Haiti Clinic



Was with Keith Toews tonight at Dave Wengers in Alabama. He was being reviewed at the annual meeting to discuss his clinic yesterday. Here is a Pinzi Ambulance similar to the one that is presently in Haiti customs. It was donated along with other equipment in a container for free  by a man from Canada that is involved with providing equipment for humanitarian projects. The catch is that customs can tax such items coming into the country and the bill just to clear the container through customs can cost upward of $10,000-20,000 US. This is alot of funds considering the operational cost of running the clinic. It was a miracle how this came about and I guess they rely on miracles and provisions from God to keep this operation going as He so desires. Prayer is the answer. My continued interest is that it is our privilege to share with others the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Haiti is such a privilege since even a little can go such along ways--- as is the case with this clinic in Oriani. 

Monday, March 12, 2012

One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus---Oraini Haiti Clinic






March 10-2012    Oraini Haiti
Just when I think our Canada is getting too secular and non Christian, I get a heart warmer. On Jan 12, the anniversary of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, we happened to be at the Canadian embassy renewing a passport. They invited me outside to join their ceremony of remembrance. There under the palm trees and Canadian flag, the ambassador had a speech and following it, asked a lady to come forward to sing a song. She sang solo but probably a hundred people sang along. The song was “It Is Well, With My Soul”. She sang it with heart and emotion and many were wiping eyes. Then another speech was made about the importance to stand by the ones who lost family members here and how Canada remembers, and we cry with our Haitian friends. Then another lady was asked to come forward and led the whole group in singing the song “Lord Help Me Today, Show Me The Way, One Day At a Time”.  Then a long emotional prayer was prayed to God, asking him to lead us, and keep us in a state of readiness for whatever unknown each day will bring. There were very few dry eyes left by the end.
The clinic has been working very smoothly. We are still seeing a pretty steady 1200 or so patients a month.  One day we had a mom bring her terribly burnt little girl in (she carried her for miles). She had second degree on over half of her body. It was smeared with a powder and coffee grounds that was all caked on. As we started the long slow process of gently washing her and cleaning her, we heard the mom say... “I will bring the boy in tomorrow” WHAT? YOU HAVE ANOTHER CHILD BURNT TOO? We immediately sent Zack in the truck for the 45 min drive to her house and he brought the boy in too. Wow, what a job. A couple hours later, the two little children were bandaged and wrapped up like mummies and we took them back to their house. We seen them once for a dressing change a few days later but then they never came again. A couple weeks later when our curiosity got the better of us, and Ashley and I went hunting for them. They were doing awesome and were healing with no complications! The mom was sooooo happy to see us that she laughed and cried and hugged and talked and hugged us all over again. They are very poor, but she gave us bananas and even ran around catching a couple chickens to give to us. We thanked her profusely for them, and told her to continue to thank God for the healing that had happened.
We have seen some pretty bad and also interesting cases come in. I could tell you many stories. Some are beyond anything that can be done in this country of limited services and we regretfully tell them that. Thankfully most things can be treated here. I have experience with Drs and Hospitals all over Haiti here that don’t have medicine for one reason or other, and so my policy is to try to never be in the situation where we have to tell a patient, “Yes, we know what your problem is but we don’t have the meds to help you”. Because up here we know that means they will not ever be able to go get it either. We work under the principle that meds aren’t the only, or always best, solution to problems, but thanks to you, our donors, we do currently have a very well stocked pharmacy.  Antibiotics, blood pressure meds, vitamins, and dewormers and basically everything we need, and then some. We still run prenatal classes and give out lots of pre and post natal vitamins. This is showing positive results, and the moms are learning better ways of doing things. Still, there is so much to be done though. Malnutrition is getting to be a problem here now again after such extreme wet weather and now extreme dry weather. People aren’t eating and drinking properly. We are doing vaccinations now too. Both for pregnant mothers and for children.
We are very excited to tell you that YES, we do have a nurse coming to replace Ashley when she goes home on April 22.  Ashley has done amazing and we will miss her. Nurse Heather Isaac from Alberta will be coming to learn the language and stay a considerable amount of time. Thanks to God for providing for this need! We are very thrilled. Some of you other nurses who were considering it.... please keep it in mind for next round!
Some other news is that we also received an ambulance. It was donated from a Canadian named Jeff, and is now sitting in customs here in Haiti, waiting for some paperwork to be done. It is a 6 wheel drive, boxy little thing that is tough and made for climbing mountains and crossing rivers. Very exciting development! The container that it came in also has many other much needed supplies for the clinic including some exam tables and other misc equip. We and the community of Oriani thank the many people in Ontario who put this together and made this happen.  I look forward to using the ambulance, instead of our Excursion, for taking people down to hospitals. I won’t tell you too many gory details but tarps in the back of the Ford SUV have a hard time always containing the contaminates from sick people or women in delivery. I feel so rewarded though when another life is saved. Last Sat a delivering moms life was saved by being able to get her down to a hospital in nick of time. I could tell you many stories.
We have enjoyed alot of company in the last couple months. Candace’s cousin Glen Troyer and family were here in Jan, then Anthony and Darla Penner (Candace’s bro and my sis) and their children; Cade and Jenna Toews (Lacey our school teacher’s siblings), and then my parents Robert and Sally. Between those times we also enjoyed the CSI boys from Roche Blanche, the CPS unit and boys with one of the boy’s parents Doug and Janey Mininger, the Orphanage girls, Virgil Wiebe’s and Ralph Regehr’s, and of course the Lastic canyon crew were also up a couple times. We have nurse Phyllis Friesen from Steinbach MB here now for a few weeks to help and give us of her expertise and ideas. She has many yrs experience working for CSI in yrs past. The day Phyllis leaves is the day Lacey’s parents Wally and Christine Toews fly in. We have never have a forlorn lonely feeling here! J If we would... we could always go visit Dallas’s or the other CSI house with their boys, all within 5-15 minutes away. Then of course there are the many many community friends and brothers and sisters of our church all around us, in our yard, and us in their yard’s, every single day.
I beg you to pray for our neighborhood boy Jonny. He is 18, unloved by many people because he is ugly, dirty, and was kicked out of his parents house already a few yrs ago. Today he drank himself into a stupor, and then took a rope and was on his way to hang himself from a cliff nearby, when another boy stopped him. He came and sat by our gate for awhile after that, too drunk to walk. He makes our hearts break. So sad.
Two days ago we sang, prayed, and held the hands of a dying man named Sovay. He was in his last moments. I slipped away to get some supper and so I missed his passing by a few minutes. We had earlier taken him to a hospital in Port for AIDS patients but there was nothing left to do for him so he came back up to die in his house. We had visited him a few times in his house and I am confident that he died in the Lord. I doubt he weighed 80 lbs at death, most awful looking living skeleton you can imagine. His wife got AIDS 5 yrs ago, and then he got it from her. She and their children are still healthy but he is the first to go. 42 yrs old. We have also buried two other of our church people in the last 2 months. One aged sister, and one 6 month old girl. Both were serious other sicknesses and the outcomes were predicted. But in this country death is very common, and if they die with faith in God, with their sins sent to the mercy seat of God ahead of time, what a rejoicing there is when they arrive! From a life of poverty and sickness to a life of bliss and beauty. 
We asked a local extremely poor brother recently...
“Brother Jwa, Do you wish you were rich? “
“Rich in Faith?”
“Well, that is good, but I meant rich in money.”
“I wish to be richer in Faith.”
“Yes me too, but I ask if you wish you were a rich man.”
“I feel like I have a riches and a big house waiting for me in Heaven someday, and if I can remain rich in faith then someday I can have my riches ... IN HEAVEN!”
“Very good. I feel that way too, but you still haven’t answered my question.”
“No. I do not wish to be rich in dollars because then I would be poor in faith, and would miss my heavenly home. Rich in faith will bring me everything.”

Awesome eh?

We have used some of your “special” donations to build a few houses for desperate situations. One, a lady’s little 7ft x 7ft straw house burned at night and she barely escaped alive yet with minor injuries. She lost everything. With church volunteers and $300 she now has a nice little stone house with nine sheets of tin for a roof. Another little old granny who lived in a banana leaf teepee, was so bad off that even locals told me they often cry for her, also got a little stone house with a tin roof. Her’s cost 450 dollars because we had to hire the masons. Now we built another larger ($600) house for a lady with many children who was in a terrible situation. After her husband died she was forced to rent a house from a pastor who began to take his rent from her by visiting her bed. This kind of stuff is almost unbelievable but yet far too common here. Desperate people are taken advantage of all the time by people with power. So sad. Today she, with tears in her eyes, thanks us (mostly you Anthony and Darla) and thanks God for delivering her from her several yrs of bondage.
It’s so amazing how much help can be done with so little money here. But of course our concern is that whatever and however we help... that it be done with the blessing and direction of God. To help desperate situations but not be creating dependency, or have it in any way be seen as reward for coming to church. For this reason we have a group of Haitian church brethren whom we sit and consult with on every aid project, and examine whether this is a legit need or not. I have found they share our same concern that help be given properly and only where needed, and they are careful to not to let us veer off course. I love having that security in being able to lean on our local brethren for guidance.  I feel accountable to them as well.

The special little afternoon school for teens who have never been to school, or learned to read and write, is doing amazing.  A few of you gave some money ($800) to keep it operating and by all observations and reports the teachers picked up courage again and are teaching the students to read very quickly. One of the young men in the school, named Jonas, is also in church doctrine class and is very excited about being able to read the Bible for himself. He had about given up hope of ever being able to do that.
Speaking of our church Bible and doctrine class... We have 21 in class now. I believe over half of them are singles. One of them is our son Cam.  Baptism could be in a couple months if all goes as planned. These converts are not all the work of us white “missionaries”.  I hear and see our Haitian brethren at work in our community. I see them in groups going to visit people and to sing and pray with them. One time Glenn Troyer and I had been walking for an hour, up and down and over the hills, and suddenly we came upon a group of our brethren at a man’s house. We could hear them singing for him and his sick mother. They then had a prayer and words of encouragement and went on their way. I was thrilled at how seriously they take the Great Commission. This man Enis is now born again with a clear testimony of a radically changed life.

Life is extremely busy yet enjoyable here, and with some new clinic developments (that I may tell you about in the next newsletter), it will only get busier and even more exciting. One thing I still do NOT enjoy is the jarring rock road  that breaks both our truck and me in the grueling 3-4 hr (one way) trip to Port and back to get everything from supplies, to groceries, to meds. Last night we got home from Port after midnight. Now I find tie rod ends and ball joints going bad on the truck again, so I will get parts brought in and rip it all apart in our dirt driveway here again. But that’s all part of being here. The scenery when we drive... is never boring!  From cliffs, mountains waterfalls, precipices, to masses of humanity. Do you ever think of it that people, made in the IMAGE OF GOD, are the best part of “nature”, the pinnacle of Gods creation?  Why do we sometimes think that we need to see mountains, rivers, waterfalls etc to see the beauty of nature? Do we see glory of the “image” of God, and a beautiful soul in each human we meet?
Ketli,our little Haitian foster daughter, is the most amazing little charmer. She is very intelligent, and sensitive of nature. Thanks to Candace’s deep concern and hourly care, Ketli is back to almost perfect health and growing rapidly. We love her deeply, and since the parents haven’t ever come to visit her... we don’t know what God will work out yet for us and her. Our family is well and happy here. The children are loving school. We ran our cistern dry so we hauled water in the back of a pickup to dump into it. We should be able to make it a few more weeks now till the rainy season hopefully starts. Please pray for these people that they can have a successful yr in their fields and gardens so that they can rise above the slump of this last year. They say the last time they had a hunger season like this was in 2008. Some say 08 was worse, but some say this yr is worse.

I am not stressed, or unduly worried about this... but if God touches your heart to donate to this clinic cause, please do so promptly as our funds are low after paying customs and taxes for the ambulance and container contents. Like the Haitian leaders here announce after the Sunday collection... “may God bless everyone who gave today, and also all those who didn’t give” J

Keith Toews
Administrator- Confidence Health Center
Oriani, Haiti

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Free Gospel Literature for Prison Ministry


Our local congregation has been involved in outreaching to our state prisons. Using Gospel Tract racks and tracts we send them in boxes to all the county jails and prisons; addressed to either their social workers and chaplains  free of charge. This program has been in operation in Wisconsin for 15 years. More states and congregations need to be a part of this program. What better way to rehabilitate prisoners than to provide them with solid Gospel literature that points them to the Word of God. We send a letter and two four pocket racks in a specially sized box provided by Gospel Tract in Moundridge KS. This is done once a year. If more tracts are needed our personalized stamp on each rack or the Gospel Tract address on each tract gives them a source for more literature or info. This is a rewarding work for the tract worker and helps keep the congregation in touch that there are people ---that we do not see that we can reach out to.

For more info on Gospel Tract and samples: http://churchofgodinchristmennonite.net/node/29
Peace of Mind in a Troubled World [text]: http://churchofgodinchristmennonite.net/node/23

Facebook Page? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gospel-Tract-Bible-Society/168457219833751

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Pakistani Christian Teacher Mobbed for Blasphemy: Persecution in Pakistan

 
As Reported in Pakistan Christian Post:
     
http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/viewnews.php?newsid=1788 

Pakistani Christian Teacher attacked on accusation of Blasphemy

Lahore: Feburary 23, 2012. A mob stormed the school where Saira Khokhar teaches in an attempt to abduct her after she was accused of burning a copy of the Qur’anThe local police chief took the Christian teacher into custody to examine whether the case warranted a First Information Report

Op Noah-- It seems that in Pakistan they use the threat quite often --"Accusation of Blasphemy" to subdue Christians in the name of the law. Who knows what are the real reasons they want to get a hold of the teacher. Do they want to make an example of her to intimidate the rest of the Christians? Was she teaching Christian values that enraged the community? 

Here is some more material that I read on that website. I'm not promoting that particular website (even though it seems a good source of Christian Pakistan news), but rather focused on the amazing plight of poor Christians in a poor country. One's heart goes out to them in their plight. Here are some summaries of what is going on down there.


20 million Pakistani Christians are facing constitutional genocide in Islamic Republic of Pakistan after implementation of Sharia law and other Islamic law which protect Islamic elements on enforced conversion of Christian women, killing of Christian on pretext to blasphemy law, attacks on worship places of Christians and to ransack Christian properties.

The 20 million Pakistani Christians are living below poverty line comparing to Muslim dominated society facing hates on their religion after implementation of Islamic Sharia law in Pakistan and legislation turning them to be third class citizen in a land which was goverened by their ansecstors for centuries.

The Muslim agreesors migrated to Indian sub-continent from Middle East and Central Asia in 7th centurary while Christians belonged to this land as son of soil. 

It is ironic that now Muslim immigrants are master in Pakistan and Christian sons of soil are living like slaves in their own land.

There have been frequent incident of violnce against Christians in Pakistan where Muslim culprits are protected and never brought to justice.

Islamists in Pakistan can gunn down Christian in broad day light in court compunds, they abduct Christian women and convert them with force to Islam to marry them, they gang rape Christian women but not arrested, they torture and kill Christian house-maids who refuse to convert to Islam, they destroy hundreds of homes but never convicted, they burn alive Christians but Islamic courts set them free, they are free to spread hate against christians but no legislation to creat harmonious society and use of religion Islam to oppress millions of Christian citizens.

Op-Noah:
Many times we as Christians are absorbed in our own state of affairs and feel like we have little time to consider such matters like what is reported here. When we see news reports in the Media about such and such country we are tempted to typically sum up that country as some mass of people that all act as their leaders represent them. Our human minds fail to grasp that there are millions of souls in a place like Pakistan that need a Savior.
      It never pays to hate when one realizes that sin is ugly in any shape and form and we have all been partakers of its poison. As a Christian being taken advantage of, we see and feel the example of Christ move within us, "Father they know not what they do..."  Such forgiveness and grace is so foreign to human nature. This article shows that where evil is not trying to seduce mankind to sin---it uses force and passion to conquer men's faith. May we all be strong and not forget to pray for those that suffer persecution for 'His names sake.'



*** Just a note on the 20 million Christians. Obviously in a country with a Islamic majority-- few of these would be evangelical--- most would be traditional Christians. Christians by birth, culture and tradition as it is dangerous to be responsible for the conversion of Muslims. Persecution in the name of religion is ugly all the same.  No doubt this persecution is awakening the old evangelical fire as it tests their faith, so that it is not just a matter of who were your parents. I only mention this because the concept of Christian faith could be different from the "believer of choice" that we can experience in a free country. 

Friday, March 2, 2012

Is Islam a Peaceable Religion?


        I have been reading a very readable book on Islam. It is called The Unfinished Battle Islam and the Jews. It is written by Mark A. Gabriel. He was a ardent believer of Islam from Egypt. He had memorized the Quran by the age of twelve and later graduated from Al-Azhar University with a doctorate in Islamic history and culture.
        He makes it as clear that you are mistaken if you believe Islam is a tolerant religion as promoted by Western media sources. He explains how some quote the Quran and make it sound like it is tolerent and peaceful, while the next person is saying the Quran promotes Jihad --Holy War against the "Unbelievers". 
    The reason for the conflicting views goes back to Mohammed. Mohammed started having his revelations in Mecca that started more on a peaceful note. He was trying to win people over on a voluntary basis. For one, they were a persecuted minority. Most of those that  want to paint the Quran in a favorable light to Western opinions quote this part of the Quran.  When he moved to the other Saudi city of Medina, he gained more influence and power and became more aggressive and started putting pressure on nonbelievers. Out of these texts is those passages more favorable to extreme anti-Western influences.
        The more recent verses supercede the older verses when verses contradict, so by default if you truly are a follower of Mohhamed you would follow his more recent teachings. That does not say you cannot revert to his peaceable vision when you are part of a minority in a nonmuslim country. Peace with Jews as a whole is about unthinkable. Since U.S. supports Israel it is also on the bad list. The reason is that Muslims follow the Torah of the Old Testament and believe that the Jews failed the test and killed the prophets. The Jews and Christians failed in their worship to God. In this they believe Mohammed's message is the final ultimate remedy. It is a religion of works and even then you are unsure how you are going to fare in the afterlife.
        I do not have any bitter feelings against any Muslim on earth. I respect their frustrations.  I just wish there was a way of exposure for Muslims to really understand that True Christianity does not foster hare or ill-will. I wish they could find the insurance of eternal life based on faith not works. There is a way to find peace---a inner peace that can wipe away the need for hate or ill-feelings toward others. 


Jesus:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30

Wiebe's Quotes: Martyr's Mirror


The enemies of the truth having apprehended and sentenced to death the apostle Andrew, he went joyfully to the place where he was to be crucified, and having come near to the cross, he said, O beloved cross! I have greatly longed for thee with a peaceful conscience and with cheerfulness, desiring that I, who am a disciple of him who hung on the cross, may also be crucified." The apostle said further, " the nearer I come to the cross, the nearer I come to God, and the further I am from the cross, the further I remain from God. He hung 3 days on the cross.
    As Ignatius was led to the pit of lions he testified, " My dear Jesus my saviour, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped to pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece.
- Martyr's Mirror 



Op-Noah on Martyr's Mirror----(This is a large old book of Nonresistant Christians from the time of Christ through reformation in the 1500's. It records the persecution of Christians by Pagans, the Roman Empire, and Roman Catholic Church. It has court dialog, letters, and overviews of baptism and persecution through the centuries of Waldeneses and also other connected conservative Christians that tried to make a separation with the World and its system. Most Mennonite groups would be acquainted with its content)



Thursday, March 1, 2012

Isaac Newton Close to Death

Isaac Newton, great Christian Scientist,"I don't know what I may seem to the world. But as to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than the ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.


Some Verses on the Witness of Creation


But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?
In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. Job 12: 7-10


 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they [men] are without excuse 
Romans 1:20