Numerical Expositions: Genesis 1:23

And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

-- Gen. 1:23 (KJV)

Thus, the era of the dinosaurs was ended on the fifth day (period of time).  The proof of dinosaurs absolutely shows that creation was possible because dinosaurs were a part of the process mentioned in the previous three verses.  The next few verses regarding the modern era also align with the geologic model as well.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 1,5,6,2,3.  (1) To be in the anointing, remain in God's presence.  (5) Stay in God's presence to experience peace.  (6) To expose evil, choose to remain in God's presence.  (2) To be delivered, remain in God's presence.  (3) To stay in the Spirit, remain in God's presence.

Pres. Obama finally makes a stand in India

India's Christians are applauding President Barack Obama following his strong appeal for religious freedom during a recent visit to India. The U.S. president's remarks come at a time when religious freedom is under attack by right-wing Hindu nationalist organizations who are carrying out hate campaign against both India's Christian and Muslim minorities with near impunity. President Obama, the first U.S. president to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade, spent three days in India and held crucial meetings strengthening the bilateral relationship between the United States and India. On his final day in India, President Obama addressed over 2,000 young people at the Siri Fort auditorium in what was termed a "town hall" meeting.During this address, he said, "India will succeed as long as it's not splintered along religious lines...nowhere is it more important to uphold religious freedom than in India." President Obama concluded his 45 minute speech by stressing the importance of religious tolerance and religious freedom in India. Quoting the Indian Constitution, President Obama said, "Your Article 25 (of the Constitution) says that all people are 'equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion." President Obama went on to say, "In both our countries, in all countries, upholding this fundamental freedom is the responsibility of government, but it's also the responsibility of every person." Franklin Sudhakar, General Secretory of All India Christian Council in Telangana state, told International Christian Concern (ICC) that, "Obama's inspirational speech has come as comfort for Christian minorities in India, as the country is boiling with communal flares. The right-wing nationalists carry on ghar wapsi (home coming) programs, converting many Christians to Hinduism." While thanking President Obama and his team, Arun Pannalal, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum said that, "There is a greater challenge for Christians in this country. The real battle starts now, as the Sangh Parivar will take their communal hate campaigns to the next level, attacking Christians structurally and through legal means." Rev. Ronald John, Chairman of the Telangana Christian Joint-Action Committee said, "This is a very good development. It eases Christians from fear and doubt, on excising the faith of their choice." He continued, "The Government of India should take note of this and take appropriate action to protect the rights of minorities. Obama's message is clear and is a warning for every individual who wants to see this country develop." In time like this, with radical Hindu nationalist groups more active than ever, seemingly unstoppable and emboldened by India's ruling party, President Obama's speech seems a timely intervention for Christians. Now all that remains to be seen is whether or not Modi, and his ruling BJP, took note and will put President Obama's words into action.  For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for South Asia:  RM-SAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Persecution on the rise in China

The year of 2014 arguably brought about the worst persecution that China has seen in decades, in keeping with the rise of Christian persecution seen worldwide.  Reports indicate that as of mid-December, a minimum of 426 crosses have been removed or churches have been demolished within the Zhejiang Province alone. This only accounts for a fraction of the total due to the number of demolitions that went unreported.  The Zhejiang Province has faced the strictest crackdown on church activity of any region in China with other church closures and demolitions happening sporadically across other provinces.  In an attempt to publicly justify their actions, Chinese government leaders officially released a list of "cults," many of who were affiliated with the Christian Orthodox Church or Christian house churches. This list has allowed the Chinese government to persecute Christians across the nation without repercussion. According to ChinaAid, on September 21, 2014 government officials stormed Olive House Church and Fangzhou Church as six church members were placed under criminal detention allegedly for "suspicion of utilizing superstitious organizations and superstition to undermine the implementation of the law."  This unwarranted targeting of Christian churches is officially being carried out under the guise of "removing or modifying illegal constructions" under the "Three Rectifications and One Demolition" campaign.  However, it is overwhelmingly clear that Christian places of worship, including legally recognized churches, are being targeted on the basis of their association with Christianity and without regard to the legality of their construction or their registration status with the government.  The city of Wenzhou, Zhejiang has faced the worst of China's demolition campaign. Church destructions across the city have led to multiple violent confrontations between church members and government officials. On July 21, 2014, over six hundred government officials and uniformed individuals stormed Pingyang County'sSalvation Church. Fourteen church members, attempting to guard the building were severely injured during the confrontation, including a skull fracture to an elderly man, after the crowd attacked the group of Christians with clubs.  Despite numerous calls from church members to police for assistance, local authorities refused to send their officers to the church.  An especially alarming aspect of these demolitions is the manner in which they are carried out. Although law demands that demolition teams must be comprised of members of the Religious Bureau or Housing and City Planning Bureau, a significant portion of these church destructions are carried out by armed SWAT teams, police forces and occasionally unidentified individuals claiming to represent local authorities.  This deliberately hostile approach demonstrates not only a lack of respect for the rule of law, but the determination of city and provincial authorities to continue aggressively demolishing and closing churches regardless of the widespread unpopularity of this campaign.   In addition to depriving tens of thousands of Chinese Christians of places of worship in a clear violation of Article 36 of China's constitution, this campaign has caused great economic hardship for the Christian community of Zhejiang Province. The complete destruction of the newly built, 4,000-seat Sanjiang Church on April 28th, 2014 not only shocked the international community, it also destroyed a 30 million Yuan ($4.8 million USD) investment into the city of Wenzhou that had been largely paid for by donations from the life savings of everyday Chinese citizens. In spite of the increasingly difficult conditions that Christians in China are facing, there is still hope. According to UCA News, for the past five years, China has been building or renovating churches across the country at a rate of approximately 1,000 per year, including a new church in Kunming, Yunnan province which is the largest in Southwest China.  Furthermore, in November, the world's largest Bible producer in Nanjing printed its 125-millionth Bible and expects even higher numbers in 2015. Despite government interference, we pray that the underground church will continue to thrive throughout China in 2015. Corey Bailey, Regional Manger for Asia, said, "While the government of China states that they grant their citizens the Freedom of Religion, pastors and Christians sit in prison merely for practicing their faith, and Sunday School children must watch as local authorities demolish their church. Persecution of Christians is a disturbing trend on the rise in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. China is not exempt from this atrocity. It's time for the international community to both speak and act; it can no longer remain silent in the face of persecution of Christians." For interviews, contact Corey Bailey, Regional Manager for Central Asia:  RM-Asia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington, D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Chhattisgarh, we have a problem!

Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, religious freedom in India has significantly diminished as right-wing Hindu nationalist organizations infringe upon the rights of minorities. Particularly in the state of Chhattisgarh, intrusions on religious freedom have increased at a very fast pace. From the passing of resolutions banning Christian missionaries and non-Hindu religious activity to the interference in Christian schools by forcing Catholic schools to hang the Hindu Goddess Saraswati's picture, Christians in Chhattisgarh are suffering some of the most acute persecution in India. Attack on Christian Community of Madota On the morning of October 19, 2014, more than 30 Hindu radicals barged into Beersheba Church in Madota, a village located in Chhattisgarh state, and began beating the Christians gathered there, while also accusing them of practicing a foreign religion and forcibly converting innocent tribal people. The church members were then dragged outside and further assaulted. Hindu radicals threatened the Christians and told them to leave the Christian faith and come back to their original religion. They also warned them with severe consequences if they continued to hold Christian activities in the village. When the Christians reported the incident to the police in Bhanpuri, the police told the Christians they needed assemble on the October 25 to hold discussion with the other Hindu villages, as the matter was related to village affairs. Approximately 100 Christians showed up for the meeting and were met by the local Hindu community accompanied by about 400 Hindu radicals. The police did not show up to the village meeting, causing many of the Christians to become nervous. All of the sudden, the radicals attacked the Christians with rods and clubs, injuring many of the Christians. Seven were severely injured, having both their hands and legs broken. The attackers also hit a local Christian named Mr. Narsu Madavi on the head, causing him severe injury. Many Christians ran to the nearby forests to protect themselves from brutal attackers. Mr. Mangal Mandavi lost his hearing when he was hit on his ear by one of the attackers. He said, "We never had to go to police station in our life. Today, for the sake of following Jesus, we are persecuted. We as Christian community are very strong, even after the attack on us. We will never turn back. Even if we have to die, we will never leave Jesus." The Hindu radicals did not allow government emergency ambulance service into the village after the attack and stopped the ambulances at the entrance of the village. Later, police intervened and took the seven severely injured Christians to the Maharani hospital in Jagdalpur. Following the incident, police arrested two Christians and sent them to jail. When Pastor Panda Mandavi and Mr. Pandra Kashyap went to the police station for an enquiry, they were also booked under sections 115, 116 of Indian penal code. Police then went on to book cases against twelve others Christians.  Reportedly, prior to the incident on October 25, there was an attempt to re-convert all Christians in the village of Madota. Local sources revealed that fifteen Christians participated in the re-conversion ceremony; however, according to local newspapers, the VHP claimed that they re-converted thirty-five Christians. Discrimination Against Chhattisgarh's Christians Besides this devastating attack on the Christian community of Madota, there has also been a common pattern of right-wing Hindu organizations threatening Christians to re-convert or lose the benefits of ration cards (BPL cards). The radicals also threaten "social boycott" against Christians, which could include things like denying Christians the use of public water sources, food rations, and access to electricity. "We were denied rations for two months," said Pastor Sibo Mandavi of Sirciguda. "When we asked the reason for the discrimination, they told [us] that it was Panchayat's (village council) decision that all the Christians of the village do not get the ration, as they are practicing outside religion other than Hindu religion," he continued. When the Christians of Sirciguda complained to a higher officer, the officer tried to resolve the situation. The Hindu radicals then threatened the officer and told him to leave the village, claiming the decision against the Christians was a village matter. The very next day, a resolution was passed by the village Panchayat (council) to ban Christian missionaries and non-Hindu religious propagation in more than thirty-five villages in Bastar District. This resolution, which has spread across Chhattisgarh, essentially has made Christianity illegal, denying many Christians in Chhattisgarh their constitutional right to religious freedom. These rapid developments and intrusions on Christians' right to religious freedoms have not only snatched the freedom of religion from these communities in Chhattisgarh, but have also given fringe elements free reign to attack and marginalize Christian communities. As a result, Christians in Chhattisgarh are more vulnerable than ever before. Repeated cries for help from the local Christians to authorities have not been heard and many continue to suffer acute persecution. India's government must take action soon if it is to remain true to its own constitution which promises the freedom of religion. If action is not taken, the right to religious freedom could soon be extinguished in India's Chhattisgarh state.  For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for South Asia:  RM-SAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Pastor Saeed Abedini jailed wrongly in Iran for the past two years

International Christian Concern (ICC) is partnering with Christians across the world to call out for the release of American-Iranian Pastor Saeed Abedini. January 27, 2015 marks the two year anniversary of Pastor Saeed's conviction for allegedly undermining the national security of Iran through his involvement in house churches. On this date, he was condemned to a sentence of eight years in Iran's Evin Prison which the American Center for Law and Justice has referred to as a "virtual death sentence." On the morning of January 27, 2013, Pastor Saeed stood before Judge Pir-Abassi in Tehran to receive his verdict. Shortly after the trial, State Department representative Darby Holladay reported that, "Mr. Abedini's attorney had only one day (January 21) to present his defense, so we remain deeply concerned about the fairness and transparency of Mr. Abedini's trial." Accounts of the abuse that Pastor Saeed has faced during his imprisonment to date have been numerous and disturbing. Physical abuse received in prison caused internal injuries that forced him to be hospitalized, but even still he did not receive the needed care. In a letter written to his family, Saeed stated that his nurses refused to touch him or give him "pain medication that they would give other prisoners because [he] was unclean" due to his faith. He reports that there were nights that he was unable to sleep due to the intense pain and that he did not recognize his own appearance when he saw a mirror within the prison hospital. Despite the fact that the Iranian government reported in January of 2013 that Pastor Saeed would be released, the empty promises have yet to come to fruition. Early in his detainment, after the regime said he would be released soon, His wife, Naghmeh Abedini said that "The promise of his release was a lie. We should not trust the empty words or promises put out by the Iranian government." She went on to say that she will "now pursue every effort, turn every rock, and not stop until Saeed is safely on American soil." Organizations and departments across the world are advocating on behalf of Pastor Saeed. Secretary of State John Kerry first called for his release on March 22, 2013 and again on July 28, 2014 in addition to citing Saeed's case in the U.S. State Department's most recent report on international religious freedom. President Obama mentioned the case in his first phone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani but additional steps have not been taken, despite international pressure. The UN Working Group has documented Saeed's case closely and concluded that "the adequate remedy would be to release Mr. Abedini and accord him an enforceable right to compensation." On September 16, 2014, the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention released a report condemning the imprisonment and calling Iran to immediately and unconditionally release Pastor Saeed. ICC's Regional Manager, Todd Daniels, said, "We continue to call for the Iranian regime to immediately release Saeed Abedini. His only crime is his faith in Jesus Christ and that he met together with others who share that faith, activities that are legal under the Iranian constitution. Furthermore, his arrest came after the Iranian government had given him permission to travel to Iran to carry out humanitarian work in the country that he loves. It was while doing this work of establishing an orphanage that he was arrested, and two years ago today convicted of crimes against the state. He continues to languish behind bars and his wife, two young children, and family remain heart-broken as he is held as a violent criminal serving an eight year prison sentence.." For interviews, contact Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East: RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

27 people kidnapped by Islamic militants in Libya

Today, International Christian Concern (ICC), a Washington D.C.-based religious freedom watchdog group, launched a petition calling on the Egyptian government to "immediately begin rescue operations on behalf of an estimated 27 Egyptian citizens kidnapped by radical militant groups in Libya." The petition goes on to say that if swift action is not taken, the kidnapping victims could "face the possibility of enslavement, torture, and execution." The majority of the Coptic Christians believed to be held by radical Islamic militants were abducted in two separate raids in December and January. On January 12, a group claiming to represent the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) in Libya took responsibility for kidnapping 21 of the victims, calling them "Christian crusaders." ICC's petition also addresses the plight of Coptic Christians communities that remain trapped in dangerous areas of Libya. "In addition to the rescue of [the kidnapping victims], we also urge your government in the strongest possible terms to do everything within your power to increase protections for the expatriate Coptic community in Libya and to facilitate the expeditious return home of Coptic Christians in Libya currently under threat." Egyptian Christians with relatives in Sirte and other parts of Libya say many of their family members are trapped, with no way to travel without risking further abductions. On December 23, Islamic militants broke into the home of Dr. Magdy Tawfiq in Sirte, murdering Dr. Tawfiq, his wife, and his 13-year-old daughter. Dr. Tawfiq and his family had been attempting to secure safe passage back to Egypt for several months when the attack took place.  Isaac Six, International Christian Concern's Advocacy Director, commented on the petition, saying,"It has been 25 days since the last group of Coptic Christians was kidnapped by radical militants in Libya, but the Egyptian government has apparently done little more than acknowledge that the kidnappings took place. It's time for action, not only on behalf of those currently in the hands of ISIS affiliates and other radical groups, but for all of the Coptic Christian workers in Libya who are undeniably at risk of being killed or abducted simply because of their religious identity. My sincere hope is that the Egyptian government will heed this call to action and take immediate steps towards rescuing the abductees and securing Coptic communities in Libya."    For interviews, contact Isaac Six, Advocacy Director:   advocacy@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 1:22

And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters of the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

-- Gen. 1:22 (KJV)

During the prehistoric eras, the animals of the water first evolved into reptilian forms upon the earth, which then evolved into the first birds upon planet earth.  All of those eras were condensed into Genesis 1:20-21.  Then, the command by God is given in verse 22 for the animals in the sea and in the air to multiply.  No command was given for the prehistoric creatures upon the earth, known as dinosaurs, to multiply upon the earth.  Therefore, the dinosaurs became extinct.  To this day, no scientific hypothesis as to why the dinosaurs vanished from the earth have been proven to be fact.  However, their extinction is explained from a spiritual sense.  You are welcome.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 1,4,5,2.  (1) To stay in the anointing, listen to what God says.  (4) To stay in God's Word, listen to what He says.  (5) Stay in God's presence in order to become productive.  (2) Walk in God's kingdom so that you will learn how to become productive.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 1:21

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind:  and God saw that it was good.

-- Gen. 1:21 (KJV)

In this verse, it talks about the different types of animals made.  Looking at this verse mirrors the types of animals during the Mesozoic Era, such as great whales, the reptilian animals that evolved from the waters like dinosaurs, and the first formation of birds.

Looking back at fossils, there were great whales, there were living creatures upon the earth at that time, and there were birds flying around.  If God did not create the earth, then there wouldn't be any whales or birds around now.  The next verse (Gen. 1:22) explains why the dinosaurs disappeared mysteriously from the earth eons ago.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 1,3,4,2.  (1) To stay in the anointing, realize that God has created everything.  (3) Stay in the Spirit so that you will be able to live and to move freely.  (4) Stay in God's Word so that you will be able to produce in abundance.  (2) To be delivered, understand the process of conception.

Radical Hindus burn down only church in Tadur village

Since Prime Minister Modi and his Hindu nationalist BJP took power in India in May 2014, attacks on Christians and their places of worship have skyrocketed. Among the victims of this new wave of persecution now stand the members of the only church in Tadur village located in the Mahabubnagar district of India's Telangana state.   Approximately 70 members of the Parimala Beautiful Church used to meet in a temporary structure constructed of thatches, bamboo and tarps. This humble structure served as the only church in Tadur. On January 16, after the members of the church met for prayers from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the church was torched by unknown assailants. At about 8:30 p.m., a local bus driver was passing by the church and noticed smoke and flames were clearly visible coming from the building. Immediately, the bus driver informed the police and the locals about the fire at the church. Church members, police and a fire engine rushed to the church, but by then more than half of the building had been reduced to ashes. Almost everything inside the church was destroyed by the fire including carpets, instruments, and church literature like songbooks and Bibles. A First Information Report (FIR) was booked by the police and an investigation is now underway. Fortunately, the police responded quickly and both the Circle Inspector (CI) and the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) visited the scene the next day. Pastor D. Srinivas, of Parimala Beautiful Church, told ICC, "I have been serving as the pastor for the last six years in this village. We used to meet at church members' houses, till last year we built a temporary structure." "Prior to this incident, on number of occasions, right-wing activists have threatened me and warned me not to continue the church in this village," Pastor Srinivas continued. "The Hindu radicals have snatched the Gospel literature from me and destroyed them a number of times in the past."   Mahabubnagar district, where Tadur village is located, has seen over a dozen anti-Christian attacks in the past few months. This wave of persecution at the hands of Hindu hardliners has ranged from physicals attacks on Christians to setting fire to church building to booking false criminal charges against pastors. The Christian community of Mahabubnagar district is gripped with fear as the number of attacks continues to increase against the minority community. Rev. Ronald John, State Chairman of the Telangana Christian Joint-Action-Committee, told ICC, "The attacks have increased since the BJP formed the government at the center last year. Christians here are living as second class citizens."   Like the Christian community of Mahabubnagar district, Christians across India fear this new wave of persecution that is currently crashing over the country. In a report recently released by the Catholic Secular Forum (CSF), at least 7,000 Christian victims suffered persecution in 2014 alone. Without dramatic change, this number will only increase in 2015.   For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for South Asia:  RM-SAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 1:20

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

-- Gen. 1:20 (KJV)

A couple of important things were commanded by God in this verse.  He first commands that moving creatures on the earth be formed out of the water.  That means that the creatures from the water had to adapt and to evolve into creatures that moved upon the earth.  This first command involves the first step of evolution.

The next step of evolution was in the second part of the command in which God commands that the creatures from the water form the birds that fly in the atmosphere.  The first step of evolution was water to earth, but this second step was water to air.  Understand that one of the concepts that God used to create the earth was evolution.

If you look at a geologic time scale, then you will see that these two commands follow the exact model of the Precambrian, Paleozoic, and Mesozoic ages.  In the Precambrian Age, organisms in the sea began to form.  In the Paleozoic Age, marine creatures were formed.  In the Mesozoic Age, creatures upon the earth and in the air began to form.  This verse perfectly lines up with geology.  If you do not believe that God created this earth, then you do not believe in the geological evidence that you learn in Earth Science class when you were in middle school.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 1,2,3.  (1) To follow God, listen to what He says.  (2) Follow after God's kingdom so that he will cause for you to be productive.  (3) Stay in the Spirit so that you will be able to soar high above the mediocre masses upon this earth.

Muslims burn churches in Niger in protest of Charlie Hebdo

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that churches, Christian business, and pastors' homes across Niger have been burned and 20 people killed as Muslim protests against Charlie Hebdo's second portrayal of the prophet Mohammed devolved into violent riots last night. Protests launched by outraged Muslims in former West African French colonies including Niger, Algeria and Senegal as well as in other Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan, have produced violent mobs that, at the time of this release, continue to roam the streets of several cities, causing Christians in these and other countries across the world to seek shelter for fear of violent reprisals against them for the French satirical magazine's provocative publication. On January 7, Cherif and Said Kouachi stormed Charlie Hebdo's headquarters in Paris, France, wearing masks and armed with assault rifles. The brothers proceeded to kill 11 Charlie Hebdo staff members while screaming "God is great" and "We have avenged the prophet Mohammed" in Arabic. The brothers then fled back onto the streets of Paris, where they killed two police officers before hijacking a vehicle to escape the scene of the attack. Subsequent attacks connected to the massacre-a violent reprisal for Charlie Hebdo's inflammatory portrayals of Muslims and the prophet Mohammed-have been carried out across the Île-de-France region of Paris in which radicalized Muslims connected to the massacre murdered five additional French citizens, including both civilians and law enforcement personnel. PHOTO (courtesy of Losandes): Charlie Hebdo, a satirical French magazine that was attacked by outraged Muslims on January 7, published the above depiction of the prophet Mohammed holding a sign that reads, "I am Charlie," on the cover of its latest issue According to the BBC, "At least two churches have been set on fire in the capital of Niger amid fresh protests against French magazine Charlie Hebdo's cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad." But, in an email to ICC, World Renew's Niger Director wrote from the capital, Niamey, that "many churches have been burned, pastors' homes destroyed." The Director continued, "We are on very high alert as the chaotic mass moves through the city. Many local believers have sought shelter somewhere other than their homes." In an email to ICC, Christian missionaries based in Niamey, Niger, wrote that "all of [their] churches have been burned along with the pastor's homes...almost every church [they] know or are associated with has been attacked." The missionaries, who despite seeing smoke"around all sides of [their] house" remain in Niamey, continued, writing, "Jesus said 'I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.' We are confident that this persecution will only grow the church and the Gospel in Niger." AFP has reported that as at least seven churches have been burned in Niger, clarifying that "the sites, which were primarily evangelical churches, were torched on the left bank of Niamey, several of them housed in small villas that bore no distinctive religious signs." The report went on to state that rioters "were also headed for the right bank, which also contains numerous churches." It's been reported that in the heart of the city, Niger police have deployed tear gas against those gathered. International monitors estimate as many as 20 Nigeriennes have been killed in the violence, the worst of which has targeted Christian and government property, including churches, police stations and government buildings in Zinder, Niamey, Maradi and Goure. In an email, World Renew's Niger Director asked ICC to call on Christians in the West to "pray fervently that the authorities will be able to get the situation under control and that calm will return." PHOTO: Muslims rioters in Niger are burning churches, Christian homes and business, and police cars in response to the latest publication by French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo.  PHOTO (courtesy of the BBC): Outraged Muslims in Somalia counter French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo's depiction of the prophet Mohammed holding a sign that read, "Je suis Charlie (or, "I am Charlie") by protesting with signs that read, "Je suis Muslim, et j'aime mon Prophete" (or, "I am Muslim, and I love my Prophet").   Burnings of churches and Christian homes and businesses have become increasingly common as radically conservative Islamic teachings imported from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States have infiltrated Niger's mosques. The poorest country in the world, Niger has become a breeding ground for Islamists and jihadists, including Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau. A Nigeriene by birth, Shekau's sermons espousing a global war against Christians are regularly played over the loud speakers of mosques across Niger, calling young Muslim men to join the jihadist's cause both in Nigeria with Boko Haram, and in Niger. Cameron Thomas, ICC's Regional Manager for Africa said, "Communities across the Islamic world, outraged by the satirical magazine's depictions of Muslims and the prophet Mohammed, have formed into violent mobs and taken to burning churches and Christian homes and businesses. In response, Christians in Niger, Mali, Sudan and Somalia have fallen into states of panic and, in many cases, have fled their homes for shelter from possible attack in response to the publication's decision to confront issues of Islamic extremism with cartoons. Christians in Muslim-majority countries hostile to even the practice, let alone the spread, of Christianity face incredible hardship for their faith that is often made worse by seemingly unconnected actions in the Western world. Over the course of these riots, dozens of churches and Christian businesses and homes will burn for a cause unconnected to themselves. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost property and loved ones in the violence, with the hope that no more innocent lives will fall victim to the violence or destruction that was sparked last week on the streets of Paris and has now spilled over onto the streets of Niamey, more than 2,000 miles away." For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org  # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 1:19

And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

-- Gen. 1:19 (KJV)

The fourth period of time was completed in this verse.  The number four represents instruction and correction.  On this day, light was shed upon the earth.  When you gain instruction, then your mind is enlightened.  Continue to gain correction or your mind will become darkened by the corruption of this world.  Leave mediocrity behind and continue to grasp knowledge.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 1,2,9.  (1) Follow God in order to gain instruction.  (2) Follow after God's kingdom in order to gain instruction.  (9) Overturn evil in order to gain instruction.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 1:18

And to rule over the day and the night, and to divide the light from the darkness:  and God saw that it was good.

-- Gen. 1:18 (KJV)

The final purposes given for the sun, the moon, and the stars are to rule over the day and the night and to divide the light from the darkness.  The lights from above are to dictate when it is day and when it is night throughout the entire earth.  These lights in the sky will directly allow for you to know what time it really is.  Without the sun, the moon, and the stars, time would not exist.

Learning the difference between light and darkness is one of the essential elements needed in order to live a successful life.  A con artist can appear to be good on the outside, but that person is definitely evil on the inside.  Cultivate your intuition in order to discern the difference between light and darkness.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 1,9,8.  (1) Follow God in order to have authority.  (9) To overturn evil, learn the difference between light and darkness.  (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God so that He will be pleased with you.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 1:17

And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth.

-- Gen. 1:17 (KJV)

This verse states that God placed the sun, the moon, and the stars in the sky for the purpose of shining light upon the earth.  Do the sun, the moon, and the stars shine light upon the earth?  That answer is yes.  We now have confirmation from this verse that there is a God and that there is a heaven.  If there was no God, then the sky would be void of any form of light.  If you follow the logic, then you will see how outrageous it actually is for someone to be an atheist.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 1,8,9,7.  (1) Follow God in order to be established by Him.  (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God so that He will establish you.  (9) To overturn evil, allow for light to shine upon this earth.  (7) To be complete, allow for your light to shine upon this earth.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 1:16

And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night:  he made the stars also.

-- Gen. 1:16 (KJV)

This verse states that God made the sun, the moon, and the stars.  If there is no God, then there would not be a sun, there would not be a moon, and there would not be stars in the sky.

The sun is designated as the greater light because it completely dispels darkness.  If you want to become greater in life, then dispel more darkness in the world.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 1,7,8,6.  (1) To stay in the anointing, realize that God created the sun and the moon.  (7) To be complete, understand that light is a direct link to authority.  (8) To have a new beginning in God, realize that light has authority over darkness.  (6) To expose evil, realize that he has made the stars.  

Christmas denied by Hindus in India

While the rest of the world was celebrating Christmas by exchanging gifts and good wishes, several Christians in central India were forced to spend their Christmas in jail. Thirteen Christians, including three children and an eight-month-old infant, were falsely accused by Hindu radicals of blasphemy and were sent to jail in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh on December 26th. Rev. J. Divine of the Methodist Church in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh told ICC, "The situation is very serious and the Christians of this region are frightened, as the authorities do not act on the cries of the minorities." Thirteen Christians Spend Christmas in Jail Mr. Shamlal, a Christian in Sukta Dam, hosted a Christmas celebration in his house in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh where Geetanjali, Geetanjali's family, and ten other Christians were invited for the celebration. During a time of worship, three unknown men came and stood at a distance trying to take pictures and video footage of the Christmas celebration. Sensing the trouble, the Christians went and inquired as to why the men were taking pictures and videos of their program without informing the host of this activity. Soon, more people joined the three strangers and started to threaten the Christians, accusing them of converting innocent tribal and poor people. Shamlal, sensing the situation was out of control, asked all of the Christians who came to leave and return home. As the Christians were preparing to leave, they were chased by the mob of Hindus. The Christians immediately went into a house and locked themselves inside for protection. "Lord help us and protect us," was the prayer offered to God by Geetanjali, a young mother, as mob of now 400 Hindus surrounded the mud house where the Christians were hiding. The growing mob threatened the Christians who were inside the house, demanding that they come out. Geetanjali told ICC that she heard the voices of the Hindu radicals shouting, "Come out of the house in five minutes; otherwise we will kill you. We will not spare you." After fifteen minutes, police arrived and asked the Christians to open the door, saying that they would protect them from the mob. When they opened the door, the officers escorted them to the police station. To the shock of the Christians, a case had already been booked against them under Section 295 of India's Penal Code, popularly known as India's blasphemy law. The police refused to record the complaints from the Christians refused to hear what the Christians had to say regarding the incident. The police said, "What you want to say, say it in the court." The Christians stayed in the police station through the night as well as the next day. All thirteen, including an eight-month-old infant named Abhilasha, were sent to jail. In total, the Christians spent five days in the jail, before they were able to post bail and were released on December 31st. False Accusations Cancel Christmas In a similar situation, Christians in Balisurah village, located in the Sundergarh district of Odisha, also spent their Christmas under awful pressure, as false cases were also booked against several pastors and Christians in the region. Pastor Joshua Das, a Christian leader from Raurkela told ICC, "We had to cancel 3 days of Christmas celebrations, as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) filed a case against seven people who were part of the organizing the Christmas celebrations." "Beginning on the 25th, almost every day we had to go to police station," Pastor Das continued. "We have had to halt our normal worship service now. We do not know how long this will continue." Mr. Yuvraj Vardhan, the Regional Secretary of FMPB (Friends Missionary Prayer Band), also told ICC that, "The Christians of this region are being targeted and threatened more frequently than normal by the Hindu radical groups." Mr. Vardhan went on to urge Christians to pray for the protection of Christian workers and the Christian community. He also expressed hope that both the police and media will take neutral positions. The Time for Action is Now Ever since Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came into power in May last year, Hindu radical groups have been emboldened and are carrying out outrageous acts of violence and persecution against Christians who are already a minority in India. The Sangh Parivar and its affiliate groups continue to threaten to hold large scale conversion ceremonies that forcefully convert Christians to the Hindu faith. Despite India's laws officially protecting the freedom of religion, there have reportedly been thirty-one incidents of Christian persecution just in the month of December, 2014. Unfortunately, many more incidents go unreported for various reasons. In December, ICC launched a petition calling on India's government to stop the attacks on India's Christian community, and they have already collected over 5,000 signature. Please consider adding your name to this petition and taking a stand for India's persecuted Christian community. To sign this petition, please click on this link:  http://info.persecution.org/IndiaPetition. As the Christian community in India continues to face this new wave of persecution, Christians worldwide must take action to call for the protection of their brothers and sisters in India.  For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for South Asia:  RM-SAsia@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.