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Monday, December 30, 2019
Pastor Wang sentenced to 9 years of prison in China
Sunday, December 29, 2019
How Boko Haram celebrates the holidays
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on Wednesday evening, December 25, the Boko Haram sect known as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) released a video showing the execution of 10 Christians and one Muslim. In the video, the group explains that this execution was done in order to avenge the killings of ISIS leaders Abubakar al-Baghdadi and Abul-Hasan al-Muhajir. Both of these terrorist leaders were killed in US military actions this year.
It is believed that these 11 captives, as well as two others, were shown in a previous video on December 17, during which they pleaded for their lives. They called out to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to help ransom them back from the terrorist group. Salkida.com was able to identify the 12 men and one woman who were in the proof of life video. The individuals include: Yahaya Tanwua, Kirenubi Bakari, Solomon Sini, Irimiya Ndawa. and Zira Usman from Adamawa State; Sunday Okoye from Anambra State; Bitrus Bwala, Mukhtar Adam, and David Charles from Borno State; Bashir Abdulhamid from Plateau State; and Suwaiba Kashimu (the only female) from Nasarawa State.
It is unclear which of these hostages were killed in the video. It was released, however, that the two who were not killed were spared because they were Muslim. Also, despite the group reportedly giving a timeframe for the Nigerian government to make negotiations for the release of these captives, no attempt was made by the government. The group said that they would be willing to make a trade for members of their group who were being held in government custody.
It came as a shock how quickly the execution of these individuals came after the initial proof of life video. In most cases, ISWAP has produced proof of life videos and given a deadline of at least one month for the government or others to negotiate. The time period in this case only lasted eight days. When asked about the video, an executive of CAN in Northern Nigeria, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “This is madness. This is the kind of happenings that keep widening the religious tolerance gap and building up tension. I am afraid that such continuous provocation could lead to reactions that may be difficult to control.”
ICC’s Nigeria representative added, “Whereas some key Muslim leaders [in Nigeria], including the Sultan of Sokoto, were recently quoted as saying that Christians are not being persecuted in Nigeria, this brutal, murderous act by ISWAP and Boko Haram has disproved their false statements. Rather than pursue genuine and positive steps toward curbing Islamic militancy in the country, they have continued to be hypocritical and live in blatant denial of the truth.”
Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “This execution is deeply concerning. The Nigerian government had the chance to save these 11 lives and did not respond. This execution shows that this group has the capability to not only threaten lives, but the Nigerian government has no capability to protect them. They also clearly used Christmas Day as a way to show their hatred for Christians.”
It is believed that these 11 captives, as well as two others, were shown in a previous video on December 17, during which they pleaded for their lives. They called out to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to help ransom them back from the terrorist group. Salkida.com was able to identify the 12 men and one woman who were in the proof of life video. The individuals include: Yahaya Tanwua, Kirenubi Bakari, Solomon Sini, Irimiya Ndawa. and Zira Usman from Adamawa State; Sunday Okoye from Anambra State; Bitrus Bwala, Mukhtar Adam, and David Charles from Borno State; Bashir Abdulhamid from Plateau State; and Suwaiba Kashimu (the only female) from Nasarawa State.
It is unclear which of these hostages were killed in the video. It was released, however, that the two who were not killed were spared because they were Muslim. Also, despite the group reportedly giving a timeframe for the Nigerian government to make negotiations for the release of these captives, no attempt was made by the government. The group said that they would be willing to make a trade for members of their group who were being held in government custody.
It came as a shock how quickly the execution of these individuals came after the initial proof of life video. In most cases, ISWAP has produced proof of life videos and given a deadline of at least one month for the government or others to negotiate. The time period in this case only lasted eight days. When asked about the video, an executive of CAN in Northern Nigeria, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “This is madness. This is the kind of happenings that keep widening the religious tolerance gap and building up tension. I am afraid that such continuous provocation could lead to reactions that may be difficult to control.”
ICC’s Nigeria representative added, “Whereas some key Muslim leaders [in Nigeria], including the Sultan of Sokoto, were recently quoted as saying that Christians are not being persecuted in Nigeria, this brutal, murderous act by ISWAP and Boko Haram has disproved their false statements. Rather than pursue genuine and positive steps toward curbing Islamic militancy in the country, they have continued to be hypocritical and live in blatant denial of the truth.”
Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “This execution is deeply concerning. The Nigerian government had the chance to save these 11 lives and did not respond. This execution shows that this group has the capability to not only threaten lives, but the Nigerian government has no capability to protect them. They also clearly used Christmas Day as a way to show their hatred for Christians.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Saturday, December 28, 2019
T.C.U.P.T (Part 18): Keep fighting!
One of the most well-known verses in the Bible reminds us that we must always continue to keep fighting on a daily basis.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
- Jude 3 (KJV)
Jude insists in this verse that he urgently wanted to write this letter to everyone who have decided to go on a spiritual journey that fighting for the faith is absolutely necessary. Every day of your life, you must decide to fight for the faith because there are others that are constantly fighting against faith. Keep fighting!
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:22
And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
- Gen. 4:22 (KJV)
This verse mentions the birth of Tubal-cain, who was the first blacksmith. His name is actually two names of Tubal and Cain. The name Tubal means "the world." The name Cain means "possession." Combine these two words together and his name means "possession of the world." Basically, he looked to conquer the world through the weapons that he made. You could say that he was the first megalomaniac. His sister was totally the opposite of Tubal-cain because Naamah means "pleasantness." Names do have meaning. If you study the names of the Bible, then you are able to unlock mysteries that you previously did not know.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) Stay in God's Word in order to be productive. (8) To have a new beginning, use the resources that you have to create. (2) To be delivered, choose to be pleasant.
- Gen. 4:22 (KJV)
This verse mentions the birth of Tubal-cain, who was the first blacksmith. His name is actually two names of Tubal and Cain. The name Tubal means "the world." The name Cain means "possession." Combine these two words together and his name means "possession of the world." Basically, he looked to conquer the world through the weapons that he made. You could say that he was the first megalomaniac. His sister was totally the opposite of Tubal-cain because Naamah means "pleasantness." Names do have meaning. If you study the names of the Bible, then you are able to unlock mysteries that you previously did not know.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) Stay in God's Word in order to be productive. (8) To have a new beginning, use the resources that you have to create. (2) To be delivered, choose to be pleasant.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:21
And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
Gen. 4:21 (KJV)
Jubal is mentioned here as the one that invented music. He created the harp and the flute, as an organ is a bunch of pipes. The original Hebrew translation is translated flute instead of organ. If the Bible is not true, then there would not be music in the world.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) The name Jubal means "ram." Stay in God's Word in order to mature in Him. (3) Stay in the Spirit so that you will be creative. (7) Be perfected by God so that you will be creative. (2) Walk in God's kingdom so that you will be creative. (1) Stay in the anointing so that you will be creative.
Gen. 4:21 (KJV)
Jubal is mentioned here as the one that invented music. He created the harp and the flute, as an organ is a bunch of pipes. The original Hebrew translation is translated flute instead of organ. If the Bible is not true, then there would not be music in the world.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) The name Jubal means "ram." Stay in God's Word in order to mature in Him. (3) Stay in the Spirit so that you will be creative. (7) Be perfected by God so that you will be creative. (2) Walk in God's kingdom so that you will be creative. (1) Stay in the anointing so that you will be creative.
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 17): Be unbiased
The reason why the letters of St. Paul are still being read each and every day around the world is because he was unbiased. Here's an example in Philippians 1:6-7.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye are all partakers of my grace.
Phil. 1:6-7 (KJV)
The reason that Paul gives for being unbiased is to prove that the gospel is the truth. He did not want any of his work to be in vain so being unbiased allowed for him to spread the gospel all over the world.
Being a leader means that the leader has to remain unbiased or his or her message will not spread further.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye are all partakers of my grace.
Phil. 1:6-7 (KJV)
The reason that Paul gives for being unbiased is to prove that the gospel is the truth. He did not want any of his work to be in vain so being unbiased allowed for him to spread the gospel all over the world.
Being a leader means that the leader has to remain unbiased or his or her message will not spread further.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
US sanctions Iranian judge
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on December 19, 2019, the United States issued financial sanctions against two Iranian judges complicit in violating the human rights of Iranians. One of these judges, Mohammad Moghisseh, has a long record of specifically violating the rights of Iran’s Christian minority.
“Through their respective branches of Revolutionary Courts, Abolghassem Salavati and Mohammad Moghisseh, both designated today, oversaw the Iranian regime’s miscarriage of justice in show trials in which journalists, attorneys, political activists, and members of Iran’s ethnic and religious minority groups were penalized for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, lashes, and even execution,” said the United States Treasury Department in a statement.
Earlier this year, ICC recommended the name of Judge Mohammad Moghisseh for sanctions, specifically because of his ongoing abuse of Iranian Christians. His record of persecution includes specific patterns of engaging in double jeopardy sentencing and being complicit in the medical abuse of imprisoned Christians. Many of Iran’s incarcerated Christians were sent to prisons which Judge Moghisseh had once helped manage. He rose through the judicial ranks because of his hardline stance in support of the regime’s human rights abuses.
Matias Perttula, ICC’s Advocacy Director, said, “The steps taken by the United States government today are definitely the right way forward, and we celebrate the work of the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to move forward with sanctions. This decision will bring hope to the people of Iran and especially to those who have suffered under the cruelty of the Iranian regime’s so-called ‘judicial system.’ While the steps taken by the US government are welcomed, more can be done to advance human rights and religious freedom for all Iranians. The US must continue to rally with its allies and maintain consistent pressure on the Iranian regime to bring change. ICC was honored to give voice in this process."
All property and interests of those designated by today’s sanctions are thereby blocked. Any financial institution that facilitates these judges’ transactions risks exposure to these sanctions and having its own access to the US financial system severed.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The sanctioning of an Iranian Revolutionary Court judge is a powerful message to send to Iran. It shows that individuals complicit in horrific human rights abuses will be held accountable, and cannot hide behind governmental institutions. For Christians who are always subjected to abuses perpetrated by Iran’s Revolutionary Courts, this sends a strong message of hope. A reminder that they are not forgotten, and that we stand with them in their struggle for freedom of conscience.”
“Through their respective branches of Revolutionary Courts, Abolghassem Salavati and Mohammad Moghisseh, both designated today, oversaw the Iranian regime’s miscarriage of justice in show trials in which journalists, attorneys, political activists, and members of Iran’s ethnic and religious minority groups were penalized for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, lashes, and even execution,” said the United States Treasury Department in a statement.
Earlier this year, ICC recommended the name of Judge Mohammad Moghisseh for sanctions, specifically because of his ongoing abuse of Iranian Christians. His record of persecution includes specific patterns of engaging in double jeopardy sentencing and being complicit in the medical abuse of imprisoned Christians. Many of Iran’s incarcerated Christians were sent to prisons which Judge Moghisseh had once helped manage. He rose through the judicial ranks because of his hardline stance in support of the regime’s human rights abuses.
Matias Perttula, ICC’s Advocacy Director, said, “The steps taken by the United States government today are definitely the right way forward, and we celebrate the work of the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to move forward with sanctions. This decision will bring hope to the people of Iran and especially to those who have suffered under the cruelty of the Iranian regime’s so-called ‘judicial system.’ While the steps taken by the US government are welcomed, more can be done to advance human rights and religious freedom for all Iranians. The US must continue to rally with its allies and maintain consistent pressure on the Iranian regime to bring change. ICC was honored to give voice in this process."
All property and interests of those designated by today’s sanctions are thereby blocked. Any financial institution that facilitates these judges’ transactions risks exposure to these sanctions and having its own access to the US financial system severed.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The sanctioning of an Iranian Revolutionary Court judge is a powerful message to send to Iran. It shows that individuals complicit in horrific human rights abuses will be held accountable, and cannot hide behind governmental institutions. For Christians who are always subjected to abuses perpetrated by Iran’s Revolutionary Courts, this sends a strong message of hope. A reminder that they are not forgotten, and that we stand with them in their struggle for freedom of conscience.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
UWSA is a joke in Myanmar
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that churches in Myanmar that were previously shut down began to reopen last week. The churches in Wa State were ordered to be closed last year as part of a campaign to suppress Christianity by the rebel United Wa State Army (UWSA).
Beginning in September 2018, the UWSA, the largest armed ethnic group with close ties to China, began to detain Christian leaders and shut down dozens of churches and religious schools. They also questioned pastors, bishops, and nuns about their activities.
In addition, in order to restrict foreign missionaries and root out “religious extremists,” the UWSA also demanded that all religious leaders must be residents of the Wa region and conduct their work only with the permission of local authorities.
According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), 52 Baptist churches are now back in operation. A source familiar with the situation confirmed to ICC that churches that are non-Wa, such as Lahu and Kachin, have also been reopened.
Rev. Dr. Lazarus, bishop of the Lahu Baptist Convention in Wa State, told RFA’s Myanmar Service that restrictions on churches closed by the UWSA began to lift in September in Hotaung, Mei Pauk, and Pansang townships.
“All of our churches finally opened last week, and only a Bible study school is left still closed in Hotaung,” he said. “We don’t know why they will not allow this one to reopen yet. I would like to appeal to them to reopen the school.”
Meanwhile, four Catholic schools in the Maingmaw, Winkhaung, and Panwaing townships remain closed, according to the bishop of Lashio, Father Philip Lasap Za Hawng.
“We haven’t visited these areas in the Wa region, since the authorities haven’t invited us to go there,” he said. “I heard that the Wa authorities are using the religious school where priests and nuns once lived for their own purposes.”
Asia News also reports that no Catholic churches currently operate in UWSA-controlled areas, and many religious schools and residences have been converted for secular use, according to Father Mariano Soe Naing, director of the Office for Social Communication of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Myanmar.
“We heard that the authorities converted the school in Winkhaung into a police station, and that they bulldozed the school in Maingmaw. We don’t know what the latest status of these buildings is,” he added.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “We rejoice with the Christians in Wa State who are finally able to worship in their own churches after months of waiting. This news is especially encouraging as Christians around the world get ready to celebrate Christmas. We, however, continue to call on the UWSA to fully respect religious freedom and allow people of all faiths to worship freely.”
Beginning in September 2018, the UWSA, the largest armed ethnic group with close ties to China, began to detain Christian leaders and shut down dozens of churches and religious schools. They also questioned pastors, bishops, and nuns about their activities.
In addition, in order to restrict foreign missionaries and root out “religious extremists,” the UWSA also demanded that all religious leaders must be residents of the Wa region and conduct their work only with the permission of local authorities.
According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), 52 Baptist churches are now back in operation. A source familiar with the situation confirmed to ICC that churches that are non-Wa, such as Lahu and Kachin, have also been reopened.
Rev. Dr. Lazarus, bishop of the Lahu Baptist Convention in Wa State, told RFA’s Myanmar Service that restrictions on churches closed by the UWSA began to lift in September in Hotaung, Mei Pauk, and Pansang townships.
“All of our churches finally opened last week, and only a Bible study school is left still closed in Hotaung,” he said. “We don’t know why they will not allow this one to reopen yet. I would like to appeal to them to reopen the school.”
Meanwhile, four Catholic schools in the Maingmaw, Winkhaung, and Panwaing townships remain closed, according to the bishop of Lashio, Father Philip Lasap Za Hawng.
“We haven’t visited these areas in the Wa region, since the authorities haven’t invited us to go there,” he said. “I heard that the Wa authorities are using the religious school where priests and nuns once lived for their own purposes.”
Asia News also reports that no Catholic churches currently operate in UWSA-controlled areas, and many religious schools and residences have been converted for secular use, according to Father Mariano Soe Naing, director of the Office for Social Communication of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Myanmar.
“We heard that the authorities converted the school in Winkhaung into a police station, and that they bulldozed the school in Maingmaw. We don’t know what the latest status of these buildings is,” he added.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “We rejoice with the Christians in Wa State who are finally able to worship in their own churches after months of waiting. This news is especially encouraging as Christians around the world get ready to celebrate Christmas. We, however, continue to call on the UWSA to fully respect religious freedom and allow people of all faiths to worship freely.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Armenian patriarch elected in Turkey
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on December 11, 2019, Armenian Christians elected the 85th Armenian Patriarch of Turkey, Bishop Sahak Maşalyan. The election comes after a decade of delays caused by Turkey’s inference in church affairs.
The weeks preceding the election were filled with fresh controversy, as Turkey had inserted new bylaws into the electoral process which restricted candidates eligible for the position. Under the new bylaws, the only eligible candidates for the Patriarch were Turks, although the Armenian Church encompasses a global landscape.
The election of a new church leader has been eagerly anticipated by Armenian Christians ever since the previous Patriarch fell into a coma 11 years ago. Turkey forced Armenian Christians to wait until his death this past March before allowing the Church to proceed with elections. Bishop Maşalyan was elected with 102 delegate votes out of a total of 119.
The Patriarch’s Office noted in a statement, “It was observed that the (electoral) participation did not decrease despite the decrease in population due to various reasons, and the voters exercising their right to protest… We believe that despite numerous technical, legal, structural, and material difficulties, we provided an exemplary working order.”
“History will write to the black pages of public officials, co-operating spirits and rulers who play with our dignity. I will not count the chosen person as my patriarch,” tweeted an Armenian Member of Turkey’s Parliament, Garo Paylan.
Following the 1915 genocide of Christians, which devastated the population, Turkey has maintained strict oversight of the surviving churches. In the weeks immediately preceding the Armenian Patriarch election, the genocide again became a relevant feature of Turkish news. In one notable example, members of the Istanbul Bar Association published a November article describing the Armenian genocide as Turkey’s “crowning achievement,” and threatening Armenians “with a new deportation which will be the lightest measure against them.”
Turkey is ranked as a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “It is significant that the Armenian Church, at long last, has a recognizable leader as a figurehead. This position inherits many challenges, and we pray for wisdom and discernment for the Church in the coming days. Turkey’s long prevention of this process was a significant barricade to the spiritual rejuvenation of the Church. We urge Turkey to comply with its own laws, protecting religious tolerance and freedom.”
The weeks preceding the election were filled with fresh controversy, as Turkey had inserted new bylaws into the electoral process which restricted candidates eligible for the position. Under the new bylaws, the only eligible candidates for the Patriarch were Turks, although the Armenian Church encompasses a global landscape.
The election of a new church leader has been eagerly anticipated by Armenian Christians ever since the previous Patriarch fell into a coma 11 years ago. Turkey forced Armenian Christians to wait until his death this past March before allowing the Church to proceed with elections. Bishop Maşalyan was elected with 102 delegate votes out of a total of 119.
The Patriarch’s Office noted in a statement, “It was observed that the (electoral) participation did not decrease despite the decrease in population due to various reasons, and the voters exercising their right to protest… We believe that despite numerous technical, legal, structural, and material difficulties, we provided an exemplary working order.”
“History will write to the black pages of public officials, co-operating spirits and rulers who play with our dignity. I will not count the chosen person as my patriarch,” tweeted an Armenian Member of Turkey’s Parliament, Garo Paylan.
Following the 1915 genocide of Christians, which devastated the population, Turkey has maintained strict oversight of the surviving churches. In the weeks immediately preceding the Armenian Patriarch election, the genocide again became a relevant feature of Turkish news. In one notable example, members of the Istanbul Bar Association published a November article describing the Armenian genocide as Turkey’s “crowning achievement,” and threatening Armenians “with a new deportation which will be the lightest measure against them.”
Turkey is ranked as a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “It is significant that the Armenian Church, at long last, has a recognizable leader as a figurehead. This position inherits many challenges, and we pray for wisdom and discernment for the Church in the coming days. Turkey’s long prevention of this process was a significant barricade to the spiritual rejuvenation of the Church. We urge Turkey to comply with its own laws, protecting religious tolerance and freedom.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Monday, December 9, 2019
Bus attack claims 9 in Kenya
International Christian Concern has learned that on December 6, 2019, 11 non-local Christian passengers were attacked while travelling to Mandera from Nairobi and killed at Kotulo in northeastern Kenya. They were reportedly separated from their Muslim counterparts and killed for failing to recite the Islamic Shahada. Confirming the incident, a Kenyan police officer told ICC, “A passenger bus belonging to Medina Bus Company, traveling between Wajir and Mandera was attacked by a criminal gang at around 1730 hours this evening. The attack happened at Maadathe area, five kilometers to Kotulo. Lives are believed to have been lost.”
According to a reliable source, the militants separated passengers into groups, targeting the non-locals. Nine of the passengers on the Mandera-bound bus who could not recite the Shahada were paraded out of the bus and shot dead at close range by those believed to be al-Shabaab militants. There are two passengers still missing who are believed to also be dead. The names of those confirmed as killed are Athanus Kiti, Enos Odhiambo, Kelvin Mandela, Wisely Meli, Tikane Kasale, Leonard Mukanda, Francis Mbuvi, Rodgers Machuka, and Anchari Okerosi. The two still missing are Emmanuel Barasa and Nathan Bett.
Commenting on the terror attack, the governor of Mandera said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the heinous bus attack near Kotulo, Wajir today around 5:00 p.m. where 10 passengers were killed [or are missing]. I am informed that the suspected al-Shabaab fighters cowardly segregated non-locals heading to Mandera from Nairobi. It is extremely sad and humanly disturbing to learn that, yet again, they segregated locals from non-locals before killing those they believed to be non-locals.”
The attack comes only a month after eight construction workers in Mandera escaped unharmed when the Somali-based militant group al-Shabaab ambushed the workers’ van along the Elwak-Kotulo road. It is common in northeastern Kenya for terrorists to target buses, separate passengers by religious identity, and kill the Christians.
In 2018, Fredrick Ngui Ngonde and Joshua Ooko Obila were killed in a similar manner for declining to recite the Islamic creed along the Garissa Masalani road.
In 2015, 148 students at Garissa University were killed by gunmen after the Muslim students were freed. In the same year, a Muslim teacher, Salah Farah, was shot for defending Christian passengers who were being separated for execution by al-Shabaab.
In 2014, 28 teachers traveling to Nairobi for the Christmas holiday were killed after being forced to recite the Islamic statement of faith.
Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, commented, “We pray for the families of the deceased and for peace to come to a region that has seen increased violence toward Christians who are just trying to survive. We hope that the government will take effective action to stop the senseless killing of so many Christians in Kenya at the hands of Islamic extremists like al-Shabaab. We praise God as the refuge and strong tower that He is for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ who continue to endure so much.”
According to a reliable source, the militants separated passengers into groups, targeting the non-locals. Nine of the passengers on the Mandera-bound bus who could not recite the Shahada were paraded out of the bus and shot dead at close range by those believed to be al-Shabaab militants. There are two passengers still missing who are believed to also be dead. The names of those confirmed as killed are Athanus Kiti, Enos Odhiambo, Kelvin Mandela, Wisely Meli, Tikane Kasale, Leonard Mukanda, Francis Mbuvi, Rodgers Machuka, and Anchari Okerosi. The two still missing are Emmanuel Barasa and Nathan Bett.
Commenting on the terror attack, the governor of Mandera said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the heinous bus attack near Kotulo, Wajir today around 5:00 p.m. where 10 passengers were killed [or are missing]. I am informed that the suspected al-Shabaab fighters cowardly segregated non-locals heading to Mandera from Nairobi. It is extremely sad and humanly disturbing to learn that, yet again, they segregated locals from non-locals before killing those they believed to be non-locals.”
The attack comes only a month after eight construction workers in Mandera escaped unharmed when the Somali-based militant group al-Shabaab ambushed the workers’ van along the Elwak-Kotulo road. It is common in northeastern Kenya for terrorists to target buses, separate passengers by religious identity, and kill the Christians.
In 2018, Fredrick Ngui Ngonde and Joshua Ooko Obila were killed in a similar manner for declining to recite the Islamic creed along the Garissa Masalani road.
In 2015, 148 students at Garissa University were killed by gunmen after the Muslim students were freed. In the same year, a Muslim teacher, Salah Farah, was shot for defending Christian passengers who were being separated for execution by al-Shabaab.
In 2014, 28 teachers traveling to Nairobi for the Christmas holiday were killed after being forced to recite the Islamic statement of faith.
Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, commented, “We pray for the families of the deceased and for peace to come to a region that has seen increased violence toward Christians who are just trying to survive. We hope that the government will take effective action to stop the senseless killing of so many Christians in Kenya at the hands of Islamic extremists like al-Shabaab. We praise God as the refuge and strong tower that He is for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ who continue to endure so much.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Saturday, December 7, 2019
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 16) Reconciliation
For if, when we enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Romans 5:10 (KJV)
Mankind was under sin due to the original sin done by Adam. However, God reconciled mankind back to Himself by having His Son be the sacrifice for sin. That means that mankind is technically back in harmony with God. A person still has to believe in God in order to gain access into His kingdom.
The reconciliation also allows for a person to be saved. Since the Son of God was resurrected, then whoever believes will also be resurrected as well due to that harmony that God has already established with mankind. Whoever chooses to take advantage of what God has done will be saved.
Romans 5:10 (KJV)
Mankind was under sin due to the original sin done by Adam. However, God reconciled mankind back to Himself by having His Son be the sacrifice for sin. That means that mankind is technically back in harmony with God. A person still has to believe in God in order to gain access into His kingdom.
The reconciliation also allows for a person to be saved. Since the Son of God was resurrected, then whoever believes will also be resurrected as well due to that harmony that God has already established with mankind. Whoever chooses to take advantage of what God has done will be saved.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:20
And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such that dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
- Gen. 4:20 (KJV)
Jabal did not want to live in an enclosed place, so he became the first person from the descendants of Cain to live out of the open inside of a tent. Instead of keeping sheep, Jabal was the first person to herd cattle. Thus, he created the ancient Bedouin lifestyle. His existence gives you an idea where the land of Nod was located because the Bedouins were primarily from the area of Saudi Arabia. We know that Nod was east of Eden. Therefore, west of Saudi Arabia was the general area of the land of Eden. What's west of Saudi Arabia? Israel. This verse gives you a geographic reason as to why Israel was considered the land promised by God. Get high off of that.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) The name Jabal means "mountain." Walk in God's Word in order to advance to another level. (2) To follow after God's kingdom, dwell with Him. (6) To expose evil, use the resources that you have wisely.
- Gen. 4:20 (KJV)
Jabal did not want to live in an enclosed place, so he became the first person from the descendants of Cain to live out of the open inside of a tent. Instead of keeping sheep, Jabal was the first person to herd cattle. Thus, he created the ancient Bedouin lifestyle. His existence gives you an idea where the land of Nod was located because the Bedouins were primarily from the area of Saudi Arabia. We know that Nod was east of Eden. Therefore, west of Saudi Arabia was the general area of the land of Eden. What's west of Saudi Arabia? Israel. This verse gives you a geographic reason as to why Israel was considered the land promised by God. Get high off of that.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) The name Jabal means "mountain." Walk in God's Word in order to advance to another level. (2) To follow after God's kingdom, dwell with Him. (6) To expose evil, use the resources that you have wisely.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
What is illegal business in China
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Qin Derfu, an elder from
Sichuan’s Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC) who has been detained since
last December, was sentenced to four years in prison for “illegal
business” on November 29. The sentencing took place four days after his
trial at the Qingyang People’s Court.
The police promised Qin’s family that if they allowed the government to employ two assigned lawyers to replace Qin’s own assigned lawyer, Qin “would only need to appear at the court before he can be released.” However, the judge then slapped him with the four-year sentence for illegally printing and publishing publications without authorization from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.
According to Radio Free Asia, Qin’s wife received two passes to attend the trial. Qin’s own assigned lawyer was, however, unable to sit in, and Qin was left to be defended by the two state assigned lawyers. The court asked Qin to plead guilty to the aforementioned accusations, to which he refused.
The judge stated that “Qin’s criminal act was especially grave,” for he printed tens of thousands of Gospel pamphlets. An ERCC member told RFA that during the trial, the prosecutor never mentioned Qin’s church, or that he is a Christian and an elder, in a clear attempt to mark this case as non-religious and purely about running an illegal business.
After Qin was sentenced, he asked the police to tell his wife, Xiao Hongliu, that he cannot plead guilty simply to meet the police’s needs, because his consciousness does not allow him to do so. In his last statement, he said, “I am a Christian, and I serve at my church, according to my congregation’s needs. With the understanding of an ordinary citizen, I have done nothing illegal or contrary to law, I believe having [Christian] faith is not a crime.”
Zhang Peihong, the assigned lawyer of imprisoned pastor Wang Yi, commented on Facebook, “According to Pastor Wang Yi’s testimony, he actively took the main responsibilities for printing these evangelism materials. So based on this (Qin’s sentence), I sense that Wang will receive at least 10 years of imprisonment.”
While most of the victims of last year’s 1209 ERCC crackdown have been released, Pastor Wang Yi and elder Qin Derfu are the last two who remain behind bars.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “We strongly condemn the Chinese government for the injustice that has been applied to a devout Christian, who has done nothing illegal and was solely punished for his faith and ministry. We also ask for prayers for the Early Rain Covenant Church, as they continue to face persecution from the government, exploited of their right to freely worship in China.”
The police promised Qin’s family that if they allowed the government to employ two assigned lawyers to replace Qin’s own assigned lawyer, Qin “would only need to appear at the court before he can be released.” However, the judge then slapped him with the four-year sentence for illegally printing and publishing publications without authorization from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.
According to Radio Free Asia, Qin’s wife received two passes to attend the trial. Qin’s own assigned lawyer was, however, unable to sit in, and Qin was left to be defended by the two state assigned lawyers. The court asked Qin to plead guilty to the aforementioned accusations, to which he refused.
The judge stated that “Qin’s criminal act was especially grave,” for he printed tens of thousands of Gospel pamphlets. An ERCC member told RFA that during the trial, the prosecutor never mentioned Qin’s church, or that he is a Christian and an elder, in a clear attempt to mark this case as non-religious and purely about running an illegal business.
After Qin was sentenced, he asked the police to tell his wife, Xiao Hongliu, that he cannot plead guilty simply to meet the police’s needs, because his consciousness does not allow him to do so. In his last statement, he said, “I am a Christian, and I serve at my church, according to my congregation’s needs. With the understanding of an ordinary citizen, I have done nothing illegal or contrary to law, I believe having [Christian] faith is not a crime.”
Zhang Peihong, the assigned lawyer of imprisoned pastor Wang Yi, commented on Facebook, “According to Pastor Wang Yi’s testimony, he actively took the main responsibilities for printing these evangelism materials. So based on this (Qin’s sentence), I sense that Wang will receive at least 10 years of imprisonment.”
While most of the victims of last year’s 1209 ERCC crackdown have been released, Pastor Wang Yi and elder Qin Derfu are the last two who remain behind bars.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “We strongly condemn the Chinese government for the injustice that has been applied to a devout Christian, who has done nothing illegal and was solely punished for his faith and ministry. We also ask for prayers for the Early Rain Covenant Church, as they continue to face persecution from the government, exploited of their right to freely worship in China.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Sunday, December 1, 2019
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 15): Having vision
1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
Acts 10:1-8 (KJV)
Cornelius was not looking for a vision, but sent a vision to this certain centurion. Although Cornelius was afraid, he knew that the vision was from the Lord. The reason that Cornelius knew that this vision was from the Lord because the vision was revealed to Cornelius at the ninth hour of the day. Many scholars have concluded that Cornelius was the centurion that saw Jesus die on the Cross in Luke 23:44-47. In this text, Jesus died at the ninth hour on the day of His crucifixion.
In Acts 10:4, the angel explains to Cornelius why the vision was sent to him. The reason is that Cornelius prayed and gave to the poor. Many people are seeking to receive a vision from God without doing these two necessary things. Pray and give to the poor so that you can receive a vision from God.
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
Acts 10:1-8 (KJV)
Cornelius was not looking for a vision, but sent a vision to this certain centurion. Although Cornelius was afraid, he knew that the vision was from the Lord. The reason that Cornelius knew that this vision was from the Lord because the vision was revealed to Cornelius at the ninth hour of the day. Many scholars have concluded that Cornelius was the centurion that saw Jesus die on the Cross in Luke 23:44-47. In this text, Jesus died at the ninth hour on the day of His crucifixion.
In Acts 10:4, the angel explains to Cornelius why the vision was sent to him. The reason is that Cornelius prayed and gave to the poor. Many people are seeking to receive a vision from God without doing these two necessary things. Pray and give to the poor so that you can receive a vision from God.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:19
And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
- Gen. 4:19 (KJV)
Lamech was the first bigamist mentioned in the Bible. God does not want men to marry more than one woman because God commanded for Adam to be married to Eve and not to any other woman. If God wanted for man to have more than one wife, then He would have commanded for Adam to have more than one wife.
Numerical Expositions: (4) To gain instruction, do not commit adultery. (1) The name Adah means "beautiful, ornament." Follow God in order to be adorned with beauty. (5) The name Zillah means "shade, shadow." Choose to walk in God's presence. (9) To overturn evil, choose to walk in God's presence.
- Gen. 4:19 (KJV)
Lamech was the first bigamist mentioned in the Bible. God does not want men to marry more than one woman because God commanded for Adam to be married to Eve and not to any other woman. If God wanted for man to have more than one wife, then He would have commanded for Adam to have more than one wife.
Numerical Expositions: (4) To gain instruction, do not commit adultery. (1) The name Adah means "beautiful, ornament." Follow God in order to be adorned with beauty. (5) The name Zillah means "shade, shadow." Choose to walk in God's presence. (9) To overturn evil, choose to walk in God's presence.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 14): Passion for truth
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Acts 1:3 (KJV)
After Jesus rose again, He stayed around for forty days because he was passionate about sharing the truth with others. Using this example, we must also be passionate about sharing the truth even in a world where lying is rewarded.
Acts 1:3 (KJV)
After Jesus rose again, He stayed around for forty days because he was passionate about sharing the truth with others. Using this example, we must also be passionate about sharing the truth even in a world where lying is rewarded.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:18
And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.
- Gen. 4:18 (KJV)
In this verse, the text gives the rest of the lineage of Cain. Starting from the beginning from Cain's perspective, the lineage goes in this generational timeline: Adam, Cain, Enoch, Irad, Mehujael, Methusael, and Lamech. Lamech is the seventh in the this lineage. In verse 15, God declares in a mystery who would kill Cain because vengeance would be seven times more. Lamech would be the one to murder Cain.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) Stay in God's Word in order to produce. (9) Overturn evil in order to produce. (1) Stay in the anointing in order to produce. (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God in order to produce.
- Gen. 4:18 (KJV)
In this verse, the text gives the rest of the lineage of Cain. Starting from the beginning from Cain's perspective, the lineage goes in this generational timeline: Adam, Cain, Enoch, Irad, Mehujael, Methusael, and Lamech. Lamech is the seventh in the this lineage. In verse 15, God declares in a mystery who would kill Cain because vengeance would be seven times more. Lamech would be the one to murder Cain.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) Stay in God's Word in order to produce. (9) Overturn evil in order to produce. (1) Stay in the anointing in order to produce. (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God in order to produce.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 13): Madness
And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
- John 10:20-21 (KJV)
These reactions were the two reactions the Jews had towards Jesus after He gave them the parable of the Good Shepherd. The first group of Jews that did not believe Jesus said that he was suffering from madness because he was possessed with a devil. However, the group that believed Him stated that there was no way He could be a mad man because he was able to provide vision to the blind.
That's the key to telling whether or not a person is filled with madness. A person that is able to open up the eyes and enlighten others cannot be a mad man. However, a person that looks to blur the vision of others is a mad man.
Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
- John 10:20-21 (KJV)
These reactions were the two reactions the Jews had towards Jesus after He gave them the parable of the Good Shepherd. The first group of Jews that did not believe Jesus said that he was suffering from madness because he was possessed with a devil. However, the group that believed Him stated that there was no way He could be a mad man because he was able to provide vision to the blind.
That's the key to telling whether or not a person is filled with madness. A person that is able to open up the eyes and enlighten others cannot be a mad man. However, a person that looks to blur the vision of others is a mad man.
Numerical Expositions: Gen. 4:17
And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.
- Gen. 4:17 (KJV)
Cain was the first one to build a city. The reason why Cain built a city was to protect him and his family from being murdered. Since Cain placed the curse upon himself by killing Abel, he knew that his days were numbered. Therefore, he named the city after his son Enoch. Enoch means "dedicated." Cain dedicated this city to his son to carry on the lineage because Cain was in fear of losing his life after receiving the mark and departing from God's presence.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To stay in God's Word, spend time with your spouse. (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God in order to conceive. (3) Stay in the Spirit in order to conceive. (1) To stay in the anointing, keep building. (7) To be complete, realize that everything is called by a name.
- Gen. 4:17 (KJV)
Cain was the first one to build a city. The reason why Cain built a city was to protect him and his family from being murdered. Since Cain placed the curse upon himself by killing Abel, he knew that his days were numbered. Therefore, he named the city after his son Enoch. Enoch means "dedicated." Cain dedicated this city to his son to carry on the lineage because Cain was in fear of losing his life after receiving the mark and departing from God's presence.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To stay in God's Word, spend time with your spouse. (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God in order to conceive. (3) Stay in the Spirit in order to conceive. (1) To stay in the anointing, keep building. (7) To be complete, realize that everything is called by a name.
Monday, November 25, 2019
China, stop messing with your Wang!
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Qin Derfu, an elder from
Sichuan’s Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC) who has been detained since
last December, faced his trial today at the Qingyang People's Court.
The court only allowed two family members to sit in, so no one from ERCC was able to witness the trial. Outside of the court, there were many plainclothes officials to intimidate those supporting Qin.
According to Qin’s wife, Xiao Hongliu, the assigned lawyer, Li Gueisheng, was unable to attend the trial, and they knew little about who the government forcibly assigned to Qin as a replacement.
Xiao posted a message on social media today, saying, “Dad and I returned home accompanied by the police. The prosecutor accused Qin Derfu of running an illegal business, and the lawyer defended for his innocence. Qin Derfu also testified [for himself] that it is not a crime to have [Christian] faith. We pray and look up to God for the result— justice is in His hand.”
No conviction was made today, and it is still unknown to the public when the next trial will take place.
Together with Pastor Wang Yi and elder Li Yingqiang, Qin was arrested and accused of “running an illegal business” during the 1209 government crackdown against the house church last year. While elder Li was released last August on bail, Pastor Wang Yi and elder Qin are still being held by the government.
Pastor Wang Yi also faces similar treatment, where his assigned lawyer was forced to resign by the authorities and replaced with two “officially approved” lawyers. He also has not seen his family, who have been closely watched and cut off from communication with the outside world for months.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “While elder Qin having his trial today is good news in that his family finally got to see him after almost a year, we should not forget that he was detained under trumped up charges, solely for being a leader at the well-known house church. The government has also deprived him of his legal rights and banned his family from visiting. As the 1209 crackdown is approaching its one-year anniversary, we continue to call on Beijing to respect religious freedom and unconditionally release elder Qin Derfu and Pastor Wang Yi.”
The court only allowed two family members to sit in, so no one from ERCC was able to witness the trial. Outside of the court, there were many plainclothes officials to intimidate those supporting Qin.
According to Qin’s wife, Xiao Hongliu, the assigned lawyer, Li Gueisheng, was unable to attend the trial, and they knew little about who the government forcibly assigned to Qin as a replacement.
Xiao posted a message on social media today, saying, “Dad and I returned home accompanied by the police. The prosecutor accused Qin Derfu of running an illegal business, and the lawyer defended for his innocence. Qin Derfu also testified [for himself] that it is not a crime to have [Christian] faith. We pray and look up to God for the result— justice is in His hand.”
No conviction was made today, and it is still unknown to the public when the next trial will take place.
Together with Pastor Wang Yi and elder Li Yingqiang, Qin was arrested and accused of “running an illegal business” during the 1209 government crackdown against the house church last year. While elder Li was released last August on bail, Pastor Wang Yi and elder Qin are still being held by the government.
Pastor Wang Yi also faces similar treatment, where his assigned lawyer was forced to resign by the authorities and replaced with two “officially approved” lawyers. He also has not seen his family, who have been closely watched and cut off from communication with the outside world for months.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “While elder Qin having his trial today is good news in that his family finally got to see him after almost a year, we should not forget that he was detained under trumped up charges, solely for being a leader at the well-known house church. The government has also deprived him of his legal rights and banned his family from visiting. As the 1209 crackdown is approaching its one-year anniversary, we continue to call on Beijing to respect religious freedom and unconditionally release elder Qin Derfu and Pastor Wang Yi.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Knife crime occurs in Egypt
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on November 17, 2019, a
Christian family sitting outside of the entrance of their house was
attacked by a known Islamic extremist wielding a knife. The incident
occurred in a rural Upper Egyptian village located just north of Minya
City.
The mother, a widow named Houda Hana, received 20 stitches in her head. The younger son sustained minor injuries throughout his body. The middle son, Shenouda, received injuries that required surgery for his liver and intestines. The older son, Mina, was not present during the incident. The family has not been able to return to their home following the attack.
The incident occurred as the family was sitting outside of the entrance of their house, as is a common custom in the villages. Mohammed Eid Moussa walked past their house and began to question why the family would sit in public view. When the Christians asserted their right to sit outside their home, Mohammed fetched a knife from his house and began attacking the Christians.
“It was a very hard moment for me,” Mina told ICC. He is now reunited with his family following the incident. “We can’t get back to the village. Right now, we try to avoid fights and disputes with them. The extremists’ family live in a house which is not far away from us. We will not let them induce us to fight them or anything like that. If we did something like that, we will lose our rights to punish the extremist. We want law enforcement.”
Last year, Mohammed attacked another Christian man with a cleaver. For this reason, many Christians in the village were aware of his violent tendencies. He is known to hate Christians. The police have arrested him, but the family reports pressure from the Church to pursue a reconciliation session, rather than seek justice through the legal system.
“(The family) feels a lot of pain, and we also. The Orthodox priests want to calm the situation down and they stated that this incident is normal and it is not persecution. All the people in the village want to punish this extremist,” said one local priest.
Another local priest added, “The Muslims of the village are polite and good individuals. Even now they don’t offer reconciliation sessions. It was a wrong decision of the priest to state this as a normal dispute. He was just [trying] to calm down the situation. But I think the extremist will be punished anyway; that’s a good indicator that Muslims did not seek reconciliation sessions. The Christians are not afraid of anything right now and seek punishing this man; it’s the second time for him to hurt a Christian man.”
Egypt has the highest concentration of Christians living in the Middle East. Harassment, discrimination, and violence against Christians are commonplace, as they are viewed as second-class citizens since the country is officially Islamic. Egypt is ranked as a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “We are grateful that there were no deaths in this incident and we pray for a speedy recovery for the family. We urge local officials to hold the attacker accountable through the legal system, rather than excluding them from justice by pursuing a reconciliation session. We are glad to hear that the village supports the Christians in this request, and hope that due process of law will be applied to this situation.”
The mother, a widow named Houda Hana, received 20 stitches in her head. The younger son sustained minor injuries throughout his body. The middle son, Shenouda, received injuries that required surgery for his liver and intestines. The older son, Mina, was not present during the incident. The family has not been able to return to their home following the attack.
The incident occurred as the family was sitting outside of the entrance of their house, as is a common custom in the villages. Mohammed Eid Moussa walked past their house and began to question why the family would sit in public view. When the Christians asserted their right to sit outside their home, Mohammed fetched a knife from his house and began attacking the Christians.
“It was a very hard moment for me,” Mina told ICC. He is now reunited with his family following the incident. “We can’t get back to the village. Right now, we try to avoid fights and disputes with them. The extremists’ family live in a house which is not far away from us. We will not let them induce us to fight them or anything like that. If we did something like that, we will lose our rights to punish the extremist. We want law enforcement.”
Last year, Mohammed attacked another Christian man with a cleaver. For this reason, many Christians in the village were aware of his violent tendencies. He is known to hate Christians. The police have arrested him, but the family reports pressure from the Church to pursue a reconciliation session, rather than seek justice through the legal system.
“(The family) feels a lot of pain, and we also. The Orthodox priests want to calm the situation down and they stated that this incident is normal and it is not persecution. All the people in the village want to punish this extremist,” said one local priest.
Another local priest added, “The Muslims of the village are polite and good individuals. Even now they don’t offer reconciliation sessions. It was a wrong decision of the priest to state this as a normal dispute. He was just [trying] to calm down the situation. But I think the extremist will be punished anyway; that’s a good indicator that Muslims did not seek reconciliation sessions. The Christians are not afraid of anything right now and seek punishing this man; it’s the second time for him to hurt a Christian man.”
Egypt has the highest concentration of Christians living in the Middle East. Harassment, discrimination, and violence against Christians are commonplace, as they are viewed as second-class citizens since the country is officially Islamic. Egypt is ranked as a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “We are grateful that there were no deaths in this incident and we pray for a speedy recovery for the family. We urge local officials to hold the attacker accountable through the legal system, rather than excluding them from justice by pursuing a reconciliation session. We are glad to hear that the village supports the Christians in this request, and hope that due process of law will be applied to this situation.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Myanmar releases kidnapped Chin
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Pastor U Maung Maung, who was
abducted last month along with 57 others by the Arakan Army (AA) in
Rakhine State, Myanmar, was released on November 5.
The pastor from the Chin ethnic group, a minority group in Rakhine State that is primarily Christian, was abducted on October 26 while he was travelling with his wife and his infant on a boat between Sittwe and Buthidaung. While his wife and sick daughter were allowed to leave, the male passengers were kept by the AA.
A local pastor who requested to remain anonymous told ICC that although Pastor U Maung Maung was released, “AA threatens that if he dares to share any information to the government with regards to what happened to him during his abduction, they will make his life very difficult; his family can face danger as well.”
“AA said they will come and arrest him if he releases any information,” another pastor added. “He wasn’t tortured that much, but he is traumatized.”
The news of his abduction and release is well noted among pastors in the region. Some in the mission field have already stepped back in fear of the Arakan Army.
Meanwhile, a Christian parliamentarian, U Hawi Tin, who is also from the Chin ethnic group, was abducted on November 3 and has been missing ever since. The AA stopped two passenger ferries traveling on the Kaladan River in western Myanmar and took all 10 occupants into custody. One Indian national died in custody and eight other passengers were released. U Hawi Tin was held for further interrogation.
According to Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), the upper house lawmaker, representing Chin State constituency No.11 from the ruling National League for Democracy Party (NLD), has been cut off from contact with both his family and the public.
Twenty-two international NGOs joined CHRO on November 18 to urge the AA to immediately and unconditionally release U Hawi Tin and any other civilians who may still be detained.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “We ask for prayers for Pastor U Maung Maung as he recovers from this traumatic experience, while having the wisdom to deal with the situation when he faces dilemmas with the AA and the government’s investigation. We also urge the AA to safely return U Hawi Tin as soon as possible.”
The pastor from the Chin ethnic group, a minority group in Rakhine State that is primarily Christian, was abducted on October 26 while he was travelling with his wife and his infant on a boat between Sittwe and Buthidaung. While his wife and sick daughter were allowed to leave, the male passengers were kept by the AA.
A local pastor who requested to remain anonymous told ICC that although Pastor U Maung Maung was released, “AA threatens that if he dares to share any information to the government with regards to what happened to him during his abduction, they will make his life very difficult; his family can face danger as well.”
“AA said they will come and arrest him if he releases any information,” another pastor added. “He wasn’t tortured that much, but he is traumatized.”
The news of his abduction and release is well noted among pastors in the region. Some in the mission field have already stepped back in fear of the Arakan Army.
Meanwhile, a Christian parliamentarian, U Hawi Tin, who is also from the Chin ethnic group, was abducted on November 3 and has been missing ever since. The AA stopped two passenger ferries traveling on the Kaladan River in western Myanmar and took all 10 occupants into custody. One Indian national died in custody and eight other passengers were released. U Hawi Tin was held for further interrogation.
According to Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), the upper house lawmaker, representing Chin State constituency No.11 from the ruling National League for Democracy Party (NLD), has been cut off from contact with both his family and the public.
Twenty-two international NGOs joined CHRO on November 18 to urge the AA to immediately and unconditionally release U Hawi Tin and any other civilians who may still be detained.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “We ask for prayers for Pastor U Maung Maung as he recovers from this traumatic experience, while having the wisdom to deal with the situation when he faces dilemmas with the AA and the government’s investigation. We also urge the AA to safely return U Hawi Tin as soon as possible.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Korean stabbed to death in Turkey
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on November 19, 2019, Korean
evangelist Jinwook Kim was stabbed on the streets in the southeastern
Turkish city of Diyarbakir. He later died in the hospital from his
injuries; he was 41 years old. The Public Security Branch Directorate of
Murder Bureau has arrested a 16-year-old suspect and an investigation
is ongoing.
Kim had arrived in Diyarbakir with his family earlier this year and was pastoring a small community of Christians. The assailant stabbed Kim three times: twice in the heart, once in the back. Officials, however, claim that the incident occurred in an effort to steal Kim’s phone. Local believers urge the authorities to investigate the incident as an assassination, rather than an attempt at extortion. Kim was married and had one child, although his second is expected to be born in the coming days. A funeral service will be held tomorrow. He had lived in Turkey for five years.
Kim is the first Christian murdered in Turkey since the 2007 Zirve Publishing House murders, which left three Christians martyred in Malatya. Christians living in Turkey have reported an increase in harassment, threats, and other non-violent incidents over the past three years. Turkey is considered a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
“This is the first martyrdom since Malatya. The Turkish government has started a massive deportation of Protestant leaders who served in Turkey for many years,” said one church leader. “But deportation isn’t enough for evangelists. This kind of attack would scare [them]. I think this is the last level of a plan, being like China.”
“This wasn’t just a robbery; they came to kill him,” added a Turkish evangelist, who received a death threat the day after this incident. “We always get threats. A brother prophesied a few days ago that they (the government) are going to kick out these foreigners, and probably kill a few Turkish brothers. They are going to cause chaos. They know that I am trying to spread the Gospel, so they may target me too. This may be a sign.”
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The grief among Turkey’s Christian community is strongly felt, along with great shock and fear. Martyrdom is not normal in Turkey, and this incident sadly shows just how much the country has changed. Just this year, we have seen a significant increase in incidents proving how the environment has grown more hostile toward Christianity. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and pray for God’s peace for them through this difficult time. We also urge the authorities to set public examples of religious tolerance, and to investigate this incident with honesty and due process of law.”
Kim had arrived in Diyarbakir with his family earlier this year and was pastoring a small community of Christians. The assailant stabbed Kim three times: twice in the heart, once in the back. Officials, however, claim that the incident occurred in an effort to steal Kim’s phone. Local believers urge the authorities to investigate the incident as an assassination, rather than an attempt at extortion. Kim was married and had one child, although his second is expected to be born in the coming days. A funeral service will be held tomorrow. He had lived in Turkey for five years.
Kim is the first Christian murdered in Turkey since the 2007 Zirve Publishing House murders, which left three Christians martyred in Malatya. Christians living in Turkey have reported an increase in harassment, threats, and other non-violent incidents over the past three years. Turkey is considered a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
“This is the first martyrdom since Malatya. The Turkish government has started a massive deportation of Protestant leaders who served in Turkey for many years,” said one church leader. “But deportation isn’t enough for evangelists. This kind of attack would scare [them]. I think this is the last level of a plan, being like China.”
“This wasn’t just a robbery; they came to kill him,” added a Turkish evangelist, who received a death threat the day after this incident. “We always get threats. A brother prophesied a few days ago that they (the government) are going to kick out these foreigners, and probably kill a few Turkish brothers. They are going to cause chaos. They know that I am trying to spread the Gospel, so they may target me too. This may be a sign.”
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The grief among Turkey’s Christian community is strongly felt, along with great shock and fear. Martyrdom is not normal in Turkey, and this incident sadly shows just how much the country has changed. Just this year, we have seen a significant increase in incidents proving how the environment has grown more hostile toward Christianity. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and pray for God’s peace for them through this difficult time. We also urge the authorities to set public examples of religious tolerance, and to investigate this incident with honesty and due process of law.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 12): Lack of consistency
The same was in the beginning with God.
- John 1:2 (KJV)
The Word of God is consistency because the Word has remained the same from the beginning. To increase consistency, the desire must begin now to never compromise from day-to-day.
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
- John 1:27 (KJV)
John the Baptist maintained his consistency during his ministry of preparing the way for Jesus by reminding himself that Jesus had full authority over His life. Instead of promoting himself, he decided to promote the Lord Jesus. Stay in the Word and stay out of pride so that you will not be lacking in the area of consistency.
- John 1:2 (KJV)
The Word of God is consistency because the Word has remained the same from the beginning. To increase consistency, the desire must begin now to never compromise from day-to-day.
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
- John 1:27 (KJV)
John the Baptist maintained his consistency during his ministry of preparing the way for Jesus by reminding himself that Jesus had full authority over His life. Instead of promoting himself, he decided to promote the Lord Jesus. Stay in the Word and stay out of pride so that you will not be lacking in the area of consistency.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:16
And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
- Gen. 4:16 (KJV)
When Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, they were still in Eden because they still chose to remain in relationship with God after the first sin. However, Cain fully rejected the Lord by removing himself from God's presence by moving from Eden to Nod.
In the text, it states that the land of Nod is east of Eden. You have sort of an idea where Eden was in Genesis 2:8-14 because two of the rivers mentioned are still around today: Hiddekel (Tigris) and Euphrates. Both rivers start in modern-day Turkey and flow southeast into the Persian Gulf. The country that is immediately east of these rivers would be ancient Persia, which is known as Iran. From looking at geography, the land of Nod would be Iran.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) Walk in God's Word so that you do not stray away from His presence. (7) To be complete, choose not to wander away from God. (2) To follow after God's kingdom, choose not to stray away from His presence. (1) To stay in the anointing, do not stray away from the presence of the Lord. (6) To expose evil, do not stray away from the presence of the Lord.
- Gen. 4:16 (KJV)
When Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, they were still in Eden because they still chose to remain in relationship with God after the first sin. However, Cain fully rejected the Lord by removing himself from God's presence by moving from Eden to Nod.
In the text, it states that the land of Nod is east of Eden. You have sort of an idea where Eden was in Genesis 2:8-14 because two of the rivers mentioned are still around today: Hiddekel (Tigris) and Euphrates. Both rivers start in modern-day Turkey and flow southeast into the Persian Gulf. The country that is immediately east of these rivers would be ancient Persia, which is known as Iran. From looking at geography, the land of Nod would be Iran.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) Walk in God's Word so that you do not stray away from His presence. (7) To be complete, choose not to wander away from God. (2) To follow after God's kingdom, choose not to stray away from His presence. (1) To stay in the anointing, do not stray away from the presence of the Lord. (6) To expose evil, do not stray away from the presence of the Lord.
Monday, November 18, 2019
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 11) - Crtiticism
Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine eye?
- Matthew 7:4 (KJV)
A person that is critical of another person usually has bigger issues than the one that he or she is criticizing. Always remember that when you point a finger at a person, then four more fingers are pointing back at you.
- Matthew 7:4 (KJV)
A person that is critical of another person usually has bigger issues than the one that he or she is criticizing. Always remember that when you point a finger at a person, then four more fingers are pointing back at you.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:15
And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
- Gen. 4:15 (KJV)
God shows Cain some mercy because the consequence for Cain should have been immediate death for murdering his brother. The Lord places a mark, or a sign, upon Cain so that people would leave him alone. The sign was that whoever killed Cain would face seven times the consequences that Cain received when he killed Abel. Whenever someone saw Cain, then they would not murder him because they saw how much of a sorry state Cain was in for murdering Abel. Allow for God to dole out vengeance instead of putting things into your hands by murdering someone. God sees who have wronged you. Let it go because that person that wronged you will eventually have to deal with the consequences down the road. God's judgment never fails.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To gain instruction, listen to the voice of the Lord. (6) To expose evil, choose not to murder anyone. (1) Follow God or face the consequences. (5) Stay in God's presence or become a spectacle in the sight of man.
- Gen. 4:15 (KJV)
God shows Cain some mercy because the consequence for Cain should have been immediate death for murdering his brother. The Lord places a mark, or a sign, upon Cain so that people would leave him alone. The sign was that whoever killed Cain would face seven times the consequences that Cain received when he killed Abel. Whenever someone saw Cain, then they would not murder him because they saw how much of a sorry state Cain was in for murdering Abel. Allow for God to dole out vengeance instead of putting things into your hands by murdering someone. God sees who have wronged you. Let it go because that person that wronged you will eventually have to deal with the consequences down the road. God's judgment never fails.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To gain instruction, listen to the voice of the Lord. (6) To expose evil, choose not to murder anyone. (1) Follow God or face the consequences. (5) Stay in God's presence or become a spectacle in the sight of man.
Saturday, November 16, 2019
T.C.U.P.T (Part 10) Lack of timing
If you lack timing, then you will be left behind by the rest of the world. Let's look at the example of Herod in Matthew 2:7.
Then Herod, when he privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
- Matt. 2:7 (KJV)
The wise men had seen a star in the East that proclaimed the birth of the Messiah. The Magi followed the star all the way to Bethlehem. They travelled from so far away that the journey to Bethlehem took about two years. Herod had no clue about the birth even happening because of lack of timing. Due to his lack of timing and awareness, Herod was two years behind what was currently happening.
The reason why Herod was not current is embedded within his name. The name Herod means "mountain of pride." His pride clouded his vision. Instead of him figuring out what was going on, Herod became critical of the wise man by incessantly asking when the star appeared. You can tell if someone is critical when they choose to criticize others for the same thing they lack themselves. (Matt. 7:4)
Then Herod, when he privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
- Matt. 2:7 (KJV)
The wise men had seen a star in the East that proclaimed the birth of the Messiah. The Magi followed the star all the way to Bethlehem. They travelled from so far away that the journey to Bethlehem took about two years. Herod had no clue about the birth even happening because of lack of timing. Due to his lack of timing and awareness, Herod was two years behind what was currently happening.
The reason why Herod was not current is embedded within his name. The name Herod means "mountain of pride." His pride clouded his vision. Instead of him figuring out what was going on, Herod became critical of the wise man by incessantly asking when the star appeared. You can tell if someone is critical when they choose to criticize others for the same thing they lack themselves. (Matt. 7:4)
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:14
Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
- Genesis 4:14 (KJV)
Since Cain's occupation is a farmer, he understands the concept of sowing and reaping. The principle of sowing and reaping is that whatever is put into the ground is what the harvest will be down the road. As an example, if you sow corn seeds, then you will receive corn a few months later.
In this situation, Cain sowed murder so that he knew that he would be murdered down the road. Violence begets violence. This cycle of violence continues to this day. If you do not want to be murdered, then do not kill anyone.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To stay in God's Word, focus on Him. (5) Stay in God's presence or be driven off of the face of the earth. (9) To overturn evil, continue to stay in contact with God. (1) Stay in the anointing or wander through life aimlessly.
- Genesis 4:14 (KJV)
Since Cain's occupation is a farmer, he understands the concept of sowing and reaping. The principle of sowing and reaping is that whatever is put into the ground is what the harvest will be down the road. As an example, if you sow corn seeds, then you will receive corn a few months later.
In this situation, Cain sowed murder so that he knew that he would be murdered down the road. Violence begets violence. This cycle of violence continues to this day. If you do not want to be murdered, then do not kill anyone.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To stay in God's Word, focus on Him. (5) Stay in God's presence or be driven off of the face of the earth. (9) To overturn evil, continue to stay in contact with God. (1) Stay in the anointing or wander through life aimlessly.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 9): Persistence
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint thyself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
- Daniel 10:1-3 (KJV)
In this passage, the prophet Daniel was persistent enough to wait three whole weeks in order to receive revelation in regards to a vision that was shown to him. Daniel fasted and cried out to God for 21 days straight until he received an answer from God. This type of persistence is what we should copy in our own lives.
In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint thyself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
- Daniel 10:1-3 (KJV)
In this passage, the prophet Daniel was persistent enough to wait three whole weeks in order to receive revelation in regards to a vision that was shown to him. Daniel fasted and cried out to God for 21 days straight until he received an answer from God. This type of persistence is what we should copy in our own lives.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:13
And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
- Gen. 4:13 (KJV)
After Cain suffered the consequences for killing Abel, Cain realized that he was not able to carry the punishment doled out by God. The realization of being overwhelmed is the biggest deterrent for doing something that you are not supposed to do.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To stay in God's Word, spend time with Him and talk with Him. (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God or face punishment. (1) Stay in the anointing or face punishment. (3) Walk in the Spirit or face the consequences.
- Gen. 4:13 (KJV)
After Cain suffered the consequences for killing Abel, Cain realized that he was not able to carry the punishment doled out by God. The realization of being overwhelmed is the biggest deterrent for doing something that you are not supposed to do.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To stay in God's Word, spend time with Him and talk with Him. (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God or face punishment. (1) Stay in the anointing or face punishment. (3) Walk in the Spirit or face the consequences.
Monday, November 11, 2019
ISIS members that escaped from prison kill Armenian priests in Syria
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on November 11, 2019, gunmen
affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) attacked a car known to be
carrying Armenian Christian leaders who were traveling from the Syrian
city of Qamishli to Deir ez-Zor. The attack left two priests murdered,
and wounded a deacon. ISIS has officially claimed responsibility for the
incident.
The attack on the vehicle took place as three nearly simultaneous car bombings occurred in the city of Qamishli, which is well known for its religious and ethnic diversity. One of the explosions occurred near a Chaldean church.
The Armenian church leaders were traveling to Deir ez-Zor to inspect an Armenian Catholic Church which has suffered damage because of the Syrian conflict. Father Hanna Bidu, also known as Father Abrahim Petoyan, was killed instantly during the attack. His son, known as Father Hovsep Petoyan, reportedly succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The deacon, Fati Sano from the Armenian al-Hassakeh Church, was wounded.
“(An) armed group at the entrance of the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor was targeting a car that was carrying the father,” reported the Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights. “This armed group targeted and killed the priest and his father, while the third person was injured. Father and his companions were headed to Deir ez-Zor city this Monday morning on a mission to follow the status of waqf of the Armenian Catholic Church.”
The incident was confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Video footage obtained by Hawar News shows that the car used by the priests had a special tag in its front window which acknowledged that it was traveling for business with the Armenian Catholic Church. The video shows significant frontal damage to the vehicle, placing the two front seat occupants within a direct line of fire.
“Pastor of the Armenian Catholic Community of Qamishli, Priest Hovsep Petoyan, and his father, Priest Abraham Petoyan, were traveling in a vehicle en route to Deir ez-Zor when terrorists opened gunfire on their car and killed them,” stated the Armenian Press. “The Armenian Catholic priests were heading to inspect the condition of the Catholic Church.”
ISIS’s official Amaq media outlet claimed responsibility, saying, “Two Christian priests were killed today, ISIS shot them down.”
ISIS was officially declared militarily defeated in Syria this past March. However, reprisal attacks following the October death of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi in Syria were expected. Turkey’s invasion of northern Syria also prompted fears that it would allow opportunities for ISIS militants to take advantage of the resulting chaos. This is the first deadly incident since its military defeat in which ISIS has successfully targeted church leaders in the Levant.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “Today’s violence in northern Syria and the targeting of Armenian leadership is a tragedy that deeply wounds the region’s entire Christian community. Christians have long warned that ISIS will seek every opportunity to continue its genocide against religious minorities. Meanwhile, Turkey’s actions in the area have generated an environment of instability. Armenian Christians, whose ancestors were killed by Turkey’s genocide, find themselves caught between violent actors across all of Syria. We must keep the Christian community of Syria in our prayers, and urge for an end to this senseless conflict.”
The attack on the vehicle took place as three nearly simultaneous car bombings occurred in the city of Qamishli, which is well known for its religious and ethnic diversity. One of the explosions occurred near a Chaldean church.
The Armenian church leaders were traveling to Deir ez-Zor to inspect an Armenian Catholic Church which has suffered damage because of the Syrian conflict. Father Hanna Bidu, also known as Father Abrahim Petoyan, was killed instantly during the attack. His son, known as Father Hovsep Petoyan, reportedly succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The deacon, Fati Sano from the Armenian al-Hassakeh Church, was wounded.
“(An) armed group at the entrance of the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor was targeting a car that was carrying the father,” reported the Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights. “This armed group targeted and killed the priest and his father, while the third person was injured. Father and his companions were headed to Deir ez-Zor city this Monday morning on a mission to follow the status of waqf of the Armenian Catholic Church.”
The incident was confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Video footage obtained by Hawar News shows that the car used by the priests had a special tag in its front window which acknowledged that it was traveling for business with the Armenian Catholic Church. The video shows significant frontal damage to the vehicle, placing the two front seat occupants within a direct line of fire.
“Pastor of the Armenian Catholic Community of Qamishli, Priest Hovsep Petoyan, and his father, Priest Abraham Petoyan, were traveling in a vehicle en route to Deir ez-Zor when terrorists opened gunfire on their car and killed them,” stated the Armenian Press. “The Armenian Catholic priests were heading to inspect the condition of the Catholic Church.”
ISIS’s official Amaq media outlet claimed responsibility, saying, “Two Christian priests were killed today, ISIS shot them down.”
ISIS was officially declared militarily defeated in Syria this past March. However, reprisal attacks following the October death of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi in Syria were expected. Turkey’s invasion of northern Syria also prompted fears that it would allow opportunities for ISIS militants to take advantage of the resulting chaos. This is the first deadly incident since its military defeat in which ISIS has successfully targeted church leaders in the Levant.
Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “Today’s violence in northern Syria and the targeting of Armenian leadership is a tragedy that deeply wounds the region’s entire Christian community. Christians have long warned that ISIS will seek every opportunity to continue its genocide against religious minorities. Meanwhile, Turkey’s actions in the area have generated an environment of instability. Armenian Christians, whose ancestors were killed by Turkey’s genocide, find themselves caught between violent actors across all of Syria. We must keep the Christian community of Syria in our prayers, and urge for an end to this senseless conflict.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Sunday, November 10, 2019
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 8): Lack of reception
And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying,
- II Samuel 7:4 (KJV)
During the reign of King David, Nathan was the most prominent prophet within Israel. The key reason as to why Nathan the prophet was so great at this time because God would send His Word to Him whenever God deemed it necessary. What was the key to Nathan receiving God's Word so freely when some people go through their entire lives with a lack of reception?
The answer is embedded within his name. The name Nathan means "a giver." Too many people want to receive without giving. Giving prevents lack of reception. Due to Nathan wholly giving his heart to God, God then sent His Word to Nathan.
- II Samuel 7:4 (KJV)
During the reign of King David, Nathan was the most prominent prophet within Israel. The key reason as to why Nathan the prophet was so great at this time because God would send His Word to Him whenever God deemed it necessary. What was the key to Nathan receiving God's Word so freely when some people go through their entire lives with a lack of reception?
The answer is embedded within his name. The name Nathan means "a giver." Too many people want to receive without giving. Giving prevents lack of reception. Due to Nathan wholly giving his heart to God, God then sent His Word to Nathan.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:12
When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
- Gen. 4:12 (KJV)
This verse lists the consequences of the curse that God placed upon Cain. There are only three consequences listed in this verse, but they are dire enough to dissuade anyone from committing murder even though murders are committed every day.
The first consequence is a lack of productivity. Wherever Cain went to work in the earth, he would not receive full efficiency from the seeds that he has planted. You can tell if someone is cursed when you see them working all of the time without any results attached to the work.
The second part of the curse is that Cain was made to be a fugitive. A fugitive is someone that escapes from prison. The fugitive stays constantly on the run so that he will not be captured by the authorities. You can tell if someone is cursed because the person always seems to be on the go without taking time to rest.
The final part of the curse is that Cain was made to be a vagabond. A vagabond is a person that continues to move from place to place wandering aimlessly through life. You can tell if someone is cursed if a person keeps moving from house to house, from job to job, from one relationship to the next. A lack of stability is a definite sign of the curse.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To gain instruction, realize that you have to work. Work is a requirement. (3) Walk in the Spirit or remain unproductive. (7) Be perfected by God or remain a vagabond. (1) Stay in the anointing or remain a vagabond. (2) Walk in God's kingdom or remain a vagabond.
- Gen. 4:12 (KJV)
This verse lists the consequences of the curse that God placed upon Cain. There are only three consequences listed in this verse, but they are dire enough to dissuade anyone from committing murder even though murders are committed every day.
The first consequence is a lack of productivity. Wherever Cain went to work in the earth, he would not receive full efficiency from the seeds that he has planted. You can tell if someone is cursed when you see them working all of the time without any results attached to the work.
The second part of the curse is that Cain was made to be a fugitive. A fugitive is someone that escapes from prison. The fugitive stays constantly on the run so that he will not be captured by the authorities. You can tell if someone is cursed because the person always seems to be on the go without taking time to rest.
The final part of the curse is that Cain was made to be a vagabond. A vagabond is a person that continues to move from place to place wandering aimlessly through life. You can tell if someone is cursed if a person keeps moving from house to house, from job to job, from one relationship to the next. A lack of stability is a definite sign of the curse.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To gain instruction, realize that you have to work. Work is a requirement. (3) Walk in the Spirit or remain unproductive. (7) Be perfected by God or remain a vagabond. (1) Stay in the anointing or remain a vagabond. (2) Walk in God's kingdom or remain a vagabond.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 7) - Strategic Moves
Before the Israelites passed over into the Promised Land en route to enter into battle, the Lord God cleared a path for them by parting the Jordan River in Joshua chapter four. When word of this event reached the Amorites, the opposition was shaking in their boots.
And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the Jordan side westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.
- Joshua 5:1 (KJV)
Due to Israel under Joshua's leadership making the proper strategic move of going westward towards the Amorites, the morale of the opposition was destroyed. From a military standpoint, the right strategy ensures that the morale of the troops will be whipped up into a frenzy. However, the opposite of this statement is true as well. When a leader makes the wrong military decision, then the morale of the troops are crushed.
And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the Jordan side westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.
- Joshua 5:1 (KJV)
Due to Israel under Joshua's leadership making the proper strategic move of going westward towards the Amorites, the morale of the opposition was destroyed. From a military standpoint, the right strategy ensures that the morale of the troops will be whipped up into a frenzy. However, the opposite of this statement is true as well. When a leader makes the wrong military decision, then the morale of the troops are crushed.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:11
And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
- Gen. 4:11 (KJV)
As a result of murdering Abel, Cain was placed under a curse from the earth. That means that wherever Cain went upon the earth, the earth would make sure that he would experience misfortune. It did not matter where Cain went; he would not be able to hide from the curse. This principle of the curse continues today. Whoever murders someone is cursed for the rest of their lives.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) Stay in God's Word or you will be cursed. (2) To walk in God's kingdom, realize that this earth is a witness to whatever you do. (6) To expose evil, realize that this earth is a witness to whatever you do.
- Gen. 4:11 (KJV)
As a result of murdering Abel, Cain was placed under a curse from the earth. That means that wherever Cain went upon the earth, the earth would make sure that he would experience misfortune. It did not matter where Cain went; he would not be able to hide from the curse. This principle of the curse continues today. Whoever murders someone is cursed for the rest of their lives.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) Stay in God's Word or you will be cursed. (2) To walk in God's kingdom, realize that this earth is a witness to whatever you do. (6) To expose evil, realize that this earth is a witness to whatever you do.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
India is still doing dumb stuff
International
Christian Concern (ICC) learned that Pastor Bryan Nerren, a Christian
pastor from Tennessee, has been arrested and detained in India after
being accused of violating the country’s Foreign Exchange Management
Act. According to the American Center for Law and Justice
(ACLJ), Pastor Nerren and two other pastors from Tennessee arrived in
India on October 5 to attend two conferences in India and Nepal. The
ACLJ reported that Pastor Nerren was then targeted and arrested by
Indian customs agents after he told them he was a Christian.
After the three pastors arrived in New Delhi, Pastor Nerren was detained by customs agents while proceeding through the domestic security check for a flight to Bagdogra. According to the ACLJ, the pastor was carrying funds to cover the expenses for the two conferences as well as the two-week trip for himself and the other pastors. Customs agents questioned Pastor Nerren about the funds and their usage for about an hour. According to reports, Pastor Nerren has been traveling to India and Nepal for the past 17 years to train people to become Sunday school teachers.
According to the ACLJ, customs agents specifically asked Pastor Nerren if he was a Christian and if the funds would be used to support Christian causes. After fully explaining what the funds were to be used for, the customs agents told Pastor Nerren he was free to go. However, when Pastor Nerren arrived in Bagdogra, he was arrested and transported to Siliguri where he was incarcerated for six days and denied any visitors, including those from the US Consulate.
Pastor Nerren was able to secure bail after six days in jail. However, the judge has retained Pastor Nerren’s passport and ordered a travel ban. A hearing regarding Pastor Nerren’s case was scheduled for October 22, but it did not take place. Another court date has been set for Pastor Nerren’s case on December 12. According to the ACLJ, Pastor Nerren is effectively trapped in Siliguri.
Religious intolerance and instances of persecution have steadily escalated in India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a political party founded on Hindu nationalist ideology, took power in 2014. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), 147 instances of religiously motivated violence against Christians were documented in 2014. In 2018, after four years of BJP rule, EFI documented 325 instances of religiously motivated violence against Christians.
William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are deeply concerned by the arrest and detention of Pastor Nerren. We are most concerned by reports that Pastor Nerren was targeted by Indian customs officials after he told them he is a Christian. Article 25 of India’s own constitution protects religious freedom for all of the country’s citizens. In addition, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also protects religious freedom. However, it seems these protections are being denied to Pastor Nerren due to his identity as a Christian.”
After the three pastors arrived in New Delhi, Pastor Nerren was detained by customs agents while proceeding through the domestic security check for a flight to Bagdogra. According to the ACLJ, the pastor was carrying funds to cover the expenses for the two conferences as well as the two-week trip for himself and the other pastors. Customs agents questioned Pastor Nerren about the funds and their usage for about an hour. According to reports, Pastor Nerren has been traveling to India and Nepal for the past 17 years to train people to become Sunday school teachers.
According to the ACLJ, customs agents specifically asked Pastor Nerren if he was a Christian and if the funds would be used to support Christian causes. After fully explaining what the funds were to be used for, the customs agents told Pastor Nerren he was free to go. However, when Pastor Nerren arrived in Bagdogra, he was arrested and transported to Siliguri where he was incarcerated for six days and denied any visitors, including those from the US Consulate.
Pastor Nerren was able to secure bail after six days in jail. However, the judge has retained Pastor Nerren’s passport and ordered a travel ban. A hearing regarding Pastor Nerren’s case was scheduled for October 22, but it did not take place. Another court date has been set for Pastor Nerren’s case on December 12. According to the ACLJ, Pastor Nerren is effectively trapped in Siliguri.
Religious intolerance and instances of persecution have steadily escalated in India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a political party founded on Hindu nationalist ideology, took power in 2014. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), 147 instances of religiously motivated violence against Christians were documented in 2014. In 2018, after four years of BJP rule, EFI documented 325 instances of religiously motivated violence against Christians.
William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are deeply concerned by the arrest and detention of Pastor Nerren. We are most concerned by reports that Pastor Nerren was targeted by Indian customs officials after he told them he is a Christian. Article 25 of India’s own constitution protects religious freedom for all of the country’s citizens. In addition, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also protects religious freedom. However, it seems these protections are being denied to Pastor Nerren due to his identity as a Christian.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
T.C.U.P.T. (Part 6): D.I.G.
The concept of D.I.G. is listed in Deuteronomy 10:6-7.
6 And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there was he buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.
7 From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.
- Deut. 10:6-7 (KJV)
The three cities that the people traveled to were Mosera, Gudgodah, and Jotbath. Each of these names have a meaning. Mosera means discipline. Gudgodah means incision. Jotbath means goodness. Can you dig it?
Discipline
Incision
Goodness
There are two steps that lead to goodness. The first step is discipline. You must be able to control your actions before you can progress forward. Then, the second step is incision. After achieving discipline, you must then look to introspectively evaluate yourself. Once you fix the outside, then you can fix the inside. Finally, goodness is achieved.
Notice that in verse 7 that the rivers of waters were located in Gudgodah, which means goodness. Walk in goodness in order to experience a never-ending spiritual flow. Many people do not flow spiritually because they do not take the time to either discipline themselves or to evaluate themselves. D.I.G. and you will eventually reach water.
6 And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there was he buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.
7 From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.
- Deut. 10:6-7 (KJV)
The three cities that the people traveled to were Mosera, Gudgodah, and Jotbath. Each of these names have a meaning. Mosera means discipline. Gudgodah means incision. Jotbath means goodness. Can you dig it?
Discipline
Incision
Goodness
There are two steps that lead to goodness. The first step is discipline. You must be able to control your actions before you can progress forward. Then, the second step is incision. After achieving discipline, you must then look to introspectively evaluate yourself. Once you fix the outside, then you can fix the inside. Finally, goodness is achieved.
Notice that in verse 7 that the rivers of waters were located in Gudgodah, which means goodness. Walk in goodness in order to experience a never-ending spiritual flow. Many people do not flow spiritually because they do not take the time to either discipline themselves or to evaluate themselves. D.I.G. and you will eventually reach water.
Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:10
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
- Gen. 4:10 (KJV)
Yes, we are supposed to protect one another because God asked Cain what he did to Abel because the blood of Abel was crying out to God. Within the blood is the life of a person. The blood circulates throughout the entire body so that life can be sent to every part of the body. The network of arteries, veins, and capillaries is called the circulatory system because this system sends blood from the heart to the lungs back to the heart. Then, the heart sends the oxygenated blood throughout the body. Finally, the body sends the blood back to the heart so that the process begins all over again.
Whenever someone is murdered, the blood of the murdered person cries out to the Lord for vengeance. Vengeance is not achieved until the murderer dies. That's why violence is so out of control. The numerous amount of murders has resulted in plenty of vengeance being doled out.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To gain instruction, listen to the voice of the Lord. (1) To follow God, confess to Him what you have done. (5) To walk in peace, realize that murder leads to vengeance.
- Gen. 4:10 (KJV)
Yes, we are supposed to protect one another because God asked Cain what he did to Abel because the blood of Abel was crying out to God. Within the blood is the life of a person. The blood circulates throughout the entire body so that life can be sent to every part of the body. The network of arteries, veins, and capillaries is called the circulatory system because this system sends blood from the heart to the lungs back to the heart. Then, the heart sends the oxygenated blood throughout the body. Finally, the body sends the blood back to the heart so that the process begins all over again.
Whenever someone is murdered, the blood of the murdered person cries out to the Lord for vengeance. Vengeance is not achieved until the murderer dies. That's why violence is so out of control. The numerous amount of murders has resulted in plenty of vengeance being doled out.
Numerical Breakdown: (4) To gain instruction, listen to the voice of the Lord. (1) To follow God, confess to Him what you have done. (5) To walk in peace, realize that murder leads to vengeance.
58 People abducted by rebel army in Myanmar
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on October 26, Pastor U Maung
Maung, along with 57 others, was abducted by the ethnic militia in
Rakhine State, Myanmar. Pastor U Maung Maung is from the Chin ethnic
group, a minority ethnic group in Rakhine State that is primarily
Christian.
In the latest escalation of violence in the region where the Arakan Army (AA) has been fighting government troops for months, AA abducted 58 people from a boat carrying 165 civilian passengers and approximately 50 government personnel from Rakhine's capital, Sittwe.
Associated Press reported that on Sunday, Myanmar's military commander-in-chief acknowledged dispatching helicopters to try to rescue the abductees in a statement on its website. It said their helicopters suffered some damage from gunfire and a crewman was lightly wounded, while at least 14 people who had been kidnapped were rescued.
However, AA’s statement from the same day accused Myanmar’s army of sinking several boats carrying dozens of soldiers and police officers held as hostages. It added that many had died in the operation.
A local source who wished to remained anonymous told ICC that Pastor U Maung Maung from Church of Christ Myanmar was among the abducted. “He is not among the people who have been released or people who have died.”
“I want his abduction to get publicity because I am worried that AA will kill him,” he added.
AA is notorious for targeting religious minorities such as Christians and Muslims in Rakhine State. Earlier in 2019, AA abducted and killed Pastor U Tun Nu from Mrauk-U township and Pastor U Thar Tun from Buthidaung. Local Christians fear that once Pastor U Maung Maung’s religious affiliation is discovered, he might face the same fate.
This is not the first time the self-determination seeking group, representing the Buddhist inhabitants of Rakhine State, abducted a large number of civilians. Earlier this month, AA rebels disguised as sports players boarded a bus and held dozens of firefighters and civilians hostage.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “Civilians should never fall victim to the ongoing conflicts between the ethnic armed groups and the Burmese Army, nor should they be a bargaining chip for any group. The crime committed by the Arakan Army should not be ignored. We urge the Burmese government to take swift action and rescue these innocent citizens. We also ask for prayers for the safe and speedy return of Pastor U Maung Maung.”
In the latest escalation of violence in the region where the Arakan Army (AA) has been fighting government troops for months, AA abducted 58 people from a boat carrying 165 civilian passengers and approximately 50 government personnel from Rakhine's capital, Sittwe.
Associated Press reported that on Sunday, Myanmar's military commander-in-chief acknowledged dispatching helicopters to try to rescue the abductees in a statement on its website. It said their helicopters suffered some damage from gunfire and a crewman was lightly wounded, while at least 14 people who had been kidnapped were rescued.
However, AA’s statement from the same day accused Myanmar’s army of sinking several boats carrying dozens of soldiers and police officers held as hostages. It added that many had died in the operation.
A local source who wished to remained anonymous told ICC that Pastor U Maung Maung from Church of Christ Myanmar was among the abducted. “He is not among the people who have been released or people who have died.”
“I want his abduction to get publicity because I am worried that AA will kill him,” he added.
AA is notorious for targeting religious minorities such as Christians and Muslims in Rakhine State. Earlier in 2019, AA abducted and killed Pastor U Tun Nu from Mrauk-U township and Pastor U Thar Tun from Buthidaung. Local Christians fear that once Pastor U Maung Maung’s religious affiliation is discovered, he might face the same fate.
This is not the first time the self-determination seeking group, representing the Buddhist inhabitants of Rakhine State, abducted a large number of civilians. Earlier this month, AA rebels disguised as sports players boarded a bus and held dozens of firefighters and civilians hostage.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “Civilians should never fall victim to the ongoing conflicts between the ethnic armed groups and the Burmese Army, nor should they be a bargaining chip for any group. The crime committed by the Arakan Army should not be ignored. We urge the Burmese government to take swift action and rescue these innocent citizens. We also ask for prayers for the safe and speedy return of Pastor U Maung Maung.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
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