A Holiday Prayer for the Church

Dear God and father,

You know that this is the season where we in the body of Christ are debating on how to celebrate this time of this year, on what to call this time of the year, and even whether we will celebrate it or not;

This time of the year shows hoe we, Your sons and daughters in the West, have let the culture turn us upside down instead of transcending our culture;

Forgive us;

You see how so many of Your sons and daughters in the West, while we talk about "keeping Christ in Christmas," are joining non-Christians in stringing up lights, putting up Christmas trees, buying presents and running up credit card debt, preparing rich foods, going to parties, and getting all stressed out;

You want so much more for us and for us to remember and share Your Gift that lasts all year and forever;

At this time of the year we talk about "wish lists" but You have a "wish list" for us to grant;

You want us to know Your Son. Let us give You the gift of growing in knowing You and making You known;

You want us to love You and tell us that love is translated "obedience'; let us grow in love for You and in obedience to You;

You want us to love those Whom You love so let us love people for You;

You want peace in this world through people meeting the Prince of Peace so send us to people who need to make peace with You;

You want us to be united as the Church in all essentials of the Gospel while being diverse in non-essentials so let is be united in essentials and diverse in non-essentials;

You want Your worldwide Church, those of us in the West and those in impoverished, restricted and hostile areas of the world, to stand together and recognize that we are all one body of Christ;

You want to heal, comfort, love, strengthen, and give hope to all those who are having a tough time during this time of the year so let us reach out to others in need;

You want to encourage and cheer on all the faithful who are following Jesus and taking You seriously, so let us make sure we are among them and look to Jesus Who is our Source;

Thank You for Your Gift, the reason so many people celebrate this time of the year;

Brothers and sisters in Christ, consider being an answer to this prayer. Will you give a child a gift that will last all year, and sponsor that child? Visit here. Thank you!

Always,

Lisa DeSherlia

The photo at the top of this post is provided courtesy of Compassion International.

The Insanity of God, by Nik Ripkin

This book is in two parts. It was written by a man who is a Pastor by training and served as a Pastor for several years. For security reasons, this author goes by the name of Nik Ripkin, which is not his real name. He uses the first half of his book to spend time sharing his own story and to tell his story of his years in Somalia, which he calls "Somaliland," and he vividly describes the evil, heartbreak and brokenness he witnessed often, as well as some of the more positive episodes. He shares his emotions through it all as he struggled to reconcile his concept of a loving, all-powerful God with the brokenness that he saw on a mass scale, and was unable to fix. The second half of his book reveals his visits to other countries of persecution, particularly the former Soviet Union and China, as well as undisclosed Muslim nations. Dr. Nik Ripkin shares about his emotional ups and downs as he talked with severely persecuted believers, and listened to many of them share his stories with him. He shares his lessons, particularly the need to embrace the cost of following Jesus, as embodied in the lives of so many brave believers who were willing, even glad, to follow Jesus regardless of where it took them and how much it cost them. He concludes by declaring that we in the West, by seeking to end severe global persecution, have been guilty of focusing on the wrong issue.

This has to be the most uncomfortable and unsettling book that I have ever read. I have read other books and materials on suffering and on severe global persecution, as well as on the cost of discipleship. None has unsettled and convicted me as this book has. As evangelism, especially in face-to-face contexts, is my greatest known weakness, this author's declarations about the Western Church's lack of obedience to the Great Commission (as a rule), is the cause of our lack of persecution as the bold witness of so many around the world, is the reason for so much global religious persecution. Having heard Dr. Nik speak on a webcast on The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, I was not surprised at his conclusion. As an introvert who doesn't like to interact with people in face-to-face contexts and who is loathe even to make small talk, I felt undone by his strong statements on witnessing, obedience and persecution. Where does this leave me? I would wonder with dismay. I felt a wide variety of emotions, including sadness at the comparative lack of spiritual depth in our Western churches in yes, in my own life, that I read about in the lives of this author, his wife and family, and in the lives of those he listened to and worked with. I felt that I was reading the Book of Acts all over again and felt a keen longing to see God's hand work in this way in America. But I would wonder: Was I willing to pay the price? Were many of my fellow American Christians also willing to pay the price? Dr. Nik's book is easy to read in a literary sense, though it is hard on the emotions. I found the first half of the book a bit slow but I found that the pace picked up in the second half of the book.

This book is aimed at the Christian community. Non-Christians who stumble upon it will likely, at least at first, find all the theology of persecution and the emphasis on suffering as sheer foolishness. But if they are interested in Islam or are themselves Muslims, this book may be powerfully enlightening and may introduce them to the God Who loves everyone, including Muslims. For obvious reasons, this book is too graphic and disturbing to be read by anyone under 18. I recommend all Pastors and many in church leadership, to read this book to educate themselves on persecuted Christians and deepen their own faith and discipleship. I recommend that they read it to emphasize issues in preaching and teaching that usually are neglected in pulpits and in Bible studies in America and other parts of the Western church. In this day of terrorist attacks, as needed, making the news and causing much "Islamophobia," this book's focus on God's love for Muslims will serve as a corrective and remind readers that no one is beyond God's grace, including Muslims including the radicalized element in Islam. So all adult Christians ought to read this book even though it is uncomfortable reading. Read, learn and pass on your lessons.

What God Wants for the Holiday

My bothers and Sisters in Jesus, This time of the year finds most of us frenetically busy. Christmas parties. Christmas shopping galore. Maxing out credit cards. Fixing special holiday food. Eating this holiday food. Stringing up holiday lights. Putting up special trees. Observing other traditions.

All man-made traditions.

This is the time of year when we do more giving than usual, celebrating our families and if we are blessed with them, close friends. No, Jesus was not born on December 25 and He may not have even been born during the winter. But this time is officially used to celebrate His birth. We often talk about "wish lists" and may ask loved ones to make "wish lists" of what they want as Christmas presents. But has it ever occurred to us that God has a wish list?

He does.

His wish list is simple. He wants us to know, trust and follow His Son, Jesus. He wants us to love each other. He wants us to love this world of lost people who need Him. He wants us to give. And we can. Visit here, to find out more.

Always in Christ,

Lisa DeSherlia

Tiny | a Simple URL Shortener

Tiny | a Simple URL Shortener



My petition has a new link now as the old link no longer works. Please find it <a href="http://tiny.cc/8me9px"> here.</a>

Missions Today

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is safe to say that when the word "missionary" comes to mind, we picture certain things.

We picture we Christians from the West receiving a call from God to go to a Third-World country.

We picture people who have to learn the language, lifestyle and customs of the people they have come to serve.

We picture Christian workers bring the Gospel to people who have never heard it.

We picture people who must pay a fortune to maintain their overseas mission work.
Would it surprise you to know that many of the most restricted Countries and hostile areas of that world, that are off-limits to Western missionaries, native Christian workers are willing to devote costly and sacrificial time to reach their own people or those in related tribes? Would it surprise you that these workers are willing to serve at risk to their freedoms and even their lives?

It is a time called Giving Tuesday. I'm sharing with you about a ministry based on the continent of Asia. They meet the material, social and emotional needs of people. Above all, they live to bring the Gospel of Jesus to people in their own languages. They partner with many native Christian workers, enabling these workers to bring the Gospel to their own people or to those in related nearby tribes. They partner with Christian workers who serve children, offering child sponsorship opportunities. Their website can be found here.

What are the advantages of sponsoring such native missionaries over seeking to go ourselves?

We do not have to uproot our families and leave everything behind.

We do not have to learn a new language or culture.

We can save much money by not having to spend a fortune in training and trying to "keep up a lifestyle."

We allow the Gospel to be much more effectively spread by those who already know the language and culture of those whom they serve.

We free ourselves to focus on serving those in our own backyards, including internationals among us.

Please learn much more! Order a free book about it here.

How to Pray About Ferguson

The word Ferguson is "trending" on social networks like Facebook, now that we know that the Grand Jury has refused to charge Officer Darren Wilson with any criminal activity in the shooting death of 18 year old Michael Brown. Like the case of Trayvon Martin, this case is bitterly dividing the nation. It is dividing even us in the Body of Christ, just as happened in the case of Trayvon Martin. Yes, I have already received email requests to sign petitions calling for justice for Michael Brown and I signed one of them. You may have seen calls to sign petitions online already. Whatever our positions on the Grand Jury decision, we all should be united in praying about the entire sad Ferguson situation, as it affects not only Ferguson but larger St. Louis and the entire US. Let me give some key points for prayer.

1). Pray for the safety of all the residents of Ferguson and nearby St. Louis, Officer Darren Wilson, other Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs), the Grand Jurors, the Prosecutor, and the peaceful protesters. We know that emotions will remain raw in the wake of the Grand Jury announcement that Michael Brown's killer will not be held accountable for causing his death.

2). Pray for all those whose livelihoods have been affected by all this. Pray that they will God will draw them to His side, provide for them, and that they will use this time to get closer to their families. This includes many school teachers and staff members, and many businesses, including small businesses.

3). Pray for all supporters of Officer Darren Wilson who may consciously or subconsciously harbor racial prejudices or biases, that they God will convict them, soften their hearts, and that they will overcome fear and hate of those who look or act different because of race, disability, nationality, or anything else.

4). Pray for the Black community and others who look or act different, that they will place their hope in God, turn to Jesus in their hour of need, forgive those who have hurt them, and find true community with others who feel their pain. Pray that they will use their pain to make a difference and work to make the world a better place for all.

5). Pray for the family of Michael Brown and for many other families whose loved ones have never received justice from the courts, that they will find in God their refuge and comfort. Pray that they will be given the grace to forgive and the courage to work for change in this culture.

6). Pray for the criminals involved in this, including groups like the KKK, the Black Panthers, and other hate groups, and for the looters and the arsonists, that God will save their souls from sin. Pray that God will convict them and capture their hearts for Jesus, and that they will overcome anger, rage, bitterness, and hate. Pray that they will find that love is more powerful.

7). Protests are going on in other parts of the US and criminals are infiltrating the peaceful protests, just as they are in Ferguson. Remember these cities also in your prayers, as you pray for Ferguson.

8). Give thanks and praise to God that He can bring good out of all the chaos, just as He can in any situation. Praise Him for His sovereign grace even in this.

Let us remember that this not only about Michael Brown or Ferguson, but is about all of us!

May God help us.

How Your Church Can Welcome the Internationals Among Us

Lately, I have become aware of a matter that many of our congregations need to pay attention to. I know that some already are. I mean making an effort to reach beyond the walls of our church buildings and welcome our international friends in our communities, to our fellowships. Now I know that that some of them may belong to congregations "of their own kind." After all, as I was often told when growing up, we ought to "stich with our own kind." But is this the way that Jesus has called us to do things?

In my personal experiences in local congregations and in my research, I'm keenly aware of the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in our congregations. Sadly, from looking at many congregations, you would think that Christianity fits the stereotype of white, middle-class and "religious right wing" type demographics. You and I know that when God appeared on Earth in Christ, that He hung around with all types of people, including the diseased, the disabled, the demon-possessed, the outcasts, and even gross sinners that everyone else despised. What would His ministry look like today? Whom would he be hanging out with? I think we know the answer.

I'm convinced that God, in Christ, would be spending much time with those among us who are often called "illegals." He would be reaching out to Muslims, including radical Muslims. He would be reaching out to Buddhists, Hindus, and to those involved in Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology, Freemasonry, and other religions. He would be hanging around with Native Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, Jewish persons, and others. I don't think I need to tell you who that He wants us to do the same. The question is how. How can we get our local churches to become more diverse?

1). Pray about this matter, about what God would have your congregation do, and pray for the internationals in your community, that they would come to know Jesus through your efforts.

2). We cannot expect them to come to us; we need to go to them. This means that we need to find internationals in businesses owned by them, in international student ministries, and at global supermarkets. Listen to them and talk to them. Make friends. But a good idea is to buy the book REACHING THE WORLD IN OUR OWN BACKYARD, by Rajendra K. Pillai, and learn about interacting with internationals BEFORE taking doing this.

3). Set up small groups for internationals to answer the questions they may have about God, about Christ, and about Western culture.

4). Set up English as Second Language classes for internationals; this was done at a local congregation I used to belong to.

5). Invite international Christian Pastors and others in leadership, to speak to your congregation.

6). Pastors and others in church leadership, prioritize church funding for international ministry.

7). Once or more times a year, host an international dinner, as has been suggested in a cross-cultural ministry book. I went to such a dinner many years ago. What a blessing.

8). If you have international neighbors, form friendships with them, introduce them to Jesus and invite them to your local church.

9). Offer members, who have the option, opportunities to host an international student in their homes. Such a student can learn about Christ's love through a family's hospitality. My former congregation offered members this opportunity at little cost to the host family.

10). Allow internationals Christians in your congregation to contribute of their time and talents, even filling leadership positions. This will benefit everyone.

Many internationals are from countries that are closed to the Gospel or from areas that are hostile to it. Those who come to Christ often return to their homelands to share Jesus with their own people. We can do more for world missions by reaching the internationals among us than we can by trying to send our own to restricted countries or hostile areas where Western missionaries are not welcome. We can be missionaries right where we are!

Christians & Voting

We in the US have been focused on one thing on this Tuesday. Voting. I don't know if you have already voted, plan to vote today, or have decided not to vote because you are tired of having to choose "the lesser of two evils" or the Candidate who will "do the least damage to the country."

I know that these are the "Mid-term Elections" and that these are often not seen as important as the four-year Presidential Election. At home, I have been hearing much about Republicans and Democrats and about the merits or lack of merits of each party. I'm sure that almost all of us are turned by the frequent negative and often distorted ads, run by Candidates, trashing their opponents instead of "selling" themselves and what they themselves are passionate about. I get it if you are so turned off by politics that it does not even seem worth it to get out in the rain, take off work, or what discomfort you may have to put up with, to vote.

But there are Bible verses that tell us to "Honor the government" and to "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Periodically, the Government asks for our vote. Many lives have been given for this privilege and many people risk their lives to enter this country so they can have the right to vote. These give us some powerful reasons to take time out of what we may be doing, to vote. Yes, I know that, like me, some us live in states that make it more difficult to vote and that allow us only one day to vote. I also live very near Ferguson, which has made national headlines because of the Michael Brown shooting and the way this sad case has triggered the racial unrest that has festered in Ferguson for a long time.

I know very well that many among you, my brothers and sisters in Jesus, strongly identify with the Republican Party and see the Democratic Party as indifferent and even hostile to Christians and the things that Christians hold most dear. I have heard these feelings uttered, over and over, in local churches and Bible studies. I have read them, repeatedly, on Facebook statuses and posts, all over the internet, and reflected in causes and TV ads. Like so many of you, I share your value for the sanctity of human life (from conception to death) and for the sanctity of marriage and the family (as between male and female as created by God). But, as I read my Bible, I see the God also is very concerned about many things that the Democratic Party generally concerns itself with. He identifies with the poor, orphans, widows, immigrants, the disabled, and racial relations. Yet in voting for all Republican Candidates, I believe we overlook many issues that break God's heart and on which He has spoken. But if we vote for all Democrats, we also put the unborn, marriage, and the family at risk. I used to feel that following Jesus in the matter of voting, meant that people like myself are in a no-win situation. But are we really?

This post does not tell anyone how to vote. That is between you and God, not between you and anyone else. But so many of our precious brothers and sisters in Jesus, worldwide, are deprived of the right to vote. Their regimes do not allow free Elections. I realize also, as a woman, that many, especially among Progressives, are concerned about a "war on women." Yes, I know that things are not ideal for women even in the US. Men who are guilty of rape, domestic abuse, and sexual abuse, are often not held accountable are get off "too light." I get that. But many women throughout the world would gladly trade places with women in the US or other women in any other Western nation. So many of them are stripped of basic human rights, are little more than property and voting is just a dream to them. Just do some research on the Internet.

True, the Candidates you vote for may not get in. They may end up having to give concession speeches. The Candidates I voted for may not get elected. But for the high price that was paid for our right to vote, we need to exercise this right, knowing that no matter who gets in, ultimately it is God Who works through them to get His will done, no matter what their stance on the issues.

This is my take on this. Sincerely,

Lisa DeSherlia

Christians, What Will We Do About Halloween?

'Tis that time of year again.

In a matter of days we in the US will celebrate a day that most children look forward to and thoroughly enjoy, unless they have certain developmental or sensory issues. It is a day which festivities give dentists a huge opportunity to make massive profits off happy trick-or-treaters. It is a day that most adults tolerate "for the sake of the children to make them happy." It is not an official holiday but treated as one anyway. Yes, I'm talking about Halloween.

It has become a divisive topic in our Christian community. Should we Christians celebrate it or not?

That is a huge question. As Christ-followers, no action of ours is morally neutral. Even if we believe that what we are doing is not "black or white," to others watching us, it may be. From posts I see from brothers and sisters in Christ on Facebook, I observe that their commitment has convinced them that Halloween is displeasing to Christ and must not be celebrated in any way, even through participation in wholesome, imitation Halloween events like "trunk or treat." Many years ago, I read a book by an author whose family, upon becoming totally committed to Christ through the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit," (which included speaking in tongues and signs and wonders)refused to celebrate Halloween. Despite their explanations as to why they went against the grain of their culture, I thought that their commitment bordered on fanaticism. Now I realize that this family were willing to pat the price of following Christ even when it meant bucking cultural pressures to do so.

Christians, what ought we to do about this cultural pressure to "do the Halloween thing" because "everyone else is doing it?"

1). Remember that our first allegiance is to Christ and to His word, given in the Scriptures. True, God says nothing about Halloween in any part of His Word. But he says plenty, in both the Old and New Testament, about compromising with the world system, its values and its ways. In the West, the values of our culture consist of materialism, hedonism, and consumerism. Like any holiday, Halloween feeds these values as we have to spend money on Halloween festivities (though not nearly as much as Christmas) and then "have our Halloween fun" at designated places and especially on October 31. Do we want to go along with the world or be different and stand up for Christ?

2). We are to love others sacrificially, even when doing so will make us look a little nutty. Some people suffer or have suffered, satanic ritual abuse or have survived hellish experiences in satanic cults. Consider them this Halloween. They no doubt find this time of year to be a painful trigger for horrible memories. Some children have sensory issues that make Halloween festivities a difficult experience. They may opt not to wear costumes or even participate in this season. We ought to respect that and respect all families of children with special needs, who may even dread holidays, including Halloween. We are taking potential funds away from furthering Christ's cause on Earth or from those in need, by spending it on holiday festivities instead. At least, we can cut back for the sake of others. We are called to love!

3). We are ordered not to give Satan even a "foothold" in our lives. The occult and pagan roots of this holiday tell the Enemy of our souls, "We are setting aside a season and a day to dabble in your stuff!" Now isn't it? Think about it. Halloween may seem like "just harmless fun" but how may Stan view it? More important, how does God see it?

4). The Bible calls us to avoid even the appearance of evil. We are asked not to knowingly do anything that would "give offense" to anyone and that includes celebrating Halloween or other holidays when they can observe us. And more and more of our brothers and sisters in Jesus are against celebrating Halloween. And we are not to offend other religions either. If I'm not mistaken, Jehovah's Witnesses, who are against observing holidays or birthdays, no doubt do not celebrate Halloween either. In addition, we are not to do anything that would cause us to sin. Following Jesus will cost us. He promised it would!

5). This is not a call to reject Halloween altogether though I do not encourage anyone to engage in its festivities. I understand that we want our children to have fun on that day. The childlike among us may enjoy the holiday ourselves. We can still find ways to have our fun on that day or any time of the year, without spending money on festivities that could be saved or given to those in need of the Gospel message and/or the basics of life.

What will you do about Halloween?

Blasphemy, by Asia Bibi

This book is both a memoir and a plea for the world to hear Bib's plea for freedom. Asia Bibi, a mother of five in Pakistan, has been in prison for over five years. She was sentenced to death for blasphemy because of Pakistan's Sharia Law. Bibi was alleged to have been arguing with a few Muslim women and took a stand for the Person of Christ. Without direct evidence that she Bibi had criticized Muhammed, she was thrown in jail and sent to prison. Several years ago, Bibi, unable to read or write, dictated this book to ghostwriter Anne-Isabelle Tollet, an international reporter. The profits of this book all go directly to the family of Asia Bibi.

This ghostwritten book, authored by a condemned Christian mom in a country known for egregious crimes against our fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus, is easy to read in a literary sense. Emotionally, it is not and it was not meant to be. Bibi identifies herself as both a Christian and a Catholic. I'm aware that many of us in the Christian community view Catholicism as a cult containing false teachings, and I agree that a number of its teachings are unscriptural. But when you are in a situation of life and death, as Bibi has been in for over five years, I doubt that doctrine is central priority. Bibi is candid about her see-saw emotions and is brutally honest with herself, God and us. Unlike so many books written about martyrs and persecuted Christians, Bibi makes no effort to be stoic. This book, absent of Western influence, contains no spiritual cliches. But then, it is written in the midst of persecution rather than after the fact.

Every Christian should read this fast-paced book. I think parents should pre-read this book before handing it to teenagers to read. I assure you that this book will motivate you to take action on behalf of this Christian mom. Yes, I know that we have our domestic ministries that deserve our time and resources. We do not need to neglect those in order to take time to educate ourselves about our brothers and sisters in Jesus, worldwide, who are facing persecution. If you are able, please purchase this book, as all profits from the book are pledged to go directly to Bibi's family, who live in fear for their lives and in hiding. If you can, please buy this book from Amazon here.

Please Sign This Petition.

We Can Share Jesus' Love with Girls & Women in Asia!

Here in the West and especially in the US, many are advocating for women's rights. We are calling for pay equity, equal pay for equal work. To protect more girls and women, many want the word "rape" to be expanded as a legal definition for sexual misconduct. Many of us want tougher laws to protect women against violence. The most controversial right that women want is the "right to choose" not only in contraception but also to terminate their pregnancies. Most of these rights we want are good and right. We have come a long way in women's rights but more needs to be done.

We who follow Jesus, for the most part, agree with most of the rights women and their allies are calling for. Women should be paid as much as men for equal work, be protected against any form of sexual abuse, be able to get justice in civil or criminal court, and be safe from all violence. As Christians, we cannot in a good conscience take God seriously and join the culture in calling for the preservation of the "right to choose" to "terminate a pregnancy" when we realize what and who we are calling to be aborted. But the post is not about abortion.

Yes, some things remain unfinished in the women's rights arena even in the US. Also, as this calls for support for girls and women who are sold into sex slavery, human trafficking in the US does need more awareness and support. However, girls and women (by far the most frequent human trafficking victims) fare far worse in many countries outside the West. While we (who are women in the West) are lacking in some rights we want and encounter sexism, women outside the West often have no rights. Many of them, when they are raped, are disowned by their families. They may even be sent to prison! Talk about "blaming the victim"! When they experience abuse in their marriages, many women outside the West cannot get any protection or justice from the courts. Testify in court? They often are not allowed to do that. Two-thirds of the world's illiterate people are girls and women. Human trafficking, terrible as it is for victims in the West, is far worse for girls and women throughout the world. As horrific and tragic as all this is, many of these girls and women have never heard about Jesus' love in a way they can understand. This is true in many countries all over Asia, for example.

Gospel for Asia exists to empower native Asian missionaries to bring the Gospel message to unreached people groups. They sponsor many projects that meet the material and practical needs of Asia's unreached peoples. They pledge that 100 present of money that is designated to go to mission projects or native missionaries in Asia, will all go directly that that project or that missionary. For those of you who prefer to pay by check or money order, Gospel for Asia has a physical address. My first campaign at Gospel for Asia's website is meant to get awareness and funds for hurting girls and women who desperately need not only to be rescued from sex slavery, but also need to hear (often for the first time) about Jesus Who dies for them, loves them and yearns to know them.

Please check out my campaign here. If you cannot give financial support, please share this post widely!

Thank you,

Lisa DeSherlia

People with Disabilities: An Unreached People Group?

Today, in our Christian community and especially in the mission-minded community, we hear about "people groups." We also speak of "unreached people groups." If you are familiar with that term, you know that this refers to groups of people who share things in common (ethnicity, religion, tribe, location, lifestyle and more). Furthermore these are people who are estimated to have few Christ-followers compared to their numbers. Usually when we think of "people groups," we think of those who share in common race, ethnicity, or tribal identity. But are we missing something?

What about a people group among us whom we may never have thought of?

People with disabilities. I mean visible disabilities like blindness, using wheelchairs, missing limbs, severe cognitive impairments or more. I mean invisible disabilities like autism, Asperger's Syndrome, epilepsy, mild intellectual disabilities and more. I wonder if your observations and research have been turned up conclusions like mine?

I have belonged to and visited multiple congregations throughout my life. I have browsed Christian bookstores. I have read many Christian books. I have also read, and base much of my prayer life on, books on missions. I have consistently noticed one common denominator. While there is an rightful, expanding awareness of the need to reach out to the ever-increasing immigrants among us with Jesus' love I see little awareness to likewise reach out to the millions in the disability community. I'm talking about the many people who have visible disabilities (blindness, orthopedic disabilities, severe mental disabilities, loss of limbs) and invisible disabilities (deafness, mild intellectual disabilities, learning differences, autism, epilepsy, and more). I think I can understand the reason for this neglect.

I know. I know. It takes time and effort for Pastors, church leaders and church members to educate ourselves about the various disabilities and how they work with those who deal with the people who face them. This is especially true in the case of invisible disabilities. And, even if we educate ourselves, it will cost money and moving out of our comfort zones to make accommodations for certain disabilities. To give blind persons accommodations, audio books and Braille materials must be offered. To give deaf people accommodations, interpreters and members who know sign language will need to be available. To welcome those who use wheelchairs, the church build will need to be ramped. I can go on and on.

In my past experience, both as a church member and in research on available Christ-centered resources and church awareness, I have noticed that the Christian community has long been aware of the challenges of children and, less often, adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Schools have been able and willing to give children with that diagnosis accommodations. In an earlier congregation, however, I heard horror stories of parents with children diagnosed with autism or Asperger's Syndrome. They tried their children out in the church-based school that this congregation affiliated with. The educators were ill-equipped to deal with autism or Asperger's. This was the same situation in another congregation, which offered accommodations so limited that only one part-time reading/speech therapist was available to the church-based school (rated a Blue Ribbon school!). As I browsed Christian bookstores, I found very few resources about disabilities and the Christian community. The few that had been written, were addressed to church leaders to welcome those with the more severe, visible disabilities. With the exception of Joni Eareckson Tada, herself a person with a severe visible disability, very few materials have been written by people with disabilities for the Christian community.

Yes, I know that things are improving. I know of congregations which have special needs ministries and/or small groups for people with disabilities. I know that some churches are trying and need to be given credit for that. I salute them. Yet in proportion to the millions of people with some kind of visible or invisible disability, many do not belong to congregations and fewer are active in them or fill leadership positions including on church boards. I guess most do not see that there is any place in our local churches for them. Many may indeed long to serve God through a local Church but may feel unwelcome so they may stay home on Sunday mornings. I think it is easier to accommodate and welcome those with the more severe, visible disabilities because the need is obvious. But I have heard of many families of autistic children, and autistic adults themselves. They say that they avoid local churches because they do not feel welcome there or by the Christian community in general. Many have taken to finding Christian fellowship online. But virtual fellowship can do only so much for us socially or spiritually.

To accomplish this task of doing much more to welcome people with disabilities is a huge task. Like anything else we are asked to do, it will be a sacrifice of time, effort, creativity and money. But God tells us it will be worth it. He says, "Accept others as you have been accepted, then God will be glorified." (Romans 15:7, NIV).

National Association of the Deaf

Autism Society

Epilepsy Foundation

Invisible Disabilities Association

The Arc: For People with Intellectual and developmental Disabilities

And you can search for much more on Google!

The Good vs. the Best

Going out to eat or using the same money to give to persecuted believers.

Watching a fun, clean show or obeying God's nudge to pray.

Enjoying a chewing gum habit or giving it up to sponsor a child.

Curling up with a good book or using the time calling a lonely friend.

Giving a child a pricy iPhone or giving her your time and listening ear.

Staying put in one's place or following God's call to become a missionary.

Getting a child in extracurricular activities or taking him on a servant project.

Staying in one's comfort zone or obeying God's call to reach out to a needy person.

Eating three healthy meals a day or skipping meals to give more.

Ignoring a person who hurt you or reaching out to forgive and love him.

In life, whether as Christians or non-Christians, we know that it can be challenging at times to know what is the right thing to do. If you grew up in the 1970's, you may, like I had, been introduced to something called "situation ethics." You know, if it feels good, do it. If it does not ostensibly hurt anyone else, it's okay. Today, it seems that we have turned right vs. wrong on its head. To make matters more complicated, if we seek to follow Jesus into Biblical Christianity (as opposed to the cultural variety), we know that we are not only being commanded to reject the wrong and embrace the right. We are often faced with the challenge to choose what God deems as best vs. what we consider as best.
God's best. Our second-best.

The examples I started out with, among many others, do not involve black and white choices. Few people would criticize us for sticking with the logical choices on the left. You know, choices that benefit us in this life. While all of us Christians, like anyone else, fight temptations to do wrong and are commanded to not yield to temptation, God has a higher standard for our lives than to avoid wrongdoing. Far higher standards. Yes, like you, I struggle with this often! When I read about the life of Christ or about the bold faith of persecuted brothers and sisters in Him, worldwide, I'm convicted as well as encouraged. It all lets me know the very high standards God has for our behavior. God calls on us to not only avoid sin and be nice, decent people who love our families and be good, patriotic citizens. He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow His Son. He calls on us to live lives of total devotion to Him and selfless love for others, all others and no matter how they treat us or who they are. He does not call us to a life of ease, fun, or lack of conflict.

The world says that what is best is what benefits us now.

God says that what is best for us what He does through us for others and He promises future rewards, including His "Well done," plus His pleasure in this life. We often will keep facing tough choices. But He tells us that if we choose His best, it will be worth it!

Please visit The Voice of the Martyrs website to learn about believers all over the world who choose God's best and pay a high price for it. Go here.

Are We Involved in a Culture War?

I hear it constantly, especially in the media. I'm sure you do, too.

We hear about how we in the West are involved in "a culture war." If you are in the US, especially, you know that our current President is often seen as unfriendly, even hostile, to the Christian community. Some are even speculating that he is "the Anti-Christ" and that his signature health care initiative is heralding the "Mark of the Beast" and the ushering in of The New World Order and "a one world government." Really?

Many Christians seem to be focused on two moral issues as defining evidence as proof that we are involved in what they deem as culture war against our decadent, pagan world. These two issues are abortion and homosexuality. To speak of them more positively, the focus lies on the sanctity of all human life and on marriage as being between a man and a woman. Yes, I get it. Yes, I agree with those of you, brothers and sisters in Jesus; the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments, have spoken clearly on both of these. Abortion is never mentioned in Scripture, but it is clear that God sees us as people from the time we are conceived. This is clear in the Old Testament Psalm 139 and in the Gospel story of Jesus' mother Mary and cousin Elizabeth, when they met and Jesus' cousin "leapt for joy in the womb" at meeting his divine Cousin-Savior in utero. It was clear when Elizabeth called her pregnant cousin Mary "the mother of my Lord." God clearly speaks against homosexuality both in the Old and New Testaments. Jesus, in answering a question by the Pharisees, affirmed that "From the beginning, God made marriage between male and female." The homosexual lifestyle is not commended, but is condemned in the Bible. Yes, both "abortion rights" and "GBLT rights" are widely accepted in out culture and any Christian who denounces them, even in love, is considered "hateful" and "judgmental." So where does this leave those of us who really believe we are in a culture war?

We need to bear in mind that we live in a culture where most people have worldviews and value systems far different from ours. I guess that is where the term "culture war" comes from. But should we focus on fighting some culture war? It is true that we are commanded to not love the world system and its ways because love for culture is incompatible with loving God. Yet in "fighting the culture wars," many Christians seem to believe that filling Washington with politicians of "the right party" will "reclaim our country and take it in the right direction." While we Christians are to be in the world but not of it and to be a part of all parts of culture, is looking to Washington the answer to "reclaiming America for Christ?" The Great Commission that Jesus gives us calls us to go to, teach and disciple individuals. I know that it is easy to believe that legislation and the election of "the right political leaders" does help, to a point. We can sign petitions and create them, write to politicians and even lobby them, and elect those we want to power. These help but only in a limited way. They do not change hearts. Only prayer and the power of God working in individual lives in answer to prayer, can do that. Has it occurred to us that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world cannot even afford to think in terms of "fighting a culture war"? In the absence of freedom, they focus on dependence on God and each other, prayer, and giving their all to Him no matter what the price to themselves. They know that the battle belongs to God, not to us!

I do not want to give the wrong idea to those Christians who call themselves "progressive Christians." I'm talking to those who value tolerance and diversity very much and who may think Christians may be able to be both Christian and homosexual, or who may even condone "abortion rights" in the name of women's equal rights. If I'm to be true to God and the Scriptures, then I must say that you cannot condone the homosexual lifestyle or abortion and call yourself a Christ-follower. I can understand why you would accept these two sins as "alternate values" but God has a higher standard for our behavior than we do. No, we are not to obsess on fighting some culture war but neither are we to let it the world so shape our worldview that we are more like culture than like Christ. No, we are to wholeheartedly follow Christ Who has overcome the world.

Praise God, if we know and follow Christ, we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us!

Tortured For Christ, by Richard Wurmbrand

Richard Wurmbrand, now deceased, wrote this book to raise awareness of global religious persecution. Initially written in the 1960's, it was this book that that informed people in the West of the extent of the religious persecution of Christians worldwide. Having experienced years of imprisonment and torture in Communist Romania, this book focuses on the persecution of believers in the former Soviet Union. But with the brutal persecution of many Christians in remaining Communist nations like North Korea and China and Christians' often brutal persecution in many Islam-dominated nations, this book remains as relevant as ever. Through graphic but concise stories of his own sufferings and that of other believers, Wurmbrand calls Christians in the West to action on behalf of those facing global religious persecution.

This book, being a clarion call to action, is not comfortable reading nor is it entertaining. Emotionally that is. Though easy and fast reading, Wurmbrand's book is said to "have no literary value" yet have a message that "the world must hear." When I first read this book in the early 1970's, I was stunned but I saw the author and the subjects of his book, persecuted believers, as possessing an unbelievable faith that I could never attain though I admired them for theirs. When I read the 30th anniversary edition 30 years later, it still had a profound impact on me. This time, having come to take God much more seriously than I did when I was a teen growing up in the 1970's, I was stirred to action and advocacy and to prayer. Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) the nonprofit that Wurmbrand had founded, offers a free newsletter which I signed up for. VOM serves persecuted Christians worldwide, as well as bringing the Gospel to people inside hostile nations. I found myself very challenged in my faith and praying that even if I never have to undergo such tortures as this author and so many others did and still do, that God would make me into a person whose faithfulness equaled theirs. This book has definite emotional and spiritual impact.

I recommend this book for all Christians and for especially all Christians. Through reading this book, non-Christians may become curious about Christ and how He can inspire people to be so willing to suffer unspeakable tortures for Him. Non-Christians in the West may find in this book Biblical Christianity exemplified in the lives of so many Christians worldwide and may embrace Christ. I especially recommend this book for all Christians. Through all the accounts of sacrificial faithfulness in the midst of unspeakable suffering, this book convicts us Western Christians of buying into a culture of materialism and consumerism and allowing these to infiltrate our Christian lives and our local Western churches. Through these stories Christians are called to awareness and action on behalf of persecuted believers all over the world. Through feeding on these stories of believers whose cultures are alien to our consumerism and and materialism, we find ourselves greatly encouraged in our faith as we are continually challenged in it.

Best of all, you can get this book FREE. Voice of the Martyrs offers the book FREE to anyone who requests it. Please request your copy here.

How Should We Christians Respond to ISIS & to Terrorists In General?

Over a week ago, the US President had said of them, in an effort to appease all who want action taken against them: "We are devising a strategy to neutralize and degrade our enemies. We will stop them. The US Vice President was even more direct: "We will pursue them to the gates of Hell if needed. Hell is where these people will spend eternity!" Many people have railed against them, setting up petitions, "Stop This Enemy!" And others have remained totally silent on this enemy, fearful that denouncing them would tar peace-loving fellow religious adherents with the same broad brush.

Yes. I'm talking about ISIS.

In my network, many bothers and sisters in Jesus are speaking out about ISIS and the horrible atrocities that they have been committing. It's clear that they want to expand their atrocities beyond the Middle East, using the Internet to lure future victims. According to even mainstream media, ISIS is even recruiting small children into their "cause" of terrorism!

Sociopathy or psychopathy alone do not explain those who get involved in radical terrorism, including ISIS. Have you ever wondered what goes into the makings of most terrorists, including ISIS members? According to studies, many of these terrorists in Muslim or other regimes are recruited into terrorism as small children! They are typically taught to hate us in the West and are brainwashed into believing that we are the Enemy who are actually out to destroy THEM. They are recruited not knowing any other way to believe or act. They become unthinking, unfeeling robots who, with their brainwashed minds, actually believe that they are "doing their God" a favor by "killing His enemies and traitors." Home-grown terrorists, on the other hand and on Western soil, are often recruited by terrorists; this may happen when they travel or network online with terrorists. These terrorists seem like roaches in that we struggle to get rid of them. They give their all to their "cause," evil as it is. Isn't this something we can learn from them, to give our all to the Cause of Christ?

We know that the governments' role in combating terrorism is to use force to eliminate it, even if military force is needed to make it happen. But what is our role, as Christians, in combating terrorism and in how we view terrorists, including members of ISIS?

We know that we Christians operate under the invisible Kingdom of God that reigns in our hearts and lives. That means that yes, we are to speak out against the evil of ISIS and other terrorists. It also means that we are to pray for the Christian conversions of terrorists, much like "Saul to Paul," modern-day Damascus road conversions. After all, the ancient Saul, who became Paul, was an ancient terrorist and violent persecutor of Christians. His mission was to rid the world of Christians! When he was radically converted to Christ, his extreme zeal against Christians turned to extreme zeal for their Lord. God aims to get rid of terrorism, not by eliminating terrorists but by eliminating their wickedness.

Can't God do with ISIS members and terrorists what He did with Paul?

To learn how to help persecuted Christians and bring the Gospel to hostile nations, visit Voice of the Martyrs, Inc.. This photo was originally found here.

The Privilege of Persecution, by Dr. Carl A. Moeller and Rev. David W. Hegg

This book is an address to the Christian Church in the West but specifically to American Christians. It was written by Dr. Carl A. Moeller, the US President of Open Doors, USA, a Christian nonprofit that serves persecuted Christians all over the world, through advocacy, awareness and direct support and assistance. It is co-written by Rev. David W. Hegg, a seminary Professor. Together, these authors take the reader through six Christian disciplines. These are God's Word, worship and church life, prayer and dependence, community life affecting following Christ, authority structures and stewardship of all we have. The authors hold the persecuted Church up to us as examples as to how they excel in all these areas, and how most of us American Christians get it wrong.

This whole book, derived from Dr. Carl Moeller's direct experience with the global, persecuted Church and Rev. David Hegg's theological expertise, is mostly exhortation and rebuke. I found the book easy to read but emotionally tough to digest. Dr. Moeller, with all his direct experience, knows what he is talking about, so I had to concede that the global Church, as a rule, excels beyond us in the US, in most ways. Yes, in a very deep way, we need them far more than they need us. Their organic and raw discipleship is far closer to the Biblical model of Church, than what we have in the US. Yet I didn't like the tone of the whole book, which came off as "shame on you" and overgeneralizing. I would think, are we American Christians this bad? To be fair, the authors did offer a disclaimer, at the beginning of the book, that they are not talking about all American Christians as some are truly faithful to Christ. They imply that these faithful are not the rule, though. As I took some offense when the authors, in the last chapter, said that donors "should travel" to visit the sites where those they support serve. Maybe that's just me, as I'm unable to travel. Yet I know that the message is spot-on and that many of us can vastly improve and learn so much from our severely persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm amazed at what God has done in many of their lives, according to countless stories.

This book is written for Christians primarily. Non-Christians who may stumble on it, will no doubt cheer, thinking, "You give it to those hypocrites for us!" This book, co-written by an author who spends many of his days comforting the afflicted persecuted global Church, writes this book to afflict the comfortable American Christian Church. I recommend this book for all Christians who have become complacent in their walk with God, and I recommend it for the many Christians who are unaware of the plight of their persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. I also recommend this book to local churches which want to become more effective corporately and help their members grow as Christians.

The Voice of the Martrys

The Voice of the Martyrs



Want to help victims of ISIS in a practical way? Visit this site and learn how. Buy a T-Shirt that uses that ISIS symbols that give victims an ultimatum: Convert to Islam, pay a high fine, flee or die! These shirts, costing $20 a piece, designate $10 a shirt directly to Iraq.

What Position Should Christians Take on the Michael Brown Shooting?

I had thought that the highly divisive case of George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin was spitting our nation and maybe our churches, often along racial and political lines. I remember how bitterly uncivil our conversations could get when any mention of either name was mentioned. Even in our family and in our local congregation, we refrained from mentioning the case because of the controversies. Currently, a case, located very close to where I live--Ferguson, Missouri--has proved to be just as controversial and divisive. We hesitate to discuss the case even with family or close friends whom we sense may disagree with us.

I'm talking about the Officer Darren Wilson/Michael Brown case.

Since this current case broke over two weeks ago, it has continued to unfold. I remember when I first heard about the 18 year old being gunned down, and that it happened right in my area. I learned about it in the local morning news; later in the day it was mentioned in the national news. That evening, we were saddened to watch our local news show, in real-time, the looting that took place, that night, in response to the shooting. A couple family members dismissed the perpetrators as thugs: "They are scumbags. They don't care about that teenager who was just killed; they just want to steal from stores and cause trouble." It didn't do any good for me to counter: "There is no excuse for that and they are just giving that community a bad name. But these people probably grew up with hopelessness from the beginning; they don't see anything to look forward to and so they decide to grab all the gusto they can." The offending officer had kept his name secret for over a week. We still know little about him, except that he was divorced, had no disciplinary history, and claims that he shot Brown in self-defense, feeling bad about "having to do so." From the beginning, protesters have been marching in the streets to call for justice for Brown and to end unjustified police shootings. One or two autopsies reveal that Brown was shot at least six times. And this case continues to unfold before our eyes.

In this over this past week, dozens and dozens of arrests were done in Ferguson. Police officers, heavily armed, arrested even journalists just doing their jobs and one protester who was a Holocaust survivor. Protesters, often harassed by cops and pepper-sprayed, marched in the streets to show their anger and frustration at the devaluing of Black lives. This recent shooting, the last straw in long line of cases of the shooting of Blacks who had not gotten any justice, has drawn the Black community together. Our Missouri Governor, Jay Nixon, even called for a curfew and declared a state of disaster. Later, he summoned the National Guard and Ferguson looked like a scene out of the Middle East. Most of this has died down, fortunately. The St. Louis Prosecutor on this Brown case, having lost a loved one at the hands of a Black youth and with strong ties to police officers, is seen to be unable to be unbiased on this case. Yet even after many of us signed a petition for him to resign, he rejected the 70,000 signatures and our Governor, Jay Nixon, said no to calls to ask him to step down. Currently, an audiotape, currently unconfirmed as legitimate, reveals up to ten or eleven gunshots were fired and a conversation was engaged in at the time. Who knows what will be learned tomorrow?

I have seen many comments that have been trashing Brown, just like Martin was trashed when his case was front and center. Even in a Christian publication, Brown was called a "thug" just as Martin was called a "thug" on a Christian pro-life Facebook page. Brothers and sisters in Christ, would Jesus have referred to anyone, let alone any teen gunned down, as a "thug"? I don't think He would. Maybe we should not, either, whatever we may think of Brown or Martin or other victims who have been exposed as not living squeaky-clean lives. What can a video of thievery or possibly doctored photos tell us about the character of a person, anyway? In the case of Brown, when the suspect cop released his name, he released a video that sparked outrage in the Black community because it made Brown look bad. In the video, Brown was involved in stealing and assault of a store clerk minutes before he was shot and killed. In the Trayvon Martin case, Zimmerman supporters hacked into Martin's supposed Twitter account, which showed pics of Martin flipping his "birdie," puffing on marijuana and brandishing a gun. It showed tweets full of foul language. I cannot count the number of times when Christians have posted articles that posted articles that cast Martin as a person who caused his own death, and that capitalized on that leaked material from his supposed Twitter account. An account that may have been hacked. Hacking websites is a felony and can crime-based "evidence" be the basis to discern anything? Christian Pastors have criticized Martin and defended Zimmerman. Is it no surprise to us that, sadly, many Blacks are converting to Islam because they are being turned off by many of us in the Christian Church?

What can we do about this? Here are some steps to regaining credibility with more people in the Black community: Listen to Black people, especially those closest to us. If we are Caucasian, we need to admit the reality of "white privilege," even those of us who may feel oppressed in other ways, because of disabilities, gender or class. We need to apologize for "the sins of our fathers," and maybe our own (if applicable). We need to talk about racism and admit that it remains alive and well. We need to pray for loving Christian ministry among those in the inner-city ghettos and be willing to become an answer to our prayers if called to be that.

And as for our law enforcement, they need better race relations understanding and training in difficult situations, involving people with racial or disability differences or other differences. Police shootings based on poor training needs to stop. As suggested, maybe more Blacks should be encouraged to become police officers. If you are tired of hearing about Michael Brown and Ferguson, think about how those with racial and other differences are tired of how so many in law enforcement deal with them.

Time will not make this racial discussion go away. Only prayer and action will. Aren't we tired about hearing of Micheal Browns or Trayvon Martins?

Why We Christians Must Pay Attention to Iraq & Radical Islam

It has been a few weeks that many of us in the Christian community have been aware of a genocide. It has been unfolding in the international news. It has finally gotten President Obama's attention. Many of us, who follow the news of persecuted believers worldwide, have been aware of this growing war for awhile before that. One nonprofit states that they saw this exact thing coming years in advance. This is being driven by a radical element. An element that shows signs of impacting us in the West if we do not become proactive in educating ourselves and speaking up.

I'm talking global persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, and radical Islam.

According to my Facebook experience, persecution nonprofits have hundreds of thousands of page "likes" on their pages. That is good. But there are millions of people, in the US alone, who call themselves Christians. In over the past week, in my Facebook Newsfeed, I have seen far more posts about the police shooting of eighteen year old Michael Brown than I have about the atrocities going on in Iraq at this time, let alone the crimes against our brothers and sisters in Jesus (and other religious minorities) in other parts of the world. Yes, Michael Brown was a young man whom Jesus loved and died for, and God's heart was broken, is broken, at his death. He is grieved at is what has been going on in Ferguson, Missouri, for over a week. But our national and international media, which was faithfully covering the radical Muslim (known as ISIS) atrocities against the Iraqi people last week, has been covering the Michael Brown case far more now. What does this say about us, whether Christians or non-Christians?

Obviously, many of us are much more drawn to or energized by sensational and controversial cases like Michael Brown. Persecution against religious minorities, mostly our brothers and sisters in Jesus, cannot be sensationalized like many of our domestic celebrity scandals or many of our true crime stories. Coverage of radical Islamists and their acts of terror cannot be sensationalized and we universally denounce their acts of terror. The media give us what we want to hear, what fascinates us. The horrors of global persecution of fellow believers and the terrorist acts of radical Islamists plain do not fascinate even most of us Christians. Maybe it is because these terrorists and their victims seem distant and unreal to us. Maybe it is because it is all so depressing to think about it. I know that many of us and our families are facing real problems. Though we believe God, we may not want to hear any more problems. We may not feel that speaking out against the atrocities of radical Islamists or persecuted fellow believers, are "our calling." After all, as Christians, we are focused on other worthy missions. That is wonderful. But does that rule out taking time to educate ourselves about global religious persecution and about probably the greatest world religion enemy of Christians (and of all people, including moderate Muslims)--radical Islam.

Besides, what does radical Islam have to do with us in the West? How does it affect us, anyway?

Sadly, it has taken the recent beheading of a courageous American journalist, to bring this home and get more of us to take seriously the atrocities that have already been going on for many weeks. Guess what? Radical Islamists do not wish to stop there, either. Noise is being made about their plans to bring more of this to the West. Plans are made to traffic girls in parts of Western Europe, and to attack more and more interests of the US. Will we ever learn, not only nationally, but also spiritually?

We know, as Christians, that we have been called to care for those in need. We are called to "Remember those in chains, as though bound with them." And yet, it seems that many, maybe most, Pastors and members are silent on global religious persecution. I have never heard it preached from a pulpit, ever. I have never heard it discussed in any Bible study. I suspect that many in my network on Facebook, who call themselves believers, appear not to see my posts that pertain to the persecution of our global Church family, or my invitations to join my Facebook group. I read a recent book about the radical Muslim war against Christians, with many, many heartbreaking stories about atrocities against Christians all over the world, including children. The author, Raymond Ibrahim, states that ignorance of global religious persecution not only enables radical Islamists to persecute Christians all the more, but this can empower these terrorists to Islamize us in the West! Is that what we want? There are graphic, heart-wrenching photos of instances of this savage persecution, including adults holding a child's dead body. Some of us may have heard of the stories of the genocide of religious minorities, mostly our brothers and sisters in Christ. But we may believe we are helpless and unable to do a thing, so why bother trying? But there are things we can do to educate ourselves about radical Islam and about global religious persecution. May I share a few with you?

Educate yourself about radical Islam here.

If you use Facebook, join this group.

To learn about persecuted Christians and how to show them your support, go here.

A Few Ways to Help Iraq

So much has been happening over these past few days involving loss of life. A senseless shooting near my area that was done by the powerful against the powerless. An apparent suicide by a beloved celebrity who seemed to have everything to live for. But one situation is more urgent, more desperate, more disturbing and more heartbreaking. Why? The murders are being committed on a mass scale. The victims are our brothers and sisters in Christ (for the most part). The survivors are suffering endlessly.

If you have been following the news at all, you have heard about the dire situation in Iraq. You may have seen the heartbreaking and graphic images of suffering, terror and bloodshed. You may, like me, wrestle with feelings of helplessness and perplexity. You may admire the heroic efforts of those who are right there, on the ground, helping these endlessly suffering individuals. You, like me, are probably in no position to go and help our suffering brothers and sisters in Jesus. If you have been hearing about the beheading of children, the raping and murders of women, and the hangings of men, you are no doubt sickened, disgusted and heartbroken. Yet what can we ordinary people do to begin to be a solution?

1). Pray, pray, pray. We can all pray, as Christians. We need to pray that God will use these horrors to open the hearts of radical and moderate Muslims and grant many "Saul to Paul" conversions to many Muslims in and out of Iraq. We need to pray that survivors of these horrors will be given safety, shelter, care, and peace. Let's pray for God's mercy and comfort the Christians remaining in Iraq, many elderly or disabled and forced to convert to Islam. WE need to call on God to deliver Iraq. God uses our prayers to work His wonders!

2). Advocacy. Get the word out and tell others! It is clear that use of social media for advocacy can make a powerful difference, and the more we post about this, the more people will be reminded that this is not going away and remains urgent! You can start with sharing this post. If you use Facebook, join my group right here.

3). Give. If you feel it in your heart to do this, there are two nonprofits that exist to serve our persecuted brothers and sisters in Jesus all over the world. Both have accessible giving tabs if you elect to give online. They have physical addresses for those who prefer to send checks or money orders. These nonprofits are Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors.

The time clock keeps ticking for these believers, even as they will need help over the long haul. WE can help, at least in the first two ways.

Are Sociopaths and Sex Offenders Beyond Redemption?

A psychological condition or a character trait that cannot be rehabilitated? A Pattern of behavior that is impossible to change? Yes to both. When most of us, even Christians, discuss or think of certain traits of character or certain behaviors, we put them in a class of their own. "This person is beyond rehabilitation. Put him or her away forever. Change is not possible" or "This person will re-offend; you can count on it. Lock him or her up and throw away the key." Are some people just incapable of change?

The Belief of Who Cannot Be Rehabilitated

Persons exposed as sex offenders are almost universally believed to be people who cannot learn new attitudes and behaviors and change course in life. Most of us, Christian and non-Christian, would (and may have said) "They will re-offend." "People like that will never change." "That is the way they are and that is why they must be kept away from us and our children." I don't think I need to define who sex offenders are, except that while many target women, many others target girls or boys. Sociopaths are psychopaths, especially if officially diagnosed, are seen as "incurable." Sociopathy (defined as the condition in relation to the society the person lives in) and psychopathy (defined as in relation of the person to his own emotional state) are defined as the "lack of a conscience" and the "inability of a person to feel or exhibit empathy." I have heard so many commentators and talk show hosts and guests say that no person with either of these conditions can ever change, as "by definition" they lack the conscience that would even motivate them to change. But are sex offenders and sociopaths actually unable to change? How would the Bible address that?

Sin, Repentance & Transformation

From a purely human standpoint, these persons and indeed all of us, are hopeless. Left to ourselves and our own powers, we are unable to change our motives, attitudes, and behaviors. "People like that do not change," is often said of many people with life-dominating character flaws. Left to ourselves, that statement is true of any of us. It does NOT matter if the sin is pedophilia or gossiping. It does not matter if the sin is sociopathy or greed. It does not matter if the sin is psychopathy or pride. Jesus taught, "Everyone who sins is a slave of sin." He said that not to any notorious sinner, but to the self-righteous religious leaders! He was talking about them, specifically, but he had anyone without Him in mind. But He added, "But if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed!" May I suggest That this would include any sex offender or psychopathy, who truly repents of their sin and trusts in Jesus to save them from its power, as that promise applies to any of us?

Forgiven People May Have to Face Consequences

The fact that even violent or "gross" sinners can be forgiven and live changed lives, does not negate one fact of life! Forgiven sinners may still have to face consequences, often for the protection of society. Years ago, Karla Faye Tucker, who brutally murdered a woman, had to face execution. This was in spite of the fact that, during her imprisonment, she professed to have receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior. But even she had embraced the fact that she was forgiven and had found peace in that, her obviously changed heart made her willing to face her execution, though she had expressed a desire to be kept alive "so I can share Jesus with other prison inmates." Karla faced her death with peace. I had seen and her as she was facing her final moments. Convicted sex offenders and murderers and other criminals, even when they turn to Jesus as Lord and Savior, should still face the consequences of their crimes. This is to protect society and to keep people free of fear. Also, we Christians retain our sinful natures until death and are subject to temptation. But, praise God, redemption is possible for all, despite the need to maybe face the fallout from our wrong acts or poor choices!
Praise God!

Is It Unloving to Tell People About Hell?

There is one teaching in Scripture that I sincerely wish did not exist. It would be so comforting if it wasn't in the Bible! But, oh, brothers and sisters in Christ, this very somber, uncomfortable teaching is in Scripture! Guess what? Jesus, Love Personified, talked about it more than almost any other subject! I truly wish that this teaching did not exist. Sadly, I see it all over the Bible. There is no way of evading it. It is heartbreaking to know that it is real and that many people will experience it!

I'm talking about the teaching about Hell.

Yes, I realize that it is unpopular, even in the Christian community, to broach the topic of Hell. If you are like me, you may have never heard your Pastor preach a sermon on this topic. It does not make for drawing crowds and most Pastors long to fill their church pews every Sunday. Is that not so? A number of books have been written by people who claim to have died (or almost died) and have been to Heaven. These books are almost always very popular with the public. And almost all of us, my brothers and sisters in Christ, would far rather talk about Heaven than to mention Hell. We fear that we will turn people off. After all, it is considered politically correct, by our culture, that a good, loving God would never send anyone to Hell. Now would He? But this topic is often neglected, even avoided, by many Pastors and by most in the pews. I understand this avoidance. So many of us have been turned off by "hellfire and brimstone" preaching of the past. "Turn or burn!" AS a child growing up, I have been approached by street preachers warning, "Repent or be damned by God!" Like most people, I tuned it all out. No, in most cases, God will not call us to walk up to people and challenge them, "Repent or else you will go to Hell." At least not at first.

We love to say how real Heaven is. Many people believe that all of us are automatically headed for Heaven. There is a belief system, called Universalism, which declares that everyone, no matter what he or she believes, is going to Heaven. How comforting a teaching this is! The only trouble is, the Bible does not teach this. Nor does Jesus, the compassionate, loving Second Person of the Trinity, teach this. Jesus, in fact, taught about a broad road to hell that most people are on" and that the "way to life is narrow and few find it." Even if people agree that Hell is real, they may rationalize it or soften its unsettling impact by subscribing to a teaching called Annihilation, which tells us that those who go to Hell simply stop existing. Ah, I can find little in Scripture that supports this teaching. Rather, the Bible and Jesus teach that those who dwell in Hell will suffer alone, fully conscious of this suffering, and will suffer forever. Hell will be more horrible than we can possibly imagine, just as Heaven will be more wonderful than we can conceive. But do you get why God created Hell?

God is eternally loving. Of that there is no doubt. But He is also eternally holy. He must punish sin and those who commit it. He can't tolerate any sin in HIs holy dwelling. He had to take action to make it possible to be with Him in Heaven. He loves us so much that, in Jesus, He came to Earth to live a perfect human life and to die in our place, so we would be with Him in Heaven instead of Hell. Now, the only thing that sends us to Hell is rejecting God's plan of forgiveness--Jesus as Savior and Lord. I would rather not blog about Hell, post about it, or mention it in conversation. I know that some people, in talking about despised criminals, tend to say this, "Let him or her rot in prison and then after death, let them rot in Hell!" In frustration or anger, we may order someone, "Go to Hell!" And some may even joke about Hell, saying, "I will be playing poker in Hell with my buddies." Reader, if we know what Hell is actually like and believe what the Bible teaches about it, we will never say those things or wish Hell even on our worst enemies. If we are serious about being Christlike, may I suggest that this includes warning people about Hell and how they can avoid it?

To learn more, visit 23 Minutes in Hell.

Don't Conclude that You Can't Help the Severely Persecuted Until You Read This

You have no doubt heard or are aware of all the world's atrocities. The ongoing Middle East violence and inhumanity. The violence and hostility in the Ukraine. Disturbing and graphic stories of violence in Syria. One recent and one current Malaysian plane crash with no survivors. The heart-wrenching crisis of thousands of children crossing the US border to escape the horrors of their homelands. What the news rarely mentions is that Christians in many of these countries are caught in the middle of all that and probably suffer most of all. You may be thinking, It's all so massive and dire, what can I do about it?

One Christian wife and mom, in Pakistan, needs your help. You can help her. It's simple.

This sister in Christ is named Asia Bibi. For a little over five years she has been in a Pakistani prison, awaiting a death sentence. What was Asia's "crime"? It dates back to June 19, 2009. That day, Asia and other ladies were debating theological matters. When a lady, according to Voice of the Martyrs (a Christian nonprofit that serves the persecuted), championed Islam, Asia countered, "Our Jesus is alive. Our Christ sacrificed for our sins...Our Christ is alive." The ladies, growing angry, assaulted Asia. Males bystanders, locking her in a room, threatened to punish her. Trying to protect Asia, local Christians call the police. Asia was taken into protective custody. Despite pleas not to charge Asia with blasphemy and due to pressure by Muslim authorities, Asia was charged with blasphemy anyway.

After a long trial, a judge sentenced Asia to death on November 10, 2010. She was fined $1190 (US currency). Despite the advocacy of Salmaan Taseer (Panjubi governor) and that of Shahbaz Bhatti (Christian cabinet member of Pakistan), Asia remains in prison and awaits a death sentence. Her two advocates were killed for their efforts to assist her. Asia is only one believer who is jailed or imprisoned for because they bear Christ's Name and have identified as Christians. Only one. In China, a Christian leader has been imprisoned for six years. IN more recent months, the media, to their credit, have covered the story of Meriam Ibrahim, a Christian wife and mom who was also put in prison and sentenced to death for identifying as a Christian. She was charged as an apostate. That was in Sudan. The media have kept Meriam in the news and the massive advocacy and international pressure on her behalf have pressured Sudan to release Meriam. Meriam, her husband and their two small children remain in a US Embassy in Sudan and await government approval to leave Sudan and enter the US. Every signature of petitions set up for Meriam, every share of those petitions, and every effort to support nonprofits advocating for her, every letter written on her behalf, have saved Meriam's life. What can such united efforts and advocacy do for other people who have no voice?

Asia remains in prison. Because two sympathetic authorities already were killed in the attempt to advocate for her, other are afraid to assist her. But, maybe we can still help. There is a petition to the Pakistani authorities that has the goal of collecting 1,000,000 signatures before taking it to those authorities. Please sign it here. Thank you!

The above photo of Asia is courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs, Inc..