From: Gospel for Asia

Pray for kidnapped GFA Missionary in Assam, India

ASSAM, INDIA

Dear Friend in Christ,

We are asking you to pray fervently for Gospel for Asia missionary Haresh Kujur, who was kidnapped by anti-Christian extremists Saturday evening. The extremists took the pastor from the GFA-related church in Assam, India, where he serves as pastor.

Haresh was leading a youth meeting when the kidnapping occurred. We have few details about the kidnapping, and are unsure where the militants have taken him.

Please pray for this missionary and his family. Also pray for the kidnappers, that they would come to know the Lord.

Yours for the unreached,

K.P. Yohannan Founder & President

For more information

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for CHINA

CHINA 21 House Church Leaders Simultaneously Sentenced to Labor Camp - China Aid Association
China Aid Association (CAA) reports 21 senior house church leaders were recently simultaneously sentenced to a labor camp by the Linyi City Re-education Through Labor Commission. According to CAA, “The leaders were detained on December 7, 2007 when they gathered for leadership training with 249 other leaders in Hedong district, Linyi city, Shandong province. After paying fines and finishing detention ranging from a few days to a few weeks, 249 leaders were released. The 21 most senior leaders were sentenced to three years to one year and three months.” The Public Security Bureau has accused and labeled the house church leaders as “evil cult” members. Of the 21 leaders sent to the labor camp, 12 are men and four are women. Pray for these believers and their families during this difficult time. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Pray they will be a good witness of Christ’s love to other prisoners and their captors.
Psalm 27:1

Pray for SRI LANKA

SRI LANKA Pastor Killed, Wife in Seriously Injured in Attack - National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka
On February 17, Pastor Neil Edirisinghe, of the House Church Foundation, was gunned down by two assailants outside his home in Ampara, Sri Lanka. According to a report by the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), “Pastor Edirisinghe was engaged in the Lord’s ministry in Ampara for many years. The attackers also shot his wife in the stomach. At last report, she was in the hospital in critical condition. Their two-year-old son who received a minor injury in the attack is also suffering from trauma.” NCEASL added the motive for the attacks was believed to be in response to Pastor Edirisinghe’s ministry. The Voice of the Martyrs is assisting the family during this difficult time. Pray for peace and comfort for Pastor Edirisinghe’s family. Pray for a speedy recovery for his wife and child and for them to rely on the great Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 107:2

Pray for GAZA

GAZA YMCA Library Bombed - VOM Sources
On February 16, unidentified assailants bombed the library of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) compound in the Shajaiyeh neighborhood of Gaza city. According to VOM sources, shortly after midnight, at least 12 gunmen entered the YMCA compound and kidnapped two guards at gunpoint after asking them why they worked for “infidels.” The men stormed the building and detonated two homemade explosive devices inside the library. All 8,000 books in the library were destroyed and the floor, walls and ceiling were damaged. The attackers stole computers and other equipment from other YMCA offices. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. . However, sources in Gaza reportedly believe that the perpetrators were Muslim militants acting in response to the reproduction of cartoons “ridiculing” Muhammad in a number of Danish newspapers last week. Praise God no one was injured in this attack. Ask God to protect and give wisdom to believers in Gaza. Pray the attackers will come into contact with the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
Joshua 1:9

Pray for ETHIOPIA

ETHIOPIA Christian Couple Beaten and Chased From Mosque - VOM Sources
On February 10, Muslin Christian converts, Jemmal Abdo and his wife, were beaten and chased out from a mosque where they both worked in the capital city of Addis Ababa. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, “Jemmal and his wife accepted Christ two months ago. Soon after their conversion Jemmal’s friend saw him talking with Christians and told the imam of the mosque. Jemmal and his wife were interrogated in the mosque during a meeting called by Muslim leaders in an attempt to persuade the couple to recant their faith. The couple refused to do so, even after the leaders offered them higher positions and salaries if they denied Christ. The couple was beaten and dragged out of the mosque.” Jemmal and his wife were able to flee to a new location for safety. Pray for the speedy recovery for Jemmal and his wife, who were injured in the attack. Ask God to strengthen them and provide for them as they stand strong in their new found faith in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 54:17

From: Gospel for Asia

Two Missionaries Attacked in Haryana, India
Privilege to Suffer

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for TURKMENISTAN

TURKMENISTAN Pastor Released from Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News
On November 9, Baptist Pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky was released after eight months in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Kalataevsky and his family are thankful for the prayers and support of believers around the world. Forum 18 News reports government officials have warned Pastor Kalataevsky not to meet for worship with fellow believers. Pastor Kalataevsky told Forum 18, “Officials summoned me for what they said was a conversation, but at the end presented me with a pre-written statement saying that I agreed not to meet with my fellow believers. All it lacked was my signature, but I refused to sign it, both on my behalf and on behalf of my wife.” The Forum 18 report added, “Although Kalataevsky’s congregation does not oppose state registration in principle. Officials kept telling him that his congregation does not have enough adult citizen members to apply for registration. They added that unregistered religious activity, including people meeting together for worship in homes, is banned.” Praise God for Pastor Kalatatevsky’s release from prison. Ask God to protect his family and congregation as they face scrutiny and pressure from the government.
Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 54:17

Pray for AZERBAIJAN

AZERBAIJAN Imprisoned Pastor Required to Pay for Necessities in Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News
Pastor Zaur Balaev’s friends and family are said to be “shocked” by the financial demands he is facing in prison. According to VOM sources, Pastor Balaev is required to pay for hot water to wash or do laundry and cook his food. His family is allowed to visit him only after paying “a considerable amount.” Zaur’s wife was allowed to stay with him for three days for his birthday, but as she was leaving the prison, she said, “I am shocked by the conditions and the sum spent, because I was forced to pay for everything.” According to Forum 18 News, officials deny payment was demanded. “The state pays for everything, including food,” said Mehman Sadykov, spokesperson for the Justice Ministry. “Such reports don’t correspond with reality.” Pray for strength for Balaev and his family during this time. Pray their appeal will be successful. Pray that Balaev will be a testimony to other prisoners, demonstrating the love and power of Christ.
Philippians 4:19; 3 John 2

Pray for INDIA

INDIA Christians Attacked, Church Building Destroyed - VOM Sources
KARNATAKA - On November 18, Pastor Siddarama Gokhavi (60) and six other Christians were beaten by Bajrang Dal activists who attacked them as they were worshiping in Ananda Nagara, Karnataka. The attackers vandalized the building, burned Bibles and chanted slogans against Christians. The militants included a senior police officer. Pastor Gokhavi and his wife, Rekha, were injured in the attack, along with five others. The attackers accused the Christians of coercing Hindus into becoming Christians. Praise God there were no serious injuries in the attack. Pray those responsible for the attack will come to recognize the love and grace of God and turn to Him in faith. Pray for the continued ministry of this house church.
Psalm 91, Romans 8:11

CHHATTISGARH STATE - On November 19, Hindu militants attacked a church, tied up and beat the pastor unconsciousness, and burned down a recently constructed church building in Manduwa in Chhattisgarh State, India. There are no reports on the present condition of Pastor Sudharu. The Hindus accused the church of being involved in the conversion of tribal people in the region. According to reports, missionaries in this remote area face regular threats from Hindu militants. Pray for the continued witness of this church. Pray for healing for Pastor Sudharu as he recuperates from the assault.
Psalm 23, Psalm 107:20

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 [ESV])

Recently we began celebrating family worship in our home. Previously we had a pretty simple devotional time after breakfast where I read a passage from the Bible and then our oldest son would read from his Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes before we went on about our days, never to really discuss it or think about it again. Lately, though, I had begun to feel that something was missing. That was when I was reminded of something I had written about Psalm 119:11 and I knew what we needed to do.

Getting Started With Family Worship

The two hardest things about family worship are getting started and getting started. On the one hand I had a desire to lead my family in studying God’s Word and helping us all to store it up in our hearts, but it is difficult with busy and erratic schedules to know when to do it. Combine that with the fact that there is very little precedent for actually leading it or knowing how to lead it and you have a recipe for never getting going. I knew that it was something that needed to be done so I set a date when we would get started and then began my hunt for resources that would help me know exactly what I should do in leading this time. I did a bit of research and found a book called, aptly enough, The Family Worship Book. After taking a look and reading some reviews I decided to order it, and am I glad that I did. This book is a great resource for anyone wishing to start family worship or for anyone who is already leading but feels that there could be more to it. The book gives a good introduction to the what and why of family worship (which I, frankly, skimmed since I didn’t need any convincing). The author then dives into the meat of the book; how to lead and what this time should consist of. The book includes several hymns and selections from the psalter (sans music, although it does give suggested tunes for all the songs). There are also several other resources including creeds and confession, suggested Bible reading timelines, the Westminster Shorter and Larger Catechisms, articles on prayer and many other great resources for leading worship. I have found this book to be truly indispensable as we have begun this endeavor.

What About The Kids?

Having found the perfect book for me to lead, I then turned my attention to finding some resources that would speak to our boys at the level they are at (currently 5 years old and 18 months old). I discovered two great books that I would recommend every parent have. For the 18 month old I picked up The Big Picture Story Bible. This Bible has big, bright pictures that appeal to him and a great narrative that flows from Genesis to Revelation, clearly showing the consistency and interconnectedness of the entire Bible. Currently he mostly likes to look at the pictures (especially the donkeys), but I know that he will grow into it and it is good for our 5 year old to hear. I am sure we will continue to use this book for years to come.

The other book that I found was The Jesus Storybook Bible. This book is great for kids and adults alike as it focuses on the fact that the whole Bible is about Jesus and the author makes sure to point this out at every opportunity. I cannot stress how important this fact is as there are many adult Christians who have no clue that this is the case (I was one until not too terribly long ago). I could write all day on the subject — and someday I will. Suffice to say that this Bible will be well read and used for many years to come as well.

Imagine my surprise and delight to come across this article today. All I can say is that Al Mohler has great taste in books .

Just Do It

Family worship is not something that is easy to start or continue doing. There are not a lot of resources available (although it does seem that there are more available all the time), and there never seems to be enough time in the day. But don’t let excuses get in the way of spending this very important time with your family. In the short time that we have been doing this I have seen changes in myself and the rest of my family that I know are God at work in us.

Just do it, you will be glad that you did.

From: Gospel for Asia

Tense Situation for Orissa Missionaries

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for ISRAEL

ISRAEL Church Set on Fire - Compass Direct News
On October 23, suspected arsonists set fire to the Narkis Street Baptist Church, in Western Jerusalem. According to Compass Direct News, the arsonists forcibly entered the building through a side door and set three fires in the sanctuary. The fire damaged 60 chairs and also caused smoke and water damage in the building. Compass News reported that although the police had not yet determined those responsible for the attack, it was suspected they were Jewish militants. According to Pastor Victor Blum, the leader of a Russian Messianic Jewish congregation that meets in the building, an anti-missionary organization named “Yad L’Achim” has threatened him and his congregation over the past few years. The group opposes the church’s local evangelistic work and claims that the believers are members of a “dangerous sect.” Pray God gives these believers boldness to stand against this attack. Pray the testimony of Christians in Israel will draw the attackers and other nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7

Pray for INDIA

INDIA Five Nuns Beaten; Militants Attack Church Service - VOM Sources
MADHYA PRADESH - On October 25, five nuns were beaten by 20 Hindu militants in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The militants surrounded the house of a local believer, where the nuns were attending a prayer meeting, and accused the nuns of forcibly converting local Hindus to Christianity. When the meeting was over, the militants attacked and beat them until the police arrived and took the nuns to safety. All five nuns were injured, and one is in serious condition due to head injuries she sustained in the attack. Pray God encourages them as they heal from their injuries.
Psalm 107:20
MAHARASHTRA - On October 23, Pastor Victor Periera and a group of local villagers were beaten by Hindu militants. The militants were angered because the pastor had organized prayer meetings attended by Hindu tribes in the Thane district of Maharashtra state. Pastor Periera was conducting a prayer service at a local church when the attackers stormed the building. The attackers shouted curses at Christianity and beat the pastor and several believers. The pastor’s rib was broken in the attack. Pray for Pastor Periera’s healing. Ask God to give believers in India boldness to share Christ with nonbelievers, despite persecution.
Psalm 91:16

Pray for COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA Evangelical Pastor Killed - Associated Press
Pastor Diego Armando Bejarano, 27, was killed recently in the region west of Bogotá. Witnesses say hooded men took Bejarano by force and stabbed him. The motives for the killing are unknown; however, it is common knowledge guerrillas groups view Protestant pastors who encroach on territory under their control as military objectives. In the last 10 years, guerrillas have assassinated 133 pastors, Protestant missionaries and Catholic priests, according to the Evangelical Council of Colombia. Ask God to encourage and minister to the pastor’s family and church as they mourn. Pray his testimony draws his attackers and nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:4

Pray for EGYPT

EGYPT Church Set on Fire - Compass Direct News
Christians Acquitted of Charges of “Insulting Islam” - Compass Direct News
On November 5, Adel Fawzy Faltas, the Egyptian leader of the Middle East Christian Association, and Peter Azzat, an associate, were acquitted of charges of “insulting Islam.” They were also released from prison after being held three months. According to Compass Direct News, journalists, lawyers, clergyman, family and friends gathered at Faltas’ home to celebrate the acquittal and release. “Faltas, 61, and Peter Ezzat, 25, had been held on unsubstantiated charges of insulting Islam and tarnishing Egypt’s reputation abroad. Charges without evidence against Faltas and Ezzat included insulting Islam, posing a threat to national security and tarnishing Egypt’s reputation abroad,” Compass said. Compass reported Faltas said, “I was always a free man. When you respect yourself and what you are doing, then you are free.” According to the report, “Faltas recounted how 30 State Security Investigation officers and plain clothes policeman had raided his house at 2:30 p.m. on August 8. He said the most difficult part of the ordeal was spending the first 14 days in an isolation cell 1.75 meters in length and three-quarters of a meter in width with no seat.” Praise God for the release of Faltas and Azzat. Pray for Christians in Egypt to remain faithful in their relationship with Jesus Christ despite being treated as second-class citizens.
Psalm 91, Romans 8:31

Pray for IRAN

IRAN Christian Couple Sentenced to be Whipped - Farsi Christian News Network
In July 2007, an Iranian Christian couple was sentenced by the Justice Court of Revolution to be whipped, two years after they were accused of attending a house church. According to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN), “The couple was arrested on September 21, 2005, by government agents. They had gathered in a house, in a town northwest of Tehran (gohar dasht) for their regular prayer and devotional time.” The FCNN reported, the woman was born into a Christian Assyrian-Iranian family, while the man converted to Christianity long before their marriage. Following the arrest in 2005, the couple was required to check in with authorities on a regular basis until the court decided their punishment. FCNN reported that on one occasion when the wife met with authorities, she was abused and decided not to return. According to FCNN, “After a few days, in September 2007, two female and four male agents went to this couple’s house and showed them a letter from the court saying they should execute the sentence of whipping right there in their house. This couple is under high mental pressure right now.” The Voice of the Martyrs is providing assistance to this couple. Pray for this couple and Christians in Iran who face great challenges because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask that the Holy Spirit will give them peace, health and protection during this difficult time.
Psalm 23; 2 Timothy 1:7

Pray for TURKEY

TURKEY Malatya Murder Trial Date Set - Compass Direct News
Malatya’s Third Criminal Court has set November 23 to open the trial of the confessed murderers of Turkish Christians, Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel, and a German Christian, Tilmann Geske. The three Protestant Christians were tortured and killed by having their throats cut on April 18 of this year in the Zirve Publishing Company’s office in the southern province of Malatya. Last week, all news about the pending trial in the Turkish press sensationalized justifications the killers offered for their crimes while under police interrogation, including far-fetched allegations against the victims. “It is clear from these statements of the suspects that there is some group of powerful influence behind them,” spokesperson Isa Karatas of the Alliance of Protestant Churches in Turkey told Compass. “These people want to portray Turkey’s Protestants as enemies of the nation.” Pray for justice in this case, but most importantly that the testimonies of the martyrs will draw nonbelievers into the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray for the families of the slain believers.
Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 26:3

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for ERITREA

ERITREA Gospel Singer Helen Berhane Granted Asylum in Denmark - VOM Sources Eritrean gospel singer, Helen Berhane, who was released from prison in November 2006 after being detained in Eritrea for two years without charge, has been granted asylum in Denmark. Berhane and her daughter arrived in Denmark on October 19, after spending 11 months in Sudan. Her health remains extremely poor, due to the physical suffering she experienced during her detention. She cannot walk without assistance. During Berhane’s detention, she was held for extended periods of time in shipping containers and tortured several times by authorities in an effort to force her to recant her faith. Thank God that Berhane has found a safe place to live. Praise Him for her faithfulness. Pray for God’s continued protection and provision for her. Ask Him to give her direction and wisdom, so she can continue serving Him. Pray for believers in Eritrea who face persecution and suffering for the sake of their faith in Jesus Christ. Psalm 84:11, Psalm 119:105

Pray for PAKISTAN

PAKISTAN Christian Homes Demolished in Pakistan - VOM Sources On October 19, local Muslims demolished homes belonging to three Christian families in the village of Lobhana, near Lahore, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs’ contacts, more than 70 armed villagers moved in with tractors and began destroying the homes. VOM contacts said, “They demolished and looted three homes and only stopped when the police arrived.” Some of the Christians attacked reported that the Muslims threatened to kill them. VOM contacts added that the land where some of the demolished homes were located had been given to the Christian families by the Pakistani government more than 10 years earlier. However, some local Muslims claimed the land, intending to build a cemetery. Pray for God’s protection for Christians in this area. Ask Him to provide resources for these families to rebuild their homes. Pray the testimony of these believers will draw nonbelievers, especially their attackers, into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 68:19, Proverbs 3:5-6

Pray for NIGERIA

NIGERIA Muslim Officials Dismiss Christian School Librarian - Compass Direct News Sixteen months ago, Muslim officials forced Asabe Ladagu, a Christian widow, to leave her job as a librarian. The incident occurred after she and others requested land to build a chapel in the capital city of Borno state, in northern Nigeria. According to Compass Direct News, Muslim administrators at Ramat Polytechnic forced Ladagu into early retirement without pay. Ladagu told Compass, “We were branded dangerous people because we were Christians. I have been forced out of office now for 16 months, not retired and not on staff roll of Ramat Polytechnic. Other Christian brethren, too, have either been forced out or have been the subjects of witch hunts.” Pray for God’s provision and protection for Ladagu and other Christians in northern Nigeria. Ask God to use their testimonies to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him.
Philippians 4:19, Psalm 27:1

INDONESIA Imprisoned Christians Sentenced - VOM Sources The remaining Christian leaders imprisoned in April have been sentenced to five years in prison. They were imprisoned after a video recording of them praying for Muslims was leaked to Islamic organizations. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, “The defendants have been found guilty of abusing the Quran, and the judge sentenced them to five years in prison. Their lawyers are planning to appeal this decision in East Java High Court in Surabaya.” Pray for those in prison and their families. Ask God to give them boldness and wisdom as they face these difficult challenges.
Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13

Pray for CHINA

CHINA UPDATE Prominent House Church Leader Beaten by Police Again - China Aid Association On October 16, prominent house church leader Hua Huiqi was released from Tiantan Hospital and returned home. However, China Aid Association reported that the following day Public Security Bureau (PSB) police officers attacked and beat up Hua again after refusing to allow him to use the bathroom next to his bedroom. China’s PSB recently put Hua under house arrest. Pastor Hua’s 77-year-old-mother, Shuang Shuying, remains very ill in prison, serving a two-year sentence. Pray for Pastor Hua’s recovery and thank God for His faithfulness as Hua endures these recent attacks. Pray for the healing of his mother and that her testimony will draw non-believers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 27:1, Psalm 23

Pray for ETHIOPIA

ETHIOPIA Muslims Attack Homes in Ethiopia - VOM Sources On October 16, Muslims attacked 25 Christian families and demolished 12 homes in Seka Yoyo, in the southwest of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. According to The Voice of the Martyrs’ contacts, the families were forced to flee to nearby Jimma. Thank God no believers were killed or seriously harmed during this attack. Pray the believers will be safe in Jimma, where there has been several incidents of violence in recent months, leaving at least six Christians dead. Ask God to protect and encourage Christians that have lost their homes. Pray for the safety of Christians in Ethiopia.
Psalm 68:19, Philippians 4:19

Pray for INDIA

INDIA Pastors Beaten and Detained in India - VOM Sources On October 11, Pastor Ganesh Murthy was attacked by two Hindu extremists while he was distributing literature and praying for local people in the village of Rampura, Karnakata. The extremists verbally abused, beat and dragged him to the local police station where he was detained on charges of forcible conversion. The extremists also tried to forcibly convert Pastor Murthy to Hinduism by promising to meet the financial needs of his wife and three children if he complied. However, the pastor refused the offer and stood firm in his faith. He is still in prison.
On October 14, Pastor Thadikal and his wife were attacked in their home in the Vayandu district of Kerala, by two Hindu extremists. The pastor and his wife sustained serious head injuries. Pray for Christians in India who are standing strong in their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask God to heal and protect those injured. Pray for the release of Pastor Murthy from prison.
Psalm 91, Psalm 107:20

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for NIGERIA

NIGERIA Christians Killed by Muslims; Hundreds Displaced in Kano, Nigeria – VOM Sources On September 28, angry Muslims killed 10 Christians and set churches, homes and businesses on fire in Tudun Wada, in Nigeria’s Northern state of Kano. According to The Voice of the Martyrs’ contacts in Nigeria, “At 9 a.m., Muslims began the attacks, setting fire to homes and churches. They attacked and killed any Christian they came across.” More than 50 people were injured, while more than 500 members of the minority Christian population were displaced. VOM contacts added, “Muslim attackers burnt down all eight churches existing in the community, homes and businesses in the area.” Christians believe the attack resulted when Muslim students at a government secondary school in the area claimed a Christian student drew a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad on the wall of the school’s mosque. VOM contacts reported, “No Christian student would do this, since the school has nearly 2,000 students and only seven are Christian…. [also] the mosque is usually busy with Muslims praying around the clock during the (Muslim) Ramadan fasting season; therefore, no Christian student would have any way of getting close to the wall of the mosque to make such sketches on the wall.” Pray for the families of those killed. Pray the Holy Spirit will be their greatest comforter. Ask God to encourage and provide for believers in this area. Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 3:5, 6

Pray for ERITREA

ERITREA Senior Pastor Arrested – VOM Sources Pastor Oqbamichael, a well-known leader of the Kale-Hiwot Church in Eritrea, was arrested and imprisoned. This was the second imprisonment for the pastor in the past two years. In 2005, he was arrested at a Christian wedding and was later released after 10 months in prison, which included solitary confinement and hard labor in the Sawa Military Camp. The arrest of Pastor Oqbamichael follows the recent arrest of Evangelist Mussie Ezaz, who is also a minister in the Kale-Hiwot Church. Pray God sustains and strengthens Pastor Oqbamichael while he is in prison. Pray the Holy Spirit encourages his family and church. Ask God to protect Christians in Eritrea who are serving Him in the midst of severe persecution. John 16:13, 14

From: Gospel For Asia

GFA Native Missionary Set Free

Local authorities released Gospel for Asia native missionary Chandran Paranjoy on bail from jail on October 23. Chandran spent more than two weeks confined to a cell, charged with forcibly converting people to Christianity. Under the arrangement made with state officials, Chandran must return to the judge on the date of his upcoming court case.

Chandran was leading a prayer meeting in a believer’s home when police arrested him on October 5. A group of anti-Christian extremists falsely accused him of insulting other religions and paying people money to convert to Christianity. The extremists took advantage of Chhattisgarh’s harsh anti-conversion law to cause trouble for Chandran’s flourishing ministry.

While in jail, Chandran shared the love of Christ with everyone he could. He even led worship services for the inmates on the three Sundays he was in jail. About 30 people attended each service.

Throughout Chandran’s confinement, GFA district leaders tried to meet with the local judge several times in an effort to have him released. But, until now, the anti-Christian extremists pressured the judge with threats, so he did not feel free to let Chandran go. Chandran requests prayer that the court will see the truth concerning his case and drop the false charges. He also requests prayer for his church and family during this difficult time.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you . . . . I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. ( Psalm 119:11, 147 )

About three or four months ago I read a little booklet by John MacArthur called Found: God’s Will that really lit a fire under me. As you can probably deduce by the title, the book is about finding “the direction and purpose God wants for your life.” In about 55 pages he presents six principles that help you to know what God’s will is for your life — what direction to take in everything that you do.

My focus is on the second principle, which is that you must be Spirit-filled. This is an “easy” step because it follows right on his first which is that you must be saved. Once you have received Christ His Spirit comes to dwell in you. However, it is more than that. Living a Spirit-filled life is not just some emotional, energized 24/7 experience; it requires work. Ephesians 5:18-33, 6:1-9 includes a list of how we are to live if we are filled with the Spirit. It speaks of singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, making music and giving thanks to God and interpersonal relationships between husbands and wives, fathers and children, servants and masters. Colossians 3 has the same theme only “here Paul does not link such living to the filling of the Spirit. He says that it is the result of letting ‘the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom’.” For me, personally, this was the real starting point. In this section Dr. MacArthur shared how he studies the Bible.

One day he sat down and read the book of 1 John straight through from beginning to end. Too often we like to read snippets and bits and pieces of a book each day to get through the Bible in a year or six months or two years or pick-your-timeframe. This is good for getting an overall feel for the Bible, but this isn’t how it was written. “The books of the Bible weren’t written as an assortment of good little individual verses. They were written with flow and context.” Reading a whole book, or a good portion of a book, in one sitting is the best way to preserve and understand the flow and context of the whole. On day two Dr. MacArthur sat down and read 1 John from beginning to end, again. He did the same on days three through thirty, reading the whole book each day. What a radical concept. Okay, maybe not too radical to some, but it really opened my eyes. As you know, I like to get from point A to point B with as few interruptions as possible and as quickly as possible. In this case, point A is Genesis and point B is Revelation and I want to get from here to there in about a year. Using this method of reading the Bible, if you were able to read one book per month, it would take 66 months to get through the entire Bible. Five and a half years! Hokey Smokes! After 1 John he went on to read the Gospel of John. This book he split up into three sections for reading. Three months to read one book! Figuring that there are more books like John (the Gospel) than 1 John, I figure it probably took closer to seven to ten years for Dr. MacArthur to get through the entire Bible.

So, I figure that’s about how long it will take me, too. Today I officially begin the joyous journey of storing up God’s Word in my heart. I don’t want to just get from point A to point B anymore. I’m tired of just reading the Bible and not knowing the Bible. I understand the basics of the Bible well enough and I have a decent understanding of God’s character and His laws, but I need to be armed with the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) The interesting thing about the sword of the Spirit, in this context, is that it doesn’t refer to some great broadsword we swing about, hacking off the heads of demons and obliterating sins. Instead it speaks of a short sword — essentially a long dagger — used as more of a weapon for close-combat to target the vital organs of your opponent. So instead of grabbing my Bible to whack Satan over the head, I am to use God’s word to attack individual temptations — just like Jesus in Luke 4:1-13 fought Satan’s temptings using the right verse for the situation.

So, God woke me up at six o’clock this morning and I got up, not only willingly, but joyfully (sorry Mom and Dad, I should have warned you before springing that one on you) and here I sit, having read Psalm 119, which I felt was a fitting beginning to my journey through God’s word.

I truly do want to store up His word in my heart so that I can live a holy life, pleasing to God and that I may shine His light in the world.

God’s working on me, and He’s not finished yet. In many ways I think He’s barely even started.