PRAYERS FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
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“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5)

Prayers for April 22, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA
Forty-six Christians Arrested, Two Remain in Detention - China Aid Association

China Aid Association (CAA) reports that the Chinese Communist government recently launched a strategic campaign against house churches in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. As a result of this campaign, on April 13, 46 Christians were arrested by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials during a Bible class and worship service in Kashi City, Xinjiang Province. CAA reported, “Forty-six house church Christians were holding Bible class and worship in the home of Mr. Ding Zhichun when PSB officials intruded into Ding’s home and arrested all of them. Forty-four Christians were released after the trial day, following a 50 Yuan deposit to the PSB, by the family members.” CAA added, “The Christians were mandated to confess their illegal Sunday worship activities and study the government’s handbook on Religious Policy. They were also required to return and recite the policy to officials within one week.” The Voice of the Martyrs supports and stands with Christians in China and encourages you to pray for believers who are living under immense pressure. Ask God to encourage and minister to the two Christians still being held by the police. Pray their testimony will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ.

Psalm 91

SOMALIA
Four Christian Teachers Murdered - VOM Sources

On April 13, four Christian teachers, two of them converts from Islam, were murdered by Islamic militants in Beledweyne in south-central Somalia. The four teachers, two British citizens of Somali origin-Mr. Daud Hassan Ali (64) and Ms. Rehana Ahmed (32)-and two unidentified Kenyans, were shot and killed by Islamist insurgents during a midnight raid on the Hakab Private English School. The Islamic extremist group responsible for the violence, alleged that they fired indiscriminately and that the teachers were killed in crossfire. Local people, however, believe the teachers were singled out for their suspected evangelistic work. The wife of Daud Hassan Ali alleged that her husband was targeted because he was a Muslim-born convert to Christianity. Pray the families of those killed will rest in the knowledge that those who die in the Lord will be raised with Him. Pray the perpetrators of this attack will come to repentance and salvation. Pray for wisdom and protection for those serving Christ in Somalia.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

UZBEKISTAN
Pastor Beaten and Jailed in Samarkand - Forum 18 News

On April 3, Pastor Bobur Aslamov was beaten and jailed in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, following a police raid on a house church meeting. According to Forum 18 News, “Other members of the house church were also beaten during the raid. The pastor remains in detention in an unknown location.” At last report, no formal charges had been filed against him. Pray for the release of Pastor Aslamov from prison. Pray Uzbek Christians will continue to share Christ fearlessly despite the ongoing pressure.

Ephesians 6:18-20
..

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

” (Ephesians 6:19-21)

Prayers for April 15, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs

IRAQ
Assyrian Orthodox Priest Killed - VOM Sources

On April 5, Father Youssef Adel (40), an Assyrian Orthodox priest, was shot dead by unknown assailants in the district of Karradah, Baghdad. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, “At approximately 11:30 a.m., Adel was driving to a church when gunmen in another car sped past him and opened fire. Adel was the director of a high school that was attended by both Christians and Muslims. He had been the target of threats and intimidation intended to drive him away from his post.” Pray that those who mourn for Father Adel will find strength, courage and peace in Christ. Pray that believers in Iraq will set Christ apart as Lord and not be controlled by fear despite severe persecution. Also pray Christians in Iraq will forgive their persecutors.

1 Peter 3:14-17

INDIA
Christians Attacked, Children Beaten for Distributing Bible Tracts - VOM Sources

On April 2, pastors and members of the Manna Ministry in Krishnapuram, Andhra Pradesh, were beaten by a group of 20 Hindu extremists. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, “Believers were returning from an evangelistic outreach when their car was stopped by the attackers. One of the ministry’s leaders, Pastor Gopal, sustained serious injuries. The militants also tore up the Christians’ evangelistic tracts.” Ask God to heal Pastor Gopal. Meanwhile, on March 17, school children from Toopran School in Telungana Village, Andhra Pradesh, were threatened and beaten by Hindu extremists while they were distributing Bible tracts in the school compound. VOM contacts report, “A group of Hindu extremists stopped the school children from further distribution of tracts. The extremists beat the children and threatened them.” Pray believers in Telungana Village will be encouraged and protected. Pray that Indian Christians will continue to share the gospel with boldness despite increased persecution. Ask God to use their testimonies to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him.

Acts 4:29-31

CHINA
UPDATE: Christian Bookstore Owner Released from Prison - China Aid Association

Praise God! On February 19, Zhou Heng, a well-known house church leader and manager of Yayi Christian Book Room in China was released from prison. According to China Aid Association, Heng was released after a court determined there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him. During his imprisonment, Heng was reportedly beaten severely by inmates and prison guards. He is now recuperating at home with his family. Thank the Lord for Heng’s release. Pray for strength and healing for him. Pray that he will be emboldened by the fact that God commends those who suffer for doing good.

1 Peter 2:20-21

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I love food. I love to eat great food, nothing fancy, necessarily but GOOD food…I want it to be flavorful, balanced and interesting. That could be a steak or salad or something really exotic. Just make it balanced.

I am a fan of the show “After Hours with Daniel”. Daniel is Chef-Owner-Author Daniel Boulud who is probably best known as Executive Chef at Le Cirque in NYC. The idea of the show is an after hours conversation with chefs, food critics, restaurateurs and celebrities. For someone like me…AWESOME!

The most recent episode I watched was Episode 1 of Season 2. Taped in Los Angeles at Pizzeria Mozza in L.A. which is the creation of Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich. INCREDIBLE stuff they are doing there including the creation of a Mozzarella Bar, sort of like a Sushi Bar but with exotic servings of Mozzarella…when I get to L.A. it will be one of my first stops. Guests on this episode included Chef Nancy Silverton, Chef Alain Giraud, Chef Hiro Sone, Restaurateur Lissa Doumani, Actor Josh Charles, Actor-Comedian Ray Romono and Comedian-Author-Producer Phil Rosenthal. What a perfect balance of Food, Comedy, Showbiz and conversation. At one point in the conversation, Phil Rosenthal was describing his passion for food and wondered why he wouldn’t be better at preparing food since he loves it so much. He also explained the motivation behind his love of food. Turns out his mother was a horrible cook and when he moved out of the house, he was able to taste what he had been missing.

Phil Rosenthal has written a book called “YOU’RE LUCKY YOU’RE FUNNY” which I have designs on reading very soon. In fact, one of the great things about livig in Columbus is that we have a great library system and I reserved my copy of “YOU’RE LUCKY YOU’RE FUNNY” to be picked up at the Main Library in the morning!

Phil also directed and co-wrote a really funny piece for the closing days of the Clinton administration back in 2000. Odd to see how different life was pre-911.

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Ok, I just read the cheeseball, hack job review of the new Pike Place Roast in Time Magazine online by JAMES PONIEWOZIK.

Somebody give him his binky back as all he did was WAHHHHH all through the article. Saying that his first “sip of Pikes Place was simultaneously harsh and weak.” It’s not weak, it’s smooth. And it is supposed to be that way. The idea for the coffee was to provide a coffee that was accessible to the widest number of COFFEE and NON-COFFEE DRINKERS. So I like to call it a gateway coffee.

Most Starbucks brewed coffees are roasted dark, 2nd crack and that is usually a coffee for a more seasoned drinker, The Pike Place Roast is not acidic at all and that means that it is not going to hang on your pallet long after the drink leaves your mouth.

Poniewozik compares the coffee to be an attempt to be more like Dunkin Donuts coffee, maybe, maybe not. It is for sure an attempt by Starbucks to go after some of the market that is being challenged by Dunkin, McDonald’s and Burger King.

When I am not brewing my own Starbucks Italian Roast coffee in a French Press Travel Mug from Starbucks, my favorite cup of coffee can be had for .90 a cup. It is served fresh and hot 24 hours a day from the sterile drive thru at White Castle. After that I love, LOVE, LOOOVVVEEE the coffee at Jolly Pirate Donuts in Columbus, OH. Sadly, the business model in place at Jolly Pirate is old and competition is fierce so they are likely to be a thing of the past very soon finally I give props to my favorite on the road coffee…found on the east coast at Sheetz!

Coffee I will not go near is served at McDonald’s, Tim Horton’s, Wendy’s, Bob Evans and pretty much any national chain restaurant.

One other thing that Mr. Poniewozik mis-states in his article he stated that the Pike Place Roast is special in that it is brewed fresh every half hour. It is true that Pikes Place Roast is brewed each half hour with whatever isn’t sold from that brew cycle being discarded. BUT, that is actually the standard on any coffee brewed by Starbucks.

The thing that is special about Pike Place roast is that it is brewed ALL DAY LONG replacing the “House Brew” that previously was the all day coffee.

I like Pike Place roast coffee and would encourage you to visit your local Starbucks and ask them for a SAMPLE taste…it may be just what you’re looking for in a coffee.

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Ok, it’s TAX DAY!!!! Yes, the day we throw our hands up in the air and wonder why on earth we are sending so much stinking money to UNCLE SAME!!! UGH!

So I thought I would share a few jokes and stories a friend of mine emailed me…note, none of these are original, so it will be a lot like watching a Dane Cook comedy set.

—
There was a man who computed his taxes for 1997 and found that he owed $3407. He packaged up his payment and included this letter:

Dear IRS:

Enclosed is my 1997 Tax Return & payment. Please take note of the attached article from the USA Today newspaper. In the article, you will see that the Pentagon is paying $171.50 for hammers and NASA has paid $600.00 for a toilet seat.

Please find enclosed four toilet seats (value $2400) and six hammers (value $1029).

This brings my total payment to $3429.00. Please note the overpayment of $22.00 and apply it to the ‘Presidential Election Fund’, as noted on my return. Might I suggest you the send the above mentioned fund a ‘1.5 inch screw’. (See attached article - HUD paid $22.00 for a 1.5 inch Phillips Head Screw.)

It has been a pleasure to pay my tax bill this year, and I look forward to paying it again next year. I just saw an article about the Pentagon and ’screwdrivers’.

Sincerely,
—

If a lawyer and an IRS agent were both drowning, and you could only save one of them, would you go to lunch or read the paper?

—

If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back, it will always be yours.
If it doesn’t come back, it was never yours to begin with.

But…
If it just sits in your living room, messes up your stuff, eats your food, uses your telephone, takes your money, and doesn’t appear to realize that you actually set it free in the first place, you either married it or gave birth to it.

Either of which is probably tax deductible.
___

An accountant is having a hard time sleeping and goes to see his doctor.
“Doctor, I just can’t get to sleep at night.”
“Have you tried counting sheep?”
“That’s the problem - I make a mistake and then spend three hours trying to find it.”

I liked those and hope you do too!

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I just got a note from Sojourners about the upcoming revival service here in Columbus, OH at Vineyard of Columbus.

I am eager to hear Reverend Wallis preach and I am familiar with both Bishop Timothy Clark and Pastor Rich Nathan as they are local preachers that I have an enormous amount of respect for. I actually became familiar with Bishop Clark before I was a believer through my sisters church.

The focus of these services is to pray for social justice. To pray that the church would step into it’s God given role and privilege to assist and server the poor.

My thoughts are there should be NO WELFARE system in the United States and there would be no welfare system if the church would simply do it’s job.

Can we wipe out poverty? I don’t believe so but I want to be part of the group who does what I can to help curb it. We live in the richest nation in the world and it is shameful to our nation and our churches that we have ANY man, woman or child going to bed without food and proper care, if we step up our effort we can provide opportunity to these people and provide a way TO END POVERTY.

I am conflicted on some things because the Bible says to not favor someone JUST because they are poor. I am trying to understand that scripture measured against the rest of the scriptures that talk about giving, serving, caring for one another.

Here is a video promoting the upcoming revival in Columbus, OH on April 16-18. I hope you will be there!

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