Stirring in Virginia

God is up to something in Virginia, check it out: http://www.va247.org

Quote for the day

A.W. Tozer:

“What we need very badly these days is a company of Christians who are prepared to trust God as completely now as they know they must do at the last day. For each of us the time is coming when we shall have nothing but God. Health and wealth and friends and hiding places will be swept away and we shall have only God. To the man of pseudo faith that is a terrifying thought, but to real faith it is one of the most comforting thoughts the heart can entertain.”

Mighty to save video (see page)

Graduation

We did it: crossed the finish line with the ZHOP interns. Woooo-hoooo~!

Voice of the Martyrs prayer list

VOM News and Prayer Update: March 27, 2007

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."(Proverbs 3:5-6)

INDIA
Pastors Attacked and Arrested, One Held Hostage – VOM Sources

• BANGALORE - On March 16, 2007 Pastor John Selvan and Brother Vijay were attacked by more than 30 Hindu extremists when they were returning home from conducting prayer meetings in Bhelahalli, Bangalore. "When they were returning home, they were suddenly stopped by more than 30 Hindu extremists. They severely beat the men with sticks, axes and other weapons. The extremists are still holding Brother Vijay, the motorbike and their cell phones," reported The Voice of the Martyrs contacts working in India. The Hindu extremists are demanding Pastor Selvan bring the senior pastor of the church to them or "face serious consequences." Pray for the safety of Vijay and for Christians in India who continuously face difficult and dangerous situations.
• MADHYA PRADESH – On March 16, 2007, two Christian evangelists, Pastor Juan Singh Sesobia and Brother Thogabai from Forba in the Khargon District of Madhya Pradesh, were arrested. A case has been filed against them under Provision 295A, which constitutes their being charged with, "Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs." This article is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years. Pray for God's protection for these two brothers and ask Him to comfort their families. Pray their arrest will result in more souls coming to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Psalms 32:7, Proverbs 2: 7-8

INDONESIA
UPDATE - Islamic Extremists Sentenced in Killing Christian School Girls – Associated Press
On March 21, 2007 three Islamic militants were found guilty of decapitating three Christian school girls and dumping their bloodied heads in nearby villages. According to Associated Press reports published in Indonesia, the Islamic militants were sentenced to between 14 and 20 years for the killings of Theresia Morangke and Yarni Sambue, both 15, and 17-year-old Alfita Poliwo. Hasanuddin was sentenced to 20 years for masterminding the 2005 attack, while his co-conspirators, Lilik Purnomo and Irwanto Irano, each received 14 years. A fourth girl in the attack, Noviana Malewa, then 15, received serious injuries to her face and neck, but survived. After the attack, Noviana suffered damaged nerves, a dislocated lower jaw and loosened teeth. VOMedical provided reconstructive surgery to repair nerve damage and reduce scarring. Pray God continues to heal Noviana's emotional and mental scars. Pray for Christians in Indonesia who face great persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Psalm 108:4, John 16: 33

CHINA
Pastor Released from Prison, Wife Arrested – VOM Sources/ China Aid Association
On March 16, 2007 Pastor Don Quanyu was released from prison after serving ten days of administrative detention in the Wancheng Detention Center in Nanyang, Henan. Dong was arrested with 36 other Christian leaders but was the only one sentenced in connection with the "illegal gathering". Three days after Dong's release his wife, Li Huage, was arrested and sentenced to 10 days detention for allegedly "disturbing public order." Li was arrested at the office of the Wancheng District Public Security Bureau as she was seeking the return of her cell phone, computer and Bibles which were confiscated during a raid of her home. Pray for the safety of this family and for God to comfort them during this trying time. Ask God to protect Christians in China who face great persecution. Psalms 5: 11-12

Aio, quantitas magna frumentorum est

Tonight is graduation for EZ37 interns... don't be late! The latin phrase up there means: "Yes, that is a large amount of corn"

Buca

Last night we had the EZ37 internship out to dinner at Buca di Beppo. It was a fun night with a great group. The reservations were for about 25 people and we used all of them. Gorgonzolla salad first, pizza then we followed that with pasta. Whew! I don't think anyone left hungry.

I think there's a grace given to a ministry in its pioneering phase, as a work of God discovers its unique voice and rhythm of community. He is interested and working to build it up in love and faith and hope, with His Son shining in glory at the center of it. I was looking around those the Lord had gathered for this first internship we had led and was grateful to be a part of something so marvelous as a people He would move upon to take them deeper into prayer and to find their place into the house of prayer (in this context the Zadok House of Prayer). This group graduates on Wednesday evening, should be a grand time... feel free to join us at Wednesday's Encountering God Service at ZHOP... 7:00PM sharp.

Sabbath