Image for next ZHOP intensive weekend: Corey Russell

Raised from the dead

You simply HAVE to read this testimony of a woman just raised from the dead. Whoah.

VOM News and Prayer Update: May 20, 2008

"Be joyful always; pray continually;" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

ALGERIA

Christian Sentenced for Carrying a Bible - Compass Direct News

On April 29, a court in Djilfa, south of Algiers, charged a 33-year-old Muslim convert to Christianity with "printing, storing and distributing" illegal religious material. According to Compass Direct News, "An Algerian Christian detained five days for carrying a Bible and personal Bible study books was handed a 300-Euro (US $460) fine and a one-year suspended prison sentence." Compass reported this conviction was the latest in numerous detentions and court cases against Algerian Christians. "Since January, police and provincial officials have ordered the closure of up to half of the country's estimated 50 Protestant congregations," Compass Direct said. The 33-year-old Algerian Christian converted from Islam to Christianity eight years ago. On April 25, he was stopped at a police road block while riding in a shared taxi. Compass Direct added, "Officials took the convert into custody upon finding a Bible and several religious study books in his luggage. Police appear to have previous knowledge of the Christian's connections. Officers refused to let the convert call friends to let them know of his detention, naming a church member in Tiaret whom they claimed he would contact." Pray believers in Algeria will remain faithful despite persecution. Ask God to protect and give courage to this Algerian Christian who is standing for Christ. Psalm 37:28

CHINA & BURMA

Pray for Believers Affected by the Cyclone and Earthquake - VOM Sources

The Voice of the Martyrs is encouraging believers to pray for those affected by the cyclone in Burma (Myanmar) and the earthquake in China. Pray God will comfort Christians who have been displaced and lost loved ones during these natural disasters. Ask Him to provide for them during this difficult time and for the Holy Spirit to be their comforter. Isaiah 61: 1-3

WEST BANK

Pastor's Son Recovering after Bomb Attack - VOM Sources

Praise God! Amiel Ortiz, the teenage son of Messianic Pastor David Ortiz, is recovering after he was seriously injured when a bomb delivered to the family's home in the Jewish settlement went off in his hands. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Amiel's father reports, "We checked out of the Schneider Children's Hospital last week after a six-week stay, eight days in the ICU and the rest on the children's floor. Ami received excellent care from the doctors and nurses in that hospital, but in response to prayer from the four corners of the earth, Ami has been healing at a rate that is extraordinary The plastic surgeon that worked on Ami said that in his 15 years of experience, he had never seen such extensive wounds. He said he has at least 100 pieces of shrapnel in his body from his head to his feet, which his body is slowly bringing up under the surface of the skin, which will come out by themselves." Pray for Amiel's continued recovery as he has transitioned into a rehabilitation center. Pray specifically for both eardrums to be restored, for him to regain use of his hands and arms, and healing for the burns and scars on his body. Also for the emotional healing for Amiel and his family, and for those responsible for the attack to be brought to justice. Ask God to give this family strength to forgive their attackers. 1 Corinthians 1: 3-5

VIETNAM

Government Officials Confiscate Evangelist's Home - Compass Direct News

Government officials in Vietnam's Lao Cai province have confiscated the land and home of a former opium addict because of his phenomenal success as an evangelist. According to Compass Direct News, "Local Christians report Sua Yinh Siong of Lau Chai village, in Sapa district in the Northwest Mountainous Region, had long been a desperate opium addict, leading to destitution for him and his family. In 2004, after becoming a Christian, Siong broke from his addiction and his animistic past, taking down paraphernalia for ancestor worship and other spirit-related articles and burning them. His joy over his liberation soon spread to others, and eventually more than 200 families also decided to follow Christ." The Compass report added, " Earlier this month, Siong told other Christian leaders that government harassment had reached a crisis point - in April, local and provincial officials had confiscated his land, citing ‘illegal religious activities.' In the first few days of this month, Siong said officials evicted him from his home and threatened to destroy it." Pray for protection for Siong and his family and for their land and home to be returned. Ask God to use his testimony to draw more nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Philippians 4:13

St. Teresa of Avila quote

Saw this one on the recent 24-7 email news they send out:

"We can do no great thing, just small things with great love."

Bye to Asheville

We've check out of the hotel, did some window shopping in downtown Asheville before getting caffeinated for the road. Its been a great 3 days, very restful. Now we're headed down the mountain again. Thats the things about mountain tops: God lives there, we're only supposed to visit them when He opens the door. You can't get there by strength or manipulation. You can ask, but even in the asking He has a marvelous way to put that in us to ask. Some times, like Daniel, you see what God is wanting to do. The 70 years ending in Babylon were real, but Daniel clearly had to fast and pray to inherit the promise. He did, and God loved him for it. How many people have you met who have literally had an angelic visitation where the angel called them "Greatly beloved"? Look in Daniel 10:10. Its awesome... and can be your testimony as well. Not necessarily the angel appearing, but the regard of heaven.

Quote from Will Smith in movie

Perseverance: continuing in a course of action... without regard to discouragement, opposition or previous failure.