Shakespeare Sonnet 29

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,

I all alone beweep my outcast state

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries

And look upon myself and curse my fate,

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,

Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,

Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,

With what I most enjoy contented least;

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,

Haply I think on thee, and then my state,

Like to the lark at break of day arising

From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;

For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

Mark and Mags coming back

Mark and Magdalena are moving back to Fort Mill from Iceland next month... read more here.

VOM–USA Prayer Update for May 15, 2009

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matt. 5:11-12

LIBYA — Christian Released from Jail — VOM Canada

Isaiah 26: 3

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

On April 29, Daniel Baidoo, a Ghanaian Christian, was released from Libya’s Jedidah Prison after serving eight years of a 25-year sentence, according to VOM contacts. In 2001, Baidoo was convicted of attempting to convert Libyans to Christianity after he was arrested at a post office where he had gone to collect a package with Christian literature written in Arabic. The literature was mailed to him from a ministry in the United States. In Libya, evangelizing to Muslims is prohibited and the government monitors religious literature coming into the country. Baidoo's release was secured by Ghana's Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, who was in Libya on an official visit. Thank God for Baidoo's release. Pray that the Libyan government will respect religious freedom. Ask God to give wisdom and guidance to Baidoo as he continues serving the Lord.

IRAN — Prison Conditions Deteriorating for Imprisoned Believers — VOM Sources

1 Peter 5:7

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to continue praying for Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad and Maryam Rustampoor who are being held in Evin prison, by the Iranian government, according to VOM contacts. Ask God to continue encouraging and protecting them. Pray God will move supernaturally and they will be released.

CHINA — 18 Christian House Church Leaders and Members Arrested — China Aid Association

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

On April 30, 2009, 18 house church Christians and leaders were arrested by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers, while they were gathered for communion at a house church in Xinye city, Henan province, according to China Aid Association. The Christians were taken to the PSB office in Xinye city and each forced to pay a 1,000 Yuan (about US$150) fine. Currently 16 Christians are still being held by the PSB, including 10 preachers from Hubei province. The imprisoned pastors are, Wang Donggui, Yang Chengqun, GuoDaying, Hao Xuecheng, Lun Zhidian, Lian Fengmei, Chen Mingao, Ren Zhiai, Zhai Laoxue and Zhai Jinai. Pray the believers remaining in prison will be released. Ask God to encourage and protect persecuted believers in China. Pray the testimonies of Christians will draw non believers into fellowship with Christ.

INDIA — Pastors Attacked in Chhattisgarh — Compass Direct News

Hebrews 12: 14

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

On April 20 a group of Sikhs in Dalli Rajhara, Durg district attacked Christian pastors who had converted from the Sikh religion, according to Compass Direct News. The pastors were guest speakers from New Delhi at a Christian event organized by Christian Community Church. About 200 people were in attendance. At about 9:30 p.m., leaders from the Sikh community rushed into the church building and beat the visiting Christians, accusing them of forceful conversion and disrupting the community. Local Christian leaders denied that any forceful conversions were attempted. The Sikh community leaders were offended that the visiting converts, who still followed their cultural norm of wearing turbans and sporting beards, were preaching in the area; the Sikh leaders termed them traitors and demanded their arrests, later submitting memorandums of complaint to the state governor, chief minister and home minister. Police arrived and sent the pastors back to New Delhi. Pray the testimonies of these pastors will draw others to Christ. Ask God to encourage and protect them.

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Ellens coffee (picture)

Esther Lacy

Visited Tom and Hillary Lacy last night in Rock Hill.  Their new daughter, Esther, was born on Mothers Day and is doing wonderfully... as is mom.  Its amazing to hold a newborn child, so small and delicate.  Fearfully and wonderfully made!  Welcome, Esther!