"One of the reasons that hiddenness is such an important aspect of the spiritual life is that it keeps us focused on God. In hiddenness we do not receive human acclamation, admiration, support, or encouragement. In hiddenness we have to go to God with our sorrows and joys and trust that God will give us what we most need."
"In our society we are inclined to avoid hiddenness. We want to be seen and acknowledged. We want to be useful to others and influence the course of events. But as we become visible and popular, we quickly grow dependent on people and their responses and easily lose touch with God, the true source of our being. Hiddenness is the place of purification. In hiddenness we find our true selves."
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”1 Corinthians 1:30-31
PAKISTAN — Christian Attacked, Eight Believers Killed — VOM Sources
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.
On Aug. 1, a mob of angry Muslim extremists attacked Christians in Gojra district, Punjab province. The mob killed at least eight believers, including a seven-year-old child, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Dozens of homes and a church building were looted and burned. Reports indicate the violence resulted from rumors Christians had desecrated pages from the Quran several days earlier at a wedding in a nearby village. This was the second attack resulting from the rumor.. On July 30, Muslim extremists attacked Christians, burning more than 50 homes and animals in Korian village, Faisalabad. In both attacks, Muslim leaders encouraged the violence, using mosque loudspeakers to call on the faithful to defend Islam. According to witnesses, the attackers used a fuel that is particularly difficult to extinguish to set the fires. Government officials have condemned the attacks with unusual severity and have criticized security forces for their slow response. They said there is no truth to the allegations of blasphemy and promised to rebuild the homes destroyed and financially assist those who have lost family members in the violence. Recent reports estimate that more than 200 had been arrested for their involvement in the violence. Pray for the families of deceased believers, those who lost their homes and the pastor and members of the church. Ask God to provide for and encourage them. Pray false accusations by Muslims will draw believers closer to the Lord and for their faithfulness to draw others into faith with Christ.
UZBEKISTAN — Children’s Camp Attacked — Forum 18 News
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Uzbekistan's Baptist Union is facing criminal charges for allegedly unlawfully teaching children about Christ, and for “supposedly misusing their property as a summer camp,” according to Forum 18 News. Baptist Union Chair Pavel Peichev faces huge fines, the confiscation of the church property, imprisonment, or some combination of these penalties. Baptists have vehemently denied the allegations. The authorities have also launched an investigation into tax and other obligatory payments made by the Baptist Union. The first sign of trouble for the Baptists were two articles published by a government-sponsored news agency. It is believed the agency is sponsored by secret police, and the author may be a member of the secret police. Pray these charges against the Baptist Union are discharged. Pray for the children who were in the camp when it was attacked. Pray this incident and the testimony of faithful believers will draw others into fellowship with Him.
CHINA — Imprisoned Christian Tried in Court — China Aid Association
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD Forever.
On July 28, imprisoned Uyghur Christian, Alimujiang Yimiti was tried at Kashi District Intermediate People’s Court in Xinjiang, China, according to China Aid Association. His family was not allowed to attend the trial. The verdict is still pending. Yimiti has been in prison since January 2008. It is believed he was arrested because of his Christian faith and witness among the Uyghur people. Pray Yimiti is released from prison. Ask God to encourage and protect him and his family and for his courageous testimony to draw non believers into fellowship with Christ.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. 6As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
They make it a spring;
The rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84
I have received the following prayer request concerning Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) and their imprisonment for their faith in Jesus Christ:
Dear Friends,
This morning I was forwarded the following encouraging update from Philip Zodhiates, forwarded by Clay Sterrett, concerning our sisters in Jesus Christ in Iran, Maryam and Marzieh:
"In a dramatic session before the revolutionary court today in Tehran, Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) were told to recant their faith in Christ.
Though great pressure was put on them, both women declared that they would not deny their faith. Maryam and Marzieh were originally arrested on March 5, 2009 and have suffered greatly while in prison, suffering ill health, solitary confinement and interrogations for many hours while blindfolded.
On Saturday August 8, Maryam and Marzieh were summoned to appear in court on Sunday August 9 in order to hear a verdict on their case. The chief interrogator had recommended a verdict of 'apostasy.' However, when they arrived, no verdict was actually given. Instead, the court session focussed on the deputy prosecutor, Mr Haddad, questioning Maryam and Marzieh about their faith and telling them that they had to recant in both verbal and written form. This made it clear that in the eyes of the court, Maryam and Marzieh's only crime is that they have converted to Christianity. Mr. Haddad, asked the two women if they were Christians. 'We love Jesus,' they replied. He repeated his question and they said, 'Yes, we are Christians.' Mr. Haddad then said, 'You were Muslims and now you have become Christians.' 'We were born in Muslim families, but we were not Muslims,' was their reply. Mr. Haddad's questioning continued and he asked them if they regretted becoming Christians, to which they replied, 'We have no regrets.' Then he stated emphatically, 'You should renounce your faith verbally and in written form.' They stood firm and replied, 'We will not deny our faith.'
During one tense moment in the questioning, Maryam and Marzieh made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the Holy Spirit. Mr. Haddad told them, 'It is impossible for God to speak with humans.' Marzieh asked him in return, 'Are you questioning whether God is Almighty?' Mr. Haddad then replied, 'You are not worthy for God to speak to you.' Marzieh said, 'It is God, and not you, who determines if I am worthy.'
Mr. Haddad told the women to return to prison and think about the options they were given and come back to him when they are ready (to comply). Maryam and Marzieh said, 'We have already done our thinking.'
At the end of the session, Mr. Haddad told them that a judge will give them his verdict, though it is not clear who will be the judge in their case now. He also allowed Maryam and Marzieh to have a lawyer represent them in the case for the first time since their arrest.
Both women are back in Evin prison tonight. During their five-month ordeal, both have been unwell and have lost much weight. Marzieh is in pain due to an on-going problem with her spine, as well as an infected tooth and intense headaches. She desperately needs medical attention. Two months ago the prison officials told her the prison had proper medical equipment and that they will attend to her, but so far no proper treatment has been given.
Despite the concentrated effort of officials to pressure them into recanting their faith, Maryam and Marzieh love Jesus and they are determined to stand firm to the very end no matter whatever happens. They have demonstrated their love for Jesus and would offer their lives for Him if they were called to do so. After today's court session they said, 'If we come out of prison we want to do so with honor.'
Maryam and Marzieh's case is a clear and harsh violation of human rights and religious liberty by Iran's authorities. They deserve the support of all those who respect human rights and to be released without charges so they can pursue a life of freedom."
Please keep these two precious saints, and all the saints living in Iran and the rest of the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Communist nations in our daily prayers. Keep reminding your local church to pray for our persecuted brethren. We are one Body, the Body of Christ. If one member of the body suffers, the entire body suffers. Let us not "dwell at ease in Zion," or "reign as kings," while we have this brief privilege of living in a prosperous and free nation. Amos 6:1 and 1 Corinthians 4:8
Gratefully your servants in Jesus Christ,
Court and Sandy Wood
"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death"
Image by dragon762w via Flickr
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