Open Doors – Egypt

Six Christian brothers sent to prison after police brutality

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 [NIV]
Egypt

Six Christian brothers have been sentenced to three years in prison with hard labor for resisting arrest and assaulting authorities after they opened their café during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.

In September last year, police officers raided the café in Port Sa’id, a city in Egypt’s Nile delta, overturning tables, breaking chairs and smashing glasses and hookah pipes. Ashraf, Magdy, Osama, Nabil, Walid and Hany, all from the Morris Ghatas family, were beaten with sticks, leaving two with broken arms and a third needing stitches for a head wound.

There is no law in Egypt under which the brothers could be prosecuted for opening their café during Ramadan. When they tried to defend their café, the brothers, all in their 30s, were arrested and charged with resisting arrest and assaulting authorities. They were held for 30 days before being released on bail, set at 12,000 Egyptian pounds (US$2,173). This week they were convicted of resisting arrest and assaulting authorities and sentenced accordingly.

At the trial last week, defense counsel showed a video of the incident shot by an onlooker as evidence of police brutality. However, the footage did not sway Judge Mohammed Hassan El-Mahmody.

The brothers intend to appeal.

Source: Compass Direct
Please pray:

1. Remember the six Morris Ghatas brothers in jail. Pray that they would not be victimised in prison but would receive God’s strength and be a source of encouragement to those around them.
2. Pray for the authorities in Egypt, that they would treat all citizens, including the sizeable Christian population, justly and legally.
3. Pray for Christians living in Muslim societies that they would be given wisdom as they seek to be culturally sensitive to those around them.

For further news from the Persecuted Church visit www.opendoorsuk.org/news

Thank you for praying with us.
John
Communications Team

Open Doors – Christmas apeal

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 [NIV]

Send a Special Gift this Christmas

Dear Friend,

Mary* is a beautiful eight year old girl who lives in a desolate Muslim village in Egypt. Her story is both heartbreaking and filled with hope…

“My name is Mary and I am 8 years old. My mum & dad used to beat me and my friends didn’t love me. I wished to find someone who truly loved me. One day I heard about the children’s Club in our village and I learned that Jesus loves me and that He wants to change my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus that you died for me. Thank you that you redeemed me. Lord Jesus, I love you.”

Mary is just one of over 200,000 children in Egypt, northern Sudan and Iraq who have heard the Gospel of Jesus during summer Children’s Clubs. Mary’s heart has been turned from hate to love by the power of the Gospel! Mary’s story – made possible through Open Doors’ sponsored Children’s Clubs – provides hope, not just for Mary, but for thousands of children like her.

This Christmas, please will you remember Mary? The children love these camps: they introduce them to Jesus and give them real hope for the future. Open Doors is putting in place a £250,000 programme. Not only will it provide the means to run Children’s Clubs throughout the region, but the programme will also provide Bible stories and materials for each child to take home.

A gift of £20 can provide 10 children like Mary with Bible stories, crayons and a t-shirt at Children’s Club!

A gift of £60 can train and resource a youth leader with a Study Bible!

Additionally this fund will support an ambitious programme to train and equip a new generation of youth leaders capable of mentoring teenagers, and providing hope not only to the children of today, but establishing a foundation for the Church of tomorrow.

Our work wouldn’t be possible without your support. This Christmas please remember Mary. If you have not given a donation please make the time to do it now!

Finally, please can I ask you to take the time to forward this Christmas appeal to members of your church, friends and family and to visit the Open Doors website for more information on how you can support the Persecuted Church.

Click here to watch Eddie’s Christmas Appeal video »

Have a very blessed Christmas

Advent : The Avent wreath

The Advent Wreath- In my church all white but i came across this and it made me think a bit more deepy so thought I would share it

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And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:12-13). Traditionally, during the Christmas season we have an “Advent Wreath” in our Churches, and this is remarkably celebrated in all Denominations, including Orthodox, Catholic, liturgical, Mainline and Evangelical. The Advent Wreath is a venerable tradition that cuts across denominational and theological boundaries. It dates to the beginning of the 19th century in Europe. This Advent Wreath is arranged with 4 or 5 Advent candles, 3 or 4 of which are in a circle, along with one in the center, all on a base of evergreens each has a powerful message for us about our Lord. This has prevailing imagery we should not take for granted or consider just another holiday decoration. · The Wreath: The wreath itself means “victory” as Christ’s victory over sin so He can save us. The Advent Wreath has 4 or 5 candles that are arranged in a circle symbolizing Christ’s eternity, as a circle has no beginning and has no end, it is a symbol for God, Who is eternal and thus without beginning or end. The evergreens mean He is “ever with us,” they are usually pine branches or holly that are used as a base that represents anticipation, newness, renewal and His everlastingness. The red berries of the holly represent the shedding of Christ’s blood. · The Candles: The Advent candles mean the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son. This refers to the significance that Christ is the Light of the world. When they are lit, the illumination is to symbolize the Christ of eternity and His coming as the “Light of the World” and our worship and honor of His most precious gift of His Grace and mercy. These candles also have a color theme too, purple, blue, pink or rose and while. The first two or three are purple meaning royalty and this is also the color of suffering and the darkness of sin, connecting Jesus’ birth and crucifixion and His triumph over sin. Blue means sky and life, pink means joy, and white means purity. Each candle has a special meaning: o The first candle (purple) “CANDLE OF HOPE” means His promise and hope. We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises He made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13) o The second candle (purple) “CANDLE OF PREPARATION” means His light and preparation. Preparation means to ‘get ready’. “Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD!” (Luke 3:4-6) (Some traditions combine the first two) o The third candle (pink or rose) “CANDLE OF JOY” means the angels sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2:7-15) o The fourth candle (purple or blue) “CANDLE OF LOVE” symbolizes Christ love. God sent His only Son to earth to save us, because He loves us! (John 3:16-17) (some traditions omit this one) o The fifth candle (white) “CHRIST CANDLE” symbolizes the incarnation, the heart and reason of the season, God giving light to the world. Its location is in the center as Christ’s light is central and radiant. This reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! (in wreaths that have 4 candles, it is in the circle among the rest of the candles) · Each candle is lighted during the worship services each week in progression until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day when the last candle is lit. (some denominations and traditions have different color schemes and some only four candles) Each week the new unlit candle for that week is lighted, and then the previous candles are re-lighted. A family is sent up to do the lighting as a passage is read, a carol sang and or a prayer said. The four weeks are a period of waiting also signifying the four centuries of waiting between the last prophet Malachi and the birth of Jesus. All five candles should continue to be lighted in worship services through Epiphany on January 6 (epiphany means “to show,” is the climax of the Christmas Season and the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” It is observed to denote the coming of the wise men bringing gifts and their worship to Christ).

Avent: The meaning of Advent

The Meaning of Advent

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

“Advent” simply means coming as in Christ is coming, and for us now He has arrived. This is referring to His birth in history and in humanity. It meant the welcoming or the arrival of a special king and for us; it is our King of kings. This is what the Old Testament prophecies foretold concerning Jesus’ Incarnation, the Word made flesh for our hope and Atonement that brought us our deliverance. Advent represents our expectation, anticipation, and preparation for who Christ is and what He has done for us. He arrived into the world as a human being, being fully God and fully man. He came to identify as one of us, as the Son of Man, as a baby born in a manger. He came for us, He came for you and He comes into our lives and into our hearts. He is coming again in great power and glory to bring His Kingdom into fruition.

www.thereprobablyis.com

I think this is a great idea so am passing this on – please feel free to do so as well…………

Richard Dawkins and the British Humanist Association have raised over £119,000 for a nationwide poster campaign with the slogan “There’s Probably No God! No Stop Worrying, And Enjoy Your Life!”.

As Churches we need to thank Prof. Dawkins and the BHA for this wonderful opportunity they have presented us with as it will undoubtedly get people wondering all the more about God’s existence. Instead of being all negative and cross with this campaign our plan is to engage with it positively and turn the tables on these outspoken atheists.

www.thereprobablyis.com has been set up to be available to churches of all denominations to point people to when they see these posters going up in their towns and cities. In response to the atheists saying “There’s Probably No God!” we as Christians need to stand up and say “There Probably Is!”. www.thereprobablyis.com is based around a simple idea of presenting normal, intelligent, sensible people’s stories of why they believe in God, and allow those who see the atheist campaign to decide for themselves.

We are inviting Christians from across the UK, from any background and denomination, to submit their story of why they believe in God. This can be a testimony of how you became a Christian, or perhaps better still – why some years on you continue to believe in God. What has God done in your life? What evidence have you seen or experienced first hand which excites you and convinces you still that God is real, and that He loves you?

Visit www.thereprobablyis.com today and submit your own personal story of the truth and love of God.

Monday Music: Maire Brennan

As Promised

CARE FOR THE FAMILY

I was asked by a friend would  I be a stewart and help out at a care for the family event .  http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/ I have been to several events and attended one of their courses quite a while ago about parenting teens – It was while my teens where quite young and alot of it I have found helpful over the last year or two , especially the importance of keeping the lines of communication open .

Thursday night was called  Motherhood- the rollercoaster years , They had a couple of good speakers including Jean Gibson who works for Care for the family – I had just finished reading her book called Seasons of womanhood  which I can really reccomend. Its about different women at different stages of their life and there faith as they continues life journey. You can find out about Jean here -  http://jeangibson.co.uk/

Also Moya Brennan was  singing and sharing her story which was awesome who some will know from Clannad. I will save some of her music for Monday and it was so special to hear some of the meaning behind her songs http://www.moyabrennan.com/

All in all a worthwhile evening

OPEN DOORS: IRAQ

Wave of violence forces families to evacuate Iraqi city

“Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you. ”

- Jeremiah 10:7 [NIV]

Fresh waves of violence are sweeping through the northern Iraqi city of Mosul causing thousands of families to flee the city. Sources report that over 15 Christians have been killed in Mosul in the last few weeks. Much of the killing seems to be at random. One victim was a 15-year-old boy who was shot while playing in the streets with his Muslim friends while another was a man in a wheelchair. Open Doors contacts estimate that 1,600 Christian families have now left the city to escape the violence.

Christian families report that varied measures are being used to make Christians flee the city such as warnings or threatening letters thrown into Christian’s houses. Checkpoints, some official some bogus, have been installed around the city, stopping cars and instructing Christians to leave within 24 hours.

A family, temporarily living in a local church told how fifteen young masked men stormed their house. They collected the mobile phones first, and then they asked if there were men in the house. Fortunately the husband was not in the living room at that moment and could flee to neighbors via the backdoor. The family was instructed to leave their three story house. They were not allowed to take anything with them. Finally the house was destroyed with explosives.

“Many of the people fleeing now are those who virtually are too poor to have fled earlier”, Yassr says. “There are even people who want to flee Mosul, but just cannot. Last week I asked an anxious father why he didn’t flee the city with his family. He responded that they did not have a car or any money, so simply had no choice than to stay.”

Open Doors has this week launched an immediate response by providing food packages, blankets and cookers for around 200 families  but with winter approaching additional help will be needed. Aid is also coming from the Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration and other relief organisations operating in the region.

Source: Open Doors

Prayer points:

1. Prayer for ongoing peace in the region and wisdom for government officials as they seek to address outbreaks of violence and the issues behind it.

2. Please lift up before the Lord the families who have lost beloved ones in the last few weeks and those going through traumatic experiences. Pray for those who lost all their property and personal belongings dear to them.

3. Please pray that relief campaigns will be bring aid to those most in need and that there will be enough support for the Iraqi Christians.

For more information please click here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7671609.stm

Thank you for praying with us.

John

Music Monday : Iron & Wine – Flightless Bird

I absolutey love this song by Iron  & Wine ,  I like  a lot of their music – its from the movie Twilight which  I might actually  get around to seeing sometime, that would sure make a change form the usual animated films

Let me know if you post a music monday

Nearly a disaster…….

Bear loves lasagne and absolutely hates beans , I end up making it every week and he has the spare bIt the next night – he never eats beans .

As part of trying to save some pennies i have started buying  supermarket own brands – Do you see where this is going . In a mad rush the other night i hurridly open the tinned tomatoes and stirred them   into the mince – only it wasnt tomatoes it was BEANS. AHHHHH could it be any worse – why do the labels look so similar.  What should I do  , it would taken forever to pick them out and you can bet any missed would end up on his plate- So I mashed them in and NO-ONE noticed Phew, in fact he said it was delicious , nicer that ever so maybe i will be mashing beans into it in future-lol

Music Monday :Stevi Nicks – Landslide

I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
The Landslide brought it down

Oh mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Mmm mmm I don’t know
Mmm mmm

Well I’ve been ‘fraid of changing ‘cause I
Built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older, I’m getting older too

Soo (Interlude)

I’ve been ‘fraid of changing ‘cause I
I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder, children get older
I’m getting older too
I’m getting older too
Soo take this love, take it down
Ohh if you climb a mountain and you turn around
If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide will bring it down, down
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills,
Well maybe, the landslide will bring it down
Well well the landslide with bring it down

Lat me know if you do a music monday or if you don’t , why dont you join me

Wordless Wednesday

Get the WW code here

Give thanks …..

Some one I know through church has a  friend who  fell down stairs on wednesday  and broke their neck – I give thanks to our awesome God that she is expected to make a full recovery – Praise God.

Psalm 104

1Praise the LORD,O my soul.
O LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent

3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.

4 He makes winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants.

5 He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved.

6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.

7 But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;

8 they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.

9 You set a boundary they cannot cross;
never again will they cover the earth.

10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.

11 They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

12 The birds of the air nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.

13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.

14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for man to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:

15 wine that gladdens the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine,
and bread that sustains his heart.

16 The trees of the LORD are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

17 There the birds make their nests;
the stork has its home in the pine trees.

18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
the crags are a refuge for the coneys. ^[b]

19 The moon marks off the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.

20 You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.

21 The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.

22 The sun rises, and they steal away;
they return and lie down in their dens.

23 Then man goes out to his work,
to his labor until evening.

24 How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.

26 There the ships go to and fro,
and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

27 These all look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.

28 When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.

29 When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.

30 When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works-

32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

33 I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.

35 But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Praise the LORD.

Music Monday : Stevi Nicks – Dreams

Now here you go again
You say you want your freedom
Well who am I to keep you down
It’s only right that you should
Play the way you feel it
But listen carefully to the sound
Of your loneliness
Like a heartbeat .. drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost …
And what you had …
And what you lost

Thunder only happens when it’s raining
Players only love you when they’re playing
Say .. Women … they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean .. you’ll know

Now here I go again, I see the crystal visions
I keep my visions to myself
It’s only me
Who wants to wrap around your dreams and …
Have you any dreams you’d like to sell?
Dreams of loneliness …
Like a heartbeat … drives you mad …
In the stillness of remembering what you had …
And what you lost …
And what you had …
And what you lost

Thunder only happens when it’s raining
Players only love you when they’re playing
Say .. Women … they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean .. you’ll know

Hope you enjoyed this music monday

prayer

God, make me brave for life: oh, braver than this.
Let me straighten after pain, as a tree straightens after the rain,
Shining and lovely again.
God, make me brave for life; much braver than this.
As the blown grass lifts, let me rise
From sorrow with quiet eyes,
Knowing Thy way is wise.
God, make me brave, life brings
Such blinding things.
Help me to keep my sight;
Help me to see aright
That out of dark comes light.

– -Author Unknown—

Open Doors

British appeal court recognises threat to Christian converts

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. ”

- 1 Peter 1:22 [NIV]

Syria

A UK immigration court of appeal has for the first time recognised the threat to the lives of Muslim converts to Christianity by granting asylum to a Syrian evangelical Christian couple. In an unprecedented victory, the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) helped a young couple (whose identity is being withheld for security reasons) gain refugee status in the UK.

The court recognised that the couple would face real physical threats, including death, if they returned to Syria, the husband’s country of origin. Their appeal was granted on both asylum and human rights grounds.

“This is a significant and groundbreaking decision that clearly puts the focus on the fact that many converts to Christianity from Islam face real danger including the ultimate penalty of death,” said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the ECLJ.

The couple had converted to evangelical Christianity a few years ago and thereafter witnessed openly to Muslims using internet chat rooms. After their conversion, which in Syria is considered apostasy under Shariah law and therefore punishable by death, the couple began receiving death threats, including a video of a beheading. The husband’s family told him that if he refused to return to Islam then they would “wash their shame”, or put him to death.

Organisers helped to gather the signatures of six US Congressmen for a letter to the UK appeals court in August. American lawmakers also recognised that the couple faced a “credible threat” and that their lives were in danger.

Source: Christian Today

Prayer points:

1. Pray that God would protect this young couple from members of their own family and the wider Muslim community who would wish to harm them

2. Pray that the plight of Muslim-background believers living in the UK would be recognised by British believers and the UK courts

3. Pray for courage for believers in Syria, who are seeking to share their faith with others via the internet and through personal contacts.

Thank you for praying with us.

John
Communications Team

Scripture

Picture taken in south vendee- France

We have an awesome God

I have been feeling flat the last while – the arrival of my family from Australia has in some ways lifted me from depression only to crash after they have returned home – It was never going to be long enough , I was never going to see them enough . On the positive I have seen that despite what they have gone through they have come through it in a way that makes me feel very proud of them . All four live with my Bil , the boys no contact with their mother – my sister at all . The little girl has access for 4 days twice a month – how long that will continue I dont know – I fear for her when she becomes a stroppy teen with an independant spirit that does not bend to the will of my sister .

And its lovely to see answered prayer – its over 2 years since i found out they were at risk but didnt know who from . As time went on I knew it wasnt from my bil but it still took a while to accept it was from  my own sister . Then i cried out to God to keep them safe and i remember in particular praying that they where placed with the right parent – cause I sure didnt know  who that was .

I wish I could post picture of us all together – we had a lovely chinese at my house one night , a day out with other family , a meal with my whole family and of course they had to do it with pip`s family . Not a restful holiday for them at all . He hopes to bring them back in 2 years – that would be wonderful but expensive and of course the court case to get permission – my sister made it so difficult ( and expensive) .

So loads to pray about and much more to give thanks for . I feel loss, and guilt that Im not there to help , guilt that shes my sister and that she chose to follow in the footsteps of our mother . Pain for my BIL, and Im praying that God will place someone in is life , its no suprise a couple of days ago i was prayig for them all as i was driving , my eyes filled with tears when i thought of him on his own, the sun was shining through the clouds and for a brief second there was a dove – the dove of peace – Gods peace and understanding over him -we have an awesome God.

Open Doors: Eritrean

Evangelist fears for his life inside Eritrean prison

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

- 1 Peter 1:8-9 [NIV]

Eritrea

An evangelist imprisoned since 2006 for his Christian activities is reported to be undergoing especially harsh treatment because of his ministry to inmates. Sources said Teame Weldegebriel is on the brink of despair while he languishes at the Mai Sirwa Maximum Security Confinement prison.

“It seems that hell has broken loose on me,” Weldegebriel told supporters. “Please tell the brethren to continue praying for me. I am not sure I will see them again.” Prison authorities consider Weldegebriel dangerous because of his boldness in sharing his faith. The Rhema Church evangelist has been proclaiming Christ to other prisoners, and many have converted to Christianity.

Weldegebriel’s family is worried about his health after trying repeatedly, without success, to get permission to visit him. Inmates at the prison often go hungry and are said to be feeding on leaves.

The government views leaders of large unregistered bodies like the Full Gospel Church and Rhema Church as threats, according to Christian sources in the country. Eritrean officials fear church leaders will expose the abuses and conditions in the prisons. It is extremely difficult for relatives to see those in prison, or for inmates to send or receive letters.

A former prisoner described how God is at work in Eritrea, with many people converting to Christ: “For sure Christians are getting imprisoned, but God’s word cannot be imprisoned,” he said.

Source: Compass Direct

Prayer points:

1. Please pray for evangelist Teame Weldegebriel – that through His word, God would give him hope for the future, and that the attacks on him would relent

2. Please pray that the authorities would permit Teame’s family to visit him and that they would be able to encourage him

3. Pray that all the new believers will receive good teaching and discipleship and be able to grow in their new-found faith.

Thank you for praying with us.

John
Communications Team

Better again

pepper teapot was poorly which involved running her to the vets for an injection  every day – so nice bill to be paid but she does seem better – UTI poor girl – seems happier now that she allowed to run in and out again when she pleases – Yesterday she came into the kitchen – i gave her a carrot and of she went with it .

As you can see she got a bit close to the camera