Pastors

Obama Asks pastors to promote his Health care plan from the pulpit.

mmitchell — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:56:55 GMT

I am reposting this because I have not seen it show up on the news page. Seems news worthy.

AAC Supports Bishop Duncan September 19, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joseph Parker — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:17:59 GMT

AAC Supports Bishop Duncan

Robert Lundy
September 19, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Anglican Council Supports Bishop Duncan

The American Anglican Council (AAC) stands in full support of The Rt. Rev. Bob Duncan. Bishop Duncan, in spite of the Episcopal Church’s (TEC) attempt to depose him for “abandonment of communion,” is a bishop in good standing in the Anglican Communion as a member of the House of Bishops of the Province of the Southern Cone and as the moderator of the Common Cause Partnership.

“The illegal and unjust deposition of the Bishop of Pittsburgh was one more cut, one more tear, and one more declaration of independence by TEC from the rest of the Anglican Communion,” said the Rt. Rev. David C. Anderson, president and CEO of the AAC.

Bishop Duncan has earned a place on the AAC’s “wall of honor” along with more than 100 clergy who have been deposed by TEC for upholding the historic Christian faith.

“We continue to support and encourage Bishop Duncan’s leadership of the effort to establish a separate North American province for biblically orthodox Anglican Christians,” Anderson added.

###
Date: 9/19/2008

WinTheCity.org launches website with resources for evangelism and mission

netsuke — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:04:01 GMT

We invite you to share resources with other churches and receive resources for evangelism in your city. Thanks for visiting our website.

http://winthecity.org

In Need Of Baptist Church Pastor

Minister Boyd — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 02:46:48 GMT

Our Free Will Baptist Church, 80 Front Street, Binghamton, NY is seeking a Pastor. All who are interested can reply by email to:

OurFreeWillBaptist@yahoo.com

or write to:

Deacon Boyd, POB 1134, Binghamton, NY 13902

Looking for feedback from church leaders who have now or have had in the past a Saturday evening service.

Mel Wofford — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:17:07 GMT

I am looking for your feedback regarding a Saturday evening service. We are a progressive, purpose driven, non-demoninational church with several "good problems" we are dealing with. Our Church, Grace Community Fellowship (GCF) , is located in Eugene, Oregon. Coming from a conservative evangelical background, the thought of deviating from a traditional Sunday morning outline is a difficult change to consider.

The considration of the additional service on Saturday evening is for three reasons: (1) Our church mission is "To love people where they are at and help them follow Jesus". It doesn't say love them where we are at, but where they are at. The mission is the same, but the function may need to be altered to meet the ever changing dynamics of an unsaved world. (2) Space is a huge concern. We have undergone a near 3 million addition in the last 2 years to predominately inhance our CE department. Our general focus is 25-35 year old couples with kids so this was the absolute paramount need at that time. Our concern now is (3) Finances. As a board we agree, to a man, that taking on more debt is not responsible or possible taking into the consideration the existing debt taken on for the last build, the current economy and the dynamics of our body. At this time we are concerned with taking care of our staff and their needs which has for a long time has been overlooked.

God has done miraculous things at GCF. The last project was a total God thing. All the "experts" were astonished at what happened. They only predicted a third of what happened based on our size. We are very blessed and want to continue to be responsive to God's calling to serve our community, but our sanctuary is too small. We have tried 3 services on Sunday. 8:00/9:30/11:00, and no matter how hard we tried we could not get more than 50 people to come to the 8:00 service. A few of my fellow elders are interested in examining a Saturday evening service, including our senior pastor, but the overall feeling is that if it worked, why aren't many other churches doing it?

If you have a Saturday evening service I would like to discuss with you the challenges that you have in making it work and what you done. If you have tried and it didn't work I would also like your feedback. Thanks in advance for your help.

Mel Wofford

THE EVENTS OF THE JUST CONCLUDED 56TH ANNUAL CONVENTION IN LAGOS NIGERIA

IKECHUKWU — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:43:04 GMT

The 56th ANNUAL CONVENTION ENDED today.

The 56th Annual Convention of THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD, ended this morning as the ordination of pastors and farewell service was held. The general overseer, lay hands on them and also anoint them with anointing oil. The farewell service was well attended.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

•    82 children were born throughout this convention period. 33 boys, 49girls.
•    Next year convention is between August 3-9, 2009 Topic- Hope of Glory.
•    Province created during this convention are: Two in Lagos, one in Ogun, one in ondo, one in Abia.
•    Two regions have also been created.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS

This is the fourth day of 56th convention of THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD, and it has been wonderful being

in God's presence. Lot and lots of destinies are changed here, miracles, signs and wonders are innumerable.

Hopeless people are receiving hope here from God. If you are not part of it yet, you can't afford to remain passive

about this anymore. Join us at the redemption camp today and experience the great power of God.
At 4.30pm yesterday, the mass choir held their melody hour and it was such an eventful event. See the photo album.







	Welcome to the third day of 56th convention of THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD. Yesterday's program was a life touching one, I told you a little about what happen earlier on in the day. Pastor E. A. Adeboye spoke extensively on PEACE LIKE A RIVER. A river was used as an illustration because of its three most important characteristics which are; it flows, it is influential, and lastly it has a source. The river of peace has its source from the PRINCE OF PEACE says the general overseer. Despite these great characteristics of a river, we are also told that there are two important kinds of river which are the rivers of God's judgment and the river of God's mercy. Which do you belong? Search yourself today. Today, being the third day, brought us a glorious view which beautifies the auditorium of God, it was a time of Joy once again as the Bible College grandaunts were given their scroll and of course the G.O prayed for them. It was indeed a sight to behold as both the old, young, executives; educational scholars looked on with doing great exploit for God with their new positions. This afternoon, there will be twelve different seminars, for different groups. These twelve seminars are being handled by different experts in these various groups. Brethren, if you are not in the Redemption Camp yet, you are missing a life time opportunity, well! If you are listening or watching the live broad cast or the live web cast then maybe your are not missing, but if you are not participating in any of these then you are certainly missing a life time opportunity. This event is such that can change your life forever, please don't miss it.

THE COMMING EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2009 IN RCCG.

IKECHUKWU — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:22:23 GMT

YOUTH CONVENTION

Event Date

Starting: Thursday, 1st of October, 2009
End: Saturday, 3rd of October, 2009

Event Venue

Redemption City
Km 46 Lagos Ibadan Express Way
Ogun State Nigeria

School of Disciple

Event Date

Starting: Friday, 9th of October, 2009
End: Saturday, 10th of October, 2009

Event Venue

Redemption City
Km 46 Lagos Ibadan Express Way
Ogun State Nigeria

Provincial Minister’s Conference

Event Date

Starting: Thursday, 15th of October, 2009
End: Saturday, 17th of October, 2009

Event Venue

Redemption City
Km 46 Lagos Ibadan Express Way
Ogun State Nigeria

Youth Weekend

Event Date

Starting: Thursday, 22nd of October, 2009
End: Sunday, 25th of October, 2009

President wants pastors to push his health care plan from the pulpit

mmitchell — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:44:20 GMT

Unbelievable! Imagine if a Republican president did such a thing.

What are your thoughts on this? Will you or have you addressed the topic from the pulpit?

I may address the subject but he will not appreciate the direction I push it!

Mark

Two Christian women held in Tehran prison

nelsonwong — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:15:59 GMT

Two Christian women held in Tehran prison
by Lori Anold

PASADENA, Calif. — Two Christian women remain jailed in Tehran, Iran, after refusing to renounce their faith during an Aug. 9 court hearing. According to Elam Ministries, the women, Maryam Rustampoor, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were arrested on apostasy-related charges on March 5 and have suffered poor health, solitary confinement and hours-long interrogations while blindfolded. “The fire they have for God is unbelievable,” said Cristina Voskian, who heads the Pasadena office for Elam and has known the two women for nearly three years. “Fear is not in their vocabulary. They have so much boldness when they talk about Jesus Christ. They desperately need our prayers and help.” Voskian, a Brazilian, said she was so taken with the fervor of those associated with Elam that she quit a career to work full time in the ministry. Officials with Elam reported that the women were summoned to court to hear learn their fate. When they arrived, however, a deputy prosecutor identified only as Mr. Haddad began questioning the women about their faith. Haddad focused on their conversion from Islam to Christianity, asking if they regretted their decision to follow Christ. Both responded by saying they had no regrets. The report by Elam said that Haddad went on to pressure the women. “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, Elam officials said Rustampoor and Amirizadeh made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the Holy Spirit. “It is impossible for God to speak with humans,” the prosecutor responded. Amirizadeh asked him in return, “Are you questioning whether God is Almighty?” Haddad then replied, “You are not worthy for God to speak to you.” Amirizadeh said, “It is God, and not you, who determines if I am worthy.” Failing to get a retraction, Haddad ordered the women back to prison and told them to contact him when they were ready to recant their Christian faith. “We have already done our thinking,” the pair was quoted as saying. At the end of the hearing, Haddad told them that a judge will issue a verdict in their case, but the prosecutor also told the pair to have a lawyer represent them, the first offer of its kind since their arrest. After professing their love of Jesus, the women left the court, saying, “If we come out of prison, we want to do so with honor.” Citing a “harsh violation of human rights and religious liberty by Iran’s authorities.” Elam said the women have lost a significant amount of weight during their five-month captivity and that Amirizadeh is in pain due to an ongoing problem with her spine, as well as an infected tooth and intense headaches. Although prison authorities pledge proper medical treatment, none has been given, according to Elam. The England-based Elam operates offices in Pasadena and Alpharetta, Ga. Founded in 1988 by senior Iranian church leaders, the ministry’s heart is for Iranians to know and follow Jesus Christ. To meet that goal, the ministry trains leaders, equips churches and sends out people to build and support churches and serve the poor. The increased pressure on the women comes at time when Iranian authorities are cracking down on Christians. Compass Direct News, which monitors the persecuted church, reported that more than 30 Christians—all converts from Islam—were arrested in a two-week span beginning at the end of July. The arrests were made in two waves near Tehran and in the northern city of Rasht. Most were detained less than 24 hours, although eight remain in prison, Compass reported. For more information, visit www.elam.com or www.compassdirect.org.

LET SOMEBODY SHOUT HALLELUJAH

IKECHUKWU — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:08:37 GMT

GLORY BE TO GOD "THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD HOLDS HER OCTOBER 2009 HOLY GHOST SERVICE"

Rick Warren takes on his critics

Mark Carver — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:18:30 GMT

An interesting response from Rick on how he views his critics ...

THE NEWS FROM NIGERIA

IKECHUKWU — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:26:41 GMT

Global unemployment may hit 241m,
GLOBAL unemployment figure is expected to hit an all-time high of 241 million this year owing to the current global economic crunch, the International Labour Organisation ( ILO) has warned.

Food & Drink

Avocado, the butter pear -180909
TAKE nutrient-rich avocado to beat aging and keep cancer at bay with these entrees

Open Discussion on Poverty

John Haller — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:41:27 GMT

The issue of poverty is a big issue in this election and in the church. From my perspective, it often is dealt with by on a rather superficial basis (give them money). I wrestle with it every time I am approached in a parking lot by someone asking for money or see the guy standing at the end of the exit ramp (although, come to think of it, I don't see many of these people in Columbus any more; I see much more of them in California). I used to go to New York in the 80s. There were lots of homeless people. You literally had to walk over them in places. I was there a couple of months ago and it is much different today.

I seem to recall some discussions on the old pcom about how churches should hand out charity. I don't know of a church that does not have some rules on how they do this mainly because there are people who try to run scams on the church.

In any event, I'm posting the above blog because I have found it provocative and it gives a perspective not often heard. Fair warning: Dr. Gleason a conservative and not impressed with what is usually the left's (political and religious) approach to the issue of poverty, but I think he has taken time to wrestle with the scripture.

We probably also ought to discuss the context of Matthew 25. In fact, there is a new organization called Matthew 25 which is endorsing Obama. I personally think this scripture is often taken out of context but there are lots of other places

Let's discuss. What's proverty? Poort? How do we deal with it?

Looking For PD messages on Baptism & Filling Of Holy Spirit

drewhayes — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:18:04 GMT

I am looking for application-oriented messages on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, from the 2nd experience perspective, and the filling of the Spirit. I would also be interested in messages on prayer language.

I can find plenty of doctrinal stuff. I'm looking for models of preaching these topics that is strong on application and connects with seekers, new Christian, and uncommitted Christ-followers.

Community Boost brings Award Nomination

Wayne Field — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:33:55 GMT

‘Boost’, a service program initiated by local church, Australind Baptist, has been nominated for the 2009 Curtin University of Technology Regional Service Award and Australia Post Community Of The Year Award, which forms part of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards for Western Australia.

The church was nominated by Australind Primary School Principal, Mr Darrin Tinley, in response to the support given to the primary school. In his submission he noted in the past 12 months members of the church has donated approximately $30,000 and an estimated 830 hours of voluntary service to initiatives which benefited the school community.

As well as financing a Chaplain, volunteers provide non-religious tutoring and mentoring to students, supervision for excursions, and gift vouchers to help cover personal expenses for people in need.

“They have given their time, hearts and minds to our students and staff and we are a much better school for their involvement. They would never do what they do to gain awards, however, we felt they deserved the recognition for the amazing support they give.” Mr Tinley said.

“This wonderful group of dedicated people is a significant boost to many in our school community; many of our students have benefited from the pastoral care they have provided.”

Australind Baptist Pastor, Wayne Field, says the nomination is a great encouragement, “In an age where some would question the value of the church, this nomination affirms that our people really do play a significant role in the community.”

“The ‘Boost’ program has evolved out of a genuine affection we have for the community. We did not go looking for it, but rather it developed over time as needs in the school became evident and as people in our church responded to meeting those needs.” Pastor Field said.

“Part of Australind Baptist Church’s vision statement is to demonstrate ‘life-changing love and compassion’ to the local community; the ‘Boost’ programme at Australind Primary School is the means by which we can assist people in our local community who need practical help to get back on their feet.”

Southern Baptists Elect New President

Joe — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:51:37 GMT

The question is ... does anybody really care? Many of the most influential churches in America don't seem to operate denominationally. Perhaps that's a subject for another posting. In any case, there's a new SBC leader.

Dios Ofrece Liderar la Marcha a Washington por una Reforma Migratoria

rodolfo Macias — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:31:31 GMT

500 Lideres de la Iglesia son Necesarios para Iniciar la Marcha por Justicia. ¿Quiere que su nombre sea incluido entre los únicos Quinientos Siervos de Dios que habrán de respaldar la ‘Marcha por Justicia’ por una Reforma Migratoria?

SAN ANTONIO, TX.— Dios hace una pausa a la ‘Marcha por Justicia’ que pretendía iniciarse el próximo sábado primero de Agosto a las cinco de la mañana y posteriormente de orarle a Dios por una hora comenzar la caminata desde la explanada del gobierno municipal de San Antonio, hasta la gran capital de esta nación en el Capitolio en Washington, DC.

¿Qué pretender lograr con la Marcha por Justicia? Influir ante los miembros del Congreso y el Presidente Barack Obama para que en Octubre aprueben una Reforma Migratoria Justa y no separen a mas familias.

¿Dónde comienza y termina la Marcha? Inicia en la explanada del City Hall del gobierno municipal de San Antonio, Texas y termina en la explanada del Capitolio en Washington, DC. Son 1615 millas que habrán de caminar y en el camino buscaran organizar al resto de los indocumentados.

Un Siervo de Dios indocumentado en los Estados Unidos de América (por ahora), por clamar apoyo y justicia a su país de origen, el gobierno mexicano, fue arrestado y procesado penalmente y por ello esta actualmente bajo un proceso de deportación bajo las autoridades de Inmigración ICE y pendiente de los cargos criminales en la Corte No. 5 a cargo del Juez del Condado de Bexar Tim Johnson.

Una vez que las autoridades de Inmigración verificaron que este indocumentado entró legalmente y que solamente violó su permiso de estancia le concedieron una fianza para esperar a ser escuchado por un Juez de Inmigración y resolviera su caso.

Este indocumentado no es un caso normal, tiene un caso muy peculiar o digno de contarse, por ello decidimos hacerle una auto—entrevista.

¿Cuál es su nombre?
Rodolfo Macías Cabrera

¿Profesión?
Arquitecto y Director del Periódico San Antonio Newspaper

¿País de origen?
Mexicano

¿Religión?
Católico, Apostólico y Cristiano.

¿Situación Migratoria?
Indocumentado –por ahora— ¡Ciudadano de los Estados Unidos de América, mañana, si Dios me lo permite!

¿Experiencia Política?
Ex—presidente del Partido Mexicanos por la Democracia fundado el 20 de noviembre de 1988 en Nueva York.

¿Experiencia de Gobierno?
Ex—Presidente Provisional de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (Julio, 1, 1989 – Diciembre 2, 1994).

¿Por qué la Marcha por Justicia?
Básicamente porque huyendo del secuestro y tortura del gobierno mexicano en contra de mi esposa y de mi, al haberme opuesto a la usurpación de Carlos Salinas de Gortari y luego de solicitar la protección y justicia del gobierno norteamericano, nunca la recibimos. Mis hijos crecieron en las sombras, sin documentación legal para poder solicitar un trabajo digno, tampoco porque no pueden manejar un auto y no pueden ir a la universidad. Esta situación es la que me indignó en gran manera por la 'doble moralidad' del gobierno norteamericano, como para decidirme a realizar esta Marcha.

¿Fueron tratados injustamente en los EUA?

Estuve injustamente siete veces en sus prisiones y el Juez Tim Johnson de la Corte 5 y la Fiscal de Distrito Susan Reed del Condado de Bexar por negligencia o conspiración intentaron enviarme al manicomio luego de haberle advertido a Bill Clinton el 27 de agosto de 1992 cuando salte en el Río de San Antonio entregándole una carta que no apoyara como Presidente de los EUA al gobierno corrupto de México.

¿Cómo inicio su actividad política?
Hace mas de veinte años visite las Naciones Unidas y allí realicé una Huelga de Hambre en protesta por el fraude electoral que llevo ilegítimamente a la presidencia de la república al licenciado Carlos Salinas de Gortari, quien no solamente uso y abuso del poder sino que al terminar su usurpación se robo parte de la partida secreta como lo denuncio públicamente el Ex—presidente Miguel de la Madrid, quien lo eligió como candidato a sucederle y de quien se arrepintió de ello al final.

¿Cómo intervino Dios en este proyecto de la Marcha?

Bajo mi proyecto estaba por comenzar la Marcha por Justicia y Dios me hizo un alto. Dios estableció que para el éxito de esta MARCHA por JUSTICIA y que el mismo Dios estuviera al frente de la misma era necesario que reuniera la información y compromiso de quinientos lideres de la Iglesia para respaldarla. Una vez realizado lo anterior puedo comenzar dicha Marcha con Dios al frente.

Finalmente aprovecharé la oportunidad que Dios me brinda para organizar a los indocumentados de doce en doce por grupos de cinco y realizar al mismo tiempo un censo entre nosotros los indocumentados.

¿Escribió un libro?
Si, el titulo de mi primer libro es: ‘Mi Lucha por la Democracia’

¿Esta escribiendo un segundo libro?
Si, el titulo de este segundo libro es: ‘Un Sueño por un País Justo’ (A Dream for a Just Country) Es el titular de mi Segundo libro el cual estoy escribiendo y donde habré de incluir los detalles de esta Marcha por Justicia.

City Government of San Antonio

City Hall / 100 N. Plaza SA TX 78227

United States Government Capitol

1st & Constitution Ave NE Washington, DC 20510-0001

(202) 224-3121

‎

1615 miles

Illegal Today; Citizens Tomorrow!

Dios Ofrece Liderar la Marcha a Washington por una Reforma Migratoria

rodolfo Macias — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:31:28 GMT

Este indocumentado no es un caso normal, tiene un caso muy peculiar o digno de contarse, por ello decidimos hacerle una auto—entrevista.

City Government of San Antonio

City Hall / 100 N. Plaza SA TX 78227

United States Government Capitol

1st & Constitution Ave NE Washington, DC 20510-0001

(202) 224-3121

‎

1615 miles

Illegal Today; Citizens Tomorrow!

Discussion about the Newsweek article titled "Christian Soldiers"

Jim Steenland — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:07:49 GMT

What are your views regarding the U.S. Military distributing Bibles? Should this be something we do as a means of promoting peace, therefore the military should do it? Or, is it something our military should avoid because it is a religious thing, and therefore becomes a state promoted religion?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/202734

Rick Warren on Cover of Time Magazine

Randy Willis — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:33:38 GMT

The article in Time magazine is very well-written.

Some of my favorite (or interesting) lines ...

"church planter," or serial church founder.
I don't have much faith in government solutions, given the track record. It's why I am a pastor, not a politician.
Re: PEACE -- He is comfortable "building the plane as we fly it."
He has written a holiday book, The Purpose of Christmas.
"I've had to add a new hat: my statesman hat. I had a call the other day from a President in Africa asking me to contact a President in Asia to set up a meeting."

Worth a read!

2nd anniversary of the Pentecost day miracle

Ransome Tomety — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:20:56 GMT

The 2^nd anniversary of the Pentecost day miracle

It was two years ago on Pentecost day. We had just gone through a well attended three-hour worship service. The sermon was on the protective power over the children of God. Unlike previous Sundays, after worship, within the next 10 minutes almost everyone rushed out of the church compound to get home early because the sky had darkened without warning and it was evident that it can start raining at any moment. Left behind in the temple, were seventeen of us, eleven adults and six kids between two years and six months. I was conducting counselling whiles others were putting some other things in other before they also leave for their homes. Very soon the rain started with a drizzle.

This was how things was when suddenly there was a sharp wind that made everyone sat up. Some who had their children playing away from them went to bring them near themselves. Though, the pillars of the temple were made of timber fastened into the ground, we never felt we were in any danger of the temple coming down on us. There was a lady undergoing counselling at the time who excused herself and went to get hold of her six month baby and fastened her on her back with a tissue(that is the normal practice here in Africa) I had also stood up from my table to go interact with some of those present.

In another five minutes, there was another sharp wind but this time the strength was so great that the whole structure heaved to the direction of the wind. This time everyone realised we were not safe in the temple and on the spur of the moment, everyone did something to either get out or protect him or herself but within a time space of six seconds, the whole structure came down on us! We did not know what happened next, but I found myself outside the temple. Looking behind I saw that the woman I was counselling was trying to come out through a window by which she had been sitting and she was stuck halfway in the window with her baby bound at her back. I rush to her and dragged her and the baby out to safety. I saw that six of us adults had, one way or the other got out. The rest were under the wreck. We realised that the ends of the roof has been displaced about three meters but had fallen on the row of benches that had just been vacated by worshippers. The apex of the roofing had also correspondingly moved from its position to another position but miraculously its new position was the spot that those trapped under were gathered with the little kids.

Those of us outside had to find an opening back under the crumbled temple to see what had happened to those under and were relieved to see them hustled together under the apex of the roof. If the apex had come just a few centimetres lower, they would have been crushed under it. The woman whom I dragged out would also be crushed with her baby at the back. We later realised that it was the alter stand made of timber, on which the roof fell, that prevented the apex from going down any further. The benches on which the ends of the roofing fell were also of strong redwood. They would have given way under the weight of the roofing if they were made of any cheaper material.

The miracle

The real miracle of the day was that when we checked ourselves, nobody among us had as much as a scratch on the body. Not an ‘iota’ of blood of anyone touched the ground or was seen. None of us needed any massaging, not even the kids!

In a nearby farm, the local Methodist pastor who had come to visit the farm after church service and who was also caught unawares by the rain was the first to get to the site after the incident. He said normally he sees our temple from his farm but was surprised that at a time, he could not see the temple. He did not immediately realised that the temple had crumbled under the pressure of the winds but latter it just dawned on him that something had happened so he intuitively ran to the site. When he arrived at the site we had then all returned under the ‘protection of the apex of the roof’ and because he could not fathom how we could be alive under the debris, he started lamenting aloud about the accident until we called out to him that we were safe under the wreck. Just after him, a member of the church, who was among those that left earlier, but who left behind his wife and two kids among us also came running back to check the safety of his family. He also went through the same scenario of the Methodist pastor. He and the pastor joined us to praise the Good Lord when he also came to see the miracle that He has done for us.

The lessons of the event

The greatest lesson we learnt from the events of Pentecost day May 2007 was that God loves His children. We also learnt that the child of God should be ready at all times as the call to come home can be without any prior warning apart from the warnings the Word of God gives . We discerned that God was speaking not only to those of us that went through these emotions, but also the whole of the church at Badougbe (and all children of God near and far that come across this testimony).

As we remember the event two years later, we are still thanking the Lord for giving us another lease of life to continue working in His vineyard. We are praying that He anoints us abundantly with His Spirit so we can be effective in His employ. We ask in Jesus name, Amen.

20 Years Of Ministry

Ransome Tomety — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:07:53 GMT

20 YEARS OF MINISTRY

0n Sunday 28^th of May 1989, the 1^st church service was conducted at Badougbe in the VO prefecture of the Maritime Region of Togo to mark the birth of the Badougbe church. The church was originally called ‘Eglise Baptiste de la Delivrance.’ Today, she is called the New Jerusalem church and is part of Mission Baptiste de la Delivrance.

The Mission Baptiste de la Delivrance has three other churches in Togo namely: ‘La Revelation’, ‘Hopelight’ and ‘Kalvaria’. Recently, a new church was started in Accra, Ghana by the name, God’s Mission Solution centre which will work as an affiliate of the Togo church.

The mission started a school in the hamlet settlements of Badougbe to help fight the high incident of illiteracy and child labour in the area. The school, which is in the 1^st cycle stage, hopes to grow into 3^rd cycle educational set up. It is being built in collaboration with 4HIM of Oklahoma City, USA.

The 20^th anniversary was marked with prayer sessions throughout the churches of the mission. As this year’s anniversary also falls in the week of Pentecost, the occasion was used to hold seminars on the Holly Spirit. On Pentecost day which fell on 31^st May, Pastor Ransome, founder of the mission gave a sermon on ‘THE PENTECOST AS A FEAST OF NEW GRAIN’

In the sermon, he traced the origin of the Pentecost feast to the Jewish new grain feast which is the second of the three major agricultural feasts of the people of God. He said this feast follows an earlier one called the First Fruits Feast which is basically an occasion that the Jews bring their first fruits to the priest to be waved before God in thanksgiving for an anticipated harvest. (Leviticus 23: 10-11, 15-16) He said first fruits are normally devoured by farmers especially if it followed a long period of drought. He said though first fruits satiate our extreme starvation caused by prolonged droughts, the actual food security comes when the first fruits spur us on to bring in the harvest of new grains. The advent of the new grain is expected to give us adequate strength to continue bringing in the totality of the harvest, drying or treating them and finally putting them in the silos, which corresponds with the 3rd Jewish feast called the Feast of Tabernacles.(Leviticus 23:39-40)

The pastor went back into the bible to draw the relationship between the feast of the Jewish people and Christianity. He quoted 1^st Corinthians 15:20 and Romans 8:29 and said Jesus is the first fruit of those that will abandon death to inherit eternal life. He said Jesus’ advent into the world in flesh was at a time the whole world was experiencing apostasy and there was a great drought of truth, justice and all that goes with it. Jesus’ three-year ministry on earth satiated the many years of the people’s starvation of truth, justice and health, both spiritual and physical. But as satiating as first fruits are, the time comes when we need to progress from that period to that of the new grains that would give us strength to bring in its totality and stock it to ensure long term food security. He illustrated this point with the story in the bible in which Jesus, seeing the crowd lamented that there were not enough labourers. He said the next thing He did after making that observation was to chose some disciples and empower them for the job (Mathew 9:35-10:1). In the same way, His three-year ministry was going to bring in plenty harvest, the harnessing of which would require energy (power) so when His time on earth was coming to an end, He promised to send down the Holy Spirit who would empower us to bring in the full harvest to be put into the silos of God. (John 14:16-18, 16: 7-11, Acts 1:8) He said the coming down of the Holy Spirit at the time the Jews were celebrating the feast of new grains (which has come to be known as Pentecost because it is celebrated fifty days after the first fruits) is not a coincidence. God in His wisdom was drawing us to the harvest that Jesus saw when He was here in the flesh and wants us to be empowered so we can not only bring in the new grains, but also dry an treat them so they can be put into His barns.

Pastor Ransome finally talked about the dangers of working without power. He likened the former times when we were in the world and under Satan’s control, as our periods of drought. He said, then, our lives were a pity, characterised by unfulfilled dreams, uncompleted projects, inability to defend our rights and the selling off of our precious assets cheap to shylocks to whom we had sold ourselves and who insisted on claiming their pound of flesh. (See Romans 6:15-20, 7:5) When we come to Christ, we have become the harvest and at the same time the potential labourers in the cornfields.

The Holy Spirit, who made us the harvest of God when He gave us birth into the family of God, is now in town to empower us to become labourers in His vineyard. In other words, the new grain has come to give us energy to bring in the rest of the grains, and make it ready for the silos. We are invited to ask for the Spirit and are assured He will be given to us. Our inability to benefit from the power of the Holy Spirit is foolhardiness because we risk remaining in our weakened state in this world where Satan is branding his powers about!

Congressman Forbes asks the questions "Did America ever consider itself a Judeo-Christian nation?" and "If America was once a Judeo-Christian nation, when did it cease to be?"

Jim Steenland — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:54:22 GMT

This is worth watching.

Let's write this man and let him know we are with him in turning America back to the great principles that birthed this nation.

China Imprisons Hero For Giving Out Bibles

Mark Carver — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:39:24 GMT

A kind-hearted man with a sense of social responsibility, he donated funds to send poor kids to school, raised money for those suffering from congenital heart disease, and when the Sichuan earthquake hit, worked tirelessly for the emergency relief effort.

But Shi had a fatal flaw.

He printed Bibles – and gave them out for free.

This week a criminal court in Beijing sentenced him to three years in jail.

`Sex-y' sermons cause stir in rural Alabama

Waldo — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:16:15 GMT

From the article: It's one thing for a church in a big city like Dallas or Atlanta to tackle the ticklish topic of sex. It blends in with the urban scene.

It's another thing when a small-town congregation puts up billboards with the phrase "Great sex: God's way" on rural highways to promote a sermon series. You can't even legally buy beer in Cullman County, and a preacher is talking about S-E-X on Sunday morning?