So now we have Xanga messages? what - like our addiction to comments doesnt take up enough precious moments of our lives?
In one week I will be on my way back to school! That thought leaves me in a panic of laundry and packing........
Just three more days of work!
I really want to go rock climbing (not REAL rock climbing, but one of those indoor places) before I leave. any takers?
I found some other BJU bloggers the other day and Im not even sure what the blogging site was, but I was reading this one guy's entries and he had an entry about the removal of Starbucks from the snack shop. His few comments on the subject sparked this entire controversy! All these people he didnt know commented and started going off on fundamentalists. He did a great job witnessing to these people through his site. So my question is - why dont we ever get any of that on xanga? Controversy-Squashers!!
The pastor of the church we went to last Sunday mentioned something in his sermon about persecution that "WAS" as if it no longer exists. I think my eyes bulged some when I heard that. So I though I would add one of these emails about persecuted missionarys I get. Just something worthwhile to squeeze into your prayer life!
International Christian Concern
Prayer Points
August 18, 2006
China
Christians in China believe they are facing the worst persecution “in 140 years.” After the recent arrest in Zhejiang Province on July 29th, over 20 believers are still in police detention without any formal charges. The incident happened when Chinese police clashed with about 3,000 Christians who tried to prevent the destruction of their nearly completed mega-church building. The clash resulted in about 50 people missing and 20 injured. According to China Aid Association, Chinese authorities are planning to demolish two other churches in the same province, claiming that the buildings are “illegal” but the real reason behind these raids is the growing concern of the authorities over Christian activities.
In Jiangsu Province, many pastors have been put behind bars for believing in Christ. Pastor ‘Y’ was one among those who chose to continue evangelizing despite threats and persecution. The pastor was arrested and confined to a solitary cell for three months without much food, water, and hygiene. He was seriously ill after the maltreatment. The police finally released him because of his ill health, but charged him a large fine. After the release, he immediately went back to evangelize and pastor new set of believers. The officials again raided his church on June 14th while the service was being conducted, destroyed the church, seized all the Bibles, and arrested ‘Y’ and other leaders in the church. PRAY for Christians in Zhejiang who are going through severe persecutions. PRAY that God will protect the church and the Christians who are in detention. PRAY for Pastor ‘Y's health, his family, and his early release.
Indonesia
Urgent prayers are needed in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, where the execution of the three Catholics was postponed until after August, 17th. There were reports citing Indonesian officials as claiming that the execution could take place as early as Sunday, August 20th. Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus Da Silva, Marinus Riwu were charged with participating in sectarian violence during Muslim-Christian conflict in 2000. The three did not have a fair trial as the judge ignored at least 13 witnesses that could have exonerated them. It is obvious that the courts in Central Sulawesi are eager to convict Christians for alleged offenses but have not yet convicted a single Muslim for conducting attacks against Christians in the region. One of countless violent attacks includes the beheading of Christian school girls last year. PRAY for God's hands to stop the execution, and that the three will be released. PRAY for protection for their lawyers who are receiving death threats. PRAY that the Christians in Central Sulawesi will be protected from further violence. PRAY for those who continue to persecute them.
India
Pastor Vinod Karsal was attacked by a mob of 45-50 people while praying for the healing for another pastor in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The Hindu extremists of Dharma Raksha Sena entered his house and tried to find Christian materials but could not find any, so they planted gospel tracts in his motor scooter's glove compartment and held them up as “conversion evidence.” The police arrived at his house and held him in custody. Inside the police station, Hindu extremists continued to verbally abuse and threaten Pastor Kasal with serious consequences if he did not stop his Christian activities. According to Compass, Kasal has been charged under Religious Freedom Act of 1968, which prohibits “conversion by the use of force or by fraudulent means.” PRAY for justice in Pastor Karsal's case. PRAY that the pastor can continue his ministry without interference and violence from the extremists. PRAY that the Hindu extremists will repent of their actions and come to know the one true God. | 
