dW 05.01.07

scripture
II Timothy 4: 16-18
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

quote
I thank God for our youth pastor. He taught us from day one: “To accept Jesus Christ is a wonderful thing and forgiveness of sins. There is nothing you can add to it. But you need to understand that when you do that your life is over. You have no more rights. You do not have the right to live out your dream, your goal, your ambition, or your plan for your life. You must walk away. You cannot accept Him and hold on to those things [of this world] that motivate and energize you. It cannot be done. He comes in as the Lord Jesus Christ. He does not come in as extra baggage. He will not be added to your life. He comes in to take over or He does not come in.”
- Brad Buser

news
CHINA
Chinese and American Christian Leaders in Xinjiang - China Aid Association
On April 19, 2007, more than 30 house-church leaders and four American Christians were arrested in Xinjiang province. China Aid Association (CAA) reports the four Americans are still in an undisclosed hotel for questioning and the PSB confiscated their luggage. Eight Chinese pastors received criminal detention papers for 30 days detention and were accused of being "suspects involved in evil cult activities." Eye witnesses told CAA that at least two of the arrested were seen with bleeding noses and bruises on their faces because of torture during interrogations. Pray for the pastors in prison and for their families. Ask God to protect them as they face pending charges. www.persecution.com

dW 03.22.07

scripture
Luke 6:22, 26
Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man… Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.

quote
In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm.

news
Thirty-Six Christians Arrested in Henan, China - VOM Sources/China Aid Association
On March 6, 2007, the police raided a house-church Bible study in Wancheng District, Nanyang City, Henan province. The leaders were taken to the police station and interrogated for a day. After international pressure, however, the local police have released 33 arrested house-church leaders and three leaders from South Korea. One leader, Pastor Dong Quanyu, was sentenced to 10 days administrative detention for "illegal" gathering. Pray Christians in China demonstrate the love of God through constant love and prayer for those who persecuted them. Pray for strength for Pastor Quanyu, as he serves the remainder of his sentence. Matthew 5:43-48