Woman Claims Church Leader Said She Would Die if She Didn't Have an Abortion

A woman is claiming that Kofi Danso, the leader of the Miracle for All Nations, told her that God wanted her to abort the child Danso impregnated her with or else she would die. Chris-Ann Bartley’s son is now 6 months old. According to a DNA test, Danso, who calls himself a prophet, is the father. Earlier this month, Danso asked the court to keep the paternity results sealed in Bartley’s lawsuit against him. He said if people knew he was the father, his reputation would suffer. Ontario Supreme Court Justice Fred Myers denied the request. "Ms. Bartley's evidence is that when she approached Mr. Danso to tell him that she was pregnant, he asked her to have an abortion. When she declined, she claims that he told her that 'the Lord showed him if I have the child I would die,'" Myers wrote. Danso is married to Rev. JoAnne Danso. They have four daughters. His wife is also pregnant with twins.

According to a July affidavit, Danos said he did not have “sexual relations” with Bartley. He said the claims were meant to make him “pay child support for the child who was fathered by another man.” After the paternity test was revealed to Danso, he said he was “shocked.” He has since said that he was seduced into the affair. "But he now admits to having been seduced by Ms. Bartley. He says that being married, he offended his marriage vows, and was too frightened to admit his limited contact with Ms. Bartley. He referred to their relationship as a mistake that should not have occurred," the judge wrote. Danso says God called him to be an apostle and prophet and “to raise champions and leaders in the 21^stCentury church.” His followers call him “Papa.”

Town Bans Bible Studies in Family’s Home, Threatens $500 Fines

A religious liberty law firm filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against a Pennsylvania town that allegedly is banning Bible clubs and other religious meetings from being held on a couple’s 35-acre property. The lawsuit by the Independence Law Center against Sewickley Heights Borough – which is about 15 miles from Pittsburgh – alleges the town ordered Scott and Terri Fetterolf to stop holding religious activities on the property as part of a zoning restriction. Parties, political rallies and book club meetings are not banned under the zoning ordinance.

The suit says the town’s position violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom, free speech, and the freedom to assemble. “Government should not target religious activities for punishment, particularly when similar secular activities are permitted,” said Jeremy Samek, senior counsel for the Independence Law Center. “In America, no government can categorically ban people from assembling to worship on one’s own property.” The suit says the property “has been used for many decades to host religious activities such as seminary picnics, seminary board meetings, Pittsburgh Institute for Youth Ministry, Bible studies, fundraisers for pastors and churches, Billy Graham Foundation meetings, and many more religious activities.”

The Fetterolfs bought the property in 2003 from Nancy Chalfant, who also had hosted religious activities on the property. The borough issued a “Notice of Violation/Cease and Desist Order” in October against the Fetterolfs. “Sewickley Heights is threatening the Fetterolfs with fines of $500 per day, plus court costs including the Borough’s attorney’s fees, for having Bible studies at their home, having meetings where religious songs are sung, conducting any religious retreats for church leaders or seminary students for prayer or for camaraderie-building/fellowship time, and  conducting any religious fundraisers,” the suit says.

Ultimate Rebellion: Satanism Is Experiencing Explosive Growth In America                         

Attendance declines at Christian churches all over America, many satanic groups are experiencing tremendous growth.  For some, embracing satanism is the ultimate form of rebellion, for others it is about making an anti-Trump political statement, and yet others claim that they are attracted by the very real power that they discover in satanism.  

Every week, bizarre rituals are conducted in basements, meeting halls and public facilities all over the country, and most Americans have absolutely no idea what is going on.  Of course most mainstream news articles about satanists attempt to portray them as ordinary people that have simply been "misunderstood". And ultimately that is what the satanists are trying to do for satan - they are trying to get all the rest of us to view satan or Lucifer as a "misunderstood" being that only has humanity's best interests at heart. And since the values of satanism line up more accurately with the values of modern society than Christian values do, satanists are finding increasing success in bringing in new recruits.

Today, there are satanic churches just about everywhere.  For example, a satanic high priest named Adam Daniels started "the Church of Ahriman" in the heart of Oklahoma City...

Adam Daniels, 35, is the "dastur" - or high priest - of the Church of Ahriman, which is based in Oklahoma City, USA. 

People are looking for authenticity, but they aren't finding it in the traditional places, and so many are seeking out new options. Unfortunately, an increasing number of Americans are deciding that satanism is the answer, and that is a very, very troubling sign.

Father’s House,

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4/364 E, Anna Salai 1st Cross Street,

ECR, Palavakkam, Chennai 600041.

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National Worship Centre is a centre where the Lord of hosts, the Lord God Almighty is worshipped in His majesty all the 24 hours. Per day 12 worship teams come to worship from different parts of the Nation. One slot consists of 2 hours. The opening of NWC also turns to be the trumpet sign to start the fatal war against satan to this Nation for Christ! Do you want to join this praising Army?

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Ring of Fire Lights Up With 53 Earthquakes in 24 hour Period

Is something unusual starting to happen to the crust of our planet?  The USGS defines any earthquake of at least magnitude 4.5 as "significant", and there were 53 earthquakes that met that criteria along the Ring of Fire on Sunday alone.  Not too long ago, I wrote about how "Earth changes" seem to be accelerating all over the world, but even I was stunned by the ferocity of the seismic activity that we witnessed over the weekend.  Because none of the earthquakes happened in the United States, the mainstream media almost entirely ignored this story, but that is a huge mistake. The entire west coast of the U.S. falls along the "Ring of Fire", and experts assure us that it is only a matter of time before the seismic tension that is building up along the tectonic plates in that area is released.

Much of the seismic activity on Sunday was near the small island nation of Fiji, and it is true that Fiji often experiences earthquakes because it sits directly inside the Ring of Fire...

Fiji falls in the Pacific Ring Of Fire - a massive horseshoe-shaped area in the Pacific basin. The ring is formed of a string of 452 volcanoes and sites of seismic activity (earthquakes), which encircle the Pacific Ocean. Roughly 90 percent of all earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, and 75 percent of the world's active volcanoes are dotted along the expansive ring.

It certainly is not unusual to see earthquakes happen along the Ring of Fire, but what was unusual about the activity on Sunday was the size of the earthquakes. The largest quake on Sunday was a massive magnitude 8.2 earthquake that could have done an enormous amount of damage if it had been closer to the surface...

A massive quake of magnitude 8.2 struck in the Pacific Ocean close to Fiji and Tonga on Sunday but it was so deep that it did not cause any damage, authorities in Fiji said. 

The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center also said the quake was too deep to cause a tsunami.

Earthquakes that are that deep are usually not so large.  This "deep focus" earthquake on Sunday was actually the second largest "deep focus" earthquake that has ever been recorded... The USGS calls these "deep focus" earthquakes, and while some of the biggest earthquakes to strike the earth are deep focus, their depth usually minimises damage. 

The biggest deep focus earthquake ever recorded was in 2013 when an M8.3 struck near Russia and was felt all over Asia, giving us a sense of how massive this Fiji quake was.

In addition to this massive earthquake in Fiji, other areas of the south Pacific were also hammered on Sunday as well. You may remember that the Indonesian island of Lombok was shaken by a tremendous quake back on August 5th which killed hundreds of people, and on Sunday they were hit once again.  The following comes from CNN...

A trio of intense earthquakes shook several islands in the South Pacific and Indonesia on Sunday, including two on the already battered island of Lombok. The most recent major quake was a 6.9 magnitude tremor centered just 4 kilometers south of Belanting, on the Indonesian island of Lombok. That island is still trying to recover from the devastating effects of an August 5 earthquake that killed more than 430 people.

But until big earthquakes start happening here, many Americans simply will not pay any attention to all of this.  What they need to understand is that this is truly a global phenomenon that we are witnessing, and shaking in one part of the globe can have tremendous implications for people literally living on the other side of the planet. In particular, those living along the west coast should be deeply alarmed that seismic activity along other areas of the Ring of Fire appears to be intensifying. And I am definitely not the only one saying this.  According to one British news source, scientists are warning that "increased seismic activity" along the Ring of Fire "may mean the so-called 'Big One' killer earthquake is on the way"...

If California was hit, experts warn tens of thousands could be killed.

Sadly, the truth is that we would be extremely fortunate to only have "tens of thousands" killed in the event of a historic earthquake on the west coast. The 1906 and 1989 earthquakes were actually not that big compared to some of the monster quakes that we have seen elsewhere along the Ring of Fire, but they still did tremendous amounts of damage...

Two major earthquakes have hit the Bay Area in modern history. In 1906, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit San Francisco and 80 percent of the city's buildings fell or burnt to the ground, leaving 300,000 people homeless and killing nearly 3,000. In 1989, a 6.9 magnitude quake caused the ground to liquefy in parts of the city and collapsed highways, killing more than 60 people. A new report from the U.S. Geological Survey says that there is more than a 70 percent chance that a 6.7 magnitude or higher earthquake will hit the area in the next 30 years.

We live at a time when our planet is becoming increasingly unstable.  In recent weeks we have witnessed earthquake swarms off of the Oregon coast, record-setting heatwaves, hail the size of softballs, and wildfires of unprecedented size and scope. There are some experts out there that would like to assure all of us that what we are witnessing is completely normal. But I think that not a lot of people are buying that explanation.

Because there has not been a major seismic event on the west coast for decades, many people have grown complacent.  They simply assume that because nothing has happened in such a long time that nothing will happen for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, the experts assure us that the "Big One" is definitely coming to the west coast at some point, and all of this seismic activity may be an indication that it is coming sooner rather than later. 

House-Church Members in Iran Reportedly Sentenced to Year in Prison

August 17, 2018 (Morning Star News) – A convert from Islam in Iran said he and 11 other Christians were sentenced to a year in prison for “inclination to the land of Christianity” among other charges, according to Mohabat News. “Interrogations were obviously indicating that they were looking for confession to communications with [those] abroad, especially America, Britain and Israel,” the Christian, identified as PayamKharaman, told Mohabat, which focuses on human rights abuses in Iran. Mohabat reported last week that Kharaman and 11 other members of a church in Bushehr, a port city in southwestern Iran, were sentenced to one year in prison on charges of “propaganda activities against the system and in favor of Zionist Christianity through holding house meetings, evangelism, and invitation to Christianity and inclination to the land of Christianity.”
 
Kharaman and the other Christians were jailed for three years following their arrest on April 7, 2015, obtaining bail only last April, according to Mohabat. Mansour Borji of advocacy group Article 18 reportedly suspects that security agencies’ inability to stop the spread of Christianity in Iran has led them to try to eliminate Farsi-speaking churches “through unlawful pressures and false accusations in revolutionary courts and seemingly legal routes.”
 
“The harassment of religious minorities, particularly Christians, has been mandated for the Islamic Republic’s security apparatuses,” he said, according to Mohabat. “Many Iranian Christians have preferred to abandon their homes in the last two decades and leave Iran to avoid the securities and judges.”  
Three Christians in Iran were arrested from their homes on July 24-25 following the violent arrest of pastorYousefNadarkhani on July 22. Pastor Nadarkhani, a convert from Islam like the others arrested, was awaiting a summons to begin a 10-year prison sentence after his appeal of a conviction for “propagating house churches” and promoting “Zionist Christianity” was upheld in May.
 
Iran is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to change one’s religion. Additionally, Article 23 of the Iranian Constitution states that “the investigation of individuals’ beliefs is forbidden, and no one may be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief.” The U.S. State Department has designated Iran as a Country of Particular Concern for severe religious freedom violations, and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom this month recommended it remain on the list.

Iran ranked 10^th on Christian support organization Open Doors’ 2018 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

Unleashing the Kingdom: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Movements

Why is Christianity booming in the global South, but seemingly stagnant in the global North? A new fascinating book offers an answer. Dr. Glenn Sunshine is a long-time Fellow at the Colson Center, and he’s that rare sort of historian who sees the sweep of intellectual and cultural history, and then brings it all together in a way that not only explains the past, but advances our understanding of the here and now.

His new book, co-authored with Jerry Trousdale, is called “The Kingdom Unleashed: How Jesus’ 1st-Century Values Are Transforming Thousands of Cultures and Awakening His Church.” In the book, by telling compelling stories of God at work through ordinary people—both today and throughout history—Sunshine and Trousdale counter the prevailing myth that Christianity is in decline around the globe. Take, for example this story from Africa. Hassan, president of a ministry to Muslims, “reached out to one particularly resistant Muslim community that had martyred six Christian evangelists a few years ago.” Hassan saw the community needed a school, so he “approached the Muslim leaders and offered to send a qualified teacher (who was also a trained church planter) if the community provided the necessary resources.”

This practical assistance opened the door to these closed community. In two years, Sunshine and Trousdale describe, seven churches were planted. But there’s more to this story. Some of the local Muslim leaders, upset by the spread of Christianity, hauled Hassan before the Muslim governor of the state. He used the opportunity instead to speak about the grace of God, and how God had helped the ministry provide this community with mobile medical clinics, dentists, safe water programs, seed banks, and schools—all to serve Muslims.

As Sunshine and Trousdale conclude, “Many of the Muslim clerics who had entered that meeting burning to have Hassan deported walked away with his business card or plans for further conversation.” And that’s just one story of what’s happening in the global South. Here are some amazing statistics: In 1900, there were only nine million Christians in all of Africa; by 2000, there were 335 million. In Latin America, there were a mere 50,000 Protestants in 1900; today, there are more than 64 million and most of them since the 1960s. As Glenn told me on the Breakpoint podcast, “The fact is, the church is growing faster than it ever has in human history.” We’re seeing disciple-making movements boom across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

The story is not the same, however, in the global North. One reason may be the bifurcated vision of the Kingdom and the Gospel that’s so prevalent in Europe and North America. We tend to focus either on individual salvation or social justice. But since the time of Jesus right up until today, wherever the Gospel has flourished and spread like wildfire, believers were steeped in prayer, and committed to a “full-orbed” vision of the Gospel. That vision includes preparing souls for heaven, but also includes advancing kingdom truth, values and restoration in social structures and institutions. Throughout “The Kingdom Unleashed,” Sunshine offers amazing historical examples of Christians who lived this way. For example, Baptist missionary William Carey sought to save souls in India, but he also introduced libraries, agricultural improvements, hospitals, and schools. Not unlike what we see today with Christians like Hassan in Africa.

Glenn writes frequently at our website BreakPoint.org, and his latest article addresses another malady afflicting the Church in the global North: Secularism. He’s spot on. And while you’re at BreakPoint.org, click on the Breakpoint podcast to hear Glenn describe his new book “The Kingdom Unleashed.” And for a full picture of what God is doing through His Church around the world, get a copy of this powerful book, “The Kingdom Unleashed,” at our online bookstore.

Father’s House,

Brotherhood Missions,

4/364 E, Anna Salai 1st Cross Street,

ECR, Palavakkam, Chennai 600041.

Tamil Nadu, India.

National Worship Centre is a centre where the Lord of hosts, the Lord God Almighty is worshipped in His majesty all the 24 hours. Per day 12 worship teams come to worship from different parts of the Nation. One slot consists of 2 hours. The opening of NWC also turns to be the trumpet sign to start the fatal war against satan to this Nation for Christ! Do you want to join this praising Army?

Book your slots

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Praise God for the successful completion of  18880 slots in National Worship Centre with a Non Stop Worship (24/7)

She Wrote a Letter to God… and Received a Response; 'God Answers Prayers'

A Georgia teenager wrote a letter to God and then sent it to the clouds attached to helium balloons – and was shocked this week when she received a response.

The 18-year-old teen girl, Mykehia Curry, was inspired to write a letter to God about her financial situation. She is planning to attend college. 

“God help me go to college. God this is me again, please help me get everything I need to leave Wednesday. I love you, Amen,” the letter read, according to WMAZ-TV.

Curry is heading to Albany State and will be the first person in her family to attend college, she told the TV station, although she needs a few things, including a refrigerator, a comforter and school supplies.

So, she wrote a letter to God and attached it to three balloons, never thinking it would be read by anyone. God apparently had other plans.

Jerome Jones, a part-time minister at Springfield Baptist in Monticello, Ga., found the letter Monday on a construction site.

“It was God calling me saying, ‘You need to answer this,’ and I did,” Jones told WMAZ.

Curry was surprised that the letter was answered.

“It was beautiful. It’s kind of hard to explain,” Jones said. “She was like, ‘Is this mine for real?’ and I said, ‘It’s yours. God answers prayers. I like helping people, especially young people. They’re our future.”

Nurse Who Was Fired for Telling Patients about Jesus Has Name Cleared

A British nurse who was fired for telling patients about her Christian faith was cleared last week following a two-year investigation. Sarah Kuteh – who has 15 years of experience -- worked at Darent Valley Hospital. As part of her job, she was required to ask patients about their faith during a pre-operation assessment questionnaire. This naturally led to conversations with some patients about her Christian faith, according to Christian Concern, a United Kingdom organization.

“I would … reassure them, based on the joy and peace that I really have found in Jesus,” she said. But a few patients complained, leading to her dismissal in June 2016. Even worse, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) placed restrictions on her future employment. She found another job, but due to the restrictions she was required to have a senior nurse oversee her.

“All I had done was to nurse and care for patients,” she said. “How could it ever be harmful to tell someone about Jesus?” But last week, the NMC dropped the restrictions, clearing her name. The NMC ruled, “It is in the public interest to return an otherwise experienced and competent nurse into practice.”

She was represented by the Christian Legal Centre. “But for the question on the pre-op assessment questionnaire, these conversations would not have taken place,” Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said in a statement. “Without proper investigation, she was fired and her long career as a nurse put under threat. Those who know Sarah recognize what a caring, hard-working nurse she is, and the professionalism she brings to her job. Although it’s disappointing that she was ever penalized for her actions – which were wholly motivated by compassion – we rejoice that Sarah is once again free to bring her skill and expertise to her role as a nurse.”

You shall be with me

A sister who was attending our training programme raised a question to me.

“Once saved, you are saved for ever isn’t it?”.She was affirming her question by quoting certain Bible verses also. I come to understand that there is a new teaching of hyper grace coming us these days to deceive the children of God.

The Lord gave an answer to this while I was meditating the following verse today.

Lk 23:43  “And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, Today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Jesus said these words to a thief, a criminal throughout his life, at the last moment when his life was being taken away from this world in the midst of unbearable torture.  No one would have expected this thief to go to Paradise. But this is true. This criminal is in Paradise now and we will meet him when we go there.

Another similar incident we read in the book of Samuel, where Saul, the anointed king of Israel going to a diviner (a medium who speaks on behalf of the devil) to know about his future. She told Saul similar words:

1  Sa 28:19 “………..And tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me.

She by the power of the devil, made it clear to Saul that even though he was anointed by the Holy Spirit, he will die a miserable death in the hands of the enemies and his soul will be in hell with devils. Even though we cannot judge where Saul’s souls is now, we read that the next day Saul committed suicide.

In the latter case of an anointed man dying a miserable death and it is foretold by the devil that he would be with him in hell.

A criminal, at the last moment, by the saving power of Jesus entered heaven. This is the work of grace. What grace can do and what grace cannot do is clear from the above.

Let us work with fear and trembling for our salvation even when we are doing the Lord’s ministry.

Php 2:12  “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, cultivate your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Father’s House,

Brotherhood Missions,

4/364 E, Anna Salai 1st Cross Street,

ECR, Palavakkam, Chennai 600041.

Tamil Nadu, India.

National Worship Centre is a centre where the Lord of hosts, the Lord God Almighty is worshipped in His majesty all the 24 hours. Per day 12 worship teams come to worship from different parts of the Nation. One slot consists of 2 hours. The opening of NWC also turns to be the trumpet sign to start the fatal war against satan to this Nation for Christ! Do you want to join this praising Army?

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Praise God for the successful completion of  18920 slots in National Worship Centre with a Non Stop Worship (24/7)

Hidden from them

I was speaking to a Roman Catholic boy this evening. He is convinced about the philosophical rich knowledge he got from the Roman Catholic Church and its rich traditional background.  I was telling him that the richness and freshness of the Word of God is so real and far above the traditions.

Many things are written in Bible. Even though many read it, all of them do not understand the meaning hidden in them. For example, even though I was reading Bible from the day I entered the convent, 30 years, one of the basic and important truths written in the Bible about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ was hidden from me. After coming out of the convent, when I read Bible for the first time, Lk. 1:31-33 made sense to me and it spoke a lot of things.

“The Lord God shall give Him the throne of His father David. And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end”. Luk 1:33 

I started thinking, ‘during the first coming of Jesus Christ, none of the facts mentioned happened. When are these things going to happen?”

The facts about the  Second Coming became so clear to me and I did not need anyone to explain it.  I started teaching them wherever I went.  The first three years all the topics which I preached was about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The help of Holy Spirit is very much needed in understanding the Bible. He removes the veil over our eyes to see the hidden truths in Bible.

“And they did not understand any of these things. And this saying was hidden from them, nor did they know the things which were spoken”. Luk 18:34 

All the things written in Bible are not revealed to everyone. Many things are hidden. We should ask the Holy Spirit to remove all the blocks, open our eyes to see the truths written in it. Those whose eyes are opened towards the hidden truths, will find time to read it anywhere.

Sister Rani requested to pray for the healing and release of her Sister Suhashini after the school of healing got over and we prayed for healing and commanded and released her to be healed in Jesus name. After that she invited us to her place since she was bed ridden and doctor advised her to take rest for the damaged spinal cord injury.

In the mean time we were called by another house to pray and share the word of God. There we got stuck as we were ministering till late night as one after another people came  requesting us  to pray as the word of the Lord was strong saying Come unto Me and I will give You rest and there was God's Power  available to heal.

There were deliverance and healing and we could not go to see Suhashini's house.

Since we already prayed, Suhashini the next morning she got up and walked for the first time after one month.

Since Sister Rani was taking water baptism that day and she requested us to come at her place to see sister Suhasini.

Sister Suhashini had a non-fatal fall ,  was preparing for her exams on the terrace of her house where while getting up she slipped and fell to the ground damaging her spinal cord and was bed ridden with an  advised by the doctor for taking rest. She was also advised to wear a belt and for one month could not get up nor sit.    

We all went to their house and they told today was the first day she got up and made her walk.

Since she had pain she requested us to pray. We commanded the pain to leave her and the pain left, removed the belt and walked.

Then their grandparents requested us to pray and were healed and then their mother requested to pray for her giddiness we told Sis. Rani now since you have seen how we prayed you too can command sickness to go and she did prayed for her own mother and she testified she got healed.

Then we all prayed together where Suhashini also joined us and she was more than 15 minutes standing.

All praises to our God in Jesus name.

I thank Jesus for the Power of His Holy Spirit bestowed on us to bring forth fruits.

Syria & the End Times

With all the events taking place in Syria right now, many people are asking, "What does the Bible have to say about Syria and the end times? 

Is this the beginning of World War III and Armageddon?" Those are legitimate questions, but let me assure you, this is not the end. How can I be so sure? Because the Bible says Armageddon takes place at the end of the seven year Tribulation (Revelation 16:16), and the Tribulation has yet to begin. That said, I believe recent events in Syria have great significance when it comes to the study of bible prophecy. This doesn't mean you're guaranteed to see the immediate fulfillment of any specific bible prophecy. However, it does mean you should pay close attention. 

Why? Because, at the very least, these events are setting the table for the fulfillment of multiple bible prophecies. Just look around you. The signs of the Second Coming are everywhere. The restoration of Israel (Isaiah 11:12)... The Jews back in Jerusalem (Luke 21:24-28)... The Gospel preached to the world (Matthew 24:14)... An increase in travel and knowledge (Daniel 12:4)... The rise of the European Union (Daniel 2:43)... And many more. 

Jesus says once you see all these signs come together, His return is near (Luke 21:28). This means the Tribulation is close, and you should expect to see the fulfillment of many end times prophecies in the near future.

Below are two prophetic events especially relevant to the ongoing events in Syria. The first could take place at any moment. I believe a careful study of the Bible reveals the second event will take place sometime after the war foretold in Psalm 83. 

Either way, both events could be very close to fulfillment. While both could still be several years away, breaking events could lead to their fulfillment in this very hour.

The Destruction of Damascus (Isaiah 17)

Chapter 17 in the Book of Isaiah paints a sobering picture. In it, the city of Damascus is a pile of rubble. The Bible says it will disappear from the face of the earth and become a heap of ruins (Isaiah 17:1). At the same time, large parts of northern Israel will also lie in ruin (Isaiah 17:3). Now, before you say this prophecy was fulfilled during Old Testament times, keep this in mind... This passage says Damascus will cease to be a city (Isaiah 17:1). 

It will be utterly and completely destroyed. Yet, Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on record. Its history goes back more than 5,000 years. At 2,600 years old, the Book of Isaiah itself is new compared to Damascus! This prophecy is yet to be fulfilled.

So how do current events in Syria relate to Isaiah 17? 

Following the U.S. strike on the Syrian Syrian chemical weapons facilities, a statement was issued by the Russian ambassador to the US saying: 'Again, we are being threatened. We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences."

While this statement was clearly in response to a U.S. attack, Russia, Iran & Syria have made it clear they will respond to any nation they view as an aggressor. This includes Israel and makes a much more likely target than Syria or Russia retaliating direclty against the US. Hezbollah is part of the Iran/Syria/Russian alliance and would be more than glad to launch targeted attacks into Israel with backing from these nations.

While it hasn't been a major news story, Israel has also been bombing Syria. They've attacked Hezbollah targets in Syria several times over the last year and last week bombed an airbase that resulted in several Iranian Republican Guard deaths, including a Colonel. Hassan Nasrallah, The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group said the Israeli airstrike on an air base in central Syria that killed seven Iranians was a "historic mistake" that has brought Israel into direct conflict with Tehran. "This is unprecedented in seven years of war in Syria that Israel directly targets Iran’s Revolutionary Guard," Nasrallah said.

Israel issued it's own threats in response, with senior Israeli security officials saying that if Iran strikes at Israel from Syrian territory, "Assad's regime and Assad himself will disappear from the map."  They continued, "Our recommendation to Iran is that it does not try to act because Israel is determined to continue on this issue to the very end."

If Syria and its allies view their situation as desperate, they may decide to use these bombing raids as an excuse to launch a chemical attack on Israel.  This is because drawing Israel into the war could rally the Muslim world to Syria's side. Saddam Hussein tried this same tactic during the first Gulf War. In 1991, he fired Scud missiles at Israel in an effort to draw them into the war and break up the coalition aligned against him.

If Syria, Hezbollah, or any of their allies managed to strike Israel with a weapon of mass destruction, the response would be swift. Israel would most likely respond in kind. If their intelligence revealed the Assad regime was behind such an attack, nuclear retaliation on Damascus would not be out of the question.

While this is all speculation, and not necessary how Isaiah 17 will be fulfilled, it shows how realistic a near-term fulfillment of this prophecy could be. With current instability in the region, and so many warring factions in Syria, events could spiral out of control very quickly.  At this point in time, it's not difficult to imagine a scenario in which Damascus is completely destroyed.

The Gog of Magog War (Ezekiel 38-39)

Current events in Syria are also setting the stage for the Gog of Magog War. More than 2,600 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel warned of a future time when a vast coalition of nations will attack Israel. Ezekiel identifies these nations as "Magog, Rosh, Meschech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth-togarmah" (Ezekiel 38:1-6). These nations have since come to be known as the Gog of Magog alliance.  Now, with the exception of Persia and Cush, I realize most people have never heard of these nations.  But keep in mind Ezekiel used the names of these nations as they were known in his day. Each one is a clearly identifiable nation today. So who are these nations in our day and time?

Below is a list. The Old Testament name is listed first, followed by its modern day equivalent:

Rosh = Russia

Magog = Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan

Persia = Iran

Cush = Sudan

Put = Libya

Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Beth-togarmah = Turkey

Collectively, these nations have never attacked Israel. In fact, in the history of the world, such an alliance of nations has never existed. 

But today we see it coming together right in front of us. Since 1989, Russia and Iran have gradually strengthened their diplomatic, military, and economic ties. 

Yet, in the first 2,600 years after Ezekiel recorded his prophecies, the nations of Russia and Persia (Iran) had never been part of any alliance of any sort. Never. Cooperation between Russia and Iran, especially military cooperation, didn't take place. 

This led many people to claim Ezekiel's prophecy was symbolic. Why? Because the idea of the Gog of Magog war seemed absurd. After all, at the dawn of the 20th Century, Russia was an orthodox Christian nation and Israel didn't exist! 

But those who believed in a literal interpretation of the Bible knew otherwise.  They knew all prophecy would come to pass. Because bible prophecy doesn't come from mere humans. It's God's Word (2 Peter 1:19-21).

In the years since, the stage has been set for the literal fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39. A 1917 communist revolution transformed Russia from a Christian nation to an atheist nation. In 1948, Israel once again became a nation. And earlier this week, Russia and Iran issued a joint statement vowing to respond with force to any aggressor.

And Turkey? For decades, people have wondered how Turkey could be a part of this alliance. After all, Turkey is a member of NATO. 

And in late 2015, Turkey shot down a Russian jet when it strayed into Turkish airspace. Russia and Turkey seem to be at odds. 

So how could Turkey be a part of this alliance? At first glance, it seems unlikely. But in the summer of 2016, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan jailed thousands of political opponents. And recently, Turkey voted to eliminate its parliamentary form of government and give expanded powers to Erdogan. 

Ultimately, this could be what pushes Turkey into the Russian sphere of influence. Erdogan is an anti-Western, pro-Islamist leader, and he's worked hard to strengthen Turkey's ties with Russia. 

He has had several heated exchanges with Israel's Netanyahu in the press and has shown support for the Hamas uprising along the border in Gaza.  Turkey has clearly shifted from friend to foe over the past decade and presents a direct threat to Israel having one of the largest militaries in the region.

In light of these developments, we can see the Gog of Magog alliance coming together for the first time in history. For the first time since Israel re-emerged on the world scene in May 1948, the main players of the Ezekiel 38-39 alliance are all working together. Even more important, they all have military personnel close to Israel's border. The stage is set for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39.

What Will Ultimately Happen?

While terrible destruction awaits Damascus (Isaiah 17:1), northern Israel (Isaiah 17:3), and the entire Gog of Magog Alliance (Ezekiel 38:19-22), we have reason to be hopeful. Because of these events, the Bible says people will soon look to and acknowledge their Creator - the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Isaiah 17:7). When He strikes down Israel's enemies, the whole world will know He is the God Israel (Ezekiel 38:23).

In the days and weeks ahead, we can't be certain what will happen in Syria. But in the long run, we can be absolutely certain the events of Isaiah 17 and Ezekiel 38-39 will be fulfilled. Damascus will lie in ruin, and the Gog of Magog Alliance will be destroyed. These events are certain. 

Because whatever He has declared, God will bring to pass (Isaiah 14:24). And when these things happen, the world will no longer be able to deny Him. He will destroy the enemies of Israel in plain view of the entire world. "In this way," says the Lord. "I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord." Ezekiel 38:23 (NLT)

The Lord’s Battle (Contd.)

There are several ways the Lord fights for us. The root cause of all our troubles are the invisible forces of the kingdom of darkness. They attack the children of God. In the Old Testament we can find the physical wars, where the Lord helped them by telling “You need not fight, the battle belongs to the Lord.”  David proclaims that ' the Lord who delivered me from the paws of the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. David knew that the Lord has delivered him from the wild animals while he was shepherding his sheep. In 1st Samuel 17:45 David says “I come against you in the name of the Lord almighty, the God of Armies of Israel. The battle is the Lord's”. David knew that the Lord was mighty to save or else how just with a slingshot the great giant could fall. God did it. God fought for him. The enemy constantly keeps attacking the people of God and the Lord keeps watch on all His people and He sends his Angels to keep His children safe. This is happening in our everyday life too. Our Lord keeps fighting for us

The Lord has provided us with weapons. The whole Armour of God as is given in Ephesians 6:10-18.  2nd Corinthians 10:3-4 says “For though we live in this world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary they have divine power to demolish strongholds”. What is the divine power? That is where the Lord does the fighting. God fights. He uses his power through us, mortal beings. He fills us with the Holy Spirit. He empowers us with the Holy Spirit. That is a reason that in Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul exhorts the people. Verse 13 says “Therefore, put on the full Armour of God, so that you will be able to stand your ground”. The Lord covers you and protects you from the attacks of the enemy. The Spiritual battle takes place against the evil forces in the heavenly realms. “Be strong in the Lord” implies that human efforts are inadequate to fight. But God's power is Invincible. The belt of truth is a symbolic clothing of the Messiah. Isaiah Chapter 11:12 which says – “He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, with the breath of his lips, He will slay the he Wicked”. Verse 5 says “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. Isaiah Chapter 11:12 says 'He will raise a banner for the Nations.” The leader is the one who raises the Banner. He collects his soldiers and explains war strategies. We find some examples of this in the Old Testament. In Genesis 35:15, it says “Then He set out, and the terror of God fell upon the towns all around them and no one pursued them.” This terror was created by God and enemies did not pursue His people.

(To be continued)

Christians Unite in Prayer and Fasting before North Korea Summit

 In view of the U.S.-North Korea Summit taking place on June 12th, Open Doors USA has called Christiansto spend the previous 24 hours in prayer.  Open Doors will be hosting an exclusive online prayer summit for those who wish to gather with other believers in prayer and to hear from an expert on the persecuted church in North Korea. However, anyone who wants to can join with believers around the nation and around the world in asking God’s blessing on this important meeting between President Trump and Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-Un.

Open Doors Founder Brother Andrew reminds Christians of the power of prayer, for prayers “can go where we cannot … there are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.” The Open Doors article on the prayer event also reminds believers of the power of prayerand of the occasional need for fasting when praying against “spiritually stubborn situations.” North Korea’s history and current certainly seem to qualify it as such a situation. “For the last 17 consecutive years,” says Open Doors, “North Korea has ranked as the #1 most dangerous country for Christians on the World Watch List.The country has become infamously known for its human rights violations of North Koreans and harsh treatment of North Korean Christians.

“North Koreans must worship the ruling family–nothing else–and Christianity is illegal and will be punished.The discovery of faith results in imprisonment in the country’s notorious prison camps and even death for not only the individual or family but also three generations of that family.” The Open Doors prayer event will focus on President Trump, Kim Jong-Un, and their time together, as well as 15 specific prayer requests which they suggest for believers praying alongside them. “Satan dreads nothing but prayer,” wrote 19th-century minister Samuel Chadwick. “His one concern is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.”

School Warns Christian Man Not to Distribute Bibles on Street

An Illinois school district responded to complaints from an atheist organization by warning a Christian citizen he must stop distributing Bibles to students outside on a street. The street is owned by the school district, Todd Starnes of Fox News reported. The Freedom From Religion Foundation had told the school, La Harpe Elementary, that individuals should not be allowed to distribute Bibles and religious materials to students.

“Religion is inherently divisive and has no official place in a public school where staff and young students hold varied beliefs -- and no belief at all,” said FFRF co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor. “It’s commendable that the district has investigated and remedied these violations.” An attorney for the school district sent a cease and desist letter to the man who was handing out Bibles.

“This individual was warned that law enforcement would be called should he or any affiliated persons come onto the School District campus for the purpose of distributing Bibles to students,” the school attorney wrote to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, according to Starnes. The school district also acquiesced to the atheist organization’s demands that the school principal stop discussing her faith and referencing it on flyers to staff. According to FFRF, the flyers included such phrases as “May His Gift of Peace Be Present in Your Home” and “Reflect upon His Blessings to You and Thank Him for What He Has Done for You.” One flyer also mentioned a Bible verse about Christ’s birth.

The Lord’s Battle

Our Lord is King. He is strong and mighty. He is known as the Lord of hosts. That tells that He is the King of Glory, the one who is the master fighter. The Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness are at constant war. Jesus the King of Glory safeguards all those who takes shelter under His Mighty banner.

The Psalmist says 'praise the Lord my Rock who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.'

In Daniel chapter 10, second verse, Daniel says," I mourned for 3 weeks". He confessed the sins of Israel, his own sins and the sins of his ancestors, He fasted and prayed. The man dressed in linen (Son of Man) appeared before him, He touched him. He said “do not be afraid, Daniel. Your Words were heard since the first day of your humbling yourself before God and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian Kingdom resisted me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes came to help me, because I was detained there with the King of Persia.”

This portion of the scripture tells that when we fast and pray, the Lord listens to our prayers and sends his angels with the answers and solutions for the problems. But The Satanic forces in the heavenly places create hindrances. Then war starts between the angels of God and the angels of the kingdom of Satan. The Prince of Persia was the territorial spirit of the authority of the kingdom of darkness. The Arch angel of God, Michael, had to come to fight against the enemy. Satan is the accuser. He might have surely argued accusing the Israelites of their iniquities and thanklessness and the archangel continued fighting. The man who reached Daniel actually was the son of man who brought answers to Daniel's prayers. This is how the Lord fights for us and delivers us from the clutches of the enemy. While we fast and pray, repent and thank god for his sacrificial death on the cross, the Lord fights for us. Colossians 1:13 says “for He has rescued us from the Dominion of Darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son whom he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. So we are conquerors with Jesus as He fights our battle.

To be continued

Perfect Storm: 15 Flashpoints to Watch In 2nd Half of 2018

Events are beginning to greatly accelerate, and many believe that the ingredients for a "perfect storm" are starting to come together as we enter the second half of 2018. Other than the continual drama surrounding the Trump presidency, things have been quite calm for the past couple of years. 

We have been enjoying a time of peace, safety and relative economic prosperity that a lot of Americans have begun to take for granted. But great trouble has been brewing under the surface, and many are wondering if we are about to reach a major turning point.

Our planet is being shaken physically, emotionally and financially, and it isn't going to take much to push us over the edge. The following are 15 flashpoints which could create world changing events during the 2nd half of 2018...

#1 War In The Middle East - A state of war already exists in Israel. 200 rockets and mortar shells were fired into Israel on Saturday alone, and it won't take much to spark a much broader regional war.

#2 Civil Unrest In U.S. Cities - Progressives are promising a "summer of rage", and they are assuring us that all of the anger that has been building up against President Trump and his administration is about to starting boiling over onto the streets of our major cities all across America.

#3 The Nomination Of Brett Kavanaugh To The Supreme Court - Prominent liberals are stoking fears that the Supreme Court will start taking away "our most cherished liberties" if Brett Kavanaugh is confirmed by the Senate. Expect Washington D.C. to be the focus for a lot of the chaos that will happen later this summer.

#4 Tensions In The Windy City - The City of Chicago is a powder keg that could erupt at any moment. The recent shooting of a young African-American man resulted in a violent night of protests, and we should expect much more chaos in the days ahead.

#5 The 2018 Mid-Term Elections - These are probably the most important mid-term elections in modern American history, and tempers are running high on both sides. At this point the left appears to have more energy than the right, as they have accumulated a voter registration lead of 12 million in states that require party affiliation.

#6 Hillary Clinton - Hillary has been acting very much like a presidential candidate in recent days, and she has been continually fueling hatred for Donald Trump during her public appearances. Many believe that she will launch yet another campaign for the presidency once the 2018 mid-term elections are over.

#7 The U.S. Border With Mexico - President Trump's immigration policies have absolutely infuriated the left, and Mexico's new president is a radical socialist that absolutely hates Donald Trump and that has declared that immigration to the United States is a "human right". It is difficult to see how this crisis is going to end well.

#8 The Trade War Between The United States And China - A full-blown trade war has erupted between the two largest economies on the entire planet. U.S. consumers are going to have to start paying much more for certain goods, and U.S. businesses that are heavily dependent on exports are going to have to start laying off workers.

#9 The Deteriorating Relationship Between The United States And Russia - Russia has become the "boogeyman" that gets blamed for everything these days, and relations between our two nations are the worst that they have been since the Cold War. Hopefully Trump and Putin can change that, but it is hard to be optimistic at this point.

#10 Will NATO Survive? - Donald Trump has threatened to pull the United States out of NATO if European leaders do not "immediately" begin increasing defense spending.

#11 The Stock Market - Markets all over the world have already been plummeting, and the smart money in the United States is getting out of the market at a pace that we haven't seen since 2008. We are way overdue for a major crash, and if one happens during the second half of 2018 it definitely will not be a surprise.

#12 The Price Of Oil - The price of oil has reached levels not seen in many years, and many believe that the price is going to go much higher. This is already putting a tremendous amount of strain on working families all over America.

#13 The Political And Financial Crisis In Italy - The Italian government is going through an enormous amount of turmoil right now, and there are rumblings that the Italians may decide to leave the euro altogether. If that happens, we should expect to see the greatest financial shaking in modern European history.

#14 Earth In Travail - More than 30 volcanoes are erupting all around the world right now, and seismic activity appears to be escalating along the Ring of Fire. It is only a matter of time before we have a major seismic event in the United States, but hopefully that will not happen within the next six months.

#15 Drought In The Southwest - A devastating drought of historic proportions has already caused "Dust Bowl conditions" to return to some areas of the Southwest. If more rain doesn't start falling, farmers and ranchers in the region are going to be absolutely crippled.

Of course it is inevitable that we will face some moments of crisis during the second half of 2018 that have nothing to do with the items on this list. One thing that is always true about life is that it is unpredictable, and so we should expect the unexpected.

But what virtually everyone should be able to agree upon is the fact that we are witnessing a very strange confluence of events that is unlike anything that we have witnessed in a very, very long time.

Is America about to plunge into a time of unprecedented turmoil? Only time will tell, but all of the ingredients are definitely there, and if a "perfect storm" does emerge during the second half of 2018 there are many of us that won't be shocked at all.

I shall be next to you

While I was reading 1  Sam 23:17 I felt pity for Jonathan.

He knew that his father Saul was wrong, David was the chosen and anointed king of Israel, and soon kingdom will be handed over to him.  Even though he saw no possibility of it as long as his father is alive, he had the revelation of the Holy Spirit to read through the will of the Father.

“And he said to him, Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. And you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. And my father Saul knows that also.” 1  Sam 23:17

Even though Jonathan loved David so much, made a covenant with him, wished to be the next one in Saul's Kingdom, he could not achieve that.

He was not at all power hungry, not selfish, given completely to fulfilling the will of the Father. He did not say to David,

‘My father will hand over kingdom to me. I will become the king. You will be next to me’.

This is called predestination in Jesus Christ. Since Jonathan was not called or chosen, he had to fall and die along with his father. He was good to David. He helped David in the maximum possible way even risking his own life.  Helping David and rescuing him from the ferocious anger and jealousy of his father seems to be the purpose of Jonathan’s life.

In this world we see certain people used like this by the Lord.  They look to be good.  They are placed in high position. They might be of great help to God's children too. But they could not accept Jesus Christ, who is the only way to eternal life. They will be rewarded in this world immensely for what they have done to the children of God. Their life ends there. They will be rewarded in this world for what they have done.  Here lies the reason of unbelievers flourishing in this world while the servants of God are suppressed and crushed.

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Nigeria: Massive Attack Shows True Horror of Fulani Crisis

ICC has confirmed that the death toll in recent attacks on villages near Jos, Nigeria has risen to more than 230 Christians. The attacks are believed to have been conducted by Fulani militants who used machetes and firearms to slaughter the predominantly Berom villagers. The police originally reported that 86 had been killed, but our local representative was part of the body recovery effort and has confirmed this much higher number. 

The series of attacks took place in the villages of Xland, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nghar, Kura Falls, Kakuruk, Rakok, Kok, and Razat. All of these villages are in the districts of Gashish and Ropp in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Many of the victims were women and young children. The youngest person known to have been killed was a three-month-old baby boy who was slaughtered by machete. 

The first attack took place Saturday after the funeral of a relative of an important clergyman in Gashish District. Pam Chollom, a pastor who leads the Church of Christ in Nations reported, “Fulani people attacked our members who attended the burial of the father of one of our clergy…The armed Fulani ambushed the sympathizers on their way back from the burial, attacked and killed 34 persons from Bekan village, 39 others from Kufang, and 47 from Ruku Village.”

A resident reported via telephone to Morning Star News that 70 corpses have been recovered in the village of Nghar, and that the entire village had been burned. 

In Xland and Gindin Akwati villages, the herdsmen killed about 60 Christians, another resident reported over the phone. Multiple churches, worship buildings, and pastors’ homes were targeted in these attacks. Thousands of people have been displaced in these villages and are now unable to access their homes or work on their farms.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari released a response to the attacks via Twitter: "The grievous loss of lives and property arising from the killings in Plateau is painful and regrettable. My deepest condolences to the affected communities. We will not rest until all murderers and criminal elements and their sponsors are incapacitated and brought to justice."

However, Reverend T. Y. Danjuma of the Christian Association of Nigeria quotes President Buhari as telling a post-attack gathering of leaders “to learn to live peacefully with their neighbors”, and that “the Fulani are known to be peaceful and carry stick, but are not known to have guns.” Buhari’s seeming indifference has left many people in Jos angry over the continued violence and inaction by the government. 

There has been controversy over whether or not the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) claimed its people had committed the attacks. A published article credited Danladi Ciroma, a MACBAN leader, with saying the attack was conducted by Fulani in reprisal for the rustling of cattle. However, a subsequent report claimed that Ciroma never made these statements. The conflicting reports have added confusion to an already chaotic situation.

Nathan Johnson, ICCs Regional Manager for Africa, said “It is time for the Nigerian government to stop its political talk and begin to protect the lives and property of all its citizens. The Buhari regime must also punish these perpetrators who are literally killing babies in their beds. If they are unwilling or unable to provide security to their own people and punish these criminals, then the international community will have to step in to ensure such massacres are not repeated.”

Death Toll in Jos, Nigeria Attacks at 218, including Pastor, Wife and Son

An Assemblies of God Nigeria pastor, his wife and son were among at least 218 people killed in Muslim Fulani herdsmen attacks on predominantly Christian areas near Jos on June 23-25, a denominational leader said.
 
Two days after the general superintendent of the AG-Nigeria denomination, the Rev. Chidi Okoroafor, reported the deaths of the Rev. Musa Choji and family members in the Barkin Ladi area near Jos, the federal government on Thursday (June 28) ordered the arrest of a pastor who organized protests of the killings, Christian leaders said.
 
The Rev. Isa Nenman, a pastor in Jos, was arrested on Thursday after the protests reportedly resulted in property destruction when he led demonstrators to the Government House, the residence of the governor of Plateau state, on Wednesday (June 27). Nenman is northern zone chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau state chapter.
 
“Following yesterday’s peaceful protest by CAN supported by youth groups, the CAN chairman, Northern Zone, is in police custody, and there is a directive from Abuja to make arrests,” Paul Dekete, one of the facilitators of the protest march, said in a press statement.
 
The protest saw thousands of Christians dressed in black marching to the Governor’s House to demonstrate against incessant attacks on Christians in the state by armed Fulani herdsmen. Prior to the protests, Christians in Plateau state had observed two days of fasting and prayer on Wednesday and Thursday (June 27-28).
 
The protestors carried a placard calling for the government to “Declare Fulani herdsmen as terrorist,” and another one that read, “Ransack Fulani settlements.” The protests started peacefully, but after the governor declined to receive them, protestors reportedly tried to storm the premises, threw stones at cars and offices and chased government officials.
  
Nigeria ranked 14^th on Open Doors’ 2018 World Watch List of countries where Christians suffer the most persecution.
 

Iraqi Christians Fearful That New Tax Signals Upcoming Persecution

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on January 23, 2018, the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) issued an order that business owners in Ankawa would be charged a fee when renewing their license. This order was not applied until June 2018. 

Ankawa is a predominately Christian neighborhood in Erbil whose residents report increasing pressure from Muslims relocating to Ankawa. One Christian resident told ICC, “It was not allowed for Muslims to come and have a house in Ankawa, but now it is a preferable area for Muslims and there are a lot of Muslims who have connections and they are getting permissions.”  

This history has contributed to the concerns of Christians that the new tax is being levied against them with ill intentions. Ankawa Today published a statement reading,“For those who doubted the presence of a high tax (jizya) that is exclusively imposed by the Kurdish government on the people of Ankawa and not the other Kurdish towns, it is also worth mentioning that the same tax is being applied gradually on Semel (another Christian majority town near Dohuk), which is clearly discriminatory against Christians… A simple example is the Kurdish town of Baharka which is just next to Ankawa and does not differ from it (administratively speaking) and has no such tax agency office.”

“This tax is unfair because there are no services presented by the government, I pay for main electricity and have my own generator, I pay for water, I pay for the car which takes the garbage every day. Whenever I have any problem I hire a worker to fix it, the government is not involved by any means," said Milad, who owns several shops in Ankawa.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “For decades, Iraq’s Christians have long suffered discriminatory policies that reinforce the narrative that believers are vulnerable second-class citizens. History shows that this narrative has led to exploitation and targeted violence that has had significant implications on Christianity in Iraq. Christians throughout Iraq live with the recent memory of ISIS’s violence, which included the institution of a jizya tax against religious minorities. This did not happen within a vacuum. The governing institutions must take the lead on demonstrating that Christians are equal members of society whose rights are valued.”

Give you rest!

I separated myself and went  to a place for solitude and prayer for a few days.  In the room there was a nice broom. One day I casually put it outside. Next day while I was walking on the terrace, a crow sat on  the pillar holding something in its beak. When I watched it looked like  a leaf from my nice broom. Immediately my mind told me to go and check. I did and verified. I got angry with the crow. When I came back it was looking at me victoriously bending its head to one side. Before I could chase it, it flew away. It went to the other garden and sat there. There was anger in me towards that crow. If it were some person, I would have poured it out on that person. How to show it to the crow?.

Immediately my mind cautioned me for a defensive act,  “go and keep the broom inside”. I did it. Even though the crow disturbed my walk with God that morning,  it was a good lesson.  As long as I live on this earth, I have to use defensive measures for survival. To a new born child, the parents, nature, teachers, society and all the circumstances  teach how to defend yourself for a survival on this earth, sometimes even at the detriment of offending others. One has to defend one’s body from climatic conditions, attack from animals, insects, poison, sicknesses etc. one’s soul from compulsive thoughts,  compulsive feelings, compulsive emotions, compulsive behaviour etc. One’s  spirit from sin.  Then  my house,  my property etc. Lifelong you struggle for survival.

If you are a little careless these days, your wife will be stolen away by another man. One has to continuously watch the behaviour of the partner. If any traces of unusual behaviour  is identified, you will have to check the mobile sms, whatsapp messages etc. That also should be done in secret. The burden increases. If it is verified, and found true, the stress you undergo need not be explained. Then proving it, taking action, deciding the future of the children , all become great struggles.

 When children are growing up, your girl child should be watched over. There are all chances that she is stolen away at adolescent age by  another boy.  What all to be watched over? How can I be on constant vigilance of all these? What a  struggle to survive  on this earth! It has become a constant    fight against enemies. The whole world lives in enmity. This is the sum result of the sin of Adam.

When everything was pleasant and favourable, he disobeyed the Lord and obeyed the voice of the enemy. So the whole earth turned against Him.

“…….You will eat from it with much labor all the days of your life”. Human life itself became a struggle on the earth. The one who was to rule over the earth became a slave to everything on the earth.

What does  the coming of Jesus into this world mean in this context?

Those who believe in Jesus, those who love Jesus  can put an end to this struggle and come to total rest. Rest and peace is the first  gift Jesus gave  to those who love Him.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” Mat 11:28

When you make a covenant with Jesus to obey His commandments, Jesus and His Father, the Lord Almighty come into your life and they take over. Immanuel, “God with us” is fulfilled in you. God Himself dispenses into them, Father  being embodied in the  Son and the Son being realized in the Spirit. They control your life and you will be perfectly at ease and in peace.

With 'Peace' In Doubt, Israelis Search For Alternatives To Two-State Solution

The U.S. administration's negotiating team of Jason Greenblatt and Jared Kushner left the Middle East last week after gauging interest in a new U.S.-backed peace plan to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict with top government officials in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 

Notably absent from the schedule were officials from the Palestinian Authority, who continue to boycott the administration following the announcement by President Donald Trump last December that the United States officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The current peace plan (details have not yet been made public) is believed to be based on many of the principles established during the 1993 Oslo Accords, which were intended to lead towards the creation of a two-state solution to the conflict.

Yet it is the same Trump administration that has publicly challenged the merits of decades of U.S. policy calling specifically for a two-state solution.

During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February of last year, Trump had said, "I am looking at two-state, and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like. I can live with either one.

"I thought for a while the two-state looked like it may be the easier of the two," said he continued. "But honestly, if Bibi, and if the Palestinians, if Israel and the Palestinians are happy, I'm happy with the one they like the best."

David M. Weinberg, founding vice president at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies (JISS), tells JNS that when it comes to moving forward on peace between Israelis and Palestinians now 25 years after the signing of the Oslo Accords, "the old Clinton/Obama parameters are dead."

A study released in June by the American Jewish Committee  indicates that 48 percent of Israelis currently oppose the creation of a demilitarized Palestinian state, with only 44 percent in favor.

Similarly, a joint poll released in January by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research and the Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace Research, shows that only 47 percent of Jews and 46 percent of Palestinians support a two-state solution.

Weinberg suggests that "Trump should be given credit for taking a fresh look at what is safe, wise, fair and realistic in today's Israeli-Palestinian reality." He similarly expresses his view that any new proposal "will do away with the hackneyed prescriptions of the past and shift the debate towards pragmatic solutions in which all regional parties shoulder responsibility for a settlement."

Calls for full Israeli sovereignty

Yet for some in Israel, pushes for partial annexations are simply variations on the current two-state paradigm. At the forefront of this movement are activists Nadia Matar and Yehudit Katsover, who co-founded the "Sovereignty Movement."

Parliamentary initiatives

In December, 1,500 members of the ruling Likud Party's Central Committee unanimously passed a nonbinding party resolution to effectively annex all Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.

- PNW Staff