Radical Experiment-FBCW: 2012

2012-12-28

Weekly Prayer Updates Update 12/28/2012

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray

"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18

VOM-USA Prayer Update for December 28, 2012
On Thu. Dec 27 2012 at 03:14 PM Moderator wrote:
As we've celebrated and reflected on the Savior's birth this month, instead of our usual prayer requests, please enjoy this excerpt from our year-long devotional book, Extreme Devotion.

"Have you ever smelled fresh hay?"

Aristar, the farming lad, began his story. "It's like someone captured the essence of spring and bundled it before it could lose its newness. Mary and Joseph must have smelled it when they arrived at the manger after their long journey."

The other prisoners listened intently as Aristar spoke naturally of the nativity. "The horse's ears would have turned towards the Savior's cry as soon as he was born. They are great listeners, as we should be when Jesus speaks."

Outside the Romanian prison of Tirgul-Ocna, the snow was six feet deep on a bitterly cold Christmas Eve. The prisoners had few clothes, little food, and barely one blanket each. They all missed their families and turned to listen to Aristar's story of Christ's birth for comfort.

He continued, "The light of the star must have been brighter than the moon. It may have shone through the stable's doorway and made the rooster crow announcing Christ's birth." The prisoners listened and wept. After the story, someone began to sing, gradually swelling to echo in the clear, crisp air. Everyone stopped to listen to the beautiful sound.

Even in the harsh prison, the story of Christ's gift warmed the hearts of many. Because Christ is the foundation, one can never lock out the spirit of Christmas.

Sure, Christmas is an annual celebration. Christmas is much more than that, however; it happens in the hearts of all people who stop to celebrate the magic of Christ's entry into the world--regardless of the season. The Christmas spirit of warmth shines into our darkest circumstances and reminds us of our hope in Christ. Regardless of whether or not we see snow on the ground, colored lights, and a decorated tree, we can celebrate Christmas. Whatever you're going through, Christ was born to help you in your time of need. His mercy extends all year long. When was the last time you felt the hope of Christ alive in your soul? Take time today to celebrate the birth of Christ--into your world and into your heart.

Suggested Links

Persecution.com
The Voice of the Martyrs official homepage. Find links to our programs, read news about recent events, and learn more about the organization.

VOMBooks.com
Order books, videos, and other materials related to the persecuted church through our secure online store.

Like us on Facebook
Become a fan of VOM on Facebook! Connect with other fans and discuss recent events.

PrisonerAlert.com
Write to a Christian Prisoner in their own language! Use our letter-writing template online to build your letter, and send it by mail to a needy Christian.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Weekly Prayer Updates topic at www.vomgroups.com. If you have received this email in error or if you wish to unsubscribe, click here.

2012-12-26

Zondervan Blog

Start the New Year with Lysa Terkeurst’s Unglued Devotional

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 09:00 AM PST

What goals do you have for the New Year? Are you looking for a daily reader to start out 2013? Then take a 60-day journey with Lysa TerKeurst’s Unglued Devotional. This companion devotional to the bestselling book Unglued provides encouragement to help readers handle emotional struggles. Including a daily opening Scripture, Thought for the Day, devotion, and closing prayer, this book helps readers begin a journey in learning to positively process raw emotions, such as fear, anger, and regret.

And, of course, you will need something to carry your Unglued Devotional in, and what better to do that with than the Unglued Purse? This mustard colored purse can be found on the covers of both Unglued and the Unglued Devotional and it’s perfect for toting everything you’ll need in the New Year!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Secret Church

Christmas for the Persecuted

Posted: 25 Dec 2012 04:00 AM PST

For Christians all over the world, today is a day to celebrate the coming of our Savior. And most of us are free to do that openly. Right now, many are gathering together with loved-ones, singing songs about the coming of the Messiah, feasting… some may even have a nativity scene featuring baby Jesus in front of their homes. However, there are many believers who pay a high price for associating with Jesus during Christmas.

Last Christmas, some of those believers were in northern Laos, where eight Christian leaders were arrested for holding a Christmas service. Four of them were put in stocks. One report quotes a spokesman for the Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom saying, "The police had been following them because they were actively building the church and spreading the faith."

Believers in Madalla, Nigeria were also counted among those who paid the price for their faith last year. Forty-four died and seven were left blind after a bomb blast during a Christmas day church service. Today, the radical Islamist group responsible for the attack continues to violently persecute Christians.

And this year, displaced by the civil war, Syrian Christians are fighting to survive freezing Christmas temperatures without a home.

Today, let us pray for these dear brothers and sisters. Whether they find themselves homeless and outcast in the Middle East or face-to-face with violent opposition in places like Laos and Nigeria, they need our prayers for God’s strength in their lives. Remember, Christ was born in the manger to die on the cross. And as encouraging confirmation to those suffering this Christmas, let us also remember His words to His disciples in John 15:20: "'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." God fulfilled His glorious purposes through Christ's suffering, and in Jesus, we can be sure that He will do the same for His followers.

"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us… And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." – Romans 8:16-18, 28-29

2012-12-21

Zondervan Blog

Zondervan Author Philip Yancey to Speak at Walnut Hill Community Church, Newtown, Conn.

Posted: 20 Dec 2012 01:04 PM PST

'Where Is God When It Hurts?' Looks To Provide 'Healing and Comfort'

December 20, 2012 (Grand Rapids, MI) – Grief has blanketed the nation. As the community of Newtown, Conn. prays for peace and reason, best-selling author Philip Yancey will be joining a local church to speak about where God is in this emotional tragedy.

On Friday December 28th through Sunday December 30th, Philip Yancey will join Walnut Hill Community Church, just outside the Newtown community, to speak at an open-to-the-public weekend event. Yancey will address the question posed in the title of his book, "Where is God When It Hurts?"

Yancey will be joining the church‟s senior pastor, Clive Calver, as they meet and listen to the community‟s families, teachers, first responders, parents and students who have been deeply affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.

"Healing and comfort—that‟s what I want most for those dear people," said Yancey. "Words can only do so much, and certainly cannot take away the pain, yet I hope that this event could be a place of safety and honesty where people can bring their grief and come away with a new appreciation for why the gospel is good news—even now, especially now." The event will also host a question and answer opportunity to address attendees’ individual questions.

Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing commented, "I am humbled to know that a member of our Zondervan author family has been asked to help comfort the community of Newtown. Asking, “Where is God in all of this?‟ is something many people in our nation are currently doing. I pray that Philip Yancey’s words will help these families heal."

Zondervan, the publishers of "Where is God When It Hurts?" will be providing free copies of the book for the individuals who attend the region-wide weekend event. In addition, the "Where is God When It Hurts?" e-book is currently available to all for free download* on the Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book Distributors, Google and Kobo websites until January 2, 2013.

"We are eager to help and show our support for this community," said Schoenwald. "Newtown is in the hearts and minds of everyone at Zondervan and all of the HarperCollins Christian Publishing division. We hope that by providing this resource, some comfort will be found and emotional wounds can begin to mend."

For more information on the event, please visit www.walnuthillcc.org.

Philip Yancey serves as editor-at-large for "Christianity Today" magazine. He has written 13 Gold Medallion Award-winning books and won two ECPA Book of the Year Awards for "What‟s So Amazing About Grace?" and "The Jesus I Never Knew." Four of his books have sold over one million copies. Yancey lives with his wife in Colorado.

*Free e-book download only available in U.S.

About Zondervan

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company‟s products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide in more than 60 countries, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Secret Church

Pray for the Persecuted

Posted: 20 Dec 2012 04:00 AM PST

In Indonesia

Below is an excerpt from an inspiring true story that Voice of the Martyrs recently posted on their website. Highlighting an Indonesian believer named Ribur, it speaks of God’s strength in His people when they face persecution for sharing their faith.

"I wasn't frightened," Ribur said, "because I had already been beaten in the other office. Also, the Bible says you will have persecution."

"Why were you sharing about Jesus?" the officers asked.

"Jesus is for all people," Ribur said.

"What materials did you bring?"

"Just a Bible," she replied.

"Have you read the Quran?"

"Yes, but not too deeply," she said.

"Why did you share about Jesus?"

"Jesus wants everyone to know about him," she said.

Roy and Ribur were arrested on May 29, 2012, and three days later were charged with abusing Islam so that police could continue to hold them. The police seemed to be searching for evidence.

Ribur was alone during the 60 days she spent in jail. She was the only woman in the women's cell, and she used the time to read the Bible and pray. No one bothered her, but one of the guards told her it was the first time they had seen how a Christian prayed and read.

"Prison was a learning process for me," she said.

Ribur was released after two months. Police could find no evidence against her and Roy, so they had to let them go. "After I was released, I felt that the same God who helped me in the prison was helping me still," said Ribur.

To read the full version of the story above, click on this VOM link.

Pray

Pray that believers in Indonesia will be strengthened and encouraged by Ribur’s faithful witnessing, especially in the face of persecution.
Pray that her strong allegiance to Christ points others to see His glory, “glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Pray that Ribur will be given the opportunity to return to the Indonesians she was reaching out to when arrested, and that through her, many will turn from their sin and themselves and trust in Christ, bowing to Him as Lord.
Pray that her persecutors will see God through her testimony.

^“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 1:2-4

Weekly Prayer Updates Update 12/21/2012

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

VOM-USA Prayer Update for December 21, 2012
On Thu. Dec 20 2012 at 03:00 PM Moderator wrote:
Pakistan--Christian Worker Shot to Death
Sources: VOM Sources, VOM Canada

Romans 10:15

A 70-year-old Swedish Christian worker was killed on Dec. 3 by unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle as she returned home from work. Birgitta Almby, Area Director of Full Gospel Assemblies (FGA) in Lahore, was flown to Sweden for treatment after the shooting, but she died in the hospital. "From the information available so far, it seems that the two assailants were following her or were waiting for her to reach her house, where they opened fire on her," said Liaqat Qaiser, the principal of FGA Bible school. Birgitta served in Pakistan for 38 years. Pray for the peace and encouragement of Birgitta's fellow Christian workers.

Egypt--Constitutional Referendum Prompts New Violence
Source: VOM Sources

Isaiah 19:21-25

A VOM worker in Egypt reports that violence has increased as the country considers a referendum on a new Egyptian constitution. Egyptian protestors opposed to the new constitution recently attacked a building belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood, who helped install President Muhammad Mursi in June. "Protestors tried to attack the building and burn it," the VOM contact said. The VOM worker temporarily moved his family out of the neighborhood last week. "It was a terrible time in our area [because of] the fighting between protestors and radical Muslim groups," he said. Voting on the new constitution will occur in two stages; the first round was Saturday, Dec. 15, and the second phase is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 22. The VOM worker requested prayer for Egypt and especially for Egyptian Christians. "Pray that Egyptians will know the Lord and the Lord will be known to them," he said.

Laos--Christians Pressured to Perform Cult Rituals
Sources: VOM Sources, Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom

1 Corinthians 16:13

Local authorities in Phin district, Savannakhet province, have pressured Christians for months to renounce their faith, and now they are threatening to expel believers from their homes if they refuse to perform occult rituals. In September, district police arrested three area pastors and bound their hands and feet in stocks. After provincial authorities declared the arrests illegal and ordered local authorities to escort the men home, the pastors' families expected their release. But they were never released. On Oct. 19, the same local authorities called the 31 Christian families and 70 non-Christian families together and told them that the Christians would have to perform occult ritual oaths stating that they would adhere to the traditional religion. They were also asked to sign a statement renouncing Christ. The officials have threatened to expel the Christians from their villages if they do not perform the rites. So far, they have refused the authorities' demands. Pray that higher authorities will intervene and that the Christians will stand strong.

Iran--VOM Project

Pray for increased effectiveness of Christian TV programs broadcast into Iran. Pray that the broadcasts will strengthen new converts and help seekers come to know Christ.

*************

• Printer-Friendly Format
• Add the PrisonerAlert application on Facebook
• Download the prayer application on the iTunes Store or the Android Marketplace
• Download the photo issue application on the iTunes Store or the Android Marketplace
• Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company

Suggested Links

Persecution.com
The Voice of the Martyrs official homepage. Find links to our programs, read news about recent events, and learn more about the organization.

VOMBooks.com
Order books, videos, and other materials related to the persecuted church through our secure online store.

Like us on Facebook
Become a fan of VOM on Facebook! Connect with other fans and discuss recent events.

PrisonerAlert.com
Write to a Christian Prisoner in their own language! Use our letter-writing template online to build your letter, and send it by mail to a needy Christian.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Weekly Prayer Updates topic at www.vomgroups.com. If you have received this email in error or if you wish to unsubscribe, click here.

2012-12-20

Zondervan Blog

The Christmas Gift of Family, Friends, and Faith

Posted: 19 Dec 2012 07:30 AM PST

As Christmas draws closer, sometimes gift giving, Holiday parties, and festive decorations can be the only thing that we focus on. But are all of those things really what Christmas is about? Amy Clipston, author of the Amish Christmas novella, Naomi’s Gift, writes about how Amish Christmas traditions inspired her to write a story that highlights the true meaning of Christmas.

My Christmas novella Naomi’s Gift features twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love and has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches-a time of family, faith, and hope for many others-Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family’s quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down.

During my research Naomi's Gift, I asked my Amish friend how she and her family celebrate Christmas. In the Amish tradition, they don't decorate a tree or tell their children that Santa Claus brings gifts. When decorating their homes, the Amish may display a poinsettia or candles, but you won't find any lights or wreaths.

My Amish friend told me about First Christmas and Second Christmas. In her family, they received their gifts on Christmas morning, which is First Christmas. She sets up the table especially for the kids, called the Christmas table, and she puts her children's names by each place setting and places their gifts on the plate. Children may receive a piece of fruit or homemade cookies and candies. They may also find small toys, such as a new doll, a toy truck, farm animals, or ice skates. They may also receive clothes that they need or a new robe. Older girls sometimes get a piece of crystal or a dish, adding to their collection every year. The gifts are wrapped in newspaper or Christmas bag.

Adult gifts may include a homemade scarf, inspirational books, homemade blanket or towel, or a woven rug.

My Amish friend visits extended family on Second Christmas, which is the twenty-sixth, and the family members share a huge meal. The children have fun playing with their cousins. Grandparents give each child a small gift, like candy.

Each Amish family has its own traditions. Since the families are so large, they have to plan when to get together and some have their Christmas dinners as early as Thanksgiving.

For the Amish, the holiday is about family and retelling the Christmas story, which they share on Christmas Eve.

In Naomi's Gift, readers will get a glimpse of the Amish Christmas traditions, which are very different from our "English" traditions and the expense of lavish gifts.

About Amy:

Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

You can purchase her novella, Naomi’s Gift here.

2012-12-19

Secret Church

Secret Church Tickets & Discounted Simulcast Registration

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 08:21 AM PST

The next Secret Church Gathering is quickly approaching! We will be gathering together on Good Friday, March 29 at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL from 6:00pm until midnight (central). Pastor David Platt will be teaching on "Heaven, Hell, and the End of the World."

There are two ways you can join us—either by traveling to Birmingham and joining us in person or by hosting a group in your home or church to join us via simulcast.

Early Bird Registration for the Simulcast

The simulcast is easy to host from your home or church. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
Pricing is determined by the number of expected participants and is divided into four pricing tiers.
The cost includes your simulcast license, 150+ page study guides, promotional materials, and technical support.

Visit the Secret Church simulcast site for more information or to register.

Secret Church Tickets (for the Live Gathering at The Church at Brook Hills)

Tickets for the next Secret Church will go on sale Monday, January 14 at 9:00am (central).

A ticket is required to reserve your seat for the live gathering at The Church at Brook Hills.
Tickets are $5 each and include your study guide for the evening.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets typically sell out within a few minutes, so be sure to get online at 9:00am sharp.
Also, seating is limited. Please only purchase the number of tickets you know you will need.
Tickets will be available on the Secret Church website. The link to purchase tickets on this page will be active at 9:00am on January 14.

SecretChurch13 from David Platt on Vimeo.

2012-12-14

Secret Church

Pray for the Persecuted

Posted: 13 Dec 2012 08:29 AM PST

In Nigeria

On the cover of Voice of the Martyrs‘ November newsletter is a vivid photograph of a bloodstained Bible from Nigeria. Although the blood is from a deadly church attack at the beginning of this year, the violence in Nigeria has only persisted. Below is a recently-posted prayer update from VOM.

“Suspected Islamists attacked two villages in Borno state on Dec. 1, killing at least 10 villagers and burning four churches. The attackers, thought to be members of the Islamist group Boko Haram, went from house to house in a predominantly Christian area of Chibok on Saturday evening, killing nine Christians and one Muslim man. They also attacked 20 homes and a church in Chibok. The same night, extremists burned three churches and several other buildings in Gamboru Ngala village, near the border with Cameroon. Several police officers were killed in the second attack. State officials met with community leaders and senior church leaders on Monday, Dec. 3, to discuss how best to help them. Pray for those affected by these recent attacks, and pray that Nigerian Christians will support their persecuted brothers and sisters in Nigeria.”

Pray

Pray that the Lord would comfort His people who are suffering, guard them from bitterness, and draw them even closer to Him.
Pray that believers in Nigeria have the courage and strength to follow Christ faithfully despite the threats on their life.
Pray that God would use the witness of His followers to reach those who are hostile toward Him.
Pray that God would send more laborers into the harvest in Nigeria.
Pray that God would be glorified in Nigeria, as well as in other parts of the world because of what is happening there.
Thank God for encouraging Nigerian Christians through His Word and for using persecution there for His good purposes.

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ’A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” – John 15:18-20

"We believe the scripture that Jesus told us, that if they persecuted him they will do the same to us. We are not discouraged, but rather our faith on a daily basis has been increased." – Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang, Nigeria

Information for this post was gathered from VOM. To receive their free monthly newsletter, sign up here. To read more about the Bible pictured in this post, go here.

Radical Experiment-FBCW

Bible Gateway Beginning Reading Plan (NASB)

For Families

IMB Prayer Lists

NAMB Prayer Lists/News

2012-12-28

Weekly Prayer Updates Update 12/28/2012

2012-12-26

Zondervan Blog

Zondervan Blog

Secret Church

Secret Church

2012-12-21

Zondervan Blog

Zondervan Blog

Secret Church

Secret Church

Weekly Prayer Updates Update 12/21/2012

2012-12-20

Zondervan Blog

Zondervan Blog

2012-12-19

Secret Church

Secret Church

2012-12-14

Secret Church

Secret Church