Secret Church

---

SC 14 Registration Now Open Posted: 28 Oct 2013 10:01 PM PDT Simulcast registration for SC 14: The Cross and Everyday Life is now open! Make plans to join us on Good Friday, April 18, 2014, as we dive into the Word. Pastor David Platt will lead us through how the cross affects our day-to-day life, and we’ll petition God together for Him to make this life-transforming gospel known in an area of the world with few believers and much opposition to Christ. Remember, you can simulcast in your church building or in your home. It’s simple: a computer + a good internet connection + registration = SC 14 on Good Friday. I have a sneaking suspicion that most of you already have 2 of these 3 components. That leaves one more for you to take care of, and you don’t have to wait any longer. REGISTER NOW! As you do so, you may notice that registration now happens directly on the Secret Church website. We’re excited to serve you this year by handling everything from registration up through the actual simulcast. If you have a question, check our “FAQs” page; if you want to know what the night will look like, go to our “Schedule” page; if you need general information about Secret Church, click “What is Secret Church?” Our desire is that this site will be an easy-to-maneuver, clear, comprehensive “hub” for everything Secret Church, so we’d encourage you to regularly check in. However, in the event that you do happen to miss something, registering will automatically put you on the email list for important updates and information. So clear your schedule for April 18, spread the word, and register for Secret Church 14 today!

You are subscribed to email updates from Secret Church Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

Secret Church

---

Video Your Everyday Life… Posted: 24 Oct 2013 09:41 AM PDT … and then send those videos to us! In the upcoming Secret Church, “The Cross and Everyday Life,” Pastor David will delve into what the Bible says about honoring Christ with our daily activities. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we are told to “do all to the glory of God.” Whether that be eating, drinking, shaving, playing, cleaning, working, praying, talking, texting, exercising, resting, studying, or driving… all should glorify Him. In light of this, we are in the process of creating a video that reflects these kind of day to day things, the goal of which is to encourage people to participate in the SC simulcast. Our desire is for people to see just how relevant Secret Church ’14 will be and how much they might benefit from the teaching that night. That’s where you come in. We are collecting footage from you and of you. Simply film yourself, your friends, and your family doing what you do. Get a combination of mundane things, like snoozing your alarm clock, and fun things, like social gatherings. But also make sure to add in some of the overtly spiritual stuff  you do, like having your quiet time, attending a small group Bible study, or participating in family worship. We’ll then compile a bunch of those clips into a video that portrays real-life people doing real-life stuff. It’s okay if you’re no Spielberg. In fact, we’d encourage you to use your iPhone. Just make sure you turn the phone sideways (landscape) before you begin. Keep in mind that we’re more interested in the visual than the audio, so don’t worry about the sound. Once you’ve collected 2-5 minutes worth of clips (no, we really don’t want 24 hours of video from each of you), send them to us via the Everyday Life Video Project, which offers some explanation and even an example. Just remember that by sending us your video, you are giving us permission to use it. We look forward to watching your videos as you help us with this project. Happy shooting!

You are subscribed to email updates from Secret Church Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

Weekly Prayer Updates Update 10/25/2013

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 October 25, 2013 On Wed. Oct 23 2013 at 01:43 PM Moderator wrote: Cuba--Pastor Under House Arrest Sources: VOM Sources, Miscelaneas de Cuba Romans 12:12 Pastor Yiorvis Bravo Denis, 28, is currently under house arrest along with other members of the Apostolic Reform Church in Camaguey. The Cuban government is seeking to evict Pastor Yiorvis from his house, which also serves as a house church. He received the house from his uncle, Omar Gude Perez, a national leader of the Apostolic Movement who was sentenced to six and a half years in prison in 2008 and prevented from leaving Cuba until 2013, when he received asylum in the United States. Pastor Yiorvis assumed his uncle's leadership of the church in Camaguey. Authorities have threatened church members, and since Oct. 5 state security, police and Communist Party members have surrounded the house, shouting slogans and curses at the believers.[/quote] Iran--Location of Arrested Iranian Christians Confirmed Source: VOM Sources Psalm 66:19 The location of two Christian converts from Islam has finally been confirmed, weeks after the men were arrested in Karaj. Sevada Aghasar and Ebrahim Firouzi were arrested on Aug. 21, 2013, at the office of a friend, but authorities would not release information about the men's whereabouts. Finally, on Sept. 26, Sevada's location was confirmed after he was allowed to make a phone call to family and to briefly visit with them from behind a glass wall. Ebrahim, who had been previously arrested for Christian activities, was not allowed to contact his family until two months after his arrest. Both men were confirmed to be in Ward 209 in Tehran's Evin prison. The men have been accused of being spies for an Israeli agency, but their arrests likely stem from Christian activities on social media sites like Facebook. They have not been officially charged.[/quote] North Korea--China Attempts to Block Radio Broadcast into North Korea Source: VOM Sources Philippians 4:6 Chinese authorities are targeting a Christian radio broadcast produced by North Korean Christians in partnership with Seoul USA and VOM. Both the Chinese and North Korean governments have unsuccessfully attempted to block the radio broadcast. This is exciting news for Christians involved in the shortwave radio program because it demonstrates that North Korean and Chinese officials are threatened by the small broadcasting program. When asked why this particular broadcast is such a threat, an analyst noted that it is a purely Christian program voiced by North Koreans. Most Christian broadcasts into North Korea are voiced by South Koreans, whose accent is more difficult for North Koreans to understand. Authorities assume that North Koreans can't understand these broadcasts or are turned off by the voices of "foreigners."[/quote] Nepal--VOM Project Pray for the printing and distribution of 10,000 copies of the book Hearts of Fire (called Women of Faith in Nepal), which will also be distributed in Nepali-speaking areas of Bhutan and India. This book will encourage Nepali believers, who face increasing persecution.[/quote] Nigeria--VOM Project Pray for the provision and encouragement of Nigerian widows and for VOM's support of them.[/quote] ************* • 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 or visit the eBooks aisle on VOMBooks.com.[/quote] 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. Follow us on Twitter Follow VOM-USA on Twitter for updates and prayer requests. 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.

Secret Church

---

SC 14 Prayer Focus Posted: 23 Oct 2013 01:08 PM PDT Those of you who have participated in past Secret Church gatherings know that each year, we highlight a specific group of people to pray for. This area of the world is usually void of gospel influence and, as a result, a costly place to follow Jesus. We make sure to lift up both lost people and persecuted believers. We hope to announce the Secret Church ’14 prayer focus in the next couple of weeks, but currently need your prayers. Right now, we have a team on the ground in an area of the world that, despite vast amounts of people , has relatively no believers. They are gathering stories, researching the culture, and compiling information to help us pray for people in this area more effectively. So, before even knowing who or where, we’re asking you to pray for the upcoming SC prayer focus. Pray for our team in the field, asking God to lead their way, give them wisdom, and ordain conversations. Also, ask the Lord to use this upcoming prayer focus in local congregations all over the world to bring about major gospel change, all to the glory of God. Past Secret Church prayer focuses include the Hui and the Horn of Africa.

You are subscribed to email updates from Secret Church Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

Secret Church

---

Being “Filled with the Spirit” Posted: 17 Oct 2013 07:00 AM PDT What Does it Mean to Be Filled with the Spirit? from David Platt. In this clip, Pastor David Platt explores the biblical teaching on what it means to be “filled with the Spirit.” To view Secret Church 5, “Exploring the Holy Spirit,” in its entirety and have access to the accompanying material (manuscript and study guide), click here.

You are subscribed to email updates from Secret Church Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

Weekly Prayer Updates Update 10/18/2013

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 October 18, 2013 On Wed. Oct 16 2013 at 03:34 PM Moderator wrote: Kenya--Church Bombed in Mombasa Source: The Christian Pain 1 Peter 4:13-14 Muslims protesting the murder of an imam burned a Salvation Army church on Oct. 11 in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa. The main road leading to the church was closed for hours, and police had to use tear gas to disperse the protest. A spokesperson from the security forces said the imam, Sheikh Omar, was shot while preaching in a mosque linked to al-Shabab, who took responsibility for killing 67 people in the Sept. 21 attack at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi. The Kenyan government has announced that it will launch a war against extremists due to the attack on the Westgate Mall. However, Robert Kitor, a security leader, said security forces were not involved in the killing of Sheikh Omar.[/quote] Kazakhstan--Pastor Under House Arrest Pending Trial Source: Forum 18 News Hebrews 10:24-25 Pastor Bakhytzhan Kashkumbaev, who has been imprisoned for nearly five months in Astana, has been placed under house arrest for the remainder of his pre-trial detention, according to a court decision. The 66-year-old pastor has not seen his wife, Alfiya, or other family members since his May 17 arrest. While under house arrest, Kashkumbaev is "banned from associating with anyone apart from close relatives living with him, receiving and sending letters, holding conversations with the use of any communication devices, and only able to leave his home for medical appointments," according to Forum 18 News. Pastor Kashkumbaev was arrested on charges of "causing considerable harm to the psychological health" of a church member and was accused of using "stupefying substances" on church members, a reference to the red tea used as a non-alcoholic Communion wine. A church member insisted that Pastor Kashkumbaev "is totally innocent and has not harmed my health at all." The pre-trial detention is scheduled to last until Nov. 17.[/quote] Pakistan--Violence Continues After Church Bombing Source: World Watch Monitor, VOM Sources Psalm 18:6, 16-19 Anti-Christian violence continues in Pakistan following a Sept. 22 bombing that killed more than 80 people at the All Saints Anglican Church in Peshawar. Protests by Christians upset about the lack of government protection have reportedly prompted additional attacks from Islamist groups. And in Karachi, about 300 Christians fled their homes in the Michael Town area, where 17 homes were set on fire and dozens of others ransacked and looted. Hundreds of families from Michael Town are now homeless, staying with relatives or in churches. Continue to pray for Pakistani believers and for peace in the country.[/quote] Colombia--VOM Project Pray for the provision and encouragement of Colombian widows and for VOM's support of them.[/quote] Bhutan--VOM Project Pray for the provision and encouragement of Colombian widows and for VOM's support of them.[/quote] ************* • 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 or visit the eBooks aisle on VOMBooks.com.[/quote] 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. Follow us on Twitter Follow VOM-USA on Twitter for updates and prayer requests. 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.

Weekly Prayer Updates Update 10/11/2013

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 October 11, 2013 On Thu. Oct 10 2013 at 03:13 PM Moderator wrote: Bangladesh--Christians Pressured to Return to Islam Sources: VOM Sources, World Watch Monitor 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 Christians in Bangladesh have been pressured to worship at a mosque and have been threatened with eviction from their village unless they renounce their faith and return to Islam. The Tangail Evangelical Holiness Church in Bilbathuagani village was created on Sept. 8 by a group of 25 Christians who had been meeting secretly for three years. But on Sept. 13, local council chairman Rafiqul Islam Faruk and 200 demonstrators protested the church, and Christians were summoned to his office. Authorities threatened to burn the believers' homes, beat them and evict them from the village if they did not renounce their Christian faith. Eight church members agreed to return to Islam after the threats. The Bangladesh constitution grants every citizen the right to profess, practice or propagate any religion, as well as the right to establish, maintain and manage its religious institution.[/quote] Nigeria--VOM-Supported Christian Killed by Islamists Source: VOM Sources Matthew 25:34 A Christian supported by VOM has been murdered by the Islamic militant group Boko Haram, a VOM worker reports. Sunday Luka, a believer with a wife and 14-year-old son, left his home in Gwoza to find a safer place for his family. His life had been threatened by Islamic fundamentalists, who had already destroyed and burned many churches in the area. Sunday stayed in Mubi with a friend, where he received food and funds from a VOM distribution of relief materials for persecuted believers on Sept. 21. On Sept. 23, Sunday went back to Gwoza to visit his family and give them part of the funds received from VOM. While at home, the Islamists trapped Sunday in his home. They set the house on fire while Sunday was inside, and he died inside the house.[/quote] Morocco--Christian Convert Temporarily Released Sources: VOM Sources, ICC Romans 10:11 Christian convert Mohamed El Baladi was released from a Moroccan prison where he has been held since his arrest in August. El Baladi's release is temporary, until his official appeal hearing scheduled for Oct. 10. He was initially sentenced to two and half years in prison for the crimes of evangelism and "shaking the faith of a Muslim." El Baladi confirmed to family and friends that during his imprisonment he faced severe abuse and pressure to recant his Christian faith and return to Islam. Police also attempted to force El Baladi to provide the names of other believers, both Moroccan and foreign. Reports from friends of El Baladi stated that they believed his family was upset by his conversion and pressed for a harsher punishment to push El Baladi to recant his faith.[/quote] Egypt--VOM Project Pray for a project that supports the continued operation of a Christian book store in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. This is an important facility for VOM Bible and literature distribution throughout Egypt, North Africa and even into the Middle East.[/quote] Nigeria--VOM Project Pray for the provision and encouragement of Nigerian widows and for VOM's support of them.[/quote] ************* • 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 or visit the eBooks aisle on VOMBooks.com.[/quote] 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. Follow us on Twitter Follow VOM-USA on Twitter for updates and prayer requests. 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.