The Christendom Newspaper: Benin Catholics fault calls for Bishop’s removal

The Christendom Newspaper: Benin Catholics fault calls for Bishop’s removal: The Catholic Laity Council of Benin Arch-Diocese and Benin Catholic priests have disassociated themselves from calls for the removal of the ...

Gunmen attack 4 churches in Borno ,Kill pastor, 2 others

One month after the declaration of emergency rule in order to fight insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, violence has erupted again, as gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamist terrorist’s sect attacked four communities of Hwa’a, Kunde, Gathahure and Gjigga of Gwoza Hills settlements, torching four churches with Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDS) and petro-bombs Thursday afternoon.

According to Tada Garuta, a resident of Kunde, the gunmen climbed the hills on foot with explosives and petro-bombs, and chanted ‘God is great’ in Arabic, before setting four local churches ablaze; and ransacked and emptied their bans of grains along with some livestock to the next community of Gathahure and Hwa’a at dawn.

The attacked communities are located in Gwoza council area of Borno state of Mandara Hills, and 151 kilometres South of Maiduguri, the state capital.

Two churches at Hrazah and Hembe of hill dwellers communities; were also torched by the gunmen in April this year with the killing of two residents.

Garuta also told newsmen in the Maiduguri, Bama road Motor Park on Sunday that after torching another church in Hwa’a community, the gunmen also killed Reverend Jacob Kwiza (rtd) of Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), while picking mangoes at his father’s orchard on the hills settlement of Hwa’a.

Crisis rocks Catholic Church in Benin

A group in the Catholic Church in Benin,Edo State, Edo Liturgical Group, has demanded the removal of the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze and a Benin Priest, made a Bishop in his place for the true evangelization of the people of the kingdom.
The group, which addressed newsmen in Benin, weekend by its Chairman, Mr Andrew Ayemwenre, also accused the Archbish op of punishing Benin people for demanding for a Benin Bishop to help achieve proper evangelization in their land in accordance with the recommendation for the church by Pope Benedict XV.
“In less than two years of Archbishop Akubeze’s coming, there appears to be a design by him to replace our people, priests and laity in the Catholic Church. The Edo Liturgical Group visited him on more than four occasions to find the way forward.
“Among issues raised were one Edo Mass for parishes at primetime in the entire diocese, copies of Edo Bible and Missal be made available in the Church, use of Edo songs at Mass, Priests in the Archdiocese to learn to celebrate Mass in Edo language, the re-instatement of Pa Vincent Osakue to the knighthood, which was withdrawn by Akubeze and Mr. Chris Aghimien as Secretary of the Laity Council of the Archdiocese of Benin and the retention of the name, Edo Liturgical Group.”
He insisted that despite peace moves by the group, the Archbishop failed to accede to any of their requests and refused to approve the one Mass on Sunday for the indigenes in all parishes in Benin-City.
“Holy Cross Cathedral as a Parish has 28 Sunday Masses in a month while only one Mass is said in Edo language for her indigenes. This means that of the 364 Sunday Masses in a year, only 12 is in the native tongue. Meanwhile, in Onitsha and the entire Eastern Nigeria, the reverse is the case. The use of Edo language as part of the Mass is a taboo to Archbishop Akubeze,” the group said.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/crisis-rocks-catholic-church-in-benin/#sthash.vo7qtxI3.dpuf

Benin Catholics fault calls for Bishop’s removal

The Catholic Laity Council of Benin Arch-Diocese and Benin Catholic priests have disassociated themselves from calls for the removal of the Bishop of Benin Catholic Arch-Diocese, Bishop Augustine Akubueze, and urged aggrieved members to embrace peace in the Diocese.Meanwhile, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has set up an interventionist committee with a view to ameliorate the plight of Christians affected by activities of Boko Haram sect in the Northern parts of the country.Rev. Omobude, General Superintendent of New Covenant Gospel Church, told journalists that Christians can no longer afford to wait endlessly for the Federal Government to come to their aid when its members are suffering.He said: “My heart is broken. As we speak, many widows, children and orphans are now destitute.”Meanwhile, it will be recalled that a group, Edo Liturgical Group, had called for the removal of Bishop Akubueze, alleging plot to replace catholic priest and laity of Benin origin with an Igbo priest.Addressing newsmen in Benin City, Chairman of Indigenous Catholic Benin Priests, Rev Felix Igbineweka, described the call as unfortunate and urged those aggrieved to work in harmony with the authorities of the church to avoid unnecessary crisis.While disassociating indigenous Benin priests from the call for the removal of the Bishop, Rev. Igbineweka pledged their loyalty to Bishop Akubueze and urged aggrieved persons to channel their complaints to the relevant authorities rather than attempting to drag the name of the church through the mud.

Adeboye, Suswam visit Suntai in New York

Convalescing governor of Taraba State, Mr. Danbaba Suntai is a living miracle and should be able to resume his duties very soon, Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State declared yesterday.Governor Suswam also confirmed that Suntai spoke with Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Tuesday in his presence. Suswam visited Suntai in New York, United States where he is recuperating following last October’s air crash of a private plane that he was piloting.He also confirmed that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God also visited Suntai same Tuesday.



Governor Suswam who was accompanied by his wife, Yemisi during his visit to Suntai, dismissed reports that Suntai was unable to recognize friends and family, saying that Suntai recognsied and called his wife by her name.Suswam who visited Suntai during an official trip to the United States spoke to Vanguard from New York.“He is fine, he is doing very, very well and he is walking on his own and when I was with him, they brought food to him and he ate,” Governor Suswam said.“When I was with him, we made a call to the vice-president and he (Suntai) spoke with him. ”He is walking and it is a living miracle that we are seeing,” the Benue governor further revealed.Asked on the prospects of Suntai resuming work as governor, he said: ”Why not, he should be able to resume work and I see no reason why he cannot, and I think he is very ok.”Asked specifically if Suntai recognized him, he replied: ”Recognise me? Yes, he recognized me and even called my wife by her name and I can say that he has recovered his memory and those stories about memory loss are not true as I spent about one hour with him discussing and exchanging banters.”Governor Suntai survived when the private aircraft he was piloting crashed near Yola, Adamawa State on October 25, 2012 and he was subsequently transferred to the National Hospital in Abuja before he was evacuated for further treatment in Germany.He was transferred to the John Hopkins University Hospital in the United States in March and discharged from the hospital last week.
Culled from Vanguard Newspaper

‘Nigerian Governor, others responsible for Christ’s School’s growth’

Elder statesman Chief Deji Fasuan has attributed the development of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to its old students, including Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Fasuan said the school would have deteriorated if not for the contributions of the old students in the last 30 years.
He spoke at a news conference on the school’s 80th anniversary.
Fasuan lamented the “entire neglect of the school by the old Ondo State”.
At the news conference were old students, including Very Rev. Dr. John Aina, Dr. Ade Fasanmade, Chief Francis Daramola, Mrs. Idowu Ogunrinde (Principal, Christ Girls’ School) and Chief Olusola Bayode, President, Christ’s School Alumni Worldwide.
Fasuan, who retired as permanent secretary in the old Ondo State, said: “Individual alumni members have built classrooms and sank boreholes in the school. There is a member who spent N20 million over a period of time on various projects in the school.
“Even Fayemi, before he became governor, gave the school a giant size power generator and renovated some classrooms. The situation was worse when we were in the old Ondo State, when the school was virtually neglected.”
Fasanmade, who is the chairman of the home branch of the association, said the alumni was not considering the return of the school to missionaries.
He said: “If improvement in quality teaching and learning would be possible through the return of the school, we accept it. But we are not looking at the return of the school as a singular means to achieve this.
“The anniversary would feature presentation of awards of excellence/honour to seven monarchs who are alumni members and others.”

Nigerian Pastor Loses Father,Brother As Gunmen Kill 32 In Plateau

 

Rev. Nandip Miri, the chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) of the Church of Christ in Nation (COCIN), said he lost his aged father and brother, among other relatives, in the attack.
The senator representing Plateau South in the National Assembly, Victor Lar, expressed shock over the renewed violence.
He described the situation as unfortunate. The senator noted that the government has done all it could to restore peace in the zone.
Thirty-One people were killed yesterday when suspected Fulani gunmen attacked Bolgan, Karkashi and Magama villages in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspected Fulani gunmen allegedly invaded the villages in the early hours of yesterday, setting several homes ablaze.
At the time of filing this report, over 3,000 displaced persons from the villages had relocated to Mabudi, the headquarters of the local government.
Most of them were occupying primary schools and markets for shelter. Majority of them were women, children and the aged.
Most of the primary and secondary schools in Mabudi were closed down to allow the displaced persons have shelter.
It was learnt that secondary school pupils, who are writing their National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations were mostly affected by the attack.
Mathew Ponfa, a resident of Mabudi, said he lost two of his younger brothers and his sister-in-law to the attack.
According to him, several households in the villages could not find their relations.
Ponfa said scores of villagers were still combing the bushes in desperate search for their relatives.
An eyewitness said the gunmen chased their victims on motorcycles and shot them at close range.
Bolgang, it was learnt, was razed down by the gunmen after they killed nine residents. Other residents escaped to different directions.
The attackers killed the villagers and burnt their homes as men of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crises, code-named Operation Safe Haven, reportedly failed to respond to the villagers’ distress calls.
A source said the casualties would have been minimal, if the troops had responded early when they were told the gunmen were on their way to attack the villages.
It was also learnt that the death toll at Magama was the highest. The victims were said to be mostly children and the aged.
Lar urged the people to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, who he said are empowered to deal with such situations.
But the police command said it had not been briefed on the attack and could, therefore, not confirm the casualty figure.
The Chairman, Management Committee of Langtang South Local Government Area, Nanman Darko, however, confirmed the attack.
He said over 32 people from the local government were killed by the suspected Fulani gunmen.
The council chief explained that following his report to the STF, troops were moved to the affected villages to restore order and prevent further attacks.
Darko said yesterday’s attack was the worst the residents had witnessed in recent time.
He described the gunmen as heartless and barbaric.

9,000 Nigerians in jails abroad, says minister

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru has said that about 9,000 Nigerians are in various prisons abroad.
The highest number of 752 are in UK prisons while most them are in Asian-Pacific death row
The minister, who disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the presentation of mid-report, lamented that the major problem confronting the foreign policy was the predicament of Nigerians abroad.
In view of this, he said that there was need to device a strategy to proffer solution to the alarming numbers of Nigerians in detention abroad.
He said, “9,000 Nigerians are in various prisons all over the world, the highest number of 752 being recorded in the UK.      One of the major challenges facing Nigeria’s foreign policy is the plight of Nigerians in prison abroad. Most of them are concentrated in the Asian-Pacific with many on them on death row. Given these alarming numbers and the imperative need to find creative solutions to the plight of these Nigerians.’’
Ashiru, while noting the predicament of Nigerians abroad, warned Nigerian citizens to desist from drug trafficking, adding that the sophisticated nature of airports around the world made it possible for them to be caught.
He said: “Airport in the world is very supplicated. If you carry any drug in your body or bags you will be found. Please Nigerians don’t carry drug again, it tarnishes the image of our country.”
Also, the minister decried that another challenges facing the ministry is the funding of the staff missioners abroad, stressing that this has necessitated the reduction of staff abroad.

White House prays for Mandela

The White House said Sunday its thoughts and prayers were with Nelson Mandela after hearing he was in critical condition, as President Barack Obama prepares to visit South Africa.
“We have seen the latest reports from the South African government that former president Mandela is in critical condition,” National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and the people of South Africa.”
Obama leaves Wednesday on a tour of Africa that will take him to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania, but he has said he will defer to Mandela’s family regarding any meeting with the anti-apartheid icon.
The possibility of a meeting between the first black presidents of both South Africa and the United States has been hotly anticipated for years.
But the declining health of Mandela, 94, who has been fighting a lung infection, and Obama’s failure to visit South Africa until his second term, have left the prospect in doubt.
Obama will stay overnight in Johannesburg and Cape Town during his trip, and plans to visit Robben Island, where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.
Obama met Mandela soon after he was elected a US senator in 2005, when the former South African president was visiting Washington, and the two have spoken several times since on the telephone.
Obama’s wife, Michelle, was able to visit to Mandela during her trip to Africa two years ago, and she said it was the most moving moment of her visit.
Obama will leave Washington on Wednesday for the three-nation tour meant to emphasize economic potential and democratic development.
He will not, however, be visiting Kenya, which was the homeland of his late father and where he still has living relatives.
The fact that Kenya’s recently elected President Uhuru Kenyatta is facing trial at the Hague for allegedly orchestrating deadly violence in 2007 and 2008 following previous polls had stymied plans for a possible visit.

Crisis Rocks Catholiic Church in Benin

A group in the Catholic Church in Benin,Edo State, Edo Liturgical Group, has demanded the removal of the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze and a Benin Priest, made a Bishop in his place for the true evangelization of the people of the kingdom.
The group, which addressed newsmen in Benin, weekend by its Chairman, Mr  Andrew Ayemwenre, also accused the Archbish                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   op of punishing Benin people for  demanding for a Benin Bishop to help achieve proper evangelization in their land in accordance with the recommendation for the church by Pope Benedict XV.
“In less than two years of Archbishop Akubeze’s coming, there appears to be a design by him to replace our people, priests and laity in the Catholic Church. The Edo Liturgical Group visited him on more than four occasions to find the way forward.
“Among issues raised were one Edo Mass for parishes at primetime in the entire diocese,  copies of Edo Bible and Missal be made available in the Church, use of Edo songs at Mass, Priests in the Archdiocese to learn to celebrate Mass in Edo language, the re-instatement of Pa Vincent Osakue to the knighthood, which was withdrawn by Akubeze and Mr. Chris Aghimien as Secretary of the Laity Council of the Archdiocese of Benin and the retention of the name, Edo Liturgical Group.”
He insisted that despite peace moves by the group, the Archbishop failed to accede to any of their requests and refused to approve the one Mass on Sunday for the indigenes in all parishes in Benin-City.
“Holy Cross Cathedral as a Parish has 28 Sunday Masses in a month while only one Mass is said in Edo language for her indigenes. This means that of the 364 Sunday Masses in a year, only 12 is in the native tongue. Meanwhile, in Onitsha and the entire Eastern Nigeria, the reverse is the case. The use of Edo language as part of the Mass is a taboo to Archbishop Akubeze,” the group said.

Adeboye,Nigerian President, others pay tribute to Tinubu’s mother

President Goodluck Jonathan, former military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; and General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, have described the late President-General of Market Men and Women Association of Nigeria, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, as a bridge builder across  social divides.

They spoke in a compilation of tributes in the programme of events at the eighth day fidau for Mogaji in Lagos on Sunday.

Hundreds of dignitaries from all walks of life thronged the Tafawa Balewa Square venue to pay their last respects.

Mogaji, mother of former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, died on Saturday June 15.

Jonathan described Mogaji as a defender of the rights of the underprivileged.

He said, “She was an accomplished business icon, a bridge builder across all social divides and a philanthropist of pre-eminent stature. Her passing is no doubt a great loss to you (Tinubu) and other members of the family.”

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also said, “Alhaja Mogaji was a patriotic mother who ensured during her life time that the resources at her disposal were used for the good of the ordinary people in the society”.

Babangida in his statement said, “I received the news of her death with a great shock because she was a great leader who impacted on everyone”.

Pastor Adeboye said he received the news of her death with a great shock.

Fashola, who delivered the vote of thanks said, “Mogaji was one of the pioneer traders who ventured into the capital intensive and risky business of importing consumer goods, thereby breaking the monopoly previously enjoyed by foreign tradesmen.”

'Duck Dynasty' Stars Phil, Miss Kay: How Jesus Christ Saved Their Marriage, Restored Their Family

Phil and Kay Robertson, the patriarch and matriarch of A&E's highest-rated reality show, "Duck Dynasty," were guests on CBN's "700 Club" on Wednesday to talk about their family's success and to share how their faith in Jesus Christ saved their marriage, which is about to hit the 50-year milestone.

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  (Photo: Screengrab/CBN)
  Phil and Miss Kay Robertson make an appearance on the "700 Club" to talk about duck calls, their nearly 50-year marriage, and how Phil came to know Jesus and raise his family in a Christ-centered household. May 15, 2013.

The motto of "faith, family and ducks," is a running theme for the Robertson family, whose Duck Commander business in Monroe, La., is the backdrop for the reality television show that beat out American Idol with 9.6 million viewers during their hour-long season finale last month.
The show features Phil and Kay Robertson, Phil's brother, Si, who's a Vietnam veteran, and three of their four sons, Willie, Jason "Jase" and Jules "Jep," and their wives and children, as well as a few of the Duck Commander employees. Everyone in the family has a role in the business, and the TV show follows the antics of the Robertson family as they navigate hunting season and familial relationships.
Before their family became millionaires and reality TV stars, Phil, a Louisiana native and former first-string quarterback at Louisiana Tech University, walked away from the game his senior year and handed off his position to Terry Bradshaw. He later completed his master's degree in education, and in the midst of the '60s, ended up leasing a bar in Junction City, Ark., where he was enveloped in the "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle."
In their interview with Terry Meeuwsen of the "700 Club," Kay spoke about how her marriage and family struggled for 10 years when Phil was leading a life filled with fighting and drinking. Kay was the first to be converted to Christianity – one year before her husband. And even though Phil had kicked her and their three sons out of their family's home, she continued to stay in her marriage and pray for Phil's salvation.

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During their separation, Phil eventually turned his life over to the Lord. They attend the same church today where Kay received her salvation more than 38 years ago.

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"My life was spiraling out of control in a hurry," Phil said. "It's literally what Jesus said, 'from darkness to light.'" After he became a Christian, Phil gave up drinking and "with a clear head" went back to Louisiana with his family and bought a house on the river. He then started working as a commercial fisherman while he built his duck call business from the ground up.
Speaking at a May 5 benefit for the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center in Dallas, Texas, Willie, the Robertsons' second-eldest son, said his father "hit rock bottom," in Arkansas after he got into a fight with the bar's owner who ended up in the hospital. "State troopers were searching for him, so he runs into the woods and lives in the woods for four months running from the law," he said.
Phil, who blames the '60s generation for the social problems the United States is facing today, said at the same event, that: "You can only run sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll so far. The bottom line is what came out of that movement is what you're now witnessing. They had little innocent names; they called us 'hippies' and 'flower children.' That movement lured 60 million babies out of their mothers' wombs. What came out of that are universities that take our children and warp their minds – the ungodliness is literally rampant. All of the diseases that go with immorality, all of that stuff came out of my generation."
Part of Phil's mission today is to "try to make amends, and go forth and tell people about Jesus and what he's done for us on the cross. I've repented, and I'm trying to get my generation to do the same thing."
He told Meeuwsen that he noticed A&E's production team was taking Jesus' name out of the show when he gave the family's dinnertime prayer. He later asked them why they were doing that, and they replied they didn't want to offend their viewers.
During the next taping of the dinner scene, he prayed: "Father, thank you for the good food, thank you for our children, thank you for loving us and saving us. And I pray that you give these people that are filming us time to repent before you burn them for not using your name in a prayer." That ended the battle and brought Jesus' name back into the show.
Phil and Willie often speak at churches and civic groups across the country to talk about duck hunting, the founding fathers and the right to life. Phil is a staunch supporter of the pro-life movement; and Willie, who has three children, one of whom is an adopted son, said as a father he now understands how God's love for his son, Jesus, is equal to his love for humanity.
Willie attended Harding University in Searcy, Ark., and speaks to college students about money and fame, and how neither can bring the happiness that's found in the Gospel and salvation through Jesus Christ. He tells students that the most unhappy people he meets are those who have money and fame but are void of a relationship with the Lord.
Both Kay and her brother-in-law, Si, will be releasing new books this fall, along with a Duck Commander Devotional. Kay's book might delve into issues she touched on during her interview with CBN's Meeuwsen, when she spoke about her grandmother's influence on her life, and how she became a Christian when she was a young mother of three boys, living in a tumultuous marriage.
The fourth season of "Duck Dynasty" is expected to start this fall and will include their eldest son, Alan, a preacher, who has been absent from the first three seasons of the show. Phil's book, Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander was released on May 7.

Culled from Christian Post

Arizona Pastor Kills Man Changing Tire, Sentenced to Prison

An Arizona pastor who killed a man changing a flat tire on the side of the road in 2011 while driving was sentenced to prison this week.

Pastor Wayne Salguero, 58, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading no contest to careless driving 45 days ago. The courts charged him with vehicular homicide for veering off I-40 and hitting a 23 year-old McAlister's Deli delivery driver named Timothy Sheehan in 2011, according to the Associated Press.
Prosecutors claimed Salguero was driving the speed limit and that there was no evidence that he was on his cell phone when the accident occurred.
Salguero resides in Winslow, Ariz. He hit Sheehan on the shoulder of the highway between the fast lane and the median barrier, according to the original police report.
An on the scene eye witness described the incident to Arizona's News 13 when it first happened.
"When I came around the bend, I saw a guy changing his tire and the first thing that came to mind was 'Oh my god, what is that guy doing? He's going to get hit," said Shelly Ohnleiter of Albuquerque. The witness claimed Sheehan was just too close to the road.

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"The driver could have been startled when he saw (Sheehan) and just one little jerk of the wheel could have caused him to hit him," continued the witness. Police had to close all the westbound lanes and divert traffic to the city streets for around two hours on the day of the incident. Police believed Salguero was either distracted or was intentionally driving on the shoulder when he hit Sheehan, according to older reports. They also told news outlets that there was no evidence of Salguero hitting the breaks or trying to avoid making contact with Sheehan.
Culled from Christian Post

Christians Urged to Participate in Month-Long Prayers During Ramadan

Open Doors USA, a persecution watchdog organization, is urging Christians to pray during this year's Ramadan, which will be observed by millions of Muslims around the world.

"During the season of Ramadan we need to lift up in prayer our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Islamic-dominated nations; strengthening them, empowering them, comforting them and encouraging them. Also, pray for Muslims. There are millions of Muslims who have never experienced real peace and joy in knowing a loving God and having Jesus as their Savior," said Open Doors USA Director of Ministries Michele Miller in a statement Wednesday.
Ramadan, which is an annual fast and one of the five pillars, or basic acts, of Islam, runs this year from July 9 to August 7. During this period, Muslims are expected to practice humility and submissiveness to Allah by abstaining from eating, drinking, and any immoral activities from sunrise to sunset, choosing to focus on spiritual reflection instead.
Open Doors, which also called on Christians to participate during last year's Ramadan, is urging followers of Christ to pray in one of the names of Christ while using scripture on each day of the month-long period.  For example, the group offered the passage in 1 John 2:1, which calls Jesus an "advocate":  "But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."
A number of countries on the persecution watchdog group's 2013 World Watch List, which features the world's most oppressive regimes and governments, happen to be Muslim-dominated nations, where Christians face danger due to their faith. During last year's Ramadan observance, Open Doors noted that those Christians often face heightened persecution because they do not fast or participate in the Islamic tradition.
"The religious atmosphere among Muslims rises dramatically, more than during any other month of the year. During Ramadan, Muslims usually read the Quran extensively, often very loudly in public places such as public transportation, at work and certainly at home. This is a holy month for Islam, so they are promised to gain more points from Allah when they do good works, hoping that some of the bad things they have done during the past year will be erased," a Christian leader in Egypt, who wasn't named, observed last summer.
"My heart is really broken for the millions of Muslims here in Egypt and around the world, who are seeking peace with God this month, trying so hard to do good works in an effort to somehow earn His favor and forgiveness. Although God is so near to those truly calling on His name, it brings tears to my eyes that most of my countrymen do not know that Jesus died and rose from the dead to give them freely, through simple faith, that peace with God they so long to have," the leader added.
Other Christian organizations, such as Mission Network News (MNN), have also launched campaigns for Christians to pray during Ramadan in the past, suggesting that many young people in Islamic countries like Iran are disillusioned with the faith and can be reached through Christ
Culled from Christian Post.

Christian Bishops Still Missing in Syria as Pope Francis Calls for Prayers

As news on the two Christian bishops kidnapped in Syria remains scarce, Pope Francis called for the release of all those taken against their will in the war-torn country.

"This troubled situation of war bears with it tragic consequences: death, destruction, massive economic and environmental damage, as well as the scourge of kidnapping. In denouncing these events I wish to assure my prayers of solidarity for those who have been kidnapped and their families and I appeal to the humanity of the kidnappers for the release of the victims," Pope Francis said on Sunday at the Vatican.
The Archbishop of Aleppo, Mar Gregorios Ibrahim, and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Metropolitan Paul Yazigi, still remain unaccounted for since they were kidnapped in Syria in April.
Sat-7, which covers Christian news in the Middle East and has been providing coverage on the two bishops, shared in an email to The Christian Post on Tuesday that there still is no verified information on the bishops' current location or well-being.
"There was news from Greece a few days ago that said they were in good health, but this was never confirmed by a reliable source," SAT-7 Communications Coordinator Greg Garrett told CP.
The bishops were reportedly taken against their will while travelling back from a meeting seeking to negotiate the release of other captives.
Pope Francis has commented on their case specifically, saying: "The kidnapping of the Greek Orthodox and the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan bishops, regarding whose liberation there has been conflicting news, is a further sign of the tragic situation that the beloved Syrian nation has been undergoing, where violence and weapons continue to sow death and suffering."
In May, Christians in Aleppo marked one month since the kidnapping of the bishops and released a statement reading:
"One month in abduction is more than enough for the two Archbishops. As it is painful for them in their abduction, it is also painful for all the faithful of their two communities, the people of Syria and the world. The continuous abduction of the two Archbishops is damaging the structure of Syria in its diverse components and its long history of coexistence and citizenship."
On Sunday, however, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church said that there are "many signs of hope" for reconciliation and peace, and called on believers to continue praying for a resolution to the many conflicts still raging around the world.
"Everything is lost in war. Everything is gained with peace. I ask you to pray for the fallen, the wounded, and their families," the pontiff said.

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Shocking Testimony of Heaven, Hell and Angels by Nigerian Pastor!

Pastor Daniel died after a road traffic accident. His body was in a mortuary for 2 days, and he came back to life at a crusade conducted by Pastor Reinhardt Bonnke. He still has his death certificate, written by a hospital doctor. In the movie he recounts his experiences, with amazing computer generated images of both Heaven and Hell.

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Nick Vujicic in Vietnam: An Evangelist Not Allowed to Preach

The amazing 30-year-old Australian Evangelist Nick Vujicic, born without arms and legs, visited Vietnam May 22 – 26, 2013. Though not allowed to preach in public events, he took the country by storm as a motivational speaker. He became an instant hero and idol!

"Nick" as he is known, spoke at seven official events, including two in large stadiums in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Three of the major events were televised nationally on VTV. He did numerous televised interviews as well. In a late addition to his grueling schedule he did preach one 40-minute sermon in the Gia Dinh church in Ho Chi Minh City the morning of his departure.
More than 75,000 people attended his live presentations and millions more watched him on national TV. You would have been hard pressed to find a Vietnamese who had not heard about "Nick". A deluge of articles flooded Vietnam's widely read newspapers, and tsunami of blogs and tweets and posts filled the social media.
(For samples google "Nick Vujicic – Vietnam". Vietnamese language websites also carry some English translations of their articles. The Vietnamese Christian website www.hoithanh.com and other Christian ones covered the visit from a faith perspective. The organizer's website is www.hatgiongtamhon.com, meaning "seed for the soul.")
The unprecedented tour was sponsored by a consortium of the Hoa Sen business group whose chairman, Le Phuoc Vu, is a devout Buddhist, as well as by First News and Vietnam Television (VTV) and some ten smaller commercial partners. The communist government of Vietnam owns and controls all media. Sources close to the situation said that beside Mr. Vu, one of Vietnam's wealthiest tycoons, that an influential Catholic layman and a Communist Party official were the key initiators. If there were evangelical Christians behind it, they have chosen to remain very low key.
The Nick tour was meticulously and professionally done. According to press reports over $1.5 million was spent in organizing and advertising. Besides wide coverage in the electronic media, there were Nick billboards, banners, head bands, bracelets and T-shirts everywhere. Free tickets were arranged through the internet with pickup at offices in Vietnam's two largest cities. Some free tickets were sold to eager people wanting to attended events for the equivalent of $10.
Vietnam's Christians, both Catholic and evangelical, were elated. Christian leaders in Vietnam all use the word "phep la," or miracle. Two miracles actually, they say. The first was that the evangelist should be allowed to come to communist Vietnam at all, and the second one is that authorities approved as Nick's translator the young pastor newly installed in Hanoi's main evangelical church. The Rev. Bui Quoc Phong, who studied theology in Singapore and is fluent in English, interpreted for Nick in the two largest stadium events in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with attendance of 25,000 and 40,000, respectively.
Organizers said the target audience was students, young people and business people, with a few smaller events arranged specifically for the latter.
The large public events, featuring Nick's motivational talks, were very powerful in themselves. Who better to talk about overcoming obstacles than a man with no arms and no legs? Nick has learned to swim, surf, and skydive, is married to a beautiful woman and has a son, has traveled to speak in 44 countries, has authored best-selling books and is the epitome of purpose, joy and gratefulness.
Nick talked about his own steep challenges in growing up as a child often bullied because of his appearance and handicaps. He once attempted suicide. He talked passionately about finding strength for not giving up, not losing hope, and for cherishing and pursuing hopes and dreams. He emphasized purpose in life! He was the finest example of the sweet aroma of Christ that a Christian could be.
Though restricted from preaching the precepts of the Gospel, a man quite used to overcoming the impossible, simply demonstrated them. Actually Gospel words could not be completely suppressed anyway. At the Hanoi stadium event a little girl with Nick's identical condition was brought to him. When they met he asked her, "Do you know why I love God? Because heaven is real! One day when we get to heaven we are going to have arms and legs. And we are going to run, and we are going to play and we are going to race!" News reports said "participants burst into tears" at this powerful expression. It was Nick's only direct reference to his faith.
Having been cautioned about not using certain words, Nick's interpreter was momentarily hesitant. Nick urged him on! One the organizers said later he was sure when he heard the words about God and heaven that there would be a "power outage", but there was not! Further, Nick's books, translated into Vietnamese were on sale and have become best sellers. They are explicitly Christian. Nick's own website also showed a huge spike in hits.
Two main questions come to mind. First, what was the motivation for the commercial and government media sponsors in bringing Nick to Vietnam? It seems that Mr. Vu, the lead organizer and sponsor, himself a devout Buddhist, wanted to do something positive for Vietnam's youth, many of them aimless, purposelessness, discouraged and lacking role models. This problem is openly acknowledged by Vietnam's communist leaders as well, and they are very short on solutions. Such an event could be seen by all as beneficial for the common good, and for restoring sinking morality and lost good traditions.
The state media published some loud complaints about the amount spent on the event by its sponsors in hard economic times. Reminiscent of Jesus' critics of the rich perfume used to anoint his feet, some said the money should have been spent on the poor and handicapped.
Mr. Vu tactfully answered the complaints about the extravagant costs of the Nick events, saying, "In the spiritual perspective, the amount is negligible. Nick's story is a great source of encouragement for the disadvantaged, the disabled, orphans, the poor, students in reformatories and many struggling businessmen in need of encouragement. It is like water for thirsty people in the desert, very precious."
This soft answer clearly acknowledges a spiritual need. At a private dinner for Nick at Mr. Vu's estate, which included two Buddhist advisors to Mr. Vu, he turned to Nick and said, "I see God in you, such hope and joy . . .!"
A second major question is what was the effect and what will be the longer term results of Nick's visit for the people of Vietnam?
There is the obvious. Nick strongly lifted up the situation of impaired and handicapped people with his amazing story. Some were featured on stage with Nick. Twenty-four handicapped people were recognized and rewarded for unusual accomplishments, something rare in Vietnam where respect and provisions for handicapped people is often still wanting.
After Nick boarded his plane for Cambodia on May 26, Vietnam's press turned to "morning after" reflections. Some puzzled about the instant idol phenomenon enjoyed by Nick. Others continued to express awe at the amazing accomplishments, courage and joy which he demonstrated.
A May 28 article in Vietnam Week (TuanVietNam) seemed especially poignant. It was entitled, "Nick Vujicic: After this high, will we be moved to do something?
It called the Nick events a truly rare phenomenon which stirred the nation deeply, from north to south. It asked, after the noise had died down, has anyone considered what the lasting effects will be?
The article wonders, "What is so unusual about this phenomenon?" and about Nick. How could this man hold the rapt attention of young people often unruly and confused, purposeless and aimless? A look at Facebook will reveal the vacuousness in which they often live. Does Nick have the missing "vitamin for the soul" that young folks seem to lack?
The article notes that government and society, schools and education are failing young people today. The poor examples of some of the country's leaders, unqualified teachers and a wanting education system, and the dry ideals found in books are no match for the kind of thing Nick represents – something immediate, highly personal, and passionate and positive. This is a lesson which needs to be learned quickly.
The article concludes that if Nick's visit really inspires those responsible for the formation of Vietnam's youth to wake up, then Vietnamese ought to quit haggling about the price tag, and consider the money spent as reasonable tuition for a very valuable lesson.
Nick accomplished the goals of the event organizers and then some! From a Christian perspective, there could not have been any better preparation of the soil for the Gospel. This evangelist tilled and exposed fields ready to plant. Are Vietnam's churches and Christians ready to sow and water the seed, and reap the harvest? Or to repeat an earlier metaphor, provide "water for thirsty people in the desert – very precious!'
Culled from Christian Post

Seven Men Arrested in Malaysia Over Death of US Pastor

 

Seven men were arrested by Malaysia police on Thursday in 

connection to the death of a U.S. pastor earlier this month.

The Rev. David Ginter, 62, who was the senior pastor at the 200-member Bridge International Church in Kuala Lumpur, was found slain at his home on May 4, The Associated Press reported. Officials say he was found tied up with a cloth and a cellphone charger cable around his neck. A report concluded that he died from asphyxiation.
His wife, Sheryl, who was in Australia at the time, had asked for a neighbor to check up on him after she was unable to reach him.
A previous AP story noted that police have been investigating his death as a homicide but have not released a motive yet. Few details have been released on the arrested men so far but police believe a few of them personally knew the pastor. Rev. Ginter's car, which had been missing since his death, has also been found.
Ang Ah Ban, the police head of criminal investigations in Ampang Jaya district, denied earlier reports that the men, mostly in their 20s and 30s, belonged to Bridge International Church. The Rev. Cristian Moscoso, the church's other pastor, affirmed that no one from the congregation has been arrested.
 According to the CIA World Factbook, 60 percent of Malaysia's population is Muslim while Christians make up only nine percent.

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Ginter, a graduate of Multnomah Bible College, previously served as the youth pastor for Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church in Fairview, Ore., and had served as minister for over 40 years in countries around the world, including the U.S., Asia and the Middle East.
According to the Bridge International Church website, he has three sons with his wife, who are currently living in the U.S, and two adopted Filipino teenage brothers.
Ginter's blog on the church's website lists his devotional thoughts throughout the years. The last entry, posted on April 21, recalls Psalm 3 from the Bible, which reads:
"O LORD, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, 'God will never rescue him!' But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side."
Culled from Christian Post

Stop Chrisitian Genocide In Egypt

Religious Defamation Law in Egypt Applied only to Christians, Says Egyptian Journalist

Saad Hagras, a prominent Egyptian journalist, condemned the use of religion when crafting and enforcing laws in Egypt.

"It is one of the remnants of a series of authoritarian laws, which leads us to inquisition courts, despite that they are only utilized against Christians," he told MidEast Christian News.
Hagras rejected the threats made by Gamaat Islamiyya leader Assem Abdel Maged against Copts regarding planned participation in demonstrations planned for June 30.
"Abdel Maged's hands are tainted with the blood of Egyptians, Muslims and Christians alike," Hagras said. "Abdel Maged's methods are those of a terrorist, as he stated that he doesn't regret the killings made by a Gamaa [GI member] against police officers in the eighties and nineties."
In another context, Hagras described the Ministry of Culture sit-in, which is demanding the dismissal of Minister Alaa Abdel Aziz, as "refined and respectable, and any attempts to harass them would be unacceptable in any decent country."
A number of writers and intellectuals have embarked on an open-ended sit-in, in front of the Opera House and the High Cultural Council in Cairo, under the slogan "Protecting the Egyptian identity from the Brotherhood."
A large number of intellectuals and artists broke into Alaa Abdel Aziz's office demanding his dismissal. Among them were writers Bahaa Taher and Sanaa Allah Ibrahim, actor Nabil El-Halafawi, director Khaled Youssef, producer Mohamed El-Adl and poet Sayed Hegab.
A band of five brass players performed a show as means of supporting the sit-in to express their refusal of the new minister, who had earlier sacked the head of the Opera and the heads of all art sectors, which they considered an attempt of forcing the Brotherhood's identity on Egypt.

'If You Oppose Islamic Law Then Leave,' Egyptians Told By Muslim Party

A leading member of the Islamist group Gamaat Islamiyya, Sheikh Mohamed Mukhtar, known as Kishk of Upper Egypt, warned the opposition to President Morsi will soon be dissolved.

"June 30 will be the end of the insurgency adopted by traitors and members of the dissolved National Democratic Party," Mukhtar said in a statement. "We will not allow you to demolish and destroy the Islamic project. We do not talk on the behalf of a group or a party, but the nation as a whole."
The statements came during a conference held by Gamaat Islamiyya in the courtyard of the Rahman Mosque in the Egyptian city of Minya on Tuesday.
"We will live on dates and water. We will not care if the people of the earth antagonize us. Those people who do not want to implement Islamic Sharia should leave the country," Mukhtar continued.
During the conference, Dr. Essam Derbala, speaker of the Shura Council, discussed the political scene in Egypt and the situation of the group in light of the recent developments witnessed in the country. He claimed that it is not electoral conflict, as the National Salvation Front did not offer any programs or visions, and that the difference is about who should rule the country now.
"Despite our differences with the president, we believe that he represents a part of the Islamic project. He came to power with legitimacy that should be protected," Derbala said.
"There is an international and regional conspiracy against the Islamic project not to succeed or to not be presented to humanity, as its thought its success could undermine the models that they present to their peoples. Thing are getting more serious now that the Islamic project is represented by the Muslim Brotherhood, because of their international influence. If their model succeeds, it will influence other countries that enjoy the existence of the Muslim Brotherhood," Derbala continued.
It is important to mention that Mukhtar was sentenced to seven years in prison over an accusation of involvement in the assassination of Egypt's former President Mohamed Anwar Sadat. He traveled to Britain in the 1990's and returned to Egypt this June.

Iranian Pastor Faces Death Penalty as Health Worsens

Iranian Pastor Behman Irani, 42, who may face the death penalty on charges of apostasy, is experiencing serious health problems.

"After two years in jail he suffers terrible complications, including intestinal problems and rheumatism," Firouz Khandjani, a council member of the "Church of Iran" movement to which the pastor belongs, told Worthy News.
Khandjani said the hygienic situation at the Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj is terrible and that inmates do not have regular access to a toilet.
The prison, located 20 km west of Tehran, is reportedly one of the toughest in the country and notorious for its mistreatment of prisoners, Khandjani added.
Irani started serving a one-year prison sentence in 2011, but was later informed he would also have to serve a five-year sentence that was previously suspended for "crimes against national security."
Irani's sentencing has been attributed to his Christian activities as the evangelical pastor of the Church of Iran.
Khandjani said Irani still needs to serve at least four years and is worried he may face the death penalty, leaving behind his Armenian wife and their two children.
Khandjani said Irani has been recognized as an apostate, someone who leaves Islam, the official religion of Iran and that the court verdict Irani was handed said he deserved the death sentence for apostasy.
Irani's case resembles that of fellow Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Before being acquitted in 2012 from a death sentence on charges of apostasy, Nadarkhani served three years in jail.

Will Graham's 'Celebration of Peace' in Kenya Leads Hundreds to Jesus

Fifty-three years after his grandfather, Billy Graham, preached the Gospel in the Kenyan city of Kisumu, Will Graham spoke at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground where hundreds of people accepted his invitation to make a decision for Jesus Christ on Friday, the first day of the 3-day evangelistic event.

The Will Graham Celebration of Peace is being hosted in a city of nearly 400,000 located just off Lake Victoria in western Kenya with the help of about 300 city-wide churches, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
"The only thing that can change Kisumu forever… is God," said Graham to those attending on Friday. His father, Franklin Graham, also preaches internationally.
Will Graham was first asked to preach in Kisumu while he was in Nakura, Kenya, sharing the Gospel in 2011.
He talked to the crowd about "God's love for us, even though our sin is worthy of punishment," BGEA reported.
"When we sin, we deserve punishment," Graham said. "Yet, God sent His son Jesus to take the punishment for you and me."
The Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground is like a thoroughfare in Kisumu, making it an ideal spot for preaching the Gospel. "Many scurry across the field as a shortcut on their way home, or to visit the local shops set up just outside the venue," BGEA stated.
The evangelistic organization shared the account of "Judy," who like others was a passerby on Friday. "She didn't hear Will Graham's message, but knew something special was going on. So Judy walked down and asked a counselor, 'Is it over?' Lilenn responded, 'yes' but that it wasn't too late for her to receive what others were receiving that night.
"Judy then accepted Christ, and promised to return Saturday with a friend," Cicely Gosier wrote for BGEA.
It is against the law to distribute materials without formal consent from the local government, but that did not stop residents from letting people know about the event. Posters advertising the Will Graham Celebration in Kisumu June 7-9 were "plastered all around town – in the oddest of places. So many were put up that even when some were torn down there were several more nearby," according to BGEA.
It was also reported that although Kisumu's Gov. Jack Ranguma had planned meetings with officials on Friday, he spent much of the morning with Graham and the Celebration committee.
Before Graham took the stage, Ranguma asked for prayer for Kisumu and that hearts would be open to God's word, said BGEA. "Little did the governor know that prayer would strike his wife. When Will asked people to come forward to give their life to Christ, Olivia Rangumu stepped out to rededicate her life to the Lord."
Culled from Christian Post

Christian Dead 'Will Burn In Hell,' Claims Islamic Leader, Warning Against Anti-Morsi Protests

The leader of an Islamic group has renewed threats to Christian Copts in Egypt, warning them to cancel their planned demonstrations scheduled for June 30. The leader has also urged Muslims to rally together, insisting that his Islamic colleagues would die and go to heaven, where as Christian dead would burn in hell.

"We advised the Church to prevent its followers from participating in June 30 demonstrations," Assem Abdel Maged, leader of Islamic group Gamaat Islamiyya, has said.
Abdel Maged urged followers to be present in front of the presidential palace.
"Rest assured that our dead go to heaven, whilst their dead burn in hell," the leader insisted.
"This is a conspiracy made by the former regime, Coptic extremists and communists," Abdel Maged claimed. "We advised the church not to rally people, and the sectarian crowds increased after the Pope met the American ambassador."
"We have gave 3,000 martyrs in Mubarak's time, and if Morsi falls we will have an Islamic revolution," he threatened.
In an interview on Al-Nas Islamic channel, Abdel Maged claimed that "communists, Coptic extremists and atheists are the ones calling for the demonstrations."
He also and warned Copts, seemingly claiming that their families were in danger. He warned the Christians to "not sacrifice your sons."
Islamic preacher Wagdi Ghoneim, well-known for his hostility to Egyptian Christians, recently stated that "to come out against President Morsi on June 30 is to blaspheme."
"These demonstrations are forbidden and whoever protests against Morsi is an infidel," he added.
In his video posted on YouTube, Ghoneim said, "Rebellion against Morsi is a rebellion against Islam and its project … secularists who envy Islam, thugs, and Coptic extremists are driving these demonstrations."
Meanwhile, Al-Azhar, the highest Islamic authority in Egypt, issued a statement confirming the eligibility of peaceful protests against the rulers yesterday.

While speaking this past weekend in Kisumu, Kenya, Will Graham, grandson of evangelist Billy Graham, preached the Good News of Jesus Christ to over 21,000 people over a three-day period, with 1,350 witnesses committing themselves to Jesus by the end of the weekend.elate

• Billy Graham's grandson, Will Graham, preached a message to the people of ...

Graham preached at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu, June 7- 9, nearly 53 years after his grandfather, Billy, preached in the same city.
Festivities at this past weekend's Will Graham Celebration of Peace included sermons by Graham, musical entertainment by local artists, including Rosemary Ogonya, as well as performances by Mark Christian, worship leader for Will Graham events.
The three-day festival was reportedly split into two events, one for women and one for youth, and during his stay, Graham met with local Christian leaders and attended a local youth soccer match where he handed out trophies.
Additionally, Evangelist Robert Cunville held a special sermon for the women attending the event.
Graham wrote shortly after returning from his successful event in Kenya that he believes God has bestowed a special love for this African country in his heart.

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"One of the countries to which [God] has directed my heart is Kenya. He has instilled in me a huge desire to preach to the Kenyan people the message of love, hope and peace that only He can bring," Graham wrote on the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove website, which references the organization's Christian conference center in Asheville, N.C.
Graham went on to write that the location of the weekend's festival, the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground, often serves as a thoroughfare for locals commuting to and from work or the market.
The location of the event proved beneficial, as many locals passing by on their way to and from work or the market stopped to learn more about Christianity.
"You could tell there was an expectation that God was going to do something great," Graham said of the energy surrounding the event.
Graham acknowledged that he and his team answered the call of Kisumu to hear God, as it is a largely poverty-stricken place where many of the residents, including many youth, turn to alcoholism or glue-sniffing as a form of reprieve.
"We need to surround [the people of Kisumu] with our prayers, and cry out to the Lord of the harvest that a new generation of believers will grow out of this event, and the city of Kisumu will forever be changed for His glory!" Graham wrote.
A BGEA press release affirms that every bishop and Christian leader in town attended the event, and several youth, including some who admitted to previous acts of wrongdoing, gave themselves to Christ.
Additionally, Governor Jack Ranguma's wife felt so moved by the weekend's festivities that she rededicated herself to Christ.
Graham will be holding two more international evangelical events in 2013, including one in Fukushima, Japan, in September and another in Udon Thani, Thailand, in November.

Critics Call for Ousting of Nigerian Pastor TB Joshua After Stampede Kills 4

Although well-known Nigerian pastor T.B. Joshua has reportedly promised to pay for the medical expenses of those injured during the stampede at his Synagogue Church of All Nations in Ghana, some are demanding that the pastor step down from his post and close the church after Sunday's incident, which left four dead as thousands stormed the church's altar to receive holy water.

The controversy began on Sunday, when thousands of Ghanaians gathered at the Synagogue Church of All Nations on Spintex Road in the country's capital, Accra, to receive free holy water, which is normally sold for a small fee.
The church, which is built to house 15,000 people, could not contain the 45,000 which gathered to receive the holy water, believed to carry healing properties.
A stampede ensued, resulting in four dead and over 30 injured.
The holy water was advertised by the church's pastor, T.B. Joshua, who has become known as a charismatic preacher throughout Africa, especially in Ghana and Nigeria, where he earned the support of Ghana's late president, John Atta Mills, before he passed away last year.
Although Joshua has accumulated followers around the world through his church network, he has also been criticized for exploiting his followers by selling items such as holy water and bumper stickers which, according to the product's packaging, are for the "salvation of your soul."
Additionally, Joshua's church has reportedly claimed that it can perform miracles, such as cure blindness.
Now, some are calling for Joshua to claim full responsibility for Sunday's incident and step down from his post as leader of Synagogue Church of All Nations.
Nii Ayiku, a resident of Ghana, wrote a letter to the country's president, John Dramani Mahama, imploring him to remove Joshua from his post.
In his letter, Ayiku argues that Joshua is taking advantage of the people of Ghana by falsely promising that his holy water carries healing properties.
"T.B. Joshua claimed his 'anointing water' would alleviate poverty in Ghana and provide solutions to all the problems Ghanaians are facing, and some gullible people believed this nonsense and now we see the result: Four Ghanaians dead, and many others wounded. If this is not an insult on the intelligence of Ghanaians, what else?" Ayiku wrote for SpyGhana.com.
Additionally, an opinion piece for AllAfrica.com encouraged Christians to stop following Joshua after Sunday's tragedy.
"Don't put your hope in this water; don't put your hope in a man who sets himself up as a false Christ," the opinion article read.
Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, general secretary of the Ghana Charismatic and Pentecostal Council, told The Guardian that he believes Christians in Ghana need to stop chasing after miracles and rather form a relationship with Jesus Christ.
"The problem we have in this country is the type of Christianity people are practicing whereby, instead of seeking to know God through his work and a relationship with the holy spirit which is assured to every Christian, are running after signs of miracles," Antwi told The Guardian.
"People want instant solutions to their problems, just like they want instant coffee. If anybody comes along offering instant answers to financial or health challenges, people want to go for it. But the Bible warns Christians about that," Antwi added.
The church has apologized for Sunday's incident, but there has been no mention of Joshua stepping down as leader of the church.
 "We are devastated, it's very unfortunate and we are very sorry," the church's Rev. Sam McCaanan told local radio station Citi News, according to BBC.
Culled from Christian Post

Nigerian Pastor Kidnaps Baby at Gunpoint, Police Rescue Him From Lynching

Mbano Police recently rescued a Pentecostal Pastor and his wife from a possible lynching from town youth after they suspected his involvement in the kidnapping of a one-month-old baby in Nigeria this week.

Angry Amauzari youths had arranged to punish the man known as Pastor Obinna for his crime against the child. Obinna along with two other men who are still at large allegedly stormed a family residence in Okwuosu Amauzari around 1:30 a.m. and kidnapped an infant at gun point.
An anonymous villager commented on the incident to Vanguard, stating that the mother's loud cry attracted residents of the vigilante group who would later plot to kill the pastor.
Obinna took the baby back to his place of residence after the initial kidnapping took place, where its cries alarmed neighbors and villagers. The pastor than put a call through to another vigilante group from Afor Amauzari and told them that armed robbers had invaded his home, according to the anonymous villager.
Both groups eventually made it to Obinna's place of residence in Umuezeduru, Amauzari and saw his wife breastfeeding the newborn they had kidnapped.
"Not satisfied with the drama playing out before them, the group from Okwuosu decided to go and bring the mother of the stolen baby," said the villager. "She quickly identified her baby on arrival and the pastor and his wife were immediately arrested."
The villager also claims that a firearm was recovered by police from the pastor, who also revealed one of his colleagues in the crime during his interrogation.
Culled from Christian Post

Islamic Cleric Sentenced to 11 Years for Burning Bible in Egypt - Vows to Continue 'Attack on Church

Islamic preacher Abu Islam, who was convicted on charges of contempt of Christianity, incitement to strife and disturbing public security and sentenced to 11 years in jail, says he does not care about the verdict against him yesterday, as it will not prevent him from carrying on to "attack the Church."

In regards to the ruling, Abu Islam said he expected a sentence of 25 years in prison, but when he heard that judgment, he knew the court had pity for him in his old age.
In a telephone call with Al-Hayat TV, Abu Islam stressed he would keep his hostility towards the Church, which he said insults the Prophet, converts Muslims to Christianity and seizes the lands of the state to build churches.
"I did not stir up strife, but they are Christians who began by drawing crosses," said Abu Islam. "The Church is responsible for promoting sectarian strife since the accident of el-Kushh up to this day."
He stressed that the ruling power will not change its treatment with the Church or with Christians, and his role is to make people aware of the truth as a news reporter.
The Misdemeanor Court in Nasr City, headed by Judge Muatassim Billah Gibali, sentenced Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud, known as Abu Islam, the owner of Al-Ummah TV, to 11 years in prison on charges of contempt of religion, tearing the Bible and disturbing public security.

South African Man Claims He Is Jesus Christ; Believes He Is Immortal

A South African man is claiming to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, just a week after reports came out about a man in Australia with a similar claim.

"I will never die, as God gave me as a command," said Moses Hlongwane in an interview with eNews Channel Africa. The man, who lives in the northern KwaZulu-Natal town, has apparently attracted over a dozen followers, who are giving him money in hopes that his message will be spread around the world.
Hlongwane says that much like Jesus, he spent time in the wilderness, where he overcame Satan and was resurrected as the Son of God.
"I was in this room from 1992 and have spent 22 years in a fight with the devil and have overcome him," the South African claims. "As I speak to you I will never see death and I am now getting ready for the opening of the graves and healing of blind and lame."
eNews Channel Africa interviewed one his followers, 84-year-old Paul Sibiya, who said that he gives his entire pension to the man he believes to be the reincarnated Son of God.
"I am a pensioner, however, I don't use it (social grant) to support my wife but I give to the king of kings as a financial boost," Sibiya said.

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His wife, Alfin, said that her husband believes that he is making a sacrifice "for his soul."
Some of the disciples featured in the video are as young as 14-years-old, and say that they want the entire world to "acknowledge Hlongwane as the legitimate Jesus Christ."
Last week, reports came out on an Australian man who has also been claiming for the past few years that he is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, and that his partner is the reincarnation of Saint Mary Magdalene.
"Just a little over 2,000 years ago, we arrived on the earth for the first time. My name then was Yeshua ben Yosef, or the Jesus of the Bible, the son of Joseph and Mary. Mary's name then was Mary of Magdala, the woman identified in the Bible as Mary Magdalene. Mary was my wife then, and the first person I appeared to after I was crucified," 50-year-old ex-software professional Alan John Miller writes on his website, which features DVDs of his speeches and YouTube videos of him answering questions about his claims.
The Rev. Dr. David Millikan, a Uniting Church Theologian, has warned that such movements can have negative effects for their followers.
"The danger is you'll be drawn closer and closer into his web to a point that you lose access to your social life, you spend all your money, you'll have the curses of all your family ringing in your ears and you may well lose your relationship," Millikan observed.
A number of commentators have pointed out to Matthew 24:5 in the Bible, which states:  "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."

Obama Offends Catholics in UK: Says Religious Schools Divisive

President Barack Obama angered some proponents of Catholic education during his visit to Northern Ireland this week when he told a Belfast audience that towns will remain divided "if Catholics have their schools and buildings, and Protestants have theirs."

An article, which subsequently appeared in the Scottish Catholic Observer, carried the headline, "U.S. President Undermines Catholic Schools After Vatican Prefect Praised Them."

The article said Obama "made an alarming call for an end to Catholic education in Northern Ireland," and quoted from recent remarks of the Vatican’s Archbishop Gerhard Müller, who had said that Catholic education was "a critical component of the Church."

Special Report: Obama’s Assault on Religion — Click Here Now

Dr. Matthew Bunson, senior correspondent for Our Sunday Visitor and author of the new book "Pope Francis," tells Newsmax the president should have chosen his words more carefully, and he pointed to the contribution that Catholic education has made to bringing about the 15-year-old peace in the once-troubled region.

"While I understand the background — the backdrop of his remarks in terms of the painful history of the religious strife in northern Ireland — it is unfortunate that his remarks could be construed by some as an attack on religious education," Bunson explained.

"It's an opportunity I think, though, to make note of the very significant role that religious education — especially Catholic education — has played in ending the strife in Northern Ireland, in particular the role of Catholic educators in helping to raise new generations in Ireland, who recognize the importance of cooperation, of peace, and that is something that’s worth celebrating.”

Conservative website Breitbart.com was quick to label Obama's remarks as a "gaffe" based on the "fact that Obama did not consider the sensitivities of his audience — or that he inadvertently revealed his own anti-religious prejudice.

"To travel to a city troubled by conflict, and to then insult the members of at least one of the two communities, is not only a gaffe, but a serious diplomatic error," according to the website.

Obama arrived in Northern Ireland Monday morning after an overnight flight from Washington.

Following his speech to about 1,800 students and adults, he flew to a lakeside golf resort near Enniskillen, where he met with other leaders of the Group of 8 industrial nations on Syria, trade and counterterrorism.

The president also told the Belfast audience that peace in Northern Ireland is a "blueprint" for those living amid conflict around the world, while acknowledging that the calm between Catholics and Protestants will face further tests.

With respect to Catholic education, Obama said "If towns remain divided, if Catholics have their schools and buildings, and Protestants have theirs, if we can't see ourselves in one another, if fear or resentment are allowed to harden, that encourages division. It discourages cooperation."

Ashley McGuire, a senior fellow with The Catholic Association, also viewed Obama's remarks as an attack on Catholic education.
"Catholic education is a longstanding tradition and a gift to society at large," she said. "Why the president chose to attack that tradition is beyond comprehension and represents his continuing effort to relegate religion to the private sphere."
Culled from Christian Post