Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:9-14)
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. (John 1:5)
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)
A Slice of Infinity Snippets:
{Sami} Dagher is overseer of the Christian and Missionary Alliance churches in Lebanon, founder of a growing church in Iraq, and director of a humanitarian center that provides aid and medical care to Lebanese and Palestinian refugees. It is the same clinic that was in the news in recent years after one of its volunteer nurses was shot in the head by a militant after answering a knock at the door. Threats have not been uncommon to those who serve Christ beside Reverend Dagher; Christian persecution is a reality of which they are always aware. Yet, after this murder, when many insisted the danger was too much for their doors to remain open, Dagher simply replied, "We provide medical and educational services to a large number of people in addition to a range of spiritual services. Let them come to us and say what mistake we have made. We do not force anyone to come here. As for me, this is my city and I am ready to wash their feet."
The church in Iraq has also been the target of violent threats and vandalism. It began as a small underground gathering with five families holding Bible studies and prayer meetings in different homes. Despite persecution, the church has grown dramatically, and they now meet in a large two-story building, topped by a lit cross. A sign on the building boldly proclaims, "Jesus is the light of the world." Despite daunting shadows or darkened days, with all that is in him, Sami Dagher believes in this hope: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). The light of Christ is real; the story must be told. "If they want to kill us all," he proclaims, "we are ready to die. But we are not going to close either the clinic or the church."
Comments:
The Voice of the Martyrs is one way to keep up on persecution throughout the world and a great way to give thanks for the freedoms we still maintain in the US.
Prayer Requests:
My mom, Donna, asked for prayer for her sister who is battling alcoholism. After the loss of her daughter in a car accident, Barbara has had an extremely difficult time getting up the courage to give up her dependence on alcohol. Please pray that she will learn to lean on God for her peace and strength. May she mount up with wings like an eagle, may she walk and not grow weary.
We haven't seen any new members pop in for awhile. If you speak to a friend whom you think might be interested, sent them a 'teaser' copy of one of our snippets. When someone wants to join, send me their email address.
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