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The newsfeed at right is not complete. It doesn't scroll yet, and the feed is not Christian News, but World News.It does however work, as the links are active, and can be used. I am working on getting the Christian News feed working properly.

I apologize for any inconvenience.

This page will contain information about missionaries all over the world. Some information, such as names, will be changed. This is necessary to protect the identity from those who might bring harm to those who serve Jesus.

Remember, we are free to practice religion, not so in many countries.

Some photos may seem hard to view. We feel it is so important for all Americans to really be aware of the TRUTH ofwhat is going on in the Middle East. They want nothing more than to see each one of us.

DEAD!

HATE is what is taught by their Quran

Priest and three deacons killed in Mosul - North Iraq
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=9442&size=A

Father Ragheed Ganni, - Martyr

___________________________________________________________________________________

Irish President's Letter to Iraqi Priest's Funeral

"Let Us Recognize Father Ragheed's Sacrifice for What it Was"

DUBLIN, Ireland, JUNE 9, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is the message Irish President Mary McAleese sent on the occasion of the Requiem Mass for Father Ragheed Ganni, held Thursday at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.

Father Ganni and three deacons were shot and killed in Mosul, Iraq, on Sunday after Mass.

* * *

I was in Rome last weekend when the tragic news came through that Father Ragheed Ganni, someone I first met in Lough Derg some years ago, and a former student of the Irish College, had been killed with three of the deacons who worked with him -- one of those deacons his cousin.

Father Ragheed's father and mother, and all his family, must suffer great pain at this time. Their loss is all the more terrible for the suddenness and evil manner of his death. May Father Ragheed's dear parents be sustained by their deep faith.

The manner of Father Ragheed's death will be mourned in particular by the people of Iraq -- and as his funeral mass in northern Iraq demonstrated -- by the people of the whole region. Father Ragheed returned to live and minister in the ancient city of Mosul, in the parish of the Holy Spirit, in full consciousness of the risks.

There had been a bomb attack on the parish church as recently as Pentecost Sunday. Let us recognize Father Ragheed's sacrifice for what it was. Equally, we should reflect in truth on the sequence of events that has brought so many communities in Iraq to the edge of survival. As we follow the daily tragedies of Iraq, we should pray, as Benedict XVI said, that this "costly sacrifice will inspire ... a renewed resolve to reject the ways of hatred and violence."

In the middle of the forced exodus to Connaught in the 1650s, a Gaelic poet (Fear Dorcha O'Mealláin) wrote about the possibility of faith even under dire circumstances of persecution and social dislocation (An Duanaire). He spoke too of God's oneness:

"People of my heart, stand steady,
Don't make play of your distress.
Moses got what he requested,
Religious freedom, even from Pharaoh.

"Identical Israel's God and ours,
One God there was and still remains.
Here or Westward God is one,
One God ever and shall be."

Father Ragheed Ganni's death challenges us to work for reconciliation between faiths and to create a world where each human life is revered. The process of our own island's reconciliation that began so promisingly in Belfast a few short weeks ago may hold out hope for Father Ganni's beloved, but troubled, homeland.

These are days of sorrow for a caring family, for a lacerated country, and for so many others. But Father Ragheed lived his life by a commandment to love. In our sorrow we remember, on this feast of Corpus Christi, his sacrifice, his willing sacrifice in service of his faith.

I thank God today for the blessing that has been given us in Father Ragheed Ganni.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dílis" (May his faithful soul be on God's right side).

Mary McAleese
President of Ireland

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Friend Remembers Slain Father Ganni

"You Have Been a Good and Faithful Servant"

CITY BEACH, Australia, JUNE 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a memorial letter sent to ZENIT from a companion of Father Ragheed Ganni. Father Ganni and three deacons were shot and killed in Mosul, Iraq, on Sunday after Mass.

* * *

I studied in Rome as a seminarian for the Archdioceses of Perth, Western Australia, at the Pontifical Irish College, and attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas from 1997 to 2001. I am now the rector of Holy Spirit Parish in City Beach, Perth, Western Australia.

Father Ragheed Ganni was the first seminarian that I had met in the college; he was gracious enough to show me to my room.

Though we couldn't communicate at first through speech because I couldn't speak Aramaic and Father Ragheed couldn't speak English yet, throughout our years in the seminary we became good friends.

Father Ragheed had a friendly nature and a warm welcoming simile. He was very prayerful and had a great sense of the sacred, with a deep spirituality and union with God. He was diligent in studies and very much respected by the faculty and his peers of the college. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, or just to spend time with you for a friendly chat.

He was an extremely intelligent fellow. He was able to speak six languages and was to return to the Irish College next year to commence his doctorate thesis.

Each year Father Ragheed would spend his summers in Ireland working in Lough Derg, which is a place of pilgrimage in the North of Ireland, enabling him to send money home to buy much needed medical supplies. He also did a lot of things behind the scene for Iraqis. He was always putting others first.

I remember one summer Father Ragheed stayed with me in St. Malcay's Seminary in Belfast. It was around July 12, which is the marching season in the North.

That night there was rioting just outside the gates of the seminary and we could hear gun shots and the screams of the police and ambulance sirens. It was a long night and Father Ragheed spoke about the sufferings and persecution of the Christians living in Iraq.

When war broke out in Iraq, Father Ragheed was devastated, having been away from his family for seven years and now all communication with his homeland was broken. It was months before he could find out if his family was safe. This was an extremely difficult time for him, but through it all, he found consolation in his prayers.

Father Ragheed visited me in Perth 2003 for the summer; it was wonderful to spend that time together in the parish. We spoke about his returning to Iraq and what that might mean.

Father Ragheed was very loyal to his bishop and to the people of his diocese. He was aware of the dangers of returning to Iraq where Christians had been targeted by Muslim extremists. Knowing the risk to his own life, he gladly accepted the challenge of administering the sacraments to his people.

Father Ragheed was like a brother to me, and my heart is sad because the world is a much lonelier place without him.

I remember the times we would spend Christmas in the college when all the other students would return home for the break. We had Rome to ourselves, now it is all yours.

Rest well my friend, for you have been a good and faithful servant, your martyrdom lives on and, I am sure, will encourage other young men to join the ranks of Christ to continue the work of salvation.

Now your eternal priesthood begins, with the whole heavenly court behind you.

I am sure that Father Ragheed and the martyrdom of his companions will bear much fruit bringing about religious freedom, unity and peace to the people of Iraq.

My prayers are with Father Ragheed's family and the families of his companions; Basman Yousef Daoud, Ghasan Bidawid and Wadid Hanna.

May there be peace in Iraq.

Pax Christi,
Father Don Kettle

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Bishop's Letter to Priest's Muslim Friend
"Thank You for Your Solidarity"

CAIRO, Egypt, JUNE 9, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a message sent to ZENIT by Auxiliary Bishop Boutros Fahim Awad Hanna of Alexandria for the Copts, in response to a letter written by a Muslim friend of Father Ragheed Ganni.

The letter [http://www.zenit.org/article-19808?l=english] appeared Wednesday.

Father Ganni and three deacons were shot and killed in Mosul, Iraq, on Sunday after Mass.

* * *

My Dear Brother, Adnam,
Peace be with you,

Thank you for your humanity, your faith, your fidelity and your solicitude. Your letter to Father Ragheed, assassinated in Iraq, is a message of peace that resounds in an absurd world of mad and senseless wars.

Thank you for your sensitivity toward all, and in the face of everything. I have known you, friend, brother, Muslim believer, exceptional for your humanity and for your faith.

Thank you for your solidarity. I hope to always encounter people like you, who can add zest and value to life, regardless of which religion one professes. I hope that all together we would be able to work for our Arab world and for all our brethren that suffer for so many different reasons, including, among others, religious ones.

Hoping to see you soon, I thank you and I embrace you with fraternal affection in the one God that inspires all in love for life and peace.

Bishop Boutros Fahim Awad Hanna (formerly Father Kamai Fahim)
Auxiliary bishop of Alexandria for the Copts

Muslim Extremists Stormed Church in Indonesia

Jakarta, June 4, 2007: Muslim extremists vandalized a church in Indonesia during services, smashing images of Jesus Christ and demanding that it be closed down, the pastor said on Monday.

Dozens of churches have had to be closed in the Muslim-majority country in recent years, and Sunday's attack was the second on the small Protestant church in the West Java town of Soreang since 2005.....................

Read full story and pray for the Church in Indonesia: http://salemvoice.org

SALEM VOICE MINISTRIES NEWS SERVICE (SVM NEWS)
Web: http://salemvoice.org Contact: ciniraj@asianetindia.com
News items and headlines: http://salemvoice.org/news.html
Gospel for Muslims: http://salemvoice.org/gospel2muslims.html
Center for Persecuted Christians: http://salemvoice.org/center4persecuted.html

More News from Israel

The last book of the Bible is a very inspiring and unique book. Yet many Christians choose not to read or teach from the book of Revelation. In comparison, it is the same as a person reading a good book, but then not wanting to know the end of the story. Rev. 1:3 says, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” There is a very good reason why it was meant to be part of the Bible.

The author John the Beloved, is often depicted in pictures of the last supper as the one sitting next to and leaning on Jesus. In the later years of John’s life, he was exiled on the Island of Patmos where he wrote Revelation. In it he was shown what will take place in his time, a few years from then and, of the future.

Our future is something we are all interested in. People will pay to have their palms read, go to séances to contact the dead and read the daily astrology report just to know what is going to happen to them in their life. But very few will try to study and understand that Revelation was intended to be a guide for our future.

In Rev. 22:18 & 19, it ends with a very strong statement: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”

With a warning like that, I believe this is a book that deserves our attention. Some will tell you that it is not to be taken literally. But keep in mind that John described things with the knowledge he had of the world at that time. For instance, how can he describe an armored tank when at that time, there were none? And how can he describe time events when in God’s view (Psalm 90:4), a thousand years is like a day?

The really interesting part of this book is when you read that Armageddon (in Israel) and Babylon (in Iraq), play a key role in this story. As you know, these two countries are the major players in our current headlines. It is no coincidence that Israel and Iraq is in Revelation and in our newspaper. What is taking place now in both countries is leading up to what the name “Revelation” means: the “Unveiling.” Revelation is the unveiling of the future, which we are seeing right before us in our current lifetime, and our daily newspaper.

Quite honestly, I wish world leaders would read Revelation. If they did, they would know what their fate will be. After all, Satan already knows his fate. In Rev.12:12 it says, “He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” In other words, Satan knows that the end times are near. He wants to deceive as many as he can, while he can.

John writes in Rev 1:7, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.” This verse clearly paints a picture of all humanity from the beginning of time until now, watching as Jesus returns from glory. Why will they mourn? It is because every person has been given an opportunity to know him. Those people who chose to reject him will see that he truly is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. They will mourn because they didn’t take the opportunity when they had it.

The ultimate question is this: Since Satan knows his time is short, and Jesus says he is coming soon, what are you going to do about your future?

Please forward to all you wish to see in heaven.

In Christ,

Kris in Israel

ISRAEL 102

MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE OF CHRISTIANITY

As more immigrants come to America from all over the globe, you will notice your neighborhood and community are rapidly changing. To better understand their point of view, “Israel 102” will help.

From a Muslim’s view of America, it is believed that the country as a whole is Christian. Although America was founded and built upon Christian principles, we were not taught Christianity in school. There was no prayer and not even a mention of God in our daily classrooms.

For a Muslim, this is almost incomprehensible. From birth, a child learns that Islam is a way of life. There is no division of the practices of Islam and governmental law. A Muslim is taught to live, breath, think and speak Islamic tradition. Even in a normal conversation, the phrase “Thanks be to Allah” or “Allah be praised,” is casually used in every other sentence.

Daily prayer is practiced five times a day. It is not unusual to see a man in public get out his prayer rug and begin his ritualistic prayer routine. No one criticizes him, in fact no one even notices him.

In all Arab countries and communities throughout the world (including Dearborn, Michigan), a constant reminder to pray is heard over loud speakers coming from the mosque. The “Muslim Call to Prayer” can be heard at precise intervals throughout the day according to the position of the moon. It is not unusual to hear it at 2, 3 or 4’clock in the morning.

With these beliefs, it is no wonder that America is referred to as a “harlot” among Muslims. With rampant pornography and drugs, America and Christianity are seen as a weak and hypocritical nation. But there is a way to show the true love of Jesus as a sincere Christian.

After studying the Koran, the Muslim’s holy book, I have found that the Prophet Mohammad referred to Christians and Jews as being “the people of the Book.” While Mohammad highly criticizes some Jews of corrupting the Torah (Old Testament), he talks about some that are not alike.

Sura 3:10 “Among the people of the Book is an upright folk, who recite the signs of God in the night season, and adore (pray and worship). They believe in God and in the Latter Day, and enjoin justice, and forbid evil, and speed on in good works. These are of the righteous.”

In Sura 10:95 it says, “If you are in doubt as to what We have sent down to you, inquire of those who have read the Scriptures before you.” Again in Sura 3:195 “Among the people of the Book are those who believe in God, and in what He has sent down to you, and in what He hath sent down to them, humbling themselves before God.

The Apostle Paul was humbled and sincere when he wrote I Cor. 2:4 “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” Col. 4:5 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

My friends, we are the people of the Book. We are those, like Paul who are humble before God. Please use this information with prayerful thought when you share these things with your Muslim friends.

God bless, Kris

To Tell The Truth

This is a perfect way to understand, when you know the truth, it will set you free. A lie said long enough and loud enough can get a whole nation killing their own kids. The message this past Sunday was titled "Loving the unlovable" that is a very hard thing to do when someone hates you for no reasons. Pray for our nation and the people of this world, let their eyes be open to the truth, so we stop killing one another.
Remarks of Brigitte Gabriel, delivered at the Duke University Counter-Terrorism Speak-Out:

I'm proud and honored to stand here today, as a Lebanese speaking for Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. As someone who was raised in an Arabic country, I want to give you a glimpse into the heart of the Arabic world.

I was raised in Lebanon, where I was taught that the Jews were evil, Israel was the devil, and the only time we will have peace in the Middle East is when we kill all the Jews and drive them into the sea.

When the Moslems and Palestinians declared Jihad on the Christians in 1975, they started massacring the Christians, city after city. I ended
up living in a bomb shelter underground from age 10 to 17, without electricity, eating grass to live, and crawling under sniper bullets to
a spring to get water.

It was Israel who came to help the Christians in Lebanon . My mother was wounded by a Moslem's shell, and was taken into an Israeli hospital for treatment. When we entered the emergency room, I was shocked at what I saw. There were hundreds of people wounded, Moslems, Palestinians, Christians, Lebanese, and Israeli soldiers lying on the floor. The doctors treated everyone according to their injury. They treated my mother before they treated the Israeli soldier lying next to her. They didn't see religion, they didn't see political affiliation, they saw people in need and they helped.

For the first time in my life I experi enced a human quality that I know my culture would not have shown to their enemy. I experienced the
values of the Israelis, who were able to love their enemy in their most trying moments. I spent 22 days at that hospital. Those days changed my life and the way I believe information, the way I listen to the radio or to television. I realized I was sold a fabricated lie by my
government, about the Jews and Israel, that was so far from reality. I knew for fact that, if I was a Jew standing in an Arab hospital, I
would be lynched and thrown over to the grounds, as shouts of joy of Allah Akbar, God is great, would echo through the hospital and the
surrounding streets.

I became friends with the families of the Israeli wounded soldiers: one in particular Rina, her only child was wounded in his eyes.

One day I was visiting with her, and the Israeli army band came to play national songs to lift the spirits of the wounded soldiers. As they
surrounded his bed playing a song about Jerusalem, Rina and I started crying. I felt out of place and started waking out of the room, and this mother holds my hand and pulls me back in without even looking at me. She holds me crying and says: "it is not your fault". We just stood there crying, holding each other's hands.

What a contrast between her, a mother looking at her deformed 19 year old only child, and still able to love me the enemy, and between a
Moslem mother who sends her son to blow himself up to smithereens just to kill a few Jews or Christians.

The difference between the Arabic world and Israel is a difference in values and character. It's barbarism verses civilization. It's democracy
verses dictatorship. It's goodness verses evil.

Once upon a time, there was a special place in the lowest depths of hell for anyone who would intentionally murder a child. Now, the intentional murder of Israeli children is legitimized as Palestinian "armed struggle."

However, once such behavior is legitimized against Israel, it is legitimized every where in the world, constrained by nothing more than
the subjective belief of people who would wrap themselves in dynamite and nails for the purpose of killing children in the name of God.

Because the Palestinians have been enco uraged to believe that murdering innocent Israeli civilians is a legitimate tactic for advancing their
cause, the whole world now suffers from a plague of terrorism, from Nairobi to New York, from Moscow to Madrid, from Bali to Beslan.

They blame suicide bombing on "desperation of occupation". Let me tell you the truth. The first major terror bombing committed by Arabs against the Jewish state occurred ten weeks before Israel even became independent.

On Sunday morning, February 22, 1948 , in anticipation of Israel 's independence, a triple truck bomb was detonated by Arab terrorists on
Ben Yehuda Street , in what was then the Jewish section of Jerusalem. Fifty-four people were killed, and hundreds were wounded. Thus, it is obvious that Arab terr orism is caused not by the "desperation" of "occupation", but by the VERY THOUGHT of a Jewish state.

So many times in history in the last 100 years, citizens have stood by and done nothing, allowing evil to prevail. As America stood up against and defeated communism, now it is time to stand up against the terror of religious bigotry and intolerance. It's time to all stand up, and support and defend the state of Israel , which is the front line of the war against terrorism.

Israel Today!
Word From Kris, who is there in the midst of things

Dear Friends, some of you have already begun helping and I thank you for that. I am seeing more people coming south for safety to get away from the bombing in the North. The cities being bombed are shut down, (no work/no food) and people are told to stay in bomb shelters. In response to the situation, I am gathering supplies (bottled water, food and medicene) to provide help to these people.

As of last night, those in Tel Aviv are under a threat by Hezbollah leader Nazrallah. Arabs do not acknowledge Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel, and so he said Tel Aviv will be next if Israel bombs Beirut. Needless to say, those in Tel Aviv and nearby areas are fearful. I am advising them to plan ahead in case they need safety.

However, in spite of it all, I know the God of Israel is watching over His people. Never has there been a time when so many prophetic events have unfolded into the daily news. There have been wars all through the ages, but this time it is different.

Please let me know if you would like to help. A tax receipt from Blessings of Abraham will be given for all donations. Please feel free to forward this message on to your friends that love and pray for Israel.

Blessings and Love,

Kris in Israel

FROM ISRAEL: THE TIME IS NEAR!

Are you watching the signs? If you are, then you know that Jesus’ coming is sooner than ever. In Matthew 24:32-33, Jesus gives the example of the fig tree. “As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” Jesus has told us in advance what things to be looking for. The crisis that Israel and the Middle East are facing is affecting the whole world. No one seems to know a solution, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.

I can tell you this because of what I am seeing, sitting right here in Jerusalem writing this to you. To the north of me in cities bordering Lebanon, either the people have left their homes and come to safer areas in the south. Or, they are staying in bomb shelters in very poor conditions while the economy has literally shut down because of the constant barrage of Katyusha bombs. Here in Jerusalem, security is high and on the alert for suicide bombers. Several have already been stopped and arrested.

Jesus told his disciples about certain conditions to be watching for. “For nation will rise against nation, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places….then they will deliver you up to be killed, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake….many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

The reason I am pointing out these things to you is because presently;

There is famine, disease and earthquakes all over the world.
Israel is hated by all her surrounding Arab neighbors and Iran wants to wipe her off the map.
The false prophet of Islam has deceived millions and continues to grow at a rapid rate.
Christians worldwide have become cold. They have divided themselves into their own little denominations making themselves weaker and ineffective.

But soon to arrive is a person that is getting ready to make an entrance as a man of peace. This man will have hypnotic charm and charisma and also have a solution to end the problems here. The books of Daniel and Revelation both talk about a man that is known as the Antichrist. Jesus says, “When you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place….then there will be great tribulation such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, nor ever will be.” The Bible says he will guarantee peace for Israel and the Middle East and sign a seven-year peace treaty. At the end of 3 and half years however, he will break the treaty which will bring about the worst of times.

We are seeing these things happening even though they were predicted over two thousand years ago. If it were possible for me to take millions of copies of this message and fly over every city in America and drop them for people to read, I would do it. The problem is that no one is really looking for His return. Jesus knew this would happen also, that is why He refers to His coming as being like a “thief in the night.” No one expects a thief to arrive at a certain time, he is unexpected! That is how Jesus will return, when people are not watching or waiting for His return.

Friends, if the signs are right in front of our faces, what should we do? Signs are put there for a reason. Would you drive your car 100 mph when there is a sign that says there is a curve up ahead? Would you continue on a road that has a sign saying it leads to a dead end? No you wouldn’t, that ridiculous. Jesus Christ came to show us the way. John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

The choice is up to you. The signs are becoming clearer every day. Keep your eyes on Israel because the time is near for His coming!

Kris in Israel

Who's Who in Israel

With conflict at our borders and the possibility of war as I write this article, I thought it would be helpful to give you some basic information. Oftentimes I am asked to explain life in Israel; who are the Palestinians, and who are the Israelis? If you are one that is wondering about this, you are not alone. Listening to the news can be very confusing, especially if you don't know who is who. But don't worry. The following is a crash course on Israel 101.

Israel has a complex society of people. It is no wonder why no two persons can agree on any one thing here. This is a land of intense conflict that began thousands of years ago with Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. These two brothers will always be at war with each other, even now as I write.

Before 1948 when the country was called Palestine, ALL Jews and Arabs were called Palestinians. Only after 1948 when it became the State of Israel, the name Palestinians continued to be used for Arabs that left to seek asylum in nearby Arab countries. When those countries would NOT accept them, they were forced to come back to Israel as refugees. Many of these people lost their land they once owned and were forced to live in refugee camps throughout the West Bank and Gaza.

The two leading Palestinian powers are Hamas and Fatah. America views these groups as terrorist organizations. Arabs see them as political parties. The people have 2 choices when it comes time to vote. They either vote for Hamas or vote for Fatah, whichever party promising the greater benefit at the moment to the Palestinian people. Sometimes the two parties will agree together for the common good of their brothers (like the destruction of Israel). Or, they will fight each other to the death to gain control over the other party. Either way, Palestinians have little hope due to their own poor governmental control.

There are many Arab countries in the Middle East. However, the Arabs unique to Israel are either Israeli citizens or Palestinian citizens, all in the same country. The Israeli Arabs live in the recognized areas of Israel proper. The Palestinian Arabs live in Gaza and the West Bank areas of Israel, and are not to enter Israel, unless given special permission. Much of the West Bank areas are separated by a huge 25 foot cement wall. Arabs are mostly Muslim, and only a very small percentage of them are Christian. When a Muslim converts to Christianity, they are oftentimes persecuted or even killed.

Israel is the only established nation of Jews in the Middle East, and is surrounded by several Arab countries. Israel is comprised of Jews that were scattered all over the world as the Bible predicted. Russian, Iranian, European, African, you name it! All Jews are Israeli citizens living only in Israel proper. They are not to go into the West Banks or Gaza, which leaves them very little place else to go. Jews are Orthodox, Conservative, or Reformed. It is sad to say however, that the majority of Jews are agnostic or atheist. Only a very small percentage are Messianic Jews (Christian Believers). This group too, is very heavily persecuted and, often disowned by their families.

Please keep this country in your prayers for souls to be won to the Lord. I will continue living here as long as the Lord keeps me here. In the meantime, I will be your eyes and hears in hope that I can help you understand how God is using this country to bring about the last days as prophesied in the Bible.

Love and Blessings, Kris

Israel Update: Prayer Focus and Alert
Fred and Sue Rowe
Jul 15, 2006

Urgent updates from Israel

These are important times to apprehend. Below are two urgent and informative e-mails and prayer focuses. As we consider timing in these days i.e. 17th of Tammuz, Thursday, July 13th (Northern walls of Jerusalem breached along with other key events) to Tish Ba'av, August 3rd, (commemorating the destruction of the two temples.), please remember that August 10-12th was th e time Nehemiah began to build the wall of Jerusalem. That is the date of the upcoming conference "Possessing the Gates of Blessing: The Israel Mandate." We must awaken and apprehend these times as they are strategic for God's purposes.
Blessings, Fred and Sue

PS We are getting Obediah as a very key scripture at this juncture.
From Ron and Karen Goodman and Avi and Chaya Mizrachi (see below)

Dear Friends,
Thank you to all of you who are inquiring about "How we are doing and how are things in Israel" Ron and I both are in the states rig ht now. Perhaps your first response to that was "good", but for us it is difficult to be away at this time.
I woke up at about 5:30 AM this morning with an urgency to turn on the news. Shortly thereafter there was the announcement that "a bomb" had hit Tiberias. Knowing that we seldom get more than a sliver of truth from our news media, I immediately phoned the House of Prayer in Tiberias. Sarah and David (our stewards) are fine, thank you Father! However, it was not "a bomb", but five rockets that hit Tiberias. We have been making and receiving calls, text messages and emails all morning. So far, we rejoice to report that all our friends, and our property have been spared.
Friends, the urgency of the hour we are in can not be over emphasized. Thursday was the 17th of Tamuz on the Hebrew calendar. A traditional " ;fast day" for Israel because it was on the 17th of Tammuz, that the northern walls of Jerusalem were first breached by the Babylonians in 586 BC, to be followed by the destruction of the first Temple three weeks later (the 9th of Av). Then, incredibly, on this same day, the 17th of Tamuz, the Romans in 70 AD accomplished the same thing, how? they breached the northern defensive walls of Jerusalem, to be followed again, exactly three weeks later, (the 9th of Av) by the destruction of the second Jewish Temple. Both of these days, are kept as solemn fast days. I don't think itâ€™s a "mere coincidence" that the northern defenses of the whole nation have been BREACHED on the 17th of Tamuz.
Another disconcerting fact is that when Moses came down from the mountain with the law of God on stone tablets and found Israel indulging in flagrant idolatry, it was the 17th of Tamuz. In his frustration he threw down the tablets and broke them. This is the first recorded calamity that befell Israel on that fateful date.
As a whole Israel (as is the U.S.) is in a state of idolatry, trusting in military might, and aliances with the U.S. rather than in Adonai Shevaout (the Lord of hosts). Her leaders,as have our own, have "cast down and broken" the laws of God.
In my review of the significance of the 17th of Tamuz I found that the 21 days between the 17th of Tamuz and the 9th of Av, are given a special name in Hebrew, "Bayn Hametzarim," or literally, "Between the Straits" (or "Between the Troubles"). Truly this is discriptive of these days we are in.
Many have asked me "how should we pray". Of course we come before the throne in worship and pray according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. But I will tell you how I have been led.

1. To first ask the Father to reveal all idolatry in our own lives, and repent. Asking that the veil be lifted off our own hearts, our blindness and deafness be healed.
&nb sp; 2. Cry out for mercy, understanding that this will not necessasarily avert the judgement of our righteous God.
3. Ask for His grace (supernatural enablement) to be found worthy to bear His glory in these days.
4. That our leaders, who have thrown down the law of God will be "called up" to receive the revelation again.
Then, hopefully with the beam out of my own eye, I start the list over again, this time for Israel; declaring His word over them such as Jeremiah 32: 37Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: 38And they sha ll be my people, and I will be their God: 39And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: 40And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. 41Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul. 42For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
News reports have told us that Hezbollah has as many as 10,000 rockets to fire at Israel. Is this what the prophet was seeing in Psalm 91 when he wrote Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor the ARROW that flieth by day:... A thousand shall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. ?
Assuredly, He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Stay in the place of worship, it is the only place of safety.
God grant us His grace to keep our minds "stayed" on Him, so He may keep us in perfect shalom. May we be found worthy to bear His glory in these days.
&nb sp; Karen and Ron

From Chaya and Avi Mizrachi,
Please pray Dvorah, Avi and Chaya's 16 year old daughter who will be entering military service on July 16th. Also for the following Israeli soldiers in their congregation:

These at the names of our soldiers in our congregation:
* Alon
*Ariel
* Luke
*Y Haim
* Moshe
* Michael
* Maggie
* Anina
* Shulamite
* Natalie
* Jonathan (who visits our congregation often)
* D'vorah â€“ joins army July 17th
* Veronique â€“ joins army in a couple of weeks

News from Pastor Paul in India

Date: July 4, 2006
Submitted by: Pastor Paul Ciniraj
Urgent Prayer Request for:
Christians in harms way
India...and other countries
Dear precious friends in our Lord
Praise be to the Lord Jesus

How are you? We remember you, your household, business and ministry in all of our prayers.

You know there are 53 children taken care of the orphanage. I am very sad to say that about 150 Hindu extremists forcibly entered the orphanage and tortured the children and the pastors recently. They conducted pooja (worshipping the Hindu idols), put kumkum (vermillion) on the forehead of each child and threatened the Superintendant and the assistant. They are also converted Christian. One of them was beaten before by these people and even his parents also were beaten because of converting to Christianity.

The owners who gave the house for the orphanage were also threatened and asked not to allow the children and the pastors to stay further. So children and pastors moved to a smaller house and struggling without enough space to stay and have their daily needs. Also children are suffering from ''Chicken Guinea'', a disease by fever, spread by mosquitoes. It is widely spreading among thousand upon thousands in the neighbouring places and heard some died. It is manifested by symptoms of high fever and extreme body pain. Lack of proper medical facilities in the area was making it difficult to control the disease.

By the grace of God I can walk and involve the ministries by your prayers. Once again I thank you for your timely prayer supports.

Paul Ciniraj walking by the help of son Besly

As you know that we have got nearly 24,000 USD for the housing project of the quake hit area of Kashmir. Our workers approached the government several times and got equal amount from the government too. Actually it was not at all enough to complete the 16 houses. But by God's grace our workers tried very hard and constructed 16 incomplete houses (just built the structure of the house only) and accommadated all of our believers. If we have failed to do it before the instructed time of the governement, surely the property and the buildings would have had taken back by the government and it would be lost for our families. Anyhow by God's grace it is provided for our families at least as incomplete houses. If God willing, we can complete it later with a community (prayer) hall and a health center. Pray for it please.

Our missionaries Ashir and Tahira are doing better and involved in the ministries. Tahira is 6 month pregnant. Pray for them. Murali, Sindhu alongwith little Yeshudas want to join with the ministries (now they are only believers), so they have selected for a training. They are interested to go to North India after the training. Pray for this family.

My daughter Hepzy passed SSLC with 70% marks. She got admission for 11th (+1) standard in a Higher Secondary School. She preferred for the subject "Humanities" and got it. On 17th July her classes will be started.My eldor son Besly is on 12th standard with "Science" subject. My younger boy Lesly in on 7th standard. Pray for their studies. My wife Mercy helping me in ministries and intercession as well as involving with household matters. Pray for her health very specially. All are conveying their best wishes and prayers to you. We all love you and love you so much.
Yours in the love of Messiah Yeshua

Pastor Paul Ciniraj,
Salem Voice Ministries,
Devalokam (P.O), Kottayam,
Kerala-686038, India.

web: http://www.salemvoice.com
email: ciniraj@asianetindia.com
For Online Donation, Click Paypal

Please pray for the following:
PENTACOSTAL CHURCH BURNT DOWN BY HINDU FANATICS

Shivani (Madhya Pradesh in India), July 2, 2006: Pentecostal Church in Harda was burnt down by Hindu fanatics near Shivani in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. They carried out this cruel act of desecration at 2.30 am on 30th June. It was one of the first churches established in Madhya Pradesh.

Church burning at Harda in Madhya Pradesh on June 30

The Hindu radicals dumped all the 150 Holy Bibles and hymn books and sprinkeled some inflamable materials and burnt along with the church. The pastor of the church Jaidi Khan escaped unhurt.

A group of junior doctors of Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh beat up a Dalit Christian labourer for several hours, cut his hair haphazardly and allegedly forced him to drink his own urine in Gandhi Medical College hostel on 21 June 2006. The doctors suspected the labourer of stealing a wristwatch.

The boarders took the man to the hostel and beat him up black and blue. The police sources said the junior doctors started beating him from 2.30 pm and continued thrashing till night. He was first beaten in a room and then taken to the roof where he was beaten up again.

The man somehow managed to free himself from the clutches of the tormentors and rushed to the nearest police station. The police lodged a FIR against unknown persons on the charges of wrongful confinement of the labourer and beating him.

The victim was not in a position to tell how many junior doctors beat him up; he would identify them if they were brought before him, police sources said. From the police station, he was rushed to the hospital for medical examination.

Madhya Pradesh witnessed gang rape and naked parade of christians about a month back.

CHRISTIANS MERCILESSLY BEATEN

Dozens of activists of a Hindu group, Dharam Sena, disrupted a weekly prayer meeting of Christians and mercilessly beaten up at Bothli village in Durg district on Sunday, the 25th of June. This incident was happened at about 30 miles west of Raipur, the capitial city of Chattisgarh. As the prayer meeting was going on, more than a dozen Hindu fanatics surrounded the house, shouting slogans against Christians. Then they barged into the house and started to attack all those present inside.

They also punched and kicked an eight- month pregnant woman who had to be rushed to hospital after she complained of terrible pain. Since the hospital did not have adequate facilities, the authorities expressed their inability to provide treatment to the injured woman, terming her injuries as 'internal'. The police took advantage of the statement made by the hospital authorities that it was minor internal injury and refused to take action against the culprits as the injured woman was discharged from the hospital soon.

Incidentally the six Christian families in the village had been receiving threats for the last one month from Dharam Sena to give up their Christian faith or face dire consequences. When some of the Christians reported the matter to the police and tried to lodge a complaint against Dharam Sena, its activists began to harass them. Police are hardly paying attention to reports and complaints lodged by Christians regarding these assaults.

Katrina Fund Drive

The Oxnard-Port Hueneme Ministerial Association in partnership with the City of Oxnard sponsored a community-wide rummage sale in Plaza Park, downtown Oxnard. Over four thousand dollars was raised to help the victims of Hurricane KATRINA and will be passed through the following organizations which are collecting donations: Catholic Charities, USA - Episcopal Relief and Development Fund - Jewish Federation of Ventura County.

Pastor's Marta and Berniece... These two women are dedicated to serving the Lord and the community they live in. You will find them wherever there is a need. They give with open hearts.

VOLUNTEERS from many denominations, and members of Oxnard City Corps, worked both days sorting, setting up, pricing and managing the many tables and booths. The community of Oxnard became a church without walls.

News From Miss Kris

August 9, 2005

Dear Friends, with only nine days left to go, the Israeli Government is going forward with it’s plans to withdraw from the Gaza Strip. In the Gaza, there is much celebration with the slogan, “Today Gaza, Tomorrow Jerusalem.” Terrorist groups are already fighting to gain power because of their lack of confidence in Abbas, (The successor of Arafat’s regime).

At the Temple Mount in Jerusalem this week, a very dangerous situation is developing over a last effort to thwart the disengagement. Prayer rallies held by the Council of Jewish Communities and anti-pullout protestors, are calling it “The mother of all mass prayers.” They are planning tens of thousands of supporters to hold prayer rallies designed to ask God for His Divine intervention of the withdrawal.

A few months ago, when the Temple Mount Faithful organized a gathering and talked of laying a foundation stone for the Third Temple, it sparked angry opposition by Muslims. Islamic leaders called upon their faithful to reach the site en masse, however in that situation, the police were prepared to control the area.

But in September of 2000, Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Western Wall, (Judaism’s holiest site) of the Temple Mount set off so much opposition by the Arab World, it became known as the first Intifada (uprising). Two years later a second Intifada had been declared which caused so much evastation, the country has still not fully recovered.

I am still dumbfounded as to why the media is not reporting this extremely sensitive issue happening this week. In my view, this prayer rally could spark the beginning of another war. With tensions escalating over the Temple Mount and settlers being forcefully removed from their homes in Gaza, it seems odd to me that Jewish people around the world are not supporting their homeland. Israel needs them desperately to return to help defend their country.

At this time, Jews are slowly migrating from all corners of the globe. Since the establishment of the nation of Israel in 1948 the whole country has gone from desert, to blooming flowers and trees everywhere. This is all part of Bible Prophecy that was recorded throughout the Old Testament. It is my belief that we are witnessing a “wake up call” to the Jews. I truly feel that the days are getting closer to the Rapture and Second Coming of Christ.

It really makes me excited to know that the time is getting closer. Matthew 24 talks about the events surrounding His return. But for those that aven’t experienced a life-changing experience with their Creator, this event may not be so happy. Many will miss being a part of the Rapture (when Jesus comes to take us to be with Him). No one has to be left behind. It’s a simple matter of just asking Jesus to be the Savior of your life. Ask Him for forgiveness and to lead you into the truth of His Word, the Bible.

If you have questions or comments, I can be reached through my new website at http://www.blessingsofabraham.com/ Also, in the website is a gallery of pictures of the Eastern Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. So much Bible Prophecy revolves around the area of these pictures. I hope you find the website interesting.

Be blessed! Kris

NEWS ALERT: Another hard blow to the city of Jerusalem!!!! Most of you are not aware of the controversy that has been happening in the last few months. The annual Gay Pride week has been trying to seek permits to hold their parade in the city of Jerusalem. The mayor of erusalem turned down their requests on the grounds that it would conflict with the already volatile conditions of the disengagement. Protestors and activists of the disengagement plan have been causing major disruptions on the freeways and roads by blocking traffic and setting tires on fire. They are trying to attract attention to stop the evacuations of Jewish Settlers from their homeland in Gaza.

To compound this problem, the mayor believed the Gay Pride parade would stir up more problems during an already time of conflict. As of yesterday, a judge overturned the mayor’s decision and has allowed the gay parade to continue. Gays, lesbians, homosexuals, bi-sexuals and transgenders from all over the world will converge on Jerusalem to show the world that Israel is tolerate to all people.

The judge has ordered that the city of Jerusalem and it’s mayor pay a fine of $13,200 to the officials of the gay parade. The majority of the people in Jerusalem oppose this parade, and of course this is not a good time for this to happen!!!!!!!

Christians, please pray for God’s intervention! The true enemy (Satan) wants nothing more than to take this holy city for his cause. He knows that Jerusalem is God’s city, and he wants what belongs to God the Creator of the universe.

Please pass this news alert on to as many people as you know and, please pray

News From Miss Kris

Hello from sunny California! I’ve been home a few weeks now and have been busily active with speaking engagements at various groups and churches. I feel that it is so important to get the word out because still, there is very little news about the disengagement and how it is affecting the country of Israel.

At this time, the Middle Eastern countries are determined to wipe Israel off the map with their claim that Israel has no right to exist. In addition to that, internal strife is weakening the Israeli government, which could lead to a collapse. If it weren’t for God’s promise of bringing His people back from all the nations, there would be no Israel.But the reality of what is happening can be read online or, from the Jerusalem Post newspaper. If you log on to www.jpost.com, you can read for yourselves. But let me be a little bold here for once and suggest something. If you have a group of friends that would be interested in having me speak, I would consider it a privilege to share what I have experienced in my first year in Israel.

The last several months of teaching my 5th grade class in Bethlehem has given me the courage to stand up to say: WE NEED TO BE MORE AWARE OF THE TIMES WE ARE IN!!! News in Israel is unfolding just as Bible prophecy said it would. So we need to ask ourselves, are we too busy with our own life and claim ignorance as the reason for not knowing what’s going on?

Undoubtedly, God has a plan in all of this. I never have considered myself as a pro-activist about anything other than Jesus. The love I have in my heart is for the people and the children in the Holy Land. This love compels me to speak out and make Christians aware that we are to bless Israel so we can be blessed ourselves.

Please pray with me for these specific things:1. God will protect the lives of Jewish Settlers (hundreds of men, women and children) that are barricading themselves inside the compound in the Gaza Strip at Gush Katif. Evacuation by their own people (Israeli soldiers) will begin August 15, 2005. Already, rumors of an early raid are bringing hundreds more pro-activists to their aid.

2. Protection and safety for when I return at the end of summer. My desire is to return once again to continue teaching a kindergarten class in Jerusalem.

3. To expand my ministry by offering English classes to families and children. This has been on my heart since last summer to work with Pastor Smiley and Love Without Borders. Teaching English is a powerful method to show people about God’s love.

In His service,Kris

Dear Friends,

Our MIss Kris is back from Israel and ready to share the story of her experiences. If you know of any church, youth group or ministry that would like to listen to her speak please let me know. She is a Christian that has spent an extended period of time teaching children in Jerusalem, and is dedicated to serving the Lord. The following message is from Kris.

Sincerely,Harriet

Dear Family and Friends, there is virtually nothing in the news that tells you what is going on in Israel. I was not surprised when I arrived home in California last Monday and found the news dominated by Michael Jackson. So please consider this a wake up call!!! Christians, keep your eyes and minds set on what is happening in Israel and Bible Prophecy, and don't be distracted by stories of celebrities.

The very day after I came home safely, the Jerusalem Post released an article, “The Calm is Over.” You can read the article yourself by clicking on http://www.jpost.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=JPOST/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1118110993487 Apparently terrorist groups are becoming impatient. They have held back on suicide bombings and terrorizing since February of this year, but that is over now. This next rticle says “Islamic Jihad and Hamas threaten to call off Truce,” and that tells me it's only a matter of days until the next suicide bomber chooses his victims. You can read it by clicking here:

http://www.jpost.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=JPOST/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1118543083925

There are two major events happening this summer. One is the completion of the 25 foot wall that surrounds the town of Bethlehem and the West Bank. Every day on my way to school, I would cross the check points going in and out of that city. Each day, I was reminded by the graffiti on the wall, that America is being blamed for the construction of that wall. Whether it is controlling terrorist activity or not, I only know it is fueling hatred.

The other event is the evacuation of the settlers in the Gaza Strip. Tensions are mounting with the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) and the Jewish Settlers as plans are being carried out to forcefully remove them from their homes.

http://www.jpost.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=JPOST/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1118457904023

Whether you are FOR or AGAINST these issues makes little difference. There will be bloodshed, and the media is keeping America’s focus on Michael Jackson. That is why I'm telling you we must keep standing with Israel. If we don't do it, no one else will.

Israel is just a tiny little country that wants nothing more than the right to live peacefully. You will never hear of Jews waging war unless it's to protect what they already have. But on the other hand, they are surrounded by aggressive Islamic countries that want nothing less than to wipe Israel off the map. The Palestinian Authority may say they only want Gaza and the West Bank area, but that is far from the truth. They will not stop until they have succeeded in eradicating the Jewish race.

If this isn't enough to make you wonder if the Last Days are approaching, then look a little closer. Remember the Book of Revelation talks about someone that will have the solution for peace. Without a doubt, such a person would be welcomed in a country that is full of chaos. The Bible says he will deceive many, even Christians.But just remember what II Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Christians, be wise and try to understand the times that we are in. Our Heavenly Father gave us instructions and told us what these days will be like. Lets keep our focus and support on Israel.

In Christ's love,Kris

Boy with Down syndrome turned into suicide bomber
Insurgents in Iraq strap explosives on youth with mind of 4-year-old Posted: February 2, 2005
5:00 p.m. Eastern

Iraqi insurgents turned Amar Mohammed, who has Down syndrome, into suicide bomber (courtesy: Sydney Morning Herald)

This week's election in Iraq may have been a time of celebration for most citizens, but it turned into horror for one family whose handicapped son was turned into a suicide bomber by insurgents who strapped explosives to his chest to disrupt the voting process.

The victim was Amar Ahmed Mohammed, 19, who had Down syndrome and was said to have had the mind of a 4-year-old boy.

"He was like a baby," one of Amar's cousins told the Sydney Morning Herald. "He had nothing to do with the resistance and there was nothing in the house for him to make a bomb. He was Shiite – why bomb his own people? He was mindless, but he was mostly happy, laughing and playing with the children in the street. Now, his father is inconsolable; his mother cries all the time."

Down syndrome is a congenital condition characterized by moderate to severe mental retardation, slanting eyes, a broad short skull and broad hands with short fingers.

Amar was left at home Sunday when his parents – Ahmed, 42, and Fatima, 40 – went to vote in a suburban part of Baghdad. After they cast their ballots, Amar's parents joined the extended family for a luncheon celebration at the home of a relative.

During the celebration, a blast was heard, initially thought to be a mortar shell, since a mortar barrage took place in the early hours of voting.

"Everyone was very happy and excited, but news came that a mongoli had been a bomber. Ahmed and Fatima became distressed and they raced home," Amar's cousin told the paper. "They got neighbors to search and one of them identified Amar's head where it lay on the pavement. His body was broken into pieces. I have heard of them using dead people and donkeys and dogs to hide their bombs, but how could they do this to a boy like Amar?"

It's believed Amar was kidnapped by insurgents who then loaded his body with explosives. He apparently triggered the bomb before reaching the intended target, leaving no others hurt or killed.

The Herald says there are unconfirmed reports of insurgents trying to co-opt at least two others with Down syndrome, suggesting Amar's death was part of a citywide plan.

Amar's parents strapped their son's broken remains atop a taxi yesterday and led a sorrowful procession to the holy city of Najaf for his burial.

November 15, 2004

Hello everyone! I am getting ready to go home for the holidays. I plan to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas at home. For those in California, I will be speaking at South Coast Fellowship in Ventura this Saturday the 20th at 10am. Wow, that doesn’t give me much time to rest up. I sure hope I don’t have jet lag!
There has been so much happening in the last few days since the death of Arafat. The day of his funeral, I was only 5 miles from Ramallah where there were 50,000 people wanting to get a glimpse of the coffin of their dead leader. The crowds were uncontrollable with many people chanting “with our blood and our souls, we will redeem you Yasser Arafat.” Police were shooting their weapons in the air in an effort to make the people move away from the landing helicopter carrying the coffin and several diplomats.
As I suspected, tensions will be escalating once the mourning period is over. Many terrorists groups have vowed to carry on Arafat’s dream of a Palestinian state, and will do whatever it takes to achieve that.
Once I get home, I will be able to share more about my upcoming plans for January in Jerusalem. I am looking forward to a new opportunity in serving God through the eyes of children. It will be a challenging, but fulfilling quest. I will need your prayers even more!
Lots of Love and Blessings to you all!
Kris

Hello everyone, I have exciting news! But first I want to tell you about the upcoming meeting being held at my church in California. For those of you in the area, I will be coming home for a brief visit for the holidays. On November 20th, I will be telling you about the lives of people here and what it has been like living in Israel. I plan to bring with me some Turkish coffee for all you coffee connoisseurs. Everyone that loves Israel is invited, but please keep in mind that some pictures may be too sensitive for young viewers. A few weeks ago, I told you in one of my updates about a Muslim man that I prayed for. We had several people here for English lessons that day. Karem began complaining about his headache, and that he has suffered many years with it. I knew from all the questions he was asking about God, that he needed a special touch from the Almighty. I simply anointed him with oil, asked in faith, and left it at that.
The other day, Cheryl, Smiley and I were visiting in Karem’s home. When I asked him how his headaches were, he lit up and exclaimed that they were gone! He then went on in great detail how he would have headaches several times a day and nothing he tried ever seemed to help. From the moment of prayer, all those years of headaches were gone. But God isn’t finished with him yet and has much more to offer Karem.
During my time here, it has become clearer as to WHAT my purpose is in Israel. Just less than a year ago, I wasn’t exactly sure. I decided then I would step out in faith and let God use the skills and talents that He gave me. By the way, I am human and I have never done that before, so it was a little scary!
So, if you have been reading my updates lately, you will know that I have a heart for teaching children. I want to make a difference in the lives of children here and so I have prayerfully accepted a position at a school in Jerusalem. Can you think of a better place in the entire world that could use more love instead of hate?
I am so excited about this open door. Together with the “children’s play day” that I am currently doing with Love Without Borders, I hope to reach many many more children! Even the mere thought of living in Jerusalem in God’s holy city, thrills me more than I can tell you.
So please be sure to mark your calendars for November 20th at 10 a.m., I'll be at South Coast Fellowship in Ventura. I have so much to tell you. If I don’t see you then, I won’t get another chance until the summer of 2005, when the school year ends.
In all His wonderful and mighty ways, Kris

Pictures From Iraq That Are Too Shocking & Graphic for The Mainstream Media

Here is the latest from Pastor Paul Ciniraj in India. We in America cannot fully understand the class difference that exists in India. The Untouchables cannot hold any jobs unless they are the lowest, demeaning jobs available. This report makes my heart sing for them! Hallelujah!
Love you, Virginia

Low caste leader proclaims Christ in India

India (MNN) -- The leader of a low caste untouchable group in India has professed Christ and is now encouraging millions to convert.
JESUS FOR INDIA. Rochunga Pudaite tells us about Tikam Singh. "Tikam Singh is an untouchable outcast in India and he's the leader and has 30-million following (him). Tikam Singh received the Lord as Savior." Singh was baptized two months ago and this month held a rally in India where he encouraged thousands in attendance to seek Christ.
Up to 20,000 people attended the rally in Utter Pradesh. Flooding prohibited many from participating as more than 100,000 were expected.
500 people made commitments to Christ during the rally. Pudaite says this isn't the only rally Singh has planned. "He wants to hold rallies like this one month after another so that all the 300-million outcast Hindus will become followers of Jesus Christ."
Salem Voice Ministries distributing Bibles to help these new believers. Pray that many will respond. Full Story: http://www.geocities.com/salemvoiceministries/hinduppara.html

CIVIL WAR?

As I write, the Israeli government will be in session from 4pm until midnight to discuss the disengagement plan…the removal of Israelis from their homes in Gaza and northern West Bank as part of the so called peace plan. Tomorrow there will be a Knesset referendum. This could mean that the government will fall! Thousands of Israeli’s from these areas are planning to circle the Knesset building tomorrow in protest, while the voting is underway.
Please pray! The threat to remove Israelis from their homes in these areas could bring about civil war! The country is divided over the issue. Most Israelis living in these areas are religious and hold firmly to the promises of God for the Land and refuse to budge in spite of large sums of money being offered to them to leave peacefully. Troops are being trained to storm these homes and enforce evacuation…. meanwhile, rabbi’s have encouraged religious soldiers to ignore orders!

Bengali Muslims
Bangladesh: 122 million
West Bengal, India: 14.5 million
Other states in India: 5 million
(all approximate)

Islam came to Bengal in 1206 with the conquest of Bengal by Turkic forces from Central Asia.As subsequent waves of Persian, Afghan, and finally Moghul invaders extended the conquest of Bengal, pirs, or Muslim mystic holy men, went into the countryside and the villages preaching a mystic brand of Islam. The pirs eventually came to be regarded as the local authority in many places, and often mass conversions took place more as an identification with a source of authority than anything based on real understanding of Islamic principles.

The result of this was a form of Islam which was strongly influenced by local Hindu and animistic practices. Today most Bengali Muslims practice Sufi mysticism and folk Islam, as evidenced by the hundreds of mazars, or tombs of dead pirs that dot the countryside of Bengal, and which Muslims and others visit hoping for answers to prayer.

In the past 30 or so years, a move of God has brought many thousands of Muslims to faith in Christ in Bangladesh, and recent years have seen the beginnings of breakthroughs elsewhere as well. God has revealed Himself to many through dreams and visions, and fellowships have emerged which retain many aspects of the believers' culture. Yet there are still so many who have never heard the message of the saving grace of God available to them through Jesus, with roughly one full-time Christian worker for every million Muslims on both sids of Bengal. The time for harvest has arrived, but who will bring it in?

Prayer points:
*
Pray that the Lord will bring in workers to the Bengali fields in bangladesh and India, both from within the local church as well as non-bengalis from other areas.
*
Pray for the ongoing discipleship of those who have come to believe, and for the growth and multiplication of fellowships comprised of those from a Muslim backround.
*
Pray for those who have been under the occultic aspects of folk Islam to find freedom in Christ and for God's Spirit to move in power in an increase in signs and wonders, dreams and visions, that many Bengali Muslims would embrace faith in Messiah! (John 17:17)

Dear friends, I may be sticking my neck out on this one. It is best for me to stay out of politics if at all possible. But the news article in the Jerusalem Post told me I had better speak up. As you know, you in America do not get all the news from the Middle East. If I could put it mildly, the winner of this next election could change the fate of terrorism and the safety of the world. Don’t tune me out if you think this is silly, READ FOR YOURSELF. Log on to www.Jpost.com and read the article (“PA, Arab leaders voice support for Kerry” October 18, 2004) about what the Palestinian Authority and terrorist groups are saying about who to vote for. Then, if you don’t believe that, check out the website of islamicity.com and read the letter by Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
They are all saying one thing, vote for Kerry. They all know that with Bush, he will fight terrorism. But with Kerry, “he will listen to other opinions.” Mohamad goes on to say to American Muslims, “it is truly an act of devotional worship,” and “in the name of justice and Islam,” to vote for Kerry.
In the same article, Russian President Putin is quoted as saying, “International terrorism has at it’s goal to prevent the election of President Bush to a second term, if they achieve that goal, then that will give terrorism a new impulse and extra power.”
If President Putin can see that and all the Arab countries see it too, then WHO are you going to vote for? I am only showing you the picture as I see it from this side of the world. By thinking that the next president only affects America, you’re wrong. The whole world is watching the elections!

This is the face of Islam

9:39, Unless ye go forth, (for Jihad) He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place; but Him ye would not harm in the least.

Quran: the textbook of terrorism

When you vote, be thinking of how it will affect the world, not just your community.

In His service, Kris

Dear Friends, while children across America dress up in their favorite costume for Halloween this year, parents in the Middle East dress their children for a different reason. This is NOT a picture of a mother helping her son prepare for an evening of trick or treat and bringing home a bag full of candy. In the mind of this woman is the proud thought that her son may become a hero someday if he should decide to give his life as a martyr for the sake of Islam. The mother too will be rewarded for her sacrifice, and she will be able to enter paradise also.
For millions of people (and the number is growing) this belief is spreading into non-Muslim countries quietly under the claim that Islam is a “peaceful religion.” If you are in doubt, just pick up the Koran and read where it says “and if they will not convert (speaking of Jews and Christians), then kill them.” Because their holy book says this, why should we believe it isn’t true? Why should we think that they are peaceful?
In Israel today, the threat is VERY real. Suicide bombings are taking the lives of innocent people and ruining life for the living. Last night I watched the CNN program “Impact of Terror,” which was shown in America about 2 weeks ago. In their special programming, they interviewed the personal lives of people that survived the suicide bombing in downtown Jerusalem a couple of years ago. Even though it changed the lives of fathers and mothers, sadly, the children will live longer with the scars.
In Zechariah 8, it says “…Old men and old women will again dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for the fullness of days. And the streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.” God is talking about his remnant of people that he would bring back to their land. Clearly, if God says in his Word that Jerusalem is his holy city and the Jews are his chosen people, then who are we to question or argue with that? Are we above God?
If you haven’t already decided where you stand on this issue, it’s time to make up your mind. While people all over the world have a complacent opinion of terrorism, many more lives will be taken in the name of Allah. A whole new generation of children is being trained to believe that they will be heroes by “exploding themselves.” Will you just bow your head right now and ask the Lord what YOU can do about this?
For one, you can support evangelical pastors that are providing Christian TV broadcasting in Arabic and in Arabic subtitles. I have seen several channels here now that is reaching out to the Arab countries with the Word of God.
Two, you can raise public awareness that although Muslims may be family oriented and loving, their religion is not.
Thirdly, you can pray for me to help teach Arab children the love of God. By doing this, they are less likely to become suicide bombers and many people will continue to live safely in this land.

In His service, Kris

Dear friends, Last week I wrote my update about our children being victims in this new age of warfare. Today, I received a response from one of the fathers who has been separated from his family here because of political reasons. Recently, he was able to leave Israel and go to another country. When he read the update, his heart was reassured that his children (still living in the West Bank) will have a chance to learn about love and forgiveness.
He wrote: “For the last five years, my children did not feel my love or receive hugs from me because I was on the run. Please pray for me that my children and their mother will be together with me. I am afraid that the children might be persuaded to join with the wrong organization and I will lose my family.” For this father, whose crime was leaving Islam and becoming a Believer, he has paid dearly for his decision. He has a very real and valid concern, and he is not the only one in this situation.
While the rest of the world stands by and points their finger at who is to blame for the massacre and terror, children must be kept safe both physically and psychologically. As a parent myself, we both know that we can’t hover over our children in order to protect them 24 hours a day. I’m sure most of us can remember a time or two when as a child; your heart was gripped with fear. You reacted to that situation based on what you had learned.
That reminds me about a day over a year ago, when my own daughter had been kidnapped. Just at the last fatal moment of her life, she cried out “in the name of Jesus!” Because of a reaction she had learned, without even thinking, she had called on the most powerful Name under heaven! From that moment on, God intervened and she was able to escape. Our obligation and motivation should be to teach children to look to the Source of all creation for all of our needs.
This Saturday will be the first day to implement this plan. I am asking for all of you who will; please pray that God will touch the hearts of these little children. You don’t have to speak Hebrew or Arabic to show a child love, because love has no boundaries. We will play, have refreshments and give away some toys to get us started.
I John 4:18 says: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear….” So that’s the plan, the rest is up to HIM!

In all His wonderful and mighty ways, Kris

Dear Friends,
I really wish I could describe all the things I see and hear that happen on a daily basis in Israel. It seems that those of you in America are so far away and unaffected by what happens here. There are times when I hear some news and I wonder if I can share it with you; or would it be too brutal to show you a picture? You at home are so blessed and protected and you don’t even realize it.Just 50 miles southwest of me is the Gaza Strip. I call it “my backyard” because my home sits on top of a hill and I can see off in the distance a long ways. Many times over the past few weeks I hear rumbling from the missile attacks. For hours I hear and see helicopters and aircraft flying in that direction. In the news, almost every day, people are killed on both sides. Some of them are part of terrorist groups; others are innocent fathers, mothers and children.
In an article written in the Jerusalem Post, they say that video shops in the Gaza Strip are selling a new DVD featuring the recent beheading of one of our Americans in Iraq. The gruesome video, priced at 15 shekels (a little more than $3), is apparently selling like hotcakes. Even the words they used in the article to describe what took place in the video made

Israel Today! Word From Kris, who is there in the midst of things

Israel Today!
Word From Kris, who is there in the midst of things