Showing posts with label VOM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VOM. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Freedom
Many in the USA celebrated Independence day yesterday. Lots of people remembered the freedom that was won from Great Britain and this is commonly celebrated on the 4th of July. As America celebrated those freedoms, I thought of our brothers and sisters in Christ who don't share in anything resembling this type of freedom in their countries.
For Christians in countries like Nigeria, China, Iran, Sudan, Egypt, and North Korea, basic human rights aren't even allowed. Because these people have decided to follow Christ and live for the Kingdom of heaven, they suffer deprivation, torture, and death.
However, many of those same people have more freedom than people in Western countries. How? They are living for Christ now, counting the costs, and knowing that they may even have to die for their faith.
The Bible says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Jesus brings freedom even if a government doesn't allow you to worship publicly or you can't wear you Christian t-shirt in public. True freedom is in the heart, not what one can do in an earthly country.
In the June issue of VOM's newsletter, I read about a man who shows this type of freedom. Abdulmasi was raised as a Muslim in Nigeria. He killed Christians and even acted like he was a Christian so he could infiltrate churches. One day, the Lord got a hold of him and he repented of his sins and stepped into the freedom that can only come from Christ.
He has since been persecuted by Muslims and he has even lost his own son to the brutality of Islamic extremists. He has had a mob of 2,000 Muslims surround his home seeking to kill him and his family. Through all of this, he still chooses to shine his light for Jesus and tell about the freedom that comes through Him.
So, when you think of freedom, don't only think of political freedom that last for a short while. Think of the true lasting freedom that Christ brings when a person repents and turns to Him.
Christ has come to set the captive free!
For Christians in countries like Nigeria, China, Iran, Sudan, Egypt, and North Korea, basic human rights aren't even allowed. Because these people have decided to follow Christ and live for the Kingdom of heaven, they suffer deprivation, torture, and death.
However, many of those same people have more freedom than people in Western countries. How? They are living for Christ now, counting the costs, and knowing that they may even have to die for their faith.
The Bible says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Jesus brings freedom even if a government doesn't allow you to worship publicly or you can't wear you Christian t-shirt in public. True freedom is in the heart, not what one can do in an earthly country.
In the June issue of VOM's newsletter, I read about a man who shows this type of freedom. Abdulmasi was raised as a Muslim in Nigeria. He killed Christians and even acted like he was a Christian so he could infiltrate churches. One day, the Lord got a hold of him and he repented of his sins and stepped into the freedom that can only come from Christ.
He has since been persecuted by Muslims and he has even lost his own son to the brutality of Islamic extremists. He has had a mob of 2,000 Muslims surround his home seeking to kill him and his family. Through all of this, he still chooses to shine his light for Jesus and tell about the freedom that comes through Him.
So, when you think of freedom, don't only think of political freedom that last for a short while. Think of the true lasting freedom that Christ brings when a person repents and turns to Him.
Christ has come to set the captive free!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Richard Wurmbrand: Founder of VOM
I'm sure that many of you have read books from Voice of the Martyrs and some of you probably receive their monthly newsletter. However, how many of you know about VOM's founder, Richard Wurmbrand?
Richard, and his wife Sabina, were courageous Christians that lived in Romania during the period when Communists were taking over. As a matter of fact, Richard (who was a pastor), got his church to go out and greet the Communists and show them love.
Richard and Sabina attended the 1945 "Congress of Cults", where many religious leaders swore loyalty to the new communist regime. Sabina told Richard that he needed to stand up and "wipe the shame from the face of Jesus." Pastor Wurmbrand knew the cost and stepped forward and told 4,000 people that their duty was to glorify God and Christ alone.
On a Sunday morning as Richard was leaving church, the secret police kidnapped and placed him in solitary confinement. For eight years he endured horrific torture and deprivation at the hands of his communist captors. During this time, Sabina Wurmbrand is also sent to a labor camp, leaving their son to fend for himself.
I would encourage you to read more about this courageous couple. You could check out the site dedicated to the memory of Mr. Wurmbrand or you could read his first hand account in his book, Tortured for Christ. You can find a DVD about Pastor Wurmbrand for children here. Please also check out Mrs. Wurmbrand's book called The Pastor's Wife.
Richard, and his wife Sabina, were courageous Christians that lived in Romania during the period when Communists were taking over. As a matter of fact, Richard (who was a pastor), got his church to go out and greet the Communists and show them love.
Richard and Sabina attended the 1945 "Congress of Cults", where many religious leaders swore loyalty to the new communist regime. Sabina told Richard that he needed to stand up and "wipe the shame from the face of Jesus." Pastor Wurmbrand knew the cost and stepped forward and told 4,000 people that their duty was to glorify God and Christ alone.
On a Sunday morning as Richard was leaving church, the secret police kidnapped and placed him in solitary confinement. For eight years he endured horrific torture and deprivation at the hands of his communist captors. During this time, Sabina Wurmbrand is also sent to a labor camp, leaving their son to fend for himself.
I would encourage you to read more about this courageous couple. You could check out the site dedicated to the memory of Mr. Wurmbrand or you could read his first hand account in his book, Tortured for Christ. You can find a DVD about Pastor Wurmbrand for children here. Please also check out Mrs. Wurmbrand's book called The Pastor's Wife.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A Book Worth Dying For
As Christian, we believe the Bible is the Word of God. It was inspired by Him (2 Tim. 3:16) and will help us in all areas of life. However, not everyone looks at the Bible in that way.
Muslims (among other religious groups) have a great disdain for the Bible. Why? There are many different reasons, a couple of which are, it shows Jesus to be God and they believe it is corrupted by Christians. Many times we read about Christian having to choose whether or not they will stand with the Bible or reject it. Sometimes followers of Islam will try to force Christians to spit on the Bible or in someway reject and desecrate it.
However, the true believers always stand with the Word of God, even if it means that their life will be taken from them. Through out the centuries, Christians have had to make this choice. Time and time again, they have picked honoring God by standing with His Word, over apparent "life".
Is the Word of God something that you're willing to die for? If you had to pick the Bible over life, would you do it? Get a hold of Foxe: Voices of the Martyrs or subscribe to VOM's newsletters and read about people who are dying for the Lord and His Word.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Update on Gao Zhisheng
Rumors have been flying around since December 2009 that Gao Zhisheng has died from the brutal torture he received at the hands of Chinese police. Recently, Gao's brother, Zhiyi sought and found the police that originally detained Gao. He was told that Gao "went missing while out on a walk".
This is the first time the Chinese government has actually said anything leading to the belief that they no longer have Gao in custody. ChinaAid believes this means Zhisheng's health has taken a turn for the worse.
Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, says ""We have every reason to suspect that the Chinese government has something very serious to hide. Gao's family has every right to know what happened to him. It is unbelievable that a high security prisoner would go missing while 'out on a walk,' without suspecting that there is a major cover up of his condition."
Please pray fro Gao's family. They are under extreme stress because they don't know what has happened to their husband/father/brother. Gao's daughter, Gege became very emotionally upset upon hearing the rumors of his death and had to be placed in a hospital. Pray that the leaders of China will stop persecuting Christians and that they will turn to Christ.
For more updates on the persecuted church, please check out the Persecution Blog.
This is the first time the Chinese government has actually said anything leading to the belief that they no longer have Gao in custody. ChinaAid believes this means Zhisheng's health has taken a turn for the worse.
Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, says ""We have every reason to suspect that the Chinese government has something very serious to hide. Gao's family has every right to know what happened to him. It is unbelievable that a high security prisoner would go missing while 'out on a walk,' without suspecting that there is a major cover up of his condition."
Please pray fro Gao's family. They are under extreme stress because they don't know what has happened to their husband/father/brother. Gao's daughter, Gege became very emotionally upset upon hearing the rumors of his death and had to be placed in a hospital. Pray that the leaders of China will stop persecuting Christians and that they will turn to Christ.
For more updates on the persecuted church, please check out the Persecution Blog.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Day 308: Gao Not Doing Well
In an email update I received about Gao Zhisheng, VOM and ChinaAid say he is not doing well. Quoting from the email: "ChinaAid recently received another report from inside sources in China that Gao Zhisheng has been severely beaten by authorities. The report stated his current living condition is worse than death and that Gao is crying daily in pain and desperation."
China has responded to pressure, but not in a good way. They refuse to release Gao and the Chinese government has also cut off communication with two of Mr. Zhisheng's siblings.
Gao's older brother, Gao Zhiyi, said, "For every question, there are three unknowns. No one knows anything. They won't talk to us and they won't meet with us... Even if Gao Zhisheng had committed a terrible crime, his family would still have the right to know what had happened to him!"
If you have not already done so, please sign the petition at FreeGao.com and ask that they release Gao Zhisheng. This is an awesome way for Christians to ask for the release of a hurting brother. Add your voice to the 117,196 people that are speaking out for Gao already.
Also, please pray. This is a Christian's greatest "weapon" in this world. Ultimately, we are not struggling against humans, but we are struggling against dark spiritual forces that want to destroy Christians and keep people in bondage.
China has responded to pressure, but not in a good way. They refuse to release Gao and the Chinese government has also cut off communication with two of Mr. Zhisheng's siblings.
Gao's older brother, Gao Zhiyi, said, "For every question, there are three unknowns. No one knows anything. They won't talk to us and they won't meet with us... Even if Gao Zhisheng had committed a terrible crime, his family would still have the right to know what had happened to him!"
If you have not already done so, please sign the petition at FreeGao.com and ask that they release Gao Zhisheng. This is an awesome way for Christians to ask for the release of a hurting brother. Add your voice to the 117,196 people that are speaking out for Gao already.
Also, please pray. This is a Christian's greatest "weapon" in this world. Ultimately, we are not struggling against humans, but we are struggling against dark spiritual forces that want to destroy Christians and keep people in bondage.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Pray for the Persecuted
The month of October is flying by very quickly. Before you know it, we'll be right into November. If you haven't already marked your calenders for Nov. 8, you should. November 8 is the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for the persecuted church.
You will be praying along with thousands of other believers worldwide for those are suffering for the sake of Christ. Please consider ordering the 2009 IDOP kit and sharing it at your church or maybe with a group of friends. Go to VOM's IDOP web page, here, and get prepaired to spread the news!
You will be praying along with thousands of other believers worldwide for those are suffering for the sake of Christ. Please consider ordering the 2009 IDOP kit and sharing it at your church or maybe with a group of friends. Go to VOM's IDOP web page, here, and get prepaired to spread the news!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Day 225: Gao Alive!
I just received an email from VOM, Gao Zhisheng is alive! News was received from the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC that Gao was put on parole in August. ChinaAid has confirmed this, but his condition and whereabouts are unknown.
Thanks to all those who signed the petition requesting Gao Zhisheng's release. Over 110,00 people signed the petition!
Please keep praying for Gao and his family. Ask the Lord to do a mighty work through this man. Pray that physical, emotional, and spiritual healing would come from God.
Thanks to all those who signed the petition requesting Gao Zhisheng's release. Over 110,00 people signed the petition!
Please keep praying for Gao and his family. Ask the Lord to do a mighty work through this man. Pray that physical, emotional, and spiritual healing would come from God.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A Bruised Flower Gives Perfume
"A flower if you bruise it under your feet, rewards you by give you its perfume." (Richard Wurmbrand) He stood up in front of 1,000 pastors in Communist Romania and denounced the oppression of the regime and the compromise of the Church. For that, Richard Wurmbrand was sent to prison to be "bruised" under the feet of many guards and torturers. During those fourteen long years, Mr. Wurmbrand give off a beautiful perfume for his Lord. He sought to bless his persecutors and give God praise even during times of extreme pain and loneliness.
In 1964, Richard and his wife Sabina, started the ministry, Voice of the Martyrs. Even though the Wurmbrands have gone to be with the Lord, their ministry continues to help persecuted Christians across the globe.
Check out a special website dedicated to the memory of Richard Wurmbrand by clicking on this link. You will be blessed as you read about this man of faith!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Going to Church Can Be Dangerous!
Going to church doesn't seem like a dangerous thing to do. At least not most of the time, but let's take an imaginary trip.
You get to church and the worship has already started. Your family slips into the pew that they normally do and you go and sit with your friends. The Spirit is really there and everyone is focused on worshiping their Creator.
Then, you sit and listen attentively as your pastor opens the Word. His teaching is really good and you're spell-bound as he talks about dying for Christ. Suddenly, a loud explosion happens very close to you. You feel searing pain course through your body and you notice that several of your friends are lying on the floor, blood starting to pool around them.
People are screaming and running around. Smoke fills the air and it smells as if something is burning. Slowly, it starts to dawn on you that a bomb was planted in the sanctuary and that many people were probably hurt. Then you look down at your arms and see blood running down them. Until now, what was only a distant pain, becomes increasingly noticeable. You run for help, but can't get out because there are too many people trying to get out the doors.
Finally you get out and receive medical attention. Then reports of deaths and severe injuries start reaching you. Some of your best friends were killed by the shrapnel and nails that came from the bomb. Some of your brothers and sisters in Christ were badly burnt and many more are suffering trauma from what they saw.
This may seem far-fetched to some people, but for many believers in other countries, this is something that is far too normal. They might go to church wondering if they'll come out alive or if the police will break up the meeting and take some of them to jail.
On May 23, 2009, a newlywed couple, Vikash and Deepa Patrick, experienced this. They were honeymooning in Nepal and before they went back to India, they stopped by a church. A bomb exploded and the wife, Deepa, was killed. Please pray for Vikash and all those who lost loved ones in the bombing.
To learn of more stories like this, please visit VOM's website here.
This post inspired by VOM's September 2009 newsletter.
You get to church and the worship has already started. Your family slips into the pew that they normally do and you go and sit with your friends. The Spirit is really there and everyone is focused on worshiping their Creator.
Then, you sit and listen attentively as your pastor opens the Word. His teaching is really good and you're spell-bound as he talks about dying for Christ. Suddenly, a loud explosion happens very close to you. You feel searing pain course through your body and you notice that several of your friends are lying on the floor, blood starting to pool around them.
People are screaming and running around. Smoke fills the air and it smells as if something is burning. Slowly, it starts to dawn on you that a bomb was planted in the sanctuary and that many people were probably hurt. Then you look down at your arms and see blood running down them. Until now, what was only a distant pain, becomes increasingly noticeable. You run for help, but can't get out because there are too many people trying to get out the doors.
Finally you get out and receive medical attention. Then reports of deaths and severe injuries start reaching you. Some of your best friends were killed by the shrapnel and nails that came from the bomb. Some of your brothers and sisters in Christ were badly burnt and many more are suffering trauma from what they saw.
This may seem far-fetched to some people, but for many believers in other countries, this is something that is far too normal. They might go to church wondering if they'll come out alive or if the police will break up the meeting and take some of them to jail.
On May 23, 2009, a newlywed couple, Vikash and Deepa Patrick, experienced this. They were honeymooning in Nepal and before they went back to India, they stopped by a church. A bomb exploded and the wife, Deepa, was killed. Please pray for Vikash and all those who lost loved ones in the bombing.
To learn of more stories like this, please visit VOM's website here.
This post inspired by VOM's September 2009 newsletter.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Praise God!
On the fifth of August, Voice of the Martyrs' Bibles Unbound mailed their 1 millionth Bible. Bibles Unbound send Bibles in to countries like Columbia, North Korea, Egypt, and China. Praise the Lord that His Word is getting into "closed" countries!
Check out VOM's article, here!
Check out VOM's article, here!
Friday, June 26, 2009
VOM on Twitter
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Extreme Quote
Before prison we heard about God. But in prison we experienced God. -Pastor Sze, A Chinese house church leader
Where'd this quote come from? Find it and more inspiring quotes and stories in the Extreme Devotion book from VOM.
Where'd this quote come from? Find it and more inspiring quotes and stories in the Extreme Devotion book from VOM.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
VOM Website Updated
Check out the new Voice of the Martyrs website! It was launched a couple of weeks ago and has some really neat features on it. Things like prayer updates and media have been added. This is one cool way to stay in-the-loop and make sure you're keeping up with all the news.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sharing Their Pain
As I read the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) April newsletter, the article "Sharing Their Pain" really stood out to me.
The article told about three Christians in different countries. Shrinomi, who lives in Sri Lanka, was shot twice by hired killers. The killers were hired by a Buddhist businessman who was angry about his wife's conversion. Not only was Shirnomi injured in the shooting, her pastor husband, was killed.
Seyi, is a young man that lives in Nigeria. His city, Jos, broke out in a riot on November 28, 2008. Muslim warriors roamed the city with their machetes. As many as 100 Christians were killed and thousands more were attacked. A mob of militants broke through the gate to Seyi's home, but his parents and siblings were able to escape out the back door. Before he could escape, the Muslim militants caught him and sliced his head several times. Then they left him to die in the burning house. Thankfully, his family was able to drag him to safety, but they were left with trying to pay hospital bills. VOMedical helped Seyi as he travels the road to recovery.
Many people were injured, displaced, or killed during the extreme violence in Orrisa, India last year. Namrata was one of those people. The 10 year old was injured when a bomb, left by a radical Hindu group, exploded in her face. Thanks to VOMedical she was able to have several surgeries that have helped heal her face. Through it all, her faith and joy remained strong.
As I read these stories of victory through pain, my mind began thinking about what I would have done in those circumstances. Would I have had faith that God knew what He was doing? Would I have had joy in Jesus or let the enemy get me down down because of my injuries?
If you do not get the VOM newsletter, I would encourage you to subscribe to it. It's free and well worth reading!
The article told about three Christians in different countries. Shrinomi, who lives in Sri Lanka, was shot twice by hired killers. The killers were hired by a Buddhist businessman who was angry about his wife's conversion. Not only was Shirnomi injured in the shooting, her pastor husband, was killed.
Seyi, is a young man that lives in Nigeria. His city, Jos, broke out in a riot on November 28, 2008. Muslim warriors roamed the city with their machetes. As many as 100 Christians were killed and thousands more were attacked. A mob of militants broke through the gate to Seyi's home, but his parents and siblings were able to escape out the back door. Before he could escape, the Muslim militants caught him and sliced his head several times. Then they left him to die in the burning house. Thankfully, his family was able to drag him to safety, but they were left with trying to pay hospital bills. VOMedical helped Seyi as he travels the road to recovery.
Many people were injured, displaced, or killed during the extreme violence in Orrisa, India last year. Namrata was one of those people. The 10 year old was injured when a bomb, left by a radical Hindu group, exploded in her face. Thanks to VOMedical she was able to have several surgeries that have helped heal her face. Through it all, her faith and joy remained strong.
As I read these stories of victory through pain, my mind began thinking about what I would have done in those circumstances. Would I have had faith that God knew what He was doing? Would I have had joy in Jesus or let the enemy get me down down because of my injuries?
If you do not get the VOM newsletter, I would encourage you to subscribe to it. It's free and well worth reading!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
VOM on Facebook
Have a Facebook? Well, you can know join VOM and stay up to date via their group. Please check it out here.
Also, if you don't have FB, you can follow the Persecution Blog.
Also, if you don't have FB, you can follow the Persecution Blog.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Richard Wurmbrand Born 100 Years Ago!
The founder of Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), Richard Wurmbrand, was born one hundred years ago. To commemorate this, VOM has put up a special website. Please visit it and read a special message the current executive director, Tom White. There are many other things you will want to check out, including a timeline of Mr. Wurmbrand's life, photos, etc.
Please follow this link and find out more about this great man of God.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Are You Willing?
If you are not willing to die for what is in the Bible, you should not give money for Bibles. Because if you give, we will smuggle more Bibles. And if we smuggle more Bibles, there will be more martyrs. (Richard Wurmbrand, Founder of Voice of the Martyrs)
To find out more about VOM and it's founder, follow this link and check it out!
To find out more about VOM and it's founder, follow this link and check it out!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Look Back in History #2
At the beginning of this year, I started Voice of the Martyrs' Extreme Devotion for my devotional book. It has been great and I thought that I'd make a blog post out of one of them:
The setting is communist Romania, where there is a seven-year drive to eliminate the nations of all superstition. This is where we find Brother Vasile.
Even though the government was cracking down on religion, especially on Christianity, Vasile and his wife opened their doors to hold church meetings in their house. They knew, however, that they could not go undetected for forever.
Soon Brother Vasile learned that one of the church members' homes had been raided and some of his sermons had been confiscated. He also found out that the assistant pastor had become and informant and had betrayed Vasile. He knew the clock was just counting the time until he was arrested.
The time came at 1:00 AM. The police raided their apartment and put Vasile under arrest. Brother Vasile refused to leave peacefully unless he was able to spend several minutes with his wife. He was granted his request and the next several minutes were spent in holding each other, praying, and singing. Vasile was then led off and was not seen for many years.
As the police were loading Vasile into the van, he shouted to his tearful wife, "Give all my love to our son and the pastor who denounced me."
Put yourself in Brother Vasile's shoes. How would you have handled being betrayed by someone that had helped in you in the ministry and who you had trusted? Be honest with yourself, would you have been able to love that person in the same Christ-like way?
"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matthew 6:12, ESV)
The setting is communist Romania, where there is a seven-year drive to eliminate the nations of all superstition. This is where we find Brother Vasile.
Even though the government was cracking down on religion, especially on Christianity, Vasile and his wife opened their doors to hold church meetings in their house. They knew, however, that they could not go undetected for forever.
Soon Brother Vasile learned that one of the church members' homes had been raided and some of his sermons had been confiscated. He also found out that the assistant pastor had become and informant and had betrayed Vasile. He knew the clock was just counting the time until he was arrested.
The time came at 1:00 AM. The police raided their apartment and put Vasile under arrest. Brother Vasile refused to leave peacefully unless he was able to spend several minutes with his wife. He was granted his request and the next several minutes were spent in holding each other, praying, and singing. Vasile was then led off and was not seen for many years.
As the police were loading Vasile into the van, he shouted to his tearful wife, "Give all my love to our son and the pastor who denounced me."
Put yourself in Brother Vasile's shoes. How would you have handled being betrayed by someone that had helped in you in the ministry and who you had trusted? Be honest with yourself, would you have been able to love that person in the same Christ-like way?
"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matthew 6:12, ESV)
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