Exloring Life Eternal

"The firm foundation of (laid by) God stands,
sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription):
The Lord knows those who are His, and,
Let everyone who names [himself by] the name of the Lord
give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it."
2 Timothy 2:19 (Amplified)

PRAISE:
Praise the Lord with us - a new family will be coming to work in a rural area here. Thank you for your prayers PTAP! They will come in the summer. Pray for them as they prepare, say their farewells to their current life and friendships and come to serve God here. Pray for their protection and well-being. Pray for all the many arrangements this will entail.


PETITION:
Pray for the International church in our largest city. It is almost all expatriates from over 30 countries. There have been major conflicts this week and many people are hurting. Pray for God's healing and help to all concerned and for a way forward. Pray that God would comfort His
people and bring hope for the future.

Pray for movement in the heart of my friend, the religious sheikh, from curiosity about me to genuine interest in Isa al Messih – Jesus the Christ.

Pray for a Christian maternity hospital in our country that urgently needs 2 midwives or OB Doctors. This hospital has blessed thousand of local families over the past 50 years. However, older staff have had to retire and the administration is having a difficult time finding Christians to take these vital positions.

Pray for the transition of an MBB single woman moving from one host family to live with another family. The transition from her previous living situation has been hard on both the host family and her. Pray for
much grace and wisdom in this situation.


TESTIMONY:
Two friends K. and A. were part of a small group of National believers in a small town. Recently they claimed that they had left Christianity and returned to Islam. All the reasons are not known - perhaps out of fear, perhaps from a disagreement with another believer. Kim, the lady who had been instrumental in leading them to Jesus, is understandably broken up over what has happened. Please pray that in His time, K. and A. will overcome their struggles and return to the truth even stronger than before.

While this is a frequent occurrence for Muslim Background Believers to go back and forth over a period of time, it is very serious loss to both the National Christian community and those with the responsibility for discipleship. Please remember Kim as well - that she would be comforted, that she would not burden herself, yet that she would be aware of any important gaps in the discipleship process.

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Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876 (Eastern Time)
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches everywhere to pray through the heart of the Muslim world so that church planting movements will spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond for the Lord's glory.

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To learn how you can support this & other work in the Middle East, visit:
http://www.srginc.org

Or write:
ptap@srginc.org

Or:
PTAP
c/o Strategic Resource Group
P.O. Box 1809
Easton, MD 21601
USA

Begun today @ an Ann Arbor Transportation Authority bus stop.

A. STANZA ON LEAVING HOME (& rebellion).
1. He took the number one, & thought it was fun.
2. Took the number two, & forgot about truth.
3. He took number three, & thought he was free.
4. And then number four, & wanted some more.
5. He tried number five, & thought he’d found life.
6. With the number six, the devil played tricks.
7. While on number seven, he forgot about heaven.
8. And with number eight, he no longer prayed.
9. Got on number nine, he thought all was fine.
10. He thought on number ten, “I’ll try ‘em all again!”

B. STANZA ON LUSTS, PRIDE: SIN (& revelry).
1. Rode the number one, & didn’t try to run.
2. Caught the number two, & said, “I love you!”
3. He grabbed number three, said, “Hey look at me!”
4. Then with number four, “Now I want some more!”
5. Cruisin’ number five, he started to jive.
6. Took the six to Ypsi, and seven past heaven.
7. Kept ridin’ that bus, like he was in a rush.
8. Lucky number eight, he felt really great.
9. Old number nine, “The world is mine!”
10. So back on the ten, he was gonna ride again!

C. STANZA ON LOSTNESS SEEN (& regret).
1. Well, number one, wasn’t quite so fun.
2. On number two he had to face the truth.
3. He ran for the three, but was startin’ to see.
4. Along the four, he knew there was more.
5. Alone on five, he didn’t feel alive.
6. Waitin’ for the six, he realized the trick.
7. So with number seven, he cried out to heaven.
8. Back on number eight, he really, really prayed.
9. When ridin’ the nine, wanted Jesus more than wine.
10. When he got to ten, he turned from his sin.

D. STANZA ON LOVE RESTORED (& repentance).
1. Stopped at the station, and there he did some waitin’.
2. A buck for eleven, then he threw away the leaven.
3. A pass on twelve, he started gettin’ well.
4. Singin’, “Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen.”
5. Onto the twenty, and leave the pigpen.
6. On twenty-two, read the book of Truth.
7. Then thirty-three, shouted, “Jubilee!”
8. Along thirty-six, the devil lost his tricks.
9. He walked the walk, and he talked the talked.
10. Will you join the song? Will you leave your wrong?

E. STANZA ON LIGHT OF GOD (& review of 10 commands).
1. You know number One, you belong in God’s Son.
2. And then number two, confess Jesus is True.
3. Now, number three: leave your idols; be free!
4. And listen to four, get the Promised Reward.
5. Remember five, be glad you’re alive!
6. Follow number six, and don’t throw sticks.
7. Faithful to seven, know that love is from heaven.
8. Notice number eight, means to give, and don’t take.
9. If you practice nine, your mouth is benign.
10. Now enjoy all ten, and your heart’s content.

F. STANZA ON LIFE WITH GOD (& rejoicing in the Lord).
1. The Lord’s number one, and Life is getting’ fun.
2. Our neighbor’s too are turnin’ to the Truth.
3. Life is our Tree, and our children are free.
4. Eleven kept faith, but many more wait!
5. Twenty-four elders, sang, worshipped, yelled!
6. John three sixteen tells me God is not mean.
7. And after day three, the tomb was empty!
8. Three thousand saved, when the early church raved.
9. Holy steps & holy hope. Love bound hearts like three-cord rope.
10. “Eternal Father, we give our all!”

Somalia is number 7 on Persecution List)

Prayer is needed for Christian Believers in Somalia as anti-Christian violence spreads throughout the mainly Islamic, impoverished African nation.

Most Somalis, more than 99.5 percent, are Muslims who regard Christianity as a foreign religion of their historic enemies in Ethiopia and Italians and the British, who colonized the nation.

There is a generally held view that all Somalis are Muslim, so any Somali Christian is viewed as an apostate who is worthy of death. In the initial chaos following the collapse of the dictatorship of Siad
Barre in 1991, Somali Christians were hunted down, pastors were murdered and the Christian Church in Somalia was driven deeply underground.

According to Open Doors International, Somalia is ranked seventh on the 2006 World Watch List of nations where persecution against Christians is most intense. Over the years, several Somali Christians have ed to Kenya, where they hoped to be free to practice their faith. Instead they have continued to suffer severe harassment, both from Somali Muslim refugees and from Kenya’s own Somali population. Under Kenyan law, refugees are denied employment, yet they receive minimal assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Once Somali refugees are identied as Christians, they are frequently attacked on the streets or in their homes, and in the most severe instances their children are abducted and forcibly circumcised and reconverted to Islam.

Abdi Aziz and his wife, Rukia, are Somali Christians who have suffered great persecution on account of their faith in Christ and ed with their children to Kenya. On January 20, 2006, a group of Muslims followed Aziz to his home in the predominantly Muslim suburb of Eastleigh in Nairobi after he had visited the ofces of the UNHCR.

They ransacked his house, stole all of his ofcial documents and kidnapped two of his children, a boy named Sharmarke and a girl called Nadar. The family  led complaints with the appropriate Kenyan authorities, but nothing has been seen or heard of the children since. Then on March 17, 2006, the family was again attacked in their home and another of their children, Bashir, was abducted. The couple again reported the incident to the appropriate authorities, but they are not con dent that any real assistance will be forthcoming.

Following the most recent abduction, Aziz told Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW): “Almost every time, we are in a dangerous situation, but our prayers keep us strong for we believe in Jesus, our Savior and Lord.” Aziz’s case is not unique. Unfortunately, Somali Christians seeking refuge in Kenya rarely nd it.

During a recent visit to the area, CSW received harrowing testimonies from refugees, many of whom reported having been stoned, beaten, attacked with knives, insulted in the streets and harassed in their homes on a regular basis. Muslim relatives often instigate assaults. Halima, a widow, reported that three of her eight children had been abducted by relatives and returned to Somalia, where they were forcibly circumcised and compelled to study in Madrassas, or Islamic schools.

Hassan, a teenager, described how two of his cousins assaulted him with knives on the streets of Eastleigh on February 12, 2006. He has to sleep in a different place every night, but Hassan added: “I believe that my Lord will protect me.”

Several Islamist groups have spearheaded the campaign against Christianity. However, according to local sources, the most dangerous are Al-Itihad and Al-Islah. Both groups were behind the creation of Shariah courts in the capital city, Mogadishu, and are believed to have links with Al-Qaeda. CSW encouraged Christians worldwide to write polite letters to the Kenyan ambassador, bringing to his attention the plight of Somali Christians refugees in Kenya, and outlining the abuses they encounter and the child abductions.

Citizens of the United Kingdom can address their letters to:
His Excellency Joseph Muchemi
High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
The Kenya High Commission
45 Portland Place
London W1B 1AS

“Remind the Kenyan ambassador of Kenya’s obligations under international law towards refugees within its borders and request that he kindly uses his of ce to highlight these issues with the appropriate authorities in order to ensure that cases of abduction, assault and harassment are thoroughly investigated, the perpetrators are punished, and Somali Christians receive adequate protection as a matter of urgency,” CSW said. “However, in your letter please do not mention individual Somali Christians by name.”

Pray for:
* Abdi Aziz and his wife, Rukia. They have suffered great persecution since eeing to Kenya, three of their children have been kidnapped and smuggled back to Somalia. Ask God to comfort, strengthen and deliver them from further attacks and abductions. Pray that their abducted children would know God’s protection, peace and ncouragement and that they would soon be reunited with their parents and siblings.

* Kenyan authorities to move decisively to ensure the swift return of these and other abducted children and pray that they would also take rm action against those who harass or attack Somali Christian refugees.

* Somali Christians who are viewed as apostates by some militant Muslims. These Believers are targeted for persecution and many times put to death. Pray that God would supernaturally protect and sustain them as they face extreme persecution. Pray also for protection and a place of safety for Somali Christians and for Hassan in particular, who is in imminent danger.

* Christians who are still in Somalia, who have been driven underground because of extreme opposition towards them. Ask God to give them great courage and wisdom. Pray also for their protection and deliverance, and for the brave Christians who are still willing to risk their lives by openly declaring their faith.

* The Somali government to allow freedom for other religions besides Islam. The LORD to save militant Muslims who are targeting Christians. Ask God to soften their hearts to the Gospel.

Sourced: Barnabas Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors International

WINDOW KIDS: Somalia
PRAYER ALERT: SOMALIA

As a small child, Ilhan was smuggled out of Somalia as at the height of war between the clans. Her father and two sisters were killed, but she left behind her mother and brother when she was taken out of the country. Ilhan was one of the fortunate who found a good home in Sweden. Still, she misses her mother and brother, and someday hopes to return to Somalia.

Somali parents pay smugglers up to $10,000 to take their children abroad. Faced with desperate choices, many parents who see no future in their country allow their children to be abandoned by “agents” at airports and rail-road stations in Europe and North America.

These separated children, some as young as three years are given a false identity and history. Some are cared for by relatives, but others become crime victims. Many Somali parents feel this is a better choice than staying in Somalia, perhaps being killed in the civil wars, starving, or dying from lack of health care.

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The website which the above info was cut&pasted has a printable prayer sheet for you to share with family & friends. It includes info on a cookbook for kids to pray for the 10/40 Window.
http://www.prayersquared.org/WINEmailNews/WINEmailNewsMay2006.swf

I commend to you:
WINDOW INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
PO Box 49127
Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9127
email: win@win1040.com
web: http://www.win1040.com

http://www.worldmapper.org

Worldmapper is a collection of world maps, where [national/country] territories are re-sized on each map according to the subject [data-set] of interest. Maps will be added, and information modified during 2006.

Currently, the 56 online maps feature a diverse range of data-sets, which uses UN data (same basic info as the CIA apparently) include:
Land
Demographics (birth, age, etc.)
Population (various years)
International Refugees / Migration (various)
Tourism $ (various aspects of)
Transportation (various modes)
Communication (various modes)
Imports / Exports (various commodoties)

As more data is entered, more maps will be added.
Each map is accompanied by a printable pdf, an Excel data file with or without the map, and an Opendoc datafile in standard format.

The Univ. of Michigan has a role in the project:
http://www.sasi.group.shef.ac.uk/worldmapper/credits.html

They are copyrighted & are not mass reproduceable. Though other single maps have used one or two sets of data, this is perhaps the most extensive set of maps.

TO PASTE A GRAPHIC INTO YOUR PRESENTATION:
Right-click on the map.
Choose "Save Picture as..."
Save the PNG file on your drive.

In the presentation software, (such as MSPowerpoint):
Select "insert|picture file".
Paste it where you want it.
Done.

COPYRIGHT ISSUES:
If you're using the material to teach a class, "fair use" might be all you need to use that graphic. If you're using the material for any other reason... say... a profit motive, write to
info(at)worldmapper(dot)org
and see what you can negotiate. Again, the authors promise in advance
that non-profit use will usually be granted.

The poster is nice enough to use as a -placemat- at your next missions banquet. Write for permission, then find some generous
businessman with a color printer and a laminator.

Patterson's interactive novel, "Come, Let Us Disciple the Nations", is now available as a free download. It tracks your learning in 20 skill areas while you choose options for a congregation that reproduces in its own community, in a nearby culture, in a distant land and in a hostile one.

The .zip file contains 25 MB = programme, text, pictures, sounds.

GO TO:
http://www.paul-timothy.net/dn/

Or write to:
G Patterson (at) cvi2(dot)org .

The story consists of actual events known to the author that occurred in various church-planting efforts around the globe.

"Disciple All Nations" - This was the command of Jesus & it includes sharing the message that Jesus is Lord to all cultures & communities within the USA, as well as at the ends of the earth & around the islands.

The Ethnic Worker's Network is a Network of People who are committed to 1 thing: the Honor of our Father as all peoples pray to Him through the First-Born from the Dead.

To Learn More
http://www.ethnic-america.net/

"Global Missiology"
http://www.GlobalMissiology.org

A free quarterly professional on-line missiological journal that
features contributions from a host of today's top thinkers and
practitioners. The April English edition is now available featuring
articles on "Pentecost and Missions" among other topics. The journal
also features complete archives of previously published editions.

There is also a Chinese edition that contains original articles from Chinese missiologists in simplified and full scripts.

Global Missiology is launching a French edition and is accepting original articles for that version by queries.
You may write to the: editor (at) globalmissiology(dot)org .

From the April issue on, readers of the English edition of GM can start receiving free downloads of out-of-print book titles by well known missiologists (e.g. Dr. Yamamori - Executive Director of Lausanne Congress of World Evangelism). To begin receiving an e-mail notice with a link to Global Missiology when new issues appear, send an e-mail message to the editor (see above) & write "subscribe" in the subject heading. The GM editor will reply to your message with an acknowledgment of your request.

George Verwer of Operation Mobilization is recommending a new 94 page directory with information on where to obtain key resources for frontier missions world-wide - help with church planting, technical assistance, healthcare, travel advice, training, tentmaking, development, medical supplies, children's education while abroad, etc. etc.. "Ian Benson is on the cutting edge of mission mobilization and his Resources for Missionary Work is a very useful and valuable tool in the great task that so many of us are involved in."

Cost GB £2.75 or US$5 plus postage. To order,
GO TO:
http://www.missionarytraining.org/resource.htm

OR Write To: orders (at) missionarytraining(dot)org .

The full text of this translation/version of the Holy Bible is now available, in full, from Sam's Club (same company-family as Wal-Mart), for just $9.95.

For more information on "The Message"
http://www.navpress.com/BibleProducts/MessageProducts/

Also on the site are some critiques & commendations from various readers ... if you read under "customer reviews"

Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures (ISLC)
(formerly Russian Language Ministries)

Study @ the ISLC will give you a good head start in learning the needed language and culture. Their experienced staff is called by God to equip you with the language & cross-cultural skills you will need to be effective in ministry to Russian. Courses are tailored to your learning needs and offer an intensive and focused experience with, gradual effective immersion in the language, communicative learning methods & flexible duration for all programs. Their U.S. based courses are taught in an encouraging spiritual atmosphere with a focus on future ministry. Classes now forming for an 8 week summer course (June 5 - July 28) & a 16 week fall course (Aug. 28- Dec. 15).

GO TO:
http://www.strategiclanguages.org
Call toll-FREE in the USA: 1-800-799-7976
Outside the USA: 1-803-333-9119
Or Write to the: R L M office (at) juno(dot)com .

Check out the Visualized Bible Series. Bible Visuals International prints picture-based Bible lessons that cover the entire Bible, highlighting major doctrines, in over 85 languages. They even give rights for national churches to print materials in their language in their country. Contact them to receive a resource catalogue or more information on our overseas printing efforts.

GO TO:
http://www.biblevisuals.org
Or Write for: info (at) biblevisuals(dot)org
Call: (Intl. Prefix) + 1-717-859-1131 .

[Emails editted for clarity.]

Greetings to u and family in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Mert, join me and shout halleluya. The Lord has done it. I have found my life partner. She is interested in missions. Pray along with us as we are trusting God for numerous processes that will be involved. Trust God for us, as we plan towards the end of the year. We need a miracle.

Regards,

J.A. - from Nigeria

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Great and mighty things is the Lord doing among you, we are excited. We are also praying for more grace to you to serve effectively in His vineyard. And that souls will be added to church, the reason why I've not being able to reply, is I have a personal program with God. It is a retreat kind of program that involved fasting and prayer but thank God, I am thru, I have gotten a faithful partner who is also interested in praying for the Muslem world her name is sister O.S.E. from Abia State, Nigeria. She is a physiotheraphist by profession. Her e-mail address: --. Please tell her more about there [Arabia].

Regards, and more grace to the church in Jesus name.

J.A. - from Nigeria

Yes, my brother in the Lord,

Blessed is the one who reads and does as he has read. It is the commandment of the Lord to all of us, His children. Only those who search the scripture get eternal life. Thank GOD for the testimonies. As He as always does. I promise to continue in prayers thanks and goodbye.

- F.I. - From Nigeria.

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Dear brother F.I.,

What a joy to have the Word of our Father!

Actually, it is those who have faith in Jesus Christ (Who the Holy Scriptures were written to reveal) that have eternal life.

May the Lord keep on blessing you & all those you minister to!

Peace in Christ Jesus,
Mert Hershberger