Expert: UN resolutions would create 'global blasphemy law'

by Michelle A Vu, Christian Post
Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009, 8:34 (BST)

Expert: UN resolutions would create 'global blasphemy law'
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A Christian girl takes part in protests against the August 2009 killings of Christians in Gojra, Pakistan.
(AP)

The so-called “defamation of religions” UN resolutions would create a “global blasphemy law”, the chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom warned on Wednesday.

USCIRF Chair Leonard A Leo testified to Members of Congress on the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission that although the resolutions proposed by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference sounded “tolerant and progressive”, they would in reality "exacerbate” religious persecution and discrimination around the world.

“Although the ‘defamation’ resolutions purport to protect religions generally, the only religion and religious adherents that are specifically mentioned are Islam and Muslims,” pointed out Leo, who noted USCIRF has been closely monitoring the resolutions for several years.

“Aside from Islam, the resolutions do not specify which religions are deserving of protection, or explain how or by whom this would be determined.”

Out of concern that the resolutions would be abused to oppress religious minorities in Muslim-majority countries, Christian as well as secular human rights groups launched several campaigns this year alerting UN members to the potential danger of such proposals.

Open Doors, a ministry that works with persecuted Christians, launched an advocacy campaign earlier this month aimed at preventing the resolutions from passing at the United Nations. The ministry is lobbying key countries that will vote on the resolutions and organising a petition drive against the proposal.

And back in March, more than 180 non-government organisations from around the world signed a petition urging the UN Human Rights Council not to adopt the resolutions. Despite their efforts, however, the resolutions passed. The NGOs participating in the petition voiced concern that the resolutions would be manipulated to justify anti-blasphemy laws and intimidate human rights activists and religious dissenters.

Since 1999, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference has annually sponsored the "defamation of religions" resolutions in the UN Human Rights Council, its predecessor, and, since 2005, in the General Assembly.

The resolutions are currently non-binding, but OIC has publicly stated that its goal is for the UN to adopt a binding international covenant against the “defamation of religions”.

Mr Leo denounced the resolutions as a “poorly veiled attempt to export the repressive blasphemy laws found in some OIC countries to the international level”.

“Under these laws, criminal charges can be levied against individuals for defaming, denigrating, insulting, offending, disparaging, and blaspheming Islam, often resulting in gross human rights violations,” said the religious freedom expert.

USCIRF is among the many groups that have spoken against the resolutions. Other groups include The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, Freedom House, UN Watch, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, and Open Doors USA.

The “defamation of religions” resolutions are expected to be formally proposed for renewal by OIC next month or later this year.

Source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/expert.un.resolutions.would.create.global.blasphemy.law/24442.htm

ObamaCare = Coerced Abortions-Health care bill that funds abortion and rations care will lead to women being coerced into abortions

by Staff
October 22, 2009

WASHINGTON, (christiansunite.com) -- Today Concerned Women for America will join in a press conference on health care with numerous groups including Focus on the Family Action, National Right to Life, and Family Research Council as well as Representatives Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina,) Tom Price (R-Georgia) and Eric Cantor (R-Virginia.) The press conference will be held in the House Triangle.

"Women are generally the primary decision-makers in the family when it comes to health care. However, our ability to make health care decisions will be snatched away and given to bureaucrats empowered to ration care and pay for abortion," stated Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America.

"The current bill sets up a system whereby bureaucrats decide what health care we can receive, with cost as a major factor. It also will fund abortion. Since abortion costs less than prenatal care, delivery and post-natal care, especially if the mother or child has special needs, it is not unlikely that bureaucrats will put on their green-eye shades and decide that abortion will be covered but expensive maternal and child care is not.

"Amendments to ensure access to health benefits regardless of age, expected length of life or disability were defeated along party lines. This means that the most vulnerable -- unborn and premature babies, and those with special needs -- will be discriminated against if this bill passes.

"This bill gives czar-like power to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who has a history of siding with abortionists over women. President Obama's appointees who have little regard for the value of life are far less qualified than mothers to make health decisions for our families."

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

Source: christiansunite.com - http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08654.shtml

Suffer Not the Trick-or-Treaters

By Lori D'Augostine
CBN.com Associate Producer

CBN.com -- How can you resist? How could anyone refuse adorable little children all dressed up, longing for sweets? I could, and I did for years.

Truth be told, I was one of those irresistible children dressed up in a bunny costume, ringing your doorbell, and singing my "Trick or Treat" song. Yet I was hiding behind a mask, and you couldn't see the "real me." If you had, you may have noticed that what I really needed was more than just your candy.

Though I didn't grow up in a Christian household, my parents were very concerned with protecting me from harmful influences -- whether it be the cartoons I watched or the video games I played. They had no idea that their daughter was falling prey to a much more dangerous world that went beyond the physical, parental-controlled television set.

My interest in the spiritual realm began very innocently in elementary school. My girlfriends and I would play games such as "light as a feather, stiff as a board" at our birthday parties. It seemed like harmless fun, until my best friend was lifted into thin air by what seemed like more than just the two fingers that I placed beneath her.

By fifth grade, I was fascinated with Friday the 13th and was convinced that "Jason" was peering through my windows at night. Now I realize that most children believe that there are monsters underneath their beds, but my fixation didn't go away.

In middle school, I met some friends who introduced me to another world. They told me that they could contact the dead and learn hidden secrets about their lives. I'll never forget the time I asked the ouija board who I would marry. It replied, "the Devil." That's when I knew that I was in a very dangerous place.

Sadly, the demonic hauntings I experienced growing up are common among many young children today. I would venture to say that 20 years later, it has gotten much worse. The lures of the Enemy are running more rampant. Children do not have to sneak over to their friends' houses to access demonic influences. There are online ouija boards that require only a mouse, as well as thousands of Web sites that specifically recruit young people to join the occult.

Occultic-oriented rock performers have flourished in this generation. Some rockers even try to persuade teenage listeners to kill themselves and their parents. The influence of the occult has been behind some of the most horrific school shootings of this past decade.

Seventeen-year-old Luke Woodham killed two students and wounded seven others in his Mississippi school after he became involved in Satanism, which he said bestowed "power over many things."

This is the state of some of the American children who are showing up at your doorstep on October 31st. I'm not saying that each of them are secret agents of the occult, yet it is important to consider the souls of the children behind the masks.

In Matthew 19:14 (NIV) Jesus instructed:

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Did you ever wonder why Halloween seems to primarily feed off of a market of 3-13 year olds? This is a Satanic ploy for our children. I don't think that Christian children should completely abstain from the festivities of costumes and candy, because they can be a light through their alternative behavior. [I personally plan on dressing my children up in Biblical and God-honoring characters that will draw people to ask questions.]

I'm talking to those of you who will be opening up your door to children of whom you do not know the state of their soul. Consider the gift that you offer them at your doorstep.

Matthew 7:11 (NIV) says:

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"

Consider your options. There are many message-driven alternatives to offer, other than a bowl full of candy. For instance, there are Gospel tracts designed for trick-or-treaters that can be purchased online or at your Christian bookstore. You might also want to consider designing your own tracts or attaching scripture messages to the treats.

Scripture Candy, the makers of Fish Mints™ contain wrappers that have scriptural text. Also, EvangeCandy, "the only candy with color-coded Gospels on every wrapper" are fun for children.

This Halloween, spiritually invest in your neighborhood children and don't make the mistake that I have made of ignoring the doorbell. Please do not shut yourself off to this generation. You have a unique opportunity to invest in the Kingdom of God without even leaving your home. Suffer not these little children and consider how you can protect them from the hauntings of the Enemy.

Source: CBN - http://www.cbn.com/SpiritualLife/Devotions/DAugostine_Halloween.aspx#

Israel rebuffs Obama demand to surrender before negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a demand by US President Barack Obama that he commit to a major expulsion of Jews from their homes in Judea and Samaria prior to a renewal of peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.

According to Israeli media reports on Wednesday, Obama wanted to organize a major peace summit one month from now based on such an Israeli commitment. Even before the sides had a chance to sit down at the negotiating table, Israel was to surrender to all Arab demands to allow the creation of a Palestinian Arab state on every inch of land they claim.

A report in an Arabic-language newspaper indicated that the Palestinian Authority had informed Obama the peace process would not move forward until Israel was strong-armed into accepting those conditions.

At the same time, visiting US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice told Netanyahu that the White House expects more than just "lip service" from Israel regarding restarting the peace process.

Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his willingness to immediately restart talks with the Palestinians. He has issued only one precondition of his own, that the Palestinians finally honor their previous.

Source: Israel today - http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=79

Israeli planes strike Gaza in response to rocket attacks

Israeli warplanes attacked terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip late Wednesday night in response to recent rocket attacks carried out against southern Israel.

The Israeli strikes focused on an arms manufacturing plant and arms smuggling tunnels running under the Gaza-Egypt border.

The brief aerial assault came just hours after Palestinian terrorists operating out of Gaza fired a rocket into southern Israel. The rocket landed near an agricultural area, and did not cause any damage or injuries.

Gaza-based terrorists have fired 55 rockets and mortar shells into southern Israel over the past three months.

Source: Israel today - http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=19805

Herod’s Quarry

Quarry that supplied stones for Herod's renovations of the Second Temple found at a time when Moslem authorities are trying to destroy any proof of the existence of the Israelite temples.

By Netanel Doron

Israeli archaeologists believe they have found the quarry that provided the biblical King Herod with the huge stone blocks used to renovate the Second Temple compound. It was discovered in Ramat Shlomo, a relatively new suburb of Jerusalem about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of the Old City.

The municipality planned to build a school at the site, but archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) went in first to make sure that construction did not harm artifacts that could be buried there. In the wake of the find, Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski halted construction of the school and provided $90,000 for continuing the excavations.

The quarry covers an area of some 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet) and consists of massive stone blocks from 9 to 24 feet (3 to 8 meters) long. This is the same size as the stones seen today on the foundations of the Temple Mount and parts of the Western Wall. The 20-ton stones were hewn out of bedrock.

Rabbi Haim Richman of the Temple Institute in Jerusalem sees this as a confirmation of the presence of God, saying the quarry was found at a time when Moslem authorities are trying to destroy any proof of the existence of two ancient Temples on the Temple Mount.

“God is sending a kiss to the Jewish people, as if He wants to say: ‘Do not fear, I did not forget you. There are those who want to give the Temple Mount away, and there are those who want to take it away from you, but I have great plans for you and the holy Temple. The Temple will be the center of the world again,’” Rabbi Richman said.

IAA archaeologist Yuval Baruch said the stone blocks were cut in steps: First, deep and narrow crevices were hewn around the projected piece of stone. Then dozens of iron stakes were driven into the bottom side of the stone block, a few inches apart, until the stone could be broken out of the bedrock. Archaeologists found one of these iron stakes, about 6 inches (15 cm.) in length, which was lodged in the stone for the past 2,000 years.

Members of the upper class at that time used this white limestone, called malcha (royal), for public buildings and palaces. But while many quarries have been found in and around Jerusalem, stones with these gigantic measurements could not have been hewn from them.

“This is the rst time stones which were used to build the Temple Mount walls were found,” Baruch said.

The quarry sits on Mount Shuafat, about 240 feet (75 meters) higher than the Temple Mount. A road was built next to it and oxen in pairs pulled the giant stones downhill to the temple area.

Archaeologists also found coins and pottery shards dating back to the time of Herod, who was the Jewish proxy ruler of the Holy Land under Roman occupation from 37 BC until his death around 4 BC. Known as the master builder, his most famous construction project was the renovation of the Second Temple, replacing a smaller structure built after the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Archaeologist Ehud Nesher said the quarry was a massive public project worked by hundreds of slaves. “This is the work of Herod,” he said. “This is a sign of him.”

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=136&view=item&idx=1640

'West Bank' Stamp Upsets American-Israeli Jews

By Chris Mitchell

CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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GIVAT ZE'EV, Israel - The politics of Middle East peace is affecting some American-Israeli Jews living in the biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria.

The U.S State Department is stamping their passports with the pro-Palestinian term "West Bank" and they aren't happy about it.

Over the Line?

The Lessard family lives in Givat Ze'ev - a thriving community of 12,000 residents just two miles from Jerusalem. Washington calls it one of the occupied territories in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

However, some say that the State Department is going too far when it records the birth place for Americans like the Lessard's children.

"We have home births, so he was really born here in the West Bank as the Americans like to call it," explained Jake Lessard. "We call it Judea and Samaria. This is Jewish land here. It's been Jewish land since the time of Abraham."

In Jerusalem an estimated 1,000 Americans are born each year and their documents say only Jerusalem - no country is recorded for their birth - the only place in the world where that is the case.

Yisrael Medad says it's the principle that matters.

"It's injurious to Israel's position in the political, diplomatic world and doesn't make any sense," Medad said.

According to Medad, no one has ever declared the West Bank a state and the Palestinians don't call it that. Still, the State Department insists on using it as an official location.

"They are engaged in political diplomatic creationism," Medad said. "They are creating a state that doesn't exist. They take away Israel from Jerusalem but they add West Bank to Ramallah, Nablus or Bethlehem or Shiloh or Alon Shvut."

State Department's Stance

In response, the State Department told CBN News, "The final political status of Jerusalem has been in dispute since 1948 as a result of the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict. The U.S. government has pursued a policy of encouraging the parties to that conflict to settle all outstanding issues - including the final status of Jerusalem - through peaceful negotiations between the parties with the support of the broader international community."

"Therefore, the U.S. government does not acknowledge the sovereignty of any state over Jerusalem," they concluded.

Regarding the West Bank, the State Department said the applicant can decide whether a settlement name or West Bank is listed as the place of birth.

The Lessards say they probably won't pursue changes to their children's documents, but Medad says he wants to see the White House take action.

"The White House should take the lead and tell the State Department 'cut out all this bureaucracy this is the situation,'" Medad said. "If it changes in some sort of future agreement, that's one thing."

"At the present moment we all know Jerusalem is the capital. Judea and Samaria are being administered by Israel," he said.

Source: CBN.com - http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2009/October/West-Bank-Passport-Stamp-Upsets-American-Israeli-Jews/?_mid=270506&_rid=270506.1901.3980#

The Facts on Halloween

By John Ankerberg, John Weldon and Dillon Burroughs
Guest Writers

CBN.com – (Excerpt from The Facts on Halloween by Harvest House Publishers)

In ad 835, Pope Gregory IV designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, or All Hallows’ Day (the term hallow refers to saints). The night before November 1, October 31, was known as All Hallows’ Evening. How did we get the term Halloween? Look at the name “All Hallows’ Evening.” If we drop the word “all,” the “s” on Hallows’, and the “v” and “ing” on evening, the result spells Halloween.

Long before the church gave this name to the evening before All Saints’ Day (a celebration in remembrance of saints and martyred saints), it had been celebrated in various ways in many places around the world. The book Every Day’s a Holiday accurately observes that Halloween “probably combines more folk customs the world around than will ever be sorted out, catalogued and traced to their sources.”

The Druids

It is generally agreed by historians that Halloween came to take the place of a special day celebrated by the ancient Druids. The Druids were the educated or priestly class of the Celtic religion. The Celts themselves were the first Aryan people who came from Asia to settle in Europe. In fact, we can see certain similarities between Druidism and the religion of India:

Celtic religion, presided over by the Druids (the priestly order) presents beliefs in various nature deities and certain ceremonies and practices that are similar to those in Indian religion. The insular Celts and the people of India also shared certain similarities of language and culture, thus indicating a common heritage.

For example, the Indian pagan gods Siva Pasupati (“lord of the animals”) and Savitr (“god of the sun”) are similar to the Celtic gods Cernunnos, a horned god who appears in the yoga position, and the god Lug, or Lugus (perhaps originally a sun god). “As in Hinduism, the Druids also believed in reincarnation, specifically in the transmigration of the soul, which teaches that people may be reborn as animals.”

The Celtic peoples lived in northern France, throughout the United Kingdom, and in Ireland. They engaged in occult arts, worshiped nature, and gave nature supernatural, animistic qualities. Certain trees or plants, such as oak trees and mistletoe, were given great spiritual significance. (According to Celtic authority Lewis Spence, the original meaning of the term Druid implies a priest of the oak cult.) Interestingly, it has been claimed that 90 percent of the world’s sometimes mysterious “crop circles” lie within the geographical proximity of the ancient and possibly Druidic ruins of Stonehenge. At least some of these phenomena may be considered supernatural.

What is the Occult?

Religious writers often use the word occult, but what does it mean? According to the Oxford American Dictionary, occult can be defined as:

1. secret, hidden except from those with more than ordinary knowledge.
2. involving the supernatural, occult powers. The occult [involves] the world of the supernatural, mystical or magical.

In everyday usage, occult usually is used to refer to spiritual practices that focus on secret knowledge gained through personal experience or attempts to communicate with spirits. The term is used in reference to everything from ancient earth religions to modern conversations about ghosts and hauntings.

The Celts worshiped the sun god Belenus, especially on Beltane, May 1, and they worshiped another god, apparently the lord of death, or the lord of the dead, on Samhain (pronounced “SOW-wen” by Wiccans), October 31. Beltane (“Fire of Bel”) was the time of the summer festival, while Samhain was the time of the winter festival. Human sacrifice was offered during both occasions. According to Julius Caesar in his Commentaries and other sources, the Celts believed they were descended from the god Dis, a tradition handed down from the Druids. Dis was the Roman name for the god of the dead.

Of the 400 names of Celtic gods known, Belenus is mentioned most often. Samhain as the specific name of the lord of death is uncertain, but it is possible that the lord of death was the chief Druid deity. We’ll follow the common practice of other authors on this issue and refer to this deity by the name Samhain.

Druidic festivals

The Celts and their Druid priests began their New Year on November 1, which marked the beginning of winter. They apparently believed that on October 31, the night before their New Year and the last day of the old year, Samhain gathered the souls of the evil dead who had been condemned to enter the bodies of animals. He then decided what animal form they would take for the next year. (The souls of the good dead were reincarnated as humans.) The Druids also believed that the punishment of the evil dead could be lightened by sacrifices, prayers, and gifts to Samhain.

Druid worshipers attempted to satisfy and please this deity because of his power over the souls of the dead, whether these souls were good or evil. For those who had died during the preceding 12 months, Samhain allowed their spirits to return to earth to their former places of habitation for a few hours to associate once again with their families.

As a result of this belief, the Celts taught that on their New Year’s Eve (our Halloween) ghosts, evil spirits, and witches roamed the earth. In order to honor the sun god (Belenus) and to frighten away evil spirits who allegedly feared fire, large bonfires were lit on hilltops. In Lewis Spence’s The History and Origins of Druidism we read,

The outstanding feature of Samhain was the burning of a great fire.…Samhain was also a festival of the dead, whose spirits at this season were thought of as scouring the countryside, causing dread to the folk at large. To expel them from the fields and the precincts of villages, lighted brands from the bonfire were carried around the district…Divinations for the fate of the individual throughout the new year were engaged in.

For several days before New Year’s Eve (October 31), young boys would travel the neighborhood begging for material to build these massive bonfires. The fires were believed to not only banish evil spirits but rejuvenate the sun. Until fairly recent times, the hilltop Halloween fires of the Scots were called Samhnagan, indicating the lingering influence of the ancient Celtic festival.

On this night, evil or frustrated ghosts were also believed to play tricks on humans and cause supernatural manifestations, just like poltergeists today. As part of the celebration, people dressed in grotesque masks and danced around the great bonfires, often pretending they were being pursued by evil spirits. In addition, food was put out to make the ghosts or souls of the good dead Samhain had released feel welcomed and at home. Because Samhain marked the beginning of a new year, an interest in divination (the magic art of interpreting the unknown by interpreting random patterns or symbols) and fortune-telling became an important part of this holiday.

For example, the Druids believed that the particular shape of various fruits and vegetables could help predict, or divine, the future. Victims of human sacrifice were used for the same purpose. When the Romans conquered Britain, some of their customs were added to the traditions of the Druids, while others, such as human sacrifice, were banned.

The Samhain celebration was not unique to the Druids. Many festivals worldwide celebrate a time when the dead return to mingle with the living. The Hindus call it a night of Holi. The Iroquois Native Americans celebrate a feast of the dead every 12 years, when all those who have died during the preceding 12 years are honored with prayers. A national holiday in Mexico, the Day of the Dead, begins on November 2 and lasts several days. In this gruesome festival, death becomes a kind of neighborly figure, appearing on candy, jewelry, toys, bread, cakes, and so on. This is the time when the souls of the dead return and when the living are to honor them. For example, doors are decorated with flowers to welcome the angelitos, the souls of dead children.

For the most part, then, our modern Halloween appears to trace its initial origin to the practices of the ancient Druids at their winter festival on October 31.

Source: CBN - http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/onlinediscipleship/halloween/halloween_origins_Ankerberg.aspx#

Indonesian Christians ordered to stop worshipping in home

(christiansunite.com) - After several weeks of pressure and intimidation, members of the Jakarta Christian Baptist Church have been ordered by officials to cease worshipping in the home of Pastor Bedali Hulu.

The officials were reportedly pressured to make the order by the Islamic Defenders Front, the Betawi Forum Group and members of the political party Hizbut Tahrir. On September 13, hundreds of Muslims barged into Pastor Hulu's home and forced the believers to leave. Several days later, a church-owned vehicle was burned in the pastor's driveway. A large crowd again surrounded the home on September 27, demanding that the worship service be stopped.

Pastor Hulu established and registered his church with Religious Affairs authorities in 2005 and obtained written permission from a local official to hold the services. However, in 2006 a Joint Ministerial Decree was revised, insisting congregations be composed of at least 90 adult members, demanding permission from at least 60 adult neighbours and requiring a permit from local authorities. According to local Christians, it is nearly impossible to meet all of these terms to qualify for a permit.

Ask God to use this ordeal to strengthen the members of this church. Pray that they will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; 12:1-3).

To find out more about the suffering of Indonesian believers, please visit www.persecution.net/indonesia.htm.

Source: christiansunite.com

Persecution reports from in Colombia, India and Iran

Colombian pastor martyred by guerillas
Pastor Manuel was shot and killed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrillas in San Jose del Guaviare, Colombia on September 21.

When the guerrillas scheduled a visit with Pastor Manuel, he believed the meeting was in response to his request to officially have a church. However, when they arrived, Pastor Manuel was shot five times outside his home while his family was inside. One of the guerillas entered the house and yelled, "Make sure that dog stays dead." The guerillas then shot the pastor again, this time in the neck. His wife, Gloria, ran outside to the body of her martyred husband. She cleaned his face and she and her children dragged his body under a tree. She then grabbed her Bible and preached to those who came near. Her 10-year-old son tried to comfort her, saying, "Don't worry, Dad died for Christ and now he is with Christ."

Pastor Manuel and his wife had been pastoring a church in Chopal village, south of San Jose del Guaviare for about eight years. Many churches in the area had been closed by FARC guerrillas but Pastor Manuel decided to open the church regardless of the threats and risks. In April, he was part of an evangelistic event at which three FARC guerrillas and seven members of the paramilitary militia accepted Christ.

Praise God for this family's faith. Ask God to comfort Pastor Manuel's wife and children. Pray that Pastor Manuel's courageous testimony will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ.

Pastor attacked and arrested in Karnataka, India
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on October 4, Hindu militants attacked Pastor Singaram Prakash (60) after he attended a prayer meeting in Kaiwara village, Karnataka. The militants beat the pastor and accused him of "cheating" people. Police detained the pastor and questioned him for hours about his Christian activities. Twenty-five local people have reportedly presented evidence in support of Pastor Prakash, emphasizing that he had not conducted illegal activities and had only entered people's houses for prayer at their request. At last report, he was still in custody. Pastor Prakash has been leading a church in the nearby village of Tharabanhalli for 10 years.

Pray for Pastor Prakash's release. Pray for safety for his wife and two daughters, who are also involved in ministry in the area.

Further charges brought against Iranian prisoners
There have been significant developments in the past week regarding Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30), who have been imprisoned in Tehran, Iran for their Christian faith since March. When the women were brought before the Revolutionary Court in early August and ordered to recant their faith, they refused and were sent back to prison.

On October 7, Maryam and Marzieh were unexpectedly taken back to the Revolutionary Court and three charges were brought against them: anti-state activity, propagation of Christianity, and apostasy (i.e. leaving Islam). The judge then acquitted them of the charge of anti-state activity. Because this charge has been dropped, their case will now be transferred to a general court where the other charges will be considered.

Continue to pray for Maryam and Marzieh as they are now back in prison, awaiting their next hearing. Pray for their health as they have been denied proper medical treatment apart from care Maryam received for severe food poisoning. Pray that they will continue to shine the light of Christ among their fellow prisoners. Pray that all charges will be dropped and that they will be released soon.

Source: http://www.christiansunite.com

Report: Israel will attack Iran by land

If diplomatic efforts fail to halt Iran's nuclear program, Israel will attack the Islamic Republic, but not by air, as most expect, according to a report in a French magazine this week.

Le Canard Enchaine reported that Israel is preparing to launch ground operations against Iran's nuclear facilities, probably sometime early next year.

As evidence, the magazine pointed out that Israel recently purchased a large quantity of high-quality combat rations from a French provider and ordered that Israelis who serve in elite commando units return from vacations and from living abroad.

The report also claimed that during his recent visit to France, Israeli army chief Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi confirmed that Israel is not planning to bomb Iran, but suggested pinpoint ground incursions were a possibility.
Source: Israel today

Those incursions would presumably be aimed at sabotaging Iranian nuclear facilities.

Tensions escalate between Israel and Turkey

Tension between Israel and Turkey escalated on Wednesday after a Turkish mini-series depicting Israeli soldiers brutally executing Palestinian civilians was aired on state-run television.

Traditional regional allies and trade partners, relations between Israel and Turkey began to chill several years ago when the latter elected a more Islamic government. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has since been regularly antagonistic toward Israel, taking advantage of every opportunity to cozy up to other regional Muslim powers by joining their bashing of the Jewish state.

The trouble between the two countries ramped up last week when Turkey suddenly barred Israel from a NATO military exercise that had been planned months in advance. The exercise was eventually called off because the US said it would not participate if Israel was left out. Turkish officials said their decision was based on what they called Israeli war crimes against the Palestinians during the recent Gaza war in January.

Erdogan told the Dubai-based news network al-Arabiya that his people increasingly reject cooperation with Israel, and that he must honor and demonstrate the will of his people.

As if to drive that point home, Turkey's state-run television station TRT1 on Tuesday evening broadcast the first episode in a new mini-series looking at the life of a Palestinian family in the so-called "West Bank." During the episode, Israeli soldiers repeatedly murder Palestinian children in cold blood, and in one scene line up about 10 innocent Palestinian civilians and mow them down with machine-gun fire.

Israel tried to brush off the cancellation of the military exercise and calm the media storm that followed that decision, but such an inflammatory depiction of Israel and Israeli soldiers on government-controlled TV was a step too far. Israel's Foreign Ministry on Thursday summoned the Turkish ambassador to lodge an official complaint over the broadcast.

Some Turkish officials alternatively said that the cancellation of the military exercise with Israel was the result of Israel's tardiness in delivering 10 unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, to the Turkish military. A Turkish officer told local newspaper Zaman that Turkey will impose a heavy fine on Israel if the UAVs are not delivered by the end of the year.

Further concerning Israelis is the fact that in conjunction with the above provocations, Turkey has been warming up to neighboring Syria, one of Israel's most hostile enemies in the region.

Turkey and Syria have traditionally been at odds, but Damascus revealed that earlier this year the two countries held a joint military exercise. After the cancellation of the NATO exercise that Israel was to take part in, Syrian Defense Minister Ali Habib told reporters in Turkey that the two Muslim nations will hold an even bigger military exercise in the near future.

source: Israel today - http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=19758