Be aware! Be concerned! Visit www.praisethealmighty.com

Vol. XIII No. 3May 1-15, 2011 l Published from DelhiPost Box No.: 10708, Delhi-110085

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often used to describe a NEW YORK Hundreds of person of extreme influence messages offering prayers but what about a man that and honoring the legacy of supersedes superlatives," he David Wilkerson flooded t w e e t e d o f D a v i d Twitter and Facebook as Wilkerson.Christians learned of the Many who fo l lowed passing of a "true hero" who Wilkerson's work or was founded Times Square personally affected by him C h u r c h a n d Wo r l d called him a "true hero."Challenge.

"David Wilkerson was Wilkerson died in a a true hero ... A man of fatal car crash in East Texas conviction not convenience. Wednesday afternoon. He He lived what he preached. was 79.We will miss him greatly!" His wife, Gwendolyn said one of his relatives, Wilkerson, 70, was injured Rich Wilkerson Jr., on and airlifted to a local Twitter.hospital.

On the his Facebook T h o s e w h o w e r e page, scores of supporters, moved by his death included including Melinda Allen-Christian music artist Morales, wrote faith-filled Michael W. Smith, who messages that celebrated his offered his prayers to David legacy and characterized his Wilkerson's family via life as a victory for heaven.Twitter and asked his

"You will be missed! followers to pray for Gwen.Your amazing works here Rick Wilkerson, pastor on earth will not go of Peacemakers in Miami, unnoticed and the legacy Fla., was at a loss for words you leave behind will and when it came to describing has touched so many. What his cousin.is our loss on earth is "The term LEGEND is

involved in drugs and gangs heavens gain. There you get in his bestselling book The to spend eternity with our Cross and the Switchblade.King! We will see you again

In their online posts, one day. Blessings to your some people remembered family in this time of sorrow Wilkerson as their "spiritual and in joy knowing your father" while others credited (sic) in a much better place," his book for changing their Allen-Morales wrote.lives or for inspiring them to In addition to being the go into ministry for Teen founder of Times Square Challenge or in New York Church in Manhattan, N.Y., City.Wilkerson is known for

Joel Houston, son of founding Teen Challenge, Hillsong Church founder an evangelical Christian Brian Houston, said it was r e c o v e r y p r o g r a m from reading The Cross and connected to the Assemblies the Switchblade that of God denomination that "seeded NYC in my heart" teaches biblical principles to as a place for ministry.help young adults struggling

"So grateful for the life with addictions, including and legacy of David drug and alcohol problems. Wi l k e r s o n , " t w e e t e d The nonprofit has 233 Houston, who now helps locations in the United lead Hillsong NYC, the States and 1,181 centers in Australian-based church's total worldwide, helping as first U.S. plant.many as 25,000 people

O n T h u r s d a y struggling with addiction.afternoon, the Wilkerson The minister tells the family posted a message on story of how he began his D a v i d W i l k e r s o n ' s ministry in New York City Facebook page confirming and work with youths that he has gone to "be with

Christians Honor David Wilkersonas ‘True Hero' via Twitter, Facebook

such iniquitous laws built into them. He firmly believed that the stress on the fundamental that ‘all men are created equal’ and they all have equal rights was lacking in the Indian scriptures.

The declaration of the equality principle is yet to sink into the minds of those who the experience which shows that New Delhi: The debate on hold the reins of power. “We laws, especially those that seek to corruption is as endless as hold these truths to be self-alter social behaviour, don’t c o r r u p t i o n i t s e l f . N o t evident, that all men are created always work — think of the unexpectedly, charges of gross equal, that they are endowed by continuing problem of dowry, misdeeds are now being leveled their Creator with certain f e m a l e f o e t i c i d e , c a s t e against some of those champions classes and dalits, creation of more They believed that until the

unalienable Rights, that among discrimination and child labour.’who had taken the side of Anna avenues for women in education great mass of the people come to these are Life, Liberty and the He is right. In the Western Hazare to decry the all-pervasive and employment and so on.have a sense of responsibility for pursuit of Happiness.” That societies it is the middle class led evil corroding the vitals of society. But certain serious blots each other’s welfare social explains why the more than 3,000-by conscientious leaders who Motives are being attributed and continue to play havoc with our justice can not be attained. It was year old caste system continues to b r o u g h t a b o u t r e f o r m s . the very agenda of the movement social fabric. The White man of the awakening caused by be in vogue denying to masses of Especially preachers and social questioned. the West was able to remove the preachers and pastors about the people fundamental rights.reformers, basing themselves on Many have since pointed shackles of slavery; we are still wrath of God against sinning Human natureChristian ethics awakened in the out that passage of a Lokpal Bill enslaved by the caste system people that moved them to

Though Dr Ambedkar, who people a sense of right and wrong or institution of a Lokpal will not which is one of the chief stumbling clamour for legislations and played the most important role in and a desire to ensure justice and end corruption. A senior block to progress towards justice safeguards against exploitation framing the Indian Constitution, fair deal in all human affairs. journalist, among others, has and a corruption-free society.and oppression.did incorporate the principle in They were thus able to pointed out that this Indian Serious blots: W h i l e G a n d h i j i w a s our constitution as well, those check many evils –varied preoccupation with making of reluctant to abolish the caste The reformist impulses were who had since then enjoyed manifestations of corruption--of laws has not brought results. He system lock stock and barrel witnessed in our country too power in the land had not taken a new industrialized society and writes: ‘No doubt the fertile because it formed part of the immediately after independence all the steps that need to be taken brought under control evil National Advisory Council has Hindu bel ief sys tem, Dr leading to electoral reforms, to translate intentions into reality.propensities in the politicians and some more exciting laws in mind Ambedkar demanded abolition abol i t ion of landlordism,

The Bible, by focussing on authorities of their times.for the future. All this is despite of the very scriptures which had concessions to the backward

‘It’s all about us: not politicians alone!’

Fighting Corruption

Page 13

Girl beheaded outside St. Xavier's College in Ranchi

Why is it wise to forgive ?

2 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

NEWS AND VIEWSMAY 1-15, 2011

Police circular on profiling Christian community withdrawn

Bhopal, Apr 15 (PTI) The The move attracted probe in the matter and also controvers ia l c i rcular sharp criticism from the wanted to know the purpose directing all police stations community whose leaders behind issuing such a in Madhya Pradeshto profile met the State Director circular.the Christian community General of Police (DGP) S "It appears there was has been withdrawn by the K Raut to register their some ulterior motive behind Police Head Quarter (PHQ), protest following which the the issuance of such a officials said. PHQ ordered immediate circular," he said.

The circular was issued withdrawal of the circular, PHQ officials said the recently by the PHQ they said. circular has been withdrawn directing all police stations Meanwhile, terming but refused to share details in the state to profile the the issue as ser ious , about it.churches and their source of spokesperson for Catholic Meanwhi le , Chie f funding, schools run by the Bishops Conference of Minister Shivraj Singh c o m m u n i t y, p o l i t i c a l Madhya Pradesh and Chouhan has sought a report leanings among others, Chhattisgarh, Father Anand on the matter, they said.officials said. Muttangal, demanded a

Girl beheaded outside St. Xavier's College in Ranchi

A Christian college in Ranchi on Wednesday witnessed the shocking beheading of a teenage girl.Kusum Kumari, aged 17, was beheaded with a sharp weapon in the campus of St Xavier's College.

S u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f Police Sambhu Thakur told media that Kumari was beheaded by an engineering s tuden t iden t i f i ed a s Vijendra Prasad. An affair b e t w e e n t h e t w o i s suspected to be the reason behind the murder.

Te t e t o l d According to the police, TOI.

both the boy and the girl were I f a from Sonari area of

c o m p l a i n t Jamshedpur.would have

K u m a r i w a s a n been lodged i n t e r m e d i a t e s c i e n c e w i t h t h e slit her throat with a sharp student in the Ranchi college, the assailant could object.Women's College and her have been prevented from St Xavier's College centre for the ongoing entering the institution, he principal Fr Nicolas Tete examination was the St said.has expressed shock over Xavier's College Reports

Sources reported that the incident.said the accused was the accused wanted to "I was told that this waiting with a dagger for commit suicide af ter afternoon the boy had a Kumari to come out of the killing the victim but was heated argument with her exam hall. Around 4.45 pm, overpowered by students.on the college campus just Prasad rushed to the girl and

before the examination,"

government Mumbai, Apr red-tape could 17 2011: At a be a deterring m e e t i n g factor. “There organised last is a perception week at Mahim t h a t by the Bombay applications C a t h o l i c M i n o r i t i e s F i n a n c e

made to the bureaucracy Sabha, state bureaucrats D e v e l o p m e n t require a lot of visits to released statistics that Corporation, said that of government offices and showed that Christians as a the Rs170 crore distributed lots of documents. Many group are not claiming as loans in the year 2009-people are not ready to take their due in minority 10, only Rs4.2 crore went that extra effort.welfare schemes. to Christians, including

They are a bit wary of For the year 2010-11, 133 appl icants f rom applying for government though there were 2,240 Mumbai and Thane who schemes,” said D'Souza graduation scholarships collected Rs76 lakh.who added that the same a v a i l a b l e f o r t h e The fund gives low doubts kept members of community in the state, interest loans ranging Christian groups like East on ly 1 ,118 s tuden ts between Rs5,000 and Indians, which now have claimed the benefit. This is Rs50,000 to economically Other Backward Class out of a total 44,579 weaker families to finance status, from applying for scholarships worth Rs20 self-employment ventures the certificate.crore for all minority or businesses.

groups in the state. G r o u p s l i k e t h e Dr Abraham Mathai, Bombay Catholic Sabha are The scholarship, each general secretary of the All planning to disperse of which is worth Rs5,000, India Christian Council, information about these is available to poorer said that the reason why schemes through meetings students doing graduation the schemes have fewer or through booklets and courses in three streams. takers among Christians is CDs that can be distributed Thansky Thekkekara, that the community is in parishes and schools. “If principal secretary in the largely urban, and so many they are told that it is easy to ministry of minority affairs of them may not meet apply for such schemes, who gave these figures at requirements like low there will be more takers,” the meeting, said that the income. “In urban areas said D'Souza.statistics showed there was l i k e M u m b a i , m o s t

Mathai said that while a big gap in the target and Christians may not meet the schemes are advertised achievement of welfare the requirements. In rural i n Eng l i sh - l anguage schemes as far as the areas, where there is more newspapers, the general Christian community is poverty, there will be more ignorance about the concerned. a p p l i c a n t s f o r s u c h scholarships and loans schemes,” he said.Government welfare shows that there is a need to schemes to aid small Gordon D 'Souza , inform the community e n t r e p r e n e u r s f r o m president of the Bombay about the facilities in other minority religious groups Catholic Sabha, said that ways. “That is where the faced the same disinterest while lack of awareness efforts of groups like the f r o m t h e C h r i s t i a n about the schemes could Bombay Catholic Sabha are community. be one reason why many important,” he said. Manoj Christians did not seek J a n e t D ' S o u z a , R N a i r N A S A .these benefits, a fear of director of Maulana Azad

Magistrate's marriage upheld after conversion to Christianity

New Delhi (PTI) 24 April p e r s o n a l r e v e n g e o r moved the sessions court 2011 : A Delhi court has vindictiveness or to serve which too did the same.

At the sessions court, upheld the marriage of a the ends of a private party,"

the father argued that mere magistrate who tied the knot the judge said while

conversion to Christianity with his cousin after dismissing the plea. As the

only days before the converting to Christianity, sitting city metropolitan

marriage did not ensure his notwithstanding a court magistrate planned to marry

son as an Indian Christian order barring him from the his first cousin, his father

under the Indian Christian marriage on the ground of moved the court and sought

Marriage Act, 1872.violation of Hindu laws. its intervention to stop his

He argued that only the Additional Sessions son from marrying her,

original Indian Christian or Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna contending that as per

at least the descendants of endorsed the metropolitan Hindu laws a man is barred

the conver ted Indian magistrate`s marriage to his from marrying his first

Christians are entitled to be first cousin after converting cousin.

m a r r i e d u n d e r t h e Though the plea was to Christianity, dismissing

provisions of the Act. dismissed by the civil judge, his father`s plea objecting to

His son, being a first he went in appeal to a higher the marriage.

generation Christian, could The magistrate`s father, court, which allowed his

not have married using the himself a retired judicial appeal and issued an

provisions of the Act, he officer of Delhi subordinate injunction against the

argued.judiciary, sought a trial on marriage.

R e j e c t i n g t h e The magistrate then the ground that his son

contention, the court said converted to Christianity illegally married his first

that it is not the logical along with his would-be cousin whom he could not

in t e rp re ta t ion o f the bride and got married at St wed as he was "not an

e x p r e s s i o n ` I n d i a n Thomas Baptist church, Indian Christian.”

Christian` The judge dismissed Civil Lines, Delhi in

“ T h e e x p r e s s i o n the plea, saying that N o v e m b e r 2 0 0 9 .

`Indian Christian` includes "Finding no merit or The father rushed to a

Christian descendants of substance in the plea, I magisterial court, seeking

natives of India converted to dismiss it.” his son`s prosecution for

Christianity as well as such "It is well settled that marrying his first cousin by

converts. It is clear that any prosecution has to be misusing the provisions of

person of Indian origin, if ordered by the court only in Indian Christian Marriage

converts to Christianity, the larger interest of A c t , 1 8 7 2 .

w o u l d b e a n I n d i a n administration of justice As the magisterial court

Christian," it said.and not to gratify feelings of dismissed his plea, he

thThiruvananthapuram: The 85 Annual Convention and gospel meetings of Assemblies of God Hebron Church, Konniyoor will be held from May 26 to 29, 2011. Mission conference, family get together, honouring missionaries, etc. will be held during the convention. A souvenir will also be released.

Pastor P.S. Rajamony, Dr. Isaac V. Mathew, Pastors Solomon, G. Binu, Babu Raj, Vincent, Vineesh and Sister Esther will be preaching in different sessions.

th85 Annual Conventionof AG Hebron Church

Christians not utilizing welfare schemes

38th Annual Convention conducted

thThiruvananthapuram: The 38 annual convention of AG Carmel Church, Kanyakulangara was conducted on April 10, 2011. Many programmes were conducted during the convention. Pastor L. Sam delivered the main message. Pastor D. Kunjumon presided during the convention.

3NEWS AND VIEWS

MAY 1-15, 2011PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

EFICOR complimented for 'transparency' in annual report

readability, and quality of T h e E v a n g e l i c a l financial reporting within Fellowship of India the voluntary sector.Commission on Relief

( E F I C O R ) w a s The 245 entrants c o m p l i m e n t e d f o r representing NGOs cutting "transparency" in its across sizes, causes and annual report among civil geographical areas were society groups across the a d j u d g e d b y a n country. independent jury.

EFICOR was awarded C S O the Second Runner-up of congratulated EFICOR for t h e C S O P a r t n e r s ' upholding high standards Outs tand ing Annua l of "transparency and Report Awards 2011 on disclosure" in its annual April 9 at a function held in report. As a token of New Delhi. appreciation, a donation or

Rs 1 lakh was made to the C e l e b r a t i n g t h e organisation.excellent work being done

by the voluntary sector and The event to for ensuring transparency and its engagement with the public, the felicitate the winners was attended accountability of any organization, award was to recognize and promote by distinguished guests from the CSO Partners instituted the award to quality in annual reports. Government, NGOs and Corporate promote publ ic d isc losure , sector. Annual report being a key tool

the realities of human nature, directed men with foresight to incorporate checks and balances in the democratic system so that those who come to power do not abuse their powers or function contrary to public interest.

At the core of our difficulties in checking corruption is the lack of instruments to punish powerful vested interests who attain power and hold on to power by sharing the spoils of such power with all those sections who are likely to raise voices of dissent.

Rightly did a former US president saw the contrast between right intentions and poor actions. He wrote: ‘We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other…’Virtuous man

Who can ensure that the voter will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man? When will our society be virtuous enough to elect the righteous to power ?

The people get the kind of government they deserve. We have a large middle class that holds the reins of power; that has fattened itself with the fruits of development with no thought for those who are denied even the essentials for survival. If the people are selfish, power hungry and materialistic, those among them who come to occupy the legislators can not be expected to be very different. A virtuous political force could come only out of a virtuous middle class not otherwise.

It is pertinent to quote the senior journalist here: “Our middle class of today produces great managers, scientists and economists, but its philosophers, social reformers and academics occupy the margins of an intellectual wasteland. For the bulk of the Indian middle class, intellectual inspiration, if you can call it that, comes from new age gurus like Ramdev, Jaggi Vasudev, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Sai Baba and others.

Like all middle classes, the Indian one is vocal, and its sense of outrage — often self- centered and hypocritical — is magnified by the 24x7 news channels and newspapers, particularly the influential publications in the English language. So our politicians — themselves Grade A rascals — feel compelled to heed them”.

What he failed to mention is that these religious leaders have not succeeded in making a difference to the superstitious and ritualistic traditions of the people. They have not been imparted a strong sense of right and wrong or a yearning for righteousness. Raw selfishness and greed continue to blind their eyes unable to see the evils they perpetuate.To all the woes, these godmen prescribe easy solutions by way of yoga or puja or other rituals. They cant afford to alienate their following , whose contribution help build their empires.

It is also doubtful if the kind of religiosity has any sobering effect on the middle class driven by strong materialistic ambitions as of today.

In Western societies, the religious fervour led to movements and reforms . The preaching of the Gospel had quickened peoples’ sense of righteousness leading to repentance and transformation. Evangelists and preachers thundered from platforms calling upon people to set their houses in order ; there were revivals which made an impact on even people outside the churches.

The truths of the Bible have the power of awakening an intense moral feeling in every human being. Domestic, civil and social relations become healthier when a large mass of people decide to live by its precepts. They control the baleful passions of the heart , control selfishness and greed. The Christian values did much to improve the social ethics by which people lived. They gave rise to movements which resulted in the good of the society. Love of God got translated into generosity towards the poor and the weak.

Here too, with the spread of education, the youth are questioning the hypocricy of the old order. Human rights are receiving better attention ; female foeticide, honour killings and casteist discrimination are becoming unacceptable. Women in urban areas have started asserting their rights. Scandels are being unearthed and even the mighty brought to book. When a critical mass of enlightened people begin to question the status quo and call for change, then and only then we can hope for an effective move against corruption irrespective of Anna Hazare or his Lokpal Bill.

‘It’s all about us: not politicians alone!’

Continued from page 1

4 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

NEWS AND VIEWSMAY 1-15, 2011

CHAI Essay writing competition

The Church History Association of India (CHAI) is organising an essay writing competition in connection with their Plat inum Jubi lee Celebrations and 15th Triennial Conference.

The All India Essay Competition has the theme: "Preservation of Indian Christian Monuments and Landmarks". Participants will be placed in three categories: a) Seminary Studdents; b) College Students and c) Others.

Rules and Regulations for Essay Competitiona. Essay should be written in Englishb. The length of the essay should be between 1000 and 1500 words (Approximate 5 to 7 pages)c. Send an email copy to the addresses below. (Those who submit a hard copy must use A4 paper and 12 pt font size.)d. The essay must have a separate cover page with the following details:1. Name in Full2. Address and contact phone number/s3. Name of institution to which attached (Seminary/College/Other)4. Category in which the essay is submittedE. Essays can be mailed/emailed to the following addresses:

1. Dr. Varghese Perayil, Perayil Christy Bhavan, Adoor P.O., 691 523, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, varghesepera@yahoo.co.in OR

2. Ms. Agnes De Sa, 2 Abhilasha, Saibaba Park, Evershine Nagar, Malad West, Mumbai 400 04. a_desa@rediffmail.comf. There will be three prizes awarded in each category.1st prize - Rs. 8000/ 2nd prize - Rs. 5000/ 3rd prize - Rs. 2000/g. Competition for each category will be held only if there are at least 10 entries per category.h. Last date for receiving entries will be 15th July 2011.Outstanding prize winning entries will be published in the Indian Church History Review / CHAI Platinum Jubilee Commemoration Volume.

Church people on Sunday (April 17) organised a candle light vigil in front of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi to express solidarity with Palestinian Christians who are denied access to holy places in Jerusalem during Easter.The candle light vigil expressed deep concern over the

checkpoints citing “security land is a sin against God and emptied of its Palestinian impact of the Israeli-Palestinian reasons”. As a result, Muslim and humanity because it deprives the citizens, Christians and conflict, especially on the Christian Palestinian residents of Palestinians of their basic human Muslims. Their identity Palestinians who are forcefully the West Bank and Gaza Strip rights, bestowed by God'," ISEN- cards are confiscated, struggles for justice and self-prevented by the occupying have to obtain an Israeli-army KP said in a statement. which means the loss of their determination.Israeli forces from entering their issued permit to enter East right to reside in Jerusalem. The Further, the ecumenical body They stressed on mobilizing places of worship in Jerusalem Jerusalem and worship at its holy shrinking number of Christians in condemned the “lack of freedom churches to understand and during the Holy Week.sites. Palestine, where the Church was of movement, the wall of support initiatives for a just peace The vigil was organized by

formed and went forth to Only an estimated 3,000 s e p a r a t i o n , t h e m i l i t a r y in Palestine-Israel, creating the India Solidarity Ecumenical proclaim the Gospel of Christ to permits are issued for Palestinian checkpoints , the poli t ical linkages between the struggles of Network for Kairos Palestine the world, is one of the dangerous Christians to visit Jerusalem's prisoners and the demolition of Tribals-Adivasis-Dalits in India (ISEN - KP), comprising of consequences,” ISEN-KP said.holy sites during Christmas and homes", and called for an and the Palestinian struggle for NCCI, CBCI, YMCA, YWCA

Easter. "accelerated peace process that Earlier this year, a seminar peace with justice, sending a a n d t h e P a l e s t i n e - I s r a e l can result in a just and sustainable on “Kairos Palestine a Moment 'Living Letters Team' to Palestine "We stand united with Ecumenical Forum.peace settlement for Palestinians of truth” organised by the United and vice versa, promoting Christians in Palestine who have On the Holy week in the and Israelis.” Theological College called campaigns and producing Bible courageously declared that the Christian calendar, the Israeli

churches in India to be aware of study materials.'Israeli occupation of Palestinian “Jerusalem continues to be g o v e r n m e n t c l o s e s t h e and join in the Palestinian

Candle light vigil to support Palestinian Christians

5PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY MAY 1-15, 2011

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First reality show for Christian choir songs in India

Malayalam entertainment themes or hymns in praise accompaniment with basic channel Amrita TV has of the Lord, is rooted in a keyboard, organ ,guitar etc. l a u n c h e d a n tradition that stretches Though a group of vocalists unconventional reality many centuries back into may occupy the dais, most show Deva Geetham that the past. of the performances will be pioneers a contest of choir T h e r a p t u r o u s solo in nature.songs, rendered by the best melodies of this rich The rounds give full Christian choral groups musical genre which had rein to the limitless variety across Kerala. f i l l e d t h e v a u l t e d of themes inherent in choir

T h e s h o w w a s magnificence of Cathedrals music, from Christmas inaugurated by Malankara for many aeons, had been carols, Easter specials, film A r c h D i o c e s M a j o r confined more or less to the songs, Psalms, the Second Archbishop Most Rev. congregations of the coming etc to performance-Basalios Mar Climis in the churches; it will now be rich episodes such as Angel company of a galaxy of picturised on dazzling sets dance, Candle dance and bishops and priests at and will reverberate in the Birth of Christ.Trivandrum during the millions of homes across The choir will put in Holy Week. the world through Deva their unified effort in front

Deva Geetham, the Geetham. of a jury panel consisting of first reality show for D e v a G e e t h a m eminent music director Christian Choir Songs in showcases 10 of the most Ouseppachan, himself an South India, was launched outstanding choirs from erstwhile choral violinist, on Amrita TV on April 25 churches in different parts F a t h e r A n t o n y and is on air Monday to of the State, each backed up Urul iannikkal and a Friday at 7 pm. The curtain by an 8-piece orchestra. celebrity guest from the raiser of the show was on They were shortlisted from ranks of music composers Easter, April 24. a State- wide auditions or playback singers.

Choir music had process, which had 58 choir The first programme in always been an integral part teams competing to get into M a l a y a l a m t o s i n g of evangelical worship, for the show. hosannas to the Christian the sonorous power of Each of the 10 selected choral tradition, Deva music to uplift the soul and groups may have 12-15 Geetham, is a grandstand instill a sense of the divine. members on stage, of which exhibition of the depth and So the Christian devotional 4-5 form the core ensemble p r o f u s i o n o f t h i s song category that centres of singers while the rest consecrated branch of around sacred religious provide instrumental music.

Christian appointment in Manipur minority commission

welcomedAll India Christian Council (aicc) on Wednesday w e l c o m e d M a n i p u r government’s appoint of a C h r i s t i a n m e m b e r representative in the state minority commission.

The appointment of the member in the commission will help service the welfare of the Christian minorities in the state, aicc said.

T h e M a n i p u r government has appointed

Buddhist communities to of human rights violations Rev. N Debendra Singh as t h e s t a t e m i n o r i t i e s a g a i n s t C h r i s t i a n the Christian representative commission will serve each m i n o r i t i e s . T h e member of the s ta te communi t ies’ welfare a p p o i n t m e n t o f t h e commission for minorities better.” Christian member in the on April 1, 2011 for a three

The appointment of the commission will help the y e a r t e r m . D r . M S Christian member to the state provide and protect the Ningombam was also minority commission came religious freedom and appointed as the Buddhist after the request and fundamental rights to all representative for the same recommendation of the communities, particularly term. The state commission Christian Council. Dr. John the minority Christian for minorities will have A. Dayal, aicc Secretary members.”Halim Choudhury, retired General, and Rev. Madhu Rev. N Debendra Singh IAS, as Chairman and Rev. Chandra , a icc Publ ic serves as Vice-President of N. Debendra Singh and Dr. Rela t ion Off icer and aicc’s Manipur chapter and M. S. Ningombam as Spokesperson of North East is currently part way into a members.Support Centre & Helpline, four year term. He also Dr. Joseph D’souza, made a representation to holds the position of Vice-aicc President , while Manipur Chief Secretary President of the All Manipur w e l c o m i n g t h e about the need of Christian Meitei Christian Minority appointment, said, “This is a representa t ion in the Forum. He also served with long awaited and much commission in September t h e M e i t e i B a p t i s t needed appointment by the last year. Association for 15 years as Manipur government. Now

Dr. John Dayal said, You th Sec re t a ry and the appointment of the “Manipur in recent times Executive Secretary until he r e p r e s e n t a t i v e f r o m has experienced a high level retired in 2008.Muslim, Christian and

D a y o f President Barack P r a y e r , Obama on Friday saying that a proclaimed May 5 "feel ing of as the National a l i e n a t i o n " Day of Prayer, w a s n o t continuing a long s u f f i c i e n t tradition in the legal grounds face of protest.for a lawsuit.With ongoing

" H u r t opposition from f e e l i n g s atheists and other differ from n o n b e l i e v e r s , legal injury," Obama made sure t h e c o u r t t h i s y e a r ' s concluded.proclamation did

E a c h not exclude any year, s ince group.1 9 5 2 , "Let us be p r e s i d e n t s thankful for the h a v e liberty that allows

imposes no requirement d e s i g n a t e d t h e f i r s t people of all faiths to

on a person and therefore Thursday in May as the worship or not worship

no one is hurt by a request National Day of Prayer.according to the dictates

that can be declined.Just before last year's of their conscience, and

"Those who do not prayer day, U.S. District let us be thankful for the

agree with a president’s Judge Barbara Crabb many other freedoms and

statement may speak in struck down the federal blessings that we often

opposition to it, they are s t a t u t e c r e a t i n g t h e take for granted," he

not entitled to silence the "National Day of Prayer," stated.

speech of which they c o n c l u d i n g t h a t i t The proc lamat ion

disapprove," chief judge connotes endorsement and comes just weeks after a

Frank Easterbrook, a e n c o u r a g e m e n t o f a federal appeals court

Reagan appointee, wrote p a r t i c u l a r r e l i g i o u s overturned a 2010 ruling

in the court opinion.exercise.that found the annual

The court ruled that T h e O b a m a p r a y e r d a y

Wisconsin-based atheist administration appealed unconstitutional.

a n d a g n o s t i c g r o u p the decision and Obama In a 3-0 decision, the

Freedom from Religion went ahead with the 7th U.S. Court of Appeals

Foundation lacked the a n n u a l p r e s i d e n t i a l d e t e r m i n e d t h a t t h e

l e g a l s t a n d i n g t o proclamation, where he presidential proclamation

challenge the National

Obama issues national day of prayer proclamation

Page 13

6

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PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY Resolutions: Are you moved

by the Holy Spirit?

Human life is a series of decisions and resolutions. While some are crucial decisions, some others are just fleeting thoughts that last for just a few hours or days. Christians who listen to inspiring messages decide in no time to maintain a regular prayer time, to meditate on the Word every day, and to attend church services without fail. In fact, majority of them utterly fail to abide by their decisions within the first few days itself. Many of them live with persistent guilty feelings in this regard; it may lead to passivity or apostasy. Many Christians have made a habit of taking new decisions each time they hear an altar call and in effect they make themselves insensitive to the Holy Spirit. Ministers of the Word do face no small challenge in this matter. Their listeners’ decisions are short lived and superficial.

It seems like these decisions are taken at an emotional level alone, especially with no conviction or help from the Holy Spirit. The feeling gets cooled down soon for it is not energized by the guidance and leading of the Spirit. They lack a vision thus loose their momentum. Confusion about the ‘will of God’ steals the warmth of love and obedience to God. Impulsive actions lead to turmoil. This further leads to a reluctance to make new decisions or to make changes in one’s life.

Simon Peter demonstrated himself to be a very obedient and loving disciple of Jesus during his training period. Simon’s heart was tuned to Jesus and many incidents show that he was in love with Jesus. His first encounter with Jesus demonstrates his sincere repentance. “But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' feet, saying, "Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Luke 5:8. Simon could have offered Jesus a partnership in his fishing business like what Christians of today are prone to do in order to see miracles every day. On the contrary, he saw his fundamental problem and understood who Jesus was. Indeed, that incident made Simon to follow Jesus after quitting his business.Simon’s day-to-day walk with Jesus revealed to him that Jesus was the Messiah to come.

When asked, he confessed that Jesus is the Christ of God. “Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Mat 16:16. He received a pat on his back from Jesus for that. Unfortunately, after a little while he betrayed his ignorance about God’s plan. He could not accept the things that Jesus was going to face - His suffering, death and resurrection. Simon could not accept the will of God in that manner. It was easy and good for him to accept Jesus as the Christ of God and see miracles every day. One of Peter’s hasty decision was to try walking on water after he saw Jesus walking on water! That enterprise failed miserably. He could not take more than a few steps.

On another occasion, it was revealed to Peter that Jesus had the words of eternal life. “Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” John 6:68. His decision to cling to Jesus did not last long. What happened during the arrest of Jesus Christ in the garden of Gethsemane shows this clearly. The one who vowed to follow Jesus even to his death denied Jesus within 24 hours.

But the same Simon Peter, after the Pentecostal experience, boldly witnessed Jesus Christ to thousands and was firm in striving ahead to advance the Kingdom of God. Prison and persecution could not stop him. Neither intimidation from religious leaders nor his inexperience weighed him down. Even unto death he clung to his master whom he loved. The reason behind this success was this: every single decision he took after the Pentecost was with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guided and led Peter to take firm decisions and to abide by them. Therefore, we see a Simon Peter who is steadfast in his faith and obedience.

Let us make all our resolutions with the help of the Holy Spirit. Then, we will not be reeds that wave in the wind.

To hell with hell?Controversies are a part of life. More so in the worldwide Church that saw the rise and fall of many errors, heresies and scandals in the past twenty centuries. Therefore, the latest controversy surrounding evangelical/charismatic pastor Rob Bell's book "Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived." should not come as a total surprise.

Rob Bell's book not only catapulted him to the top fifty most influential persons in the world but also has created a heated debate about the future of hell! People in the Church and outside are discussing whether "hell" is indeed a reality. Some are overjoyed that an evangelical pastor is trying to give "hell" a decent burial. While most others - conservative evangelical Christians, that is - are ruffled and agitated.

Traditionally, the gospel is proclaimed as the promise of forgiveness of sins and eternal life available through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel promised that whoever believed in Jesus Christ would not "perish" but have everlasting life. Rob Bell wonders whether this is true. A person who visited an art exhibition conducted by Bell's Mars Hill's Church stuck a note next to a quotation from M K Gandhi. It said, "Reality check: He's in hell." Bell says that note made him think. Is Gandhi in hell? How does anyone know for sure? Thus began Bell's journey into a hell-less world that climaxed with the publication for "Love Wins."

Rob seems to believe that the redemptive work of Christ has done away with hell. Everyone, he seems to say, has a place in heaven, whatever he means by that. This has elicited strong reaction from all shades of evangelicals. A senior evangelical pastor John Piper tweeted "Farewell Rob Bell" when news about the book spread on the internet. This is like an informal excommunication of Rob Bell from conservative circles.

In one way, we should be glad. Evangelicals are taking a fresh look at their Bibles. A cursory reading of the gospels reveal that Jesus Christ spoke about hell more than any other character in the Bible. Jesus explained the nature of hell and the purpose for which hell was created. Jesus warned his followers that all sinners are flowing in time towards a reality called hell. Specifically, in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that those who break God's commandments are worthy of eternal hell fire. He taught that we should strive hard to resist sin. No price was too great to pay to avoid sin. It is better for people to enter life eternal maimed or blind than to burn in hell with all their organs and limbs intact.

The secular world might gloat over this mutiny within evangelical groups that challenges the basic gospel proclamation of salvation. However, truth is not determined by political correctness or by majority views. The revealed truth that we bear in our hands, the Holy Bible, has stood the test of time. The Bible does not just reveal God as an infinite ocean of love but primarily as a holy God who is a consuming fire. The very God who provided salvation through Jesus Christ has promised eternal damnation to those who reject or disobey the gospel.

Yes, indeed, the gospel and the Bible divides the world into black and white - into righteous and wicked people; into people who belong to one side of the cross and to another; into people who are headed to paradise and those who are headed to hell by their own choice. There are indeed two ways: one wide leading to hell and the other narrow leading to life.

7PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY MAY 1-15, 2011

'Father, forgive them for they do no t know what they a re doing!'(Luke 23:34) That prayer from the lips of Jesus Christ as He hung from the wooden cross between two thieves more than 2,000 years ago continues to be the subject of meditation for Christians as they observe lent every year. It was a prayer

happen through the melting away fought and won many battles forgive, our only recourse is directed to His Heavenly Father to of coldness of heart. against racism was another leader revenge. But revenge glues us to the forgive those who were bent on

who taught his people the past. And it dooms us to repeat it.When the Lord Jesus torturing Him.superiority of love over hatred. commanded his followers to love Revenge never evens the That example, that cardinal Mahatma Gandhi, at a crucial their enemies and to forgive score, for alienated people never doctrine built into the faith and should we not take ours with a time in this nation's history, was offenders 'seventy- times -seven' keep score of wrongs by the same preached, since then has produced hard miracle like forgiving?able to mobilize a vast multitude he was prescribing not only ways mathematics. Enemies never mighty effects in the world. The They forgive as they are differing in race, language, creed of protecting their souls, but also agree on the score because each day of His crucifixion, celebrated forgiven. When it comes down to and culture and keep them united their bodies from various feels the wounds he receives as Good Friday, is memorable for it, anyone who forgives can by teaching them to walk on the illnesses such as ulcerative colitis, differently from the wounds he what it proclaims: forgiveness for hardly tell the difference between p a t h o f f o rg i v e n e s s a n d high blood pressure and a score of gives. How may Beiruts can ever sins for all those who believe in feeling forgiven and doing the reconciliation. other diseases. equal a Holocaust? How many of Him. 'In Him, 'writes St Paul, 'we forgiving. We are such a mixture Today when terrorism and her put-downs equal his slaps in In fact forgiveness is an act of have redemption through His of sinners and sinned against, we growing hatred seek to create the face? We cannot get even; this love. It is most healing. Through blood, even the forgiveness of cannot forgive people who offend i s t h e i n n e r H i s l i f e a n d sins.' (Colossians 1: 14) us without feeling that we are fatality of all through His final His death was fulfillment of a being set free ourselves.revenge.agony Jesus taught prophecy that a Messiah would I haven't found a better us that the heart of Forgiving takes arrive to intercede for the sins of example of this truth than Corrie love is forgiveness. u s o f f t h e the human race and would rescue Ten Boom. She was stuck for the e s c a l a t o r o f Forgiving creates them from the power of darkness war years in a concentration revenge so that the possibilities of and bring them into the Kingdom camp, humiliated and degraded, both of us can release from an of Light. Had those Jews and especially in the delousing stop the chain of u n f a i r o r Roman soldiers known that they shower where the women were i n c r e m e n t e d unpleasant past. were crucifying the 'Lord of ogled by the leering guards. But wrongs. We start Forgiving takes us Glory' they would have averted it. she made it through that hell. And over. We start off the escalator of As no man can stand justified eventually she felt she had, by over as if the revenge providing before God through fulfilling the grace, forgiven even those fiends wrongdoer had an escape from Law of Moses, Jesus provided a who guarded the shower stalls.not hurt us at all. gradual and total new way the way of His Gracethat So she preached forgiveness, But we start over ruin. To forgive is whoever believes in His atoning for individuals, for all of Europe. to begin a new put to down heavy sacrifice on the Cross would She preached it in Bloemendaal, a n d f a i r e r baggages f rom receive forgiveness and salvation. in the United States, and, one relationship. We one's back. It is Man in his sin deserves Sunday, in Munich. After the will probably fail setting oneself free nothing but condemnation; but sermon, greeting people, she saw again. And we from bonds of through the work of Jesus Christ a man come toward her, hand w i l l need t o hatred. he discovers the love of God and outstretched: "Ja, Fräulein, it is forgive again. Through His the forgiveness of God. This wonderful that Jesus forgives us The doorway to life and through transference from darkness to all our sins, just as you say." She justice closes His final agony, light, from slavery to freedom and remembered his face; it was the time and time Jesus taught us that f r o m c o n d e m n a t i o n t o leering, lecherous, mocking face a g a i n . A n d the heart of love is forgiveness are all implied in the of an SS guard of the shower stall.f o r g i v e n e s s forgiveness. This is atoning death of Jesus on the Her hand froze at her side. She remains the only what he asked of Cross and His resurrection. chaos and uncertainty all over the could not forgive. She thought she way to open the door.disciples when one of them globe, tolerance and forgiveness The manifestation of sin had forgiven all. But she could not Second, forgiveness brings inquired how many times one is need to be propagated and abounds on this planet: violence, forgive when she met a guard, fairness to the forgiver. It is the expected to forgive one's enemy. practiced more effectively if hatred, wars and conflicts of all standing in the solid flesh in front hurting person who most feels the To forgive is the highest, most human race is to be preserved. kinds, hostility, environmental of her. Ashamed, horrified at burden of unfairness; but he only beautiful form of love. It brings The massive evils that clog our degradation, poverty, injustice, herself, she prayed: "Lord, condemns himself to more rich dividends: those who forgive political and economic histories inequality and so on. In living forgive me, I cannot forgive." And unfairness if he refuses to forgive.will receive untold peace and and the environment need to be such a world we all get hurt one as she prayed she felt forgiven, happiness. Is it fair to be stuck to a removed through a process of way or the other. If there is accepted, in spite of her shabby painful past? Is it fair to be Unforgiveness, resentment, give and take. Forgiveness holds anything that can combat all these performance as a famous forgiver.walloped again and again by the and bitterness are spiritual the key.evils consuming our world, it is Her hand was suddenly unfrozen. old unfair hurt? Vengeance is maladies that keep many people forgiveness. "Forgiveness - The Power to The ice of hate melted. Her hand having a videotape planted in from living a Spirit-filled life. Change the Past," Christianity The call to forgiveness and went out. She forgave as she felt your soul that cannot be turned Joyce Meyer says that keeping Today, 7 January 1983 (Thanks, reconciliation is vital for the forgiven. And I suspect she would off. It plays the painful scene over score of all the hurts we have Donnasurvival of the human race. not be able to sort out the and over again inside your mind. suffered does more spiritual 'Forgiveness is the key that Many of us feel the same way difference.It hooks you into its instant damage to us than those who have unlocks the door of resentment when we are unfairly hurt in far Free at last, free at last, thank replays. And each time it replays, offended us. In face, we can suffer and the handcuffs of hate. It is a less horrible ways. Sometimes God almighty, free at last! Freed you feel the clap of pain again. Is serious physical illnesses as a power that breaks the chains of our hate is the only ace we have by the only remedy for the this fair?result of unforgiveness. Is it bitterness and the shackles of left in our deck. Our contempt is inevitability of our history.difficult to forgive? Absolutely, Forgiving turns off the selfishness,' wrote Corrie ten our only weapon. Our plan to get To forgive is to put down but the rewards are well worth it. videotape of pained memory. Boom, who was fortunate to even is our only consolation. Why your 50-pound pack after a 10-In The Power of Forgiveness, she Forgiving sets you free. Forgiving escape the concentration camp set should we forgive? mile climb up a mountain.reveals that when we choose to is the only way to stop the cycle of up by Hitler. Why indeed? I do not think forgive others, we release unfair pain turning in your To forgive is to fall into a

Our capacity to forgive we should urge people to forgive ourselves from sin's power. The memory. chair after a 15-mile marathon.indicates our moral likeness to the u n l e s s w e c o n s i d e r t h e act of forgiving them allows God Why forgive? Forgiving is the To forgive is to set a prisoner One who commanded us to superhuman task we ask of them. to work this will and our healing only way back to fairness. "Let the free and discover that the prisoner forgive and freely forgives us. To get a hint of the gospel's in the situation. Forgiveness in the SS trooper go to hell," is the word was you.Man has the vengeful spirit and revolution of forgiveness we need power that will change life of of someone condemned to suffer To forgive is to reach back into can make a choice. Alas the high to get inside the moral skin of a defeat into one of victory. again , and again the unfair pain of your hurting past and recreate it in cost of getting even has been righteous Pharisee with "a clear History provides many the past. To what end? your memory so that you can driven home not only by eye for how wrongs really ought examples of the power of C. S. Lewis had a monster for begin again.psychiatrists, but also the by the to be settledaccording to natural; forgiveness. Nelson Mandela , a teacher when he was a boy. He To forgive is to dance to the medical profession which traces straight-lined fairness.though imprisoned for more than hated that academic sadist most of beat of God's forgiving heart. It is the sources of many illnesses to What is the answer to the 20 years, came out of prison and his life. But a few months before to ride the crest of love's strongest harboured resentments and an unfairness of forgiving? It can taking a conciliatory attitude the end, he wrote to his American wave.unforgiving spirit. only be that forgiving is, after all, towards his captors paved the way friend: "Dear Mary … Do you Our only escape from Miracles happen when two a better way to fairness.for a peaceful transformation of know, only a few weeks ago, I history's cruel unfairness, our alienated people start all over First, forgiving creates a new his nationSouth Africa. The Truth realized suddenly that I had at last only passage to the future's again. An estranged father holds possibility of fairness by releasing and Reconciliation Commission forgiven the cruel schoolmaster creative possibilities, is the out his hand to his daughter ; those us from the unfair past. A moment of set up later provided an excellent who so darkened my childhood. I miracle of forgiving.on the brink of divorce suddenly unfair wrong has been done; it is in example in healing old wounds, had been trying to do it for years." This article originally appeared undergo a change of heart; bitter the inevitable past. If we choose, we setting right old wrongs and Essentially, we cannot; but in the January 7 , 1983 issue of enemies become friends as can stick with that past. And we can converting enemies into friends. eventually we do. God takes his Christianity Today.s u s p i c i o n s g e t l i f t e d - - - multiply its wrongness. If we do not Rev Martin Luther King who time with a lot of things. Why transforming relat ionships

Why it is wise to forgive

MPK Kutty

8 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY MAY 1-15, 2011

YOUNG INDIAYOUNG INDIAFind Strength in the Lord

Dr. C.S. Blesson

S o m e b e a m e s s e d u p women and children as day! times we examination… a shabbily captives and destroyed the It might be possible m e s s d o n e i n t e r v i e w … a place with fire. When the that our own people things up strained relationship or men returned they found cannot understand us but and find friendship. When things that every thing they had we have a God who ourselves go wrong in spite of had been plundered and u n d e r s t a n d s o u r i n a putting our best efforts, we burnt. The Bible says," situations. David found prob lem. tend to lose heart and David and his men wept his strength in his God. It might be desperate. We find it even aloud until they had no Where do we find our p o s s i b l e more painful when our strength left to weep." strength? What do we do t h a t n ear and dear ones don't They were shattered! when we are faced with d e s p i t e understand the situation, David was even more seemingly impossible

Very often we are our best and blame us blindly for troubled because his own situations? Do we blame faced with many difficult efforts we still might have what has happened. friends did not understand others? Do we try to situations in our lives. done things poorly. May David ran away from him and were talking of escape from the situation?

King Saul stoning him! David was David found the source of t o t h e greatly distressed as many his strength, and faced the Philistine of us become! situations. God provided t e r r i t o r y But David did some help and direction from (Ziklag) to thing that many of us fail unexpected sources. He live there to do! He sought God in was victorious and got wi th s ix times of his distress as he back all that was lost! h u n d r e d had always done. The Fr iends, Are you o f h i s Bible says, "But David desperate? Find your friends (I found strength in the Lord strength in God! He will S a m u e l his God." He called the give strength to the broken c h a p t e r priest and asked for the hearted and to the one who 30). One Lord's will. God asked humbly asks for His help. day when him to go and pursue the Psalm 121 says, "I lift up t h e m e n enemies. God gave him an my eyes to the hills- where were not unexpected help through does my help come from? t h e r e , an Egyptian slave. David My help comes from the Amalekite was victorious and took Lord the Maker of heaven s c a m e back everything that was and earth." a n d p lundered from them. God will provide plundered D a v i d a n d h i s m e n victory and put a new song everythin celebrated the victory. in our mouth. He will give g they had What a change God had us back all that was lost! and took brought about for David All we have to do is renew away all and his men … from our strength in Him. t h e de speration to ecstasy in a

During desperate times, where do you find your strength?

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9PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

BLOSSOMING BUDSMAY 1-15, 2011

BLOSSOMING BUDS

BLOSSOMING BUDS

BLOSSOMING BUDS

Meekness at Home

Beena Didi

them in the game. So he forgot about his composition.

When it was getting dark, they came inside and took

bath. As his mother told them it was time for dinner, Jose

remembered his paper and ran up to his bedroom to get it.

He was shocked when he found it.

“Oh, no!” he exclaimed. “It has crayon marks all over

it!” Angry thoughts raced through Jose's mind. His Dear child, schools are about to be closed in Delhi. It is younger brother, Joel, ran from the room. Jose just getting very warm day by day. You will soon have summer stood there looking at the paper.vacation. Most children are very proud of their

“Dear Lord,” prayed Jose. “You know how hard I achievements in the class. When we are proud we worked on this composition. You also know how much I sometimes get arrogant. Then we would think that others wanted his mother and father to see and hear it. Now are inferior. But God expect us not to be proud. Jose was Joel has coloured on it. I know it is wrong to stay angry a brilliant student, but God helped him to be meek.with Joel. Please help me to be meek about this. Amen.”Jose was so proud of the composition he had written

Praying when he felt angry helped Jose to control in school. His teacher had allowed him to read it to the his feelings. He decided it was still a good composition, class. When the class was over, he couldn't wait to get even with Joel's artwork. So he went downstairs to eat home to show it to his mother and father. He ran home and read his paper to the family, and to his cousins.with his composition.

Dear child, there are times when it is easy to get angry. But when he arrived home, Jose found that his That is just the time to pray and ask God to help you to be favourite cousins and family had visited them, and were meek. Prayer: “Dear Lord, please help me not to be proud and playing outdoors. Jose was overjoyed to see them. He ran arrogant, but to be meek always. Amen.” God bless you!up to his room and put his bag on the table. Then he joined

readings and a sermon, sing along 2D community, with a bulletin Thou shalt love thy neighbor – all 2 Offe r ing Pee r t o Pee r to hymns and key in prayer board and chat room as the major billion million of them? Discipleship groups, real time chat

open 24/7, dialogue forums, and H o s t i n g t h e f i r s t - e v e r requests. meeting points.occasional real life meets, St. Pixels They’ll even be given a chance “To some of us, the 2D period interactive service on Facebook, St. desires “to create a sacred space and to weigh in with an “amen” or felt a bit like an exile,” the church Pixels, an online 3D church, is a welcoming and witnessing “zzzz” via a real-time feedback wrote. “But it was during this time redefining the way most people community on the Internet.”meter they can click. that we reflected on our experience worship.

They also hope to make Clarifying that the project was “Love it or hate it, Facebook is and became much more of a stable, d i s c i p l e s b y p r o v i d i n g not a means to try and “look cool where people are in 2011,” said St. welcoming community.opportunities for theological and postmodern,” Howe explained, “We learned to learn from each Pixels pioneer Mark Howe in a

on r e f l ec t ion , d i s cus s ion and “I t ’s about applying basic other and our different backgrounds statement. “If the Gospel is for Facexploration.principles of cross-cultural mission in Bible study and general today’s connected culture, it has to ebook means 600 million Facebook to our own culture.” discussion ... we began to care and find a distinctive but culturally- “God is revealed to seekers by users now have a church in their pray for each other. We found appropriate place within social many different means, including “It’s easy to build irrelevant pocket. I congratulate St. Pixels on authentic ways of worshipping in networking.” creation, the Bible, the life of Jesus ghettos in cyberspace or to abandon reaching an amazing milestone.”and the Spirit-filled witness of the distinctives in the rush to embrace Designed by Howe, with our regular chat room prayer

“So much love, work and care Church. St. Pixels is one expression the latest online fad. Our Facebook additional programming by Barry services. Some of us even began to has gone into this unique of that historical, international and application is an attempt to engage Wickett of Dark Green Media and meet occasionally and discover community and I have been a universal Church.”with a cultural phenomenon on its artwork by Michael Evans and how unimportant our appearances beneficiary of it.”own terms while holding onto the Anthony Ramm of Carousel Andrew Graystone, the can be.”

The first service will be Gospel that has transformed so Moving to a new software Digital, the multimedia church is director of the Church and Media launched at the Christian Resources m a n y c u l t u r e s a c r o s s t h e system and developing a 3D hoping to proclaim Christ through Network, is slated to speak at the Exhibition, U.K.’s biggest and most centuries.” environment, St. Pixels Ltd came new media outlets. first Facebook service.successful exhibition for equipping Initially, a pilot project by Behind computer screens and “We have 600 mi l l ion into operation in 2009 and was and resourcing churches and webzine Ship of Fools, St. Pixels iPhones, worshippers will have the ‘ne ighbors’ on Facebook,” registered in the U.K., with Christian ministrieswas formed in 2006 and began as a opportunity to listen to Bible announced Graystone. “St. Pixels membership worldwide.

Church in your pocket? Facebook church to be launched

10 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY MAY 1-15, 2011

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Philip Eapen

The most hyped wedding of husband to give her any orders Scriptures to suit their ends. husbands. Interestingly, the being frightened by any fear.” recent times - that of Prince or directions for she did not apostle uses the illustration of (1 Pet 3:5-6)I am tired of seeing Wi l l i am and Ca the r ine promise to obey him. If “head” and “body.” He says Ephesians 5:21 misinterpreted If Paul did not use the word Middleton – was watched by 2 marriage ought to reflect the that the husband is the wife’s even by people who claim to be “obey” while exhort ing billion people worldwide. All relationship between Christ head just as Christ is the head theologically trained. They use Christian wives, Peter makes the pomp and splendour aside, and His church, the marriage of of the church. We cannot dilute the injunction in 5:21 (“... and up for that . For Peter, it was the wedding proper led the Duke and Duchess of the meaning of “head” without be subject to one another in the “submission” is obedience. by the Dean of Westminster Cambridge will portray a at the same time diluting the fear of Christ”) to sabotage Therefore, he cites the example and so lemnised by the strange Christ and an even authority of Jesus Christ over 5:22-24 which says, of Sarah who obeyed her Archbishop of Canterbury that stranger Church that has no his Church. When we speak of husband Abraham. The kind of 22 Wives, be subject to your caught my attention. commitment to obey her Lord! a “head” and “body”, we are s u b m i s s i o n t h a t S a r a h own husbands, as to the Lord.

not speaking of two different The simple, short and Should a wife obey her displayed may be abhorrent for 23 For the husband is the head entities in opposition to each profound liturgy and ceremony h u s b a n d ? E v a n g e l i c a l a modern ‘enl ightened’ of the wife, as Christ also is the other but of parts of a whole. were beautiful. It highlighted Christians who claim to be woman.head of the church, He Himself Such is the union between a S c r i p t u r a l t r u t h a b o u t devoted to the Bible and to Which 21s t cen tu ry being the Savior of the body.man and his wife. What would marriage’s divine origin, doing God’s will are divided on Christian woman would want 24 But as the church is subject you call a “body” that does not purpose and permanence. this issue. Many believe that to call her husband “lord” to Christ, so also the wives obey its “head”?Besides, the Lordship of Jesus the New Testament does not (meaning “master”) or “Sir”? I ought to be to their husbands in

Christ was highlighted in the command a wife to obey her Christian women have don’t think the women of everything. (New American liturgy as well as the sermon. husband. They are quick to cited numerous questions to Peter's times were made of a Standard Bible)The sight of a future King of point out St. Paul’s injunction p rove tha t t he B ib l e ’s different fiber. Peter, however, The verse 5:21 serves as a United Kingdom and his bride to all Christians to “submit to command (that wives submit to was not bothered about how summary of what St Paul kneeling in prayer before Jesus each other” (Eph 5:21). Of t h e i r h u s b a n d s i n well Christian women of his teaches from 5:22 to 6:9. Those Christ, the King of Kings, course, they say, the New “everything”) is impractical t ime would receive his in the body of Christ must carried a key message to a Testament commands wives to and unwise. All these questions instructions. He wrote what the submit to one another. But how global audience. “submit” to their husbands in may be rephrased to this one: Holy Spirit wanted him to do you submit to one another?

the following verse. But, using “What if the husband asks the Brushing aside such write. We are not talking about There is a certain way to do it. verse 21, they say that wife to commit a sin?” It is spiritual undertones, global what’s politically correct but That is explained in the passage husbands too should submit to obvious that our duty to God media houses picked up about what is correct in God’s from 5:22 to 6:9. Wives “ought thei r wives! They a lso has a priority over every other various titbits that they thought sight.to” submit to their husbands “in acknowledge tha t Pau l duty. Just as we would defy a would amuse their viewers or The Bishop of London, everything” “as the church is commanded wives to honour state edict that would force us readers. One such thing that Richard Chartres, rightly said subject to Christ”; similarly, and love their husbands. But to sin against God, a Christian they highlighted was the in his Royal Wedding Sermon: children must obey their their strongest argument is that woman’s decision to obey God bride’s preferences regarding “In a sense every wedding is a parents (6:1); slaves must obey Paul exhorted children to obey rather than her husband’s sinful her marriage vow. They said royal wedding with the bride their masters (6:5). If we say their parents in the Lord demands is justified.that Ms. Middleton had refused and the groom as king and that husbands ought to submit (Ephesians 6:1) and yet he did to vow her obedience to her F i n a l l y , P e t e r ’ s queen of creation, making a to their wives (as some say in not command wives to “obey” husband in line with modern instructions to families are new life together so that life the light of Eph 5:21), we must their husbands.concepts about husband-wife noteworthy. While elaborating can flow through them into the also say that parents should

relationship. Ms. Middleton My intention is not to on how godly women ought to future.” The bride and groom obey their children and that vowed to “honour”, “love” and convince women that they decorate their lives with good are queen and king in their own masters must obey their slaves! to be faithful to her husband. It should obey their husbands. works in order to lead their house too. The elevation of a We may not be willing to go seems the late Princess Diana Let those who do not wish to unbelieving husbands to husband as the King in his that far! Let us therefore refrain too had preferred a vow “obey” refrain from it ; Christ, Peter says, “For in this family does not belittle the from sabotaging Ephesians without the words “to obey.” ultimately each person has a way in former times the holy wife. Instead, it elevates her as 5:22 with 5:21.

free will. But Christian women women also, who hoped in At the end of the gala the queen of the household. It is true that the apostle who do not want to obey their God, used to adorn themselves, wedding and celebrations, we The opposite is also sadly true! uses the word “obey” in Eph husbands and those who being submissive to their own saw the creation of a new royal A live dog is better than a dead 6:1 and 6:5 but not in Eph 5:22-eagerly wish that women be husbands; just as Sarah obeyed family in which the husband lion! A poor man who is a king 24. However, he uses other freed from such demands Abraham, calling him lord, and will not dare to command his in his house is better off than a words and word-pictures to say s h o u l d c e a s e f r o m you have become her children wife regarding any matter. The Royal who is not a king in his in a quiet elaborate way that misinterpreting the Holy if you do what is right without wife too does not expect her family.wives ought to obey their

No takers for Sarah's example?Should a wife obey her husband? Evangelical Christians who claim to

be devoted to the Bible and to doing God’s will are divided on this issue.

11PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

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12 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY MAY 1-15, 2011

The Bible doesn't say m u c h a b o u t h o w m a n invented technology to p r o d u c e m a t e r i a l s a n d objects for fulfilling the basic needs for human life food, clothing and shelter. But it surely gives subtle hints. In the Garden of Eden, food was readily available in the form of fruits, nuts and tubers.

C l o t h i n g w a s n o t needed before man sinned, as the glory of God surrounded t h e m c o v e r i n g t h e i r nakedness. B u t w h e n man sinned, he lost this glory, a n d c l o t h i n g b e c a m e necessary.

Man tried his best to cover his nakedness by leaves. But it could not last long, and God made garment from the hide of an animal for Adam and Eve. That was the first sacrifice of an animal for the sake of man. The first houses or shelters must have been natural shades of trees or caves. But once they were out of the Garden of Eden, animals. The Bible doesn't fulfilling these basic needs s a y a b o u t h o w m a n became very difficult. God developed techniques to had showed them how to extract metals and use them. make clothes from hides of It is apparent that man had animals. been exploring the land and

M a n m u s t h a v e forests, and digging up soil continued to make clothing for various purposes. It is from animal hides, and later possible that man accidently from wool. He somehow tied found a metal on charred or knit together the woollen ground after a forest fire or strands or fibres to make after a meat is roasted. Man c l o t h e s , w h i c h l a t e r must have learnt to fashion developed into weaving. crude vessels of mud or clay Then man must have thought to cook food. of using plant fibres like G r a d u a l l y , m a n cotton to produce clothes. invented and produced a lot

Gradually man made of appliances and artefacts large clothes to be used as for his comfortable day today sheets, and for making tents. life. With the discovery of For a long time man must metals like iron and copper, have depended on nature for man could make tools for shelter. Perhaps man lived different purposes. This under the shades of huge must have developed into t r e e s , o r e v e n o n t h e weapons like swords and branches. Some must have knives. The Book of Enoch chosen caves or natural mentions that angels or the formations of shelter on rock sons of God taught man the crevices. art of writing and also to

Food was available make weapons. though with difficulty as they Whatever it may be, had to wander long distances man had been improving his searching for fruits and nuts living conditions through on trees and plants as well as successive generations. d i g g i n g f o r t u b e r s . The Bible just gives a Gradually man began to eat hint in Genesis 4. Lamech,

throast meat. Somehow he the 6 generation grandson of learned, or perhaps God Cain had two wives. Perhaps instructed him (the Bible is he is the first polygamist in silent on this issue) to human history. Genesis 4:19-produce fire by rubbing 22 says: “stones or sticks together.

Man needed shelter and fences or walls for protection from wild animals and from the elements. Cain had built a city in the place which came to be known as Nod. He must have used natural building materials like stones, boulders, sticks, logs, leaves and mud. Man slowly began to make simple tools like long pointed sticks used as javelin to hunt animals. Sharp stones must have been used for cutting logs and to hack flesh of

F l o o d , t h e t o o l s a n d techniques invented or perfected by Tubal-Cain were utilized.

Perhaps Tubal-Cain himself was living at that t ime , and was he lp ing personally to build the ark. But it is a sad story that none of them could escape the flood waters in the ark which their own techniques and tools helped to fashion.

using all these gadgets and God's ways are very techniques. strange! He prepared gentile

B u t m o s t o f t h e kings to help and preserve inventors could not come to A b r a h a m a n d h i s God's salvation, though descendants. When there was thousands of others are going to be a famine in hearing the gospel and are C a n a a n , G o d s e n t t h e coming to Christ when children of Israel to Egypt, gospel is preached by using where they were preserved their inventions and te-by Egyptian produce and chniques. storage system of food

It is tragic that neither grains. After exodus, during Tubal-Cain nor any of his de-the succeeding generations scendents could escape in the God used many gentile kings ark which was built by their to protect and preserve the own tools and techniques. godly remnant. Similarly, it is pathetic that During the time of most of the modern inventors Christ, Israel was under the of raising cattle and other could not believe in the rule of Rome, a superpower animals for milk and meat. It gospel preached using their who had built up a modern is obvious that they needed a o w n i n v e n t i o n s a n d civilization with broad roads lot of fodder for the cattle as techniques. Even today in our and chariots for travel, w e l l a s f o o d f o r t h e churches and Chr is t ian t r a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d community. institutions there are a lot of communication. It was Most probably they people putt ing in their Romans who introduced the tilled the land and planted services. There are other cruel form of punishment by c r o p s , a n d s t a r t e d e x p e r t s , t e c h n i c i a n s , crucifixion. Jesus Christ was agriculture. The other son, architects and the like who crucified by the Roman Jubal was the father of assist in infrastructure and soldiers, through which the musicians. logistics. But most of them salvation of man from eternal H e p e r f e c t e d t h e do not come to a saving death was accomplished. m a k i n g o f m u s i c a l knowledge of Christ. The tools of Tubal-Cain instruments and playing them The most alarming helped Noah to build the ark in community gatherings. trend is that even within the for the preservation of his Perhaps such music was part C h u r c h , t h e r e a r e a family during the Flood. o f r e l i g i o u s r i t e s a n d considerable number of Those tools were again festivals. The son of Lamech 'believers' or leaders who do instrumental in fashioning by Zilla, Tubal-Cain, became not believe what they preach the cross and nailing the the most useful inventor for and profess. Most of them Savior on the cross so that mankind. support the Kingdom of God through His shed blood H e d e v e l o p e d by their finances or time and salvation for mankind could techniques to forge all kinds efforts, but they themselves be achieved. of tools out of bronze and a r e n o t i n a s a v i n g T h e g o s p e l c o u l d iron. The invention of tools relationship with Christ. spread to the known world and weapons of metals There are Christian leaders during the first century o p e n e d i m m e n s e and even pastors who do not swiftly through the well-built possibilities for mankind to believe the full gospel. system of roads and sea expand his world by clearing Certain denominations voyage routes. forests, leveling the ground, don't believe in heaven or Paul conducted his defending aga ins t wi ld eternal life. Some teach that missionary journeys by animals, etc. It also opened a all religions lead to the same ships, and evangelized most n e w c h a p t e r i n m a n ' s destination. Some leaders parts of Asia and Europe. civilization the timber advocate that we should The invention of printing and business. Man perhaps come out of the exclusive paper helped in the spread of began to make wooden narrow mindset of preaching, God's Word by printing the houses and furniture. “Salvation is ONLY through Bible and making it available Man began to make Jesus Christ.” Somehow they to many parts of the world. wooden and metallic items as hope that there is no life after Later, the invention of Lamech married n e c e s s i t a t e d b y e v e r y death, or no God to give steam engine and motor car two women, one named Adah situation. account to about their lives. revolut ionized the way and the other Zillah. Adah It is strange that all these People in Noah's time also people travelled, and it made gave birth to Jabal; he was inventions: tent-making, hoped that there would be no the world within reach. The the father of those who live in keeping livestock and perhaps rain or flood. They realized aero plane and high-speed tents and raise livestock. His systematic agriculture, music too late that they were trains made travel very fast. brother's name was Jubal; he and musical instruments, and cheating themselves, when

There had been other was the father of all who play tools and weapons of metals the Flood actually came and i n v e n t i o n s l i k e t h e the harp and flute. Zillah also and thereby wooden houses drowned them. The tragedy microphone, tape recorder, had a son, Tubal-Cain, who and furniture were done by the of Tubal-Cain is a warning radio, television, computer, forged all kinds of tools out descendants of Cain. But the for all mankind. Are you just internet, etc. which aided ofbronze and iron.” people in the godly line of Seth following the bandwagon, evangelization in dramatic J a b a l h e a d e d a were also bene fited by these. doubting the gospel or are ways. The Word of God and community who lived in tents W h e n N o a h w a s you believing the whole the gospel of sa-lvation and raised cattle. Probably instructed to build an ark to Word of God and in a through Jesus are being their community perfected save humankind and all land g r o w i n g p e r s o n a l preached across the world tent-making and techniques animals and birds from the relationship with Christ?

The tragedy ofTubal-Cain

Bright Sam

13PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY MAY 1-15, 2011

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Jesus" and thanking will be coming soon. Thank not happening," wrote you for your prayers." Wilkerson, painting a supporters for their prayers.

In his last devotional hopeless situation."We are receiving for World Challenge, In his final public many calls and inquiries written a few hours before and simply wanted to words, Wilkerson told those his death, Wilkerson confirm the fact that he has facing despair, "Beloved, encouraged believers to passed away in a fatal God has never failed to act

but in goodness and love. hold fast to their faith even automobile accident. We When all means fail his "when all means fail."appreciate your prayers and love prevails. Hold fast to "Someone has come to our hearts are sorrowful, yet your faith. Stand fast in his the place of hopelessness we rejoice at the joy of Word. There is no other the end of hope the end of knowing David Wilkerson hope in this world."all means. A loved one is spent his life well," read the

Wilkerson was born facing death and doctors message enti t led "In M a y 1 9 , 1 9 3 1 , i n give no hope. Death seems M e m o r y o f D a v i d Hammond, Ind. He is inevitable. Hope is gone. Wilkerson."survived by his wife and The miracle prayed for is "More information four children.

Christians Honor David Wilkerson

Continued from page 1

President Lincoln and Dr. many blessings we enjoy, noted that prayer has long been an important part of King," he stated. and I ask all people of U.S. history. He called for prayers faith to join me in asking

I n t h i s y e a r ' s for the Armed Forces, God for guidance, mercy, proclamation, Obama those affected by natural and protection for our pointed to President disasters in recent months Nation."Abraham Lincoln and the and those abroad who are This year marks the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther seeking peace and rights 60th National Day of King, Jr., as examples of i n t h e m i d s t o f Prayer. On Thursday, leaders who turned to the uncertainty and unrest. Christians across the Lord in prayer when they "I invite all citizens country will observe the had nowhere else to go. of our Nation, as their day under the theme "A

"On this National own faith or conscience Mighty Fortress Is Our Day of Prayer, let us directs them, to join me in God.”follow the example of giving thanks for the

Obama issues national day of prayer ... 50K participate in 6-hour 'Secret Church'

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) the Word, and to identify certain number of people Baptist Press, Apr 28, 2011 -- with our persecuted brothers showing up, but had many

more than we expected," he On Good Friday, more than and sisters by praying said. "I attribute it to the 50,000 people across the intentionally for them," Platt hunger for rich theological world participated in Secret said. "Just a simple six hours training. Our churches have Church, six intensive hours of straight teaching and been defined, to such a great of biblical teaching and prayer.degree, by less and less prayer for the persecuted "People are hungry for t heo logy ove r r ecen t church led by author and the Word," Platt said. decades."There's really nothing pastor David Platt of The

"Additionally," Fries special or creative about it. Church at Brook Hills in said, "I am encouraged to see It's just the study of the Word Birmingham, Ala.pastors like David Platt and then prayer for our The event -- held at the taking the lead in developing persecuted brothers and church but simulcast into 42 theological depth among our sisters. The Word itself does states and 11 countries -- was

the work. One of our goals in people. It seems to me that designed to call the church to Secret Church from the for a long time, we've greater awareness to biblical

believed theology is best beginning has been to study fidelity and to build unity not just for our own sake, but learned in the classroom not with the persecuted church for the sake of the nations." the worship center. Secret worldwide. While thousands

P a r t n e r i n g w i t h Church proves that our gathered live and on location LifeWay for the simulcast people have that hunger and at The Church at Brook was a way to share the desire for the Word."Hills, more than 50,000 message of Secret Church Randy,* a Southern people from 1,300 churches with churches all around the Baptist worker among a n d s m a l l g r o u p s nation and the world, said unreached peoples in Asia, participated via simulcast. LifeWay President Thom S. They gathered in church participated in the simulcast Rainer. There had been nine sanctuaries, fellowship with members of his home prior Secret Church events, halls, living rooms, dorm church while on leave in the but after the first meeting rooms and L i feWay ' s United States.The Church at Brook Hills Ridgecrest Conference "This was a great event was forced to start a Center to hear God's Word for me personally, because reservation system due to the taught. It was the 10th Secret seeing the Gospel spread to sell-out capacity. Its on-site Church event but the first the last peoples on earth is popularity led to the idea of a one simulcast.

what I'm passionate about simulcast. It was simulcast by LifeWay and what moves me," he "We recognized that Christian Resouces and said. "All the people who God was doing something D i s c i p l e - M a k i n g attended with me just big through Secret Church," International (DMI), a

Rainer said. "We were also finished a study on [Platt's n o n p r o f i t , C h r i s t i a n -painfully aware that more book] 'Radical' over the last equipping organization and more people were being three months. The one thing founded by Platt.turned away from each they walked away with was Secret Church was born successive Secret Church from Platt's experiences getting the big picture of the event. After much prayer and teaching in underground doctrines of salvation and deliberation, we made the house churches throughout how they all fit together decision to simulcast the A s i a . T h e r e , P l a t t within the big picture of the tenth Secret Church with the experienced how Christians Gospel and redemption."hope that God will use these met in secret for fear of “One person said that if resources well beyond the persecution. This awareness our pastor preached all the single event itself."sparked a desire to transplant

content they received at Micah Fries, lead pastor the urgency of sound Gospel Secret Church it would take of Frederick Boulevard proclamation to congregants six weeks of preaching," Baptist Church in St. Joseph, in his own church. Randy said. "They were so Mo., said the turnout at his "We set up a Friday evening excited about it and wanted church for the simulcast where we would gather from

w e n t b e y o n d h i s to know when the next 6 p.m. until midnight for two expectations. Secret Church event was main purposes: to worship

“We ant ic ipated a through intensive study of going to be held.”

Continued from page 1

14 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY MAY 1-15, 2011

Rob Bell on Time list of 100 most influential people

if not all will go to heaven and a heretic.

Pastor Perry Noble of the 10,000-member NewSpring Church in South Carolina took a s o f t e r a p p r o a c h spending half his recent column praising Bell for h i s f r i e n d l i n e s s , hospitality and passion for Jesus but concluded that Bell's theology on hell is simply wrong.

“I do think it is essential to weigh in on this issue because of the influence Rob has. Because, if a younger generation of

Christianity in America,” The recent debate over the church leaders buy into the

writes Meacham.existence of hell and who belief that there is no hell (a goes there is hotter than “Traditionalists don't place of eternal suffering expected. It is such an like what they're seeing, for and torment for those who incendiary argument, in Bell's questions cut to the reject Jesus) then the fact, that it has landed the heart of a faith that requires theological tsunami that hits man who sparked the fire what the poet Coleridge the next generation of R o b B e l l o n Ti m e called a 'wiling suspension church leaders could be magazine's 2011 top 100 o f d i s b e l i e f ' . ” devastating,” Noble said.most influential people list. Since February a “[T]o deny that hell is Rob Bell, the pastor month before the book was not a literal place of eternal who wrote Love Wins, is the even released evangelical suffering and torment is only evangelical religious leaders have been furiously wrong … and I can say that leader to make it on this debating Bell's views on even if Rob is a nice guy.”year's Time top 100 list, hell and the idea that most if Love Wins is currently released on Thursday. In n o t a l l p e o p l e w i l l No 2 on The New York past years, Pastor Rick eventually make it to Times best sellers list for Warren and evangelical heaven. hardcover advice.leader Richard Cizik have Those on Bell's side, Others who made the been included among the emergent church leaders 2011 Time 100 list include: most influential people of and mainline Protestants, Facebook founder Mark the year. argue that a loving God Zuckerberg; WikiLeaks Former Newsweek would not send billions of ed i tor- in-chief Ju l ian editor Jon Meacham, who people many who never Assange; Battle Hymn of wrote Time Magazine's had a chance to hear the the Tiger Mother author Easter special cover story Gospel to hell. Amy Chua; Burma pro-“Is Hell Dead?”, describes On the other hand, democracy activist Aung Bell as “a master of social more conservative and San Suu Kyi; First Lady media” and an “evangelical Reformed Christians argue Michelle Obama; teen pop pastor with a huge and that Bell's view negates the sensation Justin Bieber; growing young following” need for a saviour if P l a n n e d P a r e n t h o o d in a brief blurb about Bell. everyone can go to heaven president Cecile Richards; “ Wi e l d i n g m u s i c , without believing in Jesus. Huffington Post founder videos and a Starbucks They have called the Love Arianna Huffington; and sensibility, Bell is at the Wins author a universalist H o u s e S p eak e r J o h n forefront of a rethinking of someone who believes most Boehner.

The pastor behind the year's most controversial book is in Time magazine's 2011 list of 100 most influential people

Rob Bell speaking about his new book in London

Christians are working to clearance specialist Sam destroyed depots or tanks clear ammunition and Christensen fears that to gather ammunition to other remnants left children will injure take to their homes. He behind by the conflict in themselves playing in said such “ammunition Libya. abandoned tanks and has tourism” had been seen in

DanChurchAid, a already heard reports of the wake of conflicts in member of the ACT two children being hurt Iraq and Kosovo.Al l iance , has been b y u n e x p l o d e d He said: “People have approved by the United ammunition. no idea what a hand Nations to undertake a He is pleased that grenade is used for, for six month operation in clearance teams had been instance, and some get the eastern rebel-held given the go ahead to the idea of placing it on a part of the country. enter Libya. shelf like some kind of a

The ACT Alliance “The sooner we start souvenir.”began its assessment of working, the more human There is also a need to the area last week and is lives we can save,” he clear remnants to stop deploying up to four said. them from falling into the teams as part of the $1 “We can prevent hands of terrorists who million operation. curious children and may use them to carry out

T h e t e a m s h a v e unsuspecting adults from attacks on Europe.e s t a b l i s h e d a e n c o u n t e r i n g l i f e - Christensen added: coordination centre as a threatening unexploded “These weapons must not base for assessing the ammunition.” get into the hands of the location of unexploded There are also fears, wrong people. If they are grenades, missiles and however, that curious not secured or destroyed bullets and just how a d u l t s w i l l p u t and they reach Europe, many there are. themselves in harm’s they would pose a threat

ACT Alliance’s mine w a y b y g o i n g t o against the West.”

Christians clearing mines in Libya

15PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY MAY 1-15, 2011

Churches and Christian homes destroyed after Nigeria elections

long battle with illness. Therefore, he is qualified to run for another term.

Though Jonathan is a Christian, one Christian leader

in the northern Nigerian state of Kaduna pointed

out to In te rna t iona l C h r i s t i a n C o n c e r n ,

“Goodluck is not the president just for Christians;

he is the president for every N i g e r i a n . W h y s h o u l d Christians suffer because Jonathan won the election?”

Amid the v io lence , More than 60 churches were Jonathan said in a televised especially for burned and thousands of speech Monday evening that those in the north,” Chr i s t i an -owned homes “nobody's political ambition is He added.d e s t r o y e d i n N i g e r i a ' s worth the blood of any predominantly Muslim north Muslims complained that Nigerian”, according to The after the recent election of the vote tallies were rigged, but Associated Press.incumbent Christian president i n d e p e n d e n t o b s e r v e r s

Yet the massive sectarian Goodluck Jonathan, according described the election as the violence in Nigeria is not all that to the Christian persecution fairest in decades.surprising. Nigeria has a long watchdog group Open Doors.

“The elections for the and bloody history of Muslim-Riots broke out Monday National Assembly and the Christian conflicts that is not after the preliminary results of Presidency were both credible just inspired by religion, but also S a t u r d a y ' s v o t e w e r e and creditable and reflected the by land and water disputes.announced. Jonathan, who was will of the Nigerian people,” sworn in as president in May Last Christmas Eve, at said the Commonwealth 2010, was announced president least 38 people were killed observers' report.over his Muslim opponent across Nigeria when armed men

Protesters also wanted a Muhammadu Buhari. linked to the radical Muslim Muslim president to succeed “Last year there were group Boko Haram attacked Jonathan. Nigeria, which is more martyrs in Nigeria churches and a busy market in a nearly equally split between a p p r o x i m a t e l y 2 , 0 0 0 predominantly Christian area. Muslims in the North and Christians killed in the And in early 2010, more than Christians in the South, has a northern part than in any other 500 people in a Christian village policy of alternating between country in the world,” said were killed in sectarian violence Christians and Muslims in the Open Doors USA chief in Jos, an area that lies on the o f f i c e o f p r e s i d e n t . border between the north and Executive Carl Moeller.

But Jonathan did not serve south. Local church leaders later “Nigeria is such a key a full presidential term, being clarified that the deadly clash country in the spread of that he took power after his was more about social and Christianity all over Africa.”Muslim predecessor, Umaru economic conflicts than “Please join me in prayer Yar'Adua, died last year after a religion. for the Christians there,

That is the conclusion of one took place at the start of the according to which the professor who believes he Passover, John is alone in Passover always fell earlier has solved what was once recording that it took place and the days were marked described by biblical scholar before the Passover. from sunrise to sunrise.

Professor Humphreys' He concludes that, F F Bruce as the “thorniest study is based on earlier according to this calendar, p r o b l e m i n t h e N e w research he carried out with the Last Supper would have Testament”

. In his new book, The Oxford as t rophys ic i s t t a k e n p l a c e o n t h e Mystery of the Last Supper, Graeme Waddington, in Wednesday of Holy Week, Cambridge Univers i ty which they identified the rather than the Thursday.

This, he contends, P r o f e s s o r S i r C o l i n date of Jesus' crucifixion as would solve the question of Humphreys claims that the the morning of Friday 3 h o w J e s u s ' a r r e s t , Last Supper took place on April 33.

If Jesus died on April 3, interrogation and trial before the Wednesday and not the the standard Jewish calendar two courts could all take Thursday before Jesus' of AD33 would have placed place before his execution death.

Christians around the his crucifixion on the 14th on Friday morning.“Whatever you think world commemorate Jesus' day of the Jewish month of

about the Bible, the fact is Last Supper with the Nisan. The Passover meal, that Jewish people would d i s c ip l e s on Maundy however, falls on the 15th never mistake the Passover Thursday. day, which supports John's

Professor Humphreys meal for another meal, so for account, but not those of the says he used the Gospels and the Gospels to contradict other Gospels.science “hand in hand” to The official Jewish themselves in this regard is answer the question of when calendar used at the time of really hard to understand,” Jesus had his final meal with Jesus' death is still in place Professor Humphreys said.

“Many biblical scholars his disciples and solve an today and follows a lunar say that, for this reason, you apparent contradiction in the system in which days run can't trust the Gospels at all. accounts of Matthew, Mark, from sunset to sunset.

The professor argues But if we use science and the L u k e a n d J o h n .that Jesus used a different Gospels hand in hand, we While the Gospels of calendar to that commonly can actually prove that there Matthew, Mark and Luke used by Jews at the time, was no contradiction.” assert that the Last Supper

Was the Last Supper a day earlier?

16

Parliament in 2006, when the body KATHMANDU, Nepal Apr. 20, 2011 unanimously declared Nepal secular, he With the government refusing to listen to began opposing the move soon their three-year plea for an official afterwards, leading four campaigns cemetery and ignoring a protracted against it nationwide.hunger strike, Nepal's Christians are now

seeking redress from the Supreme “I consider the nation and the Court. Hindu religion to be more important than

the party,” said Pandey, known as the MP “Every day there are two to three who began to go barefoot 32 years ago to deaths in the community, and with each next hearing is scheduled for May 3. if the constitution doesn't materialize in Kathmandu. As curious onlookers and show solidarity with Nepalese, who are death we face a hard time with the time, there will be a crisis and our soldiers patrolling the nearby army Along with the legal battle, Christians among the poorest in the world. “Over 90 burial,” said Chari Bahadur Gahatraj, a problem will be shelved.” headquarters looked on, party members have kept up their relay hunger strike. To percent of the Nepalese want Nepal to be pastor who filed a petition in the high fervently blew into conch shells step up pressure on the a Hindu state. However, the government court on March 13 asking it to intervene and rang bells to draw people's government, the protestors also is led by people whose only concern is as authorities of Nepal's oldest Hindu attention to their demand.announced they would lead a power and money.”temple had begun demolishing the funeral march to the offices of The party, which is also

graves of Christians there. Pandey's campaign is supported by the prime minister and the seeking the restoration of Hindu groups from India and the West: Gahatraj and Man Bahadur Khatri culture minister and hand over monarchy, took some oblique Narendranath Saraswati, who is the are both members of the newly formed coffins to them as a symbolic sho ts a t the Chr i s t i an Shankaracharya or religious head of a Christian Burial Ground Prayer and protest. If that too failed, they community as well.prominent Hindu shrine in India's National Struggle Committee that since warned they would have no “There is a deliberate and Varanasi city; Dr. Tilak Chaitanya, chief last month began leading a relay hunger option but to go on hunger strike sys t ema t i c a t t empt by of a group in the United Kingdom that strike in a public area of the capital, in front of the prime minister's organizations to convert propagates the Gita, the holy book of the asking for a graveyard. They said they office and parliament, this time Hindus,” said Kamal Thapa, Hindus; and Tahal Kishore, head of a were forced to go to court after the carrying dead bodies with them. party chief and a former Hindu organization, Radha Krishna Pashupati Area Development Trust Alarmed at the rate the minister. “These organizations Sevashram, in the United States.(PADT), which runs Nepal's oldest issue was snowballing, the are guided by foreign powers

Hindu shrine, the Pashupatinath temple, Two weeks before the May 28 government finally responded. and foreign funds. If the said it would no longer allow non-Hindus deadline for the new constitution, On Monday Culture Minister widespread conversion of to use the temple's forested land. Pandey and his followers plan to step up Gangalal Tuladhar opened talks Hindus is not s topped

the campaign for a “Hindu state” in the “We don't want to hurt the with the protestors, agreeing to immediately, we will have to capital. Though Pandey denies it could sentiments of any community,” Gahatraj continue the negotiations after take stern measures.”stir up animosity between the majority-told Compass. “Nor are we trying to grab three days. The government Three days later, an umbrella Hindus and Christians whose minority the land owned by a temple. We are ready also formed a four-member of Hindu groups the Rastriya Hindu Nationpopulation is said to have crossed 2 to accept any plot given to us. All we are committee to look into the demand. Dharma Jagaran Mahasabha (the Adding to their unease, Christians are million but is actually only 850,801, asking for is that the burials be allowed Currently, Christians are asking for National Religion Resurrection now facing a redoubled campaign by according to Operation World there are till we get an alternate site.” cemetery land in all 75 districts of Nepal. Conference) held a massive gathering in Hindu groups for the restoration of

Judge Awadhesh Kumar Yadav has fears of religious tension if not outright Protestors were wary of the the capital, declaring Nepal a “Hindu Hinduism as the state religion, five years since ordered the government and PADT violence.government's intent in the overture. state” and meeting with no official after parliament declared Nepal, the

The Hindu rallies continue to grow not to prevent Christians from using the objection. The proclamation came as the “This could be a ploy to buy time world's only Hindu kingdom, secular.as a pressure tactic. On Monday, forest for burials until the dispute is climax to a three-day public program and bury the issue,” said a member of the If the new constitution had been members of Nepal Brahman Samaj, an resolved. The legal battle, however, now calling for the restoration of “the Christian committee formed to advise promulgated last year, it would have organization of “upper castes” from involves a counter-suit. Hindu activist traditional Hindu state.” Several Hindu parliament on drafting the new consolidated secularism in Nepal. But whose echelons temple priests are Bharat Jangam filed a second writ on preachers and scholars from neighboring constitution, who requested anonymity. with the country missing the deadline appointed, fought with security forces in March 20, saying that since the forest was India attended the program, held on the Though the committee formed to due to protracted power-sharing rows front of parliament house, demanding the property of a Hindu temple, non- grounds of the Pashupatinath temple, look into the Christians' demand for among the major political parties, their rights be respected and an end to Hindus should not be allowed to bury which is also a UNESCO-declared burial land has been asked to present a Christians still feel under threat. conversions.their dead there just as churches do not World Heritage Site.report within two weeks, Christians On Thursday (April 14), when the allow Hindu burials. More Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) The “Hindu state” proclamation suspect the panel is dragging its feet. country celebrated the start of the campaigning is scheduled on April 29, Subsequently, the court decided to was the brainchild of Shankar Prasad “The new constitution has to be indigenous new year 2068 with a public when the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-hear the two petitions together, and on Pandey, a former member of parliament promulgated by May 28, but it does not holiday, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party- Nepal's Thapa has called for a mass Monday (April 18), the hearings began. from Nepali Congress, the second largest seem likely that the main political parties Nepal, which seeks the reinstatement of gathering in the capital. Compass Direct While two lawyers argued on behalf of party in Nepal, now in opposition. will be able to accomplish the task,” the Hinduism as the state religion, kicked off NewsGahatraj and Khatri, a cohort of 15 Though Pandey was a sitting Member of Christian committee member said. “And a campaign at the Bhadrakali temple in lawyers spoke against their petition. The

Nepal Christians begin legal battle for burial ground

Royal couple needs prayers, support as they wed, says Archbishop

It's no surprise that the royal wedding has globally garnered much attention from the media, capturing every single detail starting from the engagement to the actual wedding itself.

Likely to become one of the most-anticipated events of the year, many are excited to witness the highly publicized union of the happy royal couple.

Past American Idol contestant, Kellie

studying at the University of For billions of people all Pickler feels sorry for the St. Andrews, will take their over the world, and for one soon-to-be married couple. vows on April 29, at the woman in particular, the “I feel so sorry that on the Westminister Abbey.wait is almost over. most important , most

T h e D e a n o f By 11:00 a.m. Friday beautiful day of their life, it Westminister will officiate (London Time), Catherine has to be just an open book for most of the service, "Kate" Middleton will to the whole world,” Pickler while Rowan Williams, the finally marry Prince William told Country Vibe. “I mean, Archbishop of Canterbury, of Wales, the man of her they deserve to have their will conduct the marriage dreams, officially entering intimate ceremony with ceremony itself. The Bishop into the royal family as their loved ones, and it's so of London, a close friend of “Princess Catherine.” sad that they get stalked by the Prince, is also scheduled The on and off couple of the paparazzi and the media to give the sermon.eight years, who met while the way they do. I couldn't

imagine.” commitments that are pers is tence to go on possible.” showing the rest of us what's But the Archbishop of

possible, for the whole of C a n t e r b u r y s h a r e s a Understanding that their life together.”different view, believing P r i n c e Wi l l i a m a n d

that marriage isn't only Middleton were making their As over two billion about two individuals. commitment in the public eye, people worldwide tune in to

t h e A n g l i c a n l e a d e r watch the royal festivities “No individual exists encouraged viewers to Friday morning, one can only alone,” he stated on his prayerfully support the couple hope that the eight-year website. “People come to and be an active witness more courtship will only be a their weddings with family than a spectator. glimpse into a life-long holy and friends around them.

matrimony.And of course with this Praising the two as particular wedding, they're “deeply unpretentious,” The entire printed coming with friends and Williams described what a program for the royal supporters all around the pleasure it was to get to wedding can be viewed wor ld , wa tch ing and know the couple. on l ine , de t a i l i ng the witnessing. ceremony, including the “I think they have a

personal vows that will be “Every wedding then, clear sense of what they exchanged. The lunchtime sends a message to people. believe they're responsible reception will be held at the It's two people declaring to. They're responsible to Buckingham Palace, hosted something, not only about t h e w h o l e s o c i e t y , by the Queen.themselves, but about what responsible to God for their

they most deeply believe, relationship, and I think it's BBC and CNN will the values they must deeply impressive that they've had cover the ceremony and hold to, declaring that to the that simplicity about it associated events live, as whole world around them.” t h e y ' v e k n o w n w h a t well as NBC's Today, ABC,

matters, what's at the heart CBS, and Fox networks. Williams added, “A of all this. The wedding can also be marriage is good news

streamed live online on because it says something so “Naturally, I want to YouTube via The Royal deep about our humanity wish William and Catherine Channel.and it tells us that we can every richest blessing in

have grounds for hope that their life together. But I want After the wedding, the there are still people around to wish them especially the couple intends to continue us who want to spend their courage and clarity they'll residing together on the Isle lives with each other, who need to live out this big of Anglesey in North Wales, want to make this great act commitment ... to live it out where Prince William is of generous commitment to for the rest of us.” currently based as a Royal o n e a n o t h e r a n d s o Air Force Search and T h e a r c h b i s h o p everybody around the world Rescue pilot. concluded, “I hope they'll be watching this will have given the strength and the s o m e s e n s e o f t h e