The Voice of the Martyrs. Are we listening?

(The Christian martyrs last prayer picture by Leon Jerome)

I have greatly rejoiced with you in our Lord Jesus Christ, because ye have followed the example, “ye have received the patterns of true love [as displayed by God], and have accompanied, as became you, those who were bound in chains, the fitting ornaments of saints, and which are indeed the diadems of the true elect of God and our Lord; and because the strong root of your faith, spoken of in days ( Phil. 1. 5.) long gone by, endureth even until now, and bringeth forth fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sins suffered even unto death, [but] “whom God raised from the dead, having loosed the bands of the grave.”(The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians)

Martyrdom has not decreased since the very first person was martyred Stephen the Deacon and actually after his stoning it continued to increase steadily through out the Millenniums. After the year 2000 it suddenly jumped up to the 200 millions, that is an increase of outstanding proportions. Within the last two Millennia, the reported martyrs were only 250,000 or so total, isn't that amazing? The rise of Christian's being persecuted, tortured, imprisoned and executed these last few years in the 21 first century has shown those of us paying attention, a significant need the Church needs to address. Are we supporting the whole Church? Are our offerings going to the right places? Are we really meeting the needs of our fellow brethren across the World? Is our local fellowship concerned with our persecuted family and praying for them daily or at least giving them some attention?

Well I have provided you who visit this site a way to help and find the information if you are not getting it emailed to you.
Also I want to leave an up to date News from VOM and I hope and pray when you give and pray that you remember our Martyred family who really needs our service.
God is leading you to do this isn't HE?


"I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. "(Psalm 9:1-4)

Prayers for June 5, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs


RUSSIA Church Risks Losing Property and Pastor Could Face Imprisonment - VOM Sources
On May 31, 2007, a pastor in Russia was warned to leave the area where he is ministering, after authorities threatened they would confiscate his church property. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, the church has not violated any laws, but authorities have decided to start a criminal case against them, and have threatened the pastor with imprisonment. Authorities have interrogated members of the church and threatened to take away their children. A hearing in court is scheduled for June 6, 2007. Pray for this pastor and church members. Ask God to protect them and for a favorable outcome at the hearing. Psalm 68: 29, Psalm 91: 1-6


AZERBAIJAN Arrested Baptist Pastor to Face Three Years in Prison - Forum 18 News
Police have told members of the Baptist church in the remote village of Aliabad in north-western Azerbaijan that their pastor, Zau Balaev, is to face a criminal charge of "resisting government representatives," which carries a maximum three-year prison term. The authorities claim the pastor set a dog onto police who raided the church's Sunday service on May 20, 2007. According to Ilya Zenchenko, the head of the Baptist Union, the region around Aliabad is the worst in Azerbaijan for Baptists. "It is a place where officials insult our believers, won't allow them to gain legal status and deny birth certificates to their children," Zenchenko said. Pray for this pastor and his family. Ask God to protect them and other Christians in Azerbaijan. Pray God uses their testimony to draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Psalm 32: 7, Psalm 91: 7-10


INDIA Missionary Threatened with Death - Gospel for Asia
Anti-Christian extremists in Utter Pradesh have threatened to kill Gospel for Asia missionary Daya Marandi, if he does not leave the area where he is ministering. The extremists have also made threats to harm more than 50 people who worship in Daya's church and are demanding believers in the church denounce Christianity. Pray for Pastor Daya, his family and believers in India who are facing escalating persecution. Pray God encourages them to stand steadfast in their faith despite the challenges they face. Romans 5:1-5, Psalm 91: 10-14
www.persecution.com


" He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."(John 1:10-13)

Prayers for May 29, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs


PAKISTAN Christian Literature Distribution at Muslim Festival - VOM Sources
The festival of "Imam Bari Sarkar" in which Muslims from all over Pakistan and neighboring countries participate, will be held from May 27 to 29. More than 350,000 people are expected to attend. There are plans to distribute more than 10,000 copies of Christian literature at the festival. Pray for the safety of team members and that God will use them for His glory. Psalm 32:7, Acts 1:7


CUBA UPDATE - Pastor Issued Not Guilty Verdict - VOM Sources
Pastor Carlos Lamelas has officially been given his innocent verdict in writing by the court. He is trying to have the fine he paid reversed as well. Pray God encourages this family and for the fine to be reversed. Psalm 95:1-2


LAOS UPDATE - Nine Laotian Pastors Released, Three Still in Prison - VOM Sources
Nine of the 11 pastors imprisoned with Pastor Van Thong more than five months ago have been released. Meanwhile, Pastor Van Thong and two other pastors are still in prison. While we rejoice in the release of the nine, pray for the pastors still in prison. Pray the released pastors will continue to boldly share the gospel and for their testimony to draw non-believers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Psalm 41:1-2


TURKMENISTAN Christian Leader Arrested in Turkmenbashi - Forum 18 News
On May 19, Yevgeny Potolov, head of a Council of Churches Baptist congregation in Turkmenbashi, was detained by police. The police have refused to tell his wife why he is being held in a detention center. They have said the case is being handled by the secret police. Potolov's arrest comes days after Pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky was sentenced to three years in a labor camp for his religious activities. Pray for the two Christian leaders and their families. Pray Christians in Turkmenistan will continue to boldly share the gospel. John 17:13-19

www.persecution.com

Why does it seem the Church is silent against abortion

Struggling for Life: How our Tax Dollars and Twisted Science Target the Unborn (worldnetdaily.com)

JUST RELEASED! The most dangerous time in any child's life is his or her first nine months. That's because abortion takes one out of every four children conceived in America, making the route from womb to tomb very short for millions of unborn boys and girls. "Struggling for Life" provides a shocking glimpse into how your tax dollars and twisted biomedical research are targeting the unborn. Written by Dr. Kelly Hollowell, WND contributor and founder of Science Ministries, Inc., this riveting, sometimes personal account details the gushing flow of federal dollars into the coffers of America's leading abortion performer.

It doesn't help that American taxpayers underwrite the nation's leading abortion performer, Planned Parenthood, which took in $265 million in government grants and contracts in 2003-2004 and killed 244,628 unborn children. Now taxpayers are being asked to fund medical research that kills five- to seven-day-old humans in order to harvest their stem cells. We are in an historic struggle to protect life from those who seek to profit from the unborn.

"Struggling for Life" also scrutinizes the inflated claims of those in the scientific community who want taxpayers to pay for research that destroys human embryos. Dr. Hollowell, a Senior Bioethics Strategist at the Center for Reclaiming America for Christ, also lays out an innovative four-step strategy to restore legal protection to unborn children.



Why does it seem the Church is silent against abortion.
By Richard G. White [(c) May 30 2007]

Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,(Abortion etc.)
A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.

As for me and my house We will serve the Lord JESUS and will take a stand when called to do so which is now. I am making my verbal stand writing this article blog hoping it will be read by all those who oppose and are for equally all over the globe. The Good news must be preached to all the world that Salvation is NOW and it is free. There is nothing you can do to work for it, just ask and put your full trust in Jesus By repenting and never look back and receive it. How simple is that? God makes it so easy to follow HIM, HE comes inside our hearts and asks us to follow Him and HE will guide us through the good times and the very bad times but will be with us guaranteed. Isn't that wonderful and refreshing that God completes the work and only HE can?
Now since we have accepted and chose this free gift of eternal life, never looking back, we must ask ourselves in the midst of excitement of being saved from the place of Hell we so much deserve, what are we to do to stand up for righteousness sake? Firstly, you should pray and ask whole heartily what God wants you to do and seek the answer daily by reading His word and obeying it. Secondly, while you are still here in this" life is but a vapor" life, go and serve Him at where He tells you at your Church. Serving Him will bring you so much Joy and watch His wisdom just increase. it is better than any riches the world has to offer. I can also give you a suggestion that could be part of your new mold and it is a very important one.
Well I can tell a very very important one. Making your stand against Abortion. That is a good one in fact. Stop the shedding of innocent blood. God hates this and it brings Him sorrow and anger.

As the article above from WND, Planned parenthood {whatever that means} this taxpayer Organization (or foot that is swift to run with doing evil) is responsible for 244,628 innocent deaths a year that is still a good part of the Number of abortions per year: 1.37 Million (1996-2006) Number of abortions per day: Approximately 3,700, that continue to Speed along marching to Satan's goal of destroying 1/3 of the population down to the human head count of say 500,000 persons to save the planet these so called ecologist are spouting out these days. I just cannot believe that some of our our BODY in America seems to be silent on this issue. I know at the voter's poles the majority of the BODY votes against abortion, but why isn't abortion and it's very WICKED practice euthanized? I see the majority of American's claim to be Christian's in fact 71% of the population(www.barna.org), that is more than non-Christian's majority and wouldn't you think that since most Christian's Vote this very wicked practice would be eliminated by our votes? Well it has not happened and for many years. Why? Because most of the majority of the 71% Christian's are asleep or do not think it is an important issue thank you Billy Graham. Why have I chose him first? Well because He is America's most popular evangelist and Christian Spokesperson in America and mostly the world. He basically sets the Christian standard for the world view if you are asleep in your walk you will accept it because it's Billy Graham,he can do know wrong. Let us take a look at his ministries view on abortion.

Billy Graham accepts abortion.

Billy Graham believes the killing of unborn babies is sometimes ok. In The Billy Graham Christian Worker's Handbook (copyright 1997 edition) it says, 
Billy Graham writes: We should accept abortion in these cases: rape or incest or if the delivery of the child is a threat to a mother's life. p. 19, hard copy on file. 
(See below BGEA's email concerning this statement)
In the 1996 copyright revised 2001 edition it says,
Even sincere Christians may differ on whether or not abortion is ever justified, especially in difficult situations such as rape or incest, or when tests reveal that the unborn child has severe abnormalities. (The Billy Graham Christian Worker's Handbook, p. 21)
This is absolutely horrid! God says, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Killing an unborn child is murder no matter how the child was conceived (rape or incest) or what abnormalities he or she may have (see Exodus 21:22-23 "life for life"). The Lord makes the mute, the deaf, and the blind (Exodus 4:11), and it is cruel hatred and murder to kill them. (See http://www.armyofgod.com/BillyGraham.html for more of this article)

Now this is just one of the Articles I have read about BG and there is very very many that prove this to be so. There are also DVD Documentaries of Billy Graham in his own words which will befall you about the many erroneous heresies he has spoken and what he always stood for. Now I do not like to have to report this awful news about such a beloved brother and great American historical Pastor with many awards who has more and likely lead many to the real Jesus and God used this man to lead many to Him, but sometimes some fall when the popularity becomes great and they wind up compromising their faith when the blessings become to great.

Pat Robertson accepts abortion.

Another example of one with such a opportunity is Pat Robertson of the 700 Club CBN. Although He does not agree with abortion, when the opportunity arose for him to stand in the Gap he also chose to become another example of compromise by stating the fact on his broadcast in April 2001:

[China's "one-child policy," as it's known, aims at keeping families to a maximum of one nose-runner per fam. Any kids above the threshold get threshed -- in utero -- by dictate of the Dung Dynasty.

"I don't agree with it," bumbled Robertson, "but at the same time they've got 1.2 billion people, and they don't know what to do." Pointing toes to gums he added, "If every family over there was allowed to have three or four children, the population would be completely unsustainable."

Citing social and economic catastrophes of near-Apocalyptic proportions should Chinese children be allowed to escape the womb alive, Robertson said, "I think that right now, they're doing what they have to do. I don't agree with forced abortion, but I don't think the United States needs to interfere with what they're doing internally in this regard."

Earth to Pat. Anybody home?

First thing here is that Robertson was less high-minded and understanding than he might have tried to appear. His argument hinged on the same thing that most abortions in this country do: Vacuuming children out of the womb is easier than vacuuming up after them till they're 18.
Pat's case was just a glorified abortion-for-convenience argument -- taking it national
(article quotes from Joel Miller's Random Fire World Net Daily Apr 18, 2001)]


We must face the fact that it is Jesus whom alone we put our trust and His Word we must obey alone and whom we are to follow as an example. The Bible also says to go back to what the Apostles taught and acted upon. ALL fall short but God who now dwells within us who is our leader never ever will lead us into compromise.

Psalm 118:8
It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brethren, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions and instructions which you were taught by us, whether by our word of mouth or by letter.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ( your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!

As for the Church as well, it is evident that only a minute party of our family members are hanging in there daily, praying for more of our Army to help on the front lines, because many seem to stay silent and are not really voicing the truth concerning this matter for some odd reason. Since we have the Freedom and the Liberty to stand in the GAP for righteousness without being imprisoned and silenced as of yet, wouldn't you think that this would be a very important issue for the whole True Believers in the Churches to speak out against this holocaust daily since this very act God passionately hates will truly bring upon our wonderful free country God's wrath it so very well deserves swiftly? Abortion is murder and the wicked and the selfish seem to be getting away with it and laughing all the way to the bank because WE are still in slumber mode. And we the Church are allowing it simply doing other things that seem more important. Are we Laodicea Christians in need of nothing here in good ole free America? (Reread Rev 3:14-22)

We need to speak out daily against this atrocity because its MURDER as I remind US over and over. How can the whole Church seem to remain not interested in this issue? Is it because this issue had became a losing battle since 1972-73 to the present? Are we still going to remain divided on this atrocious issue? God hates the shedding of innocent blood period, shouldn't we obey His commandments?

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

As I end this article to repeat:
Abortion needs to be addressed today as well with all the other immoral issue's and the whole Church better wake up to this. Remember True Believers who are obedient to HIS word will listen. But Pretender's will perish and be separated.
Are you a Christian willing to just ignore this message as well and go back to sleep and follow in the foot steps of the goats?
Stand in the gap for Righteousness as you are called to. Abortion must be stopped now.

PSALM 1
[a]BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.(A)
And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].(B)
Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor [b]sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].
For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

In Him We obey

Richard White
May 2007 (c)