Friday, 7 November 2008

BELIEVERS ARRESTED UNDER FORCED CONVERSION CHARGES


India (MNN) ― Four Christian relief workers were beaten, threatened and then arrested in Orissa on Tuesday, November 4. The World Evangelical Alliance says the four were arrested under "forced conversion" charges.
The workers were on their way to the Discipleship Centre (which focuses on holistic care, education, health care and similar disaster relief projects) when an unknown motorist collided with one of their motorbikes, causing minor injuries to the worker.
A crowd gathered around the scene, quickly turning into a group of 400. The mob beat the DC staff members, threatening to set fire to them at a local cremation centre. Included in the mob were two Hindu groups that had already been protesting against what they perceived to be forced conversions from local Christians.
When police arrived, the workers were arrested for supposedly forcing Christian conversions and causing the motorbike accident. The four are currently in the custody of Orissa police.
The outlandish charges against the four seem to be characteristic of much of the persecution in India. Pray that these Christians would be released soon and would stand firm in their faith regardless of false accusations.

HOW OBAMA FORGED A NEW FAITH COALITION


Though the economy clearly was the defining issue of the election, Obama forged a new coalition by luring millions of religious voters who had avoided Democrats in recent years.
In short:
He narrowed the God Gap. Bush beat Kerry among weekly church-goers by 61%-39%. McCain is beating Obama 54%-44% Most of that gain appears to have come from Protestants rather than Catholics
He won Catholics back. Early exit polls indicate he won 54% of the Catholic vote compared to 45% for John McCain. George W. Bush won the Catholic vote 52%-46%. Most of those gains came from Catholics who don't attend mass weekly.
He also improved among white Catholics, according to the early exit polls. Bush got 56%-43% As of now, McCain lead by just 51%-49% This was despite an aggressive push by more than 50 Bishops to encourage Catholics to focus on abortion as the central issue.
Real improvements among Evangelicals. Evangelicals and Born Again Christians made up a greater portion of the electorate this year than last election but that didn't all accrue to McCain's benefit, as predict. Obama improved slightly on a national level, getting 25% compared to Kerry's 21%
But far more important, he made significant progress in the pivotal rustbelt states that won him the election. For instance, evangelicals flooded the polls in Ohio and Obama significantly improved on Kerry's showing.
Some gains among Mainline Protestants -- Though shifting toward the center in recent years, mainline Protestants -- once a core of the Republican party -- - still went for the Republicans in 2004. The exit polls didn't ask specifically about mainline Protestants but it appears Obama improved slightly with this group.
Big gains among lightly religious. Though secular voters already voted Democratic, they did so by an even bigger margin this year. Even more important, a quarter of the electorate says they go to worship services but only a few times a year. Kerry won that group with 54%-45%. Obama won 61%-38%
That's what happened. Here's HOW he did it:
"We worship an awesome God in the blue states," Barack Obama declared during his 2004 Democratic convention keynote. Thunderous applause greeted that line, in part because Democrats felt frustrated that they'd been unfairly cast as a secular or even anti-religion party, and by the political dominance of religious conservatives.
Tonight, Obama forged a New Democratic Faith Coalition (click here for detail). To a large degree, he was able to make such progress with these groups because of the economy. Some pro-life voters went with Obama in spite of his positions on 'values issues,' not because of them.
But Obama nonetheless helped ease their way to his side through a canny set of tactics and strategies unlike anything we've seen from Democrats in years.
Emphasizing His Personal Faith No Democrat since Jimmy Carter has spoken as openly, and as often, about his personal faith. In his Call to Renewal speech in 2006, Obama chastised some Democrats 'who dismiss religion in the public square as inherently irrational or intolerant, insisting on a caricature of religious Americans that paints them as fanatical, or thinking that the very word "Christian" describes one's political opponents, not people of faith.'
Indeed, some of his comments would have been mocked by the left had they come out of a Republican mouth. Obama's campaign distributed literature during the primaries that described ""That day Obama felt a beckoning of the spirit and accepted Jesus Christ into his life." One panel on the brochure, "Called to Bring Change," declares, "We do what we do because God is with us." Another described his belief in "the power of prayer," and another, labeled, "Called to Christ," stated, "Kneeling beneath that cross on the South Side, I felt I heard God's spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will, and dedicated myself to discovering His truth and carrying out His works."
This had two purposes: one was reaching out to religious voters. The other was to show him as a mainstream, culturally conservative person. Obama might not be able to bowl, but he sure could pray.
The Rise of the Religious Left Obama's religious outreach efforts were orders of magnitude greater than John Kerry's. The campaign's religious outreach arm has initiated 950 "American values" house parties. Initially, the campaign had hoped for a significant turnout of moderate evangelicals, especially among the young. That apparently happened in a few key states such as Ohio and Indiana.
Just as significant, the efforts paid dividends among Mainline Protestants, a heretofore Republican-leaning group that apparently went for Obama. Senator Obama's frequent discussions of his personal faith seemed targeted at evangelicals but may have given comfort as well to traditional mainliners. "Obama planting seeds in the evangelical garden has borne fruit in the mainline garden," says Mara Vanderslice, founder of a progressive religious group Matthew25 and religious outreach director for John Kerry's 2004 campaign.
Just as important, a bevy of 'religious left' groups sprouted up since 2004 which ran ads and organized grass roots activity in battleground states. Among the newcomers on the scene: Catholics United, Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, Faith in Public Life, Network of Spiritual Aggressives, and Red Letter Christians.
Abortion Reduction
As the campaign went on it became clear that many moderate evangelicals and Catholics agreed with Obama on the economy and the Iraq war but couldn't get past his consistently pro-choice views. As conservatives hammered Obama on his opposition to the born alive bill, he could see moderate evangelicals and possibly Catholics slipping away. At the urging of progressive pro-life activists, the campaign began talking about an 'abortion reduction' agenda -- helping reduce unintended pregnancies through education and birth control, and providing financial assistance to pregnant mothers to make it easier for them to carry a baby to term. They included language in the Democratic platform suggesting as such and Obama touted the idea in a few comments during debates. Dial-ometers soared when, during the third debate, he emphasized common ground on abortion and 'sacred sex.'
As the election approached, pro-life progressive ran radio and TV ads pushing the idea that one could be pro-life and pro-obama.
The Vice Presidential PickMcCain's selection of Sarah Palin created an opportunity for Obama. She revved up the evangelical base (possible by end of the night we'll be saying the 'traditionally Republican core of the evangelical base - or some other qualifier) but created greater concerns among mainline protestants, a group that had leaned Republican.
Meanwhile, Obama's selection of Joe Biden was meant to improve his chances with white Catholics -- not because Biden is a theological conservative but because he's a cultural Catholic. Over and over, Biden tied the ticket's economic messages to Catholic language-- emphasizing, for instance, 'the dignity of work.' This particularly seemed to help in the Catholic areas of Pennsylvania, where they know Biden well.

CHURCH GOERS DID NOT SUPPORT OBAMA


Although Barack Obama won a majority of the national popular vote and the Electoral College in yesterday’s presidential election, he did not win a majority of the voters who say they regularly attend church, according to the network exit poll.Obama’s failure to win among church-going Americans continues a pattern that was also seen in the 2000 and 2004 elections, when Republican George Bush won the presidency.On Tuesday, Obama defeated McCain in the nationwide popular vote, 52% to 46%.Among voters who told the exit poll that they attend church once a week, however, McCain defeated Obama, 55% to 43%. McCain also defeated Obama 55% to 43% among voters who said they attended church more than once a week.Obama ran strongest among voters who told the exit poll they “never” attend church. These voters picked the Democratic candidate over the Republican, 67% to 30%. Among those who said they attend church “a few times a year,” Obama won 59% to 40%; and among those who said they attend church monthly, Obama won 53% to 46%.In 2004, the overall Catholic vote went for George W. Bush over John Kerry, 52% to 47%. Yesterday, it went for Obama over McCain, 54% to 45%. However, among Catholics who said they went to church every week, McCain edged Obama, 50% to 49%.Protestants supported McCain. He defeated Obama, 54% to 45%, in overall Protestant vote, and 66% to 32% among Protestants who said they attend church weekly.Eleven percent of voters told the exit poll they have no religion. These voters supported Obama, 75% to 23%. In 2004, Bush defeated Kerry among voters who said they attend church weekly, 58% to 41%. Bush also defeated Kerry, 64% to 35%, among voters who said they attended church more than once a week. In 2000, Bush defeated Vice President Al Gore, 57% to 40%, among voters who said they attended church weekly, and 63% to 36% among voters who said they attended church more than once a week. In 2000, 9% of voter told the exit poll they have no religion, and these voters supported Gore over Bush, 61% to 30%.

STUDENTS THE FOCUS OF PRAYER TODAY


International (MNN) ― Christians are joining in prayer for students on college and university campuses around the world. It's called "48 hours in ONE DAY" -- this year's International Fellowship of Evangelical Students' World Student Day prayer initiative.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a member of IFES and is participating. InterVarsity Missionary Patricia Grahmann says, "Our friends around the world have calculated that from the time November 7th starts in one part of the world until it's completely over around the world, it's not only 24 hours of praying -- it's 48 hours of praying!"
Grahmann is asking believers to pray for Christian students. "We want them to pray for the lives of Christian students and their spiritual lives. Habits that you keep for your whole life are often started at universities, or in your late teens or early twenties. Pray for students to build good relationships with the local church, so that will be a habit that will encourage them to serve the Lord through the church," she says.
She's also asking people to pray for another group of students. "We encourage people to pray for the lives of seeking students on campus, that they would find Christian believers who can help them to come to know Jesus and know what it means to live a life of Lordship in regard to Him."
This could be a huge prayer effort, says Grahmann. "We have 500,000 students involved with IFES in 152 countries of the world. We're hoping that some time during this 48 hours many of them will commit themselves to praying for their fellow students.
The prayer effort isn't only taking place in countries open to the Gospel. "I think it's exciting to think about students who are praying in countries where the government deny them the right to do that in public places," she says. "Personally I know groups that are praying in places where their governments would be shocked and upset by that."
She believes God is already answering their prayers. "I have seen personally students coming to know the Lord in strange and exotic locales on university campuses."
Grahmann says if you'd like to help them pray, go to IFESworld.org for detailed prayer requests and more.

THE FACE AND HEART OF AMERICA CHANGED FOREVER



SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- The United States of America received a new face and a new heart on November 4, 2008. It took place before the eyes of the nation and the world. We had watched and listened for two years as a young athletic kind of man had traveled across the country telling us that he could make a positive difference if we would give him the privilege of being our president.
He was short on experience, but he had no apparent lack of confidence. He fit perfectly the advice I give to college speech students: “Stand up! Speak Up! Shut Up! Sit Down!” A nation began to listen as he called for change and talked about hope.
On Tuesday, Barack Obama was declared the overwhelming choice of the American people to be their next president. I stayed close to the television until after Senator John McCain, with his beautiful and dynamic running mate, Governor Sarah Palin, standing beside him, had delivered his altruistic concession speech.
A short time later, President Elect Barack Obama, awakened a gigantic crowd and a nation of television viewers with a speech that would merit an “A” while following my talking tips -- he stood up, spoke up, shut up and then greeted his running mate, Senator Joe Biden, then his wife and children, kids destined to be loved by millions of adoring citizens, then he welcomed his extended family and when all had left he stood alone and later, somewhere, sat down.
Across the nation and throughout the world millions of people watched, prayed, shouted, rejoiced, sang, worshiped and cried. More than once I have thought of the late, Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. I remember that day, April 4, 1968, when Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. I was living in Decatur, Illinois. Dr. King’s special friend, the Rev. Dr. James Earl Massey, named by Christianity Today magazine as one of the 25 most influential preachers of the past 50 years, was in our city later that week. On radio and television appearances and in public meetings he helped bring peace to our troubled hearts. I later appeared on a special program in Decatur, with Mrs. King.
The night before he was killed, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech in Memphis, Tennessee, with unforgettable words: “I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land . . . .”
Everyday the last eight years, with few exceptions, I have prayed for President Bush and Vice President Cheney. I ask you to join me with that same kind of prayer support for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I have not met either Senator Obama or Governor Palin, but look forward to doing so. Years ago I met Senator Biden and in March of this year stood beside Senator McCain, with pen and paper in hand to take notes as he spoke to a large standing room only crowd. One step after he finished and we were shaking hands and exchanging greetings.
Billy Graham, who will be 90 years old Friday, November 7, 2008, released this statement the day after Obama’s historic election, “President Elect Barack Obama faces many challenges, and I urge everyone to join me in pledging our support and prayers as he begins the difficult task ahead.”
Following the election, Sarah Palin said, “Let us unite. Let us all work together. In Acts 23:11, St. Paul, quoting Exodus 22:28, writes: “For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”
We are taught to honor, respect and pray for our leaders. They appreciate our prayers. They were elected to serve and will be held accountable for their stewardship of office.
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SERVE OR DIE

Dr. Paul Brand told me of a memorable Frenchman named Pierre, who had served in Parliament until he became disillusioned with the slow pace of political change. During a harsh winter, many Parisian beggars froze to death. In desperation, Pierre became a friar to work among them and organize the beggars themselves.
They divided into teams to scour the city for bottles. Next, he led them to build a warehouse out of discarded bricks and start a business processing the bottles. Finally, he gave each beggar responsibility to help another poorer than himself. The project caught on. In a few years he founded the charitable organization Emmaus.
Eventually, there were few beggars to be found in Paris. So Pierre went to India. “If I don’t find people worse off than my beggars,” he said, “this movement could turn inward. They’ll become a powerful, rich organization, and the whole spiritual impact will be lost. They’ll have no one to serve.”
At a leprosy colony in India, Pierre met patients worse off than his former beggars. Returning to France, he mobilized the beggars to build a leprosy ward at a hospital in India.
“It is you who have saved us,” he told the grateful patients. “We must serve or we die.” — Philip Yancey
THINKING IT THROUGHIn Mark 10:35-37, what did James and John seek?What did Jesus say about the world’s authority? (v.42).How are followers of Christ to be different? (vv.43-45).
If you want a field of service, look around you.