Cristina’s Precious Treasure Box

Cristina’s Precious Treasure Box “These people do not even know us, but they care about us!” marveled Lucia, as she smiled at her five-year-old sister, Cristina. Cristina’s story, featured on the One With Them website, deeply touched our hearts, when we read that she had been orphaned and wounded in June 2011, during the fatal shooting of her parents and 13-year-old brother. Almost two years later, Cristina is finally doing much better. Recently, an Open Doors member visited Cristina and her sister, bringing letters of love and encouragement. Opening up one colorful card after another, she waved one to her older brother, exclaiming, “Look Arnulfo, how cute this one is!” Turning to her sister she added, “We have many who love us!” Arnulfo shared that Cristina has a box which she calls “my treasure,” where she keeps her favorite cards. Sometimes, her sister Lucia cannot find her because she is hiding in a special place where she can look through all her cards. This is a huge improvement. After the attack he shares, “She had stopped talking and her mood was not good. Due to serious bullet injuries in her arm,she had nausea whenever she ate.” Eventually, Cristina’s older brother sent her back to pre-school, which greatly helped. “Now Cristina once again has a sparkle in her eye, and a beautiful smile,” the Open Doors staff member added. “She is talking again and can eat without nausea. Praise God!” Despite physical therapy, Cristina has not fully recovered the use of her injured arm. In addition to medical assistance, Open Doors has been able to extend other practical support for Cristina and her family. “We can only be grateful to know how much our God loves us,” her brothers exclaimed. “We think it’s wonderful to have a great family that prays for us!” One With Them Be One With Cristina as you pray for full healing of her arm. Also pray for God’s ongoing comfort and emotional healing for Cristina and her siblings, as they slowly recover from the shock and consequences of this trauma.   5/8/2013

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. (Ephesians 6:22)

Praying with your heart

Praying With Your Heart
Located in northeast Iraq, somewhat removed from the mainstreams of war, the mountains of Kurdistan are used by many as places of refuge. 

Makruhi, a Christian teacher and servant of the Lord, knows the roads through the mountain passes well. But this year an early storm has made the trek more difficult. As her humble vehicle traverses the muddy ruts, she works hard to arrive on time.

High in a mountain village, 30 women are assembled, waiting for Makruhi to arrive. Some are ethnic Kurdish; others refugees, displaced from various cities in Iraq. All have suffered the ravages of war. Some are widowed, having lost not only their husbands, but also the provision they provided. Some have lost children. War is no discerner of persons. All suffer.

Arriving late, Makruhi quickly begins the Bible lesson with prayer. The women join in by repeating a rote prayer. Unaware they can talk to God directly from their hearts, Makruhi realizes what she needs to teach first.

“At home, some women kiss their Bible and put it near their pillow, but they don’t read it” Makruhi says. Demonstrating how to learn God’s Word, Makruhi picks up her Bible, and together they read several verses. Realizing the value of scripture, many women said that they wanted to pass on Bible stories to their children. Makruhi happily adds, “After several lessons some are now bringing their Bible to class.”

As Makruhi prepared to end the session, a woman approached showing her hand; on it was a small ring. “I rescheduled my engagement party so I could be here to learn from you today.” Another stood up saying, “I was going through depression, but I was encouraged to read the Bible. I will go back to my church and teach the children.” One student quietly added, “Please end our time with prayer. We love it when you do that!” Makruhi was delighted to show them how to pray… with their heart!

One With Them
Become One With Them by praying for these beautiful servants of God, in Iraq, to be enriched and enlightened deeply by God’s Word and His Spirit; that they may continue to carry it forth with boldness.

5/1/2013

This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.
(Psalms 119:50)

 

God Pursues His Children – Part 2

God Pursues His Children – Part 2 Yesterday we heard Tursun’s story. Although he has not yet accepted Jesus, God is not letting go. Today, Jun, an Open Doors contact in China, tells us about former Muslim converts. “There was one lady who could have stayed in the relative safety of a big city, but God called her back to her village. The police immediately went after her. Fortunately, she had not taken Christian materials with her and had cleaned her computer of any ‘suspicious files’. The police told her they would be watching her. Open Doors helped her start a business, giving her a reason to stay in the village and to travel and meet other believers. By engaging in business activities, she was able to operate more freely.” Jun continues, “One Christian woman was held at the police station for an entire night. The atmosphere was initially hostile, but she eventually won the trust of the police officials and ended up giving marriage counsel to them. Another woman I know is afraid to tell anyone about her faith in Jesus, especially her father. He will definitely beat her and she will quite possibly be disowned. Because people gossip; the family cannot take the risk that anyone may learn of an apostate family member.” “Some say that converts should boldly declare their new status in Christ, and face the consequences of persecution, potential bodily harm, even jail,” Jun continues. “Others claim the best approach is to remain quiet, carefully sharing with those who show a hunger for more.” In both approaches the questions remains for converts, “Is persecution the price we need to pay for revival? Will my family ostracize me? Will I spend the next 5 years in a jail? How can I demonstrate Kingdom lifestyle without jeopardizing the other believers I meet with? Am I denying my Lord if I don’t boldly declare Him?” “It doesn’t matter if we are in a village, a city or a prison cell,” Jun adds, “We need to realize who we are in Christ, and be His light wherever we are.” One With Them Be One With Muslim Background Believers today by using your freedom to boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ to those around you, and pray that God would give divine wisdom to our brothers and sisters as they seek to shine the light of Christ in the face of persecution. 4/30/2013

"I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd." (John 10:16)

God Pursues His Children – Part 1

God Pursues His Children – Part 1
“Is this your birthday?”

Tursun (alias) was taken back by the question. Thinking it was a sort of birthday… it was exactly ten years ago that he had met a Christian girl who shared the gospel with him. After reading the Bible, he decided that the cost of following Jesus was simply too high. A seed had been planted, though, and God continued to pursue him. 

Eating with friends in a restaurant, Tursun shared that not long after the encounter with the Christian girl, he had cried out to God to know the truth. To his amazement Jesus came to him in a dream, not once, but on three occasions! In each dream Jesus wore brilliant white clothing and was surrounded by sheep. Jesus beckoned him to come and follow Him. Tursun still believed that the cost was too great and instead chose to follow his Muslim friends.

Turan shared with the men in the restaurant until late that night. Around 2:30 a.m., they joined hands and gave thanks for the divine appointment. They prayed for God to shine the absolute truth of Jesus into Tursun’s heart.

Around 25 million Muslims reside in China; most belong to ethnic Turkish groups. Among them are several thousand secret Christians. The central government allows ethnic Han Chinese believers more freedoms, and generally does not interfere with local traditions and majority religious groups. China’s government has recently adopted a softer approach toward the Church, but opposes conversions. Christians from a Muslim background face fierce opposition, not only from the government, but also from their family and community.

One With Them
Be One With Tursun and Chinese Muslims like him, praying that the chains of Islam will be broken, and they can enjoy freedom in Christ. Pray also for the many secret believers in China, as they struggle to decide whether they should openly declare their faith in Christ, or keep their faith hidden.

4/29/2013

“...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 
(Luke 19:10)

 

God Healed – The Door Opened

 

God Healed – The Door Opened The Pamir Mountains, a remote area of Tajikistan, is home to various tribes. These groups, separated from one another for centuries, speak their own languages and have their own customs. One day, a pastor came to a village of about 30 families. Immediately the leaders grabbed him. At knife point, the leader questioned him about his intentions. Had he come to convert them? “I am a Christian,” he replied, “but my only intention is to help you in any way I can.” He was invited into a large room, where the heads of the families were sitting, and was allowed to speak. While he was witnessing about God’s great love, one man stood up to leave the room. “Excuse me,” inquired the pastor, “but have I said anything that offended you? Please tell me.” One of the men started to explain that the man who was leaving the room had a paralyzed wife at home, and he had to go home to take care of her. The pastor immediately asked permission to pray for her and he followed the man to his house. Soon after praying for the paralyzed woman, she began to move her neck and her arm! The local mullah invited the pastor to come again. “I cannot help these people! Your God can! Please take care of them!” One With Them The door opened for the gospel in this village because of the willingness of this pastor. As you stand One With Them, pray for more people to go, even to the remotest places on earth, and share about the saving grace of Jesus.       4/27/2013

Then know this .... It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth… whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. (Acts 4:10)

The Ultomatum

The Ultimatum A Tajik woman, we will call Suraz, was teaching children at the local school when two police officers showed up in her classroom to escort her to the principal’s office. Trembling, she stood before the men as they accused her of trying to convert the children to Christianity. “You have committed a crime,” they said, “and can be sentenced to five years imprisonment.” The school principal gave Suraz an ultimatum—either resign from her job, with no court case to be initiated, or remain on the job and a criminal case against her would be filed. Suraz resigned. Two days later, she was ordered to appear before the prosecutor. “If you continue to spread the gospel,” he informed her politely, “I will do my best to have you expelled from the country.” One With Them Stand One With Them as people like Suraz face such ultimatums. Pray that God will strengthen them, dispel their fears, and grant them opportunities to share the gospel. And stand One With Them as you faithfully share the gospel as well. One With Them CHALLENGE Tajikistan is ranked #44 on Open Doors 2013 World Watch List of countries where persecution of Christians is most severe. Click here to learn more about Tajikistan. 4/4/2013

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

A Healing Balm

A Healing Balm

Consider a child who has fallen and grazed its knee. It runs inside crying to its mother, and she applies a soothing balm to heal the wound and take the pain away.

So it is with me my child. I am like that soothing, healing balm. I love you with an everlasting love. And whenever you are in need, just like that child running to its mother for comfort, so you can run into my strong arms.

For my child I know your needs, your desires and your stresses. I know all the cares that you have in your heart, and I want to wash those cares away. I long for you to come to me with your cares and problems. For my arms are big and strong and my heart loves you. You don’t have to ever think that I do not care or want to soothe those things away.

For as you run to me and rest in my arms and let me take those cares away from you, I will show you what I have planned for you. And indeed all my plans are for good! It is the enemy who tries to throw things at you to unsettle you or trip you up.

But now you need to look to me and let me show you those plans. Give me those wounds and hurts. Let me heal them and pour on that soothing balm. Then I will show you the wonderful future that we have together.

And if you need to do things or make changes to your life in order to get to those good things, I will slowly and gently begin to show you how to make those changes. I will never push myself on you, but when you give me license I will work on your behalf and help you to make the changes.

I love you my child! I want the best for you! Come to me now. Make that first move, and then look up and rejoice at the wonderful future that I have for you says the Lord!

The Way Home

The Way Home

You have wandered from the place of comfort and security, and now you find yourself in a place that is not familiar to you says the Lord. You feel like you are a long way from home.

But I have never left you. I have been by your side all along. And though at times you may have ignored Me, I have still been there, ready to share with you and pour into you all that I have.

My child, the way home is but one step away. Open your eyes and see that I am right there beside you. I am closer than breathing, and I do not require from you anything more than a heart's cry.

For as your heart reaches out to Me, I am ready to reach out to you and touch you. I am ready to calm your fears and bring the peace that you desire.

So do not let the enemy accuse you any more. Even though you may have failed and gone your own way, I do not condemn you. I came to die for you and I always stand ready to love you.

Come to my open arms, and enter once more into My joy. For I love you and care for you, and I will wipe away your tears, and clother you afresh in My glory says the Lord.