From;Voddie Bauchman
http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/home.html
Thursday, September 2, 2010
There is indeed a war going on in Afghanistan. In fact, there are two. One is being fought with bullets, bombs, and boots on the ground. The other war (the one with more lasting importance) is being fought in an entirely different theater. In this other war, the real enemy of the Afghan people is sin and darkness. Perhaps the most vile expression of this is their treatment of women and boys. A recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle (of all places) exposes the fact that Afghanistan is a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah. This strict Muslim country has “become the [homosexual] pedophilia capital of Asia”. Joel Brinkley notes:
“For centuries, Afghan men have taken boys, roughly 9 to 15 years old, as lovers. Some research suggests that half the Pashtun tribal members in Kandahar and other southern towns are bacha baz, the term for an older man with a boy lover. Literally it means "boy player." The men like to boast about it.”
Brinkley’s piece, which is at times very hard to read, uncovers a dark side of Afghanistan’s already seedy culture. We know about the Taliban and the opium trade; we’ve heard the stories about the treatment of women. However, most people were oblivious to this. And we’re not talking about an isolated incident:
“In Kandahar, population about 500,000, and other towns, dance parties are a popular, often weekly, pastime. Young boys dress up as girls, wearing makeup and bells on their feet, and dance for a dozen or more leering middle-aged men who throw money at them and then take them home. A recent State Department report called "dancing boys" a "widespread, culturally sanctioned form of male rape."
Our troops, no matter how successful, will not eradicate this evil. This is not an economic, political, or social problem. This is a sin problem. In a classic example of humanistic assessment of a sin problem, the story continues:
“Sociologists and anthropologists say the problem results from perverse interpretation of Islamic law. Women are simply unapproachable. Afghan men cannot talk to an unrelated woman until after proposing marriage. Before then, they can't even look at a woman, except perhaps her feet. Otherwise she is covered, head to ankle.”
Were this the case, one would expect pedophilia to be non-existent in the permissive, semi-pornographic west, where women routinely put their bodies on display. However, this is not the case. Homosexuality is an abomination that has existed throughout much of human history (see Gen 19; Lev. 18; Rom 1, etc.), and the Bible makes it clear that it is not the byproduct of modesty (no matter how draconian the form). These men are not deprived; they’re depraved (Rom 1:26–27). This is evidenced by the fact that they continue the practice after marriage:
“Even after marriage, many men keep their boys, suggesting a loveless life at home. A favored Afghan expression goes: "Women are for children, boys are for pleasure." Fundamentalist imams, exaggerating a biblical passage on menstruation, teach that women are "unclean" and therefore distasteful. One married man even asked Cardinalli's team "how his wife could become pregnant," her report said. When that was explained, he "reacted with disgust" and asked, "How could one feel desire to be with a woman, who God has made unclean?"
While some will merely chalk this up to “strict religion,” I beg to differ. Compare this worldview with that of the Bible. Would this man come away with such an attitude after reading Song of Solomon, for example:
“You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils than any spice! Your lips drip nectar, my bride; honey and milk are under your tongue; the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon. A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed. Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all choice spices— a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.” (Song of Solomon 4:9–15)
I could quote more, but I think you get the point. Not all religions are created equal. The oppression and exploitation of women is a real problem in the Islamic world, and neither our bombs, bullets, nor our “Democracy” will stem the tide. These issues will not go away with the death of a few “radicals,” or the election of “moderates” who have grown up in this spiritual sewage and learned to turn a blind eye. This is a problem that requires something more powerful. Afghanistan needs the gospel of Jesus Christ!
The real battle in Afghanistan will rage long after hostilities have ceased. As the apostle Paul noted:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” (2 Cor 10:4–6)
The story concludes on a crucial note, “Addressing the loathsome mistreatment of Afghan women remains a primary goal for coalition governments, as it should be...But what about the boys, thousands upon thousands of little boys who are victims of serial rape over many years, destroying their lives - and Afghan society.” The long-term impact of such practices is already clear. This is a culture in bondage to sin. The next generation is being forged in the crucible of war, drugs, and sodomy. Regardless of how many “free elections” they have, Afghanistan’s future is bleak.
Biblical Christianity offers a clear alternative:
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Eph 5:25–33)
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Pet 3:7)
It is no coincidence that predominantly, the worst treatment of women on the planet is taking place in the Islamic World. Unfortunately, the world’s answer is to make attempts to equate Islam and Christianity as though the two are equivalent morally, and to kowtow to Muslims for fear of retribution (see here, for example). As a result, the very important discussion about the way the Bible has transformed civilization for the better has been all but silenced.
Nevertheless, we must continue to proclaim the truth. We must continue to herald the gospel to those in the Muslim world. They must know that Christ offers the forgiveness, hope and transformation they seek but cannot find. The Bible also offers a clear assessment of and answer to the sin of homosexuality. Unfortunately, while America has built an imposing military arsenal, we have decided to disarm when it comes to the spiritual side of this battle. In fact, we have our own Kandahar (i.e., homosexual hotbeds like San Francisco and New York, and organizations like the North American Man/Boy Love Association, etc.).
Remember, ours is the Country where GLSEN founder, Kevin Jennings, promotes and advances this kind of sin, then gets to work in the White House (see here). We’re the Country whose President was the keynote speaker at one of, if not the largest homosexual fundraiser in the world where he apologized for not moving faster to fulfill the promises he made to them on the campaign trail (including gay marriage, repealing don’t ask/don’t tell and DOMA, enacting hate crimes legislation, ENDA, etc.). I say this, not to change the subject, but to demonstrate the great irony. If one rejects God’s word as it relates to homosexuality, on what grounds does he object to the activity in Afghanistan? Moreover, once we have started down that slippery slope, how long will it be before we become so calloused and jaded that we are no longer burdened by stories like this one?
As we continue to pray for our men and women in uniform, let us not forget to pray for those brave souls who love our Lord, and love the Afghan people by fighting the unseen battle there. Pray for the families of missionaries who lost their lives there recently, and others who remain. And “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2) There is hope for Afghanistan. His name is Jesus; “he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt 1:21)
VB
For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in TRUTH
-3 John 3,4 ESV
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Two funerals; Why I am an Anabaptist
Over the last couple of weeks I went to two funerals related to work. The first a husband of the owner of our company, he owned several companies on his own. 62 years old and died from complications from the stomach flu. The family has assets well into the 100's of millions dollars. The man basically never attended church, cared not for Christ. But he did not worry about his eternal state because he was baptised as a baby in the Catholic church.
His funeral was in a giant Catholic church in Columbus, filled with the upper crust of society. The priest let it be known that this man was in heaven (or purgatory) because of his infant baptism. The whole crowd sang almost too joyfully Amazing Grace, as if they were resting in the same hope (infant baptism).
You see this is one of the very reasons that I align with Anabaptist theology. Resting on your infant baptism for eternal bliss and disregarding the Savior is the wide road. Matthew 7:13-14; The Narrow and Wide Gates 13"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
What a cruel, wicked thing it is to teach and to reassure people that they can get to heaven by someone sprinkling water on their little head as a baby and getting a certificate to heaven. The moment after this man died he may have been wondering why he is in a place of torment, I sure he has thought it through and he bitterly hates those who assured him that he was saved.
The second funeral, a daughter of one of our district managers. 38 years old with a husband and two young sons died of breast cancer. Her funeral was in a modest funeral home which was packed with 50 or so friends and relatives. The difference, the pastor let everyone know that Jenn is in heaven because she trusted in her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ and nothing else. The pastor laid down the Gospel to everyone there and challenged her husband to raise their two boys by the Bible.
Two lives one with the Lord Jesus Christ and one very likely in eternal torment partly because of good and bad theology.
Luke 16:21-23 (New American Standard Bible)
21and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.
22"Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to (A)Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.
23"In (B)Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.
Darrell
His funeral was in a giant Catholic church in Columbus, filled with the upper crust of society. The priest let it be known that this man was in heaven (or purgatory) because of his infant baptism. The whole crowd sang almost too joyfully Amazing Grace, as if they were resting in the same hope (infant baptism).
You see this is one of the very reasons that I align with Anabaptist theology. Resting on your infant baptism for eternal bliss and disregarding the Savior is the wide road. Matthew 7:13-14; The Narrow and Wide Gates 13"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
What a cruel, wicked thing it is to teach and to reassure people that they can get to heaven by someone sprinkling water on their little head as a baby and getting a certificate to heaven. The moment after this man died he may have been wondering why he is in a place of torment, I sure he has thought it through and he bitterly hates those who assured him that he was saved.
The second funeral, a daughter of one of our district managers. 38 years old with a husband and two young sons died of breast cancer. Her funeral was in a modest funeral home which was packed with 50 or so friends and relatives. The difference, the pastor let everyone know that Jenn is in heaven because she trusted in her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ and nothing else. The pastor laid down the Gospel to everyone there and challenged her husband to raise their two boys by the Bible.
Two lives one with the Lord Jesus Christ and one very likely in eternal torment partly because of good and bad theology.
Luke 16:21-23 (New American Standard Bible)
21and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.
22"Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to (A)Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.
23"In (B)Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.
Darrell
Monday, January 24, 2011
Who pays for your spouse’s sin? Your spouse or Christ?
Here is a life changing article from Competent Counseling
http://www.competentcounseling.com/2011/01/17/who-pays-for-your-spouses-sin/
Who pays for your spouse’s sin? Your spouse or Christ?
Posted on 17 January 2011 Tags: when my spouse sins
Christians understand the point of the Gospel: Christ paid for our sins. The profundity of the Gospel capsulated in five words. When Adam chose to walk away from God in the garden by believing a lie, God instituted a plan to redeem Adam and his fallen race.
In order to do that there had to be a payment for sin. Sin could not go unpunished. Even the pagan world understands this. Last week there was a horrible slaughter in Arizona where six people were mercilessly murdered. President Obama made an impassioned speech and talked about how these murders would not go unpunished.
And he is right. What kind of world would it be if there were no justice? As you know, the justice in our world is inconsistent at best. Thankfully, the hope for the Christian is not in the justice of this world. We serve a God who is The Judge and He demands justice for sin. Imagine a God who did not demand justice.
God’s justice is only the beginning of the good news for us. Yes, sin demands a punishment and every sin will be punished. However, in the infinite wisdom of the Father, He decided to make a way for you and me (assuming you are a Christian) to not be punished for our sin.
Here comes the Judged
God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son and whoever believes in the Son will not receive the punishment for sin that he/she justly deserves. (John 3:16) However, for those who do not accept the Gospel, he/she will be punished for his/her sin. (John 3:36) All sin will be punished. Either Jesus Christ will be punished for you or you will be punished eternally for your sin. It’s your choice.
Who pays for your spouse’s sin?
Let’s suppose my wife, Lucia, sins and I get angry with her as a response to her sin. In such a case, which sadly is how it goes in our home from time to time, I would be punishing her for her sin. I would be acting as “God” by demanding justice, while completely missing the Gospel. Christ bore the Father’s wrath, died, and rose from the grave in order to accomplish salvation for anyone who authentically believes this story. Thankfully, Lucia was regenerated by the grace of God many years ago. Her sin, past, present, and future has been paid for because of the Gospel.
When I respond in anger to her sin, I am making her do what Christ would never do. I am punishing her.
Sacrifice or Punishment?
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. – Ephesians 5:25-26 (ESV)
Christ did not make me pay for my sin. He sacrificed for my sin by giving His life for me. If I truly understand the Gospel in the moment of my wife’s sin, my response would be a Gospel-motivated sacrifice rather than self-centered punishment.
Therefore, rather than choosing anger (punishment) as a response to her sin, I must choose an attitude of forgiveness (sacrifice) when she sins against me. Too often I choose anger and when I do, it distorts our relationship. Rather than serving my wife, by helping her get to Christ where she can be forgiven, I convolute the situation by sinning in response to her sin.
I become the judge and, thus, feel justified to make her pay for her sin. This is an emasculation of the Gospel. It mocks Christ’s death. I am saying in essence,
I don’t care that You died for her sin. She has sinned against me and I am going to circumvent what You did on the cross by making her pay right now. Sin demands a punishment and I feel it would be better if she received my punishment rather than allowing her to experience the cleansing power of the Gospel. Yes, You were bruised for her iniquities, but right now I feel the need to bruise her for her iniquities. (Isaiah 53:6)
However, when I am practically applying the Gospel in the moment of her sin I am living out Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5:25-26. Our relationship is not distorted by my sin, while my wife is being sanctified, cleansed, and washed by God’s Word. Rather than me forcing sanctification through fear and intimidation, she experiences the freedom, favor, and power of the Cross in her life where true cleansing happens.
My goal is for my wife to walk in holiness. However, when I punish her rather than forgiving her for her sin, I am making it harder for her to accomplish the very thing that I desire the most for her.
Do you punish your spouse?
It’s time to put your Christianity to the test: When your spouse sins against you, do you punish or sacrifice? Let’s suppose you have discovered your husband’s porn addiction. Is the Gospel real in that moment? What governs your heart when he sins: a desire to punish him or a desire to help him get to Christ where he can be forgiven and changed.
When your spouse disappoints you for the umpteenth time, what is the ruling motive of your heart? Can you rest in God the Judge, or are you compelled to be your spouse’s judge?
When you sin…again…are you tempted to punish yourself through a stringent moralism, or do you appropriate the releasing forgiveness that is found in Christ’s work on the cross?
Dear Church, if our Gospel means anything, then it must be real in the moment of our sin, whether it is yours or mine. Otherwise, there is no redemptive purpose in His sacrifice.
Related Articles
If something does not come between us, we’re going to kill each other
How to overcome past hostilities
Becoming nothing in order to have it all
170Share
http://www.competentcounseling.com/2011/01/17/who-pays-for-your-spouses-sin/
Who pays for your spouse’s sin? Your spouse or Christ?
Posted on 17 January 2011 Tags: when my spouse sins
Christians understand the point of the Gospel: Christ paid for our sins. The profundity of the Gospel capsulated in five words. When Adam chose to walk away from God in the garden by believing a lie, God instituted a plan to redeem Adam and his fallen race.
In order to do that there had to be a payment for sin. Sin could not go unpunished. Even the pagan world understands this. Last week there was a horrible slaughter in Arizona where six people were mercilessly murdered. President Obama made an impassioned speech and talked about how these murders would not go unpunished.
And he is right. What kind of world would it be if there were no justice? As you know, the justice in our world is inconsistent at best. Thankfully, the hope for the Christian is not in the justice of this world. We serve a God who is The Judge and He demands justice for sin. Imagine a God who did not demand justice.
God’s justice is only the beginning of the good news for us. Yes, sin demands a punishment and every sin will be punished. However, in the infinite wisdom of the Father, He decided to make a way for you and me (assuming you are a Christian) to not be punished for our sin.
Here comes the Judged
God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son and whoever believes in the Son will not receive the punishment for sin that he/she justly deserves. (John 3:16) However, for those who do not accept the Gospel, he/she will be punished for his/her sin. (John 3:36) All sin will be punished. Either Jesus Christ will be punished for you or you will be punished eternally for your sin. It’s your choice.
Who pays for your spouse’s sin?
Let’s suppose my wife, Lucia, sins and I get angry with her as a response to her sin. In such a case, which sadly is how it goes in our home from time to time, I would be punishing her for her sin. I would be acting as “God” by demanding justice, while completely missing the Gospel. Christ bore the Father’s wrath, died, and rose from the grave in order to accomplish salvation for anyone who authentically believes this story. Thankfully, Lucia was regenerated by the grace of God many years ago. Her sin, past, present, and future has been paid for because of the Gospel.
When I respond in anger to her sin, I am making her do what Christ would never do. I am punishing her.
Sacrifice or Punishment?
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. – Ephesians 5:25-26 (ESV)
Christ did not make me pay for my sin. He sacrificed for my sin by giving His life for me. If I truly understand the Gospel in the moment of my wife’s sin, my response would be a Gospel-motivated sacrifice rather than self-centered punishment.
Therefore, rather than choosing anger (punishment) as a response to her sin, I must choose an attitude of forgiveness (sacrifice) when she sins against me. Too often I choose anger and when I do, it distorts our relationship. Rather than serving my wife, by helping her get to Christ where she can be forgiven, I convolute the situation by sinning in response to her sin.
I become the judge and, thus, feel justified to make her pay for her sin. This is an emasculation of the Gospel. It mocks Christ’s death. I am saying in essence,
I don’t care that You died for her sin. She has sinned against me and I am going to circumvent what You did on the cross by making her pay right now. Sin demands a punishment and I feel it would be better if she received my punishment rather than allowing her to experience the cleansing power of the Gospel. Yes, You were bruised for her iniquities, but right now I feel the need to bruise her for her iniquities. (Isaiah 53:6)
However, when I am practically applying the Gospel in the moment of her sin I am living out Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5:25-26. Our relationship is not distorted by my sin, while my wife is being sanctified, cleansed, and washed by God’s Word. Rather than me forcing sanctification through fear and intimidation, she experiences the freedom, favor, and power of the Cross in her life where true cleansing happens.
My goal is for my wife to walk in holiness. However, when I punish her rather than forgiving her for her sin, I am making it harder for her to accomplish the very thing that I desire the most for her.
Do you punish your spouse?
It’s time to put your Christianity to the test: When your spouse sins against you, do you punish or sacrifice? Let’s suppose you have discovered your husband’s porn addiction. Is the Gospel real in that moment? What governs your heart when he sins: a desire to punish him or a desire to help him get to Christ where he can be forgiven and changed.
When your spouse disappoints you for the umpteenth time, what is the ruling motive of your heart? Can you rest in God the Judge, or are you compelled to be your spouse’s judge?
When you sin…again…are you tempted to punish yourself through a stringent moralism, or do you appropriate the releasing forgiveness that is found in Christ’s work on the cross?
Dear Church, if our Gospel means anything, then it must be real in the moment of our sin, whether it is yours or mine. Otherwise, there is no redemptive purpose in His sacrifice.
Related Articles
If something does not come between us, we’re going to kill each other
How to overcome past hostilities
Becoming nothing in order to have it all
170Share
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tomorow Clubs
Check out this outstanding organization taking the Gospel to hopeless children in the Ukraine.
http://www.tomorrowclubs.com/
The Tomorrow Clubs children’s ministry was started by Cindy Marty. Cindy and her husband, Paul, had a burden for helping the people in the former Soviet Union and had been praying about an opportunity to serve ever since the Iron Curtain fell. They traveled to both Russia and Ukraine and a love for the people of Ukraine grew in their hearts.
In the spring of 1997, HOPE International, a Lancaster-based, Christ-centered network of microfinance institutions was seeking a director to begin its microfinance operations in Ukraine. Paul and Cindy Marty heard about the mission of HOPE and sensed a call to this ministry. The Martys moved to Zaporozhye, Ukraine to head up HOPE’s program.
Cindy Marty soon discovered that Ukraine’s children had little hope for their future and very few opportunities to hear about Jesus and the relationship they could have with Him. She dreamed of creating a weekly club where children could hear about the love of Jesus, learn new skills through hobby classes, and build relationships with Christ-following mentors. Tomorrow Clubs is the fruition of her dream.
Initially, the Tomorrow Clubs ministry was a direct part of HOPE International. Both HOPE International’s microfinance program in Ukraine and the Tomorrow Clubs ministry continued to grow at a rapid pace. In November of 2007 the Tomorrow Clubs became a separate local organization, supported in part by the profits from HOPE International’s microfinance program in Ukraine. At the same time Cindy Marty handed over the leadership of the Tomorrow Clubs ministry to Ukrainian leader Yuri Kipot.
Today the Tomorrow Clubs ministry is run completely by a local Ukrainian staff. The ministry is impacting over 11,000 Ukrainian children each week, 70% of which are unchurched children. Tomorrow Clubs have spread throughout the country and even into Russia. Over 390 clubs operate on a weekly basis, staffed by 1,500 Ukrainian volunteers. Tomorrow Clubs have had tremendous success in partnering with local churches in Ukraine to support and operate these clubs. The Tomorrow Clubs’ volunteers are channeled through the local churches, and when children and their parents become interested in attending church services, Tomorrow Club leaders connect them to local congregations.
Board Members:
Cindy Marty - Board Chairperson - Founder of Tomorrow Clubs (Krakow, Poland)
Paul Marty - Former Managing Director, Nadiya Ukraine Microfinance Program (Krakow, Poland)
Andre Barkov - Managing Director, Nadiya Ukraine Microfinance Program (Kiev, Ukraine)
Jesse Casler - Director of Programs, HOPE International (Lancaster, PA)
Yuriy Kipot - Tomorrow Clubs Director (Kiev, Ukraine)
http://www.tomorrowclubs.com/
The Tomorrow Clubs children’s ministry was started by Cindy Marty. Cindy and her husband, Paul, had a burden for helping the people in the former Soviet Union and had been praying about an opportunity to serve ever since the Iron Curtain fell. They traveled to both Russia and Ukraine and a love for the people of Ukraine grew in their hearts.
In the spring of 1997, HOPE International, a Lancaster-based, Christ-centered network of microfinance institutions was seeking a director to begin its microfinance operations in Ukraine. Paul and Cindy Marty heard about the mission of HOPE and sensed a call to this ministry. The Martys moved to Zaporozhye, Ukraine to head up HOPE’s program.
Cindy Marty soon discovered that Ukraine’s children had little hope for their future and very few opportunities to hear about Jesus and the relationship they could have with Him. She dreamed of creating a weekly club where children could hear about the love of Jesus, learn new skills through hobby classes, and build relationships with Christ-following mentors. Tomorrow Clubs is the fruition of her dream.
Initially, the Tomorrow Clubs ministry was a direct part of HOPE International. Both HOPE International’s microfinance program in Ukraine and the Tomorrow Clubs ministry continued to grow at a rapid pace. In November of 2007 the Tomorrow Clubs became a separate local organization, supported in part by the profits from HOPE International’s microfinance program in Ukraine. At the same time Cindy Marty handed over the leadership of the Tomorrow Clubs ministry to Ukrainian leader Yuri Kipot.
Today the Tomorrow Clubs ministry is run completely by a local Ukrainian staff. The ministry is impacting over 11,000 Ukrainian children each week, 70% of which are unchurched children. Tomorrow Clubs have spread throughout the country and even into Russia. Over 390 clubs operate on a weekly basis, staffed by 1,500 Ukrainian volunteers. Tomorrow Clubs have had tremendous success in partnering with local churches in Ukraine to support and operate these clubs. The Tomorrow Clubs’ volunteers are channeled through the local churches, and when children and their parents become interested in attending church services, Tomorrow Club leaders connect them to local congregations.
Board Members:
Cindy Marty - Board Chairperson - Founder of Tomorrow Clubs (Krakow, Poland)
Paul Marty - Former Managing Director, Nadiya Ukraine Microfinance Program (Krakow, Poland)
Andre Barkov - Managing Director, Nadiya Ukraine Microfinance Program (Kiev, Ukraine)
Jesse Casler - Director of Programs, HOPE International (Lancaster, PA)
Yuriy Kipot - Tomorrow Clubs Director (Kiev, Ukraine)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Christmas in perspective
It seems as if we have lost Christmas. It is almost sick to see the holiday that with celebrate the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ disappear into shopping and santa. If I hear "are you ready for Christmas" again I think my head will explode. "Ready for Christmas" means "did you buy all you presents yet?
Part of this familiar passage is on many Christmas cards.
Isaiah 9 (New American Standard Bible)
Isaiah 9
Birth and Reign of the Prince of Peace 1But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. 3You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. 5For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. 6For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
But if we read the end of chapter 8 it shows us that the coming Messiah is on the backdrop of a dark and fallen world.
Chapter 8 of Isaiah
19When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?
20To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.
21They will pass through the land hard-pressed and famished, and it will turn out that when they are hungry, they will be enraged and curse their king and their God as they face upward.
22Then they will look to the earth, and behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and they will be driven away into darkness.
It seems as if shopping and wild gift giving is a kind of drug that helps people feel better about themselves and forget the Savior that born to save us from our sins.
Part of this familiar passage is on many Christmas cards.
Isaiah 9 (New American Standard Bible)
Isaiah 9
Birth and Reign of the Prince of Peace 1But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. 3You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. 5For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. 6For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
But if we read the end of chapter 8 it shows us that the coming Messiah is on the backdrop of a dark and fallen world.
Chapter 8 of Isaiah
19When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?
20To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.
21They will pass through the land hard-pressed and famished, and it will turn out that when they are hungry, they will be enraged and curse their king and their God as they face upward.
22Then they will look to the earth, and behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and they will be driven away into darkness.
It seems as if shopping and wild gift giving is a kind of drug that helps people feel better about themselves and forget the Savior that born to save us from our sins.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Ark Encounter
A Dove’s-Eye View of the Ark Encounter
Posted on December 1, 2010 by admin
The Ark Encounter, to be located south of Cincinnati and in northern Kentucky, has nine main attractions and encompasses about 800 acres, which allows for both privacy and future expansion. The unique nature of the site with its scenic hills and ravines enables the design team to create a varied and dynamic guest experience. The Ark Encounter promises to be a unique and influential attraction for the world.
The historical experience is composed of nine major themed areas:
The Walled City: This 14-acre area depicts the lifestyle of the people of Noah’s day. It also serves as the entry point to the facility for all guests and becomes its central gathering point. This walled city includes period shops, restaurants, and venues that bring to life the city and times in which Noah lived, including his house. The city is the first themed area that guests will experience as it introduces the Ark and the Flood. It asks and answers the question, “Why the Ark?”
Noah’s Ark: A full-size Ark, built to biblical dimensions, will be located outside the walled city. Guests will be able to tour the Ark and be immersed in the times of the Bible through highly themed scenes and presentations. This walk-through of the Ark will enable each guest to gain an understanding of how it could have been built, and how Noah, his family, and all of the representative kinds of land animals were cared for, and then survived on board for 370 days of the Flood and its aftermath. The Ark sits at the north end of a large lake that will be the hub for a spectacular daily show featuring the “parade of animals” and the dramatic “eruption of the fountains of the great deep.”
Noah’s Animals: This fun area will provide Ark Encounter guests with the opportunity to learn more about some of the animal kinds that were on the Ark. This area will be similar to a petting zoo, complete with barns, a petting animal area, an open grazing area, a stage for daily live animal and bird shows, and lots of meet-and-greet areas for close-up encounters with unique animals and birds.
Children’s Play Area: This fun-filled area will be a unique setting next to the zoo and aviary, and will be highly themed with bridge nets, climbing areas, slides, and zip lines. It will also feature an indoor and outdoor discovery center. It is designed for family participation and will allow grandparents, parents, and children to both learn and have fun in this very creative area.
The Tower of Babel: Over 100 feet tall, this structure depicts how the tower may have looked after its completion. Guests enter a highly themed interior and weave along a path that introduces exhibits on the origination of languages and people groups (so-called “races”). The path ultimately leads to a 500-seat special effects theater.
Journey through Biblical History: Visitors take a journey through Old Testament times, with spectacular special effects to help share some of the experiences of the Israelites. Beginning after Noah’s Flood and the time of Abraham, the journey through ancient times depicts the formation of Israel, Moses and the ten plagues in Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea.
The First-Century Village: This area provides guests with the opportunity to experience a typical village that would have been found in the Middle East about 2,000 years ago. It is complete with period-costumed villagers, houses, a synagogue, a sheepfold, an olive press building, watchtowers, terraced farming, and a first-century dining facility where guests can reserve seats for a special first-century type of meal. The experience culminates with a visit to the Performing Arts Theater where a combined live and video-based show shares the summary of what guests have seen at the Ark Encounter.
Aviary: This will be a fascinating walk-through attraction with several viewing platforms inside three types of bird sanctuaries. Each sanctuary will allow guests to get close to the birds in a natural setting. A nearby butterfly emporium will be visually stunning as well.
Special Events Area: An area where large groups can have private outings away from the main guest areas will showcase some of the Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building techniques used to construct the Ark Encounter. These techniques feature LEED standards in the use of wind and solar power, renewable resources, and preservation of the land. This will attract many educational groups and be positioned outside of the actual walled area—allowing for large group meetings and private events.
This entry was posted in Announcement and tagged Announcement, Ark Encounter. Bookmark the permalink.
Posted on December 1, 2010 by admin
The Ark Encounter, to be located south of Cincinnati and in northern Kentucky, has nine main attractions and encompasses about 800 acres, which allows for both privacy and future expansion. The unique nature of the site with its scenic hills and ravines enables the design team to create a varied and dynamic guest experience. The Ark Encounter promises to be a unique and influential attraction for the world.
The historical experience is composed of nine major themed areas:
The Walled City: This 14-acre area depicts the lifestyle of the people of Noah’s day. It also serves as the entry point to the facility for all guests and becomes its central gathering point. This walled city includes period shops, restaurants, and venues that bring to life the city and times in which Noah lived, including his house. The city is the first themed area that guests will experience as it introduces the Ark and the Flood. It asks and answers the question, “Why the Ark?”
Noah’s Ark: A full-size Ark, built to biblical dimensions, will be located outside the walled city. Guests will be able to tour the Ark and be immersed in the times of the Bible through highly themed scenes and presentations. This walk-through of the Ark will enable each guest to gain an understanding of how it could have been built, and how Noah, his family, and all of the representative kinds of land animals were cared for, and then survived on board for 370 days of the Flood and its aftermath. The Ark sits at the north end of a large lake that will be the hub for a spectacular daily show featuring the “parade of animals” and the dramatic “eruption of the fountains of the great deep.”
Noah’s Animals: This fun area will provide Ark Encounter guests with the opportunity to learn more about some of the animal kinds that were on the Ark. This area will be similar to a petting zoo, complete with barns, a petting animal area, an open grazing area, a stage for daily live animal and bird shows, and lots of meet-and-greet areas for close-up encounters with unique animals and birds.
Children’s Play Area: This fun-filled area will be a unique setting next to the zoo and aviary, and will be highly themed with bridge nets, climbing areas, slides, and zip lines. It will also feature an indoor and outdoor discovery center. It is designed for family participation and will allow grandparents, parents, and children to both learn and have fun in this very creative area.
The Tower of Babel: Over 100 feet tall, this structure depicts how the tower may have looked after its completion. Guests enter a highly themed interior and weave along a path that introduces exhibits on the origination of languages and people groups (so-called “races”). The path ultimately leads to a 500-seat special effects theater.
Journey through Biblical History: Visitors take a journey through Old Testament times, with spectacular special effects to help share some of the experiences of the Israelites. Beginning after Noah’s Flood and the time of Abraham, the journey through ancient times depicts the formation of Israel, Moses and the ten plagues in Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea.
The First-Century Village: This area provides guests with the opportunity to experience a typical village that would have been found in the Middle East about 2,000 years ago. It is complete with period-costumed villagers, houses, a synagogue, a sheepfold, an olive press building, watchtowers, terraced farming, and a first-century dining facility where guests can reserve seats for a special first-century type of meal. The experience culminates with a visit to the Performing Arts Theater where a combined live and video-based show shares the summary of what guests have seen at the Ark Encounter.
Aviary: This will be a fascinating walk-through attraction with several viewing platforms inside three types of bird sanctuaries. Each sanctuary will allow guests to get close to the birds in a natural setting. A nearby butterfly emporium will be visually stunning as well.
Special Events Area: An area where large groups can have private outings away from the main guest areas will showcase some of the Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building techniques used to construct the Ark Encounter. These techniques feature LEED standards in the use of wind and solar power, renewable resources, and preservation of the land. This will attract many educational groups and be positioned outside of the actual walled area—allowing for large group meetings and private events.
This entry was posted in Announcement and tagged Announcement, Ark Encounter. Bookmark the permalink.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Biblical Imagination
Biblical Imagination
Bridge the Gap Between Heart & MindThere is a bridge between the heart and mind: the imagination, the means by which the Spirit begins to undo what was disintegrated by the Fall. When we allow our imaginations to be recaptured by the Holy Spirit, the facts we know in our heads come to life in our hearts.
"...though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand." Luke 8:10
When we hear these words of Jesus something inside us shudders. We wince at the thought of someone - anyone - who has the ability to see and hear, and yet stubbornly refuses to perceive and understand. And, truth be told, our greatest fear is that we might be just that person.
But what does biblical imagination look like and ask? How do we apply facts in our heads to aches in our hearts? What is missing in our understanding that leads to a more biblical response to the Spirit of God?
Join us as we seek to reacquaint, inspire, and shape the Church with the life of Jesus imaginatively seen through the Scriptures. MICHAEL CARD
Link to Biblical Imagination video
http://www.biblicalimagination.com/media.php?pageID=6
Bridge the Gap Between Heart & MindThere is a bridge between the heart and mind: the imagination, the means by which the Spirit begins to undo what was disintegrated by the Fall. When we allow our imaginations to be recaptured by the Holy Spirit, the facts we know in our heads come to life in our hearts.
"...though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand." Luke 8:10
When we hear these words of Jesus something inside us shudders. We wince at the thought of someone - anyone - who has the ability to see and hear, and yet stubbornly refuses to perceive and understand. And, truth be told, our greatest fear is that we might be just that person.
But what does biblical imagination look like and ask? How do we apply facts in our heads to aches in our hearts? What is missing in our understanding that leads to a more biblical response to the Spirit of God?
Join us as we seek to reacquaint, inspire, and shape the Church with the life of Jesus imaginatively seen through the Scriptures. MICHAEL CARD
Link to Biblical Imagination video
http://www.biblicalimagination.com/media.php?pageID=6
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