Love Versus Hate in Iran 

     Over the past century or so, martyrdom, the killing of Christians, has increased around the world. "The Voice of the Martyrs" organization has published news coming out of Iran, one of the world's worst persecuting nations over the past 40 some years. 

     They report, "The Iranian government is among the most oppressive regimes in the world. Leaving Islam is illegal, and Christians face the threat of imprisonment for owning Bibles or even talking about Christ. Christians remain prime targets for a government fixated on silencing their witness to Christ. Iranian Christians face the constant threat of imprisonment and torture. Those who dare to bring God's Word to Iranians do so at extreme risk." 

     "Today, many of those who committed their lives to Islam and Islamic rule are filled with despair. This has opened new doors for the gospel, which is sweeping across the nation by Christian media and bold evangelists in Iran's growing house church movements. Bible distribution efforts are increasingly effective as the ongoing "war" draws attention away from them."

     "The Voice of the Martyrs provides encouragement, support and training for former prisoners rebuilding their lives. VOM's global ministry also provides discipleship and leadership training for current and future Christian leaders. And they partner with Bible smugglers who are dedicated to getting God's Word to believers." 

Tuesday: A former Muslim's story

 Only in the Christian life does surrender bring victory.

             - the late Billy Graham 

     Views still anticipates a Monday restart, with incredible news from Iran. 

                      Jimmy

Friday evening 

God protect the people of Alabama and western Florida 

Monday's coming   

 

 While we wait for Monday's resumption of our blog (Iranians not associated with Muslim authorities) let's turn to harmless baseball for a change,

Last Saturday night the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees. Play resumed on Monday night, when the Rays won again. Then in New York for game 3, the Rays squeezed out a 4-3 victory, winning the series. I was sleeping, not in Seattle, but Hudson, Florida. Today I saw the report on a possible home run by the Yanks in the sixth inning, a possible catch by the leaping outfielder, and a fan who stole the game by trying or actually catching the ball. They cancelled the homer, and sent the batter to 2nd base. He never scored.

That series was so common for these two teams. The Rays took the lead in July and never gave it up. If they won, so did the Yanks. If they lost, so did New York. 

Who will the Rays play next? Tonight the Chicago White Sox, with a 2-1 lead, plays the Cleveland Guardians (don't insult the real indians!) This is rare territory for both teams. When I was a kid, the Indians were our favorites, and we drove maybe 60 miles up to see them play once a year. 

I'm not the baseball fan of old, but it would be neat to see my new team play my old team. Forgive me if you are Yankee minded. But they disappointed me so many years I can't forgive. Now...where is the off button?  

See, I'm getting better control of my fingers. Still making progress. 

        Jimmy

My friends and readers of our blog

     I didn't feel good Sunday. On Monday things began to happen. I got the shakes and couldn't do anything. Mrs. Donut did for me countless times what I would do myself. 

     We went to the hospital where the emergency staff tested everything. At last, the problem. I had colitis in my colon. Interesting how a problem in one place can cause the body to have a fit. 

     We returned home with some papers. I fell into bed about 8 pm and slept all night. Meanwhile, I also had another problem. Will all my readers leave. I checked on you tonight and you were still there...at least your names were still there. I have more doctor visits ahead, and I'm taking two pills a day. My hope is to return to blogging next Monday. There were times on Monday when I wasn't sure I would make it.

     So, why don't we return to blogging now? If you knew how many times I had to correct shaky words before I could send this to you... 

     Jimmy                                               Tuesday night           

Sharing the Love of Christ in Iran  

Sounds like an impossibility.

This the blog we intended to run Monday.  

Yours truly has been under the weather. 

We hope to be well enough Monday morning to give you the details. 

 The Life That Wins 

     "Christianity was never meant to make people miserable. The Bible teaches that inward rest and outward victory is our birthright. For many people the Christian life is not entirely joyous. Paul said, In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" - Romans 8:37. 

     "We can as children attend Sunday School and church, and as young adults find that victories are few and defeats are many. We may not experience the power of the truth we claim. He may have saved us from the penalty of sin, but we have yet to let Him save us from its control." 

     "We may not reveal to unbelievers (with or without conversation) that Christ our Lord is the way, the life and the truth. The early church was filled with the Holy Spirit. Without Bibles, church buildings, automobiles, planes, trains, phones, TV or radio, Christians turned their world upside down for their Lord. Spiritual revolution shook the Roman Empire." 

     "They were vigorous. They lived their lives daily for the glory of God. Not all is/was happy. They gladly suffered persecution and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ. That is happening in our world today and will until Jesus returns."

     The late Billy Graham wrote most of the above. He added, "If we are to rise to the level of vitality God desires, it will be done by churches and individuals who have yielded their lives completely and fully to Christ."  

PS. Recently I read or skimmed a book of 365 hymns and commentaries. Many writers in the 1800s were fixed on leaving this world and going where Jesus is. Or, that He comes here...quickly. They didn't have the "toys" we enjoy today. 

Monday: The Love of Christ in Iran