|
|
|
|
|
Death Penalty for Christians: It was recently announced in Afghanistan by the Taliban Supreme Leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar that any person who converts from Islam to Christianity or those who induce such conversions will be killed. The same is true for other conversions from Islam.
New Milford zones against Prayer: Robert and Mary Murphy have sued the town of New Milford, Conn. according to Associated Press, for ruling that prayer meeting in their home is a violation of the town's zoning laws. The couple had been conducting Bible study and prayer meeting in their home for several years with not more than 25 persons attending. The neighbors allegedly complained that there were too many cars parked in the family's backyard during such meetings.
China is Demolishing Hundreds of Churches: China is demolishing hundreds of underground Christian churches and temples. Chinese newspapers have reported a crackdown on unauthorized worship in the southern coastal city of Wenzhou. More than 1,000 temples, churches, and ancestral halls in the area have been shut down since November, and many have been demolished, according to articles in state-run newspapers. One newspaper reported that officials used explosives to destroy a large church on Dec. 1 and another newspaper published a photograph of workers smashing "illegal religious centers" with sledgehammers, according to news reports. China says it allows religious freedom, but it restricts religious practice. Congregations are required to be sanctioned by the government, and those that are not sanctioned by the government, often are accused of defrauding or abusing their followers. A number of unapproved sect, cults, and underground religious groups have prospered as Communist ideology loses its appeal, according to the Washing Post. The heavy-handed actions come less than a month after China agreed to resume human rights talks with the United States.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Women's Ministries January meeting was held at Christie Hodson's house. We opened with worship given by Edwina Johnson, Tricia Johnson, & Sara Huston. Kindness was the topic of worship. The Bible in Proverbs 31:26 says, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Ellen White states, "The common, severe, harsh words that come from your lips so readily must be withheld, and the Spirit of God speak through the human agent. By beholding the character of Christ you will become changed into His likeness." "We are to learn what it means to have good-will towards all men, a sincere desire to be as sunshine and not as shadows in the lives of others." Faye Taylor and Kay Stahl talked about the "Eight Weeks to Wellness Program" they are presenting at the Telstar High School. We each took a Lifestyle Assessment to determine our lifestyle score. We realized we all need to improve on physical activity, food intake (of the right food), sleep/rest, etc. We began another Secret Pal Program, which will end March 1. At that time we will be revealing ourselves to our secret pal. That meeting will be at Winnie Hodson's house in Woodstock/Bryant Pond.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
