(May 12, 2017 Day 3 Franklin Graham Update: At this World Summit, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and talking with many who have experienced the horrors of persecution firsthand. Today I met a woman from Iran whose father was hanged to death because of his faith. I spent time with two men whose brothers were among the Coptic Christians marched out on the beach in Libya and viciously beheaded by ISIS for refusing to deny Christ—then the video published for all the world to see. I met a dear pastor from Uzbekistan who was arrested and imprisoned for 4 years for proclaiming the Gospel. A man from Sudan who was horribly beaten and tortured for preaching the Gospel. Someone from Mexico who was repeatedly beaten, their church burned, and the people from the church made to leave at gunpoint and walk over broken glass, barefoot as they left the city. The stories go on and on. We may think that in the United States we are far removed from such persecution, but we are not. We have a responsibility to pray for those enduring suffering because they carry the name of Christ. The Bible says, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 13:3).
(May 7, 2017 UPDATE: As I walked through a burned-out shell of a church near Mosul, Iraq, just a few weeks ago, our translator told me that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria graffiti scrawled on the walls read, “You love life, we love death.” Members of ISIS had painted their flag and written, “We have come to drink your blood.” And Iraq isn't the only place Christians are being persecuted and killed around the world. Read more in my article just published in USA TODAY.
This week-- May 10-13 --I'm hosting the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Will you pray? - Rev. Franklin Graham, President of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/05/07/christian-persecution-world-egypt-iraq-mexico-column/101279550/ )
Christian Persecution and Decision America 2017 Debut Episode
Dr. Ravi Zacharias, one of the great Christian apologetics teachers of our time, was one of our speakers today; and Reverend Sami Dagher from Beirut, Lebanon, who I have ministered with for over 40 years will address the group tonight.)
DAY 2-Franklin Graham and USVP Mike Pence 05-11-17 Christian Persecution Summit Washington D.C.
(May 11, 2017 UPDATE: Day 2 of the summit: Day #2 of the World Summit. Vice President Mike Pence told the group, “So, know, those of you that stare persecution in the face every day in distant lands, you have the prayers of the American people, the prayers of my family, and you have the prayers of the president of the United States.” There is a great comfort and strength in knowing others are praying for you—your prayers for the persecuted are vital.)
(May 10, 2017 UPDATE: Day 1 of the summit: From Rev Franklin Graham: "The opening session of the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians tonight was powerful. Over 600 participants, church leaders, and advocates from 136 countries plus staff from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse were there and heard first-hand testimonies of persecution. Family members of the Egyptian men who were beheaded by ISIS on that beach two years ago were among those with us. I hope you will commit to pray for those living in difficult and dangerous circumstances in so many countries around the world. The Bible tells us, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” But we must remember that no one has suffered more than our Lord Jesus Christ. Even in the church’s darkest days, His words ring true: “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” For photos and a short video clip with Rev Graham's introduction to the summit event, you may go to this facebook link: Franklin Graham )
This week-- May 10-13 --I'm hosting the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Will you pray? - Rev. Franklin Graham, President of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/05/07/christian-persecution-world-egypt-iraq-mexico-column/101279550/ )
Christian Persecution and Decision America 2017 Debut Episode
By: Michael D. Tobin
050517
For my free downloadable podcast, follow this link: Christian Persecution and America 01 050517
Here is the link to my twitter video of this broadcast: https://www.pscp.tv/michaeldtobin/1OyJABzWYMqxb?autoplay&t=4 and please follow me on Twitter at, https://twitter.com/michaeldtobin
Here is the link to my twitter video of this broadcast: https://www.pscp.tv/michaeldtobin/1OyJABzWYMqxb?autoplay&t=4 and please follow me on Twitter at, https://twitter.com/michaeldtobin
This is the youtube audio debut of this subject, at this link:
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is hosting the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians next week in Washington D.C. You can take a stand by praying for the persecuted church during the Summit, May 10-13, 2017. It's time we pray, get informed, speak up and spread the word. You may follow the link below to see how you can help.
I will be updating it as Franklin Graham's Decision America 2017 prayer tours progress in the various states visited.
As you may know, there is a good reason for myself covering these events, besides being a born again Believer and an American citizen doing whatever I can, however and whenever I can, to fulfill the Great Commission.
I have been a Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplain since 2003, and began with the Samaritan's Purse in San Diego during the San Diego October Fires, 2003, and have deployed to Florida, Texas and Louisiana several times since then, including the aftermaths of Hurricane Katrina. Twice to Louisiana, once to Texas and once to Florida. My last two assignments were the 2007 San Diego October Fires and the 2016 Franklin Graham Decision America Prayer Tour in Sacramento, California, on March 31, 2016 just the 13th stop of all 50 State Capitals prior to the Nov 2016 elections.
I am extremely compelled to cover whatever I can concerning anything I may be involved with, when it comes to the Gospel.
So in keeping this brief, I will continue with the beginning of Rev Graham's major appeal to the world, and to us, in the U.S., to please be a part in these tragic, yet historical times, and seize the opportunity to be an influence and a light, as Jesus encourages us to be the salt and the light of the world.
Here is the first major announcement on what you will definitely hear more of very soon. And just watch how we make a difference for our persecuted brothers and sisters across the globe.
In Egypt on Palm Sunday, terrorists carried out bomb attacks at two prominent churches, killing 44 people and turning morning services into scenes of blood-spattered pews, mangled bodies, and worshipers in shock. More than 125 were injured. Many of the dead and injured were children.
That evening, an NBC News reporter who covers the Middle East summed up the bigger picture for his worldwide audience: “ISIS attacks Christians with horrifying regularity.”
That certainly includes Christians in northern Iraq, where I visited on Easter. Hundreds of thousands of believers in Iraq have been forced by violence to flee their homes—125,000 just in the last year. Churches are being blown up, families torn apart, and large numbers of Christians kidnapped and tortured or slaughtered for the Name of Jesus.
It’s not just in the Middle East—more than 90,000 people around the globe lost their lives in the past year because they were followers of Christ. Millions more live under constant threat of intimidation, physical attack, or harm to their family or livelihood.
In India, a church was burned down or a pastor beaten an average of 10 times a week last year. In Mexico, 23 Christians were murdered specifically because of their obedience to Jesus. In northern Nigeria, dozens of villages have been burned in the past few months by anti-Christian militants, hundreds of believers killed, and 1,400 homes and 16 churches destroyed. One Nigerian bishop says it is as though Christian families, their churches, and their schools have “become target practice.”
These are our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We must wake up and pay attention to what is happening. It’s time to get up and do something—if we don’t, it will soon be too late.
That’s why we’re hosting the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians this month in Washington, D.C. We have invited 600 delegates from 130 countries all over the world. They include Christian leaders experienced in dealing with various forms of persecution, people active in helping victims, and more than 120 delegates who themselves have been imprisoned, tortured, or forcibly exiled for their faith.
We’re bringing them to Washington for the summit. I want the politicians and the national news media—and the American church—to see and hear firsthand what’s taking place. We want to put a big spotlight on the persecution that is happening to Christians around the world.
One pastor I know in northern Iraq, whose church building is now the center of a refugee camp, said: “Genocide—that’s a polite word for what has happened to my people.” The pastor himself was kidnapped and brutally tortured for nine days because he boldly bears the Name of Christ. “People here will die if they lose hope,” he says. “People will die if they feel no one loves them. I want Christians to speak out and tell the world.”
We want to speak as one voice to the countries where persecution is taking place. And we want to stir Christians and churches to pray for those who are being persecuted and also for those who persecute them. The Bible says, “Love your enemies … pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27–28, HCSB).
We are grateful for your support as we hold this conference. A large number of the delegates are coming from places where Christians live in poverty and churches are small—they could never afford to travel internationally without our assistance. Most of all, we need your prayers. Ask God to use this unprecedented gathering to make a difference around the globe.
A few days after the summit, I will begin our Decision America Tennessee Tour. We’ll go across the state with the Good News of Jesus Christ, starting in Chattanooga and ending in Memphis on the Mississippi River. At each stop, we will enjoy live music, pray for our nation, and share the life-changing truth of the Gospel.
In America, the great majority of people know something about Jesus, but far too many don’t know Him as Savior and Lord. By preaching one night each in multiple cities across a state or region, I believe we can reach many more with God’s message of salvation than at a multi-day Crusade in a single larger city. Later this year we will go to seven cities on the Decision America Texas Tour. As God leads, we’ll do the same in more states next year.
My son Will Graham is back from a Crusade in Pachuca, Mexico, where more than a thousand people prayed for forgiveness and salvation as they turned in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. We praise God for drawing so many to Himself, and we give Him all the glory. Will is leading a region-wide evangelistic event May 5–7 in Dothan, Alabama. Please pray for open hearts and many changed lives.
We cannot do this work without friends like you who partner with us, and I am deeply grateful. Your prayers and gifts are an investment in changed hearts and lives—for eternity.
May God richly bless you,
Franklin Graham
President
Please consider helping me to launch back into Chaplain disaster response with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, broadcasting and ministry, as also, I have 5 years Christian radio disc jockey, news directing and production management experience, and I see a tremendous need for the Lord to use me once again, in full-time ministry with what He has gifted me in.
To be a part, you may contact me vie email at, winwood1@live.com . You may also have complete access to download and share all my broadcasts on this site, as well as the network I have my more extensive broadcasts on, and that link is, http://www.spreaker.com/show/michael-tobin-show, and below are ways you may give and support. Thank you very much as you prayerfully consider to be a partner in this show, as this truly is ground level for something that the Lord has shown me is going to be magnificent.
I desire to respond to disaster sites sharing the love of Jesus at hurricane, tornado, fires and other disasters as a Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplain, as I've been one since 2003. I pray to be able to renew my passport and have one for my 31-yr old son who wants to be in missions and ministry with me. Visit my podcast, Michael Tobin Show at, http://www.spreaker.com/show/the-michael-tobin-show .
So would you please help me respond to natural disasters as a BGRRT Chaplain by purchase of my book, Making America Righteous-Again: From Bitterness To A Delight at, https://www.amazon.com/Making-America-Righteous-Again-Bitterness-Delight-ebook/dp/B01A1JPHUC You may also support through paypal at, https://www.paypal.me/michaeldt
ALSO, you may see more detail at my GiveSendGo account, https://www.givesendgo.com/michaeltobin , and my GoFundMe account, https://www.gofundme.com/almost-homeless-missionary .
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