PRAY   CENTRAL   FLORIDA

Dear Fellow Prayer Warrior,                                                                           September, 2008

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The movie “Fireproof” opens in theaters September 26th. Mission America highlighted this as a great evangelism opportunity as the Gospel is clearly presented in the movie. It stars Kirk Cameron and is from the producers of “Facing the Giants”. Trailers and other resources are available at www.fireproofthemovie.com.

 

Florida marriage protection amendment update:

There are less than 60 Days till the historic vote on Amendment 2 to protect marriage in Florida from activist judges and homosexual groups who are set on redefining this human institution. The Yes2Marriage team is asking every minister in Florida to set aside Sunday, October 19, 2008, (the day before early voting starts) and preach on some aspect of God’s Design for marriage and ask families in your church to pray together and then go and vote early as a family.  They have provided many sermon samples online and other materials to help you in this on www.yes2marriage.org. Also available on the web site are Church Action Kits (with yard signs, bumper stickers, a DVD with special videos to be shown in church services. Order the kit online or call 407-251-1957. Also available on the web site is a one page fact sheet that addresses all the major facts and arguments surrounding Amendment 2. This is the main handout we need to get into the hands of millions of Florida voters.  Please download the Fact Sheet, Bulletin Inserts and other information from the website and make copies for friends, family, people at work and church members. 

            There will be a regional briefing on the Marriage Amendment in Orlando September 22nd. This meeting will educate and empower pastors to lead and motivate their congregations in support of traditional marriage. Speakers are Mat Staver and Pastor Tom Messer. It will be at Eastland Baptist in Orlando at 10:00 a.m. Visit www.supportmarriage.org for details and to RSVP or call 904-596-2411.

 

Update on the Lakeland Healing Revival

The Lakeland Healing Revival is still continuing without Todd Bentley. There are some issues that surfaced which have caused Todd to withdraw from ministry for a season to receive ministry for those issues. There are many e-mails circulating with more information than I needed to know so I will not add to that situation here. Todd and his wife Shonna need our prayers, not our judgement. As for Lakeland, I recently read a report that new people are still coming from around the world. They are still hungry for God and God is still manifesting Himself in healings and many are still being saved. According to their web site (www.ignitedchurch.com) they will continue to have  meetings nearly every night (except Mondays) with various guest speakers and most days at 10:00 a.m. You can still watch the meetings on-line via the Ignited Church site so check their web site for the latest schedule. Most of the meetings are at Ignited Church but some are at other nearby churches.

Once again we are reminded that man will always disappoint and God doesn’t need any one particular person; He can use whoever He wants even with their imperfections. I will miss Todd’s boyish exuberance over each new miracle. He never seemed to get bored with the parade of healings night after night. Each new healing was like being with the family on Christmas morning and rejoicing together as each precious gift was opened. I pray that Todd successfully walks out the repentance and restoration plan those in apostolic oversight are working on for him, that his marriage is restored, that he matures through this whole process and that he is restored to ministry.  

 

See page 2 for Current Prayer Events

An E-mail version of this newsletter (with more stuff!) is also available - send me an E-mail to sign up.

See this newsletter on the web at www.christiansnet.com/praycf/praycf.htm.

George Kern, 405 East Jersey St., Orlando, FL 32806, 407-245-1132, praycf@juno.com


PRAY   CENTRAL   FLORIDA

                                                                        Page 2                                     September, 2008

Current Prayer Events:

Verify event details with the contact person or web site before attending. Listing does not necessarily imply endorsement by Pray Central Florida. For more events see the Z88.3 web site - http://zradio.org.

 

Now through September 26thOperation Deliverance II – on-site prayer for the Oakridge area of Orlando sponsored by the Orange County Sheriff’s Chaplains. Times: Monday through Friday at 7:00 p.m.. Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Location: Oakridge YMCA located at 814 W. Oakridge Rd. Contact: Miguel Pagan – 407-254-7119.

September 1st through 30th - 30 Days - Loving Muslims through Prayer. Praying for Muslims through Ramadan. See www.30-days.net for information and many prayer resources.

September 11th - 12:00 noon - Cry Out America – prayer for our nation at every courthouse. http://www.awakeningamerica.us/. Coordinators: Orange - Rev. Alfred - 407-620-9782, Seminole - DeWayne – 407-221-0253 and Osceola - Nelly - 407-952-8770.

September 20th - 10:00 a.m. – Anniversary For Jesus – parade following a week of multi-church services. Parade starts at the Apostolic Church of Jesus, 1130 Merritt St., Altamonte Springs. Bring your praise banners! Contact: Pastor Sherman Adams – 407-422-7426.

September 24th - See You at the Pole – school kids meet at their flagpole and pray together before school starts that day - http://www.syatp.com/home.   

September 24th – November 2nd - 40 days for life - pro-life mobilization consisting of 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach www.40daysforlife.com.

September 26-November 4 - 40-Day Prayer Vigil - www.40daysUSA.com.

October 3rd – 5thFusion 2008 – Christians from many churches serving our community by meeting practical needs in people’s lives. www.orlandofusion.org.

October 5, 2008 - Global Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem - www.daytopray.com.

 

Daily – various times – Orlando House of Prayer - get a taste of IHOP without having to fly to Kansas City. Location: 495 W. Silver Star Rd., Ocoee. Web site for info and schedule: www.worshiphouseofprayer.com, or call 407.877.5970, ext. 201.

Weekdays – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – all day worship and prayer hosted by Love of Christ Ministries (Mack McCambridge). Location: Faith World church, Orlando. Call 407-292-0966 for info.

Tuesdays – 6:00 a.m. - Sanford Ministerial Fellowship. Info: Jeff Krall - 407-322-9222, jmkrall@bellsouth.net.

Tuesday and Friday mornings – Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship. Fellowship and bible study breakfasts and monthly evening meeting. Contact Joseph Shaia for info - 407/682-3216.

Tuesday evenings - 6:00 p.m. – Community Healing & Prayer Service. All Saints Church, 338 East Lyman Av. Winter Park. Call 407-647-3413 for info. www.allsaintswp.com.

Tuesday evenings - 7:00 p.m. - Servants of the Most High and Intercessory Prayer Network of Central Florida. Prayer and fellowship in the Longwood area. For info, call Maureen at 407-332-7286 or e-mail IPNCF@ruii.org.

Thursday Evenings – 7:30 p.m. Oviedo Healing Rooms - Healing in the Name of JESUS through the Power of GOD's Presence and Prayer. 145 W. Broadway Blvd., Oviedo. Call 407-529-7111 for appointment (suggested but not necessary) www.OviedoHealingRoom.com.

First Saturday of month - Prayer for Muslims - 10:00 a.m.-Noon, Orlando. Peter Shadid - 240-6272.

            Peter has a team reaching Muslims in Kissimmee and can train people for outreach in Orlando.

Second Saturday of month – 9:30 a.m. - KNEC (Kingdom Network Empowering Communities) –Orlando. Contact: Bishop Helligar – 407-299-6677.


 

 

Editor’s note: to help prevent the automatic harvesting of E-mail addresses from this newsletter some E-mail addresses have been modified. If you see one that has an “ [at] ” simply replace it with “@” when you type it in, similarly with “ [dot] “.

 

 

And here is the extra stuff you don’t get with the snail mail version...

=================================

 

(1) Florida marriage amendment

(2) Awakening America – September 11th

(3) See You At The Pole, September 24

(4) Awaken the Bride service and Worship Leaders Roundtable Sept 26 & 27

(5) MarketPlace Intensive Summit: Prospering in Changing Times – October 17th – 18th

(6) DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM - OCTOBER 5

(7) Saudi Arabia: Shaken By Apostasy And Dissidence

(8) 30 Days - Loving Muslims Through Prayer September 1 - 30

(9) Mission America - new movie release "FIREPROOF"

(10) House Apologizes To Black Americans For Slavery

(11) Prayer Needed For Prisoners, Their Children, And The Prison Corrections System

(12) Insight: Carrots, Eggs & Coffee

(13) India: Deaths Mount As Violence Spreads In Orissa

 

 

*NPPN - NATIONAL PASTORS' PRAYER NETWORK - US

A Ministry Network Of The Mission America Coalition

OUR VISION-

Identify And Encourage Pastors' Prayer Groups In Cities And Communities

Across America So That Pastors Lead Their

People Into Praying For And Sharing Christ With Everyone In Our Nation.

Subscribe to the NPPN:   http://www.nppn.org/subscribe.htm

 

 

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(1) Florida marriage amendment

 

From: "Yes2Marriage.org" <ActionAlerts@floridafamilyaction.org>

To: "George Kern" <praycf@juno.com>

Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:10:25 -0500

Subject: Important Information for Florida Pastors and People of Faith

 

Dear Florida Pastor:

 

There are only 60 Days till the historic vote on Amendment 2 to protect marriage in Florida from activist judges and homosexual groups who are set on redefining this human institution.  There are several important updates I want to make you aware of:

 

Please Plan Now to Preach on Marriage Sunday, October 19, 2008.  We are asking every minister in Florida to set aside Sunday, October 19, 2008, (the day before early voting starts) and preach on some aspect of God’s Design for marriage and ask families in your church to pray together and then go and vote early as a family.  We have provided many sermon samples online and other materials to help you in this HERE: (http://www.yes2marriage.org/churches-and-pastors/sample-sermons/)

 

Church Action Kits Now On Sale for a Limited Time Only!  Churches, Businesses and Supporters can now buy a Yes2Marriage.org Church Action Kit online.  The basic kit includes 25 yard signs (with stands), 50 bumper stickers, a DVD with special videos to be shown in church services, and finally a CD loaded with bulletin inserts, flyers, sample sermons and other documentation to promote the marriage amendment in your church and community.  The cost of the basic kit is $150 and orders must be placed before September 30, 2008 and will be shipped right to your door step at the end of each week.  It is fast, easy and a powerful way to support this effort.  Order the kit online HERE or call 407-251-1957 to order by check or credit card. 

 

New Powerful “Fact Sheet” is Available on Online.  The Yes2Marriage.org campaign has produced a one page powerful fact sheet that addresses all the major facts and arguments surrounding Amendment 2.  This is the main handout we need to get into the hands of millions of Florida voters with your help.  Please download the Fact Sheet, Bulletin Inserts and other information from our website online HERE and make copies for friends, family, people at work and church members. 

 

Statewide Pastors Conferences on Marriage Amendment. 

Tampa, September 8th
Jacksonville, September 15th
Crestview, September 17th
Orlando, September 22nd
Fort Myers, September 23rd
Miami, September 29th

 

Make plans now to attend one of six regional briefings in Florida. These meetings will educate and empower pastors to lead and motivate their congregations in support of traditional marriage. Special speakers include Mat Staver, Pastor Tom Messer, David Gibbs, Pastor Clayton Cloer. Click HERE for details on specific locations and to RSVP. 

 

Thanks again for taking a stand and protecting God's design for the Biblical definition of marriage between one man and one woman. 

 

Sincerely, 

John Stemberger

State Chairman, Yes2Marriage.org

 

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(2) Awakening America – September 11th

 

A PATRIOT DAY PRAYER GATHERING

On September 11, 2008 our nation will pause to remember the greatest "wake-up" call in
our generation, the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01. As part of Awakening America, a call is being issued for Christians across the nation to mark this significant day in our history with powerful prayer for America and the lost individuals of this country.

In every one of the 3141 counties in the United States, during the noon lunch hour on September 11, Christians will unite around their county courthouse to cry out to God with focused prayer for their community, their lost friends and family, and for the spiritual condition of our nation.

We've provided two great ways to be involved. First, we have developed prayer resources for you and your community to use. These items include downloadable flyers to promote the Cry Out America event, event guides for the day of the event, links to general resources on prayer and other websites to aid you. Second, we have a sign-up area for you to take part in your local activities.

 

 For more information go to http://www.awakeningamerica.us.

 

Orange County coordinator - Rev. Alfred Sanchez , alfredsanchez [at] hqmail.usmissions [dot] org

         407.620.9782.

Seminole County coordinator - DeWayne Hendon – dewaynehendon [at] hotmail [dot] com
        407-221-0253

 

**************************************************************

(3) See You At The Pole, September 24

 

From: Intercessors For America <ifa@ifapray.org>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:07:35 -0400 (EDT)

Subject: Wednesday Alert

 

SEE YOU AT THE POLE, SEPTEMBER 24

 

See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray - for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything. See You at the Pole™ is scheduled annually on the fourth Wednesday in September, which is September 24 in 2008. The suggested starting time is 7 a.m. If that doesn't work for your school, choose a time that will work for your school, but let everyone at your school know! For more information click here for the See You  at the Pole Web site.

 

************************************************************

(4) Awaken the Bride service and Worship Leaders Roundtable Sept 26 & 27

 

From: Orlando House of Prayer Missions Base <events@orlandohop.org>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 12:55:21 -0400 (EDT)

Subject: OHOP Upcoming events

 

Awaken the Bride service  

 

prophetic worship led by Marcus Meyer from IHOP-KC   

September 26th @ 7:30pm   

 

Join this City Wide worship rally with intense worship, a passionate message, a time of intercession for central Florida & prayer ministry for the sick, broken and needy.  

 

Where: Orlando House of Prayer 495 W. Silver Star Rd., Ocoee, FL 34761  

 

 

Worship Leaders & Singers Roundtable

 

September 27th with Marcus Meyer from IHOP-KC

 

These meeting are specifically designed for worship leaders, musicians and singers to come together in simplicity to learn from National Worship leaders who have dedicated themselves to a life of prayer, worship and fasting. These small and private meetings will allow for more personal one on one time.

  

 Registration is required and space is limited.  

 

 

Roundtable:   $FREE$   from 10am - 12noon  

 

Register today online at  http://ohoproundtable.eventbrite.com   

 

 

Upcoming ATB services special guest worship leaders:
October - Ben Woodward from IHOP
November - Derek Loux and Marcus Meyer from IHOP
January 09 - Kim Walker
February 09 - Jake Ferrell from ZHOP
Scheduling now for 09 - Matt Gilman and other's

 

***************************************************************

(5) MarketPlace Intensive Summit: Prospering in Changing Times – October 17th – 18th

 

From: Orlando House of Prayer Missions Base <events@orlandohop.org>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:30:13 -0400 (EDT)

Subject: OHOP Upcoming events

 

MarketPlace Intensive Summit: Prospering in Changing Times

October 17-18th  

 

God has a plan to bring revival to cities and the marketplace through whole-hearted prayer, fasting, worship and the prophetic. While the experts debate the current status of our economy, believers are called to thrive and maintain a right heart posture regardless of the outcome. This power-packed summit will help you unlcok your personal potential, maintain balance through prayer, and help you get positioned to "ride the wave of economic trends.  

 

The Joseph Company Marketplace Summit is a unique experience designed to take marketplace leaders deeper into intimacy with God and give greater understanding of their unique prophetic purpose in life. At this regional event, join together with our marketplace believers for times of prophetic word, worship and prayer while seeking God's heart for your city.
 
Where:
Orlando House of Prayer, 495 W. Silver Star Rd., Ocoee, FL 34761 
 
Schedule:  
Friday              7pm                         Kickoff Session  
Saturday         9am -12noon          Morning Session
                         2pm-4pm                Workshop
                         7pm-10pm              Evening Session

Cost:
$15 per person
 
Registration
:
 Click Here to Register

 

Guest Speakers: 

 

Bob Fraser
Prior to co-founding the Joseph Company-KC with Mike Bickle, Bob founded NetSales Inc., a back-office e-commerce provider that became the Kansas City area's fastest growing company during the late 1990's.  In 2000, Bob was awarded the Midwest Region Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.While providing senior leadership to the Joseph Company, Bob contines to speak at regional and local events.  His book, Marketplace Christianity, is available at all events and through the Forerunner Bookstore.

 

Bob Hartley is currently the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hartley's Executive Cleaning in Kansas City, MO. Before entering the marketplace, Bob served as a pastor at Metro Christian Fellowship. Also, he was a missionary in Africa and Israel, an area director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a chapel leader for the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. Today, Bob serves on the Board of Directors for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Kansas City Inner City Outreach to Youth and the Inner City Outreach to Alcoholics. He travels extensively, in order to encourage the body of Christ.

For more information please contact: Christine Evans - JoCo Marketing Director via email: Christine1962@gmail.com and via phone: (407) 963-0399.  

 

OHOP business office via email: info@orlandohop.org and via phone: (407) 877-5970.

 

*************************************************************

(6) DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM - OCTOBER 5

 

From: Intercessors For America <ifa@ifapray.org>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:07:52 -0400 (EDT)

Subject: Wednesday Alert: First Friday Prayer & Fasting | Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem

 

 

DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM

OCTOBER 5, 2008

 

The first Sunday of October has been designated as the global Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.  This day of prayer is not at a single location, but rather a worldwide event uniting believers in prayer for Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:6, Isaiah 62:6).

 

This year's event is supported by co-chairman Robert Stearns, co-chairman Jack Hayford, Kay Arthur, John Hagee, Ravi Zacharias, Michael W. Smith and many others. 

 

All Christians have a spiritual heritage and responsibility to pray for the city over which Jesus wept; the city to where He will soon return.  The current crisis over Jerusalem has global ramifications and impact, and will only be fully resolved by God working through the prayers of His people.

 

To get involved or for to receive resources, such as posters and prayer cards, for your local church visit www.daytopray.com.

 

***********************************************************

(7) Saudi Arabia: Shaken By Apostasy And Dissidence

 

From: Intercessors For America <ifa@ifapray.org>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:07:35 -0400 (EDT)

Subject: Wednesday Alert

 

AROUND THE WORLD

 

SAUDI ARABIA: SHAKEN BY APOSTASY AND DISSIDENCE

 

The revolution in information and communication technologies is making it impossible for Islam to maintain its 1400- year-long

dictatorship over Muslims

 

The revolution in information and communication technologies is making it impossible for Islam to maintain its 1400- year-long dictatorship over Muslims that has been sustained through enforced ignorance, isolation and fear. Even in Saudi Arabia, information gleaned from satellite television and the Internet is leading some Saudis to question Wahhabi Islam.

 

In November 2007 a Saudi girl aged 19 was sentenced to jail and lashes after being kidnapped at knife-point and gang-raped, because when she was kidnapped she was in the company of a male not her relative. A most courageous Saudi human rights lawyer named Abdulrahman Al Lahim stepped up to defend her, which guaranteed the case would attract wide media attention.

 

On 12 August, Gulfnews.com reported that a Saudi man brutally killed his daughter for converting to Christianity. This young martyr had been blogging on the Internet about her new faith and trials. She wrote that her brother had been abusing and threatening her ever since he found some Christian articles she wrote as well as a cross sign on her computer screen.

 

According to a friend who contacted 'Free Copts', the killer is in police custody and being investigated over the 'honour crime'. Gulfnews reports, 'The death of the girl sent shockwaves and websites where the victim used to write with various nicknames have allocated special space to mourn her, while some others closed temporarily in protest.' Saudi Christianity is a reality, and it is no small thing that the death of this 'apostate' is being widely mourned.

 

This killing will probably lead to two things: (1) increased calls for anti-apostasy Internet laws (as in Iran); (2) increased rejection of Islamic intolerance. Pray that this martyrdom will herald the beginning of a great apostasy debate in Saudi Arabia.

 

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY FOR:

 

- our Redeemer God to be mightily at work inside Saudi Arabia, using this girl's

martyrdom for his purposes: enlightening minds, softening hearts and breaking

chains -- preparing the ground for the gospel of the love of Christ.

 

- God to grant all Saudi dissidents great strength and courage; especially that

converts to Christianity will receive immense wisdom from the Holy Spirit, protection

by God the Father, and the perfect love and salvation they have in Jesus Christ will drive out all their fear.

 

**********************************************************

(8) 30 Days - Loving Muslims Through Prayer September 1 - 30

 

From: Intercessors For America <ifa@ifapray.org>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:07:35 -0400 (EDT)

Subject: Wednesday Alert

 

30 DAYS - LOVING MUSLIMS THROUGH PRAYER

September 1 - September 30

 

Change the world through prayer.

Be active :  Change your own perspective on Muslims.
Participate in 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World '08.

 

30-Days International produces the well-known "30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World" Christian prayer guide coinciding with Ramadan each year.

 

The origin of this international prayer network came about as a group of Christian leaders were praying during a meeting in the Middle East in April 1992. God put a burden on the hearts of these men and women to call as many Christians as possible to pray for the Muslim world.

 

"30-Days International" maintains a positive attitude towards Muslims. We are not interested in denigrating or criticizing anyone. Islam is not merely a religion or a philosophy. Islam concerns people.

 

Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Our 52 page, illustrated prayer guide booklet contains insight, prayer points and background articles. Order your 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World 2008 Booklets today.

 

 

www.30-days.net

 

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(9) Mission America - new movie release "FIREPROOF"

[Editors note: The conference call is over but the rest is good info – go to the web site and check out the preview, it looks great]

 

From: City.Reaching@eli.faithhighway.com, Pearl@eli.faithhighway.com,

            MS <admin@cityreaching.com>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 09:43:25 -0500

Subject: Conference Call tomorrow on new movie release "FIREPROOF"

 

Friends, we hope you will share this great resource with others by forwarding it to those in your network. 

Greetings Mission America Coalition Partners,

Please join us for a NATIONAL CONFERENCE CALL TO HIGHLIGHT THE COLLABORATIVE EVANGELISM OPPORTUNITY OF THE MOVIE FIREPROOF! Kirk Cameron and Alex Kendrick will be joining us as we prayerfully call Christian leaders to action in support of the movie Fireproof, which will open in theaters September 26. We still need to work together to get information out about the importance of supporting this film.

The conference call will be Thursday, September 4 at 1:00pm Pacific (4:00pm Eastern).
Duration: 30 minutes
Conference Call-In Number: 712-432-1001
Access Code: 489278661#

It may surprise you, but... The movie Fireproof (by the producers of Facing the Giants) will be the first wide-release film (opening in over 600 screens) that contains a clear Gospel message of Jesus Christ in over 4 years! We hope you will rally around this movie and show your support for using films like this to share the Gospel.

Fireproof affords us three grand opportunities for evangelism and discipleship:
- Sharing the relevant Gospel message with friends and neighbors (for evangelism and discipleship now)
- Sending a message on opening weekend to Hollywood that Jesus-friendly films draw crowds (to encouraging more evangelism and discipleship in mainstream film)
- Supporting and strengthening the divine institution of marriage and family (as foundation for evangelism and discipleship for generations)

If this film has a strong opening weekend, it will encourage more filmmakers to consider incorporating the powerful message of Jesus Christ into their films, and into our culture. STRONG SUPPORT OF THE FILM ON OPENING WEEKEND WILL NOT GO UNNOTICED. As a Mission America Coalition partner, you can increase the impact!

1. Please join us for this conference call on Thursday, Sept 4 at 1:00 pm Pacific (2:00 pm Mountain, 3:00 pm Cental, 4:00 pm Eastern). Please invite others to join this call.
2. Encourage your constituencies to support this important film for the multiple reasons above. Please encourage attendance for opening weekend!
3. Consider creative ways you may be personally involved, such as sponsoring a date-night for your employees, pre-purchasing tickets, church mobilization, bulletin inserts, etc.

Trailers and other resources are available at
www.fireproofthemovie.com.  
Fireproof will open in theaters on September 26.

Prayerfully and Expectantly Yours in Christ,

Paul Cedar
Chairman

 

 

 

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(10) House Apologizes To Black Americans For Slavery

 

From: Intercessors For America <ifa@ifapray.org>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:32:33 -0400 (EDT)

Subject: Wednesday Alert

 

HOUSE APOLOGIZES TO BLACK AMERICANS FOR SLAVERY

 

The House yesterday apologized to black Americans, more than 140 years after slavery was abolished, for the "fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow" segregation.

 

The resolution, which passed on a voice vote late in the day, was sponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), a white Jew who represents a majority-black district in Memphis. Cohen faces a tough fight against airline lawyer Nikki Tinker, who is black, in the Democratic primary Aug. 7. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) is considering introducing a companion measure in the Senate.

 

In February, the Senate apologized for atrocities committed against Native Americans, and the body apologized in 2005 for standing by during a lynching campaign against African Americans throughout much of the past century. Twenty years ago, Congress apologized for interning Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II.

 

Congress has considered a similar apology for the slavery and Jim Crow eras, a gesture long sought by African Americans. Such efforts were always bogged down by concerns that the apology would prompt a greater call for reparations for slavery. Several states, including Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama have issued apologies for slavery.

 

Resolution of Apology to the Native Peoples

 

This is about the healing of the land

 

A joint resolution to acknowledge a long history of official depredations and ill-conceived policies by the United States Government regarding Indian tribes and offer an apology to all Native Peoples on behalf of the United States.

 

The resolution is still pending - CONTACT YOUR SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVE: if not yet involved, contact and ask them to cosponsor the resolution. If they are supporting it, thank them.

 

For more information, see http://nativeres.org/

 

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(11) Prayer Needed For Prisoners, Their Children, And The Prison Corrections System

 

From: Intercessors For America <ifa@ifapray.org>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:55:14 -0400 (EDT)

Subject: Operation Starting Line - Prayer Alert

 

PRAYER NEEDED FOR PRISONERS, THEIR CHILDREN, AND THE PRISON CORRECTIONS SYSTEM

 

Here are some statistical facts about prisoners and their children:

 

Communicating facts about people is essential to understanding them and their needs.  Children should never have to know the inside of a prison; the experience is especially hard on them as they seek to understand why their parent is not coming home. Some adults make great sacrifices to take children to visit their incarcerated parent in an effort to try to maintain the parent-child relationship under the hardest circumstances. The information gathered on their lives, sacrifices, and sufferings is sketchy at best. The following experiences communicate something of the humanity of those who sit in prison waiting rooms during visitation hours:

 

America's prisoners, their family members, and the prison system need your intercession. Pray for:

 

********************************************************

(12) Insight: Carrots, Eggs & Coffee

 

From: Alice and Eddie Smith <usprayercenter@cs.com>

To: praycf@juno.com

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:14:27 -0400

Subject: Insight: Carrots, Eggs & Coffee (082508)

 

 

Insight from Eddie and Alice
For our wonderful Insight Newsletter family.

Have a blessed week! 

 

Carrots, Eggs & Coffee

Alice Smith 

  
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
  
A young woman went to her mother and told her about
her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up; she was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
  
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
  

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
  
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
  

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hardboiled egg.  Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
  
Her mother explained that each of these objects had
faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.

 

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

 

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

 

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
  
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?
                   

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

 

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
  

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and

hardened heart?
  
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When
the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?
                   

How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
  
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
  
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. Most importantly, know that you cannot change people, but you can change the way you handle adversity...which just might encourage others to strive for change.
 
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one 
who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
  
You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you; to those who have touched your life in one way or an other; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose
friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

 
                     May we all be COFFEE!!!

·         Author Unknown

 

 

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(13) India: Deaths Mount As Violence Spreads In Orissa

 

From: "Intercessors Network" <Intercessors.Network@Telia.com>

To: "Intercessors Network" <Intercessors.Network@comhem.se>

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:56:39 +0200

Subject: INDIA: DEATHS MOUNT AS VIOLENCE SPREADS IN ORISSA

 

 

INDIA: DEATHS MOUNT AS VIOLENCE SPREADS IN ORISSA

 

At least 18 people are confirmed dead in 92 incidents of violence against Christians since suspected Maoists murdered Hindu leader Swamiji Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others on Saturday (Aug. 23) in Orissa state.

 

With Hindu extremists inciting hatred by heated accusations that Christians killed Saraswati, the national newspaper Hindu reported that nine people had been killed in Orissa violence, and a source near the state capital of Bhubaneswar confirmed an additional nine people slain.

 

The death count by the Hindu included four people killed in the Barakhama area. News agencies had earlier confirmed three dead in Raikia and two others, including a woman, killed in Bargarh, where a missionary-run orphanage was set on fire yesterday. The figure of 92 incidents thus far comes from the Global Council of Indian Christians.

 

Additionally, the source said that Hindu extremists today killed pastor Samuel Naik of the Bakingia Seventh-Day Adventist Church at Kandhamal, and Jacob Digal and Gopan Naik of Damba village were slain. Also killed was Golok Naik of Pidinanju village (under Mondakia police station), and pastor Mukunda Bardhan from Mukundapur, Gajapati was burned to death.

 

Three other people whose names have not yet been verified, said the source, were killed in Katingia village of G. Udaygiri, along with a pastor belonging to Operation Mobilization from the same area. In Badimunda, about 12 kilometers (seven miles) from G. Udaygiri, nearly 25 Christian homes were burned down.

 

There were many reports of Christians being pulled from their homes and killed or beaten, with many homes of Christians torched in Baliguda. According to reports by the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), the East India office of Compassion International in Bhubaneswar was ransacked.

 

Saraswati and four others were killed by suspected Maoists in the swami’s ashram, or religious center, in the Jalespata area of Kandhamal district’s Tumudiband Block in Orissa state. A warning letter found at the Saraswati religious center and use of expensive arms suggested Maoists were behind the attack.

 

In a state with a strong Maoist presence, police reportedly said they have evidence to link the communist rebels to the murders of Saraswati and his four associates. One police theory is that Maoists would attack Hindu leaders in a misguided effort to gain support among area tribal people, many of whom have converted to Christianity.

 

On Sunday (Aug. 24) the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a partner in the state’s ruling coalition, and the Hindu extremist Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) called for 12-hour a shut-down in which inflammatory speeches were made accusing Christians of killing Saraswati.

 

Authorities in Denial
Orissa Police Chief Gopal Chandra Nanda downplayed the violence, telling Reuters that incidents were only “sporadic” and that “some prayer houses have been attacked and vehicles have been burnt.”

 

Likewise, local authorities and media have painted the shutdown as “peaceful,” denying that organized attacks took place. The state is ruled by a coalition of the BJP and the Biju Janata Dal party.

 

At the same time, Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) extremists have continued to incite hatred against Christians and criticized the local government. VHP Secretary General Pravin Tagodia accused the state government of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of acting like a “eunuch” and demanded his apology for the killing of Saraswati and his companions.

 

“Christians murdered Swamiji, but the government is lying and giving it a Maoist color,” Tagodia said. “Naveen as an individual and police, in particular, are responsible for this attack orchestrated by the church on Hindu dharma.’’

 

At the same time, a senior leader from Christian relief and development organization World Vision told our correspondent that a news report about the arrest of their staff members in connection with Saraswati’s killing was false. The police had merely kept two of their employees for protection, he said.

 

“No complaint had been lodged against them,” he said. “The employees have safely reached their homes.”

 

Widespread Violence
Sources from Kandhamal district said hundreds of Christians along with their families have fled to the nearby forests to save their lives in the rainy climate and are without shelter, food and clothing.

 

“Three adults and one child were reportedly killed in fresh violence in Barakhama, Kandhamal,” EFI News reported.

 

At least 14 Christians have been killed in Kandhamal, according to the news agency: Hacked to death by a rampaging mob of Hindu extremists were two Christians in Mutungia village, one in Petaponga village, one in Borimunda village, three in Katinga village, three in Tianga village, three in Adikuppa village and one in Bakingia village.

 

According to reports received from Kalahandi district, many incidents of violence and house burning have taken place even though it is more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) from the place where Saraswati was killed.

 

Christian sources said pastor Sikandar Singh of the Pentecostal Mission was beaten and his house was burned in Bhawanipatna. In Kharihar, three Christian shops were looted and burned. Pastor Alok Das was beaten at Kharihar, as was pastor I.M. Senapati. In Aampani, pastor David Diamond Pahar was beaten by more than 200 people. They chased him away from Aampani, and he is hiding in nearby villages.

 

Pastor Pravin Ship and two other area pastor identified only as Pradhan and Barik were beaten and chased away with their families. In Naktikani, an angry mob surrounded the village to attack Christians. The government sent forces to try to control the mob but without success.

 

Christian Pleas
A delegation of Christian leaders in New Delhi met with Home Minister Shivraj Patil to brief him of the situation and to register their concern. Patil assured the Christian delegation, including the Rev. Dr. Richard Howell, general secretary of EFI, and Father Babu Joseph, spokesperson of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India of the central government’s support in curbing violence against Christians in the state.

 

Another delegation led by Orissa state Christian leaders met Gov. Rameshwar Thakur with the same objectives. The Rt. Rev. Samson Das and attorney Bibhu Dutta Das were also among those who met with the Orissa governor today.

 

In Kolkata, the All-India Minority Forum today condemned the attack on churches in Orissa and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Patnaik for his “failure” to protect religious minorities in his state.

 

“We condemn in unequivocal terms the incident of burning alive people who belong to the Christian community by Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists, and armed attacks on churches in Orissa,” Forum President Idris Ali said.

 

‘Kill Christians’
The violence has spread even though church leaders across the country condemned the Hindu priest’s killing and appealed for peace.

 

The VHP and its allies had called for a 12-hour shutdown to protest the killing of the swami, and Christian leaders expected Hindu mobs would use it to mobilize strikes at the Christian community.

 

“But what has taken place has even surpassed what we expected,” said one pastor who wished to remain anonymous.

 

Hindu extremists paraded the body of Saraswati throughout nearby villages, whipping up anger and mobilizing crowds against Christians, in uncontested defiance of a Kandhamal district administration prohibition against the gathering of four or more people. Among the slogans shouted was, “Kill Christians and destroy their institutions.”

 

In spite of an Orissa state-imposed curfew, crowds violated restrictions and proceeded to attack Christian communities throughout the state. Our correspondent has received reports that the violence has spread to the districts of Gajapati, Phulbani, Nuaparha, Kalahandi, Rayagada and Koraput.

 

The Orissa Legislative Assembly was disturbed for the second consecutive day at the various calls for the resignation of Chief Minister Patnaik.

 

Christians make up 2.4 percent of Orissa’s population, or 897,861 of the total 3.7 million people.

 

 

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