AsiaCMS Prayer Blog

St Peter's Karachi - symbol of resistence

2012-01-06T05:01:00.000+05:30

Pakistan's latest church is its largest

St. Peter's in Karachi has become a symbol of resilience over state discrimination and extremist violence.

The small Christian community in the Pakistani city of Karachi thought big when constructing its latest church — a domed, three-story building that towers over the sprawling slum it serves.
St. Peter's is now the country’s largest and for many of the 5,000 worshippers who attend services there, the church has become a symbol of resilience over state discrimination and extremist violence.

Imtiaz Tyab of Al Jazera reports.

Cagayan de Oro floods

2011-12-21T22:04:00.001+05:30

A further update today from Eric and Sandra in Mindenao. Water supply is a critical need as the main water supply pipe for Cagayan De Oro was destroyed in the flood and the authorities are trying to get water in by tanker lorries. But there is intermittent supply in some parts of the city. Eric is involved with his local church in receiving and setting up at least one water filtration unit as part of addressing this need. For this he is coordinating with Marlon (who is based in Manila ) who is arranging for the supply of this unit in the next 1-2 days.

It is now known that over a 1000 lost their lives in the flooding. There are so many urgent practical relief needs and Eric and Sandra are hoping that some of their friends and supporters can send in some support through CMS to help in the local response. Please continue to pray

In maybe 90% of the city, everything is normal and normal life goes on.

In the remaining 10%, people are crowded into schools and sports centres

for shelter, they spend their days recovering whatever they can from

what used to be their homes, queuing for water or food or other relief

goods as they come, bathing at the side of the road and presumably

trying to think about what they will do now. Many will also be mourning

for loved ones.

Yet through all of this I (Eric) am amazed and humbled at how calm and

how cheerful people are. People are chatting and laughing as though

everything is normal. They form orderly queues and wait patiently their

turn. If they miss out this time they just say, OK we;ll wait for the

next lot. I have yet to hear a word of anger or even irritation. Yet

these are people many of whom have lost everything, including members of

their families and who are unlikely to have a house of their own for

months or even years.

Water is a major problem now in much of the city, they are using fire

engines to deliver it. One of the major supplies used to cross the

river on a mini version of the Tyne bridge. It is now a twisted heap of

steel. It must have been a massive rush of water to do all the damage

it has done and so dramatically change the shape of the river.

Everything is covered in a thick layer of mud, we helped some friends

recover what they could from their house, absolutely everything

Eric has been asked to help one church assemble and set up a water

filtration unit which is being lent by a church in Manila. We visted

one of the possible sites for it today and met one of Peter's school

friends. His mother told us he doesn't want to go outside wandering

around any more now. He did go down near the river with Peter though,

so hopefully is fear will subside. The filter is due to arrive tomorrow

or Friday.

There are many needs, both short and longer term. Different churches

and organisations are helping however they can. Pastor Lapiz (who leads

the bible study in our house) church is feeding about 500 people a day

in the nearest relief centre (a covered basketball court) and they plan

to continue as long as they have funds. We have given them a box of

clothes and a sack of rice. They are cooking 150kg rice a day costing

about £70 plus some meat (in total about 30 - 35p per person per day).

People also have needs for basics like saucepans, water containers,

basins etc. Sandra's sister is sending some money for us to put

together bags sweets and fruit for the children for Christmas.

If you would like to make a donation to help people please send it to

CMS, marking clearly it is for the Cagayan de Oro floods.

Floods in Mindanao

2011-12-19T16:46:00.002+05:30

Following floods in Mindanao on the weekend including Cagayan De Oro, we have received this news from Eric and Sandra Read, our mission partners there:

Dear all

You may have heard on the news about the floods here last night. We are safe and being 2 or 300 ft above the river are well awaya form the flood zone. The first house we were living in has probably been affected.

We woke up and looked out this morning to find the river very visible (normally we can only see a short stretch), the remains of houses, trees flattened and people sitting on roofs and stuck on small islands. The wind was strong and the rain heavy last night, certainly the worst we've experienced here, but not as bad as they get in Luzon every year. However, a dam burst further inland and sent a wall of water down the river, which reached Cagayan about 1.30 am. The electricity had already gone off earlier in the evening and there was virtually no warning, people were suddenely inundated and in darkness.

We went down with a few clothes and some food for people and to see if we could help. We picked up a family at the side of the road and took them to some relatives. They had to go on to the roof of their 2 storey house. All they had were the clothes they were standing in. The husband had just come out of hospital after pneumonia, so his wife was worried it would make him sick again. Some people were standing around looking dazed, others were walking, yet many were still able to laugh and smile, despite what had just happened to them.

Please do pray for those affected, many have lost everything, over 100 people were killed here and nearly as many in Iligan, 50 miles west of here. Temporarily people are staying in schools and sports centres or with relatives. We are helping some friends rescue what they can from their house and move it tomorrow.

Thank you for your prayers and love

Eric & Sandra

The Way of Life for the Truth

2011-12-08T22:29:00.001+05:30

I received the following newsletter from a couple who for me epitomise the DNA of CMS. They have served as Mission Partners mainly in Iran and Pakistan and have kept on serving in their retirement - they responded to the command to GO back in the 1960s and have kept on GOing. I quote chunks of their letter in full, but will keep it all anonymous to give a level of protection and anonymity. But we give thanks for their nearly half century of mission service in West Asia......... Phil :-)

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –

I took the less travelled one. (Robert Frost. 1915)

Longbefore we first met in 1951 we had each decided to take the less travelled road.Studying in different universities and working in other hospitals, it was 12years before we became engaged. Married in the Spring of 1963, we took ourhoneymoon driving overland to Isfahan, the beautiful Safavid city on the highdesert plateau of central Iran. There in the old established mission hospitalone soon discovered that mission work isn’t a job, but a 24/7 way of life; percolatingevery thought, persuading every decision, penetrating all performance. To us itwas a Way of Life for the Truth,and though we never lived up to the ideal, and though it was not just a job, wefound untold job-satisfaction in it.

Beingexpelled by Islamic revolutionaries in 1979 was a shattering blow, yet God had alreadyopened less travelled roads inPakistan, We served first on the plains of the Punjab in Lahore, then along thecountry’s troubled Afghan borderland in the North-West Frontier Province andBaluchistan; until, a couple of years back, we conceded we could no longer meetthe demands of work in a mission hospital. So after a short trip out last yearto help in a crisis in the Christian Hospital at remotest Tank, wereturned home in February thisyear.

Startingin the 1960’s with visions of reaping a harvest, we soon came down to earthrealizing that we were still at the stage of preparing the soil and occasionally sowing theseed. Yet in Iran now, as in China, a wonderful harvest is being reaped, thoughat great cost to the new believers, and perhaps not much through our own spadework. In Pakistanour aim was different; buttressing the beleaguered church in their Good Samaritan mission andconcept of serving the majority community, who generally look down onthem. Such work must go on.

In prayer please constantly rememberthe need for dedicated Pakistani Christian doctors, nurses, and admin staff forthe hospitals in Quetta and Tank. At a Christian medical conference we attendedin Lahore last February a Pakistani doctor said about Tank ‘Oh that’s too difficult for us, onlymissionaries can work there’. And so it is. Maybe a careerdead-end. Tough on wives and children too. Few have tried it. Fewer survived. Only the God-called can.

TheSamaritan was only one on the Jericho road that day. A hazardous road.

Havingbegun with some lines from RobertFrost, we end with some from

JR Tolkien. Though in a different context, they epitomise The Way – our Way;

Roads go ever on and on

Under cloud andunder star, The Road goes ever on and on

Yet feet thatwandering have gone Out from the door where it began.

Turn at last tohome afar; Now far ahead the Road hasgone,

Look at last onmeadows green Let others follow it whocan.

And trees andhills they long have known. Let them a journey new begin.

News from United Mission to Nepal

2011-11-22T19:51:00.001+05:30

Tuesday November 23rd
Letter from Mark Galpin, Executive Director of UMN

Dear Supporting Partners,

It is possible that you may hear on the news that this afternoon we had 2 small explosive devices left outside our gate at UMN in Thapathali. It appears according to the police that this was left by the Nepal Defence Army (NDA), a group who were behind the catholic church bombing 2.5 years ago who have been fairly inactive since then. There make up was clearly to make a loud noise rather than to result in damage to people or property. No one was injured in the incident. Thank you for your prayers for UMN and the Christians in Nepal at this time.

Yours sincerely,

Mark

Letter from Bishop of Amritsar

2011-11-22T16:44:00.001+05:30

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh! I wish to give you an update on Rev. Khanna. I could talk to Rev. Khanna through the mobile phone of a member of All Saints' Church, Srinagar who went to the police station to serve breakfast to rev. Khanna. Rev. Khanna is well and seemed to be quite composed. We are hopeful that things will move in the derection of his release tomorrow.

The whole incident relating to rev. Khanna's arrest is shocking and humiliating. Rev. Khanna decided to appear before the Shariat Court on 17th to clarify his position though this court has no legal validity. He did not run away from Kashmir even if there was a perceived threat to his life. He was picked up by the police with the pretext that the Inspector General of police wanted to see him. He was not given a copy of the FIR (First Information Report) either. The congregation of All Saints' Church did not have their minister to lead them in the Sunday worship today.

The whole Christian community is hurt because Christian Mission work in the state of Kashmir has been carried out with utmost commitment for the benefit of the majority Muslim population. The Church has always served the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the areas of education and health care irrespective of caste, creed or religion and has made contribution to the building up of the Kashmiries. It is unfortunate that the long sacrificial ministry of the Church has not been considered while arresting rev. Khanna for allegedly causing communal disharmony.

I have appealed to all Christians to keep calm and observe fasting prayer for release of Rev. Khanna. I am grateful to those friends and partners who are praying for rev. Khanna and the Christians in Kashmir.

Prayerfully in God's service,

Bishop P.K.Samantaro

Nepal Visit

2011-11-20T12:18:00.001+05:30

Just had a brilliant week meeting up with CMS partners and links in Nepal who are involved in mission ranging from capacity building lay Christian leadership with a special focus on women, addressing the need of non formal education for the urban poor to working in a remote region of the country to advocate and provide for pressing nutrition related needs of women and children . Do keep these dear people , the Christian community and the country of Nepal in your prayers , especially in face of continuing political uncertainty .

Freddie the Concrete Mixer

2011-11-05T03:06:00.002+05:30

Ow! when prayers are answered - it can hurt! My limbs are aching again and that concrete is back under my poor nails! Cant remember if I mentioned this wee story before, sorry if repeating - but a few months ago I was getting desperate for more projects, beside my usual stuff, and so was really really praying for more, but the days were passing without a response, then one day while searching for tiles to make into mosaics in Murree road, a chaotic busy road in Rawalpindi heaving with traffic and dirt, when on leaving a tile and marble shop I spied a bright little broken tile lying under a lamppost amidst the general rubbish, so of course knelt down in the filth to prise it up, it was stuck by something unmentionable, so was digging it out when I heard a voice above me,

'Hello, you must be an artist!'

Shocked and embarrassed I looked up, and saw a pleasant looking Pakistani woman, positively twinkling in amusement at me.

"Here', she said, "Come and see me!" And handed me her card.

By the time I had struggled to my feet, she had gone, but reading it, I saw that she was the Headmistress of one of the (Muslim) 'City Schools' for richer kids in a smart area F-11 in Islamabad.

Salma, who had been in the shop at the time, was amazed, so we drove there the following day or so, and booked a 2 day Session, a paying one (well not to me I imagine) but good money. So finally I have just completed 2 gruelling days, silhouette making, mosaic making and a 'jigsaw' painting project on Pakistani traditions and cultures, (huge letters spelling PAKISTAN TRADITION AND CULTURE - divided into sections) for 80 children. 80 VERY active and at times demanding children, and some of the younger boys, I had all ages, VERY messy and quite naughty - giving them heavy black acrylic paint to smear over the cut outs was probably with hindsight not the brightest of ideas, most got on the floor and on their uniforms. And working with for that section, 50 kids in a tiny 'black out' room, was to say the least challenging, however all were charming and today the second session was much better, just painting, and me single handed cementing, mixing and spreading, 18 concrete slabs that had been glued with mosaics the previous day by the 30 who had not been silhouetting.

I did the cementing or grouting in about 40 minutes and my whole body is wracked with builders aches and pains. Throughout the two days the well English speaking children all demanded autographs, and had loads of interesting questions, and school/teenage type ones, like what is your favourite animal? To which having said, 'Dog' it lead to much shared mirth, and sympathy, since traditionally dogs are unclean, and of course my favourite colour just had to be purple, though on that I knew more about old attitudes to that colour (thought to be too grand for strict muslims) but it was refreshing to chat to such normal kids, albeit probably the 'elite'. They spontaneously gave me presents, and all, want me back, and said they had great fun.

I am going in alone tomorrow to make sure all the exhibits are hung right, there are dozens of these schools, what a shame now I have 'got in' to be leaving so soon.

Freddie the concrete mixer.

TallSkinnyKiwi and the Turkey Earthquake

2011-11-01T05:34:00.001+05:30

From the TallSkinnyKiwi in Turkey (24/10/11)

you probably heard about the 7.2 earthquake in Turkey. 1000 feared dead. Many missing. terrible situation.
we are in Turkey and are assembling a team of volunteers to take into the earthquake affected area.
its a 2 day drive from here and we hope to leave tomorrow. I will leave my family here in AntalyaI am contacting the Red Crescent to coordinate efforts and see exactly how we can assist.
I have the capacity to carry 6-7 tons of aid (canned food, blankets, etc) into Van and the other areas
I can also pick up people and transport them to the earthquake zone if necessary
Just need to load up and get moving so . . .

On 27 Oct 2011,wrote:

today we are loading up our truck with blankets and clothing in the antalya area and will start the 1400 km drive to Van today. Working with Kurds and perhaps some churches. Biggest need is diesel money. I can use my own but will run out eventually.
peace andrew

On 28 Oct 2011,wrote:
we are on our way with a full truck now. only 800kms to go
donations in uk can go to stewardship.co.uk <http://stewardship.co.uk>
Andrew Jones, Boaz
account number: 20041672
will keep in touch and post pictures soon
thanks for partnering
andrew

read more talklskinnykiwi Blog

John & Gillian Robinson (CMS MPs in Thailand)

2011-10-31T14:58:00.004+05:30

Many of you will be aware of the serious floods in Bangkok that have been experienced since July. The situation is now at a crisis point with a High Tide expected today, the urgent need to release water from overflowing dams and the risk of the river bursting its banks. One report suggested a million people evacuated the city in the last day and it is also the recommendation of the Government of Thailand for residents to leave if possible. This is what our mission partner family in Bangkok have done today. John and Gillian Robinson together with Leah, Natalie and Joel have driven down to a Christian Guest House, Juniper Tree at Hua Hin by the coast where to their surprise a room was available for them. The huge traffic jam on the highway meant that it was a long jourmey.

Although the Robinsons would have been safe in their home as they live in a four story house, there was no drinking water available for purchase and boiling water is also inadvisable, supermarkets are empty of basic provisions and there is a strong possibility of loss of electricity and phone signals.

Please pray for the Robinson family as well as the people of Bangkok and affected areas as well as the government authorities as they handle the crisis. Pray too for Christ Church Bangkok which is being reinforced with Sandbags and which is serving a shelter for local people affected by the floods. Rev. Ching Wah is the Dean of Thailand and Rev. Peter Cook (Crosslinks) is vicar of Christ Church - pray too for them and also for Prison Fellowship with whom John Robinson is working.

Freddie's World: 'filthy dirty'

2011-09-23T19:55:00.000+05:30

Latest news from 'Freddie' doing community art in Pakistan

Well, tonight I am filthy dirty, my hands are those of an ancient navvy, my few good nails ripped to shreds, I am aching all over - and happy as a frisky young bunny! Life is sweet, and all is right in Freddie World!

Just completed 3 days of gruelling mosaic making with 60 or so older teenagers, Mixed sexes, and even though it took place in the Community centre of a Roman Catholic school, many were Muslim. several of the girls fully veiled - though I would like it known, so pass it on, please, to all the Islamicphobics, that it was the veiled ones who were the most enthusiastic and hunkered down and assisted me and the boys whom I was instructing in cement mixing for the grout. Though all joined in with the actual mosaic making. A really good sharing experience, and they appreciated my given philosophical and spiritual message, and speech, of the joy of bringing damaged and broken and discarded pieces together to create a new thing of beauty and inspiration, which I applied to the mosaic making. And Salma, the Director, gave them a speech later which seemed inspiring, (and glowing about me and my Mission work) though not in english. Luckily the kids spoke English more or less. I have had 100 cement round bases made, so have lots left over to do many more projects.

It was quite hard to find coloured thin 'normal' tiles, Pakistan's 6th biggest industry is marble, (my researching is lavish and I am becoming a mine of info on mining marble) so everyone uses fantastic heavy marble in their kitchens and bathrooms, far too thick and heavy for my work, but had to compremise the first 2 sessions by laying mosaics on huge slabs of marble, that we in the UK would die for! As my order for bases was late.

Also last week went with Salma and her Father deep into the Punjab, about four hours driving there, and four back, to a village called Gillwallah, where I did my painted Jigsaw Cross Project with some charming but dirt poor kids in a primary school, surrounded by fields and fields or orange trees, sugar cane and sweetcorn. Next thursday, I think, we are off to Lahore for 6 days, lots more projects to do and a days Seminar teaching School Teachers, on Community Art. So more news doubtless to come.

Time to dive under my mosquito net - but will these hands ever be clean! the cement is rock hard under my nails!

love all around

freddie

New Bishop of Hyderabad (Pakistan)

2011-09-15T20:32:00.004+05:30

We have received the following announcement

Greetings and blessing from the Diocese of Hyderabad, Church of Pakistan!

It gives me great joy to inform you that Rev. Kaleem John has been elected as the fourth Bishop of Diocese of Hyderabad on Tuesday, 13^th September 2011.

I very much look forward for your continuous support, care and partnership with the Diocese of Hyderabad.

Thanks once again for your concern and prayers.

PLEASE Pray for Rev Kaleem as he prepares to take up the new post

Also pray for Bishop Rafiq (pictured ) who retired in June 2011

Salsa Sister in Nepal

2011-09-07T01:03:00.001+05:30

I am staying at the Church Guest house top floor with a great roof top, which is being used for dance classes from 12noon-2pm. Yep, these young people keep coming and no one is turned away. Strangely, there are more lads than girls in each class - it must be the Nepali water!

Nepali service on Saturday at Patan Church was amazing and although I cannot speak the lingo, I felt so much at home. Such a contrast to the English speaking service on Sunday. I have been asking why can't (or won't?) people immerse themselves with the Nepali culture? During the service, I got a chance to speak about cricket and CMS. A teacher from the Indian International School was very interested and is going to speak to the Head Teacher. Steve may be able to enlighten me about this school.

We started coaching cricket on Sunday to 48 girls from Nirmali School, right opposite the mega, posh St Mary's School. We get there for 3pm for a 3.30-5pm session, but the Headteacher would like it extended to 6pm as of today! These girls come from a very deprived area with parents working until 8 or 9pm. So many of the girls stay on after our session to do homework. The Headteacher is a Christian and has asked me to teach them some salsa for a national schools dance competition!

KTM Sports Team
Labish is the chap who came to SACYN last year. He is employed by the Christian Sports Fellowship of Nepal to develop a sports ministry and John is his manager. He is also a student at Uni (doing his exams this week before joining us at school!) + works in his parents wee shop. On my first morning at KTM, he came over at 7am and took me around the backstreets of Lalitpur and we ended up at his parents shop for breakfast in their tiny kitchen. I thought this was very special, as I begin to build a rapport with him again after last year's SACYN. It is this sort of thing that is very difficult to do with an Encounter team but it got me thinking that perhaps a pair can go with a local person for an early morning stroll/prayer/cultural experience.

I understand this is the first time that SCF has offered cricket (football and basketball their focus). John and Labish have invited me to Thursday evening SCF meeting. There are three other volunteers Rashok, Nevin and Santos. Rashok's sister Romi is in Cape Town on a three month sports leadership training. Dharma's wife is expecting their second child in Oct, so working with the lads is a good learning curve for me (in fact, I am loving it!). I have encouraged them to speak English when I am around, as I it makes feel excluded when they talk in Nepalese. Most of them understand English but are not so confident in speaking it. I have also built in briefing and debriefing, but they are new concepts for them. We also engage in the psychological aspect to fitness and sports and the mega issue is healthy eating, which can be very expensive in Nepal. Anyway, I have encouraged them to eat more fruit and veg instead of all the carbs!!!

Plans changed yesterday (no surprise there!) and it looks like I will be going to Pokhara on Sunday for a week. Nandaram, the co-ordinator of the PKR team says that the schools will have a break the following week for exam revision, so John and I will adjust our KTM programme to fit in with PKR. I would value prayer for Thursday, as John is going to ask CSF if Labish could come with me to PKR. There are volunteer girls but if I get large numbers like KTM, I would need some help with the coaching and Labish would be ideal. It would give him some experience too of coaching in another location. I initially wondered whether someone going from KTM would be threat to the work in PKR, but according to John, the two teams have a great relationship and often share resources.

John is also negotiating my extended stay at the Church Guest House when I return from KTM. Going with the flow is just my cuppa!

Dharma's Church
I visited Dharma's Church in Sinmangal on Saturday. After the 3 hour service, the Pastor invited me for a drink and ended up meeting with his church leadership team (all men, of course!). We ended up talking about TAFTEE, Asia CMS, women's ministry and creative worship! They wondered if CMS was only interested in working with Patan Church! They are part of the NCFN with a growing children and youth ministry. There is an invitation for CMS to explore leadership training, co-mp/mp in a very poor area.

I must dash as John is taking me to meet the head of NCFN this morning.

I hope this gives you a flavour of what I am up to!

with love and prayers 'SALSA SISTER'

Floods in Sindh, Pakistan

2011-09-01T18:12:00.005+05:30

Aamir has returned to Islamabad after visiting flood hit areas of Sindh with Primary Education Prject-DoH (PEP). Areas visited include Tando Allah Yar, Mirpur Khas, Tando Ghulam Ali, Matli, Badeen. People have lost their houses and are staying in makeshift tents on the roadside which is the only dry land available. People are waiting for the provision of food, water and shelter to survive. Govt. support is not available at most of the places, a few places were provided some relief which was hardly enough for people to sustain more than a couple of days. Feudal lords continue to pump water out of their fields into the already drowned villages of the poor and voiceless people. Livelihoods have been severely affected as the cotton crop has been severely damaged resulting in lost work opportunities for people most of whom are labourers. Women and children suffer more than anyone else because of being more vulnerable to severe conditions. With water lodged everywhere, incidence of diseases like malaria, diarrhoea, skin infections is widespread. The situation is expected to become more serious as the rains in these areas continue, adding to the misery of affected people. Pray for the provision of basic needs for the survival of people, there are around 3,500 families that are in direct contact with PEP that need immediate help.

Playing for Change Day 17th September

2011-08-25T16:11:00.002+05:30

Playing for change Day Saturday September 17th. Let's get involved with something musical that promotes peace .... Let us know what you are up to via the AsiaCMS Facebook group

Please join the 1st annual Playing For Change Day on September 17, 2011 - a global day of action where musicians will perform on stages, in cafés, city squares, and street corners worldwide to raise money to support music in the lives of young people.

Whether you are a music lover, a musician, or a venue owner, there are many ways you can participate in this amazing event! Please visit playingforchangeday.org for information about the day and events that are taking place all over the world.

Play a Song. Build a School. Change the World.

]More Details here

Nick Vujicic - "Something More" Music Video

2011-08-23T03:18:00.001+05:30

This video is Nick Vujicic's cover of Tyrone Wells' song "Something More".

....If you don't get a miracle, become one....

Seven and counting - Amritsar Diocese Youth Fest

2011-08-19T00:53:00.002+05:30

Seven and counting for the Amritsar Diocesan Youth Festival 29^th May to 1^st June 2011

Boys and girls from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir poured into the hills of Dalhousie on the afternoon of 29^th May 2011 for the 7^th Diocesan Youth Festival themed “Youth for Church”. The organizing committee helped break the ice and divided them into six groups of historical figures who had brought change to our nation and influenced hearts and minds of people. They were Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, Pandita Rama Bai, Sadhu Sunder Singh, Mother Teresa and William Carey groups. Later, the group leaders would be required to discuss and present the significance of these figures.

Each day began with intense physical exercise be it a 3 and half kilometer trek on the hill or a match of volley ball and throw ball. That blended well with a dose of spiritual exercise by Shanti Niketan Children’s Home team leading in praise and worship.

Ms. Esther Ghosh and Ms. Corrie Susan, resource persons from the Synodical Board of Social Services (SBSS), Delhi, conducted bible study and session on “Identity and self-worth”. They highlighted the challenges that the youth face and enabled them to find themselves and realize their true identities as Christian youth. The groups presented a collage each of their identities as Christian youth. The motion of the debate competition that followed was “Church is not considerate for the Youth”.

“Fear and Trust” was the theme for the next day. Ms. Ghosh and Ms. Susan led this day’s bible study and session from the life of Gideon. They encouraged the groups to present skits on the problems of youth in the church and the possible solutions.

The last day began the volley ball finals at 6 . After praise and worship Ms. Ghosh led the Bible Study on 1^st Corinthians 12. Dr. Awale, Chief Coordinator, SBSS and Mr. Daniel B. Das, Coordinator Socio-Economic Development Programme, helped the youth to identify key issues and to plan for the future. “What is Church and the role of the youth in the Church” was the focus of all discussions. The participants were given a self addressed letter to write a promise which would be posted to them after six months to remind them of their commitment to themselves.

The congregation of St. John’s Church, Dalhousie, encouraged and worshiped with the youth in the dedication service. Bible studies, sessions and various activities bonded their relationship with each other and strengthened their faith in God. It helped them realize their commitment towards the church and ministry and they took an oath with stretched out hands to dedicate their identities to live according to the will of God.

The cultural night lit up with folk songs and dances from all three states within the Diocesan urisdiction. And boys and girls who had flocked into this gathering walked out as young men and women with a promise in their heart.

Iranian pastor faces execution

2011-07-05T03:23:00.005+05:30

Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s Execution Imminent

This information comes from Paul B via CSW via Lausanne Conversations more info here

Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani who has been sentenced to death for apostasy faces execution any moment. Now that the Iranian Supreme Court has upheld his death sentence, he could be hanged anytime. Please pray for him, his loved ones, Iranian Christians, their oppressors and Iranian Muslims.

The international community needs to put pressure on the Iranian government and it starts with us. Similar death sentences were commuted in Afghanistan due to the international pressure.

Apparently, “Freedom to change one’s religion is a fundamental right which Iran pledged to uphold when it signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” The world should hold Iran accountable.

The workweek in Iran is Saturday to Thursday. The fact that it is the weekend in most countries doesn’t mean offices in Iran aren’t open. Please use Twitter, Facebook or whatever means is at your disposal to spread the word about Pastor Nadarkhani’s plight. His life should be spared and his freedom granted. Please pray for Pastor Youcef!

2 Corinthians 4:8-10: We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

Iran's High Court Upholds Death Sentence for Pastor

By Amy Shank | Christian Today Reporter

The death sentence for a pastor found guilty of apostasy in Iran has been upheld by the country's Supreme Court.

1 Obama Admin Urged to Defend Iranian Pastor Facing Execution

2 Iranian Pastor Has Visible Marks of Torture, Says Wife

3 Iran Arrests Evangelical Leader; Shuts Down Church

4 Iran High Court Urged to Reverse Death Sentence for Christian

5 Iran Arrests 9 Christians for Evangelism, Reports State Media

"The ruling has deeply worrying implications for all Christians in Iran, and is yet another indicator of the regime's disregard for basic human rights and freedoms," Christian Solidarity Worldwide Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said.

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was arrested in October 2009 while attempting to register his evangelical house church in the city of Rasht. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, his arrest was connected to criticisms he made about the Muslim monopoly on the religious instruction of children in Iran.

He was initially charged with protesting but the charges were later changed to apostasy and evangelising Muslims, and he was sentenced to death last year.

CSW has received reports that the death sentence has now been upheld by the third chamber of the Supreme Court in the Shia holy city of Qom.

Pastor Nadarkhani, who belongs to the Church of Iran, has been held in Lakan prison since his sentence was passed.

His lawyer filed an appeal last December but has now confirmed that the appeal was unsuccessful, although no official notification has been issued by the courts so far.

Johnston said it was a "devastating outcome" for Pastor Nadarkhani, his family and the Church of Iran network.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them," he said. "CSW condemns the decision to uphold this verdict in the strongest possible terms. The death sentence for the charge of apostasy is not codified in Iranian law."

Johnston said the Iranian regime often enacted death sentences without advance notice to prisoners' families, lawyers and sometimes even the prisoners themselves.

He called upon the international community to urgently put pressure on the Iranian regime to rescind the "unjust" ruling.

"Freedom to change one’s religion is a fundamental right which Iran pledged to uphold when it signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," he said. "Iran must therefore be urged adhere to its commitments under international law.”

House churches have come under intense pressure in the last year, with a wave of random arrests and increasingly anti-Christian rhetoric.

In May, high profile Iranian cleric Ayatollah Mesbah Yadzi reportedly chided the authorities for failing to stem the growth of house churches despite stepping up their efforts.

He called for better discipline and supervision of those authorities tasked with suppressing the churches, and suggested that the government set up a central system to monitor and coordinate the suppression of churches.

ELAM have produced a briefing document of other Christians under arrest in Iran

Unfailing Love pt 1

2011-06-30T18:04:00.006+05:30

Lord, your love is an unfailing love.
Light bulbs fail, but your love never fails, never dims.
Fuses fail, but your love never fails, never cuts out.
Seals fail, but your love never fails, never leaks away.
Brakes fail, but your love never fails, never wears away
Your love is an unfailing love.
Students fail, but your love never fails, it ever hits the mark.

This was posted by Tim Ross on Facebook I have no idea who wrote it.

United Mission to Nepal

2011-05-17T16:10:00.001+05:30

Shaha Bahadur Gurung (UMN Programme Director) died suddenly last night (16/05/11) from a heart attack. He was at home with his family at the time. This is of course a huge shock to his family and everyone at UMN. Please pray particularly for Samjhana his wife and their 3 sons at this time.

The funeral will be held today at 12.00 p.m. on 17/05/11 at Nepal Isai Mandali, Dhobighat. Shaha worked for 8 years for UMN and over 20 years for INF and has had a profound impact on thousands of people’s lives across Nepal and beyond, as he has worked out his passion for Integral Mission. He will be deeply missed.

Nepal

2011-05-17T16:09:00.000+05:30

Please keep Co-Mission partners Diki, Marama and their baby Faith (4 months) in your prayers. The reserved vehicle they were travelling in got stopped in the last leg of their journey back to Besisaher, Lamjung and was attacked by young men who were trying to enforce a local Bandh (protest). The driver was beaten and the vehicle windows smashed with the passengers still inside. By God's grace there were no injuries but they are understandably shaken by the experience.

Venn's Pen - Love, Peace, Faith

2011-05-04T21:17:00.007+05:30

From the Pen of Frederica Venn an associate currently in Islamabad

THOUGHTS FROM ISLAMABAD AFTER DEATH OF BIN LADEN

LOVE IS NOT
CHEERING
WHEN A FOE LIES
FALLEN

PEACE IS NOT
WRITTEN
IN A BOOK
FOR WARFARE

FAITH
IS A DOOR
THAT SHOULD LIE
OPEN

Frederica Venn
May 4th 2011

Painted Jigsaw Cross in Pakistan

2011-04-20T21:47:00.005+05:30

We received the following inspiring report from Frederica in Pakistan:

Painted Jigsaw Project:
The individual paintings are assembled

I have been busy, and the photos show why. These are from a Community Art Project that I devised. The idea, in brief (proper proposal on demand if requested) is to make a Painted 'Jigsaw' Cross, composing of 12 squares, each one divided into 2, ie two triangles.To be painted individually by the 'Group', making 24 separate paintings. Then finally assembled by the Group to form a Cross.
The reasoning behind this is laden by symbolism, numerology, and Biblical knowledge, old and new Testaments. The number 12 is significant especially as 3 is the Sacred Number, as in Trinity, and 4 as the Earthly number (think 4 corners of the earth). Making 12 a Perfect Number.

Painted Jigsaw Project
Profound Group Decision making

Wikipedia has long and wonderful lists of where 12 crops up, not only for Christians, but in almost all religions too, plus inches in a foot etc etc. The children, I originally expected 12 but over 30 turned up for the first session, including several associated generations, grasped the intent at once, and I encouraged them to paint freely, and brightly, while initially they were read from Revalations 21. v.10-21, (very last section of Bible) which explains in beautiful imagery the Holy City, with 12 almost everything, pearls, jewels etc, all very bright and beautiful (unlike some of revelations which is quite gruesome).

Enough said, enjoy the colours and shapes they produced. Even if the symbolism leaves you cold! This idea has great potential though in many mediums and I intend to exploit it to the Max.

Aamir from CMS has an idea for me to design one in different marbles and stones, for something large and outside.

Painted Jigsaw Project
All glued and ready when dry to hang.

kingdom colleges

2011-04-05T02:54:00.004+05:30

Dear respected Brothers in the Kingdom, CMS family friends warm and loving kingdom greetings to you all and Shalom. we are doing very much good by his grace and keeping very busy in the kingdom work daily.

we have started reaching out among the college students and we are so excited about it and the lord is opening anew door for us to reached the intellectuals and educated ones who are a great impact in the society.

this ministry we have just started in one campus as a pilot project and we are very happy to see the outcome and overwhelming response of the youngsters to gospel and music.

please pray that the we will be able to touch the lives and influence them and they will give their life to Jesus. we need your prayers for these youngsters many of them who do not have a goal or any determination in their life and going around randomly in day today's life.

there much need to be accomplished in our own life time and we need your prayers.
thank you so much for the all your love and care for us. pray for the next college and opportunities

much blessings and peace on you all.
in the kingdom Dawa and team

prayer request form Jigsaw Kids

2011-03-17T17:51:00.001+05:30

Dear Friends

A fire broke down at 7PM yesterday afternoon in one of the communities being served by Jigsaw Kids Ministry in Vargas Compound Barangay Culiat Visayas Avenue Quezon City. It was declared under control at 3AM of March 17, 2011.

About 1200 families lost their homes and are now in temporary shelters in different areas within Barangy Culiat. Jigsaw opened the center to secure the children while their parents they try to salvage whatever is left from the broken pieces of their homes. We will be operating 24 hrs for the next three days and will be closely coordinating with the city government whether to move the remaining families in temporary shelters. .

We bid your prayers for these families, for the missing children and the staff who are working overtime.

in Christ:

Lendehl Sallidao

See the full gallery on Posterous

Message from Archbishop Nathaniel of Japan

2011-03-14T21:31:00.001+05:30

Statement from the Archbishop of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan)"> The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu

14 March, 2011

On the 11th of March at 2:46pm, the biggest earthquake ever to hit Japan struck just off the coast of the Tohoku region. This caused a tsunami and fires that brought massive devastation to a very wide area. This unimaginably strong earthquake triggered an explosion at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear reactor. The people living in the area around that and the No. 2 reactor have been evacuated. The stories and images constantly broadcast by the media have left people lost for words, unable to describe the sheer scale of the unbelievable devastation caused by the earthquake, tsunami and fires.

We see homes devastated, whole towns that were swallowed by the tsunami, and houses that continue to burn because fire fighters are unable to reach both the properties and the people who were the victims of this catastrophe. With hearts filled with grief and helplessness we see people who are mourning their lost loved ones and others who search tirelessly for missing family members. There are so many who have lost their homes and possessions. Towns and villages were obliterated by the tsunami, everything was gone in a second.

Since the earthquake the Provincial office has worked very hard to find out about the people and the churches in Tohoku diocese. However, we could neither contact them by phone nor email. Only yesterday were we able to start to see a picture of the devastation in the affected areas. I had been most concerned that I could not contact the Bishop of Tohoku diocese [The Rt Revd John Hiromichi Kato], but on Saturday he rang me and I was able to find out more about what had happened to the churches in Sendai City.

Bp Kato explained that he himself had not been able to find out much about the other churches in the diocese of Tohoku. This was largely due to the fact that neither power supplies nor telephone lines had been restored in areas most badly hit by the tsunami. There is particular concern for two churches: Isoyama St Peter’s Church in Fukushima Prefecture and Kamaishi Shinai Church and the kindergarten in Iwate that were close to the sea. Priests have been frantically trying to confirm that their parishioners are safe. We also know that it is not only Tohoku diocese that has been affected, some churches in Kita Kanto diocese have been reported to have been damaged also.

Sendai Christchurch (the Cathedral church) is badly damaged and yesterday, while there were still so many aftershocks, the church carried out their first Sunday after Lent service in the diocesan office.
In many affected areas there are roadblocks but as for Tohoku diocese the church is planning to establish an emergency relief centre within the diocesan building. Bishop Kato will lead the efforts to respond to the crisis.

At a Provincial level I am working to establish a structure for responding to this unprecedented natural disaster as soon as possible. This will include providing relief and sourcing volunteers and funding to help with the restoration of the affected areas. I am also trying to find more accurate information about our church family and the relief efforts, and to communicate that information as quickly as possible.
What we can do right now, however, is pray. Prayer has power. I hope and request that you pray for the people who are affected, for those who have died and for their families. Pray for the people involved with the rescue efforts, and in particular pray for Tohoku and Kita Kanto dioceses and their priests and parishioners during this time of Lent.

I am grateful for all the many prayers and messages of support from throughout the world; from the Archbishop of Canterbury and other Churches.

Pray for Japan

2011-03-14T18:23:00.006+05:30

CMS Trustee Canon Dr Phil Groves writes from the Anglican Communion Office

The Primate of Japan, Bishop Nathaniel Uematsu, has spoken to Bishop of Tohoku, the Rt Revd John Hiromichi Kato last night. The people in Sendai City and beyond spent the evening in pitch darkness without any heating. The diocese of Tohoku is at the centre of the earthquake area: some churches are

* Konahama St Thomas Church have seen tsunami wave came 50 metres to the entrance of the church, and the front wall at the entrance to the church fell and much damage inside.
* Isoyama St Peter's Church is located 50 meters from the sea, and it is a great concern of their safety. Various damages are reported in other churches, and there is no news from a number of churches in Iwate Prefecture as it has not been possible to contact them.

Bishop Nathaniel envisages to set up an appeal (he has already taken an action within Japan) to help & support those churches in Tohoku Diocese to start rebuilding their lives.

Tohoku Diocese, which is directly hit by the earthquake, is located in north east of Japan (as you all saw on TV). Bishop Kato is a well known theologian and liturgist.

The Primate of Japan requests prayers from all of us, and he is overwhelmed with gratitude that so many Provinces in the Anglican Communion has sent him and the Province messages of support and prayers.

AND A PRAYER BY A CMS MEMBERS

Father in heaven, you are the absolute Sovereign over the shaking of the earth, the rising of the sea, and the raging of the waves. We tremble at your power and bow before your unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways. We cover our faces and kiss your omnipotent hand. We fall helpless to the floor in prayer and feel how fragile the very ground is beneath our knees.

O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan. We too are flesh. We have bodies and homes and cars and family and precious places. We know that if we were treated according to our sins, who could stand? All of it would be gone in a moment. So in this dark hour we turn against our sins, not against you.

And we cry for mercy for Japan. Mercy, Father. Not for what they or we deserve. But mercy.

Have you not encouraged us in this? Have we not heard a hundred times in your Word the riches of your kindness, forbearance, and patience? Do you not a thousand times withhold your judgments, leading your rebellious world toward repentance? Yes, Lord. For your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are not our thoughts.

Grant, O God, that the wicked will forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Grant us, your sinful creatures, to return to you, that you may have compassion. For surely you will abundantly pardon. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, your beloved Son, will be saved.

May every heart-breaking loss—millions upon millions of losses—be healed by the wounded hands of the risen Christ. You are not unacquainted with your creatures' pain. You did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for us all.

In Jesus you tasted loss. In Jesus you shared the overwhelming flood of our sorrows and suffering. In Jesus you are a sympathetic Priest in the midst of our pain.

Deal tenderly now, Father, with this fragile people. Woo them. Win them. Save them.

And may the floods they so much dread make blessings break upon their head.

O let them not judge you with feeble sense, but trust you for your grace. And so behind this providence, soon find a smiling face.

In Jesus’ merciful name, Amen.

Sendai Earthquake, Japan

2011-03-14T18:08:00.003+05:30

The drawing of the Sendai Earthquake is by a Japanese girl in Osaka

Pamela Cooper who worked in Japan for 41 years as a CMS MP, was back visiting a freind in Osaka when the earthquake struck. She writes:

I am in Osaka with friends so I am far from the north-east part of Japan where the centre of the earthquake and the tsunami hit so i am reliant on what I am seeing on TV as you are.
This northern part of Japan is a rural area with not so many large towns, but villages. The largest is Sendai near where the centre was. It is mainly farming land - rice and apples and fishing. There are small industrial centres. The district is more tradition than most of Japan with Buddhism and Shinto being important to community life. The Anglican Church and other denominations on the whole are small with ageing church members.
The area that is affected is vast and we have three disasters - the earthquake, the tsunami and now the problems of the nuclear plants.
Most of the houses would be Japanese style wooden frame houses built to move in an earthquake, but it was impossible for such houses to stand in the force of the tsunami, which as you will have seen was often as hugh as a 3 or 4 storey building. Tsunami warnings have been lifted but there are still many after shocks. Japan is well equipped to give people warnings of tsunami but this one came so fast with such force that in some case the warning and the tsunami came at the same time.
Watching the news tonight 15,000 people are still missing. Bodies are being swept up onto beaches and are slowly being found in the debris. cars, boats etc. Over 1000 have now been declared dead.
The failure of the nuclear plants and other plants means that many people have no electricity, gas, water and are short of food and water Many thousand are in evacuation centres, in schools etc. Now temperatures are dropping and snow is expected again from Wednesday. In many other areas north of Tokyo power is being restricted on a 3 hour rotation. Train services in Tokyo an other places are being restricted or stopped to save power. Shops are shutting early. Disney Land has shut for 2 weeks etc, etc all these things to save power.
Today I have been visiting friend in the area of the Hanshin earthquake area 17 years ago. A new modern city is there now. Japan will rebuild and they will learn from this unbelievable disaster but it will take years.
There is so much to pray for at this moment and I know you all have been praying and will continue. Please pray also that through this the Grace of God will be seen and people, and the nation, will be helped by Christians to see the love of God for each one of them. and that His presence is there in the deepest despair bringing hope.
Greetings in Christ, Pam

4 emails and a prayer - the Japanese earthquake: a call to prayer

2011-03-11T22:14:00.001+05:30

4 emails and a prayer - the Japanese earthquake: a call to prayer

1. Please especially remember the people of Sendai which I believe has been
the worst affected area. My second placement was there so it's shocking to
see the scenes of ruin. By God's grace though the few people I do know
there are okay. It's strange because yesterday i actually visited a
disaster preparation centre and part of the experience included a room
where they simulated a factor 7 earthquake and instructed you in the correct
behaviour (get under the table and, if there is a lull, switch off gas
powered equipment and open the doors) and it was quite sobering. While that
experience only lasted in total about 1 minute this earthquake lasted 3 at
factor 8.8. I can't imagine what it must have been like.

God Bless,
Philip a short term worker in Japan

2. Peace! Thank you for your concern and prayer. The earthquake didn't
affect the western part of Japan, but the Tohoku Diocese and other dioceses
in the eastern and northern part of Japan. We haven't had any contact with
the people in Tohoku Diocese. We all pray for those people. Please join
us in our prayer.

Rev. AKIRA IWAKI
Rector at Sakai St. Timothy's Church & St. Lucia Church, Osaka
Chaplain at Bishop Poole's Memorial University, Sakai
Professor at Bishop William's Theological Seminary, Kyoto

3. I am in Osaka where the earthquake was felt but no damage. The damage and
the tsunami was worse north of Tokyo and they don't know yet how many people
are missing and the real amount of the disaster. There was time to warn
people so they could get to higher ground but many were trapped. You will
have seen pictures of what has happened. It is the worst earthquake in
recorded history. After shocks are still happening. Some concern about
nuclear facilities. Please pray for Japan at this time.

Pam Cooper (ex CMS MP in Japan for 41 years)

4. I was in Kyoto attending the meeting when we heard of this gigantic earth
quake. Since then I have been trying to collect the information from the
provincial office and from all the dioceses of NSKK. Because of the scale
of damage and devastation, our communication has had great difficulty, and I
have not heard anything from the Diocese of Tohoku which has been hit most
by the earthquakes and tsunamis, and I am very concerned for Bishop John
Kato and churches and people in his diocese. Right now I am in Osaka, and
the TV reports that more than 200 people have been killed and more than 500
missing, and I am sure that this figure should increase much more by
tomorrow morning. I am most grateful to you for your prayer at this time.

The Most Rev. Nathaniel M. Uematsu
Primate of Japan & Bishop of Hokkaido

Prayer following earthquake off Japan

O loving Creator,

bring healing and hope to those who, at this time, grieve, suffer pain, or
who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

We remember those who have died and we pray for those who mourn for them.

We pray for those who may be affected as the tsunami spreads across the
Pacific.

May we all be aware of Your compassion, O God, which calms our troubled
hearts and shelters our anxious souls.

May we pray with humility with our troubled and struggling brothers and
sisters on earth.

May we dare to hope that through the generosity of the privileged, the
destitute might glimpse hope, warmth and life again.

Through our Saviour Christ who lives with us, comforts us and soothes us.

Amen.

http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topical-prayers/prayer-followi
ng-earthquake-off-japan.aspx

------ End of Forwarded Message

Skiing in Kashmir

2011-03-11T01:17:00.007+05:30

Stefan and Jonny have just returned from Kashmir where they have been teachng skiing. This is what they wrote before they left:

Stefan and myself have both been strongly involved with a non-profit organisation called SFC We are aiming to go and teach skiing, to relate to the people we meet and let God work through that.
We are going on January 25^th, to the 10^th of March. We will spend all of February in Gulmarg, near Srinigar, Kashmir. We are going to teach skiing to the students of Tyndale Biscoe & Mallison School, a Christian School founded by CMS in 1880 that has 100% Muslim students. A portion of the students will be from the girls branch of T-B&M School which got burnt down on September 13^th by a mob in response to the threat of Quran burning of a pastor of a small congregation in Florida.
In the last 10 days of our trip we will be spending time in Pune with a CMS called Dr Lalita Edwards. Dr Edwards runs a project that reaches out to victims of human trafficking, sex workers and trans-sexuals of the red light district. We will be making a short documentary film about what she does for the most marginalised people of India.

Jonny and Stefan

Pat in Bangladesh

2011-01-25T00:25:00.001+05:30

Pat is an ecumenical mission partner serving in a community health programme in Bangladesh, she writes,

"God has placed me in this country for many reasons and I know He has already allowed me to help many people.

A young woman brought her ill son "Ojon" to the clinic in Jobarpar to see me. He has a leaking heart valve which was diagnosed when he was only a few months old. She cannot afford to pay for surgery and she thought I could help. I knew the baby was anaemic and therefore advised some iron medicine. Ojon was lethargic and there was very little response from him. Last week when they returned he was lively, jumping around and laughing. Doing all that a child of his age should be doing. His Mother informed me that he is eating a lot better and much healthier than he has ever been.

I don’t profess to have performed a miracle however God has used me in this little boy’s life. The iron he has taken and the prayers for him have clearly helped.

A few nights ago I received a telephone call from the warden. A young boy was unwell. When I arrived "Onek" age eight was very distressed. He was having trouble breathing. He was in my opinion having a panic attack. They had already called a doctor who, when he came, saw I had everything under control, gave some medicine and left.

I visited Onek the next day and although not distressed he was still obviously still upset. Later his Father arrived from Dhaka to take him to the local hospital and was very grateful for my help.

God has given me many tasks. Helping to reassure the new little boys I feel has been one of them for now. As I meet them most days and try to communicate in Bangla with them I realise that God has given me a very large family in a different sort of way. It is only temporary and He has trusted me to take care of them as an Auntie. To comfort them when they are sad, to hug them when they are hurting and to love them just as Jesus would have done while on earth.

As we go into 2011 I want to serve my God with excitement of a new convert and the eagerness as if it was my last day on earth. What about You?"

Lets pray God will continue to make Pat a blessing to many

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Pray for Eric and Sandra, Peter and Atiyyah settling into life in the Philippines

2011-01-24T20:06:00.001+05:30

Eric and Sandra have been in Philippined for nearly 3 weeks and write...

Peter and Atiyyah started school on Tuesday and both came home having made friends and enjoyed it, praise God. They are having to adjust to different teaching methods but are managing OK so far. Surprisingly they even have a football club, which Peter is eager to join. We weren't expecting this as basket ball is the main game here.

As we are not working directly under a church this time and CHIPS is not currently registered in the Philippines we are to have a local support and accountability group (SAG), Two of them Edward and Chiqui, have been helping us try and find a car and with other things.

Please pray for:

Peter and Atiyyah to adjust to the different teaching methods and to continue to settle in.

We are only in this house for 3 months as it is a bit expensive, for us to find another reasonably near to the school, and within our budget.

That we will be able to get the Support & Accountability Group together for a meeting in February

For Eric to learn the right language and to make good progress in it.

For Sandra's Mum as she starts radiotherapy

Thanks and blessings to all of you.
and with love from us all
Eric & Sandra, Peter and Atiyyah

in Memory of Mehboob Sada

2011-01-24T18:18:00.004+05:30

We have received the following from the staff of the Christian Study Centre (CSC), Rawalpindi.

This is in loving memory of our beloved director of Christian Study Centre.
Pacifist, interfaith harmony promoter and Christian leader Mr. Mehboob Sada was born in Rawalpindi on January 18, 1947 and died on January 14, 2011 in Islamabad. Mehboob Sada was the pen name of Mr. Mehboob Francis. From the early youth he developed knack for literature and poetry. He was a dynamic personality and inspiring figure. He was the director of Christian Study Centre, Rawalpindi and influenced and inspired thousands of lives both within and beyond the circles of CSC. From the very beginning he was interested in building and strengthening lives; perhaps that is the reason why he chose teaching as his career after finishing his M.A and M.Ed. He was a man of exceptional qualities and feats who had an eventful and inspiring life.

As poet and writer he was quite appreciated and liked in the literary and educated circles of Pakistan. And CSC was considered to be hub of intellectual pursuits, there began his association with CSC as linguist, social analyst, intellectual and writer. He was often invited and come to scholarly pursuits of CSC and contributed immensely in them. Given his contribution and commitment to CSC, he was offered a full-time position at CSC that he accepted and joined it as Research Staff in 1996. In a very short span of time he became the most important staff of CSC and was elevated to prestigious post of Director of CSC on May 25, 2002, the position he retained till his death. Mr. Mehboob Sada was a popular man and had endeared himself to those he met with his liberal thinking; kindness of heart, tolerance and pragmatic approach to life. He exuded simplicity; untainted generosity. He was acknowledged by Government of Pakistan in 2003 when he was bestowed upon National Cultural Award. His contributions to cause of Peace, Interfaith Harmony, Social and Political Awareness, Youth, Education and Christian community are highly commendable. He was on Board of several esteemed organizations and networks both national and international. He was the nationalist, who loved his country a lot and struggled throughout his life for equality, justice and unity in the country. He vehemently supported and participated in all the movements to end discrimination and discriminatory laws in the country. He played his part through radio, TV, newspapers and books. Two of his well-known books that he authored are:

§ Tarikh Ka Fareb (Allusion of the History)

§ Fajr Kay Khawab (Dreams at Dawn)

He was honored both nationally and internationally for his tireless efforts to bring peace and harmony in Pakistan. He was also the member of Selection Committee of Education Ministry on syllabus development of Ethics for non-Muslims. In which he was actively involved in development of textbooks on Ethics from grade I to XII. His contribution as Christian leader are immense too, he would raise voice for the rights of Christian community and non-Muslim Pakistanis everywhere. He was a strong believer who was not shy of his Christian values and identity. His whole life is living proof of self-made man whose conviction in his faith and beliefs took him to places all over the world and mesmerized and enthralled everyone who came in his contact through his charismatic personality.

He was very much active as director of CSC and performed his duties perfectly before his short illness that led to his hospitalization for two months. Prior to his death he was diagnosed with blood cancer and passed away on January 14, 2011. Scores of people participated in his funeral service that was also held on same day. Presence of people from all faiths, denominations and sects in funeral validated the mission of this great man, who selflessly worked to promote human dignity above all and for all. In his bereaved family he has left behind a wife, four daughters, one son and three grandchildren.

The letter is a humble attempt to thank all the friends and well-wishers of Mr. Mehboob Sada and CSC who have supported us through their presence, messages and condolences at his death. Though the void left by him will never fill but least we can do is carry on the mission our beloved mentor marked and defined for us i.e love, peace and hope.

New Member to Asia CMS Family !

2011-01-14T16:19:00.001+05:30

See and download the full gallery on posterous

A new member added to the CMS family !

2011-01-14T12:08:00.003+05:30

Diki and Marama are CMS Co Mission Partners from Mizoram , India who are serving in Nepal . They are now proud parents of a baby girl who was born on the 7th of January .

Both Diki and the baby are doing well . Please keep Diki in prayers for complete recovery as it was a Caesarian section birth .

They will be in Kathmandu till the end of this month before heading back to their field in Lamjung district .

Prayer Letter from Sri Lanka

2011-01-12T21:37:00.001+05:30

Dear Friends,

Greetings from an extremely cold and wet Sri Lanka - certainly the wettest and coldest in our region (Uva) in living memory I'm told!!

I write to request your prayers for the following concerns:

1. As already intimated Mrs Ianthe Peris needs prayer as she battles liver cancer with a very strong faith and positive attitude

2. Please uphold the victims of the recent flooding and displacements in our country and for all who minister to them

3. Please pray for the Diocese of Colombo as we prepare to elect a new Bishop and Chief Shepherd at the special sessions of the Diocesan Council to be convened on the 5th of March 2011. If there is a contest the candidate must obtain a 2/3rds in both houses (Clergy & Laity) to be elected. A situation where there is no contest would of course be ideal.

4. Please pray for our School here that will be venturing into new things this year and as I draw to the end of my period of stewardship and the search begins for a successor

Will keep you updated

Thanks and God bless you

Marc

Eric and Sandra arrive in the Phillipines

2011-01-11T16:58:00.002+05:30

(Adrian in the land of Pineapples)

Eric and Sandra with Peter and Atiyyah arrived in the Philippines on Saturday 8th January to begin a new mission partner placement. Pray for them as they settle into their new home and surroundings and for the children as they soon start school. They are thankful to have a place ready to live and for the local friends who giving help and support. Eric is an Agrcicultural engineer and Sandr a nurse - they plan to use their skills for local community building initiatives. Eric and Sandra (who is originally from Philippines) and family have relocated from the Congo were they were also with CMS.

Urgent Prayer Request

2011-01-11T14:26:00.001+05:30

Urgent Prayer Request

We have received an urgent prayer request for the people that we partner with in the Sindh, Pakistan. Terry’s wife, Joanie, is in critical condition in hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. She had been having fevers for a few days, and then became delirious and disoriented, so she was rushed to the best hospital in Pakistan (Aga Khan), in Karachi. After initial testing, it is believed that she has viral encephalitis. She is incoherent at best and comatose at worst. There is no good treatment for viral encephalitis. Please pray urgently for God to intervene for her life and for the needs of her family during this time. Their children, Josh, Lizzie and Stephen are staying with friends in Karachi while their mom is in hospital.

Thank you for praying,

Tom and Barbara

Prayer Request from our Co Mission Partners in Srinagar

2010-12-30T22:44:00.003+05:30

Lalthaa and Manghaki , who are serving in Kashmir have asked for prayers for Manghaki who is not keeping well. They are expecting a baby and Manghaki has had a miscarriage before , therefore we need to her health especially in our prayers .

Srinager is now covered in snow . The violence and unrest in the valley has also come down as winter has set in . Please do continue to keep the situation in prayers , that this time may be utilized to build trust and promote non violent means of addressing the needs and aspirations here by all parties .

Street Smart - New book by CMS Asia mission partner

2010-12-20T21:36:00.001+05:30

"Street Smart"

Practical Skills for Connecting with Young People
John Robinson
Price £8.99

Published: 19th February 2010
Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781854249036
--

"Why is there such a distance between the churches and the young people living around them? How can Christians engage with young people? How can they build relationships? How can they plan and develop their youth ministry? What practical skills do they need? Chapter headings: include: First things first; Go where they are; Making connections; Outreach strategy; Working together; Being professional; Handling aggression; Long term discipleship. For years John worked on Manchester's broken down estates, frequently dealing with aggressive, often drugged or drunk teenagers, and has learned the hard way how to diffuse tension, establish contact quickly, maintain boundaries, and also how to develop relationships over time and establish mutual respect. "

Archbishops visit to CMC Vellore

2010-12-01T02:23:00.001+05:30

The Archbishop of Canterbury visited CMC Vellore in 19 October 2010. As well as CMC director Dr Suranhan Battacharji, the group photo shows our PIM's, Hugh and Debbie and Brian and Ann as part of the welcoming group.

Hundreds killed in stampede at Cambodian festival

2010-11-23T14:14:00.001+05:30

The Hindu reports ---

Thousands of people stampeded during a festival in the Cambodian capital, leaving at least 349 dead and hundreds injured in what the prime minister called the country’s biggest tragedy since the 1970s reign of terror by the Khmer Rouge.

click here for futher news http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article907245.ece?homepage=true

Pakistani President frees Christian woman facing death for blasphemy

2010-11-23T14:04:00.001+05:30

Pakistani President frees Christian woman facing death for blasphemy-

In response to international preasure Pakistani President Pardoned the Chrisitan women who was sentenced to death. Please click the link to read more ----

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/pakistani.president.frees.christian.woman.facing.death.for.blasphemy/27121.htm

Thank giving for Asia Bibi the victim of Blasphemy Law

2010-11-23T13:00:00.001+05:30

A few days earlier a request for Asia Bibi was posted who is in prion on
the charges of blasphemey for 14 months and has recently received death
sentenceby the lower courts. Thank you for your prayers and praise the
Lord that the matter has been taken up by the Governor of Punjab who is
moveing a plea for release to the President of Pakistan. Kindly continue
praying for her release from the charges and for her safety, (there are
news circulating around that she has already been rleased yesterday but
sources say that due to the pressure the news is not being made open,
confirmation of this is awaited yet)

Pray for Mr. Mahboob Sada, Director Christian Study Centre Rawalpindi, Pakistan

2010-11-23T12:44:00.001+05:30

Please remember in your prayers the Director of Christian Study Centre Mr.
Mahboob Sada who is unwell with some infection in his blood. He has been
hospitalized for a few days for treatment and is back to home now but is
still under treatment.

Afghan believer imprisoned

2010-11-23T07:28:00.001+05:30

Subject: Please Pray
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010

This is an urgent request for you to pray for a brother Said Musa who has been physically, sexually and emotionally abused and imprisoned for his
faith. His trial is scheduled to begin this Sunday Nov. 21st. He has no legal representation. His story has now gone to the media. Please check the
website for World Magazine worldmag.com and see the article "Deeds Done in the Dark". http://www.worldmag.com/articles/17288

-----Original Message------

A local Afghan man is being held without charges for converting his faith.
Several people are involved in trying to seek his release.
He has an amputated leg, so he already has limitations.
He has a wife and six children.
We have been made aware of his desperate situation.
He continues to be mistreated and abused.
The police are willing to release him if he will sign a written document renouncing his faith which he is not willing to do.
It has been proven in other cases that increasing the international awareness can put pressure on the government to release the individual who
is being held without charges.
Thank you for making this a matter of prayer and your attention.

----------------------------------

See also:

Mossa’s day in court
RELIGION | Afghan convert to Christianity is charged with crimes punishable by death |
http://www.worldmag.com/webextra/17328

SACYN Volunteers Gathering held in Pokhara and Kathmandu

2010-11-18T19:43:00.001+05:30

An extract from Stephen Edison's report on his Nepal visit and meeting SACYN volunteers

Youth volunteers from various churches in Kathmandu and Pokhara had contributed in a big way to manage the logistics and smooth running of the third South Asian Christian Youth Network in May 2010 in Pokhara . Right from picking up delegates from the airports, putting up those who came in early in their own homes to working tirelessly at the venue, making material for each session and workshop available and taking care of all organising needs, their input was very important.

Since time was limited during the conference, it was decided that it would be good to show our appreciation next time someone from CMS visited Nepal. During my visit, with help from John Chettri , we organised two evenings (31st October in Pokhara & 2nd November in Kathmandu) to take the groups in Kathmandu and Pokhara out for a meal and also use the opportunity to share a bit about CMS , SACYN and getting some feedback on their experience .

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Pray for Asia Bibi

2010-11-18T19:03:00.001+05:30

Pray for Asia Bibi, a 45 year old Christian lady from Lahore who has been
sentenced to hang on the charges of defaming the Prophet Mohammed. Asia
Bibi mother-of-five, denies blasphemy and told investigators that she was
being persecuted for her faith.

Pakistan Prayer request

2010-11-18T14:38:00.001+05:30

Pray for planning meetings at DOER Trust, a partner organisation providing training and project support services in Pakistan. John Hayward and several MPs will be attending some of the meetings.

God's guidance for a doctor to work at Kunhar Christian Hosptial in northern Pakistan.

Pray for flood relief efforts repairing extensive damage to homes in the nroth and for areas flooding in the south. Distribution of aid is very difficult, pray for wisdom in providing to those in greatest need.

CSI-Madhya Kerala Diocese Bishop election

2010-11-18T14:36:00.001+05:30

Please pray for the process of selecting a new Bishop for the Central Kerala Diocese of CSI started yesterday. Pray that the right person may be chosen.

A call for prayer for Ms.Rizana Nafeek

2010-11-03T17:06:00.001+05:30

A call for prayer for Ms.Rizana Nafeek

Rizana Nafeek is a young Sri Lankan woman on whom the death sentence has been passed by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia.

This young woman was sent to Saudi Arabia as a 17 year old in 2005 to work as a housemaid with a family. She comes from a modest home in a remote Muslim village in the East of our Country. Within a few weeks of her arrival in Saudi Arabia her employers had left her in sole charge of a four-month old baby. She had been bottle feeding the baby when the baby had choked. As an inexperienced young woman she obviously was unable to handle the situation and the infant died as a result of choking. A charge of murder was brought against her and she was found guilty. She has been in prison for the last five years awaiting a result of her appeal which has now been rejected by the Supreme Court, and her death sentence confirmed.

We are aware that the family of this young woman is confident that she did not intend to murder the baby in her care but that the baby died because this young maid had no experience or training in handling a situation of this nature. She was trained to be a housemaid not a nurse.

I consequently request all our churches, institutions, friends and partners to pray for the withdrawal of the death sentence on Rizana as well as for her release.

The Diocese has also requested the Arch Bishop of Canterbury and the Primate of the Episcopal Church of the United Sates to intervene in this tragic situation and to urge their respective governments to do so too.

With Peace and Blessings,

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera

Bishop of Colombo

03^rd November 2010

Church of Ceylon bishops address issues for national reconciliation

2010-11-02T15:12:00.001+05:30

Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission
`
The Church of Ceylon (the Anglican Church of Sri Lanka) forwards a copy of our written submissions to the above for the information of all concerned persons.

A summary of these submissions were orally presented when the Rt.Revd. Duleep de Chickera – Bishop of Colombo, the Rt.Revd. Kumara Illangasinghe – Vicar General of Kurunegala, the Ven. Philip Nesakumar – Archdeacon of Jaffna met the commissioners on the 29th of October 2010.

Our Submissions
We appreciate and welcome the wording in the Warrant issued by the President to the Commission that the end of the war presented an opportune moment for our ‘multi-ethnic polity to undertake a journey of common goals in a spirit of co-operation, partnership and friendship.’ We believe the common goals referred to in the Warrant are contained in Item (v) of the terms of reference given to the Commission, namely the promotion of national unity and reconciliation. We agree that this goal can best be achieved by learning lessons from our history. In this regard, we must express our disappointment that the mandate of the Commission has been restricted to the period from 21st February 2002 to 19th May 2009. It is well known that the causes of our National conflict extend beyond this period and also teach important lessons. These centre around issues of land, colonisation, ethnic and national identity, national security and sovereignty, citizenship, language, resettlement, and devolution. Reference must also be made to issues related to governance and egalitarianism in a plural socio-economic stratified society which resulted in insurgencies in our country both in the south and north. The underlying causes of these insurgencies were recognised by the political establishment in our country but far too late. Since however the mandate of the Commission is in respect of the northern ethnic conflict we shall confine our submissions accordingly. We summarise our submissions as follows:

The need to treat all persons in custody with dignity and subject them to the due processes of the law. Their personal details must be published and their families/relatives provided access to them. Legal processes for those held in Prisons for long periods and some without any charges must be expedited. Those against whom no charges can be framed must be released without delay. Children conscripted by the militant groups should be offered counselling and returned to their families as quickly as possible.

Personnel of the Sri Lankan armed forces who have been deprived of opportunities for further study and qualification due to enlistment, should be given the opportunity to do so through differently structured courses and places in tertiary education.

The need to speedily re-settle all persons of all communities, displaced over the years due to the conflict, in their original areas of residence. Consequently the need to retain areas already declared as High Security Zones should be reviewed and rationalised. Declaring further areas of private land as High Security Zones, must be avoided. We are concerned that many people who have lived on or owned lands have been denied access to their lands. While recognizing that the de-mining exercise continues and will take time, a gradual lifting of the restrictions on the freedom of movement is necessary.

There must not be any state sponsored colonisation of the North and East with people from outside these Provinces. This has been one of the causes for the ethnic conflict in our country and should not be repeated. Into this category will also fall the reported moves to provide military personnel with land for settlement with families in the North and East. This will spread fear, cause tensions, and undermine other moves towards reconciliation. The right of all Sri Lankans to reside anywhere in the Country is not in conflict with the stance.

The planning, reconstruction and development of the North and East must be done in consultation and dialogue with the people and civil society leaders of the area. Facilities and personnel should be provided to address the trauma experienced by the people of these areas during years of LTTE control and war. Priority in the recruitment of labour for any of these projects must be given to the people of the area. Private sector contractors must also be encouraged to do so. This will enhance their self worth as persons.

Sri Lankan Tamils in camps in South India and other Sri Lankans who were compelled to leave our shores for other lands and who wish to return should be encouraged to do so. A swift transparent screening process of such persons will be necessary and acceptable. It may be useful to hear a cross section of these groups on their fears and aspirations.

There must be a gradual but clearly visible move towards civilian administration in the North and East. Such a move signals normalcy and puts people at ease. For this, the mere holding of local government elections is not enough. It must be ensured that the powers of provincial and civic administrators to deal with matters within their purview are not undermined. In addition, the presence of military personnel in the North and East must be reduced and the maintenance of law and order and the prevention of crime restored to the Police. There should be adequate Tamil-speaking personnel in the police force, beginning with the lower ranks in all Police Stations in the North and East. The people of these areas must have both the facilities and confidence to transact business with the police and all public offices in the Tamil language.

The need to fully implement the present constitutional and legal provisions relating to governance, devolution of power, human rights, language rights and a public service independent of party politics needs to be expedited.

Some of the post war administrative and structural developments in the North and East seem to obstruct the process of reconciliation and restoration of normalcy. We are unclear as to the legitimacy and role of the Presidential Task Force and are concerned about its impact on shared governance, the involvement of civic minded groups in the work of rehabilitation and the authority of elected representatives of the region.

The military happenings during the closing stages of the war in April/May 2009 have received adverse publicity in Sri Lanka and the world. Serious allegations have been made about the violation of humanitarian law. Reported denial of access to a cross section of the media to this area of war has deprived the public of information from a source that is independent of the state and also blurs these allegations. This is a sensitive issue that threatens the integrity of the state and the image of the nation and needs to be addressed in a participatory and transparent manner.

There is also a need to set up a mechanism to expedite, rationalise and assist persons to trace; and where necessary obtain new documents such as title deeds to lands, birth, marriage and educational certificates; and where applicable, death certificates.

Non-Governmental organizations that can assist in the work of rehabilitation in the North and East should be permitted to do so. The existing laws of the land are adequate to deal with those who violate the sovereignty, security or the laws of the country.

There must be a mechanism for the healing of memories and for trust-building within and amongst all communities. Cross cultural education which will bring children of the different ethnic communities together in regions where there are cosmopolitan communities as well as an integrated teaching of history will enhance this process and lay the foundation for trust and reconciliation. Particular attention should be given to the victims of violence and those with extremist views. Those living in border villages need assistance as well. Since the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation may not permit this to be undertaken by this Commission, a Commission with a broader mandate on the lines of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission may profitably be employed in the healing of memories.

While taking note of the work of the Udalagama Commission, we feel that there is a need for the immediate appointment of another Commission that would investigate the numerous killings and abductions of civilians which occurred during the conflict . This Commission could also be mandated to trace and publish lists of persons missing or killed during the period of war and conflict.

The continuation of the scope of Emergency, Regulations and the Prevention of Terrorism Act needs, review. These have often been used to stifle legitimate democratic activities and intimidate political opposition. As long as such measures are in place they will pose a threat to normalcy and national reconciliation. There can be no better deterrent to a resurgence of grievance and terrorism than the restoration of the democratic rights of the people, law and order and good governance.

There must be a return to the culture of media freedom and the right to dissent a free public discourse in such a culture will enlighten the public on national issues and enhance the process of national unity and reconciliation.

The root causes of the ethnic conflict are political and therefore must be addressed by political and constitutional reforms. This needs to be addressed on an urgent basis. The APRC proposals and a Bill of Rights could, after public discussion, form the basis for these reforms.

The people must have confidence that the government is serious about implementing the recommendations of Commissions it has appointed. In this regard, we are concerned about the lack of transparency in not releasing the report of the Udalagama Commission of Inquiry and final report of the APRC.

      The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera,                                           The Rt Revd Kumara Illangasinghe,
      Bishop of Colombo                                                                     Vicar-General of Kurunagala

CNI Olympics Report

2010-11-02T12:45:00.001+05:30

From: Shemil Mathew [mailto:Shemil.Mathew@cms-uk.org]

Dear Colleagues,
Greetings from the SYFC - CNI !

Please find attached herewith the Report and Photographs of the CNI Youth Olympics 2010 held from 10^th to 15^th October 2010 at Nagpur.

I am send this for CMS news.

Thanking you.

SHITIJ CYRIL JACOB

President

Synodical Youth Fellowship Committee

Church of North India Synod

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Mobile : +91 942 516 3313 & +91 989 33 33 444

Email : cyril_jacob24may@yahoo.com
Website : www.cnisynod.org

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Download now or preview on posterous

report olympics.doc (32 KB)

Po Kau Tang in Hong Kong - in September

2010-10-20T15:38:00.001+05:30

Singapore Taxi

2010-10-18T22:52:00.000+05:30

a nice story from Singapore:

Today I took a taxi back to the OMF centre here. I paid the driver the $7 meter fare and while the money was still in his hands he asked what OMF was doing here. I told him, and included a current gathering of Prison Christian Fellowship.
Much to my surprise he handed back the money and said he'd like to contribute to those who help others. He continued that he is not a Christian, indeed is a Buddhist.
In no time he was gone and there was no further opportunity to converse.
One sows, another waters. . . . Another prays.
So Please pray!

David from Singapore

Bangkok prisons

2010-10-11T03:28:00.001+05:30

Some pictures and news from John in Bangkok

Hello
Thank you for your prayers, as you know i went to korat 3 hours north of Bangkok
God did some awesome things i have attached some photos.
Just to give you a taste of the prisons in thailand - they range from armed guards to low key prisons, food is simple rice and pig fat. Accommodation 100 to a dorm and a fan and open toilets.
A mattress on the floor, that's it.
Sentences from 5 to 50 years normal including young girls and babies - a sad situation, very little pre-release for the young people.
The book ‘nobodyschild’ has gone down well in the prisons and as its really hard to get into the prisons the book has been a great door opener, usually you need passport and lots of vetting but with the book am welcome into most of the prisons.
I spoke about hope and God’s grace as well as sharing my story. 30 young people made a commitment ....
I was moved to tears some of these young people may never leave prison but are free in christ. what an awesome God we have, i am very humbled.
This is one of many prisons i visit when not doing laungage school.
The photos show flooding in the prison and outside also pictures of the young people and the army officials and the book in thai and a comic in thai re nobodyschild and four other testimonies done by paul senior from cops and robbers uk.

God Bless you all for your prayers love and support we need it.
John
Youth and Community Work Consultant T.P.M

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Linda Norgrove - aid worker killed in Afganistan was in love with Afghanistan- Guardian reports

2010-10-10T21:10:00.001+05:30

Please click here to read the whole story in Guardian

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/09/linda-norgrove-profile-aid-worker

Asia Team Residential

2010-10-10T15:27:00.001+05:30

Prison work in Thailand

2010-10-09T17:58:00.001+05:30

Pray for the Robinson family working among the prisoners in Thailand

Lahore Diocese Conference on Mission and Evangelism

2010-10-07T12:21:00.000+05:30

Pray for the Lahore Diocese Conference on Mission and Evangelism in Jehlum from 9th October, that it will encourage and inspire people to share their faith. Freda Carey is to give a paper and lead a workshop on ‘Mobilizing the Female Forces’.

Pray for Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kashmir

2010-09-16T20:38:00.007+05:30

Mardan, Pakistan :

September 14, 2010. (PCP) Islamic militants planted a bomb near wall of Lutheran Church in high security zone of Mardan and detonated it on September 12, 2010, when Muslims were celebrated 2nd Eid Day in Pakistan.The JUI activists were also protesting on same day in city of Peshawar, capital of Khyber Pukhtunkhawa against burning of Quran in USA on September 11, 2010.The building of Lutheran Church was totally destroyed by the bomb blast and injured two security officials on duty at Church.There were no religious services in Church at time of blast when it was Sunday, a day of prayer in Church which saved more causalities but bomb blasted at night.The injured were rushed to hospital and administration ordered to arrests culprits while not any militant group have accepted responsibility.Meanwhile, in a wake of protest against announcement of one Pastor’s burning Holy Quran Muslim protested torched a Christian School in Srinagar, in Indian Kashmir.
Read more Pakistan Christian Post

Afghanistan

Pray for the Afghan elections on Saturday for safety for those voting. Already there have been deaths

Catholic school burned : Christian Institutions under threat in Kashmir

2010-09-16T04:33:00.003+05:30

As you may already know, the situation in the state of Kashmir has been deteriorating over the past three months which has been marked by growing demonstrations, violence and curfews. The primary clash is between sections of the population who want a separate autonomous Kashmiri state and armed police and forces. By the positions adopted by the government and the separatist groups till now, it seems that there is not going to be any change in this cycle of violence for some time to come.

Unfortunately, with the news of proposed Koran burning by a pastor of a small church in the USA, another dimension has been added to the conflict. In spite of the fact that this event was not carried out, the almost completely Muslim population in the region are agitated and angry. Some sections are venting their anger on Christian institutions in the state. Two days ago, a branch of a prominent Christian school was burned to the ground, this was followed by the burning of a Catholic school yesterday. Christian institutions including hospitals have also been attacked or threatened.

The security of these institutions have been strengthened, however the very small Christian community - less then 0.5% of total population – is living in fear and uncertainty.

Please pray , especially for :

# The safety and protection of Christians in Kashmir

# The people of Kashmir , especially those caught in the middle

# The people who are using this situation to incite hatred

# For the Indian and Separatist leadership , so that they may be able to enter into a process of talks and end the unrest and violence in the streets

# For the protection and safety of CMS co Mission partners serving in Kashmir

Protest fire in Kashmir - reaction to 'Qu'ran burning'

2010-09-13T14:40:00.006+05:30

Bishop Pradeep Samantaroy of Amritsar writes:

following the Quaran burning threats in America, the Tangmarg branch of the Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson Educational Society in Jammu and Kashmir has been put on fire. Curfew has been imposed. Even as this message is being typed, the school building is still burning! Kindly pray that peace will be restored soon and that nobody is hurt.

Tyndale Biscoe school, Srinagar

Read more from the local press in Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Observer

PS It is worth noting that this is a reaction to the 'Qu'ran Burnings' that did not happen. Fighting fire with fire

LATEST UPDATE:

Smaraki Samantaroy The School students are not hurt. The building has totally burnt down. It was entirely made of wood. Though the officials were informed of a possible attack and requested for safety there was no action taken. The mob even stopped the fire brigade from reaching the spot.We are yet to procure a photograph. We will keep you updated.

Tense situation in Kashmir : School set ablaze

2010-09-13T13:02:00.003+05:30

The Christian community in Kashmir ( Indian side) need our prayers for safety at this time . The Tanmarg branch of Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson school has been set on fire . The fire is bad though there is no news yet of people hurt yet . Curfew has been enforced .

The region has been marred by violence for over two months now . Besides other political reasons , the news of proposed Quran burning in America ( now cancelled ) has fueled anger .

CMS has a Co Mission Partner couple in Srinagar and have asked us uphold them and the few hundred Christian people in the region in prayers.

Dengue in Philippines

2010-09-10T13:13:00.000+05:30

Our partner Lendehl Sallidao (in the picture) writes

Please pray for the the Philippines as dengue fever has taken many lives especially children. The Department of Health listed 69,594 cases of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease, from January to Aug. 28. We have lost a child in the community where we are helping and also the grandaughter of the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines.

We will launch Dengue prevention and treament in my station on September 18 in partnership with Saint Luke's Medical Center. Please pray for the success of the program.

Facebook prayer requests

2010-09-09T20:55:00.005+05:30

Some Facebook prayer requests and messages

Cyril Kamran in Pakistan asks for prayer for his diagnosed cancer and the chemotherapy treatment. Please pray that he will be restored to health . He is particularly worried about the cost of treatment. Pray that he will get the help he needs particularly for the cost of treatment

'Apne sare fikr, us hi per dal do jo tumara fikr kerta hai' (1 Peter 5:7) Cast your burdens on him 'cos he cares for you

Imran Salim Shahid Support Relief Network (IHMWA, ALICE Society,SPNF) Pakistan Flood Relief Operations to providing emergency food, shelter & healthcare to 5000 vulnerable families in 5 badly affected districts of South Punjab:

A/C # " 01-1750688-01 " Swift Code: " scblpkkx "

A/c Title: " Islamabad Hzekiel Munawar Welfare Association"

18.8 millions people are affected in Pakistan due to recent flooding & need support form all national and international corners for food, shelter & medical care. IHMWA (Islamabad Hzekiel Munawar Welfare Association) is a registered Christian Relief & developemnt organization focuing on 5 badly affected districts of South Punjab for its releif operations. Plz support IHMWA. Imran Salim Shahid, Executive Director

Blog on Pakistan Floods

2010-09-07T20:40:00.000+05:30

-------

So I have been mulling over writing a blog about the flood disaster in Pakistan for a few days now but have not had the chance to blog for a while. So here goes, my thoughts on the floods mixed in with facts and figures.

I think it is so easy to just think of a world disaster as just another misfortune somewhere in the world when it gets to such a scale. So, just to highlight how devastating these floods are, let’s look at some figures. Readmore

or visit the blog directly
http://planesimple.wordpress.com/2010/09/05/floods-in-pakistan/

Central Asia

2010-09-07T20:34:00.000+05:30

Give thanks that Barakatullo has completed the first year of his studies at SOAS in London and pray for the whole family as they return to Central Asia for a period of local research and work. Remember them as they adjust back home (in two countries) and as Barakatullo teaches for 2 months later this year.

Pakistan Floods

2010-09-07T17:47:00.000+05:30

Dr Haroon asks for prayers for Kunhar Christian Hospital as it seeks to supply urgent needs to displaced people and plan for a longer term engagment with communities that are impoverished (so need free medical treatment at the hospital) or in need of support to reconstruct houses and rehabilitate their terraced fields after the destruction of the rain and floods.

2010-09-07T14:49:00.001+05:30

A Plea to Withdraw the Eighteenth Amendment

A Statement by the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

Many sections of the population are deeply alarmed at the possible repercussions the proposed 18^th Amendment to the Constitution will have on our system of democratic governance.

If passed by Parliament, the constitutional changes will remove the restriction on the two terms a person can serve as President, which all democratic countries with an Executive Presidency subscribe to. In addition, it will much more than before empower the Government and President to select and appoint persons to serve on the crucial commissions that are meant to safeguard the democratic rights of the people, such as the Elections Commission, Public Services Commission, Judicial Services Commission, National Police Commission, Bribery Commission and so on.

The nature of partisan politics is such that this will no doubt be a step backwards. It will inevitably lead to a further, dangerous politicisation of our national institutions and a speedier, destructive erosion of our already fragile democratic culture.

It is therefore imperative that Parliament rejects this Bill, and that all who value democratic freedom in the country voice their objection to it.

Along with this, Parliament and the people should call for the full activation of the 17^th Amendment (passed by consensus between the Government and Opposition Members of Parliament), which ensures the independence of the Commissions referred to. It is only after this amendment is given a chance to impact on our shared national life that we will be able to assess the need for any further democratic constitutional amendments.

If and when such a stage is reached there must be no haste to rush Bills of such serious implications through Parliament, as is being done with the 18^th Amendment; and adequate space must be provided for public debate. It is when the people are properly informed of the pros and cons of constitutional change, and given a chance to participate in this process and make informed decisions, that democracy prevails and our legislators fulfil their obligations. The political freedom that our legislators are endowed with is determined by the democratic rights and aspirations of the people. To disregard these obligations amounts to a misappropriation of the peoples’ trust.

May the God of peace and justice hear our cry and bless and nourish our beloved nation.

With peace and blessings to all

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera

Bishop of Colombo 2^nd September 2010

Pakistan Floods

2010-09-06T15:44:00.000+05:30

Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Pakistan Please see the news in pictures by BBC

Appologies- News from Pakistan

2010-08-31T20:29:00.000+05:30

There was a news item published in this blog yesterday regarding the death of tree aid workers in Pakistan. It appears that it was not true, please accept my apologies

Breaking the silence on a long festering evil which lurks around us

2010-08-06T16:18:00.002+05:30

On 30^th July a new short movie by Timothy Gaekwad (also the director of IMCARES) premiered which will be a watershed for the subject matter it addresses and for its painfully honest, hard hitting and fearless portrayal: the reality of sexual abuse of the boy child.

Sex is a taboo issue to discuss in India and for that matter in Asia. There is a lack of legal safeguards and laws to protect the boy child and also a general lack of awareness on the matter .This makes it very difficult for people suffering from abuse, even more so for the boy child and men.

Let us hope and pray that this movie may be a driving force in opening eyes, galvanising and inspiring the church and society to accept this reality as well as begin to fight back.

Ashu’s story is inspired by the experiences of people who suffered sexual abuse in their childhood. As you read this, Millions of people suffer in silence and Millions more will more who will if we continue to close our eyes to it.

Timothy is also directed several other movies and features which address issues which he and IMCARES are passionate about. They are committed to serve and to transform lives of the poorest of the poor and the most marginalised and excluded in society.

One other recent movie is ‘Zindagi : breaking the cycle ‘ which deals with the issue of trafficking in India , more specifically , the trafficking of girls from poor rural areas to urban areas and into prostitution . India has emerged as one of the main Asian hubs for trafficking.

These works are a window into lives and situations which are desperate, degrading and soul destroying. If you may be interested to obtain copies of these movies, please contact IMCARES, their contact information is:

Phone: ++91 22 2380 6237 Fax: ++91 22 2380 3278
E-mail: agape@imcares.org

Suman and Reema , a young couple who are CMS co mission partners have been working with IMCARES , assisting in Mumbai. Suman works with HIV/AIDS awareness activities and Reena is involved in helping with day care centres for vulnerable children. Both of them also are involved in reaching out and building bridges with the girls involved in commercial sex trade in Mumbai’s red light district .

Let us uphold them and IMCARES in our prayers.

Kashmir update

2010-08-02T13:31:00.002+05:30

Kashmir Valley reels under Curfew, restriction, Shortage of essential in many parts of valley. So, today let us all remember in our prayer-all the daily laborer who earn their living daily,, as they could not go for their work many days so their essential stock goes down.

Floods in Pakistan

2010-08-02T13:30:00.000+05:30

Imran from Pakistan writes Dear Friends, Heavy rain and flooding has affected many parts of the country and damaged houses and infrastructure. There are about 450 deaths so far been reported. Khyber (NWFP) Province is badly affected. Thousands are stuck and needed to be rescued. Plz pray for all those who have been affected by the flooding. Love and Blessings

Nepal - World Mission Training

2010-07-20T12:03:00.000+05:30

Ram Prasad Shrestha from Nepal writes : We had a great week long World Mission Training which was held at the National Mission Commission Offece from 10-17 July, 2010. Total of 54 leaders and lay members of the churches attended the training. We praise God for preparing people for His Mission. Please do continue to pray.

Shooting in Faisalabad Pakistan

2010-07-20T02:54:00.004+05:30

Various report are coming in about a shooting in Faisalabad Pakistan

Feelings are running understandably high. Please pray for those who are 'looked in fear' - for peace and for protection.

One friend writes:

"Two young Christian boys Sajid and Rashid framed in 295 A (Blasphemy law) murdered ruthlessly in Faisalabad today. They were in police custody and were to be presented in the court today.The area is surrounded by extremists at the moment which may result in more causality."

Another friend writes:

Today 2 of the xian men Rashid and Sajid arrested in blasphemey case some

two weeks back in Faisalabad were shot dead outside the courts which has

left the whole city in problems as the xian and the majority community is

fighting with each other in some specific areas of fsd.

There are various versions of story as to how this all started, one of the

most common is that proselytizing activities by the two deceased was the

base of it. Sadly the extrajudicial killings in cases of such nature

continues and the state is a silent observer of these atrocities towards

the minorities.

Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) recommend that we take action and write to protest:

"just to bring to your attention that 2 Christians who were allegedly charged under the Blasphemyy law have been murdered this afternoon in Faisalabad whilst on their way to the court. I have been informed that Christians are very fearful and scared that this instance could escalate into another incident such as Shantinagar or Gojra.

I request you kindly take this matter seriously and raise it with Pakistani high comissioner before it becomes another situation as detrimental as Shantinagar and Gojra"

Nasir of CLAAS UK

CNI Youth Olympics

2010-07-17T16:45:00.000+05:30

Shitij Jacob writes:

Greetings from the Church of North India!

This is to inform you that the Synodcal Youth Fellowship Committee of the Church of North India is organizing a mega event i.e. “CNI YOUTH OLYMPICS 2010” at Nagpur from 10^th – 15^th October 2010 under the theme “ARISE”. The objective behind organizing this program is to motivate the young people through the medium of sports. This is the first time in the history of the Church of North India that such kind of program is being organized for the young people of the Church of North India.

We have invited 30 delegates (15 girls & 15 boys) from all the 27 dioceses of the Church of North India to participate in this program

AsiaCMS Prayer Blog

St Peter's Karachi - symbol of resistence

Cagayan de Oro floods

Floods in Mindanao

The Way of Life for the Truth

News from United Mission to Nepal

Letter from Bishop of Amritsar

Nepal Visit

Freddie the Concrete Mixer

TallSkinnyKiwi and the Turkey Earthquake

John & Gillian Robinson (CMS MPs in Thailand)

Freddie's World: 'filthy dirty'

New Bishop of Hyderabad (Pakistan)

Salsa Sister in Nepal

Floods in Sindh, Pakistan

Playing for Change Day 17th September

Nick Vujicic - "Something More" Music Video

Seven and counting - Amritsar Diocese Youth Fest

Iranian pastor faces execution

Unfailing Love pt 1

United Mission to Nepal

Nepal

Venn's Pen - Love, Peace, Faith

Painted Jigsaw Cross in Pakistan

kingdom colleges

prayer request form Jigsaw Kids

Message from Archbishop Nathaniel of Japan

Pray for Japan

Sendai Earthquake, Japan

4 emails and a prayer - the Japanese earthquake: a call to prayer

Skiing in Kashmir

Pat in Bangladesh

Pray for Eric and Sandra, Peter and Atiyyah settling into life in the Philippines

in Memory of Mehboob Sada

New Member to Asia CMS Family !

A new member added to the CMS family !

Prayer Letter from Sri Lanka

Eric and Sandra arrive in the Phillipines

Urgent Prayer Request

Prayer Request from our Co Mission Partners in Srinagar

Street Smart - New book by CMS Asia mission partner

Archbishops visit to CMC Vellore

Hundreds killed in stampede at Cambodian festival

Pakistani President frees Christian woman facing death for blasphemy

Thank giving for Asia Bibi the victim of Blasphemy Law

Pray for Mr. Mahboob Sada, Director Christian Study Centre Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Afghan believer imprisoned

SACYN Volunteers Gathering held in Pokhara and Kathmandu

Pray for Asia Bibi

Pakistan Prayer request

CSI-Madhya Kerala Diocese Bishop election

A call for prayer for Ms.Rizana Nafeek

Church of Ceylon bishops address issues for national reconciliation

CNI Olympics Report

Po Kau Tang in Hong Kong - in September

Singapore Taxi

Bangkok prisons

Linda Norgrove - aid worker killed in Afganistan was in love with Afghanistan- Guardian reports

Asia Team Residential

Prison work in Thailand

Lahore Diocese Conference on Mission and Evangelism

Pray for Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kashmir

Mardan, Pakistan :

Read more Pakistan Christian Post

Afghanistan

Pray for the Afghan elections on Saturday for safety for those voting. Already there have been deaths

Read More BBC World and see more BBC Pics

Catholic school burned : Christian Institutions under threat in Kashmir

Protest fire in Kashmir - reaction to 'Qu'ran burning'

Tense situation in Kashmir : School set ablaze

Dengue in Philippines

Facebook prayer requests

Some Facebook prayer requests and messages

A/C # " 01-1750688-01 " Swift Code: " scblpkkx "A/c Title: " Islamabad Hzekiel Munawar Welfare Association"

Blog on Pakistan Floods

Central Asia

Pakistan Floods

Pakistan Floods

Appologies- News from Pakistan

Breaking the silence on a long festering evil which lurks around us

A/C # " 01-1750688-01 " Swift Code: " scblpkkx "

A/c Title: " Islamabad Hzekiel Munawar Welfare Association"