All posts filed under: z304

The benefits of meeting in Jesus’ name

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19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20 NIV) Jesus told His disciples that where two or three gathered in the Lord’s name, Jesus would also be there. And the previous verse suggests that this gathering together should probably include a time of prayer. It tells us several things, but most importantly that we have to deliberately meet together in the Lord’s name. In other words, two or three Christian men watching a football game together does not necessarily qualify as gathering in Jesus name, though it could. Because, there is a church in our city where Christians have developed a home group around football. Though they have this common secular interest, the purpose of the group is spiritual. They are gathering in Jesus’ name. And when we deliberately do this, Jesus says that He will be the …

Families of abducted missionaries in Haiti say they have forgiven the gang members

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The families of 17 missionaries and their families (including five children) who were kidnapped in Haiti by the violent 400 Mawozo gang have recently issued statements on the website of Christian Aid Ministries that they have chosen to forgive the gang for the kidnapping. This follows on the heels of a video released on Oct 22, 2021 by the gang’s leader, Wilson Joseph, who goes by the name of ‘Death without Days,’ where he stated that every one of them would be killed if his ransom demand of $1 million each was not met. He said, “I swear by thunder that if I don’t get what I’m asking for I will put a bullet in the heads of these Americans.” Several of the family members have since responded that they have chosen to forgive the kidnappers, with some stating they are in fact praying for the salvation of the gang members: “We are interested in the salvation of these men, and we love them.” Parent of one of the hostages.” As a family, we are …

Archaeologists discover rare depiction of Balm of Gilead

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Archaeologists working with Israel Antiquity Authority announced they have found an amethyst seal that has an engraving of the Balm of Gilead on it, a plant mentioned several times in the Bible. It was found on the road that ran between the Shiloah pool and the Jewish Temple. The discovery of the small amethyst, that was probably used as a signet ring, is extremely important. Though there have discovered several references to the plant and depictions of other vegetation such as olives and vines, this is the first time they have discovered a depiction of the plant that was source of the Balm of Gilead. In addition to an engraving of a Balm of Gilead branch with several fruit hanging from it, that Prof. Shua Amorai-Stark said was “unlike any of the fruits we have encountered to date,” there is also an image of a bird, believed to be a dove. Archaeologists believe this was a signet ring that would impress an image on clay or wax verifying that a document came from the owner. …

Haiti: Elderly pastor still held hostage, & gang threatens to kill 17 missionary hostages

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With 17 missionaries and their families, including five children, still being held hostage by the Mawozo gang in Haiti, concerns are being expressed about an elderly pastor kidnapped a few weeks earlier. CBN reports that Pastor Jean Pierre Michel, 79, was kidnapped nearly four weeks ago in broad daylight in front of the church he helped found, Jesus Center, in Port-au-Prince. Even though the family and church paid the ransom, Pastor Michel has still not been released. According to reports, the kidnappers are now demanding more money. There have also been more developments on the kidnapping of the 17 missionaries working with Christian Aid Ministries (CAM). According to reports, the Mawozo gang is demanding $1 million for each person, though it is uncertain if this includes the children. A leader of the notorious gang also released a video stating that all 17 would be killed if the ransom demands are not met. He also threatened Haiti’s prime minister and chief of police. READ: Abducted Elderly Pastor Still Held After Ransom Paid, Haitian Gang Threatens to …