He's Alive Christian News and Views Dec 2015

HE’S

‘I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen.’ — Rev 1.18a

ALIVE! Christian News and Views

Human trafficking and the U.S. Church

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In jail I Discovered Freedom Page 2 December 2015 • Vol. 2, No. 12

Bradenton, Florida | FREE — Donations Welcome!

Bieber’s latest concert ‘like a church

My Christmas Mouse

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Saint Nicholas The Real Story ANDERSON, SC (November 3, 2015) -- Lachlan Creative Group announces the release of a new documentary film about the life of the real Saint Nicholas. The film called SAINT NICHOLAS – The Real Story investigates what is known about the historical figure whose story evolved over centuries into the legend of SantaClaus.

But as the film’s director, Stuart Lachlan Bennett, points out, “The jolly old man in the red suit who lives at the North Pole could be nothing further from the true story”. SAINT NICHOLAS – The Real Story is a film that will give Christian parents chills as they learn how this third century man of God was persecuted for his faith. During the time he was Bishop of Myra (in modern day Turkey) Nicholas was thrown into prison. He was actually one of the lucky survivors of what was one of the worst eras of Christian persecution under Roman rule. Many saints were martyred during that time, but when Constantine became Emperor, Nicholas’s world was turned upside down. Suddenly, Christianity became a legal religion. Although Nicholas is known today for his acts of charity, he was a force to be reckoned with in his society. He stood up to corrupt leaders, fought

Saint Nicholas holding a ship.

“While other films have been made about how we got SantaClaus,” Bennett says, “none have really explored in depth the life and faith of the real man. My job with this film was to put together the most credible facts.

I was able to do that with the help of several experts who have spent years studying every scrap of evidence”.

Author of the book: The Saint Who Would be SantaClaus; Dr. Adam English says, “The time is right for SAINT NICHOLAS: The Real Story. Saint Nicholas is the most popular non-Biblical character in all of Christian history.

There are literally hundreds of churches around the world dedicated to Nicholas. He has universal appeal.

We should never forget that first and foremost, he was a Christian pastor, a bishop committed to the gospel.

Stuart Lachlan Bennett, Director against high Roman taxes, defended the weak and innocent and even released prisoners. Everything he did was born from his deep faith in Jesus Christ. Bennett says, “If ever there was a man of God whose life we can celebrate, surely Nicholas is one.”

“For decades Christian parents have been at a loss of what to tell their children about SantaClaus. I made this film so they can honor the real man of God from the early church and tell their children the truth about this hero of the faith”.

This should be a monumental fact for Christian families who are looking for a way to connect to the Christmas season”.

The documentary was filmed on location in Turkey, Italy, the U.K. and the USA. It will air on TV stations in Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. this Christmas and is now available on DVD in the U.S. from www.visionvideo.com.

AN SOS CALL FOR HELP Italian police states Muslim refugees

By Apostle S Miracle Jallah (Liberia, West Africa) Would you please join Freedom Center Church in thanking God for 'HIS' intervention.It all happened so fast on September 27, 2015 during our worship service,it was like a bad dream! Our entire church roof and its structure fell flat to the ground under a very heavy down pour of rain.

Thank God for ‘HIS’ divine intervention that there was no loss of life. Our five members who sustained injuries were treated and are now safe. Glory to God! The devil is a liar! We are encouraged by a word from our dad, Jorge Vargas, that God is about to do a new thing and that 'HE' –God, will restore us.

God will rebuild for the better. As a church, we are sounding this SOS call to those who love the Lord, to assist us in helping to reconstruct. The challenge is great but we trust that God will

Foundation digging and foundation block making has started. We are trusting God to build bigger and better than before. Thank God for divine provision. God is faithful! Thank God for our mom and dad and the FCC family. We the people of Freedom Center Church will continue to trust God. We know HE can in no way mismanage our lives. We see our present crisis period as a challenge of our faith. Of what use is faith without challenges.

Jesus said, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain...... Faith is designed to face mountains. In absence of the mountain, faith is of no use.

Thanks to all who are with us in prayer. Anyone whose heart is moved to donate to our reconstruction process may do so through Pastor Chuck Kennedy at Faith InternationalChristian Center, PO Box 14931 Bradenton, FL 34280

threw Christians overboard

By Mark Ellis Passengers rescued (November 20, 2015 Assist News) On a crowded rubber boat filled with refugees traveling from Libya to Italy, Muslims threw 12 fellow passengers overboard — killing them — because the 12 were Christians, Italian police said Thursday.

Italian authorities arrested 15 people on the boat and charged them with murdering the Christians at sea, police in Palermo told CNN. The original group of 105 people left Libya on Tuesday. Sometime during the trip north across the Mediterranean Sea, the alleged assailants — Muslims from the Ivory Coast, Mali and Senegal — threw the 12 overboard, police told CNN. Other people on the voyage told police that they themselves were spared “because they strongly opposed the drowning attempt and formed a human chain,” Palermo police reported.

The boat was stopped by an Italian navy ship, which removed the passengers and placed them on a Panamanian ship.

That ship reached Palermo on Wednesday, after which the arrests were made, CNN reported.

The 12 who died were from Nigeria and Ghana, police said.

Thousands of refugees make the treacherous journey each year from North Africa to Europe’s Mediterranean coast, often aboard vessels poorly suited for such a trip. Many are trying to escape war and impoverished circumstances in Africa and the Middle East.

More than 10,000 people arrived on Italian shores from Libya since last weekend alone, the Italian coast guard reported to CNN. Many die each year while attempting the voyage, often after their boats capsize. Last year at least

3,200 died attempting to make the trip.

Since 2000, according to the International Organization for Migration, almost 22,000 migrants have perished trying to cross the Mediterranean.

On November 19th, another boat sank trying to make the journey. Only four people survived of the original 45 aboard, bringing the estimated death toll this year to nearly a thousand.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

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HE’S ALIVE: Christian News and Views

December 2015 • Vol. 2, No. 12

Bradenton, Florida | FREE — Donations Welcome!

In jail I Discovered Freedom

By AgripoIcal, Belize Central Prison (Belize, Central America)My name is AgripoIcal. I am from Belize, and I am serving a life sentence at the Belize Central Prison.

I want to share my testimony of how God saved my life, how He set me free from all bondages, from the dominion of DarknessandhowHe transformed my life through His son Jesus Christ (as Colossians 1 v.13 says).

I went to prison at the age of 19 in2005 and now I am 29 years old (2015). Presently I am chaplain in the prison. This has come about by a miracle of God, because I have never had formal training, such as a degree in chaplaincy. I am who I am because God has chosen me and appointed me.

During my early years in prison I thought life was over, without hope and without God. I was facing the world by myself because I had chosen to live life my own way. When I was sentenced to life in prison on April 10th 2007, I said to myself, “This is it – this is the end for me!” There was no more hope that I would be freed, and no hope of ever achieving my dreams and goals in life. I was stressed, depressed, angry with myself. Life had no meaning for me anymore, and I was ready to give up.

During the first two years in prison I began to smoke a lot. I tried seeking God by praying for my freedom, but there was no sign of victory. When my appeal was denied that was the day I said, “There is no God. If there was a God, He would answer my prayer.” My soul was in torment. I was unable to sleep; I had no peace of mind. Eventually I had to get on my knees and I repented of my past. I said, “God forgive me. I need you in this life, because I can’t go on any more.” I started seeking God and attending church in the prison chapel. After attempting to escape I was caught again and sent to the super-max section of the prison where inmates are punished by being put into solitary confinement. I was isolated for four months and placed on full

sanction – I was not allowed phone calls, visits, normal food allowance, or a personal hygiene package for four months. I was given two cups of water and four ounces of bread each day to live on. I had to sleep on the floor with no mattress and no sheets.

This place was really a mental torture for me.

While isolated I did the only thing that I could do, and that was turn to God for help.

That was when I met Jesus. I decided to read my Bible because that was the only book allowed in there. At first I knew nothing about God or the Bible. I started reading the Bible like any other book. I had heard about fasting so I began to fast. I had no idea of what I was really doing, but in my own mind I was seeking God. I would fast every day for a week, and then stay awake all night for a week. During these times I would read and pray to God. Strange things began to happen to me. I would lie down and see things happening as if I was dreaming. I didn’t know about dreams or visions at the time, but I had several of these experiences. Then I found out that what I saw in the dream would actually come to pass, and this caused me to really seek more of God. I said to myself, “There is something more to this life than I realized, and I’m going to find out about it.”

God dealt with me. He spoke to me through His Word, through dreams and visions in that place, and my life was transformed. I met Pastor Garbutt who became my pastor and teacher. God showed me that I would be under the the pastor’s guidance and leadership for some time, in order to prepare me for God’s purpose for my life. Since then I have been filled with the Holy Spirit and have come to a proper understanding of the Word of God. I trained under Pastor Garbutt’s guidance for five years, during which time I served as his office assistant. I was also privileged to be able to minister the Word of God to my fellow-inmates. God has opened

doors of opportunities and enabled me to be granted certain privileges within the prison. I also do barbering in my spare time, God has prospered what I do and has

for him and brings him before great men.”

Not only do I have work inside the prison, but God has also blessed me with a lovely family,

given me favour with the prison guards – just as Deuteronomy 28 v.1-13 promises for those who do what God commands. I see God’s Word in effect in my life. As Proverb 18:16 says: “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.”

Word of God to my fellow-inmates. God has opened doors of opportunities and enabled me to be granted certain privileges within the prison. I also do barbering in my spare time, God has prospered what I do and has given me favour with the prison guards – just as Deuteronomy 28 v.1-13 promises for those who do what God commands. I see God’s Word in effect in my life. As Proverb 18:16 says: “A man’s gift makes room

with three kids for whom I am responsible.

I help them even though I am in prison, and can assist them financially, for God has blessed me with skills to use, and I continue to see victory after victory in my new life as a Christian. I see Philippians 4 v.13 in action in my life: “With God I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

I want to particularly mention that I am free in Christ Jesus. I have peace that I had never experienced in my entire life. It is truly awesome and satisfying to live life in the spirit. There is no greater experience that would compare with the tranquility and peace that arises in my soul because it is the peace of heart that God gives. Even though I am still in prison

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS OUTREACH FOR HOMELESS AND NEEDY Luke 14:12-14Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Faith International Christian Center with He’s Alive Christian News and Views invites all saints and sinners alike to a special Community Christmas Party to be held Saturday Dec 19th at The Pride Park North Pavilion at the corner of 63rd Ave and 9th Street East Bradenton.

We want to feed those homelessor needy a home cooked meal, give them Christmas gifts, and encourage them that Christmas has no boundaries. Jesus came for all. There will be lots of home cooked foods, donated gifts and clothing to give away, with special singing, Christmas Music and lots of testifying.

We are in need volunteers for multiple duties including, but not limited to, cooking, serving, singing, cleaning, crowd control, handing out flyers, and more. We ask for donations of anything that would help the homeless or a needy family, like blankets, sleeping bags, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, canned goods (easy to open), or use your creativity to come up with unique gifts and ideas.

Best of all we will have a day of fellowship and ministry together. Pray about getting involved please. Everybody can do something. We do not ask your money; we ask your participation.

Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Help us spread the word, better yet, bring a car load of people with you to enjoy the festivities. Contact Pastor Chuck Kennedy 941-447-4538 or email ficcpastor@yahoo. com. Everyone is invited, Saturday 10 am until all food and gifts are gone. Located at Pride Park North Pavilion at the corner of 63rd Ave and 9th Street East Bradenton.

See you at the Community Christmas Party!

I want to say that I am free on the inside. I am convinced that nothing is impossible for God. Presently I am the chaplain of the prison where I am in full time ministry ministering the word of God to my fellow-inmates.

In the Bible we read the stories of Joseph and Daniel, about when they were in captivity. In each case God elevated them, while in prison, to positions of usefulness, and prospered what they did. Well, I am no longer just reading about it but actually living it. I have achieved many things since God saved my life. I want to encourage all who are reading this, whoever you are. When you think life is no more; God has more in store for you – don’t give up; the walls can’t hold you from achieving your dreams, your plans, or whatever you desire in life in accordance with the will of God. Turn your life over to Him; be obedient to His Word, follow His precepts, live for Him, do all that pleases Him. A life sentence isn’t the end of life. I myself know the power of God to deliver, so wait in expectation for a miracle. God can do more than you think or imagine through His Son Jesus Christ. To God be the glory, to the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Contact: S.F.P.M.B. Email: martintuson@gmail.com Phone:(+44 / 0)7725 015 710 Martin Tuson, 11 Bridgelea Avenue, Newtownards, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, BT23 7HX

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HE’S ALIVE: Christian News and Views

Bradenton, Florida | FREE — Donations Welcome!

December 2015 • Vol. 2, No. 12

Human trafficking and the U.S. Church

By Katey Hearth USA (MNN) — Colombian police busted three major human trafficking rings recently, two of which were sending women to China.

A few days ago Indonesian police arrested two men involved in local prostitution who also had international ties. Human trafficking isn’t just an overseas problem, though.

Amy Richey of EFCA ReachGlobal says it’s a challenge for the U.S. to grapple with, too.

“There’s no quick ‘Band-Aid’; there is no way to just walk in and say, ‘Here’s the 5-step program to end human trafficking,'” she states.

“However, we need to break it down so we can understand and grapple with it. It’s like planning for a big Thanksgiving dinner – if you don’t buy the turkey, you can never have the meal.”

The face of human trafficking Exact statistics are difficult to pin down.

However, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center reports over 24,000 alerts of suspicious cases were submitted to them last year. In addition, the NHTRC received a 26-percent increase in calls directly from survivors of modern-day slavery. Those survivors might not be who you have in mind.

“There are some typical groups [of people who are vulnerable to human trafficking],” Richey explains. “Disenfranchised youth, teenage runaways, immigrants, battered and bruised women, exploited children; the list goes on.”

Typically, these people groups become vulnerable to human trafficking when life gets “messy.”

Broken and abusive families fill the foster care system. Shattered foster children fill local and county jails. Abused and/or desperate women sell themselves on street corners.

Challenges like these aren’t easy to overcome, and usually require Christ-followers to journey with individuals through hardship.

As in the Good Samaritan parable, it requires risk, as well as the willingness to move outside cultural and personal “comfort zones.”

But, Richey observes, “If we can find points of intervention, and get involved in the messiness of people’s lives, we can help prevent this atrocity from ever happening.”

How the Church can stop human trafficking Richey explains prevention is the easiest way to end human trafficking. Stopping the cycle before it starts is more effective long-term than rescue efforts.

Once entangled in the underworld of sex trafficking, it’s very difficult for victims to break free.

The cost – Sex slaves are an extremely valuable source of income for traffickers and pimps. According to theInternational Labor Organization, each victim brings their pimp approximately $21,800 USD per year.

•The logistics – Traffickers and pimps keep a tight leash on the women and girls they control, and employ a wide range of tactics. Even when victims want to escape, they’re literally unable to break free.

•The motivation – Sex slavery doesn’t just damage women and girls physically; it wreaks havoc on their minds, emotion and will. In the same way an animal is “broken” to stay within set physical boundaries, people are conditioned to stay within certain parameters.

The complexity and enormity of human trafficking can make it seem like a hurdle that’s impossible to overcome. However, there are a few places you and your church can start that often get overlooked.

Community According to the latest data, the U.S. foster care program is “home” to nearly 400,000 children. A third of the children who are eligible for adoption will wait more than three years for a “forever family.” “Oftentimes, they end up as runaways or in the juvenile justice system,” Richey says. The Polaris Project reports one of six runaways in 2014 were likely child sex trafficking victims. Buddy-up with foster kids, Richey suggests, or become a mentor. If there are foster parents in your church, form support groups to help them navigate the rough waters of fostering. Help

Legalized or tolerated prostitution is a magnet for sex trafficking.

(Photo by Kay Chernush for the U.S. State Department)

them be a Christ-like example for the kids in their care.

Church

The pornography industry amasses an estimated $13 million annually, and every 39 minutes a new porn film is created in the United States.

“It’s naïve of us to think this is not impacting our churches, and we need to have open and honest conversations. We need to hold people accountable, and we need to make sure that church youth groups are talking about difficult topics like pornography.”

Home Human trafficking isn’t limited to sexual exploitation. The definition of human trafficking also includes forced labor. As families consume everyday products and services, Richey explains, they need to be aware of the business practices behind it.

With the gift-giving season fast approaching, take time to research the practices of companies on your family’s “wish list.”

“Chocolate is an industry that’s just notorious

The Grace of God

By Maureen Yon

(Bradenton, FL Dec 2015) As I was growing up, my life was filled with the love and faithfulness of God. I came from a Born Again Christian family. But my parents’ salvation wasn’t an assurance for me to be saved also as it was written in John 3:3, Except a man be born again. He cannot see the kingdom of God. So I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior when I was 10 years old. The Lord has been very good although we didn’t have much back then, but we had enough of what we needed because the Lord has always been our great Provider and my dad was very hardworking. We never ran out of food on the table. I remember every time my dad arrived home from work late at night, he would pray and extend his hand on me and my brother, no matter how exhausted he was from a long days work he always prioritized us, especially in prayers. And my mom would always wait for my dad until he came home from work so they can talk about how papa’s day went while he was eating his dinner. I am grateful to God because He blessed me with such great parents.

The loving family that I had growing up carved me into who I amtoday. My desires and goals in life resulted from what I had experienced in my household. I then desired to have a family of my own in God’s perfect time. I held in my heart the scripture in Mark 11:24, to pray and claim that I have received what I asked for in my life. So I prayed and prayed for someone who is as God fearing and responsible as my dad because I would likethe Lord to bless me with a godly man who will draw me more close to Him. I placed my trust in the Lord because He has His own timetable. And so, one day I got married to the best man, the one I had prayed for so many years, in the person of Nathan. We became good friends to best friends and after two and a half years we got married. We both wereso happy that day and I know God was smiling on us just as what the book of Numbers 6:25 says; because it sure was worth the wait. It was amazing because my husband Nathan has the

traits as my dad, but I got some bonus because Nathan is way taller than papa.

Life was great and everything was in place as what we prayed and planned for being a married couple. I was teaching preschool and Nathan was a science teacher in middle school. And in three years of our marriage, my husband wanted to focus in opening a new charter school and I decided to also work in the medical field. So we supported each other’s goals and we prayed about it and the signs we saw from God were very positive.

He was so busy hiring new teachers and preparing the school site to open for the following school year. Until one night, while I was waiting for him to come home from his board meeting and for us to have dinner together. Instead, a coroner came and told me the most excruciating news. Nathan didn’t come home to be with me and our puppy, Eli that night, instead he left to be with the Lord in heaven at 9 pm due to a fatal car accident. A drunk driver hit him head on a collision down the interstate. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to anyone, but I have been asking God why Nathan, especially since he was only 39. The coroner took me to my in-laws house and I told mom and dad that we have to go to the hospital. I actually didn’t believe what I was told could have happened to Nathan. I cannot put into words how painful it was. It broke me into pieces. When Nathan and I got married I just assumed we would be counting all the years of celebrating our wedding anniversaries and just enjoy the goodness of God until we both grow old together. It was the total opposite of what I dreamed and desired. I was in total shock and still didn’t believe what the coroner said until Mom told me I have to stay at their house for the night because Nathan is not coming home. But I kept telling her no, Nathan will be home in the morning, I have to wait for him. I know mom and dad were hurting so bad but they chose to stay strong for me because she has to inform my sister in law and the other family members about

Nathan’s passing. It certainly was through the grace of God that I was able to choose Nathan’s suit and tie for him to have on, for the last time, it was the grace of God that I was able to choose the coffin to place him in, it was the grace of God that I was able to attend the funeral. And to sum it all up it is the continuous grace and comfort of God that kept me sane up to this day.

The Lord is healing my heart everyday and I thank my family and relatives back home in the Philippines, especially my mom and dad because they were hurting as well. And flying back here in the United States is my way of starting a new beginning again with faith in my heart that God will take care of me as He brought me back to my church, my preacher and my sister Rlyn who cried and prayed with me since day one.

Thank you for being my home here in Florida. I am forever grateful for your lives. My loss broke my heart into pieces and brought broken dreams. But I always find comfort in God, because it is not about me but I do believe in what Psalm 68:5 states, that God is the comforter to the widows. And I learned to trust God even more now because of the painful past I have encountered in life. Life is not like a bunch of chocolates because along the way God allows things to happen to prune us, in order for usto bear more fruits, John 15:2. God has His own reasons because He is looking for a heart that loves Him unconditionally, no matter what the circumstances each individual encounters on a daily basis; whether joyful or painful, God is looking for a true worshipper.

So with me now, I can attest to the fact that God is good all the time. And whatever painful past I’ve been though in life, my heart is grateful to God for the wonderful memories I have with my husband thatI can treasure for lifetime and won’t ever be taken away from me.

notorious for using children in different parts of the world, and then not even paying the children that are working [for them],” says Richey. It’s a cultural shift that will take years to unfold, she adds, but it’s still one that desperately needs to be started. Loving the “least of these” is part of being a Christ-follower.

“Jesus told us to live our life in a way that other people would see His Light, and that we would be the flavor, we would be the salt, to our world.”

Please pray the U.S. Church becomes more aware of, and involved in, the issues on its doorstep.

We need you!

We are looking for testimonies, It can be your life story, or individual events in your life God has done for you.

Be a blessing to many, submit yours today to: hesalivenews@yahoo.com

Help and encouragement after the death of a loved one

Website:hesalivenews.org

Faith International Christian Center Bradenton, Florida

GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life. We know it hurts, and we want to help.

Invites you to A Very Special Christmas Cantata Christmas Is Calling You Home Sunday Only December 13, 2015 10:00 am 7409 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 941-794-1713

Contact Us Today MONDAYS 7-9 –PM Wednesdays 7:00pm 9:00pm Restoration January 17Fellowship - April 25 Riverwood Church, 555-5555 5614 Richardson Road 9828Sarasota, Chambers FLRoad griefshare@riverwoodchurch.org Contact Phyllis at 941-284-1255

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HE’S ALIVE: Christian News and Views

December 2015 • Vol. 2, No. 12

Bradenton, Florida | FREE — Donations Welcome!

Eight Biblical Ways to Respond To ISIS and Radical Islam

By Mike Shreve, Special to the ASSIST News Service

Women being comforted after the terrorist attack in Paris.

By Mike Shreve.

CLEVELAND, TN (ANS – November 2015) -- Many worldwide are grieving with the people of Paris who suffered such a tragedy at the hands of Muslim extremists. I believe that attacking ISIS militarily is right and should have been done in greater fury long ago. However, I would urge Christians everywhere to also respond to Muslim-related terrorism a completely different way.

I am issuing a call to all of my fellow soldiers in the army of God to build up an arsenal of spiritual weapons and launch a spiritual attack, not against people, but against the spirits that hold Muslims bound (precious souls for whom Jesus died) and fight against the false ideology of Islam by “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).

I urge every sincere and compassionate believer to do the following eight things: 1. Reach out to Muslims in your community. Be kind and express the love of Jesus to them. When you see them, try to strike up conversations with them. Ask them to explain to you what they believe. Act genuinely interested and concerned. I've done it many times in the past and plan to do it more in the future. You might be surprised by the positive response you get. They are humans too and have feelings. One Muslim woman I spoke to recently in a gas station broke down crying, thanking me for showing her kindness.

2. Order THE JESUS FILM on DVD in the primary Muslim languages and carry them with you to give to followers of Islam whenever you meet them. I carry different versions

of THE JESUS FILM DVD with me everywhere I go, in all the languages of India (to give to Hindus) and in all the major Muslim languages (to give to Muslims). Just go to www. jesusfilm.org and order yours. They give 10% discount to ministries.

They have an amazing app to that you can download to your smart phones. Do a search for JESUS FILM MEDIA. 3. Order the book JESUS AND MUHAMMAD, authored by Mark Gabriel and published by Charisma House. I have found this to be one of the most powerful books you can give Muslims to influence them toward Christianity. It is written respectfully by a former Muslim who taught in a prestigious Muslim university. Then he had an encounter with Jesus that changed everything.

It contrasts the lives and messages of Jesus and Muhammad. www.amazon.com/jesusandmuhammad 4. Learn what Muslims really believe so you can hold an intelligent conversation with them. You can visit my outreach website, www.thetruelight.net , and discover the primary beliefs of Islam.

For instance, did you know where the symbol of Islam, the Crescent Moon, got its origin, or the five mandatory things that a Muslim is expected to do in order to be saved?

Or how does their belief in the Second Coming of Christ differ from ours? We need to know these things.

Or you can order my book In Search of the True Light, that compares the beliefs of twenty different religions in seven areas of doctrines from my website www.deeperrevelationbooks.org .

5. Watch this phenomenal conversion testimony of a former Muslim and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. www. youtube.com/formermuslim

6. Ask God to give you the wisdom and passion to be a soul winner (“He who wins souls is wise” Pr. 11:30). God did promise if we lack wisdom and ask for it, He will give it to us liberally (Ja. 1:5).

So few Christians are really passionate about winning the lost. One of the few things GOD INCARNATE actually asked us to pray about is that the Father would send laborers into His harvest. Jesus lamented, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Mt. 9:37).

7. Pray that God will give you influence among Muslims and that He will birth an even greater revival than is happening presently among Islamic people. John Wesley declared, “God does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” After you pray, believe and watch God open up opportunities.

8. Confess every day before you go out into the world, “I and the rest of the body of Christ are THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!” Jesus has passed this responsibility to us (see Jn. 8:12, Mt. 5:14).

Now what are we going to do about it? We must take on the mindset of soldiers, fighting to rescue the perishing, committed to a cause, willing to even risk our lives for the greater good.

A real revival of Muslims finding the LORD will be one of the greatest deterrents to the evil and darkness of radical Islam filling our world.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016

18-year-old American tourist shot and killed in West Bank

By Mark Ellis, Special to ASSIST News Service

The American was identified as Ezra Schwartz, of Sharon, Mass., a yeshiva student in Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem. He was delivering food to Israeli soldiers patrolling the area at the time of the attack, according to The New York Post.

Seven others were lightly wounded in the attack, including two Israeli women and five American yeshiva students.

They were all evacuated to the Sha’areTzedek Medical Center. The five Americans are due to be released, while the two Israeli women will remain hospitalized, The Jerusalem Post reported.

U.S. officials said they considered the attack an act of terrorism.

“We condemn these terrorist attacks against innocent civilians in the strongest possible terms,” Edgar Vasquez, a spokesperson for the State Department, told The Jerusalem Post.

The bullet-riden car he was traveling in.

“As we’ve made clear, we remain deeply concerned about the situation,” he said, “and continue to urge all sides

to take affirmative steps to restore calm and prevent actions that would further escalate tensions.”

Apparently the terrorist fired at the cars as he drove by them and was also able to reload this gun.

He then fled at high speed toward the AlonShvut settlement, but slammed into a car.

The terrorist left the vehicle and tried to make further shots. Israeli security forces shot at the terrorist and then arrested him.

Video footage from the scene show the terrorist lying on the ground as soldiers surround him, according to the Post.

The Israeli victim, Yaakov Don, 51, from the AlonShvut settlement, is a father of four children.

He was evacuated from the scene and was pronounced dead upon his arrival at the Haddassah Medical Center in EinKarem.

5 HE’S ALIVE: Christian News and Views

December 2015 • Vol. 2, No. 12

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The world’s deadliest terror group may not be who you think it is

By Ruth Kramer 23 November, 2015-International (MNN) — Ask the question, “What’s the world’s deadliest terror group?” and your most common answer will probably include al-Qaeda or the Islamic State.

However, according to the annual Global Terrorism Index, it’s Boko Haram: a terror group that’s been responsible for torturing Nigeria since 2009. The group believes the Nigerian government is corrupt and feels that the country should be ruled under Sharia law.

Greg Musselman, a spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs Canada, says ISIS sees moderate Muslims “as having compromised Islam, and they’re trying to bring it back to what they [ISIS] see as ‘true’ Islam. I think within those organizations like ISIS and Boko Haram, you would have some that they would believe in their message and are willing to do whatever…. Others are probably more opportunistic.”

In order to establish a caliphate, Boko Haram has vowed to rid the north of all non-Muslim influence–including Christians–and overthrow the Nigerian government. Many of their attacks have focused on the rural, northeastern portions of the countryside but have been spreading south and west over time. In fact, their six-year insurgency has killed 20,000 people and forced 2.3 million to flee their homes. Three northeastern Nigerian states, Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, remain under a state of emergency because of Boko Haram’s attacks.

Global War on Terrorism Memorial at the Colorado State Welcome Center/Rest Area in Trinidad, Colorado. CC BY-SA 2.0 (Photo, caption courtesy Matt Lemmon via Flickr)

As far as “deadly” goes, the killings they’ve claimed have increased by 300% since 2013. The GTI report notes Boko Haram killed 6,664 people last year– more than the Islamic State, which killed 6,073 people in 2014. Between them, ISIS and Boko Haram were responsible for 51% of the deaths linked to militant groups last year.

So, why the perception that ISIS is more deadly? Musselman explains, “They tend to be the ones that are grabbing attention, so when you have an attack in Paris that we had last week and ISIS claims that they were the ones that were responsible for it, that catches international news.” Additionally, they’re more media savvy and have slick marketing techniques. Plus, ISIS is both moneyed

and bold. ”This was just so blatant to go in and do what they did. That brings a lot of attention. Then, the bringing down of the Russian plane, coming out of Egypt; then you had the suicide bombings in Beirut.” Although Boko Haram has been deadlier, their message isn’t as obvious. It’s all about influence.

“Their terror is taking place in Nigeria [or] around there–Chad and some other countries–and it’s not as high profile.

While there are media reports, they kind of all look the same–an exploded car or ambulances coming.” Musselman notes a couple of situations that remain high-profile for the Nigerian Islamists. In April 2014, the abduction of more than 200 school-aged girls by Boko Haram militants from their boarding school in

a largely Christian community drew international attention and public outcry. Since then, there has been a sharp rise in the number of girls and women used for suicide bombings. Nigeria has had enough. The people voted in a new president, Muhammadu Buhari, who promised to beef up security. He organized a multinational coalition made up of troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Benin. The force pushed the militants out of areas they’d claimed as part of the caliphate. Some scattered, resurfacing in neighboring countries, waging guerrilla warfare. Then, in March, Boko Haram pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State, taking on the secondary name of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Occasional breaks in the fighting meant Boko Haram was regrouping. In the most recent case, a three-week lull came to a violent end five days ago. The death toll in Nigeria mounted from the 18 November bombing in Kano State. It came not even a full day after Boko Haram was suspected in an explosion that killed and injured dozens in Yola, Adamawa State.

Even while churches, schools, and government buildings bear the brunt of Boko Haram’s wrath, Musselman says believers have to be resolute: “We need to promote Jesus Christ. I think the Bible is very clear that our battle is not against ‘flesh and blood.” VOM provides tools for evangelism, medical care for victims of attacks, and job training for

(Photo courtesy Flickr/CC/US Dept of State)

widows and other affected Christians.

Church leaders are trying to exemplify these thoughts: “Jesus said that we are to love our enemies, we are to pray for our enemies. We are to bless our enemies.

Those words become difficult especially when it’s people who are doing such horrendous things.”

One way we can stand with Nigeria’s Church in prayer is to ask God to change the hearts of Boko Haram fighters as they encounter People of the Cross.

Pray that He will strengthen the faith of the believers in Nigeria. May His perfect peace and strength continue to supernaturally sustain them.

Faith International Welcomes Guest Pastor From Nigeria

By Way Of Canada Pastor Emmanuel Olaoluwa is the pastor and founder of The Redeemed Church of God in Canada. He will be speaking and praying for the sick during the 10 am morning service at Faith International Christian Center in Bradenton, FL on December 27th during the morning service.

From July of 2010, Pastor Emmanuel and his wife have been missionaries from Nigeria to Canada. He is a graduate of Estate Management from University of Ife and has owned his own business as a realtor and auto dealer before his call into full-time ministry. “I am on my second church plant and planning a third one since we arrived in Canada.” Pastor Emmanuel explains. “God has been gracious to us and has been confirming our ministry with miracles, signs and wonders.”

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6 HE’S ALIVE: Christian News and Views

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Bieber’s latest concert ‘like a church’

By Mark Ellis

(November, 2015 ANS) Recently, 21-year-old pop sensation Justin Bieber made a stunning turnaround in his relationship with Christ. In a soul-baring interview with COMPLEX magazine, he said he was leaving behind the tabloid headlines and had made dramatic turn in his walk with Jesus.

In connection with the release of the singer’s new album, “Purpose,” his sold-out concert at Staples Center November 13th had a distinctly spiritual flavor, surprising many observers.

“What the vaguely billed event at Staples Center felt most like was a church service,” reported Mikael Wood, a reviewer for The Los Angeles Times.

Friday’s show started when Bieber rode his skateboard to a smaller stage near the center of the arena. He did an acoustic performance of several new (and old) songs and premiered a film highlighting each track from “Purpose” with distinct dance numbers for each song.

“Between the skateboarding and the singing, though, Bieber sat on a stool next to Judah Smith, the man described as his pastor, and more or less preached,” a surprised Wood noted in the Times.

Smith, 36, is lead pastor of The City

Church in Seattle, described as “a thriving multi-site church noted for its cultural relevance, commitment to biblical integrity and faith, and love for Jesus.”

He is also the author of Jesus Is, a new book endorsed by Bieber.

Bieber’s mom, Pattie Mallette, stumbled upon Smith’s sermons and met him for the first time at a conference.

She told Smith that his tapes put her son to sleep and suggested the two meet each other. While Smith didn’t consider the snooze effect a compliment initially, his relationship with the pop sensation has developed and grown over time.

At Friday’s concert, “He (Bieber) credited his connection with God for helping him to get back on his feet after a string of widely publicized tabloid troubles,” Wood reported in the Times.

At one point in the concert, a dozen pre-selected fans were brought on the stage with Bieber for a question-and-answer session.

One young woman asked him for advice in handling a romantic breakup.

“I’m not really good at relationship counseling,” he joked. “I can’t keep a relationship going.”

Following his epic break-up with Selena Gomez, Bieber told COMPLEX magazine his heart began to soften toward God. “Love is a choice. Love is not a feeling. People have made it seem in movies that it’s this fairy tale. That’s not what love is,” he noted.

“You’re not gonna want to love your girl sometimes but you’re gonna choose to love her,” he continued. “That’s something in life that I had to figure out.

I can’t lean on people. I got to lean on God. I gotta trust in Him through all my situations. Then, hopefully, my other relationships will flourish around me.”

The album cover for Bieber’s new album features the shirtless young star, bent over in prayer, with a cross painted on his stomach.

The penitent tone of “Purpose” is exemplified by the song “Sorry,” as Bieber apologizes for his troublesome antics and vows to change his ways.

“God sent an angel to help you out,” he sings in “Life is Worth Living,” described by the Times as a “delicate and beautifully sung piano ballad.”

Bieber sings about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: “He gave you direction, showed you how to read a map for the long journey ahead.” According to Times reviewer Woods, “With ‘Purpose’ Bieber doesn’t just alter his message; he’s transformed his sound too.”

Editor’s Note: This young man has the potential to reach a lot of our young folks, let us give him some time and space to grow in the grace he has received before we judge or condemn his way of

life or music of the past. Let us diligently pray that he stays faithful to his commitment to the Lord in spite of Hollywood and all his success. Do spiritual warfare for him and for revival among all those young people who follow him.

Praise God for His grace does is not confined to the rich nor the poor, the lowly nor the rich, but it is for whosoever will, let him come and drink of the water of life freely.

7 HE’S ALIVE: Christian News and Views

December 2015 • Vol. 2, No. 12

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My Christmas Mouse

By Robert and Madeline

By Charles Glass Duffany

(Bradenton, FL Dec 2015) I lay awake on my bed once more, eyes bleary, barely open, sleep escaping my being once more.I had heard it again, I was sure: the soft, barely distinct rustling, scurrying sound as of a solitary leaf drifting slowly among its brothers across a silent ground.

How could that be? I thought, as I struggled through the haze of sleep which sought to fully reduce my mind and body to slumber and peace.

It couldn’t, I agreed with myself. There was no breeze blowing near me to move the leaves. Then, I mentally jumped into a higher state of awareness, silently and wearily congratulating myself as I reached the realization that there should be no leaves in my bedroom!

I felt lifted, euphoric that I had solved the mystery. I was in bed! There were no leaves; there was no breeze! Happily I relaxed and allowed my consciousness to fall away into an oblivion of choices of what I should now dream about as I slept. Perhaps about my wife…about Christmas…about….

Shs-shs-shs…. There it was! I was suddenly jerked again from happiness and from uncaring drifting neural flashes of joy, into the real world of danger and fear!

I propped my torso and head up on my elbows, sleep slowly falling away to alertness. The room was still quite dark, lit only by the subdued glow of the clock on the dresser at my side.

2:17, it blinked in a yellow, hazy fog.

AM, of course: AM, when people (normal people) usually sleep…peacefully.

Enough was enough! Smoothly and silently I eased my body from the left side of the bed, holding my breath until I stood on the floor, watching closely to be sure I had not disturbed my wife. A slightly deeper breath and a mumbled ‘blunggmogunose…’answered my concern. No wakefulness there!

Creeping stealthily across the room, I hesitated momentarily, dithering mentally whether or not I should locate and wear my furry rabbit-head slippers (which were a gift from my wife). Nah! Take too long, wherever they were.

The door was ajar, and I slowly left the room, closing, but not latching it. I stood at the head of the stairs for long minutes, holding the unsteady rail, firmly resolving to glue the big knob back onto the rail corner before it again fell bumping loudly downstairs and waking the whole household at six AM when my daughter got up for work. I hesitated again at the first step, hoping I was still dreaming, wishing the floor

The self-congratulations vanished like a suddenly burnt light bulb in a dark creepy cellar. I became as stone until my chest reminded me to breathe again to stay alive.

With bold determination, that boldness which skittered quickly across the surface of my awareness, hovering just above the fear of what I would soon see, I grabbed at this sliver of bravado before it could leave me in quivering horror forever, and reached out to the lamp on my right,tweaking the switch with trembling hand, flooding the room and my eyes with subdued light.

was heated, and wondering why I was bothering to do this, anyway. But it seemed I had to solve the mystery or go on forever without a good night’s sleep.

After carefully picking my way down each step, trying to remember which ones squeaked, I stood and breathed deeply before moving on into the mission.

Only three really loud creaks after all!

The rest of the noises I felt would be attributed by my wife to my snoring affliction (despite the unsightly nose strip I irregularly wore, and which now dangled from one corner of that member).

I tiptoed silently around the corner and entered the living room, squelching most of my scream as the corner of the detestable gray couch monster again lashed out and caught my right small toes.

The room appeared the same as it had been before we had retired (a few sleepless hours ago!) The tree was there, now dark and lifeless with all its branches, shiny balls, and other dangling decorations. The fireplace still sported the five labeled stockings we had carefully hung, waiting for Someone to fill them with goodies very early in the AM after the three children were asleep. (Unfortunately, they had stayed awake well past their normal bedtime, snickering and giggling in joyful anticipation, which hadn’t helped at all in my attempts to sleep.) And now, this interruption!

Well…maybe I could see to the stockings before I went back to bed. I saw the Thing immediately; couldn’t help see it. It occupied almost half the room!

and caught my right small toes. Aaghhh! Dark words rose in my mindand throat, but were instantly discarded as I controlled my thoughts.

Spoken or screamed out, they would have awakened the entire family.

A big sprawling tangle of broom handle, pails, dish pan, two by fours angled down to an ottoman commandeered for the job, and various other hanging and protruding objects all delicately balanced and waiting for a momentous start of some action. The prize piece stood out like a giant Tower of Babel: a cone-shaped wire basket that stood at least two and a half feet high whose round base was held suspended at a forty-five degree angle from the floor by a wire connected to some sort of trip lever, which was connected to another angled runway on which sat a small red ball, ready to roll, connected to….

And they weren’t polite, anyway. Man, what a person has to go through to just get a good night’s sleep these days!

Shs-cuh-cuh-cuh…. I heard it once more, as I held my toes and writhed in pain. But this time it was louder – and different: more like a scratching! What a relief! I wasn’t on a worthless mission! Something was there,I thought triumphantly.

Something?

What Something?

It was the World’s Best Mouse Trap, constructed by my twelve-year old son, Robby, in a challenge he had seen on television the night before last. There it was! A collection of disconnected, disjointed, joyless objects lingering in ugly defiance of the beauty of the rest of the Christmas decorations! And I had urged him to accept the challenge!

The wire basket was the trap, and asmall, gray, stuffed mouse sat under it,

gazing longingly at a bit of real cheese just in front of its nose. The cheese was still connected to some other part of the trap by an almost invisible string, ready to send the basket down and over the poor, hungry, unsuspecting mouse, dooming him forever.

What a horrible prospect for the poor creature (even if it wasn’t really alive)!

But, wait! That’s not a real mouse!

What had made the noise? It couldn’t have been…. My mind immediately rejected the thought, to my relief.

Shs-cuh-cuh-cuh! It had been superbly silent for some moments, and I now heard the same sound again…this time from the other side of the tree!

I was cautious as I crept silently to where I could peek around the tree and view the other side of the room. My eyes took in the easy chairs, decorated end and center tables, the long side hutch filled with candles, green trailing pine boughs, and red, shiny Christmas reminders of the joy of the Holiday Season. Beautiful! My wife had done a wonderful thing for the family at this happy time!

The crèche lay quietly supreme in its central position among the other items of that wintry, Christmassy beauty. I moved very slowly toward that manger scene, sensing something odd about its appearance.

As I drew nearer, I leaned forward slightly and peered into the small building which enclosed the panorama.

The stable itself lay open at the front, with just a back wall and two sidewalls supporting a wooden roof which slanted shallowly down at each end.

A small lighted bulb illuminated the entire scene within. Straw lay over the entire floor area, and various figures were gathered around a tiny manger which held the small Christ child. Mary and Joseph knelt near the manger, while shepherds and Magi stood nearby in silent contemplation of the miraculous event. Several animals stood or lay around the inside edges of the building, all content in the presence of their Maker.

Suddenly, I froze, my heart accelerating to a higher rhythm. What was that near the cow figurine? It couldn’t be! I glanced away momentarily to refocus my eyes, then looked again. A small nose that twitched slightly; a long gray face with two black eyes that stared steadily at the Baby in the manger; a furry body and a long, curled tail which remained rigidly motionless! How could this be?

It was a live gray mouse! He was nestled in the straw, staring at the Baby Jesus, seemingly unconcerned about my presence!

I continued to stare at him for several minutes, wondering at such a thing, taking in the whole scene of our Savior’s birth as if it was the first time I had seen it.

My heart lifted and filled with the wonder and joy of His birth! I thrilled in huge gratitude for the immense Love which our Father God has for us all!

For the mercy and compassion which sent Jesus as a sacrifice for sinners, to take their place in judgement and then rise with salvation and healing in His power!

For the grace which even now blesses all who believe in God’s Son, Jesus Christ!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 How Awesome is our God. How wonderful is this season of the year! How greatly we need to fall on our knees and worship Almighty God for His magnificent Gift!

His gift of Jesus Christ, our only Savior.

As I looked again at the scene before me with bursting heart and through tear-dimmed eyes, the little gray mouse looked up and stared straight into my eyes.

He was not afraid…he was in the worshipful presence of the Savior. With a slight twitch of his whiskered nose, he carefully found his way among the figures in the stable scene, then disappeared around the edge of the wooden frame.

I straightened and peered around a little, hoping to catch another glimpse of that tiny fellow creature. But, I never saw him again over subsequent Christmas seasons.

And, you know, I miss him in a way. We shared a special few moments in time as we both praised our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I wished, at that moment, that the whole world could have been with us during that specialtime at the birth of Jesus. It forever remains in my heart.

As I ascended the stairs with rapture and joy in my heart, a part of my mind wondered at how I was going to tell this to my wife and sons. Yet, tell them I would. Perhaps someday, they too would have a similar encounter with my Christmas Mouse.

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HE’S ALIVE: Christian News and Views

December 2015 • Vol. 2, No. 12

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Simple Plan Of Salvation

The Spirit of Truth

By Rev Madeline Montez Duffany

Dec. 2015

Dear Reverend,

lebrate the ce e w n e h w in a g a r It’s that time of yea forward t n

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n Have a M find Peace on Earth erry, Bless ed Christm today! as, everyo ne!

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at PO Box 14931 e in el ad M ev R to Write 0 or by email at Bradenton, FL 3428 oo.com.

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