Here is a MUST SEE! From To Every Tribe ministry.
http://www.jesusisworthit.com/
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
God is Working
God is doing something in me. I'm waking up from a long slumber of mediocrity. His urgency is becoming burned in my soul. My calling is coming into view. As Paul Washer has said "We were not called to play video games...we were not called to watch TV...we were not called to trifles...we were called to ADVANCE A KINGDOM!" and "the weapons of our warfare are mighty...intercessory prayer, the proclamation of the Gospel, and sacrificial love."
The wrath of God is coming into focus...judgement and justice from a perfect God. Are you ready...am I ready? Have you produced fruit or are you at risk of being cut off and thrown into the fire. Many are deceived and think they are ready. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt 7:22,23 (KJV) How much have I prophesied? How many devils have I cast out? How many wonderful works? And I think I'm secure...based on what? It's time to "give diligence to make your calling and election sure..." 2 Peter 1:10 (KJV)
He is circumcising my heart. Cutting away all those things that pull away my devotion. All those weeds that threaten (and have) choked out the word of God, to the point of not producing fruit. It's time to cut some weeds, stretch toward the Son and bear fruit.
As we continue to build big buildings and spend money on ourselves there are millions still out there that have not heard the name of Christ. As K.P. Yohanan says "if hell is real then I must do something more than what I'm doing with my life...we need to realize that we are headed toward eternity. And that is not a thousand miles from now, it is next minute! Jesus lived like that!"
We "christians" in America are in danger of hell fire. What did Jesus say? 23 "...verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Matt 19:23-24 (KJV) Make no mistake, we (in the USA) are rich. There are so many things here in America to choke out the word of God. So many still struggle with sin, still struggle with a thought life that is not pleasing to God, and still seek the approval of men rather than God; these are basics...milk. We don't want to give up our ease of living. But we must! I must pick up the cross of Christ...which is self-denial. I MUST...GIVE...ALL...to touch a dying world!
I need a passion for what God has a passion for! I need to be a praying man...not only at the dinner table, at bedtime with the kids, and in crisis. NO! I need to be drinking from the fountain of living water, because I THIRST... Oh God do I thirst. To labor in prayer before God...to weep before God for His church. I'm not talking about a mere concern, I'm talking about a PASSION that drives me to my knees, that brings me into anguish. "Where are the Sunday school teachers that weep over kids they know are not hearing and are going to hell?" (David Wilkerson)
God I need your heart...I need your burden. God, that is what I desire.
The wrath of God is coming into focus...judgement and justice from a perfect God. Are you ready...am I ready? Have you produced fruit or are you at risk of being cut off and thrown into the fire. Many are deceived and think they are ready. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt 7:22,23 (KJV) How much have I prophesied? How many devils have I cast out? How many wonderful works? And I think I'm secure...based on what? It's time to "give diligence to make your calling and election sure..." 2 Peter 1:10 (KJV)
He is circumcising my heart. Cutting away all those things that pull away my devotion. All those weeds that threaten (and have) choked out the word of God, to the point of not producing fruit. It's time to cut some weeds, stretch toward the Son and bear fruit.
As we continue to build big buildings and spend money on ourselves there are millions still out there that have not heard the name of Christ. As K.P. Yohanan says "if hell is real then I must do something more than what I'm doing with my life...we need to realize that we are headed toward eternity. And that is not a thousand miles from now, it is next minute! Jesus lived like that!"
We "christians" in America are in danger of hell fire. What did Jesus say? 23 "...verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Matt 19:23-24 (KJV) Make no mistake, we (in the USA) are rich. There are so many things here in America to choke out the word of God. So many still struggle with sin, still struggle with a thought life that is not pleasing to God, and still seek the approval of men rather than God; these are basics...milk. We don't want to give up our ease of living. But we must! I must pick up the cross of Christ...which is self-denial. I MUST...GIVE...ALL...to touch a dying world!
I need a passion for what God has a passion for! I need to be a praying man...not only at the dinner table, at bedtime with the kids, and in crisis. NO! I need to be drinking from the fountain of living water, because I THIRST... Oh God do I thirst. To labor in prayer before God...to weep before God for His church. I'm not talking about a mere concern, I'm talking about a PASSION that drives me to my knees, that brings me into anguish. "Where are the Sunday school teachers that weep over kids they know are not hearing and are going to hell?" (David Wilkerson)
God I need your heart...I need your burden. God, that is what I desire.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Base Information On Trafficking
Here are some good reports to read for a solid background in human trafficking. We must understand the problem to generate solutions.
2009 State Dept Report
Sex Trafficking Of Women In TheUnited States
Forced Labor and Human Trafficking: Estimating the Profits
2009 State Dept Report
Sex Trafficking Of Women In TheUnited States
Forced Labor and Human Trafficking: Estimating the Profits
Friday, August 14, 2009
10,000 Women Victimized Every Year by Mexican Sex Traffickers
A new study just released by University of Nuevo Leon and funded by the National Science and Technology Council revealed that criminal rings in Mexico abduct or entrap approximately 10,000 women every year. These women are taken from the southern and central states of Mexico and sexually exploited in the northern states.
The study confirms what typically happens in these abductions, i.e. young ladies being lured in by the promise of work and income in the big city. Once in the big city their identification and resources are taken, they are locked away and brought "clients".
Once they realize they have been sold into prostitution in a brothel they attempt to leave and go home. At this time they are repeatedly gang raped for days on end until they have no will to fight back. They are then used by these pimps and traded among brothels so they can keep fresh girls for their "clients".
This is the third largest industry worldwide behind trafficking drugs and arms bringing in about $6 billion dollars per year. Women in eastern Europe have talked about being forced to take more than 50 "clients" per day and a dozen being a very slow day! Pause and let that soak in for a minute.
The study found that monterrey is one of the most frequented areas of sexual tourism, primarily due to it's proximity to the U.S. Additionally, almost 5,000 are trafficked to the U.S. every year.
Folks, we've got to break down these gates!
Read the article by the Latin American Herald Tribune
The study confirms what typically happens in these abductions, i.e. young ladies being lured in by the promise of work and income in the big city. Once in the big city their identification and resources are taken, they are locked away and brought "clients".
Once they realize they have been sold into prostitution in a brothel they attempt to leave and go home. At this time they are repeatedly gang raped for days on end until they have no will to fight back. They are then used by these pimps and traded among brothels so they can keep fresh girls for their "clients".
This is the third largest industry worldwide behind trafficking drugs and arms bringing in about $6 billion dollars per year. Women in eastern Europe have talked about being forced to take more than 50 "clients" per day and a dozen being a very slow day! Pause and let that soak in for a minute.
The study found that monterrey is one of the most frequented areas of sexual tourism, primarily due to it's proximity to the U.S. Additionally, almost 5,000 are trafficked to the U.S. every year.
Folks, we've got to break down these gates!
Read the article by the Latin American Herald Tribune
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Gates of Hell
There is a very common, well known scripture that says "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matt 16:18 (KJV) I want you to key in on the bold part, "the gates of hell shall not prevail".
For some reason (maybe the deception of the evil one) the Church has largely thought wrong about this verse. I, and many others, have understood it to mean that evil will not be able, ultimately, to prevail against the Church. Although this is true, it is not taught with this scripture. This says that "the gates of HELL shall not prevail". Are gates an offensive or defensive weapon? They are clearly defensive. So what this is saying is that the gates of hell will not be able to withstand the attack of the Church.
Reading through a few missionary biographies gives us a good picture of how those who have loved the Lord have gone boldly into the abode of the wicked and the gates of hell did not prevail. It takes bold action, led by God's Spirit, to defeat the evil in this world. My friends it is time to stop being content in our defensive posture and get on the offensive with the good news of Jesus Christ and start knocking down some gates.
Where is the abode of the wicked...look around and take your choice. Whether it's the watered down feel good gospel often preached in the U.S., the murder of millions of babies through abortion, or the trafficking of children into the sex trade industry, we have to get involved and boldly go to the gates with a battering ram!
For some reason (maybe the deception of the evil one) the Church has largely thought wrong about this verse. I, and many others, have understood it to mean that evil will not be able, ultimately, to prevail against the Church. Although this is true, it is not taught with this scripture. This says that "the gates of HELL shall not prevail". Are gates an offensive or defensive weapon? They are clearly defensive. So what this is saying is that the gates of hell will not be able to withstand the attack of the Church.
Reading through a few missionary biographies gives us a good picture of how those who have loved the Lord have gone boldly into the abode of the wicked and the gates of hell did not prevail. It takes bold action, led by God's Spirit, to defeat the evil in this world. My friends it is time to stop being content in our defensive posture and get on the offensive with the good news of Jesus Christ and start knocking down some gates.
Where is the abode of the wicked...look around and take your choice. Whether it's the watered down feel good gospel often preached in the U.S., the murder of millions of babies through abortion, or the trafficking of children into the sex trade industry, we have to get involved and boldly go to the gates with a battering ram!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) Compliance
One of the primary obstacles to stopping Human Trafficking activities is tracking violators cross international borders. The very nature of the "business" involves taking victims across borders where they are unfamiliar and unknown. In an effort to get these countries on the same page in persuing traffickers the TVPA (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) was formed.
The US Department of State explains it this way: "The United States’ Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended, guides efforts to combat human trafficking. The most recent amendments to the TVPA were enacted in December 2008. The purpose of the law is to punish traffickers, protect victims, and prevent trafficking from occurring. Freeing victims from this form of modern-day slavery is the ultimate goal of this report—and of the U.S. Government’s anti-human trafficking policy."
This map show compliance with the TVPA
TIER 1: Countries whose governments fully comply with the (TVPA) minimum standards
TIER 2: Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards
TIER 2 WATCH LIST: Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards AND:a) The absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or issignificantly increasing; orb) There is a failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons from the previous year; orc) The determination that a country is making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with minimum standards was based on commitments by the country to take additional future steps over the next year
TIER 3: Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the minimum standards and are not making significant efforts to do so.
Also, here is a link to the Department of State's annual report on human trafficking: http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2009/index.htm.
The US Department of State explains it this way: "The United States’ Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended, guides efforts to combat human trafficking. The most recent amendments to the TVPA were enacted in December 2008. The purpose of the law is to punish traffickers, protect victims, and prevent trafficking from occurring. Freeing victims from this form of modern-day slavery is the ultimate goal of this report—and of the U.S. Government’s anti-human trafficking policy."
This map show compliance with the TVPA
TIER 1: Countries whose governments fully comply with the (TVPA) minimum standards
TIER 2: Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards
TIER 2 WATCH LIST: Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards AND:a) The absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or issignificantly increasing; orb) There is a failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons from the previous year; orc) The determination that a country is making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with minimum standards was based on commitments by the country to take additional future steps over the next year
TIER 3: Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the minimum standards and are not making significant efforts to do so.
Also, here is a link to the Department of State's annual report on human trafficking: http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2009/index.htm.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
New Movie Release: Trade
Just got an update from World Vision, Australia about a new movie about to hit limited theaters this month. Here is the trailer with information on theaters and how to get involved: http://www.tradethemovie.com/#. The movie is based on a true story of a young girl that is abducted in Mexico City and sold into the sex trade industry. Her brother desperately searches for her with the help of a Texas cop (Kevin Kline).
I pray this wakes people up to the reality of human trafficking. One of the biggest obstacles in stopping these traffickers is their cross-border/international movements as well as corrupt governments, particularly in Latin America.
Watch the older movie, Man on Fire, with Denzel Washington and Trade when it comes out; get involved! And just for fun take the human trafficking quiz here: http://trans.worldvision.com.au/dtl/takeaction/quiz.aspx
I pray this wakes people up to the reality of human trafficking. One of the biggest obstacles in stopping these traffickers is their cross-border/international movements as well as corrupt governments, particularly in Latin America.
Watch the older movie, Man on Fire, with Denzel Washington and Trade when it comes out; get involved! And just for fun take the human trafficking quiz here: http://trans.worldvision.com.au/dtl/takeaction/quiz.aspx
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Human Trafficking and the Economic Downturn
World Vision (WV) Australia just ran a news piece that clued me in on a couple issues regarding the state of human trafficking. One issue is how the current economic downturn has bolstered human trafficking. And the other is that with everyone focused on providing for own families we may be dropping the ball on caring for orphans and widows.
First, current economics bolstering human trafficking. Many times traffickers seek to exploit those who are looking for work. There is the promise of a better paying job usually near or just across a border or in the big city. Once the person accepts and is taken to the new place they are wisped across the border and/or locked away in some awful room downtown. The person is afraid in an unfamiliar place with mean people all around. They are then threatened, and many times given drugs to start their addiction, given their captors more power over them.
It's easy to see how the economic downturn has helped provide many people looking for work in unfamiliar places. WV points out that in the Philippines alone more than 42,000 have recently lost their jobs. In a place like that job recruiters abound...which ones are honest and which ones are going to sell their victims to human traffickers? It's hard to tell.
The second issue of being so distracted by our own problems that we forget about those less fortunate sickens me. Don't get me wrong, I've got to provide for my family first. But we cannot forget about the orphans and widows. It is in times like these that we need to be active in pressuring governments, being an advocate and getting our hands dirty. I've noticed when I get too wrapped up in my self and things that directly affect me that something big is missing. God created us to help ONE ANOTHER; to love and serve our neighbor.
So find a outlet for giving; and give till it hurts!
First, current economics bolstering human trafficking. Many times traffickers seek to exploit those who are looking for work. There is the promise of a better paying job usually near or just across a border or in the big city. Once the person accepts and is taken to the new place they are wisped across the border and/or locked away in some awful room downtown. The person is afraid in an unfamiliar place with mean people all around. They are then threatened, and many times given drugs to start their addiction, given their captors more power over them.
It's easy to see how the economic downturn has helped provide many people looking for work in unfamiliar places. WV points out that in the Philippines alone more than 42,000 have recently lost their jobs. In a place like that job recruiters abound...which ones are honest and which ones are going to sell their victims to human traffickers? It's hard to tell.
The second issue of being so distracted by our own problems that we forget about those less fortunate sickens me. Don't get me wrong, I've got to provide for my family first. But we cannot forget about the orphans and widows. It is in times like these that we need to be active in pressuring governments, being an advocate and getting our hands dirty. I've noticed when I get too wrapped up in my self and things that directly affect me that something big is missing. God created us to help ONE ANOTHER; to love and serve our neighbor.
So find a outlet for giving; and give till it hurts!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Putting feet to caring for "orphans and widows in their distress"
You have got to check out the Machine Gun Preacher; http://www.machinegunpreacher.com/ . Sam is putting some SERIOUS feet to caring for the orphans of the Sudan. What an incredible inspiration!
Also, a practical toolkit provided by World Vision for would-be community mobilizers for the care of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. A great resource.
Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (5.4 MB)
Also, a practical toolkit provided by World Vision for would-be community mobilizers for the care of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. A great resource.
Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (5.4 MB)
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