Who said, "Christians don't have a sense of humor?"

      

     With the pressure release from worry that comes when a person receives the hope of Christ, laughter naturally sweeps over them. The laughter is not at someone, but is at the relief from worry. 

It's Time to Advance

 

 

     Christians! It is time to advance. We have experienced many casualties and desertions. Churches are drained of their faithful. God's words are tossed aside and the subject of ridicule - at times by our own members. The faithful in many countries are persecuted even to their death. Those professing our Lord and savior Jesus Christ have been arrested, even in so-called civilized countries such as the U.S. and England. Our clergy and directors have given ground to this godless society that is pouring into the cracks and crevices of our faith. We join political parties who give us lip service to use the power of our faith for their acquisition of power. 

     Christians! Let the bold and powerful among us advance into the tumult of this satan-riddled world. Advance with the certainty and power of the Holy Spirit. We need nothing else. God supplies the power, the words, the wisdom, and the sanctification through His Holy Spirit. Let the less bold and powerful give prayer, encouragement, and physical support to our brethren wounded in the battles that are surely to come. For God! Love you all! 

With God...

 

 Mark 10:27 NIV

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." 

Jesus always speaks with simple yet powerful words. He wants no person to misunderstand Him. His statement, "...all things are possible with God." means just that. There is no underlying maybe or I think. When Jesus, God, makes a statement, the statement is true. It doesn't matter that today we think God doesn't exist or that's impossible, the acts of God related in the Bible. It matters what God thinks, does, and relates to us though the Bible or any other form of communication. Have faith! I assure you that it will change your life. Love you all.

 

Be a Lighted Path to God's Love

 

      Yes, believers sometimes do silly things, God corrects us and shows us the better path, then puts us back on track. Non-believers - they don't have the Lord to show them the way, the truth, and the life. Yes, he has attempted to show them, but they don't want to listen, to learn, to prosper in the truth. 

     Compared to our God, we are mere babies. We need to be taught, directed, and coached in the right paths to walk. We must humble ourselves so that we may accept our Lord's teaching. So sad to watch the world go down this current suicidal path due to their worship of themselves and man's knowledge as the truth, the way, and the life. We must do what we can to convince them of the right path. No, approaching them with anger, sanctimonious, and conceited attitudes will only drive them farther away. Approach them as our Lord wishes for us to do - with love and forgiveness. The humbling approach turns hearts and minds, and that is what we're after. Be a lighted path to the love of God. Love you all!

South Sudanese Riches

The real riches aren't tucked away in a billfold, pocketbook, bank, or in physical possessions. The real riches lie within each of us, and can be viewed in a simple smile.

SUFFERING!

 

 

     This is a short story that I wrote after hearing about a gruesome suicide on the local news a few years ago. This is what I imagined might be going through a person's head as he or she sat looking down at the water far below while clinging to the cold metal railing of a dark and lonely bridge. If people are defeated enough to end their lives, they must be searching for courage to commit that horrendous deed. Too, they are surely having arguments within, while in the back of their minds was a hopeful plea to God for another chance to start fresh. Just like the miracle of conversion to Christ brings a fresh start - a clean slate - a new self.

 

 

Oh, Lord, it's me - again.

This bridge is high and cold,

the wind cuts through my body, grown thin from those life-sucking drugs.

Are you too busy for a talk with this sinner -

this sinner that's on his knees - again?

I just had to talk before I go, before I end it.

Oh, who am I kidding?

Even God doesn't want to talk to me!

People tell me a person can't go any lower than hell,

but, by the way, I'm feeling, they may be wrong.

As you must know, I'd have to climb up to reach worthless.

You must be aware of the fact that I'm loathed by friends, so-called and otherwise.

Ah, yes, let's not forget that I'm so pathetic as to not even have enemies.

You know my style - I've stuffed my life-pockets with good-for-nothing playthings.

Yes, Lord, add the fact that over the years I have mixed my clean spirit with polluted waters.     

Now - life has become purposeless, futile, pointless - all of the above.

There is no denying that I've knowingly fed my soul with sin-infected foods.

Yet - here I am Lord, on my knees talking to you - again!

Yet - here I am Lord, asking not for what I deserve - again!

Yet - here I am Lord, with that last breath you talked about - again!

I guess you know that you are causing me a great deal of distress - not badmouthing - not lecturing.

Yeah, alright, I get you, what I meant is it makes me feel so good.

Uh-uh, no way, I can't put you and me through this again, but I have no other choice but to...

Lord, do you think I could put on a new self?

Lord, do you think I'm worth saving?

Lord, seriously, do you think I can change for real this time?

To be truthful, I just don't know if I can - I'm tired, oh, so tired.

I can hardly get out of bed in the morning.

You might as well hang a vacancy sign on me.

My soul has been vacated.

How did it all come to this?

Seriously, Lord, I don't suppose you would be up to giving me another one-more chance?

Please, Lord, I have no one else to turn to - all my bridges are burned.

You really weren't my last option - I was just too embarrassed, too scared to ask again.

I realize that I'm asking a lot by imploring your forgiveness, much less your Love.

I take full responsibility for letting the evil-one drag my soul through his vile domain.

I'm so sorry for letting him ravage this once-holy temple when I could have simply said, no.

Maybe it would be better for both of us if I would just slink quietly away while I am still able.

Father - why are you so silent?

Your silence intimidates me.

Is your silence saying go away, or has my lifestyle deafened me to your words?

Heh, I think you at long last have washed your hands of me?

How can I blame you?

Oh, come on, you can't turn your back on me.

I plead on my knees to you, the God of the living.

Oh, please, be listening, be here, Lord.

What is wrong with me, Lord!

I cannot hear nor see You! - Am I both blind and deaf?

Ah - once upon a time I was able to see and hear You - to feel you - to pour out my soul to you.

Where and how did I take that wrong turn - away from you?

How did I part ways with you?

Oh, but I did - oh, but this world - but my weaknesses!

I'm becoming melancholy - me.

Am I alone in these - oh, what does it matter, but it does - doesn't it?

I remember long ago during my childhood when at night my Mother made me kneel beside my bed and talk to You?

How fondly, I recall your comforting voice when my room was dark and full of scary shadows on the walls.

Well, Father, there are horrifying shadows surrounding me, now.

Where are you?

The time is rapidly approaching.

The wind - I'm so very cold - the night is chilling me with hopelessness.

Oh, my Lord, where did that simple child go?

Remember, the child you used to speak to?

I can't blame you for casting me away.

In truth, I'm just feeling sorry for myself - I'm good at that - as you know.

At least, I have had a smile on my face for a small-passing moment with these thoughts of You.

They have given me the courage to do at least one good thing for this once-loved world - to rid it of myself.

I'm not backing away from the deed this time.

If you're around Lord, please, turn your face away - I think You too soft to watch.

Quickly, my Lord, I must go before this new-found bravery turns its back on me.

And please, forgive me!

And remember me not as I die, but as that innocent child who lived every day for you - my loving Lord.

Where are you, my Father?

I don't suppose - no - I will be forever obliterated from your sight, for this sin is the icing on the cake.

I can't see you!

If you are this oh-so-powerful God, why can't you say a few simple words before I go away - forever - if you please?

Speak up. I can't hear you.

You know, I sincerely did, do love you.

This is goodbye.

Oh, Father! - What have you done?

What - have you robbed me of even this small act of contrition?

Who's this bleeding-heart telling me I'm loved and sticking his nose where it doesn't belong?

Who have you sent to spoil the one good act I was capable of?

Who is this thief trying to rob me of ending this pain?

Lord, once again I have turned you from more noble deeds.

I beg your forgiveness.

I know my past promises, but this time I'll make good use of this last chance.

But, out of all this, Father, I now know - you still hear me - you still love me.

After all, isn't that what I wanted - needed?

Father, I thank you, love you, hear you, and feel you - once more.

After all, isn't that what you wanted?

 

2018 Report on International Religious Freedom: South Sudan

 

 

Executive Summary

The transitional constitution stipulates separation of religion and state, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides religious groups freedom to worship and assemble, organize themselves, teach, own property, receive financial contributions, communicate and issue publications on religious matters, and establish charitable institutions.  Both government and opposition forces reportedly engaged in attacks on religious buildings and killings of religious workers.  On May 16, government forces attacked Emmanuel Christian College in Yei, killing at least 10 persons, five of them children.

On May 12, attackers killed a local pastor and his wife in a home invasion in Juba.  On July 23, a protest by a group of youths demanding employment turned violent in Maban, and the rioters attacked and destroyed the compounds of several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), including those of several missionary groups.  The country’s religious institutions reportedly remained a crucial source of stability in an otherwise unstable country.  Religious leaders stated that a diverse network of Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim domestic and international organizations provided shelter from the fighting.  Sources said that at times their generally outspoken attitude toward what they stated were the forces driving the conflict made them targets, similar to humanitarian workers.

The U.S. Ambassador and other embassy representatives promoted religious freedom through discussions and outreach with religious leaders and civil society organizations.

 

My Note: As my novel implies, South Sudan is basically a Christian country, but beware of its government not following constitutional guarantees. Sadly, this fact overshadows most African countries' best intentions in their constitutional governments.