“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord”. So we have come today to do just that. Welcome!
Earlier this year, Open Doors released its latest World Watch List (WWL). The annual list highlights the top 50 countries where Christians face the most persecution. This year, the threshold was higher for a country to be ranked on the list. This means that worldwide levels of persecution have risen, according to Open Doors, in analysis of the “significant trends” in 2014. Persecution higher worldwide, they said, “even in places where it has not been reported in the past.”
So while countries such as Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) fell significantly in rank on this year’s watch list (Sri Lanka dropped 15 spots to No. 44, and the UAE dropped 14 spots to No. 49), their level of persecution dropped only slightly from last year’s list (by four points and two points, respectively, on a 100-point scale). And while three countries—Bahrain, Morocco, and Niger—were removed from the list this year. The level of persecution in each of them remained virtually the same from 2013 to 2014.
However, throughout 2014 in general, pressure on Christians increased in 29 countries, decreased in 11, and remained stabled in 7. Three countries—Mexico, Turkey, and Azerbaijan—were added to the watch list this year.
Let us remember to pray for our brethren throughout the world who are suffering persecution. Pray that God would strengthen them and make them powerful witnesses for Him.
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
1. GLOBAL & NATIONAL INTERCESSORS
Today, 5:00PM
2. LUNCH HOUR HOTLINE/ BIBLICAL DYNAMICS
Wednesday, 12:00 noon Lunch Hour Hotline
5:30 p.m. – Biblical Dynamics. We will resume
our study on FAITH.
3. CHOIR PRACTICE
Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
4. HOUR-OF-POWER PRAYER SESSION
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
5. NEXT SUNDAY
Worship & Ministry 9:00 a.m.
Ordination Service
Members’ Meeting scheduled for next Sunday is postponed until further notice.
Spanish Scripture: (1 Peter 4:1-2)
“ Puesto que Cristo ha padecido por nosotros en la carne, vosotros también armaos del mismo pensamiento, pues quien ha padecido en la carne, terminó con el pecado2 para no vivir el tiempo que resta en la carne, conforme a las pasiones humanas, sino conforme a la voluntad de Dios. Para no vivir el tiempo que resta en la carne, conforme a las concupiscencias de los hombres, sino conforme a la voluntad de Dios.”
-1 Pedro 4:1-2 (RVR1995)
Jesus’ death forgave my past sins and inspires
my present obedience.
OTHER CHURCHES ACTIVITIES:
2015 Faith Refresher with Pastor Lloyd Coaker
Christian Unity Church, Tuesday to Thursday April 7-9 at 7:30pm. 3 Nights of Faith with God. Information call at 776-5784.
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MEDIA MINISTRY
World Overcomers: WSTA 1340 AM station: Sundays at 12:30 p.m. & Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m.