Video: Pastor Andrew Brunson Speaks of God's Silence & Abandonment

Recently released from a Turkish prison, Pastor Andrew Craig Brunson, paid a visit to his Alma Mater, Wheaton College, Illinois. 

 He spoke at Chapel Service and admits to being human and weak; in need of the grace of God daily like the rest of us. God was seemingly silent. Mr Brunson wept in his prison cell often and was on anti-anxiety meds.  He even wanted to die.  Establishing a Christian church in a Muslim country felt like a cakewalk compared to his lowest points while imprisoned.

Psalm 97

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil:

 he preserveth the souls of his saints; 

he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

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Pastor Andrew Brunson (formerly of Turkey) Has a Birthday

Happy Birthday, Pastor Brunson! (January 3rd)

We continue to pray for this godly man.  His heart remains in the country of Turkey. God's will be done as far as the next location where he will serve.

I like that Pastor Brunson knelt in humbleness as he prayed before the Lord God of heaven for our POTUS.  May he be blessed of the Lord. May Pastor and his family continue to pray for President Donald Trump!

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.   (Philippians 2:5-11)

PRONUNCIATION of Recep Tayyip Erdogan 

Andrew Brunson

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Izmir, Turkey: Pastor Andrew Brunson Update

pc: World Witness

Turkish court decides to keep US pastor Andrew Brunson behind bars

- via hurriyetdailynews.com

The panel of judges overseeing the trial of jailed pastor Andrew Brunson, in a case that has inflamed tensions between Turkey and the United States, has decided to reject his demand to be released during the trial.

At the end of the hearing on May 7, the court in the Aegean province of  İzmir (NT: Smyrna) decided to keep Brunson in jail up until the next hearing on July 18.

During the hearing Brunson denied the allegations of three secret witnesses who accused him of helping the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the network of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, referred to by the authorities as the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ). 

Brunson, the leader of a small Protestant Christian church named “Yeniden Diriliş” (Resurrection), rejected all accusations in the second session of his trial, insisting that he “never permitted politics in church.”

“I do not accept the charges. I would like to say openly and clearly that the PKK is a terrorist organization … I do not support any Kurdish group that carries on terrorist activities against Turkey. If we were sympathizers of the PKK those Turks would not stay in our church,” he said.

“My service that I have spent my life on, has now turned upside down. I was never ashamed to be a server of Jesus but these claims are shameful and disgusting ... What more should I say? I want to return to my home,” he added, requesting to be released pending trial.

Read the full story H E R E

09.30.2017
A Pastor Becomes a Pawn

Andrew Brunson

Still Behind Turkish Prison Bars

Remembering Baptist Preacher Charles Spurgeon

 ... passed from this life into the next life 126 years ago today. No doubt about it -- he is in heaven with his beloved Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Not because Charles was good enough or because of his job title, but that he accepted the Saviour into his heart by faith. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Mr Spurgeon's wise words live on:

  "'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.' It is a goal to try and make any Christian happy, but especially a young believer, whose weakness needs great gentleness. To clothe religion with gloom is to slander the name of Christ. We should always be eager to prevent young believers from imagining that to follow Christ is to walk in darkness. It is not so! Has he not himself said, 'He that follows me shall not walk in darkness'? Did not the wise man say concerning wisdom, 'Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace'?" - Spurgeon

The Best English Preacher

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Bob Jones, Sr: Nothing But the Blood

 

Years ago I was standing by the death bed of an old minister down in Alabama.  The old man had been a preacher for fifty years.  I saw his son, who also was a minister, kneel by his father's bed.

"Father, you have preached for fifty years, and have done more good than any man I know."

The old man, with feeble but distinct voice, said:  "Don't tell me about that, son.  Tell me about the blood (death) of Jesus.  Nothing but the blood of Jesus will do for a dying man."

If a man who had preached for fifty years and who had lived a pure, straight life, in his dying hour had to rely upon the blood of Jesus Christ, don't you ever think there is any hope for you aside from this atoning blood?"

What can wash away my sin?
 Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
 Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

~ Bob Jones, Sr


 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  (1 John 1)

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House of Horror No More

I consider this to be first on my list of the top two most beautiful homes in all of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Hosts: Met them during one of their many treks South to visit his widowed Mom (a member of our church). Always greeted us with a smile, and told us we'd be welcome to stay at their house if we ever happen to visit Canada. Three of their 6 kids are on their own, so there is now plenty of room for guests.
We were treated to several home-cooked, delicious meals. Our conversations were never boring. Canada currently has open borders to outsiders, and our Christian friends work tirelessly for the benefit of Refugees from around the globe.  

We ended up staying for 2 nights and 3 days. We could have stayed longer if we so desired.  But, an impatient Summer employer was waiting for our son's return to the USA. 

stayed in the BR on the right

daughter slept in this bedroom

The house:
Built in the 1890s. Repairs are needed. Not quite perfect.  For example, the floors squeaked. I could not sneak up on anyone no matter how careful, hahaha.

As in many older homes, there are nice features: large lot, six bedrooms, two bathrooms, basement, large family room, separate dining room, big kitchen, two stair cases (front and back), gables, wrap-around porch, door/window trim, wainscoting, thick walls, wood floors, many windows,claw-foot tub, mysterious nooks and crannies. Very none cookie-cutter.  It felt comfortable for me there; as if I were staying with my familiar, old grandma.

Front Door, interior

front stairway, and view of dining room

 Family Room

pics of beloved family members

Living Room

entry-way cabinet with mirror

downstairs bathroom

back stairs leading to 1st floor kitchen

bath section of 2-room upstairs bathroom

kitty loves her hair!

Front-door, exterior view

So, the kind and hospitable hosts with their large, beautiful house made our stay in Winnipeg quite memorable. The sweet, fat kitty added a nice touch.

BTW, we weren't the only ones who love the house. Our friends have had a couple of strangers knocking at their door to ask permission to use the property for a movie --- a horror/mystery movie! Our sensible friends had enough wisdom to firmly say thanks, but NO thanks!  Who'd want to "entertain"  by causing someone a nightmare for practically forever;  or mar the beautiful memories made at this place?! Nooooooooo way, Jose.





18.8.23.18

5 Who are Missing in Malaysia

These mysterious disappearances first caught my attention when I learned that  Raymond Koh, one of the missing whose kidnapping was caught on video, is actually personally known by a friend from a church we used to attend in the 1980s.  

Published on 11 Apr 2017 7:00PM · By Chan Kok Leong

CHURCH leaders and the Malaysian Bar today urged the authorities and government to look into the disappearance of five activists reported in the last six months.

Concerned with  the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh and disappearance of Joshua Hilmy and his wife, Ruth, and Amri Che Mat, Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) general-secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said several Christian leaders have conveyed their concern to the authorities.

“Christian leaders have gotten in touch with the authorities and government leaders to ask them to look into these abductions,” Hermen told The Malaysian Insight.

“We have also expressed concerns about the manner of the abduction (of Koh) and hope the authorities will keep us informed of the developments,” he said.

Christian Federation of Malaysia chairman Rev Eu Hong Seng confirmed the meetings with government and other political leaders.

“Yes, we have met the authorities and government leaders to express our anxiety regarding the abduction of Pastor Koh and others.

“And we are confident that what needs to be done is being by done by them. Until then, we are praying for their safe return,” said Eu, who is also the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship chairman.

Malaysians at large are worried and hope this mystery can be solved quickly, Archbishop Ng Moon Hing of the Anglican Church, told The Malaysian Insight today.

“Christian leaders are very concerned with the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh. Now with more missing people, it is more worrying. 

“We feel for the families of these missing people and pray for the authorities to help solve this mystery at the shortest time span possible. I believe Christian leaders are willing to assist in any possible manner in finding these people,” said Ng.

Newly elected president of the Malaysian Bar George Varughese said it is shocking that a growing number of Malaysians can disappear and not be found for days, weeks and months.

“The noticeable lack of information on the steps taken by the authorities to locate and recover the five missing persons is most disconcerting and raises alarming doubts on the adequacy of the safety and security measures in the country.  

“This is especially so in the case of Pastor Raymond Koh, as his abduction was captured on video by several closed-circuit television cameras,” said Varughese in a statement released today.

“Only concrete and clear action by the authorities will alleviate public fear and anxiety, and instil confidence in the safety and security of this country. In this regard, the Malaysian Bar also calls on the police to provide regular updates on the status of their investigations.”

On Sunday, CCM organised a “Day of Solidarity – pilgrimage towards justice and peace” at the CCM Ecumenical Centre.

The event was held to mark a day of solidarity for the four missing activists. Among the attendees were Hakam president Ambiga Sreenevasan, former minister Zaid Ibrahim, social activist Marina Mahathir and Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow.

At the same time the event was being held at Petaling Jaya, a fifth activist and former Petaling Jaya City Council councillor Peter Chong, 54, was also reported missing by his son, Darryl.

Chong, the former aide to Subang MP R. Sivarasa, has been missing since April 5.

His last message on Twitter and Facebook was on April 6 where he noted that “GE14 will be about religion #RUU355 – a frightening future for Malaysia”.

The first among the five to go missing was Amri Che Mat from Perlis. He is a social activist, forex trader, and founder of charity organisation, Perlis Hope. He was last seen at home on November 24, 2016.

About a week later, Joshua Hilmy was reported missing. He is a pastor of Malay descent and a former Muslim. His wife, Ruth, is also believed to be missing.

Koh was abducted from his silver Honda Accord on February 13. Koh’s case gained attention when an alleged CCTV recording of his abduction went viral. 

Who are the missing five? by themalaysianinsight

The 5 Who are Missing

Prisoner: Andrew Brunson

By Wall Street Journal

SOHRAB AHMARI

Updated Jan. 3, 2017 4:08 p.m. ET

Andrew Brunson was elated when Turkey’s Interior Ministry summoned him on Oct. 7 in the coastal city of Izmir. The ministry, the American pastor imagined, was granting him and his wife, Norine, permanent-resident status after they’d spent more than two decades preaching the gospel in Turkey. Instead they were arrested and detained for unspecified reasons.

So began a Turkish nightmare the couple is living to this day.

Turkish immigration authorities informed the Brunsons that they would be detained pending deportation from the country. Norine was released after two weeks, but her husband was held in the immigration-detention facility for another two months, including two days in solitary confinement. He was initially denied access to legal counsel, and two U.S. consular visits didn’t take place until after he’d already spent a month in the facility.

“What’s been frustrating is that no information has been given at any time,” a lawyer for the Brunsons told me in a phone interview. (The lawyer requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the case.) By all accounts Pastor Brunson loves Turks and Turkey. He raised his children in the country, and the Brunsons have had “zero issues for 23 years,” their lawyer says.

Yet overnight on Dec. 8 the pastor was transferred to a counterterror center, brought before a judge the next day and charged with “membership in an armed terrorist organization.” To this day the limited case documentation provided to the family doesn’t specify which “terror” organization the pastor supposedly joined. Court proceedings revealed, however, that the Turks may have pegged Pastor Brunson as a Gülenist.

Fethullah Gülen is a Pennsylvania-based imam whom President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses of masterminding July’s failed coup. For years Mr. Gülen’s followers worked hand-in-hand with Mr. Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party to purge the country’s secular establishment. The relationship soured in 2013, however, and a power struggle ensued between the rival Islamist camps.

Most observers in Turkey, including members of the opposition, believe Gülenists were behind the attempted putsch this summer. But “Gülen” plays the role of Goldstein in Mr. Erdogan’s personal “1984”—the devious traitor who lurks behind every doner-kebob stand and behind every tragedy. Under the pretext of rooting out Gülenists, the government has jailed or fired tens of thousands of police officers, prosecutors, judges, journalists, educators and members of the armed forces.

Now even evangelical pastors are secret Gülenists.

Pastor Brunson’s treatment is also symptomatic of growing Christian persecution in Turkey. “Turkish President Erdogan sees anti-Christian conspiracy theories as an effective strategy for galvanizing popular support for his one-man rule,” says Aykan Erdemir, a former member of the Turkish Parliament and a senior fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

A pro-government columnist in July claimed that Mr. Gülen’s mother is Jewish and his father an Armenian. Mr. Gülen himself “is a member of the Vatican Council” who “uses the methods of the Jesuit Order that captured the Vatican.” Another columnist the same month asked whether Gülenists might be hiding “in churches.” Still another tabloid doctored photographs to suggest Mr. Gülen is a Roman Catholic prelate.

Mr. Erdogan’s defenders insist the president has no say over what’s printed in the papers. But that’s hard to believe in a country where the state has banned at least 120 news outlets in six months. Nor is the government’s own rhetoric much better. At an anti-coup rally in August, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim denounced Turkey’s enemies as a “crusaders’ army.”

Then there are cases like Pastor Brunson’s. A court on Thursday denied his appeal against imprisonment. So far his is the most serious, but authorities have also expelled a number of evangelical missionaries in recent months and shuttered a Protestant church in Antakya for offering “unauthorized” Bible courses.

“The idea that Mr. Brunson’s arrest was related to his religious affiliation is ludicrous,” a senior Turkish official told me. “There are hundreds of thousands of Christians in Turkey who freely exercise their religion.” He added: “It’s absolutely crucial to avoid stereotypes and focus on the fact that Turkey has taken unprecedented steps in recent years to promote cultural diversity, including religious diversity.”

Promoting diversity and upholding basic rights aren’t the same thing. Turkey under Mr. Erdogan is fast coming to resemble the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran. The difference is that Ankara is a NATO ally of the U.S. that shows little respect for Washington. Perhaps the Trump administration can restore the relationship to its proper balance. Meanwhile, say a prayer for an American pastor in an Izmir prison cell.

Mr. Ahmari is a Journal editorial writer in London.

The Izmir Dirilis (Resurrection) Church, where Andrew Brunson is the pastor. (WorldWatchMonitor)

The above is a continuation of the article on Andrew Brunson. 

WSB Article:  Caught in Erdogan’s Expanding Dragnet after July’s Coup Attempt.

Wheaton College: A couple of guys you should know in early 2017

pc: AP

W.C. Alumni in Trending News, January 2017.  Prayers, please.

(A) Andrew Brunson, '88 (and wife Norine, '89).

Mr Brunson, an American citizen from North Carolina, held in a Turkish prison since October 2016.  He has been a Christian pastor in Turkey for the past 23 years. Turkey's government, led by an Islamic party whose head is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , has been increasingly paranoid since a failed coup attempt.  They have been cracking down on Christians.  

Andrew's unjust imprisonment is just the tip of the iceberg of the turmoil in Turkey.  He is accused of being part of a terrorist organization -- without any evidence! Please, please pray for this godly man currently held in an Izmir prison cell.  Read more on this very dangerous situation here

pc: ACLJ

(b) Senator Dan Coats, '65

Former Indiana Senator; and Ambassador to Germany (2001-2005), Dan Coats, has been recently nominated by  President-elect Donald Trump to be the Director of National Intelligence.

pc: wikipedia