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Vol. XIII No. 17December 1-15, 2011 l Published from DelhiPost Box No : 10708, Delhi-110085

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‘Coal mafia killed Sr. Valsa John’

West Bengal, November 29, 2011: Baby John, brother of Sr. Valsa John, has claimed that his sister was killed by the coal mafia for whom she had become a “nuisance”.

“She had been under constant threat from Penam Coal Limited and had even told us about it when she visited us last,” he told ucanews.com.

John said that he is sad to have lost his sister but was proud of the fact that she stood steadfast for her mission.Sr. John, who was brutally hacked to

death on November 15, had been working among the tribal communities in Jharkands’s coal rich region of Santhal Parganas in Pachwara for the last 20 years.

Since early 2000, Penam Coal Mine Limited, a project of Punjab state electricity board and EMTA (Eastern Minerals and Trading Agency) from West Bengal, has been operating mines in the coal reserve of Pachwara and 32 surrounding villages.

To defend their rights over their land and its resources, the Santhal adivasi community had formed the Rajmahal Pahad Bachao Andolan.

Sr Valsa along with others worked to organise the community and were in the forefront of the resistance that was building against the exploitation by the coal company.

Despite the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the local community and Panem coal in 2006, tension had been mounting in the area, especially with regard to betrayal by the company.

John said that there were many incidents where the nun had raised her voice in support of the tribals which “provoked some influential people to eliminate her”.

Pastor Khannareleased on bail

PTA special report

Srinagar, Nov 30 2011: The Rev. Khanna The Grand Mufti had summoned the was released on bail from judicial custody pastor for an illegal trial that lasted on Nov 30 after spending 10 days at Kothi several hours. The Muslim clergy Bagh Police Station for a bond of Rs. 25000. accused Rev. Khanna of “converting”

The pastor of the All Saints Church Muslim youth by baptizing them. They in Srinagar was arrested on charges of were armed with video clips of baptism blasphemy under sections 295A and 153 scenes. A of the Ranbir Penal Code after Muslim The J & K police swung into action clergy in the Kashmir valley accused him and arrested the pastor after this illegal of converting Muslim youth to the Sharia trial. Why didn’t they arrest him Christian faith. earlier? Does the Abdullah government fear

The Church of North India, to which the rising Muslim power centre that the pastor belongs, maintains that Rev challenges his secular democratic Khanna is innocent. The church has served government? If Pastor Khanna had indeed the Kashmir valley for the past 130 years. broken a law, he should have been arrested Those who embraced Christianity had before the Muslim clergy had an been attending the church for over a year. opportunity to try him. By permitting this

The Rev. Richard Howell, General trial, the J & K government has ceded Secretary of Evangelical Fellowship of India, valuable public space to the unconstitutional has welcomed Pastor Khanna’s release. power centre in the Valley. Any individual

It should of grave concern to this or group that dares to set up a parallel “secular” nation of India that a senior government or judiciary should be pastor of a long-standing Christian booked for high treason. Failure to do so community was arrested on fabricated amounts to complicity with such forces charges at the instigation of Muslim that destabilize “secular” India.clergymen. Of much greater concern In a state where there’s no “anti-should be the attempt of the Muslim conversion” law, the police could only clergy to impose Sharia Law in the valley. slap some irrelevant and false charges on

15

"Therefore if

you are

presenting

your offering

at the altar,

and there

remember that

your brother

has something

against you,

leave your

offering there

before the

altar and

go; first be

reconciled to

your brother,

and then come

and present

your offering.

Matt 5:22-23.

2 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

NEWS AND VIEWSDecember 1-15, 2011

Govt will not withdraw communal violence bill: Moily

shou ld do i t The government will not withdraw the now."Prevention of Communal and Targeted

The proposed Violence Bill 2011, Corporate Affairs communal vio-Minister M Veerappa Moily said on Sunday.lence bill, prepared At a press conference in Mangalore, by the NAC, in-Moily said there was a national consensus tends to prevent on the government bringing the bill.and control tar-The draft bill has been debated at geted violence various levels, including the parliamentary against the Sch-standing committee, he informed.eduled Castes, the The opposition from some quarters will Scheduled Tri-not thwart efforts to bring the bill. The bes and religious introduction of the bill was inevitable in the and linguistic mi-present circumstances, he said.norities. "I am sure that even the hardcore

The bill drew criticism from BJP and elements among the Saffron outfits some non-NDA parties who have warned of including RSS want communal amity," serious consequences.media quoted the former law minister as

BJP leader Murli Monohar Joshi on saying.Sunday termed the bill 'draconian', and said Urging for expediting the process in his party would oppose if the bill is enacting the bill, members of the National introduced in the winter session.Advisory Council (NAC) last week

The proposed bill was aimed at dividing the demanded the tabling of the bill in the winter society into ‘majority’ and ‘minority’, he said.session of the Parliament.

“BJP would oppose it tooth and nail and Farah Naqvi and Harsh Mander told a also would not allow it to be passed," he added.meeting "If the UPA was sincere, they

Pastors' Retreat in DelhiMinistry."The Logos Ministries is Logos Ministries has conducted organising a one-day similar retreats in several cities in India and retreat on 2 February abroad. Dr. R. Rajkumar was a devout 2012, for Pastors and Brahmin Hindu who came to believe in their spouses resident in Jesus Christ even as he attempted to refute Delhi. The retreat will be the Bible. He is passionate about held at the Apostles' encouraging pastors and lay persons in Methodist Church, R. K. Christian ministry.Puram Sector 4 from 10 Registration is free in which a lunch is am to 4:30 pm.included. The organisers urge for an early Evangelist Dr. confirmation from those who want to attend Rajkumar has informed that this one day for better arrangement. The messages will retreat is open to pastors of all be translated from English to Hindi. Contact denominations in Delhi. He will be speaking : 91-11-2610-4474on the topic "Rediscovering the Joy of

Dr. R. Rajkumar

"Discovering Our Roots" SeminarThe House of Bread, Hyderabad, will been interviewed by popular TV channels conduct a special seminar called such as Fox News. Besides, musician Benny "Discovering our Roots" in Hyderabad Prasad will be one of the guests.from13-15 January 2012. This seminar is to There is a registration fee of Rs. 1000 per help Christians to connect with the Land, individual and Rs. 1800 per couple. For more Language and People of the Bible. details, contact info@thehouseofbread.in or visit

The main speaker in this seminar will be www.thehouseofbread.in. For room Pastor Mark Blitz. He is a well known reservations, interested participants may call commentator on the Feasts of the Lord as has 9000404240 or 9032836303.

Truthseekers wash feet of farmers in thanksgiving gesture

H a r y a n a , N o v e m b e r 2 2 , 2 0 11 : West cultures, as foreigners got an Truthseekers, an activist NGO working opportunity to wash the feet of Indian among the dalit and backward communities farmers and thank them for taking care of is celebrating Farmer’s Thanksgiving Day, God’s creation and providing for the rest of starting 21 Nov 2011, and ending on mankind. Rev. Sunil Sardar said that this “is Ambedkar’s Memorial Day, 6th Dec 2011. an historical event because throughout the

Truthseekers have called on the history of India, farmers have been government to declare Thanksgiving Day invaluable to the progress and life sustaining for the Farmers of India. capabilities of this country. Yet the farmers

This program was started at Dariyapur have never been thanked and have often in Haryana. The lower caste groups from been exploited. In the memory of Mahatma four Jat, Gujjar, Scavenger, and Weaver Jyotirao Phule, we washed the feet of OBC communities took part in this thanksgiving farmers to thank them for their contribution event. Rev. Sunil Sardar addressed the in building the nation. This was a real crowd and washed the feet of farmers to homage to Mahatma Phule ideals, which the thank them for their labor and cultivating the Truthseekers carry on today, long after land of this country. He then prayed that the Jyotiba has gone on to be with the Lord.Kingdom of Bali would come and misery Among o the r s o f those who would go. The great social reformer, participated were Dr. Ghawade, Paul Mahatma Jyotirao Phule initiated the Larson, Noel Becchetti, Grant McFarland, Truthseekers movement and for him, Sunil Pahlwan, Vijay Paswan, Shiv Kumar Baliraja was Jesus. Pal, Dan Davis, Lynnel Job and other

It was also a confluence of the East and activists.

Isn't it time we honoured these Christians?

Thomas church and St. Thomas school are “The Municipal situated in Mandir Marg. The road being a Corporation of lengthy one from Panch Kyuan crossing to D e l h i s h o u l d Peshwa Road crossing be given the name of constitute an all-St. Thomas Marg. Bishop Allan D’ Lastic party and com-Arch Bishop of Delhi was very popular and munities com-accepted leader in Delhi. Naming a road mittee to decide around Gole Dakhana in his name will be the name of the apt for his memory. Dr. John Hala is one the roads. Christians principals of St. Stephens to be remembered too have con-by giving his name to one of the roads tributed to the de-towards a college. It will be proper to velopment of the change the name of Madarsa Road to St. nation, therefore, James Church Marg, as there is no Madarsa discrimination should not be shown in at present and there exists the historical St. taking up important issues pertaining to James Church that now celebrates its 175th Christian community and naming roads”, anniversary.said Arnold James. During his tenure as the

It is excessive to watch the Christian Delhi Commission for Minorities member cemeteries are been marginalized. The he met the concerned authorities and raised unauthorized parking by the DTC and the matter of naming roads and various private buses blocks the entry gate to the issues. He suggested that the Bouleward Nicholson Cemetery. People find a hard Road (Civil Lines) be given the name of Dr. time in bringing in the dead body and Lucy Oman Marg. Dr. Lucy Oman, in her entering due to this unauthorized parking. effort, promoted the St. Stephen hospital Parking of these vehicles have to be from maternity to general hospital and stopped. Moreover, the open storm water constructed the new building. Dr. Lucy drain not covered passing through inside the Oman was a committed doctor who served Nicholson cemetery. This causes flood in the people of all faith and community for 50 the graveyard and damage the graves. years in the hospital.“Since the BJP has come to power in the St. Thomas was on the twelve disciples MCD, it has replaced the names of many who came to India and spent the rest of his roads by the names of BJP of RSS leaders. life here. It is appropriate to honour him by This is not fair”, he added.naming one of the roads in the capital. St.

3PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

NEWS AND VIEWSDecember 1-15, 2011

Shillong Choir to sing in DelhiThe KJP Synod Sepngi Choir from Shillong front of the Hall. 5 Bibles – mid stall 2 will be in New Delhi from 9th to 12th Bibles – Balcony 1 Bible – rear stall.December 2011. They will do three Each church should inform the BSI the Concerts (programmes) for the Bible number of cards they require.Society of India to help raise funds for The following Christian Book Stores “BSI’s Mission to the Blind”. also supply donor/ sponsor cards.

The BSI solicits the support of all Delhi 1) MSS Bookshop, Khan Market, Janpath.churches to encourage their members to 2) St. Pauls Bookshop, Connaught Circus, Sponsor 1, 2, 5 or 10 Bibles, which will 3) ELS Bookshop, Karol Bagh.entitle them to attend the 2 ½ hr Advent 4) O M Bookshop, New Delhi YMCA .Concert on Saturday 10th of December 2011 5) ISPCK Bookshop, Kashmere Gate.at the Sri Satya Sai International Centre, 6)ISPCK Bookshop, CNI Bhawan.Pragati Vihar, Lodhi Road. 7) Good News Centre, Pankha Road.

As per the number of Bibles sponsored, 8) The Bible Society of India, Sansad Marg, s/he will be given the privilege to seat in the The seating capacity is upto 500 only. For Auditorium accordingly. e.g. Sponsors of 10 details: Phone: 23362054; 23366822 & Bibles – (Purple card) – seats will be reserved 23348179.

Bible Society equips schools with Nativity resources

The Bible Society has launched a brand new compelling story telling for the widest resource for schools and churches using the audience.BBC’s hit Christmas drama, The Nativity. “It is fantastic to see this talent come

The acclaimed TV special was written by together with the inspiring story of the Tony Jordan and broadcast in four parts on nativity giving teachers access to Bible BBC 1 last December. resources in the visual language of the next

Now Bible Society is hoping schools and generation.”churches will be able to use The Nativity to Contributions to the package have come take a fresh look at the story behind all the from Elizabeth Hunter, director of Theos Christmas festivities. think tank, Simon Carver, film critic at

The package includes a DVD, additional Premier Christian Radio, and Lindsay Shaw, resources and a license to show the film. the Editor of Bible Society’s Reel Issues film

The resources are available for teachers and faith website.to download and cover the syllabus for Key Bible Society’s Church Programme Stage 3 RE. Manager, Michael Pfundner, said, “The

Luke Walton Bible Society’s Culture nativity is a great one to watch with people Programme Manager said: “Tony Jordan is a who would otherwise never go to church or top quality writer and producer. His work, read the Bible – not even at Christmas. It’s an such as for EastEnders, Hustle and Life on ideal Advent resource for churches and house Mars, shows that he creates popular and groups.”

Archbishop of Canterbury launches Hindu Christian

forumTo facilitate dialogue and resolve potential enriched in conversation".conflict, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Speaking of a recent visit to Bangalore, Sri Shruti Dharma Das Ji last week he described a day of dialogue with launched the 'Hindu Christian Forum' at religious leaders from a variety of Hindu Lambeth Palace in London. traditions: "a deeply enriching experience -

Speaking on the occasion, Archbishop a day in which we were able to speak simply Rowan Williams said, "The conversation of and directly about our traditions. We were interfaith dialogue is always one where we able to say together at the end of that look eagerly and expectantly for enrichment. conversation a number of things about our We're not playing for victory, we're seeking mutual respect and the understanding that understanding from one another... by we sought."learning the depth of one another's The Hindu Christian Forum has been commitment and vision - dialogue and depth formed by a group of Hindus and Christians is what we all hope for." who have been meeting together since 2001.

The head of the Church of England It has become a national forum partly in praised the launch of the Hindu Christian response to the findings of the 'Bridges and Forum and the role it will play in facilitating Barriers to Hindu Christian Relations' dialogue: "I believe that a dialogue is about Report which was carried out by Dr Jessica work, real labour, but also about surprise Frazier of the Oxford Centre for Hindu and excitement, and it is with that vision in Studies and funded by the Department for mind that I commend this forum to you, Communities and Local Government. thank you for your support of it, and ask for In his address, the Archbishop described your continuing prayers and solidarity with the report as a "very creative and stimulating the work it will do in the future." piece of work, which provides an enormous

Dr Williams also spoke about his own resource for reflecting on how dialogue can early encounters with the Hindu faith. He be pursued, and how at the grassroots level it described reading a children's version of the is to be understood and worked with." Ramayana in the school library when aged The event at Lambeth Palace was 12, and recalled the beauty, complexity and introduced by the Chairs of the Hindu depth which captivated him at that early Christian Forum: The Ven Richard age. Atkinson, Archdeacon of Leicester and

He went on to say how later in life, Ramesh Pattni, Inter Faith Chair of the while contemplating his own spiritual Hindu Forum of Britain.identity during a visit to India, he realised The event featured Andrew Stunell that "the historic Christian identity is addresses from Member of Parliament something that constantly needs to be Andrew Stunell, Baroness Richardson and opened and enlarged, challenged and Lord Popat.

4 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

NEWS AND VIEWSDecember 1-15, 2011

NGOs must reveal details of foreign contributions received

Details of all foreign contributions received by The government is also worried that some NGOs, trusts and charitable organisations will NGOs are using foreign contributions to fund now have to be specifically enumerated in the I- anti-government protests across the country.T returns filed with the Income Tax Department. The Home Ministry is said to have received

The Directorate General of I-T Exemption information that funds worth crores of rupees has revised the I-T return form that will now were received by NGOs and have been given to have additional columns for mentioning FCRA social activists to stage protests against number and details of foreign contributions. government policies.

The need for a revised form arose after it Taking note of this, the government is reportedly was found that some NGOs that received tracking about ten NGOs. And if the allegations considerable foreign contributions had not are proven, they can be charged criminally for mentioned its details in their return of income sedition.filed. According to one source, the government

It has resulted in the I-T department initiated an inquiry after receiving the report of scrutinising the accounts of several NGOs and the Indian mission in Denmark last month.charitable trusts that had received foreign The Indian ambassador in Denmark contributions in the past decade. reported that the newly-elected minister for Concerned that charitable and religious development cooperation, Christian Friis Bach, organisations are diverting their income to expressed plans to use the “Danish official acquire new assets, the government is likely to development aid as a tool to generate popular introduce a fresh tax of 15%. unrest in recipient countries".

Karnataka: Christian woman arrested on false charges of forced conversion

Hers is the 41st case of anti-Christian violence in Karnataka since the start of the year. Global Council of Indian Christians president Sajan K George slams the

government, police and Hindu extremists.

(Karnataka). During the meeting, members of the Bajrang Dal and Sangh Parivar, two ultra-nationalist Hindu organisations, burst into the home, accusing those present of engaging in forced conversions. After they called the Kushalnagar police station, agents arrived and arrested the woman, who was taken later in the day to Madikeri Prison.

“When the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is in power, police turns its back on Christians even if they are supposed to

Mumbai – On the eve of Advent, a time of protect [all] citizens. The speed with which expectations and hope, Karnataka recorded false accusations were made, and the its 41st anti-Christian incident of the year. A repeated threats and acts of persecution Christian woman, Mrs Janakiyamma, who against the Christian minority show a clear is a member of the Bethel Ministry Church, link between the government, police and was arrested. Her “only crime was to spread extremists.”the word of God,” said Sajan K George, Since 2008, Karnataka has been under a president of the Global Council of Indian BJP administration, which has backed Christians (GCIC), which “waits with hope Hindu extremist groups and movements for the time when the Christian minority in from a Hindu nationalist umbrella Karnataka will enjoy religious freedom as it organisation, the Sangh Parivar. These is enshrined in the Indian Constitution”. On groups include the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Saturday, Mrs Janakiyamma was praying Sangh (RSS), the Vishwa Hindu Parishad with her husband and other members of her (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal, all of which church at a home in the outskirts of have carried out acts of violence against Kushalnagar village, in Kodagu District Dalits and Christians.

John Hernandez conference in DelhiNew Delhi, Dec 1 2011: Pastor John Hernandez equipped in ministry - doing the very works of (Vineyard Church, Tempe, USA) will be holding Jesus such as healing the sick, casting out demons another conference in Delhi on Saturday and ministering to the downcast. He desire that all December 10 2011. The theme of the conference will experience the Presence of God and the will be "The Presence of God and His Kingdom." power of God in daily living.

The conference will be held at the Banga Those desiring to participate must register Sanskriti Bhavan, 18/19 Bhai Vir Singh Marg beforehand. Please contact Emmanuel Qureshi near Gol Dak Khanna from 10 am to 3:30 pm. The (9811801794) or Simeon (9953062310). A conference is open to all Christians. registration fee of Rs. 100. Lunch and tea will be

Pastor Hernandez wishes to see the Church provided.

Association of Christian Counsellors(South Asia)A catalyst for excellence in Christian care and counsel

6th Biennial ConferenceChristian Counselling in an age of Technology

Accommodation: Limited sharing accommodation available for ` 1250/-person

Dates : 17th to 19th February 2012

Venue : Pallotine Animation Center, Nagpur, Maharashtra-440013

Registration fee: Rs 1500/- per personRs 1250 /- for members & registrations before 15th Jan’12

Track SpeakersImpact of Social networking - Mr. Jacob Isaac Combating Technology Addiction - Mr. Peter Wiig Use of Technology for Counselling - Mr. Sandeep Emmanuel

P lenary Speakers Mr. Samson Gandhi Mr. Joseph Vijayam

Association of Christian Counsellors ( South Asia ) Flat no : 401 , St no : 7, Rd no : 3West Marredpalli Secunnderabad -500 026, AP www.accsouthasia.orgTel no:040-27716941Email: accsouthasia@gmail.com

For free brochure cum registration form please contact

www.accsouthasia.org

5PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

Pakistan, November 18, 2011: An content with his life.”His father used to sit with him at his evangelist was shot dead here on

shop from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., then go off Wednesday (Nov. 16) by an unidentified to visit Christian families to share the gunman in what his family believes was a Bible, Jameel said. On the day of the radical Muslim group’s targeting of a murder, however, his father reached the Christian.

Zahid Jameel, 25, told Compass that shop 15 minutes ahead of him.“The young boy who helps me in my his father, Jameel Saawan, and a helper

shop told us that he was opening the locks were opening the doors of their cosmetics of the other door when he heard a gunshot,” shop in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of he said. “The boy then saw my father trying Pakistan’s commercial hub of Karachi on to grasp the assailant, but the man fired Wednesday morning when a young man another bullet that hit my father in the appeared and shot his father, first in the cheek and exited from the back of his head, neck and then in the face.

The assassin fled on a motorcycle on killing him instantly.”Michael Javed, a former member of which two people were waiting, keeping

the Sindh provincial assembly, told watch for him, Jameel said.“We firmly believe that my father was Compass that he had known the victim for

killed because of his preaching of the several years, as both of them are from Bible, because there is no other reason,” Quetta.

“Saawan was a very good man and was Jameel said.His father had not spoken of any always eager to help his community,”

threats on his life in recent weeks, though Javed said. “I also think that he was killed he had received threats after voicing his by some religious forces, because he had desire to start a welfare organization for shared with me once that he was receiving poor Christians in the Essanagri area of threats from some quarters.”

The former legislator said that no one Karachi two years ago, Jameel said.“That could not materialize after he had come forward to record statements

started receiving threats from some with the police because of fears for their unknown forces,” Jameel said. “We do not security, and it was highly unlikely that know who threatened him, but my mother Saawan’s killers would be caught.

“There used to be quite a few cases of persuaded him not to put his life in danger, such nature in Sindh, but now the situation for our sake.”

Nevertheless, Jameel said that his for minorities is worsening,” he said. “The father continued to preach and was widely government needs to make efforts to respected for being a vocal supporter of the provide security to our people.”

Napolean Qayyum of the Pakistan Christian community.“We live in a rented apartment and our People’s Party Minorities Wing told

shops are also on lease – we don’t have any Compass that the PPP-led Sindh property, and no enemies, which is why we government would make all possible efforts are shocked by our father’s killing,” he to apprehend Saawan’s killers.

“President Asif Zardari’s spokesman said. “It wasn’t a robbery, because the has told me that the president had tasked assassin only walked towards my father Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wassan to and shot at him.”

Zahid said that his mother was in a investigate the incident and report back to state of shock, as were his three sisters and him,” he said, adding that Wassan was likely older brother, Shahid. to visit the family today. Sharing Life

“Our father has been gunned down for Ministry’s Sohail Johnson said he regretted no reason at all,” Jameel said. “He used to that the killing of the evangelist would instill share the Word with Muslims, but I have further fear in Christians in the city.never heard that he entered into an “Pastor Saawan’s brutal murder shows argument with any person.” that the forces of extremism and

Jameel said that the family had moved intolerance will go to any extent to disrupt to Karachi from Quetta about 10 years ago, peace and harmony in Pakistan,” he said.with his father starting the cosmetics Although police registered the case on business two years later. Wednesday (Nov. 16), they have yet to

“My father was a very religious man, make any progress in the investigation, and some years ago he decided that it was sources said.time for him to reach out to the people and Saawan’s family was preparing for his share the Good News with them,” he said. burial, still holding onto some hope that “Every day he would visit several families one day his killers will be brought to to share the Word of God and was very justice.

Evangelist shot dead in Pakistan

Should religion be taught in schools?

Fr. Anand Muttungal

principles of democracy and contrary to the best interests of religion and Government. So teaching all religious teachings would not violate the spirit of the Constitution. The spirit of Indian concept of Secularism can be well understood in the statement of the great statesman-philosopher Dr. S Radhakrishnan, "When India is said to be a secular State, it does not mean that we reject reality of an unseen spirit or the relevance of religion to life or that we exalt irreligion." Fundamental Duties demanded in the Indian Constitution Article 51-A, (e) that every citizen shall "promote The debate on teaching Bhagwad Gita has again

harmony and spirit of common brotherhood come to the forefront with the recent statement amongst all the people of India transcending of Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh that religious, linguistics and regional or sectional Bhagwad Gita would be included in school diversities". Basing on these teaching a subject curriculum. "Teaching Gita is no crime and the of eternal wisdom would enhance the spirit of government would include the teaching of Gita the Constitution of India.in educational curriculum." Shivraj Singh

We also have a third opinion that the Chouhan said while addressing a function decision by the Chief Minister is purely political. It organised by the RSS-backed Saraswati Vidya is trying to whip up the emotions of majority Pratishthan. Political parties, secular community. Religion is a personal affair of people organizations and faith based organizations and teaching religion is basically duty of parents have taken a different stands. The political and communities of religions. Teaching religion parties and secular organizations say that as a subject can cause problems as the teachers' religion should be kept out of the educational knowledge on all religions would be very limited curriculum. They say it is against the spirit of the and at times misinformation can be taught to Constitution of India. They quote the children which may lead to communal tensions. Constitution, Article 28(1&2 &3) states that no

They quote the Father of the Nation religious instruction shall be provided in any Gandhiji who wrote in Harijan(1946): "I swear by educational institutions wholly maintained out my religion. I will die for it. But it is my personal of State Funds or receiving state aid. It makes affair. The State has nothing to do with it. The State clear that no children can be compelled to attend will look after your secular welfare, health, such classes either. Article 27 further says that communication, foreign relations, currency and tax payers' money should not be used to promote so on, but not my religion. That is everybody's any particular religion or anybody can be personal concern." Even though we are confused compelled to pay tax for the same.with the varied views, we need to listen to the Faith based organizations say that religion judgemental view of the Supreme Court of India can be a subject in the school. India witnesses in the case of the S.R. Bommai Vs. Union of India many issues related to commu-nalism. An [1994 (3) SCC -1] have while holding that the optional subject in the school curriculum can values enshrined in the Constitution imposes a provide children right knowledge about all positive duty on the State to ensure the attainment religions. It can mould better citizens to live in of Secular values, observed So the actions of the India. It need not be called religious studies but as a State Govt. which are calculative to subvert or subject of eternal wisdom. It can reduce sabotage secularism as enshrined in the communal tensions. They say that constitution of Constitution can lawfully be deemed to give rise India very well allows it. In the landmark case of to a situation in which the government of the state S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) Hon'ble cannot be carried on in accordance with the Supreme Court reiterated that secularism was a provisions of the Constitution." It has further held part of the basic structure of the Constitution. that the encroachment of religion into secular The Indian State will not identify activities is strictly prohibited. Secularism in India itself with or be controlled by any particular has acted as a balance between socio-economic religion. We hold that no one religion reforms. A State which doe not protect secularism should be given preferential status, or or does any act to destroy secularism would, unique distinction, that no one religion according to the Supreme Court, be amenable to should be accorded special privileges in action under Article 356 of the Constitution.national life or international relations for that would be a violation of the basic

6 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

decision has to be made in split of An eventful life—a life full of vivid a second that can lead to life or m e m o r i e s a n d d r a m a t i c death? moments is inspiring to read and senOnce, we as a family went on hear about. It helps us to sual vacation to Shlitterbarn, a understand how, different life enjoywater park some thirty-five experiences mellow and shape m e n t miles north of Austin, Texas. the rough edges of a person’s rather than On the second day, we explored character. It can influence, both p r a y i n g different areas of the park, and the person going through the life according to His will came to a place where people experience, and the one watching to glorify His name. That is were seen moving slowly on it unravel, to strengthen, teach why many prayers go unanswered. floats. There were concrete steps valuable lessons and to give hope If we pray for anything to remember moving Now I couldto get to the place. Leaving my to them. glorify His name, the prayer will in the underwater currents. A wife there to watch over the A person well experienced in be granted at the right time, thought came to my mind that I children playing in the pool, I life can look at the struggles with according to His will. We don’t must have done some sin while in decided to swim in that body of presence of mind. But, a novice or give to our children whatever the park for which God was water.one who has never gone through they ask if we know it is going to calling me back. I repented for a

After swimming for a few such hardships can panic and hurt them or teach them the moment. minutes, I decided to turn back become paranoid when a slight wrong lesson or if it is going to The next thing I remember is and, tried to stand on my feet. To misfortune or accident arises. affect their education. Sincerely that I am out of those treacherous my surprise, I went down to the Struggles and hardships can pray for the ability to help people waters and two men are holding deep and, was shocked and strengthen a person, giving hope in need. Claim nations for God. If my hands. I couldn’t believe my panicked as water got into my of the coming of a new dawn, even not in your life, God can raise eyes. Yes! It is true! I am out of eyes and nose. in the midst of darkness. children for you to see this with those deep waters.

If I knew that the water was Troubles can help us to build our your own eyes. God’s ways are Sitting there surrounded by deep, could have managed to stay character. God wants us to grow mysterious.the people, the Bible verse came afloat, though not an expert to maturity in faith to trust in That incident also taught me to my mind, “When you pass swimmer. I went down twice Him. Life experiences give a that I must do everything I can through the waters, I will be with before coming up for a third and person the strength, the courage, within my means to help myself; you; and when you pass through last time. A vision of my wife and and the hope to face situations in this situation I cried for help. If the rivers, they will not sweep my children in the pool came into peacefully. we can move even our little finger over you” (Isaiah 43:2). Some my mind. Each one of us has memorable in a certain situation, we must not park employees came, and they

Next I thought about my God, experiences. Write them down stay idle and test God, but we took me to their office for “God! Is this how my life will end? for the next generation. It is a sin must move that little finger. observation. I thanked the two, How about all the good things I not to do so, if you have the means Our God is a God of miracles. who rescued me.wanted to do in my life for your to do so. People like to hear more If we call upon Him in time of A lady had heard my cry, and glory? Nothing is going to work about real life situations than trouble, He will deliver us or give yelled for help. Two guests who out!” This was my prayer, “God if preaching from theological us the grace and courage to were visiting the park had jumped I get one more chance I will finish issues. These real life experiences overcome the situation.into the river and rescued me. the work that I have postponed are unforgettable, while the We can also learn from other’s I had been fooled to think that (including writing this book) all theological issues in sermons will experiences that we watch or hear the body of water, the Comal these years.”be forgotten soon. from other sources. This is one of River, from which the park took

When I came up to the surface These experiences and the the reasons we read scriptures—to water, was a part of the water for the third and last time, could resultant strong character can learn from them. We study history park watched over by life-guards. see people standing at a distance. equip a person to do difficult jobs for the same reason. If we insist on Later I saw a small sign there I tried to make some noise and easily with presence of mind. learning everything from our own stating that the park authorities are cried for help, but was not sure Even an apparently simple job experiences, the hard way, those not responsible if something whether sound came from my can become enormously difficult experiments and adventures can happened there, and I had missed throat or not. Before going down if the person is emotionally boomerang, and the price to be that sign. the third and last time, the disturbed. Once the emotions are paid will be too high.If they had been just a few memory of my family came to my gone, things become easy. Skill in seconds late, I would have been mind. I thought of not seeing my action requires taking the About the Authorpulled further down by the wife and children anymore in this emotions away from the action. underwater currents and the world and I lost all hope. The job becomes very easy now. ‘The Invisible Hand’, is the story would have ended differently.

Once you have decided that what 9th chapter of the book entitled I don’t believe what needs to be done is the right ‘Metamorphosis of an Atheist- A happened was just by thing, in front of God, it is easy to life journey to the Truth’, written chance, but an answer to take the emotion out of it, by Ninan Mathullah. He is a my prayer. In a situation through trust in Him. Graduate of University of Texas, w h e r e y o u n e e d

Suppose your child makes a Houston in Health Sciences, and immediate help, God mistake, and you want to holds a Masters Degree in can send it, if it is discipline him. Watching his Science (Industrial Fisheries). according to His will. tears (the child has also learned Currently he is working as a The prayer I made by experience how to get out of Microbiologist in Public Health was for a time to the situation using all of the skills in Houston, Texas.complete the job to that work) if you get emotional, T h e B o o k i s a va i l a b l e glorify His name. Many you can’t take that action. through 27 OM Book Stores in a time we pray for

H o w c a n w e k e e p t h e main cit ies of India and material things to presence of mind in a crisis or a www.Christianstore.in.indulge in or we pray for critical situation, where a

The Invisible HandNinan Mathullah

7PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

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How Free Are Indians?Even as the nation is witnessing the washout of another session of Parliament, there's an atrocious incident that took place in Jammu & Kashmir that deserves urgent attention of the whole nation. The pastor of All Saints CNI Church, Rev. Chander Mani Khanna, was falsely accused of "forced conversion" of Muslim youth to Christianity. Muslims religious leaders in Kashmir behaved as if they were running a parallel judiciary and issued summons to the pastor in order to seek an explanation from him. It is said that Muslim fundamentalists and separatists are instigating religious leaders to fight religious conversions.

Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir were angered by a video clips that were posted on YouTube showing the baptism of a few young people. They identified the pastor who baptized the youth and charged him with enticing Muslim youth to Christianity. Over the initial days when Muslim religious leaders issued summons to Rev. Khanna, the State Government - busy with its agenda of repealing the AFSPA - looked the other way. And finally, without ascertaining the facts the police swung in to please the Muslim powers that be. On November 18 the pastor was arrested and sent to judicial custody for 15 days. Pastor Khanna was arrested for creating “enmity” between religious communities and hurting religious sentiments. The police allegedly beat up the young men who had taken baptism.

The Rev. Khanna had stated that the young people whom he had baptized were attending his church for over a year. When people who attend a church for such a long time ask for baptism, there's no reason why they should be denied the privilege of following Jesus Christ.

The zeal with which Muslims pursue their Da’wah (mission) and convert thousands of Europeans to Islam is known to all. Islam regards every other religion as false. There are "government approved conversion centers" in Kerala where people of other faiths can convert to Islam. There may be other such centers in various Indian states. Did anyone have a problem when A. S. Dileep Kumar converted to Islam and became the now famous A. R. Rahman? Were there any complaints when Divya Bharti or Madhavikutty converted to Islam? If people might convert to Islam, why can’t they convert from Islam to other religions? Such converts from Islam are regarded as kafir and their murderers are promised heaven!

This incident raises a number of questions. Is this a free country? Does every individual in this country have the right to choose a religion of his liking? Or, is it only a few religions that deserve to proselytize people of other faiths? When the Constitution gives people of each religion the right to practice and propagate their religion, did the architects of the Constitution anticipate that conversions could create “enmity” between religions? Or did they over-estimate the tolerance level and maturity of Indians?

Words such as “freedom” – at the level of the individual – have no meaning in India. Each individual, it is believed, should pursue the religion of his parents. Even in the 21st century, many Indians believe that one should follow the profession of his ancestors! Parents decide who their son or daughter should marry. Not many Indians can choose a spouse of their liking. All converts to Hinduism are welcomed and their “homecoming” is celebrated. All converts to Islam are welcomed with shouts of “Alhamdulillah.” But converts to the Christian faith are hounded, excommunicated, tortured, paraded naked, and killed. India is not free until each Indian has the freedom to speak and act according to his conscience and convictions.

What does God give? Fortune or future?

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm

you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jer 29:11

Here is a man who made one of the tombs in the graveyard his bedroom; who lost his sensitivity to the extent that he wore no clothes. Who would dare to think that a bright future was in store for him? For the world, his story was a closed chapter that wouldn’t make any progress. It would be a paradox to believe that he would lead a purposeful life.

This event took place almost 2000 years ago in Israel. This man left his house and began to live in a graveyard out of his insanity. Though he had near and dear ones he couldn’t identify anyone or anything pertaining to his family. Marks of wounds he cut by the stones were seen throughout his body. Scattered long hair and beard tell us that it had been long time since he last visited a saloon. He shrieked on the hills during the night. Neither darkness nor hazardous reptiles scared him. He tore apart chains that bound his arms and legs.

He wandered nakedly during day and night as the sense of disgrace departed from him.

No one had a second opinion about his disastrous future. What else would one think about a ferocious insane human being? He was not in his right senses to assess whether he was climbing down or up.

He had no dreams or plans for his life; neither was he conscious of victories or failures. A hopeless life that was almost counting down towards the end!

Something marvellous happened in his life. He had an encounter with Jesus Christ. First of all, Jesus diagnosed his problem correctly. He was possessed by a legion of evil spirits that made his life miserable and hopeless. God who created man and sustains him through His Word knows better about man’s problem. Others can, of course, make speculations and calculations. Human knowledge is limited to comprehending what is visible from outside. The Creator God only knows what pushed the man down into his present condition.

Secondly, Jesus cast out the demons that dwelt in him. Consequently, he was healed of his sickness and wounds in his body. That brought him back to his senses. He asked for clothes. He recognized Jesus Christ who healed him and sat at his feet imploring to allow him to follow Him. The man who was counted among the dead received a future through an encounter with Jesus. Jesus who has power and authority on all things and has the name above all names can open the shut doors and lead us to a hope and future.

Instead of following Jesus physically in religiosity, Jesus showed him another way to follow Him by testifying to the miraculous power of God that he received. Eventually, in his affection towards God, he started testifying about the new life that he received from God in city after city. He became an object of wonder. Now he had a hope and a future. He was a blessing to many hopeless and depressed people who looked forward for their healing.

Are you stuck in your race for fortune after hitting a wall? You don’t know which way to proceed. You think that you have no hope and future? Jesus is the answer. A personal encounter with Him will radically change your life. Do not give up. God gives a future than fortune.

8 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

Did You Know?

"So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

1 Corinthians 12:25-26

9PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY

BLOSSOMING BUDSDecember 1-15, 2011

T r phe sc fo flou o riend hiOnce upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. All bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as

claimed that they were the best. The most important. The most empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red

useful. The favorite. Green said: rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."

"Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of Purple rose up to his full height. He was very tall and spoke with

hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves. Without me, all great pomp:

animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs and bishops

I am in the majority." have always chosen me, for I am the sign of authority and wisdom.

Blue interrupted: People do not question me! They listen and obey."

"You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. Finally Indigo spoke, much more quietly than all the others, but

It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds with just as much determination:

from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but

Without my peace, you would all be nothing." without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and

Yellow chuckled: reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and

"You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into contrast, for prayer and inner peace."

the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her

yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder.

to smile. Without me there would be no fun." Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening.

Orange started next to blow her trumpet: Thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down

"I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to

precious, for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most one another for comfort.

important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak:

mangoes and papayas. I don't hang around all the time, but when "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to

I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a

one gives another thought to any of you." special purpose, uinque and different? Join hands with one

Red could stand it no longer. He shouted out: another and come to me."

"I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands.

color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I The rain continued:

"From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the

sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in

peace. The Rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow."

And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a Rainbow

appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another.

COLORING PAGE

Jesus Walks on Water

10 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

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12 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

In retrospect, the church in India has displayed peaceful people adhering to a soft and finally arrested him on charges of fomenting ” Addressing the media, Kashmir’s grand remarkable sobriety and a sense of melodious Sufi Islam, far removed from the communal strife. The church feels cornered. It mufti, Mohammed Bashiruddin warned that responsibility in their response to the arrest in stridency of Wahabism espoused by the took days for the local church to make such activities “warrant action as per Islamic Srinagar of Reverend Chander Mani Khanna, extremist groups. But there do not seem to be statement. The NHRC, National Commission law” and will not be tolerated. “There will be pastor of the All Saints Church. The Muslim any routes of approaches to the aggressive for Minorities and he National Advisory serious consequences of this. We will Ulema of the rest of India have been reluctant clergy, Council and others are silent though they have implement our part and the government to condemn the arrest, precipitated by the Apart from the confrontation with the been informed by many. The political parties should implement its," the mufti thundered. demand of a local Mufti. The vital issues of the state forces, and the occasional violence on are mute. Civil society is dead in Srinagar, What’s Islamic law and a shariah court doing rights of minorities, and freedom faith are the small number of Pundits who remain in and silent in India. No group of activists has in a secular democratic polity? ... For what however involved, which impinge on all Srinagar and some rural areas of the valley, yet denounced the arrest or the kangaroo crime has Khanna been booked? Unlike states minorities even in states such as Gujarat, there has been violence against Christians in court. Right wing Hindutva groups agree with like Gujarat, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Orissa and the past too. On 26 February 2011 , the school the mullahs. Political action is patently J&K does not have a law against conversions. remain relevant in Kashmir. I suppose one can run by a Christian family was burnt. The required and people have call upon the But where there is a will there’s a way. The understand their reluctance in the backdrop of government helped with the reconstruction. President of India, the prime minister, the pastor has been charged under sections 153A the complexities and sensitivities involved in Before this the Tyndale Biscoe School governor of the state of J and K and the leaders and 295A of the Ranbir Penal Code, the J&K anything that is concerned with the State of Tangmarg was burnt , The Good Shepherd of various political groups to take steps to get equivalent of the Indian Penal Code. Section Jammu and Kashmir. The same is the reason School of the Roman Catholic church at the priest out of the police lockup 153A pertains to the offense of “Promoting perhaps for the silence of civil society in India Pulwama was burnt. The community as a Above all, the frail relationship between enmity between different groups…” and and in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Only whole has suffered much, in silence. The Muslims and Christians -- both minorities in doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of journalists and activists Seema Mustafa in people, who speak with us on conditions of India – is under great stress. Remember, harmony”. Section 295A has to do with New Delhi and Javed Anand in Mumbai have anonymity, and the family of Rev Khanna, say Christians had made common cause with “Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to dared spoken, pleading for caution but the situation is very volatile and bad, stressing Muslims in their hour of crisis in Gujarat 2002 outrage religious feelings of any class by articulating the voice of sanity and freedom. they do not want to add fire to the situation and elsewhere. insulting its religion or religious beliefs”.

Before anything else, it is important to there at present “but try to apply some The media, as usual, seems barking up “Why should conversion of a few recall the political geography of Jammu and political pressure from outside the state in an the wrong tree, giving tendentious stories, not Muslims to Christianity be deemed a Kashmir. It is, of course, an inseparable silent manner so that we get what we want and questioning how religious groups over-rule malicious act intended to outrage religious member state of the Union of India, as the lives of people are safe also”. or act on behalf of the police. This is how a feelings? Why should it be tantamount to patriotic voices constantly remind us. It was This is a sentiment shared by Seema local newspaper reported the episode: Deputy promoting enmity between different groups? once ruled by a Hindu King, the late Hari Mustafa who says “We must take into account Inspector General (DIG) Central Kashmir These might be questions for you and me. But Singh, not much liked by the large Muslim the sensitivity of Kashmir as it is different Range, A G Mir told ‘Kashmir Images’ that Omar Abdullah and his police may well be population of the Valley of Srinagar, which is from Madhya Pradesh and UP. That is Khanna has been arrested by Police Station wondering whether the FIR and the arrest are one of the three district entities that make up imperative or anything you say will create Ram Munshi Bagh and FIR 186 of 2011 enough to douse the flames. The worse quite the state. The other two are the areas of more trouble than the initial trouble itself. under section 153A and 295A registered possibly is yet to come. A Dharma Sansad Jammu, with a huge Hindu population and a Unlike the popular perception created here, against him. Police have also registered a case comprising of leaders of different Muslim record number of temples, and Ladakh, an Kashmiris are secular people and we can against six unidentified Kashmiri youngsters sects in Kashmir is to meet soon to deliberate almost entirely Buddhist region with just a reach out to many there to ensure that sane who were allegedly baptized by the Christian over the “grave issue” and decide on further handful of Muslims, Hindus and Christians. voices emerge. The state government has priest. Kashmir’s Grand Mufti, Mufti Bashir- course of action. The responses to the video-The tiny Christian minority in the State lives created additional trouble with the arrest, and ud-din last month summoned the priest to his clip have apparently been venomous. "We largely in the Jammu region, mostly of Dalit that needs to be countered as well. The court to explain about the alleged attempts of promise to kill all Christian missionaries and origin, with about 500 in the valley and a much separatists can be persuaded to give a conversion. The Pastor, however, was out of burn their buildings, schools and churches!" smaller population in Ladakh. For some time statement for secular harmony, I am sure, as station and had sought time to appear before pronounces one of them while another after Independence and the ascension of the can civil society, and for the release of the the Grand Mufti, who heads Court of Islamic proclaims, "We should burn this priest to state to the Union of India, J and K, as it is pastor. But it has to be worked out properly.’ Jurisprudence in Kashmir. And finally when death!" Echoes of Pakistan’s obnoxious known popularly, had its own prime minister Pastor Khanna is a well known Khanna presented himself before a group of blasphemy laws?and sadr-e-riyasat, [head of state] Karan personality in Srinagar. Dr Richard Howell, 15 Islamic scholars and representatives of “It is far from clear whether the priest is in Singh, before they were designated chief general secretary of the Evangelical various religious groups headed by the Grand fact guilty of a cash-for-conversion deal. Only minister and Governor respectively. Special Fellowship of India and outgoing secretary of Mufti, he denied his involvement first, but a thorough and impartial investigation could status is accorded to the State under Article the National United Christian Forum, says “I later on confessed his complicity. Initially he establish if there’s any truth in the charge. But 370, many Indian institutions have no have known Rev. Khanna for many years. He did not accept that he was doing this,” Mufti in the brand of Islam the grand mufti and most jurisdiction in the state and many laws have to in fact was involved in reconciliation work in Bashiruddin said. The Pastor reportedly said mainstream Muslim organizations espouse, be extended to the region through the state Kashmir valley. He confidently went to he was on a “peace mission promoting the issue of inducement is irrelevant. The legislature. Srinagar from Jammu, much against the communal harmony between Muslims, theology is simple: for conversion into Islam, India and Pakistan have fought four wars advice of all. I am sure that he has done no Sikhs, Hindus and Christians. But when there’s Divine reward aplenty for both the over the State, the last being the infamous wrong. We need to move soon on some sort of confronted by some boys, he had no option but converter and the converted; but conversion Kargil glacier encounter which cost both a dialogue to stop rumours, the latest being; to accept,” the Grand Mufti said, adding that out of Islam is gunaah-e-azeem(mahapaap), countries precious human lives with tension now it is the turn of Christians to leave the they had a CD containing evidence about how treason of the highest order, deserving of the still prevailing in the uninhabitable heights. In valley. There are about 400 Christians the Pastor was performing conversions. The harshest punishment.” Human rights groups the habitable valley, there is another working in schools and hospitals, a few in Pastor has confessed to having converted 15 and Muslim bodies from the Valley and confrontation. Half a million Indian soldiers, government service.” boys so far and promised to give their list to the elsewhere especially, must denounce the by some counts, are in the valley tackling both The events leading up to Khanna’s Grand Mufti, reports said. “The Pastor said hounding of the pastor and the ‘Islamisers’ the border situation and a continuing formal arrest at the behest of a Mullah, the some NGOs and intellectuals were with him reminded that Article 25 of the Indian confrontation with terrorists as well as with Grand Mufti, have opened up serious in this mission and some of them had Constitution guarantees to all citizens “the the civilian population, The confrontation has questions that need to be addressed. Pastor accompanied him to South Africa to preach right freely to profess, practice and propagate been violent most of the time. Many innocents Khanna had baptised some people in the Christianity,” said the Grand Mufti. Terming (their) religion”.have been killed, entirely illegally. Women church during the regular baptism the issue a “grave” one, he said Muslim The last word, of course has not been and children have been victims. A major ceremonies. A few of those were former ‘Ulema’ (scholars) f rom various said. Even as efforts continue to get the pastor victim of the communalised situation in the Muslims who had been coming to the church organizations including the Jamat-e-Islami, out of prison on bail, or to get him transferred valley has been the exodus of the Hindu for a long time. All were adults. A video was the Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadees, the Islamic Study to the Jammu jail for safety reasons, National Pundit population to Jammu, Delhi and made of this event and put on YouTube on the Circle and the Nadwatul Ulema would meet Commission for Minorities vice refugee camps elsewhere. A sad aftermath has Internet. The pastor was summoned, not by again to take a final decision.As of now I have chairman Dr. Hmar T Sang liana was paying a been the rise of fundamentalism and the the police, but by the Mufti, He was reserved my judgment. The Ulema council visit to Srinagar to meet with various groups supremacy of a doctrinaire kind of politico- questioned for seven hours, harangued, was scheduled to meet on November 19, but it and the government. Efforts were also on to religious Islamic clergy. threatened. The government became scared, has been postponed,” the Grand Mufti said.” open a dialogue with various national and The seeds of the confrontation with the or possibly wanted to divert attention from The Church of North India and the local Kashmir Muslim groups for a long term Christian community lies in the powerful other on-going crises in the state, not the least Christian community deny any wrong doing peace with a broad basic agreement that the segment of this clergy which is carving out its of which is an accusation against chief by the pastor. They have also reaffirmed their dialogue must continue in an environment of space in challenge to the established state minister Omar Abdullah of involvement in the resolve to continue with their mission of mutual understanding, and not in short term government, the other political groups, the murder of a member of his own party who had service in the valley and the state. grandstanding. The government, meanwhile, military and the political parties. As Seema become a criminal. The most incisive comment has come is being encouraged to stick to the points in Mustafa points out, the vast majority of The police told Khanna they were from Javed Anand, general secretary, law and not to exacerbate the situation in the Kashmiris in the valley, all Muslim, are protecting him, then raided his church, and Muslims for Secular Democracy of Mumbai. guise of buying peace.

Implications of the arrest of a Pastor in Kashmir

John DayalConversions, Shariah kangaroo courts, the law of the land and fragile unity of minorities

13PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

Philip P. Eapen

The Gospel and Prosperity

upward mobility into the emergent Latin He taught the pastors there that they Recently I took part in a discussion with Christian professionals. When the American middle class. A belief in one's should work and support the poor. “In question of “prosperity gospel” came up, own prosperity, Martin suggests, is often a everything I showed you that by one of them summed up the classic self-fulfilling prophecy.” working hard in this manner you must evangelical position. He said, “The help the weak and remember the words In a similar vein, secular journalist Gospel is about salvation, about Jesus of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, Peter L Weber praised Pentecostals for Christ and his work for us on the Cross. ‘It is more blessed to give than to preaching hope in the midst of global It’s not about getting richer.” receive.’” (Acts 20:35) That’s it! A financial crisis in spite of the negative

And yet, a little while later, in his pastor must not be supported by a press they received from within the prayer for the children in the gathering, member of his congregation who’s Christian fold. He attended a Pentecostal he prayed: “Lord, bless our children’s poorer than him. Instead, the pastor meeting and heard it for himself. He studies. Let them secure the top position must give to the poorer members! (Any summarized the message as One, "God in their respective classes. …” I found other instruction given anywhere else – does not want you to be poor!" And, two, that interesting. Christian preachers in such as Gal 6:6 – regarding the support "You can do something about it!" Then, the Third World preach, “Believe in the of teaching pastors must be subject to from a sociologist’s perspective, “As I gospel and the Lord will save you from this general regulation.)left the church, I asked myself: Would I

rich “will only come to poverty” your sins. He will heal your sicknesses. really want to quarrel with these “Then why did the apostle receive Proverbs 22:16. In fact, it is these super-He will deliver you from your debts and messages?” Of course not! That’s why gifts from the ‘super poor’ Philippi rich preachers who should be giving to your poverty.” Critics have always found he concludes: Christians?” you might ask. Paul was a the poor that throng to their meetings!) this very objectionable. And yet, these

“There is no sentimentality about This American short-cut to be super-very critics forget their theology when poverty in the prosperity gospel. There rich deserves ample criticism.they pray for their children’s studies or is an appeal to people not as victims but However, the objections raised when they advice their children.as responsible actors. There is also the against these preachers of “prosperity Grades/marks are for children confidence that generally people know gospel” need not apply to all preachers what money is for adults. In the dog-what is best for themselves, better than who proclaim that the God of the Bible is eat-dog world of academics, the guys any well-meaning outsiders. It is no a God who blesses. This is because the who score the highest grades become wonder, then, that research data, from word “prosperity” means different the “top dogs.” Those who oppose any South Africa for instance, show that things to different people. An “ordinary mention about God blessing the poor Pentecostals have an unusual degree of American” has everything – a house, one should indeed tell their children: “Kids, self-confidence and optimism about the or two vehicles, heating/AC, modern be content with what you have. If you future.” (“Pennies from heaven,” Wall household appliances, etc. – that would have just enough grades to pass, that’s Street Journal, Oct 24 2008).make him appear “super rich” to a poor good. The love of grades is the root of all

This doesn’t mean that all Pentecostals Kenyan or Indian Christian. A poor evil. You can’t serve God and Grades. have identical, biblical views about Nigerian or an Indian who prays for And just because you’ve good grades, it prosperity. Many would need correction.God’s blessings or “prosperity” might doesn’t show that you are godlier than

The Bible certainly speaks about just be asking for deliverance from a your friend. Or just because you scored persistent debt or for a house and a improving the material condition of the low grades, it doesn’t mean that you are motor-cycle. He might just be wishing poor. Why else would the Bible poor in faith. Contentment with for food security for his family. If an encourage giving or lending to the needy godliness is great gain.” Verily, verily, I “ordinary American” Christian sits in if not for improving their lot? And tell you, our kids will be a lot happier if judgment of such a man and says, “The certainly, God doesn’t forget or neglect they hear this from us! prisoner in Rome. Whatever riches he Gospel is about salvation from sin. Be the cheerful giver. God repays him a good Instead, the most vociferous critics might have had at other times, as a content with what you have,” it would harvest, as the apostle rightly points out of “Pentecostal prosperity Gospel” tell prisoner in an alien city, Paul was appear that only Americans are entitled their children that there is a link in 2 Corinthians 9:6-10. God doesn’t poorer than the Philippi Christians who to the comforts of life. bless the giver to make him super-rich! between their relationship with God faced extreme poverty. The Philippians

It is heartening to see that Christians and the grades they secure in school! (This is where many of us get it wrong!) jumped at that opportunity and gave to in the West are slowly realizing that this They encourage the children to exercise Instead, God blesses the cheerful giver Paul! That was commended by Paul in issue should be addressed from the their faith in God, to work hard, to and returns a rich material harvest so his epistle.perspective of the poor. This is partly succeed, because they “can do all things that he might increase his giving (2 Cor Pentecostal preaching about God’s because the Pentecostal/Charismatic through Christ who strengthens” them. 9:8, 11). The Bible’s focus on giving blessings and “prosperity” should thus preaching has brought hope to the lives This might show that deep inside we all reveals God’s concern for the needy—not be tempered with these Biblical

crave for a correlation between our faith of millions of poor Christians in Nigeria, His desire to make the rich super-rich! attitudes towards giving and towards in God and our earthly circumstances. Kenya, South Africa and India. Grant Those who receive God’s blessings in receiving blessings from God. We will Brooke, in his Huffington Post essay It is high time we re-examine our accordance with 2 Corinthians 9:6 then understand the real purpose of criticism of preachers who mention titled “The Case for the Prosperity should not say, “I gave liberally and God-given prosperity. Thus, we will be God’s blessings on His people. The Gospel,” (3 Oct 2010) claims that the cheerfully; therefore, God has blessed better stewards of the resources God double-standard employed by critics in often-despised “prosperity gospel” is me and has made me super-rich.” places at our command.their personal lives is only one of the indeed working wonders in the lives of Instead of letting their expenditure and The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings reasons that should lead us to it. The the poor. Instead of blaming others for standard of living grow unrestrained

total transformation to an individual most important reason is that critics in their condition, the poor now think that with their growing incomes, they should and to a society. Such a transformation India or other developing countries, they can do something to get themselves learn to cap their expenditure in order to is not just about deliverance from sin, instead of thinking on their own, are out of their misery. They pray. They work increase their giving.the destruction of criminal networks, just mouthing the words of their friends hard. They quit habits that eat up their And to whom should we give? It will and the reduction of crime. The gospel in the US. money. They save. They invest. And they be well with us if we give to those in also brings about a better work ethic to a When American critics speak out give to those in need. need. As a Christian, you are NOT nation. It can help a nation to live within against “prosperity gospel” they indeed Brooke seeks support from David obliged to give to someone whose its means and overcome its debt (and have a case. They see super rich, jet- Martin, the author of “Tongues of Fire: standard of living is higher than yours. the USA can afford to learn from this!). setting evangelists who promise The Explosion of Protestantism in Latin God doesn’t want the poor to pay for a It can convert a perpetually borrowing prosperity to everyone who donates to America” – “church-goers who believe in rich man’s fancies. This applies to the individual/country into a liberal donor! them! They claim that the godly will God-given prosperity are more Church as well. The gospel is the only hope for never be sick or poor. They show off autonomous, economically responsible, A Christian need not support a their riches as “proof” of God’s blessing eradicating poverty. The Gospel goes self-confident, and optimistic about life pastor who is better off than him! that came as a result of their faith. The beyond charity to justice – to bring outcomes than their Mainline Protestant Sounds strange? That’s biblical. That’s about radical transformation to our gullible keep donating to these rich

and Catholic counterparts. He [Martin] what the apostle Paul taught in a preachers. (They forget Scriptural world. And it all starts at the level of the called this belief "betterment" and argued pastors’ conference held in Ephesus! warning that those who give gifts to the individual!that it bore itself out in greater chances for

The Bible’s focus

on giving reveals

God’s concern for

the needy—not

His desire to

make the rich

super-rich!

A pastor must not

be supported by a

member of his

congregation

who’s poorer than

him. Instead, the

pastor must give

to the poorer

members!

14 PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

AIDS: Charting a Christian Responsewhat the feelings are and why certain Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome -- Ask God to strengthen and equip the friends choicesare being made.AIDS -- is the leading cause of death among and families ofAIDS and HIV patients.

Americans under age 44. First discovered in Helping a Friend with AIDS If your friend is experiencing feelings the U.S. in 1981, there is no known cure for Excerpted with permission from Love of guilt or blame regarding the illness, the disease. Action Ministries remind that person that God is gracious,

Today, there are 1 million known cases When someone you know learns that he or merciful and forgiving to all of us.in the U.S. Half of the estimated 19.5 million she has HIV or AIDS, you may feel Do not confuse acceptance of the cases worldwide are in Africa, and by the inadequate to help. But with God's love, you

illness with defeat. Sometimes year 2000, 30-40 million are expected to be don't need to feel apprehensive and

acceptance may free your friend to infected with the virus causing AIDS. inadequate. Here are some ways you can

accept God's better plan for his or her Despite the widespread impact of this reach out.

life.disease, many know surprisingly little about

Don't allow your friend, his family or AIDS and its transmission, and few in the Try not to avoid this person. At this time roommate to become isolated. Let them church have developed a thoughtful, of crisis, be the friend you have always know about support and prayer groups, biblical response to those ravaged by this been, which is especially important helplessness and inadequacy. Getting Bible studies and other concrete disease. because it instills hope. the emotional and spiritual support you practical services offered by your Much of the fear regarding AIDS need will help you to be there for the Touch your friend. A hug or squeeze of church, ministry and/or agencies.centers around a lack of understanding as to person who has AIDS.the hand lets him or her know that you Talk about the future with your friend how the disease is transmitted. Aids is spread

care. (You cannot contract AIDS Remember to pray for your friend or without denying the reality of today.through the human immunodeficiency virus simply by touching.) family member, for their family (HIV), which is transmitted in three ways -- Take good care of yourself. Recognize

members, and that God would use you Call and ask if it's okay to visit and sexual contact, contact with the blood your own limitations and honor them. as a messenger of His love and leave your friend an option to decline if infected by the virus, or through prenatal Share with your pastor and Christian salvation through Jesus Christ. he or she isn't feeling well. Your transmission. friends your own feelings of grief,

friendship can keep loneliness and fear CBN.comCasual contact -- such as breathing the at a distance.air around an infected person, or even Don't be afraid to share the joy of touching or kissing -- has not led to knowing Jesus with your friend, but transmission. As a result, those who do not don't be overbearing. Don't demand carry HIV can, with little concern about immediate spiritual maturity and full infection, welcome those infected with HIV understanding. On some occasions, the to join in all normal social interactions at the best witness is a simple prayer or a workplace, in their homes and in church.kindness. (James 2:14-17).As HIV incubates in the body -- a

process that can take years-- it severely Be knowledgeable of God's power to damages a patient's disease-fighting heal even in the most difficult immune system. The resulting condition is circumstances. It's okay when praying called AIDS, which leaves the patient with your friend to offer hope by vulnerable to a host of diseases that asking God to manifest His healing otherwise would not be fatal. power. However, don't make your

Homosexual contact remains the most friend feel guilty if healing does not frequently reported way HIV is transmitted, take place. Know that God may have which has led some Christians to incorrectly other plans for your friend.believe that AIDS is the direct punishment Spend time sharing a meal or invite the of God. AIDS may or may not be the person to go for an outing, but ask consequence of sin. The disease strikes about and know your friend's people of all ages, sexual behaviors and limitations.social boundaries. Therefore, HIV/AIDS

Celebrate holidays and life with your should not be stigmatized and treated friend by offering to decorate their differently than other diseases.home or hospital room.Jesus is calling His church to reach out When possible, stay in contact with with compassion to those devastated by your friend's family or care-partner. AIDS. Just as Jesus touched the afflicted of Offer to care for the person with AIDS His day, the church's response should be in order to give their loved ones some guided by compassion. If sinful behavior is free time.connected with the disease, the church

should extend the same forgiveness that It's okay to ask about the illness, but be Jesus offers to all who repent. sensitive to whether or not your friend

As AIDS continues its alarming growth wants to discuss it.rate it is clear that this disease will soon A person with AIDS has good and bad impact every family and every church days. On bad days, treat your friend community. Christians must be diligent to with extra care and compassion.overcome unwarranted fears regarding the

Offer transportation. Your friend may disease and support those suffering from its need a ride to treatment or the store or deadly effects both with persistent prayer somewhere special for a break.and the restorative actions that speak louder Be prepared for your friend to get than words.angry with you for "no reason." 7 Day AIDS Prayer GuideRemember anger and frustration are Ask God to forgive the sins of the often taken out on people most loved nations which have encouraged the spread because it is safe and will be of AIDSunderstood.Intercede for those ravaged by the

depression brought on by HIV/AIDS, and Keep your friend updated on current ask God to move powerfully in their lives. events, mutual friends and common Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your own fears interest. It may be a welcome diversion and prejudices. from talking about symptoms, doctors Ask God to forgive the church for being and treatments.slow to respond to the ministry needs of Offer to help with household chores. those with HIV and AIDS. However, don't do something your Pray for churches across America to reach friend would prefer to do for him or out with compassion to those with the herself. Ask first.disease.

Don't lecture or direct anger at your Pray for wisdom and protection for those in

friend if he or she seems to be handling the medical community treating AIDS

the illness in a way that you think is patients.

inappropriate. You may not understand

Did you pay your

Subscription ?

15PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY December 1-15, 2011

WEA confirms date for 2014 general assembly

God’s grace and the empowerment of His Spirit will profoundly impact not only the spiritual climate of Korea but of the nations of world,” said Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, Secretary General/CEO of the WEA, who will be traveling to Seoul in November.

The WEA plans in January 2012 to bring a working group to Seoul to work alongside Korean counterparts in preparation for this GA.

The WEA is the largest global evangelical body with a network of churches in 129 nations and an alliance of 100 international organizations. Representing over On September 9, 2011, the World Evangelical

600 million Christians worldwide, the Alliance (WEA) together with the Christian WEA holds its general assembly every six Council of Korea (CCK) have confirmed years to conduct its business, train its leaders, dates for the 2014 WEA General Assembly, promote mutual learning and partnerships, which will take place in Seoul, South Korea build synergy, and cast a vision for impacting from October 27 to 31, 2014.the world. The last assembly was held The proposed venue is the Asem Hall October 2008 in Pattaya, Thailand.Coex Convention Center in Seoul.

The CCK, the largest alliance of “We are very grateful for the visit of the churches in South Korea, has within its leaders of CCK to our headquarters in New membership 69 denominations and 20 York. We are also very thankful that both CCK Christian organizations that together and WEA leaders have agreed on the dates of represent over 12 million Christians in the the next General Assembly to be held in Seoul world’s second largest missionary-sending in 2014. It is our belief that this General country.Assembly will not only be historic but also by

70,000 plus prayed in CairoCAIRO, EGYPT (Worthy News)– Last week The largest Christian event in Egypt for more than 70,000 prayed all night in Cario, more than a millenium was held at St. Simeon but they weren't Muslims. the Tanner Coptic Orthodox Church in

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Bachelor of Theology (B. Th.) + 2 passed. 3 Years

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Rev. Khanna. There’s no evidence against illogical, paranoid behaviour!Rev. Khanna that shows that he is guilty of As usual, the India media men and “blasphemy” or “creating enmity” between women who jump at every media religious groups. opportunity stayed away from this news.

From the manner in which the Grand How can they risk their ratings by Mufti questioned Rev. Khanna over the sympathizing with Christianity—the conversion of Muslim youth, one might unsung Pariah among Indian religions? The wonder if those converts were the chattering class too looked the other way. “property” of the Muslim clergy. “Why did And where were the politicians? Weren’t you convert our boys?” It’s as if all Muslims they busy defeating the purpose of are inanimate objects that are susceptible to Parliament?be “stolen” by Christian pastors and The Church in India is loyal to India missionaries. (The extreme right-wing regardless of the support or help they Hindus too regard their folks in the same receive from fellow Indians. Throughout way!) It is clear that religions such as these her history, the Church has been resilient in do not accept the autonomy of the the face of troubles. The harder you hit the individual. They consider their folks as church to the ground, the higher it bounces.dumb sheep that are incapable of making The Christian community might as wise choices regarding the religion they well stay put in the Kashmir Valley and must follow. And interestingly, super- reward their Muslim brethren with better human powers are attributed to Christian service with a smile. Why should Christians missionaries and pastors – the ability to flee like the Pundits? Salt is useful only “convert”, the ability to mesmerize these when it comes out of the salt-shaker and poor creatures and lead them away like rats light is useful only when it shines in the that followed the Pied Piper! The height of dark. (With input from EFI).

no promotion for, or media coverage of the all-night event.

Back in September 2009, during a prayer meeting in Egypt, the event's organizer prophesized that President Mubarak would receive "no grace" in 2011; the Spirit further revealed that there would be bloodshed, persecution and the destruction of churches, but if God's people would hear His voice and repent, then He would hear their prayers.

Fast forward to Oct. 9, 2011, when many Coptic Christians were killed in Cairo; in response, Christian leaders met for 3 days of prayer, after which they Mokattam, Cairo's largest "garbage city". An announced their intention of an all-night Egyptian Christian leader called it the prayer event for all of Egypt.beginning of a revival, even though there was

Pastor Khanna released

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First ever virtual Christmas choir being assembled for

Christmas evechurch.

Singers are given access to sheet music, music tracks and a video-recorded conductor so that anyone can record and upload their singing part to YouTube. Liquid Church's media team will then assemble a composite video production that integrates all of the individual singers into one large-scale synchronized video rendering for the Christmas Virtual Choir event.

Participation in the Christmas Virtual MORRISTOWN, NJ, Nov. 28, 2011 Choir is open to everyone around the globe, /Christian Newswire/ -- Liquid Church of not just the 2,000 weekly attendees in New New Jersey is inviting individuals from Jersey, and thousands more who routinely around the world to participate via webcams visit Liquid's website and Church Online and YouTube in the first ever Christmas campus.Virtual Choir for Christmas Eve services. The deadline for those who want to Whether they're soldiers in the Middle East, participate in the choir is December 15th.moms in Estonia or students in Phoenix, I n s t r u c t i o n s a r e a v a i l a b l e a t Arizona, the church will leverage technology www.lqd.ch/xmasvideoto synchronize individual singers into a The Christmas Virtual Choir 's unified choir rendition of Silent Night. performance will held at six live Christmas Eve

"We're creating a unique experience for services in New Jersey on December 24th held singers across the globe to come together as by Liquid Church. Free event tickets are one voice this Christmas," said Tim Lucas, available at www.liquidchurch.com Lead Pastor of the New Jersey-based Christian

NGO says teenage prostitution worsening in Israel

Elem - Youth in Distress identifies about 620 young people as young as 12 who have been involved in prostitution this year, compared with 126 last year, though part of rise can

be attributed to organization's stepped up efforts to find victims.

More and more teenagers are working as opened by the police and the prosecution are prostitutes around the country, according to closed on the grounds of a lack of public the nonprofit organization Elem - Youth in interest or a lack of evidence."Distress. According to a report by the Knesset's

Elem has recorded a five-fold increase Research and Information Center last year, this year in the number of young people law enforcement efforts to address the working as prostitutes, though it says that problem have been lax in the 10 years some of the rise can be attributed to the covered by the study. The police opened only group's stepped-up efforts to find victims of two cases against customers of juvenile prostitution. Elem will present the data prostitutes during that period, and both cases today at the Knesset's Subcommittee on the were closed, one for a lack of evidence and Trafficking in Women. one on the grounds that there was no public

This year Elem has identified about 620 interest in prosecuting the case.young people as young as 12 who have been In addition, three of the eight cases involved in prostitution, compared with 126 opened for pimping involving minors last year. The organization believes the scope between 2000 and 2009 were closed. of the problem is much wider, involving Criminal charges were not pursued in 19 of thousands of young people whom the social the 35 cases that the police opened during welfare agencies don't even know about. that period for commercial exploitation of a

Elem says Israel lacks a central minor. Usually the reason was a lack of government agency responsible for evidence or a determination that the suspect identifying and treating these young people, was not guilty.about 75 percent of whom are girls. Another "The data presented to the committee 20 percent are boys and the remaining 5 and the cases dealt with by Elem are just the percent are transgender. tip of the iceberg of the shocking

"Most young people who fall into phenomenon of youth prostitution in prostitution have experienced great distress, Israel," said MK Orit Zuaretz (Kadima), physical, sexual or emotional abuse, a major who heads the Knesset subcommittee.rejection or serious neglect," said Reli Katzav “The main failing is that a year after the of Elem. "Unfortunately, we encounter many previous [subcommittee] session on the cases in which prostitution begins at 12," she subject ... the responsible ministries have said, adding that the state only provides not presented a plan and are still developing treatment to girls working as prostitutes but ways to deal with this 'new' phenomenon of not boys or transgender youth. juvenile prostitution." She said the

"Our clients, who come from all strata phenomenon was largely driven by poverty of society, are breaking the law, but they are and the need for these young people to not punished and most of the [legal] files support themselves.

Hospital kills “wrong” twin in abortion, both babies now dead

A hospital in Australia making news for hospital said it had followed correct having killed the “wrong” twin in an procedure, but how could this happen? The abortion of a healthy unborn child when the ultrasound clinician said she checked three mother of the babies wanted an abortion on times before the termination because she her child who doctors said had little chance didn’t want to make a mistake.”to live. Now, both babies are dead. The newspaper indicates the family is

The Herald Sun newspaper reports that considering legal action and key health officials the unnamed woman from Victoria had said they want to know more about how the already named her unborn children when hospital could have let this accident occur.doctors told her one of the unborn babies These kinds of cases have occurred had a congenital heart defect that would before and, in 2010, a Florida-based requires years of operations, assuming the abortion practitioner lost his medical baby survived long enough to have them. license. Matthew Kachinas was supposed to The mother decided to have an abortion, do an abortion on one of the twin babies who terminating the life of one of her unborn had Down syndrome but wound up killing children and allowing the other baby to live. the other baby in the failed abortion.

The newspaper indicates an ultrasound Kachinas injected a chemical to kill the tech checked on the healthy baby before the baby in the abortion, but the injection abortion and determine the child was in a ultimately killed the healthy unborn child.separate amniotic sac than the sibling. The Florida Board of Medicine revoked However, the abortion, which took place Kachinas’ license for that and other cases Tuesday afternoon, went awry and the that have come to its attention where wrong baby was injected with drugs meant Kachinas engaged in shoddy medicine. to end his or her life. Immediately after the hearing, Kachinas

After the mother was informed of the said he would kill himself and was error, doctors did an emergency Cesarean hospitalized at a local mental health facility section and the sick unborn baby was killed in out of concerns of his well-being, the a three-hour operation, the newspaper newspaper reported.indicates. Officials in Italy, in 2007, investigated a

A spokeswoman for the Royal Women’s botched abortion done on twin brothers Hospital apologized, the Herald Sun where the healthy brother became the victim reported, for the “distressing clinical of the abortion and the twin, who has Down accident” and said the hospital would conduct syndrome, lived. The disabled brother was an investigation of the mistake. the target of the abortion procedure and the

“The Royal Women’s Hospital can case is raising the ugly specter of abortions confirm a distressing clinical accident done to kill disabled people. The abortion occurred (on Tuesday),” the representative was done on a 38-year-old woman in Milan.said. “This is a terrible tragedy and the Doctors at the San Paolo hospital told hospital is deeply sorry for the loss suffered Italian media that the babies moved during by the patient and her family.” the abortion procedure and changed position

A friend of the mother told the newspaper compared to their locations during a pre-she is having a difficult time following the error. abortion examination. After doctors realized

“She went to the hospital with two their mistake, they notified the woman in babies and now she has none. And she had question. She returned to the hospital to the heartache of giving birth to her sick have the disabled baby aborted as well and baby. She’s traumatized,” she said. “The then reported the doctors to the police.

Somali Christians find that danger follows them wherever they go

from his injuries, the family fled to Lower Juba in March, then to Kismayo where they were closely monitored by al-Shabaab, so they left for Kenya in April, renting a donkey to carry their luggage and youngest child; it took them 18 days to travel the 230 miles to a town on the Kenyan side of the border where their donkey died from exhaustion.

For the next six months, the family lived in the Ifo camp in Dadaab where some al-Shabaab members threatened to kill him, so Somali Christian contacts in Kenya helped Mose move his family once again.

Having worked for NGOs, Mose was often singled-out by al-Shabaab, which views any worker of Western organizations

NAIROBI, KENYA (Worthy News)– as spies, causing his family to suffer

Earlier this year, Islamists from al-discrimination not only from al-Shabaab,

Shabaab's militia fighting for control of but from other Somali Muslims. Today that

Somalia razed Mohammed Abdi Mose's threat continues in an undisclosed location

house in Mogadishu to ashes after he in Kenya where Mose's wife sells bread to

evacuated his family, the 54-year-old father feed their growing family: she is due to give

of seven told Compass News.birth to twins and the family fears she may

"It was midnight and it was raining," he be unable to continue her business while

said. "Amid the bullets and mortar shells, I Mose continues to recover from his

had four kids on me, and my wife had three beatings.

kids on her …""At the moment, I cannot do heavy

About 150 people died that night, but work," he said. "I have a lot of pain in my

Mose said it was no coincidence that his lower abdomen which needs medical

house was targeted; earlier that month, attention. My back is also not good. Indeed

Muslim extremists confirmed that he was our situation is not promising, especially

now a Christian and therefore worthy of taking care of a family of nine as a refugee.

death, so they tied his hands and began If we get asylum, then it will save my

hitting him with sticks and metal objects.family.”

After spending a month recovering