What it means to Pray for Japan

Mar 31, 2011

Jon Petersen (North America director of 24-7 Prayer) talks about what role prayer plays in the current situation in Japan, and introduces the Prayer Room at CRASH.

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FROM CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDIES Am I Lustful, Gluttonous, or Slothful?Spiritual formation is not just about reading your Bible and praying. By Gregg R. Allison Click to continue

Why Do We Let Them Dress Like That?

Jennifer Moses, author of a recent WSJ article "Why Do We Let Them Dress Like That?" talks with Kelsey Hubbard about the tempest her piece has provoked.

Live Chat

Join author Jennifer Moses on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET for a conversation about her essay. Ask your questions now.

Today's teen and preteen girls are bombarded with images and products that tout the benefits of sexual attraction. But must we as parents, give in to their desire to "dress like everyone else?" asks author Jennifer Moses. She talks with WSJ's Kelsey Hubbard.

Watch both video interviews and read the WSJ article here……

"CROSS" FERTILIZATION

Salutary Good Fruit

Toyohiko Kagawa, a Japanese Christian once wrote:

"I read in a book, that a man called Christ, went about doing good. It was very disconcerting to me that I am so easily satisfied with just going about."

God's fruit trees were not planted merely to look good, but to be good for something. The "sin" of the fig tree is not that it was doing something bad, but that it was doing nothing-just taking up space in the vineyard. The Gardener turned out to be more than a caretaker in a graveyard, but one who invested himself in fruitless trees so that they might not only look good, but bear fruit-good for people to eat and be nourished. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control" (Gal. 5:22-25). This is said of those who "belong to Christ," people who have undergone "cross fertilization"! In our troubled accident-prone, disaster-ridden world, might we not become "show-and-tell" trees that bear good fruit, samples of produce good for something, good for people in bad times?! 

When God Seems Silent

FROM KYRIA When God Seems SilentWhat to do when life is dark and heaven's quiet. By Verla Gillmor Wallace Click to continue

Christians called to pray for Japan and USA

Japan's relief effort intensifies

Japan (MNN) -- Japan's earthquake damages will be in the hundreds of billions of dollars. For many survivors of crises, the most immediate concern is not the future, but the present need for food, shelter, clean water and heat. Asian Access estimates that nearly 300 churches were in the tsunami-impacted areas, and they've set up a relief base to provide help. Other churches are serving as shelters. A2 also has a million dollar matching grant right now, multiplying the impact of donations dollars. We've got more online.

Disaster-ridden Japan in store for more trauma

Japan (MNN) -- The triple threat in Japan of earthquake, tsunami, and radiation will likely have significant psychological effects on the Japanese. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety are all expected to inflict a much greater number of people than if only one of the three had occurred. Rich Blanco with Biblica says fear will last for years. "When people experience a disaster like this, often they're not sleeping well, they're waking up scared, and there's the fear of another tsunami or earthquake." The ministry will help people cope with this emotional stress through three post-disaster booklets. The books allow people to work through their thoughts in their own timing, journal, and ultimately cast their cares on Christ. "People who've lost everything are going to really just be seeking how they rebuild their lives, and that's where Biblica steps in with God's Word in very appropriate formats to bring hope to a hopeless situation." Help with this project at our Web site.

Japan pushed to the limit with triple threat

Japan (MNN) -- The nuclear crisis developing in Japan's quake-damaged Fukushima power complex is complicating relief. Jeff Palmer with Baptist Global Response explains, "We've looked at plans for helping in the earthquake areas. The tsunami areas are fairly well closed to private volunteer organizations. The Japanese government is handling that, and [in addition], those are in the radiation areas." Because of this, Palmer says, "A lot of us are focusing our response on those peripheral earthquake-affected areas which are requiring food, shelter, and help for folks who are being evacuated or have left the area." Although there are limitations to where they can help, they've got a long view. "We will respond and help people where they are hurting. At the same time, we will also offer them a hope that is found in eternal hope: a hope that is here and now, as well as later and beyond -- a hope that is found in Jesus Christ."  Read more here….

Earthquake stirs emotion

Japan (MNN) -- The emotional and spiritual effects of the recent disaster are starting to show in people all over Japan. TEAM doesn't work in the region most affected, but everyone seems to be shaken. Ministry Area Leader Steve Baughn talked to us from Japan: "They need to just talk; they're scared. They don't know when the next big earthquake's going to come in their area; they don't know about the nuclear reactor. This is going to have an ongoing effect throughout the nation which...is going to give Christians opportunities to share the love of Christ with people who are going to feel more needy and more insecure than they ever have, possibly -- no matter where they are in Japan." TEAM will certainly play a role in this, but "for the missions, the key is to continue to try to work with the Japanese and the Japanese church to make them the most effective they can be in reaching their own people." As opportunities arise, "The biggest prayer is that we would just be ready." Read more……

Relief kits needed for Japan

Japan (MNN) -- The grim search for survivors continues in Japan as a half-million people are reportedly homeless. The need for food, water, and other essentials continues. In response, Medical Teams International is committed to help. President of the ministry Bas Vanderzalm says the church is meeting the basic needs for shelter, food, and water. Unfortunately, the needs are great. "There are thousands and thousands of people who need help right now with just basic essentials for life. It's those needs that we're looking to meet with local church groups in Japan." They'll need temporary shelter, such as tents. They'll also need blankets, clothing, and other items to protect them in the cold months of the year. Vanderzalm says it doesn't take a lot of investment. "For $30, we're able to provide a disaster kit to people in an emergency situation like this that would be enough to care for them for at least several weeks. So, even a small gift would make a huge difference." Click on the link at our Web site to help.

Triple threat hangs over response teams in Japan

Japan (MNN) -- Experts say Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami will rank among the most costly natural disasters on record. Peter Howard with Food For the Hungry (FH) says, "It's a modern country, so this is unparalleled for the scale of this disaster in a modern country." It's winter now, and millions are without food, water or shelter. Nuclear meltdown looms. The FH team has a plan that flexes with the needs. "For Food for the Hungry, our niche is really working with the local churches and local church partners throughout the region affected and trying to get supplies in through those churches and basically provide support through those churches and ministries." Keep praying as their team moves forward. "We believe that the church is God's vehicle for spreading the Gospel of love and compassion and the message of peace. We're really hopeful that the Japanese church supported by churches all around the world will rise up and truly show what Christians are all about." Read more here….

Damaged communication keeps status of churches hidden

Japan (MNN) -- It's mostly unknown how Japan's churches have fared in the wake of disaster. Asian Access pastor Hiroshi Kawasaki says, "More than 300 churches are affected." Kawasaki is attempting to contact churches nearly around the clock, but many wireless lines and landlines are down. He has yet to hear from most. Ministry Director for Japan Mary Jo Wilson says unaffected churches are doing all they can to help. "Some other churches have opened up and are supplying some long-term temporary housing. So we see the body of Christ working together." For now, aid and housing are vital for the more than 310,000 people made homeless. Asian Access has set up a relief fund to provide aid. But the church is preparing for another need as well. "Soon after, maybe they need a very, very big spiritual help," says Kawasaki. For now, "Pray that Japan experiences the reality of Christ's love."  Read here….

Christians called to pray for Japan and USA

USA (MNN) -- While the world struggles to come to grips with the devastation in Japan, Ron Hutchcraft says Christians need to pray. He says our prayers need to focus on two areas. First, with only 1% of the population Christian, Japanese people need our prayers. "The millions of gods of Shintoism. The feeling that Christianity is a western religion. All these things have created great barriers, and my prayer now is for the people of God in Japan, that this could be their moment [they share their faith] because of their hope." Hutchcraft says in the United States, newscasters are talking about biblical prophecy. He says when people ask about it, he gives some suggestions on what to say. "You need to make sure you are in the hands of the One who predicted it all, whose coming preceded by it all, and who is the only safe place," which is Jesus. Listen to the full interview on our Web site.

Japan's quake creates opportunity and obstacles

Japan (MNN) -- Japanese seismologists have upgraded Friday's earthquake to a 9.0. The resulting tsunami has caused radiation contamination from damaged nuclear power reactors. We spoke to Howard Plucar with EFCA Reach Global from Tokyo via Skype. He says most of the team is safe, but there is no word from the Furukawa church and their team in Sendai, near the epicenter. "There's going to be immediate need that's going to flow in through churches and through Non-Governmental Organizations, but I think where the church is really going to have its greatest impact is in the long term--helping people rebuild their lives." TouchGlobal Crisis Response is assessing the situation. "As we show the love of Christ, we also declare the meaning of Christ to people whose lives have been turned upside-down and who don't have a lot of hope. So, to weave meaning into the acts of kindness is going to be key for the church." Read here….

God's timing prepares team for quake

Japan (MNN) -- Asian Access> reports that their team survived the quake safely. However, there are several partners who have likely been severely affected, but communications are limited. The team is confident that God will use the faith of these believers to reach out to the hurting in the community. A note of interest: six days ago, the leaders were part of an all-day training to help Christians in Japan be prepared to respond in case of earthquake. Pray with them as they move to respond.  Read here…

SEND International starts earthquake aid fund

Japan (MNN) -- International Director of SEND International Warren Janzen says they have 67 people working in Japan. "We've connected with our people, and everyone is safe--although not everyone is home. There were some people who were stranded in other parts of the city. Others chose to walk four or five hours to get back to their residences. All of our structures are all sound for now." SEND is one of the founding missions of the Japan Evangelical Church Association, and Janzen says they'll be working through that organization. "They are trying, right now, to connect with churches and believers in that affected region. They want to assess what the damage is and then begin strategizing on how to go in an assist." SEND has set up a fund to help. "SEND has created the Japan Earthquake Recovery Project to jump-start our national partners' recovery effort. These gifts are going to go to their immediate needs and the Japan Evangelical Church Association ongoing ministry for both physical and spiritual needs of people in the affected area." Go to www.SEND.org to help. Read more here….

WIlderness ~ Spoken Beats

Are you prone to mind control?

March 14, 2011

Source: New Scientist TV — Mar 14, 2011
Psychologist Richard Wiseman of Hertfordshire University has developed a simple test to you find out just how easily you are influenced by what others do and say, using your outstretched hands for visualization.
Give the test a try. How far did your hands move? According to Wiseman, if they stayed level or shifted just a few inches apart, then you aren’t that suggestible. But if they moved more than a few inches, you are the perfect candidate for a magician’s or hypnotist’s trick.
The test can also reveal something about your character. “Non-suggestible types tend to be more down-to-earth, logical and enjoy puzzles and games. In contrast, suggestible types tend to have a good imagination, be sensitive, intuitive, and find it easier to become absorbed in books and films,” says Wiseman.

Views of Islam and Violence

Continuing Divide in Views of Islam and Violence

According to a new poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, the public remains divided over whether Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence among its believers. Currently, 40% say the Islamic religion is more likely than other religions to encourage violence while 42% say it is not. See a breakdown of opinion on this issue across a variety of demographic categories, including religion and political affiliation. Go to the report »

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FROM KYRIA A Woman's WorthAs a single woman, I felt like a failure--until God helped me redefine "success." By Sherri Langton Click to continue

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FROM CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDIES The Value of Lent and Good FridayDon't skip too fast to Easter morning. By Brandon O'Brien Click to continue

Take our poll: Do you observe Lent?

FEATURED STORIES

The Blessed Alliance
Add women, change everything.
By Carolyn Custis James

In the wake of the 2008 economic crisis, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof reported that financial experts at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland wondered out loud whether the economy would be in the same mess if Lehman Brothers had instead been Lehman Brothers and Sisters. What has the ring of something innovative and progressive is actually a remnant of humanity’s forgotten ancient past—an idea with primordial biblical roots that reach back to the Garden of Eden. Read more »

Saying 'Yes' to Women
Empowering women to lead.
By Elisa Morgan

Women as Leaders
Understanding God's Call in our Lives
By Dr. Kathleen Patterson and Dr. Myra Dingman

Biblical Succession Planning
Emphasizing the 'what' over the 'who.'
By Gayla Congdon

Affirming Women's Call to Lead
How to develop next-generation leaders for Christian nonprofits.
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Hundreds of reference letters have crossed my desk over the past decade in my role of coordinating programs designed to identify, equip, and encourage future leaders for Christian higher education. Last spring, one such letter caught my attention.

Attracting and Developing Future Leaders
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Christian magazines, newspapers, and job-search firms specializing in nonprofit organizations are constantly advertising job opportunities for Christian leaders. Have your read ads like this?

Bricks and Moratoriums: Zoning Out Churches
Economy impacts churches' battles to build.
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Provided by Christianity Today

The city council of Burbank, Illinois, passed a new zoning law late last year banning churches from building in commercial areas. The action came after Rios de Agua Viva, a Hispanic congregation, signed a $900,000 contract to transform an old restaurant into its new sanctuary.

Single Advantage
Fostering a singles-friendly workplace can mean increased employee retention—and more
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It's 7:00 p.m. and your department's well-meaning manager walks past a row of cubicles. "Go home to your family, call it a day!" she tells a husband with two kids. Then, without thinking, she glances over at another manager, a middle-aged bachelor, and asks "Hey, working late again?"

World’s Oldest Traveling Minister Credits Faith for Good Health, Longevity

Posted on March 4, 2011

World's Oldest Traveling Minister: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Traveling ministries may seem a thing of the past, but not for Otis Clark.

Bishop Otis Clark has been preaching all over the world for the past 89 years, MyFoxHouston reports.

He continued his lifelong craft and spoke at a public gathering in Houston Tuesday night.

Continue Reading on www.foxnews.com

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP WEEKLY

A newsletter from the editors of Leadership Journal
Thursday, March 03, 2011

Hello Friends,

Certain sins are safe to confess at church.

Like being impatient. No problem—we'll pray for you. Or struggling with anger, or (my favorite safe sin) "perfectionism." Even some "bigger" sins get a pass. Someone struggling with alcoholic addiction is usually met with open arms.

Confess publicly to porn addiction, for instance, and reactions change. You might not get that same loving arm around your shoulder. In fact, it may feel like no one wants to touch you at all.

If you're a pastor battling porn addiction, the stigma multiplies. How could you ever confess that to members of your church?

That was exactly the position in which Darrell Brazell found himself. Ensnared by a porn habit that started in childhood, and terrified to confess his sin, Brazell withdrew from others and from God. Read about his painful story of addiction, isolation, and finally, redemption.

Also at LeadershipJournal.net:

• The Mar/Apr 2011 issue of Catalyst Leadership Digital is now online! The theme is conflict. In this issue you'll learn from Mark Driscoll, Ken Sande, Steve Mathewson and others about when to take over—and when to take cover.
  
  
• When Gordon MacDonald was in his early twenties, a friend mentioned that he'd met a woman he thought would make a "great wife" for MacDonald. Read about how this "casual conversation" changed the course of his life.
  
  
• Good things really do come in small churches. A smaller church context provides unique opportunities for spiritual growth, both for the congregation and for the pastor. Read a book review from Leadership's contributing editor, Brandon O'Brien on The Gifts of a Small Church.
  
  
• Check Out of Ur's video series about women in ministry. You'll watch clips from Rose Madrid-Swetman, Bill Kynes, and some guy called N.T. Wright. Watch the videos and join the conversation!
  

Grace, strength, and joy,




Marshall Shelley
Leadership editor in chief

Newsletter@LeadershipJournal.net