The Olympics and the persecuted church

As the Olympic games in Beijing approach there has been increased harassment of Christian leaders. I'm joining with many of my fellow Christian bloggers by asking you to pray specifically for the persecuted church in China. The Chinese government is masking the real ugliness of not only its pollution but also its treatment of our Christian brothers and sisters. A program started by Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association asks Christians to wear arm bands and pray for the church during this time. You can request an arm band by following this link.

Consider this report:

"Some well meaning Christian leaders would like you to believe that Christians are no longer persecuted in China," the promotion says. "Chinese Christians like Anna would disagree. At the young age of 11, Anna has been persecuted for her faith. She has been run out of a Christian orphanage by the Communist authorities and refused admission to public school. She currently lives in hiding and attends an illegal underground Christian school. Anna, like many persecuted Christians in China, remains strong in her faith. She recently told The Voice of the Martyrs, 'I think God must really love me. He has taken such good care of me.'"

(A tip of the hat to Michele McGinty @ Reformed Chicks Blabbing and Voice of the Martyrs)

Ukraine Trip, part 2

Well, after the trip we enjoyed 10 days in beautiful Silver Bay, NY (on Lake George). We had our second son and his family with us. Now it is back to work. Here is a link to Lake Osborne PCA where you will find a brief narrative and pictures of the trip. Rev. Larry Roff, a pastor at LOPC, was the choir tour organizer. It was a truly wonderful and moving experience. I'm ready to do it again.

Ukraine trip

My wife and I are recovering from our 11 day trip to Ukraine. I was part of a 23 member PCA choir - from 6 states - that sang concerts in Kiev, Odessa and several other cities. We also participated in the dedication of the new building for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Belgorod-Dnestrovsky. It was a wonderful, exhilarating and tiring trip. I hope to be able to go again. I'll post some pictures and other links when I get them prepared. Thanks to those who prayed for us in the trip. Pray for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.

The power of storms

We drove here to Lake George. Part of our trip took us through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana during the severe storms last Friday and Saturday. We were detoured by two closures on I-70 and remarked to each other about the power of the storms and the duration - 30+ hours. We even heard the tornado warning sirens go off as we passed through Rolla, Missouri. God in his grace brought us through. Some in Indiana were not so fortunate. In those storms I am always reminded of Psalm 29 as it speaks of "The voice of the Lord." I remember reading that the Israelites used to Psalm to calm their children during the thunderstorm. Thanks Lord for your sustaining grace.

A Brief Respite

I'm sitting on the shore of Silver Bay on Lake George (NY) enjoying the breeze and the view. We are trying to open the cabin and get ready to go to Ukraine as part of a PCA choir. I've been transcribing director notes to the music and practicing the various pieces of music. I'll not be blogging from Ukraine - too busy - but will post on my return.

New Link

One of my favorite cartoons is Bruce Tinsley's Mallard Fillmore. It is well drawn and skewers all the right people.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day began after the Civil War to honor Union dead and after World War I it was expanded to honor all those who died in war or other military actions. Growing up, my mother referred to it as “Decoration Day,” reflecting the tradition of decorating the graves of our military dead. It was a time for speeches, parades and personal reflection. For many the day marks the end of the school year, the unofficial start of summer or the start of the business and tourist season that ends on Labor Day. In the midst of a very contentious and perhaps momentous election, persons of faith need not despair. No, I’m not pulling out the “Christian America” theme. What I am pulling out is the belief that God will still be God on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Christians need to trust God, not the government. Read Psalm 46, pray for men and women of righteousness to be elected to office and then vote for such people.