Our Church in Paonta Sahib, HP, India was attacked by Hindu Militants

We would like you to pray for our Church in Paonta Sahib,HP, INDIA. The Church got started in 2008. Last Sunday during the worship service a group of Hindu Militants attacked our Church Pastor and the small congregation. They abused him and beat him up. They have asked to leave the town, since he is living in a rented house. He has two little sons. They have threatened his landlord and asked his landlord to move him and his family out from the house.

Please pray for him and his family and the Church people. It is a very small group of 18-20 people. The authority of the town did not even care to help him nor did the police.

I was able to talk to him over the phone. He need prayers. He doesn't know where to go. I have uploaded couple of videos to show you what is like when a group of Hindu militants attack a Church.

Tragedy at the Church ( News)

It was a sad day for the congregation of First Baptist Church. Pastor Fred Winters was shot by 27 years old man while he was preaching on happiness. What was the motive behind the shooting no one knows. Many have responded to the news and commented. Some have asked the same old questions - where was their God when all this was taking place? And others have questioned why bad things happen to good people? Why God  didn't stop that person? Many skeptics and atheists and agnostics have laughed and mocked about God at this horrific  and evil incident. And again  this horrible event would lead to number of debates, whether guns should be allowed, whether church should have metal detectors, whether only members should be allowed with their Id proof etc etc.

All what I can say that God is in control. My finite mind cannot reason and explain, why God does what he does. But I am assured by the scripture that  God works out everything for the good for those who love him and called according to his will ( Romans8:28). The Scripture is full of accounts where God allowed his servants to go through life threatening situations and circumstances and rescued them out of all dangers. But there are accounts where God's servants were killed  by the hands of evil men. John the Baptist , Stephen,James, the brother of John and host of other Christians found in Hebrew 11 were killed.  I am reminded of John Wesley once said, when you go to work, be prepared to preach, pray, and die [for the Truth].

As there will always be skeptics, there will always be people of faith in Christ.  One thing we can both agree on is that it was a terrible tragedy for Winters to be gunned down in his place of worship in front of his family.  My heart goes out to their family and their church.

My heart goes out for the families  of those pastors who are killed in India, Paskistan, China and Sudan every now and then. But some of these stories never make headlines.

The School invited Islamic Association of Palestine to give lecture about Islam

The School district in Houston, Texas gave permission to an Islamic organization to share Islamic faith. The organization apparently have connection with terrorist outfit Hamas. They raise money for Hamas. It is way of indoctrinating our Children with Islamic faith by way of lecture. And it has been arranged by people who know them but also these lectures are paid by tax-payers of the country. They would get the money and would be used to fund the Hamas. Parents of the children should have been informed and what was school thinking? I am really shocked and furious and upset. The organization is called Islamic Association for Palestine. I am really upset. Write your comment, what do you think?

"6 Reasons Pastors Should Blog"

"6 Reasons Pastors Should Blog" by Abraham Piper @ Desiring God (John Piper's website)

Abraham starts off with his own reason behind the article:

"In this article I want to convince as many pastors as possible to sit down and start a blog today. If I can't convince them, then I want to convince churchgoers to hound their pastor until he does."

Abraham then lists 6 important reasons that pastors should blog. The article develops and explains each of the six:

1. …to write.
2. …to teach.
3. …to recommend.
4. …to interact.
5. …to develop an eye for what is meaningful.
6. …to be known.

In conclusion, Piper writes:

"For most of you, anything you post online will only be a small piece in the grand scheme of your pastoral leadership. But if you can maintain a blog that is both compelling and personal, it can be an important small piece.

It will give you access to your people's minds and hearts in a unique way by giving them a chance to know you as a well-rounded person. You will no longer be only a preacher and a teacher, but also a guy who had a hard time putting together a swing-set for his kids last weekend. People will open up for you as you open up like this for them. Letting people catch an honest glimpse of your life will add authenticity to your teaching and depth to your ministry."

It really is a well thought out article and well worth the few minutes it takes to read it all.