Pneuma Informer October-November 2008

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The October-November 2008 PNEUMA INFORMER

 

In this issue

 

What's New at www.PneumaFoundation.org

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65545

     New Online Articles

     New Links and Content Worth Noticing

Reports from Around the World

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65609

     Iran: On the verge of a Jesus revolution

     Inflated numbers were deliberate misinformation

     UN Anti-blasphemy resolution: Weapon against free religious speech

     Protection from attack, "Covered in flames"

     News and Headlines

     Report the News

"There are Times When We Must Declare War"

     by H Murray Hohns

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65726

Book Review: Understanding Evangelical Media

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65742

Thoughts to Ponder: Holiness

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65758

Excerpts from THE PNEUMA REVIEW

     Book Review: A Generous Orthodoxy

          http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65788

     Pentecostals Needed: New NCC Director Partners with Pentecostals

          http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65804

Prayer Requests

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65821

Praise Reports

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65897

Condolences

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pi.jsp?pi=/2008/pi_1011_2008.xml#N65924

Supporting the Ministry

     http://www.pneumafoundation.org/supporting.jsp



What's New at www.PneumaFoundation.org

New Online Articles New Links and Content Worth Noticing



Reports from Around the World

Iran: On the verge of a Jesus revolution
Read the article "Today's Iranian Revolution: How the Mullahs Are Leading the Nation to Jesus" by Krikor Markarian in the September-October issue of Mission Frontiers. The article is available online here: http://www.missionfrontiers.org/2008/05/PDFs/06-13%20Iranian%20Revolution.pdf (This downloads a PDF file immediately, about 560KB)
The full issue of the magazine may be found here: http://www.missionfrontiers.org/2008/05/200805.htm
Some quotes from the article: "The Persian people themselves were beginning to react in a negative way to the harsh restrictions imposed by the implementation of Islamic law."
"One lady, who has personally distributed 20,000 Bibles, says never once did anyone turn her down. Rather, the vast majority received it as the greatest treasure they had ever been given."
"Although presently this new movement is entering into a new period of trial, this time around they have a strong international network of believers, churches and ministries standing ready to help them. Now they have the Scriptures in Farsi, contextualized worship songs, leadership training programs, and satellite broadcasts. And last but not least, they have the promise of Jesus, who said, 'I will build my church . . .' Without any doubt, the move of the Holy Spirit in Iran is evidence of that ultimate and enduring reality."

Inflated numbers were deliberate misinformation
In August we offered a link to a transcript of an Arabic TV [Al-Jazeerah] program: "Rare look at Islam: Muslims discuss the annual exodus of 6 million African Muslims to Christianity."
We have since learned that this was deliberate misinformation on the part of the speaker, as pointed out by the Barnabas Fund.
In a report by Patrick Sookhdeo of the Barnabas Fund entitled "Exaggerated Convert Figures Could Cost Lives," caution is urged to keep secret believers secret and avoid broadcasting provocative numbers. Sookhedo says, "A story that six million African Muslims are becoming Christians every year resulted from claims made by Sheikh Ahmad al Katani of Libya in a televised interview shown [on] Al-Jazeera. The sheikh's aim appeared to be to alarm Muslim viewers with high figures of Muslims leaving their faith in order to persuade them to give more generously to Islamic missionary efforts in Africa."
http://www.barnabasfund.org/news/archives/text.php?ID_news_items=410
Source: Adapted from WebEvangelismBulletin: Web Evangelism Newsletter Sept 08

UN Anti-blasphemy resolution: Weapon against free religious speech
The United Nations Anti-Blasphemy resolution is drawing the ire of evangelical mission groups. Carl Moeller with Open Doors explains that in application, "This anti-blasphemy resolution is mostly seen to be putting a 'chilling effect' on Christian work and outreach around the world, and that is a very troubling development for us." Free speech advocates say the non-binding resolution is being used to intimidate believers and spread Sharia law. Despite the good intentions, Moeller says, "The reality is that wherever Christianity and Islam come into relationship with each other in the culture, the net effect has been for Christian evangelism to be silenced or to be intimidated through this act." Moeller urges prayer because "the slope is so slippery because everything that purports to criticize Islam is considered 'blasphemy.' Anything that promotes another religious viewpoint, like Christianity, is considered 'blasphemy.' It really becomes the ultimate weapon against free religious speech around the world."
Source: Mission Network News, 9 October, 2008. Full story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/11757

Protection from attack, "Covered in flames"
John, a contributor to Pneuma Foundation publications writes: "Below is the text of an email that I received today from one of our missionaries in South Africa. Pretty amazing story."

Pastor Lucas came last night, he pastors the church in R., where we have had problems. He felt to say in church Sunday during Worship, which is when God speaks, that someone there had to confess something. Well, a young man who has been there for some time, went to him yesterday to confess that he was a Satanist and was sent there to that church by the local satanist coven to stop him. They didn't want that church there, but every time, he tried to do something to Lucas or the church, it was covered in flames and he couldn't get near it or him. The satanists threatened to kill him if he failed, and he just couldn't get near it for the fires. So he had to confess, accepted Jesus into his life, and now Lucas will disciple him and pray deliverance every day for every area affected. I am going to go this morning to buy him new clothes, as all his clothes and shoes are "programmed" by the satanists as to where he is and doing what. Believe me, this stuff is all true.
Some stories here would raise your hair, even on what our Christians see and experience. He gave him details from past things that we know about, when things would go awry and try to discourage us. Praise God for victory. We are more than conquerors!

News and Headlines
Visit links.jsp for Current News and Links

See other news to pray and praise God about in the Prayer Requests department below.

Report the News
We are looking for stories about what God is doing in the world, reports about the persecution of Christians, and information about significant trends and ministry opportunities. If you have a news item to report, please send an email to the PNEUMA INFORMER. http://www.pneumafoundation.org/contactus.jsp



"There are Times When We Must Declare War"

by H Murray Hohns


Jack Hayford preached a sermon at Church on the Way in 1982. He chose Ephesians 6 for his scripture from which he described the armor of God, and how we were to embrace and wear that armor to ward off attacks of the enemy of our souls. I was 51, single, lonely and living in Los Angeles at that time. I owned a major part of a successful construction consulting engineering firm that was growing nicely. I had become a Christian in 1961.

Toward the end of the sermon, Pastor Jack advised there were times when the devil was out to steal our future and when that was the case, we had to more than put on the armor; we had to declare war on the devil, and refuse to surrender our future.

I played golf later that Sunday. I got to the club late in the afternoon and played alone. I got to the fourth hole and hit the ball well. I drove down the cart path and stopped where the cart path to the eighth tee intersected the path I was using.

I got out of the cart and looked around. No one was close by or about to come my way, so I took that moment to declare war on the devil. By then, I had decided that he was not going to steal any more of my future, and I challenged him at the top of my voice. No one heard me and when I was done, I got back in the cart and played on.

I got home that evening and instead of going across the street to my customary restaurant for supper, I got busy and never bothered to eat. I got up the next morning and felt checked about breakfast, settling for a cup of coffee.

I did not know much about spiritual warfare at that point in my life. Oh, I had heard about it, but somehow it was beyond my level of experience or interest. My two skipped meals lead to a third, a fourth and soon I knew I was fasting. My recollection is that I sought of fell into this fast; at least, I have no recollection of making a decision not to eat.

I went over to my friend's home on Thursday. His name was Chuck Shoemake, and at that time he pastored the Canoga Park Foursquare church. His wife Ruby joined us, and we sat around their living room talking. Our custom to close one of my visits was to kneel around their coffee table and have a prayer.

While I was on my knees, I described what I had done and the fast I had started. Ruby exclaimed that I was on an Isaiah 58 fast, and prayed some appropriate words to encourage me.

I went home and read Isaiah 58 and learned what God's chosen fast was about. I learned that it was a fast that could break yolks and oppression. I continued to fast until lunch on the 35th day. I had been invited that day to a celebratory business lunch at an electrical contractor's office. It featured a magnificent spread of my favorite deli foods, and as I looked at the array of choices, I sensed the Lord say "Go ahead and eat." I did just that, and my fast ended.

I was not conscious of yolks snapping or fetters breaking during those 35 days. Nothing out of the ordinary seemed to happen. I did lose 42 pounds, and I got my clothes altered. I wore a business suit to work at that time in my life.

The fast ended in Mid March. That spring I attended a meeting where Dick Mills, a recognized Prophet in my denomination, spoke a word (Job 11:6) to me that said God would double my wisdom and that my business would double, no triple, no quadruple, and that I would not have to work harder than my current commitment. My firm did $3 million in fees in 1982 and $12 million in 1986.

One of my clients in the bay area (San Francisco) called me in May. He knew a lady that he wanted me to meet. I really wasn't interested in meeting a 50 year old woman who lived 400 miles from my home, but I agreed to call her. We were married in January 1983, and will soon celebrate our 26th anniversary. We share an understanding of God and a common theology, we are holiness Pentecostals, and we have yet to seriously disagree about anything.

I enrolled at Fuller Theological Seminary in the fall of 1982 and graduated with a Masters in Theology in 1991. I was invited to be on the executive committee of the 1985 Billy Graham Southern California Crusade in 1983. The committee met often, I served as arrangements chairman, 580,000 attended, 37,000 made decisions for Christ, and I was asked to give my testimony one evening during the crusade. Those were exciting days.

In 1986 I sold my interest in the consulting firm I had started 22 years earlier, and joined the pastoral staff of Church on the Way. I was in charge of the radio television ministry, and made some significant business decisions that brought Jack Hayford to national Christian radio prominence. A year or so later my wife and I had the chance to move to Hawaii, and we did so.

We have been on the pastoral staff of New Hope Christian Fellowship since it started in the mid 90's in Honolulu. New Hope and its satellites at 30,000 is the largest church in Hawaii. It is the largest or second largest church in Foursquare. Hawaii's mega churches and its regular sized churches include 150,000 people, nearly ten percent of our population.

I serve on the church council, teach on the Holy Spirit at our Foursquare Bible College, minister to the tutus (the 75 year olds and up), teach a men's group, write for the Faith pages of both our State wide daily papers, minister healing and deliverance at New Hope's monthly healing meeting. I also have been active as a contributing editor at the Pneuma Review.

I was appointed a charter member of Foursquare's national church office investment committee in 1999, and I still serve on that committee today. I managed the restoration of Angelus Temple, Foursquare's first and still its official home church in 2001 and 2002.

Now having experienced all that, you might expect me to often fast for long periods at regular intervals. My life changed so remarkably, and God took me places that I never imagined I would go after I declared war and fasted in 1982. Yet I did not fast like I did in 1982, and writing this article made me think about that. I realized that an Isaiah 58 fast was to overcome the devil, but it was not intended to manipulate or force God into action that was not part of his plans. If fasting could force God's hand, then I would have power over God, and I do not want that. So beyond trying to begin each year with a ten day fast, my days of fasting warfare were seemingly behind me. I had been a spiritual soldier for a short season and now had become a civilian again, until...

I realized that the devil was here again and attacking our future. It was the week that the government took over Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and Lehman Brothers went bankrupt. In that week, we lost a third of our savings, and I knew it was time to declare war anew.

I had taught and ministered to the tutus that Friday morning at our L.E.A.D. center and as they left the meeting, I knew that I was being challenged again. This time I went out into the parking lot, and quietly but firmly told the enemy of our souls that he would not steal my future, that we were at war, and that I would triumph. I took out my weapon which was an Isaiah 58 fast and with driven purpose, I did not eat for 26 days. As the fast began I asked the Lord how long I should go, and I felt him say to stop when I reached a certain weight. It took 26 days to reach that number.

This fast was different than the first. I was experienced this time; I had seen God change my life dramatically the first time I had done this. I was resolute, determined and expectant. I wanted to see a repeat of the wonders that I had experienced after the first fast, and I was not to be deterred. I didn't feel a temptation to nosh even just a little bit; I was full force ahead with my head down for 26 days.

I am close to a fellow that does not know the Lord; we share some common interests, and he learned that I was on this fast. He could not see how my refusing to eat for a prolonged period could possibly add to the situations I was experiencing. I read him Isaiah 58, 2 Corinthians 10 and other related scriptures, but he remains a skeptic.

And so far, nothing has happened that could change his mind, but I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.

My Bible College Holy Spirit class was in session during the fast and only one of my 14 students had ever fasted. They too watched and wondered. Now I wait to see the hand of the one to whom we owe all work on my behalf. Isaiah 64 says that our God is the only God that works for them who wait on Him.

Fasting is our weapon to overcome the devil, to turn our mourning into dancing, to make His Shalom reality. Shalom is that wonderful state of affairs where everything flourishes, is wholesome and filled with delight. God intends that we live in that state, his kingdom where Shalom is common place. I invite you to declare war; there are times when you can do nothing but fight to protect and preserve that which is yours.

__________

H. Murray Hohns teaches at Foursquare's Pacific Rim Bible College in Honolulu, is on staff at the largest church in Hawaii and has served on his denomination's investment committee since 1999. Hohns has two degrees in Civil Engineering and a MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary. He has written five engineering books and hundreds of articles in every type of newspaper, magazine and journal.




Book Review: Understanding Evangelical Media


Quentin J. Schultze and Robert H. Woods Jr., eds., Understanding Evangelical Media: The Changing Face of Christian Communication (InterVarsity, July 2008) ISBN 978-0-8308-2882-1

This is a valuable introduction to a whole range of communication media: radio, tv, movies, print and web, music, theater, gaming, advertising and ethics. Contributors are all experts in their fields, mainly college lecturers (though not one from outside USA, not even Canada!). You may know Dr Q's writing about the Web, including his 1996 Internet for Christians which gave many their introduction to what was then a new medium.

The book offers valuable analysis, explains how Christian have used different media in the past and present, clarifies the different issues and conflicts that have resulted, and poses many questions for us to think through. Few of us may get the chance to take a college course on Christian communication, so here is an alternative!

Visit http://www.understandingevangelicalmedia.com for more information including sources, notes, and links to organizations and movements mentioned in the book.

Source: Web Evangelism Newsletter Sept 08




Thoughts to Ponder: Holiness


"The first word of the gospel is not 'love.' It is not even 'grace.' The first word of the gospel is 'repent.' From Matthew through Revelation, repentance is an urgent and indispensable theme that is kept at the very forefront of the gospel message."
—Richard Owen Roberts (quoted in Intercessors for America Newsletter, Apr 2003, page 3)

"Man sees your actions, but God your motives."
—Thomas a Kempis

"Holiness is goodness on fire."
—Walter Rauschenbusch

"We know religion, but we don't understand holiness."
—John Tisdale

"We are taught in an especial manner to pray that God would give his Holy Spirit unto us, that through his aid and assistance we may live unto God in that holy obedience which he requires at our hands."
—John Owen (1664)

"We like to talk about syndromes instead of sin. It's not the same thing. So I think you just have to talk about human weakness, human failure, human transgressions, and there's a word for that, and it's the word 'sin.'"
—Jean Bethke Elshtain (quoted in Homiletics, Jul/Aug 2003, page 10)




Excerpts from THE PNEUMA REVIEW

THE PNEUMA REVIEW is a quarterly printed journal of ministry resources and theology for Pentecostal and charismatic ministries and leaders. For more information about THE PNEUMA REVIEW, and to learn how to subscribe, please visit: Introducing THE PNEUMA REVIEW. www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp

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For a full index of the contents of all Pneuma Review issues, visit: http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pr_archive.jsp.


Book Review: A Generous Orthodoxy

From the Fall 2008 issue

Brian D. McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am a missional + evangelical+ post/protestant + liberal/conservative + mystical/poetic + biblical + charismatic /contemplative + fundamentalist/calvinist + anabaptist/anglican + methodist +catholic + green + international + depressed-yet-hopeful + emergent + unfisnihed Christian (Zondervan/Youth Specialties, 2004), 297 pages, ISBN 0310257476.

No reader of this book will finish it unaffected. Critics of McLaren or the emergent conversation will have more disdain and "ammunition" for their polemics. Leaders - especially those aware of the shift from modernity, colonialism, Enlightenment thought to a pluralistic culture - will be informed and challenged by the contrast of values he identifies with.

More clearly presenting his beliefs here than in his narrative trilogy that started with A New Kind of Christian, McLaren draws out the strengths and biblical emphasis he finds in the breadth of Christian traditions - giving us one of the longest subtitles since the 18th Century. Or to put it another way, this book provides an answer for many criticisms fielded against McLaren's emergent views while offering a more generous expression of orthodoxy.

In the chapter "Jesus: Savior of What?" McLaren writes, "Salvation is what happens when we experience both judgment and forgiveness, both justice (exposing the truth about our wrong) and mercy (forgiving the negative consequences we deserve). Without both we don't end up with true salvation. ... Forgiveness without conviction is not forgiveness: it is irresponsible toleration. It doesn't lead to reconciliation and peace; it leads to chaos" (95, emphasis and parenthesis are his). In "Why I Am Emergent," McLaren addresses relativism, "... I and others, while we aren't 'for' pluralistic relativism, do see it as a kind of needed chemotherapy. We see modernity with its absolutisms and colonialisms and totalitarianisms as a kind of static dream, a desire to abide in timeless abstractions and extract humanity from the ongoing flow of history and emergence, a naive hope to make now the end of history (which sounds like a kind of death wish or millennialism)" (256, emphasis and parenthesis are his). Of course, many Christians remain unconvinced that absolutism is a cancer to be expunged from the body of Christ.

"Jesus debated the Pharisees not so that his super-orthodoxy of the exclusively right could finally prevail over theirs, but so that his generous orthodoxy of God's saving love for all could open wide the doors to God's house, with a special welcome for the poor, the brokenhearted, the prisoners, the sick, and yes, even the mistaken" (295, emphasis his). Therefore McLaren's lengthy subtitle may also be a symbol of challenge to all, especially those who value distinctions that set them apart from other Christians.

While I disagree with McLaren over some points, I deeply appreciate the generous invitation he has extended to join the conversation about what it means to be telling the story of Jesus with our whole lives.

Reviewed by Raul L. Mock

__________

Raul L. Mock is one of the founders and directors of the Pneuma Foundation and editor of The Pneuma Review. Raul is a licensed minister and member of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. He lives with his family in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.

Read more reviews and articles from the Fall 2008 issue of THE PNEUMA REVIEW www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp



Pentecostals Needed: New NCC Director Partners with Pentecostals

From the Fall 2008 issue

Explanatory Note: Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, a Greek Orthodox theologian, formerly Associate General Secretary for International Affairs and Peace at the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, was recently (January 1, 2008) appointed Senior Program Director for Faith & Order and Interfaith Relations at the NCC. The following is an exclusive interview with Dr Kireopoulos conducted by Dr. Tony Richie on June 10, 2008. Richie, a frequent contributor to The Pneuma Review and Pneuma Informer, is the Society for Pentecostal Studies liaison to the Interfaith Relations Commission and works closely with Dr. Kireopoulos on a number of theological task groups.

TR: Dr. Kireopoulos, thank you for talking with us. Please tell our readers something about your self, especially your background and ministry.

Dr K: You're welcome, and thank you for the opportunity. I've always been connected to church - I was brought up in the Greek Orthodox tradition - but not always to vocational ministry. In fact, I came from a professional banking background after studying international politics and international finance. During that time, I enjoyed attending an evangelical Pentecostal church (International Foursquare Gospel Church) with some friends. When I had a rare opportunity to visit my ancestral village in Greece for an extended period of time, two things deeply affected me. First, was the hardship these villagers endured - World War II, a brutal civil war immediately afterwards, poverty - something we rarely glimpse as Americans. Secondly, was the amazing resilience their faith had infused into them so that they could go on with their lives. Through this encounter, I experienced something of a rediscovery, or a re-finding, of my own faith. Thus began an exploration that eventually led me to theological studies, and then on to a theological vocation. How I found myself in this particular place, I think that as a Greek Orthodox Christian attending a seminary of the Russian Orthodox tradition, and attending a Catholic institution for my doctoral studies, helped me to develop an ecumenical perspective. And certainly, my early exposure to Evangelicals and Pentecostals allowed me to engage easily with these communities and gave me an appreciation for the broader Body of Christ in all its diversity and unity. Perhaps providentially, my varied background in politics, finance, and theology later helped me integrate and apply insights from these disciplines in ecumenical work, especially in terms of advocacy.

TR: Would you also briefly describe your duties at the National Council of Churches on the Faith & Order and the Interfaith Relations Commissions respectively?

Dr K: Yes, of course. The NCC brings together 35 churches or denominations and ecclesial communities for the goal of intentional ecumenism or fostering unity among Christians. Faith & Order is the primary place where "heavy duty" theological discussion on diverse issues occurs in order to increase understanding and build bridges for healing and cooperation among Christians. Interfaith Relations addresses the reality of ministry on the ground, so to speak, in a religiously pluralist society, and brings a united witness of Christ into conversation with religious others through dialogue and collaboration offered in hospitality.

TR: Tony, please, let's be frank and direct. Readers of PR often tend to be conservative Evangelical and Pentecostal/charismatic Christians involved in hands on church leadership and ministry. Many of them are probably wondering what relationship, if any, between Pentecostals and the NCC is appropriate or even possible. From your perspective, what would you wish to say to readers regarding developing or future relations between the NCC and Pentecostals?

Dr K: We are blessed to have a growing relationship with the Pentecostal community, both on Faith & Order and on Interfaith Relations. NCC official membership in the USA is from mainline and historic Protestant, Orthodox, the Episcopal, historic African American, and historic peace churches. However, we are making an intentional effort to expand our horizons for a wider representation especially at these crucial dialogue tables. We all need a wider perspective. I can't imagine not having Pentecostals on board with us. At even the most basic level, the sheer size and growth of Pentecostalism and its influence suggests a need for mutual interaction and participation. I'd love to see even more involvement on the institutional level at some time in the future, but for the present I'm grateful for the involvement we already have. I would encourage an understanding by Pentecostals that there needs to be conversation among us on the issues of the day even if not on the institutional level of formal affiliation. In some ways, the relationship of NCC with Pentecostals is similar to that with Roman Catholics - the Catholic Church is not an official member of the NCC either, but it is involved as an important voice in the NCC conversations around Faith & Order and Interfaith Relations. In those settings, we are extremely pleased to be working with members of the Pentecostal community.

TR: Sir, from your perspective in this national organization of churches, what do you anticipate to be some of the most important issues facing the American church now and in the near future? How do you suggest Pentecostals and Charismatics may contribute, with other Christians, on these important matters of mutual concern?

Dr K: Yes, Tony, first, one thing that stands out for me is that Christians today need to be a truly effective voice in the public sphere. We don't need to be detoured or sidetracked by partisan politics, especially by the extreme agendas of either the far left or the far right. The witness of Christ in and to contemporary society is not well served when Christians over-identify with a particular political perspective. Politically, and theologically, the NCC has both conservative and liberal members, but a careful reading of our documents will show that together we are a fairly moderate bunch, especially when it comes to advocacy on peace and justice issues. What we seek to do most of all is to speak and act according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That's very important for us all to do! Second, terrorism and the challenges it raises are critically important. There is a necessary response to terrorism, sure enough, but it is how we respond that I am concerned about here. Some identify terrorism with Islam and Muslims in general rather than with the extremists who are its actual perpetrators. Terrorism is real, and we need to address it in a constructive and comprehensive way rather than in a way that only adds to hostility. Effectively addressing terrorism requires, among other things, countering its causes - poverty, marginalization, oppression, humiliation - rather than ignoring them or even contributing to them through policy decisions based on generalizations such as the indiscriminate of labeling others. Third, the volatile situation in the Middle East, in particularly Israel and Palestine, is a core problem that only a just peace can answer.

TR: Dr Kireopoulos, for our readers' information, you and I along with some special teammates from a broad spectrum of Christian denominations, are working on a number of pressing issues of contemporary concern. These often involve complexities in Christian-Muslim relations. Additionally, Christian understanding of the Middle East is frequently in the forefront. Without speaking prematurely, could you perhaps give our readers a general synopsis of your impressions on these issues?

Dr K: This year is the commemoration the 60th anniversary of the birth of the modern State of Israel. It is also the 60th anniversary of the displacement and marginalization of the Palestinians. As Christians and as Americans we should be concerned with Israel's peace and security, as well as with justice for the Palestinians. True peace in the region must include justice for Palestinians as well as security for Israelis. American Christians should be praying and working for this just peace in the Middle East, as well as pushing our government to be actively involved in the peace process. Only the USA can move this forward, especially since on the ground a viable two-state solution looks less and less likely unless a dramatic shift takes place. Conditions in the Occupation are deplorable, and morally speaking, we must address them. Admittedly, we are dealing with an exceeding complex and intricate situation. But Christians are compelled to pray, work, and advocate for a just and secure peace for both the Israelis and Palestinians. Whatever the eventual solution, if it is to work well or have lasting impact, it must include the minimum of these two essential components. And another thing we mustn't forget, especially as Christians, is that there are historic Christian communities among the Palestinians, whose presence is diminishing as the conflict drags on. We need to ask ourselves how we can be a source of strength for them.

TR: Is there anything you would like to add to our discussion, Dr Kireopoulos?

Dr K: Just this, Dr. Richie: I would emphasize to everyone the value of being at the table! I want to assure non-member communities that the NCC is really all about the Gospel - about Christ and Christian community and unity, and about witness to the world in terms of peace and justice. I especially want to invite Pentecostals to explore ways their faith can enhance their witness and work in the public square. I also encourage churches not familiar with the Pentecostal and Evangelical traditions not to isolate or stereotype them as "outsiders," but to appreciate how great their contribution can be to the ecumenical movement. Accordingly, we all ought to reach out and thereby "encourage one another and build up each other" in our faith.

TR: Thank you, Dr. Kireopoulos. We appreciate you granting The Pneuma Review this exclusive interview regarding some of the most important inter-religious dynamics on the national scene today. I'm sure our readers and staff members will be remembering you and your work in their prayers.

Read more reviews and articles from the Fall 2008 issue of THE PNEUMA REVIEW www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp


Prayer Requests

  • Laos: Cruel persecution is escalating. Christians in Communist-ruled Laos report escalating persecution with hundreds of families experiencing horrendous tribulation. Christianity is labeled a 'foreign religion' there and embracing it is akin to sedition. The authorities violently intimidate Christians to sign papers renouncing their faith and when that fails they expel them from their homes and villages. When that fails they arrest and torture them. So Pastor Sompong Supatto (32) and Boot and Khamvan Chanthaleuxay (both 18) have been handcuffed and in stocks since 3 August for refusing to renounce their faith. Pastor Supatto faces a life sentence and the teenagers, whose health is now very bad, will only be released if they renounce their faith. Interference from Hanoi, Vietnam, is possibly contributing to the persecution. Please pray.
    Source: Adapted from World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission - RLP 498 | Laos: Cruel Persecution Escalating
  • Please pray for the complete healing of Dr. Irving Hexham of the University of Calgary. He wrote to Raul Mock recently: "The specialist said the condition is a variant of the Guillain-Barre Syndrome which is caused by a particularly nasty virus. This virus can cause paralysis and other problems although it seems most people eventually make a full recovery. The problem is that it can linger on for up to three years and I can expect to have problems for at least the next year. Among the side effects are fatigue, and I have been very tired recently, and severe muscle pains which are what took me to the doctor in the first place." Dr. Hexham is an expert on new religious movements and has authored more than twenty books. Read part of his story here: http://www.ucalgary.ca/~hexham/personal/profiles.html

  • Somalia: Islamist violence resurging. Hundreds of thousands of Somalis have died in famine and conflict over recent decades as the country has suffered under a belligerent Soviet-backed dictatorship, poverty, famine, clan-based warlordism and now militant Islam. In December 2006 Ethiopia invaded Somalia to protect the UN-appointed government and to crush the threatening hard-line militant Islamists who had seized power in a coup just months earlier. However, lack of international and regional military assistance to help stabilise Somalia has allowed the Islamists to be in the ascendant once again. Attacks on humanitarian aid workers and Christians are escalating in frequency and barbarity. In recent weeks Mansuur Mohammed (25) was publicly denounced and beheaded for his conversion to Christianity and two Catholic nuns were kidnapped. Only God can bring light and peace to Somalia. Please pray.
    Source: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission - RLP 504 | Somalia: A Fiery Furnace, yet Christ is there
  • Kenya: church attacked by Muslim mob. A longstanding effort to replace a church with a mosque in Kenya's northern town of Garissa culminated in an attack by 50 Muslim youths. The attack left the building in ruins and injured 10. Jonathan Racho with International Christian Concern (ICC) says anti-Christian violence is growing in Northern Kenya. "It's a part of Kenya where Muslims make up the majority, so there is a growing hostility against Christians in these parts, and this is partly because of the growth and influence of Islam elements inside Somalia." Most of the people there are ethnic Somalis. Racho says Christians are turning to authorities, but "no one in the administration is protecting them. The Christians are not being protected. The people who attacked them are free on the streets. They are not in prison. This is really disappointing. The Muslims in Garissa are openly saying that they're going to destroy other churches, too."
    Go to full-story link to find out how to contact the Kenya Embassy.
    Source: Mission Network News, 6 October, 2008 Full story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/11741
  • Please pray for KenJ, who has been helping the Pneuma Foundation for many years in preparing articles for our website. KenJ has said that he has noticed his health declining and he is finding it increasingly difficult to continue to do things he has been involved with for years. Let's pray for this faithful brother to be restored.

  • Egypt: Muslim-Christian Tensions Escalate. Islamic intolerance of Christianity has multiplied in Egypt with the rise of hard-line Islam. Violence against Christians, especially Egypt's indigenous Copts, has soared. The government is reluctant to prosecute Muslims who persecute Christians, so it sponsors 'reconciliation sessions' instead to intimidate the Christians into dropping all charges and surrendering all rights to gain 'peace'. So Muslim belligerence and Christian vulnerability grows. When the Abu Fana monastery was attacked in May, three monks were kidnapped and tortured in vain, trying to make them spit on the cross and convert to Islam. The government called it a 'land dispute' and brokered a totally unjust 'reconciliation'. Terror threats have closed six other monasteries. Please pray for Egypt and for God to sustain and protect his people.
    Source: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission - RLP 499 | Egypt: Muslim-Christian Tensions Escalate
  • Pastor B.A.T. in Zambia writes: "Pray that we may find partners to work with in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Reference number: 90033926

Praise Reports

  • Two Christians released in Iran. While Iran's proposed apostasy law is still waiting to be ratified, the Christian community received some good news. Two Muslim-background believers have been released by authorities. Glenn Penner with Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC) says, "Both Mahmood Matin-Azad and Arash Basirat have been released from an Iranian prison, after they had met with a tribunal who had ruled that the charges against them were invalid." Penner isn't sure if this is appeasement, or a lull before the storm. But he's pleased that this is the first time Christians have been released after a trial.
    In the meantime, pray that the apostasy law, which would condemn Christian converts to death, will not be ratified by Iranian authorities and that Christian will continue to be bold in their witness.
    Source: Adapted from Mission Network News, 2 October, 2008. Full story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/11730

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