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July 27, 2007
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Secretary Rice: Israel Must End "Occupation" Of "West Bank"
Korean Christian Hostage Sends Message Asking For Help
Baghdad Church Leader: Iraqi Christian Plight Worse Than Reported
Christian Defense Coalition Leads Prayer Delegation to Baghdad
Saudi Arabia's Role in Iraq
U.S. And EU to Share Information about Airline Passengers
Southern Europe Swelters in Heat Wave
Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us;
look, and see our disgrace.
Our inheritance has been turned over to aliens,
our homes to foreigners.
Lamentations 5:1,2
Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may return;
renew our days as of old.
Lamentations 5:21
SECRETARY OF STATE RICE:
ISRAEL MUST END "OCCUPATION" OF "WEST BANK"
Secretary Rice stated that Israel's future is "in places like Galilee and in the Negev" and not in the heart of the covenant-land inheritance given by God to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
260,000 Jews live in the areas of Judea and Samaria (West Bank).
Speaking with Arabic-language Radio Sawa, based in Washington and Dubai, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice went further in her demands on Israel than President Bush did in his recent speech on Israel.
This week Israel saw a flurry of diplomatic activity including a first-ever visit from an Arab League delegation and a separate visit from the Quartet's new Middle East envoy, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Secretary of State Rice travels to Israel next week for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Let us pray . . .
All Christians and intercessors who understand the detrimental consequences and potential divine retributive judgments resulting from a blatant violation of biblical land covenants between God and the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are encouraged to "stand in the gap," offer prayers of repentance, and cry out for mercy at this critical time.
Pray that God expose and root out corrupt workers in the State Department, the White House and all federal agencies.
Intercede that the Lord raise up leaders and workers in all federal agencies who understand the ongoing faithfulness and dealings of God toward the Jewish people , their nation, and the need for their protection and preservation before the return of Jesus the Messiah.
Humbly ask for God to protect our air, land and sea ports, our coastlines and national boundaries; to thwart any bomb or shooting attempts; to give diligence and wisdom to our Homeland Security leaders and agents.
Intercede for our national leaders - that every decision, action or plan to pressure Israel to give up land or evacuate its people from any territory would be frustrated and abandoned. May God raise up leaders in the United States who would support His end-time purposes for the people of Israel - and the Land of Israel.
Secretary Rice, about to depart for the Middle East to prepare an upcoming international meeting of regional leaders, said that President Bush recently stated "very clearly that Israel's future will rest in Israel, in places like Galilee and in the Negev - and that the occupation of the West Bank will have to end, and a Palestinian state will need to be established."
In fact, however, in his recent speech, President Bush did not phrase this as a demand upon Israel, but rather cited Prime Minister Olmert as having "made clear that Israel's future lies in developing areas like the Negev and Galilee - not in continuing occupation of the West Bank. This is a reality that Prime Minister Sharon recognized, as well. So unauthorized outposts should be removed and settlement expansion ended."
By stating so clearly that the "the occupation of the West Bank will have to end," Rice has set a new standard for United States officials of her stature in opposition to Israel's presence in Judea and Samaria.
According to an opinion poll published in the Israeli Hebrew daily Ma'ariv this week, some 59 percent of Israelis believe that the Gaza Strip withdrawal (two years ago) was a mistake, while 74 percent oppose any further unilateral withdrawals.
"For the past 80 years, the Palestinian national movement has been at odds with the Jewish national movement - Zionism," said Yisrael Medad, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Shilo and a volunteer spokesman for the Jewish communities there. "The way out is certainly not yielding territory and pampering a people that continuously violate every agreement you've signed with them." (IsraelNN.com, CNSnews.com, 7/27/07)
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
Lamentations 3:21,22
LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2
Curses And Disasters Hit Nations
When They Interfere With God's
Prophetic Plan For Israel
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THE NAZI CONNECTION TO ISLAMIC TERRORISM
Adolf Hitler and Haj Amin Al- Husseini
by Chuck Morse
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In his campaign talks, articles and a recently published book, Morse is courageously presenting historical data and showing the links between Nazi fascism and current Islamic extremism.
Available from IFA, item #B657, retail $15.99, IFA $13.95 + shipping. Credit card orders via secure IFA eBookstore, www.ifabooks.org, or toll-free 1-800-872-7729.
KOREAN CHRISTIAN HOSTAGE SENDS MESSAGE
ASKING FOR HELP
After more than a week, 22 of the 23 South Korean aid volunteers that were abducted last Thursday by the Taliban are still being held captive. And hours after the expiration of the latest deadline of Friday noon (3:30 a.m. EDT), it was announced that all of the 22 remaining South Korean hostages are all alive.
Talks on Friday were reportedly more urgent after one of the South Korean female captives made a plea for help in a reported telephone interview with U.S. television network CBS Thursday, apparently done in the presence of her captors. "We are in a very difficult time. Please help us," said the woman, who was identified by CBS as Yo Cyun-ju. "We are all pleading with you to help us get out of here as soon as possible. Really, we beg you," she added. "All of us are sick and in very bad condition."
There has been one fatality since the Taliban kidnapped the 23 South Korean Christians last Thursday while traveling by bus to the southern city of Kandahar to offer free medical services to impoverished Afghan citizens. Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu, the 42-year-old leader of the aid group, was the first and thus far only victim in the Korean hostage team. An Afghan official said his body and was discovered in the area where the hostages were originally abducted and had 10 bullet holes in it. (Christian Post, 7/27/07)
BAGHDAD CHURCH LEADER:
IRAQI CHRISTIAN PLIGHT WORSE THAN REPORTED
The situation of Iraqi Christians is worse than being reported and nothing is being done to help, testified the pastor of one of the largest churches in Iraq Wednesday before the U.S. government's special religious freedom commission.
"The situation is more than desperate," said the Rev. Canon Andrew White, vicar of the 1,300-membered St. George's Anglican Church in Baghdad. "The Coalition has failed the Christians. We have done nothing to support the Christian community or the increase Christian suffering."
White, who noted that his church members are not only Anglicans but Christians from many different denominations, reported that within only the last month, 36 of his own congregants have been kidnapped. To date, only one has been returned after the church gathered the money for his ransom.
Moreover, White and other Iraqi witnesses spoke about the situation in Dora, Iraq, where over the past few months all Christians have been forced to abandon their homes and flee after receiving systematic death threats. In addition, almost all the churches in Dora have been bombed and burnt. "Violence against all Christians are increasing all the time," emphasized White.
He explained the aggression against Christians resulted from the fact that they are not Muslim, are considered to belong to a Western religion, and are seen as being close to or even part of the Coalition. "One of the major problems faced by the Christians is their link to the Coalition," said White. Yet so far, "the Coalition has failed the Christians." "Nothing has been provided as far as I have known," said the Anglican priest. "None of the Christians I have seen has ever received any help. We have huge needs."
White called on the international community to provide Christians and other minorities security, food and water, and the ability to worship.
"I love my people. I love my church. It is the best church I have ever had," he said. "I'm the only non-Iraqi there. It causes me great sorrow to see the international community - even my own nation (England) and yours - has not really done anything to help these people.
Despite his criticism of the Coalition and international governments, White emphasized that he supports the Iraq war and believes that an U.S. military pullout now would lead to more bloodshed. "I agree we needed to remove Saddam Hussein from power. I think the war was right . . . I'm delighted he (U.S. commander in Iraq General David Petraeus) is there and he is doing an incredible job," said White.
Gen. Petraeus is a regular attendee at White's St. George's Church.
USCIRF this year added Iraq to its Watch List of countries requiring close monitoring because of reports of religious freedom violations tolerated by the government. The commission acknowledges reported abuses in Iraq such as assassination of Christian religious leaders, bombing and destruction of churches, and violent threats intended to force Christians from their homes.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees estimated Christians make up nearly half of the refugees fleeing Iraq although they make up only three percent of the country's population. Over 1.8 million people have been displaced from their homes in Iraq and close to 2 million Iraqis have left since the 2003 U.S.-led offensive. (Christian Post, 7/26/07)
CHRISTIAN DEFENSE COALITION LEADS HISTORIC
PRAYER DELEGATION TO BAGHDAD
(July 22 /Christian Newswire) The Christian Defense Coalition is leading an historic prayer delegation to Baghdad. This Christian prayer delegation, which left for Iraq on Tuesday, July 24, has been officially welcomed by the Iraqi government and will be their guests in Baghdad.
The Coalition has worked for months to arrange this trip, and in a letter hand-delivered to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Rev. Patrick Mahoney, speaking for the Coalition, says, "What happens in the next few months will have a profound impact on the future course of Iraq, the United States, and the entire region. In response to this critical hour, it is essential that we urgently humble ourselves and look to God for His sovereign grace, blessing and wisdom in all that we do." ( See letter to Prime Minister al-Maliki)
Upon returning from Baghdad, the Coalition will be asking President Bush and Congress to call for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for the war in Iraq before the September Congressional briefing by General Petraeus. ( See Proposed draft for A National Day of Prayer)
Rev. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "Now is the time for Americans to lay our political differences aside concerning the war in Iraq and humbly seek God for His direction. Although there has been much debate, discussion and disagreement in our country regarding events in Iraq, there are many things Americans are united on -- such as justice and mercy which will always triumph over terror and fear. We can also agree that the violence and bloodshed in Iraq must come to an end. This historic prayer initiative offers a unique opportunity to come together in one voice before God and leave our political differences at the water's edge.
"It is important for the people of Iraq to know that the faith community of America stands with them during these challenging and difficult times."
SAUDI ARABIA'S ROLE IN IRAQ
Continue to pray for U.S., coalition and Iraqi troops, police, Iraqi government leaders and all who are responsible for thwarting violence and taking action against terror. Ask the Lord to continue to cut the roots of links between Nazi fascism and current Islamic extremism. Pray for the salvation of Muslims worldwide, and ask the Lord to bring revelation, dreams and visions of Isa (Jesus).
The New York Times reports mounting Bush administration concerns over Saudi Arabia's role in Iraq, citing their support for Sunni groups and lack of efforts to stop fighters flowing into Iraq. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will raise the issue in a visit to Saudi Arabia next week. ( 7/27/07) Read more
U.S. AND EU REACH AGREEMENT ON SHARING
INFORMATION ABOUT AIRLINE PASSENGERS
The United States and the European Union have agreed to expand a security program that shares personal data about millions of U.S.-bound airline passengers a year, potentially including information about a person's race, ethnicity, religion and health. Under the agreement, airlines flying from Europe to the United States are required to provide data related to these matters to U.S. authorities if it exists in their reservation systems. The deal allows Washington to retain and use it only "where the life of a data subject or of others could be imperiled or seriously impaired," such as in a counterterrorism investigation. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff praised the pact as an essential screening tool for detecting potentially dangerous transatlantic travelers. If available at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Chertoff said, such information would have, "within a matter of moments, helped to identify many of the 19 hijackers by linking their methods of payment, phone numbers and seat assignments." (Paul Lewis and Spencer S. Hsu, "Travelers Face Greater Use Of Personal Data," The Washington Post, 7/27/07)
SOUTHERN EUROPE SWELTERS IN HEAT WAVE Many deaths including 33 in Romania; some areas top 110 degrees
Southern Europe sweltered under the summer's second major heat wave as firefighters battled blazes raging in Greece, Italy and Macedonia. The heat killed an 81-year-old woman in northern Greece, and a man died in a blaze that consumed homes outside the town of Aegio in the southern part of the country. Officials have attributed dozens of other deaths to the heat, including 33 in Romania. The day's high of 113 degrees outside Athens approached the 114.8 degrees reached in the region's first major heat wave of the summer late last month. High pollution, humidity and stagnant air compounded the misery for residents and tourists in the capital. (7/26/07)
IFA NEEDS YOUR SUMMER FINANCIAL SUPPORT
While we are called and are blessed to compile and issue these email alerts to help you "track in prayer" each week, it is your financial gifts, large or small, which makes this service to you possible. As with many local churches and faith ministries, the summer months are often financially "leaner" months. Please know that IFA needs your support at this time. You can send a check payable to "IFA," or a credit card donation can easily be made by clicking here or by calling toll-free 1-800-USA-PRAY (872- 7729).
FRIDAY WATCH FIRE Editorial Team:
Gary Bergel / Brian Miller
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THE MISSION OF INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA:
Uniting Believers in Effective Prayer and Fasting for
America
INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA
P O Box 915 Purcellville, VA 20134
Fax 540-751-0984
ifa@ifapray.org web:
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