Chironna bills himself as a “theologian, a trained and certified personal coach, a mentor, a spiritual director, a physician of the soul.”

Now the scripture says that God has placed in the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the perfecting of the saints. I’m still searching for the office of personal coach, mentor, and physician of the soul. If any of you know where these offices can be found in scripture please email me and let me know.

He claims that “his approach is powerful, motivational, intuitive, practical and humorous and the results are profound.” In addition. Dr. Chironna is “a published author and writer, as well as an accomplished pianist, composer, vocalist and songwriter.

It never ceases to amaze me how much these guys like to puff themselves up. Paul said the Kingdom of God is not found in words but in power.

1Cor 4:19-20
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

And that power is not found in the wisdom of men.

1Cor 2:4-5
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

On his website, Chironna claims that Masters Touch International Church is “not the typical church; it is an experience that continues to grow on you.”  I’m sure it does “grow on you” like an entangling vine it grows on you. In fact looking at what he teaches this admonition from Peter seems appropriate

2Peter 2:20
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

Unfortunately the church seems to be quite typical of today’s modern so called church which mixes the truth of God’s word with the teachings of fallen men. Here is the “vision” of the church

”We are building a house on the foundation of an affirming lifestyle and total unconditional love, where we are learning how to truly esteem one another and be intimate with one another.”

This is the very essence of the false gospel that is so popular today. An affirming lifestyle and total unconditional love means there is no mention of sin, righteousness and judgment. Paul said in Hebrews 6:1 that the foundation (first principals) was repentance from dead works and faith toward God, not an affirming lifestyle and unconditional love.

In addition to pastoring this social organization he calls a church, Dr. Chironna has a side business called Dreamfulfillment.net. The purpose of this organization (besides making lots of money for Chironna) is;

“devoted to empowering individuals at every level of their life.  Events and resources from The DF.NET serves to provide every individual with the opportunity to fulfill their life calling and their dreams.  Dr. Chironna takes the participant through layered-learning experiences which accelerate the learning process.”

This is pure man centered psychology and positive thinking mumbo jumbo. It reinforces mans will over Gods will. And of course it isn’t given freely. From his website:

There are two levels of coaching now available with Dr Chironna, a certified and trained life coach.

LEVEL ONE: GROUP COACHING (INTRODUCTORY)

These sessions are comprised of groups of eight people teleconferencing with Dr. Chironna. Each call is for a duration of one hour and will occur once per month with assignments to be completed after each call. Coaching sessions are offered for $150.00 per month for three months. The total cost $450.00.
LEVEL TWO: OPTIMAL LEVEL FOR MAXIMAL RESULTS

These group teleconference classes with Dr. Chironna are a more intense schedule of two classes per month, one hour duration each. The increased frequency of classes is designed for anyone who has gone through the introductory class or feels they are at a point where they desire to get the peak benefit out of the coaching experience. These coaching sessions are offered for $300.00 per month for a minimum of three months. The total three month cost is $900.00.
When you send in your application (along with a $29 application fee) you’ll have an opportunity to;

“discover your possible options for your desirable future, and proven approaches to realizing your unique and intended “grand design” for life.”

Words fail me. Actually there are plenty of words I’d like to use but since the scripture says let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth, I’ll refrain.

2Cor 11:3-4
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Is Dr. Chironna preaching the simplicity that is in Christ or is he preaching another Jesus? Did Jesus ever speak of tools for empowering your esteem skills, accelerated learning programs, layered learning events, skills for developing your ability to think in the future tense? How about enhancing your core values, supporting your dream with a dream team, or discovering your own learning style and learning strategies?

What did Jesus say about fulfilling our dreams?

Math 16:24-25
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Jesus gives us a choice. You can lay down your life and follow Christ or you can spend your life trying to fulfill your own dreams and desires. You cannot do both. You cannot serve two masters. It’s either Jesus way or your own way.

Math 16:26
For  what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

There is much more that can be said about this heretic. He is a big proponent of the heresy of seed faith giving.

When the Spirit is moving that is the time to sow….Your harvest is already on the way when you get that seed in the ground.” (TBN, Praise-A-Thon, April 1, 2004)

Something is being released in the spiritual realm, when it does go to the phone.  When the mantle gets passed to you go to the phone and sow a $70 tithe to the $700 pledge.”(TBN, Praise-A-Thon, March 30, 2004)

He has supported heretics like Benny Hinn and Kim Clement. He holds the totally unscriptural position that a New Testament prophet can be wrong and still be a prophet.

A false prophet has nothing to do with the accuracy of a prophecy. We can argue about that with the, whoever wants to argue.  A false prophet had to do with the character of their life.  It had nothing to do with the accuracy of their prophecy.  And we know your character.  We know who you are.  We love you. (Mark Chironna to Kim Clement – TBN, 2003)

This is a flat out lie. To prophesy in part (1Cor 13:9) does not mean to prophesy in error. It simply means that God rarely shows us the complete picture through prophecy.

A good example of this is found in Acts chapter 21. A prophet named Agabus prophesied to Paul that when he went to Jerusalem he would be bound and handed over to the gentiles. This was a true prophecy because in verses 32-36 we see that it happened just as Agabus foretold. What Agabus didn’t say though was that God would use this event to get Paul to Rome where he would preach the gospel for two years.

Acts 28:30-31
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

This is what it means to prophecy in part. God did not give Paul the whole story through the prophecy but the prophecy was not in any way inaccurate.

Mark Chironna is a false teacher. He tells people what they want to hear. He has brought in damnable heresies. He appeals to mans self will. He needs to repent and return to the true gospel of the kingdom.

1Tim 6:30
Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge,  by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. NKJV

“All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God.” Revelation 7:11 NASB

Hello Dear Hearts,

As I sat down to write this letter, I was not sure what the Lord wanted me to share with you, so I prayed as I always do before I begin, but I still didn’t have His leading.  I opened a book I had been reading, turned to a page where the author mentioned worship.  I closed the book and opened the Word to a scripture on worship. So I’m going to write about WORSHIP.

It’s the thing we often neglect in our busy lives, but it is of utmost importance to our relationship with our Almighty God.  He alone is worthy to be worshipped.  He said “I AM THE LORD THY GOD, there is none else, I AM GOD.”

True worship begins with awestruck reverence for who God is and what He has done for us.  There are so many ways to worship God. In the Old Testament there was fasting and praying, feasts and sacred days, music and dancing unto the Lord, sacrificing/offerings, prophets proclaiming God’s POWER.  In the New Testament we come into the holy presence of God through our High Priest Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Now God wants us to present our bodies as living sacrifices.

King David was a passionate worshiper.  He gave an offering of more than one hundred million dollars of his personal treasury….”because I have set my affection on the house of my God”. Then he worshipped the Lord as he prayed,  “Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel, our Father, for ever and ever.  Thine O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven and the earth, is thine; thine is the Kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.  Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength to all.  Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” ^t Chron.10b-13

When our focus is on our circumstances and our world seems out of control, we need to worship our Mighty God.  There is power in praise.  There may be a time when you feel such desperation, like the bottom has fallen out, your heart is breaking, you feel that you have nothing left to give; lift up your hands and offer the sacrifice of praise.  We need to truly understand this power!   It’s not just a cliché, it’s the Word of God.  It’s a mighty weapon that drives away the pain and the enemy.  It lifts you into a healing place, into another level of closeness to God.  When Job was told everything he had was suddenly and tragically lost, including the death of all his children, he rent his robe, shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and WORSHIPPED.  “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” As he raised the shield of faith against the onslaught of Satan he saw the victory.  As the righteousness of God in Christ, when we put our trust wholly in Him, HE IS ABLE TO RESTORE our broken lives.

So many people are shattered and lost, which leads me to a new story.   I went to the beach to walk along the water to praise and worship the Lord.  As I was praying, I sat on a large bolder and asked Him if He wanted me to share His love with someone.  A few minutes later, a lady came over.  She said, “You look like a woman who could give me some sound advice.”  I smiled, “I’d like to try, what’s going on in your world?”  She then proceeded to tell me about her husband who left her six years ago and about the man she’s with now.  She poured her heart out to me.  It was obvious she needed love and I knew just the One who would give it to her.  As she prayed to receive Christ, tears streamed down her face, she felt His presence.  Celeste hugged me for the longest time, before we said goodbye. Please pray that she will grow in the Lord.

THANK YOU LOVERS OF GOD FOR MINISTERING WITH ME.  I PRAY FOR YOU AND PRAISE GOD FOR YOU

Hello Dear Hearts,

This is the month we celebrate the birth and freedom of our Nation.   Freedom is not free it always comes with great sacrifice.  Countless men and women have lost their fortunes and their lives for our country.   Also the freedom we celebrate in Christ cost the ultimate price, His death on the cross.   Our God so loved us that He gave His only Son to free us from the penalty of sin; to re-unite us to Himself through His own Blood Covenant.  On this fact, the history of our nation was founded. John Adams said, “We recognize no Sovereign but God and no King but Jesus.”   Our laws were written from God’s Laws.  And as we worshipped Him, He uniquely blessed our nation.

However our nation is again in peril.  Bibles and prayer have been removed from our schools; as well as the Ten Commandments from our courthouses and public places.  George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, all have, at different time, called our nation to a Day of Prayer.  Many years ago the Congress authorized an annual National Day of Prayer.  This year a federal judge took steps to have it declared unconstitutional.   Anti-religious activists persuaded the military to cancel The Rev. Franklin Graham’s personal participation in a Pentagon event on the grounds that it might offend Muslims.  Then an Islamic advocacy group in Washington tried to keep him from participating in a prayer event on Capital Hill with members of the House of Representatives.   Franklin said, “It is shocking to experience, in our own country, such open opposition to Christian prayer for the nation.”

What are we to do?   We have been silent too long.  It is time for us to repent and to pray for God to make us worthy of “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.’’

I thank you, my dear partners, for your faithfulness in prayer and support of this ministry!  Much has happened this last month but, I must tell you one story.   My dear missionary friend from Bulgaria Diana, lovingly called “DD”, met an elderly man from Germany on the beach.  She told him of her “call of God” on her life.  He introduced her to his wife.  They were very cordial to her.  “DD” was leaving in a couple of days so she wanted me to follow up with them.  Her friend, Jenna, had met them and knew where they were staying.

The two of us prayed and went to see them.  We sat on their little patio, had cappuccino and talked of many things including Jesus.  I invited them for dinner at my place.  They readily accepted.  As they arrived a CD of Mozart was softly playing.  We had a lovely dinner with lots of stories, talking and laughing.  As they left, I told them I would stop by Saturday to say good-bye before they left Sunday morning.

As I walked up to their cottage they were both sitting on the patio  waiting for me.  They stood up to greet me with hugs.   I told them I not only wanted to say good-bye, but I wanted to share something with them.  We sat down, each of us pulling our chairs in a little closer.  I told them how Jesus came into my life and gave me a peace and joy I had never known before.  I told them of His love for them and how He wanted to come into their lives.  I gave them a few scriptures and asked if they wanted to receive Him.  They said,  “Yes, but how?”

“Just pray out loud after me.”  When we finished praying, I pulled out of my purse a Bible I had brought for them.   As I walked away I praised God, their sins had been forgiven and they had a new purpose in life.  I looked over my shoulder and saw them standing waving and throwing kisses.

Because of YOUR PRECIOUS PROVISON FOR OUR MINISTRY you allow me the freedom to share God’s love and bring in the harvest.  I’M SO GRATEFUL!  GOD BLESS YOU.

Georgia Lee

Hello Dear Hearts,

In the Feast of Passover we see the death of Christ.  In the Feast of Firstfruits, we see the resurrection of Christ as the Firstfruits.  In the Feast of Pentecost we see the descent of the Holy Spirit, the New Covenant entered into with God and the Birth of the Church.

Fifty days from the day the firstfruits offering was waved before the Lord, the children of Israel celebrated the Feast of Pentecost.  Devout Jews from all parts of Israel and the Mediterranean world traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate these feasts.  According to the well-known Jewish historian, Josephus, there were as many as three million Jews gathered together in Jerusalem during the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

After His death and resurrection Christ appeared and showed Himself “through many infallible proofs.”  Forty days, He met with His disciples giving them final instructions concerning the Kingdom of God, before He ascended into heaven.

I had the joy and privilege of celebrating Pentecost in two different churches with a missionary couple that have spent the last twenty years in Israel. The first church was PSM in Kahalui and Grace Church (up Country).  They brought with them a scroll made out of goat’s leather, of the Book of Esther.  I held it in my hands.  It is older than America.  The wife sang the Israeli songs in Hebrew so beautifully then we were given songbooks in Hebrew and English that we might join with her in song.  I fumbled my way through the Hebrew and then I joyfully particapated in the Israeli dancing.

I was reminded of the film we shot in the Holy Land, “The Crescent And The Cross.”  It was a comparative religion film on Islam and Christianity.  We were the guests of the Islamic government and because of that we were escorted to the holy places of Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

When we were staying in a hotel in Jerusalem we made many friends including a young Islamic man and his male relatives and friends who did an absolutely unheard of thing; they invited me, a woman, to their bachelor party the night before the wedding.  I was unbelievably  honored and Ralph and I enthusiastically entered into their celebration and dancing.

It ‘s been a wonderfully diverse month of ministry, which leads me to one of the stories I shared with you in my last letter about a very pretty young woman I had led to the Lord.   I invited her and her husband to come with me to a Monday night ministry called Alpha,at Hope Chapel.  It’s a dinner in the courtyard around circular tables, where,after dinner and a Christian video, we encourage discussion about what they’ve seen. It is designed for unbelievers, newcomers and young Christians.   Her husband has come regularly and at the Memorial Day Baptisms on the beach, I shared God’s personal love for him. And as the musicians played and hula dancers worshipped God and people were being baptized in the ocean, he held my hands and prayed to receive Christ.

Jesus said, “But you shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.”  We need His power that came upon the believers on Pentecost.  He enables us to walk in His Spirit, to communicate His love for HE is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us.”  Eph 3:20

I’m so grateful you give me the freedom to serve Christ whereever the Holy Spirit leads me.  Thank you so much.  May God bless you!

Georgia Lee

Georgia Lee

Is it correct to assume that angels are the nonthreatening, loving beings that many people believe them to be? That all depends. We find instances in the Bible when angels were sent to deliver specific messages from God. They often began their messages with phrases like “Do not be afraid,” or “Do not fear.” But we also find instances in which God used angels to execute His judgment, as in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah and elsewhere.

Generally, God’s angels operate undercover. They don’t draw attention to themselves, but instead carry out God’s assignments. One reason we may not recognize the presence of angels in our lives is because they are doing their jobs properly. Angels are actively involved in the lives of the people of God, and even in the affairs of people in general. They have a specific function and ministry in the lives of Christians. The Bible says in Psalm 34:7, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (NKJV). Hebrews 1:14 says of angels, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (NKJV).

It is even possible that you have personally met an angel. Hebrews 13:2 teaches, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (NKJV). It is amazing to think that some of us may have communicated with an angel, but were unaware of it. Angels are nearer than we may realize. If an angel of God were to appear before you right now, you would stand in awe, because angels are very beautiful. When we read biblical accounts of people who encountered angels, they were often overwhelmed by the glory and beauty of them. Still, angels remain invisible most of the time, except on very special occasions when God sends them on a unique mission or clothes them in human form.

Contrary to what some have been led to believe, angels are not deceased human beings who are trying to earn their wings. Also, when someone dies, their friends or loved ones may say that person is now an angel who watches over them. However, this is not true. When people say that someone who has died now helps them or guides them or their presence is felt, it is not true. People who have gone from this life into eternity do not communicate with us. They do not comfort us. They do not guide us. Certainly, they do not turn into angels. Angels are an altogether unique group created by God.

Also contrary to what some people have attempted to do, it is incorrect to attempt communication with an angel, to try to pray to an angel, or to specifically develop a relationship with an angel. We find in Scripture that the focus is on praying to God, looking to God, and developing a relationship with God. Yes, God does work through angels, but that is not the point. The point is that it is God who is doing it.

We don’t know how many times angels have been working behind the scenes, how many times they have delivered us, have helped us out of tight situations, or have intervened on our behalf. Angels are all around us, taking care of us and ministering to us, even when we are not aware of their presence. This certainly gives hope in these troubled, dangerous times in which we are living. When we think of all of the violence and chaos and danger in the world today, it is comforting to know that God’s angels are watching out for us. They may not help you find a parking space or make your casseroles more flavorful, but you can be certain that angels are God’s secret agents, powerfully and effectively doing the work He has called them to do.

Scripture Of The Day: “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” – Psalm 34:7 (NKJV)

I’m not supposed to be here. Well, at least not according to the doctor who told my mother that she would have problems conceiving. Obviously, and thankfully, God had other plans for both my mother and me.

If anyone deserved to have kids, in my humble opinion, it’s my Mommy (yes, I still call her that as a grown woman). She is a lovely, intelligent, sweet and godly woman. She prayed, despite what the doctors said, for children. And she told God that she would give her children back to Him if He granted that request. Sounds very similar to a woman named Hannah in the first chapter of 1 Samuel.

Hannah’s womb was closed. For years she lived in anguish because of her barrenness. In 1 Samuel, she made a vow to God. “…If You will remember me and not forget your maidservant, but will give your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life…”

Hannah made good on her vow. She literally gave her son to Eli, the priest. Samuel grew to become one of the great prophets and judges of Israel. I wonder if Hannah knew what her son would become. I wonder if Samuel knew the kind of mother he had.

W.E. Biederwolf once said, “Hannah wanted only a son, but God wanted more. He wanted a prophet and a ruler for His people. Precisely by those weeks and months and years, there came a woman with a vision like God’s, with a gentle spirit and a seasoned will, prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of man God knew the nation needed.”

My mother spent years in prayer to be able to have children. And once we got here, the prayers didn’t stop. They intensified. She’s the kind of mother who raised us to love and fear the Lord. To trust Him. She’s the kind of mother who taught us how to pray. She exemplified a grateful spirit and heart. She’s the kind of woman who writes, “Thank You, Jesus” in her check book register every time she pays a bill.

I don’t have children yet, but when that time comes I want to be like Hannah and my mother. Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Every blessing, relationship, opportunity and reward comes from God. It’s only fitting that we offer back to Him the very things and lives that He has given us. Perhaps if we asked of Him from this perspective, we would see more of our prayers answered.

What destiny lies in your children? What sacrifices are you willing to make to ensure their salvation? What lengths would you go to for your child to fulfill his or her purpose? We need more Hannahs. More women who are prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of children God knows the world needs.

Scripture Of The Day: “I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD . For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” – 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NIV)

Isaac Daye remembers watching the young woman writhe in agony.

“She’s jerking. She’s shaking. She’s moving. … I had to hold her head,” said Daye, an African missionary in Gambia, a tiny nation in West Africa where most people profess Islam as their faith.

The woman’s parents, both Muslim, had taken their daughter to traditional healers, but to no avail. Desperate, they brought her to the Church of Christ minister and asked him to pray for her.

For Daye, the woman’s convulsions weren’t as scary as what happened next. She went limp and collapsed on his office floor.

Silently, the minister pleaded with God.

“Father, would you allow her to die here in my house? That would be a disgrace. … I beg you at least, Father, just let her get up and go home!”

After another round of convulsions, the woman sat up and asked for a glass of water. Daye brought her two — and recommended that she seek medical treatment.

Coping with demon possession is part of the job for Daye and many of his fellow ministers. A recent study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public life shows that many Africans — even those who consider themselves Christian or Muslim — experience their faith in an intense, personal way.

In several countries, 3 in 10 respondents said they have experienced a divine healing, witnessed the devil being driven out of a person or received a direct revelation from God, according to the study. On the average, more than 60 percent of professed Christians believe Jesus will return during their lifetime.

“Most Africans tend to be ‘today’ thinkers,” said Shawn Tyler, an American who has worked for nearly 30 years in East Africa and currently helps equip churches in Uganda. “Additionally, Africans with animistic roots tend to see themselves as capable of solving personal problems through the use of witchcraft or a powerful God.”

In Mozambique, some Muslim imams sell magical services for those seeking luck or blessings, said missionary Alan Howell. “A common practice here is to write down verses from the Quran, put them in water and then drink that water to receive a blessing,” Howell said.

Divine healing and exorcism are characteristic of traditional African religions. They’re also common among Africa’s charismatic Christian groups, including Pentecostal churches.

Churches of Christ have grown substantially in Africa in the past century. The continent now has more than 1 million members and has surpassed the U.S. in number of congregations.

But that growth pales in comparison to Pentecostalism. About a quarter of all Christians in four sub-Saharan countries — Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria — belong to Pentecostal denominations, as do at least 1 in 10 Christians in eight other countries, according to the Pew study.

Several Church of Christ ministers in Africa told The Christian Chronicle that they’ve lost members to charismatic churches. Willie Gley, a missionary in Ghana and Togo, said some Africans attend Churches of Christ on Sunday mornings and go to Pentecostal services for divine healing on Friday nights.

In the Central African Republic, some Christian denominations preach a gospel of prosperity, claiming a life of faith leads to earthly riches, said Worlanyo Bor, a Ghanaian missionary in the nation’s capital, Bangui.

Education, through correspondence courses, radio programs and ministry training schools, is vital to save Africans from exploitation, he said.

Ministers and missionaries also must engage Africa’s traditional beliefs, Howell said.

“Appreciating the animistic understanding of the powers should radically shape how we evangelize as a church,” he said. “When I teach about the cross, I talk about how Jesus has defeated the powers of sin, death and Satan and that we don’t need to live under the fear of witchcraft and demon possession anymore.”

Africa “is a power environment,” Daye said. “Everybody is looking for some power. So how can you take a powerless religion to the African man and expect him to believe in it?”

“In terms of me possessing apostolic miraculous power, I don’t have the ability,” the minister added. “But I believe in a God who has miraculous power … who, at his own will, can decide to do anything.”

For 2,000 years, Christian missionaries have traveled to foreign lands to spread the Gospel.

Today, there are thousands of missionaries preaching around the world without leaving home. Sometimes even while wearing pajamas.

Global Media Outreach, a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ, held a Webinar, or online seminar, this week to raise awareness and to motivate people to participate in online missions.

With tomorrow being designated Internet Evangelism Day (by the Internet Evangelism Coalition), Michelle Diedrich of GMO said she wants “to change the way we think” about the Internet.

“We are the first generation – ever – to hold in our hands the technology to give every person on earth multiple chances to accept Jesus Christ,” Ms. Diedrich, GMO’s communications director, said in the Wednesday seminar.

?

One of the most moderate Muslim nations may be shifting hard line and no one is paying attention.  In the last few months (though most happening on the same week in March) around 60 foreigners were expelled from the country.  What is their crime?  They are Christians, and a government once open to other faiths is now kicking out Christians (mostly long time aid workers) for proselytizing.  They offer no proof to the charge, no judges or courts, yet authorities have swept into areas and removed people in the midst of their good works.

“You can imagine spending 15 years in a job and a country, and somebody giving you eight hours to get yourself ready.” – Chuck Lewis

I’m in the skull cap. My wife is in the bottom left with a pickaxe.

Dr. Malcolm Williams was given similar treatment by officials on that same day.  He was a professor of translation at a local University for 21 years.  After five hours of interrogation he was put on a boat bound for Spain without even getting to say goodbye to his wife.

“(These) are not isolated incidents but clearly represent a systematic attempt to remove Christian workers from the country, and then in due course to scatter the emerging national Moroccan church.” -Dr. Malcolm Williams

A sudden change of policy in Morocco appears to be a type of soft Jihad against Christians in the country.  Many fear that the next step will be aggression against national Christians.  In fact, some have seen harsh treatment of nationals has already begun.  One former worker there told me  that her friends still in country have reported “heavy interrogation” of locals.

“The first wave was this deportation of foreign Christians.  Now the heat is on Moroccan Christians—it’s pretty intense.” – Jack Wald, Pastor of Rabat International Church in Morocco.

I’ve actually visited the Rabat International Church in Morocco on a Sunday morning 9 years ago.  In the summer of 2001 I went with my then fiance’ Amy and a small group of college students to Morocco for two weeks.  We were led by a former aid worker there.  We spent one week in Casablanca doing kids’ sports camps with a local organization.  The second week we traveled all over the country doing one day volunteer jobs.  One of those days was in an orphanage called Village of Hope (VOH), an orphanage for Moroccan children in a rural village near Ain Leuh in northern Morocco.  (Pictured below is me at a cafe’ and my now wife Amy working at VOH.)

The VOH orphanage that we spent a day at was hit by a raid on March 8th.  Officials swooped in, within hours all 16 oversees workers were deported.  Many of these were house parents of multiple orphans living in on site housing.  VOH is home to over 33 orphans who suddenly had no one to take care of them.  VOH was an open establishment and the government had previously approved of their work there and had visited the place multiple times before.  Suddenly they were being shut down for proselytizing.

The day we visited the orphanage in 2001 we saw no signs of people trying to convert any one.  It was loving people bringing up kids that were often left there by single Muslim women who feared for their lives if they kept their baby.  We spent our one day at VOH working on the grounds.  We basically took shovels and pickaxes and moved a pile of dirt somewhere else (pictured above).  It was a wonderful and caring place that has been terrorized by the government.

Why the change?  No one is sure.  Morocco has recently shifted from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.  The latest election gave the more modern and moderate party majority power.  The other two parties (one monarchist and one socialist) may be attempting to garner more power by getting the support of Islamists.  Or some wonder that the government might be simply trying to appease terrorist groups from future attacks on the country (there were violent attacks in 2003 and 2007).

Whatever the reason, our government needs to keep a closer eye on the once modern and moderate Muslim nation.  Our national security does not need a country, that is only a few miles from Spain, becoming a hotbed for Islamic extremism.  So far this turn of events has been largely ignored by the press and has not been addressed by President Obama.