ISIS Executes Ethiopian Christians in Libya

By Heather Sells

CBN News Reporter

Monday, April 20, 2015

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The Islamic State released a new video Sunday that appears to show the coordinated executions of dozens of Ethiopian Christians in Libya.
  
The video depicts ISIS gunmen shooting the Christians in a desert area.  It also shows ISIS killers beheading other believes on a beach.
    
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is condemning this latest atrocity by the jihadist army.
    
"Our fellow citizens have just been killed on a faith-based violence that is totally unacceptable.  This is outrageous," a church spokesperson said.
  
ISIS may have chosen Ethiopian Christians in part because of Ethiopia's attacks on neighboring Somalia. Its population is largely Muslim. So far, the Ethiopian government has not responded to the killings.
   
The latest video is similar to one released in February that shows the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians on a Libyan beach.  The Egyptian government immediately responded to that with air strikes.
   
The new video represents the growing strength of ISIS in Libya, and comes as the terrorist group continues to show strength in both Europe and the U.S.
   
Former German rapper Denis Cuspert is featured in a new ISIS video that threatens to activate sleeper cells in Germany, Britain and Australia.
   
There's also concern in Britain about a friend of the radical Muslim Anjem Choudary taking his four children to a part of Syria controlled by ISIS.
   
In the U.S., authorities arrested six people on Sunday as part of a nationwide probe to locate those in this country that are recruiting for ISIS overseas.

"This radicalization piece cannot be underestimated," Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, warned.

"The social media campaign and savviness of ISIS and the propaganda is what greatly concerns us as Homeland Security officials because they can radicalize from within the United States – sort of the enemy within the United States," he said.

Another threat: terrorists training overseas and returning to the U.S. to launch an attack.

An Ohio man is being accused of just that after training with terrorists in Syria. The FBI says Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud was planning to kill U.S. soldiers, execution style.
 
Meanwhile, the latest ISIS execution video has not been verified.  But it appears to show the growing strength and resolve of what is clearly an international terror threat.

Muslims Burn 69 Churches; Christians Forgive

Burning Christian churches

Muslims Burn 69 Churches; Christians Forgive

By George Thomas

CBN News Sr. Reporter

Monday, April 20, 2015

NIAMEY, Niger-- It took only a few hours, but it was enough time for hundreds of radical Muslims in Niger, West Africa, to destroy dozens of churches and several Christian homes. Ten people lost their lives and hundreds were injured when Muslim mobs went on the deadly rampage in early January.

Now, three months later, Christians living there are moving forward, determined to still preach the Gospel despite the dangers.

CBN News has obtained exclusive, never-seen-before video of dozens of these angry Muslims attacking, then burning Pastor Musa Issa's church.
 
"They took pews, Bibles, chairs and sound equipment then set them on fire," Issa, pastor of Bethel Horizon Church in Niamey the capital city, said. "They did this while chanting, 'Allahu Akbar!' I felt so sad. I started to cry."
 
Wrestling Against Principalities

The cell phone video also shows the crowd beating a member of Issa's church.
 
"I feel horrible when I watch the video. I ask myself 'Why'? Why did they do this to us? What did we do to deserve this?'" Issa said.
 
It happened January 17, just 10 days after two Muslim terrorists stormed the offices of French magazine Charlie Hebdo, executing 12 people for publishing satirical images of the Islam's Prophet Mohammed.
 
About 3,600 miles away in Niger, Muslims, angered by the cartoons, attacked the country's Christians in revenge.
 
"We spent years building the church," Issa told CBN News while standing in the ruins of his church. "Within minutes it was all gone!"
 
And it wasn't just Pastor Issa's church. Mobs also destroyed Boureima Kimso's church.
 
"Sixty-nine churches and 11 homes were destroyed. That's a total of 80 Christian buildings within a few hours," Kimso said.
 
Kimso, head of the Alliance of the Evangelical Churches in Niger, says the viciousness of the attacks shocked the Christian community.

 
 
In Zinder, Niger's second largest city, attackers burned all but one church to the ground. And in the capital city Niamey, 45 churches were destroyed, including Pastor Kimso's.
 
"Absolutely, it was premeditated," Kimso said. "It was organized. It was shocking because systematically in a few hours churches were targeted and houses attacked, so it means that someone organized and executed this plan."

Three months later, the government of Niger has still not arrested anyone in connection with the attacks.
 
"I tell our brothers and sisters that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities," said Kimso. "We have to encourage ourselves because persecution is part of the life of the Church. There is no church that existed without persecution."
 
In addition to destroying several churches, the rioters also targeted Christian schools.

CBN News visited one such school on the outskirts of Niger's capital city. The school was home to some 240 students, the majority of whom were Muslim.

As the Muslim mob ransacked each classroom, they left behind this message on each blackboard: "There is no God but God and the Prophet Mohammed is his messenger."

 
'Religion of Peace'

One of the teachers, David Bye, now helps oversee rebuilding efforts. 
 
"I think this message on the blackboard they are trying to tell us (Christians) that we really don't belong here. This is a Muslim area and they want to keep it pure for them. They don't want any Christians here," Bye said.
 
It's an accusation Muslim leaders flatly deny.
 
"Islam is a religion of tolerance and peace," Boubacar Seydou, of the Islamic Association of Niger, said. "In Islam, we are not familiar with such acts of violence!"
 
Seydou is also key leader at Niger's largest mosque. He allowed CBN News to attend and document Friday prayers.

In his first television interview since the attacks, Seydou denied that Muslims were involved in the attacks.
 
"Muslims did not take part in these attacks. Sure, there were many Muslims protesting the cartoons, but no one pushed them to attack churches. I'm sure if we arrested some of those involved in the church burnings you'd discover that in fact Christians were among those taking part in the violence!" Seydou said.
 
Pastor Zakaria Jadi, whose church and home were among those destroyed, says it is ludicrous to claim Christians were involved.
 
"The mob kept chanting over and over in Arabic 'God is great!' God is great' as they robbed and burned my home. I've lived with Muslims all my life. I know a Muslim when he stands in front of me!" Jadi said.
 
The Nigerien government is in negotiations with members of the Christian community to try and figure out how on earth they are going to rebuild all these churches. In the meantime, with so many churches still destroyed, many Christians are gathering in the shadows of their burned out churches.

Forgiveness
 
Pastor Jadi's wife Ruth, holding her burned Bible, has forgiven the men who committed this atrocity.

"My prayer is that they would come to know Jesus and that the Lord would touch them even in a dream. I want God to do to them what He did to Paul the Apostle when he persecuted Christians. God touched him on his way to Damascus. I want those men to experience the same touch from God!"
 
That is Pastor Issa's prayer, too. Today he spends time developing closer friendships with several of his Muslim neighbors who actually fought back as the mob destroyed the church and his home.
 
"When the first and second wave of rioters came, some of my Muslim neighbors stood in front of the church. But as more rioters attacked with deadlier weapons, it become too dangerous - so I told them to let them in," Issa said.

 
Pastor Jadi says the threats have not subsided, but he's alright with that. He believes God is preparing Christians in Niger for great times of revival.
 
"The Lord is training us; He's building us. There cannot be increase without hardships. If you want to go to the next level you have to go through hardship," Jadi said.

Watch Video: Muslims Burn Churches

Hebrew Music Monday ✡ "Growing Up and Bettering Himself"

And the youth, Samuel, was growing up, and bettering himself both with the Lord and with people. SAMUEL I (2:26)   וְהַנַּעַר שְׁמוּאֵל הֹלֵךְ וְגָדֵל וָטוֹב גַּם עִם יְ-הֹוָה וְגַם עִם אֲנָשִׁים שמאול א ב:כו v'-ha-na-ar sh'-mu-ayl ho-laykh v'-ga-dayl va-tov gam im a-do-nai v'-gam im a-na-sheem

Today's Israel Inspiration As our verse describes, the righteous Samuel grew up in the service of God, and found favor in all those around him. He went on to annoint the first Kings of Israel, Saul and David. Today in Israel, foster children are placed in loving homes to "grow up and better themselves." Yet as their childhood ends, they are out of the system and on their own. At 18, they enter the army as lone soldiers, with no home to return to on days off, no extra finances to bolster meager army stipends, and no one to call for support. Israel's non-profit Summit Institute hopes to continue to provide support, love and a sense of family, even when the young foster child becomes an Israeli soldier at 18.   Support a mentor to a foster child, now an Israeli soldier »  Hebrew Music Monday Today's beautiful Hebrew music video, "The Lord is My Shepherd," is based on Psalm 23 and includes the well known verse, “I shall fear no evil for You are with me.” Sing along in Hebrew and English » Into the World and the Army at 18 For foster youth in Israel, turning eighteen is many times their biggest nightmare, when they are out of the system and enter the Israeli Army on their own. Read more » Israel Flag Pin This Independence Day, stand strong in defense of Israel and wear your pride with an Israel flag pin! Get this Great Deal » Today's Israel Photo In a field near Modi'in, central Israel, children joined the excitement of reaping wheat used for Passover matzah. See More Scenes of Israel » Thank You Please help us continue to spread the beauty and significance of the Land of Israel!   Sponsor a day in honor of a loved one » “Your Beautiful Words” It’s great to hear from so many of you - stay in touch and let us know where in the world you are enjoying Israel365!   Stay in Touch » I thank you for your beautiful words. Israel is loved by God and by me. You have my love and support and prayers. You shine as a light to us all, you are strong in His mighty power! I will stand behind you... my Prayers and love are with you always! Shalom, May peace reign in Israel and the entire middle east region. Stay safe and God bless. Shalom, Matthew Zoma Shalom, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

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Israel Turns to Asian Markets, Despite US Objections

By Tzippe Barrow

CBN News Internet Producer - Jerusalem

Monday, April 20, 2015

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JERUSALEM, Israel --  It seems the many challenges facing the Jewish state fuel its determination to press ahead in today's marketplace, laying the groundwork for future generations.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought a two-week extension to wrap up talks with potential coalition partners, the current government continues to take care of business.

Netanyahu, who also serves as finance minister, recently applied for Israeli membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), led by China. Analysts say the decision is evidence of Israel's understanding of Asia's rising place in global markets and the importance of improving relations with Asian countries.

The Obama administration is reportedly unhappy with the decision because it views the AIIB as a threat to the World Bank, according to a position paper by the Begin-Sadat Center (BESA).

"The new bank is viewed by many as an important indicator of the changing economic and global balance of power, appearing as a threat to the World Bank," the paper states.

But joining AIIB is just one example of the Jewish state's ingenuity in today's marketplace.

Annual Innovation Report 

Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson released the first annual innovation report, more evidence of the stuff it takes to keep the economy moving forward.

"Our challenge in the coming years will be to remain at the forefront of global technology while implementing innovative measures in all aspects of the market and the economy," Hasson said. He listed four ways to help Israel meet these challenges:

• Creating new sources of funding for industry
• Turning more hi-tech companies into major companies
• Implementing and developing technologies in traditional industries and in the public sector
• Smarter and more efficient government involvement

Cultural Tourism   

Meanwhile, the tourism sector, one of Israel's most important, continues to flourish.

Last year saw record numbers of tourists and 2015 is off to a very good start.

Israeli Tourism Minister Dr. Uzi Landau released a statement last week on a Polish Tourism Ministry conference that took place at Jerusalem's Dan Panorama Hotel. Some 170 senior representatives of Poland's tourism industry came for the conference.

Landau says Israel is an increasingly favorite destination for cultural tourism, as well as religious pilgrimages, so it's important to present new and attractive destinations to potential visitors.

"Poland is one of the fastest emerging markets in Central Europe and, with the increase in the local standard of living, it is important to present Israel as a quality and attractive holiday destination to the potential Polish tourist," Landau said.

There are many examples of Israeli innovation -- in medical breakthroughs, hi-tech, agriculture, solar energy, startups and venture capital. All of it contributes to its forward-moving economy.

It seems neither boycotts, divestment, sanctions, criticism or threats from Islamists are succeeding in bringing down the Jewish state. In fact, those very obstacles are fueling Israeli determination to succeed.

In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, Israelis recognize that hard work pays off.

God Talks Through Many Things if You're Open by Kathie Walters

God Talks Through Many Things if You're Open 

by Kathie Walters

Identity Network

A few years ago I looked at my itinerary and realized I had a week to myself (no ministry). I thought it would be great to go see my friend Joy Strang in Orlando. I emailed her and she said it was fine to go down.

But I did say to the Lord, "Is there anywhere you want me go with this week?" I wasn't really expecting an answer as I had already decided where to go. I was really just being polite. To my surprise He said, "Yes I want you to go to Israel."

"I was actually going to Florida," I replied.

"Israel" He said again.  I couldn't just say no, so I ended up going to Israel to see my friend, Juinnine. She was living in Jerusalem at the time.  I told some people I was going to Israel and people started sending money for the trip - I had about $2500.  And then a friend from Ohio called me and said, "I want to buy your air ticket to Israel."  "I have plenty of money for Israel," I said. Suzanne insisted on getting the ticket so I ended by taking the $2500 with me to Israel.

Juinnine  was happy to see me at Tel Aviv Airport but told me, "We need to pray because I don't have money to renew my lease and I am behind on the rent."  "Oh well I think I brought you the money for that," and handed over some of the money I brought with me from USA.

So for a week I just hung out with Juinnine who had a great ministry, especially in the Arab villages.

I just followed her around and didn't do anything much myself in the way of ministry.

I Have to Check this Out

It was the last day before I was to leave and we were walking around the Old City. I had kind of complained because apart from seeing a friend, it seemed a bit pointless my being there, when I could have gone to Florida which is only a six hour drive.

As we walked around, I passed a jewelry store - you know I love jewelry especially antique jewelry - rose gold in particular. Well this store had Michal Negrin jewelry, which I also love. Michal Negrin is an Israeli designer.

"I have to check this out," I said and grabbed Juinnine. We went inside the store and were met by a very neat looking couple who looked like Israeli Barbie dolls. He had black curly hair and she was a glamorous blonde.

I started looking at the neat bracelets and necklaces along with Juinnine. The couple who owned the store walked away to the other side of the store.  I realized that they ceased to be interested in me when they heard my English accent. In a lot of places English people are known as "just looking" people.  As the stores depend on tourism for a living they don't care too much for people from the U.K who are "just looking."

I loved the jewelry - this is nice costume jewelry, not diamond and emeralds or anything. But not cheap either.

Not to waste this opportunity to get a piece of Michal Negin jewelery, I said to Juinnine, "I am in one of my favorite stores, I just have to buy a bracelet at least."   As I was picking up a bracelet I liked, The Lord said to me, "Buy four, and buy something for Juinnine."

I was surprised,  "They aren't cheap you know," I replied, but God repeated it.

So I found myself choosing four bracelets and I told Juinnine to pick whatever she liked best.  "Really, anything?" she said. 

As I was pointing to the various bracelets I liked and Juinnine was choosing her necklace, the couple who owned the store heard me saying, " I think I will get this one and this one" and they heard Juinnine saying "Oh I think I will get this necklace." They suddenly got very interested in me and came back around to where we were standing.

Are You those Born Again People?

We purchased the four bracelets and a pretty necklace for Junnine. Juinnine said, "Praise the Lord!" The nice looking Barbie doll looking man looked up and said, "Oh are you those born again people." We said, "Yes,"

He explained, "A missionary lady from Sweden came into the store a few months ago and she told us about the Messiah, Jesus. And she emails us every week to tell us more about Him." She emailed us this morning and said some people would come in here today and tell his about the Messiah. It must be you. Junnine prayed with them to know the Messiah.

Before we left they told us this: "The reason we did not accept Jesus before is because we thought if we did, He would take away our business and make us poor, and we want to be successful."  When I bought four bracelets and bought a nice necklace for Juinnine that hit that misconception about God on the head and they were free

And then we talked about being born again -

They had a wrong mindset about God from Christians and missionaries who came to the store, so when I bought the four bracelets and something for Juinnine it squashed that idea they had, and left them open to a God who may enjoy them being successful. I kept one bracelet and gave the rest away

The last I heard they were very successful and had another couple of stores.

God talks through His word, His prophets and minsters. He speaks through signs and wonders and aromas and all kinds of demonstrations. He also talks to people through money. So be open as He is looking for some vessels to flow through.

Kathie Walters

www.kathiewaltersministry.com

kathiewalters@mindspring.com

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Rap Video Urges Jews to Leave Europe

Sunday, April 19, 2015 |  Israel Today Staff

There’s no question that anti-Semitism in Europe is on the rise, and in a big way. And there are no shortage of those warning that today’s anti-Semitism is comparable to the atmosphere in the run-up to the Nazi Holocaust.

Will the Jews of Europe heed the warning signs? Unlike their grandparents and great-grandparents, Jews today have a homeland to which to escape, a safe haven with a strong Jewish army.

Even so, the bulk of Europe’s Jews seem content to remain in the Diaspora, and even many Israelis have taken up residence in Germany, France, England and elsewhere on the continent.

The following video produced by Messianic Jews and Christian Zionists hopes bring greater awareness to the warning signs of what is to come, and to demonstrate that like Noah’s Ark, God has prepared a safe place for the Jewish nation to ride out the coming storm.

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Embattled Navy Chaplain: 'God Has a Bigger Plan'

By Paul Strand

CBN News Washington Sr. Correspondent

Friday, April 17, 2015

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CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Lt. Commander Wes Modder is a Navy chaplain in danger of losing his career because of his Bible-based counseling. 

During his tenure he advised sailors from the perspective of an Assemblies of God minister. But after a few service members at his base complained about Modder's biblical views late last year, his commander asked the Navy to consider discharging the Modder just one year short of retirement.

Military chaplains aren't accustomed to being in the public spotlight.  And with the ordinary chaplain duties Modder performed at his naval base, he certainly never expected it.

"As far as me being surprised, initially you know I was shocked.  It's an unintended place that I'm in," Modder told CBN News.

Modder and some other conservative chaplains are in the crosshairs of a military that has rapidly swung from discharging homosexuals to now embracing gay marriage.

"It's really about culture colliding with truth," Modder said. "And so I know I'm the face and the focal point, but this is really about the culture being obedient to a holy God."

Now chaplains like Modder are having to fight for their own legal First Amendment rights, lest all military members lose them.

"We need to stand up for truth and religious liberty. We have to stand for that," he said.

His wife Beth says she hates to see her husband of 21 years face charges he was offensive, insulting and judgmental to some he counseled.

"It's hard to see him go through this," Beth Modder said. "You know, it's not in his character to be like these accusations say."

But she and their four kids are backing him in this battle.

"I don't want to over-spiritualize this," Chaplain Modder said. "I really believe I'm doing the will of God by standing my ground."

He's at peace, though, with the fact his Christianity may cost him his career.

"If it goes bad as maybe the world would see it, I believe that God has a bigger plan, bigger perspective on my life, and I'm putting my trust and my hope and my confidence in Christ Jesus," he told CBN News.

Chaplains are often seen as the very embodiment of religion in the military, so if the Navy decides to punish one of its chaplains for trying to faithfully represent his religion, many fear that will likely to send a chill through the heart of every service member and make them wonder whether practicing of their faith is safe.

PRAYER WORKS! Greta Van Susteren Has Some Good News For Us

PRAYER WORKS! Greta Van Susteren Has Some Good News For Us

Conservative Post  April 16, 2015

Just few days ago we asked you to pray for Fox News Greta, well prayer works…Read what she wrote lately on her Facebook page:

Just an update …and of course a thank you…a big thank you. (and make sure you read the PS I just added.)
Many of you have been very kind sending me notes and also explaining to me what to expect with my husband’s heart surgery. The information has been very helpful. The doctors explain it all from one point of view, the medical one, but I needed to know the patient/family side so your notes have been very helpful. The information has probably been more helpful than you can imagine. And the kind words from you? They made all the difference in the world…so thank you.
My husband had his surgery early (very early!) yesterday — bypass, valve and a few other things — and already he is up and walking around in the hospital. Heart surgery is absolutely amazing!

I spent the night in his room of course (it is good to be short so I can sleep easily in the chairs!) and he had a good night. I am taking a few hours off from the hospital to do OTR tonight. Other family will be with him while I am gone for a few hours (not that it is needed as he is doing well but I like to have a family advocate at all times) – and I will return to the hospital after tonight’s show.

So…to all of you who have asked, things are on target and I am thrilled. And, again, I very much appreciate your kind words, your information and of course your friendship. I have heard myself say many times to others that having heart surgery is routine these days and thus a high rate of success…but of course it never feels that way when it is someone you love.

PS the first thing my husband said when he came out of the anesthesia…I was the one in the ICU getting him awake….and the first thing he said was MOO. I thought the doctors and nurses might think he had had a stroke and was confused….but I knew EXACTLY what he meant. He got a COW’s VALVE and was teasing me. I knew then that he most certainly did not have a stroke.

WOW! God is good!

Here’s a THANK YOU note from Rev. Graham as well:

Praise God! Thank you for praying—it meant so much! Greta Van Susteren says John came through his surgery well and is already joking. Read her update here.

Posted by Franklin Graham on Thursday, April 16, 2015