Quaking in Chicago

My wife and I were literally shaken awake this past Wednesday morning around 4 a.m. (February 10) by what was later told to us as being an earthquake of 3.8 in magnitude. Of course, all the dear ones who live in California experience this stuff all the time. But, we are new comers to this phenomenon. The next day, February 11, Susan Hough, a seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, wrote in the Chicago Tribune, "Illinois' magnitude 3.8 is, of course, light years away from the magnitude 7.0 quake that devastated Haiti last month. But even a little quake underscores the point that virtually no place on our planet is entirely immune from earthquake hazards. The Midwest, in particular, is an interesting and enigmatic region, earthquakewise." We're okay - no damage - just hard to go back to sleep that morning. Later that morning, as we realized what had happened, I was reminded of what Jesus said, recorded in Matthew 24:7 -- allow me to write it in the old King James Version, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there will be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places." The next verse say, "All these are the beginning of sorrows." 'Earthquakes in divers places' - I need to translate: the Amplified Bible helps, "earthquakes in place after place". If you study that passage you'll discover that Jesus was predicting that earthquakes would happen in odd, or "not to be expected" places --- like Bartlett, Illinois (well, actually the epicenter was about 8-10 miles from my house). It definitely got my attention. I know it is nothing like what just happened in Haiti, and our prayers and money continues to go out to the people of that land, as aid workers continue to feed, treat, house, and clothe the needy survivals. One thing is for sure, I can never take another day for granted. Every day brings us closer to the culmination of the ages -- the soon return of the King - Jesus Christ- to this earth to rule and reign. You read it right -- I'm a citizen of two worlds -- earth - and heaven! My King is Jesus Christ - and HE will return soon to take His rightful place on the throne of this planet. Are you a citizen of heaven? Get ready - something awesome is about to happen!

Pray for Spiritual Victory in Haiti

We've all seen these photos in the news of the devastating earthquake which destroyed Port-au-Prince, Haiti in the evening hours of January 12, 2010. Even the Presidential Palace collapsed. Fortunately President Rene Preval and his wife were not in the residence and were not harmed. Over 200,000 Haitians (Haitian government estimates) were not so fortunate, as they lost their lives as their world literally collapsed on top of them. The next day, CBN founder Pat Robertson, commented on the 700 Club that Haiti had made a "pact with devil" and thus has suffered such trouble in time. He compared the prosperity of the Dominican Republic (which shares the island of Hispanola with Haiti) and the poverty of Haiti. He concluded his short remarks saying the CBN would be helping the suffering (and they are doing that right now through Operation Blessing). The world of the liberal news media "hit the fan" about his remarks -- even Christians began to attack his remarks. In no way did Robertson say that the "pact" caused the earthquake. He just stated what is a FACT. I have a Haitian Pastor friend, Bishop Joel Juene, who wrote an article in 1997 explaining what really happened in Haiti. In his article, Juene writes, "The slaves brought from Africa went through many, many years of so much cruel treatment and atrocious sufferings ... that terrible situation caused the slaves to turn away from our loving God in heaven to their tribal gods of Africa for help. On August 14, 1791, a leader named Boukman called for a secret meeting with many other slaves in a forest called Bois-Caiman near Cap-Haitian where they had a satanic ceremony, killed a pig, and drank the blood, swearing and dedicating Haiti to serve the devil." He goes on the write, "For 206 years Bois-Caiman has been a very sacred high place for the devil where no one could ever set foot, except the witch doctors when having voodoo services. Every year for 206 years on August 14 all the witch doctors would meet there to offer sacrifice to the devil. In 1991 the government renewed that contract with the devil." Pastor Juene goes on to tell of what happened on August 14, 1997, when Christian leaders both in Haiti, and around the world, fasted and prayed for deliverance. Pastor Joel's church group started in front of the Presidential Palace rebuking all the evil spirits, then traveled six hours to the very area and spot where the satanic ceremony was held 206 years before. He writes that they felt such a heaviness and force against them -- but they persisted in prayer and taking authority over the spirits -- then marched around a huge tree (where the sacrifice had been done) - seven times -- on on the seventh time, victory came! The evil spirits left. It's interesting that this was on August 14. Those witch doctors didn't show up that day. However, three days later they did -- trying the call on the 'spirits' - and nothing happened. After two days of trying to call up the dead and evil - the witch doctors gave up! Victory had been won. The witch doctors complained to the government - the government complained to the preachers and Christians - the media got involved. But, God gave Pastor Juene and others favor. Pastor Joel Juene writes, "Haiti is now God's country. We do not want any site in any corner of the country reserved for the devil. ALL will be taken for God."

Under President Francios "Papa Doc" Duvalier (President from 1957-1971) and his son Jean Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier (President from 1971-1986), repression and oppression of the people prevailed. Corruption was prevalent. "Papa Doc" Duvalier, the religion of Haiti was "voodoo". Duvalier claimed to be a "voodoo" priest. This is not fiction - this is fact.

I visited Haiti in ministry a number of years ago. I've seen it for myself. I've felt the oppression. Now since 1997 - something better is happening. God is moving mightily in the country. But, so much must be done. Now the earthquake -- it seems like the Haitian people are taking a terrible step backward. But, God still is in control. I think it is significant that the Presidential Palace collapsed. It's like the seat of corruption for so many years --- the opulence of a few at the expense of the poor masses -- is gone! I understand the French have pledged to rebuild the palace as before. Whether they do or not - it's time for a new attitude. The world is coming to their aid -- feeding the hungry -- fresh water -- but, the Haitians need so much more -- education, hospitals, a way out of systemic poverty. I heard a Haitain on the TV News just a few days ago state that he believed Haiti has hope - but Haiti has no future, due to the lack of education. It will take more than just education to change the country. The victory at Bois-Caiman is the beginning. Let's pray and give and help restore a NEW Haiti -- not the old one. It's time for a spiritual REVIVAL in the land. God bless all the churches - the missionaries -the teachers - the aid workers. Keep up the good work -- and it's going to be a long and hard work. Satan is defeated and Jesus is Lord! Is HE the Lord of your life?