PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF KENYA

Yesterday, the New York Times reported that the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is seeking to indict several high-ranking Kenyan politicians, "including the finance minister and a former national police chief,"  "for crimes against humanity," stemming from the Kenyan election crisis of 2007 and 2008.

If you recall, after the Presidential election in late 2007, there was such violence in the nation of Kenya that over 1,000 people were killed.  The United Nations had to step in and broker a peace and unity deal between the two rivals, Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga.  In the brokered deal, Kibaki is President and Odinga is Prime Minister.

During the violence back in 2007-2008, an extremely sad event happened when people were hiding for safety in an Assemblies of God Church, when tribal violence led parties to set the church on fire.  People died and many were injured (mostly women and children). This was an extremely tense time in this nation. 

The reason why I am blogging about this today, is to ask for prayer that violence will NOT erupt again, when the summons are issued from The Hague for these politicians to give account of their actions. The Times article quoted John Githongo, a former anti-corruption official, as saying, "Kenya is now a volatile country. The politics are bubbling. A lot of change is happening at the same time. Anything is possible."

The International Center for Christian Leadership (ICCL) is heavily involved in Kenya, conducting outdoor miracle crusades and Schools of Ministry for the native church leaders.  We (as you my remember I am the Director of ICCL's Schools of Ministry) have helped to drill wells for clean water, and are involved in a number of other humanitarian projects as well.  We need a peaceful Kenya.

Pray for the church of Kenya - for the peace of Kenya - for justice to be done for those who sponsored and committed violence back in 2007-2008.

[Note: all the photos used in this blog were taken back during the crisis of 2007-2008]

OUT OF THE CLOSET!

BEHIND THE PULPIT: OUT OF THE CLOSET!

BISHOP JIMMY SWILLEY OF CONYERS, GA

Once again the church world has to deal with another "closet" moment in the pulpit.  Jimmy Swilley, pastor of a large mega-church, called "Church in the Now", has publicly told his people and the world that he is a 'gay man'.  He claims that "timing is everything", and that he chose this time due to the recent rash of suicides among young gay men who were "bullied".  

Cynthia Tucker, Pulitzer Prize winner of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, wrote, "In an era of unprincipled politicians, lying preachers, and swindling CEOs, Jim Swilley stands out as a man of courage and principle, living genuine Christian values.  He's the pastor of a Conyers church, and he's come out as a gay man."  Re-read that line.....I have underlined the words....let it sink in what she is saying....what the "world" is saying today.

"Church in the Now"

I watched the entire video of this man's confession before his mid-week crowd.  Though not surprised, I was seriously offended by the manner is which he used the Scriptures.  He openly suggested that the Bible is fallible.  He didn't say that a 'translation' was fallible, but the Bible is....  Okay, if I believe that, then in what can I trust?

He openly stated that when it comes to relationships, you cannot trust the Apostle Paul.  He was referring to the first chapter in the Book of Romans, where the Word says, "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another." (Romans 1:24 NIV)  He smirked at the Old Testament Scriptures indicating that those passages in Leviticus do not apply today. To me, this "man of the cloth" failed the test of Hermeneutics which says that the principles in both Old and New Testaments override the 'culture' of that day.

I would agree there are verses in the Bible that were given for a particular time - but, I also know that they are given "for our examples".  In other words, there are principles that are valid and unchanging. 

This principle is throughout the entire Bible - that homosexuality is a sin......not an orientation....not a life-style alone ..... a sin against God who made us "male and female". We all believe that God loves sinners.....but God loves us too much to leave us the way He finds us.  We all need HIS forgiveness and His ability to change our lives to fit His plan for our lives.

So, we are now faced with another challenge.  Do we interpret the Bible to fit our lifestyle?  Can we interpret Scripture so subjectively to approve the way we think?  At what point do we let God speak from Himself, for all time? 

I choose to let God speak for Himself.  I choose to change my way of thinking to fit the Bible. I choose to accept Paul's teachings as "inspired by the  Spirit", and not his opinions.  Only in one passage did Paul suggest that it was his opinion.....and that wasn't in Romans 1.






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SET FREE !!

We have witnessed this week, what many in the media are declaring a "miracle".  Millions of us have watched as 33 miners from Chile were one-by-one brought to the surface of the earth, from a depth of 1/2 mile, where they have been entombed for 69 days.  It's been a media frenzy - a reality-TV spectacle - the President of Chile hugging each miner - "live" TV coverage both 1/2 mile in the earth, and on top as each man was reunited with family and friends.

Many in the media have said that this coverage is "welcome relief" from all the hard, cold, bad news of the day.  I would have to agree!  The 24-hour-a-day cable news channels did just that --- gave us around the clock "live" coverage, since the first miner was lifted to safety, in his space-age capsule, wearing his special green suit......kind of reminds us of the space journeys we've grown up to watch.

I've heard comments this week that these men have been "born again" -- one of the miners actually said that there was a contest between the Devil and God -- and God won!  Esteban Rojas (the 18th miner to resurface) actually knelt to pray in front of the whole world.

Before we get overcome by the euphoria -- I wonder if anyone realizes that there are 15 million humans who are alcohol-abusing or alcohol-dependent in this land.  Have we forgotten the 1.5 million babies that are aborted each year in his country -- that's 1.5 million mothers hurting too.  What about the report from the Mayo Clinic that 19.5 million people, over the age of 12, are using illegal drugs, with 19,000 deaths occurring due to drug addiction. 

While we will never forget this "fall classic" -- the televised rescue of 33 Chilean miners.  Please do not forget the millions of people, who are entombed in a darkness far worse than a cave or a mine -- but are bound by alcohol, drugs, and are imprisoned by grief, guilt, and sin.

Jesus Christ took his cross up to Golgotha's hill for every one of us ..... not just Americans... everyone in the world.  He died that day -- there were no TV cameras and a cheering crowd.  To most, he lost that day.  BUT, three days later, he arose from death and the grave, to give us the freedom and liberty that only a personal relationship with God can bring.  All any one of us has to do is to "believe" and "receive".

Are you still trapped in a cold, dark world of sin?  There's a rescue plan in place for you.  "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you can be saved" -- TODAY!  Right now!

Head and Heart Issues

SCANDALS OF THE PULPIT.

Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

      

A familiar face .... a man of power and might.... a prominent pastor and leader in the charismatic church world .... now another scandal .... another media frenzy .... four young former church members have filed lawsuits, accusing their pastor of 'abusing his power' to lure them ... to abuse them....  I was sitting in the overflow section a few weeks ago at this man's church (the crowd was so large), numbering in the thousands, when he said to the congregation and the world, "I am not the man" that the TV and media was making him out to be.

The Sanctuary of New Birth Missionary Baptist.

Oh, how I hope so.... how I pray that there is no truth to any of the charges ... that this man will be vindicated.  We don't need another scandal!  On that same Sunday, the local newspaper listed all the recent "fallen preachers".  How sad.

I'm reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah, when in the first chapter of his sermon he quotes "the Lord has spoken" -- the accusation can be summarized in the fifth verse:  "...the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint."

Two problems:  Head and Heart.  Isn't that the problem in the church world today?  We have HEAD problems.  We are so enamored by the 'popularity' contest in the church.  Who has the best suit? Who has the best car? Which preacher has the bigger crowd?  Which one has the biggest TV audience?  We are guilty of worshipping IDOLS!  We've made our pastors idols.  Where's the humility of Jesus?  We have elevated men to the status of 'gods'.  And from this lofty position, they will ALL fall!  The old adage is true:  "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"  Remember this:  JESUS CHRIST IS THE HEAD (THE ONLY HEAD) OF THE CHURCH!  It's time to re-focus our attention to our Lord. 

We have also HEART problems.  We've become "faint".  Our affections are not on Jesus as they should be.  We are trying to get rich -- trying to be successful -- trying to have significance in this world -- at the expense of our love for God.  Jesus summarized all the Law and the Prophets, when he said there are really only 2 commandments:  1. Love God, and 2. Love your Neighbor.  Our hearts become 'faint' and we stumble when we get our affections on other things, other than HIM.

Head and Heart.  That's the problem.  The solution?  The same solution as always -- Jesus Christ has the cure for our sickness.  God forgive us!  God save us!  God help us, NOW !

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Signs and Wonders

I love the passage in the Bible that declares, "...these signs shall follow them that believe...." A few weeks ago, as our team with ICCL went into Kenya....God manifested Himself with "signs and wonders". I love what Dr. Gary Kellner said in one of our team meetings, that Jesus does "signs" so the people will "wonder"!

During our meetings, both at the School of Ministry for the pastors, and during the open-air crusade in the sports field in the heart of the city (Kisumu), we saw the "signs and wonders". Blinded eyes were open....the lame walked....deaf ears were opened....legs lengthened....backs healed.....on and on....God did what HE said HE would do!

I love the fact that the Gospel was preached ....and then the Gospel was "confirmed" with the miracles and healings! In many of our churches here in America, this is not happening. Yes, the "Good News" is being preached.....and preached....and preached! But, where are the signs? Where are the miracles? Now some will tell you, "the miracles were for Jesus day, or the early church's day". What do you do with the verse that says, "Jesus Christ, the SAME, yesterday, today, and forever?" You have to totally ignore that verse, deny it, or misinterpret it.

NO, the signs and wonders are for today! I thank God I fully believe that! I also believe that if God will heal people in Africa, HE will heal people in America. In our services, we are seeing people healed in each service, every where we travel.

Follow me on my journey. Go to my new Web Site:

www.donrailey.com

Set Free!

In my recent ministry trip to Kenya, I noticed numbers of little boys, all over town, sleeping (middle of the day) by the wayside, etc. Most of them, I noticed were carrying a small bottle with them.....what I discovered was these children are addicted to GLUE SNIFFING. I know in the USA we have had this problem in past times with teenagers sniffing glue to "get high". Well, this is a major problem in that part of the world. I was told by a Kenyan Pastor that these boys will probably not live to adulthood, due to this addiction. It will harm their brains...and make them prime candidates for disease. Hopeless? Not when we know the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

During our team's street ministry, and evening crusade, we saw scores of these kids delivered and healed by

the power of Jesus! You know it's real, when the kids give up their glue bottles.

I'm happy to report that the national Kenyan church is going to take these children in, and get them off the streets -

- get them FREE and adopt them into families. Most of these kids are homeless. Not anymore!!

T.L. Osborn learned years ago....when you go overseas....show them the POWER! Then people will listen to you. John Wimber calls it, "Power Evangelism". It works. That is a powerful Kingdom Concept. When was the last time you heard that Mohammad healed an addicted child? JESUS still heals and delivers! Why? JESUS IS ALIVE!!!

Laity vs. Clergy

I have always contended for the elimination of the terms, "laity" and "clergy". Traditionally "clergy" refers to the professional ministers (pastors, missionaries, evangelists, etc.) and the term "laity" refers to the folks in the pews! Just a few weeks ago near 30 people traveled from the USA to Kenya with the International Center for Christian Leadership to minister to the people of Kisumu. Less than 10 of the team were "clergy" -- the rest were "laity". I look forward to the day --- from this day forward -- that we forever eliminate this distinction. Why? I watched ordinary -- that really isn't the right word -- but for lack of a better term -- "ordinary" -- special church people -- secretaries, road workers, nurses, teachers, homemakers, retirees -- come with us. In the afternoons, while some of the "clergy" ministered to the Pastors, the others went out on the streets -- laying hands on the sick -- praying and loving the people. Pictured above is a line up of our team in front of the people who had come forward in the open-air crusade for prayer....in minutes they went through the crowd - praying and believing -- and seeing God manifest Himself in signs and wonders. They might have come to Kenya feeling "ordinary", but they left one week later "super-ordinary". Three of our ladies visited a medical clinic -- only to come back reporting two people who were blind -- could now see!!! Now, that's supernatural stuff! Wow! You should have seen these precious saints loving the unlovely of Kenya -- late night ministry to prostitutes (as young as 12 years old) -- reaching out to street children hooked on glue sniffing ---It was life changing, both for the Kenyans and for our team!

Scripturally, there is no distinction between 'professional' preachers and lay people --- every child of God is called to be a "minister". If you feel you are just "ordinary" -- a member of the "laity" --- then I challenge you to re-think your position -- you are a minister! Come go with us next March, as ICCL returns to Kenya for another week of ministry. It will change your perspective. Check out the ministry web site in the near future for details: www. iccl-transformation.com

You can watch my web site for details as well: www.donrailey.com

You are called to be the "hands of Jesus" extended to the world around you.

Pray for Kisumu

As I posted last month, I have been invited to travel to the country of Kenya the last week of July this year, to participate in a huge Pastor and Church leader's conference, and outdoor crusade in the city of Kisumu. I am excited to say that I am making plans to attend this event. I will be teaching in the conference, and helping in the crusade. This is sponsored by ICCL (International Center for Church Leadership). Over 1,000 pastors and church leaders are expected to attend the conference during the day. In the evening, in an open-air soccer arena, they are expecting up to 50,000 Kenyans to attend. As I reported earlier, God is moving mightily among the Maasi tribe (which live in that area). ICCL is helping to equip these leaders to make the most of their "open door" to the Gospel in that region. Kisumu is the third largest city in the country - home to the Vice President of the country. It is right on Lake Victoria, which borders Tanzania. As you look at these maps, please use them as a prayer reminder for this important week. I really do believe that this is Kenya's time for a visitation of the Holy Spirit. We are expecting "signs and wonders" to be manifested, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Islam is on the rise in this part of the world. The world news organizations have reported lately the high-jacking of many merchant ships in the Indian Ocean by Somalia pirates. These are radical Muslims, who are funding a move to build mosques throughout Kenya - their goal if one mosque for every 10 kilometers. God is also on the move in Kenya! ICCL is digging wells too - helping to build churches - feed the hungry - and show them that God is alive.

Please realize that Allah has never raised a dead person - Mohammad has never healed anyone! Jesus Christ raises the dead - heals blinded eyes - causes the lame to walk, the dumb to speak, and the deaf to hear. Jesus Christ conquered cancer, heart disease, and every other malady of mankind at the Cross! We serve and declare unashamedly that Jesus Christ is Lord!!

I am asking every reader of this blog to pray for me as I go. I am asking you to pray for Kenya - and especially for this conference and crusade starting the week of July 25th. If you would like to help support his effort, please contact me and I'll be able to give you that information. You may email me at: dtrailey@aol.com

If you would like more information about ICCL, I encourage you to go to their web site. After you have viewed it, go to the "media" page - on the right hand side of that page are links to two very inspiring and informative YouTube videos: "Miracle in Maasiland" and "Crisis and Opportunity". Watch them. The web address is: www.iccl-transformation.com

I'll keep you posted as this time approaches. Thanks for praying and supporting this effort for the "glory of God"!!

Reaching out to Kenya

I recently had the honor of meeting The Honorable Kennedy Nyagudi from Kisumu, Kenya (East Africa). Kenn, as his friends call him, is a minister of the Gospel, as well as a former Parliament member in Kenya. He is the founder of Praise Development in Kenya, which isdoing so many things --- putting shoes on shoeless children -- feeding the hungry -- winning the lost to Christ -- but one of his greatest works is drilling wells and putting in pumping stations for people who desperately need clean water. Pictured above is the well-drilling truck the foundation owns, which has already helped to drill 10 wells and one pumping station (with many more to come). I also had the honor of meeting Pastor Mike Brawan of Kenya -- a real "fireball" preacher who is fearless. Mike is reaching his people in such a powerful manner.

The opportunities to reach the country of Kenya have never been greater. The challenges are sometimes overwhelming -- but when you see what these African brothers are doing and how ready they are to "do the work of the Kingdom" - it makes you know that the Lord of the Harvest is truly sending out laborers

It was so exciting to hear of how Kenn and his team were able to provide last year 200 bicycles to 200 Pastors! That was exciting.

I also had the opportunity to talk at length with my good friend (and college buddy) Dr. Gary Kellner, founding President of ICCL (International Center for Christian Leadership). ICCL is doing so much to reach people groups around the world -- both in Kenya and in other countries of the world. They hold huge crusades (with up to 50,000 people) and conduct Pastor's Conferences (in the Ukraine - and in Kenya). Again, it's exciting to hear what God is doing around the world. Dr. Kellner has asked me to come with him to Kisumu, Kenya this July for a great crusade and Pastor's conference. I'm excited about the possibilities of being a part of such an awesome event. Pray with me for direction in this, and for the financial support to make the trip. [pictured: Pastor Mike Brawan, Dr. Gary Kellner, and the Honorable Kennedy Nyagudi]

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?