papasangel

TEHRAN, IRAN (<a title="christian news service" href="http://www.worthynews.com">Worthy News</a>)-- An Iranian court has told arrested evangelical Christians who may face execution on charges of apostasy that they "should be punished", but that their trial "has been postpone for April," a senior church official said Thursday, February 17.

"The judge claimed that he had no time to examine the cases, but spoke about the superiority of Islam," explained Firouz Khanjani, a council member of the Church of Iran movement to Worthy News. "He said that Christians are targeting ignorant people and they should be punished for that."

Advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC) said it has learned that the Christians, identified as Behrouz Sadegh-Khandjani, Mehdi Furutan, Mohammad Beliad, Parviz Khalaj and Nazly Beliad, were released on bail, but there was no immediate independent confirmation.

Christians have linked the months-long detentions of the believers to their activities within underground house churches linked to the Church of Iran movement.

<strong>MORE CHARGES</strong>

But prosecutors told the first chamber of the Revolutionary Tribunal of the southwestern city of Shiraz, earlier this month that the believers were held on charges such as "actions against the [state] system", "political meetings" and "contact with opposition groups," according to trial observers.

On Sunday, February 13, they were also to answer in the "120th chamber of a normal tribunal", the charges of 'apostasy', or abandoning Islam, which carries the death penalty in the strict Islamic nation, as well as 'crimes against the Islamic order' Khanjani added.

With the trial being postponed, the believers are expected to face these additional charges in April. Dozens of other Christians remain detained across the country, as part of a government crackdown on Christianity amid reports that many Muslims embrace Christianity and house churches are growing, according rights investigators.

"More than 30 Christians, most from a Muslim background, are understood to still be detained in a number of different cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, Karaj, Shiraz, Ahvaz, Rasht, Hamedan and Arak," MEC told Worthy News.

<strong>IRANIAN CHURCH LEADERS</strong>

Elam Ministries, a group set-up by Iranian church leaders to encourage Iranian Christians, said among those held in prisons is Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani who has been sentenced to death for apostasy.

Others include Christians "Vahik and Sonia Abrahamian, and Arash and Arezoo Kermanjani" who Elam Ministries said have been in prison in Hamadan for nearly four months. "There has been intense anxiety over Sonia's health, exacerbated by prison conditions," the group said in a statement. "There is also equal concern over, Mojtaba Keshavarz and Shahin Rostami, held in Arak over three months, "especially as Shahin is diabetic."

Relative few Christians have been released of those detained in recent weeks, including four women held in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison on January 29 and one woman and two men from the prison in Isfahan three days earlier, Iranian Christians said.

They spent over a month in prison, most of them in solitary confinement, "solely for being Christians" after they were detained after Christmas 2010 along with over 30 others, according to Elam Ministries.

CONTROVERSIAL BAIL

The group expressed concerns that families of Christians have been told they must pay $180,000 bail to secure their temporary release.

"The experience of prison and interrogation can be very traumatic and some Christians who endure this ordeal then decide to seek asylum in another country. Their families then not only lose their loved ones to exile, but also suffer the dire financial consequences as the state swallows up the bail money."

Elam Ministries said the family of one of recently released women, Sara Akhavan, "had to surrender their trade license, which means that if the authorities deem the bail is broken, the family's livelihood will be destroyed."

Her sister, Leila Akhavan, was still believed to be detained in Evin prison Thursday, February 17.

<strong>OPPOSITION PROTESTS</strong>

News of the detentions come amid reports of protests against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his regime, inspired by uprisings that toppled the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt.

Ahmadinejad has denied wrongdoing and his government has defended harsh sentences, including executions of political opponents and Christians as part of defending the Islamic state.

Hardline Iranian lawmakers also urged the judiciary this week to impose death sentences on two major opposition figures, Mirhossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi who they held responsible for "fomenting unrest" in which two people died, state television said.

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Oh yes Islam is a peacful religion.....NOT Folks until the world starts defending christians or other faiths this will continue to happen. Islam is not peaceful and ahmadineid is just condoning the murder of innocent people who are peace loving and not hurting anyone. The UN needs to intervene for these political prisnors now.

Women's breasts are shown these days around us in abundance. If they are exposed in beach it is thought to be alright. If they are exposed in a mall it is considered idecent exposure. Breast feeding in a mall can be avoided by using bottle feeding. There are mothers that do public breast feeding in public deliberatley whilst others do not do it.

Blessings

gee hate to burst in on your speech but you are misinformed most horribly on this subject.

1. babies who are nursed naturally will not accept a rubber nipple readily. Think about it would you like to have a nasty tasting gadget thrust into your mouth?

2. Most mothers who breastfeed do so in a manner that is modest without being deliberate in showing their breasts in public. And while we are on the subject why would someone be looking at a woman's bust line if they were not trying to get a peek?

3. There is more flesh exposed on the beach than when a mother exposes her breast to feed her baby. Have you seen the bathing suits worn by both sexes? I have more material in my 8 inch hankie then many of the bathing suits seen on beaches today.

4. so why should it be considered indecent to feed your child in public while being modestly covered up? Why should women be shooed to the bathroom where there are nasty germs every where to make a baby sick? Would you want to eat your dinner with the smells of human waste all around you? Finally I think all nursing mothers should stage nursing demonstration world wide and pass out pamphlets that have information about nursing babies to educate those who do not understand it.

and last but not least for those who bare it all at the beach and then critizes women for breastfeeding need to take a good hard look at themselves and the way they dress before casting stones.

I dont know why this is such a big issue. As long as it's done discreetly it should be not be an issue for a mom to feed her newborn child. I think it's rather childish people in the world make this such a big issue.

Now I do have some concerns however about some women who do it just so that they can flash everyone in public and that should be discouraged but if it wasn't such a social taboo in the first place this wouldn't be an issue. Just like that crazy woman who fought so much and created so much public contraversy about why women can't show their tops in public if they wanted to.. she fought and fought and fought then finally the court allowed it. For about 2 weeks women would carelessly flash their boobs in public especially at the beach then all the sudden everyone started covering up. Just like the way it was previously... so annoying. And then she goes on the news several years later saying she did it because she just wanted to make a point!

the number of women who are exhibitionists are far outnumbered by those who are discrete about breastfeeding. It's a shame that society makes a woman feel ashamed about a normal bodily function like feeding her infant in a public setting when you can see gay couples fondling each other in public or grope sessions by people who have no sense of common decency. Instead women who feed their children via breast are portrayed as indecent and persecuted and it should stop.

Breast feeding is a natural way to feed an infant. God provided a woman with breasts in which to nurture and feed her offspring since the days of Adam and Eve. Why anyone should interfere with this lady feeding her infant ( she was covered under a blanket so nothing was showing) is just plain harassment. I breast fed my children because not only was it better for them it also provided a special time for both baby and mom to bond even further. The store did in fact apologize to the lady but she was humiliated by the employee and I don't blame her for being mad. Until society can overcome their aversion to the human body then and only then will people become less uptight about a natural function of a mom feeding her child.

To all moms who breastfeed. Keep on feeding your children. Just make sure that when you do you are being modest about things and keep your dignity when you are confronted by people who just don't "get it".

In your coworkers situation I have several reccommendations.

One reason a woman will stay in an abusive relationship is fear of what would happen if she left. Many fear losing their children, losing a means of support and the fear of the unknown. Intervention is needed here. contact your local womens shelter and take her to see a counselor there maybe on a lunch break. They can usually pursuade women more effectively.

Next help her prepare an emergency bag. In it have any necessary papers (birth certificates, marriage certificate etc) and cash enough to help support her 3 months or more. Also stash a change of clothing for her and the children. If you can let her leave it at your home in case. Make sure she has a list of numbers of those who are willing to come and help her escape no matter what time day or night.

You say she has children, this may sound compelling and it is meant to be. Ask her what would the children do if she was not there to protect them. Then tell her and this is the truth the abuser will change their focus from her when she is no longer among the living to them. Would she wish to have her children in harms way? No mother would.

If you can get her to agree to go to the womens shelter then they will take it from there. You will have probally saved her life and her childrens.

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Redeemer, teacher, brother and most important our Savior (list shortened by time constraints). I want to touch on a subject that each and every one struggles with daily and many times in between also. That is prayer time. We as the body of Christ need prayer in order to grow, encourage each other, learn etc but lets face it life intrudes many times even in the middle of prayer. But prayer is important. It is our communing with our Father in praise, worship, supplication and comfort and He loves to hear from us any time. So how much prayer would be considered "adequate". This is my own opinion so please bear with me. I believe that prayer should be constantly on our lips as well as in our hearts. Yet being only human and mortal I don't always remember to pray daily at a set time because life does happen. But I have found that throughout the day, talking with our Father even in small bursts does in fact help in my life. I am not what you call a "smart Christian" or very learned but somehow that does not seem to be as important as in knowing who I can call upon to help answer my questions and couriousity. I cannot always recall every bit of the bible I have read but in times when needed God does seem to send the words I do need. My prayer time as I call it is throughout the day, calling on the Father for help for someone who has a need or who needs prayer so I really don't have a set prayer time. Many here know me from many years as being an admin here and know of some struggles I have had in my life. Depending on when my beloved spouse is on the computer monitoring or if the internet is down I do try to come in and fellowship with other of the Body of Christ. But, with computers (I am decidedly not techno friendly) I find it hard to talk to someone whom I do not know and who even may come in to play games and confuse new people about Christ. I guess you could call me a simple christian. I take the bible as the Word of God inspired even if I don't understand all of it. I take God's word over the worlds word each and every time. Do I make mistakes? Yep Do I truly repent when I slip? Yes, most surely I do. But I do find myself back to asking for forgiveness when I have made mistakes and I know He does forgive me. But that does not mean that I can just keep on making mistakes all the time the same ones over and over and just casually ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness is there as long as I truly repent of what I had done wrong. So my need to pray throughout the day is one way I keep God in the forefront. I am going to ask each of you to say a little prayer for someone when you see a need for one. I don't mean to put it on a list to get to "later" but just stop for a few seconds and send your prayer heavenward. Pray for this world, pray for those in danger, need, whatever that need is and don't forget most of all to thank the Father just for listening to your prayer and for the blessings He does provide to you each and every day. I try to keep this chat in prayer and the members in it too. But if you don't see me here a lot, I haven't forgotten you I am just praying. God Bless each and every one of you. - with AGAPE Love papasangel

I do not believe that America is Babylon. In fact since the current trend in the world is to blame America for the worlds ills and then to have it's leader apologizing for all the "evil" we have cast on the world its no wonder that there will be those quick to assume the worst of America. No America is not perfect. Never said we were. But we have been there to help minister to those who hunger, thirst and need medical attention. More so because we have been blessed by God with a land that we have been led to in one way shape or another. I would ask those who cast stones at other countries etc to first examine their own country. Then if you can find no fault within your own country you have the right to cast a stone. Remember Jesus's response to the woman who was brought up to him caught in Adultry. They wanted Jesus to judge her and therefore give them the right of judgment. She was accused and Jesus just drew in the dust until He finally said "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone>\." After a while her accusers left and Jesus looked at her and said, "Woman where are your accusers? " For they had given up baiting Jesus with her. And then He told her to go and sin no more. If more of us were willing not to be judgmental and accuse others then maybe just maybe we can understand the salvation of forgiveness in the context it is to be taken in.

Having a gun is one thing. Knowing your weapon of choice is another. I encourage any one who is thinking about purchasing a firearm to please take classes in gun safety. Also make sure your weapon is always clean and ready it is such a chore not to be ready in an emergency.

I find it interesting in areas that have owners of guns crime seems to be reduced in proportion to the population statistics.

God listens to prayer. I will keep this little one in prayer and I ask everyone to ask their church to add the child to their prayer lists. I pray that God will bring this second surgery to a successful conclusion and she be healed.

murder is murder. If you take a life with afore thought (and malice is considered hand in hand) even with the best of intentions we should not murder. Why? Because God will judge those who take the lives of innocents, the unborn and children. Now this man who committed murder with intent must pay the price for his actions. He will have to answer to God for his actions as will Mr. Tiller for his part in the murder of the unborn. Just because we act with "Christian" intent does not mean we are right to take God's job from God.

seems like I am late again. Happy Belated Birthday to a remarkable admin. May the joys of the Lord follow you throughout your life. Blessings and peace and I am sorry I missed the big day - papasangel

Happy belated Birthday. I wish you to have a prosperous life and to have many things to enjoy. (((hugs))))))) - love papasangel

I thank you all for your Birthday wishes. I wish I could meet all of you and give you all a hug. - love papasangel -Jo

Via I tell you this with love and not with condemnation. Do not have an abortion please. It's an innocent life and should not be the one who pays the ultimate cost for even being conciieved. There are many in your situation but help can be found in your local churches, Health department etc. All life is precious and although hard times will be coming the father (s) of the babies need to pitch in and help. Another place to go is the womens shelter. Depending on where you live look in the yellow pages to find one near you. Also with three children you would qualify for housing depending on your income. I hope you are on wic and food stamps as they get quite expensive. Look into them or even in sharing a home with another young lady in the same situation to split the bills. For nursery schools you can find poeple who would be very willing to help. here is my email address the_quilters_nook@yahoo.com give me a few days and I will find somethig for you. Hugs to you, the two cildren you already have and to the new wee babe that is to be born. With love papasangel

For the one who called us sissy young women, please get your facts straight ok? This program I pray to help both young men and women in emotional check. I for one is not a sissy, emotional person. I am a woman in the middle age who sees things differently than a lot of the chatter in here. We need to be open with our children about life and death. I do not agree to give money to needed to help fund elderly people but I agree that some kind of tribute should be given to those who wait.

Hallelujah!

Now Where Did I Put Those Ear Plugs?

I think that snopes found out that story was bogus. She is in a mental hospital an does not have the chance to be alone with the males.

Accident my foot. It's more likely that someone pressured him into providing the documents and I do not rule out the "White House " either

This is such a shame that one cult would take upon themselves to murder others of different faiths. I pray for all the christians who are harassed and hurt by these hate bearing people. I do not understand why they are like that. Come Lord Jesus soon and help your children.

If he wants the christain votes he won't do this. No christian I know would appreciate that.

It's about time. I had lost a lot of confidence in our court system but this time they did right.

What I am seeing in this thread shocks me. Our Fore-fathers died to give us freedoms in this great country and they are being taken away a little at a time. While I agree this pastor should have complied and not be so forceful it was thought provoking that a pastor of a BAPTIST church would be treated this way. Have any of you here ever had enough of something being shoved down your throats? Take Gay marriage a delightful controversy that has christians divided, abortion, divorce are two other subjects that has us divided among ourselves.

I am going to tell you what is going to happen within our lifetime. We are going to see a police state in the US. We will travel back in time to the world of hitler, mussolini and others of same ilk. The soviet union once said that America was going to fall without a single shot fired. That was Gorbachov who said that back in the 1960's. I am not for militant behavior here folks far from it. But I believe if we keep allowing the government to take away our rights one day, soon there will be no United States Of America. There will be the socialist state of America. he freebies and benifits the pastor mentioned is what is bringing illegals over here by the thousands. Did you know that if an illegal woman delivers a baby on American soil AUTOMATICALLY her and her entire family get benifits because the baby is "American" We need to slow the flood that is coming. If a woman delivers a child here two choices. One they can all go back to Mexico as a family united or two the child stays then the rest get deported. Thats fair enough when you see our elderly is losing medical care and social security because the system is overburdened taking care of illegal aliens.

It's time we do unite and fight for our rights in prayer, mass assemblies and so on. Prayer is powerful. Its time we hold those we elect accountable. No more special deals we cannot afford it. It's time to tighten our belts and strengthen our faith in God.

I would have to say I have to agree with the Pastor. Our rights have long been trampled on. We need to bring God back to America. We need Him in our schools, jobs, political arena and most of all in our Hearts. It's going to get harder folks. This is a beginning. Soon it will be a crime if you are for Jesus. If so then call me a criminal because nothing is going to turn me from Christ. God has been with us since the beginning, He is with us now, and He will be with us in the end, unchanging and mighty in His Power. Wake up everyone the enemy is not near anymore because he is already here and spreading his lies and hate.

I would tend to think that God gave mankind dominion over animals to use for food etc. But it is the unwanted violence that God condems to those who would harm an animal without just cause or due for food. I believe that we have the responsibility of caring for animals in our care while they are in our care and that we need to treat them gently, kindly and when its time to kill the animal for food to do so in a humane manner without panic or unjust pain and evil. God knows the sparrows in the fields and the hair on our heads and He knows when we have treated what has been entrusted to us in a harmful manner or even cause undue injuries and pain to the animal. He gave us food and the responsibility to care for those who are to be eaten etc.

do not put my beliefs in the phrophesy of men but in the promise of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ himself told us that only God knew the hour that He would return to Rapture His church. Mankind will make any claim in order to appear to tell the truth but the Truth Lives in Jesus Christ. When will it happen? I don't know and honestly I trust God to know when the timing is right and Jesus will come for us. Authors like Hal Lindsey and others are only human and in that state they know no more or less than anyone else on this planet so anyone's "guess" is pure conjecture at this point. What I want to see is my Lord and Savior when I kneal before him and have him tell me if I had done his will. I don't expect riches either here or in heaven just being with my Lord and Savior is reward enough for me. If I did have a wish to be filled that would be that all my friends and family be there with me when Jesus conquors satan and his minions and binds them in the lake of fire. I would ask that God give me voice to sing His praises and to honor him for all eternity.

I am just a lowly human, not the brightest bulb on the tree so to speak but I do want to be the servant that Jesus would have me be. Not a kig or a queen but a servant in His house would be more than enough treasure for me in his house.

Create in me Lord a clean, servant heart to serve you and honor you and to know you and what your wish is for me to do for you. Remove from me all inequity and hate and poison that stains my soul and please cleanse me in the blood of Jesus which was shed for me on the cross. I ask this in Jesus's name Father. AMEN

That did not address my question.

It is not hypocritical of the anti-abortionists to murder abortion doctors?

I believe that those who are pro life would condemn anyone who killed a fellow human even this abortion doctor. And although I profess to be a christian I still stumble especially in the judge ye department. There were two men on the cross , one on each side of Jesus. One a thief and the other a murderer.yet Jesus showed compassion to them.

What really sickens me is that abortionists (no matter which stage of pregnacy) go about their murderous way each day while we have those who murder among us we commit them to prison. Murder is murder no matter how much someone tries to dehumanize it, there is a baby waiting to be born. Who knows? Maybe one of those babies would have found the cure for cancer, or maybe teach and peach bringng many lost souls back to Jesus? Only God knows the answer to that