Christmas Greeting from Jack Harris

Dear Friends,

This simple Christmas greeting from my interpreter and friend, Mohammed, in Kurdistan of Iraq, touched me greatly, a Muslim man wishing his Christian friend a “Happy Christmas.” This was an unsolicited greeting that came from a considerate heart on the other side of the world. It reveals respect for my beliefs and genuine affection.

During this Christmas Season, I’ve been challenged afresh to focus on the reason for the season. I came home for the holidays to a mass power outage here in Washington. The house was freezing, yet the refrigerator freezer thawed and the food therein was spoiled. Patty, my wife, is staying with our daughter who has just given birth to the newest addition to our family a beautiful little princess with fair skin and raven black hair that reminds us of Snow White. Her given name is Sonovia Jubilee, an interesting name given in light of the biblical meaning behind the word “Jubilee” it is also a reflection the joy of her coming to her parents.

There are no decorations at our place this year, we’re in the process of transition to another house. There is no tree, no presents, except those sent out to our family, none of the familiar props we normally associate with this season; it just fell out that way this year. There is a tendency (at least for me) to feel a bit blue this time of year when these familiar things are missing and the season seems to have passed one by. Then a couple of things happen to make it all come back into focus, it is these things that I hope you will indulge me sharing with you.

One is the precious email from my friend Mohammed in Iraq, wishing me and mine a “Happy Christmas.” I have included this email and my reply below.

Two; The most heartwarming Christmas Story I’ve heard in years, one which touched me profoundly this holiday season was a story published in my hometown newspaper, The Prescott Courier. It was written by a dear friend of ours, Leslie Ross. Mike and Leslie own Kachina Travel in Prescott. Over the years, she has gotten me out of more scrapes when I’ve been stuck in travel difficulties (domestic and international) than I can count.

She writes the travel column for the Courier and I consider myself to be her No. 1 fan. (a self-bestowed honor) I collect her stories which she graciously sends me via email. This story sums up, for me, what its all about. Incidentally, Mike and Leslie are the proud new Grandparents of twins, a little boy and girl. They were born a day and a half before our grandchild; you beat us Mike and Leslie, Congratulations!

I’ve, without her permission, included her meaningful story below as well.

A Merry Christmas To All and a Happy And Blessed New Year,

Jack (soon to be back) in Iraq

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Mohammed’s Christmas Greeting

Dear Sir,

For Christmas, I hope that you are spending your Christmas happily with your family.

I wish peace, happiness, freedom and love for all human beings. We here (in Kurdistan) pray to God to help us to serve people who need help.

God bless you and your family. My special regards and love to you and your family.

Mohammed

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Thank you Mohammed,

How very thoughtful of you; all that you have said is the true spirit of Christmas, your greeting reminded me of the Angel’s proclamation over 2000 years ago.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. “

May this blessing touch both of our worlds.In our Christian tradition, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

My Love And Blessings,
Jack

I have removed the name of the writer of this story, to protect their identity as it is a personal friend of Jack Harris.

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Christmas In The Alps

Merry Christmas to All

One of the loveliest Christmases I’ve ever had was alone and far from home. I was on a driving trip with a friend and a winter storm caught us in the middle of the Alps. We got stranded in Liechtenstein, the tiny country sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria that is noted for its diminutive size and plenitude of postcards.

We meant to reach Vienna for the holidays, but we lollygagged through northern Italy and only got as far north as the hamlet of Malbun, Liechtenstein, when bad weather forced us to stop traveling and seek shelter. It was wonderful serendipity. There was room at the inn (or in this case, a ski chalet) which was cheery and snug, the fires were burning brightly, the down comforters on the beds were thick and warm and the owners were a very genial couple with welcoming smiles for two weary travelers on Christmas.

Christmas Eve Day didn’t start out well. My traveling friend had a filthy cold and only wanted to stay huddled under the comforter, drink hot broth and blow her nose. The other guests at the chalet all had their own families there for the holidays and although courteous weren’t really interested in a one-day adoption of a lonely lady from Arizona. I spent the day reading, eating and generally moping. Then that evening after dinner, I took myself out for a walk.

It was one of those miraculous nights. The air was crisp and cold and the snow lay deep and white, cradling the village whose empty streets made it seem as though I was the only person in the whole world. The stars glittered and moon was huge and bright enough to light my way. It was perfectly lovely, but to tell the truth I still felt pretty pitiful to be alone on Christmas Eve.

I trudged on through the snow, winding my way up the village path and rounded a corner. I could see lights farther up the hill and there was some sort of music. I thought perhaps it was a café still open in the evening and climbed toward it thinking to get a cup of hot coffee before I went back to the inn.

It wasn’t a café, it was a little chapel. High up in the mountains I had accidentally stumbled on a lovely little church full of people celebrating the Nativity. The church was full of candle light and song and warm with good fellowship. Perfect strangers nodded and smiled at me as I slipped in the back and although I didn’t know the language of the hymns, some of the melodies were old and blessedly familiar. The service may have been in a foreign tongue but the language of Christmas is universal.

I was a stranger in a strange land, alone and in a distant country without all the paraphernalia that we usually associate with Christmas. There were no gifts, no cookies, no parties, but it remains to this day one of the most wonderful Christmas experiences that I have ever had.

Coming out of the little chapel, all warm and bright, it was bitter cold but the stars above the mountains were shining brightly. It reminded me that out of the depths of the darkness a star appeared to give us hope that God’s love would help us find a better tomorrow.

Merry Christmas to you all dear friends and God bless us, everyone.

Christians continue leaving Iraq

Iraq (MNN) — As President Bush continues to redefine his policy in Iraq, daily violence continues. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates heard broad support for more troops to help secure peace in the region. Many aren’t so hopeful.

‘Charles’ with Partners International says violence in Iraq is causing the situation for the church to deteriorate quickly. “Most Christians don’t see any future for Christianity in Iraq right now because the country is going to be more Islamic than it was. Many are leaving. Some are coming to Jordan. A lot are going to Syria. In, especially the southern part of Iraq, in Baghdad, there’s not a real bright future right now,” says Charles.

According to Charles it could be a difficult Christmas for believers in Baghdad. “Many of the Christian women, just to survive in their neighborhoods, have to wear the full veil and cover their heads and there’s not a lot of freedom.”

However, the situation is somewhat different in the Kurdish areas of Northern Iraq, says Charles. “There’s an openness there like in no other area of Iraq. It’s become, since the early 90’s, a place where Partners International has been able to help the church really grow and develop. Many Christians are actually moving up there.”

Those Iraqis going to Jordan, are being impacted by the church there. Charles says, “The church in Jordan has had a tremendous opportunity to reach out to these people. And, many Iraqis have come to know the Lord. And, even as they leave Iraq I think many some day will come back.”

That’s already happening in the Kurdish area of Iraq where a new believer has a passion to establish a Christian school in Baghdad.

Pray that the Lord will keep the work of Partners International safe during these times of uncertainty. Pray that Christians in Jordan and Syria will be effective in sharing their faith with Iraqis who have left Iraq.

For more information visit www.iraqirelief.com

Organizations featured in this article:

Partners International 1117 East Westview Court Spokane WA 99218

Phone: (800) 966-5515 FAX: (509) 343-4015 Email: info@partnersintl.org URL: http://www.partnersintl.org

Christians facing increasing persecution in Iran

Iran (MNN) — Iranian secret police arrested house church leaders in four cities in what many are calling a crackdown on the house church movement in that Islamic nation. However, some Christians say the government’s just trying to get a handle on the growing Christian population.

American Evangelist Sammy Tippit beams Christian television programming into Iran via satellite. “We estimate that there’s probably been, this year, 100 people who have been arrested, who’ve been interrogated and released. Just in the last week or so it has increased even more.”

Tippit believes it’s the government’s attempt at fact finding. “The government doesn’t know and they’re trying to get a handle on how big the house church movement is, because it’s growing so rapidly and God is doing great things. It seems as though these arrests are taking place all over the country.”

Tippit says there’s a tremendous hunger for the Gospel and the government appears to be shaken by it. People are hearing the Gospel through national believers, Satellite television and the internet.

Tippit tells us why people are turning to Christ in such large numbers. “One Iranian told me, ‘Here in the Persian world, we’ve had a form of Islam forced on us. We know what Islam really is and we’ve rejected it. And so, our people are saying, ‘what is the answer?’ And, they’re looking for an alternative. And, many of them are turning to Christ.’”

While the persecution has obvious negative consequences, it also has positive implications, says Tippit. “The more they do against Christianity, the deeper the hunger becomes and people want to know more. So, there’s much more interest.”

In response the Iranian government has destroyed satellite dishes and also used Tippit’s personal email address to discredit him.

Arabs work toward resolving Lebanon crisis; Christian radio broadcasts hope

Lebanon (MNN)–Anti-government demonstrations in Beirut enter their fourth week, with a concerted effort toward resolving the crisis.

Boiled down, Lebanon’s complex political crisis began after Prime Minister Fuad Saniora rejected a demand for a national unity government. Hezbollah wants Cabinet veto power for itself and its allies.

In response to the denial, six Hezbollah supporters/ministers resigned from the Cabinet sparking demonstrations in downtown Beirut since Dec. 1 to try to pressure the prime minister into quitting.

The people are wading through the Advent season with a growing sense of impending civil war. Words of Hope’s Lee DeYoung says they’re countering with the message of hope. “There continues to be operation of Words of Hope’s Arabic ministry inside of Lebanon. Thus far, there has been no direct impact from recent events, including the assassination, and now the demonstrations.”

DeYoung says despite the unrest and bombings, their staff has been unharmed. Overall, the Christian community stepped forward and reached out to the Muslims during the crisis. “We can hope that those seeds planted will bear fruit in the future. Meanwhile, broadcast operations and ministry continue inside of Lebanon even amidst the current pressures and activities, which certainly do raise some concerns about what may take place in the future.”

Words of Hope broadcasts Christian radio in Arabic and Farsi throughout the Middle East. DeYoung sums his vision up this way: “We think that the interest in radio programs and other forms of outreach, although these are times of great pressure, there is great risk, but also there is a growing hunger.”

German Christian sentenced for sharing faith

Morocco (MNN) — While Muslims in the West try to convert people to their faith, laws prevent anyone from trying to convert Muslims out of their faith. Morocco has a similar law, which has a German tourist in trouble.

According to reports, 62-year-old Sadek Noshi Yassa, of Egyptian descent, was sentenced to six months in jail and fined the equivalent of US $60, for sharing his faith. Reports claim Yassa handed out Christian books and CD’s to young Muslims on the streets in Morocco’s main tourist destination, Agadir.

Moroccan law allows prison sentences of up to six months for anyone who uses incitements to share the faith of a Muslim or to convert him to another religion.

Fortunately, Yassa was able to leave the country before his sentence was handed down, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

Morocco’s constitution technically allows freedom of religion but Islam’s classification of the ’state religion’ makes it difficult for Christians to express their beliefs. State-controlled local media have accused Christians of launching a secret ‘clandestine campaign’ to convert Moroccan Muslims to Christianity. Christians comprise roughly 1 percent of Morocco’s 33 million people.

Looming civil war in Lebanon forces ministry to call for urgent prayer support

Lebanon (MNN)–The shadow of a possible civil war looms over Lebanon today. Escalating violence and political instability between pro-Syrian and pro-Hezbollah supporters has forced the city to its knees.

As of late Thursday, sit-in protesters were still in place in Beirut. Martyrs Square is full of people who are resolved to topple the pro-Western government of Prime Minister Fouad Sinoria.

The atmosphere is tense Christian Satellite Network SAT-7 has also felt the impact, so says David Harder. “They had an entire day’s shoot scheduled on our women’s program that had to be canceled. We had one celebration that was planned, being hosted by the Bible Society of Lebanon, which is a celebration for our ‘Year of the Family’. It has been a special campaign going all throughout the year, where we’ve had many programs on the air. This celebration had to be canceled because the event organizer just felt they couldn’t invite people to come.”

Though SAT-7 is taking a neutral stance and not participating in the political tug-of-war, the staff is concerned about the future. So far, none of SAT-7’s 22 full time staff members have been directly affected by the political unrest.

Harder urges prayer for the local ministries like SAT-7 that are being affected both psychologically and logistically. In the meantime, the team continues to bring the hope of the Gospel to people through their broadcasts.

What’s more, they’re responding. “Once a week, we have this live show and they deal with difficult issues. They had a show, not long ago, on death, which you wouldn’t think would be a very uplifting thing, but it’s something that people have to deal with on a daily basis. So they talked about the hope Christians have, life after death, and peace that we can have in spite of situations that happen.”

Through locally-produced Arabic children’s programming, talk shows, teaching programs, music, serial dramas, and documentaries, SAT-7 provides large audiences with a unique opportunity to hear an accurate presentation of Christian truths in their own language through programming created by their own people.

Organizations featured in this article:

SAT-7 P.O. Box 2770 Easton MD 21601

Phone: 410-770-9804 FAX: 410-770-9807 Email: usa@sat7.org URL: http://www.sat7.org

Iran offers help; whispers of persecution grow

Iran (MNN)–Iran is trying to thaw relations with the United States by offering to help stabilize Iraq. The offer comes even as Iran faces sanctions as a rogue state. Chaos from within between the religious groups is also surfacing.

Christians make up less than one-half of one percent of Iran’s population. Ethnic Christians are still allowed to express their faith within their own church walls, but those who come from a Muslim background face tremendous risk because the government wants them to return to Islam.

That said, evangelistic work is banned, and, according to Open Doors’ World Watch List, Iran moved up to third place in the rankings.

The Open Doors World Watch List keeps track of the countries known for their harassment and persecution of Christians around the world.

Words of Hope’s Lee DeYoung says they’re getting reports of increasing persecution. “Religious authorities there realize that the church is growing and are seeking to apply pressure on those who come to their attention, who they believe are a part of that movement.”

The new regime threatens evangelism and discipleship efforts. DeYoung says that’s why their work must continue. “The broadcasts are very important for sustaining people. There already is a great shortage of trained Christian leaders, with some of them being forced to curtail their activities. The broadcasts cannot be stopped. They blanket the country and they can be heard, and are being listened to, intently.”

Because the churches are forbidden to assist any Muslim background believers, many ethnic churches removed their support from their brothers and sisters of Muslim origin. Pray for the Muslim background believer cell groups that are now meeting in secret.

Organizations featured in this article:

Words of Hope P.O. Box 1706 Grand Rapids MI 49501-1706

Phone: (616) 459-6181 FAX: (616) 459-1706 Email: woh@woh.org URL: http://www.woh.org

Lebanon upheaval creates new paths to outreach.

Lebanon (MNN)–Diplomatic efforts intensified in Lebanon this week as a standoff turned deadly. The tensions are palpable.

Hezbollah-dominated protesters filled downtown Beirut demanding change. Lebanon’s army responded giving rise to fears of sectarian violence.

This brings to life the specter of the country’s 1975-90 civil war, with shifting alliances among Lebanese political parties.

The mood is surly, and the ones caught in the middle are the refugees. In the midst of this threatening crisis, an HCJB World Radio medical missions team just returned from work in south Lebanon.

‘Sheila’ says their time ended just before the streets erupted in rioting. The work they accomplished in the region, she explains, was timely. “Clinics and local health centers were closed. Healthcare professionals had left the area.”

A brief cessation of hostilities meant refugees were returning home to see what was left. However, the medical community was largely gone. Shiela says, “The role that we fulfilled during the time that we were there was really just walk-in clinic basis and really taking care of people’s chronic health needs. What we actually found was that a lot of people who came to our clinics really just wanted to talk.”

Informal debriefing sessions went a long way toward opening ministry doors for the team. Sheila notes the outcome of the conflict in Lebanon may result in an even more evangelical church. “This has really been a wake-up call for them to reach out to their neighbors. Many of them had been evacuated to Beirut. Many of them had rubbed shoulders with some of their Muslim neighbors that normally they would not have contact with. They realized that as they were all in it together, that they were just the same as everybody else.”

Area churches have taken ownership of the relationships HCJB began and are building on them. Teams will be doing follow-up in the days ahead. Please pray for their safety as peace remains a tentative issue in Lebanon.

Organizations featured in this article:

HCJB World Radio P O Box 39800 Colorado Springs CO 80949

Phone: (719) 590-9800 FAX: (719) 590-9801 Email: info@hcjb.org URL: http://www.hcjb.org

Hezbollah street protests hamper Christian work

Lebanon (MNN) — Mass protests in Lebanon are causing problems for Christian humanitarian groups working in the region. Gunfire between anti-government Shiites and pro-government Sunnis were an ominous sign that efforts by the Shia Hezbollah movement to bring down the Sunni-led government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora (foo-AHD sehn-YOUR-ah) could rapidly devolve into all-out sectarian conflict.

The conflict is already affecting those helping the victims last summer’s Israel/Hezbollah conflict. TouchGlobal, the relief and development arm of the EFCA , has been affected.

Director of Touch Global Jim Snyder says their relationship with the Evangelical Free Church in Lebanon has grown dramatically. A medical team from the United States was supposed to travel to Lebanon to help the church with humanitarian efforts, says Snyder. “The medical team was canceled because of the intense political situation there. Our partners recommended we not show up.”

While the medical team’s work is temporarily on hold, the Lebanese church continues to reach out, Snyder says. “None of our partners are so dependant upon us that the work of the church can not continue. So, as we take a look at the situation right now in Lebanon, in many cases it’s providing opportunities for the local church that never before existed.”

Since Hezbollah and other Islamic groups haven’t stepped in to help with humanitarian aid, Snyder says many people have looked to Christians for help. “God has offered us opportunities to further our relationships with a number of families that has led to their beginning to come to either Bibles studies or to church planting situations there.”

While the internally displaced are now living with family members as they rebuild their homes, Snyder says there are needs. As winter approaches, victims are facing lack of heat and other winter related problems.

As Touch Global reaches out in Lebanon, opportunities are opening up in other countries as well. Pray for funding and calm as the church continues to be salt and light in a difficult situation.

Organizations featured in this article:

Evangelical Free Church of America 901 E. 78th Street Minneapolis MN 55420-1300

Phone: 800-745-2202 FAX: Email: danderson@efca.org URL: http://www.efca.org/international/