April/May/June 2009
Dear ones,
The past four months have been unusually difficult, as you will see below. I have continued, most of the time, to function—but at a decidedly reduced level. God, however, is good to me, and I am up and running again. Things that are happening today almost beggar belief; but we can only do our best, and trust Him with the outcomes.
PLEASE FORGIVE MY UNRESPONSIVENESS
I have been very sick since early December with an extremely persistent upper respiratory viral infection which grew into pneumonia. I became progressively weaker and, in the past month, the virus nearly won the battle. Now, however, by the grace of God and through much intercession, I am doing better every day. Thanks for praying, and please forgive my unresponsiveness—especially to your mail.
MY THANKS TO ANONYMOUS FRIENDS
In recent months I have received a gift of $5 in cash, with no note or return address. Likewise, I received an encouraging note, with no return address, signed only “A Long Time Friend.” It bothers me when people do nice things for me and I can’t thank them; so, I hope you both read this: I really appreciate you!
ANOTHER ISLAMIC FAMILY EXECUTION
In the last issue, I related the story of a young woman in Saudi Arabia named Fatima who recently died a martyr, executed by her brother for becoming a Christian. I have become aware of another such execution under the “non-violent” religion of Islam, and one even more horrendous. Again in Saudi Arabia, a young girl heard the gospel on the internet, and gave her heart to Jesus. Her father, a Saudi government official, cut out her tongue so that she could not speak the name of Jesus, and then burned her to death. The government agency her father represents is the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (in other words, the religious Gestapo). (International Christian Concern/BP)
A PASTOR, TO HIS CHURCH, ON DEATH (HIS OWN)
“Now I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end it with the Halleleuja Chorus, because I’m not going to be there, and I’m not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down on all you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone else has known before.” — Dr. D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)
THE MURDERERS OF 3,000-PLUS ARE PROUD OF IT
The five Muslim prisoners (oops—that’s right—it isn’t nice to call them prisoners—we must call them “detainees“) who were directly involved in the attacks on the World Trade Center (forever branded in our national vocabulary as “9-11”) are proud of what they did. One of them is the mastermind who planned and directed that deliberate murder of more than 3,000 innocent Americans. These five murderers have issued their statement in deliberate defiance of, and contempt for, the charges against them. In it they said that their Muslim religion calls upon them to “kill all infidels, including Christians, Jews and atheists” and called themselves “terrorists to the bone.“ The ACLU (who else?) has issued a statement condemning the military judge for releasing their statement to the public, because it “may harm their defense in court” (in other words, the ACLU wants the ugly truth concealed out of sympathy for the terrorists). At Guantanamo Bay, these terrorists, and the others like them, are living better than many Americans; one such terrorist recently asked for, and was given, an $800 tailor-made suit to wear to his trial. In early March these men, attackers of the Trade Center, have issued a written statement saying that they wear what they did as “a badge of honor, in our religion“ (emphasis mine). Why is it that our politicians keep trying to convince us that these people will be nice if only we will only be nice to them, and that Islam is “a religion of peace”? (Fox News, et al)
ARE ILLEGAL ALIENS PATRIOTS?
In March, in what she thought was a private meeting that would not be covered by the press, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, the third highest office in the land, told a gathering of illegal aliens that American immigration laws are “un-American,” and told them that they, the illegals, are “very, very, patriotic.” (Fox News)
WHAT IS A “MODERATE” TALIBAN???
The Taliban are a group of tyrannical Muslims whose stated goal is to kill every Christian and Jew, control the World, and force every survivor on the planet to obey Sharia law. These are the people who terrorized and brutalized Afghanistan until driven by our troops to the mountains on the Pakistani border. These are the people who whipped an elderly Afghan woman because a gust of wind caught her skirt and momentarily exposed her ankle. These are the people who execute women who allow any male except her husband to see her face. And these are the enemy our servicemen are fighting at this moment, because they are trying to re-capture and re-subjugate Afghanistan. These fanatics are more brutal and oppressive than Hitler’s Gestapo. And they are laughing at our naïve president, Obama, who announced in March that he is willing to sit down and speak with “moderate” members of the Taliban. A Taliban spokesman replied that Obama’s suggestion is laughable for, as he said, “there are no ‘moderate’ Taliban.” (Fox News)
BOWING BEFORE AN ANTI-CHRISTIAN KING
Our political leaders continue to refer to Saudi Arabia as our friend. Never mind that much of the funding for the terrorists who are determined to kill all Christians and Jews comes from Saudi Arabia, or that their law provides for the death penalty for those who become Christians, and that anyone (including you and me) can be imprisoned or executed for wearing a cross or possessing a Bible. In his visit there in April our president, Barak Hussein Obama, when presented to the king, bowed low before him. When this was made public, seen on television, the White House spokesman offered the anemic lie that he was merely bending lower to shake the king’s hand, because the king is a short man. This is transparently false, because our president’s head went so low that he was below the king’s shoulders. Also, only a few days earlier, when meeting the Queen of England, who is a faithful friend of the US, and a Christian queen, he did not bow; and Queen Elisabeth is 5 feet 4 inches in height. (Fox News, et al)
CATHOLIC POLITICIANS AND ABORTION
In February, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had an audience with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. The meeting was private, but the Vatican reported that the Pope rebuked her for supporting abortion. What I don’t understand is why he didn’t excommunicate her on the spot, along with all the other abortion-promoting, Catholic politicians like Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. (ONN)
LIVING TOGETHER IS RISKY BUSINESS
Couples who live together before marriage face a 67 percent probability that they will divorce. Aside from the fact that fornication is a sin, such a “relationship” is a very bad idea. This is made clear by Mike and Harriet McManus, founders of the ministry, Marriage Savers, in their book, “Living Together: Myths, Risks and Answers.” They have written, “Women see it as a step toward marriage. They think they can audition for this job. Men do it because they like to have the ready availability of sex, and having someone share their life experiences. Women should heed their mother’s advice—if you give away the milk, he won’t buy the cow.” (BP)
THE U.S. OFFICIALLY ENDORSES HOMOSEXUALITY
On 18 March the Obama administration endorsed the UN’s declaration urging global de-criminalization of homosexual activity. Three months earlier, the Bush administration had refused to endorse the program. (BP)
THE DICTIONARY’S NEW DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has added a second definition of marriage. The change appeared in 2003, but has only recently received public attention. The definition now is “(1): The state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife, in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2): the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage (same-sex marriage).” (PWB)
HOLLYWOOD AND THE WAR ON CHRISTIANS
It has been a while since this happened, but it is true, and many Christians don’t know it. Kathy Griffin, producer and star of the “My Life on the D List” TV series, accepted the Emmy Award for the series. In her acceptance speech she held up the award and said, “A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus.” Then she said, “Suck it, Jesus. This is my God now!”
Can you imagine what would have happened if she had said the same things about Muhamed? And can you imagine what her life expectancy would be if she said the same things about Muhamed in a Muslim country? (Snopes, et al)
OBAMA’S CHURCH AND CONDOM DISTRIBUTION
The Obama’s ultra-liberal denomination, the United Church of Christ, is promoting the practice of distributing condoms in church. Really! I suppose that this should come as no surprise, for the UCC has for a long time been one of the leading advocates of the “gay” agenda. A spokesman for the denomination stated that it is the denomination’s “moral responsibility” to distribute condoms in church because, “we have chosen life [never mind that they also ardently support abortion] so that we and our children may live.” Of course the Obamas, for obviously political reasons, have recently left their UCC congregation; but they were a dedicated part of it for 20 years, calling their racist, Marxist, anti-American pastor their spiritual mentor. (ONN)
HILLARY CLINTON RECEIVES THE SANGER AWARD
In late March Planned Parenthood, the nation’s leading killer of babies, gave their highest award, the Margaret Sanger Award, to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for her support of abortion throughout her career. In her acceptance speech, Hillary assured the audience that support for abortion will be part of the Obama foreign policy. She also praised Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, for whom the award is named. Margaret Sanger was an atheist and a dedicated eugenicist, who promoted birth control, sterilization, and abortion, as means of eradicating from the human race those she considered inferior and unfit, especially blacks and the mentally retarded. She died in 1966 at the age of 80, and left her beliefs clearly stated in her writings. (BP/ONN)
OBAMA APPOINTS LEADING HOMOSEXUAL ACTIVIST
In April the president appointed homosexual Harry Knox, of the Human Rights Campaign, the leading advocate of the “gay” agenda, to his faith-based advisory council. This is the group supposedly representing God in Obama’s decision making. Also appointed to this council was Tony Dungee, the former coach of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, and an unashamed, devoted Christian. Dungee declined the appointment. (BP/ONN)
AIDS EPIDEMIC IN THE NATION’S CAPITOL
There is an epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Washington, DC, where at least three percent of the population has the disease. It is spread largely by homosexual men, and by men who like sodomy, but also are sexually active heterosexually, passing the disease on to women. The rate of infection in DC is now greater than that in West Africa.(AP/ONN)
MEDICAL CARE FOR DISABLED VETERANS: OBAMA’S PLAN
I thought I was un-shockable; but in late March Obama shocked even me. In his budget for the coming fiscal year he de-funded medical care for disabled veterans! Completely! It has become apparent that he is an anti-military elitist, but I could never have believed that he would do such a morally, and politically, unthinkable thing! These are our wounded warriors who have left their blood and body parts on foreign battlefields, and he is their commander in chief! So how, according to him, should their medical care and rehabilitation be funded? By the veterans’ own medical insurance, paid for by themselves! Leaders of the American Legion and other veteran advocacy groups met with him in the White House and pleaded with him to reverse the policy. He adamantly refused, and they left, wondering if this could actually be real. Word got out, and there was very negative public reaction. The next day, when these same leaders returned to plead with him again, he relented. And so, the disabled warriors will continue to receive care at government expense; but it is only against Obama’s wishes, and he is exposed forever for his unthinkable values. (Fox News/ONN/WND)
THE OBAMA BUDGET AND THE NATIONAL DEBT
The current national debt is so great that it amounts to $35,000 for every man, woman and child in the nation. The Obama $3.6 trillion budget will increase the national debt by $1.2 trillion. That means it will include spending $1.2 trillion that we don’t have. But it is difficult for most of us to grasp the actual reality of such large numbers. So, how much is a trillion? Think of it this way: a million seconds is 11.5 days; a billion seconds is 32 years; and a trillion seconds is 32,000 years. (American Family Ass’n)
"HE TURNED MY NIGHTMARES INTO DREAMS"
My granddaughter, Susanna Jarvis, is receiving ministry for a self-destructive eating disorder in a Christian rehabilitation program; and she has had a supernatural breakthrough. When telling me of her liberation from the past injuries, and from the resulting demonic lies that have tormented her, she summed it up by saying of the Lord, "He turned my nightmares into dreams."
MARTY'S CORNER
Thomas Jefferson said, “Ignorance and despotism seem made for each other.” After a week of apologizing to Europeans for America’s being a strong and freedom loving country, the President of the United States proceeded to Turkey and said, “We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation…or a Jewish nation…or a Muslim nation; we consider ourselves a nation of citizens.” That is abhorrent at best. And, if you think about it, what nation isn’t a nation of citizens? That’s a no-brainer. Lacking awareness (common sense) or knowledge is the definition of ignorance while the meaning of despotism is repression or subjugation. True knowledge isn’t based on what elite university one graduated from but is based upon common sense and scriptural wisdom.
Coincidentally, or perhaps purposely, during the same week, a poll showed that only 53% of Americans think that capitalism is better than socialism; but the most interesting part of the poll was the result showing the breakdown by age groups. Adults over 40 are strongly in favor of capitalism while those under 30 are essentially evenly divided: 37% prefer capitalism, 33% prefer socialism, and 30% are undecided. It’s such a clear picture of what a whole generation has learned from revisionist history, diversity, outcome-based education and political correctness they are taught in government schools. When questioned about what the meaning of socialism is, some responses were that it had to do with social security or being a social group of people…woe is me. Socialism is a system of society in which there is no private property; (or) an economic and political premise advocating government ownership, control and administration of production and distribution of goods. Obama’s statement in Turkey and socialism go hand-in-glove. If one can convince Americans that we are not a Christian nation, socialism can easily replace the values and morals of Christianity. Jefferson’s warning is as true today as it was two hundred years ago—ignorance and despotism are made for each other, and freedom is lost.
THE THREATS TO US ARE—WELL—US!
Janet Napolitano, Obama's radical Secretary of Homeland Security, has ignited a firestorm of angry reaction to her "Homeland Security Intelligence and Analysis Assessment" dated 7 April 2009. In it she lists groups which may be a threat to homeland security--groups which are a threat to you and me. Included in her list of threats to you and me are—well—you and me! From Page 2 of her assessment I quote: "Right wing extremism in the United States can broadly be divided into those groups, movements and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented...and those that are mainly anti-government, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority...It may include groups that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or [opposition to illegal] immigration." Also dangerous are those of us who oppose restrictions on the right to own guns, and those who teach or believe the Bible's end-times prophecies. She got the most back-blast, however, from a warning that returning veterans, with their recent experience of violent combat, may constitute a threat to our security and safety.
What planet have these people come from? Are we back to the future in the Clinton years? George Orwell, if this is not just a bad dream, you were a prophet! (Fox News, ONN)
MILESTONES
There has never been a time in my life when so many friends have died in such a short span of time. I realize that this is inevitable with the accumulation of birthdays, but it has been an ongoing shock for me lately. Some are dear friends.
Born 4 Mar – Olivia Grace Darst, to Hope (Owen) and David Darst, in Nashville. (NOTE: Hope’s birth was the very first “Milestone” announced in this newsletter. This is in itself a milestone; we have come full circle.)
Married 13 Oct - Gail Teasley – Bardwell, Ky., a dear and longtime friend, and Billy Day of Joppa, Ill.
Died 24 Jan – LtColonel Herbert J. Bain, USMC (Ret), in Paradise, Calif. He was one of the finest men, and one of the best Marines, I ever knew, and a dear friend.
27 Jan – Len Dawson - World War II veteran, longtime Christian friend, and student of the Bible, in Gulfport, Miss.
19 Feb – Bill Frith – My longtime close Christian friend and co-founder, with Dr. Jim Tanner and me, of Church of the Good Shepherd in Pass Christian, Miss., after a long illness, in Gulfport.
12 Mar - Carmela Pacheco – Executive Director of New Life for Girls, a great ministry for women in crisis (I was once a member of the board of directors). She and her husband, Jose, two great servants of God, have devoted 36 years of their lives to New Life.
17 Mar – Patsy Lefevre - Longtime Christian friend, in Kevil, Ky.
24 Mar – Charlie Holland - World War II Marine and Lexington, Ky. Artist, in Wilmore, Ky.
25 Mar – Richard D. Teague – World War II Naval aviator and flight instructor, and a man of unusual creativeness and great integrity, in Winters, Calif. He was the father of my friend and fellow POW activist, Rich Teague.
A FINAL WORD
Treasure and use each day as if it were your last, and never give up hope; God has a limitless supply of new beginnings, and He makes beautiful things out of broken pieces.
You are precious,
(Sources: AP-Associated Press; BAR-Biblical Archeology Review;BBC-British Broadcasting Corp.; BP-Baptist Press; Fox (Fox News); FOF-Focus on the Family; FRC-Family Research Council; HC-History Channel; IMG-Israel My Glory; JP-Jerusalem Post; LAT-L.A. Times; Mil-Military Magazine; NR-National Review; NM NewsMax.com; NW-Newsweek; NYP-New York Post; NYT-New York Times; ONN-OneNewsNow; PBS-Public Broadcast System; PWB-Pastors' Weekly Briefing; RTLGC-Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati; USAT-USA Today; USNWR-U.S. News and World Report; VOM-Voice of Martyrs; W-World Magazine; WND-World Net Daily; and WT-Washington Times.)