Volume XIV, Number 26a
October 1 - 5, 2007
For the word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth . . . (Psalm 33:3-4)
1. PRESIDENT BUSH TO ATTEND CAPITOL CEREMONY FOR DALAI LAMA
2. SENATE PASSES HATE-CRIMES AMENDMENT
3. PRESIDENTIAL VETO NEEDED TO STOP ABORTION FUNDING
4. FUNDING OF ABSTINENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO CONTINUE
5. BUSH ADMINISTRATION APPEALS TV OBSCENITY RULING TO SUPREME COURT
6. LOST - UN LAW OF SEA TREATY ON SENATE FAST-TRACK
7. HOUSE FOLLOWS SENATE: OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTS GEN. PATRAEUS
8. "REID/PELOSI CONGRESS" NOW HAS ALL-TIME LOW APPROVAL RATING OF 11%
9. THE GREAT DIVIDE?
10. SUPREME COURT TERM BEGINS ON MONDAY
1. PRESIDENT BUSH TO ATTEND CAPITOL CEREMONY FOR DALAI LAMA
President Bush will attend a ceremony to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal, the country's highest civilian honor, on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, October 17 in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. This will be the first time that a sitting US President will appear with the Dalai Lama in a public event. Following the ceremony, there will be a celebration with remarks from the Dalai Lama on the West Lawn of the Capitol which is free and open to the public. It is believed to be the first time in the 200-year history of the honor that the West Lawn will be used for a Congressional Gold Medal celebration.
The bill to award the Dalai Lama the Congressional Gold Medal, which was passed by Congress on September 13, 2006, and signed into law by President Bush on September 28, 2006, enjoyed broad bipartisan support. Congressional Gold Medal legislation requires two-thirds of Congress to co- sponsor before the bill will be considered, which is an especially high hurdle.
Thousands of Tibetans and Tibetan friends are expected to gather at the Capitol on October 17 to mark one of the most significant international tributes to the exiled Tibetan leader since the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to him nearly 20 years ago. The U.S. Congress passed a resolution on September 4 to allow the use of the Capitol grounds by the International Campaign for Tibet after the ceremony.
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, who will preside over the Rotunda event, said: "For millions around the world, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a source of spiritual refuge and a connection to inner peace and harmony. He has traveled the world, building bridges between and among the different faiths. He has used his position to promote wisdom, compassion, and non- violence as a solution -- not only in Tibet -- but to other world conflicts. The United States must continue to be committed to meeting the challenge that Tibet makes to the conscience of the world." (Reuters; International Campaign for Tibet)
· Sometimes . . . we are without words. When civil government fails us, we can rest assured that God's Kingdom government will NOT fail us, if we have made Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Pray for those who walk in darkness; cry out for their souls. Pray that they, too, will see the light. Praise God that we serve a God of COVENANT, who promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us. May He yet have mercy upon our people, even in our darkest spiritual hour as a nation. Even so, come Lord Jesus!!
· "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) "No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God." (I Samuel 2:2)
2. SENATE PASSES HATE-CRIMES AMENDMENT
Democrats don't have enough votes to override a promised veto.
Democrats passed a hate-crimes measure today, but failed to collect enough votes to override a pledged presidential veto. The amendment, which would create a new federal class of crime based on "actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity," is attached to a Defense spending bill.
Five Republican senators who voted in favor of hate- crimes legislation in 2004 switched their votes today and opposed the measure. They are: Sens. Lamar Alexander, Tenn.; Robert Bennett, Utah; John Ensign, Nev.; and Lisa Murkowski and Ted Stevens, both of Alaska.
The president is not going to agree to this social legislation on the Defense Authorization Bill," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told The Associated Press. "This bill will get vetoed." (Source: Focus on the Family; CitizenLink; Sept. 27, 2007)
· Offer praise that President Bush can "see through" this stealth tactic to add a piece of social legislation to the bill that funds the military defense of our nation. Ask our Lord to strengthen the hand of President Bush as he prepares to veto this legislation. Finally, according to the Word of God in Luke 23:34, ask the Lord to forgive those who have voted for this bill, for they know not what they do. May He have mercy on their souls, causing them to come to salvation through the Blood of the Lamb!
· "In that day the LORD of hosts will be For a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty To the remnant of His people, For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, And for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:5,6)
3. PRESIDENTIAL VETO NEEDED TO STOP ABORTION FUNDING
President Bush challenged Congress' vote to funnel taxpayer dollars to the U.N. Population Fund (supporting China's once-child policy) by revoking the plan under authority of the Kemp-Kasten Amendment. This is the sixth year he has done this (see Denied). Democrats sought to end Kemp-Kasten, but a fight led by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), Mel Martinez (R- FL) and others, kept the measure in place. Senate Democrats, led by Barbara Boxer (D-CA), succeeded in passing an amendment to overturn the Mexico City Policy, which prevent tax dollars from going to abortion providers/promoters overseas. Pro-life Catholics took note that 16 of the 25 Catholic Senators voted to overturn, including freshman Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D- PA) who ran for office as a pro-lifer. (FRC Prayer line)
· May God use President Bush to veto this measure and use his bully pulpit to bolster American commitment to a culture of life! May God raise up new leaders in Washington who are committed to preserving all innocent human life.
· "The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will." (Proverbs 21:1)
4. FUNDING OF ABSTINENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO CONTINUE
The National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) supports Congress's decision to extend Title V Funding for Abstinence Education through the end of 2007. An estimated 900 abstinence programs in schools and community centers across the U.S. will benefit from the extension of Title V Funding. "This extension is a real victory for our message, but comprehensive sex education still receives ten times the amount of federal dollars as compared to Abstinence Education funding, in spite of the fact that when parents understand differences between the two, parents prefer Abstinence Education two to one," said Valerie Huber, Executive Director, NAEA.
· We want to thank the Lord for hearing our "last minute" prayers on Thursday, that this funding would come through . . . and we want to thank YOU for your intercession, too. Please continue to uphold the NAEA in prayer, as the funding for this valuable program needs to be sustained on a long-term basis, as well.
· "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 1:5)
5. BUSH ADMINISTRATION APPEALS TV OBSCENITY RULING TO SUPREME COURT
Yesterday, the Bush Administration announced its decision to ask the United States Supreme Court to overturn a lower court's 2-1 decision which last spring approved obscenities on television. The Bush administration will ask the Supreme Court to reinstate a tough broadcast indecency policy that was invalidated by a lower court last spring. The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Kevin J. Martin, said that Paul D. Clement, the U.S. Solicitor General, will seek a review by the Supreme Court of a decision by a three-judge court of appeals panel this past June. Two judges on this panel ruled against the FCC's nearly zero-tolerance policy on the broadcast of certain obscenities, even if these expletives were impromptu.
FCC Chairman Martin said: "I am pleased that the solicitor general will be seeking Supreme Court review of the 2nd Circuit's decision. I continue to support the commission's efforts to protect families from indecent language on television and radio when children are likely to be in the audience." Chairman Martin and the FCC rightfully had ruled in 2006 that almost any use of expletives was indecent, even so- called "fleeting uses" in live, unscripted programs. During July, a Senate committee voted to give the Federal Communications Commission explicit authority to make "a single word or image" indecent under any circumstances. (Christian Coalition of America)
· Bless the Lord for His impressing men's minds that indecent language is damaging to children, and to adults also. Children's imitation soon becomes mindless habit. Ask the Lord to impress this fact upon judges, especially those in lower courts who focus only on the legality of freedom of speech. Pray for the Supreme Court justices who need to follow common sense on this issue.
· "To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." (Proverbe 21:3)
6. LOST - UN LAW OF SEA TREATY ON SENATE FAST-TRACK
For the second time in three years, the Bush administration is asserting a major effort for Senate ratification of the United Nations' Law of the Sea Treaty, a wide-ranging measure critics say will grant the U.N. control of 70 percent of the planet under its oceans. With Democrats in nearly unanimous agreement with the treaty and the Bush administration behind it, only a handful of determined Republican senators can derail a two-thirds vote to pass this treaty.
The treaty is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and could be approved by the entire Senate in the next three weeks, before popular opposition has a chance to grow. The Heritage Foundation warns the treaty would have unintended consequences for U.S. interests - including a threat to sovereignty. The conservative think tank says "bureaucracies established by multilateral treaties often lack the transparency and accountability necessary to ensure that they are untainted by corruption, mismanagement or inappropriate claims of authority. The LOST bureaucracy is called the International Seabed Authority Secretariat, which has a strong incentive to enhance its own authority at the expense of state sovereignty." Other critics fear the treaty will be used as a back-door to implement policies against global warming without any accountability to the American people. Parts of the treaty, they say, mandate international regulation of U.S. economic and industrial activities on land. Critics of the treaty believe so-called greenhouse gases could be viewed as ocean pollutants.
In the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing last week, Bush administration officials were repeatedly embarrassed by tough questioning from Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), who is leading the opposition to ratification. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., said the United States had special military and commercial interests as the globe's only superpower, interests that the treaty did not take into account. He said many of the concerns over loss of national sovereignty that surfaced in the recent debate over immigration reform were surfacing once again in the Law of the Sea debate.
President Bush announced his intention to seek reintroduction of LOST for ratification to a small group of trusted Republican grass-roots organizers last week - an announcement that was met with horror and scorn. LOST has long had the support of environmental groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council. It would establish rules governing the uses of the of the world's oceans - treating waters more than 200 nautical miles off coasts as the purview of a new international U.N. bureaucracy, the International Seabed Authority The ISA would have the authority to set production controls for ocean mining, drilling and fishing, regulate ocean exploration, issue permits and settle disputes in its own new "court." Companies seeking to mine or fish would be required to apply for a permit, paying a royalty fee. Critics also point out the new U.N. agency would have the right to compete directly with private companies in those profit- making activities. The U.S. would have only one vote of 140 - and no veto power as it has on the U.N. Security Council. (WorldNetDaily)
· Praise the Lord for the alertness of Senators like Vitter and DeMint. The last control the world needs is the UN monitoring the use of the seas. Almost every control the UN touches becomes corrupt and weakens the participating nations. Contact your senators to vote against this treaty. Pray that President Bush withdraws his support of this treaty. The NWO is becoming very bold!
· "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas and established it upon the floods." (Psalm 24: 1,2)
7. HOUSE FOLLOWS SENATE: OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTS GEN. PATRAEUS
Incredibly on Wednesday, 79 left-wing Democrats in the United States House of Representatives voted against the Republican resolution supporting General David Patraeus and condemning MoveOn.Org which won overwhelmingly 341-79. Last week, 25 ultra- liberal Democrat Senators disgracefully voted against the same kind of amendment which "expressed the sense of the Senate that General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq, deserves the full support of the Senate and strongly condemns personal attacks on the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all members of the United States Armed Forces."
Also, the day before, 11 Democrats on the Foreign Affairs Committee voted NO on the resolution condemning the MoveOn.org ad -- which basically called General Patraeus a traitor -- during committee consideration on Wednesday and then YES to the same measure on the House floor just 30 minutes later. The 11 flip-flopping Democrats include: Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA), and Congressmen Eliot Engel (D-NY), Bill Delahunt (D- MA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Adam Smith (D-WA), Russ Carnahan (D-MO), David Scott (D-GA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Gabrielle Giffords (D- AZ,) and Ron Klein (D-FL.). (Christian Coalition of America)
· Again we praise the Lord for the exposure of the agenda of liberal left through its mouthpiece MoveOn.org. And we thank Him for the common sense of the Congressmen and Senators who recognized the indecency of attacking Gen. Petraeus and his forces as betrayers. Thank also your Senators and Congressmen who voted for the resolution upholding Gen. Petraeus. Pray that no more "cartoons" like the one attacking the integrity of our military ever appear again. Clever is frequently not amusing. · "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things." (Proverbs 15:28)
8. "REID/PELOSI CONGRESS" NOW HAS ALL- TIME LOW APPROVAL RATING OF 11%
Many Democrats and their comrades in the "Old Media" are astounded that the Democrats now have an historic low 11% approval rating; the lowest rating of any Congress by far in the history of the United States of America. With anti-American votes such as the vote of 79 Democrats in the House on Wednesday and last week's anti-General Patraeus vote by 25 Democrat Senators in the Senate, they should really not be surprised. Incidentally, in the 2006 campaign, these same individuals complained that the Republicans had sent only 2 bills to fund the federal government to President Bush by September 2006. However, this Democrat-controlled Congress has yet to send even one bill to fund the government next year to the President and the deadline for all 13 money bills is this coming Sunday. · Evidently the cry for "change" in the 2006 campaigns has brought unexpected results. Are Americans now wiser? Or has the Lord been continually exposing the wrongs that this Congress has been planning for a long time? Pray for the infusing of righteousness in the citizens of this country - righteousness based on the Word of God as presented in the Bible. Daily lift up your state and federal politicians that they also are models of God's righteousness.
· "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written: 'He taketh the wise in their own craftiness'." (I Corinthinians 3:19)
9. THE GREAT DIVIDE?
As values voters become an even stronger force in the political process, our adversaries seem intent on dividing and distracting us from our shared mission-- upholding the pro-life, pro-family worldview. Most recently, members of the media have attempted to invent a rift between Gary Bauer and Dr. James Dobson over their supposed "preference" for presidential candidates. Today's story in The Washington Times misquotes Gary altogether, making it appear that he is in a public dispute with Dr. Dobson.
This rumor is completely false. Although the reporter admitted his mistake and agreed to print a retraction, the damage to the public's perception has already been done. As one who works closely with both Gary and Dr. Dobson, I can assure you that there is no discord. The discussions leading up to the 2008 elections continue to be a process of discerning candidates' positions on non-negotiable values issues. Despite those who are eager to blunt our effectiveness, we must continue to pray for unity in the pro-family movement and for the candidates themselves as forces pressure them to abandon issues of faith and principle. (Family Research Council)
· Gary Bauer and Dr. James Dobson are also close friends of our own ministry, so as they come under these vicious attacks by the media, we feel as if we have been hurt, too. Once again, pray over the media, and begin by forgiving them (whatever their motives might be), for they know not what they do.
· In this hour, as we head into the year-long process of choosing our next President, we can expect that these deceptive practices will not only continue, but (without prayer) intensify. Pray for the Body of Christ, that we might walk in maturity, forgiving, blessing and releasing our enemies, and upholding the Standard of Jesus Christ in all we say and do.
[Please meditate upon Galatians 5 . . .]
10. SUPREME COURT TERM BEGINS ON MONDAY
Justices Agree to Hear Case About Voter ID Laws
Challenges to the power of the president, Congress and the judiciary, from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to state death rows, will provide early drama and potential landmark rulings in the U.S. Supreme Court's new term. The justices have also agreed to decide high- profile questions related to sentencing, employment litigation and securities. (National Law Journal, 0/25/07)
The Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to decide whether laws that require voters to take government- issued photo identification to the polls place an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote. The justices will hear the case in January and decide it by early summer, in time to settle for the 2008 election an issue that is generating fiercely partisan litigation and conflicting rulings around the country.(NYT, 9/26/07)
· Pray that the LORD would give HIS wisdom to those who would preside in our courts of justice. Let all judges and those who work in our court system seek to preserve justice in a fair and impartial way according to HIS statutes.
· "For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints." (Proverbs 2:6-8)
[Reported by: Intercessors for America]
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD OUR MAKER (Adoni Osaynoo)
""Come, let us bow down in worship," let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." (Psalm 95:6)
How comforting it is to know that You are my Maker. You know me better than I know myself. Your desires for me are higher than my desires for me. Help me to live this day in submission to Your will, for You made me and You will lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Thank You for loving me.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
On Capitol Hill This Week
Volume XIV, Number 26b
October 1 - 5, 2007
For the word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth . . . (Psalm 33:3-4)
- FBI REORGANIZES TO IMPROVE DETECTION OF GLOBAL TERROR GROUPS
- AL-QAEDA TRAINING EUROPEAN RECRUITS TO ATTACK U.S.
- COMMANDER: US FORCES KILLED TOP AL- QAEDA LEADER IN IRAQ
- CONGRESS VOTES TO CALL IRAN'S ARMY A "TERRORIST GROUP"
- IRAN STRENGTHENS TIES WITH SOUTH AMERICA
- CONGRESS INTRODUCES BILL; INCREASES FUNDING FOR LATIN AMERICA
- AT THE U.N.: PRESIDENT BUSH BLASTS UNHRC FOR ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS
- WHITE HOUSE: PA, ISRAEL TALKS SERIOUS, BUT NOT ON FINAL STATUS
- ANNAPOLIS TO HOST MIDEAST TALKS
- BREAKTHROUGH FOR ASSYRIAN CHRISTIANS!
1. FBI REORGANIZES TO IMPROVE DETECTION OF GLOBAL TERROR GROUPS
The FBI has begun the most comprehensive realignments of its counterterrorism division in six years so it can better detect the growing global collaborations by terrorists and dismantle larger terrorist enterprises. The bureau will merge its two international terrorism units -- one for Osama bin Laden's followers and the other for more established groups such as Hezbollah -- into a new structure that borrows both from Britain's MI5 domestic intelligence agency and the bureau's own successful efforts against organized-crime families,
Borrowing from its mob-busting strategies in the 1980s, the bureau will encourage counterterrorism agents to forgo immediate arrests when an imminent threat is not present, allowing the surveillance of terrorism suspects to last longer. The aim is to identify collaborators, facilitators and sympathizers who increasingly span across multiple groups and countries, said Joseph Billy Jr., the FBI's assistant director for counterterrorism.
Experts said the bureau's future success also depends on attracting more Arabic speakers and intelligence analysts, and keeping them long enough to develop deep subject expertise. (Washington Post, 9/26/07) [Reported by: IFA]
· Pray that all new systems of communication and detection will operate to the maximum degree possible, and for all hidden things to be revealed in the global terrorist networks.
· "He uncovers deep things out of darkness, And brings the shadow of death to light." (Job 12:22)
2. AL-QAEDA TRAINING EUROPEAN RECRUITS TO ATTACK U.S.
Al-Qaeda continues to recruit Europeans for explosives training in Pakistan because Europeans can more easily enter the U.S. without a visa, Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell said Tuesday. European al- Qaeda recruits in the border region of Pakistan are being trained to use commercially available substances to make explosives, and they may be able to carry out an attack on U.S. territory. "Purposely recruiting an operative from Europe gives them an extra edge into getting an operative, or two or three, into the country with the ability to carry out an attack that might be reminiscent of 9/11," he said. (AP) · Continue to pray for U.S., coalition and Iraqi troops, police, Iraqi government leaders and all who are responsible for thwarting violence and taking action against terror. Ask the Lord to continue to cut the roots of links between Nazi fascism and current Islamic extremism. Pray for the salvation of Muslims worldwide, and ask the Lord to bring revelation, dreams and visions of Jesus. [From: IFA]
· "He uncovers deep things out of darkness, And brings the shadow of death to light." (Job 12:22)
3. COMMANDER: US FORCES KILLED TOP AL- QAEDA LEADER IN IRAQ
Al-Qaeda Leader Believed Responsible for Kidnapping of U.S. Soldiers Last Summer
US-led forces have killed one of the most important leaders of al-Qaida in Iraq, a Tunisian believed to be connected to the kidnapping and killings last summer of American soldiers, a top commander said Friday. Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson said the death of the suspected terrorist and recent similar operations have left the organization in Iraq fractured. "Abu Usama al- Tunisi was one of the most senior leaders -- the emir of foreign terrorists in Iraq and part of the inner leadership circle," Anderson said.
Al-Tunisi was a leader in helping bring foreign terrorists into the country and his death "is a key loss" to al-Qaida leadership there, Anderson told a Pentagon news conference via videoconference from Baghdad. "He operated in Yusufiyah, southwest of Baghdad, since the Second Battle of Fallujah in November '04 and became the overall emir of Yusufiyah in the summer of '06," Anderson said. "His group was responsible for kidnapping our American soldiers in June 2006," Anderson said. He did not name the soldiers and Pentagon officials said they did not immediately know whom he was referring to. But three US soldiers were killed that month in an ambush-kidnapping that happened while they were guarding a bridge.
Anderson said recent coalition operations also have helped cut in half the previous flow of foreign fighters into Iraq, which had been at about 60 to 80 a month. He credited the work of the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement and US teams. Commanders have said previously that the increase in troops ordered by President George W. Bush in January - and the increased operations that followed - have pushed militants into the remote parts of the north and south of the country. Additional operations have been going after those pockets of fighters. "We're having great success in isolating these pockets," Anderson said. "They are very broken up, very unable to mass, and conducting very isolated operations," he said. (The Jerusalem Post)
· We give Praise and Thanksgiving to you Father that US led troops have caused a great "key loss" to al- Qaida in taking out one of their leaders. We also give thanks for all other victories now being reported out of Iraq. We ask you , Lord, for continued victory to overcome the evil forces at work in Iraq, giving You great thanks, In Jesus Name, Amen.
· "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God ;" (Phil. 4:6)
4. CONGRESS VOTES TO CALL IRAN'S ARMY A "TERRORIST GROUP"
Congress also signaled its disapproval of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with a vote Tuesday to call to designate his army a terrorist group. The swift rebuke was a rare display of bipartisan cooperation in a Congress bitterly divided on the Iraq war. It reflected lawmakers' long-standing nervousness about Tehran's intentions in the region, particularly toward Israel The House passed, by a 397- 16 vote, a proposal by Lantos, D-Calif., aimed at blocking foreign investment in Iran, in particular its lucrative energy sector. The bill would specifically bar the president from waiving U.S. sanctions. (AP) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
· Offer praise for this bipartisan move in Congress. May they continue to call "good, good" and "evil, evil" in all matters related to the global war on terror. Praise God!
· "And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken. The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly." (Isaiah 32:3,4)
5. IRAN STRENGTHENS TIES WITH SOUTH AMERICA
Ahmedinejad Is Welcomed in Venezuela; Bolivia
The leaders of Iran and Venezuela cemented an alliance aimed at countering the United States while the Iranian president reached out to a new ally in Bolivia and declared that together, "no one can defeat us." After being vilified during his U.N. visit this week, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad traveled on to friendlier territory Thursday, first stopping in Bolivia where he pledged billion in investment and then visiting Venezuela to meet President Hugo Chavez."Together we are surely growing stronger, and in truth no one can defeat us," the Iranian leader said through an interpreter. Apparently referring to the U.S., he said, "Imperialism has no other option: Respect the peoples (of the world) or accept defeat."
Chavez greeted the Iranian leader warmly on a red carpet in front of the presidential palace, where they both stood before microphones and let loose with rhetoric challenging Washington. "We will continue resisting to the end in the face of imperialism," Ahmadinejad said. "And the age of imperialism has ended." Chavez embraced the Iranian leader, calling him "one of the greatest anti-imperialist fighters" and "one of the great fighters for true peace." Chavez said he was proud of Ahmadinejad's courage while under hostile questioning at New York's Columbia University. "An imperial spokesman tried to disrespect you, calling you a cruel little tyrant. You responded with the greatness of a revolutionary."
In Bolivia, the Iranian leader pledged investment over the next five years to help the poor Andean nation tap its vast natural gas reserves, extract minerals, generate more electricity and fund agricultural and construction projects. Bolivian President Evo Morales, who joins Chavez as one of Iran's key allies, called Ahmadinejad's visit historic as the two nations established diplomatic relations for the first time. Morales brushed off concerns about close ties to a country that the Bush administration says is a sponsor of terrorism, declaring that the "international community can rest assured that Bolivia's foreign policy is dedicated to peace with equality and social justice."
Ahmadinejad's trip underscored his growing ties to Latin American nations, including Nicaragua and Ecuador, even as the U.S. tries to isolate him internationally.(AP)
· "The Lord is [uncompromisingly] righteous; He has cut asunder the thick cords by which the wicked [enslaved us]." (Psalm 129:4 AMP)
6. CONGRESS INTRODUCES BILL; INCREASES FUNDING FOR LATIN AMERICA
The closer relationship betweem Venezuela and Bolivia is viewed with alarm by Washington. U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, a Florida Republican, said they remind him "of the relationship that Fidel Castro had with Russia." He urged Washington to reach out more to a region analysts say it has largely ignored since the Sept. 11 attacks. Toward that aim, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress on Friday that would establish a 10-year, .5 billion program aimed at reducing poverty and expanding the middle class in Latin America. It would require recipient countries to contribute and encourage matching funds from businesses and non-governmental organizations. The program would bring more stability in the long run and help the United States "re-establish leadership in the hemisphere" by increasing development assistance by more than a third, said bill co-sponsor Sen. Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat.
Chavez's government, for its part, has promised more than .8 billion in aid, financing and energy funding to the region this year. Relations between Iran and Venezuela, meanwhile, have grown very close. Since 2001, they have signed trade agreements worth more than billion in potential investment, according to Iran's official news agency, IRNA. They have teamed up to begin producing cars, tractors and plastic goods, and signed an agreement to help Venezuela build public housing. Iran Air began flights between Tehran and Caracas, with a stopover in Syria, earlier this year. (AP)
· May we find favor in these Latin American nations as a result of our efforts of goodwill.
· "Overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)
7. AT THE U.N.: PRESIDENT BUSH BLASTS UNHRC FOR ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS
U.S. President George W. Bush blasted the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) yesterday, for singling out Israel while ignoring major human rights violators, in his speech at the opening of the UN General Assembly. That afternoon, without the U.S. delegation present, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used his speech to the United Nations General Assembly to unveil a vision of a world without Israel, in which America and Europe would be freed of what he said was Zionist oppression. (Jerusalem Post)
Later this week, the House passed H.Res. 557: Strongly condemning the United Nations Human Rights Council for ignoring severe human rights abuses in various countries, while choosing to unfairly target Israel by including it as the only country permanently placed on the Council's agenda. The bill passed 416-2, 14 not voting. Only Congressmen Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich voted "nay" on H.Res. 567.
· We know that You love those who love Your nation, Israel. May our president continue to learn this truth and know how important it is that she not be divided for any reason! We ask for Your release of Iran from the hands of its treacherous leader who hates You and Your people. May Israel be saved!
· As the Apostle Paul prayed may we pray: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved." (Romans 10: 1 NKJV)
8. WHITE HOUSE: PA, ISRAEL TALKS SERIOUS, BUT NOT ON FINAL STATUS
Palestinian Authority [PA] President Mahmoud Abbas [Abu Mazen] met with US President George Bush on Monday (September 24), with the White House Web site saying final-status negotiations on a Palestinian state were not expected to be complete by the November Middle East peace meeting. However, a senior US administration official speaking to reporters on the two presidents' meeting said, according to Abbas, the recent discussions between the PA leader and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert are "serious discussions of major issues" that will "help prepare for the international meeting." Abbas also said that the PA and Israeli teams who are expected to work on something for the Middle East meeting will begin their meetings this week.
The US official said that the high-profile meeting, to take place in early November in the United States, will apparently be "built around an agreement that Abbas and Olmert are working on right now." However, he said that that agreement is not a final-status negotiation and that the November meeting would not be a final-status negotiation session either. "These are all steps leading toward an eventual final-status negotiation." The official also said the two-state process would take "further meetings" and negotiations, as well as "implementation on the ground," with the PA currently reforming their security forces. (By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, September 25, 2007)
· Pray that Israel will not make any concession of land that has been so painstakingly won, and that she will not agree to any move that will compromise her sovereignty. Pray also that the United States will abandon the two-state solution.
· "Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice. You shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and eat them as ordinary food." (Jeremiah 31:4-5)
9. ANNAPOLIS TO HOST MIDEAST TALKS
The United States has picked Annapolis as the expected site of a Mideast peace conference this fall that President Bush hopes will launch new negotiations toward establishing an independent Palestinian state, the Associated Press has learned.
The small city about 30 miles northeast of Washington was selected for proximity to the capital and the presence of the U.S. Naval Academy, where the November conference would be based, U.S. and other officials said today.
The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the conference have not been announced. The United States has been vague about the agenda, timing and guest list for the meeting, but Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said it will deal with the hardest issues in the 60-year Israeli- Palestinian conflict.
· Begin praying now for the safety of everyone who lives in the area of Annapolis, MD. Once again, if these "peace talks" are not God's will, they will not prosper.
· "State a decree, but it will not stand; make a proposal but it will not prosper, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)
10. BREAKTHROUGH FOR THE ASSYRIAN CHRISTIANS!
The Lord opened the doors to the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, Ambassador and other key officials. They have agreed to provide an area for the Assyrian Christians, support for the refugees and support for resettlement of these precious ones . . . . . because you prayed! On Wednesday, September 26 a special amendment to the Defense Appropriations Bill passed the US Congress supporting the creation of the Assyrian Province in Northern Iraq. Confirmation with Senator Joseph Biden's staff yesterday confirmed the contents . . . . . because you prayed! (AssyrianChristians.com)
· Offer praise for this GOOD REPORT and continue in prayer until this province for the people of Assyria is a reality.
· "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:17)
A SPECIAL INVITATION
TO PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2007
From Robert Stearns and Dr. Jack Hayford, Co- Chairmen,
Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem
Dear Praying Friends,
Please take a moment to read and pass on this urgent prayer update.
We are just days away from a powerful moment, when millions of Christians in every nation across the planet will join in faith and unity to pray together for the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.
This massive prayer initiative, one of the largest in Church history, has now been reported and referenced by major news outlets around the world. The Jerusalem Celebration of the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem will be carried live into 192 nations on God TV.
Literally, in every corner of the planet, churches are preparing to stand in agreement with Psalm 122, and with one another in hope, and pray for God's presence and peace to flood the streets of Jerusalem, and minister peace to all of her inhabitants, Jew and Arab alike.
The First Sunday of October, October 7th, has been designated as the Global Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem by well over 1000 global Christian leaders. Leaders of influence including, Jack Hayford, Paul Cedar, Dick Eastman, T.D. Jakes, Kay Arthur, Myles Munroe, Jane Hansen, John Hagee, Ravi Zacharias, Michael W. Smith, Chuck Pierce, Sunday Adelaja, and Joyce Meyer are just a handful of those all around the world who are in unity calling for focused, united prayer on this day.
If you have any questions or need further information regarding the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, please contact the DPPJ office at 1- 800- 51WINGS or visit www.day topray.com .
May the Lord's Shalom rest over each of you,
Robert Stearns
Dr. Jack Hayford
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD OUR MAKER (Adoni Osaynoo)
""Come, let us bow down in worship," let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." (Psalm 95:6)
How comforting it is to know that You are my Maker. You know me better than I know myself. Your desires for me are higher than my desires for me. Help me to live this day in submission to Your will, for You made me and You will lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Thank You for loving me.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD OUR MAKER (Adoni Osaynoo)
""Come, let us bow down in worship," let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." (Psalm 95:6)
How comforting it is to know that You are my Maker. You know me better than I know myself. Your desires for me are higher than my desires for me. Help me to live this day in submission to Your will, for You made me and You will lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Thank You for loving me.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
.. an artist's conception..
