Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
21. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The camera lens homes in, mapping the man’s face—measuring the space between his eyes, the distance between the nose and mouth, the angle of his cheekbones, the shape of his chin. Instantly, that data is converted into a string of numbers or points, called a “faceprint.”
His face is recognized, compared with tens of millions of photos of faces in a database. His identity is confirmed. And he doesn’t even know he has been “detected,” “recognized” and “tracked.”
You’ve seen the images in movies. Many of us willingly submit our “data” every day, holding up our phone as the operating system algorithm detects, identifies and recognizes our face.
This is the mass AI technology that China has developed. And it is one of the most powerful surveillance tools—and Christian persecution tactics—ever made, especially when you consider that the country has installed millions of these cameras on streets, in public venues, on university campuses—and churches.
Facial recognition tech in all state-approved churches.
Reports from counties in Henan and Jiangxi provinces say cameras with facial recognition software are now in all state-approved religious venues.
China maintains it moved decisively to contain COVID-19 after the virus took flight in Wuhan, but for the country’s 97 million Christians, the cost in heavy restrictions—as surveillance reached into their homes, online and off-line interactions were tracked, and their faces were scanned into the Public Security database—is high.
Reports from counties in Henan and Jiangxi provinces say cameras with facial recognition software are now in all state-approved religious venues. Churches that have refused to install these cameras have been fined raided and even banned, like the 1,500-member Zion Church in northern Beijing.
In April 2018, Zion Church, one of the Chinese capital’s largest house churches, received a letter from city officials asking them to install 24 surveillance cameras in their sanctuary for “security reasons.”
“The church decided this was not appropriate,” Zion Church Pastor Ezra Jin told Reuters. “Our services are a sacred time.”
After the church refused, state security officials and police began to harass churchgoers, contacting their workplaces and asking them to promise not to go to church. In August 2018, authorities threatened to close Zion Church because they refused to install the cameras. A month later, officials banned the church and confiscated materials.
Zion leaders understood what the government was asking. Reportedly, many of these cameras are installed next to standard CCTV cameras, but they link to the Public Security Bureau, meaning artificial intelligence can instantly connect with other government databases. The facial recognition software will eventually be linked to China’s “Social Credit System,” which monitors the loyalty of citizens with regards to the tenets of communism. With 415 million surveillance cameras and counting, the state has the infrastructure and legal framework to pressure religious minorities in both direct and indirect ways we’ve never seen before.
And these potentially detrimental systems are spreading beyond China.
Standing on the eve of a new world, one where sin & wickedness will become mainstream unlike anything we’ve known before, with war & death looming over the horizon, economic collapse & hunger along with desolation of societal norms, the immediate future of this age or epoch of humanity seems to be reaching its endtime scenario.
I predicate these ideas on not only scripture but mainline news articles. Not stories from the fake news but from those sources the MSM ignores, sources which can be verified from various other sources. Examples such as the nations around the world are prepping for war & economic collapse. Ideas such as the Great Reset being touted as the solution to all that ails the world.
Christian persecution growing exponentially around the world, the religious cultism of Wokeism spreading its tentacles into every aspect of our lives, the lists could go on with Islamic violence, corruption across all levels of western societies, sin & wickedness rolling across the landscape like a darkening fog, clouding all lying within it.
Seeing, we need to see with the Spirit, we need to ask the Father to help us to see the world we are now facing. Some will say “..I’m not going to worry, God will provide..”… Indeed, DON’T worry, but understand when GOD is providing. HE warns us across the ages through Scriptures to prepare both spiritually and physically for wicked times, meaning more than just praying.
Ezekiel 38:7 “Be prepared, and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them.
Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel 12:3 Therefore, son of man, prepare for yourself baggage for exile and go into exile by day in their sight; even go into exile from your place to another place in their sight. Perhaps they will understand though they are a rebellious house.
Preparing for our physical needs can be nearly as important as preparing for our spiritual needs. As evil continues to engulf our world please seriously consider that this new reality isn’t going to be conducive to the old views of faith & church. Persecution is coming to a neighborhood near you. War & desolation looms on the horizon, people of faith need to prepare with food storage, having plans in place to evacuate or bug out if necessary, have plans to be able to worship in private locations, and on & on. Jesus warned us about coming persecution, He never told us to voluntarily lay our head on the block and wait for evil to lop it off.
We are told to endure:
Matthew 24;12. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Mark 13:13. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Enduring in both soul & body, how are you going to be able to reach out to someone with the Good News of Jesus if you’re dead? Yes you may be with the Lord but there may have been that one person left that only you could have reached out to with God’s plan of salvation before that unsaved person dies. We need to prepare out heart, our mind, our body, and spirit for the days coming, if we don’t & miss those times when our Savior is pointing out preps then we’ll be at a loss when we are faced with evil times.
http://y2u.be/uvn5C9yZSRs Salaam, an Open Doors team leader shares prayers requests for the church in the Horn of Africa. Tap the “Watch video” button to watch the prayer request. *Representative names and photos are sometimes used to protect identity.
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/prayerapp Friends, recently a Christian family of converts from Hinduism was brutally beaten; they escaped only by running into the forest and spending the night there. Ever since Balraj* and his family chose to follow Jesus a few years ago, they have been threatened and pressured in their remote village in India. Balraj remembers verbatim the most common threat he has received over the past few years: “Here we perform poojas [rituals] and worship our gods and goddesses; you will not bring this foreign religion and you better give it up, or else we will kill you.” A few days ago, as the family got ready for bed, villagers broke into their home and began attacking them with thick bamboo sticks. The villagers told Balraj and his family that they were kicking them out of the village and continued the beatings. When the family escaped into the woods, they were bleeding badly. The next morning, they found their house had been ransacked. Village elders severely warned them not to make a police report and threatened their lives if they continue to follow Christ. Please pray that Balraj and his family will heal physically, emotionally and mentally from the injuries suffered during the attack. Pray for provision for Balraj and his family. Pray for strength and protection for Indian believers. There continues to be intense persecution during the country’s strict coronavirus lockdown. Pictured: Balraj’s severely injured family entering a hospital ambulance.
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/prayerapp Friends, we have just heard news of the May 20 arrest of 20 believers—including a pregnant woman—in Eritrea’s capital city of Asmara. The group also includes six couples. The reason for the arrests and surrounding circumstances are not known at this time. We do know that officials are keeping these Christians at a government school, closed down because of COVID-19 restrictions. Eritrea ranks #6 on Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List. In the East African country, government security forces conduct house-to-house raids and to date have arrested hundreds of Christians. Extreme levels of government pressure, including state-sanctioned violence, often force Christians to flee the country. Please pray these believers would sense God’s presence in this uncertain and fearful time. Pray for safety and protection for this expecting mother and her unborn child. Pray that believers would be released from custody quickly. *Representative names and photos are sometimes used to protect identity.
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/prayerapp Secret church reaches out during pandemic in Iran Friends, despite the risks and their own suffering, secret Christians in Iran felt called to reach out to their community with food and sanitary items during the coronavirus pandemic. These believers who worship behind closed doors are spreading the love of Christ in their community—not in words, but in deeds. House churches inside the country are quite resilient. “They have become used to living in difficult circumstances,” explains Steve*, an Open Doors fieldworker. “So, when COVID-19 reached Iran, they were afraid that it would hit them or their loved ones, but at the same time they were undaunted. They felt it was their calling to take care of people around them—not only other believers but neighbors, colleagues or others nearby who were struggling. “First, they used their own resources but, when those ended, they reached out to our partners, who in turn contacted us. They thought that no one cared about them. But, through our partners, we showed that the worldwide church is standing beside them.” Please pray the seeds of Christ’s love that are planted grow and bear fruit. Thank God for the strong underground church in Iran that has been prepared for such a time as this. Pray for provision for secret believers to continue to minister during the pandemic. Pictured: Local Christian distributing food and relief items.
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/prayerapp Renounce Christ or be disowned in Vietnam Friends, recently in Vietnam, new believers Giang* and his family were kicked out of their village for sharing the gospel. Giang and his wife had told his parents, relatives and some villagers about Jesus during the coronavirus lockdown, but the message was not well-received. Last week, relatives and villagers went to Giang’s house and furiously demanded Giang and his family deny Christ. They told the couple that if they did not, they would be forced to leave the village and would be disowned by their families. Giang and his wife tried to explain God’s goodness and how their lives have changed because of Christ but the villagers became hysterical and shouted at the family to leave the village immediately! Giang, his wife and three children are now living in another village at a church member’s house. They were not allowed to take anything with them and their families have disowned them. The intention of their community is to force them to go hungry so that Giang and his family will have to return to their old village and accept whatever persecution they receive. Please join us in praying that God will continue to provide for Giang and his family. Pray God continues to use church members as a channel of blessing to Giang. Pray Giang’s parents, relatives and the villagers will encounter God in their lives and the seeds that have been planted will bear fruit in God’s perfect timing. Pray local partners of Open Doors will have wisdom as they assess the situation of Giang’s family. Please tap on the “Submit prayer” button to share your prayers and we will share them with these believers. *Representative names and photos are sometimes used to protect identity.
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/prayerapp Praise: Falsely accused pastor home in Kazakhstan Friends, recently we asked you to join us in praying for Pastor Jakim*, who was arrested for missionary activity during Kazakhstan’s coronavirus quarantine. Local Christians believe the whole incident was a setup, intended to provide an excuse to arrest Jakim. Thankfully, we just received word that Jakim had his court hearing and only received a small fine, which he was able to pay. He is now back at home with his family! Thank God for delivering Pastor Jakim! Pray Jakim will be bold in sharing the gospel and spreading the love of Christ during the coronavirus pandemic. Pray what was meant to harm Jakim would instead bring glory to Christ! *Representative names and photos are sometimes used to protect identity.
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/prayerapp Nigeria: Miraculous outcomes in violent attack Friends, Pastor Bayo Famonure and his family were violently attacked by militant Fulani herdsman on May 5 in Nigeria. Bayo is well-known for his missionary and evangelical work throughout Africa. We thank the Lord for His miraculous protection of this family as the outcome of this attack could have been much worse. Bayo was shot in the head and feet, though the shots did not penetrate his skull or damage any bones in his feet. His wife Naomi was shot in the back, yet the bullet did not reach her spinal cord. The doctor said if the bullet had penetrated just a fraction more, Naomi would have been paralyzed. Their sons, Adua and Victor, also sustained gunshot wounds that were not very serious. In a message Bayo sent, he shared “It’s a miracle … Just praise God.” Bayo is stable and recovering with his sons. Naomi underwent successful surgery to remove the bullet from her back. She is currently in a stable condition and recovering. Please join us in thanking God for his protection, as this attack could have ended very differently. Pray this story would serve as a powerful testimony of the Lord’s protection. Pray for a quick and full recover for Bayo, Naomi, Adua and Victor, both physically and emotionally. Pictured: Pastor Bayo Famonure
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/prayerapp Christians suffer violence and hunger in Colombia Friends, Pastor Amanda*—longtime partner of Open Doors—shares that rebel groups are now harassing and threatening to kill anyone suspected of having coronavirus in some remote areas of Colombia. Churches are all closed due to coronavirus quarantine. Rebel groups are warning pastors to stay at home, telling them if they go out to preach or carry out any pastoral work, they may be killed. Pastors are also challenged by being in an area where electricity is scarce and there is limited access to the internet, making staying connected with their congregations difficult. Many in Pastor Amanda’s church are currently not working and are struggling. “The Church is going through a tough time,” she told Open Doors. “Many people in our congregation are now feeling the negative impact of having been out of work for weeks. Those with some savings will run out of money soon, and [a] few are relying on their crops to survive.” Most churches in Colombia rely on donations made by their congregations to not only maintain church buildings but also help feed the hungry, send children to school, and in many cases, provide housing for homeless or displaced families. Pastor Amanda says everyone in these areas are being stretched to the limit. “This situation cannot be sustained for much longer. Nowadays, it is easier to die from hunger or violence than from coronavirus.” Please join us in praying for provision for believers both physically and spiritually. Pray the church in Colombia would find creative ways to stay connected. Pray there would be an end to the violence perpetrated by rebel groups. *Representative names and photos are sometimes used to protect identity.
A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. 1. His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. 4. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 5. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. 6. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. 7. As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
Friends, the BBC reports that Gholamhossein Esmaili, Iran’s judiciary spokesman, said that more than 54,000 prison inmates have been let out of prison in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Iran has seen a significant number of cases and has the highest death toll outside of China from coronavirus.
This news means some Christian imprisoned for their faith have been freed. On February 26, believer Ramiel Bet-Tamraz was released from prison early while serving his sentence for his participation in house churches. He will not have to return to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Christian convert Fatemeh (Mary) Mohammadi was released on conditional bail on February 26, pending a hearing on March 2. Yesterday, Mary shared on Twitter that her court date has been postponed and no new date has been set at this time. She had been arrested on January 12 and spent 45 days in brutal detention, charged with “disturbing public order by participating in an illegal rally.”
Please thank God that Ramiel was released from prison early and pray for healing for him and his family as they are reunited.
Thank God that Mary was released from Qarchak Prison.
Pray Mary’s court date is scheduled soon and that justice is served for her.
Pray leadership in Iran and around the world have wisdom in how to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Photo: Ramiel Bet-Tamraz with his parents Pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz and Shamiram Issavi courtesy of Article18
Friends, international Open Doors staff met with Asia Bibi on February 28 in France. If you recall, in June 2010, Asia Bibi was convicted of blasphemy charges in Pakistan and sentenced to die. She waited eight years for an appeal hearing that was delayed repeatedly. Ultimately, Pakistan’s Supreme Court held a hearing and ordered her release, saying that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. After nine years of prayers from Christians around the globe, Asia was freed on October 31, 2018.
She now lives with her family in Canada but has also been invited to live in France by French President Emmanuel Marcon. She longs to return to Pakistan one day.
Our Open Doors teammates were able to give her a hug, some meaningful gifts and a message from one of the many believers who prayed for her for years. She seemed very moved. We showed Asia a video of persecuted women and men praying for her. The video starts with images of watches and clocks. At one o’clock, the people stop doing what they are doing. They form circles and they pray for Asia.
Asia is almost speechless. “Wow, you all stopped your day to pray for me?”
When she was asked if she had a message for those who prayed for her while she was in prison, Asia responded, “Yes, I have a message for them: God is with them in the exact way He was with me. You are in God’s hands and you are vital.”
Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family as they make decisions about their future.
Pray that Asia and her family continue to receive emotional and mental healing from the years they were separated and all they have endured.
Pray for your sisters and brothers who remain under extreme persecution in Pakistan today.
Thank God for the powerful witness of Asia Bibi—and that the same God is also with you.
Pictured: Asia Bibi at a press conference in France on February 28.
A Laymans Discourse 
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