Spirit of Martyrdom: News and Updates

Tribute to Tom White

By SOM News on April 23, 2012 9:02 PM | No Comments

Tribute to former The Voice of the Martyr's Executive Director Tom White

By David Witt

In 2003, Tom and I visited Iraq the week Saddam Hussein was captured.

This past week a great man of God passed away. His death and life are a combination of inspiration and tragedy. Tom White was the Executive Director of The Voice of the Martyr's. Last week VOM announced that Tom had come under investigation for "inappropriate contact with a young girl. Rather than face those allegations, and all of the resulting fallout for his family, the ministry and himself," Tom chose to take his own life. I believe this ending blow takes the breath out of most people and especially those who knew him.

I first met Tom in 1996. He invited me to his home for dinner with his lovely wife Ofelia. Tom was gregarious and loved people of all sorts and backgrounds. His greatest passion was for those who suffered persecution in the name of Christ. He had been well mentored by the founders of VOM, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, who advocated for the "underdogs" of this world. He was a man of humility who never wanted to embarrass anyone. I remember being with Tom in a group when someone asked a rather charged question bringing a moment of strong tension. Tom used his authority and with gentleness replied, "Let's not assume anyone knows the answer to that question," and continued the conversation with grace.

I was blessed to work ten years under Tom's leadership. He and I traveled together to visit the persecuted church and Tom sacrificed daily for the suffering Body of Christ. His love for our brothers and sisters in Christ made him fearless. When we were together in Iran, visiting a fundamental mosque with Muslims praying all around us, Tom wanted pictures inside, but I was hesitant. Tom boldly took the camera and discreetly took pictures as we walked around the mosque.

In 2003, CBN Reporter Gary Lane, Tom and I visited Iraq the week Saddam Hussein was captured. On his way to Mosul, Tom's taxi abruptly stopped on the freeway to avoid a fire-fight between Islamic Insurgents and American troops. There was no place to move or escape on this packed highway. For fifteen minutes, Tom calmly sat taking pictures out his front window of the battle. This man of God, regularly risked life and limb because he loved the little evangelists and Christians of the world who were a minority, vulnerable and persecuted.

Tom could be quick to laugh and he loved talking about theology. I owe Tom and his wife Ofelia a debt of love. At times, Tom mentored me, encouraged me, and was willing to spend time together. He freely welcomed others to be a part of his life. I am one of many witnesses that Tom White loved God and desired to live a Godly life. Tom leaves a legacy of love to family, friends and thousands of persecuted Christians around the world.

The details of the inner turmoil in the latter days of Tom's life will never be fully understood. But let us keep in mind that no Christian is beyond moral failure and it is only by the grace of God that we avoid such pitfalls. The Holy Spirit worked a lifetime of righteous service through Tom. Let us also be reminded that salvation is a gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ and not upon our personal righteousness. Therefore, the Word of God gives us confidence and expectation of seeing Tom again in Heaven. Please join us in praying for his wife Ofelia and his children and grandchildren, the VOM President Jim Dau and the Board of Directors.

This event certainly makes us sober-minded. I am grateful for the spiritual covering of the Spirit of Martyrdom Board of Directors, our home church Senior Pastor Robb Williams, and other spiritual leaders that offer Godly wisdom, accountability and guidance. The greatest gift I can ask of all of you as partners in ministry, are your prayers for myself, the staff and the Board of Directors to stay close to Jesus in mind, body, soul and strength as we serve the living martyrs of Christ around the world.

April Newsletter 2012

By SOM News on April 2, 2012 6:23 PM | No Comments

April - Fearless Faith in Algeria

Pastor Krimo sings a song of praise to his Savior

Saighi Krimo is sentenced to five years in prison for boldly sharing his faith in Algeria. He has spent only three days in jail, since the government has not enforced him to serve his sentence due to public pressure. Saighi continues to put his faith and trust in God's Word as he is reminded,"if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36) Even if it is prison, Saighi says, "God has a plan, and I want to be faithful even unto death." Spirit of Martyrdom ministries are honored to serve transformed Muslim Background Believers like Siaghi and his wife Yakout who are boldly sharing God's love and His Word to those around them.

In 2008, Siaghi and Yakout's marriage was arranged. Each of their Muslim parents had no idea that secretly both of their children were Christians. The Krimo's believe their marriage was truly "made in heaven!" God has increased their blessing with a precious daughter. However, their Christian faith comes with a price and great sacrifice. They are shunned by their families. When first married, they were evicted from their home to live in an old henhouse for six months. Just when they felt so weary and discouraged, they were asked to serve at a Christian summer camp! Next, they were offered to attend the only Bible school in Algeria, which they joyfully accepted.

David visiting the Krimo Family

Yakout can trace her lineage back to Mohammed. Her parents are Marabout (religious leaders) and Hajji (fulfilled the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia). Yakout's parents forced her to keep Islamic religious duties. Yakout felt frustrated by the treatment of women in Islam. She always felt she was a slave to Allah so she began to hate the Allah of Islam. At the University, she searched for the truth and was given a Christian book. At first she felt fear, and wondered why. Growing up, she heard Jesus was the Son of God, but was confused at how God could have a mother. She remembered a Christian telling her that "God can do anything." Faith and joy flooded Yakout's heart, as she realized this was true. Jesus was God. Yakout prayed for a godly husband and her prayers were answered. Yakout shared, "my husband is a servant of God and he loves Jesus - that's all I need."

Pastor Siaghi found the peace and love of Jesus Christ about the same time as Yakout his wife in 2006. He came from a very dysfunctional family and grew up with his grandparents who were very strict. Siaghi had no peace in his life and searched for some type of refuge from the inner turmoil he was experiencing. He went to the Mosque for a season, but he felt unfulfilled and empty. At 25 years old, Siaghi's life was filled with problems and desperation. Out in the wilderness alone, he prayed, "God if you reveal yourself to me, I will serve you even if it's difficult." At that moment, Siaghi vividly remembered a man from his village 15 years before who showed the Jesus film. Saighi who was ten years old at the time, reflected that he had cried when he saw Jesus crucified, and yet Jesus was full of forgiveness. "I was convicted that if God existed, Jesus was His prophet. That night I slept very well and in the morning my heart had peace and joy as never before."

Pastor Mustapha standing at the front door of his church that was fire bombed.

After the Krimo's graduated from the Bible school, they courageously began to evangelize and share their faith with Algerians. In April 2011, Pastor Krimo was arrested for his public witness. In the police station he prayed, "God if you want me to be released then blind the police from my backpack that is full of Christian materials and DVDs. If you want me to be a bold witness to these policemen, then let them look into my backpack." As soon as this prayer left his mind a police officer unzipped the bag and looked. Siaghi said, "God answered my prayer fast!" Pastor Krimo then gave a More Than Dreams DVD to every police officer including the Chief of Police. This DVD powerfully dramatizes eight testimonies of Muslims who dreamed of Jesus and turned their lives over to Christ. One officer requested to meet Pastor Krimo after work because he wanted to know more. Siaghi shared the Gospel twice with the Judge. The Judge then gave him five years in prison for being an apostate Muslim. Siaghi and Yahout are free today, even though the sentence has not been dropped. They are thankful that many Christians in the U.S. prayed, wrote letters (when notified of the urgent need last summer), and were a voice to the government on their behalf. They joyfully continue to share the love of Jesus Christ to other Muslims. Siaghi and Yohout's lives represent thousands of other Algerian followers of Christ.

"because of persecution, we are less frightened. God wants to take the fear from our hearts. God uses the persecution to make us fearless."

In December, one week after his church was bombed, Mustapha, a pastor friend of Saighi's shared, "because of persecution, we are less frightened. God wants to take the fear from our hearts. God uses the persecution to make us fearless."

Together with your sustaining prayers, valuable time and financial support, we will continue to serve the living martyrs of North Africa and the world! Our desire is to serve you with tools and testimonies of fearless faith. The More Than Dreams DVD is available upon request for any donation. For more stories and information go to www.SpiritofMartyrdom.com.

Videos:

David Witt Shares How Firebombs Embolden Algerian Pastors

David shares more details about his visit with Pastor Krimo

Join us in prayer, gather helpful information or to support the living martyrs of Christ globally.

March Newsletter 2012

By SOM News on March 8, 2012 8:33 PM | No Comments

March - Ishmael Son of Blessing

Pray for Muslims to discover their Heavenly Father's love

Recently, I have been studying Ishmael. I've discovered the Lord's lavish love for Ishmael and his covenant blessing on him. God's blessings were full of grace and promise. We see that covenant blessing alive today.

Let's review the story: Genesis 16-22 Sarai (Sarah) was barren and approached Abram (Abraham) with the idea to lay with Hagar, her Egyptian servant so that they might have children. Abraham agrees and once Hagar conceives, Hagar looks with contempt upon Sarah. Sarah (with the support of Abraham) then mistreats Hagar and Hagar flees into the wilderness. An Angel of the Lord finds Hagar and promises that God will greatly multiply her offspring. Her son's name shall be Ishmael, which means, "The LORD has listened to your affliction." The Angel also proclaimed that "he shall be a wild donkey of a man and against everyone and everyone against him." God later promises to bless Ishmael and to "make him fruitful and will multiply him greatly." God commanded Abraham to circumcise the flesh of Ishmael as a sign of the covenant with him. Last of all, we are told God was with Ishmael and he became a skilled archer.

God covenant love is still with Ishmael linage

There is much treasure and depth to uncover in this story: Did Hagar choose to be a wife or a mother? How was Abraham as a husband to Hagar and a father to Ishmael? How did God interact with Ishmael? We see that God promises to make a multitude of his offspring into many nations. God chose the name of Hagar's son as a name of HOPE. "The LORD has listened..." What consequence does God declare regarding Abraham and Sarah's poor choices? God says, "He shall be a wild donkey of a man..." Ishmael is a classic wild child from a dysfunctional family and an absentee father. Yet, God marks Ishmael with the sign of the covenant and we are told that God continued to be with Ishmael into his grown life. Who was the loving father to Ishmael? Right--God!

It is believed that Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was of the linage of Ishmael and his spiritual heritage. It is interesting that Allah is never connected with the word "Father" in the Qur'an. Like any fatherless child, Muslims today are desperate to reconnect with their heavenly Father. The consequences of Abraham and Sarah are also still raging today as Muslims continue sectarian violence to one another. Our world is experiencing fundamental Islamic angst against others and the persecution of Christians, Jews and Hindus has escalated. Yet God's covenant with Ishmael is alive and true. The majority of Muslims today are circumcised and God has not forgotten his sign. In the past 30 years, more Muslims have come to faith in Jesus Christ than the combined 1400 years of Islam.

Majority of Muslim men today are circumcised

All of us can relate to Ishmael. We all have been rejected and have been disappointed from our earthly fathers. We all have had "donkey" moments. The good news is that God loves the donkey child and has made provision for great blessing through His Son Jesus Christ. Now we are His witnesses! Spirit of Martyrdom ministries is delighted to continue to reach out with God's love to the Ishmaels around the world in Muslim countries and beyond.

Message Box

www.themessagebox.org

In Colombia, SOM supports the distribution of Christian materials via parachutes from an airplane into hostile regions. A new product was just developed called the Message Box
(www.themessagebox.org) and is being offered to SOM for distribution. The box is 2.5 square inches with pictures of the story of Jesus on each side and an audio message of the Gospel. Right now we are low on materials for the parachutes. Please pray for God to provide the resources of the Message Boxes, Bibles, Radios and Christian literature. If you would like to become a monthly partner with us in serving the living martyrs with automatic donations, please contact our office at 928-634-1419. You can also do a one-time donation by clicking here: If you would like to purchase some Message Boxes, they are $ 4.00 dollars each which helps buy and distribute the box. Just add a note to the donation reference "box" when checking out.

Join us in prayer, gather helpful information or to support the living martyrs of Christ globally.

February Newsletter 2012

By SOM News on February 7, 2012 6:46 PM | No Comments

February - Fearless Prayer for Bangladesh

Reported By David Witt

Pray for the two Muslims who lead the SOM team through a tour of Bishwa Ijtema grounds.

Last week one of our contacts from Bangladesh was arrested for sharing Christian materials at the second largest Muslim festival in the world. This festival attracts as many as 4 million Muslims annually. January, 2011 we were with our Bangladeshi brother on the festival grounds. Together we prayed for God to speak to the hearts of Muslims. We prayed that the truth and love of Jesus would touch their longing hearts. From our human perspective, what can one Christian do in such a mass of devout Muslims? In this situation, it is easy to be overwhelmed and give into intimidation.

Our Bangladeshi contact is a small man in stature, but big in faith. Instead of looking at the size of the challenge, he decided to put his faith on the size of the Holy Spirit living inside of him. If faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain, what can faith do in the midst of a sea of Muslims? Our friend faithfully passed out Christian tracts and engaged in conversations with Muslims sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was right! Overcoming fear with faith is a powerful testimony. The leadership responsible for the Muslim festival had the Bangladeshi police arrest our friend and held him in jail for four days until the festival was over. Amazingly, one little man with a simple message caused those who are in high positions to be concerned. What are the Muslims afraid of? Their behavior only confirms that the Lord Jesus Christ is power unto salvation. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

What is even more encouraging about the witness of our brother from Bangladesh are the testimonies of prayer. This week, two of our partners shared how they had prayed for this Muslim festival in August during the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World. This prayer booklet is sent out to thousands of people who in a concert of prayer, lift up the Muslim world to our Heavenly Father. On the last day, (August 30, 2011) the prayer booklet focused on the Bishwa Ljtema Festival. Our partners are encouraged that our Bangladeshi brother is an answer to their prayers. He continues to walk in obedience as a bold witness for Jesus Christ.

Muslims now have access to information that they have never had in all of history and the "perfect" Islamic world is crumbling.

Our friend is presently free on bail. He has already been to court once and now the judge has scheduled the next court date at the end February. The Judge is waiting for the full report from the police. The police have delayed in giving the report because they want a bribe from our contact in promise of a good report. Our brother is putting his faith upon the report of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for continued boldness and the opportunity of our Bangladeshi brother as he witnesses Christ before this judge and others! Because of your support, we were able to send funds to help and encourage him. He now counts himself blessed from the persecution: "when they put me in custody, the room was very dirty and there was a bad smell. Nine people were there and we only had three torn, thin, filthy blankets, no pillows, no mosquito net, and no light. Four of us shared a blanket and others slept on newspapers... Praise God! I am blessed, God chose me to be His witness in jail. I had an opportunity to talk with some people about Jesus. I collected their addresses and when they're released, I will try to share more about Jesus to them." I pray our brother's testimony from Bangladesh encourages your witness in Christ! We serve a wonderful global Christian family.

2nd Largest gathering of Muslims in the world.

Pray for Muslim to seek God's Word and to have opporunity to meet Christians.

P.S. We hope to continue to share stories of faith, courage and inspiration. Please feel free to pass this to other Christian friends who might join us in prayers and updates. Thank you again for your prayers and partnership in ministry.

Join us in prayer, gather helpful information or to support the living martyrs of Christ globally, please visit us on the web at:

www.SpiritofMartyrdom.com

Discuss this email at: February Newsletter 2012

January Newsletter 2012

By SOM News on January 17, 2012 5:56 PM | No Comments

Arab Summer Harvest?

Reported By David Witt

The majority of Muslims hope that a more pure Islamic state will solve the problems.

News of the turmoil and government transitions from the Arab Spring dominated the media this past year. The question for us kingdom-minded Christians is: "When does the Arab Summer Harvest of souls begin?" I just returned from visiting Muslim background believers in five North African nations. I am encouraged as I felt the Holy Spirit give me some insight regarding these matters.

My first observation is how the Arab Spring is fueling the power of Fundamental Islamic sects. Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco all voted in Fundamental Muslim leaders. This transitional trend has included persecution of Christians along with conflict and violence of Muslims fighting other Muslim sects. Ali, an Algerian believer in Jesus was recently talking on the phone to Hussan, an Egyptian Christian leader and Ali asked Hussan, "How is the Arab Spring progressing in Egypt?" Hussan answered, "The Arab Spring has brought great difficulty; if Algeria has not entered into The Spring, then I suggest you stay in Winter."

Most Muslims of the Islamic world perceive corrupt politicians of the world as the problem. The majority of Muslims hope that a more pure Islamic state will solve the problems. They have not discovered the Truth of mankind as stated in the Scripture: The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) Islam is a strict external system and cannot deal with the spiritual depravity of the heart. Until Muslims taste the fruit of pure Islam they will continue to have a false hope that Islam is the answer to human corruption. Isaiah 19:4 refers to a season when God will turn North Africans over to the hand of a hard master. Will Muslims seek answers in Christ, as they suffer under the hand of a Fundamental Islamic state?

Muslims now have access to information that they have never had in all of history and the "perfect" Islamic world is crumbling.

We are already seeing positive answers to this question. Iranians had their Fundamental Spring in 1979. Today, the biggest growth of Muslims converting to Christianity is in Iran. In the 1990s Fundamental Algerian Muslims fought against the secular Islamic state of Algeria. That civil war cost over 100,000 lives. Today Muslims in great numbers are becoming disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ in Algeria after 1000 years of no Christians.

My second observation is the greater access to information in the Islamic world. Ten years ago, most Islamic nations were run by totalitarian dictators and these nations had little to no freedom of press. Historically, no one has dared to question Islam publicly. Internet access and international language media sites, as well as satellite media stations, were underdeveloped. After the attack of September 11, 2001, and the beginning of the Afghanistan/Iraq wars, the West became more interested in the Islamic world and hired news correspondents in these regions of the world. At the same time, the internet has exploded in popularity and in access to the Islamic world. Lastly, more satellite media channels have been added. Christian programming to the Muslim world has bloomed on all these venues.

Muslims now have access to information that they have never had in all of history and the "perfect" Islamic world is crumbling. While I was dining at a restaurant, I was able to dialogue with my Muslim waiter about the Bible. I shared with him that the greatest command of the Bible is to love God and love others. "This is why I have come to this nation," I shared with him. He said, "I have seen other Christians come and help the poor and do good things for Muslims. I have not seen Muslims do this. And now Muslims are killing each other with the Arab Spring."

As I was praying for North Africa, I heard the Lord speak to my spirit, "I will draw these people to myself."

Earlier that day, I was standing in the court of one of the biggest mosques on earth. As I was praying for North Africa, I heard the Lord speak to my spirit, "I will draw these people to myself." With all this in mind, I am greatly encouraged that the opportunity for the good news of Jesus Christ in North Africa is greater now than ever. A Summer Harvest of righteousness is coming soon and the Arab Spring is preparing the crop.

In the blog space below tell us what you think

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement and gifts in partnering with us to serve the martyrs of love throughout North Africa.

Hope In Colombia: 2012

By SOM News on January 15, 2012 8:19 AM | No Comments

WITNESSING FEARLESS
HOPE IN COLOMBIA

Reported By David Witt

Ethan and Christian are willing to serve the Lord anywhere he leads.

Spirit of Martyrdom is delighted to join Russell Stendal in serving the Church-the Living Martyrs of Latin America. Russell courageously and faithfully shares the hope of Jesus Christ to the people of Colombia. He has been taken hostage by the Communist rebel guerrillas multiple times. The longest stay was five months tied to a tree in the early 1980's. He has been ambushed, shot at, chased through the jungle and threatened by every means. Yet in all these dangerous and precarious situations, God has supernaturally protected him. In a seemingly hopeless situation Russell sees Hope!

In the past decade, over two million Bibles and Christian books have been distributed, and over 100,000 solar paneled radios. Millions of Colombians have heard the Gospel through the sixteen radio stations, with two additionally stations under construction. The impact has been enormous! In the 1950's, it was estimated that fewer than two percent of Colombians had a personal relationship with Christ. Today that number has grown to twenty-five percent who consider themselves evangelical Christians. The path of ministry in Latin America is similar to the native landscape... lush, beautiful, green jungle with majestic peaks and valleys. The roads can be dangerous, rough, but the daily miracles are rewarding.

Russell distributes Gospel literature and broadcasts hope into hostile areas.

Russell estimated at one point in the 1980's there were 850 missionaries and 15 mission aviation planes working in Eastern Colombia, and another 15 planes working in Venezuela. By the mid-1990's, the plane count fell to zero, missionaries had to leave as violence continued to increase, and some of the missionaries were courageously martyred for their work. In March of 1996, Russell watched the last plane with the last missionary family leave Wycliffe's Colombian station of Loma Linda. Russell says that he cried as he saw that plane fly away. He thought, "This must be how the Vietnamese felt as the last United States helicopter left Saigon." He knew God was calling him to stay but he felt abandoned, lonely and overwhelmed by the task in front of him. This was a low point for Russell. He knew of only four missionaries still working in the jungle and ultimately aviation ministry outreach was obsolete.

God began to rebuild what the violence had destroyed. In early 2000, The Voice of the Martyrs, Galcom Radio, and Pan America ministries began to pour resources into Colombia. More radio stations were built, and Bibles and Christian materials were distributed by roads, mountain trails, and rivers. Finally an airplane was purchased, which enabled solar radios and Christian materials to be dropped by parachutes over hostile areas. With the growing impact of God's Word, more aviation ministry is now needed for Christian material distribution and serving the radio stations. At this point, Russell is the only experienced pilot able to fly in Colombia. The need for more planes and pilots is greater than ever before. This past June prayers were answered when Randy, a Christian, and professional pilot from Oklahoma, volunteered his time as a flight instructor to students willing to serve God. The only problem was having an affordable plane to use for training. Randy and Russell prayed that if God wanted our ministry to train more pilots, he would give us a Cessna 172. That week Bill, a missionary to an orphanage in Mexico, decided to donate to Spirit of Martyrdom his 2001 Cessna 172! Bill had never met Russell, but had just finished reading Russell's book, Rescue the Captors II and the Spirit of Martyrdom newsletter. Bill reported to SOM that, "the Holy Spirit moved me to give the ministry the plane." Bill had no idea of the prayer spoken by Russell just a couple of days before.

God is raising up a new generation of pilots. Pilots for South America must be a special breed. They need a deep integrity to avoid the temptations of money, pride and self-indulgence. They need a martyr's spirit of courage -- to apply faith over fear. Ethan DeLong and Christian McConnell are the first young men to heed this call. They said that they are willing to go and serve the Lord anywhere he leads. They are now training and maturing and honing their skills to join Russell in Latin America in the near future. (Please pray for these courageous young men.)

Rebel gun fire hits the plane as literature is distributed.

The opportunity before us is possibly the greatest in Colombian history. This past month the President of Colombia sent a general to Russell. He said, "the messages from the radio stations offer us the greatest hope to come against the violence in Colombia." He asked Russell if he would install FM stations throughout the nation. Russell told him that we already have fifteen FM stations and it has taken all these years to install them. In order to cover Colombia, we will need at least fifteen more stations which represent a vast amount of resources. Russell told the president, "We will pray that God grants us the ability and resources to construct fifteen more stations in 2012." Thank you for your prayers, support, and donations in serving the living martyrs in Colombia and Latin America, as they courageously risk their lives for the hope of peace in Jesus Christ.

Join us in prayer, gather helpful information or to support the living martyrs of Christ globally, please visit us on the web at:

www.SpiritofMartyrdom.com

October Newsletter 2011

By SOM News on October 12, 2011 3:00 PM | No Comments

AMERICAN PASTOR GONE BOLD

Reported By David Witt

Pastor Rob develops relationships

and shares the gospe

"We are His witnesses, God has called us to go," stated Pastor Rob Purdy from First Baptist Church, Seabrook, Texas. In 2006, Pastor Rob was not satisfied to simply expose his congregation to stories of outreach to Muslims and just send money. He wanted a direct witness. This is an active church in the Houston area of 200 members and Kingdom minded. He prayed for God to give him an unreached Muslim population that the church could adopt. God put a city in Senegal, Africa, upon his heart. Senegal is on the Northwest African Coast right below Mauritania. Ninety-four percent of the population is Muslim.

With his heart full of faith, Pastor Rob took an exploratory trip to a Muslim area where he knew no one. He prayed, "God let me meet a man of peace." God answered his prayer by having him meet a professional soccer player who introduced him to the Imams and civic leaders of the city. This began a ministry of building relationships of respect and love while courageously sharing the Gospel. Soon Muslims began to respond to the message of salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. With growing opportunity and vision, the church began leasing a humble home with a large courtyard for $500 dollars a month. The church sends a team to serve every other month. The city water is unreliable and often does not run during the day, so they dug a well to share with their neighbors. They began an educational and craft-making outreach to the women. Also they minister to the begging street children orphans (sometimes as young as 5 years old) and they give them showers, nurse their wounds, feed them a nutritious meal and then share a Gospel story. At 6:00 p.m. every evening as the sun sets and the

bats begin to take flight in pursuit of insects, men, women and children gather in the courtyard to hear Bible teaching under the expansive Mango fruit tree branches. The women sit peacefully on the straw mats; the children listen and then quietly play on the dusty ground, as the men sit in worn chairs. Part of this work is an adventure, yet it takes sacrifice and applied faith.

Seabrook FBC sponsors the
local city soccer team

How can these American Christians enter this different world and ultimately risk danger, heat, disease and discomfort to reach out to African Muslims? They joyfully reflect the Light of Jesus Christ! In our solar system, the moon reflects the sun's majesty. Psalm 89:36 refers to the allegory of the sun being a representation of the reign of Christ through the lineage of David. Verse 37 states, "Like the moon, it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies." Selah (meaning to pause and ponder the message of the Lord.) Just as the moon cannot help but reflect the sun, as Christians we cannot help but reflect the Light of Christ in our lives.

As I think about my visit to these precious Christians in Senegal, three memories immediately rise to the top. First, is the hot lazy afternoons in the courtyard, drinking fresh brewed tea while exchanging stories, listening to Scriptures played on the MP3 player (SOM supplied MP3 Scripture players and other tools to the house churches in North Africa.) Also, sweet moments of no talking but pure contentment of the companionship of other Africans resting in the comfort of the courtyard.Pastor Rob develops relationships and shares the gospel.

Second, was the night I taught the evening Bible study and a local Imam visited. Pastor Rob had developed a relationship with the Imam over the past few years. That afternoon we visited his home and invited him to the evening Bible study. That evening the Imam listened intently as I was able to share the Gospel by starting in Genesis and the fall of man. I shared stories of Muslims coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in Islamic nations around the world and much of the persecution they have endured because of sin. With more stories, I was able to share that Jesus was the only way of salvation and peace for all mankind. In the end, the Imam shared with the group. "What was shared tonight is important and I know that you love me because you came all the way from America and visited me in my home." That night, on the wall of the house, I showed the DVD "More than Dreams" which are dramatized testimonies of Muslims who had dreams of Jesus and became Christians.

Bible MP3 - Solar panel Galcom Mega Voices are supplied to home fellowships

Thirdly, it was the last day of our visit. Ismaili had accepted Christ recently and desired to be baptized, but was afraid. The major step of faith for Muslims is baptism. In Senegal they can face rejection from their families, friends, loss of employment, and homelessness for becoming a Christian. Baptism represents that total identification with Christ. Joyfully the Holy Spirit helped Ismaili overcome his fear and he was baptized with a swim in the ocean as I took pictures.

The Mission purpose of Spirit of Martyrdom is focused on emboldening the witness of Christ in the global Church. The donations and prayers of Christians in America have helped us supply thousands of dollars' worth of Christian materials to North Africa, Asia and South America. Pastor Rob is praying for more churches to partner with them in Senegal. Please pray with us for this need of networking more like-minded churches together. If you would like more information about this opportunity, please contact us. We want you to be encouraged in your faith by what God is doing around the world. The DVD, "More Than Dreams" is a gift to you for any donation amount. (Please just mention the title in the memo when donating.)

Join us in prayer, gather helpful information or to support the living martyrs of Christ globally, please visit us on the web at: www.SpiritofMartyrdom.com

September 2011 Newsletter

By SOM News on September 8, 2011 4:18 PM | No Comments

From Religious Confusion to Witness of Christ

By Russell Stendal, Latin America

Ana lost her mind to spiritual deception.
Today she has the mind of Christ.

South America is full of religious confusion from atheism to pseudo-christian sects. The scriptures warn of doctrines taught by demons that lead to bondage (I Timothy 4:1), yet today we are witnesses to the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ setting the captives free in hostile areas of Latin America. Spirit of Martyrdom supports the gospel witnesses.

Ana Tulia was a Jehovah Witness (JW). Ana was encouraged to work out her salvation by doing what her religious teachers told her. Although she tried to be a good JW she had no peace or assurance. Ana, with her husband and children moved into the jungle to start a small store. A self-proclaimed Pentecostal preacher came along and conned her family out of a lot of money. Consequently, they lost their store. Ana was taught that women could only be saved by childbirth, causing many unwanted pregnancies in her desperately poor community. Others came teaching that they were under a curse because they worshipped on Sunday or because they ate pork. Still another religious leader came and taught that they must tithe the proceeds from their coca fields to his ministry.

By this time Ana Tulia shares that she was struggling with demons, thoughts of suicide and murder. Pastor Julio tried without success to deliver her from these demons. Julio saw an opportunity with Ana in that everyone was terrified of her. He recruited Ana to go collect tithe monies from the drug farmers for his ministry. (In Latin America often the drug producers are very religious.)

Ana joyfully distributes Christian materials to
the Guerillas and others in her area.

Finally, in the midst of a huge crusade run by Pastor Julio, Ana Tulia became completely insane and wanted to kill everyone. During one of the meetings several other ladies became deranged and took off all their clothes as they ran through a barbed wire fence. Like the demonic in the Bible, Ana was out of her mind and wandered wildly. Finally she was captured, wrapped up in a sheet, and put in a strait jacket. The authorities took her to Villavicencio where she was put in a Roman Catholic asylum. They told her that her problems came because she did not have a patron saint and she had not prayed enough rosaries to the Virgin.

Ana standing with one of her daughters laughs with Russell.

Eventually she was released from the asylum and moved back to her remote home in the jungle. She still struggled with thoughts of murder. She did not want to leave a kitchen knife around in case she was tempted to kill one of her children while under the influence of a demonic attack. A pastor came by with our Galcom radios and offered to sell her one. (Which are supposed to be given away free of charge.) She had no money but gave the pastor two of her last chickens for the radio. She noticed that our message on the radio sounded very different from what she had been hearing from the local religious sects. She began to hope that God was real and intensely desired to meet me.

Ana's home is on the boundary area of where pastors are allowed to go by the guerrillas. Beyond this point, house meetings and pastors are prohibited. I came by on my way to meet with Eduardo, a guerrilla leader and Ana came running out to stop our vehicle. She also stopped me on my way back, but I had little time to speak with her. I gave her some more radios and some books, including Extreme Devotion by VOM. God began to deal directly with her. She devoured the materials, and soon she was completely delivered and filled with the true and living Holy Spirit.

The next time I visited, she shared her entire testimony and how God was using her as a true witness to the neighbors, the drug traffickers and the guerrillas. We began to place large amounts of relief materials, radios, books, Bibles and other supplies at her house. Outreach to all factions including the Colombian Army led to many other conversions. The local heretical pastor became enraged that the people were directly following God's Word and not obeying him or giving him their money. He began tracking down the Galcom radios and destroying them. The local top guerrilla commander warned him to stop. Ana Tulia told me afterwards; "I know that God really touched that commander because he did not even shoot the pastor!! He just told him to quit wreaking the radios." (Note: often the guerrillas are known to kill those that they do not like.)

Several major guerrilla commanders and many of their subordinates became converted including Eduardo. They began to distribute our materials all over the region to all their men and the farmers. The guerrilla high commander became concerned and ordered the transfer of some of these witnessing new believers to units far across the country. The transfer of these Christians failed to stop what God is doing and has merely aided the spread of the Gospel to new areas of Colombia.

Thank you for your partnership in serving the living martyrs in Latin America. Currently the AM station on Colombia transmits the gospel at 10,000 watts. This past spring a 50,000 watt AM transmitter was donated to the ministry for Latin America. This transmitter will reach a majority of South and Central America and greatly expand our outreach. Please join us in prayer for the transportation, installation and $70K to complete this project.

"For the Son of man is not come to lose
men's souls, but to save them." Luke 9:56

Join us in prayer, gather helpful information or to support the living martyrs of Christ globally.

Algerian Freedom - Final Week

By SOM News on August 22, 2011 1:35 PM | No Comments

Count our Blessings

Jesus w-children4.jpg This is the final week of our Algerian Freedom campaign. We are greatly encouraged by the past seven weeks. We introduced you to the growing church within Algeria: How over 100,000 Muslims have repented and trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior since 1985. How fundamental Muslims and secular Muslims in the government have been involved in persecuting Christians. How the Algerian ex-Muslim Christians have responded back with faith and courage. Why the government passed the unjust laws of Ordinance 06-03 in 2006. How they try to discourage the growth of Christianity and how those laws can land Christians in jail for up to five years for simply expressing their faith in Jesus Christ to a Muslim. How Pastor Siaghi Krimo gave the Jesus movie to a Muslim Neighbor in May of this year and was arrested, found guilty by the court and sentenced to five years in prison and a heavy fine. We also looked at some cultural aspects and the influence and practice of Ramadan. With all this information we asked you to pray for the freedoms of all Algerians and take action for Algerian Christians. (If you missed any of this information please go to www.SpiritofMartyrdom.com/news to read the past seven articles.) Many of you responded. Now we invite you to rejoice with us as we count our blessings. Here is some of the encouraging news we have received:

1. Pastor Krimo's lawyer was able to appeal the sentence and higher court judge has allowed Pastor Krimo to remain free during the appeal process.

2. Pastor Krimo and his family's lives were threatened by fundamental Muslims. Spirit of Martyrdom was able to pay for six months' rent as the Krimo family felt led to relocate to a safer location.

3. Pastor Krimo and his wife are flourishing in their new location. Immediately they have stepped into leadership with the local church. They both are boldly witnessing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. Pastor Krimo's wife specifically reports the blessing of feeling our prayers as she has a greater peace and feels more secure.

5. The government approved the first and only Christian school in Algeria. This is a very encouraging sign.

6. We received a report that two churches received permission to build a meeting place.

7. Many more Christians, civil and church leaders are aware of the situation in Algeria.

8. Funds were donated to Spirit of Martyrdom which helped us pay for the rent of Pastor Krimo and other needs.

Together we served the Church in Algeria. It reminds me of 1 Chronicles 29:9 which says, "Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD." This scripture refers to the Israelites offering precious metals and stones for the building of the temple of God. As we have offered our precious stones of prayers and sacrifices of action, we have helped build the temple of God in Algeria.

With the end of this campaign, it is my hope that your prayers and advocacy will not end but you will continue to pray for the church growing throughout the Islamic world. Our desire is to be a consistent support to the bold witness of the Church - world wide. We must persevere until Christ returns. This morning I received an e-mail update from our Algerian contact regarding this past weekend. A Christian Brother named Yassin (29 years old) was killed by five fundamental Muslims near his village in Algeria. Also, in the same area, two girls and one boy (ages 7, 8 and 10) died of dehydration. The temperature was 120 degrees Fahrenheit and the children begged for water but the parents would not give them any water because it is Ramadan right now. Stories like this impassion me to continue to support the witnesses of Christ in difficult areas. If you would like to join us and become one of our monthly financial partners you can contact us for auto pay or click here to make an online donation.

Pastor David Witt

Chief Executive Officer

Spirit of Martyrdom

PRAY

Monday: Pray for Yassin's family and the Muslim family whose three children died.

Tuesday: Pray for Algerians to find freedom in Jesus Christ alone.

Wednesday: Pray for the leaders of Algeria to seek a true understanding of the Christian faith.

Thursday: Pray for Spirit of Martyrdom ministries, that we serve the witnesses of Algeria effectively.

Friday and Weekend: Pray for us Christians in America to grow in our courage and faith as we serve our brothers and sisters in Algeria.

Verse of the Week: 1 Chronicles 29:7-13 - "They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the King also rejoiced greatly. Therefore, David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name."

ACTION

Share the ministry of Spirit of Martyrdom with one other Christian leader this week. Ask him/her to keep informed by signing up for our newsletter and inviting David Witt to come speak at his/her organization.

Click here to contact the ministry to schedule a speaking engagement.

Algerian Freedom Week 7 of 8

By SOM News on August 15, 2011 1:27 PM | No Comments

Soccer - a Holy Sport?

Soccer is popular in Algeria and now to Christians soccer is a reminder of God's sovereign grace. It is the Lord God who saves. Acts 2:47 says,

(Above - Algeria vs UK )

"And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." In recent history, God has added many Muslim background Algerians who have been saved by faith from their sins to inherit eternal life in Christ Jesus. Interestingly, soccer is an instrument God used in Algeria.

Before 1980, there were no Christians for 1200 years in Algeria. Saint Augustine and others were from this region of Africa, but by the 900s Islam wiped out Christianity. In 1981, a group of amateur soccer players from Switzerland vacationed to the Kabylie region, Algeria. The Swiss asked if their local soccer team wanted to play in a scrimmage. The team agreed but said their best player was really sick and asked if the Swiss had any medicine. The Swiss did not have medicine but offered to pray. When the Swiss prayed for the Algerian player, they asked that "our Father in heaven" heal him. The player was instantly healed. The rest of the Algerian soccer team was amazed and intrigued. "Who is this Father you pray to and how does he heal?" they asked. In the Qur'an there is no title of "Father" for Allah, so their curiosity caused them to further question what the Swiss were talking about. The Swiss explained to them the gospel. All 11 soccer players received faith in Christ and right away told others about their experience. The Algerian soccer players began to pray for the physical needs of others and many were healed. This event began the modern-day revival in Algeria which has grown to over 100,000 Christians in the past 26 years. The truly amazing miracle about all of this is that these men and women had no knowledge of Christ. It was two years later in 1987 that the first French Bible and then Arabic Bible were given to these new believers. This year marks the completion of the first Berber Bible in history (which is their native language.)

However, this enormous growth did not come without persecution. One of the soccer players tried to share his new faith with his family and they did not want to hear it. They beat him and his life was threatened. For 7 years, he was on the move until 1992 when his family asked him to come back to the village. The risk of visiting his home village was very high; but God had other plans for him. The village elders grilled him about his Christian faith. The wisdom of his answers impressed the elders and after their discussion the elders simply walked away. In due time, his family came to faith in Christ.

God is adding Muslims to faith in Christ like never before in history. God invites us to have a part of this work with prayers and a bold witness of faith. Every Muslim background believer is a persecuted believer. If the Algerian believers can be bold in their faith, we encourage you to be bold in your prayers and faith here in America. In these last two weeks of our Algerian Freedom campaign, we ask you to persevere in prayer and this week to share the situation of Christians in Algeria with one other person.

Travis Fowler

Travis@SpiritofMartyrdom.com

PRAY

Monday: Pray for Algerian Christians to continue to boldly share their testimonies of revival.

Tuesday: Pray for Algerians to find freedom and peace in Jesus Christ alone.

Wednesday: Pray for the leaders of Algeria to seek a true understanding of the Christian faith.

Thursday: Pray for Spirit of Martyrdom ministries, that we serve the witnesses of Algeria effectively.

Friday and Weekend: Pray for us Christians in America to grow in our courage and faith as we serve our brothers and sisters in Algeria.

Verse of the Week: Acts 2:36-47 - "Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

ACTION

Look for an opportunity to share the history and current situation with Christians in Algeria with one other person this week. (Maybe this will be a real banner week and you can find two people. )

Tribute to Tom White

April Newsletter 2012

March Newsletter 2012

February Newsletter 2012

January Newsletter 2012

Hope In Colombia: 2012

October Newsletter 2011

September 2011 Newsletter

Algerian Freedom - Final Week

Algerian Freedom Week 7 of 8

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