The calendar tells me that June has rolled around again, and that reminds me of something: This is not only the anniversary month for the RoadTurn blog, but today is the very day, three years ago, when the first post was made. Trust me; it seems longer. For old times sake, though, here is that post: [Read more…] about Paul Potts, Aijalon Mahli Gomes and the month of June
Robert Park, Brother Yun and Aijalon Mahli Gomes
You got me, all I know is that I began to pray in a different way for Aijalon Gomes. Rather than look to the U.S. government or the evangelical churches of the world to act on his behalf, I began to pray that the Creator of the Universe would move on Aijalon’s behalf and deliver him in a way that shows the glory and power of the Father. That was a couple of days ago…
Now, here comes this almost bizarre post and video by Robert Park. [Read more…] about Robert Park, Brother Yun and Aijalon Mahli Gomes
Brother Yun and Aijalon Mahli Gomes
Aijalon Mahli Gomes’ situation–alone and forsaken in a North Korean prison camp, while his country and his people have plenty of other issues to worry about–seems impossibly sad. He picked an inconvenient time to display his compassion for the people of North Korea. We can only hope that his mission won’t be entirely in vain, and that he will survive the ordeal with an intact mind and body. Right?
Not so, says Brother Yun, a leader in the Chinese underground Church. Not so at all. God still works miracles, even the kind of miracle that released the Apostle Peter from prison, as described in the book of Acts, Chapter 12. How does Brother Yun know this? It happened to him. His story is told in the book, The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun.
Could such a thing happen to Aijalon Gomes? It seems to me that anything–absolutely anything–is possible in this world. Personally, I’m going to change my prayers for Aijalon to “Lord, perform a miracle in this situation. Use the plight of Aijalon Mahli Gomes to display your majesty and your glory throughout the Earth. Let the whole world know, Father, that the North Korean gulag has absolutely NO power over you, Adonai. May your will be done.”
International Religious Freedom has no Ambassador… Why?
This issue came to my attention, via an article in Foreign Policy. Here is an excerpt from that piece:
Almost one and a half years into its term, the Obama administration still has yet to even announce the nomination of an IRF Ambassador (as the position is known in the State Department lexicon). In recent months, a growing chorus of disparate voices — including Members of Congress, a bipartisan and multi-faith group of religious leaders and human rights activists, an government commission, an independent study task force, and scholars such as my former colleague Tom Farr here in the pages of Foreign Policy — have all urged the administration to move expeditiously in finally filling the position after 16 months of vacancy. Even if a nominee is announced soon, it could be many more months until the ambassador is sworn in, depending on the vicissitudes of the Senate confirmation schedule. It may well be that President Obama reaches the halfway mark of his term without an IRF ambassador on board.
As the article goes on to state, President Obama has certainly had the time to fill the IRF spot. A plethora of other positions have been filled. At this point in the presidency, a big question mark is beginning to appear: Why is the President ignoring International Religious Freedom? Consider this troubling remark from the Foreign Policy article: [Read more…] about International Religious Freedom has no Ambassador… Why?
Time for Fresh Air…
It is Fresh Air Fund time again. That means that some New York City kids are in for a real treat–a trip to the country. If you can volunteer to help with this incredible program, please do.
I can’t help but think of Aijalon Mahli Gomes, prisoner of North Korea for the grave crime of Christianity. Aijalon is likely living in a small, dirty box right now. For him to get free and go to the country would be a tremendous blessing.
And you know what? Many of the kids that the Fresh Air Fund serves are living in conditions that are almost intolerable. Let’s help them get some Fresh Air…
Mother’s Day 2010
Happy Mother’s Day to all who qualify, or someday will. More and more, I see the wisdom in the idea that “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Mothers are the primary instructors of the future.
I think of Aijalon Mahli Gomes’ mother today. Her heart must surely be broken, to know that her boy is languishing in a North Korean labor camp.
My prayer is that his release be gained soon–but for this: Aijalon went to North Korea for a purpose. May that purpose be fulfilled, lest his torture be for naught.
All over the globe, human beings are starving and treated like chattel. North Korea is but an example of the injustice. The entire human condition could be changed with one thing: Love.
The entire human condition is embattled by two things: Hate and Greed.
When will we stop? When will we listen?
May this Mother’s Day bring wisdom, hope and change.