The SG Notebook

Just a quick note to make you aware of the need for prayer in China now that the Olympics are almost upon us. You can get a free prayer bracelet from Voice of the Martyrs to help you to remember the plight of the persecuted Christians in that country. Actually, you can get several bracelets if you want. Go here for more information and to get your band. Thanks.

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Big in the news this week was the fact that a new “American Idol” had been elected or crowned or whatever it’s called. It’s all been much discussed among many folks we know, particularly many Christians, so I must admit that we were wondering which David would be chosen, etc. etc. There was some disappointment on my daughter’s part that it was the one which it was, sadness which lasted about five or ten minutes and then life continued on as usual. We’ve never gotten into looking at this show, partly because we look at very little regular network TV and partly because, to tell you the truth, I do take some issue with calling any person alive or dead an “idol.” I know, surely he or she is not really worshipped and it’s all in fun, but I still take issue. Sorry folks. I’ve often wondered what qualities of character these exalted ones offer to our young people.

I doubt if it’s a great sin to have our children clap and cheer at such occasions or at sports events, but I wonder how often we put the true heroes before them, the ones who have never appeared before the bright and colorful lights or before huge stadium crowds. I’m thinking of brave and courageous people who may have appeared before a crowd in an arena for the purpose of being eaten by lions or who have been locked up in a dungeon for years some place. Some of them are unknown and unsung, but I want my children and grandchildren to know about them and to know what they stood for. So I guess I’m saying make sure your kids are fully aware of them as much as the ones who entertain them.

Please don’t think I’m being judgmental. We all enjoy a good ball game, myself included, and we sometimes enjoy the good singing of someone whom God has gifted with a good voice. But please endeavor to have your children know the name of someone like William Whiting Borden and what he did with his young life and fortune as much as they know the names of David Cook and David Archiletta.

There’s an interesting post by Carol Fleece at the VOM persecution blog that you might want to read. She talks about vacation spots which we probably would never get to go to, but which would surely help children think about something with some real substance to it: Christians who are suffering or have suffered for their faith. Carol made some good stops in this imaginary vacation trip. The real point here is that we not let our children forget about the persecuted; that they not think the world is restricted to their little comfort corner in it; and that we do what we can to direct them in making it just a little better if at all possible. The third paragraph suggestions are plausible, even during the school year!

Talk to you again soon,

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Eritrea. I know my geography was never very good, but I don’t believe I’d ever heard of this country until recently. Not until I read all the information on the Persecution Blog regarding the many sufferings of Christians there. This month we’re featuring an article about a boy named Joseph from that country. Go to our Child of Courage page for the link to this article and please read it to your children. Have them think about the response questions on our page and perhaps make the lists that are suggested there. It might be a worthwhile activity for them during this season of hustle and bustle. A good time to get them to stop and think about the things that really matter. Always good for the soul.

Blessings. Talk to you soon.

Maxine

Let this banner be a reminder to pray for the persecuted church on November 11th. Please go here for more information.

I notice that the Persecution Blog has a post featuring Miriam, our Child of Courage for this month and last month. You might want to visit and read more about her there. You might also want to have your children go to our Child of Courage page and Bulletin Board to read the thought questions about her family. They will be featured until the end of October. See our various activities geared towards “Helping Children Grow,” where you can find this particular feature under “Helping Children Grow in Compassion.”

Take care, Maxine

I draw your attention to two Chinese heroes.

Church Leader Cai Zhuohua was apparently released from prison on September 10th. Pray for his safety now that he is out. Pray for courage for this man.

Apparently news was released today of the illness of another prisoner. Pastor Zhang Rongliang is experiencing failing health, according to reports. He has been through so much already, and now there is the possibility that he could die in prison, as he has four more years to go. Could you please bring his name before the throne of grace as it comes to your mind?

Pray for the believers in this country. Pray for the unbelievers–that the Lord would even use the testimonies of these to men to draw the lost to Himself.Go to the Persecution Blog for more news about suffering saints.

We are all thankful for the release of the hostages. Yes, I know there is controversy surrounding it, but we can rejoice nonetheless.

However, the persecution of Christians continues, the battle goes on. This occurs on many fronts and in many ways. Keep the prayers going for the ongoing work of the Church.

Our homeschooling year has begun and until I settle in, the work of SG suffers a bit. There has been somewhat of a lull in book sales, which is the doing of God, I’m sure. I need the time.

New publications are coming, but slowly. We’ll do our best to keep things moving towards that end.

The Christian Heroes posts will not be made weekly anymore, only as time permits. I have been quite captivated by the fact that so many heroes are still being made in our day and age. Some have been slain, but new recruits are emerging. Praise the Lord.

Twelve South Korean hostages have been released! Seven to go. Keep praying.

Here is a link to a video in support of the South Korean hostages. I hope your heart will be touched to pray all the more. I’m not the best at putting videos on this WordPress blog and my time is too jammed to figure it out, so just jump over to the Persecution blog to view it.

Talk to you soon

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna