Kim Kyung II

I don't know if it's just me, but I'm constantly being drawn to compassion and a heightened interest of those who suffer around the world for Christ's name...

...And yet those who I talk to about the reality of Christians being physically and mentally tortured are in somewhat of disbelief or do not desire to know about this reality. The ironic part about all this is the lack of connectedness in the Body of Christ towards their brothers and sisters in Christ that suffer around the world for His name... and yet, God calls his children to "remember those in chains."

Today, I wrote a letter to Kim Kyung II who is imprisoned for the name of Christ. I have not personally encountered what the physical torture is like in the Chinese prison system... I've only read of accounts. These accounts are only glimpses of what pain I could sympathize with. Needless to say, my spirit deeply sympathizes with the pain that people suffer for in Christ's name. Thankfully, Voice of the Martyrs has a on-line system that gives you the opportunity to encourage those who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ by writing them and their government officials that oversee them in the prison system.

No, I cannot run into the prison and take these Christians out physically, but what I can do is remember their sufferings for Christ and let them know that they are thought of through a letter that I can send to them personally through the mail.

These are just some of my thoughts and passions on the matter. I hope that you are compelled to respond to the calling of the Holy Spirit in what he would have you do regarding this reality of persecuted Christians.

You can read Kim Kyung II's information at: http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_157_profile.html
At this website you also can write prisoners and their officals just as I have done.

~Julia

Looking FULL in His Wonderful Face...

Dana from her blog site, Sought After, made a very significant post. It's note worthy and I found the Holy Spirit speaking to me...

"My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." -Psalm 39

"I think if I were to spend more time in the Psalms, I'd find many more prayers I could make my own. Now, I don't fall into the "heaping up wealth" part as I'm trying to work my way through school, but still . . .

"I think I definitely fall into the "bustling about part", and my heart's cry is to have the Lord remind me of how fleeting this life is and that I need to seize every moment.

"Quite the prayer after the two days I've had. I've been sick and at home, not working for the last two days. I've been asking God lately for time and space to really draw near to Him, to know Him more and love Him more. I did have time with Him today that was wonderful. But what did I do tonight? So ashamed to say it--I watched American Idol. Even worse-for 2 hours. I'd like to leave that detail of my life out and try to make myself sound much deeper and more spiritual than that, but that would be a lie. I don't know what the excuse might be. Sick days make you think you should be on a couch in front of tv doing nothing. Ummm . . . I could pass it off as family bonding as two of my sisters and my parents were in the room with me. Nope, I've got nothing. It was just a poor choice with a free day to really seek the Lord."
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Sometimes I feel this way. I'm reminded of an old, but beautifully, simplistic song...

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look FULL in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

There is nothing more precious than seeking His face!
~Julia