A Person?

The Abortion "issue" in Canada (presently no rules governing) is entirely about whether or not a foetus (child in utero) is distinctly a human being - a Person - as defined by the UN Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

If the foetus is determined to be a Person, then it becomes a Human Rights issue, not just a Women's Rights issue. The Canadian Charter, and any associated laws, would then need to be amended (with reference to a woman's "security of person"), which is one of the central legal issues that has created the legal "limbo" we are presently experiencing.

In other words ... every Canadian deserves, as a guaranteed right, "security of person". I don't think that it would be outrageous to presume that the threat of death would effect a person's "security of person".

Most of the arguments regarding the right of a woman to her own body would be moot in relationship to the human being she is carrying in her womb, and interestingly enough, providing "life support" to.

I think the fact that there is no real challenge to "put things right" by the government and related legal bodies is purely a political issue (with moral implications).

Fear is a powerful weapon with unreasonable results.

See "Few Canadians know the Rules on Abortion, Poll finds" http://www.nationalpost.com/Canadians%20know%20rules%20abortion%20poll%20finds

ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_Canada

Conspiracy Theories

I think there's a conspiracy to keep people interested in conspiracies.

Conspiracy theorists give people and groups of people too much credit for maintaining a mutual secret or for that matter being loyal to each other, especially in connection with "evil conspirators" and Machiavellian schemes that span more than a person's lifetime or term in office. It's extremely unlikely, especially over a period of centuries. Plans of greed and power are seldom established or sustained as a legacy for the following generations. That would be a contradiction in terms.

Greed, lust and selfishness are not good bedfellows with loyalty, faithfulness and honour. Unfortunately the former are natural examples of sinful human nature. History has shown that "evil empires", secret or not, eventually end in destruction.

A typical example of a Conspiracy Theory widely held as truth and fully based on lies and slander: ... "the Jewish bankers rule the world" (foundational premise for Hitler's 'Mein Kampf') - This particular claim is still circulated by the moronic fringe and although once a notion held just by the anti-semetic is now making it's way (again) into the mainstream! Unfortunately, this evil notion although seemingly banal has resulted in the widespread mistreatment of an entire race of people.

Conspiracy Theories are increasingly, it seems, a ridiculous distraction for many. So much so that reality is often not recognized even when it's slapping one square in the face.

"For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions.. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (AMP)

... another sobering quotation:

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. 2 Peter 2:1-3 (NIV)

Beware of slanderous theories, popular "stories" and myths. Like viral sickness, they carry death in them. Truth is freely available. It's no secret.

Letter to a dear friend on Holocaust Denial

My dear Friend ...

I've had lot's of time to think on my drive home. There's so much I would have wanted to discuss with you with regards to our interesting conversation over brunch, so when I arrived home I did some quick research for you. I realize that the internet is often questionable as an objective reference source, however, my habit is to cross-reference. In this case I could probably spend uninterrupted months sifting through the data! Fortunately, this is not a new issue and many reliable scholars have walked this road. Quick and fruitful searches gave good answers to your questions re: crematoriums/fuel/ashes, etc. ... (I've pasted an excerpt at the bottom).

Here is also an excellent synopsis with regards to Holocaust Denial (something that is becoming very prevalent again, even from some surprising sources) ... which is indeed the issue if the overwhelming amount of empirical evidence is not accepted. It is however good to ask questions and receive answers ... I think you'll find this interesting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust_denial

Something else I should add that's interesting. "Mein Kampf" the book written by Adolph Hitler, has as it's foundational premise that the world was secretly being run and controlled by a conspiracy of Jewish bankers. He believed (not a new idea at the time) that the Jewish people as a race were inherently cunning and evil, even genetically, and thus were a threat to the "world". It was this premise as well as racial purity based on a philosophy of "eugenics" that later fuelled the Nazi agenda. This idea of a Jewish conspiracy became very popular after WW1 particularly as an explanation for the great German loss and the political, social, economic upheaval it was going though. It was not an uncommon thought (very popular in the press) in the Americas as well as other European nations at the time for similar reasons.

It's fascinating to note that one of the major issues that Hitler had was with Judaism (and subsequently Christianity), in particular the laws of Moses (as he put it "the Jew's code of ethics") ... he wanted them to be literally expunged from the German consciousness ... especially: "you shall not kill" ... as Hitler believed that it (killing) was a legitimate and necessary way to benefit humanity. He also mocked the common Jewish goal (Zionism) of returning to Israel (a nation that he would not recognize, historically or as a future concept, thus only referring to it as "Palestine").

He especially thought that it was much more humane to "cull" the weak, crippled and diseased rather than have them be "supported" by society. He considered weak, by definition, any human not willing or able to fight for his/her survival (or patch of land). That was of course true of the "racially impure" as well, especially Jews and Blacks, as he, and many others (not just in Germany) supported the idea of a pure master race (supermen) that was to be the logical conclusion of human evolution.

A common tactic that Hitler and his propagandists used was what's called "revisionist history", that is they literally rewrote historical fact to support their ideas. The young were then indoctrinated from an early age with false history as well as with a new humanist "code of ethics". Also, one of the first things the Nazi's did when in power was to strip German Jew's of their citizenship - that is - take away their identity and their "homeland", something that had already been in progress for some time in the east, especially in Poland and Russia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mein_Kampf

Another interesting point ... no one seems to be interested in questioning the Stalinist and Maoist "purges" ... surely the bodies of over 30 million people would be hard to hide?

Some interesting answers (one source) to questions originally posed by Ernst Zuendel (deported from Canada back to Germany for hate crimes in the 80s - he's now in prison where he belongs):

Cremation:

• Many Jewish survivors of the "death camps" say they saw bodies being piled up in pits and burned. How much gasoline would have to be used to perform this?
• Can bodies be burned in pits?
• "Holocaust" authors claim that the Nazis were able to cremate bodies in about 10 minutes. How long does it take to incinerate one body according to professional crematory operators?
• Why did the concentration camps have crematory ovens?
• Given a 100% duty cycle of all the crematoria in all the camps in German-controlled territory, what is the maximum number of corpses it would have been possible to incinerate during the entire period such crematoria were in operation?
• Can a crematory oven be operated 100% of the time?
• How much ash is left from a cremated corpse?
• If six million people had been incinerated by the Nazis, what happened to the ashes?
• Do Allied wartime photos of Auschwitz (during the period when the "gas chambers" and crematoria were supposed to be in full operation) reveal gas chambers?

There is so much more data from many diverse sources ...

In the end, I would think that no matter what position a thinking person would take ... one would have to conclude that it is true that the Jewish people have had an incredible impact on the world down through the centuries and as well, have been incredibly mistreated ... There has been no other people on the face of the planet so maligned and mistreated (out of the many groups that have, i.e. American Indians to Eritreans and the non-Arab/Muslim Sudanese) in such a wholesale and consistent manner down through the ages. The question I would ask is ... Why?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_antisemitism

Hope you don't mind this ... I actually enjoyed "slapping" these thoughts together ... I'm actually a big fan of the study of history.

Love,

Chris

"Life is lived forward but understood backward." Soren Kierkegaard

First Love

In the past my forays away from God, lengthy death defying journeys, were substantially driven by struggles with repetitive sin issues. Because of the futility of my efforts to resist the desires that were dragging me down and the guilt and shame I was feeling of my repeated attempts at presenting myself before a holy God with my issues, I took the easier seemingly more painless route ... persue my sinful life without Him. The failure really was my lack of understanding of how God sees me

I was recently speaking to someone about my past experience of falling away from God and returning to connect with Him during times of crisis only to walk away after His response (the relief came). Eventually I became sick of my "betrayal" and asked that He "make it" that I wouldn't do that anymore. He responded directly ... the result was a sustained crisis.

I have often expressed a fear that if my life became too comfortable that there was a danger that I would fall away. What I instantly discovered while testifying was that the Lord has faithfully and carefully restored and created a love affair between us that will withstand the test of circumstance. I am very close to complete abandon. I no longer need to testify to that fear ... although I need to heed His warning ... my First Love.

His Name

Ever wonder how common it is for people to misuse God's name in their day to day speech, their curses, their oaths, their gutter vernacular, their "Internet speak", their jokes? How easy it seems for the name of Jesus to be cursed misused, reviled. How unusual it seems, if there were perhaps an accounting (and there will be), for the name of Jesus to be more commonly elevated and revered in day to day speech. Perhaps that would seem even unusual to most, perhaps even fanatical?

What's interesting and noteworthy I think is that I have never heard anyone misuse any other "god's" name in their vernacular, in their curses. Ever hear "Vishnu" or "Buddha" or "Mohammed" or "Allah" or "Krishna" used as a curse? There is a very good chance that if that were so, the defenders of those religions would react unfavourably (some even quite violently) if they were aware of the misuse. Perhaps that's why it's so unusual? Fear of man? What about fear of God?

So much for "respect" in this society of "sensitivity" and "tolerance". What a farce! As Franky Schaeffer so aptly once wrote: "Neutrality is a Myth".

"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Deuteronomy 5:11

In the name of Jesus people are ...

• saved
• healed
• delivered of evil
• blessed
• baptized into God's family
• reconciled to God

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name." Hebrews 13:15

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11

Order of Canada - Dr. Henry Morgentaler - Travesty of the Highest Order

This is the body of a letter I recently sent to Prime Minister Harper as well as to my MP - Anthony Rota:
______________________________________________________________________________________

I hope this short note get’s to you sir … I am just an average Canadian, a constituent of your riding; however I believe that my concern is of great importance.

I have just discovered that Dr. Henry Morgentaler has been selected to receive the Order of Canada in just a few days. When I heard this my heart sank. Can this news really be true?

I believe that the Order of Canada should, and must be reserved to honour those "Fathers & Mothers" of our nation that have contributed to the life, well being and future of our population and land ... not its decimation!Please don’t misunderstand me, this is not an attack on Dr. Morgentaler's person or character, nor am I opposed to respecting the proper rights and freedoms of women in Canada. I am however voicing opposition to rewarding him as a national hero for being instrumental in removing all limits to the practice of abortion in Canada.

Awarding Dr. Morgentaler this award would be a travesty of the highest proportions, indeed an international travesty as well. How will this portray Canada as a nation? Will this portray Canada as a nation that rewards people for the reduction of its own population? Indeed, for the sustained mass extermination of the most vulnerable citizens of our nation? As my heritage is German, the thought of this sends shivers down my spine. Have we not learned from history?

I realize that the issue of abortion is highly controversial; many Canadians are also unclear of the issues involved. Canadians have however voiced their opinion en masse on the issue of this award being presented to Dr. Morgentaler. As unscientific as the recent Globe & Mail survey on this issue may have been, 92% of Canadians that voted, voted NO. I believe it is at the very least an indicator of an issue that needs to be recognized. Many Canadians are against this!

Dr. Morgentaler is a Canadian just like me and I would not approve of dishonouring him as a person, however to give him this great honour I believe is highly unjustified.

Please sir, I’m asking with all my heart, put an end to this.

Yours respectfully,
_______________________________________________________________________________

Response from the Prime Minister's office - July 15, 2008


July 15, 2008

Chris Hermann
chris@jubalmusic.ca

Dear Mr. Hermann:

On behalf of the Prime Minister, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your recent correspondence regarding the Order of Canada. We have noted your concern and are pleased to have this opportunity to respond.
The Government is not involved in either the deliberations or decisions with respect to which individuals are appointed to the Order of Canada. It is Rideau Hall that approves the final appointments based on the recommendations of the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada, which is chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

With respect to specific appointments to the Order, the Prime Minister's preference is for the Order of Canada to be an honour that unifies and brings Canadians together. Clearly, this appointment did not do that.

To further express your concerns, we would recommend that you contact the Governor General's office directly at:

Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1
Phone: (613) 993-8200
Toll-free: 1-800-465-6890
Fax: (613) 998-8760
E-mail: info@gg.ca

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

Susan I. Ross

Executive Correspondence Officer
for the Prime Minister's Office

I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."
Revelation 1:12-18 (NIV)

High the Most

Father when I'm broken
You draw close
I'm not looking for a token
because when I am low and least
You are high the most

Spirit sharp and bright
cut deep and clean
and remove what is unseen
that what You have shown as blight
away from heaven's sight

Jesus lover - ruler of my heart
sit on Your rightful throne
and let me fear you alone
no other man or king
for it is only Your praises that I sing!

The Captain - by Chris Hermann

Let me tell you a story ...

Once there was a Captain of a beautiful sailing ship that was sailing in very treacherous seas. At this point in the story the ship was sailing very close to a rocky reef. It was very difficult for the Captain to navigate and steer the ship through these waters because the sails were not properly furled to catch the wind and, even more importantly, because the crew often didn't trust or accept the Captain's authority and ability, and therefore didn't really obey his orders. Often a sailor would grab the Captain's wheel from him ... It was then that the ship would start to head for the sharp rocks of the reef ...

The sailors seemed unaware that the rough way the ship was handling while under the Captain's direction was not because of his inability to stay on course but because of the very rough seas that came as a result of the storm that the ship now also found itself in, as well as the reef's swells and breakers that tossed the ship to and fro. They also didn't realize that the more they tried to wrestle control of the ship from the Captain, the closer the ship came to the dangerous reef, where the waves and breakers became even worse and much more difficult to sail through. What they didn't know was that if they were to drift too close, the Captain may not be able to correct the ship's heading when he finally did get the tiller back ... in that case the ship would crash and sink ... they'd all then end up overboard leaving each person to fend for themselves in the churning waters.

Things really started to go wrong half way through their journey when the First Mate jumped overboard after leading a failed mutiny, having then joined Pirates after being rescued by them. It was the First Mate that was once really in charge of the ship ... especially when it came to the hearts and minds of the crew. All of the other sailors would look to the First Mate for example and direction as well as a sense of well being.

Crazy though ... there's no way the Captain could sail that ship alone ... the sails had to be looked after and constantly adjusted, someone had to navigate, someone had to sound (check the water's depth) ... thus while the sailors were fighting to be captain, or at least trying to keep the Captain from being one ... all those important jobs didn't get done ... And so it seemed like they were constantly floundering in the stormy seas next to the reef instead of sailing into the open ocean, on course, as they had planned all along, being moved only by the wind in the sails of their beautiful ship.

Now many of the sailors couldn't even recollect what it was like when the Captain and the First Mate once did work together. It seemed so long ago ... All the Captain could do now was remember, sadly, the course headings marked on the charts, hoping that the ship would not sink and get back on it's correct bearing. One day, he knew the storm would abate ... the sun would come out and it would be clear sailing! He knew from experience that the weather always changes ... and God knows, maybe his beloved First Mate would get sick of being a pirate and somehow return to their ship. Perhaps other captains would not be quite so welcoming to a returning mutineer ... But this one will respond with open arms and heart. That First Mate was the Captain's only, best and last Mate. As far as he was concerned, no one else could ever fill that position on their sailing vessel. No one.

A good captain never leaves his ship, even when it looks like it's sinking.

The End

It's About Seeing Us!

by Rubel Shelly

Josh has shared a few stories with me about his friend Jack. He has come to call him "Professor" Jack. I can understand that venerable title, given some of the really important things Jack taught him.

Professor Jack is a homeless man in Detroit. In better days, he played in a band, owned a restaurant, and had a family. Addiction to drugs took all those things away from Jack. When Josh first met him, Jack was taking a meal from some church members whose hearts had been convicted about their need to help the poor. And he certainly qualified.
.... cont'd http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200703/20070315_seeingus.html

Slavery - Repentance & Healing

The following is an e-mail sent to me by a friend I met in Germany last year, Dieter Quick - Bolton, UK. He has been instrumental as a leader in the intercession movement surrounding the bicentennial anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the UK. This repentance movement and related issues are very significant, not just for the decendants of slavers in the UK but for all British and European decendants on both sides of the oceans, as well as decendants of slaves around the world.
The spiritual strongholds that are tied to these issues still affect us all ... worth a read as well as some continued thought and prayer ... Chris
______________________________________________________________


Please let your friends and contacts know! Dieter

S l a v e r y

Repentance and Healing
@
The National CRE

DRAW FROM THE SOURCE

Wednesday 16/O5/2007

Sandown Park, Esher, KT10 9AJ

www.creonline.co.uk

• to repent for European greed and abuse
• to bring healing and release to Africa and the UK
• to overcome the spirit of slavery in the fabric of our culture
• to achieve justice for descendants of enslaved Africans all over the world

"If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

"So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." Galatians 4: 7 NIV
____________________________________________________________

Dear friends and all,

Richard Reddie from set all free (CT England) and I have been asked to host a Transatlantic Slavery - Repentance and Healing service

• on Wednesday, 16th May 2007
• 2.15 pm, Arts Theatre (Solario Suite)
• at The National Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE)
• Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey (KT10 9AJ).

Similar to the day of prayer we had in Bolton last October, we will bring together Christian intercessors and church leaders from black African, Caribbean/American and white British/European backgrounds. We will intercede for one another and will together

-- as descendents of perpetrators and of victims --

face the sins and lasting effects of the transatlantic slave trade.

As we acknowledge our historical involvement and entanglement with the "trade in human misery", and together seek God's forgiveness and healing for the UK, Africa and the descendants of enslaved Africans all over the world, we believe that through God's love and grace we will see our future transformed. Bishop Wayne Malcolm (Christian Life City, London), himself a descendant of enslaved Afro-Caribbeans, will take on the priestly role of hosting us, the sons and daughters of perpetrators and victims t o g e t h e r at the Lord's table, celebrating the Reconciliation, Healing and Unity that Jesus the Son of God, our Saviour, won once for all through His sufferings and death at the cross.

Please don't be late! The service will begin at 2.15 pm sharp, as the conference centre closes at 4.30.

A whole day at the CRE? It might be worth considering spending the whole day at Sandown Park, Esher. The National Christian Resources Exhibition (attended by more than 11,500 people in 2005), is currently Europe's biggest annual Christian show. Its purpose is to bring together church leaders and Christians actively involved in their community with Christian organisations, charities and companies that supply the resources to equip and maintain churches across the UK. Alongside an exhibition of stalls to interact with, visitors can attend lectures from a comprehensive and diverse talks programme. The CRE team has decided to have this year's bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade act and set all free concerns (slaveries, past and present) as a predominant feature within the seminar programme. They are determined to make the CRE a catalyst for change.

Please do not miss the "Spirit of Wilberforce" exhibition of the transatlantic slave trade and the abolitionist movement which includes artefacts that were on display on board the replica slave vessel "the Zong" that anchored in the Pool of London in March and April. (Visit www.spiritofwilberforce.com).

Entry to the CRE is £ 5.00 pre-booked and £ 7.00 on the door. For tickets and info, please go to www.creonline.co.uk.

As we face the truth about ourselves including the dark side of our history, we will remove some of the major obstacles through God's grace that stand between us, white British/Europeans, black Africans and black Caribbeans/Americans. As many of us have experienced, even in the Church the Unity of Love that Christ established between us is hindered through the effects of unresolved sin; hidden, undeliberate racism; pain and anger because of our shared past. Through facing the dark side of our history and heritage, we furthermore hope to become part of a growing movement that will deal with the demons of this nation's past and will help her establish a more humble and healthy national identity. We in particular hope to strengthen the position of the downtrodden and the poor in today's society.

To prepare ourselves and delegates at the conference day that we had in Bolton last October, we produced a collection of some very good quality articles from different researchers featuring the history and legacy of transatlantic slavery. This I believe very helpful material can freely be passed on to all who intend to come prepared to the service of Repentance and Healing. Please send me an email!

It would be great to see many of you at the Sandown Park conference centre! Can I also ask you to please let your friends and contacts know, in particular those who live in the South and the London area.

May God bless you in abundance!

Yours in Jesus,
Dieter Quick
_____________________________________________________________________________

Feedback from delegates afterSlavery
-- Repentance and Healingin Bolton, 28/10/2006

"Congratulations once again for the very good effort initiated by you in that area."
Bishop Dr Doye Agama, BMECA, Greater-Manchester

"Thank you for the Slavery Repentance & Healing conference. So much of it was superb. The speakers and the literature have been excellent. I shall remember that Bishop for many years to come." Sue Haworth, Bolton

"I was quite happy for the presence of somebody of Caribbean background to whom I could say sorry as an African. We were also very impressed by the sincerity of our European brothers and sisters. " Prof Dr Andrew Olu Igenoza, Ile-Ife Nigeria

"One of the most painful issues touching the different continents is that of slavery. Dieter Quick together with Paul Leak was led to address this issue by organising a day of prayer, teaching and action to undo the negative impact of slavery and usher in a new period of equal partnership between different nations. It was good to see a number of people attending from various parts of the UK in what Mark [Curtis] referred to as 'one of the most intense, powerful and moving days I have been involved in'." Passion For Jesus Ministries Newsletter January 2007

"The networking for 2007 should prove invaluable …" Nigel Pocock, Vision Training & Research, London

"Firstly, I thought the repentance day you organised was just amazing with such a strong presence of the Lord with us all. … "I felt the Lord was saying to you for you to be very encouraged by what had been achieved during the day. … the Lord was saying to you that you had opened up a deep well with living waters rising up which would cause many people to receive from the Lord." Sue Sinclair, Community Watchmen Ministries, Liverpool

"It was a very powerful event and I was glad to have been there ..." Rev Kirsty Thorpe, St Andrew and St George United Reformed Church Bolton
_____________________________________________________________________
Dieter Quick20 Roseberry Street, Bolton BL3 4AR(phone 01204 610 67;
email DieterQuick@web.de)

Weak and Broken Vessels

This from a friend ... during an e-mail exchange about suffering and it's effect on our character ...

I don't think there is anything we can say to justify any behaviour that isn't bathed in humility, mercy and love. And even then, our actions are only justified if they are the Lord's. Remember, we are weak and broken vessels. Only vessels, anything good that comes out of us is only from the Lord. He gets credit, even for our best self control (interestingly, a fruit of the Spirit). Anything that comes out of us that is anything but unadulterated Jesus is covered by the blood as we recognize our broken and empty state. This is humility! To KNOW that all our righteousness is as filthy rags. "I am dark but You call me lovely." I know that I am nothing, I truly am dark, but my value is in Your declaration that I am lovely. Your Words flow over me and I am changed, transformed in the splendor of Your love.

Political Correctness vs. Wisdom

The following is a quote from the internet. I have no idea whom I should attribute it’s origin or authorship to. In spite of that, I was struck by how it rather pointedly underlined the foolishness of the “pseudo-moral” society we find ourselves in.

Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.

To me Political Correctness is a very impotent (I didn’t miss the “r”) way of dealing with the difficulties of imposing egalitarianism on a society made up of human beings that generally want to be gods of their own lives and destinies. The result? If a person or group doesn’t approve of or dislikes (of course taking into consideration the enormous range of choices in terms of the “response type and level” that have their own inherent logical course of results and consequence) how a person or group leads their life, they are considered, nay judged and convicted, as the dreaded “INTOLERANT” or worse … “JUDGEMENTAL”.

History has shown, without exception, that the empowered victims of despots and dictators rise to be the next wave of despots and dictators. The truth is, human beings are not naturally good, nor are they born good … regardless of their gender, race or religion. What does make us all equal is our propensity for selfishness and our desperate need for God.

The pervasive idea of “Political Correctness” has insidiously wormed it’s way into Christian “culture” as well. Humanistic pop psychology masked as God’s love – seemingly straight from the hallowed halls of the big “O” Oprah gurus – turning God the Father into a senile old man that never get’s angry, who is never disappointed and does not actively discipline His children when they act like idiots. How surprising is it that we’re surrounded by fatherless children and childless fathers, neither of which actually know how to properly relate to each other? Is it because they have been force fed ideologies that are completely unnatural to the character of a Father or child - surrounded by women that are unclear as to how to walk through life as a mother or as a mate to men who have been thoroughly emasculated? What a mess!

Kurt Vonnegut, 1922 — 2007

One of the most, I think, "prophetic" American writers to several "messed up" generations has died at age 84. In spite of his deep sadness and outrageous cynicism, he was a voice that had an impact on those that questioned the ways of an anaesthetized "status quo".

His writing, although appearing at times to be naive, minimalist and tortured, was full of razor sharp satire and pathos. In spite of his obviously humanist thrust, many of his novels and short stories contributed to my own rejection of mindless lemming-like dead religion and "popular thought" in my search for the real thing.

I've enjoyed many of his novels through the years, the first having been "Slapstick" at age 18. Admittedly now, some of the more lurid scenes in some of his stories, although meant for "shock" value, no longer hold any appeal to me - if anything, only revulsion.

Unfortunately his literary exposure of the real darkness and dimwittedness of humanity, as opposed to popular "airy-fairy" thought was never punctuated with any real answers or possible direction, just a deep sadness and cynicism. Perhaps this was the reason for his own struggle with alcoholism and suicidal tendencies.

Amongst his many short stories and essays, two stick out in my mind as having had great impact on me:

"Biafra: A People Betrayed", from Wampeters, Foma and Granfalloons (1974). This was a tearstained first hand account of the final airlift of a people and nation that had been wiped out by a calculated blockade that had turned most into walking skeletons and then summarily slaughtered. It was utter genocide, as the world looked on mostly in apathy if not direct involvement.

"Harrison Bergeron", from Welcome to the Monkey House (1968). This short story is Vonnegut's way of debunking the idea of "egalitarianism" by portraying a society where the gifted, intelligent, strong and beautiful are "handicapped" through legislation and enforced law so as to ensure "social equality". This was later turned into a film (1995) starring Sean Astin.

I have a personal connection with Kurt Vonnegut because of his own experiences as an American POW in WW2 Germany. Sheltered in a concrete meat packing plant with his fellow American POWs he was one of the few survivors to have witnessed the fire bombing of Dresden by the allied forces. Over 150,000 unarmed civilians were burned alive by phosphor and jellied gasoline bombs dropped from planes as revenge and as a "demoralizing" tactic by the Americans. My father, then working as a research technician, unwittingly witnessed the same horror from an observation tower on a neighbouring hill. Vonnegut later turned his experinces into a bizarre semi-sci fi novel called "Slaughterhouse 5 (Schlachthaus Fünf)", which was also produced as a major film by the same name.
Some Vonnegut quotes:

"Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward."

"Those who believe in telekinetics, raise my hand"

"1492. As children we were taught to memorize this year with pride and joy as the year people began living full and imaginative lives on the continent of North America. Actually, people had been living full and imaginative lives on the continent of North America for hundreds of years before that. 1492 was simply the year sea pirates began to rob, cheat, and kill them."

"Just because some of us can read and write and do a little math, that doesn't mean we deserve to conquer the Universe."

"I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center."

"Beware of the man who works hard to learn something, learns it, and finds himself no wiser than before... He is full of murderous resentment of people who are ignorant without having come by their ignorance the hard way."

"A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved."

"I am eternally grateful.. for my knack of finding in great books, some of them very funny books, reason enough to feel honored to be alive, no matter what else might be going on."

"Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt"

Now that he can “see” for himself, I truly wonder what his thoughts are now …
Mr. Vonnegut ... may your soul find rest and the True Freedom you've always searched for ...

Chris Hermann

see also:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Vonnegut

http://www.vonnegutweb.com

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/books/04/12/obit.vonnegut.ap/index.html

He is still a God of Miracles!

During a recent Connect Group (Cell) meeting we briefly discussed "miracles". One of the things we discussed was the miracles of life itself ... our bodies, the grass and flowers ... the wonders of God's creation. Truly amazing things God has made and sustains ... quite true and we should be grateful, however, I don't believe the miracles performed by Jesus were referred to as such. As a matter of fact, He never went around saying to people: "look, there you are, another miracle of mine" or "... and see that blade of grass ... another miracle, now go do likewise.".It is however noteworthy that where no miracles were expected ... no miracles occurred ... even though He was present and quite able ...

Mark 6:4-6 Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith.

The following recent testimony is true ... this woman is closely connected to very trustworthy and close friends of mine and is in Senior Leadership at Highlands christian Ministries in Stratford Ontario ... this just happened (sent to me March 13), is proven and is evidence that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!! He is a miraculous God, who performs miracles today just as He did 3000 (yes!) years ago ... and they are true, extraordinary, supernatural, outrageous, to the glory of God -miracles!!!! Jesus is alive!

Please read this:
_______________________________________________________

Many of you heard the news and have been praying for my biopsy today. Thank you!! Also thank you for all the e-mails and phone calls we received. I have felt so loved, cared for, and filled with a great peace. Our Father's Kingdom is truly alive within us.

I went to have the biopsy at the hospital as scheduled today for the lump they found in my left breast, which the doctor said was a cause of much concern. First they did an ultrasound to find the exact location of the lump. They found it and prepared everything for the procedure. The technician and the nurse went to bring the doctor who would do the biopsy (it was the same doctor who discovered the lump a few weeks ago through a mammogram and an ultrasound). I thought it was interesting that both of them left at the same time and closed the door behind them. It took about 20 minutes for the doctor to come, so I had to wait there alone laying on the bed ready for the procedure. As I was waiting, a sudden thought run through my mind: "The lump is still here and they have confirmed it, but, it would be a greater testimony if it disappears while I wait here". I heard that thought and agreed with it. Then about five or ten minutes later, I felt this heat on my throat and upper chest area. It was a intense but gently heat. It lasted for one or two minutes and then an overwhelming sense of peace fill me and filled the room. About five minutes later the doctor finally came with the technician and the nurse to do the biopsy, but as she was going to do it she discovered that there was nothing to biopsy because the lump was no longer there. It disappeared during the 20 minutes I waited alone in that room. It was a true and complete miracle. She checked with the ultrasound machine twice more and said, "there is nothing here to biopsy, you can get dressed and go home!"

Woohoo our Lord did it again! Some of you may remember that two years ago, I was rushed to the surgeon for an emergency biopsy because they had found a lump in the right breast which caused great alarm.The existence of the lump was verified, but after much prayer it disappeared (also through feeling heat on my chest) causing great confusion among the doctors involved.

Deep gratitude and a big hug to all who have been standing with us through during this weeks. May God's great reward be yours in this life and in the one to come.

Much love and hugs,

Isabel Allum
___________________________________________________________________

There was nothing "human" about this story ... it's "superhuman".

Isn't that wonderful?!! Praise God!!! Shouldn't we expect these things from such a wonderful God? It's the devil and the world that wants to discourage us and to embrace the mundane and the false reality that the supernatural (things that aren't "natural") is not to be expected or pursued.

So shouldn't we expect and pursue:

• Further anointing (that is to say: "I want more because I need more!!!") of the Holy Spirit from heaven to do the things that Jesus has commanded us to do in His name ... heal the sick, raise the dead, heal and reunite hopeless relationships and marriages, speak in tongues, prophesy ... etc.?
• God to position us for miracles to happen ... especially in ways that would bring most glory to Him?

It's time for us to reject those things that have prevented us to walk ... no, run ... with God ... the traditions and dead doctrines of men. He is on the move and in these last days it will become increasingly difficult to ignore the "supernatural". We are surrounded by people that are not interested in "church" or "Christianity" as we've created it (should we blame them for that?) ... they want the real thing ... so should we.

Lord ... pour your Spirit out on us ... forgive us our unbelief ... we trust You ... open our eyes to the wonders of Your kingdom. We confess that You are a God of miracles!! We love You!!

I pray that this has stirred you ... we can't afford to be passive as King's kids anymore!!

John 3:31-36 "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.

The Mathematics of Faith

Postulate: Where fear is present there is absence of faith. Perhaps they are directly proportional, definitely mutually exclusive.

Fear ≠ Faith

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. 1 John 4:p18

Therefore faith is either similar or equal to love.

Faith ≈ Love

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Love > Faith

Define "perfect love"?

My beloved friends let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God. 1 John 4:7-10 (The Message)

Perfect Love = God

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, Colossians 2:9 (NIV)

… Jesus Christ … Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, but stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. Philippians 2:5-7 (Amplified Bible)

Jesus Christ = God

Conclusion: Jesus Christ and fear do not occupy the same space. Jesus Christ is greater than fear.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

… because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:14-16

Summary: I was once a minus and now I'm a plus. I love God because He first loved me. I like mathematics.

“Once you can accept the universe as

matter expanding into nothing that is something,

wearing stripes with plaid comes easy.”

Albert Einstein

Weihnachtsgrüße - Christmas Greetings

Christmas greetings from the Hermann Family

Weihnachtsgrüße von Familie Hermann

Benjamin ~ Christoph ~ Jasmin

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Frieden lasse ich euch, meinen Frieden gebe ich euch;
nicht wie die Welt gibt, gebe ich euch.
Euer Herz werde nicht bestürzt, sei auch nicht furchtsam.
Johannes 14:27

Now may the Lord of peace himself
give you peace at all times and in every way.
The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16

Er selbst aber, der Herr des Friedens,
gebe euch den Frieden allezeit auf alle Weise!
Der Herr sei mit euch allen!
2 Thessalonicher 3:16

Fast and Pray for FeG Zossen, Germany

Friday December 8th, 6pm - thru to - Saturday December 9th, 6pm

As announced by Pastor George Wilson last Saturday night, the congregation at The Harbour in North Bay, Canada, have been called to set aside a special day - 24 hours - to fast and pray for our dear brethren in Zossen, Germany. Please join with us to lift them up before the throne of God.

The Free Evangelical Fellowship of Zossen is 35 km south of Berlin. It's interesting to know that they are known as a "Gateway to the North" as is North Bay! My connection to them is through the mission I was involved in last July. They provided leadership for the global events: "Calling all Nations" and "Calling all to Worship" in Berlin and also were host to us, the Allen Froese band from Canada and other ministry leaders from abroad. They also were and are a central focus of God's purposes in that region.

We are seeking the Lord for key areas of breakthrough and believe that His plans and purposes will prevail over the powers of darkness that threaten our friends and brethren, in the great name of Jesus.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:5

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God. Phil. 1:3-11

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col. 1:9-12

Photo Links:

Freie evangelische Gemeinde Zossen - July 16
Tschüss Zossen! - July17

Vertical Reality - Jugglers Worshipping in Berlin

Worship Juggling? Oh yeah!! How many different ways can we express our hearts to God? We may never find the end of those possibilities ... and why should we?

Vertical Reality ... These guys are amazing ... plus, they played drums as part of The Psalm Drummers group ... very cool. Check out their blog entry that describes their experiences in Berlin last July.

"Time for a bit of juggling in the stadium, Vertical Reality’s boys ran out with Kings Kids and joined the English team who danced wonderfully and combined with the circus skills was a real winner, and ended with VR freestyling in the middle of the dancers, what a way to worship!"

Dear Readers - Liebe Leser

As much fun as the Photo Loops have been, they have mostly been responsible for this blog becoming overwhelmingly "brutal" to even the most muscular computers with the broadest bands. Especially those of a "dial-up" flavour (not so broad).
I've edited most of the loops out and replaced them with links to photo collections on my web site.
Hopefully this will make the "Blogging" experience somewhat more enjoyable to all. I'm afraid that you "dial-up" folks might still experience some "heavy traffic" (Stau) as a result of my "Bilderbuch" (Picturebook) style, sorry.
I hope to continue to make improvements when not sleeping ... er ... em ... yes ...

God bless you all!

Chris

Culture Shock

Wow ... I woke up this morning in my favorite chair feeling quite panicked! I felt fairly sure that I was in Germany however I couldn't figure out why my house was there. I was almost frightened to look outside. It took almost two or three minutes to get my head clear enough to understand that I hadn't experienced an "OZ" transport of my home.

I think I'm "homesick" though ... I miss being there already and feel a little out of place here. This is an entirely new emotion I'm experiencing. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to process it, however with Father's help this as well as my other thoughts will fall into the right places. So many things have happened (that I'm aware of) in the last three weeks that I'm somewhat anxious about giving a cohesive account.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

The Lord has been ministering on so many different levels ... Praise You God for You are able! Papa ... thank You for Your great loving kindness. Thank You that You have amazing plans for me, for them ... for us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD ... Jeremiah 29:11-p14

Homeward Bound Teil Zwei - July 21

I spent a peaceful night at the Delta Inn in Toronto followed by a very nice, large, Canadian style breakfast. Shuttle bus to the airport and boarded my morning flight to North Bay, read the Globe & Mail the entire journey and caught up on some of the world events - Shalom Israel, Shalom Jerusalem.

Herb was waiting for me at the North Bay airport - so good to see him! - the Lord has blessed me with such amazing friends. My baggage miraculously arrived on the carousel. Most of the Air Canada agents I spoke to said that I would most likely have to make a claim as it was unlikely that after the "schlemazle" I endured that my luggage would arrive with me. Thank You Lord!

I'm told that my entire connect group (Cell group) was waiting for me at the airport last night ... you guys are so amazing! Sorry I couldn't be there. (Sandi later told me that there was incredible drama in the sky - rainbow, huge black clouds, lightning and an amazing sunset)

Ate breakfast number two at Ivan's (you gotta love this) and went home. Wow! I've had my socks blessed off!!

Here's a list of some of the things I noticed:

• My home was completely spared of storm damage, even though there where downed and damaged trees on the surrounding properties. Even my patio umbrella, still open, was in place and not damaged. Apparently Max (who lives mostly outside) was none the worse for wear ... Thank You God!
• Opened the door to find a "Welcome Home" banner.
• My entire house was professionally cleaned. Thank You Stephen! (I should add here that Stephen "house sat" and looked after everything, including Max who was walked and groomed every day - amazing!)
• My refrigerator was filled with groceries (including some very nice delicatessen style meats). Thank you Stephen, Marty and Herb!
• A box of "Grolsch" ... nice touch!
• Two fancy platters waiting for me. One a fruit platter, the other - cherry cake, fresh cherries and cheese. Yum!! I'm guessing from Ana Vincent. Thank you!

I've been told that my home was a house of prayer while I was away ... I couldn't be more pleased!

Of course, I can't forget the many who have been faithfully praying as well as the generous financial support (I haven't totaled the expenses yet, however I'm fairly certain everything has been covered!). Thank you all! Thank You dear Father ... You're so good!

Flight 7777 - July 20-21

He wraps himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. Psalm 104:2-4

Well ... it looked like it might take me home ... however Flight AC 7777 to North Bay deflected off a lightning storm over North Bay and returned to Toronto. There, I was met with consistent confusion ... standby for the next flight as well as rechecking luggage was not going to be today ... sitting here, in the Delta Airport hotel ... wondering if it's 12:25 am or 6:25 am ... I've been on the move for 23 hours and awake for 24. My contact lenses have become symbiotic ... perhaps not such a good idea. Good night ... morning .... whatever .... :^)

Homeward Bound - July 20

I'm currently writing this entry at about 35,000 feet (and climbing) while sitting in a Boeing 747, flying over Ireland after having just left the continent of Europe.

It's been largely impossible to keep a detailed journal or keep this blog up-to-date over the past 10 days ... mostly because my schedule has been so incredibly full, with sleep being a major priority if not on the road, in ministry or visiting. I've rarely had consistent internet access which has put a bit of a "cramp in my style". Sorry to let you down if you've wondered what's been going on. I will, however, do my best to give an account of the last 2 weeks ... Perhaps with the help of the Holy Spirit and the many photos to jog my memory, I'll be able to describe the incredible time I've had and some of the amazing things the Lord has done in this great nation .... Deutschland.

I'm presently feeling very emotional (as well as being touched by Holy Spirit) as I think of what I've experienced ... the wonderful relationships I've been able to establish and the spiritual ties that I believe I now have to my Father's Land .... I know now that I'm a son of this ancient land Germany and that my real inheritance as a person is here.

The Father's message to the German people is: "Can you hear my voice? I'm calling you. Can you feel my heartbeat? It beats for you. It's time to finally find your true identity .... in Me! This land is ... 'Vater's Land'."

As much as I have been a messenger ... no ... a carrier of this message, I now know that it is spoken to me as well, because truly the journey through this land has tapped into and has begun to solidify in me my own identity. I've found my roots!

This doesn't change the fact that I'm a Canadian ... actually I think I'm even more Canadian than ever because I've discovered my roots. Adding to that sonship of the Most High and citizenship in the Kingdom, results in a feeling of belonging and a sense of wholeness of identity that I've never truly experienced until now. I'm happy to be a Canadian ( I was born there), I'm happy to be a German (I really do belong!) and I'm happy to be my heavenly Father's son!

I'm running out of battery power, so I'll sign off for now .... I'm on my way home .... truly, home. I really believe that it's "Mission Accomplished", although it's probably "Part One" for me.
See you all soon my brothers and sisters.
More later.

Auf Wiedersehen meine Lieben! July 19

Click here for the complete photo collection



Text to follow.

Hernnhut - July 17-18

Click here for the complete photo collection



Text to follow.

Tschüß liebe Gemeinde Zossen! - July 17

Click here for the complete photo collection



Text to follow.

Freie evangelische Gemeinde Zossen - July 16

Click here for the complete photo collection



Text to follow.

Calling All Nations - Berlin Germany - July 15

... even though the event is long past, I just love these videos!

Come: Part 1


Come: Part 2



Photo courtesy of Dirk Schneider - CAN photo pool


The Psalm Drummers opened the day. If you squint really hard .... , you might be able to see me in the first row of drummers on the right towards the middle ... ;o)


Photo courtesy of CAN Czech website


Photo courtesy of Ingo Lludwig - CAN photo pool

CAN Photo Gallery
Photos by Sascha Kaup (Germany)
Flckr CAN Photo Pool
Photos from Czech CAN website
Photos by Anastasia (Slovakia)
Photos from Hunagarian website
Photos by SBanks


Psalm Drummers jamming during the evening break on the stadium grounds by the PD booth.



Click here for my complete photo collection



Text to follow.

Calling All to Worship - Berlin Germany - Lukasgemeinde - July 14

Click here for the complete photo collection



Psalm Drummers - Sound Check


Psalm Drummers - Sound Check/Dancers Rehearsal


Text to follow.

Calling All to Worship - Berlin Germany - Lukasgemeinde - July 13

Nicht mehr wird man dich "Verlassene" heißen, und dein Land nicht mehr "Wüste" heißen; sondern man wird dich nennen "meine Lust an ihr", und dein Land "Vermählte"; denn Jehova wird Lust an dir haben, und dein Land wird vermählt werden.
Jesaja 62:4 (Elberfelder 1905)

No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah, [my delight is in her] and your land Beulah [married];
for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
Isaiah 62:4 (NIV)







Click here for the complete photo collection



Text to follow.

Calling All to Worship - Berlin Germany - Lukasgemeinde - July 12

Click here for the complete photo collection



Text to follow.

Welcome to Berlin - July 11

Click here for the complete photo collection



Text to follow.

Road to Glauchau, Zossen - Road to Berlin - July 10

This morning I double checked my gear and loaded it into Dieter's VW Golf. We left early, 7:30 ish ... already a hot day.

Just a few minutes out of St. Georgen, Dieter's handy (cell phone) rang. It was Birgit. She had been reading the Herrnhuter Losungen that morning and was struck by the appropriateness of the text:

Losung und Lehrtext für Montag, 10. Juli 2006

Siehe, ich sende einen Engel vor dir her, der dich behüte auf dem Wege und dich bringe an den Ort, den ich bestimmt habe. 2.Mose 23,20

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared ..." Exodus 23:20

Der Engel des Herrn tat in der Nacht die Türen des Gefängnisses auf und führte die Apostel heraus und sprach: Geht hin und tretet im Tempel auf und redet zum Volk alle Worte des Lebens. Apostelgeschichte 5,19-20

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
Acts 5:19-20

Gib deinen Volk auf dem Erdenplan
Überall Türen, die aufgetan, Wohnungen des Friedens,
Hütten voll Segen
und bring uns dann auch von unsern Wegen
zurück nach Haus.

Give to Your people on the earth
everywhere doors, that are open, homes of freedom,
cottages full of blessing
and then lead us on our way
back home.
N.L. von Zinzendorf

I think appropriate is an understatement. These were marching orders. We were on the road and the Lord was guiding and guarding the path and plan that He had created and commissioned! What a way to kickstart the day! I was full of anticipation ... what would lie ahead?

I like the way Dieter drives ... every opportunity to drive at maximum speed, which includes precision passing on stretches of one lane highway. It makes for an interesting ride for me as a passenger. I trust his skills. I'm still, however, grateful for the battalion of angels that are surrounding us as we make our way to Eastern Germany.

Our first stop on the way to Zossen would be the town of Glauchau, a city in Saxony, a city of my ancestors.

Greetings from Dieter:



Glauchau

I am the last survivor and sole heir to my mother's side of the family. The Pfefferkorn lineage has a written history that reaches from me back through history to the 15th century. The earliest descendant is Benedictus Pfefferkorn, (1494 - 1524) Leipzig.

I was named after Christoph von Pfefferkorn zu Chemnitz, a man who lived in the early 17th century. There's a stone relief of him on display in a museum in Chemnitz wearing a full suit of armour. He was "Stadt Hauptmann" (Captain of the Guard?) and later "Rathsherr" (Councilman?) and I believe also had been knighted by the Emperor. The interesting and somewhat alarming thing is ... his son, George Ulrich Pfefferkorn was beheaded in 1614! I have not been able to find a record as to why. Christoph died during the early part of the Thirty Years War.

My mother, Hildegard Gustave nee Pfefferkorn, was born in the city we were now entering: Glauchau. She was born to a wealthy industrialist named Gustav Pfefferkorn who owned two textile mills in the city. The home she spent her early childhood in was a beautiful villa in a tree lined neighbourhood of the upper city.

54 years after World War 2 having been "appropriated" by the East German government, it was left to more or less rot. As it was part of the estate of my late mother, I was to inherit it. I spent 10 years fighting bureaucracy and less than honest lawyers to finally inherit and subsequently sell an enormous home that was in dire need of renovation. Even though it was under "Denkmalschutz" (historic monument protection), surrounded by other villas and down the road from a baroque era castle, I sold it for little more than the price of a parking lot, as the necessary financing to manage the reconstruction was a door that had not been opened to me.

I had not been here since before I sold the estate, and it was with a mixture of curiosity and some sadness that I rode next to Dieter along the streets of Glauchau towards the old family home. I knew that the buyers I had sold to had purchased the property as an investment with a plan to renovate. I remembered how dilapidated the building was and wondered what it looked like now.

As soon as we turned the corner onto Paul Geipel Strasse I was pleasantly surprised to see that the home had quite a facelift done to it and although the main entrance and terrace had been substantially changed the original early 20th century architecture was still intact. Five condominium apartments had been added to the rear and top while a business (a beauty salon) had been constructed on the ground floor. The front yard, a severed property, with it's massive old trees was still as I remembered it, mostly unkempt and uncared for as it was still owned by the city.

I struck up a conversation with a lady standing on an upstairs balcony, who had been watching with some suspicion as I took photos. She invited us in for a tour of her apartment. Quite nice, high ceilings, original stucco work, large original panel doors. I was perplexed by the general feeling of sadness that swept over me as I stood inside. I couldn't wait to leave.

Dieter and I sat out front and ate our lunch contemplating our next destination, the Pfefferkorn family grave in the city cemetery where my grandparents were buried. I hadn't been there since visiting it with my wife 10 years ago. I hoped that the massive tomb and wall memorial would still be there, as there had been some indication from the cemetery keepers that without financial support there was a chance it would eventually disappear. I suspected at the time though, that perhaps that was a "sinister" statement directed at gullible "Rich Westies" by greedy former communists ... I also hoped that I would remember how to get there.

I decided to take a stab at navigating from memory. After several interesting detours and dead ends, with some directions from locals, we arrived. I remembered that the grave was on the perimeter wall, and so we followed it counter clockwise. It was incredibly hot. Dieter started to lose steam and was hinting at a nap in the shade as we walked around most of the cemetery without finding the grave. Finally we found it, about 25 meters the other side of the entrance!

It was a strange feeling to stand there looking at the ancient, massive and eroded stone wall. I had remembered a statue of a crouching roaring lion to one side. It was missing. Did that only exist in a dream? Very puzzling.

A huge stone relief of an angel (with a somewhat dour looking expression) leading a departed soul to glory was inset into the central part of the memorial. Inscribed below that were the names of those that had been buried there, so weathered that they were barely legible. Just above the names and directly below the angel was this verse::

Habe ich dir nicht gesagt, so du glauben würdest, du würdest die Herrlichkeit Gottes sehen? (Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?) John 11:40

I couldn't remember having seen that verse before. It's such an important verse to me. It was a verse that Benjamin (my son) and I once memorized and spoke to each other during dark and troubled times. Jesus spoke this word to the mother of Lazarus just before he raised him from death to life. A verse, a promise, that brought us through to the other side ... have we reached the other side?

Death to life ...

Now getting poetic ...

... many troubling thoughts began to mass yet again at the ramparts of my heart, threatening to scale and invade the walls of protection into the sanctity of comfortable and peaceful identity at my core. ... Help!

What would my ancestors think of me now, Have I failed them? Would they think of me as a failure? A man struggling with hopelessness, cut-off and rejected by his wife and now both his children as well. An estate of a family now virtually extinct, a sole heir unable to sustain, protect and hand down it's legacy to an uninterested and disconnected progeny who no longer believe in the promise or the Promiser. Do I think of me as a failure? What is my true inheritance? What do you think Father?

verse 4: When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."

Just then, my cell phone rang ...

"Hello this is Pizza, Pizza, did someone order a Pizza? ... How you doing Chris?"

... Marty?

My brother Marty ... brother in Christ ... what timing! He spoke to me about how my brothers are praying for me and holding down the fort, how my home and dog are being looked after. These guys really love me.

My Father loves me ... and one day He's going to show me the wall, just as in the dream ... the wall with the crouching, roaring lion with my name inscribed next to it ... and He will say to me: "Well done, my good and faithful servant!".

Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:45

The Lord promised that He would rebuild my marriage and thus my family ... that's a good promise. I recently looked at the Pfefferkorn family records and spotted my Grandparent's marriage certificate. At the top was written:

... Ich aber und mein Haus wollen dem HERRN dienen. (... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.) Joshua 24:p15

That is a legacy, a promise, a blessing, that I have inherited and will live up to.

Zossen

Later that afternoon, as we drank our "Frappes" in the town centre, I called Kati Schwabach, logistics organizer for Calling All to Worship, to let her know when we would arrive in Zossen. After a short stroll through the town we left Glauchau for the last leg of the journey.

The drive from lower Saxony, past Dresden towards north eastern Germany was beautiful with it's rolling hills and pine forests. Our destination was the town of Zossen, 35 kilometers south of Berlin. A town of 17,000 that had seen it's fair share of tumultuous history. During the war Zossen was the central command for the Nazis, their underground bunkers located on the edge of town. Later occupied by the Russians and then part of communist East Germany, Zossen wasn't an easy place to be a follower of Christ. Since the wall came down, many good changes had come to Germany ... however Zossen seems to have been largly overlooked, as do many of the smaller centres of the former DDR, with their huge unemployment rates that largly effects the local youth. They bear the brunt of the unemployment statistics which translate typically and sadly into issues of social instability and breakdown in the community. Such a need and hunger for God!

It seemed like the drive had been short as we now travelled the tree lined highway into Zossen. Huge trees with trunks right up to the road's edge. Trees that looked like ancient gatekeepers. What have those trees seen over the ages? War and peace, death and life ... seasons of change ... Are the gates now opening to the King of glory, are they letting Him in?

Erhebt, ihr Tore, eure Häupter, und erhebt euch, ihr ewigen Pforten, daß der König der Herrlichkeit einziehe! Wer ist dieser König der Herrlichkeit? Der HERR, stark und mächtig! Der HERR, mächtig im Kampf! Erhebt, ihr Tore, eure Häupter, und erhebt euch, ihr ewigen Pforten, daß der König der Herrlichkeit einziehe!

Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory. Selah (Psalm 24:7-10)

I called again, as we had driven right by the church and the cluster of adjacent houses without noticing. Kati and her young daughters, Sophie and Lisa waited for us by the road, waving so that we wouldn't miss them this time. We were welcomed with typical German hospitality and kindness and ushered into the home of young Benjamin Kraus, our "Hausherr" for our eight day stay in Zossen. There we sat down to a relaxing dinner with Benjamin, his friend "Michi" (also staying at the house), Pastor Friedemann Just (FeG Zossen) and his daughter Marie.

We have arrived. Thank You Lord!