International Justice Mission - Saving the Vulnerable, Alleged News

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION IS DEDICATED TO THE CARE OF THOSE WHO NEED SHIELDING FROM VIOLENCE.

IJM deals with the violence of

• Slavery
• Sex Trafficking
• Sexual Violence
• Brutality Issues
• Property Issues
• Citizens Rights Abuse

For poor people, the possibility of violence is ever present in daily life.
  International Justice Mission believes that Justice for the Poor is possible.
  IJM is a global organization that protects the poor from violence.   Their global team includes Lawyers, Investigators, Social Workers, Community Activists and other Professionals at work in nearly 20 Communities.

  IJM's work happens by rescuing victims, Bringing Criminals to Justice, Restoring Survivors and Strengthening Justice Systems.

Most Vulnerable
  IJM assists victims of trafficking.
Unprotected children in society are vulnerable to abuse.
  IJM assist in the rescue and assistance of victims.
A critical rescue was recently carried out by IJM of a young girl who was raped and pimped. 
Due to a disability, the girl reportedly views the world much as a 6 year old does.
  Her innocence led her to be vulnerable to the abuse.
The intervention of her mother in contacting anti-trafficking officials led to contact with the IJM Team.
  IJM rescued the girl and brought her to safety at an aftercare home.

Do you want to Help?
There are many ways in which  you can help.

• Advocacy
• Connect with IJM in person
• Fundraising
• Join the Team
• Donation
• Volunteering
• Prayer

Perhaps Divine Providence has led you

to read these words.

In the spirit of Lumiere, is there

anything you can do to help?

 

Wish to Donate?

https://www.ijm.org/make-gift

 

Wish to Volunteer?

https://www.ijm.org/get-involved/volunteer

 

International Justice Mission

https://www.ijm.org/rescue-victims

With thanks to Ijm.org
Image by Catherine Nicolette

Mom's Kitchen - Lassi; a refreshing low calorie drink. Choose mango lassi, or strawberry... [Suitable for Vegetarians]

WHEN IN INDIA I WAS INTRODUCED TO THE YOGHURT DRINK, LASSI. It has become a staple in my kitchen, and I love the refreshing taste. Mango lassi is my favourite - if you want a healthy thirst quencher, this is it!
Allergy alert; 
Before starting the recipe, check first that you have no allergies to any of the ingredients.
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, then don't use this recipe
RECIPE FOR MANGO LASSI
Ingredients;
4 medium sized ripe mangoes
Honey to taste [if wished]
½ Tablespoon of rose water; or cardamom powder; or saffron strands [according to choice]
2 cups of chilled curd or plain yogurt; low fat if wished
Ice cubes if wished
Milk if wished
How to make

1. Peel 4 medium sized mangoes and chop them. This should leave you with about 2 cups chopped mangoes
2. Place the chopped mangoes in a blender or mixer
3. Add a little honey to taste. This can be left out if you wish
4. Add a flavouring. ½ Tablespoon of rose water is lovely. You can choose to use cardamom powder or saffron strands instead
5. Blend the mixture until it is smooth
6. Add 2 cups of chilled curd or plain yogurt
7. If you wish for a really cooling drink in the heart of summer, add ice cubes. If you are looking for a slightly thin consistency, add some milk to the mango lassi while blending
8. Blend for some seconds until all the ingredients are mixed well and the yogurt has become smooth
9. Pour the mango lassi into glasses and enjoy!
RECIPE FOR STRAWBERRY LASSI
Ingredients
9 washed ripe strawberries 
Honey to taste 
 1/4 Cup whole, skimmed or low fat milk
1 cup chilled curd or plain yogurt; low fat if wished
Ice cubes if wished
How to make

1. Cut 3 strawberries in pieces and set aside
2. Place the remainder of the strawberries in a blender or mixer
3. Add a little honey to taste. This can be left out if you wish
4. Blend the mixture until it is smooth
5. Pour in the milk and blend for a few seconds
6. Add the yogurt and blend until the ingredients are mixed well and the yogurt has become smooth
7. To serve, place 1 ice cube in the glass and pour in a serving of the lassi
8. Top with the strawberry pieces and serve










Image by Catherine

Good Shepherd Church Seminary, Module 19; Astrology and the Bible; Signs in the Stars



GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY

MODULE 19

ASTROLOGY AND THE BIBLE

SIGNS IN THE STARS

Objectives; By the end of this Module you should;

• Know about the Star of Bethlehem
• Have knowledge about Jesus' preaching about the stars
• Be able to discuss references to stars in the Old Testament
• Have knowledge about prophecy in the Book of Revelation
• Be able to speak with knowledge about the science of the stars

Contents;

1.  Signs in the stars
2.  Star of Bethlehem
3.  Bright Morning Star
4.  Star of rephan
5. Why are stars so important?
6. A Star will rise out of Israel

1. SIGNS IN THE STARS
  Jesus spoke of the science of signs in the stars when He preached that there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. 
He has foretold that a time will come when nations will be in turmoil, and will suffer anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea [Luke 21;25].
  In current times, some are hesitant about the science of the stars. 
  It is important to know that the Bible is filled with references to astrology. 
The study of the stars was a respected and widely practised discipline in Bible times. 
God created stars - whirling pools of hydrogen, helium gas and mystery - and wove into them the ability to be used as portents of prophecy and signs of the impending Kingdom of God.
  Jesus went on to explain that after the signs in nature,  the stars will fall from the sky and the powers of Heaven will be shaken [Mark 13;25]. 
  Then the Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and great glory [Luke 21;25-27]. 
Jesus thus points to the science of the stars as a testimony and sign in the sky of His Final Coming as Emperor of All.    
  This will be the time of the great Judgement of lucifer and his followers, who will then be finally banished from the realms of the just. 
Their final banishment will ensure they will never again be able to weave terror, deceit, sin or heartbreak again. 
  Their choice in rejecting relationship with God - after many centuries of God giving chance after chance for reconciliation - will be formally ratified.
The Grace of God will be removed from them forever.
  It is a tragic story of a Father's love for His own, who rejected Him; and Who at last is forced to accept the decision as irrevocable.

2. STAR OF BETHLEHEM
    The Star of Bethlehem was a sign from God signaling the Birth of His Son as gift to earth. 
The three Magi, Persian Astrologer-kings, were able to read the portents regarding the coming Birth of the Messiah from this same star. 
  In AD 1600, Johannes Kepler believed that this star was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, which occurred at the end of Pisces. 
Jupiter is the planet of kings, and Saturn is the planet that rules the Jewish people. 
  Thus the sign of the star gives us the King of the Jews. 
This conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is most infrequent, and occurred in 7 BC - the time when it is thought Jesus was actually born.

3. BRIGHT MORNING STAR
  Jesus Himself in the vision to John tells us that one of His names of honour is that of Morning Star. 
The stars - such a sign of portent and mystery in the sky - figure as a symbol of the Messiah.
 'I, Jesus, have sent you my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendent of David, the bright Morning Star. [Revelation 22;16].
  The sign of Jesus Christ being born to a woman from earth is also to be read in the Book of Revelation. This sign symbolises the great war that Jesus Christ's birth began on earth - that of beginning the great push back against the rule satan had instituted upon earth. 
  'And a great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant, and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven; an enormous great dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who 'will rule the nations with an iron scepter'. And her child was snatched up to God and His Throne.' [Revelation 12; 1 - 5].

  The woman is popularly held in this vision to be Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
 The symbolic vision speaks of the events that occurred to threaten Jesus' life at His birth. 
His Mother - the luminous Mary - carries a crown of twelve stars. 
  She is honoured as the Mother of the Stars. 
In the Bible, stars often symbolise created beings of God. 
  The twelve stars around the Mother's head in the Revelation vision are held to symbolise the twelve disciples, the leadership of the Church. 
  Mary thus symbolises - in this vision - the Ark of the Covenant. 
  The unborn Child preparing for birth within Her is God Incarnated as human. 
Mary is the symbol of the Church of God upon earth; the Sanctuary within whom God dwells - led by the twelve stars of leadership. 
This vision discussed in Revelation is both deeply spiritual and meaningful.

  The dragon is lucifer, or satan - the fallen angel. 
This created being was thrown out of heaven after his bid to usurp the Throne and Kingdom of God.
It is believed that the vision shows a full third of the angels had joined his revolt and were thrown out of heaven with him. 
  When lucifer fell to earth, he apparently decided that if he couldn't be master in heaven, then he would be master of those he had tricked out of their favoured relationship with God by a lie. 
  So - assisted by his fellow revolutionaries, the stars dragged to earth who became demonic beings - he set up a kingdom and rulership upon earth. 
This had disastrous consequences.
  It is worthwhile noting that at times people blame God for tragic occurrences upon our planet. 
It must be remembered that humanity's ancestors turned away from God and His original plan for us.
  God did not initiate the severence in the loving relationship. 
It would be correct to realise that it is indeed lucifer and his fallen stars who originates much of the discord upon earth.

4. STAR OF REPHAN
  Stephen spoke of the star of rephan, another name for moloch or baal.
This being is understood to be a fallen angelic spirit.. 
  Children were burned alive to this image. 
When Stephen was speaking in his defence prior to his execution, he made reference to the words of the Prophet Amos who had spoken of this form of worship. 
'You took up the tent of moloch, and the star of your god rephan, the images that you were made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.'[Amos 5;26/ Acts 7;43]. 
Thus star gods were made and worshipped in place of the true worship of God, the Bright Morning Star. 

  Jesus identified Himself as the Morning Star.
  Satan is also known as the morning star. 
He was apparently the most beautiful and powerful creation by God, the highest among the hierarchy of angels ever created. 
  This immense being given untold abilities by God and was known by the phrase of honour 'the morning star'. 
  The Prophet Isaiah attest to this in his divinely inspired vision and words, 
'How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!' [Isaiah 14;12]. 
  Isaiah was referring to satan as the morning star, and to his fall from heaven. 

  Satan, one of the most powerful of God's angels was a bright morning star before his turn to evil. 
He is - to his rage and continual anger - a created being from the Most High God, emphatically not the Most High God Himself.
  Jesus the Lord, the original Morning Star and Light of the World, is self-existent in His Divine Form before all time.
  So; the Morning Star in his Divinity created the morning star from the boundless limits of His Love. 
The tragedy is, the fallen morning star has lost all glory, and has now become demonic; the most pitiable - yet dangerous - of beings.

5. WHY ARE STARS SO IMPORTANT?
  In Old Testament times, travellers received their guidance for travel  - especially by sea - by using their knowledge of the stars. 
  The reason for this is because the stars are constant. 
Navigators tell us that there is one star in the night sky which does not appear to move. 
  This is the North Star, or Polaris. 
This star is of significance in plotting travel when using the stars for guidance. 
  Stars, their constellations and behaviours were essential in moving safely from region to region, from sea to port. 
  Stars and their science were deeply respected in Biblical times.

   Stars are also a great comfort to us. 
Whether our lives are stormy, peaceful, going through change or settled into a routine, the one great given is that we can go out into the night and see the peaceful constancy of the stars God made.
  Stars are a symbol of our lives. 
Peaceful and twinkling from a distance, appearing small in stature, they are in reality exploding masses of vibrant energy with a dynamic future.
  Stars are formed in nebulae, interstellar clouds of dust and gas [mostly hydrogen]. 
These stellar nurseries are abundant in the arms of spiral galaxies. 
  The stars undergo gravitational collapse and compress to form a rotating gas globule. 
This globule is then cooled by emitting radio waves and infrared radiation. 
It is compressed by gravitational forces and also by shock waves of pressure from supernova. 
Further developments occur, with a star living for billions of years.
This process is symbolic of our lives.

  We are born, wondrous creations and live within the nursery of the arms of carers. 
We undergo growths, pressures and experience both outward and inner forces that necessitate change. Further developments occur, and we become mature; then age.
  And then the wonder of God's Plan for us unfurls.
 We transform into another life form - an eternal life form- and  are given the option of accepting eternal honour as the son or daughter of God. The destiny put before us is to be one of the stars of His firmament within the heavens.
  As the spirits of angels sang with joy at the creation, 
'When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God [the angels] shouted for joy ...'
 [Job 38;7], 
so we too have been invited to be a star and an heir of God.

6. A STAR WILL RISE OUT OF ISRAEL
  Jesus the Lord was prophesied as the Star which would rise out of Israel. 
'I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A Star will come out of Jacob, a Scepter will rise out of Israel.' [Numbers 24;17]. 
  That Star has arisen, and we are in the process of becoming stars through the honour of His Birth, Passion, Death and Resurrection for us.
  At times people are concerned whether they should use divination, be ruled by the planets, and make all decisions according to zodiac signs.
   All decisions are safely carried out through turning to the Divine in prayer. 
God is the Ruler of the Universe; all is known to Him and cared for by Him. 
Problems can be taken to Him; He will listen.

  There is great beauty in God's creation, and His planets, stars and constellations form part of that wondrous tapestry. 
However, they are His creation. Not our creators. 
  There is no doubt from what we have explored in the above Biblical texts that stars and constellations are used by God in giving signs to us.
  There is also no doubt that they are but signs, not God Himself.
 So, it is best when we are seeking guidance and leadership to turn to the Source of Grace, the Source of Knowledge; God. 
  Let us put our trust in the Lord; and communicate with Him regarding our needs, dilemmas and future by the means of prayer.

  Each of us has been given a unique gift of spirituality and wisdom in our souls. 
Let us not give this gift away, but nurture it through prayer and relationship with the Divine. 
  Then in eternity we, too, shall shine like stars before the Star Who rose out of Israel. 
'Those who were wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.' [Daniel 12;3].  

Rev Catherine
Image by Rev Catherine

Good Shepherd Church Seminary; How to make a Church Pamphlet [short version]

IT IS HELPFUL FOR PRIESTS AND PARISHIONERS TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE A CHURCH PAMPHLET. 
 These can be given out prior to events to worship services, and make a handy note to place on a fridge or in a diary as a reminder.

  An example of how to make a pamphlet - or flier - is as follows; 
On an A5 page,  print your event. Make sure the event, venue, date, time and details are all clearly laid out.
  If you are in an area where you cannot print, write the event. If you are in an area where it is not safe to make such pamphlets, word of mouth with discretion is best.

  So; say you are making a Christmas pamphlet.
Your flier would look something like this;

                                    

CHRISTMAS SING

ALONG

in the Parish

Centre

ON

 FRIDAY 30th NOVEMBER

7.30PM

CAROLS, CHRISTMAS SONGS,

GIFT STALLS, TEA, COFFEE

AND MINCE PIES

Come along and get into the

festive spirit!

   Then you can decorate your flier with some Christmas motives, such as a choir singing; or bells ringing; or a small Nativity scene.

On the other side of the A5 page, you can put the noticeboard, with events and services.

An example is;

Good Shepherd Church, Global City www.interfaith.blogspot

Minister; Rev Catherine Whittle

NOTICEBOARD

Sunday 14th October 2......

Morning Prayer

Sun 14th                                        8.30am                            Holy Communion

19th Sun

After Trinity                                11.00am                            Service and children's Harvest

Mon 15th                                       8.00pm                             Parish meeting in hall, all welcome

                                                   

                                                       8.00pm                             'Pray for the Parish' in Center, needs your

                                                                                                support

Wed 17th                                       8.00pm                              Bible Study

Thurs 18th                                      8.00pm                              Music Practice in Church

Sunday 21st                                  8.30am                              Holy Communion

20th Sun

After Trinity                                 11.00am                              Holy Communion

                                                    3/3.30pm                               Thanksgiving Service

Mon 22nd                                         7/8pm                                Sunday School Training

                                                       8.00pm                                'Pray for the Parish' in Center, needs your

                                                                                                   support

Wed 24th                                        8.00pm                                Bible Study of the readings for the

                                                                                                   following Sunday, Parish Center

Fri 26th                                          10.00am                               Parish reunion coffee morning, drop in for

                                                                                                   tea and a chat, in Hall

Sun 28th                                         8.30am                               Holy Communion

21st Sun

After Trinity                                  11.00am                            Family Service. Launch of the 

                                                                                            Christmas Box Appeal for Children in Need

Individual prayer available after the Minister ha finished saying goodbye to the congregation.

BEST WISHES WITH YOUR PAMPHLET MAKING!

LONGER AND MORE DETAILED PAMPHLETS INCLUDING

CHURCH SERVICES FOR THE EASTER VIGIL AND

CHRISTMAS TIDE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN

LATER BLOG POSTS.

REV CATHERINE

Lumiere Charity Readers; You are MAKING A DIFFERENCE! The Halong Bay Bears are coming home...

LUMIERE CHARITY HAS RECEIVED THE JOYFUL NEWS THAT THE PETITION MANY LUMIERE CHARITY READERS SIGNED HAS HELPED SAVE THE HALONG BEARS.
It has reportedly been announced that the Halong Bay Bears can be rescued by Animals Asia.

Bile Farming Ended
The local authorities of Vietnam's Quang Ninh government have agreed to completely end bile farming in the province by transferring all of the remaining 38 bears to Animals Asia's Vietnam Bear Rescue Center.

Your signature counted
The action is the direct result of the Save the Halong Bay Bears Campaign which gathered over 115,000 signatures globally.

Grateful thanks
Grateful thanks to all who signed the petition.

Full Report
The full report can be found at the following link;
https://www.animalsasia.org/intl/media/news/news-archive/breaking-halong-bay-bears-set-for-rescue.html

Lumiere Charity Archive; Bear Bile Farming
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2015/03/bear-bile-farming-threatened-animals.html

Animals Asia Donate
https://www.animalsasia.org/intl/donate/ 

Five Things You Need to Know about Bear Bile Farming
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/things-you-need-to-know-about-bear-bile-farming/ 

Animals Asia
https://www.animalsasia.org/intl/our-work/end-bear-bile-farming/ 

Volunteer Animals Asia
https://www.animalsasia.org/intl/get-involved/volunteer/ 

Spread the Word; Be a Voice for the Animals
https://www.animalsasia.org/intl/get-involved/spread-the-word.html 

Fundraise
https://www.animalsasia.org/intl/get-involved/fundraise.html 

Lame Moon Bear Claudia begins to walk again after surgery, Alleged News
https://www.animalsasia.org/uk/media/news/news-archive/the-1-minute-video-that-will-make-you-believe-in-miracles.html

Shy Goldie starts to smile as bears settle in, Alleged News
https://www.animalsasia.org/uk/media/news/news-archive/shy-goldie-starts-to-smile-as-new-bears-settle-in.html

With thanks to Animalsaasia.org
Image by Catherine Nicolette


 

Unthinkable; Girls and Women Retrafficked after Rescue; Alleged News

LUMIERE CHARITY HAS RECEIVED REPORT THAT 16 YOUNG GIRLS AND WOMEN WERE DRAGGED  BACK INTO SLAVERY BY THE VERY TRAFFICKERS THEY HAD BEEN RESCUED FROM DAYS BEFORE. These survivors of human trafficking were recovering in the Center of Hope, a safe house run by Walk Free partner organisation Visayan Forum.
  
Violent mob 
27 women and girls were rescued from a trafficking operation in the Philippines.
  A few days later, the traffickers returned with a violent mob, tore down the gates, and abducted 16 women and girls before police could intervene.
  Visayan Forum and authorities are working to ensure this never happens again.

Repairs Desperately Needed
Center of Hope desperately needs repairs and resources to restore security.
  Why not donate to stronger gates for the Center; or for security alarm, or security grills for the windows?
  100% of donations will be going direct to the Center.
  You will be helping to save young girls and women from the hell of being trafficked.
  The emotional, physical and mental trauma of young girls and women being dragged back into the very slavery they had just been rescued from is too dreadful to contemplate.
$12,000 are needed for new and stronger gates.
$2,500 would buy an alarm system.
$15,000 would be able to buy security grills for windows
$25,000 is needed for security presence
$17,000 is needed for guard house.

Protected Environment
Time is of the essence. In order for Center of Hope to continue their work of mercy, they need to do so in a protected environment.

Perhaps Divine Providence led you

to read these words.

In the spirit of Lumiere,

is there anything you can do to help?

To donate, click on the link

https://donate.walkfree.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1786&ea.campaign.id=37829&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=vf-center-for-hope&utm_content=interview_v1&ea.tracking.id=youtube

Vasayan Forum Foundation, Alleged News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izmBc5OOHI8 

Vasayan Forum - Anti-Trafficking Video Documentary, Alleged News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS6RdsD9bPU

Inauguration of Vasayan Forum's Center of Hope, Alleged News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxpIypl90ao

Walk Free Foundation
http://www.walkfreefoundation.org/

With thanks to Youtube.com, WalkFree, Vasayan Forum
Image by Catherine Nicolette