30 Sep, 2008
The Not-So-Good News of the Good News
Brazil to pay compensation to US pastor tortured, expelled in 1974 under military regime
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) _ The Brazilian government has promised to pay compensation to a U.S. pastor who was arrested, beaten and tortured in 1974 under the former military dictatorship.
The Rev. Frederick Birten Morris of the United Methodist Church will be compensated 285,000 reals (US$154,000) plus a monthly pension of 2,000 reals (US$1,080), the Justice Ministry said on its Web site.
The decision was made Friday night by the Justice Ministry's Amnesty Commission, which is reviewing the cases of victims from the 1964-1985 dictatorship.
During 16 days in captivity in an army barracks, Morris was beaten and tortured with electric shocks several times before being released and deported.
A government study last year found that 475 people were killed or disappeared at the hands of security forces during the military regime.
Partial story provided by Stan Lehman. To see the full story, go to newsday.com Sept.27, 2008
What does God's Story scripture teach us about persecution?
In today's passage we see Paul explaining to young Timothy that he had undergone many trials as a result of his connection to Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 Paul offers a long list of these difficulties. It includes being beaten, whipped, sleepless, hungry, near death and thrown in prison just to name a few. Because of his love for Christ, Paul was willing to go through anything.
Paul was also promising to Timothy that this same persecution would come his way if he was going to live a Godly life. Jesus promised all of His followers the same thing in John 15:20 when He said, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."
How can I connect God's Story scripture to my story?
- First of all, ask God to give you the strength to stand strong during this persecution that has been promised!
- Remember the incredible persecution that Christ went through for you. Remember also that our ultimate hope is in heaven and that nothing we could possibly endure here in this life will compare to the incredible glory of seeing God face to face! (Romans 8:18)
- Ask yourself the honest question, "Have I undergone any persecution for my faith in Christ?" If the answer is "no", then the next logical question would be, "Am I living a Godly life?" No one will persecute you if they can't tell that you belong to Christ. Now, you won't likely receive electric shocks or be thrown in prison. The religious freedoms we have in America are a great blessing. There certainly are, however, some other costs of being a Christ-follower today. (Maybe it's as simple as catching some grief for being the only voice that lovingly stands up for creation in your science class!)
How do Gods' Scripture story and my story connect with my friend's story?
- Start by praying for the thousands of Christian brothers and sisters all over the world who are being persecuted while you are reading this devotional...many are dying daily because of their faith.
- Do what Jesus told us to do in Matthew 5:44 when He says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." If you undergo persecution of any kind, praise God for the opportunity to suffer on His behalf...and then pray for the very ones who are persecuting you! (Maybe, like Paul, who persecuted the church before he became a Christ-follower, God will bring them to a life-changing relationship with Christ because of your love and prayers for them.)
- January 2009 [4]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [13]
- May 2008 [20]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
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- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
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- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
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- June 2007 [10]
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- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
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- September 2006 [11]
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- June 2006 [3]
