How to Pray for North Korea
As the world leaders see themselves being pulled closer to a new Korean war, we know that our place is to plead for mercy. For those who find it hard to know what to pray, the words of the Lord’s prayer can give guidance, as we apply them to the situation in North Korea. Our Father in heaven The
Continue ReadingNot What You Would Expect of a Woman in the Middle East
The Middle East is not known as an area where it is easy to be a woman. Patriarchal structures run deep, not only among Muslims, but also among Christians. Therefore, it is remarkable that the National Evangelical synod of Syria and Lebanon recently decided to ordain their first two female pastors. For the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, it was
Continue ReadingPerspectives on the North Korea Crisis (Part 2)
The US is twenty years too late to recognize the seriousness of the threat of North Korea. Although there have been many attempts in the past to negotiate, North Korea never was a major priority. It was believed that the North, with the strong US-South alliance in place, would never start a war they could not win. And their arsenal
Continue ReadingPerspectives on the North Korea Crisis (Part 1)
It has only been a few weeks since our last North Korea up-date, but much is happened and prayer is continuously needed. A dangerous game is being played between North Korea and the US, which currently both have leaders that are mostly untested when it comes to serious crises or diplomacy. The position of North Korea is that they will
Continue ReadingWho Pays for our Football Fun?
In the last few days a report from Norwegian football (soccer) magazine Josimar has once again given us insight in the suffering of North Koreans abroad. They found that 110 North Koreans were employed to help build the 2018 World Cup stadium in Saint Petersburg. The state slaves had to do hard physical labour from 7 am to midnight, seven
Continue ReadingThe Offence of the Gospel
The UK is a post-Christian country. However, it still draws from deep Christian roots. Many institutions, such as schools, scout clubs and charities have strong links to the state church. Surprisingly, many people who otherwise have no faith or church connection, still want to marry in church and have their children baptized. It is difficult to fathom why people would
Continue ReadingWhy Your Children Should Learn Chinese
There have been many studies that have proven that speaking two or more languages is a great benefit for your mental health. There are so many excuses that so many people give as to why they cannot learn a new language. “I’m too busy and don’t have time for that,” or “There is nobody that I’ll be able to talk
Continue ReadingAn Update on North Korea – Part 2
The question of how to bring about change in the aggressive course chosen by the North Korean leadership has become more complicated by recent events. First, there is the relatively minor but telling incident of the recent assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the older half-brother of Kim Jong-Un, in a Malaysian airport. Although the investigation is on-going, it seems reasonable to
Continue ReadingAn Update on North Korea – Part 1
A few months ago, an article was published on this website titled ‘Who can stop North Korea?’ Since there have been several important developments, it is time for an update. It was stated that, humanly speaking, three things could change the course of North Korea. Firstly, its leadership could relent and decide to pursue peace and cooperate with the international
Continue ReadingSow in Tears, Reap in Joy
It has been said by someone (though I can’t remember whom) that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of revival. This principle can be seen in Psalm 126:6, which says, “He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (ESV). It’s a clear Biblical principle
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