This week's persecuted church: Bangladesh

His journey towards conversion began abroad, far from Bangladesh. It led him first to baptism in the Presbyterian Church. After that, he fell in love with a Catholic woman, married her and then converted to her faith. Once they were back in Bangladesh, Vincent and his wife were welcomed by threats and violence. Members of his community beat him almost to death.

After almost two months in hospital, Vincent is back home. But the same Muslims who followed him and held him in high esteem when he was their imam now cannot accept his new "status".

Beating is also not enough. Other forms of violence can be used. Both husband and wife have been ostracised, forced to move from home to home. Vincent eventually lost his job and now has to do odd jobs to survive.

Thought of the Day:  Lotte World
Song of the Day:  Small Talk

This week's persecuted church: Laos

A Lao student and six Thai Christians are still being jailed for participating in worship services in Luang Namtha district of Luang Namtha province. On March 24, 2012, Lao police went to Tribal School in Phonsawang village and arrested a Lao student, known by his first name as Ala, for religious involvement. The police authorities also arrested six Thai Chrisitans who visited Ala. It has been 25 days that Thai Christians, known by their first names as Ayo, Sanon, Tawit, Taweesak, Sarlapong, and Piloo, hve been waiting in prison in order to be charged formally. Later today (April 17, local time), Lao officials are expected to informally charge Thai Christians and also to inform those charges to the Lao Christian leaders in Luang Namtha province.

Thought of the Day:  Curtains
Song of the Day:  Amazing Grace

Finding Neverland

Last week, I had to read The Wizard of Oz.  This week, I had to read Peter Pan.  Although there were many obvious similarities with their movie versions, the books had all kinds of details that the movies left out.  There is a lot more violence.  Both Dorothy and Peter are supposed to be significantly younger.  The antagonists are much more evil.  But through it all, I really hated how I couldn't get the movie versions out of my head while reading the stories.

One thing that surprised me though about Peter Pan was how sad and profound the story was.  The lost boys long for a motherly figure which would eventually become Wendy.  Wendy and Tinker Bell long for Peter's love.  Self-centered Peter longs for his own mother that he can't remember yet refuses to give in to a life of maturity and responsibility.  The mature and responsible characters of the book, Mr. and Mrs. Darling, long for their children to come back home.  Even the evil Hook longs to put an end to Peter's cockiness.  Everyone is longing for something...

But no one seems to be able to find a solution to their heart's desire.  Even Neverland doesn't suffice Peter who continues to come back to Wendy's bedroom over the generations.  I felt a lingering melancholy while reading this book intended for children.  There was no resolution.  The ending was not a happy one.

But as Keller points out in his sermon series on Esther, none of the characters are longing for the wrong things.  They're all desiring good things but looking for them in the wrong places.  There is nothing wrong with seeking things like acceptance, comfort, beauty, and honor.  But there is something horribly wrong when we seek these things outside of Christ.

Peter Pan, you need Jesus just like the rest of us.

Thought of the Day:  Friday
Song of the Day:  Norah Jones-Don't Know Why

This week's persecuted church: India

On Easter Sunday in Chamrajnagar (Karnataka), police went to the home of Rev Rajesh, 27, a pastor in the Indian Pentecostal Church of God (IPC) who had just finished a prayer service. They asked him under what authority he conducted the service at his home. Then, they insulted and eventually ordered him to vacate his home.

Later that day, Rev Rajesh and five other pastors went to the local police station to file a complaint about the incident. As they were briefing the attending officer, about 100 activists from the Bajrang Dal stormed the station and attacked the clergymen and a parishioner. The latter, named Babu, was wounded to the head and needed 24 sutures. Police present at the scene stood idly by.

Thought of the Day:  Suit
Song of the Day:  The Beach Boys-Barbara Ann

Original American english teacher

My student, John, and I share the same birthday.  Last week, I gave him Naruto comic book #54 and a monkey key chain for his birthday.  Although he didn't "pre pare" my present, I have a strong feeling it wouldn't have beat receiving this letter.  I wish you guys could see the cut up envelope he stapled and stickered up with Angry Birds.

He has a fascination with American names.  Why are there middle names?  How can 'Henry' be a last name too?  Is Nicholas the real name or is it Nick?  He loves the name 'Hiccup' like from How to Train Your Dragon.  He wishes his name was Dink.  Haha. Not Dinko.  He can't get enough of hearing me say the name Sheba.  He isn't the best English student I've ever had in my life, but he's up there on my good list.  Thanks, John.  I hope to see your english wings soar!

Thought of the Day:  Running
Song of the Day:  FF 8-Fisherman's Horizon