The SG Notebook

George Mueller. What are the first thoughts that come to your mind when you hear that name? Probably it’s faith and the power of prayer. His life and story are remarkable. You might think that some of the things that happened are too fantastic, but no, they are real. And because they are real, we can tell our children about the Ashley Down Orphanage; we can tell them about the ten thousand needy children who were given a loving home there; and we can relate to them the story of a man who never made his needs known to anyone but God, but saw those needs met time and time again.

I’ve said this over and over, but THIS is the kind of hero you want to have your sons and daughters look to. Read the full story at Glimpses for Kids at CHI. A wonderful Sunday afternoon meditation, I would say.

Maxine (a/k/a Nanna)

Here are a couple of prayer requests from the Voice of the Martyrs Persecution Blog for this week:

UZBEKISTAN
Imprisoned Pastor Transferred to Harsher Camp – Forum 18 News/ VOM Sources

Imprisoned Pentecostal pastor, Dmitry Shestakov, has been transferred to a harsher labor camp in Navoi, Uzbekistan. The new camp is a longer distance from his wife and three children. In May 2007, Shestakov was sentenced to four years in an open work camp, in Andijan, for “religious activity.” Christians in Uzbekistan told Forum 18 News, “The authorities claim he misbehaved in the open work camp and that’s why they ordered his transfer to a harsher camp. We believe this was deliberately set up.” Forum 18 News reports that Pastor Shestakov’s transfer comes as authorities prepare administrative trials against members of his congregation in his home town of Andijan in the Fergana Valley in eastern Uzbekistan. Pray for Pastor Shestakov and his family. Ask God to watch over them during this difficult time. Psalm 32:7, Psalm 91:14-16

TURKEY
Pray for the Families of Martyred Christians – VOM Sources

Continue to pray for the families and loved ones of three men martyred in Turkey in April. Pray God will heal their hearts and meet their needs. Some Christians have been singled out in media coverage of this case; pray for their protection and God’s provision for them. Pray that Muslims in Turkey will be drawn to ask why these three men were willing to die, and through their testimonies will be drawn to faith in Christ. Psalm 68:5

While our Child of Courage page focuses on a particular family in Vietnam, the Voice of the Martyrs’ Persecution Blog has reports of yet more violent acts against Christians because of their faith. As the president of that country comes to the US this week, I’m sure that he won’t want to talk about THAT.

More cause for prayer, saints. But didn’t our Lord say it would be this way?

Talk to you Soon,

Maxine (a/k/a Nanna)

For my Father’s Day meditation on a Christian hero, I chose Jonathan Edwards, who not only selected a good wife, but teamed with her to make a Christian home which we all may admire. While this was not a perfect home–where might that be?–it was a fine example to those who visited. I like their story; maybe you will to.
There is much on Christian History Institute to read about the Edwards family, I happened to pick this particular article.

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers out there!

Talk to you soon.

Maxine (a/k/a Nanna)

NOTE (5/29/09): I noticed that this particular article is no longer available at CHI. Sorry about that.

Hopefully, this summer we can start moving on some works that are in varying stages of progress. The Companion to Aunt Jane’s Hero was removed from our available products because of some editing work needed. Hopefully, that can be completed before summer’s end.
Also, we have completed the manuscript for a study in the book of Romans. This study in directed specifically to teen girls. We are currently trying to find a publisher and if not, we will try to figure out a way that it can be done economically by Speakable Press. This is a matter for which we covet prayers.
And also, this summer I hope to begin in earnest my work on Stories for Bright Gems, which will be a companion to our book, Bright Gems for His crown,, our best selling item at this time.
Somehow, this all has to fit into several birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations among family and friends. We’ll see what God does.

Talk to you soon,

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Focus this month is on Vietnam. Our Child of Courage is a girl named Rachen. Follow the link to the VOM site to read the entire story. Have your children think about this for a bit. How important it is that they know about these things.

Also, go to the Persecution Blog to read about Pastor Y Wo Nie. Perhaps your children could write him a little note. What a practical way to teach them about true Christianity and to help them along in that sweet character trait called compassion.

Talk to you soon.

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Do your children know these words? No doubt they’ve sung them at church. Do they know anything of the man who wrote them? His name was Thomas Ken, who lived in the years 1637-1711. This would be a nice homeschool research paper for them, as well as Christian History project: Let them find out all they can about this man and his musical contributions to the Church. Let them study his childhood and his later trials in the time in which he lived in England. Let them learn about this unsung hero. I think they’ll benefit. They can find some information here.