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Joe Dobbins
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Joe Dobbins Shares ‘3 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Switching Churches’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Joe Dobbins shared insightful wisdom regarding church hurt, highlighting three important questions Christians should contemplate before switching churches.

Church Hurt

Church hurt stands out as one of the most challenging issues that many churches face today. When not addressed in a Christlike manner, it can lead to adverse consequences for those involved, as well as the congregation at large. Given that the church serves as a sanctuary for sinners and the broken who seek the Savior, it becomes imperative to maintain the right perspective when addressing instances of church hurt. Joe Dobbins offered valuable insights on navigating this sensitive topic.

Joe Dobbins

SYD KELL | Jesus & Motherhood [@syddkell]. Joe Dobbins Instagram, 22 May. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7RdOsnONpW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Do Not Rash

In his message, Joe stressed the importance of avoiding hasty decisions following experiences of hurt within one’s church community. He explained, “We make decisions that are based on allowing space for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. I believe that our movement should be based on assignment from the Lord, not on offense from people.”

The pastor urged the listeners not to leave the church solely because of conflict. Instead, he encouraged to “have a conversation.”

PROFESSOR THOUGHT BELIEVERS WERE ‘STUPID’ UNTIL HIS POWERFUL ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

“When I leave in conflict, my heart leaves unsettled,” he said. “So, I’m going to a new location but the same old heart.”

Joe presented a second point for consideration: the possibility of significant changes within the church. When this was the case, he encouraged believers to ask questions instead of just leaving the church.

Lack of Confidence in Church Leadership

Additionally, Joe touched upon scenarios where Christians lack confidence in their church leadership. He recommended allowing time for the Holy Spirit to intervene, setting a specific timeframe during which one should invest effort and participate actively in church activities. Should doubts persist even after this period, Joe suggested viewing it as a potential sign from God to embark on a new direction.

“We’re not going to hang back and seat in judgment,” he explained. “We’re going to serve, we’re going to worship, we’re going to encourage, we’re going to be a part of the church. And then at the end of that timetable, if we still feel lack of confidence and unsettledness, maybe the Holy Spirit speaking to us because He wants to move us into a new place. If I know that, I can go to the next place with peace and with the blessing of God on my life.”

Reference | Instagram – SYD KELL | Jesus & Motherhood

Header Image: SYD KELL | Jesus & Motherhood [@syddkell]. Joe Dobbins Instagram, 22 May. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7RdOsnONpW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Francis Chan warns churches in America
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Francis Chan Warns About What’s Happening To Churches In America Today

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Christian author and preacher Francis Chan warned about what’s happening to some churches in America today. He pleaded with Christians to return to their First Love.

God Loves To Bless

God loves to bless His children, it is His nature and character because He loves His people. He is a generous God who never withholds good things from those He loves. Hence, it is right for people to praise God for His unfailing love, grace, and mercy every day. That is more than enough reason for His people to rejoice and be grateful each day.

Francis Chan warns churches in AmericaCrazy Love [@crazyloveministries]. Francis Chan. Facebook, 2 May. 2024,

However, even with that truth, some people miss out on the very important thing as a Christian. Perhaps, overwhelmed by God’s outpouring of blessings or what God can do, some people overlook the Blesser.

A Warning To Churches In America Today

For Francis Chan, he was alarmed that the churches in America tend to be more focused on blessings than Jesus. He boldly remarked how offensive it is to God that Jesus is no longer the center of it all.

“When we have this list of all these blessings, or we’re mad about Him not giving us certain blessingsm” he said. “And it’s no longer about His Beloved, He goes ‘don’t you understand that I blessed you with My Beloved?’ Now, here’s an eternal Father and Son relationship that is perfect and it’s eternal. And He says ‘I’m giving Him to you.’”

Francis pointed out that Jesus should be more than enough to be called oneself blessed. And not on material things or even personal breakthroughs. He reminded Christians to desire Jesus more than anything and not just always focus on self.

“Has this been what you’ve been blessing God for? Going ‘God, You blessed me in the Beloved,’” he explained. “I am praying that God literally changes us where we have such a clear picture of His beloved. That we treasure Him.”

Furthermore, in the caption, he remarked that instead of asking God many things, our response should be: “I have been blessed because I have been given Jesus, the Beloved.”

Reference | Facebook – Crazy Love

Header Image: Crazy Love [@crazyloveministries]. Francis Chan. Facebook, 2 May. 2024, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=WC7FNe&v=3574776426106656&rdid=ltmhyUIgp7ZnzEw8

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Muslim Mob burned down homes
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Muslims Attack Christian Homes & Churches In Pakistan

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Muslims attacked some Christian homes and churches in Pakistan for false accusations that some Christians allegedly insulted the Quran.

Muslims Attack

According to ABC News, the conflict that sparked the chaos arose when some Muslims allegedly claimed that some Christians insulted their religion. The report said, “they had seen a local Christian and his friend tearing out pages from a Quran. Throwing them on the ground and writing insulting remarks on other pages.”

AP: KM Chaudary. (Photographer). (2023). Burned down homes, Retrieved August 18, 2023 from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-18/pakistan-make-arrests-over-mob-attack-on-churches/102745032

The false news spread by the man stirred rage among the Muslim community, leading to the attack. They attacked Christian homes and churches in Jaranwala City in the Faisalabad district. The incident happened on a Wednesday.

Burned Christian Homes & Churches

ABC noted, “At least one church was burned, four were damaged, and two dozen homes were torched or badly damaged.”

Christian victim Shazia Amjad recounted the traumatic event while in tears. She said, “We were sitting at home when suddenly we heard that a mob is coming and it is burning homes and attacking churches.”

Further, Shazia shared that the mob “used gasoline to burn homes.” What’s more, some of her belongings were stolen in the place where they were temporarily sheltered.

AP: KM Chaudary. (Photographer). (2023). Burned down homes, Retrieved August 18, 2023 from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-18/pakistan-make-arrests-over-mob-attack-on-churches/102745032

Another Christian, Azeem Masih, cried as he witnessed his home in flames.

“Why did they do it to us? We had not done anything wrong,” he said.

Some Muslim attackers also stole “household items” from the Christian homes “after burning their furniture and other belongings.”

In the aftermath of the attack, the believers are consoling each other, many in tears over the horrific incident.

Thankfully, authorities took action in the chaos that arose and sent soldiers. The turmoil only calmed down after these troops and police arrived and arrested 129 Muslims. The order was restored in the district. But homes and churches have already been destroyed.

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Pakistan. They need our prayers now more than ever.

Reference | ABC News

Header Image: Ricardo Gomez Angel. (Photographer). (2018). Fire, Retrieved August 18, 2023 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/-98jVaVuGv0

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Mississippi Governor
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Mississippi Gov. Won’t Restrict Churches Amid Pandemic: ‘God Is Bigger Than Gov’t’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Amidst restrictions across America banning church gatherings because of the COVID-19 threat, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves insists that religious freedom should never be “infringed” because “God is bigger than government.”

Religious Liberty

In a recent post-Thanksgiving message on Monday, Gov. Tate Reeves expressed his gratefulness for the God-given religious liberty.

“With all the things we can be thankful for in this season, I am especially grateful for our God-given religious liberty,” he wrote on Facebook. Then he highlighted the United States Supreme Court’s upheld law, blocking the New York restriction on worship gatherings.”

“Throughout this pandemic, Mississippi has never restricted religious gathering and worship. We made that clear in our court filings. God is bigger than the government. The right to freely practice your faith must never be infringed.”

Governor Tate shared his comments after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Catholic diocese and an Orthodox Jewish group in New York.

The high court stated, “Members of this Court are not public health experts, and we should respect the judgment of those with special expertise and responsibility in this area. But even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and forgotten. The restrictions at issue here, by effectively barring many from attending religious services, strike at the very heart of the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty.”

COVID-19 Cases In Mississippi

Mississippi’s COVID-19 case reached 1,000 hospitalizations on Monday, according to the Clarion Ledger–first time the state had 1,000 coronavirus cases.

But while the Mississippi Government does not place any restrictions on religious gatherings, the Governor is urging everyone to practice coronavirus protocols. Residents should avoid large social crowds and required to wear face masks in certain circumstances.

“This is a dangerous time. We all need to adjust our behavior accordingly,” he said at a press conference. Apparently, the coronavirus had infected his three daughters as well.

“We know that wearing masks works, we know that wearing masks helps prevent the transmission of the virus. And we know that avoiding large social gatherings helps.”

Meanwhile, state officials have been pushing the Mississippi Governor to impose a statewide mask mandate. However, he argued that “trying to order a statewide mask mandate is akin to ordering hurricanes to no longer hit Mississippi.”

Reference: The Christian Post

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ArticlesFaithRevival

Are You Hungry for the Truth?

by Henrietta Decruz
written by Henrietta Decruz

Are you hungry for the Truth and the Word of God? God wants us, His children, to seek Him with all our hearts. He said, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33)

In Amos 5:4 He goes one step further and says, “For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: Seek Me [inquire for and of Me and require Me as you require food] and you shall live!”

One Gospel Many Versions

The truth is that today there are many versions of the Gospel being taught today. Some focus on the law, others on grace. There are also those who change the interpretation of Bible verses to suit their own philosophies. Some dilute the Word of God so much, their teachings sound like new age religions of the world. Many ‘Christians’ today live contrary to the Gospel and are not hungry for the Truth. Some are ‘namesake’ Christians while some are genuine who uphold God’s standards.

Mark 3:25 says, “And if a house is divided (split into factions and rebelling) against itself, that house will not be able to last.” This could be said about the Body of Christ. They disagree on important doctrines and matters of faith.

Uphold God’s Standards

Jesus said about the Pharisees of His time in Mark 7:8-9, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions. And He continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” We need to take God’s Word seriously and seek Him to know what He is saying. If we don’t, we can get carried away by teachings that are contrary to what Jesus said. This is very serious as it can rob us of our place in heaven eternally.

In Matthew 25:12 Jesus says to some believers, “‘I solemnly declare to you, I do not know you [I am not acquainted with you].’ Jesus says, ‘Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].'” (Matthew 7:22-23)

A House Divided

It is sad when factions do the opposite of what Jesus taught and war with each other. They bring discredit and tarnish the name of Jesus Who said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) These fighting ‘believers’ need to learn what God says and make amends with their fellow Christians. God has called us to be peacemakers and work towards unity so that His name is lifted high.

For this reason, it is important that every believer seeks the Lord with all their hearts. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” And in Isaiah 54:13, God promises that He Himself will teach His children, “All your [spiritual] children shall be disciples [taught by the Lord and obedient to His will].”

Be Mature Christians, Hungry For Truth

Jesus said, “You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) Imagine standing before God on the Day of Judgment and saying, “Lord I didn’t know!”, or “Lord they didn’t teach me about this!”

This is why it is good to read the Bible. It is good to know for oneself what the Lord has said in His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the Truth so you won’t be ashamed on the day you stand before God.

Hungry: Revere God and Obey Him

Paul says in Philippians 2:12, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” The Amplified Bible gives us the meaning of “fear and trembling” as “self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ.”

Finally, Ephesians 5:27 reminds us that Jesus wants to “present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].” May we hear and heed what Jesus is saying to us personally and to the churches today.

 

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Churches forced to donate
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Churches In China Are Only Allowed To Reopen If They Hand Money Over To The Chinese Gov’t.

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

According to a report, authorities in China are forcing state-run churches to donate money, or else the church won’t be allowed to reopen.

A Three-Self church director from Heze, a prefecture-level city in the eastern province of Shandong, told Bitter Winter and revealed the unjust treatment of state-sponsored churches.

Forcing Churches To Donate

Apparently, the Chinese Government has decided to collect money from state-run churches for coronavirus-affected areas. In Zhangcun town, they asked “4,000 to 10,000 RMB” (between $560 and $1,400) of Three-Self churches. Also, the government required Christians in Xianju to donate 100 RMB (about $14) to Wuhan, which is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.

When the officials from the local Religious Affairs Bureau came, they threatened the churches. They said that “they will close them if they did not give them the money they are asking.”

According to The Christian Post, the authorities in Zhangcun issued donation quotas ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 RMB (between $560 and $1,400) to Three-Self churches.

“Churchgoers in Zhejiang’s Hangzhou city were also forced to donate,” said the Three-Self church director. “Some elderly congregation members live alone and have no sources of income, but are also forced to give money.”

Refusing To Donate Means Church Will Shut Down

Christians in China are not against the order to give. However, they requested the officials to give their donations directly to COVID-19 victims. They don’t want it to go through the government. But the Communist Party denied their request.

This isn’t the first time that the Communist Party has forced Christians in China to hand over money. In 2019, Bitter Winter reported that “the government forced believers to contribute to poverty alleviation or other government’s ‘charity’ projects” as well.

A deacon from a Three-Self church in Henan’s Zhumadian city told Bitter Winter of the same scenario last year. He said, “the Religious Affairs Bureau demanded us to collect money to fix a slide on a kindergarten playground. Government departments ask us for charitable donations every year. If we refuse, our church will be closed.”

Reference: Bibliatodo News

ALSO READ: Christians In China Continues To Increase Despite Ongoing Persecution And Pandemic
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Articles

Karen Pence Collaborates With Churches To Help Prevent Suicide In America

by Christa
written by Christa

The number of suicide rates in the USA remains constantly increasing throughout the years. With that view, Second Lady Karen Pence offers a resolution through rallying support from the churches.

Second Lady Karen Pence

Pence has been the lead ambassador of the administrations’ effort to stop nationwide suicide. The effort is also known as PREVENTS, or “President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide”

The suicide in America numbers in 47,000 every year and more than 6,000 of them are veterans.

Pence told CBN News, “I saw my role as a way to say, let’s end the stigma, and let’s start the conversation. Everybody has risk factors for suicide, every single one of us.”

Photo | CBN News

She added, “There’s help for our veterans, there’s help for Americans. We actually have things we’re putting into place. We want people to talk to each other and part of talking to each other and reaching out is sharing your faith.”

The idea came out from studies where people engaged in churches are less likely to suicide. “The research supports that there is a connection between people having an involvement in their faith community and having less opportunity or less desire to commit suicide,” the Second Lady said.

“REACH” campaign

Accordingly, a campaign called “REACH” is moving from church to church to address the tragedy. It seeks to be the topic of sermons, featured subject in bulletins and encourages church attendees to commit a pledge to change the national conversation around mental health and suicide.

‘World’s Hottest Adult Star’ Becomes A Christian After Hearing God While Committing Suicide

And with the COVID-19 outbreak, Pence recognizes the uncertainty and fear of the people. “All of us are dealing with some kind of anxiety or pressure or fear, and so what better time to say it’s okay to say you’re not okay.”

Ultimate hope

The Christian Second Lady shared to CBN News that her ultimate hope comes from God. “Hope really is the key and for me, as you know, I’m a Christian. That’s where I get my hope.”

“I do think that when we’re all low, sometimes the only person who’s there for me is the Lord. So when you actually can introduce someone to that aspect and to say, you know what, there is hope and there is a way past this struggle that you’re in right now.”

Reference: Bibliatodo

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Governon Gavin Newsom
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Churches Sue Gov. Gavin Newsom For Banning In-Home Bible Studies

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Several churches in California filed a complaint in federal court against Governor Gavin Newsom for his executive order that hinders Christians from holding Bible studies and meetings in small groups at houses of worship.

Harvest Rock Church and the Harvest International Ministries filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gavin last Saturday. The Harvest Rock is a Pasadena-based church which has campuses throughout the state. While the Harvest International Ministries is a non-profit organization “with 162 member churches statewide and over 65,000 affiliates worldwide.”

Author and International Chancellor of Wagner University, Ché Ahn, lead both organizations. He has appeared on networks like GodTV and Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Earlier this month, the California Governor released an order to ban indoor worship services. This was done due to the present pandemic situation. As a result, even small gatherings like home Bible studies in 30 counties of the state are halted.

Lawsuit Against Gov. Gavin Newsom

The legal complaint stated:

“As part of the exercise of its sincerely held religious beliefs, Harvest Rock’s Church campuses also have numerous Life Groups, which meet in the homes of members of the Church to worship together, engage in Bible study, fellowship with one another, and minister to the needs of each other.”

“Harvest Rock has and exercises a sincere religious belief that Life Groups are an essential way for the church to fulfill its mission and to foster a healthy, vibrant, and growing Church community such that its members can gather together to grow in the Lord, mature in their faith, and understand the Scriptures better.”

The legal filing also requests to “end the governor’s prohibition on indoor worship services entirely.” Because according to Harvest International’s statement, “churches can’t fulfill this ministry without “gathering together in person. [It] cannot effectively engage in its constitutionally protected free exercise of religion on the internet.”

Prohibition Of In-Person Services

In an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the California government amended the restriction orders in the past few months. But today, it has tightened over 30 counties of the state. In the updated order earlier this month, “worship facilities in 30 counties on the monitoring list are prohibited from holding in-person services.”

“Gov. Newsom encourages thousands of protesters to gather in the streets but bans in-person worship and home Bible studies and fellowship. This discriminatory treatment is unconstitutional,” Mat Staver, the Liberty Counsel founder said in a statement.

“Governor Gavin Newsom cannot disregard the First Amendment and ban all in-person worship in private homes and churches. Nor can the state micromanage the form of worship by banning singing or chanting.”

Violation Of The U.S. Constitution

The churches reprimand that the state’s executive order violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It breaches the law to protect “the exercise of religious beliefs.” Moreover, it also violates the 14th Amendment of “denying citizens equal protection of the law.”

The new lawsuit is just one of the several lawsuits filed against Gov. Gavin’s executive order “to stop singing and chanting at houses of worship.”

Churches Filing Complaints Against Gov. Gavin Newsom

In the past week, three other churches filed a complaint as well. American Center for Law and Justice, Tyler & Bursch, The National Center for Law and Policy, and Advocates for Faith & Freedom represented the churches.

Those plaintiffs are Calvary Chapel in Ukiah, Calvary Chapel Fort Bragg, and the River of Life Church in Oroville, according to CP.

Also, worship leader Sean Feucht founded the “Let Us Worship movement” in response to ordinances that silence the church. The peaceful protests ended up becoming a revival movement across America.

Reference: The Christian Post

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Articles

ACLJ Files Lawsuit Against California’s Ban On Church Singing

by Christa
written by Christa

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) filed a lawsuit against the state of California for banning singing in churches. They partnered with other advocacy groups and three churches. The churches are Calvary Chapel of Ukiah, Calvary Chapel Fort Bragg and River of Life Church, in Oroville. Together, they are fighting Gov. Newsom’s mandate.

On July 1, California released an order of guidelines with regards to worship and church services. It stated, “Places of worship must therefore discontinue singing and chanting activities.”

The state issued the order to reduce risk of transmission of the coronavirus. Then on July 11, a spokeswoman for California’s Office of Emergency Services confirmed the worship ban.

However, churches view this as unfair treatment.

ACLJ

Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the ACLJ, said, “We immediately condemned the California governor’s July 1st ban on singing and chanting in places of worship. Banning singing in California churches is an unconstitutional abuse of power. And to do it in the name of a pandemic is despicable. This ban is clearly targeted at religion. It is clearly a violation of the First Amendment and a direct violation of religious liberty.”

Christians Gathered In Worship In California To Stand Against State’s Ban On Church Singing

The ACLJ has teamed up with with Tyler & Bursch, The National Center for Law and Policy (NCLP), and Advocates for Faith & Freedom in filing the case.

They added, “Let me be clear, the State does not have the jurisdiction to ban houses of worship from singing praises to God.”

ACLJ press stated that restrictions in the state’s health order have been applied to churches unfairly. The state has ordered the ban of singing to churches while restaurants, bars and malls don’t.

Their online petition, Don’t Ban Singing In Church, has received almost 250,000 signatures.

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Articles

Social Isolation And The Toll On Mental Health Of The Nation

by John Mathai
written by John Mathai

We are in imposed self-isolation now to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategy appears to have had an effect in controlling the spread of the virus. However, there is a secondary harmful effect that social isolation has on the mental health of the nation. Isolation is never good for mental health. Many withdraw in times of illness but sometimes isolation is also the cause of a mental disorder. We, as humans, are social beings and need to be part of a community to feel loved and cared for. Isolation breaks this vital connection down and secondary effects kick in.

The Need For Touch

We are unable to touch each other and touch is a powerful form of communication and bonding behaviour. A baby needs cuddles and this enhances bonding and attachment. Once this is broken, trust becomes a major issue in development. Adults also need to feel connection through touch. Isolation leads to a different lifestyle which breeds disconnectedness. We need community and virtual communication and contact is insufficient to meet this human need for connection. If isolation becomes a pattern for long periods of time then this is difficult to repair. One adjusts to the new normal and remain isolated.

Turn To God In Social Isolation

Churches, pubs, and other social groups provide a setting for social engagement. Families sometimes are too fractious and may be explosive if no outlets are provided. This is a recipe for disaster. Governments have the responsibility to balance the strategy imposed to ensure that extreme actions do not lead to long-term harm. And churches can also provide emotional and spiritual support during these times of stress.

People turn to God for help during crises. It is important that churches and other places of worship are kept open during these times to provide comfort and support. Human contact is important just as air is vital for life. Prayer is a vital strategy to employ to defeat the curse of disease and evil. God always responds to repentant hearts and cries for help.

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