A letter to the Global Church from The Protestant Church of Smyrna

Dear friends,
This past week has been filled with much sorrow. Many of you have heard by now of our devastating loss here in an event that took place in Malatya, a Turkish province 300 miles northeast of Antioch, the city where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

On Wednesday morning, April 18, 2007, 46 year old German missionary and father of three Tilman Geske prepared to go to his office, kissing his wife goodbye taking a moment to hug his son and give him the priceless memory, “Goodbye, son. I love you.”

Tilman rented an office space from Zirve Publishing where he was preparing notes for the new Turkish Study Bible. Zirve was also the location of the Malatya Evangelist Church office. A ministry of the church, Zirve prints and distributes Christian literature to Malatya and nearby cities in Eastern Turkey. In another area of town, 35 year old Pastor Necati Aydin, father of two, said goodbye to his wife, leaving for the office as well. They had a morning Bible Study and prayer meeting that some other believers in town would also be attending. Ugur Yuksel likewise made his way to the Bible study.

None of these three men knew that what awaited them at the Bible study was the ultimate testing and application of their faith, which would conclude with their entrance into glory to receive their crown of righteousness from Christ and honor from all the saints awaiting them in the Lord’s presence.

On the other side of town, ten young men all under 20 years old put into place final arrangements for their ultimate act of faith, living out their love for Allah and hatred of infidels who they felt undermined Islam.

On Resurrection Sunday, five of these men had been to a by-invitation-only evangelistic service that Pastor Necati and his men had arranged at a hotel conference room in the city. The men were known to the believers as “seekers.” No one knows what happened in the hearts of those men as they listened to the gospel. Were they touched by the Holy Spirit? Were they convicted of sin? Did they hear the gospel in their heart of hearts? Today we only have the beginning of their story.

These young men, one of whom is the son of a mayor in the Province of Malatya, are part of a tarikat, or a group of “faithful believers” in Islam. Tarikat membership is highly respected here; it’s like a fraternity membership. In fact, it is said that no one can get into public office without membership in a tarikat. These young men all lived in the same dorm, all preparing for university entrance exams.

The young men got guns, breadknives, ropes and towels ready for their final act of service to Allah. They knew there would be a lot of blood. They arrived in time for the Bible Study, around 10 o’clock.

They arrived, and apparently the Bible Study began. Reportedly, after Necati read a chapter from the Bible the assault began. The boys tied Ugur, Necati, and Tilman’s hands and feet to chairs and as they videoed their work on their cellphones, they tortured our brothers for almost three hours*

[Details of the torture--
* Tilman was stabbed 156 times, Necati 99 times and Ugur’s stabs were too numerous to count. They were disemboweled, and their intestines sliced up in front of their eyes. They were emasculated and watched as those body parts were destroyed. Fingers were chopped off, their noses and mouths and anuses were sliced open. Possibly the worst part was watching as their brothers were likewise tortured. Finally, their throats were sliced from ear to ear, heads practically decapitated.]

Neighbors in workplaces near the printhouse said later they had heard yelling, but assumed the owners were having a domestic argument so they did not respond.

Meanwhile, another believer Gokhan and his wife had a leisurely morning. He slept in till 10, ate a long breakfast and finally around 12:30 he and his wife arrived at the office. The door was locked from the inside, and his key would not work. He phoned and though it had connection on his end he did not hear the phone ringing inside. He called cell phones of his brothers and finally Ugur answered his phone. “We are not at the office. Go to the hotel meeting. We are there. We will come there,” he said cryptically. As Ugur spoke Gokhan heard in the telephone’s background weeping and a strange snarling sound.

He phoned the police, and the nearest officer arrived in about five minutes. He pounded on the door, “Police, open up!” Initially the officer thought it was a domestic disturbance. At that point they heard another snarl and a gurgling moan. The police understood that sound as human suffering, prepared the clip in his gun and tried over and over again to burst through the door. One of the frightened assailants unlocked the door for the policeman, who entered to find a grisly scene.

Tilman and Necati had been slaughtered, practically decapitated with their necks slit from ear to ear. Ugur’s throat was likewise slit and he was barely alive.

Three assailants in front of the policeman dropped their weapons.

Meanwhile Gokhan heard a sound of yelling in the street. Someone had fallen from their third story office. Running down, he found a man on the ground, whom he later recognized, named Emre Gunaydin. He had massive head trauma and, strangely, was snarling. He had tried to climb down the drainpipe to escape, and losing his balance had plummeted to the ground. It seems that he was the main leader of the attackers. Another assailant was found hiding on a lower balcony.

To untangle the web we need to back up six years. In April 2001, the National Security Council of Turkey (Milli Guvenlik Kurulu) began to consider evangelical Christians as a threat to national security, on equal footing as Al Quaida and PKK terrorism. Statements made in the press by political leaders, columnists and commentators have fueled a hatred against missionaries who they claim bribe young people to change their religion.

After that decision in 2001, attacks and threats on churches, pastors and Christians began. Bombings, physical attacks, verbal and written abuse are only some of the ways Christians are being targetted. Most significant is the use of media propaganda.

From December 2005, after having a long meeting regarding the Christian threat, the wife of Former Prime Minister Ecevit, historian Ilber Ortayli, Professor Hasan Unsal, Politician Ahmet Tan and writer/propogandist Aytunc Altindal, each in their own profession began a campaign to bring the public’s attention to the looming threat of Christians who sought to “buy their children’s souls”. Hidden cameras in churches have taken church service footage and used it sensationally to promote fear and antagonism toward Christianity.

In an official televised response from Ankara, the Interior Minister of Turkey smirked as he spoke of the attacks on our brothers. Amid public outrage and protests against the event and in favor of freedom of religion and freedom of thought, media and official comments ring with the same message, “We hope you have learned your lesson. We do not want Christians here.”

It appears that this was an organized attack initiated by an unknown adult tarikat leader. As in the Hrant Dink murder in January 2007, and a Catholic priest Andrea Santoro in February 2006, minors are being used to commit religious murders because public sympathy for youth is strong and they face lower penalties than an adult convicted of the same crime. Even the parents of these children are in favor of the acts. The mother of the 16 year old boy who killed the Catholic priest Andrea Santoro looked at the cameras as her son was going to prison and said, “he will serve time for Allah.”

The young men involved in the killing are currently in custody. Today news reported that they would be tried as terrorists, so their age would not affect the strict penalty. Assailant Emre Gunaydin is still in intensive care. The investigation centers around him and his contacts and they say will fall apart if he does not recover.

The Church in Turkey responded in a way that honored God as hundreds of believers and dozens of pastors flew in as fast as they could to stand by the small church of Malatya and encourage the believers, take care of legal issues, and represent Christians to the media.

When Susanne Tilman expressed her wish to bury her husband in Malatya, the Governor tried to stop it, and when he realized he could not stop it, a rumor was spread that “it is a sin to dig a grave for a Christian.” In the end, in an undertaking that should be remembered in Christian history forever, the men from the church in Adana (near Tarsus), grabbed shovels and dug a grave for their slain brother in an un-tended hundred year old Armenian graveyard.

Ugur was buried by his family in an Alevi Muslim ceremony in his hometown of Elazig, his believing fiance watching from the shadows as his family and friends refused to accept in death the faith Ugur had so long professed and died for.

Necati’s funeral took place in his hometown of Izmir, the city where he came to faith. The darkness does not understand the light. Though the churches expressed their forgiveness for the event, Christians were not to be trusted. Before they would load the coffin onto the plane from Malatya, it went through two separate xray exams to make sure it was not loaded with explosives. This is not a usual procedure for Muslim coffins.

Necati’s funeral was a beautiful event. Like a glimpse of heaven, thousands of Turkish Christians and missionaries came to show their love for Christ, and their honor for this man chosen to die for Christ. Necati’s wife Shemsa told the world, “His death was full of meaning, because he died for Christ and he lived for Christ… Necati was a gift from God. I feel honored that he was in my life, I feel crowned with honor. I want to be worthy of that honor.”

Boldly the believers took their stand at Necati’s funeral, facing the risks of being seen publicly and likewise becoming targets. As expected, the anti-terror police attended and videotaped everyone attending the funeral for their future use. The service took place outside at Buca Baptist church, and he was buried in a small Christian graveyard in the outskirts of Izmir.

Two assistant Governors of Izmir were there solemnly watching the event from the front row. Dozens of news agencies were there documenting the events with live news and photographs. Who knows the impact the funeral had on those watching? This is the beginning of their story as well. Pray for them.

In an act that hit front pages in the largest newspapers in Turkey, Susanne Tilman in a television interview expressed her forgiveness. She did not want revenge, she told reporters. “Oh God, forgive them for they know not what they do,” she said, wholeheartedly agreeing with the words of Christ on Calvary (Luke 23:34).

In a country where blood-for-blood revenge is as normal as breathing, many many reports have come to the attention of the church of how this comment of Susanne Tilman has changed lives. One columnist wrote of her comment, “She said in one sentence what 1000 missionaries in 1000 years could never do.”

The missionaries in Malatya will most likely move out, as their families and children have become publicly identified as targets to the hostile city. The remaining 10 believers are in hiding. What will happen to this church, this light in the darkness? Most likely it will go underground. Pray for wisdom, that Turkish brothers from other cities will go to lead the leaderless church. Should we not be concerned for that great city of Malatya, a city that does not know what it is doing? (Jonah 4:11)

When our Pastor Fikret Bocek went with a brother to give a statement to the Security Directorate on Monday they were ushered into the Anti-Terror Department. On the wall was a huge chart covering the whole wall listing all the terrorist cells in Izmir, categorized. In one prominent column were listed all the evangelical churches in Izmir. The darkness does not understand the light. “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” (Acts 17:6)

Please pray for the Church in Turkey. “Don’t pray against persecution, pray for perseverence,” urges Pastor Fikret Bocek.

The Church is better having lost our brothers; the fruit in our lives, the renewed faith, the burning desire to spread the gospel to quench more darkness in Malatya …all these are not to be regretted. Pray that we stand strong against external opposition and especially pray that we stand strong against internal struggles with sin, our true debilitating weakness.

This we know. Christ Jesus was there when our brothers were giving their lives for Him. He was there, like He was when Stephen was being stoned in the sight of Saul of Tarsus.

Someday the video of the deaths of our brothers may reveal more to us about the strength that we know Christ gave them to endure their last cross, about the peace the Spirit of God endowed them with to suffer for their beloved Savior. But we know He did not leave their side. We know their minds were full of Scripture strengthening them to endure, as darkness tried to subdue the unsubduable Light of the Gospel. We know, in whatever way they were able, with a look or a word, they encouraged one another to stand strong. We know they knew they would soon be with Christ.

We don’t know the details. We don’t know the kind of justice that will or will not be served on this earth.

But we pray-- and urge you to pray-- that someday at least one of those five boys will come to faith because of the testimony in death of Tilman Geske, who gave his life as a missionary to his beloved Turks, and the testimonies in death of Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel, the first martyrs for Christ out of the Turkish Church.

Reported by Darlene N. Bocek (24 April 2007)
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Please please please pass this on to as many praying Christians as you can, in as many countries as you can. Please always keep the heading as “From the Protestant Church of Smyrna”.

Dear Lord.... Whew.... oh my heart for these persecuted brothers and sisters in in Christ! Lord we just do not even understand what those around the world are suffer for you sake. Lord forgive me! Forgive my fluffy life that I have here and have absolutley no clue what these fellow servants are going through! Lift these soldiers of the Cross... give them perseverence as they have asked for! . Lord your word says that you know their works, and their tribulation and poverty. Yet Father you say that they are Rich! Let them feel your presence and your peace. Surround them with your love and mercy and let them know how truly rich they are in you! Father I cannot even imagine what these familes and church members have suffered but you do Lord you see every trial and test. Father help them to be faithful and walk in your will as they face these unthinkable days ahead! Remind them Father of their crown of life that you have promised. Forgive me Lord! I pray on behalf of these dear souls in the name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.


Your Friend in Christ,
Valerie
Messiahiscoming

What a beautiful prayer. I am in total agreement with your words, Messiahcoming.

Yes, the internal question gnaws at us with our "fluffy lives"... would we be able to give up "selflessly" our lives for Christ Jesus as He has done for us, for the Faith, for the Cross of Calvary as these courageous Martyrs in Christ have done enduring great and horrific torment? Truly they are "rich" beyond comprehension.

I had a ruptured intestine once and wasn't able to get on morphine at the ER until 12 hours later... it was THE MOST excruciating pain I had EVER experienced in my ENTIRE life... so I just can't even imagine having your intestines ripped out of your body while conscience... what these precious, precious Martyrs endured was diabolical and a mere taste of what is to come to the Martyrdom of Saints prophesized in Revelation.

What Satan has meant for Evil, God will transform into Good. I pray that God shall use this as kindle for a “Great Holy Fire”, that there shall emerge a Great Revival from the modest little Church of Smyrna that will spread like a wild Fire of the Spirit of God to convert countless Moslems to the Redeemer, Christ Jesus… Amen.

Seek the Lord while he can be sought... lift up your sins to Calvary Cross... work out your Salvation to mature into an "Overcomer" in Christ Jesus... be prepared and vigilant... and pray always.

Blessings...

-7

I'm speechless. Oh God... show your glory.

Click here: HOLISTICWARRIOR: Archetype of Churches of Revelation with Planets

Neptune is the 2nd Seal = Church of Smyrna http://www.lwbc.co.uk/seven_churches.htm

(2) Smyrna (2:8-11) Here is a church that has not got great resources nor are they particularly sought after. Instead they are ridiculed and persecuted for their faith in Christ. They could overcome this by following the standards of those who are successful by compromising the Gospel, but instead they have chosen to be overcomers by being faithful to the Lord. They have chosen the riches of Christ rather the riches and fame of this world.

http://www.mt.net/~watcher/noah.html [ ] Pisces, the fishes connected to the neck of the sea monster, one points to the center of heaven the other follows the ecliptic, the path of the earth around the sun. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be doneon earth as it is in heaven".
http://holisticwarrior.blogspot.com/2006/0...revelation.html

I first heard of this through my home church, where one lady and her husband are friends with the South African missionary who first reached these boys that were killed. They were part of his discipleship team and they were killed while he was back here in South Africa to see his family.
It is shocking and yet, its only the beginning. I really pray that the eyes of the church will open so that they will see that what is coming, is coming to all of us. We are so close to a world wide anti-Christian move.

Watch and pray
C

I first heard of this through my home church, where one lady and her husband are friends with the South African missionary who first reached these boys that were killed. They were part of his discipleship team and they were killed while he was back here in South Africa to see his family.
It is shocking and yet, its only the beginning. I really pray that the eyes of the church will open so that they will see that what is coming, is coming to all of us. We are so close to a world wide anti-Christian move.

Watch and pray
C

Oh, C'mon C....don't you know about the rapture?...I sure am glad WE won't be here for any hardship, trials or tribulation because JEEsus is coming to take us up into the air to be raptured!!!! You see, we're special....more special than Paul cuz he had to suffer MANY things, and we're better than Peter cuz he had to be crucified upside down, and we're better than Stephen who was stoned to death for his testimony....WE don't have to suffer any persecution cuz Jesus will save us from all hardship and testing! You see, we're AMERICAN Christians and we are the apple of His eye. God would never beat up His bride before the wedding! Right? I mean....well.....Jesus suffered so we wouldn't have to....right?

1Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Hi, BrotherJon...

You're opening up an old can of worms... this question has been debated a thousand times on the Christian Forum, and always leads to great conflict amongst the Brethren, producing "confusion", and we all know who the "god of confusion" is; don't we? Pre- (?) Mid-(?), and Post-Trib (?), included.

I, like C, am in the camp that Christ will come "FIRST"... "IN" His Bride, "BEFORE" He comes "FOR" His Bride in the end. This is what will distinguish the "Bride" on earth as the "Overcomers". This group is the 5 prepared and ready Virgins who enter the Door when the Bridegroom comes as a Thief in the night in the parable of the 10 Virgins. They will be a very small "Remnant", because the majority of Christendom has swallowed what Christ called the coming "Delusion". The five Virgins "SHUT OUT" were not prepared and are the Christians who believed a "fable", being the popular "Pre-Trib Rapture Delusion" that has lulled the Church asleep with the "free ride" concept... this group will have to endure the Tribulation as the Martyr of Saints for the Rapture became their "First Love", not Christ. These are the Martyrs described in Revelation 6:9, which must be. Even Corrie ten Boom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrie_ten_Boom), a Dutch Christian whose experience in the Nazi concentration camps is documented in the story of "The Hiding Place", said that the Lord told her to preach her experience worldwide as a witness of strength and perseverance onto the Christians, who will, indeed, go through the Tribulation of the End of Ages.

Yes, some of us know of the Rapture all too well.

But with that said... Let's not allow the Evil One to abduct this thread and divert the focus onto yet another Rapture debate of confusion and hostility (as is always the case), but rather, let's remain focused on the topic of this thread to GIVE HONOR TO THE DEATHS OF THESE COURAGEOUS MARTYRS OF CHRIST...

I think we can all agree that this is the LEAST that we can do for the giving up of their precious lives for Christ and the Christian Faith.

Blessings...

-7

Amen....I stand corrected. I don't believe in a pre-trib rapture and we are in agreement that this false doctrine has lulled the church to sleep....my point was to agree with C that there is a storm coming and most are expecting to fly away. I in no way want to add to confusion and I respect your comments.

Dear brother Jon,
It is very sad that the word of God is still misinterpreted after all this time. Saint Paul was the first
saint of God to reveal the very taking away of His saints, the church in the last days. Paul said
I will shew you a mystery. This event had not been revealed to any believer up until that time.
It just so happens that this event is also the first resurrection of the dead in Christ as well as
the changing of the bodies of those alive in to the very spiritual physical body that our Lord Jesus
received after his resurrection. The dead in Christ and the alive in Christ will rise to meet the
Lord in the air, and so we will forever be with the Lord.
God tells us in scripture to pray always that we are found worthy to escape the wrath of God
that will be poured out on a world that hasn't or won't repent of their sins.
The bride of Christ will not be subjected to the wrath of God. It is all thru the Holy scripture, the
reason why Christ died and rose again for the sins of those who would believe unto His name,
even the "blessed hope".
I hardly think that Christ's physical return to the earth at Armagedon would be considered
"as a thief in the night". The world will just have gone thru a time of trouble like the world
has ever seen before or will ever see again. The enemies of God, the anti christ and the
false prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire. The kingdoms of this world shall become
the Kingdom of our Lord Christ Jesus and He shall rule and reign for a thousand years.
Satan who was thrown into the bottemless pit will be released for a short time at the end
of the thousand year reign and Satan will lead the final rebellion against God and His people.
Finally after Satan is overcome for the last time, he is thrown into the lake of fire, where
the anti christ and false prophet are.
One must read the scripture will the help for understanding from the Holy Spirit.
I hope all will come to the understanding of saint Pauls revelation to the early church of
our Lords appearing in the air before the seven years of tribulation begins. This IS the
first resurrection of those in Christ and the removal of living believers in Jesus at this
appointed time..

May God Bless,
Thunder

That is all true, and we all know that the wrath of God comes just after the tribulation and that God will not allow us to go through His wrath.
ALL God’s people have always gone through tribulations, many, many times. Israel in the desert was in tribulation (but there was not wrath, only at the end, when they still were found in unbelief)
So tribulation is excellent and not to be feared. The apostate church tells you that it is going to be a bad time for you, but those who are found IN Christ, have nothing to fear. They have already lost their lives, they have been crucified with Christ. Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

Praise God, Christ now lives in the believer of this truth and as such it is Christ in you that will stand in the tribulation with you.
My spirit sings: Pro 18:10 The name of Jehovah is a strong towerThe righteous runneth into it, and is safe.


Psa 61:3 For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy.
Psa 61:4 I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever: I will take refuge in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Amen and amen, the Lord is our protection and will be so in the times ahead.
Take courage, He is able!
love C

That is all true, and we all know that the wrath of God comes just after the tribulation and that God will not allow us to go through His wrath.
ALL God’s people have always gone through tribulations, many, many times. Israel in the desert was in tribulation (but there was not wrath, only at the end, when they still were found in unbelief)
So tribulation is excellent and not to be feared. The apostate church tells you that it is going to be a bad time for you, but those who are found IN Christ, have nothing to fear. They have already lost their lives, they have been crucified with Christ. Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

Praise God, Christ now lives in the believer of this truth and as such it is Christ in you that will stand in the tribulation with you.
My spirit sings: Pro 18:10 The name of Jehovah is a strong towerThe righteous runneth into it, and is safe.


Psa 61:3 For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy.
Psa 61:4 I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever: I will take refuge in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Amen and amen, the Lord is our protection and will be so in the times ahead.
Take courage, He is able!
love C

How can the first 5 be any smaller of a remnant than the second 5? Is the majority the second 5?

Your math doesn't add up.

Thank you for posting this article 7. I just don't have any words to express my sorrow for people who don't know the Lord. May the Lord's word spread like a wildfire fuled by the Santa Ana winds...

Thunder-
There WILL be a rapture but it will be AFTER the resurrection of the dead in Christ. "The dead rise FIRST, THEN we who are alive and remain....." Ask Jesus from scripture when will he raise His sleeping saints and in John 6 -4 times He says, "at the LAST DAY'. You need to study the types in the Old Testament and look at the patterns of history......it IS a sad thing that scriptures in still misinterpreted after all this time and you just posted some MAJOR misinterpretations. This thread is about Christian martyrdom....therefore the false pre-trib rapture doctrine needs to be exposed because the body of Christ needs to be prepared to go into the 7 times heated furnace-Daniel 3. The people of God don't take the city until the 7th trump is blown-Joshua 6...the tribulation is NOT the wrath of God-Rev 15 starts the wrath with the bowl judgments.

I'm preparing to go through the time of testing- to face the AntiChrist and the Beast- to identify the Harlot- to refuse the mark- to die to self NOW- while many have the same hope the apostate Jews did...they were expecting their Messiah to come and deliver them from the Roman BEAST- they were wrong then and history repeats.

One important aspect of the rapture is the resurrection of the dead in Christ. Their spirits
have been in heaven, some for a very long time and yearn for their resurrected bodies. These
very same spirits will return with our Lord and receive their immortal spiritual bodies, just like
the body of Christ. We that are alive will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye and our immortal
new bodies will rise to meet the Lord in the air. We return to heaven for a seven year period of
time where we all will appear before the judgement seat of Christ. Here we will receive or lose
the rewards done in the name of Jesus on this earth. This is not in anyway judgement for sin for
we are the foregiven the ones that have asked Christ for foregiveness and repented of our sins.
The marriage supper of the lamb also takes place during this seven year period in heaven.
Jesus the Lamb of God is the only one worthy to open the scroll of judgement and remove the
seven seals from the scroll. The wrath of God is poured out on a wicked and evil and unrepentant
world. When reading the book of Revelation you will notice John is called up to heaven to see
the things that would occur in the future. Seated round about the throne of God are the 24 elders
dressed in fine white linen. The seven vials of judgement are poured out one at a time on the
world. The believers or the church is in heaven at this time and will return on white horses at
the end of tribulation with our Lord to kill the enemies of God.
I here it said many times that Noah went thru the flood which is quite true. God had given Noah
the responsibility of re-populating the earth after the flood.
I have heard it said that believers in the rapture are looking for the easy way out. This is not
true for we know not what time the Lord returns so therefore we must expect the Lord's return
at any time. We must warn the unsaved that the age of God's Grace is about to come to a close.
The believers who think that God will save them thru the tribulation, here on earth.. are not
looking for our Lord's return at any moment but are watching for the appearance of the anti christ.
The people taken to saftey during the tribulation (Jacob's trouble) are the Jewish people that
become believers in Christ after the rapture. People must remember that there will be 144,000
Jewish believers and the two witnesses that profess Jesus as their saviour during the tribulation.
The whole world will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ during the tribulation and people who become
believers at that time will be hunted down by the false prophet and the anti christ and beheaded.
These are the souls that show up in heaven under the alter of God, half way thru the tribulation.
God's Jewish elect will be taken and hid from the anti christ and Satan, many believe
that they will be taken to Petra the fortified city built in the rocks.
All of Israel will be saved, the ones that mourn when they see Christ returning to earth with
ten thousands thousands of His saints and is heavenly angels. They will cry and mourn for the
One they rejected and put to death and Christ will forgive them of their sins.

Praise be always to our Lord Christ Jesus. Amen.

Thunder

I know the above post from me seems cold..but I don't even think the wildfires in Ca had started when I posted this...Does anyone know when they started? I'm sorry if I offended anyone...the people of Ca are in my prayers.

taltimbr Tall Timber! Ha! I never noticed that before!



Love those Redwoods!

For you Lisa,

The first that I heard of the fires was Sunday, the 21st.

Only one fire has a date of the 20th, the Ranch fire ... so many more start on the 21st... then the rest


http://www.calfires.com/

Poomacha Fire
Highway 76, Pauma Valley
San Diego County

This fire started October 23 as a structure fire on the Lajolla Indian Reservation. It has burned 25,000 acres and is uncontained. 50 homes have been destroyed and 2,000 homes are threatened. Evacuations are in progress along the Highway 76 cxorridor. The communities of Valley Center, Rincon, Pauma Valley, Hidden Meadows, Deer Springs, Vista and Palomar are threatened. This fire has resulted in 10 firefighter injuries. 659 firefighters are currently assigned to this fire under unified command with CAL FIRE and the Cleveland National Forest. Poomacha Fire Information Line (619) 590-3160.

Horno/Ammo Fire
Camp Pendleton
San Diego County

The Horno/Ammo Fire has burned 6,000 acres since October 23. It is currently 10 percent contained. Camp Pendleton officials have announced the reopening of the following roads affecting traffic aboard and around Camp Pendleton: Interstate 5 (North and Southbound) and Basilone Road. Additionally, all gates have been reopened to traffic exiting and entering the base, with the exception of Fallbrook Gate, which is open to only incoming traffic. Only emergency vehicles are permitted to exit the Fallbrook Gate.

Camp Pendleton authorities have relocated the residents of one housing area, San Onofre 1 and 2, to San Mateo. That relocation, which affected approximately 800 family members, was a precautionary measure in light of the proximity of the Horno fire. Horno/Ammo Fire Information Line (866) 430-2764.

Harris Fire
Harris Ranch Road & Hwy 94
San Diego County

This fire has burned 73,000 acres and is 10 percent contained. The fire started October 21 and is burning at Harris Ranch Road and both sides of Highway 94 in Portrero in San Diego County. There have been 25 civilian injuries and one death as well as seven firefighter injuries on this fire. 200 homes have been destroyed in this fire and 250 additional homes have been damaged. 1,500 homes are threatened. 4500 people have been evacuated. The communities of Chula Vista, San Diego, San Miguel, Portrero, Barrett Junction, Barett Lake area, Engineer Springs, Dulzura, Deerhorn Valley, Lawson Valley, Jamul, Lyons Valley and homes along Millar Ranch Road are threatened. 1211 firefighters are assigned under unified command. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $2.5 million. Harris Fire Information Line (619) 590-3160.

Rice Fire
Rice Canyon
San Diego County

This fire has burned 7,500 acres in Rice Canyon in Northern San Diego County and is 10 percent contained. 206 homes, 2 commercial properties and 40 outbuildings have been destroyed. 1,500 homes are threatened currently. 35,000 people have been evacuated from the communities of Fallbrook and Deluz Canyon. Camp Pendleton and Oceanside are threatened. One firefighter injury has been reported. 723 firefighters are assigned to this fire under unified command including 723 CAL FIRE staff. Rice Fire Information Line (619) 590-3160.

Rosa Fire
Near Temecula
Riverside County

This fire has burned 411 acres and is 70 percent contained. 175 residences near Temecula are threatened. Evacuations have been lifted and residents are allowed to return to their homes. All roads are open. 223 firefighters are assigned to this incident under CAL FIRE command. The cause of this fire is arson. Rosa Fire Information Line (951) 940-6985.

Witch Fire
Witch Creek Area East of Ramona
San Diego County

This fire has burned 196,420 acres and is one percent contained. Mandatory evacuations are in place for the community of Julian. Pine Hills is also threatened. 805 homes, 100 commercial properties, and 50 outbuildings have been destroyed. 375 homes, 75 commercial properties and 50 outbuildings have been damaged. 5,000 residences, 1,500 commercial properties, and 300 outbuildings are currently threatened. 12 firefighters have been injured on this fire. A CAL FIRE Incident Command Team is in command of this incident with 1,841 firefighters assigned. Wildcat Canyon is closed. Highway 67 is closed from Poway to Ramona. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $2.3 million. Witch Fire Information Line (619) 590-3160.

Buckweed Fire
Mint Canyon Road at Sierra Hwy
Los Angeles County

This fire has burned 38,356 acres and is 94 percent contained. The fire started October 21 and is burning at Mint Canyon Road and Sierra Highway in Los Angeles County toward Magic Mountain. Evacuations have been lifted for all areas except Bouquet Canyon. Communities of Santa Clarita, Castaic, Mint Canyon, and Bouquet Reservoir are still threatened. A partial road closure for Sierra Highway north from Soledad Canyon remains in effect. The Old Road at Valencia Boulevard is closed. Vasquez Canyon is open to residents only. 15 homes and 17 outbuildings have been destroyed and three homes have been damaged. Three civilians and one firefighter have been injured. 1,157 firefighters are assigned including 213 CAL FIRE staff. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $2.5 million. Buckweed Fire Information Line (323) 881-2411

Magic Fire
Old Cross Road at Magic Mountain Parkway
Los Angeles County

The Magic Fire has burned 2,824 acres since October 22 and is now 93 percent contained. 105 Los Angeles County firefighters are assigned to this fire. Magic Fire Information Line (323) 881-2411.

Ranch Fire
Angeles National Forest
Los Angeles County

This fire has burned 51,337 acres since October 20 and is 45 percent contained. Fire is burning six miles north of Castaic in Los Angeles County. The communities of Fillmore, Piru, Ventura, and Ojai are currently threatened. Evacuations continue in Chiquito Canyon, Hasley Canyon, Val Verde, Hopper Canyon and toward Filmore. An evacuation center is available at Fillmore Veterans Memorial Building, 511 Second Street. Large animals can be evacuated to Ventura County Fairgrounds and small animals to Camarillo Animal Shelter.

Three homes and four outbuildings have been destroyed. 500 residencesare currently threatened. Three homes and four outbuildings have been destroyed. 1,264 personnel are assigned under U.S. Forest Service command including 80 CAL FIRE staff. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $4.5 million. Ranch Fire Information Line (626) 574-5208.

Canyon Fire
Malibu Canyon
Los Angeles County

This fire has burned 4,500 acres and is 85 percent contained. The fire started October 21 and is burning in Malibu Canyon south of Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles County. Six homes and two businesses have been destroyed. Nine homes and five businesses have been damaged. 600 residences, 200 commercial buildings, and 100 outbuildings are threatened. 500 homes have been evacuated.

Evacuations are still in effect for Malibu Canyon between Civic Center and Piuma Road. Evacuation centers established at Agoura High School and Palisades High School. Schools are open today except Our Lady of Malibu.

Three injuries have been reported. 310 personnel are assigned to this incident. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $4.2 million. Canyon Fire Information Line (323) 881-2411.

Cajon Fire
I-15/Kenwood in Devore
San Bernardino County

This fire started October 22 and has burned 350 acres. It is 90 percent contained and no evacuations are ordered. Cajon Fire Information line (909) 383-5688.

Martin Fire
Martin Ranch Road at Meyers Road
San Bernardino County

This fire in the San Bernardino National Forest began at 9 a.m. October 23 and has burned 75 acres. It is 75 percent contained. 77 firefighters are assigned to this incident under unified command and one firefighter injury has been reported. One home has been damaged. No structures are threatened at this time. All evacuation notices have been lifted. Martin Fire Information line (909) 383-5688.

Slide Fire
San Bernardino National Forest
Green Valley Lake near Running Springs
San Bernardino County

This fire has burned 5,119 acres at Green Valley Lake near Running Springs in San Bernardino County and is currently uncontained. 200 homes have burned and 4,000 homes continue to be threatened. The entire community of Green Valley was surrounded by the fire and was evacuated. More than 2,000 people are at evacuation centers. Mandatory evacuations are also in place for Running Springs, Fredalba, Green Valley Lake, and Arrow Bear. The communities of Live Oak, Smiley Park, Running Spring, Cavalry Chapel Camp, National Children’s Forest and Visitors Center, Arrowbear Lake, Snow Valley and Nordic Rim Ski Areas and Deer Lick are all threatened. All roads into the mountain communities are closed. 564 firefighters currently are assigned to this fire. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $1.5 million. Slide Fire Information Line (909) 383-5688.

Grass Valley Fire
San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino County

This fire has burned 1,000 acres northwest of Lake Arrowhead. 100 structures have been lost, and more than 6,000 homes remain threatened. There are mandatory evaucations for all areas north of Hwy 189, North of Lake Arrowhead Dam on Hwy 173, and all of Twin Peaks. Crestline, Thousand Pine Valley, Valley of Enchantment, Strawberry Flat, Cedar Glen, Valley of the Moon, Bluejay, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory and Rimforest are all threatened. State Highway 18 is closed from 40th/Waterman to the Big Bear Dam, State Highway 330 is closed at Highland to Hwy 18, State Highway 138 is closed at State Highway 173. Residents may leave via these highways, but will not be allowed back into these areas. 548 firefighters are assigned to this incident including 228 CAL FIRE staff. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $1 million. Grass Valley Fire Information Line (909) 383-5688.

Santiago Fire
Santiago Canyon Road at Silverado Canyon Road
Orange County

This fire has burned 19,191 acres and is now 50 percent contained. The fire is burning at Santiago Canyon Road and Silverado Canyon Road in Irvine, Orange County. Highway 241 is closed from Santiago Canyon to Highway 133. Portola Parkway and portions of Jamboree Road in Irvine are closed. 3,000 homes are threatened in the communities of Silverado, Modjeska, Trabuco, Live Oak, Williams, Holy Jim, and Cleveland National Forrest. Nine homes and eight outbuildings have been destroyed. Four firefighter injuries have been reported. 598 people are assigned to this incident. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $1.5 million. Santiago Fire Information Line (714) 573-6200.


CONTAINED
Sedgewick Fire
Brinkerhoff Rd/Sedgewick Ranch/ Figueroa Mountain
Santa Barbara County

This fire, caused by arching power lines, burned 710 acres and is now 100 percent contained. 450 homes and 1 outbuilding were threatened in the Woodstock and Brinkerhoff Road areas of Santa Barbara County. 472 personnel are assigned including 74 CAL FIRE staff. Sedgewick Fire Information Line (805) 681-5546.

Coronado Hills Fire
South of Cal State San Marcos
San Diego County

This fire started October 22 and burned 300 acres south of Cal State San Marcos in San Diego County. Structures were lost in Discovery Hills and San Marcos. It is now 100 percent contained. Coronado Hills Fire Line (619) 590-3160.

Roca Fire
East of Temecula
Riverside County

The Roca Fire burned 270 acres since October 21 and is 100 percent contained. All evacuation orders have been lifted. 300 residences in or near Aquanga, Jojoba Hills Resort, Crosley Homestead, Agua Tibea Wilderness, and the Cleveland National Forest were threatened. One home was destroyed. 108 personnel are assigned. One injury has been reported. Roca Fire Information Line (951) 940-6985.


Walker Fire
Northwest of Lake Arrowhead
San Bernardino County

This fire burned 160 acres northwest of Lake Arrowhead in San Bernardino County and is now 100% contained. The evacuation center is now closed. Four engines remain on scene. Walker Fire Information line (909) 383-5688.

McCoy Fire
Cleveland National Forest
San Diego County

This fire has burned 300 acres and is 100 percent contained. The fire started October 21 and is burning in the Boulder Creek/Eagle Peak area of San Diego County. One residence and one outbuilding have been destroyed. McCoy Fire Information Line (619) 590-3160.

Wilcox Fire
Camp Pendleton
San Diego County

This 200 acre fire on Camp Pendleton is now 100% contained. Wilcox Fire Information Line (866) 430-2764.

Meadowridge Fire
Santa Clarita - 14 Freeway, San Fernando
Los Angeles County

This 40 acre fire began at 12:30 October 23 and is now 100 percent contained. No communities are currently threatened. 182 firefighters are assigned to this fire under Los Angeles County command. Meadowridge Fire Information Line (323) 881-2411.

Thank you for posting this Dani..I'm not sure if I feel better or not...I feel so bad for those people! I just hate that even came out of my mouth...but maybe the Lord is saying something so I shouldn't hate it. Ugh...confusing!

You know Lisa...Maybe it wasn't such a slip of the tongue. In times of trial people remember Gods word and even through chastisement mercy remains.