CEN News: Dr Smith Shares Hope in the Ukraine!

 

CEN's National Share Officer Dr. Edward Smith shares pictures from his trip to the Ukraine. He was THERE sharing the Hope of Christ and conducting an assessment for future trips to this war devastated country struggling to remain free.  

’Staying in host pastors home in central Ukraine a wonderful young missionary couple. Michael served as a translator for my morning session on compassion training for church leaders." 

Endless Military Checkpoints to weave through to deliver critical food and supplies.

 

Words cannot describe the devastation of communities and towns that go on for miles. Occupied Russian territory suffered violence, assaults, rapes, kidnappings- not to mention firefights w Ukrainian troops and bombs and missies coming in.  Ukrainian language Bibles being handed out with food and times of prayer and talking to survivors.

This survivor grabbed my wrist after we gave her food. She is showing me the remains of a three house family compound. The Russians invaded from Belarus. Shooting their way south. Once stopped by Ukraine military that occupied miles and miles of land. They occupied her house along with all the others. When they ran out of provisions they began to take from the neighbors. They drove them into basements. Took over rooms. Made them cook for them sometimes. At night unspeakable violence occurred. 

People saw humanitarian trucks and cars shot up and run over by tanks. Buses with civilians were machine gunned or hit with grenade rockets. People had family members killed and raped. 

As the Ukrainian forces advanced (place is littered with wreckage and trench lines etc) the Russians in their retreat began to burn down and destroy the houses they were in.

Mile after Mile the view is the same......

God Help us to bring the Gospel in the midst of this Crisis!

Dr Ed Smith

CEN National Share Officer

Ukraine

Social Media a Threat and Blessing!

 

“For Such a Time as This!” Prayer Call

TUESDAY May 3 

8 PM ET/7CT/6MT/5PT 

ACTIVE Threats Against Christians Weekly Report

DOMESTIC

Church location of Shooting Incident

House advances Legislation on How to Protect Schools from Terrorism

Easter Week Heightened Security for Christians Worldwide

Clergy Weigh in on Spike in Violence

Parents file Suit after Teen Killed 16 Injured in Church Concert Shooting

Knife Wielding Man Showed up at Church to Expose Wrongdoings

City of Dallas file Suit after Church Concert Shooting 

Man Asks for Prayer Threatens to Shoot up Three Churches

Legislation in CA Green Lights Infanticide

War on Lukewarm Christianity has begun - will you Fight?

Vandalism at Church in Koblerville

Vandalism in East Austin Church

INTERNATIONAL

Palm Sunday in Egypt Worst Day of Violence

Mega Popular Muslim Prayer App Secretly Harvesting Data

Attacks on Christians in Nigeria a Daily Event

761 Acts of Violence against Indian Christians in 2021

Fewer Christians in Holy Land for Easter due to Terrorism

Severe Humanitarian Need in Nigeria

Coptic Priest Fatally Stabbed on Alexandria Street

Polish Canadian Pastor Mistreated in Jail for 51 days

El Salvador Churches Key to Exiting Gang Violence

Five Million People Protest Islamic Persecution on Nigerian Christians

 ____________________________________________________________________

Let’s PRAY!

“He had told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness (mercy), and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

God our Lord and Maker, we treasure this passage that gives us clear instructions on Your requirements for Your creation of mankind.  These three things we can grasp and remember as we go about our daily lives: do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with You.  Oh Father help us recall these in all moments of decision, distraction, weariness or overwhelm that You make it plain to do what is right and honor You above all else. Jesus our Emmanuel in You, AMEN

“For Such a Time as This!” Prayer Call

Focus: Social Media a Threat and Blessing

TUESDAY May 3 

8 PM ET/7CT/6MT/5PT 

Join with Christians around the world on Tuesday, May 3 where you will hear timely biblical insights about recent events from CEN Founder and President Mary Marr, community advisor to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Mary will summarize the serious threats and risks facing Christians today to help you pray fervently.

CEN’s National Prayer Officer, former executive for the National Day of Prayer Task Force and Focus on the Family, Lisa Crump, will facilitate a time of prayer for the Christian community at large to be ready in these uncertain times and for those facing persecution, attacks or threats globally AND locally.

Expanding upon the strategic threat posed to Christians in the areas of targeted-messaging and information sharing covered on our call in April, you will also hear from CEN National Safety Security Officers Dan Graeber and Kurt Jordan on the risks posed by social media today and how to mitigate these threats within your family, work and in your Christian fellowship. 

When you sign up you’ll also receive a FREE copy of the ReadyChristian Training Guide to understand your own level of Personal Readiness; How to Select a Response Group; How you can Bring Hope to the Hopeless in Crisis; How to Make a Kit and Plan; and How to Respond Biblically to any crisis as well as other helpful resources to pray and lead others ‘For Such a Time as This!’. 

Please encourage others to join you using the CEN LinkedIN, Facebook or twitter prompts! 

Sign Up “For Such a Time as This!” Monthly Prayer Calls to receive your FREE copy of ReadyChristian and other helpful resources to pray in these uncertain times!

____________________________________________________________________________

 Get READY!

Concerned about the increase in attacks on Christians? God gave us a blueprint to be READY to respond. Learn from Christians in the Ukraine! Get started organizing and mobilizing your family, church and city network for any crisis with a step-by-step self-directed training:

ReadyChristian

ReadyChurch 

ReadyCity

Bring helpful ACTIVE ASSAILANT Video training into your home, church or city.  Contact CEN National Safety Security Officer dan.graeber@christianemergencynetwork.net  

____________________________________________________________________________

Be THERE!

Be AWARE, READY and THERE Sharing the Hope of Christ!

Dr. Ed Smith is THERE in the Ukraine sharing the Gospel this week! 

Share Helpful Resources:

Active Shooter Preparedness 

ACTIVE Assailant Response 

Active Shooter Planning and Response Guide 

Active Shooter: What You Can Do Online Course 

Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships

Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello  

Fire as a Weapon

House of Worship Website

Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA)

Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool 

Hometown Security 

If You See Something, Say Something®  

Insider Threat Guide

Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fact Sheet

Protect Your Privacy

Preventing Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities

Protecting Your Church from Vandalism 

Ransomware Guide

Responding to Civil Unrest

Securing Soft Targets and Crowded Places 

Security Guide

Security Fact Sheet

School Safety and Security 

Securing Public Gatherings

Ten Reasons why Churches are Soft Targets

School Security Guide 

CEN ALERTS, Advisories, ACTIVE Threat News, and FAQs provide timely actionable information to help you be AWARE - READY and THERE sharing Christ for such a time as this! 

CEN’s Weekly ACTIVE Threat News provides a weekly summary and analysis of threats and risks to the Christian community, in addition to expert training, guidance and resources for Christian organizations with 24-hour monitoring for regular coordination with law enforcement and local emergency management. CEN has served with the DHS National Faith-based Advisory Boards for twenty plus years because this security and emergency service helps Christian organizations keep apprised of every warning, potential threat, and incident of concern.

“Be READY to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.” 

I Peter 3:15

Packed Church Services in the Ukraine!

Church Services were packed for worship, prayer and fellowship in the Ukraine this week as CEN National Share Officer ministers to the refugees who have lost their earthly possessions but have a steadfast spirit of Christ shining forth! Pray for Dr Ed Smith as he brings food and supplies along with the Gospel to the hurting and hopeless. 

Where would you go to Evacuate like Ukrainians?

 READY to RESPOND to any crisis large or small as Jesus did?

Just as Jesus had His disciples, we need a Christian Response Group for support if we need to evacuate and for Kingdom expansion. 

While Water, Food, Shelter, Safety, Energy - are all vital physical necessities for survival, we should NOT ignore our Christian support system - as we have seen recently in the Ukraine and Poland.

The fact is, our family, friends and trusted colleagues are VITAL to our survival and ability to respond with the Hope of Christ in any crisis situation. 

Who are they? What do they do? Why do I need them? How do I select them? Sign up to find out and learn…..

“How to Set up and Prepare Your Emergency Response Group” 

Tuesday April 12, 2022 - 8PM ET/7MT/6CT/5PT 

Your Zoom invitation will be sent upon registration 

The ReadyChristian FREE Webinar Action Series helps equip you for any crisis, large or small!

How Will I Benefit?

Perhaps the greatest risk facing Christians today is our own lack of readiness to handle any crisis, large or small. We may be part of a church, community or network of friends, but not actually prepared to respond together quickly when an emergency strikes. 

In that moment of crisis, it is too late to set up your support network. Too late to make evacuation plans. Too late to make plans for your loved ones. 

In any emergency, you are not meant to handle all this on your own. You will learn how to identify, commit to, and prepare together with others in your personal sphere of contacts. 

Your response preparation is not limited to your physical safety. It must also include your spiritual, emotional, and mental preparation.

CEN’s “How to Set up and Prepare Your Emergency Response Group” webinar leads you through the set up and preparation of your own Emergency Support Group.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is open to the public, with specific emphasis on those who have responsibility for others in a family or organization.This topic is particularly important for those who want to understand the need for support and safety in a time of crisis, and how to prepare for getting it.

Why Do I Need This?

The Bible says ‘to be ready to give an answer for the Hope within us’. (I Peter 3:15) The Gospel message expressed in our lives is not only through our words, but also in our standing together in a time of crisis. We need each other, and we need to prepare ahead of time. Don’t miss this important topic on April 12th! 

ACTIVE Threats Against Christians

 

Be AWARE of ACTIVE Threats and RESPOND! Sign up for CEN’s: 

“How to Set up and Prepare Your Emergency Response Group” 

Tuesday April 12, 2022 - 8PM ET/7MT/6CT/5PT

DOMESTIC

Bible Reading at Historic Low Survey means a Church Opportunity

CO Governor Signs Bill: Unborn Do Not have Independent Rights

CA Bill Would Legalize Infanticide

Americans Stealing Food to Survive

KY Governor Signs Bill: Churches Essential During Emergency

Christians Hold Protest Outside Disney Headquarters

City Blocks Christian School from Opening over Religious Beliefs

Police Investigate Referee Attack at Georgia Church

Court Rejects Christian Group Hiring of Bi-Sexual Case

INTERNATIONAL

Finnish Official Acquitted of Hate Crime Charges

Terrorists Kill Christians in Nigeria

Another Indian State passing Anti-Conversion Laws

Religious  Minorities Most Vulnerable in Conflict

Ukrainian Seminary Dean Killed by Russian Soldiers

Chinese Laws Bans word Christ on Social Media

Christian Leaders Condemn Surge of Violence in Holy Land

Pastor Faces Death Threats After Family Abducted by Hindu Mob

Violence Against Christians in Nigeria in a State of Emergency

Muslim Sheikh Murdered after Conversion to Christianity

Assaulted Pastor in India faces Death Threats and Baseless Charges

 ____________________________________________________________________

Let’s PRAY!

“I sought the LORD and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. The poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” Psalms 34: 4-7

Lord our gracious and glorious heavenly Father, we bless You for Your Word and the assurance we receive from it that You do answer our prayers and bring deliverance to us from Your perfect will.  Thank you for giving us radiance because we have come to You for help as the poor and any need and You responded to the need, whether security, provision, protection or counsel.  We can trust You do bring angels to encircle with support to us-those who revere You, are in awe of You with belief. Jesus our Messiah, in You Name that has power and authority we come and ask deliverance. AMEN

Don’t remain silent giving sanction to sin! This is a defining hour for Christian leadership and you have an important role. First, Be AWARE and READY yourself. Then, lead others in prayer. Join CEN’s:

“For Such a Time as This!” Monthly Prayer Calls

TUESDAY May 3 

8 PM ET/7CT/6MT/5PT 

On Tuesday, May 3 you will hear timely biblical insights about recent events from CEN Founder and President Mary Marr, Christian author, radio broadcaster and faith community advisor to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Mary will summarize the serious threats and risks facing Christians today around the globe to help you pray fervently.

CEN’s National Prayer Officer, former executive for the National Day of Prayer Task Force Lisa Crump, will facilitate a time of prayer for the Christian community at large to be ready in these uncertain times and for those facing persecution, attacks or threats globally AND locally.

Expanding upon the strategic threat posed to Christians in the areas of targeted-messaging and information sharing covered on our call in April, you will also hear from CEN National Safety Security Officers Dan Graeber and Kurt Jordan on the risks posed by social media today and how to mitigate these threats within your family, work and in your Christian fellowship. 

When you sign up you’ll also receive a FREE copy of the ReadyChristian Training Guide to understand your own Level of Personal Readiness; the Criteria to Select a Response Group; How you can Bring Hope to the Hopeless in Crisis; How to Make a Kit and Plan; and How to Respond as well as other helpful resources to pray and lead others ‘for such a time as this’. 

Please encourage others to join you using the LinkedIN, Facebook or twitter prompts! 

Sign Up “For Such a Time as This!” Monthly Prayer Zoom Calls to receive your FREE copy of ReadyChristian and other helpful resources to pray in these uncertain times!

___________________________________________________________________________

Get READY!

“How to Set up and Prepare Your Emergency Response Group”

Tuesday April 12, 2022 - 8PM ET/7MT/6CT/5PT

                  

Concerned about the increase in attacks on Christians? God gave us a blueprint to be READY to respond. Will you Be Aware, Ready and There sharing the Hope of Christ amid the escalating confusion and chaos? We are stronger together than we are separately. Join other Christians!

SIGN UP for CEN’s FREE ReadyChristian Training which includes:

• Comprehensive Readiness to Respond Assessments 

Measures your ability to replace fear with Hope and confidence.

• ‘Up to the Minute’ Subject Expert Conference Calls 

Provides timely incident-specific life-saving action steps. 

• Christian Readiness Training Manual

            Provides a self-study guide to respond to crisis with other Christians

• When Lightning Strikes Video Training 

Prepares you to recognize and remember how to avoid danger. Watch trailer HERE

Learn how you can bring ACTIVE Assailants video training into your home, church or city group by contacting CEN’s National Safety Security Officer TODAY!  dan.graeber@christianemergencynetwork.net 

___________________________________________________________________________________

Be THERE!

Be AWARE, READY and THERE Sharing the Hope of Christ!

ReadyChristian

ReadyChurch 

ReadyCity

Share Helpful Resources:

Active Shooter Preparedness 

ACTIVE Assailant Response 

Active Shooter Planning and Response Guide 

Active Shooter: What You Can Do Online Course 

Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships

Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello  

Fire as a Weapon

House of Worship Website

Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA)

Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool 

Hometown Security 

If You See Something, Say Something®  

Insider Threat Guide

Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fact Sheet

Protect Your Privacy

Preventing Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities

Protecting Your Church from Vandalism 

Ransomware Guide

Responding to Civil Unrest

Securing Soft Targets and Crowded Places 

Security Guide

Security Fact Sheet

School Safety and Security 

Securing Public Gatherings

Ten Reasons why Churches are Soft Targets

School Security Guide 

CEN ALERTS, Advisories, ACTIVE Threat News, and FAQs provide timely actionable information to help you be AWARE - READY and THERE sharing Christ for such a time as this! 

CEN’s Weekly ACTIVE Threat News provides a weekly summary and analysis of threats and risks to the Christian community, in addition to expert training, guidance and resources for Christian organizations with 24-hour monitoring for regular coordination with law enforcement and local emergency management. CEN has served with the DHS National Faith-based Advisory Boards for twenty plus years because this security and emergency service helps Christian organizations keep apprised of every warning, potential threat, and incident of concern.

“Be READY to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.” 

I Peter 3:15