From Albert Mohler:

The church is known as Shouwang, or the Lighthouse. It is located in Beijing, but it does not have a building. What it does have is enemies — and chief among them is the Chinese government.

Click here to read about this church’s courage in the face of persecution.

Dr. Mohler concludes his article with this exhortation to Christians:

We must pray for persecuted Christians around the world, including these brave believers in China. Let’s keep this verse in mind, even as we pray for them:

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” [2 Timothy 4:18]

 

Here are recent photos from the Sovereign Grace Church in Cherry Hill building project. Let’s join our brothers and sisters in praying that God would cause this project to finish up quickly!

The church’s “Grand Opening Blog” says – “We’re hoping to have our Grand Opening Sunday in June…”

From our family of churches:

In response to the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on Tuesday, Sovereign Grace Ministries has opened a Disaster Relief fund to help deliver food, medicine, and other needed aid there. We will distribute the funds we raise primarily through existing ministry contacts we have on the island—both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic—who are already involved in relief efforts.

If you want to join us in our support of these efforts, you can donate to the Disaster Relief fund online or by calling 800.736.2202.

Regardless of your ability to give toward this cause, please join us in praying that those affected by the earthquake would receive aid quickly, and that despite these hardships the gospel would continue to go forward in that nation.

I came across this article the other day…please pray for the release of these fellow believers..

The article below talks about the financial woes of several local Middletown business owners. In addition to friends, family members and fellow church members, let’s not forget to pray for the people in our community particularly affected by the economic recession — that God would provide for their physical needs and more importantly that He would save those who have not already come to know Jesus Christ and the eternal security that He alone provides. And oh….the next time you’re out, consider shopping local.

As some Middletown businesses close their doors, others look for new solutions in the rough economy and all business owners request residents shop local.
“[Residents] can find everything they need in Middletown,” said Stephanie Sutton-Gose. Sutton-Gose, co-owner of Home Décor in Dove Run Center, said the country has been over-spending for the last 10 years. They’ve gotten their supplies away from their towns and shopped at big box stores, but the economic downturn has caused people to spend more time at home with their families and spend less money. “I think everybody’s back to basics and being conservative,” she said.
However, as residents hold onto their money, some local businesses have felt the effects. For Sam Facciolo of Lori’s Cards and Gifts, the recent economic troubles have been a nightmare. “I don’t make any money,” he said. “I haven’t earned a paycheck in the four years I’ve been there. I’ve laid off all my staff.” Facciolo opened his gift shop in the Dove Run Shopping Center in 2005 after having previously run a Hallmark store. He decided to move to Middletown as it was a growing into a commercial area. However, while he had received loyal customers and high ratings for his business, things began to go bad in December 2007 and progressed to the point where he had to close his business.

Read the whole thing here.