Does anyone want what you have?

Aug 6, 2023

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The Great Commission is to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-20). This is a foundational belief of the evangelical church. We are to spread the Good News. But what if someone doesn’t want to hear your “Good News” or what you think they should have? Is the problem with them? Some Sunday thoughts.

Timestamps, Links, & Resources

0:00- Intro

The Persian alphabet. It is based on the Arabic alphabet, but has three additional letters.

Persian (Farsi) vs. Arabic — Similarities and Differences
https://discoverdiscomfort.com/farsi-persian-vs-arabic-similarities-and-differences/

I found an amazing resource on the Persian language online from UT Austin.

Welcome

5:06- Does anyone want what you have

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Generation Jihad podcast
https://www.longwarjournal.org/generation-jihad

Bodies Behind the Bus Podcast
Juy 26, 2023: Dylan’s Story / Missionary, Live Dead
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1LeFLcSljvKhNHsMgKANOD?si=gjy47dnBSEia_ZlJrhffQQ&nd=1

12:52- No, you’re not being persecuted for “preaching the Gospel”

August 2, 2023: Christians Arrested for Preaching Gospel in Wisconsin, Video Shows
https://www.newsweek.com/christians-arrested-preaching-gospel-wisconsin-video-lgbtq-pride-1816965

August 4, 2023: Teenager Arrested for Reading the Bible On the Sidewalk Near Pride Event
https://lc.org/full-article/0804-teenager-arrested-for-reading-the-bible-on-the-sidewalk-near-pride-event

August 4, 2023: Christian ‘warrior’ speaks out after arrest for reading Bible in protest of drag queen performance for kids
The Christian preacher responded to his arrest, stating, ‘It was worth it. It’s actually an honor’
https://www.foxnews.com/media/christian-warrior-speaks-arrest-reading-bible-protest-drag-queen-performance-kids

November 10, 2014: Westboro, other protesters picket outside Joel Osteen church
HOUSTON — A different message booming from loudspeakers outside Lakewood Church caught the church’s faithful off-guard as they strolled into services Sunday morning
https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/westboro-other-protesters-picket-outside-joel-osteen-church/264086978

June 30, 2015: Men arrested for heckling Joel Osteen’s sermon wanted to ‘warn Lakewood Church of the coming judgment’
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/06/29/six-men-accused-of-disrupting-joel-osteens-sermon-at-lakewood-church/

June 6, 2022: Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church service interrupted by abortion activists stripping down to demonstrate
Activists with Austin-based Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights shared video of the moment online.
https://www.newstimes.com/news/houston-texas/article/Lakewood-Church-abortion-activists-strip-down-17222156.php

Galatians 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Corinthians 5:9-13

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

Romans 2:1-4

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

 

 

 

27:41- Does God expected you to evangelize

31:47- Afghanistan News

@SE_AfghanWGH Having been urged extensively by Afghans & human rights defenders on the need to directly engage the Taliban on human rights, particularly the extreme restrictions on women & girls, I joined my colleagues in talks with the Taliban.

July 31, 2023 Meeting of U.S. Officials with Taliban Representatives
https://www.state.gov/meeting-of-u-s-officials-with-taliban-representatives/

@ZahraYusufi Who are the “Afghans & human rights defenders” whose voice seems to shape the US and UN policies toward Afghanistan?

There is something going on behind the curtains and we deserve to know what!
If you know more & willing to speak, reach out to me at [email protected]

@SarahAh998 Women protesters say international engagement with the Taliban is like paying ransom to kidnappers
#StandWithWomeninAfghanistan

August 1, 2023: Women protesters say international engagement with the Taliban is like paying ransom to kidnappers

Women protesters say international engagement with the Taliban is like paying ransom to kidnappers

@NilofarAyoubi The coalition of Afghan women’s protest movements reacted to the recent statement ( majority of Afghan Women Activists have Asked for direct engagement with Taliban) of Rina Amiri, the US special representative for Afghan women’s affairs.
This protest movement asked the US special representative to apologize to the women and girls of Afghanistan for her statements.

August 4, 2023: Women’s rights groups accuse the US of ignoring their demands

Women’s rights groups accuse the US of ignoring their demands

August 31, 2021: Remarks by President Biden on the End of the War in Afghanistan
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/08/31/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-end-of-the-war-in-afghanistan/

And for those remaining Americans, there is no deadline. We remain committed to get them out if they want to come out. Secretary of State Blinken is leading the continued diplomatic efforts to ensure a safe passage for any American, Afghan partner, or foreign national who wants to leave Afghanistan.

In fact, just yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution that sent a clear message about what the international community expects the Taliban to deliver on moving forward, notably freedom of travel, freedom to leave. And together, we are joined by over 100 countries that are determined to make sure the Taliban upholds those commitments.

It will include ongoing efforts in Afghanistan to reopen the airport, as well as overland routes, allowing for continued departure to those who want to leave and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

The Taliban has made public commitments, broadcast on television and radio across Afghanistan, on safe passage for anyone wanting to leave, including those who worked alongside Americans. We don’t take them by their word alone but by their actions, and we have leverage to make sure those commitments are met.

@NilofarAyoubi #BREAKING: At around 12:00 tonight local time, the Pakistani police raided the houses of Afghan refugees in Islamabad . Beat and arrested dozens of them, local sources say. @TajudenSoroush

@RaisedtoWalk Almost two years since we bailed from Afghanistan. While we & @StateDept
@USCIS drag our feet in fulfilling our promise to our allies, those who escaped to Pakistan are rounded up & deported back into the hands of the Taliban. This is shameful https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid09KFTy2svPkixe5k78LmSxFpPcYNQj6M9ejFGsmtkyLTHVnBaYbjnc4XqRJrfEPNQl&id=100078386610601&mibextid=Nif5oz

@Jahanzi12947158 In Torkham, a 12-year-old girl named Sadiqa, She worked to move people’s boxes from border to find a small amount of money to support her family. Today she’s fell under the tires of a truck and she died.

March 14, 2023: Child labor laws are under attack in states across the country
Amid increasing child labor violations, lawmakers must act to strengthen standards

Child labor laws are under attack in states across the country: Amid increasing child labor violations, lawmakers must act to strengthen standards

July 27, 2023: More kids are working dangerous jobs amid weaker labor laws, child migration
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/child-labor-laws-migrants-illegal-jobs-labor-department/

May 28, 2023: Some lawmakers propose loosening child labor laws to fill worker shortage
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/some-lawmakers-propose-loosening-child-labor-laws-to-fill-worker-shortage

July 23, 2023: A growing number of US states are working to loosen child labor laws so your next bartender could be an underage teenager
https://www.businessinsider.com/us-states-pass-child-labor-laws-would-let-teens-bartend-2023-7

July 31, 2023: ‘I can’t believe we’re having this conversation’: the states pushing for 14-year-olds to serve alcohol
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/jul/31/republicans-child-labor-bars-alcohol-service-age-wisconsin

July 10, 2023: New Arkansas law removes work permit requirement for children under 16
https://katv.com/news/local/new-arkansas-law-removes-work-permit-requirement-for-children-under-16-department-of-labor-and-licensing-employment-certificate-fredrick-love-clint-penzo-child-labor-trafficking-youth-hiring-act-of-2023-act-195-act-687-protections-parental-consent

July 19, 2023: Iowa Will Now Feature ‘Expanded Employment Opportunities’ for Children
I think there’s another term for that.
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a44591030/iowa-child-labor-law/

July 4, 2023: An Iowa law rolling back child labor protections has come into effect
At least fourteen states have sought to weaken child labor regulations in the past two years
https://qz.com/us-states-rolling-back-child-labor-protections-1850603947

July 20, 2023: Third Teen Worker Killed In Industrial Accident As States Try To Loosen Child Labor Laws
A 16-year-old boy’s death in Mississippi comes weeks after two other minors died on the job in Missouri and Wisconsin.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/teen-poultry-factory-child-worker-deaths_n_64b7ecbce4b0ad7b75f67af7

July 10, 2023: A Teen Died in a Sawmill Accident as Republicans Push to Roll Back Child Labor Laws
Department of Labor statistics show a steady uptick in child labor violations in recent years.

A Teen Died in a Sawmill Accident as Republicans Push to Roll Back Child Labor Laws

@heatherbarr1 “Arwin, who heads Afghanistan Women & Children Strengthen Welfare Organisation, said the NGO receives reports of at least 9 to 11 suicides by women every month, many of them young girls. However, the actual number could be in the hundreds, she said.”

August 1, 2023: Afghanistan: activists sound alarm over surge in suicide among women

Afghanistan: activists sound alarm over surge in suicide among women

@Stevens18Clint Targeted killings in Afghanistan

@jason_c_howk Lies people believe from terrorists still dumbfound me

Refreshing memories as August is upon us

August 17, 2021: Taliban vows to provide safe passage to Kabul airport, Biden adviser says
https://www.reuters.com/world/taliban-told-us-it-will-provide-safe-passage-airport-us-national-security-2021-08-17/

@knazary 1/2) The call for victims of violence to ‘refrain from violence’ in Afghanistan isn’t a national issue; it’s a global failure. It’s a contradiction that transcends borders & even politics. Asking those who suffer to be silent is a universal betrayal of human dignity & empathy.

@AfgFactChecks2 Taliban recently closed more than 120000 beauty salons in Kabul alone. As a result, many women now have zero income and are forced to sell little belongings such as carpets to buy bread. #DoNotRecogniseTaliban #LetHerLearn

I don’t know what school is like under the Taliban, but I was told that before the Taliban takeover, they started learning English in 4th grade.

(The Afghan kids I work with may not know what every word means, but they can sound out any English word put in front of them)

June 2, 2023 Getting Hooked On Phonics Activates Parts Of Brain Used By Skilled Readers
https://www.medicaldaily.com/getting-hooked-phonics-activates-parts-brain-used-skilled-readers-336034

February 5, 2016: The way we teach most children to read sets them up to fail
https://theconversation.com/the-way-we-teach-most-children-to-read-sets-them-up-to-fail-36946

February 9, 2023: Yes, there’s a right way to teach reading
There’s a “right” way to teach reading, according to best-selling journalist Peg Tyre. So why are many students not learning – or learning the wrong way?
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/importance-of-reading-success/

What is the best way to teach children to read?
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/reading/conditioninfo/teach

January 3, 2020: Reading Wars: Phonics vs. Whole Language
https://jan.ucc.nau.edu/jar/Reading_Wars.html

@BWBailey85 Some “big thinkers” out there still think negotiating with Taliban is the best way to help Afghan women & girls.

How? After 2 years of making it clear to the Taliban that the legitimacy they long for is linked to treating women as people, they’ve only increased restrictions.

August 5. 2023: Young woman stabbed to death in Takhar province

Young woman stabbed to death in Takhar province

@WRNAfghanistan Our latest report on the situation in Afghanistan concerns female prisoners who “are enduring a deplorable situation.”

“They face humiliation, insults, physical torture, and sexual assault”.

The report includes graphic content.

July 28, 2023: Update from Afghanistan, From Torture to Sexual Assault and Murder
What’s Happening in the Taliban’s Women’s Prisons?
https://www.womensrights.network/post/update-from-afghanistan-from-torture-to-sexual-assault-and-murder

@ZiauddinY Ban on women’s work.
Ban on women’s travel without a male relative.
Ban on women’s visits to parks even with a male relative.
Ban on girls’ secondary education.
Ban on girls’ university education.
Ban on women’s beauty salons &
NOW;
Ban on girls’ education beyond grade 3.
Afghanistan is Ban-istan
#StopGenderApartheid
#LetAfghanGirlsLearn

@StephanAJensen These are just a few of the heroic sacrifices members the Afghan armed forces made year after year – and that Biden, Trump, and so many others refuse to acknowledge.
More than 70.000 Afghan soldiers and officers died fighting our common enemies.
May they never be forgotten.

@natiqmalikzada Monsters. A child was brutally tortured in a Taliban prison over a PUBG game. Upon learning that the child is the son of a martyred ANDSF officer from the previous government, the Taliban reportedly killed his uncle.

#Afghanistan

@Habiba_Salehi The crime and horror of the Taliban in Afghanistan!

Two years have passed since the rule of the terrorist Taliban group in Afghanistan, the military and former government employees have become victims of targeted assassinations by this group every day and we witness the arrest, torture and killing of our compatriots every day.

This is the Islamic system of the Taliban and their service to Afghanistan

50:20- U.S. Immigration

@SIGARHQ The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process has suffered from chronic understaffing, reliance on antiquated IT systems, and inadequate interagency coordination, resulting in years-long processing times
https://sigar.mil/pdf/spotlight/2023-High-Risk-List.pdf#page=29

@SIGARHQ Need for expeditious processing of SIVs must also be balanced with need to carefully vet Afghans applying to resettle in United States to ensure they do not pose national security threats—a process that requires significant staff time among U.S. officials
https://sigar.mil/pdf/spotlight/2023-High-Risk-List.pdf#page=29

@SIGARHQ (1/2) In fall 2021, #StateDept estimated P1/2 processing time for Afghans would last approximately 12–14 months, an ambitious timeline given the average worldwide processing time for U.S. refugee admissions is 2–10 years

@SIGARHQ (1/2) Recognizing that Afghan women were being left behind, in August 2021, 46 U.S. senators, including all 24 female senators, wrote a bipartisan letter to the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, urging them to create a new immigration pathway for categories…
(2/2)…of Afghans being left behind, including “women leaders, activists, human rights defenders, judges, parliamentarians, journalists, and members of the Female Tactical Platoon of the Afghan Special Security Forces”
https://sigar.mil/pdf/spotlight/2023-High-Risk-List.pdf#page=31

@SIGARHQ (1/2) Reviewing, vetting, and processing SIV, P1, and P2 applications is enormously time consuming for all the agencies involved. According to analysis in a number of U.S. government sources, while some of the delay and poor organization surrounding…

(2/2)…the evacuation of at-risk allies can be attributed to poor planning, staffing constraints have also consistently undermined U.S. efforts to protect these allies https://sigar.mil/pdf/spotlight/2023-High-Risk-List.pdf#page=32

@SIGARHQ (1/2) As of September 2022, there was a significant gender imbalance in whom U.S. govt was trying to resettle. According to a report from Senator Shaheen’s office, #StateDept initially said only 6% of SIV applicants were women, though they later updated that figure to 14%

(2/2) The Association of Wartime Allies estimates the correct figure is between 7% and 10%. Senator Shaheen’s report found that women constitute an unspecified higher percentage of P1 & P2 referrals, however, these have been deprioritized compared to SIVs
https://sigar.mil/pdf/spotlight/2023-High-Risk-List.pdf#page=31

@SIGARHQ According to the National Immigration Forum, delays for Afghan refugee applicants result from under staffing in the International and Refugee Affairs Division of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, which is responsible for processing them
https://sigar.mil/pdf/spotlight/2023-High-Risk-List.pdf#page=32

@SIGARHQ #USCIS, which processes Afghan refugee applications, said staffing levels fell from 352 to 189 between 2017-2021. By the end of FY2022, staffing increased to 304 officers, leaving 24% of authorized positions unfilled
https://sigar.mil/pdf/spotlight/2023-High-Risk-List.pdf#page=32

1:07:00- Texas and the Border

@scottbraddock Exclusive: Texas troopers separating families at border in apparent policy shift, sources say

(I have a video coming on the Sound of Freedom movie where I mention the clown show of Operation Underground Railroad’s claimed “rescues” in Afghanistan.)

@AaronTorres_ #Breaking: Mexico Affairs Secretary Alicia Bárcena says a 2nd body was found Wednesday, about 3 miles north of where a body was found stuck to the border buoys at ~ 2:35 p.m.

Bárcena said it’s not clear if the second body is connected to the first body.

Auguust 2. 2023: 20-year-old from Honduras is one of two dead on or near Texas’ anti-migrant border buoys
‘No good person would do this,’ said Mexican President López Obrador. Mexico and the Justice Dept. want the Rio Grande barrier removed.
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2023/08/02/dead-person-found-in-texas-anti-migrant-buoys-that-mexico-and-justice-dept-want-removed/

1:10:26- Kabul Hope update

 

 

<a href="https://raisedtowalk.org/author/carla/" target="_self">Carla M. Sallee Alvarez</a>

Carla M. Sallee Alvarez

Carla Alvarez is the founder of Raised to Walk and a founding board member of An Unexpected Journal, a Communications Director at Legacy Marketing Services where she uses her BS in Marketing to create communication strategies for business, and an unlikely case manager and Bible Study teacher for the Afghan Christians of Kabul Hope Latest Series: Hacked: the Saga How an oily politician and a band of intellectual property and identity thieves conspired to erase a third-grade Sunday school teacher, Read more of her work on Google Scholar or contact her to write for you.

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