Archive for the ‘Featured’ Category
Filed under: Adoption, Featured, Human Trafficking, Justice
In preparation for my missions trip to Thailand as well as in this journey of adoption that God is taking us on, I have been doing research on orphans and human trafficking. I have been reading a book called “The Natashas” which has really opened my eyes up to the atrocities that are going on around the world as well as in our backyard.
One of the most appalling things that I have come across in my journey so far is the targeting of orphans for sex-slavery. In March 2003 the U.S. State Department reported a “pattern of trafficking” involving orphans in Russia. According to the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the girls at risk are those who “must leave orphanages when they graduate,” usually at sixteen or seventeen.
According to data from the Health and Social Development Ministry, more than 730,000 children in Russia either have no parents or have been abandoned by their parents. Of this number about 200,000 of them live in orphanages and internats.
More than 160,000 children are waiting to be adopted according to the state database. International adoptions have been hampered by recent legislation. As of March 2007, only 20 organizations had received accreditation from the government to oversee international adoptions. In 2007, 9,000 Russian children were adopted by foreign families. More than 4,000 of these went to the United States.
Statistics sited from the article “Russian Orphans” By Svetlana Osadchuk in the May 19, 2008 edition of the Moscow Times.
The horrifying thing is that traffickers often know precisely when these girls are to be turned out of the institutions (“some orphanage directors sold information… to traffickers”) and are waiting for them, job offers in hand. The State Department also notes that throughout Russia, there are “reports of children being kidnapped or purchased from . . . orphanages for sexual abuse and child pornography” and that child prostitution is “widespread” in orphanages in Ukraine. And in Romania, “many orphanages are complicit in letting girls fall victim to trafficking networks.”
What if Christians began adopting at-risk children from countries where they were being targeted?
Tags: adoption, Human Trafficking, Justice, Modern Day Slavery, Orphanages, orphans
Permalink Comments (3) Adam Parker Jun 1, 2009
Filed under: Abortion, Adoption, Featured, Justice
How did it take us this long?
There are 143,000,000 orphans in the world today. 143 MILLION! The number is so incredibly large that we just look at the number and skim past it without it really phasing us. But to put a little perspective to this… Let’s take all of the people that live in New York City (8,214,426), plus all the people in Los Angeles (3,849,368), then add the people in Chicago (2,873,326), and then add the people from the next 47 largest US Cities…. PLUS… the entire population of Ireland (4,109,086), as well as Nicaragua (5,603,000), and Norway (4,770,000), then all the people from Denmark (5,457,415), then Costa Rica (4,113,884), and the entire population of Greece (11,170,957), and then finally ad the 62,000,000 who live in France to equal the 143,000,000 orphans worldwide.
We cannot help all 143,000,000, but we can help one at a time. And that one is hugely significant.
But getting back to my original question… how did it take us this long? Stephanie and I have been christians for a long time and are just NOW really beginning to make the sacrifices to bring in kids into our family. Where is this teaching in the body of Christ? Maybe we were just in the wrong circles, and I know some are doing it, but largely the body of Christ is VERY Vocal on being “Pro-Life” but nearly silent when it comes to Adoption. People are wanting see an end to abortion, but aren’t even looking at one of the main solutions.
The Inconvenience of the Orphan
The main thing that I see as the roadblock to many taking the next steps to adopting is being the inconvenience that taking in kids would bring. Many are not quite at the point in life where they feel they are “well-off” enough to adopt. Or maybe they are older and their kids are grown, and starting all over seems too much. I am of the opinion that if you are a you should either be adopting, or walking along side those who are adopting. No kid should grow up without a family.
It’s not even well known that if you adopt locally, many times you can adopt at little or NO cost at all. I encourage you to call your local department of human services and find out about adopting through your state’s foster care system.
Tags: Abortion, adoption, Justice
Permalink Comments (0) Adam Parker May 24, 2009
Filed under: Featured, Intercession
This week I decided to find out what some of the missionaries here at the International House of Prayer have to say about the topic of intercession. I asked 4 people the same question and got some very interesting and helpful answers. Here is the question:
What does intercession mean to you and how do you practically walk it out during a regular week?
Sean Downs is a full-time missionary at IHOP and is the Production Manager for the Evening Section (6pm – 12am).
“To me intercession means simply agreeing with the heart of God. It means coming together as a corporate body and taking a topic such as God encountering the hearts of young adults in college campuses or for the ending of abortion and agreeing that the Lord is going to do what He said He will do. I use my intercession times in the prayer room to root inside me the desires of God’s heart so when I am outside the prayer room during my regular week those desire’s stay with me, i.e. by saying 10-30 second prayers throughout the week or by singing the prayers that we prayed during the intercession set. I find that intercession is the most practical and easiest way to walk out humility, righteousness, and love.”
Wendy Miller is a full-time missionary at IHOP and is a Prayer Leader in the Evening Section (6pm – 12am).
“For me intercession is about partnering with Jesus, who ever lives to make intercession for us. For me there are three main components to this, one is having specific times in prayer for cities, churches and people that are on my heart, secondly continuing to grow in revelation of Jesus Christ through the meditation of Scripture that I can partner with his heart and thirdly living a lifestyle of holiness that my life is reflective of what He says to good and right.”
Samuel Moseley is a full-time missionary at IHOP and is the Production Manager for the Afternoon Section (12pm – 6pm).
Well, the first thing that comes to mind is “Standing in the gap”. Ezekiel paints a perfect picture of this in Ezek 22:30:
“And I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it”…
To me this is the intercessors call, to carry a burden through prayer seeking breakthrough. Standing in the gap on behalf of the land crying out to God asking Him for mercy so that He would withhold His righteous judgments for a little while longer so more sons and daughters will be saved. This is exactly what Jesus did on the Cross; He gave Himself in intercession on behalf of all mankind when He prayed “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”. He willingly laid down His life so others could be free from sin, sickness and death.
How do I walk it out as a full time intercessor week to week?
I help build the House of Prayer that sustains the solemn assembly of Joel 2:15-17
Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, and call a sacred assembly.
Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children… Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, spare Your people, O God…
I join in with others in unity praying the prayer of faith and using Apostolic Prayers (that are God’s Biblical prayers for the Church) I ask for His light to shine on darkness. I carry my own personal “prayer burdens” throughout the week knowing that God hears me when I pray and I am actually moving Angels and demons when I tell God what He tell me to tell Him…through His Word and prayer. I recognize daily that my prayers really matter and that God acts on behalf of a praying people.
Dawn Spalding is a full-time missionary at IHOP and is a Service Coordinator for the Student Ministries department. She is also a Production Manager and a Worship Team Administrator.
Intercession, it is key to know that it’s an act of partnership with the heart of God. It’s not just something that is done from oneself for oneself, or another. Intercession is joining in what the Lord has already been praying and is praying for. It’s not a new concept to Him.
The way I personally walk it out is, first, to listen and be still. Knowing what it is the Lord is speaking is critical. Second, I write out what I have heard. I search for it in scripture what He is saying to me. Speak it out, and join in corporate worship, and prayer times. I believe that my heart and my soul move when I am in communion with His heart. To join in what He is doing. For We were made for Him. To partner with him. Not that we would benefit. But oh the joy when we do fully partner with Him prayer. We gain an eternal peace to live with Him. For when He returns oh the beauty of giving our life now to be doing what He is doing. Intercession.
What does intercession mean to you?
Tags: Intercession
Permalink Comments (0) Adam Parker May 2, 2009
Filed under: End Times, Featured, Knowledge of God
The book of Revelation is meant to be read and understood by everyone not just the scholars. This book gives us more information about the severe coming crisis than any other book in the Bible. As the body of Christ, we are responsible to know and act on this information.
Below is a series of articles to jump start you in your journey through the book of Revelation and ultimately help you to pursue knowledge of God. By reading and praying through this book you will get to know the leadership of Jesus at the end of the age.
- Revelation: Is For Everyone
- Revelation: The Basics
- Revelation: 5 Chronologicals & 5 Angelic Explanations
- Revelation: 7 Primary Symbols
Tags: 5 Chronological, 5 Parenthetical, 7 Bowls, 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, Antichrist, Babylon, Christianity, End Times, Eschatology, God’s Wrath, Great Tribulation, Jesus, John, Prophecy, Rapture, revelation, Series, The Bride
Permalink Comments (2) Adam Parker Nov 14, 2008
Filed under: Blogging, Featured
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you probably know that I have a little bit of passion when it comes to managing money. I’m one who will tell anyone that in order to get on the flip side of debt, you have to have an aggressive motivation and start attacking it. Many in this country are upside down in their personal finances and aren’t quite sure how they got there, or how to flip the boat back over.
However, there are many who just laugh and brush off those like myself who are so intently against credit cards, against car loans, personal loans, any kind of loans (that are not your mortgage) and who think making a budget is for those who have a lack of self-control when it comes to money.
So I’ve decided to write an article for you Mr. I don’t need a budget, Credit cards are the best thing since sliced bread, Mr. why do I need a savings account when I’ve got a $20,000 limit on my Visa Platinum?
Here are 3 steps to making sure you are living beyond your means:
Step 1: Make SURE You are paying more than 28% of your income on your mortgage/rent payment.
If you add up your taxes, insurance and rent/mortgage payment and it is 28% or less, than you are in major trouble. If this is you, then you have probably experienced the pain and suffering of going to a friends place and foaming at the mouth at what they are able to “afford” making the same income as you. Do something about it. Move into a new house. Rent a nice condo downtown! Why should you have to work your way up, your parents probably have a nicer house than you… Why should they get it and you not?
Step 2: Keep at least 5 credit cards open at all times, only pay minimum balances, and then take out a new loan to pay off / consolidate your debts
If you are not cashing in on the features and rewards that credit cards are offering these days, you are missing out! With 1%, 2% and even 5% cash back bonuses, sky miles, reward programs… how can anyone resist? I mean with the economy like it is we really MUST have the security of a credit card to fall back on in perilous times. And they even pay you to keep the credit cards! These credit card companies really don’t know what their doing if they are giving you money to keep their cards. All you have to do is pay off the balance every month and you’ll be fine. Or better yet, pay the minimum balances and refinance your mortgage and take the equity out of your house to pay off all your cards.
Step 3: Buy a brand new car cashing in on the LOW INTEREST loans with little or NO MONEY DOWN!
Go out and find a NEW car… not a 1 or 2 or (I shiver at the thought) more than 3 year old car. Make sure you talk to the loan officer at the car dealership and let them know you are wanting a 5, 6 or 7 year loan, because this will make sure your car payment is very low. Wheel and deal until you get them to give you this car with NO MONEY DOWN, and a low interest rate.
Only about 40% (1 out of every 2-3 people) of american consumers are upside down in their car loans, but that could never happen to you! Those are just scare tactics from those gloom and doom old people who just want to be pack rats and pay cash for everything.
I mean seriously… The average car payment in America is $374 per month. If you were to drive a quality USED car (that you paid cash for) from age 25 – 65 and invested that $374 in a growth stock mutual fund (averaging 12%), you would have over $4 MILLION dollars. At that point you could give cars away.
BUT THATS A LONG TIME! Who has the self-control to be able to wait that long? Besides When you want to be able to enjoy stuff NOW right? How is anything worth doing now if you don’t get to enjoy it until you are old and wrinkly?
Tags: credit cards, debt, finances, living beyond your means, loans, Money, self control
Permalink Comments (1) Adam Parker Aug 7, 2008
Filed under: Blogging, Featured
So if you haven’t seen it yet, which I can’t believe there is anyone who hasn’t… it’s been release for almost 48 hours now, Bob Powers and Caleb Culver have released a music video of an original song titled “Love” performed by them to the viewers of the internet. In response to the amazing video, both Caleb and Bob have agreed to give an exclusive interview available only to the readers of CompelledByReality.com.
Bob & Caleb, you have a new music video out titled “Love”, and I wanted to give our readers a behind the scenes look at the video and the message of the video. But first we want to get to know you a little and introduce you to my readers here at compelledbyreality.com. Tell us a little about yourselves.
[Bob] Well, I grew up in the upstate New York, Rochester area. I moved out to Kansas City 5 years ago. About 3 years ago I jumped on Luke Wood’s team playing electric guitar and associate worship leading.
[Caleb] I grew up in Syracuse, New York and moved out to the International House of Prayer 4 years ago. I’ve been on Luke Wood’s team playing keyboard for 3 years and I’ve been section leading in the JPR (Justice Prayer Room) for 1 year.
What was your inspiration for the song/music video “Love” ?
[Bob] Well, when we originally wrote the song, me and Caleb sat down one day, and we were talking about writing an album, and we realized that there just weren’t enough love songs in the world. Particularly love songs that compared love to nature. And so we both decided, alright, lets really try to hash out what a well written song comparing love to nature would look like. And I think we did it on this one.
[Caleb] We wrote the song in about 45 minutes… is that right?
[Bob] It was really fast
[Caleb] I had the progression, idea and the creativeness flowed with the lyrics and 45 minutes later…
[Bob] We had a hit.
[Caleb] We had a hit.
So, being that this is a song about love, performed by two guys in a very romantic type setting… who or what is the song about?
[Bob] Actually, the song glories in itself. It’s a song about love, to love… and that’s basically it. It’s not to anybody, it’s just a song speaking about itself… essentially.
So, just to set the record straight…
[Caleb] Is that a pun Adam…. Is that a pun? Answer the question…
[Bob] [laughs] It’s just a metaphor… a metaphor for love using nature.
Why a music video? Don’t we have enough music videos in the world today, especially on You Tube?
[Bob] Each music video is unique and we felt like we really needed to express our hearts through a video. And, by chance, our friend Micah had heard the song and demanded that we start immediately filming. This is the message that we wanted to convey. And we really took it seriously, and came out with a great looking video.
Why love, why not peace, hope or joy?
[Bob] Well the greatest of those is love, so why not just stick with the best.
Love has been sung about in many different ways, what is the message behind your song? What do you want your viewers to walk away with from this video/song?
[Caleb] Give 110%. Believe in yourself.
[Bob] Never give up.
[Caleb] Never give up.
The video has been out for about a day, and it’s already climbing to the top of the charts, almost. On YouTube it has more than 200 hits… So, going into this did you expect this big of a reaction?
[Bob] Absolutely. We knew we had written a hit. We knew it was great and that it was bound for success. I mean, I’m not gonna apologize for that. It’s a well written song, with very sophisticated lyrics, much better than most radio songs, I would say. Yeah, I’m actually shocked that it hasn’t gotten more views. But I’m guessing it’s just because, you know, word of mouth hasn’t really gotten around. We haven’t really been plugging it very much. So yeah, we’re pretty happy with what we have so far.
Should we expect to see more music videos from Bob and Caleb in the future?
[Bob] Probably. You should probably see more in the future. We were really trying to spread our wings on this one and venture out of our normal styles and so we figured a beautiful piano ballad would do the trick. So you might see us pulling out some other ones. Maybe going the route of techno, only with some style… with great melodies and thoughtful lyrics written by me, awesome music in general by Caleb. So yeah, definitely expect more.
What do you hope to accomplish by releasing this song and this video into the world?
[Caleb] We really just want people to think… not about anything in particular.
[Bob] Yeah, just thinking is really good. We also chose the route of comparing love to nature because we love nature so dearly. And we’re the kind that really respect nature, we love animals, and I’m not embarrassed that I do break for birds. They have their lives and I would never want to take it from them. And I just… people who litter… well, they’re alright I guess… I understand where they’re coming from but we don’t like to litter any more than we have to.
[Caleb] We want people to find love in nature more so than in tire burning parties.
[Bob] Yeah
[Caleb] Although we do enjoy a good tire burning party from time to time.
[Bob] Who doesn’t love a good tire burning party. So… a love of nature and for people… and to just think about stuff. Lots of stuff.
So any last thoughts?
[Caleb] We know that many of you probably aren’t able to put out music with such exceptional quality, but you ARE able to listen to it and learn from it…
[Bob] And love it…
[Caleb] And love it… So remember to do your part.
[Bob] Yeah, absolutely. We can’t love our music as much as if you love it more than us. So… if I had final words, those would be it.
Even on my death bed I think I would say those words.
Tags: Bob Powers, Caleb Culver, Comical, Humor, IHOP, Interview, Love, Music Video
Permalink Comments (2) Adam Parker Jul 30, 2008
Filed under: Blogging, Featured, Knowledge of God
One of the many basic questions on every human’s heart in life, especially as it relates to God, has to deal with pain and suffering. Why does God allow pain and suffering? Why do bad things happen to good people?
In this post I will attempt to give my thoughts on the issue. Feel free to respond if you agree, disagree, or have thoughts of your own about the issue that I did not address.
In the Bible God does not give micro reasons to every little problem everyone may go through. Instead He gives macro reasons, the ultimate goal behind the situations that come up in life that cause us to face our humanity and face His divinity and make a choice.
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Permalink Comments (6) Adam Parker Jul 19, 2008
Filed under: Blogging, Featured
In my journey in managing the finances I have been given, there have been a few things that have helped along the way. One is the war I have started against an enemy I call debt; Creating a strategy to attack it and keep attacking until it begs for mercy (see this post for more info on that strategy American Cravings: Money).
Who OWNS 100% of my money?
I used to think of the money I earned as just that; money that “I” earned, therefore it was “MY” money. This however differs from God’s view. “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” God is the owner of 100% of the finances I have. Not just 10%. He owns all 100%, but has given it to me to manage it. So I can no longer think of myself as the OWNER of this money, like it is mine, but I am managing it for God.
So if I was an investment banker and someone gave me $50,000 a year to manage for them, I would need to make sure to take the time to put down on paper and do the research to figure out the best strategy possible. I need to do the same for the money God has given me to manage. First I need to find out what he wants me to do with it, and then manage it appropriately.
One of the things that has helped in this mindset shift of managing the finances given me was to create a “Zero-based budget.” Well, “what is a zero-based budget?” you might ask. I’m glad you asked. I asked myself this same question when I first heard of it.
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Tags: giving, Money, zero based budget
Permalink Comments (8) Adam Parker Jun 14, 2007
Filed under: End Times, Featured, Intimacy, Knowledge of God
God is really pressing some things on my heart lately. This is one of them and I wanted to share it with you and encourage you in your pursuit of God. Many of you may have this reality pressing on your heart already, and for some this may be something that isn’t normally talked about. So please share your experiences and thoughts on this pressing issue because I feel its an issue that God is really highlighting in this hour of history.
Without a history, it’s sooo easy to cut and run.
It is very easy to leave someone or a group of people if you do not have a history with them. If you are not really connected relationally when troubles come it is sooo easy to just cut and run because of the lack of ties you have. This is what happens to many relationships within the church, and I believe it is why so many people leave the church.
The more history you have the stronger your cord becomes that is tieing you to that relationship. It’s like a rope that is tied to each of us. The more you build relationally together the stronger that rope is. It becomes thicker and thicker. Usually that rope will start out as a small piece of thread which can be easliy torn apart with two hands and even kids scissors. But the more history that is built with good communication and good relationship building the stronger and thicker that tie becomes, and it is not easily broken at all.
2 things that I see that help strengthen the ties we have to one another are: (more…)
Permalink Comments (7) Adam Parker Mar 23, 2007
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