Prayers for the Persecuted - Pastor Andrew Brunson

A Christian pastor in Turkey was just imprisoned. He is in danger.

American Pastor Andrew Brunson - a U.S. citizen from North Carolina - has been falsely charged with "membership in an armed terrorist organization." The charging documents state no "evidence has been gathered" against him. He has been a Christian pastor in Turkey for the past 23 years.

Pastor Andrew had been in a detention center since October 7, 2016, but he was just transferred to prison. During his 63-day detainment, he was denied access to his Turkish attorney.

If convicted, Pastor Andrew could face years in prison based on extremely serious - and false - charges.

Keep Pastor Andrew, his wife, Norine, and their three children in your prayers.

Oh Lord, Restore Us!

One of our dearest friends and member of our family of faith at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community, Wanda, would often remind each of us that our nation needs to humble itself and pray. We need to seek His face and turn away from our wicked ways.

When I listen or read the news, I see the violence that surrounds us each day. It is appalling and we should act now. As we get closer and closer to Thanksgiving, we should realize that we, as a nation, has been blessed and given so much. As a nation, we also need to realize our place in the world and our responsibilities. We help those who need help in time of tragedy. We defend the rights of the oppressed. We protect the weak and clothed the naked. We feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty.

We truly have been blessed. Over time, we have taken those blessings for granted and now we find ourselves facing problems. Shootings, threats of violence against people and the list goes on of the horrible things we have said or done to others. We have lost our way and need to return to Him.

We need to stop and humble ourselves. Turn away from our wicked ways and seek His favor. When we do that, He will forgive and restore us.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)