 "How can I understand unless someone helps me?" (Acts 8:31 CEV) |
Exodus from Darkness Daniel Shayesteh |
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'Searching for Truth Together' |
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in Jesus Christ' |
August 2007 |
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Contact details Biography of Daniel Shayesteh July /September 05 June / July 2005 March / May 2005 Feb 2006 April 2006 July 2006 Sept 2006 December 2006 April 2007 August 2007 October 2007 December 2007 Feb 2008 March 2008 April 2008 |
Latest news on
the ministry of Daniel and Mary Shayesteh: August 2007
In this update we provide the latest news on Daniel and Mary’s recent work in Australia, Africa and New Zealand. We thank you for your interest in and prayers for the ministry of Daniel and Mary Shayesteh and ‘Exodus from Darkness’. We pray that as you read these newsletters you will grow in your ability to love and understand Muslims and people of other faiths. We pray that fearfulness, ignorance and passive tolerance will be replaced by confidence, knowledge and the freedom to share the truth about Jesus with people of all nations. Daniel and Mary are so appreciative of the generous support from a church and several other people that has enabled Mary to accompany Daniel on his recent mission trips. This is providing many opportunities for Mary to share her life journey with others. We want to thank all those people who have prayed for years that this would happen. Praise God! This is an amazing development. Wonderful! In our lead article Daniel and Mary look at 1. why Islam is growing in many non-Islamic countries and 2. what we can do to share the love and truth of Christ in these countries (including our own). Contents: 1. A message from Daniel and Mary Shayesteh: “Why is Islam growing in many non-Islamic countries?” 2. Latest news on Daniel and Mary’s ministry in Australia, Africa and New Zealand - May to August 2007 3. Upcoming Events – USA, Australia, Europe, South America 4. Window on the future of EFD 5. Participating financially and practically in the ministry of Daniel and Mary Shayesteh 6. Exodus from Darkness Prayer Requests 7. Daniel's Books (A web-based version of this e-newsletter is available at http://www.ministryblue.com/exodus.html) 1. “Why is Islam growing in many non-Islamic countries?” - a message from Daniel and Mary Shayesteh Islam is growing in many non-Islamic countries despite its use of intimidation against Christians and Jews, and against democracy. Why is this? Why are mosques, Islamic schools and colleges springing up in every corner of non-Islamic countries and indoctrinating thousands of young people, when it is illegal for non-Muslims to build their sanctuaries and schools in Islamic countries? What is allowing some Muslims to try and stop criticism of Islam in western countries, when they themselves practice their Islamic hate speeches, death threats and honour killings in these democratic countries? Why would Muslims dare ask for the establishment of their own Islamic judiciary systems, ignoring the egalitarian values that are held in democratic countries? Why is Muhammad’s sword philosophy spread in the majority of Christian countries, whereas Jesus’ anti-sword teachings are forbidden in Islamic countries? What is giving freedom to some of these Muslims who attempt to erode freedom of speech and the social fabric of western societies? Why do westerners now have their own home-grown Muslim terrorists who have been carrying out their terror operations in the West and abroad in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Israel, Morocco and Russia? Despite all these obvious Islamic intimidations against Jews and Christians, why would many non-Muslims, including some so-called evangelical Christians, believe the Islamic lie that the root of all problems in the Middle-East is the Jews? Why, when the western Governments moved to liberate Afghanis, Kosovo Albanians, Palestinians and Iraqis, were they betrayed by so-called Muslim friends who went on to help improve the situation for the jihadists? Why are leaders in non-Islamic countries turning a blind eye to Islamic conspiracy? Why is there silence within political, media and various other circles in non-Islamic societies? Why are free people prepared to surrender without a fight to those who would place them in bondage? Why are these things taking place in non-Islamic countries? Is it because of ignorance of Islam’s intimidation, or surrender to Islam for the sake of political correctness, or personal interests? Whichever may be the case, it is sacrificing the truth and leading nations and countries to mere enslavement. How do we respond when an enemy challenges not just our democratic values but additionally forces us to surrender to his bondage? What must we do since unwillingness to solve the problem of Islam has penetrated almost every aspect of life in the west and non-Islamic countries? Are we waiting for Muslim leaders to do something? Aren’t we aware that the Qur’an teaches Muslims to erode the life values of non-Muslims? To stand against Islamic intimidation, we need to put our victory in Christ into practice. We are called to have courage in the absolute victory and love of Christ in order to overcome the threats to freedom (Jn.16:33). We need to remember that we belong to the One who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Rev.19:16), and to stand in Him. Therefore, we have been given the power to speak the Truth of Christ and reveal God’s purpose for deliverance against the stronghold of Satan. “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for (your nation) the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14; read Isa.62:1; Am.5:13) Daniel and Mary Shayesteh (Editor’s note: Daniel and Mary are from Iran. Daniel was a teacher of Islamic philosophy, a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Army and a leading Muslim fundamentalist political leader during the Iranian Islamic Fundamentalist Revolution that began in 1979. He is now an evangelist for Jesus Christ.) 2. Latest news on Daniel and Mary’s ministry in Australia, Africa and New Zealand - May to August 2007 Our life story and ministry influenced thousands of people on our recent trips. University students, young adults and seniors were encouraged, with many giving their hearts to the Lord. Many people were made aware of the danger that Islam is posing within their countries. Feedback from them showed that they are eager to learn and combat the threat. We praise God for the opportunity He has given us to touch and challenge the hearts of thousands. 5-6 May: I was the speaker in a Missions Conference at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Sydney. Brother Hass was present there as a moral support to me. On Saturday, I spoke in three sessions: 1. Unveiling the Nature of Islam, 2. Guidelines for Conversational Evangelism, 3. A journey from Islam to Christ, which was our testimony. On Sunday morning, I spoke about Influential Evangelism. The presence of the Spirit of God was with us. His conviction and encouragement swept over all who were present in the meetings. Pastors and elders humbled themselves in the presence of God and renewed their vows with the Lord so that the Lord may use them for the awareness of people and for the salvation of their souls. 7 May: I gave my testimony in the Full Gospel Business Fellowship at Blacktown and answered questions from the audience concerning the crisis in Australia and around the world. All present in the meeting were moved and agreed that the only way to protect and promote democracy is to love and follow Christ dearly. 12 May: I spoke of my life story at Cartwright Gospel Chapel, mainly consisting of Indian Christians, and answered their questions. Some of these Indian brothers and sisters worked in Islamic countries and therefore easily identified with me. 13 May: I gave my testimony at the El Shaddai Mission Church in Pennant Hills. People were moved; pastor and the elders prayed for our ministry after the meeting. 17-20 May: Mary and I flew to Moree/NSW for ministry in a prayer summit held by Moree Combined Church Network. I spoke in three sessions about; 1. The Nature of Islam, 2. The plan of Islam for the world, 3. Conversational Evangelism, as a solution to the crisis in the world. On Thursday afternoon, I spoke to the Christian leaders at a local park in Goondiwindi. On the Sunday morning I gave my testimony at Calvary Christian Centre (Four Square). 23 May: Wednesday evening was the AGM meeting held at our residence. The members and some of our prayer partners were with us. We discussed many issues, especially our future plans in order to make EFD’s outreach wider and more influential. 25-27 May: I ministered in the Mosques & Miracles Conference (M&M) at Crossway Baptist and also spoke in an Anglican church in Melbourne. On Friday evening, I gave my testimony, and on Saturday afternoon, I spoke about Guidelines for Conversational Evangelism. M&M tries to create awareness within society against the conspiracy of Islam. Rev. Dr. Mark Durie, my co-speaker in the M&M Conference, invited me to speak in his church and I spoke about the Day of Pentecost in the two morning services at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Melbourne. On Sunday evening, I flew to Perth for one week lecturing in YWAM. 28 May – 1 June: I lectured on Islam to the SOFM group in YWAM every day, and shared my life story to over one hundred YWAM members. On Thursday evening, I spoke on Unveiling the Nature of Islam, as well as my testimony, to over one hundred Christians from various denominations at a local church in southern Perth. 2-3 June: I shared my testimony at an evening meeting on Saturday; spoke twice on Sunday morning and once at the evening meeting in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Menai. It was encouraging that a few open Muslims attended the meetings and were interested to find out about the faith in Christ. The feedback, especially from the younger Christians, was so encouraging. Through the ministry of St. Paul, I had many calls from other Christian communities who are interested in having me visit their congregation. 4 May: I was one of several speakers who spoke at a meeting arranged by the Hon. Rev. Fred Nile in the NSW Parliament House to the Australian Christian Nation Association about the Nature and Plan of Islam for the Christian world in particular and the world in general. 10 June: I visited Kuring-Gai Alliance Church in Sydney. First, I spoke about our background very briefly, and then about the awareness we (EFD) have been making in various countries on the plan of Islam. At the end I spoke about the Christians’ response to Islamic intimidation. 14-18 June: Mary and I were at Port Elizabeth/S. Africa for a three day ministry in the Harvest Christian Church. On Friday night, I unveiled the Nature of Islam. On Saturday morning, I spoke about the crisis Islam has created in Africa and the world and answered the audience’s questions. Some Muslims were present in the meeting too. One amongst them, an Islamic teacher, was highly influenced by the presentation. On my second visit he told me that in his heart he was ready to surrender himself to Christ, but he was afraid his students and friends would kill him. I encouraged him to pray to Jesus and ask Him to remove any barriers. On Sunday, I preached three times in the church about influential evangelism. Monday evening, we were taken to a town called Jeffrey’s Bay in order to give our testimony at a sister church called Victory Christian Church. This was my second (and Mary’s first) visit to the Harvest Christian Church in 2007. The Harvest Church has a clear vision in Christ, and for this reason has become one of the biggest supporters of EFD for reaching out to the world. Our hearts were so warmed by the simplicity of pastors and elders, and for their very influential love in Christ towards their nation and Africa. We believe this is the key that has made them so successful in Christ. 19 June – 2 July: we were in Namibia to speak at the Mission Conference of the Emmanuel Church in Windhoek (Capital) and the Evangelistic Outreach of Judea Harvest Namibia in Oshakati (a city in the north close to Angola). This was my second visit to the Emmanuel church as the first was in August 2006. We spoke eleven times at the Emmanuel Church and exposed many of Islam’s plans for Africa and for the world, and spoke about Christians’ responsibility against the conspiracy of Islam. We heard that Islam is the fastest growing religion in Namibia compared to all other non-Islamic countries of the world. The Emmanuel church is aware of the danger of Islam and aims to create awareness amongst her members and the bigger community. We are so thankful for their beautiful hospitality and generous support to EFD. From 27-30 June: we were in Oshakati for an Evangelistic Outreach by Judea Harvest Namibia. We traveled from Windhoek to Oshakati by car. We saw a glimpse of heaven there, Christians of all colours practicing the love of the Lord and serving one another sincerely so that non-believers would understand that they belong to Jesus and heaven. Over 1600 people, from children to the elderly (Acts 2: 16-18), gave their hearts to the Lord as a result of this campaign. The mission was held in the sport stadium of the city of Oshakati from morning till evening. The joy of salvation swept over everybody in those four days. All were dancing and shouting Hallelujah and Hosanna to Jesus. We saw the healing and saving power of God there. We felt so humble in the mighty presence of Jesus. We received a report from one of the pastors that in the week after we left, a Muslim man surrendered his life to Christ and now has started serving the Lord. In addition to its other activities (like soup kitchen, running orphanages, building clinics in poor areas, etc.), Judea Harvest Namibia holds its evangelistic outreaches throughout different parts of Namibia. Its aim is to create awareness among people, lead them to Christ and encourage them to attend the local churches within their own suburbs. The leaders of the Judea Harvest Namibia are from the Emmanuel Church, but have planted and built many other denominational churches with their brothers and sisters from other denominations. For them the first priority is not denomination but the salvation of Namibia. For this reason they have been investing in uniting the churches and followers of Christ for a better and blessed Namibia. These wonderful brothers and sisters deserve to receive all the support we can provide, because every loaf of bread in their hands and every thought, word and action in them produces salvation of souls. The harvest in Namibia is so big, but the financial opportunities for Christian activities so little. Despite this, they are always fruitful. Mary and I feel honoured to know the leaders and members of Judea Harvest Namibia and the Emmanuel Church, and are so grateful that they saw the vital nature of our ministry and invited us to be a part of their wonderful outreach ministry in Namibia. We are also thankful for their generous support and hospitality. We also praise God for giving us the opportunity to bless Namibia. We flew back to Sydney on Tuesday, 2nd July and arrived home on the 3rd. We had a little bit of drama in Johannesburg, missing our direct Qantas flight to Sydney because of the delay of the British plane from Windhoek to Johannesburg. But praise God, we were able to get seats in the S. African late night plane for Perth and then fly from Perth to Sydney. We received our bags after 5 days! 6-18 June: I gave my testimony and lectured in various meetings and churches in NSW Australia. On Friday evening, 6th July, I spoke in a meeting held by RESAM (Regional South Asian Ministry) at the St. Luke Anglican Church in Liverpool. On Saturday evening, 7th July, I spoke at the Arabic Baptist Church in Guildford. On Sunday morning, 8th July, I spoke at the Emmanuel Worship Centre (mainly Indian) in Doonside. On Sunday evening, I spoke at the Padstow Height Christian Assembly. On Thursday evening, 12th July, I spoke at the North Side Chinese Alliance Church in Epping. On Saturday evening, 14th July, I spoke at Albion Park Uniting Church. On Sunday morning, I spoke at the Church of Everybody, in Marrickville. On Thursday morning, I spoke and lectured to the students in the School of Ministry at CCC in Oxford Falls. In our NSW meetings, people were amazed at how God led us from radical Islam to faith in Christ. Also, they were encouraged to love Jesus dearly, which is the only way to bless Australians and protect Australia from the inhumane plans of terrorist ideologies. In one of the meetings, there was a young female Muslim doctor who was invited by her Christian friend to the church. She became very angry at what I said about Islam, exposing the doctrine of Islam about non-Muslims. I challenged her that as an educated person (doctor) she is expected by the Australian democratic community to be open-minded. However, the anger of Islam was huge in her and she did not want to hear me any longer. I am so thankful to God that she was there and heard the difference between Islam and Christianity for the first time in her life. I will pray for her eyes to be opened so that she will be able to appreciate the freedom in Australia which comes from Judeo-Christian values. Also, in one of the meetings four Saudi Arabian students from the Muslim Association of Wollongong University came to listen to me. For three of them, it was hard to bear that I was openly speaking about the ideas of Islam and the intolerance of Saudi Arabia towards the practice of other religions in that country. Praise God that it was a wonderful opportunity for me to challenge them with the holiness of God (unlike the unholy attributes of Allah) and with the salvation of Christ as the reality of life on earth. We pray the seed sown in their lives will grow for the glory of Jesus. 21-30 July: During this time were the M&M Conferences in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand. We also spoke in various other NZ churches on Sundays. In M&M we created a lot of political and social awareness. The goal of M&M is to teach about Islam and about Islam’s goals for the world. From about several months before the M&M conferences, some Muslim groups in NZ together with RAM (Resident Action Movement) united with each other to take action against the M&M Conferences and to run rival meetings. They invited George Galloway to speak about ‘Peace’. He is a left wing maverick UK MP who was expelled from the Labour Party. (He became well known when he addressed the US Senate to deny the allegation that he had taken bribes from Saddam Hussein.) These people spoke against what they saw as M&M’s ‘islamaphobia’. Furthermore, George Galloway called upon New Zealand political leaders to pass a law like they have in the UK to stop criticism of Islam. He asserted “If you generate hatred against Muslims, of course you will get a reaction from young Muslims seeking to defend their community.” But isn’t this an attack on free speech and isn’t he condoning the right of young Muslims to terrorise the NZ community? Certainly, these people were successful to some extent in encouraging Muslims in NZ to riot against Mosques and Miracles. Even though we were preaching a message about love to Muslims, they claimed we were preaching a message of hatred towards Muslims, whereas hatred in our Christian faith is sin against God. Clearly, they do not know the nature of our message. They called us “professional Islamophobes from Australia vilifying Muslims". They called us "right wing bigots sent from Australia to corrupt NZ fundamentalist Christians". They called our conference ‘closed door’ but they knew what we spoke at the conference. Did they send spies? They were very clever in their criticism and use of the press, taking some of our words and mixing them with other untrue words. We praise God that he allowed these things to happen in NZ. (Matthew 5: 10-12). This was an opportunity for many Kiwi’s to understand how Islam is an opportunistic religion that unites with even leftists and atheists whose ideas contradict their own ideas. (Islam rejects leftists in their doctrine and leftists also reject Islam in its doctrine.) We hope that Kiwi’s will read the ‘chapters’ of Islam’s beliefs and values so they can understand the sincerity of our message and also participate in leading others to the truth. 3. Future opportunities for ministry Daniel and Mary have many opportunities to be 'salt and light' around Australia and overseas. Please remember him and the Shayesteh family in prayer as they respond to these opportunities to testify to Jesus. USA: 11th August to November 28, 2007 Australia: December 2007 USA: 4th-28th January 2008 Europe: February and March 2008 (yet to be confirmed) South America and USA: April and May 2008 Australia: June and July 2008 4. Window on the Future of EFD – our prayer to God our Father Since 2001 Daniel and EFD have ministered throughout the world. EFD is a specialised apologetics and evangelism ministry, endorsed and nurtured by the CMA of Australia, that seeks to encourage followers of Christ and people of other faiths and beliefs to ‘Search for Truth Together’. EFD ministers across all churches, the wider community and other faith communities. We believe that eternal confidence is only found in Jesus Christ. Our vision is to see the peace of Jesus ruling in people’s hearts, leading to a transformed society in every dimension of life. As Jesus said to his followers, we are called to be the salt and light of the whole world. With this in mind we pray to our Father in heaven ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’. We ask you to pray with us for several middle-eastern background evangelists who are beginning to work alongside Daniel, Mary and Janet. We pray also for strategic partnerships with printers, recording studios, educationalists and publishers who can help us to distribute their testimonies, teaching, books, poetry and music in multiple languages. We pray for an office in Sydney to expand the work of EFD. An office would also help to encourage collaboration between EFD and our strategic partners and supporters. We pray also for support people who can assist us with finance and administration. We pray also for the finances and capital required for bringing this vision to life. All the support and prayers to date have helped us to take our testimony to Jesus around the world. We have made a change in the world and as our support and partner base grows we will be able to glorify Jesus’ Name more than ever before. We are excited to inform you that Daniel is in discussions with the CMA in the USA about establishing a branch of EFD in that country. Please pray with us that the right doors will open so that Daniel and EFD can have a sound base to work from when in the USA. Daniel’s interactions with churches in Australia, the USA and Europe provide much of the resources and encouragement EFD needs for sharing Christ with Muslims around the world. You are also a key part of Christ’s strategy for reaching Muslims - through becoming a church that is awakened to the uniqueness of Christ and our responsibility to share Christ with others. ……. So, we invite you to pray with us and to consider inviting Daniel to your church (again) so that you can share with Daniel in the vision of bringing the good news of Jesus to Muslims around the world. Thank you for praying with us as we bring this prayer to the Lord. 5. Invitations to participate Participating financially in the ministry of Daniel and Mary Shayesteh We invite you to give generously to the ministry of Exodus from Darkness so that Daniel and Mary's transformational message about Christ can continue to bear fruit around Australia and overseas. Full details for contributing to their ministry are at the end of this email. Participating practically in the ministry of Daniel and Mary Shayesteh Daniel has a regular stream of events throughout the year. We would like to invite you (young or old) to consider coming along with Exodus from Darkness on one of these events. This is a great way to support Daniel practically while at the same gaining practical skills and experience in walking the bridge between East and West in Jesus’ Name. You would need to cover any personal travel and accommodation expenses and we’d need to explore with you which events are suitable for Daniel to have extra people with him. Taking part in an ‘Exodus from Darkness’ mission trip is an experience that’s just like ‘walking through the pages of the book of Acts’; so please give this invitation your prayerful consideration. 6. Exodus from Darkness Prayer Requests Please praise the Lord with us for all that has been achieved through the ministry of Exodus from Darkness. Exodus from Darkness is a ‘Specialised Apologetics and Evangelism Ministry’ with three major goals: Raising up Middle- Eastern evangelists, awakening non-Christians and Christians to the uniqueness of Christ and caring for our societies. It is nearly six years since Daniel, Mary and Michael, supported by their families and many other people, started working together in ‘Exodus from Darkness’. Since the early 1990’s hundreds of thousands of people have heard Daniel speak in person around the world in English, Azerbaijani, Turkish or Farsi and we estimate that many millions have now heard Daniel through books, CD, DVD, radio, newspapers and television. Praise the Lord for the many times now that Mary and Daniel have been able to travel together. We speak in Jesus' Name to many hearts across the world, that they will be challenged in this era of globalisation to search for the Truth with all their heart. Please pray for the Lord’s guidance and creativity to be poured out upon us so that we can work together with churches to share the gospel persuasively with local communities. Please pray for all the people who hear Daniel and Mary’s testimony to Jesus. Please pray that these people, and all the people they influence, will grow in their courage to walk the bridge between east and west in Jesus’ Name. Please pray for the continuing provision of all Daniel and Mary's financial needs. They have sacrificed much to ensure Daniel and now Mary could speak and lecture across Australia and overseas. A donation to help them would be a blessing for them. We thank God for groups of people who are supporting Daniel and Mary's ministry spiritually and intellectually as we consider the most effective ways for their ministry to grow in the years ahead. Please pray that the Shayesteh's ministry will be guided along the path of greatest fruitfulness for the kingdom of God. 7. Daniel's books Many people have been blessed through the special insights into Islam and other religions that are provided by Daniel's books. Always accompanying these insights is Daniel's testimony to the uniqueness of Christ our Lord in every dimension of life. Please make use of Daniel's books listed below and share them with your churches, bible colleges and friends. 'The Difference is the Son' compares the Qur'an and the Bible against the backdrop of Islam's early history and Islam's contemporary message. Daniel concludes that the difference between these two books in all dimensions of life is the 'Son' - our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the only source of eternal confidence. "A Journey from 'gods' to Christ" (The title of this book in the USA is, “Christ above all gods”) looks at the nature of 'god', sin and salvation in all the world's major religions, while at the same time challenging the conscience (God given!) of every human being to search for the Truth. 'The Difference is the Son' - suggested donation A$20 + A$5 for postage "A Journey from 'gods' to Christ" - suggested donation A$15 + A$5 for postage. For contact details for ordering these books, please see the end of this email. I close with the words of Jesus. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37,38 (CEV) Shalom! Michael York |
