 "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' |
December 07 |
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Contact details Biography of Daniel Shayesteh July /September 2005 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 |
'Eternal Confidence is only found in Jesus
Christ' Christmas Greetings and latest news on the ministry of Daniel and Mary Shayesteh: December 2006 This update provides the latest news on Daniel’s recent work in the USA and Australia 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 has a very special prayer point that he would like me to share with you in this December 2006 EFD update. For many years Daniel has wanted Mary to be free to minister alongside him and to sometimes travel with him. We have been unable to do this because of Mary’s pivitol role over the years in bringing in extra income for the Shayesteh family through her job. But Daniel and Mary have it on their hearts to take a step of faith in the first half of next year that would see Mary freed up to work more closely with Daniel in the ministry of Exodus from Darkness. They request earnestly your prayers as they pray to God about this step and they thank you for your fellowship with them through this newsletter. In our lead article Daniel and Mary bring you Christmas greetings. We also share with you our vision for the future of Exodus from Darkness. Contents: 1. To Our Dear Supporters and Prayer Warriors – Christmas greetings from Daniel and Mary Shayesteh 2. Window on the future of EFD 3. Upcoming Events – USA, Australia and Africa 4. Working as a team to encourage people’s hearts for evangelism - Report on Daniel’s trip to the USA – 23rd October to 29th November 2006 and on his recent ministry in Sydney Australia 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. To Our Dear Supporters and Prayer Warriors We want to thank you very much for your faithful presence and partnership with us throughout the world during 2006 - through your prayers, help, support, and the opportunities provided for me to speak. We pray that you will have a time of great blessing this Christmas and a joyful and fruitful New Year. It is only by the grace of our Savior that we are about to leave 2006 behind. Let us reflect on our relationship with the Lord this past year, going into the New Year with even greater boldness and confidence in Him, reflecting His love for the world. He wants us to approach the world with the philosophy of His Cross, being prepared to pay the price for leading people away from the bondage of the world into the light of Christ. The philosophy of the world is to base people’s life on money and worldly success. Unfortunately, this is chosen as the bottom line of the cultural hierarchy in the West (Abraham Maslow), which has also influenced many churches in the West, whether consciously or unconsciously. Many Christians haven’t been challenged about this in their entire life and therefore are unaware that their lives are under the threat of what is called secular-sacred dualism. As the followers of Christ, we are commanded to wake people up and create awareness among them. We need to realize the importance of each day, month and year in the light of God’s Kingdom, and walk in a way to fulfill the desire of God. Paul said: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Gal.5:25). Paul is saying that we are called and planted in freedom in order to be able to walk in freedom. In other words, we are freed from the slavery of Satan so that we might be able to practice this liberty and show to others the practicality of this liberty in God. By walking in the Spirit of God, we will be able to address the consciences of people and thereby to uproot the false beliefs and philosophies in their minds and hearts. This is the war we are chiefly called to take part in. In any possible way and above every thing else to make it our unceasing exercise as long as we live in this world. We are born in the Spirit of God, called to speak and act under the full authority of His word in order to be able to avoid and oppose what we are expected to avoid and oppose, and cherish and cultivate what we are expected to cherish and cultivate. In Christ we are planted into the Kingdom of God and thereby inherit the goodness of God, giving us the power to influence others. Nothing should stop us from engaging in the work of the Kingdom. Our faith in Christ requires us to live whole-heartedly for Him, to walk in His Spirit and yearn for His honor and glory against the vain honor and glory of this world. We need to invest our time, money and our lives for Him. The bottom line of our culture in Christ is not money and worldly success but a loving relationship with Him and sacrifice for Him. God is so gracious towards us. He has allowed us to see the New Year. We need to appreciate His grace; we need to appreciate the price He has given for us; we need to appreciate the price our suffering brothers and sisters have been paying. We are given fullness in Christ in order that we may give ourselves fully to Him for the reconciliation and salvation of the world. Let us show in our Christian walk in the New Year that the Spirit of God dwells in us and we fully belong to Him. Let us show that we are the light and salt of Christ to the world. In Christ Daniel and Mary Shayesteh 2. Window on the Future of EFD – our prayer to God our Father Since 2001 Daniel and EFD have ministered throughout Australia and many places overseas. During 2006 we have focused more on the USA. In the future Daniel hopes to spend more time in the USA as well as in Africa, Europe and Asia, while at the same time seeking to consolidate the work we have begun in Australia. 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 know that the answer to this prayer is the way of the Cross and the Resurrection and our ultimate destination is the new heaven and the new earth, the home of righteousness. This is our hope in Christ! Our prayer to God is for several middle-eastern background evangelists to soon 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. We are excited to inform you that Daniel is in discussions with the CMA 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. 3. Some of Daniel's upcoming ministry events Daniel has 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. February to March 11: USA (yet to be confirmed) March 17/18: Epping, Sydney: Seminar for Asian / Chinese Audience March 22: Women Aglow, Pennant Hills, Sydney March 2007: Africa May 5/6: Church of the Good Shepherd, West Ryde, Sydney May 17-20: Moree, NSW May 2007: Mosques and Miracles, Melbourne May/June 2007: YWAM Perth June/July 2007: Africa July 2007: Mosques and Miracles, New Zealand October 2007: USA: Crescent Ministry 4. Working as a team to encourage people’s hearts for evangelism Report on Daniel’s trip to the USA (23rd October to 29th November 2006) and on his recent ministry in Sydney Australia Introduction ‘My ministry experience during this trip was a bit different to my previous trips to the USA’, said Daniel after returning from his latest time in America. ‘I was one of three speakers in each church I visited. The other two speakers were our missionary brothers and sisters from other countries. Overall, I had fellowship and times of blessing with four missionaries from Israel, Africa and South America. I praise the Lord that all the pastors and elders I met on this trip are evangelistic and mission oriented people. The amazing grace of Christ in our lives amazed all people. Some non-believers gave their hearts to Christ. Our ministry changed the perception of people about evangelism for good. A few churches expressed their willingness to have me come back to their areas in the future.’ The Journey ‘I arrived in Wadsworth/Ohio on Monday 23rd October night. I spent the whole of Tuesday with my hosts.’ October25 – 29 with Wadsworth and Lodi Alliance Churches ‘Every day, I spoke in home groups about the urgency of Christians being socially and politically aware. Too often Christians are left out of decision making in western countries allowing a free hand to those whose aim is to axe the root of their liberty. I also answered their questions. On the Wednesday evening, I gave my testimony in the Wadsworth church. On Thursday, I took part in the Wadsworth Alliance staff prayer meeting and had lunch with them. On Saturday, I lectured from 10.30am to 12.30 am, firstly Unveiling the Nature of Islam and, secondly, speaking about Guidelines for Conversational Evangelism. On Sunday morning, I gave my testimony in Lodi Alliance Church, and on the Sunday evening, I spoke to the youth in Wadsworth Alliance about how they need to prepare themselves and challenge their societies.’ ‘On Monday October 30, I flew to New York to visit the Oswego Alliance Church and New Haven Community Alliance Church.’ October 30 – November 5 with Oswego and New Haven Community Alliance Churches ‘Every day, I made some kind of contribution to the seniors, adults, young adults, youth or very young of these churches. Besides talking to adults about the importance of social and political awareness, I encouraged all age groups to discover their full identity in Christ and to evaluate their lives in the light of Christ. On the Wednesday evening I lectured about “Unveiling the Nature of Islam” and on Thursday evening, I lectured about “Guidelines for Conversational Evangelism”. On Saturday morning, I spoke at a men’s breakfast. On Sunday, I gave my testimony in two services at the Oswego Alliance Church and once in the Community Alliance Church.’ November 6-12 with Fulton Alliance Church ‘At Fulton Alliance Church I spoke to women’s and men’s groups, in combined groups, to seniors and to various youth groups. Also, I spoke at Oswego University and to a Rotary Club, was interviewed by a radio and a newspaper, and spoke to non-churched people. All my talks were about my testimony, influential evangelism, becoming a world-class Christian, gaining social and political awareness, about Islam and the way to combat the threat of Islam and humanism in western societies.’ November 13-19 with LaFayette Alliance Church ‘On Monday morning, I spoke to Home Schoolers, both parents and children, about the significant role of Children in the Bible. In the evening, I was involved with others in a question and response time at the church. On Tuesday morning I spoke at Faith Heritage School to high school students. In the afternoon, I was interviewed by WMHR Christian radio; and in the evening I spoke at a home meeting. On Wednesday evening I unveiled the nature of Islam through an hour long lecture followed by a time of answering people’s questions. On Thursday I spoke to senior students of Faith Heritage School three times. In the evening, I spoke to the young adults in a home group. On Friday evening, I was on air with WMHR radio for one hour, answering the questions of the audience. This radio station covers a large area in the north of New York and the neighboring cities of Canada. On Saturday morning I spoke at a men’s breakfast. Saturday evening I was taken to Cortland Community Alliance to give my testimony. On Sunday, I spoke in two worship services and once in a Sunday school.’ November 20-21 with AiG ‘On early Monday morning November 20, I flew to Answers in Genesis in Petersburg/Kentucky. On Monday morning I was interviewed by Ken Ham (President) for one and a half hours. This interview may possibly be used as a radio special. Late in the afternoon I gave my testimony in the chapel. On Tuesday morning I gave my testimony to the staff, and then for one and a half hours was interviewed by Paul Varnum for AiG again. I want to thank AiG, and Ken Ham particularly, for his help in promoting what we are doing through an article that will soon be published in answermagazine.com After lunch, I was taken to Columbus in Ohio (two hours drive). From Columbus, I was taken to Bucyrus Alliance by Pastor Bill Strader (around two hours drive again).’ November 22-26 with Bucyrus and Galion Alliance Churches ‘On Wednesday morning I was taken to a local Christian Radio Station for an interview. Afterwards I was interviewed by a local newspaper. In the evening I gave my testimony at Galion Alliance Church. Thursday November 23rd was American Thanksgiving Day and a public holiday that extended into the Friday as well. These are special days when family members get together. I spent the whole of Thursday with a missionary family who serve in Israel and Friday with my hosts. On the Saturday morning I spoke at a continental breakfast meeting arranged in the Bucyrus public school. On Sunday morning I unveiled the nature of Islam at the Sunday school, and gave my testimony in the Sunday service of Bucyrus Alliance. In the evening I took part in a brief question and answer meeting held in this church and attended by a range of ages.’ Journey Home ‘On Monday afternoon I headed home to Sydney from Cleveland International Airport arriving on Wednesday morning November 29.’ Ministry in Sydney during December December 2 with the Youth of Korean Alliance Church, Baulkham Hills Sydney ‘I spent the evening with the Korean Youth of Hills Alliance Church. I gave a youth version of my testimony. I told them that if they don’t allow Satan to divert them away from God’s work, then they will discover that God is mightier than Satan and uses the young for the glory of His Name and for the blessing of the nations.’ December 3 with Assyrian Church in Sydney ‘I gave my testimony to a mixed audience from several Middle-Eastern countries at the Assyrian Church in Fairfield. There were some non-Christians in the audience. The presence of God was sensed by many; people were amazed at how God changed my family and is using our lives for the glory of His Name.’ December 10 with an Arabic home group in Sydney 'On the Sunday evening I gave my testimony to a mixed group of Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim people. I encouraged them to give their hearts to Christ and to stand for Him – the one who is the source of life, peace and joy.’ 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 five 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 millions have now heard Daniel through books, CD, DVD, radio, newspapers and television. Please pray for Daniel and Michael as we fellowship with the Lord Jesus and look to him regarding the following goals: 1. Raising funds so that Daniel and Mary can minister together in places that desperately want his help but who can not afford to fund Daniel’s time with them and their travelling expenses e.g., Africa and Pacific Islands 2. Development of our website over the next few months 3. Realising our capacity to influence the world, particularly through more co-workers, through opportunities to minister both in Australia and overseas and through education of children and young people. Development of educational resources that deliver world’s best practice learning outcomes will be part of this. 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’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 could lecture and share his testimony across Australia and overseas. A donation to help them would be a blessing for them. We thank God for a group 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 $20 + $5 for postage "A Journey from 'gods' to Christ" - suggested donation $15 + $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 |
