Gao Zhisheng's Life in Danger - Please Help Now!

Gao Zhisheng's Life in Danger - Please Help Now!

WHERE IS GAO ZHISHENG? READ THE TRUTH. ADD YOUR VOICE.

It's been a while since I mentioned Gao Zhisheng.

Supporters around the world were shocked on March 27, 2010, when Gao Zhisheng spoke with his family for the first time since he was abducted on February 4 last year. Media buzzed with news of his reappearance, as Gao Zhisheng connected with friends, family, reporters and colleagues. But even this brief reprieve from silence was not free.

"Gao was being held under tight security during the time he spoke with his family," says President of ChinaAid Bob Fu. "When I spoke with him on the phone in March, he was being closely monitored, not at liberty to give details about his location or condition."

On April 15 and 16, Gao Zhisheng visited his in-laws in Xinjiang, telling them he would be flying home to Beijing at 10 AM on April 20. Gao never arrived home at his apartment, and has not been seen or heard from in more than 8 weeks. See the media reports on Gao Zhisheng's forced "Re-Disappearance."

Now that he has disappeared again, it is clear that Gao's life is in danger as long as he is in the custody of the Chinese government. During this complex and difficult time, efforts are already in progress to push for Gao's release from China and for a safe reunion with his family in the United States.

"We continue to denounce the Chinese Government's brutal and unjust treatment of Gao Zhisheng!" says Bob Fu. "We will not rest until Gao is released and allowed to reunite with his wife and children in peace."

Christian human rights Attorney Gao Zhisheng was seized by a dozen police officers and last seen in public on February 4, 2009. Gao has been repeatedly kidnapped, arrested, imprisoned and tortured by Chinese authorities for defending the persecuted. He has been an unyielding and iconic advocate for justice in the Chinese courts and was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008.

On January 21, 2010, the Chinese government publicly acknowledged Gao Zhisheng to be in their custody, for the first time since his abduction more than 365 days ago. In response to a reporter's inquiry, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu said: "The relevant judicial authorities have decided this case, and we should say this person, according to Chinese law, is where he should be." Mr. Ma then added, "As far as what exactly he's doing, I don't know. You can ask the relevant authorities."

The Ministry's comments brought a glimmer of hope to Gao supporters around the world. Since December 2009, rumors of Gao's death from torture in prison have spread uncertainty. Just one week before Mr. Ma spoke to the media, Gao's older brother, Gao Zhiyi, was informed by a police officer that Gao Zhisheng had gotten "lost and went missing while out on a walk" in September, 2009. The news of his death, then alleged disappearance, devastated Gao's wife and children.

Finally, on January 20, 2010, an Australian newspaper reported from an inside source that "Gao is still alive at present ... he's not missing."

From this and other inside reports, ChinaAid believes Gao Zhisheng is still alive in the custody of the Chinese government, but continues to suffer extreme emotional and physical pain.

More reports:

• U.S. Department of State's Response to Attorney David Taylor's Inquiry about Gao Zhisheng, 1/25/2010.

• CAA Press Release: Police Officer Says Gao Zhisheng Went Missing, 1/14/2010.

• Latest Media Reports on Gao Zhisheng.

• Read Gao Zhisheng's letter to the U.S. Congress in 2007.

• Read Gao's account of 50 days of torture in 2007.

• Attorney Jiang Tianyong's Public Testimony on Defending Gao Zhisheng.

• Read the Congressional Letter to President Hu Jintao, 9/8/2009.

• Read Senator Dorgan's speech from the Senate floor.

ChinaAid thanks the 126,200 people who signed the Petition to Free Gao, the thousands of supporters who sent 469,500 e-mail inquiries to Chinese businesses and government offices, the more than 11,200 individuals who contacted their U.S. Representatives, and the countless others who faxed and called the Chinese Embassy for Gao's release last year in 2009.

Now, join ChinaAid as we take Gao’s case to the next level. In the coming months, we will be expanding the campaign to target international bodies, like the United Nations and the European Union. Urge others to add their voice to the petition, and continue contacting their representatives, as we press the Chinese government to Free Gao Zhisheng.

STEPS TO ACTION.

1. Sign the petition

Add your voice, and encourage your friends to sign the petition, to make the Chinese government aware that the world is watching this situation and to call them to account for their inhumane treatment of Gao Zhisheng. ChinaAid will continue to gather names and submit them to the Chinese authorities until Attorney Gao is free. So far, 137,005 people have signed the petition. (updates every 15 mins.)
Sign the petition now.

Click here to forward to your family and friends.

2. Send a message to leaders.

For U.S. Residents: Send a message to your U.S. Representative

Your representative was elected to protect and enable the will of the people - that means you! Send a message to your U.S. Representative requesting their support to call for Gao Zhisheng's release. Encourage the leaders and members of your community to participate, and together we will send a resounding message to the Chinese government that the United States has not forgotten the power of freedom and human rights. So far, 13,857 people have sent messages to their local U.S. Representative. (updates every 15 mins.) Click here to commit to contacting your U.S. Representative.

Click here to forward to your family and friends.

For U.S. & International Citizens: Contact U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Last year, 18,516 people sent over 469,500 e-mails to Chinese businesses and local governing officials inquiring about Gao Zhisheng. Now it's time to raise your concerns to the next level. Call on the United Nations to uphold its commitment to human rights, and encourage U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to personally and publicly urge the Chinese government to make Gao's whereabouts and condition known. So far, 2,952 people have sent messages to the Office of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. (updates every 15 mins.) Click here to contact U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Click here to forward to your family and friends.

3. Donate to serve the persecuted
in China.

There is a current need to provide help for the persecuted in China. Your support enables ChinaAid to provide well-timed legal advocacy for Christian prisoners, as well as basic needs for their families. Most of all, your gift is a sign of encouragement to the persecuted church in China that they do not walk alone. Donate Now.

For more ways to take action . . .

• Call The Chinese Embassy

• Send E-mails

Sources: http://www.freegao.com/index.html?refnum= & China Aid email

© Ken Glasgow 2010

“Blessed are those whose thoughts are pure. They will see God.”

Pure Thoughts.

“Blessed are those whose thoughts are pure. They will see God.”ⁱ

There's a lot to be said for purity of thoughts, I will include a bit of it in this post. Purity of heart is more than actions, but the motivations behind the actions, which are visible only to God.ⁱⁱ To see one's face or to be in one's presence, to Jews were expressions of great favour. In this context to see God is to “be his friends and favorites, and to dwell with him in his kingdom.”ⁱⁱⁱ

Webster's Dictionary includes 12 definitions of “pure”, I will comment on only a few:

2. Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt; undebased by moral turpitude; holy.

Of course that means absolutely free from moral defilement and there are none who meet this criteria except for Jesus Christ. The Pharisees were outwardly righteous, but inwardly were full of impurity.^iv Jesus saw through their facade and let them know that God held them accountable for more sins than they probably imagined.^v

3. Genuine; real; true; incorrupt; unadulterated; as pure religion. James 1.

At a glance this could appear to be an alternate route to Heaven however Jesus says He is the only way. Besides there is none who have lived free of sin. Again Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites, because they abandoned the Word of God for human traditions.^vi

5. Free from guilt; guiltless; innocent.

As mentioned earlier there are none who are guiltless before God. All therefore rely on salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

6. Not vitiated with improper or corrupt words or phrases; as a pure style of discourse or composition.

The religion of any person who can not control their own tongue is worthless.^vii Though people can tame all sorts of wild animals nobody is able to tame the tongue. We use it both to praise God and to curse our fellow man.^viii

9. Free from vice or moral turpitude. Titus 1.

Nice, but just like freedom from sin and moral defilement Jesus Christ is the only one.

Because even our best efforts to purify ourselves fall short of God's standard we need to rely on faith in Jesus Christ who lived without sin, died for us and was raised on the third day so that we can be put right with God through faith in Him.

I have referred to several English translations of the Bible in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.

© Ken Glasgow 2010

This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iMatthew's Gospel chapter 5 verse 8, “God's Word” translation of the Bible.

iiAlbert Barnes notes on the Bible, & Jamieson Fausset & Brown commentary.

iiiAlbert Barnes notes on the Bible.

ivJohn Gill's exposition of the entire Bible.

vMatthew's Gospel chapter 23 verses 23-36.

viMark's Gospel chapter 7 verses 5-13

viiThe letter of James chapter 1 verse 26

viiiThe letter of James chapter 3 verses 7-10.

Blessed are the Merciful.

“God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!”ⁱ

Let mercy mark your behaviour.ⁱⁱ

Forgiveness is an important way to show mercy. If you do not forgive others the Heavenly Father will not forgive you.ⁱⁱⁱ “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.”^iv

“A merciful man does good to his own soul, but the cruel troubles his own flesh.”^v

“Mercy to the needy is a loan to GOD, and GOD pays back those loans in full.”^vi

God's wisdom is full of mercy.^vii The ultimate act of mercy is that while we were still spiritually dead because of our sins Jesus Christ died for us so that we could be made alive through faith in Him.

I have referred to several English translations of the Bible in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.

© Ken Glasgow 2010

This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iMatthew 5:7 Contemporary English Version.

iiColosians 3:12.

iiiMatthew 5:12-15.

ivEphesians 4:31 & 32 Contemporary English Version.

vProverbs 11:17 Literal Translation of the Holy Bible.

viProverbs 19:17 Message Translation of the Bible.

viiJames 3:17.

Desiring to do what God requires.

“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully!”ⁱ

Other translations refer to hungering and thirsting for righteousness and one refers to desiring to obey God more than to eat or drink.

After the feeding of the 5,000ⁱⁱ Jesus slipped away from the crowd. When they found Him again Jesus said “Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so.”ⁱⁱⁱ

“Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.”^iv

"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or--worse!--stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being."^v Jesus Christ

This does not mean to cease earthly work but rather to seek to advance the Kingdom of God in all you do and to be willing to serve God full time if He calls us to do so.

I have referred to several English translations of the Bible in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.

© Ken Glasgow 2010

This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iMathew 5:6, Good News Bible.

iiSee Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15.

iiiJohn 6:27 Contemporary English Version

ivMathew 6:33, Good News Bible.

vMathew 6:19-21, The Message translation of the Bible.

Blessed are the Humble.

“God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!” Jesus Christ.ⁱ

This verse is probably better known as: “Blessed are the meek! For they shall inherit the earth.” This is how it appears in most older English translations, including the King James Version. Another translation refers to the gentle.

Depending on which translation one reads gentleness, meekness or humility will be listed as an aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.ⁱⁱ

There's a lot to be said for Godly humility, here's a few thoughts.

“The meek (οἱ πραεῖς) Another word which, though never used in a bad sense, Christianity has lifted to a higher plane, and made the symbol of a higher good. Its primary meaning is mild, gentle. It was applied to inanimate things, as light, wind, sound, sickness. It was used of a horse; gentle.” Vincent Word Studies.

“Happy are the meek - They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced. They shall inherit the earth - They shall have all things really necessary for life and godliness. They shall enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” John Wesley's explanatory notes.

“Meekness is patience in the reception of injuries.” Albert Barnes notes on the Bible.

“Who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God. Meekness, or humility, is very valuable and commendable.” John Gill's exposition of the entire Bible.

“The meek are happy. The meek are those who quietly submit to God; who can bear insult; are silent, or return a soft answer...” Matthew Henery's concise commnetary.

Jesus describes Himself as humble.ⁱⁱⁱ The apostle Paul refers to Jesus as “humble and gentle”.^iv

In several places Paul exhorts the believers to be humble, gentle, meek, lowly and patient. To the Ephesians he says to be humble, gentle and patient with each other.^v To the Colossians Paul says that being humble, gentle, kind, meek and patient is a response to God's love.^vi To Timothy gentleness and humility is not only being like God but it is the way to correct those who oppose us in the hope that God will lead them to turn to Himself and learn the truth.^vii

“So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.”^viii Receiving the Word of God with humility (gentleness or meekness) is the opposite of immorality and evil.^ix Paul also refers to being faithful, loving, dependable and gentle as being like God.^x Gentleness and kindness are similar to obedience, the alternative to rebellion and argument.^xi

Humble obedience to the Lord God could be a way to avoid harm when God's anger is revealed.^xii

The most important act of humility is to invite Jesus Christ to be the Lord, (boss) of your life in order to be made right with God.

There's a lot more to be said for Godly humility. I would like to encourage everybody to search out the Scriptures to discover more for themselves.

I have referred to several English translations of the Bible in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.

© Ken Glasgow 2010

This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iMathew's Gospel chapter 5 verse 5 Contemporary English Version

iiGalatians chapter 5 verse 23.

iiiMatthew's Gospel chapter 11 verse 29 Contemporary English Version

ivSecond Corinthians chapter 10 verse 1 Contemporary English Version

vPaul's Letter to the Ephesians chapter 4 verse 2

viPaul's letter to the Colossians chapter 3 verse 12

viiFirst Timothy chapter 6 verse 11 & Second Timothy chapter 2 verse 25.

viiiJames chapter 1 verse 21 The Message translation of the Bible

ixJames chapter 1 verse 21

xFirst Timothy chapter 6 verse 11

xiTitus chapter 3 verse 2

xiiZepheniah chapter 2 verse 3

Those who Mourn.

This posting has been delayed because I dashed off attempting to see my father in-law before he breathed his last, unfortunately that didn't happen. Most of this was written before my hasty departure to South Australia.

I therefore dedicate this page to his widow Pam, who has lost a life's companion. He is also survived by a younger sister, 3 grown “children” and their spouses (including myself), and seven grandchildren.

Continuing on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, “Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!”.ⁱ

The Greek word translated as “mourn” is πενθέω pronounced “pen-theh'-o” meaning, “to grieve (the feeling or the act): - mourn, (be-) wail.”ⁱⁱ

Mourn according to Webster's dictionary: “To express grief or sorrow; to grieve; to be sorrowful. Mourning may be expressed by weeping or audible sounds, or by sobs, sighs or inward silent grief.”

Mourning can be a sign of turning (repentance) from sin, that is a decision to change from actions and habits that are displeasing to God to please and honour Him. There are numerous examples when the prophets in the Old Testament told the people of Israel to turn from their sins with mourning, unfortunately there are few examples of people turning from their sins when warned to do so.

I have refered to several English translations of the Bible in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.

© Ken Glasgow 2010

This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iMatthew 5:4, Good News Bible.

iiStrong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.

The Dependent on God.

The Dependent on God.

Jesus began His most famous sermon, the “sermon on the mount” by saying “God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!”.ⁱ

There's a lot to be said for depending on God.

Though King Asa of Judah had a large army, an even larger army from Ethiopia came against him. King Asa prayed to God for help and God gave him victory over the invaders.ⁱⁱ

The psalmist, David writes a lot about trusting God. In the 62^nd Psalm he writes about God being the source of his security and being like a rock. In part he says: “Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.ⁱⁱⁱ”

Whether we acknowledge God or not we depend on Him: “The poor and all who abuse them must each depend on God for light.^iv”

God says He is here to help those who are humble and depend only on Him^v.

The people God treasures most are the humble because they depend only on Him^vi.

The apostle Paul (known to Catholics as Saint Paul) writes about how he was forced to be dependent on God. This is known to most Christians as “Paul's thorn” or some similar expression. For the purpose of this posting the exact nature of the “thorn” is not important. What is important is that God told Paul His strength is made perfect when we are weak. In other words God wanted Paul to depend on Him.

Finally it is the only way to Heaven. Jesus said you must not only be born physically but also born of the Spirit^vii, this is done by faith. Biblical faith is the substance of things we can not see and the evidence of things hoped for^viii (which are in line with the Scriptures).

There's much more to be said for being dependent on God, I will let my readers discover it for themselves and/or include it in other posting(s).

I have refered to several English translations of the Bible in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.

© Ken Glasgow 2009

This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iMatthew 5:3 Contemporary English Version.

ii2 Chronicles 14:2-12.

iiiPsalms 62:5 Contemporary English Version.

ivProverbs 29:13 Contemporary English Version.

vIsaiah 57:15.

viIsaiah 66:2.

viiJohn 3:5.

viiiHebrews 11:1.