Concerning the VP Debate and Abortion

Concerning the V.P. Debate and Abortion

I believe that Vice President Mike Pence did a great job in his debate with Kamala Harris on October 7, in spite of the fact that Susan Page (the moderator) repeatedly tried to shut him down as he was making his point on a subject, while allowing Kamala Harris time to make her point (and allowing her considerable time for grandstanding!). Mike Pence kept his calm demeanor while making great points about the contrasts in vision. He even restrained himself from saying to Susan Page, “Excuse me, Ms. Page, but I thought I signed up to debate one woman, not two!” To me, the highlight was when Mike Pence asked Kamala Harris if she really thought that her opinion of justice was superior to the judgement of the entire grand jury who had invested a great deal of time considering “the rest of the story” before passing judgment. Kamala Harris side-stepped this question.

Concerning abortion, Vice President Pence declared himself unashamedly pro-life in contrast with the radical pro-abortion position of the Biden-Harris team.

If I were debating Kamala Harris, I would like to ask her: “Senator Harris, do you have a mother? (Of course!) Do you realize that if your own mother had adopted your viewpoint before you were born, and she was feeling sick or very uncomfortable a week before you were born, she could have decided that you were part of her body that needed to be destroyed like a tumor? She could have hired an abortionist to tear you apart limb by limb in bloody murder – and have your body parts thrown in the trash – or sold on the black market.” And there would have been no legal consequences for her or the abortionist!

Friends, think about this! Can you think of anything more evil? Approximately 62 million innocent American lives have been brutally destroyed by so-called “legal abortions” since the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973! (Isn’t the legislative branch of government supposed to make our laws?) Is it any wonder that it looks increasingly clear that Almighty God has been withdrawing His protective hand from this once great nation? Please, please pray for revival in America’s churches – and for a massive spiritual awakening in our extremely corrupted culture!

Yes, I do realize that what I have written here about abortion is not polite speech. However, I also remember that back in the 1800’s, the prince of preachers (Charles Haddon Spurgeon) said in a reference to evolutionism: “The time for polite speech is over!” Abortion itself is not a polite subject – and sometimes it takes raw truth to wake people up to reality!

Also, my brothers and sisters in Christ, let us always remember – and never forget – that hate will never win a debate! Even in the midst of extreme cultural corruption and in the midst of heated debates, our Great Commission is not to win debates, but to win souls! We are commissioned to speak the truth in love. Truth without love can be obnoxious and repulsive, but love without truth is a sham! We must love the people around us enough to tell them the truth – but when the truth is hard for them, let us remember that we are also to “weep with them who weep!”

Let us also remember – and never forget – that the most dangerous opponent of the early church in Jerusalem (and beyond) was Saul of Tarsus! This was the man that our Lord Jesus Christ, in His risen power and glory, confronted on the road to Damascus, struck blind, humbled the strong, violent oppressor to rely on others to lead him by the hand into the city, and appointed Ananias to go to him personally to assist in his conversion and clarify to Saul his commission to take the gospel of Christ to his world. The Lord said to Ananias: “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16 (NASB) Saul is the one who later became known by his Greek/Roman name, Paul (meaning “little”), and whom Our Lord inspired to write much of the New Testament Scriptures, including the most vivid description of true love in all literature (1 Corinthians 13). In view of these facts, shouldn’t we be earnestly praying for the conversion and transformation of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, the Obamas, the Clintons, and multitudes of others in their Marxist camp?

I believe that every person on earth is valuable to God and is worth saving. This of necessity includes enemies of the gospel like hostile editors, evolution devotees, abortion doctors, Marxist and atheist professors, Muslim terrorists, pimps and pornographers. We are to be wise in the way we treat outsiders. We must remember that our real enemy is Satan and that the love-filled apostle Paul was the hate-filled Saul of Tarsus before his conversion.

“Science Says!” Beware!

Heads up! It’s high time to point out that the oft-used phrase “science says” is manipulative metaphor that is a battering ram for a majority opinion often used by the Left to control the conversation and to cow-tow the opposition into submission. The fact is that “science” does not say a thing – because “science” is not a person! “Science” is a word meaning “knowledge.” Scientists say many things – often in heated debates – with other scientists who disagree with them. The real question is, “What is the dominating motivation in what the scientists are saying? Is it truth? Is it conformity to peer pressure? Is it money for research grants? Is it power or popularity? We should remember, and never forget, that whether the subject under consideration is evolutionism, climate change, pandemic, vaccine, masks – or any other subject, “science says” is manipulative terminology. Scientists are human beings, who are just as susceptible to mixed motives as other human beings. The concept of a scientist as a totally objective icon is a dangerous myth! (I’ve had a lot of personal contact with scientists.) I heard Kamala Harris repeatedly use the phrase “science says” in her debate with Vice President Mike Pence. Also, I’ve heard Joe Biden say, “We believe science!” Isn’t it time to ask, “Oh! Really?” I would rather believe God wherever He has inspired a prophet or apostle to write, and to carefully analyze the evidence presented by opposing camps of scientists. “Modern science is that realm of study where one receives such a high return of speculation for such a low input of facts!” ~ Mark Twain

From Our Mailbox

First, I want to back up a bit to share with you more of the amazing things that God is doing in Ukraine (and far beyond) through Sergei & Olga Golovin’s ministry:

“Beloved brothers and sisters, thank you very much for your care, support and prayers! With great joy, I present you the Christian Center for Science and Apologetics May 2020 newsletter…

“Praise be to the Lord who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness and has led us on the journey! Developing resources for training and equipping believers in the restricted areas (where using regular means for Christian education is questionable or even dangerous) has always been one of our priorities. We kept making videos of lectures and seminars, producing downloadable visual aids, writing and translating books to make them available via different channels and formats, exploring and testing various approaches to building-up disciples, etc. And now that most places in the world have turned into restricted areas because of the quarantine, our resources are in great demand as never before! Churches, missions and seminaries are turning to us as they look for ways to continue teaching and training under the new conditions, and we are always happy to help! We supply media resources to them, provide assignments, and help with feedback and the process control. Before the quarantine, we would provide one or two teaching missions a month. Now, given the current demand, we manage multiple courses for several institutions at the same time! May the Lord be praised! Still, the emphasis of Christian education is not only on information, but even more on transformation. My desk has turned into a ‘control center’ for group and individual discussions, Q&A sessions, fellowship and prayers online. Several radio stations and Internet ministries have invited us to live broadcasts or online discussions on critical issues of the Bible and the foundations of Christian faith. Please pray for God’s wisdom for us to do this in the most effective way to promote the Kingdom.

As usual, I feel a little uncomfortable because only my face shows up in all these programs. I am sure you realize that this is the fruit of the work of our great team and of many volunteers who collect information, develop content, maintain web and social media platforms, translate books and articles, produce media, etc. Moreover, we help various partner ministries in every way we can. For instance, we help the Züme course (which uses an online platform to teach the principles of multiplying disciples and churches) to launch the Russian version of the training (see https://zume.training/ru/). May the Lord be praised! As a family team, we continue to promote online a model of family worship. This approach is quite foreign to our culture, but many told us it has really helped them during the months of isolation. To God be the glory! Please keep praying for our ministry, our team, our families, the finances, and God’s guidance and protection in everything we do. You are in our prayers as well.

Yours in the love and grace of Christ Jesus, Sergei”

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“We are in a war for the heart and soul of America. This is not a time to complain, nor is it a time to surrender. It is a time to go on the offensive with the full armor of God! Get equipped and get ready to run the race to the finish. – Mike Riddle, Founder and President of CTI”

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“The Lord will give us strength and lead us through these troubling times. Thank you for the letters and everything you’ve sent me. Stay healthy and well. See ya.

Blessings and love always, your Christian Brother, Matthew Conti”

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“Rick, we’re good. Working hard and very busy. Hurricane didn’t touch us, and we thank God for that. We remember you in our prayers and thank you SOOOO much for extending yourself to our congregation.   (He is referring to when their congregation was here in our area.  R.D.)

Alex Korotkih”

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“The theory of moral relativism cannot ever be said to be objectively good. (This is an altered wording of what I learned from Dr. Kyle Bailey today.) The great amount of evil seen in the world does not mean God does not exist, for the pointing out of the great amount of evil in the world implies the intrinsic worth of individual people that suffer evil. However, such intrinsic worth of individuals points to a Creator that gives individuals their worth. Furthermore, the pointing out of the great amount of evil in the world also points to the existence of transcendent, objective moral laws that distinguish between good and evil. These moral laws in turn point to, by implication, a Moral Lawgiver – God. (This is a restating of truths that I heard from Ravi Zacharias in the video ‘The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 60.’)

Victor Barviks”

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“I have read the article you’d attached. Yes, the problem with kidnapping and sex slavery is worldwide critical. Praise God my close friends and my family have no idea how enormously painful it is to lose a member of your family. We must pray for it. I am almost certain there are victims even among Christians, although we know that God protects us, so that was my supposition…

May God bless you abundantly!

Respectfully, Edward Pintya”

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“Our ministry of outreach has moved into online sphere since the start of Covid. God has also opened me to dedicate more time to Bible study and prayers. I really need to do more of that and reading as well. Through our YouTube ministry we are touching not many people around the world but a good number of interest response we have. We communicate with people in Russia, and Russians in Europe and US. We can tell that seeds are being planted.  We do not meet in the office yet, but we began doing our Sunday trips to the orphanage in Kharkiv for kids from 2 to 5-year-olds.  Some kids have physical problems. Now we are building relationships to see how we can share hope of knowing Jesus with them. Last time we were painting. Next Sunday we will repair some outside facilities. We will attach some pictures to this letter. 

Also, family care is very important for us as we grow and educate our children. Natasha keeps on working. This keeps us very busy. I also serve as TCM assistant in online education. We are glad that God provides for us and gives us strength. Please, keep on praying for our family and ministry and thank you for your love, care and bond in Jesus.

 – Zhenya and family”

What Else is God Doing in Ukraine?

Even though I’ve not been able to make a mission trip to Ukraine this year, we have been keeping in touch with our ministry partners almost continuously. The four couples that we introduced to you as our Overseas Outreach representatives are forming a strong bond of fellowship and prayer to encourage and help one another. The following is a copy of my email message to them on 9/28/20:

“Dear Team Members in Ukraine,

I have asked Stephen Yagilnicky to be Team Coordinator for our Overseas Outreach team members in Ukraine, and to plan at least one and perhaps more meetings per year – and after a couple weeks to pray and consider this added responsibility, Stephen has accepted. Why have I asked Stephen to take on this responsibility?

1. Because we can do more together than separately. The purpose of these meetings will be for:
2. Fellowship and prayer for one another
3. Planning for effective outreach and sharing needs, joys and victories
4. Learning from one another and helping one another
5. Refocusing on our own goals, and on a huge, all-encompassing goal – to see Almighty God transform Ukraine from an atheist/Marxist dominant worldview to a Biblical Christian worldview to prepare the soil to receive the good seed of the gospel – and enhance massive spiritual awakening through expansive evangelism.
6. Stephen & Iryna’s Transition House is located near the center of Ukraine, so is a great meeting place between Kharkiv and Odessa. Three of you couples will need to travel for the meetings, but Stephen & Iryna will have more preparation.
7. Stephen has manifested his leadership and his ability to get things done – from an idea and goal he shared with me at our first meeting at the training center for church planters in Crimea years ago to the founding and expanding of a very effective outreach to orphans and their care takers (such a needy field). I recognize and appreciate the leadership and persistent skills all of you manifest, but Stephen & Iryna have the ideal meeting place!
8. Sergei & Olga Golovin have seen and initiated the huge goal for Ukraine, and have been amazingly effective in advancing it in many ways. They can be a wonderful resource for all of you – and so can YWAM base in Kiev with their plans for the University of Biblical Christian Worldview.

As I think about my responsibility to transfer leadership so I can be faithful to my first responsibility (my pledge to Della at our wedding), I am greatly encouraged by thinking of you team members. I understand the pressures, frustrations, and burdens of ministry, which is why so many pastors/teachers, evangelists, and missionaries drop out, but I also see the evidence that none of you are quitters. I do believe that your meetings together will not only benefit our Overseas Outreach ministry, but also each of your own ministries.

May the resurrected Lord Jesus be always your joy, your hope, your comfort, your strength and victory!  May you come to know Him deeper, love Him dearer and follow Him nearer!

‘Now may the God of hope fill you with all peace and joy as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Romans 15:13

Respectfully yours & His, Rick”

Distracted?

In case you are concerned that I am distracted from my purpose, please consider these factors:

First – I have responsibilities as a missionary, a father, a grandfather – but I also have responsibilities as a citizen of USA. I love the country our founding fathers gave us and intended for us to guard and protect.  What about you? What are you doing to heal and protect our country that enemies within are seeking to destroy like termites in a wooden house?

Second – Have you read or heard that following the original Constitutional Convention, a woman asked Ben Franklin what kind of government the Convention has given us? He replied: “A republic, Ma’am – if you can keep it!”

Third – Have you heard or read that the Republican Party was started by 150 black men in Houston, Texas? You aren’t likely to read or hear this from mainstream media – that has become so infiltrated with Marxism.

Fourth – Do you recognize (realize) that when a moral/spiritual issue becomes a political issue – it does not stop being a moral/spiritual issue?

Fifth – My big goal for USA is the same as it is for Ukraine – to see Almighty God transform this nation from a predominately perverted/pagan/evolutionist/Marxist nation to a nation with a predominately Biblical Christian worldview where evangelism thrives.

*Sixth – “Ripping the Mask off the Democratic Party.” “Many years ago, in a candid and clear speech, Ronald Reagan warned his audience that the primary plot of the socialists (communists) would be to take control of the country through a take-over of the healthcare system. In the speech he also mentioned the activities of Norman Thomas. Who was he? Norman Thomas was the six-time Communist Party candidate for the presidency of the USA, but in 1944 he decided not to run again because the Democratic Party had adopted and was implementing the socialist policies he promoted.”

*Seventh – “Observations on the Republican Party.” “Many people do not realize that the Republican Party was organized to represent freedom and justice for all, including slaves, and that Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican President. Currently the platform for the Republican Party is excellent, but sadly, the practice is less than honorable for the elite leadership of incumbent compromisers who are intent on marginalizing and eliminating the patriots. I am now a member of the Constitution Party, but I vote for a candidate based on his or her stand for Biblical principles. It is way past time for Republicans to tear down the ‘Big Tent’ policy which shelters rank liberals…! Republicans, it’s high time for you to muster the courage to stand strong for your own pro-life, pro-family platform!”

Eighth – Please vote and pray wisely – and encourage others to do the same! “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the manChrist Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:1-5 (ESV).

*Note: The sixth and seventh in my list are quoted from pages 126 and 146 in my (our) book, More than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes, 2016 edition.

Prayer Requests

1. God has apparently answered, “No,” to our request for insight about launching a radio broadcast at this time about the importance of having a Biblical Christian Worldview. How? Why? Della totaled our expenses and our income for Overseas Outreach so far this year, then divided by 10. The niche for a radio broadcast that is open would be $300/month, and we cannot now make that commitment. We also hope to have another $300/month to share with our co-workers in Ukraine for their ministries. (We have made a commitment to help Love Cradle, International, each month since Stephen & Iryna will be hosting the meetings and he will be investing time and effort to organize the meetings.) Will you join us in asking God to increase our Overseas Outreach income by $600/month for these purposes?
2. Please earnestly, fervently pray for our nation to have a huge, massive, intensive, genuine spiritual awakening.
3. Please pray for the election of godly leaders locally, statewide, and nationally.
4. Please pray for suffering people worldwide to bring their wounded hearts to our Lord Jesus for healing, forgiveness, peace, joy, purpose, and power to live the Christian life by His Spirit.
5. Please pray for God to break down the strongholds of evil such as pornography, addictions, abortion, lying, gambling, sex slavery, fraud, hypocrisy, etc.,  and purify Christ’s Bride for that Great Day – the marriage supper of the Lamb!
6. Please pray for our Almighty Lord to inspire churches in USA to zealously train multitudes of missionaries to fulfill the Great Commission both here and overseas.
7. Please pray for massive spiritual awakening also in Ukraine – and all of Europe!
8. Please also pray for clarity and guidance for Edward and Paul about further training and working with us for Overseas Outreach.
9. The staff at Pacific Garden Mission is still in the process of deciding if, and when they will use my testimony for the radio broadcast “Unshackled.” Please pray for wisdom and God’s leading for them.
10. We just received this important request: “Dear prayer partners, I am asking for your intercession. Despite the negative regular COVID-19 tests, I was diagnosed with the ailment by CT lungs scan due to the specific type of viral pneumonia. Please pray for the safety of my family members and for my successful healing. Yours by the grace of Jesus, Sergei” (Golovin).

Thoughts to Ponder

In any frustration, aggravation, irritation, or crisis, we need to remember that we shouldn’t surrender to our circumstances.  We should surrender to the Lord of our circumstances!

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”  Galatians 5: 16-17 (ESV).