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FORMER: Commissioner Alan Bersin and ICE Director John Morton Testimony on issues pertaining to US Customs and Immigration Customs Enforcement at the Dirksen Building in Washington, DC on May 17, 2011. Seen here Commissioner Bersin in press interview after testimony.
Setsuko Thurlow and Yasuaki Yamashita moving testimony on the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons during the Second Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, Nayarit, 13-14 February, 2014.
Photo by Zita Guerra/ICAN
On June 27, 2017, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Robert Perez represented U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing testimony before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee speaking about "H.R. 2851, Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017". Also providing testimony were Acting Assistant Administrator, Demetra Ashley, DEA and Congressman John Katko of New York's 24th Congressional District.
Photographer: Donna Burton
On July 25, 2017 U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided testimony at a Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee hearing titled "Deter, Detect, and Interdict: Technology's Role in Securing the Border". The CBP witnesses were Mr. Dennis J. Michelini, Acting Executive Director of Operations, Air and Marine Operations, Mr. Todd C. Owens, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations and Mr. Scott A. Luck, Acting Deputy Chief, U.S. Border Patrol. Also providing testimony was Ms. Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Photographer: Donna Burton
On June 27, 2017, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Robert Perez represented U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing testimony before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee speaking about "H.R. 2851, Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017". Also providing testimony were Acting Assistant Administrator, Demetra Ashley, DEA and Congressman John Katko of New York's 24th Congressional District.
Photographer: Donna Burton
On June 27, 2017, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Robert Perez, Operations Support, represented U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing testimony before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee speaking about "H.R. 2851, Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017". Also providing testimony were Acting Assistant Administrator, Demetra Ashley, DEA and Congressman John Katko of New York's 24th Congressional District.
Photographer: Donna Burton
On June 27, 2017, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Robert Perez represented U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing testimony before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee speaking about "H.R. 2851, Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017". Also providing testimony were Acting Assistant Administrator, Demetra Ashley, DEA and Congressman John Katko of New York's 24th Congressional District.
Photographer: Donna Burton
On Monday, November 16th, Governor Charlie Baker testified before the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, alongside Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and a representative from Attorney General Maura Healey's office, in support of the Governor's bill, “An Act Relative to Substance Use Treatment, Education and Prevention.”
“I understand that some of our proposals disrupt the status quo. They are supposed to,” said Governor Baker. “Our legislation aims to bend the trend on opioid misuse and provide much needed prevention and education programs, while continuing to expand access to treatment and recovery programs across the Commonwealth.”
Governor Baker's legislation has garnered broad support across the Commonwealth, including the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, District Attorneys, medical students, behavioral health specialists and members of the law enforcement community.
(Photo Credit: Joanne DeCaro)
On July 25, 2017 U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided testimony at a Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee hearing titled "Deter, Detect, and Interdict: Technology's Role in Securing the Border". The CBP witnesses were Mr. Dennis J. Michelini, Acting Executive Director of Operations, Air and Marine Operations, Mr. Todd C. Owens, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations and Mr. Scott A. Luck, Acting Deputy Chief, U.S. Border Patrol. Also providing testimony was Ms. Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Photographer: Donna Burton
The Four Continents: Africa by Daniel Chester French (1904)
Daniel Chester French's sculpture of "Africa" shows the continent to be mysterious, shrouded in unknowns and a rich past. The "sleeping continent" was just beginning to emerge in the early 1900's when French made his sculptures of the "Continents."
"Africa" is seen as the only nude of the four continents, in keeping with the stereotype of tribal peoples who did not wear much clothing. "Africa" is seen sleeping; the "sleeping continent" was a common way of referring to Africa. "Africa's" right arm rests upon Sphinx of Egypt , her left arm on a sleeping African lion.
The left view of "Africa" shows more detail of the Sphinx, its weathered face a testimony to the centuries it has endured the sand and heat. Note the elegance of "Africa's" robe, how it clings gently to the legs of the sculpture of the continent. Seated behind the Sphinx is a shrouded figure, mysterious and unnamed. Critic Charles de Kay said of this figure, it "expresses the mystery of the deserts and the unexplored recesses of Africa's primeval forests."
A view of the right side of "Africa, " showing the sleeping lion which rests upon ruins of some ancient building.
Lt. Governor Anthony Brown delivers Veterans Legislation testimony before the Education, Health, and Enviornmental Affairs Committee. by James W. Brown at Annapolis
Testimony of CBP Commissioner Alan D. Bersin and DHS Acting Inspector General & Deputy Inspector General Charles Edwards on June 9, 2011 at the Dirksen 342 building at 10 am before the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee. Subject: Border Corruption-Assessing Customs and Border Protection and the DHS Security Inspector General's Office collaboration in the fight to prevent corruption.
Photographer: Donna Burton
William joined the navy as surgeon's mate about 1780. In Nov 1784 he went on 'Nautilus' as surgeon's mate when that ship was engaged in a survey of the Das Voltas region of west Africa (today Namibia), the government hopeful it might provide a satisfactory destination for the convicts then overcrowding British prisons.
On 21 Oct 1786 he made application to join the NSW venture, an application supported by his former Captain, Thomas Boulden Thompson. Admiral Lord Howe returned his application with a tart reminder that he would be considered in his turn.
He was, however, appointed assistant surgeon and made the voyage aboard the ship 'Alexander' with the First Fleet.
In April 1800 he was granted 550 acres in the Petersham district (now the suburb of Balmain); here with another 100 purchased acres, he cultivated 50 acres of land. He grazed 94 sheep, ten oxen, 40 goats, 55 hogs and three horses.
Balmain sold his grant of 500 acres, which covered nearly the whole of the present suburb, in 1801 to John Gilchirist for 5 shillings, probably as part of a business deal.
Discovering that my translator is in fact Muslim as we reach No 1 Glacier, Tian Shan mountains, Xinjiang, China.
No.1 glacier is the nearest glacier to any city in the world, just 120km from Urumqi. With its typical sediments, the glacier is appraised as "living fossils". Until now it has been the best place for glacial observation in China, boasting one of the best preserved glacial records in the world.
The Muslim testimony of faith is to assert the belief in 1 God, Allah in Arabic, Who is neither male, nor female, is One, without Partner, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. And to believe that Muhammad was the last in a long line of Prophets - including Abraham, Moses, Jesus; peace be upon them all.
China is home to one of the world's largest Muslim communities with a population estimated of at least 40 million.
sw.godfootsteps.org/testimonies/i-found-the-true-light.html
Niliupata Mwanga wa Kweli
Qiuhe, Japani
Nilizaliwa katika familia ya Kikatoliki. Tangu nilipokuwa mdogo, nilihudhuria Misa kanisani na babu na bibi yangu. Kutokana na ushawishi wa mazingira yangu na imani yangu kwa Mungu, nilijifunza kuimba maandiko mengi tofauti na kufanya kaida mbalimbali za dini.
Mnamo 2009, niliwasili Japani ili kusoma. Wakati mmoja, katika chumba cha bweni cha mwanafunzi mwenzangu, kwa bahati nilikutana na kiongozi wa kikundi kidogo cha Kikristo aliyekuja kueneza injili. Nilifikiri: Waprotestanti na Wakatoliki humwamini Mungu mmoja. Wote wawili huamini katika Bwana Yesu. Matokeo yake, nilikubali mwaliko wa kiongozi huyo wa kundi ndogo kujiunga naye kanisani. Baada ya kusikiliza wachungaji wakihubiri na kusikia baadhi ya ndugu wa kiume na wa kike wakizungumza juu ya Biblia, nilipata ufahamu fulani juu ya maisha ya Bwana Yesu. Hili lilinisababisha niwe na imani zaidi katika Bwana. Hata hivyo, baada ya miezi michache, wachungaji na wahubiri walituomba kutoa zaka kila wiki. Pia, kila juma, tulipaswa kupeana vijitabu ili kueneza injili. Wakati mwingine, tulikuwa tumechoka kiasi kwamba tungesinzia wakati wa ibada ya Jumapili. Hatukuwa tena na utaratibu wa kawaida katika maisha yetu. Wakati huo, baadhi yetu tulifanya kazi na pia kusoma. Haikutubidi tu kutafuta pesa za kulipia masomo yetu, lakini pia tulihitaji fedha za gharama zetu za kila siku. Maisha yetu yalikuwa ni magumu sana tayari, lakini bado walitaka tuwape fedha zetu na nguvu zetu. Tulikuwa tunakabiliwa na shida nyingi sana na maumivu. Hatua kwa hatua, niligundua kwamba wachungaji na wahubiri hawakuwa kwa kweli watu waliomtumikia Bwana. Kwa kawaida, kwa kuwa walikuwa ndio wale ambao waliliongoza kanisa, wangepaswa kuwa wakitusaidia kukua katika maisha yetu ya kiroho. Hata hivyo, hawakuyajali maisha yetu. Hawakufikiria kabisa kuhusu matatizo yetu ya kivitendo. Badala yake, walitaka nguvu zetu na pesa zetu. Kila kitu walichokifanya kilikuwa ni cha kusaidia kupanua kanisa lao na kuimarisha hali zao na ushawishi wao. Kwa wakati huu, tulihisi kama tulikuwa tumedanganywa. Kwa hivyo, ndugu zangu kadhaa na mimi tuliliacha kanisa.
Baada ya kuacha kanisa, nilipata kanisa moja Katoliki ambalo lilikuwa juu ya mlima. Watu katika kanisa hili walikuwa Wajapani Nilihudhuria Misa mara chache lakini nilihisi kuwa halikunifaidi kiroho. Zaidi ya hayo, ilikuwa vigumu kuhudhuria ushirika, kwa hiyo nililiacha kanisa hilo pia. Kwa njia hii, niliongoza maisha ya kuchanganyikiwa na ya utupu bila ya mwelekeo na hisia ya kusudi. … Hili ilitokea kwa dhati mpaka Oktoba, 2016. Dada Liang, niliyekutana naye katika kanisa la Kiprotestanti katika siku za nyuma, kwa ghafla akawasiliana nami, akaniuliza jinsi nilivyokuwa na kunialika kumwona. Nikafikiri jinsi uzoefu wangu na kanisa la Kiprotestanti ulivyokuwa wa kusikitisha katika mwaka huo mmoja na matokeo yake, niliukataa mwaliko wa Dada Liang. Hata hivyo, Dada Liang alinialika tena na tena na kwa sababu ya heshima ya hisia zake, nikaamua kukutana naye.
Kupitia kwa Dada Liang, nilikutana na Dada Ma na Dada Fang. Siku moja, walizungumza nami kuhusu unabii mwingi wa Biblia. Waliniambia juu ya kazi ya Yehova Mungu na Bwana Yesu. Ufahamu wao ulikuwa mbichi sana na walizungumza kuhusu mambo ambayo sikuwahi kusikia kabla. Niliwaambia kuhusu hali ya giza niliyoishuhudia kanisani na jinsi nilivyokuwa nimevunjika moyo sana kwa kutoweza kwangu kupata chakula cha kiroho kutoka kwa kanisa na kwamba sikuwa radhi tena kuhudhuria mikutano. Dada Fang akasema: Tumeyapitia pia uliyoyapitia. Kwa sasa, dunia nzima ya kidini iko katika hali ya giza na ukiwa. Ndani ya hili, kuna makusudi ya Mungu na ukweli wa kutafuta. Kwa sasa, tuko katika nyakati za mwisho za dunia. Bwana Yesu alitabiri: “Na kwa sababu uovu utaongezeka, upendo wa wengi utapoa” (Mathayo 24:12). Uovu umeenea zaidi na zaidi katika ulimwengu wa kidini siku hizi. Wachungaji na wazee wa kanisa hawafuati mafundisho ya Bwana na hawatii amri Zake. Wao huhubiri tu na kufanya kazi kwa hadhi yao. Wao daima hujikuza na kujishuhudia wenyewe ili watu wengine watawaheshimu na kuwaabudu. Wanafanya watu wengine watoe mchango na kueneza injili. Kwa maneno tu, wao husema kusudi lao ni kuziokoa roho za watu, lakini kwa kweli, hawawaongozi watu kupitia maneno ya Bwana wala kuwasaidia watu kuweka maneno ya Bwana katika vitendo. Wao hutaka tu watu wengine kuwasikiliza. Wana uchu wa kuwafanya watu wengine wawachukue kama Mungu. Kale walianza kutembea kwenye njia ya mpinga Kristo ambayo ni ya uhasama kwa Mungu. Wamepoteza kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu na wametelekezwa na Mungu. Fikiria nyuma kwa kipindi cha nyuma wakati wa Enzi ya Sheria wakati hekalu lilikuwa limetelekezwa na lilikuwa limekuwa pango la wanyang’anyi. Makuhani walitoa sadaka duni wakati watu wa kawaida walibadilisha pesa na kuuza ng’ombe, kondoo na njiwa ndani ya hekalu. Lakini kuadibu kwa Mungu na adhabu hazikuwaangukia. Mbona hivi? Wakuu wa makuhani, waandishi na Mafarisayo waliomhudumia Mungu hawakuitii sheria, walikuwa na unafiki na waliwadanganya watu, na waliwaelekeza wateule wa Mungu kwenye njia ya kumpinga Mungu. Hili lilimsababisha Mungu kuwachukia na kuwakataa na hekalu likapoteza kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu na kuwa pango la wanyang’anyi. Ili kuwaokoa watu kuepuka kuhukumiwa kifo kwa sheria, Mungu alikuwa mwili kwa mara ya kwanza, Akafanya kazi ya ukombozi kwa jina la Yesu, Akaanza Enzi ya Neema na kuhitimisha Enzi ya Sheria. Kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu kwa hiyo ikawasogea watu waliomkubali Bwana Yesu. Hekalu halikuwa na kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu tena. Katika wakati wa leo, Bwana Yesu amerudi kama ilivyotabiriwa. Amekuja tena katika mwili. Yeye ni Mwenyezi Mungu, Kristo katika siku za mwisho na ameanza kuonyesha ukweli na kufanya kazi ya hukumu kuanzia na familia ya Mungu. Kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu imesogea kwa wale ambao wameikubali kazi ya Mungu ya siku za mwisho. Kwa kuwa dunia ya dini haijaenda sambamba na kazi ya Mungu na wachungaji wengi na wazee wa kanisa hutia hatiani na kupinga kazi mpya wa Mungu, hili limesababisha Mungu kuwachukia na kuwalaani. Hiki ndicho chanzo cha giza la ulimwengu wa kidini na ukiwa.
Baadaye, hawa ndugu wa kike wakasoma kifungu cha maneno ya Mungu ili nipate kuwa na ufahamu dhahiri. Hasa kwa sababu Mungu amefanya tena kazi mpya, kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu imesogea. Madhehebu yote ambayo hayana kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu huwa na giza na ukiwa zaidi na zaidi. Mwenyezi Mungu alisema: “kazi Yake katika maeneo mengine itakoma, na watu watalazimishwa kutafuta njia ya kweli. Itakuwa kama Yusufu: Kila mtu alimwendea kwa ajili ya chakula, na kumsujudia, kwa sababu alikuwa na vyakula. Ili kuweza kuepuka njaa watu watalazimishwa kutafuta njia ya kweli. Jumuiya yote ya kidini inakufa kwa njaa, na ni Mungu tu wa leo ndiye chemchemi ya maji ya uzima, akiwa na kisima chenye maji yasiyokauka kilichotolewa kwa ajili ya furaha ya mwanadamu, na watu watakuja na kumtegemea. Huo ndio utakuwa muda ambapo matendo ya Mungu yatafichuliwa, na Mungu atatukuzwa; watu wote katika ulimwengu wote watakuja na kumwabudu ‘mtu’ asiyekuwa wa kawaida. Je, hii haitakuwa siku ya utukufu wa Mungu?” (“Ufalme wa Milenia Umewasili” katika Neno Laonekana katika Mwili) Nilipokumbuka hali niliyoiona katika Uprotestanti na Ukatoliki, pia ikathibitishwa zaidi moyoni mwangu kwamba maneno ya Mwenyezi Mungu yaliongea juu ya hali halisi. Maneno Yake ni ya uhalisi na ya kweli. Kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu kweli imesogea Bila kujali kama ilikuwa katika Uprotestanti au Ukatoliki, kile nilichokuwa nimehisi kilikuwa ni shauku ya watu ya nje tu. Nilichojifunza tu ni maarifa ya maandiko na nadharia za kidini. Cha msingi hakukuwa na mwanga mpya wala sikuhisi ugavi wa kiroho wa maisha. Miongoni mwa watu wanaomfuata Mungu kwa kweli, ni nani ambaye hajataka kupata chakula cha kiroho? Niliona kwamba maneno ya Mwenyezi Mungu yana uwezo wa kuvunja pingu zangu na kuyafungua mafumbo ya Biblia. Maneno Yake yaliangaza moyo wangu. Moyo wangu haukukanganyikiwa tena. Kwa hakika nimepata faida nyingi! Baada ya hayo, Dada Ma alileta nakala ya kitabu Neno Laonekana katika Mwili na akasoma baadhi ya vifungu vingine: “Kazi ya kumsimamia mwanadamu imegawanywa katika hatua tatu, na ina maana kuwa kazi ya kumwokoa mwanadamu imegawanywa katika hatua tatu. Hatua hizi tatu hazihusishi kazi ya kuuumba ulimwengu, ila ni hatua tatu za kazi ya Enzi ya Sheria, Enzi ya Neema, na Enzi ya Ufalme” (“Kujua Hatua Tatu za Kazi ya Mungu Ndiyo Njia ya Kumjua Mungu” katika Neno Laonekana katika Mwili). “Kutoka kwa kazi ya Yehova mpaka ile ya Yesu, na kutoka kwa kazi ya Yesu hadi kwa kazi iliyoko kwa awamu hii ya sasa, awamu hizi tatu zinajumlisha upana wote wa usimamizi wa Mungu, na zote ni kazi za Roho mmoja. Kutoka Alipoumba ulimwengu, Mungu Amekuwa Akisimamia wanadamu. Yeye ndiye Mwanzo na ndiye Mwisho; Yeye ndiye wa Kwanza na wa Mwisho, na Yeye ndiye mwanzilishi wa enzi na Yeye ndiye huleta enzi kwenye kikomo” (“Maono ya Kazi ya Mungu (3)” katika Neno Laonekana katika Mwili). “Kazi inayofanywa kwa sasa imesukuma mbele kazi ya Enzi ya Neema; yaani, kazi katika mpango mzima wa usimamizi wa miaka elfu sita imesonga mbele. Ingawa Enzi ya Neema imekoma, kazi ya Mungu imeendelea sana. Kwa nini Ninazungumza mara kwa mara kwamba hatua hii ya kazi inajenga juu ya Enzi ya Neema na Enzi ya Sheria? Hii ina maana kwamba kazi ya wakati huu ni mwendelezo wa kazi iliyofanyika katika Enzi ya Neema na kuinua kazi ile iliyofanyika katika Enzi ya Sheria. Hatua hizi tatu zinaingiliana kwa karibu na kuunganika moja kwa inayofuata. … Ni muungano tu wa hatua tatu za kazi ndio unaweza kuchukuliwa kuwa mpango wa usimamizi wa miaka elfu sita” (“Kupata Mwili Mara Mbili Kunakamilisha Umuhimu wa Kupata Mwili” katika Neno Laonekana katika Mwili). Alipomaliza kusoma maneno ya Mwenyezi Mungu, alisema, “Kutoka kwa maneno ya Mwenyezi Mungu, tunaona kuwa tangu wanadamu walipopotoshwa na Shetani, Mungu alianza kufanya kazi ya kuwaokoa wanadamu. Kazi hii imegawanywa katika hatua tatu: kazi ya Bwana Mungu katika Enzi ya Sheria, kazi ya Bwana Yesu katika Enzi ya Neema na Kazi ya Mwenyezi Mungu katika Enzi ya Ufalme ya siku za mwisho. Wakati wa Enzi ya Sheria, Yehova Mungu alitoa sheria ili mtu angetambua dhambi zake. Wakati wa Enzi ya Neema, Bwana Yesu alitundikwa msalabani ili kumkomboa mwanadamu. Sasa, katika Enzi ya Ufalme ya siku za mwisho, Mwenyezi Mungu amefanya kazi ya hukumu kwa njia ya maneno Yake juu ya msingi wa kazi ya Bwana Yesu ya ukombozi ili kutatua hali yetu ya dhambi, kufuta dhambi zetu na kututakasa kabisa na kutuokoa. Ushahidi unathibitisha kwamba Mwenyezi Mungu ni kuonekana kwa Yehova Mungu aliyetoa sheria na kuyaongoza maisha ya mwanadamu. Yeye ni ujio wa pili wa Bwana Yesu aliyewakomboa wanadamu kwa kutundikwa msalabani. Ndani ya hatua hizi tatu za kazi, bila kujali jinsi jina la Mungu na kazi zimebadilika, kusudi la kazi ya Mungu, ambalo ni nia ya kuwaokoa wanadamu, haijawahi kubadilika. Asili ya Mungu haitawahi kubadilika kamwe. Kila moja ya hatua hizi tatu za kazi imejengwa juu ya msingi wa hatua iliyotangulia. Kila hatua ni yenye kina zaidi na ya juu zaidi kuliko ya mwisho Kazi ya Mungu imefanywa kulingana na maendeleo ya enzi. Imefanywa kulingana na mahitaji ya wanadamu ili Yeye angeweza kutuokoa na kutupata vyema. Kwa maneno mengine, kazi ya sheria ya Yehova Mungu, kazi ya ukombozi ya Bwana Yesu na kazi ya hukumu ikianzia na nyumba ya Mungu inayofanyika na Mwenyezi Mungu katika siku za mwisho ni aina tofauti za kazi zinazofanywa katika enzi tofauti na Mungu yule yule. Kulingana na mipango Yake mwenyewe na kulingana na mahitaji ya wanadamu, Mungu anatuokoa hatua kwa hatua.”
Wakati huu, nilihisi kwamba kazi ya Mungu ilikuwa ya ajabu sana, yenye enzi na yenye hekima. Pia nilihisi utunzaji na fikra ambazo Mungu alikuwa ameweka katika kuwaokoa wanadamu ambao walikuwa wamepotoshwa sana na Shetani na upendo mkuu wa Mungu kwetu! Maneno ya Mwenyezi Mungu yalieleza wazi juu ya ukweli huu na mafumbo ambayo sijawahi kuyasikia. Upeo wangu ulikuwa kweli umepanuka na nilichuma mengi. Niliamua kuchunguza kwa makini kazi ya Mwenyezi Mungu ya siku za mwisho.
Kwa kuwa kulikuwa kumechelewa sana kwa wakati huo, tuliamua kuendelea na ushirika wakati tungekutana baadaye. Kabla ya kuondoka, Dada Ma alinipa nakala ya Maneno Bora zaidi ya Mungu Kuhusu Injili ya Ufalme ili ningeweza kuchunguza kwa makini kazi ya Mungu ya siku za mwisho nikirudi nyumbani. Baada ya kurudi, kutokana na upekuzi, nilitafuta “Kanisa la Mwenyezi Mungu” kwenye mtandao. Sikufikiria kwamba ningeona propaganda hasi nyingi hivyo kutoka kwa serikali CCP na ulimwengu wa kidini ukimpinga na kumtia hatiani Mwenyezi Mungu na Kanisa Lake. Nilipoona maudhui haya, nilikuwa na uhakika zaidi kwamba Kanisa la Mwenyezi Mungu ndilo kanisa ambalo lina kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu na kwamba Mwenyezi Mungu ndiye Mungu ambaye ameonekana na Anafanya kazi katika siku za mwisho. Hili ni kwa sababu, tangu wakati wa kale, njia ya kweli daima imekuwa imekandamizwa! Nilipokwenda kwa mikusanyiko na babu na bibi yangu nchini China, nilipata mateso pia kutoka kwa serikali CCP. Tulibidi tujifichefiche tulipohudhuria mikusanyiko hii. Serikali ya CCP kwa kweli ni mbaya! Wao ni serikali ya kumkana Mungu. Wanachukia ukweli na Mungu zaidi. Kwa hiyo, wanachopinga na kukandamiza labda ni njia ya kweli na kanisa la kweli. Baadaye wakati wa mkusanyiko, nikamwambia haya Dada Fang na wengine. Aliniruhusu nione tukio la ajabu, Amka Kutoka kwa Udanganyifu, katika video ya injili inayoitwa Penya Mtego. Mhusika mkuu alikuwa akitafuta, “… Lakini sielewi, kama Umeme wa Mashariki ndiyo njia ya kweli, basi kwa nini ingepingwa kwa nguvu na serikali ya CCP? Kwa nini pia viongozi wa kidini wangeishutumu kwa ghadhabu?”
Katika video, mmoja wa ndugu alijibu, “Biblia inasema, ‘dunia nzima hukaa ndani ya maovu’ (1 Yohana 5: 19). Bwana Yesu pia alisema: ‘Hiki ni kizazi kiovu’ (Luka 11: 29). Katika hali hiyo, ni kwa kiwango gani ulimwengu ni wa giza na mwovu? Katika Enzi ya Neema, ili kuwakomboa wanadamu, Bwana Yesu aliyepata mwili alitundikwa msalabani na ulimwengu wa kidini na watawala wa wakati huo. Mwenyezi Mungu wa siku za mwisho ambaye amekuja kuonyesha ukweli na kuwahukumu wanadamu pia Anakabiliwa na kupatikana na hatia na upinzani wa ulimwengu wa kidini na utawala wa kisiasa wa joka kubwa jekundu na Anakataliwa na enzi hii. Hili linatimiza maneno ya Bwana Yesu: ‘Kwa kuwa kama vile umeme, umulikavyo toka upande mmoja chini ya mbingu, na kumulika upande mwingine chini ya mbingu; ndivyo atakavyokuwa Mwana wa Adamu katika siku yake. Lakini kwanza, ni lazima apate mateso mengi, na kukataliwa na kizazi hiki’ (Luka 17:24-25). Utabiri huu wa Bwana Yesu umekwisha kutimizwa. Kila mtu ambaye huhisi kiu ya kuonekana kwa Mungu anapaswa kuona wazi kwamba Bwana amekwisha kurudi muda mrefu uliopita na yu katika maendeleo ya kufanya kazi ya hukumu ya siku za mwisho. Utabiri wa Bwana Yesu tayari umetimizwa. Inawezekana kuwa hatuoni ukweli kwa dhahiri?”
Shahidi mwingine akaendelea kusema: “Ndugu wa kiume na wa kike, serikali hii ya kisiasa ya kumkana Mungu na wengi wa viongozi wa ulimwengu wa dini ni vikosi vya kishetani vinavyomchukia Mungu na ukweli. Hili tayari limethibitishwa na ukweli kwamba Bwana Yesu alitundikwa msalabani. Hiyo ndiyo maana njia ya kweli daima itakabiliwa na kukataliwa na kupatikana na hatia na utawala wa kisiasa na ulimwengu wa kidini. Aidha, wale wote ambao hueneza njia ya kweli na kuweka ukweli katika matendo watasingiziwa na kulazimishwa nao pia. Hivi ni kama Bwana Yesu alivyosema, ‘Ikiwa dunia ikiwachukia, ninyi mnajua ya kwamba ilinichukia mimi kabla iwachukie ninyi. Kama ninyi mngekuwa wa dunia, dunia ingewapenda wale walio wake: lakini kwa sababu ninyi sio wa dunia, ila mimi niliwachagua ninyi kutoka dunia, kwa kuwa hiyo dunia huwachukia’ (Yohana 15:18-19). Ni kwa sababu hii hii ambapo kotekote katika enzi, wale wanaoweza kukubali njia ya kweli na kumfuata Mungu wa kweli ni watu wachache sana tu ambao wanapenda ukweli na kufuata ukweli. Hata hivyo, wengi wa watu hawathubutu kuchunguza njia ya kweli na matokeo yake ni, hupoteza fursa ya wokovu wa Mungu kwa sababu wao hufuata nguvu ya Shetani au wanaogopa kuwa wakiteswa. Hiyo ndiyo maana Bwana Yesu alionya hapo awali: ‘Ingilieni lango lililo jembamba: kwa maana lango ni pana, na njia ni pana iendayo upotevuni, nao ni wengi waingiliao lango hilo: Kwa kuwa lango ni jembamba, na njia imesonga, iendayo uzimani, nao waionao ni wachache’ (Mathayo 7:13-14).” Nilipoona mambo haya katika video, nilijihisi kuwa na hakika hata zaidi kwamba kile serikali ya CCP hukitesa na kutia hatiani kwa kweli ni njia ya kweli. Hili ni la hakika.
Baada ya kipindi cha kukusanya na uchunguzi, nilikuwa na ufahamu wa kina wa kazi ya hukumu ya Mungu ya siku za mwisho kutoka kwa maneno ya Mwenyezi Mungu na kushirikiana na kuwasiliana kwa ndugu wa kiume na wa kike. Pia nilipata ufahamu wa ukweli kuhusu upataji wa mwili, wokovu na wokovu kamili, kusudi la Mungu la kuwasimamia wanadamu, mwisho wa wanadamu na makusudio na njia za asili za uzima wa milele. Ukweli ambao Mungu Mwenyezi ameuonyesha ni mwingi sana. Kutoka ndani ya moyo wangu, niliamini kwa uhakika kwamba Mwenyezi Mungu ndiye kweli ujio wa pili wa Bwana Yesu. Kwa furaha niliikubali kazi ya Mwenyezi Mungu ya siku za mwisho.
Nimestahamili katika kusali kila siku na kusoma maneno ya Mungu. Mara kwa mara, nilisikiliza pia mahubiri na ushirika juu ya kuingia katika maisha na nyimbo za maneno ya Mungu na niliangalia video za injili. Kila wiki, nilikutana na ndugu zangu wa kiume na wa kike na kueneza injili na kumshuhudia Mungu pamoja nao kwa kuamili. Ninahisi kwamba maisha yangu sasa hivi ni ya fahari sana na maisha yangu ya kiroho yamelishwa na ni ya kufurahisha. Hatimaye, nimerudi kwa kanisa la kweli na nimepata “familia” yangu ya kweli. Katika siku za nyuma, makanisa niliyoyahudhuria yalikuwa na wachungaji na makasisi ambao walihitaji kushughulikiwa. Hata hivyo, katika Kanisa la Mwenyezi Mungu, ndugu zangu wa kiume, wa kike, nami sote twamheshimu Mungu kama mkuu. Uhusiano baina yetu hautofautishwi kulingana na hadhi. Kila mtu ni sawa. Pia hakuna kanuni au kaida za dini wakati wa mikusanyiko hii. Unaweza kuhudhuria kulingana na mahitaji yako na wakati wako. Hakuna mtu atakayekuzuia au kukulazimisha. Kile kila mtu huwasiliana kuhusu ni jinsi ya kutafuta na kuwa mtu mwaminifu, jinsi ya kutafuta mabadiliko katika tabia ya mtu ili kupata utakaso na wokovu, jinsi ya kutimiza wajibu wa mtu ili kulipa upendo wa Mungu na kumridhisha Mungu, nk. Bila kufahamu, chini ya uongozo wa maneno ya Mungu, nikaanza pia kutafuta mabadiliko katika tabia yangu na kuona vitu kulingana na maneno ya Mungu; pia nilikuwa na ufahamu wa na nilijua jinsi ya kutofautisha asili mbaya ya mkondo wa jamii na taratibu na njia ambazo Shetani humdanganyia mtu. Kuanzia hapo kuendelea, sikucheza tena michezo ya video wala kupoteza wakati kwa kwenda kwa KTV. Nilipokuwa na wakati, ningesoma maneno ya Mungu au ningekusanyika na ndugu zangu wa kiume na wa kike kwa ushirika ambapo tungeimba na kumsifu Mungu. Kila siku ilikuwa na wingi wa mambo. Sikujisikia tena mtupu na nisiyejiweza. Aidha, nilikuwa dhahiri kuhusu malengo yangu ya maisha. Nilijua kwamba maana ilikuwa ipatikane kupitia kwa mtu kutimiza wajibu wake mwenyewe mbele ya Mungu na kuishi kwa ajili ya Mungu kama moja wa uumbaji wake. Ninamshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kuniongoza mimi kuitembea njia sahihi ya uzima. Niko tayari kuweka mamlaka yote, utukufu na sifa kwa miguu ya Mungu mmoja wa kweli, tangu sasa hadi milele. Amina!
Image Source: Kanisa la Mwenyezi Mungu
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Overcome lyrics taken from Revelation 12:10-12
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
Lt. Governor Anthony Brown delivers Veterans Legislation testimony before the Education, Health, and Enviornmental Affairs Committee. by James W. Brown at Annapolis
FORMER: Testimony of CBP Commissioner Alan D. Bersin and DHS Acting Inspector General & Deputy Inspector General Charles Edwards on June 9, 2011 at the Dirksen 342 building at 10 am before the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee. Subject: Border Corruption-Assessing Customs and Border Protection and the DHS Security Inspector General's Office collaboration in the fight to prevent corruption. Seen here Commissioner Bersin in press interview after testimony.
While given her testimony this woman began to cry as she explained why she was in the displaced community. She tell the delegation that her father died form an ulcer and turned into an alcoholic and soon died form it trying to coup with the loss of husband and two of her sons due to the armed conflict. She then tells the delegation that her own husband also died from the armed conflict and many children have become ill due to the "fumigations". The last thing that she shears with the delegation is her frustration over the neglect of her own government, but most importantly the neglect form the international community and failure to respond, and finally tells the delegation that she had to give-away her daughter because she was unable to provide the basic care due to the conflict. She then worn the delegation that if the Colombia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement is ratified they the U.S. these effects will be amplified, and also urged the delegation to bring an end to Plan Colombia.
Lt. Governor Anthony Brown delivers Veterans Legislation testimony before the Education, Health, and Enviornmental Affairs Committee. by James W. Brown at Annapolis
AFGE President J. David Cox Sr. testifies on Capitol Hill on the importance of maintaining and supporting the work of federal employees with the USDA's Federal Grain Inspection Service. AFGE opposes privatization of these critical services.
The Bahrain Pearling Trail (also called the Bahrain Pearling Pathway) is a serial cultural heritage site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on June 30, 2012. It consists of three oyster beds in the northern waters of Bahrain, a segment of the coast and the seafront Bu Mahir fortress in the southern tip of Muharraq Island, and 17 buildings in historical section of Muharraq connected by a 3.5 km visitor pathway.
The site is Bahrain's second World Heritage Site after the Qal'at al-Bahrain (or Bahrain Fort). Though the site was inscribed under the label: "Pearling, testimony of an island economy" by the Bahrain Ministry of Culture, the international media has consistently referred to it as the "Bahrain pearling trail."
Information from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain_Pearling_Trail
Muharraq (or المحرق in Arabic) is Bahrain's third largest city and served as its capital until 1932 when it was replaced by Manama. The population of Muharraq in 2012 was 176,583.
The city is located on Muharraq Island and has long been a center of regional culture. Bahrain International Airport is also located on the island. Adjacent to Muharraq are the man-made Amwaj Islands, known for their large buildings, hotels and beaches. Muharraq is home to Muharraq Club, which is Bahrain's most successful football club. It is home to the famous Siyadi House. The city is also known for its souq (traditional market) and as a home of traditional arts and music.
Information from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muharraq
Chief Paul A. Beeson, Commander, Joint Task Force West, U.S. Department of Homeland Security testifies before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security in a hearing on Defeating a Sophisticated and Dangerous Adversary: Are the New Border Security Task Forces the Right Approach?
CBP Photographer: Donna Burton
en.godfootsteps.org/testimonies/the-never-quenching-life-...
Christian Testimonies | The Life Force That Can Never Be Extinguished
I am an ordinary person who lived a run-of-the-mill life. Like many who yearn for the light, I tried lots of ways to search for the true meaning of human existence, so that my life could have more meaning. In the end, all my efforts were in vain. But after I was fortunate enough to accept Almighty God’s work of the last days, miraculous changes occurred in my life. It brought more color to my life, and I came to understand that only God is the true Provider of people’s spirits and lives, and only God’s words contain the true meaning of human life. I was glad that I had finally found the right path in life. However, whilst performing my duty one day, I was illegally arrested and brutally tortured by the CCP government. Thereafter, I underwent a life experience that will forever be etched into my life’s journey …
One day in December 2011 at around 7 a.m., another church leader and I were carrying out inventory on church assets when more than ten police officers suddenly burst through the door. One of these evil police rushed up to us and shouted, “Don’t move!” Seeing what was happening, my head reeled. In my mind I thought, “This is bad—the church is going to lose a lot of assets.” Next, the evil police searched us like bandits carrying out a robbery. They also ransacked each room, turning them upside down in short order. In the end, they found some property belonging to the church, three bank cards, deposit receipts, computers, mobile phones, and so on. They confiscated all of them, then took me, the other church leader and two others to the police station.
…
During the ten days and nights in the hotel, they kept the handcuffs on me, making me squat on the ground holding my legs. Looking back on the time I spent under arrest, I spent nineteen days and nights in the police station and the hotel, and it was the protection of God’s love that had allowed me to nap a little. Besides that tiny nap, the evil police hadn’t let me sleep at all in all that time; I had only to shut my eyes for a moment and they’d do anything it took to keep me awake—whacking the table, fiercely kicking me, screaming at me, ordering me to run about, and so on. Each time I’d be startled, my heart would hammer in my chest, and my nerves would be shot. What with being kept awake in this way and the evil police’s frequent torture as well, my strength ended up severely depleted, my whole body was swollen and uncomfortable, and I started seeing everything in double vision. I’d know there were people in front of me talking, but the sound of their voices would seem as if it were coming from somewhere far away. What’s more, my reactions were becoming very slow. For me to have somehow made it through this was all thanks to God’s great power! As God said: “He causes man to be reborn, and enables him to tenaciously live out his every role. Thanks to His power and His inextinguishable life force, man has lived for generation after generation, throughout which the power of God’s life has been the mainstay of man’s existence, and for which God has paid a price that no ordinary man has ever paid. God’s life force can prevail over any power; moreover, it exceeds any power. His life is eternal, His power extraordinary, and His life force is not easily overwhelmed by any created being or enemy force” (“Only Christ of the Last Days Can Give Man the Way of Eternal Life” in The Word Appears in the Flesh). In my heart, I gave sincere thanks and praise to God: “O God! You rule all things, Your deeds are inestimable, only You are almighty, You are the inextinguishable life force, and You are the wellspring of the living water for my life. In this special environment, I have beheld Your unique power and authority.” In the end, the evil police got no answers to their questions from me, and they sent me to the detention house.
On the way to the detention house, two policemen said to me, “You’ve done really well. You guys might be in the detention house, but you’re good people. There are all sorts there: drug dealers, murderers, prostitutes—you’ll see when you arrive.” “Since you know we’re good people, why do you arrest us? Doesn’t the government talk of freedom of religion?” I asked. “That’s the Communist Party lying to you. The Party gives us our livelihood, so we have to do what it says. We don’t hate you or have anything against you. We just arrested you because you believe in God,” one of the policemen said. Hearing this, I thought back over everything I’d experienced. I couldn’t help but recall the words of God: “Religious freedom? The legitimate rights and interests of citizens? They are all tricks for covering up sin!” (“Work and Entry (8)” in The Word Appears in the Flesh). God’s words cut right to the heart of the matter, allowing me to truly see the true face of the CCP government and how it tries to gain kudos it does not deserve: On the surface, it flies the flag of religious freedom, but in secret it arrests, oppresses, and cruelly hurts those who believe in God up and down the country, in the vain hope of banning God’s work, and it even shamelessly plunders the church’s money, all of which lays bare its demonic substance that hates God and hates the truth.
Whilst in the detention house, there were times when I was weak and in pain. But God’s words kept inspiring me, giving me strength and faith, allowing me to understand that, although Satan had stripped me of the freedom of the flesh, my suffering had edified me, and had taught me to rely on God during the torture of these evil demons, allowed me to understand the true meaning of many truths and to see the preciousness of the truth, and it had increased my resolve and motivation to pursue the truth. I became willing to keep obeying God, and to experience all that God had arranged for me. As a result, when working in the detention house, I sang hymns and quietly thought of God’s love. I felt that my heart had come closer to God, and I no longer found the days so painful and distressing.
During this time, the evil police interrogated me many more times. I thanked God for guiding me in overcoming their torture time and time again. Afterward the evil police withdrew all the money from my three bank cards. Helplessly watching the church’s money being taken by the evil police broke my heart. My heart was filled with hate for this greedy, evil gang of demons, and I yearned for the kingdom of Christ to arrive soon. In the end, despite not having any proof, they sentenced me to a year and three months of reeducation through labor for “disrupting the public order.”
Through being brutally persecuted by the CCP government, I have truly tasted God’s love and salvation for me, I have come to appreciate God’s almightiness and sovereignty and His miraculous deeds, and I have beheld the authority and power of God’s words. Moreover, I have come to truly despise Satan. During that time of persecution, God’s words accompanied me through the distressing days and nights, they allowed me to see through Satan’s cunning schemes and they provided timely protection. God’s words made me strong and courageous, allowing me to overcome that savage torture time and time again. God’s words gave me strength and faith, and they gave me the courage to fight with Satan to the very end…. Thanks be to God! Almighty God is the truth, the way, and the life! I shall forever follow Almighty God to the very end!
Recommended: More Why Does God Put Us Through Trials - Learn God's will and find the path to gain salvation and enter the heavenly kingdom.
Image Source: The Church of Almighty God
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en.easternlightning.org/faith-and-life/prayer-to-God-rid-...
Testimony of Passing Exams: Through Prayer, I Saw God’s Wonderful Deeds
Mar 18, 2019
But as the exam grew nearer day by day, I still felt rather anxious, and so I prayed to God and confided to Him all my difficulties and all the things I had to say in my heart. Afterward, I read these words of God: “Be quiet within Me, for I am your God, your only Redeemer. You must quiet your hearts at all times, live within Me; I am your rock, your backer. Have no other mind, but wholeheartedly lean on Me and I will certainly appear to you—I am your God!” (“Chapter 26” of Utterances of Christ in the Beginning). “It’s very simple now: Look upon Me with your heart and your spirit will immediately become strong, you will have a path to practice and I will guide your every step. My word shall be revealed to you at all times and in all places. No matter where or when, or how adverse the environment is, I will show you clearly and My heart shall be revealed to you if you look to Me with your heart; this way you will run down the road ahead and never lose your way” (“Chapter 13” of Utterances of Christ in the Beginning). “Yes indeed!” I thought. “There is nothing God cannot do, and everything is administered in God’s hands. With God as my backup, what is there to fear?” I thought of how I usually only said I believed in God and in His sovereignty, and yet I had no practical experience of God’s words. Because of this, whenever I encountered a real difficulty, I would feel anxious and worried, and I saw that my faith in God was so very small! Seeing as I was a believer in God, I should learn how to rely on God and look to God in all things—this was crucial, and it was the greatest wisdom. After I’d come to understand these things, I said prayers of obedience to God every day, and my heart grew calmer and calmer.
Image Source: The Church of Almighty God
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Read more:
The Transformation of an Only Child—Only Almighty God Can Save the Degenerate Youth of Today
The 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Ronald L. Green, delivers his testimony on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., Feb. 26, 2016. Alongside other Service Chiefs, Sgt. Maj. Green testifyied on quality of life issues within the military before the Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee, U.S. House of Representatives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Marnell, Office of the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps/Released)