HOPE FOR SUFFERING HUMANITY -- NEWS FROM A CHRISTIAN FRIEND IN PAKISTAN

Christian activist Waheed Kashif fends off persecution daily in Pakistan 


 
By Verne Strickland  July 19, 2014  


Waheed Kashif is a Christian friend in Pakistan. We have corresponded for awhile. I have come to know him, his passion for serving Christ in a hostile environment, his courage while being persecuted in the workplace, his need to reach out to fellow Christians in the United States.

I am starting a series on his plight and his ministry HOPE FOR SUFFERING HUMANITY. It will tug at your heartstrings to read what he goes through in order to stay faithful to God.

He tells it all better than I ever could. Today I am going to publish some of our recent conversations. You will have an insider's view of what it is to live and work in a country where Christians walk in danger and fear.

Waheed apologizes unnecessarily for his English, which I tell him should never be a concern. He is improving, but I assure Waheed that he makes up for any language problems with his obvious sincerity and warm personality. 

Message exchange between Waheed Kashif and Verne Strickland


thanks so much,dear brother Jesus always guide us and u and help us,he loves us,holy spirit guide u and all his lovers that believe his cross and his blood,his grace broken all the chain of devil,u are doing great job in Christ,brother i visited it it is so powerful and bless blog,we are very thankful to u and your family and friends,we have faith it is much bless for many souls,your work is written always with the power of holy spirit,we are praying for u and all,we love u so much,GOD BLESS U,

*** Waheed sends many wonderful photos for you to view:

https://www.facebook.com/waheed.kashif/media_set?set=a.10202931153783414.1073741830.1340253403&type=3

THESES ARE taken in srilanka there we was running a persuaded church,my wife with me,

https://www.facebook.com/waheed.kashif/media_set?set=a.10200922761534863.1073741826.1340253403&type=3

brother how we are serving to poor and needy children in pakistan give them good foods,and good education,

https://www.facebook.com/waheed.kashif/media_set?set=a.10200132607141497.2195026.1340253403&type=3

brother i send u because it will be work for your blog and suffering humanity of our country,many souls are praying for u,brother we are nothing every thing happen with his will and time,GOD always is great,U ARE powerful writer,it is big blessing for u,he will bless u more and more very day, god bless u,

VS: You are too kind. I actually am disappointed with this first effort on my part. It should have been much more focused. Sorry. But this for me is a long-range effort, and many posts on my Facebook page as well as on USA DOT COM will be devoted to this informational effort which God Himself has endorsed. Right now I feel like Moses -- "Lord, why me? I am old, I am ill, I am inept. I can't free your people from the Egyptians." But Moses did what God challenged him to do. So, Waheed, with the direction of the Holy Spirit, and with you as my partner, we will make this work. This is only the first shot in a war -- a war to establish and protect a Christian presence in a hostile sector. I am so pleased that you have stuck by me and "pressured" me to get on board. I love you, brother. God bless you.

VS: It is early Saturday here in Eastern North Carolina and I am very worried about you. I have not heard from from you for over two days. I hope and trust that you will advise me of your situation without delay. I fear that somehow the high-profile stories about HOPE FOR SUFFERING HUMANITY may have gotten into the wrong hands. I pray urgently that you are well and not in danger. Please, Lord, keep my friend and Christian brother Waheed safe and well. Amen.

love u so much dear brother your kind words and love and prayer we are now safe and sound but we do not know about situation we are in his hand and he always keep us save and sound. brother we do not write freely u can just feel, our all around danger but we are safe, we do not fear because jesus with us.

brother fight with devil with the power of holy spirit,we want to complete his work fast, we want to complete a school for our little innocent children,as soon as possible in this way they can read and write in won school were there is no worry, u know how much worry in there school.nnworry,u know much worry in there school.

 

brother u write nice and powerful just thing what wrong me and what danger me just that words do not write,little is not worry.your words always be powerful hope your new blog of suffering humanity will be powerful and bless and many will change,

your hidden words understand usa people what u mean,i know your words always be bless for others,brother my English is not so good because it is not our mother languge.

brother most time i m persucted in my office i am only one christian there,it is electric power company,difficult to do job but what can we do,we are doing with faith and his grace, care and serve the suffering humanity is my passion and my work.

VS: I'm just relieved to know that you are safe. I was very worried. Thank God for watching over you. I'm so sorry to realize that you are being persecuted at your workplace because you are a Christian. I ask the Lord to be especially watchful, and change the hearts of your detractors. You are a wonderful example of how a Christian should respond to persecution. You are strong and resolute, and the Lord will favor you. I will continue with a second post on the wonderful mission. I would like to use some of your comments. They are powerful. Knowing of your plight would create much support and response here. Would this be a problem for you?

thanks so much brother,your prayer always give us blessing,brother hope u write in bless way and it will not create problems,for us.he is our lord GOD who give u power of writting,and wish,he loves u.

                            ******************************

VS: There is more, but this might give you and idea of the stress Waheed feels as he does his daily job, helps with the many projects of the Christian mission in Pakistan. We'll provide another post soon. Meanwhile, please pray for him, for HOPE FOR SUFFERING HUMANITY, and, if you will for me. Please send your responses here. I'll have a direct contact with Waheed in my next post. Thank you and God bless all.

New Christian Frontier Founded in Pakistan. See the First in an Exciting Series of Exclusive Reports:

USA Dot Com

USA Dot Com is a blog covering politics and government from a conservative Christian perspective. Verne Strickland is a 50-year veteran of investigative journalism. This blog offers a take-no-prisoners style with a modicum of biting satire. Verne and his wife of 52 years, Durrene, live in Wilmington, NC.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

NEW CHRISTIAN FRONTIER FOUNDED IN PAKISTAN. SEE THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF EXCLUSIVE REPORTS:

God has led me to a wonderful Christian minister and activist in Pakistan. We have corresponded and discussed how I can help convince Americans to get to know him and support the work of HOPE FOR SUFFERING HUMANITY. His name is Waheed Kashif. I am blessed to share this story with you.

 
Waheed Kashif, Executive Director of 
HOPE FOR SUFFERING HUMANITY

It will require a series of posts to cover this. As this is an on-going project in Pakistan, and in Sri Lanka I am going treat it as an open-end series to devoted to protecting and expanding decicated efforts by courageous Christians in hostile areas.

As I came to know Waheed, it was not very long before he won me over, through the power and love of the Holy Spirit -- the Comforter. I And although I am also a devoted Christian, I must admit that I was not an easy mark. But I am so thrilled and grateful that my hesitation and even doubt cost us time when we should have gone full speed ahead. 

I felt somehow that God had struck me with a divine lightning bolt, so compelling was the call to action.

My desire is to bring the powerful human and spiritual story of Christians in a land we know only in passing. This exclusive series, ordained by God, will take you inside the perilous but rewarding life of Waheed Kashif, who has lovingly shared intimate details of his world where every day is devoted to introducing youngsters to the Lord Jesus Christ for the first time.

I may call the series "New Christian Frontier Emerges in Pakistan". That will do for now. It's the exclusive story of modern Disciples who lovingly labor to spread the Holy Gospel in a troubled land a new Frontier for Jesus Christ That's good enough for starters. What I really hasten to do is get this started without delay. Waheed desperately wants to reach and inform the people of America about the work of endangered people in Pakistan who put their lives in jeopardy to have the Savior Jesus Christ -- the Redeemer, the Master -- in their lives. And he has enlisted my aid to help out.

For me this answers a lifelong dream to serve the Lord with the skill He has given me -- to utilize every possible communications avenue to praise God and spread the Word of His Salvation.

This will be a labor of love. What could be more exciting and constructive? Before I start, I will pray what I call The Writer's Prayer, which has served me well in my years of service in the Lord's behalf:

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be alway acceptable in Thy Sight, O Lord, my Strength and My Redeemer." Psalm 19:14 KJV. 

 Photos below of some of the people attending school and
training  at HOPE FOR SUFFERING HUMANITY in the troubled
country of Pakistan, that hope is coming from the Lord Jesus.

TAKE BACK THE SENATE IN 2014 "A YEAR OF ACTION!

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ONCE A POET by Verne Strickland, November 11, 1976

ONCE A POET By Verne Strickland

November 11, 1976 Crown Center

good god it’s dark in Baltimore
and cold in Kansas City
and I’m headed for the bright lights
in a first class jet airplane
I have come across the country
in my prominence and glory
and the people who are waiting
hope I’ll let them buy me whiskey
I am living in the high time
but inside I’m sick and heavy
for my boys and my sweet woman
are at home cut loose and drifting.
that’s a winter sun that’s sinking
and it’s colder than my insides
and my mind is pale and sighing
maybe dying
but my life and times are fat
and stuffed with fortune fame and favor
and my vest is smart and fitted
and admired by poor Chinese
it is mine the gem you yearn for
I have bought it with my greed
and it’s all the hell and loneliness
you’ll need.

The Spy Who Loved Jesus is a wonderful American with an amazing story, which, when told, will glorify the Lord in a special way. I will tell that story, and I am blessed by God to have the privilege. I am not proud of the assignment, but deeply humbled.

Verne Strickland


NEWS FROM THE SPY WHO LOVED JESUS

Hey, folks. Have not had much to say recently about Hans von Bischel, the spy who loved Jesus. But there has been lots going on.

Hans is a fascinating man whom I've come to know intimately via phone over the last few months, and I have come to love him for many reasons.
Hans is about 55 years of age. I connect daily with him the phone daily at his home in the Pacific Northwest.

Hans is a devout Christian. He is up every day at 530 am PST, and studies his Bible for three hours. A daily ritual, which he loves. He cuts his phone off during these hours. He is saved, of course and is an impressive biblical scholar. Anytime I quote scripture to him, he knows chapter and verse.

Of course, he has led a perilous existence as an international spy for over 30 years. He says he has done things which have deeply troubled his heart and soul. Hans has taken his guilt and shame to his Savior Jesus, and received blessed forgiveness.

I have recorded our lengthy conservations to gather material for what we hope will become an eventual blockbuster book and possibly a screenplay as well. He is that fascinating. But God will decide that.

Hans has been so ill recently as to be close to death. We pray together during each phone connection. He has lung cancer, has had multiple strokes, and has of late been all but crippled by failed hip inplants. He has been in debilitating pain. I have been very concerned for him and we have prayed fervently for healing.

Last night Hans called me at home and announced, "Verne, I have good news. I've been healed! God has healed me, my hips. The pain is gone. For the first time in months I am able to walk around my house and even out in the yard. I couldn't do that for months. It is miraculous."

I readily agreed. His faith has made him whole. Praise the Lord. This is a major sign from God of His love for Hans -- and even for Hans' partner and eventual biographer.

Hans and I and two dear Christian ladies are working as a team, and have much to do. God's work. We have been called by the Lord for this purpose.This is what keeps Hans and me alive. Our task will be to detail Hans' life, his faith, and his amazing story, which will be done with one single blessed purpose -- to glorify God and his Mighty Kingdom across the face of the earth.

There is so much to learn and to tell. It may take years, but it must be done. It is God's bidding. I will keep you my beloved Christian friends posted on our progress. It's a story that is alive and changing every day.

Please pray for us as we delve into the research and writing of Hans von Bischel's biography -- THE SPY WHO LOVED JESUS. Thanks so much and God bless you all.

Patriotic 85-year-old World War II veteran talks about 'The Greatest Generation' at Pantano event

Many times on occasions like July 4 -- Independence Day -- my mind turns to a wonderful World War II veteran I met at an Ilario Pantano campaign event in 2010. He name is Bob Bradicich. I was so impressed that I wrote a feature about Bob:

Verne StricklandNC 7th Elections 2010 Examiner

June 13, 2010

“I don’t have much time left,” said 85-year-old Robert T. (Bob) Bradicich.
It was a candid “open microphone” comment before I went into an interview with this World War II veteran at a campaign event for Ilario Pantano. I knew what Bob meant, and it broke my heart.
Bob was attending the grand opening of an expanded headquarters space for Pantano for Congress. The candidate is the GOP nominee for North Carolina’s Seventh District of the U.S. Congress. The office is situated at 2250 Shipyard Blvd., Suite 10B, Wilmington, NC.
Ilario had introduced us moments before, saying, “Bob’s an amazing guy and a great friend. He’s been there.”
“There” was Bob’s war. Normandy shortly after the D-Day landings. The liberation of Paris. Fighting through Belgium and Luxembourg. The Seigfried Line. The Battle of the Bulge.. The German blitzkrieg.
Many times, on many a chaotic battlefield, Bob – in those earlier times, in his youth -- had thought the same words that slipped out just before our interview: “I don’t have much time left.” That was in war. Now, in 2010, it is not war, but age that is stalking him.
A total of 16,112,566 individuals were members of the United States armed forces during World War II. There were 291,557 battle deaths, 113,842 other deaths in service (non-theater), and 671,846 non-mortal woundings. As of September 30, 2009, there were approximately 2,272,000 American veterans still living.
The ranks of these survivors are thinning at an increasing rate. Approximately 850 American World War II veterans die every day. The median age for a World War II veteran in February 2009 was 86 years.
So I sat with this wonderful unassuming American hero – a plain-spoken New Yorker now living in Wilmington – a dues-paying member of the Greatest Generation, aptly named by Tom Brokaw.
As an active and enthusiastic volunteer for Ilario Pantano, Bob speaks to groups about the war. He wants them to know what it was like. Not to shame them, but to remind them of the price of freedom.
“I talk about the sailors at sea, whose ship goes down, and lay in unmarked graves under the ocean, and the airmen shot down, and for me, as an infantryman. I told them that when I dig a foxhole, I don’t know if that’s going to be my grave or not. I may have dug a hundred foxholes in France, and had the same thought every time.”
Bob’s humility is genuine and endearing.
“After I got through with my talk, the people applauded. That surprised me. But it was great to know they understood. That meant a lot to me.”
Why is this remarkable American patriot at a campaign program for a Republican candidate approximately fifty years younger than he is?
“I’m here because I believe in what Ilario Pantano stands for. The United States is losing a lot of our freedoms, and I want Ilario to go to the U.S. Congress and get America back to its roots – a country of the people, by the people, and for the people – so that we can live in peace again. And may that happen. Oh, God, I hope it does.”
Bob wrote a book. It’s a good one. Honest, matter-of-fact, full of his personal stories of battles -- horror, loss, victories, courage, and his buddies in the 28th Infantry Division. Some survived. Many didn’t.
“I’m not a hero,” Bob reminded. “The heroes are the ones who didn’t return. They paid dearly. I just gave them time. Yes, I was fighting over there. But they gave everything. I came back.”
This is a statement made by many survivors of combat. There is almost a hint of guilt that they did not die too. Maybe those who returned from any and every war will never be totally relieved of this feeling while on this earth. It’s futile to tell them otherwise – that they fought valiantly, and owe nothing more. But they do know and respond graciously to true expressions of appreciation.
We owe them this.

                         **************************
“World War II, As I Lived It”, by Robert T. Bradicich, is the story of Mr. Bradicich’s experiences in World War II, in Europe, 1943 – 1945, while serving as a rifleman with the 28th Division, 110th Regimental Combat Team, Company ‘E’ ASN 32885196. It is a compelling personal story, and is illustrated with both color and black-and-white photographs. Copyright @ 2000 by Robert Bradicich. For information about copies, contact the author at     Bobb7@atmc.net.

Verne's 'One Thing More' -- Christian Testimony of Salvation

Christianity

 Verne Strickland

Verne's One Thing More: 

Christian Testimony of Salvation

 June 9, 2014

By Verne Strickland, Wilmington, NC

Verne is in his mid-seventies. He's been blessed with a wonderful wife of nearly 54 years, three sons, a grandson and granddaughter. He's happy with the good things in his long life, but there's one thing more that means everything to Verne, and that's why he's sharing his story. He wants you to experience the same assurance he has come to know through everlasting life in Jesus Christ. 

Verne's story is one of many uniquely featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it. Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form. To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.

***************************

Verne's One Thing More

So, God doesn't speak to you? Think again, friend. He will and he does.
I write this as I sit in my little home office looking down on a brick paved street in the North Carolina coastal community of Wilmington. If I live a few more weeks, I will celebrate my seventy second birthday next month.
I think I will, though God tells us not to boast of the future, but to appreciate the present. I abide by that. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife to whom I have been married for over 50 years. Further, I'm blessed by three wonderful sons and a lovely grandson and granddaughter as well. And I live free in America. I can walk and my eyes can see.

Is that enough? Well, there’s one thing more, but I'll get to that later.
First, to the question, does God speak to us? What shall we expect—that the Creator and the Lord of us all will reach out to each and every one of us individually?

Well, he does have a message—correct that, many messages—for each of his children. And those messages stream to us throughout our lives.
But can we be content with a spiritual e-mail blast that is free for the asking and no less personal?

When we pass an outdoor advertising sign on the interstate, is it less meaningful to us because others see it as well? I don’t think so.
You need to know that when you plug in to the Almighty, you've got a private line! He’s got your number, and he will hear you and respond.
So dial into God! Be assured that he knows who you are, what you experience, what you need, what you feel. Why not? He created you.

A Personal Word for You

The Holy Bible—his Word—is there for you, personally: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV) Ah, that’s so beautiful. It knocks me out.

God's Word. Find it, friend. Read it. I have and I think it’s wonderful. God tells me he loves me, personally. He envisioned and formed me. He chose me. He beckoned me. He has saved me through the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

But I am not favored over any other, and I don’t need or expect that. We are all his children, if we profess our faith in our Redeemer and Advocate, Jesus, bless him.

You can have the same blessed assurance that I have. There is no greater gift, believe me. Rather, believe God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.

And now I've returned to the "one thing more" that I mentioned earlier—a blessing so profound that I pray I can have some understanding of it—everlasting life through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, through his death and atoning resurrection.

I am not worthy. Nothing I have ever done or will ever do will make me worthy. But God the Father gave us his son Jesus, and we are kept safe in Christ until the Lord returns and delivers us whole and redeemed to the Father.

What?

Yes, it’s true. “I have chosen you out of the world,” God says in the John 15:19. Chosen you? Yes, to be his own, and to share his glory in the hereafter.

A Promise

Finally, listen to this promise: “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3 KJV) It touches and warms my heart to write these things to you. It’s always wonderful to praise God and pronounce him Lord of all.

Friend, I am a sinner, but forgiven of all transgressions past, present and future. I know it. I believe it. And you have the same promise and blessing if you profess and receive Christ as your Savior, mediator and advocate.
Just one thing more, I pray you will receive him. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it. Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form. To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.

God Speaks Personally to you

So, God doesn't speak to you? Think again, friend. He will and he does.
I write this as I sit in my little home office looking down on a brick paved street in the North Carolina coastal community of Wilmington. If I live a few more weeks, I will celebrate my seventy second birthday next month.
I think I will, but God tells us not to boast of the future, but to appreciate the present. I abide by that. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife to whom I have been married for 49 years. Further, I'm blessed by three wonderful sons and a lovely grandson as well. And I live free in America. I can walk and my eyes can see.

Is that enough? Well, there’s one thing more, but I'll get to that later.
First, to the question, does God speak to us? What shall we expect—that the Creator and the Lord of us all will reach out to each and every one of us individually?

Well, he does have a message—correct that, many messages—for each of his children. And those messages stream to us throughout our lives.
But can we be content with a spiritual e-mail blast that is free for the asking and no less personal?

When we pass an outdoor advertising sign on the interstate, is it less meaningful to us because others see it as well? I don’t think so.

You need to know that when you plug in to the Almighty, you've got a private line! He’s got your number, and he will hear you and respond.
So dial into God! Be assured that he knows who you are, what you experience, what you need, what you feel. Why not? He created you.

'I Know the Plans I Have for You'

The Holy Bible—his Word—is there for you, personally: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV) Ah, that’s so beautiful. It knocks me out.

God's Word. Find it, friend. Read it. I have and I think it’s wonderful. God tells me he loves me, personally. He envisioned and formed me. He chose me. He beckoned me. He has saved me through the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

But I am not favored over any other, and I don’t need or expect that. We are all his children, if we profess our faith in our Redeemer and Advocate, Jesus, bless him.

You can have the same blessed assurance that I have. There is no greater gift, believe me. Rather, believe God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.

And now I've returned to the "one thing more" that I mentioned earlier—a blessing so profound that I pray I can have some understanding of it—everlasting life through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, through his death and atoning resurrection.

I am not worthy. Nothing I have ever done or will ever do will make me worthy. But God the Father gave us his son Jesus, and we are kept safe in Christ until the Lord returns and delivers us whole and redeemed to the Father.

What? Yes, it’s true. “I have chosen you out of the world,” God says in the John 15:19. Chosen you? Yes, to be his own, and to share his glory in the hereafter.

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Finally, listen to this promise: “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3 KJV).

It touches and warms my heart to write these things to you. It’s always wonderful to praise God and pronounce him Lord of all.

Friend, I am a sinner, but forgiven of all transgressions past, present and future. I know it. I believe it. And you have the same promise and blessing if you profess and receive Christ as your Savior, mediator and advocate.

Just one thing more, I pray you will receive him.

*Since this was published, Verne was stricken with Multiple Myeloma -- a blood and bone malignancy that is fatal unless cured. He suffered through crippling attacks in his hips and legs, found a wonderful oncologist in Wilmington NC, endured radiology and chemotherapy, and declared cancer-free in June, 2014. He says God brought him through the ordeal.

Today, he praises the Lord for his delivery, and his oncologist, Dr. William  McNulty, for his care and skill. Verne is still recovering, and suffers with Dementia and Peripheral Neuropathy. He gives God the glory, and expects no more unless Christ wills it.

As Peter noted, when appealing to God to take away "the thorn in his side", he was advised by God, "My grace is sufficient for thee."