Young Christian Leaders' Alliance

The Peace Center here in Greenville, South Carolina will be hosting the first-in-the-nation Presidential debate on Thursday, May 5th, the National Day of Prayer.  The Greenville Tea Party will also hosting a series of events on the same day in connection with the debate.  These events include a pre-debate Freedom Rally at the Hyatt downtown, a march to the debate location and a prayer vigil, and then a debate-watching party back at the Hyatt.  Many important liberty activists and officials will be speaking for the Tea Party, including Governor Nikki Haley, Congressmen Trey Gowdy and Jeff Duncan, GOA founder Larry Pratt, and many more!  Presidential candidates who are confirmed to be making comments at the rally include Tim Pawlenty, Ron Paul, Gary Johnson, and Roy Moore.  A straw poll will be taken following the debate.  You can come on a walk-in basis beginning at 3pm, for only $10 with registration at the door.  I'll be volunteering in the rally so you can come see me too!  For more information, you can go to the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198157323557412. ;

Please come if you can to support the growing surge to turn our country back to our Biblically-based Founding principles.  Whether you can make it or not, please be in prayer for those who attend, and especially for our next President as he seeks to properly lead America.  And may each of us by our examples blaze a path back in the Godly direction our country needs to go!

-Josiah

The conflict is picking up right now in the political realm over what the proper method is to right all the wrongs in America, especially the economic ones, so that each of our wallets can again experience great happiness and freedom!  However, there are also many Christians who have been speaking out against political action of any sort. They believe that earthly patriotism can only detract from heavenly patriotism, and thus Christians must only act for directly evangelistic purposes.

Both of these campaigns appear somewhat misguided when held to the light of Scripture.  On the one hand, the Bible is not a political manifesto. Its primary intention is not to effect social or economic change. On the other hand, the Bible does work in life and indeed contains important principles which political activists and government officials would do well to heed.

It should be our priority as believers to uphold God’s Word. If true improvement comes, not financially-motivated but cultural, it will come as a by-product of our presentation of God’s absolute morality and the Good News.

For example, the Bible commands us that “thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15) and “if any would not work, neither should he eat” (II Thess. 3:10). It further indicates that “a false balance is an abomination….” (Prov. 11:1). Thus, we can reasonably infer that much of our current economic system, e.g. Federal Reserve fiat (fake) money, is not pleasing to God.

So is it wrong for a Christian to be interested in politics? No. However, the strategy the Bible outlines is much different than is often used:

-Pray for our leaders. I Timothy 2:1-2 tells us, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

-Respect those in authority. I Peter 2:17 says, “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

-Defend others’ rights. Proverbs 31:9 indicates there are those God calls on to “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”

There is indeed a place for Christians in political action. However, we must be sure before we attempt modern strategies that we are carrying out the Biblical directives God has given us.  More importantly, we need to focus on being Christ-like in our individual lives. As Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

- R. Josiah Magnuson

YCLA President

This article was taken from the YCLA monthly newsletter.  For info on how to subscribe, email ycla@youngchristianleaders.org.

Can you imagine what it would be like if there were a group of committed, Bible-believing prayer warriors in every school across America?  Can you imagine these groups teaming up every week or every day to share concerns and successes, acknowledging God and asking Him to bring a revival in their school? Can you imagine the impact such groups would have, even if only a few existed? A witness for Christ would be unleashed which would be powerful.

Such is the vision of the YCLA for our project called Operation Pi. “Pi” stands for Prayer Initiative. The goal of this project is to create or identify at least 25 school prayer groups by the end of 2009, and 75 more by the end of 2010.  We have, at the time of this writing, achieved around half the 2009 number, in five states.

Anyone in school is strongly encouraged to participate. Leading a group of a few friends in prayer once a week is a relatively easy action compared to many projects YCLA supporters have helped with in the past. Even if you don’t think you are the “leader type,” you could mention the idea to someone who is.

Be involved in a tangible reformation effort!  Operation Pi is for you.

Go to www.youngchristianleaders.org/prayer.aspx for more info on how to get involved.

The above is the title of the August, 2009 Voice of the Martyrs Magazine. The communist government of the People's Republic of China has recently intensified its campaign to squelch the gospel through state-sanctioned internet censorship and radio jamming, as well as the customary harassment, arrest, imprisonment, and torture of witnessing Chinese Christians.

However, the 73 million strong Chinese communist party has failed to foresee that they are fighting a losing battle. The power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to save men and bring true hope and fulfillment transcends opposition and persecution. As one communist official stated (paraphrased), "We arrest and bring to justice illegal Christian missionary, [sic] and five more spring up suddenly."

Please continue to work and pray by witnessing in your own community and praying for our persecuted fellow Christians around the globe.

Here is an update from China Aid:

Youth Camp Raided in Henan; Two Christian Leaders Detained - July 28, 2009

HENAN - A Christian youth camp was raided in Nanyang city, Henan on July 23. More than 20 students were participating the summer youth camp were gathering at No. 23, Lizhuang, Pushan town, Wuolong district, Nanyang city, Henan when they were raided by a number of Public Security Bureau (PSB) and Religious Affairs Bureau (RAB) officials. The raid took place at 12 noon, and all of the students were taken away for further interrogation. The students, who were all under 18 years old, were released and dispatched back to their homes in the afternoon. Two instructors, Mrs. Cheng Ping, 40 years old, and Mrs. Miao Miao, age 30, were sent to the Yongan Lu Detention Center of Nanyang city. They were reportedly sentenced to administrative detention. The lengths of their sentences are unknown because the church leaders who organized the camp were threatened by officials not to speak to the public about this case.

Contact the Chinese embassy and ask for the immediate release of Ms. Cheng Peng and Ms. Miao Miao. Urge Ambassador Zhou to guarantee freedom of belief in China as stated in China?s Constitution.

Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong

3505 International Place, NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

Tel: (202) 495-2000

Fax: (202) 588-9760

More Information:

China Aid

Voice of the Martyrs

The State of the Alliance, July 2009

A Message from the President of the Young Christian Leaders' Alliance

Throughout the brief history of the YCLA, there is one important question I and other members have often been asked when presenting the concept of our Alliance. That question is, "So just what do you do?" Recently, the YCLA celebrated its second-year anniversary. Such a question is especially relevant at this time, in which our group is looking forward to many bright possibilities, while continuing to face many challenges.

First, the YCLA was founded to be a network of servant-leaders. Our members want to encourage and inspire each other to continue doing their very best for Christ. Our mission is to be ordinary youth who follow Christ first. Our mission is to set an example in our everyday lives. The YCLA will not always be doing some "big thing." If we do big things, it is simply to inspire us to do the little things.

On the other hand, the YCLA does not only act as an individual encouragement-booster. It is our goal to provide resources, energy-building experiences, and opportunities for action to all those involved in our network. There are a number of large projects we are currently involved in. We now have contacts in at least 19 states and three foreign countries. At the time of this writing, twelve Operation Pi prayer groups out of our 2009 goal of 25 are being planned for the coming school year. Our 2010 BEAMS handbook, currently in writing, is slated for publication by November in God's provision. We are also beginning a monthly newsletter which will contain important news and developments, as well as helpful character thoughts and action points.

So, what is it we really do? What is the vision of the YCLA?

The YCLA is far from being a quest for fame and fortune. It is a group of young people who each live "in Christ" with Him as their Leader.  It is an organization in which service is highly valued. It is a network enabling members to present and evaluate ideas for more effective action. Finally, it is a team which unites behind the best ideas and puts them to work for the advancement of Truth and Biblical principle. It is with this vision in mind that we can indeed look towards the future and plan the "big things."

Praise God for the success He has already brought us! Let us continue to honor Him as we share His love and His Way.

In Christ's Liberty,

R. Josiah Magnuson

YCLA President

ycla@youngchristianleaders.org

pilgrimjos@gmail.com

P.S. If you want to do more, please become an online member. Becoming an online member is the first thing you should do. It helps you communicate with likeminded YCLA supporters, helps us better communicate with you and you with us, and gives us a vote of confidence that you are truly interested in supporting Biblical principle. You could also help start (or join) an Operation Pi prayer group in a school. Or, you could distribute BEAMS flyers, pre-order a 2010 Handbook, or sign up for the newsletter! You can even become a voting Member if you look over the requirements and meet them. These are examples of several simple things you can do to make an impact in our group. I look forward to hearing from you for further information on any of these issues.

Here is an email that the YCLA President, R. Josiah Magnuson, recently sent to those interested in the YCLA. Feel free to pass it on to your friends:

"Dear friends,

The Young Christian Leaders' Alliance (YCLA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new website, www.YCLAlliance.org. The website includes site member accounts, a blog, newly-written descriptionsfor YCLA goals and beliefs, and an overall more professional look.  Please check it out now and sign up as an online member!  Our previous site, www.YoungChristianLeaders.org, will remain in service and will be updated as a resource area in the fall.

 

The YCLA is a network of young people, from many places across the United States, who are willing to learn, grow, and act to support Biblical principle.  We believe that the humanist, evolutionary worldview has caused godly standards to be replaced with a relative morality, which has caused a slide towards socialism in America.  In order for ourculture and society to be reclaimed, there must be (in the words of John Adams)" a revolution in the hearts and minds of the people."  In other words, we must reach individuals with a Message to change their lives.  It is the goal of the YCLA to foster the revolution in individuals, through proclaiming the Biblical worldview, including the need for trust in Christ as Lord and Savior.

The YCLA exists primarily as an energizing agencyfor other groups, which have a like minded series of core beliefs and anunderstanding of Biblical authority.  Examples of these groups include Answers in Genesis, The Institute on the Constitution, Coral Ridge Ministries, and Vision Forum. YCLA members learn and encourage the development of characterand leadership skills, so each of us can be of maximum benefit to the cause of Christ. We also continuously work to educate ourselves and our peers on important issues.

 

If you would like to support the YCLA and our mission, I would encourage you once again to check out the new site and sign up as an online member.  This process takes only minutes.  Also, you may contact the YCLA at ycla@youngchristianleaders.org to learn furtherways to help, such as participating in Operation Pi, our "Prayer Initiative" inschools.  If you need an immediate reply, you may email me personallyat pilgrimjos@gmail.com.

 

Finally, please take a minute to forward this email to several of your friends. Thank you for your prayers, and God Bless! 

 

In Christ's Freedom,

 

R. Josiah Magnuson

YCLA President"