Evangéliumi Hírnök, 2004 (96. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2004-02-01 / 2. szám
Page 8. February, 2004 EXTREME POWER - XP3 Concert in Alhambra They were making a joyful noise unto the Lord, the 21 young men and women jumping for joy in a recent concert at the American Hungarian Baptist Church in Alhambra. Filled with an intense desire to bring the Gospel in today’s form of song, word and deed, they brought new meaning to reverence in exalting Almighty God. Their arms raised in the praise and worship seen in modern mega churches, these dedicated young Christians were rejoicing and singing about God’s goodness and mercy.. They were jubilant and happy, but tired after traveling for months as musical missionaries. Affiliated with The Continentals, the group had stopped in Los Angeles before arriving at their headquarters in Ventura, California. As their director András Tomay told about the miraculous escape in the Nairobi hotel, the Alhambra congregation rejoiced with them. András Tomay, a member of Calvary Chapel in Miskolc, Hungary, says he is the only Hungarian leader of one of the four youth groups managed by The Continentals to spend their summer vacations in missionary activities. They were “reaching for the stars” as a young Christian missionary from The Continentals XTP-3 tells children at the American Hungarian Baptist Church of Alhambra how to find their way to heaven. When Bro. Joseph Novak was contacted by András Tomay, the pastor gladly offered the Alhambra church’s facilities and lodging. Twenty-one dedicated young Christians found friendly fellowship as they were hosted by the members and shown the exciting sights of Los Angeles. Their arms raised in worship and praise, these 21 dedicated youngsters from The Continentals XTP-3 were exalting God, preaching and testifying in a modern concert at the American Hungarian Baptist Church in Alhambra. These young dedicated performers, mostly in their late teens or twenties, had financed their own trips (which cost them as much as $5,000) to sing God’s praises around America and Africa. They had gone to Nairobi, where God must have been guarding them because none were harmed when their American hotel was bombed by Al-Qaeda terrorists. The week’s activities closed with an awesome performance of musical praise and worship before they headed toward Santa Barbara County and home. This performance at our congregation will long be remembered by young and old alike, and we ask God to bless these young missionaries with many more years of spreading His message in dynamic music and song. Klári Vereczky Mális ALLAH OR JESUS? by Rick Mathes Last month I attended my annual training session that’s required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: “Please, correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that’s the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?" There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, “Non-believers!” I responded, “So, let me make sure 1 have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?” The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, “Yes.” I then stated, “Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!” The Imam was speechless. I continued, “I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?” You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.
