Tuesday, October 29, 2013

News Flash; Boca Raton, Florida, Popular Seminar Coming in Feb. 2013





Correction
I said that the seminar was on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2014. There is no such date.  It is on February 22, 2014

News flash, Boca Raton Florida,
Steve and Robyn Bloem, co-authors of Broken Minds Hope for Healing If You Feel Like You're Losing It are conducting a seminar at their own church, Boca Glades Baptist on Saturday February 22,2014. Registration begins at 9:30 am. and the seminar starts at 10:00 am. The seminar is Whispers in the Foyer, An  Honest Look at the Christian and Mental Illness.
Pastor Nathan Wagner says about the seminar,  "with rare honesty and openness, Steve and Robyn present a detailed description of mental illness itself, a Biblical lens through which to engage it, and an inspirational story of struggle and triumph. Woven through Steve’s presentation on several types of mental illness and a solid Biblical discussion on it’s validity and implications, Robyn shares a story of intense struggle as they battled Steve’s depression early on in their marriage, the loss of their daughter and unborn grandchild to a tragic car accident, and ongoing journey as they continue to navigate the chaos and uncertainty defining mental illness." The cost  is $60.00 and includes a copy of Broken Minds which has a retail value of $15.00. Group rates and  couples rates for available as well.  If you wish to view the entire review.com w, please go to http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2011/05/whispers-in-foyer-honest-look-at.html
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If you want more information about this seminar, please email me at camimovement@yahoo.com

Steve Bloem
heartfeltmin.org


Saturday, October 26, 2013

Cuba and Iran persecute Christians!

Cuba—Pastor Under House Arrest
Sources: VOM Sources, Miscelaneas de Cuba
 
 
 
 







 
 
Romans 12:12
Pastor Yiorvis Bravo Denis, 28, is currently under house arrest along with other members of the Apostolic Reform Church in Camagüey. The Cuban government is seeking to evict Pastor Yiorvis from his house, which also serves as a house church. He received the house from his uncle, Omar Gude Perez, a national leader of the Apostolic Movement who was sentenced to six and a half years in prison in 2008 and prevented from leaving Cuba until 2013, when he received asylum in the United States. Pastor Yiorvis assumed his uncle’s leadership of the church in Camagüey. Authorities have threatened church members, and since Oct. 5 state security, police and Communist Party members have surrounded the house, shouting slogans and curses at the believers.
Iran—Location of Arrested Iranian Christians Confirmed
Source: VOM Sources
Psalm 66:19
The location of two Christian converts from Islam has finally been confirmed, weeks after the men were arrested in Karaj. Sevada Aghasar and Ebrahim Firouzi were arrested on Aug. 21, 2013, at the office of a friend, but authorities would not release information about the men’s whereabouts. Finally, on Sept. 26, Sevada’s location was confirmed after he was allowed to make a phone call to family and to briefly visit with them from behind a glass wall. Ebrahim, who had been previously arrested for Christian activities, was not allowed to contact his family until two months after his arrest. Both men were confirmed to be in Ward 209 in Tehran’s Evin prison. The men have been accused of being spies for an Israeli agency, but their arrests likely stem from Christian activities on social media sites like Facebook. They have not been officially charged.
North Korea—China Attempts to Block Radio Broadcast into North Korea
Source: VOM Sources
Philippians 4:6
Chinese authorities are targeting a Christian radio broadcast produced by North Korean Christians in partnership with Seoul USA and VOM. Both the Chinese and North Korean governments have unsuccessfully attempted to block the radio broadcast. This is exciting news for Christians involved in the shortwave radio program because it demonstrates that North Korean and Chinese officials are threatened by the small broadcasting program. When asked why this particular broadcast is such a threat, an analyst noted that it is a purely Christian program voiced by North Koreans. Most Christian broadcasts into North Korea are voiced by South Koreans, whose accent is more difficult for North Koreans to understand. Authorities assume that North Koreans can’t understand these broadcasts or are turned off by the voices of “foreigners.”
Nepal—VOM Project
Pray for the printing and distribution of 10,000 copies of the book Hearts of Fire (called Women of Faith in Nepal), which will also be distributed in Nepali-speaking areas of Bhutan and India. This book will encourage Nepali believers, who face increasing persecution.
Nigeria—VOM Project
Pray for the provision and encouragement of Nigerian widows and for VOM’s support of them.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Depression Statistics, From the DBSA

Who Is Affected by Depression?

  • Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a given year. (Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005 Jun; 62(6): 617-27)
  • While major depressive disorder can develop at any age, the median age at onset is 32. (U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates by Demographic Characteristics, 2005)
  • Major depressive disorder is more prevalent in women than in men. (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2003; Jun 18; 289(23): 3095-105)
  • As many as one in 33 children and one in eight adolescents have clinical depression. (Center for Mental Health Services, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 1996)
  • People with depression are four times as likely to develop a heart attack than those without a history of the illness. After a heart attack, they are at a significantly increased risk of death or second heart attack. (National Institute of Mental Health, 1998)

Women and Depression

  • Women experience depression at twice the rate of men. This 2:1 ratio exists regardless of racial or ethnic background or economic status. The lifetime prevalence of major depression is 20-26% for women and 8-12% for men. (Journal of the American Medical Association, 1996)
  • Postpartum mood changes can range from transient "blues" immediately following childbirth to an episode of major depression and even to severe, incapacitating, psychotic depression. Studies suggest that women who experience major depression after childbirth very often have had prior depressive episodes even though they may not have been diagnosed or treated. (National Institute of Mental Health, 1999)
  • Depression may increase a woman's risk for broken bones. The hip bone mineral density of women with a history of major depression was found to be 10-15% lower than normal for their age--so low that their risk of hip fracture increased by 40% over 10 years. (National Institute of Mental Health, 1999)
Institute of Mental Health, 1999)

Depression and Suicide

  • Depression is the cause of over two-thirds of the 30,000 reported suicides in the U.S. each year. (White House Conference on Mental Health, 1999)
  • For every two homicides committed in the United States, there are three suicides. The suicide rate for older adults is more than 50% higher than the rate for the nation as a whole. Up to two-thirds of older adult suicides are attributed to untreated or misdiagnosed depression. (American Society on Aging, 1998)
  • Untreated depression is the number one risk for suicide among youth. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds and the fourth leading cause of death in 10 to 14 year olds. Young males age 15 to 24 are at highest risk for suicide, with a ratio of males to females at 7:1. (American Association of Suicidology, 1996)
  • The death rate from suicide (11.3 per 100,000 population) remains higher than the death rate for chronic liver disease, Alzheimer’s, homicide, arteriosclerosis or hypertension. (Deaths: Final Data for 1998, Center for Disease Control)

Treatment for Depression

  • Up to 80% of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms generally within four to six weeks of beginning medication, psychotherapy, attending support groups or a combination of these treatments. (National Institute of Health, 1998)
  • Despite its high treatment success rate, nearly two out of three people suffering with depression do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment. (DBSA, 1996)
  • An estimated 50% of unsuccessful treatment for depression is due to medical non-compliance. Patients stop taking their medication too soon due to unacceptable side effects, financial factors, fears of addiction and/or short-term improvement of symptoms, leading them to believe that continuing treatment is unnecessary. (DBSA, 1999)
  • Participation in a DBSA patient-to-patient support group improved treatment compliance by almost 86% and reduced in-patient hospitalization. Support group participants are 86% more willing to take medication and cope with side effects. (DBSA, 1999)

Economic Impact of Depression

  • Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44. (World Health Organization, 2004)
  • Major depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide among persons five and older. (World Health Organization, "Global Burden of Disease," 1996)
  • Depression ranks among the top three workplace issues, following only family crisis and stress. (Employee Assistance Professionals Association Survey, 1996)
  • Depression’s annual toll on U.S. businesses amounts to about $70 billion in medical expenditures, lost productivity and other costs. Depression accounts for close to $12 billion in lost workdays each year. Additionally, more than $11 billion in other costs accrue from decreased productivity due to symptoms that sap energy, affect work habits, cause problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making. (The Wall Street Journal, 2001, National Instituthttp://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_statistics_depressione of Mental Health, 1999)
Please visit our web site at www.heartfeltmin.org

Friday, October 11, 2013

Pray for the Persecuted Church!





















The apostle John tells us in his first epistle;
Children, it is the last hour ; and just as you heard that Antichrist is coming, even now many Antichrists have appeared ; from this we know that it is the last hour (1 John 2:18).
From the Voice of Martyrs
www.persecution..org


The book of Revelation is a book that talks mostly about future events that will take place during a literal seven year period at the end of the world, as we know it.  It is a book of judgement of unbelievers and vindication. of those who are saved.
There is a  judgement on unbelieving Israel because  they rejected Him as  the true Messiah when He visited our planet;  He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him (John 1:11). The tribulation is  also called the "Time of Jacob's Trouble."  During that time God will refine Israel through judgment and then at the end of the tribulation, all of Israel will be saved;  For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.   And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Romans 11:25, 26). 

 And there  also will be  judgement on the whole world!
I believe that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is  when He lands on the Mount of Olives at the end of the seven year tribulation. It is distinct from the rapture. We are not in the tribulation period now but we do suffer persecution for our faith in Christ and we have to endure tribulation throughout our lives. Today  true church of real regenerate Christians  are being thrown into prison, beaten, tortured and killed. Their captors often ask them to deny Christ as Savior.  They do not and their blood becomes the seed of the church as the gospel spreads.
Some ask, "why does your ministry talk about Christians being persecuted.?"  Look at the Scripture at the top of,this blog and you will have your answer.
I believe that the rapture will occur before the seven year period begins.  It will be a taking up of the true church to Heaven. Please look up, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

 My goal in this blog is to encourage Christians who are experiencing persecution and to exhort those who are not to pray for them and exhort and encourage them. And another goal is to warn unbelievers that certain doom awaits them and they can be saved through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:13 says,     Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree).   Steve Bloem



Iran—Christians Jailed for Their Faith
Sources: VOM Sources and Mohabat News
Iranian Christians are requesting prayer for their country following a series of arrests just as the government released some prisoners in an effort to appear more liberal. At least 20 Christians, mainly from Muslim backgrounds, were detained in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Tabriz. As a sign that he is politically progressive, the government of incoming President Hassan Rouhani pardoned and then released 11 prisoners of conscience from prison on Sept. 20. The next day, the family of imprisoned Pastor Behnam Irani went to meet with a judge in Karaj, Iran. Pastor Behnam’s family asked the judge to pardon him and allow him to be released like the other prisoners of conscience. The judge denied the request, and stated that Behnam had to serve his six years of prison and that the only way he would be pardoned and released from prison was if he repented and returned to Islam.
Indonesia—Former Muslim Holds Fast to Christ
Source: VOM Sources
 
A Muslim background believer from Bandung, Indonesia, has stood fast despite persecution for his faith. “Bagus” was a Muslim cleric for most of his life, until five years ago when he converted to Christianity during a search for “peace in his life.” Upon his conversion, Bagus’ four sons, including their families, would have nothing to do with him. Bagus’wife had passed away earlier, and he remarried a Christian woman. Even though the woman was 60 years old, after her marriage to Bagus, her father came and forced her to leave the home. Bagus has now lost all of his family, friends and worldly goods. A Muslim friend took him in, giving Bagus a place to live. When Bagus was asked why he converted, he said, “I was looking for peace. I had no peace in Islam, but now I have peace all the time.”

 
Central Asia—Christian Woman Thrown out of Home
Source: VOM Sources
“Glenna,” a Christian woman in Central Asia, was recently kicked out of her home by neighbors, a VOM worker reported. Glenna’s husband passed away two years ago, leaving her with three small children and a baby on the way. Shortly after, her landlord discovered she was a Christian and kicked her and her children out of their apartment. She was able to find a new place to live and was given a job as a kids’ club leader. However, recently, her neighbors again had Glenna evicted because of her Christian behavior. Even so, Glenna said, “It is important to love those that hate and persecute you.” As of last week, the Lord provided a new place for Glenna and her children to live. Please pray for their continued witness.

Tanzania—VOM Project
Pray for 250 Muslim background believers and new converts in Zanzibar. VOM helps prepare them to share the gospel with Muslims by supporting two leader-training conferences. Many of these believers have been expelled from their families.
Colombia—VOM Project
Pray for provision and encouragement for widows who lost husbands because of their faith and for VOM’s support of them.


If you would like to read the rest of our story, which is a personal, clinical and biblical lookat the Christian and Mental Illness, please go to http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Minds-Healing-Youre-Losing/dp/0825421187

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Ten Ways to help control anger.

 
1.Take a 'timeout.' Although it may seem cliche, counting to ten before reacting really can defuse your temper. Proverbs 7:14--Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
 
2. Get some space. Take a break from the person you're angry with until your frustrations subside a bit. Proverbs 20:3;  Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.
 

3. Once you're calm, express your anger. It's healthy to express your frustration in a non-confrontational way.






Stewing about it can make the situation worse. James 3:17; But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy
 
4. Get some exercise. Physical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you're about to erupt. Go for a brisk walk or a run, swim, lift weights or shoot baskets.
1 Timothy 4:8; For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
 
5. Think carefully before you say, text or email anything. Otherwise, you're likely to say something you'll regret. It can be helpful to write down what you want to say so that you can stick to the issues. When you're angry, it's easy to get sidetracked. Proverbs 15:28 ;The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouthof the wicked pours out evil things.
 
6. Identify solutions to the situation. Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work with the person who angered you to resolve the issue at hand; Matthew 18:15-17;  If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private ; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two ore three witnesses every fact must be confirmed.
 
7. Use "I" statements when describing the problem. This will help you to avoid criticizing or "placing blame," which can make the other person angry or resentful — and increase tension.          For instance, say, "I'm upset you didn't help with the housework this evening," instead of "you never help with the housework;" Ephesians 4:1-2; Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.
 
8.Don't hold a grudge. As Christians we must forgive the other person, it will help you both. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want, Matthew 18:21-22; Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times ?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
 
9.Use humor to release tensions. Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Don't use sarcasm, though, it can hurt feelings and make things worse( Proverbs 12:18),  There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
 
10. Practice relaxation skills. Learning skills to relax and de-stress can also help control your temper when it may flare up. Practice deep-breathing exercises, visualize a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase to yourself, such as "Take it easy."  Study the Bible and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Meditate on the privileges you have in Christ.  Other  ways to ease anger include listening to encouraging music, writing in a journal and reading the Psalms and Proverbs.
Psalm 1:1-3; How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Norsit in the seat of scoffers ! But his delight is n the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither ; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

The first numbered statements are  not my own but I cannot remember my source for them.  The Scriptures are ones that I have chosen for each point. Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
SB


For Reviews of our book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It.
please go to http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Minds-Healing-Youre-Losing/dp/0825421187
You can buy this book which comes in four formats.