Time to Turn Off the TV and Start Praying

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Time to Turn Off the TV and Start Praying
by April Shenandoah, Columnist

March 17, 2003

Columnist April Shenandoah Rarely do I read newspapers, however, on March 11th I happened to be leafing through USA Today when this headline enticed me, 'If Bush attacks Iraq, America … will burn'. After reading it, and if the information is correct, we as Americans have our work cut out for us! Supposedly, target-pictures of President George Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair are nailed to a mosque door in Karachi, Pakistan. US maps are hanging on the walls with the Pentagon, Disneyland, Statue of Liberty, and the Sears tower in Chicago, circled in red. In a 30-minute interview, Abu Umar, a 26-year old Yemeni worshipper at the Nazimbad Mosque, and others, warned that if the United States attacks Iraq, al-Qaeda sleeper cells in the USA will strike those landmarks and other projected targets.

According to USA Today, three of the mosque's leaders agreed to talk because they want Americans to be aware of the consequences of an attack on Iraq. They also said they expect to die as martyrs, in attacks against U.S. interests. They warn that the "judgment of God" is about to strike America, while referring to Bush and Blair as terrorists who must die. Three college students were introduced, saying they are being taught to hide e-mail from authorities, use aliases to confuse police and change their appearance and behavior to fit into Western society. They plan to join al-Qaeda "sleeper cells" in North America soon.

Pakistani police and other security officials say they are afraid to arrest suspected al-Qaeda members, like those at the mosque, fearing retribution. An unidentified policeman said, "We don't go near them. We know what they would do to us." Here in the US it isn't fear, there has to be another agenda that "we the people" are not privy to. Otherwise, we would have closed our borders and cracked down on those who should not be in this country. There is no rhyme or reason to the bizarre and unexplainable political decisions that are destroying the very core of our existence. I want to support my president, but something is amiss.

Illegal immigrants and al-Qaeda operatives are being hired to work on military aircraft such as the Black Hawk helicopter that just crashed at Fort Drum in upstate New York. Rush Limbaugh reported that he received word from a credible web site that these "new mechanics" are most likely there to sabotage the planes. A Blackhawk (considered the "workhorse of the Army") also crashed last month in the Kuwaiti Desert and again a similar helicopter crashed January 30th, near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.

Bush was right about one thing. This is a new kind of war! It could very well be the precursor to Armageddon. Many politicians, talk show hosts and prophetic clergy, as of late, have urgently addressed the threat we are facing. It's time to turn off the TV -- the insane- Hussein-soap-opera has run its course. We all need to take a "time out" and start praying like there is no tomorrow (there may not be if we don't). God's word promises that if His people will humble themselves and pray He will heal their/our land. I'm talking about being on our knees and flooding the heavens with prayer - everyday. The tide can/will only be turned by the power of prayer.

Churches are holding special services to pray for America, TV preachers are pleading with people to pray. Pastor Benny Hinn (Trinity Broadcasting Network) recently looked directly into the camera, and as serious as I have ever seen him, said, "If we go to war with Iraq this country will be in chaos like we have never seen. Pray like you have never prayed before." March 17th is a scheduled day of prayer. Folks from around the country are gathering in Washington, DC to participate in the Pentagon Prayer Ring. Holding hands they will encircle the Pentagon, praying for God's mercy and wisdom. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalms 33:12)

The Bible says, "There will be wars and rumors of wars" Let us hope and pray this is just a rumor!

[If we are at war by the time you read this, remember God is still in control and he inhabits the prayers of His people - so keep on keepin' on. Prayer brought Elizabeth Smart home to her family in Salt Lake City, after being kidnapped for almost nine months. This miracle blessed the entire country -- God shined down to give us a ray of hope for such a time as this.] ***

Photo of April Shenandoah courtesy of GOPUSA

April Shenandoah's Internet home is: http://www.politicsandreligion.tv