One great thing about America...

I like to gripe about America as much as anybody. (Actually, I probably complain more than most.) But I also realize how blessed I am that I live in this country. Especially when I look at all the nonsense that is going on all over the world. And, although I'm a little freaked out that either this empty suit or this waffler is going to be president come next January, I'd still rather live here than anywhere else.

One of the things I am most thankful for is the ability to worship freely. My family and I are not part of a traditional church. We do get together with other folks, and different people take turns hosting the group for fellowship times. And we can do this without being afraid that we'll be shut down, arrested, or harassed by the government. That's a special freedom that I hope my children will be able to enjoy and appreciate.

There's actually no point to this, except that I'm thankful for my freedom, and I pray that all Christians will soon be able to worship freely...

I hope President Bush enjoys the Olympics...

President Bush will be in Beijing this week to take in the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games. Some Chinese Christians won't be able to attend, however. This article tells of Zhang Mingxuan, a house church pastor who has been kicked out of Beijing, just in case he planned to start any trouble. He and his wife have been "relocated" so they can't meet with any foreign leaders.

The article also talks about how much the harassment of Chinese Christians has increased in the days leading up to the Olympics.

Bush actually had a meeting set up with Zhang, back when he visited China in 2005. But Zhang was detained before he could meet with our president. Bush's reaction to Zhang being arrested because he might say something negative (but true) about China's religious oppression?

Nothing. Bush didn't say one word about this shocking arrest, as far as I can find. But he did enjoy a nice service at a state-approved church in Beijing. He's scheduled to go to another service at one of the registered churches while he's there for the Olympics.

I've expressed on several occasions how disappointed I am by our president, so I won't go into it again. I'll just ask you to pray for our Chinese brothers and sisters. they need God's strength to stay true in difficult circumstances. And pray for our president too. He needs some serious eye-opening and courage...