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Sudanese family finds Christmas joy in Fargo

When Charles and Rosa Mukhtar left Sudan with their young son Aronah for America 14 years ago, they likely felt a bit like Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus fleeing Bethlehem more than 2,000 years earlier to escape oppression and possible death. Certainly, like the couple from Nazareth, they clung to God in uncertainty. “Leaving the country was one of our most sweet and bitter decisions that we made,” Charles says. “We loved our country, the people and our relatives, but the civil unrest gave us no choice. We left in pursuit of a better and safer life for our children.” The ...

Distraction can lead to inaction

Joseph and Mary, who was with child, traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to participate in a mandatory census. While they were in Bethlehem the time came for the miracle baby to be born and Mary “gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no katalyma available for them.” Because of this census, Bethlehem was full of additional people. Typically, when traveling in this day, family members would stay with family. The New Testament Greek word “katalyma” can be translated inn, guest room, hostel or even a shelter. The ...

Egyptian novel explores Christians under controlling church

CAIRO (AP) — Shady Lewis Botros says his recently published novel — "Ways of the Lord" — can be broadly viewed as an attempt to answer one question: What it's like to be a Christian in Egypt? The answer, given in stories narrated by the book's chief character, is complex and often disheartening. It's giving your children neutral names that don't identify them as Christians in hopes they'll have a sporting chance of progress in the mainly Muslim nation. It means facing baseless but dangerous charges of spying for Israel at time of war. It means turning off the lights at home and ...

Celebration is required

In order to be a great parent, friend or family member we must consistently contribute compassion and celebration into the lives of others. Compassion and celebration are not an option, they are a requirement. What is spectacular is that when we walk in step with God as we receive his son, Jesus Christ, as our savior and follow his leadership, he contributes compassion and celebration into our lives. We can then consistently contribute compassion and celebration to those we love. Jesus talked about his father’s desire to shower us with compassion and celebration when he told the ...

First Baptist Church XYZ to meet

First Baptist Church XYZ, a senior adult ministry for people in the 50-plus age group, will meet Thursday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Todd Erickson with Child Evangelism Fellowship will present the program “Birthday Party for Jesus.” Refreshments will be served.

Bismarck church volunteers bring food to South Dakota church

BISMARCK (AP) — In the small town of McLaughlin, South Dakota, many of the residents didn't celebrate Thanksgiving Day as most Americans do. Located 9 miles south of the North Dakota state line on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at the junction of state Highway 63 and U.S. Highway 12, the Rev. Harvey Schmeichel and his wife, Patti, have seen over the years children and families go hungry for days. There are no large holiday meals in those homes. For nearly 19 years at the nondenominational Freedom Fellowship Church, located downtown on Main Street, the couple has ministered ...