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A Note From Steve
Shultz: |
November 5, 2004
 As
Christians, we hold the "unique belief," or "knowledge of God," if you will, that
HE desires that none be lost but that all come to repentance. Not all will choose
repentance, but many who we think are unreachable WILL choose the Savior.
But the unique belief is that until one's last breath is taken, no matter how much
evil has been done in his or her life, nor of what nature, it is not too late to
receive Christ --until that last breath. If Arafat seeks his Savior, Jesus Christ,
even while still "possessing" stolen funds in hidden bank accounts (which some claim
he has), Salvation will nevertheless be his...even as he breathes his last.
As I write this, Arafat is on his deathbed. I do not claim to know if he is able
to be reached by God from the coma they claim he is in or not. Nor do I claim to
know if he has salvation. But I challenge you, that if you read these reports by
R.T. Kendall, author of "TOTAL FORGIVENESS" (see below), and Dr. Youssef,
you will -- or at least SHOULD be left -- with two possibilities:
1) Either Arafat is already saved and we can rejoice in that or:
2) Arafat should be prayed for, even now, if it is still possible to reach him,
that Jesus would appear to him and that he would be saved.
Speak forgiveness into his life in your prophecy and prayers! Ask that God send
His spirit and a host of heavenly Angels. Then trust God to do just that.
Blessings,
Steve Shultz
THE ELIJAH LIST www.elijahlist.com
PROPHETIC.TV www.prophetic.TV
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Arafat to R.T.
Kendall, "I saw the Virgin Mary holding Jesus. I kissed Jesus," -- while
he was confined to his compound. "It has been revealed to me that Jesus Christ is
very important to you," R.T. Kendall told Arafat.
Arafat replied: "Very, very important."
R.T., President Arafat, Dr. Youssef,
Joshua and Dr. Erekat
by
R.T. Kendall & True Vine Broadcasting
Network News: A Daily News Update from the editors of Charisma magazine
Web: www.rtkendallministries.com,
www.tvbn.com
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WORLD NEWS:
Bible Teacher Issues 'Call for Conversion' to Arafat
December 2, 2003
 An
American Bible teacher recently shared Christ with Yasser Arafat - the second time
R.T. Kendall has witnessed to the Palestinian leader in the last year. On Nov. 20
[2003], Kendall, an internationally known speaker and author, met with the 74-year-old
Palestinian president at Arafat's compound in the West Bank town of Ramallah.
"Rais [the Arabic word for president], there is something I want you to think about,"
Kendall (minister at famed
 Westminster
Chapel in London for 25 years until his retirement last year) recalled telling Arafat.
"It has been revealed to me that Jesus Christ is very important to you." Arafat
reportedly replied: "Very, very important."
Kendall, who began praying for Arafat daily in 1982 after hearing cross-carrying
evangelist Arthur Blessitt talk about his visit with the head of the Palestinian
Liberation Organization, said he knew that Arafat had dreams about Jesus.
Arafat told Kendall that he had a dream last year when the Israelis took over Arafat's
compound and bombed most of it. "On the third day of the siege...a lamb led me to
Bethlehem," Kendall recounted Arafat saying. "There I saw the Virgin Mary holding
Jesus. I kissed Jesus. When I woke up I was so moved that I ordered a lamb to be
slaughtered and taken to the priests at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
for them to have a feast."
Kendall then said: "I want you to confess that Jesus actually died on the cross
for your sins. Not that he was delivered from the cross, but that he actually died."
However, a translator interrupted Kendall, objecting to his "call for conversion."
"But Arafat lifted his hand to the translator to suggest that it was all right for
me to continue," Kendall said.
After he explained to Arafat the benefits of becoming a Christian, Kendall noted
that the translator objected again to his call for conversion. "I replied, 'I am
only trying to get him to go public with what he already believes,'" Kendall, 67,
noted. "I said to Arafat, 'Nothing else has worked. Peace [in the Middle East] will
not come through a military or political solution.'"
Traveling to Iraq
Later, Kendall asked Arafat: "Will you do me a favor? Will you consider this?" Arafat
said that he would. Kendall, who first shared the gospel with Arafat in July 2002,
told Charisma News Service that he prayed for Arafat and gave him a copy of his
book, "Total Forgiveness."
"Whether I did any good on my two visits to this torn, frail but unusual leader,
I don't know," said Kendall, whose meetings with Arafat were arranged by the Rev.
Andrew White, a canon of the Coventry Cathedral in England and archbishop of Canterbury's
envoy to the Middle East. "I only know I never tried so hard in all my life to lead
a person to Jesus Christ."
During his visit to the Middle East last month [Nov 2003], Kendall also became the
only American minister -- other than military chaplains -- to preach at Saddam Hussein's
Iraqi palace in Baghdad during a Sunday morning service on Nov. 23.
"I was invited to preach to a group of American military and civilians," said Kendall,
who is based in Key Largo, Fla., from where he continues to write and travel to
speak. "I stood before the gathering, literally three feet in front of Saddam's
throne to proclaim: 'Jesus Christ is Lord of this nation.'"
Â
from True Vine Broadcasting Network News: A Daily News
Update from the editors of Charisma magazine
http://www.tvbn.com/index.html?http://www.tvbn.com/
Charisma/CharismaNewsUpdate20031202.html
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Dr Kendall
Again Meets With Yasser Arafat September 2004
R.T., President Arafat, Dr. Youssef,
Joshua and Dr. Erekat
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Dr Michael Youssef
and R.T. visit Israel and Palestine in September 2004
Some people are still surprised that God has given me what I can only call a special
relationship with President Yasser Arafat and also certain Palestinian leaders.
Some sincere Christians misunderstand this, and people I don't know write letters
of warning. One person who surely meant well angrily finished his letter 'May God
have mercy on your soul,' because of my times with President Arafat. My preaching
responsibilities and television appearances have given me opportunity to ask Christians
in America to pray for Yasser Arafat. The consequence of this has been an overwhelming
response on the part of believers from all over the world who have thanked me again
and again for reminding them to pray for Palestinians as well as Israel. Almost
without exception they hadn't even thought of it!
I have invited a number of well known Christian leaders in the past two years to
join Canon Andrew White and me on trips to Israel and Palestine. Andrew White, Canon
of Coventry Cathedral and the Archbishop of Canterbury's envoy to the Middle East,
is probably the only man in the world to maintain a relationship with both Israelis
and Palestinians. I have said often -- including many times when I am on television
-- that Canon White should receive the Nobel Peace Prize. I hope he will be so honored
one day. Most of these high profile leaders I have invited have declined, mainly
because it would not help them with their followers who would misunderstand their
having contact with Israel's foes. I understand their position and I would never
criticize them. I only know that I have chosen to walk in doors I never dreamed
of opening.
I would not be so pompous or pious as to claim to be like Jesus, but I know one
thing for sure: Jesus would go into Ramallah and visit Yasser Arafat. When Jesus
went to Jericho and gave special attention to Zacchaeus he was criticized by the
religious people (Luke 19:1-9). Zacchaeus was a 'short man' and I have wondered
if he and Arafat are about the same height!
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Being the Love of
Jesus
I began praying for Yasser Arafat daily over 22 years ago -- never expecting to
meet him but because the Holy Spirit laid him on my heart and gave me a love for
him. That love has not changed. I don't know whether Yasser Arafat has ever felt
unconditional love from many people, especially from the West, but I want him to
feel it from me. I have had one goal: to be Jesus to him.
John Wesley used to say that God does nothing but in answer to prayer. I don't mean
to be unfair, but if Christians in America had spent as much time praying for Yasser
Arafat and Palestinians as they do praying for Israelis and Jews -- which can only
be right, I believe the situation would be vastly different in the Middle East at
the present time. Jesus loves both peoples equally. He would not be political however,
he would only demonstrate his love for them.
Recently Dr. Michael Youssef, the minister of the Church of the Apostles of Atlanta
and of the TV and radio ministry 'Leading the Way' accepted my invitation to visit
Israel and Palestine.. During the first week of September Dr. and Mrs. Youssef and
their son Joshua and I journeyed to Israel -- mainly to meet President Arafat and
the Chief Rabbi of Israel.
Yasser Arafat had his 75th birthday only days before we saw him on September 2nd.
I brought in a Bible -- in English and Arabic -- which he seemed very pleased to
receive, and we gave him also some crystallized fruit that I knew he loves.
R.T. presents President Arafat with gifts for his 75th birthday.
Dr. Youssef said to him: 'The prince of peace
was born in this part of the world . . . and we know He is the only one who can
gives us peace . . . it is our prayer that He may give you wisdom to achieve peace.'
President Arafat was pleased to receive this word.
I felt led to share with President Arafat the verses that always govern me when
I go into Ramallah: for example, when you are before governors and kings 'do not
worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to
say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through
you' (Matt.10:18-20). I told him I believe God gives me the words I say to him.
I have always sensed the unusual leadership of the Holy Spirit every time I am with
President Arafat. On at least two occasions -- when I presented the Gospel very
strongly to him -- I felt I had as much anointing as in any pulpit. But each time
afterwards I also feared I would never be invited back. But he has invited me back
three times -- even to have lunch with him. We had over an hour with him on this
occasion. I read Psalm 91:14-16, asked him permission to anoint him with oil and
pray for him.
R.T. prays for President Arafat and anoints him with oil.
We were not able to have lunch this time however;
all the PLO were fasting in deference to certain men in prison who had gone on a
hunger strike. They apologized profusely to us that they could not serve us lunch.
Dr. Saeb Erekat, the brilliant and respected Palestinian statesman, who was at my
side as I spoke with President Arafat (translating if needed), invited us instead
to Jericho where he arranged for a delicious Arabic meal to be set before us. It
was fantastic. We were particularly delighted to have well over an hour with Dr.
Erekat. Dr. Erekat is highly regarded in the West but also by the Israelis. When
the lunch was over we were photographed with him in front of the Catholic school
in which he was educated (from age 3 to 12) -- then we were photographed together
in front of a Sycamore tree that is known to be 2000 years old, just possibly the
very tree Zacchaeus climbed!
In Jericho in front of a 2000 year old Sycamore tree with Dr Youssef, Andrew White,
Dr Saeb Erekat, and R.T.
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The Chief Rabbi of Israel
During our time in Jerusalem Canon White introduced us to a number of religious
leaders, among them the Greek Orthodox Patriarch in the Old City. We then met the
Syrian Orthodox Patriarch in the Old City of Jerusalem and had lunch with him and
some of the monks there. This took place in what is actually the oldest known church
in the world. Later in the day we had coffee and refreshments with the Bishop of
the Coptic Church (Egyptian) in the Old City. We also spent time with the Rev and
Mrs. Tony Higdon, old friends of mine, the vicar of Christ Church (Anglican) in
the Old City. We were privileged to see holy sites seldom if ever seen by tourists.
It was an honor once again to meet the Chief Rabbi of Israel. We had lunch with
him back in March when Lord and Lady Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, were
with us. He remembered me and greeted us kindly. We had a good dialogue with him.
Dr. Youssef said to him, 'We pray for the peace of Jerusalem . . . for after all
we worship your Messiah . . . and we pray for His peace to reign in this land.'
At that meeting was Rabbi David Rosen, the Jerusalem based International Director
of Interreligious Affairs of the American Jewish Committee. I was thrilled that
he not only remembered me but said, "Hi, R.T." without being re-introduced when
we walked in. When we were with Lord and Lady Carey back in March, Rabbi Rosen treated
us to a Shabbat dinner in the Mount Zion Hotel. On that Friday evening Rabbi Rosen
and his wife and two daughters went through the ancient liturgy for us. It was most
moving and brought us to tears. I did not dream that we were in the embryonic phase
of what appears to be a significant relationship.
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Pray For these Important
Connections
What happened was this. When Rabbi Rosen had spoken warmly about Pharisees at this
Shabbat dinner, I was surprised. To make sure I had not misunderstood him, I asked,
"Am I to believe that you see yourself as a modern Pharisee and are not ashamed
of it?" He answered that was absolutely the case! I explained to him that nearly
all of what Christians know about Pharisees is not very complimentary! He knew this.
I told him that I was in the process of writing a book and intended to devote one
or two chapters to Pharisees. A few days later he sent me some information on Pharisees.
He hoped I would make a distinction between those Pharisees Jesus is recorded as
addressing as opposed to most Pharisees -- then and now.
Therefore when we met in Jerusalem recently we agreed to spend more time together.
He came early for breakfast the next day. I had just completed my latest book (to
be published shortly in England) called "Out of Your Comfort Zone -- Is Your
God too Nice?" I told him I had referred to him but not by name lest I embarrass
him. He wanted to see what I have written. As we discussed this I came up with an
idea. What if we did a book together? We would begin by his criticizing my own interpretation
of Pharisees and then I would answer him. He replied, "Let's do it." We have since
been in dialogue by email and it now appears certain he and I will do a book together.
He also gave me permission to mention him by name.
I want to thank God and also Canon Andrew White for introducing me to important
people in the Middle East. Without him I would never have had access to these strategic
people. Please pray for him -- for his health, wisdom and safety. And pray the same
for me as doors continue to be open to me in that troubled spot on our planet.
Â
Dr. Kendall Shows Mel Gibson's The Passion to
Yasser Arafat
I made another trip to Israel March l7-21, partly official and partly private. The
private part -- though it was made public by the Palestinian press who were allowed
in and took pictures -- was that I was invited by President Arafat to have lunch
with him and watch Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ. I regard
this visit as pastoral but I can reveal a few details.
Dr. Saeb Erekat, the respected Palestinian statesman and
Cabinet Minister, translated the subtitles. Dr. Erekat asked me afterwards if I
noticed that
 President
Arafat wept a number of times as he watched. I could hear him weeping but did not
look at him except to whisper a few comments about the film as it proceeded. He
watched the entire film along with about thirty members of the PLO and Cabinet.
At the end of the film I asked President Arafat if I could pray with him. After
all in the room left, except for Dr. Erekat whom I asked to remain, I prayed with
him. He made it clear he welcomed this. My sole motive in showing the film was pastoral
and evangelistic. I have stressed to Arafat again and again that Jesus DIED ON THE
CROSS -- was not delivered. I felt that Mel Gibson's film was therefore a potential
vehicle of the Holy Spirit to drive this home.
In my prayer (during which he took my hand and held it tight)
I said, "Heavenly Father, I thank you for the high privilege of showing this film
to President Arafat. I pray that you will apply the truth of this film by your Holy
Spirit. Make both of us thankful that Jesus died on the cross for our sins," among
other things. We had lunch, he allowed me to pray for all the PLO, walked me out
and kissed me good-bye.
My total time in Ramallah this time was three hours and
a half. Oliver Scutt, Andrew White's aide, stayed with me (next to me in the photo)
and accompanied me afterwards to join others (see paragraph below) in Hebron. Many
present, among them Hanan Ashrawl (often seen as a Palestinian spokesman on television),
remarked about my friendship with Arafat and his love for me. Why? I am not sure
that I know. I would appreciate your prayers for me. I realize I have been misunderstood
by some of my friends as well as some political leaders. I know this much: if John
Wesley is correct -- that God does nothing but in answer to prayer, this meant that
somebody prayed for Saul of Tarsus before he was converted; secondly, Paul used
the word 'envy' or 'jealousy' twice (Romans 11:11,14) as a motive to wake up Israel
and lead to their blindness being lifted. This is my own 'strategy' if I may use
that word. Please pray for me. And pray for Yasser Arafat. I have reason to believe
that if Christians had been praying for Arafat and Palestinians as much as they
pray for Israelis and Jews over the years that things could be a lot different in
the Middle East at the present time. A political and military solution is not the
answer; the issue is theological.
God is Moving in the Middle East
I want to thank Canon Andrew White, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Envoy to the
Middle East, for introducing me to President Yasser Arafat and allowing me continued
access into the compound in Ramallah. I could not have done what I did without Andrew's
support. Andrew is one of the most remarkable men I have ever met. I pray he will
one day win the Nobel Peace Prize.
This brings me to the official part of my recent trip to
Israel. My main reason for being in Israel this time was to be with Dr. George Carey,
formerly the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Andrew White. The architect of the Alexandria
Peace Process, Lord Carey, led a tour of British and American leaders (two of whom
I had the privilege of choosing) to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders during
March l7-21. Dr. Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
of the Southern Baptist Convention and Dr. Ravi Zacharias, the well-known Christian
apologist, joined Lord and Lady Carey, Alan Bell (my friend who has accompanied
me twice before into Ramallah), Christopher Long, former British ambassador to Egypt
and advisor to Lord Carey and the Very Rev James Diamond, dean of Christ Church
Cathedral of Cincinnati, Ohio, in visiting a number of leaders. Most of these spent
a few moments with President Arafat (see photograph), then called on Sheik Tal El
Sider in Hebron, a co-rounder of Hamas but who since broke with them and has renounced
violence.
During these days we met with the former Israeli Prime Minister
Shimon Peres in Tel Aviv, as well as both the American Ambassador to Israel, Dan
Kurtzer, and the British Ambassador to Israel, Simon McDonald. We also met with
members of the Knesset when we sat in on a meeting with the Christian Allies Caucus
at the Knesset. We had lunch with the Chief Rabbi of Israel and enjoyed a Shabbat
meal on the Friday evening with Rabbi David Rosen and his family. We also met with
various leaders of the Greek, Syrian and Coptic churches in Jerusalem including
the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem. It was a very full week. Some of us met with Baroness
Elizabeth Symons of the Foreign Office in London on March 22nd. Not all the photos
have been developed but will hopefully be put up soon.
It was a great honor and particular delight to spend time with Lord and Lady Carey.
I felt deprived that I did not get to know them well when I was minister of Westminster
Chapel in London and he was Archbishop of Canterbury. But "all's well that ends
well' and I have made two delightful friends. It was great to be with Richard Land,
an old friend; we did our doctorates at Oxford the same time. I felt a wonderful
bonding with Ravi Zacharias and so honored to have him with us for nearly all of
our meetings. The other members of this tour have become new friends and I have
reason to believe we shall all be together soon, probably in the Middle East.
by R.T. Kendall
www.rtkendallministries.com
Â
R.T.
Kendall was the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, England, for twenty-five
years. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, he was educated at Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary and Oxford University. He is well known internationally as a speaker and
teacher. Dr. Kendall is the author of more than forty books, including The Word
and the Spirit,
The Sensitivity of the
Spirit, The Anointing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, and
Total Forgiveness.
His writings have impacted and changed thousands of lives worldwide. Visit
his website at www.rtkendallministries.com.
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