Written by Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

NOTE: When writing about God and Jesus, The Daily Jot means YHVH as God and Yeshua Ha Mashiach as Jesus--the actual original names and the true nature and character of them.

What many Bible scholars overlook in their postulation about end time prophecy is that there was an empire that arose out of 670 years of battles, eventually conquering the Middle East and parts of Europe after the Roman Empire. The Ottoman Empire, an Islamic Caliphate, benefitted from Muslim conquests beginning with Mohammad (circa 622) until it was officially formed in 1291. By then, Muslims ruled the Middle East, parts of Eastern Europe, and had advanced on Italy and Spain. The Ottoman Empire emanated out of Turkey, coalescing the Caliphate and uniting Islam from 1291 to 1922. It was ended with a severe, seemingly fatal blow, when Turkey became a Republic in 1922 and abolished the Caliphate in 1924.

From 1096 to 1291, seven Crusades responded to hundreds of years of Muslim attacks on Europe, threatening to eliminate Christianity from the world. Even in 1801, the Ottoman Empire's sanctioned piracy prompted America to commission a navy to fight. The Ottomans had required ransom of what amounted to 20% of the US government's revenue, yet were still taking our ships and enslaving our Christian citizens. Renown Crusade historian Thomas F. Madden of Saint Louis University writes: "Christians in the eleventh century were not paranoid fanatics. Muslims really were gunning for them...From the time of Mohammed, the means of Muslim expansion was always the sword."

Madden continues: "With enormous energy, the warriors of Islam struck out against the Christians shortly after Mohammed's death. They were extremely successful. Palestine, Syria, and Egypt-once the most heavily Christian areas in the world-quickly succumbed. By the eighth century, Muslim armies had conquered all of Christian North Africa and Spain. In the eleventh century, the Seljuk Turks conquered Asia Minor (modern Turkey), which had been Christian since the time of St. Paul. The old Roman Empire, known to modern historians as the Byzantine Empire, was reduced to little more than Greece...That is what gave birth to the Crusades."

Madden says the Crusades "were not the brainchild of an ambitious pope or rapacious knights but a response to more than four centuries of conquests in which Muslims had already captured two-thirds of the old Christian world. At some point, Christianity as a faith and a culture had to defend itself or be subsumed by Islam. The Crusades were that defense." Prophetically speaking, the Ottoman Empire met several criteria of what could rise again as the beast empire. For example, Ezekiel 38:12 says Gog (the antichrist, emanating from modern Turkey), attacks "To take a spoil, and to take a prey." If you are watching prophecy, keep an eye on Islam--it is an antichrist religious system and it seeks to reestablish world rule.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

On Friday, January 16, Fillmore Christian Academy sent 8 students to compete in the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) District 6 Spelling Bee. They competed with other students from private schools in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. All of our FCA students did very well, and, in fact, our 8th grade student, Sebastian Lidikay, won first place not only in his own grade level, but in the spell-off for the top 16 spellers in grades 5-8 he also placed first and has earned the privilege to represent not only Fillmore Christian Academy but our whole ACSI district at the regional spelling bee on February 28 in Pasadena! Great job Sebastian and all the FCA students!

Rabbi Belle Michael

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The public is invited to learn about and discuss drought from different religious perspectives, share a vegetarian lunch and participate in a service project at California Lutheran University on Friday, Feb. 6.

“Hoping for Rain: Interfaith Day of Study and Service” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish holiday marking the beginning of a new year for trees. Cal Lutheran Rabbi Belle Michael will discuss the holiday, which falls on Feb. 4 this year, at the start of the event.

The day will begin in Lundring Events Center, where Michael and three religion faculty members will each discuss drought and the hope for rain in relation to different faiths. Rose Aslan, an assistant professor, will cover the Muslim faith. Rahuldeep Gill, an assistant professor, will talk about Sikhism. Michael will discuss the Jewish faith. Sam Thomas, an associate professor, will explore the topic from the Christian perspective.

At 1:10 p.m., a vegetarian lunch will be served in the nearby SEEd (Sustainable Edible Education) Project Garden. A period of reflection will follow. Lunch is $8 for community members. To make a reservation for the lunch, go to CalLutheran.edu/CampusMinistry/events.

The event will conclude with a service project in the garden, where students and staff grow produce to support the campus’ sustainability efforts and the local food movement. Volunteers will participate in a variety of activities, including planting native, drought-tolerant plants and installing water-saving irrigation lines.

There is no charge or RSVP required for the lectures and service project.

Lundring Event Center is located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center on the north side of Olsen Road near Mountclef Boulevard on the Thousand Oaks campus.

Campus Ministry and the Religion Department are sponsoring the event. For more information, contact Michael at bmichae@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3644.

This Sunday, Bardsdale United Methodist Church is pleased to welcome to the pulpit Bishop Minerva Carcano of the California-Pacific Annual Conference.

The first Hispanic woman to be elected to the episcopacy of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Carcano oversees more than three hundred churches in Southern and Central California, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, Guam and Saipan. She was appointed to this area in 2012 after serving in the same capacity for the Desert-Southwest Conference from 2004-2012.

Bishop Carcano is a third-generation Methodist and felt the call to ordained ministry as a child and was active in youth ministry. She was ordained an elder in 1979 and served as pastor of churches in Texas, California and New Mexico. Being also the first Hispanic woman to be appointed as a District Superintendent, she led districts in Texas, Oregon and New Mexico.

In 2013, she was one of fourteen religious leaders invited to meet with President Obama to discuss immigration reform and is the lead spokesperson for the UMC Council of Bishops on the the subject of immigration. She is married and has a daughter attending college.

Please come and hear her inspiring message beginning at 10 AM at the historic Bardsdale Church. It is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue. There is plenty of off-street parking behind the church.

On December 7th, 2014 the community of Fillmore began the celebration of our beloved Mother, the Virgen de Guadalupe, with a procession from Shiells Park to Saint Francis of Assisi Church. This celebration is important to because the Virgen de Guadalupe is a sacred saint who is deeply connected to the Mexican culture. It was a blessing to see hundreds of people be part of this procession and celebration and thank you to all community members, La Banda Mas Picosa, Las Guadalupanas, volunteers, familia Martinez and all the people who made this celebration possible!

This Saturday night at 5 PM, Bardsdale United Methodist Church's bell choir, The Orange Pealers, will present their annual Christmas dinner and concert, Ring Noel. This favorite holiday program directed by Marcia Heerema will provide sounds of the season and will be accompanied by a pasta dinner. Guests will even be allowed to ring bells with the choir. Tickets are $10 per adult and $25 per family. For more information or to buy tickets, call Marcia at 524-3674, Mimi at 524-1823 or the church at 524-2070. The church is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue.

The Bardsdale Church's annual Christmas Vespers concert will take place on Sunday, December 14 at 5 PM in the historical Sanctuary. This gift to the community by the church's choir tells the story of Christmas with traditional favorites as well as some not-so-familiar arrangements. Choir Director John Brothers first brought this event to life in the 1950's and was carried on by Bill Bartels. Marsha Porter currently directs the choir and has selected some wonderful music to highlight the group's talent and the festiveness of the season. Please bring a friend and enjoy this wonderful program. The church is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue.

Holy Cross Church of Moorpark is holding its 30th Annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 8th, 9am to 6:30pm, and Sunday, the 9th, from 8:30am to 3:00. Crafters, Grand Prize Drawing of $1,500 cash, homemade Burritos and baked goods. Have your picture taken with Santa on Sunday form 10am to noon. Address: 13955 Peach Hill Rd, off Spring Rd, and Science Dr/Miller parkway. Admission and parking are free.

A unique Holiday Boutique will take place on Sat., Nov. 8th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul's/Emmanuel Church, 117 N. 7th St., Santa Paula, CA. Find unique gifts, holiday items, Christmas crafts, plants, jewelry and new and used treasures. Proceeds will benefit the community outreach programs of the church. For information please call Marilyn Harvey@805-647-5210.
Www.stpsp.org

Manassas, Va. – Today, The Cardinal Newman Society released the list of schools recognized by the Catholic Education Honor Roll as2014 Schools of Excellence. Since 2004 the Honor Roll has celebrated quality Catholic education throughout the United States.

Saint Augustine Academy of Ventura, California has been named, for the eighth consecutive year, to the Catholic Education Honor Roll -one of only two Catholic High Schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to receive such a distinction. The Academy also holds the distinction of being the longest ongoing member of the Honor Roll for California schools – achieving Honor Roll status every year since 2007. St. Augustine Academy, located in East Ventura, is a K-12 private Catholic Academy which features a classical curriculum, forming students in the classical liberal arts.

Headmaster of Saint Augustine’s Michael Van Hecke states:
"It is an honor for St. Augustine’s to be recognized by the Catholic Education Honor Roll as a School of Excellence in the United States. This distinction confirms our commitment to the mission of Catholic education. I applaud the parents,students, teachers, staff and supporters for their hard work and commitment to assuring that a strong Catholic identity grounds all we do in preparing our students to be future leaders in both society and the Church.”

Honor Roll schools receiving this designation are marked by the integration of Catholic identity throughout all aspects of their programs and excellence in academics. This year seventy-one schools received the honor of being named as a School of Excellence. This is less than five percent of the Catholic high schools in the United States.

“Since competition began in 2004, the Honor Roll has been a helpful tool for administrators, families, and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school education,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society.

This year’s Honor Roll schools are diverse: large and small, new and long-established, highly selective and those with open enrollment admissions policies, as well as a variety of tuition rates. The common trait is an institutional commitment to providing a truly integrated and faithful Catholic education across all disciplines and in all areas of student activities.

Have you ever thought about becoming a Catholic?
You may have-or felt something inside calling you
to look into the Catholic Church. Don't wait! Respond
to God's voice inviting you on a journey of love...

Are you a baptized Catholic,
but have yet to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist
and /or Confirmation?

If you need answers, come to our inquiry night!
No obligations. Just come! We welcome you!
Wednesday, September 3rd
6:00pm room 7
For more information, please contact
the parish office (524-1306)
or call Marie Alviz at 509-0467

The Fillmore Church of Christ invites the public to a Food Share distribution each Monday, 4 to 5:30 P.M., 219 Mountain View at Highway 126, beginning July 7. Comida gratis, todos los lunes, 4:00 to 5:30 P.M., Iglesia de Cristo.

Time is running out to enroll your children, age 3 to grade 12, in Bardsdale Church's Vacation Bible School which is themed, "Workshop Of Wonders" based on Psalm 77:14a. The week's activities begin Monday, July 14, and concludes Friday, July 18, from 9 am until noon. The cost for five mornings of supervised fun is $15 per child and includes Bible stories, science, recreation, crafts, music and a nutritious snack. Each family also receives a CD of music.

The deadline to enroll a child is July 1. Don't delay because only the first 100 kids are guaranteed enrollment. Call Sharon at 524-0587 for more information or to request an application.

Demolition teams began destroying parts of a Chinese church that has become a symbol of resistance to the Communist Party’s draconian clutch on religion, activists and witnesses said on Monday.

Sanjiang church in Wenzhou, a wealthy coastal city known as the "Jerusalem of the East", made headlines earlier this month when thousands of Christians formed a human shield around its entrance after plans for its demolition were announced.

Church members... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10792386/China-accu...

Written by Aryeh Savir
Tazpit News Agency

JERUSALEM - The IDF has announced this week (Apr. 23) it will begin to send draft notices to all Christian Israelis, offering all Christian Israelis the option to enlist in the IDF voluntarily. Until this change in policy, only those who wished to enlist approached the IDF to be draft. This move comes as part of the conclusive draft law recently passed in the Knesset requiring all Israelis to serve in the IDF, including Ultra Orthodox Jews.

The new program makes information and voluntary drafting options available to the Christian population, and the IDF in coming weeks will begin to distribute to all potential Christian recruits voluntary enlistment forms. The IDF hopes that this new program will make the enlistment more accessible for this population, giving clear and coherent information regarding the voluntary enlistment process, and the different service options they may chose, including combat service or civilian National Service.

The recent change in protocol was implemented following IDF contacts with Israeli Christian community leaders, and with the authorization of the Minister of Defense, Mr. Moshe Ya'alon, and the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz.

Since the service of the Christian population in Israel is not obligatory by law, potential recruiters are not required to respond to the invitation. Currently approximately 150 Christians serve in various positions and units in the IDF, 50 enlisting every year, and approximately 500 Israeli Christians are enlisted in National Service, an alternative to military service.

Head of the Human Resource Planning and Management Division, Brigadier General Gadi Agmon said: "This change will constitute another step in the integration and connection of the Christian population with the IDF. The purpose of this change is to make information regarding drafting to the IDF more accessible to the Christian population, and in doing so, enable them to enlist and carry out a meaningful service. We are actively working towards integrating all populations and see this as a very important step in that direction."

Not all Israeli Christians Arabs welcomed the venture. MK Basel Ghattas, A Christian Arab of the Balad party, called on the Israeli Christians to tear up the notices when they get them. He claimed the move was an attempt to create division within the Christian community. MK Issawi Frej, of the extreme left Meretz party ,sent a letter of protest the Chief of Staff Gantz attacking the program.

However, a number of Christian and Israeli groups and veterans have collaborated with the IDF on this project. The Israel Christian Recruitment Forum (ICRF) welcomed the initiative, lauding the attempt to make change and viewing the new program as a victory: "The Israeli Christians have proven to Israeli society, that under the leadership of Father Gabriel Nadaf, a change can be made if there is inner decisiveness, belief in our way and dedication to the cause. We are proud of the Christians in Israel who have finally arisen and have full heartedly decided to shape their own destiny, with a head held high, with a true desire to become part of Israeli society, serving ourselves and the society at large."

“One Voice United in Prayer!” Romans 5:6 “So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Each year, Christians gather all across our nation to celebrate God’s goodness and to pray for His guidance. This year Fillmore will participate again in the annual National Day of Prayer. Thursday, May 1st is that day. This year’s theme is “One Voice United in Prayer.” Christians from all across Fillmore will gather at this year’s chosen church, Faith Community Church @ 355 D Street. A number of Fillmore area pastors will participate. There will also be singing and some congregational interaction. We will pray for our nation, our national & state leaders, our community & schools and other things related to our nation’s future. Anyone who loves this country and wants to pray for its future is welcome to come. Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. For information call 524-5564 or 524-3344.

For more information visit our web page at www.stfrancisfillmore.com

THE FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY SCHEDULE APRIL 27TH When celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday, the faithful are called to reflect more personally on the graces won through the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this way their hearts may be more fully aware of the mercy of God for them personally and for the sake of the world

Principal English Mass for DIVING MERCY AT THE 11:15AM MASS Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the 1PM Mass Father Artur will lead A Procession followed by Divine Mercy Conference and Benediction

Divine Mercy Breakfast by the Family of Jim and Mary Stehly following our
9:15 and 11:15AM Mass
Fresh squeezed OJ, coffee, eggs from happy chickens, Chilequiles short of your Mom making them! $5 for Adults and $3 for Kiddos. All parishioners are invited to bring their lovely family to breakfast and celebrate this wonderful day !

GIFT STORE RAFFLE OF THE DIVINE MERCY
Our Saint Francis Gift store is raffling a 38"x30" Divine Mercy Painting.
Tickets are on sale after the Masses for $5.00. The winner will be announced today.

The Respect Life ministry will be selling beautiful orchid corsages at all the masses until they run out on Mother’s Day weekend: Corsages are $5 and the money raised will go to the Life Centers of Ventura County to help pregnant women in need in our community. Learn more atwww.vclifecenters.com or call (805) 486-2721. Thank you for your support.

CATHOLIC !
Ken Hensley a former protestant Minister and now a practicing Catholic and a member of our parish family will offer a series of topics on how God nudged his heart to
became a Catholic and how to better understand our Catholic faith. The
Schedule of Ken’s Tuesday talks;
April 29, May 6, 20 & 27, June 3, 17 & 24. Come and join us at 7:40PM in the church.

Monthly Bible Study First Monday of the Month at 7:40PM in the church Come to this popular bible study on Monday, May 5th. Everyone is invited. If you do not have a Bible we have a variety of them in the gift store along with bible tabs. First communion parents, please sign in using the list on the piano.

Blessings for Couples celebrating a wedding Anniversary in MAY—On the third Sunday of each Month we honor and pray for our couples celebrating wedding anniversaries. To sign up for the MAY 18TH blessing at the 9:15AM Mass, Couples are encouraged to call the pastoral center at the beginning of the month.

Marriage Encounter —Come experience the life giving water of Christ at a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next weekends are in Ventura Apr 25-27 and in Chatsworth July 18-20; for more info. contact Ed and Jo Lara 818-848-6729

SUNDAY, May 18 at 2:30PM Meeting with Father Artur for; First Communion Parents, Children & Nino/a in the Church.

THIS WEEKEND WE WELCOME FATHER JERRY BEAT From Unbound Ministry Father Jerry is a Bilingual priest from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, He will be preaching on how do we care for the Poor this weekend. Welcome Fr Jerry !
For more info. go to WWW.UNBOUND.COM

The Knights of Columbus will be with us next weekend recruiting men to become members or their organization. Let us offer them a warm Welcome !

Retrouvaille Program for Troubled Marriages: Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, in the San Fernando Valley The Retrouvaille Marriage Program helps married couples who are experiencing trouble in their marriage find hope. By providing communication techniques, Retrouvaille works to assist the spouses in restoring a loving relationship, whether they have strained relations or have already separated or divorced. Retrouvaille is a worldwide, non-profit, volunteer-run program. It welcomes married couples of all faiths or no religious affiliation. Retrouvaille is not a retreat, marriage counseling,marriage self-help, or sensitivity group
- it is a time for healing. The program begins with a weekend stay
followed by a series of post-weekend sessions. The next program will start on Friday evening, June 20, through Sunday evening, June 22, in the San Fernando Valley. For more information, including cost, please call
(909)900-5465

Thank you to all who have made a Together in Mission pledge. If you haven’t had the chance to fill out a Pledge form for T.G.IM. You can pick one up on the table near Saint Francis’ statue and return it in the Sunday Collection or at the Pastoral Center

Holyheroes.com A great website for kids of all ages. So many great Catholic teachings!

THIS WEEKEND WE WELCOME FATHER JERRY BEAT From Unbound Ministry Father Jerry is a Bilingual priest from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, He will be preaching on how do we care for the Poor this weekend. Welcome Fr Jerry !
For more info. go to WWW.UNBOUND.COM

The Knights of Columbus will be with us next weekend recruiting men to become members or their organization. Let us offer them a warm Welcome !

Retrouvaille Program for Troubled Marriages: Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, in the San Fernando Valley The Retrouvaille Marriage Program helps married couples who are experiencing trouble in their marriage find hope. By providing communication techniques, Retrouvaille works to assist the spouses in restoring a loving relationship, whether they have strained relations or have already separated or divorced. Retrouvaille is a worldwide, non-profit, volunteer-run program. It welcomes married couples of all faiths or no religious affiliation. Retrouvaille is not a retreat, marriage counseling,marriage self-help, or sensitivity group
- it is a time for healing. The program begins with a weekend stay
followed by a series of post-weekend sessions. The next program will start on Friday evening, June 20, through Sunday evening, June 22, in the San Fernando Valley. For more information, including cost, please call (909)
900-5465

Thank you to all who have made a Together in Mission pledge. If you haven’t had the chance to fill out a Pledge form for T.G.IM. You can pick one up on the table near Saint Francis’ statue and return it in the Sunday Collection or at the Pastoral Center

Holyheroes.com A great website for kids of all ages. So many great Catholic teachings!

APRIL / MAY CATECHISM SCHEDULE for children in grades 3, 4, 5, 6
We will not meet on April 29/30 nor May 6 / 7
We will meet for Catechism on May 13 / 14

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH FAMILY EASTER NEWS AND MASS SCHEDULE EVERYONE IS WELCOME ! "A REST STOP FOR THE SOUL"

For complete Parish Information please visit our WEB SITE www.stfrancisfillmore.com

EASTER VIGIL MASS APRIL 19 AT 7:30PM

EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 20TH, MASS IN SPANISH
Misa de Pascua 7AM 1 AND 6 PM SPANISH

EASTER SUNDAY MASS IN ENGLISH 9:15 AND 11:15 AM
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt follows the 9:15AM Mass. In the name of our Saint Francis children, we would like to thank all who Parish families who brought in Easter Eggs for the hunt. We have around 3,000 Eggs....Parents, please stay in the church after the 9:15AM with your children to receive directions to the age appropriate areas for the Easter Egg Hunt...

The Easter season – beginning on Easter Sunday and continuing for 50 days – is an opportunity for us to cultivate a spirit that defines who we are as Christians. So what does living the spirit of the Easter season mean in practical terms? Here are three concrete suggestions.

Live with Joy
Joy is a deep-down gladness that cannot be taken away, even in the midst of sorrow. The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus teach us that suffering is transformed through faith in the Risen Christ. With this faith, we are able to hold on to an enduring sense of joy even in the midst of the sadness we experience from the loss of a loved one, a failure to achieve an important goal, or a setback during recovery from an illness.

Live without Fear
The Resurrection teaches us that God can overcome anything, even death. When the Risen Christ appears to the women at the tomb and later to his disciples, his first words are “Do not be afraid!” (Mt 28:5,10) These words speak to our hearts, helping us cope with the fear from the loss of a job, a serious illness, or a crumbling relationship. Our faith allows us to trust that God can overcome our most serious problems.

Live with New Eyes
Easter means to live with a sense of newness. Just as the return of spring lifts our spirits and makes us feel like the whole world is new, the Resurrection of Jesus makes “all things new.” (Rev. 21:5) The Easter spirit is a spirit of renewal that enables us to show up at work with a positive attitude, to renew relationships that have been taken for granted, and to express appreciation and affection to those closest to us. It means to see the world through new eyes—God´s eyes.
We can use these 50 days to cultivate an Easter spirit that enables us to be truly Christian: embracing joy, living without fear, and seeing the world again—as if for the first time.

Telephone: (805) 524-1306 ext. 17 FAX: (805) 524-0784
Email: stfrancisoffice@sbcglobal.net