WASHINGTON (BP) -- The pornography industry has had another STD scare in
its ranks. No one should be surprised. Its mistreatment of the human
body and complete disregard for human dignity is bound to lead to the
destruction of those who engage in it.
But pornography destroys
not only those who engage in making it. It also destroys those who view
it. While men and women are attracted to pornography for different
reasons, the impact is devastating. Pornography introduces women to a
fantasy world of false relationships that substitute for the real thing.
It enables men to imagine sexual relationships without responsibility.
For both, the result is isolation from members of the opposite sex and
the loss of relationships that give meaning to life.
Pornography
also devastates marriages. The loss of genuine intimacy is one of the
leading causes of marital problems, including divorce. Women who
discover their husbands are viewing pornography feel a deep sense of
betrayal and insecurity. Their feelings of betrayal arise from the
knowledge that their husbands are actually fantasizing about other women
while they are engaged in acts of intimacy with them. They are insecure
because they believe they are no longer personally appealing enough to
their husbands.
Men who discover their wives are viewing
pornography feel a deep sense of betrayal and isolation. They believe
their wives are engaged in the equivalent of affairs with other men.
This can lead to a sense of insecurity as they believe that they have
failed to keep their wives' interest. It also results in greater
isolation in the marriage as the wife looks to others for emotional
engagement and interaction.
Some advocate viewing pornography as a
way to enhance the physical experience between couples. This is
outrageous. Couples aroused by viewing pornography end up using each
other as a means of self-gratification. God intended the sexual
relationship to be an act of selfless giving, where the partners are
focused on satisfying the needs of each other. In God's design for sex,
personal satisfaction results but it occurs within the context of mutual
giving. Pornography reverses this and makes the desires of each person
the central focus and the satisfaction of the partner a byproduct.
READ MORE
Friday, September 28, 2012
10th Annual Preventing Abuse Conference -- Human Trafficking, Child Abduction and Drug Cartels -- A National Security Threat
DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 27, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Human trafficking is a national security threat. It is rampant in America. Children are being exploited. Drug cartels are entering through the open borders and infiltrated throughout America. Terrorists using pornography to encrypt messages. A Preventing Abuse Conference is being held to discuss these issues and inform participants of ways to protect themselves, their loved ones and combat these serious threats.
-
Conference Details:
DATE:
October 19, 2012
TIME:
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Speakers and Lunch (Provided)
5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. dinner break (on our own)
6:30 P.M. Film screening
LOCATION:
Embassy Suites
101 East Locust Street,
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
SUBJECTS:
National Security threat
Child Abduction (nearly 1,000,000 children reported missing annually)
Drug Cartels in America
Pornography impact
Moral disintegration fueling the demand for human trafficking.
and more
SPEAKERS:
Governor Terry Branstad,
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley,
BAZ former C.I.A. doing deep cover rescues,
Noreen Gosch,
Drew and Heather Collins (parents of abducted children),
Tania, former madam of hundreds of prostitutes.
Chuck Hurley (Iowa Family Leader),
Tamara Scott (CWA),
Ric Lumbard (victim restoration),
Jim Rothstein (trafficking expert),
Oscar Mejia (drug cartel expert),
REGISTRATION: $59.00 includes conference and lunch** 79.00 at the door
The role of the church as a firewall and protecting women and children is very important
The role of reinforcing the moral foundations is absolutely critical to the protection of women, children, families and the nation
The conference is open to the public. Due to the sensitive nature of the information provided a drivers license or government I.D. will be required at registration.
To register go to www.preventingabuse.org or call 323-851-3872
Christian Newswire
Christians Proclaim: 'Jesus Christ is Lord of the USA...In God We Trust...' Daily -- for Jobs, Christian Liberty and National Security
SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 27, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Realizing that Americans need God to bring back jobs, Christian liberty and national security, Christians are praying: "Jesus Christ is Lord of the USA...In God We Trust..." daily at 6pm EST / 3pm PST. "Real Americans put their faith in God. Turning to God like our Founding Fathers is how to heal our nation," says Pastor Steven Andrew who is leading the effort. Video and details here.
All are invited and many pastors are participating.
He is president of USA Christian Ministries and author of "Making A Strong Christian Nation" which provides the answers to "The Harbinger" book.
Participants learn what the Bible and our Founding Fathers teach for the USA by joining the "Pastor Steven Andrew" Facebook page and to sign up for the daily prayer email at www.USAChristianMinistries.com
"Jesus will uplift America. He is our Lord" and "Christ the Lord of the United States" are what participants believe. Another participant confirmed that God told them to declare "Jesus is Lord of our nation" before joining this revival.
The pastor has attractive graphics available for sharing and printing. He wants to see Americans love God with all our hearts and the Third Great Awakening.
The full prayer and proclamation is:
- Jesus Christ is Lord of the USA
- The Holy Bible is the Rock upon which our Republic rests
- We repent of helping the wicked and all sin
- "In God We Trust" to deliver the USA from tyranny, evil people and lukewarm pastors
"God is our foundation when the Holy Bible is the Rock on which our Republic rests, as Jesus Christ and Andrew Jackson say (Luke 6:47-49)," he adds.
"By repenting to: bring back the Holy Bible and Christian prayer to schools, help the righteous, be pro-life and support marriage of one man and one woman, then jobs, unity and Christian liberty will come back to Americans. God blesses those who obey Him, but sin causes curses," he says.
"'In God We Trust' is our national motto-God helps those who trust Him (Psalm 37:40)."
"It's an ongoing relationship with God-not a repetitive act."
The pastor is also leading Seven Months of National Repentance to Save the USA.
Christian Newswire
Working to offset homeless feeding ban in Philly
By JENNIFER LIN
The Philadelphia Inquirer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Inside a century-old bank at 39th Street and Lancaster Avenue in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia, a pair of carpenters cuts wooden beams for a loft in the big open space.
The workers are volunteers from a church in Boyertown, Montgomery County, who have given up their day to help Brian Jenkins convert the site into a 150-person dining hall to serve free meals to anyone who is poor and hungry.
It will be the third indoor meal center in the region for his nonprofit, Chosen 300 Ministries, and it comes at a critical time.
Over the summer, advocates for the homeless were locked in a standoff with the city over a ban on serving free meals on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Mayor Nutter supported the move, but groups such as Chosen 300 fought back in federal court, arguing that the ban violated their religious rights. They called the move politically motivated and tied to the May opening of the $150 million Barnes Foundation on the Parkway.
READ MORE
The Philadelphia Inquirer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Inside a century-old bank at 39th Street and Lancaster Avenue in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia, a pair of carpenters cuts wooden beams for a loft in the big open space.
The workers are volunteers from a church in Boyertown, Montgomery County, who have given up their day to help Brian Jenkins convert the site into a 150-person dining hall to serve free meals to anyone who is poor and hungry.
It will be the third indoor meal center in the region for his nonprofit, Chosen 300 Ministries, and it comes at a critical time.
Over the summer, advocates for the homeless were locked in a standoff with the city over a ban on serving free meals on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Mayor Nutter supported the move, but groups such as Chosen 300 fought back in federal court, arguing that the ban violated their religious rights. They called the move politically motivated and tied to the May opening of the $150 million Barnes Foundation on the Parkway.
READ MORE
From Homeless to Financially Stable with a Family
CBN.com - “My first wife died of breast cancer and when she passed away I really floundered,” Scott Arnold told the 700 Club. “And I ended up being homeless in the streets of Tucson, Arizona.”
In 2005, Scott got off the streets--and the drugs. He became a Christian and learned about tithing. When Scott got a job working construction, he decided it was time to put what he’d learned into practice.
“It was very difficult at first, because for me to give money when I was just coming out of the streets was a big decision,” says Scott. “Well right away, I started seeing the supernatural favor of God. I went from living in a halfway house to getting my own apartment.”
Scott wanted to help others who were in recovery and began praying for a job at a local rehabilitation center. He was hired a few months later.
“I prayed for a month straight before they hired me,” Scott recalls. “Others had college degrees, were already working for the company, wanted that position and they hired me because they saw the love that I have for other people and how much I wanted to help other people get better.”
READ MORE
Pilot Program Takes TBN's JCTV Youth Channel to West Virginia Juvenile Facility
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Trinity Broadcasting Network announced that it will partner with the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services in a pilot program through TBN Second Chance, the network's special outreach that takes Christian programming to the nation's correctional and detention facilities. Through the pilot program TBN Second Chance will install TBN's JCTV youth network at one of West Virginia's twelve juvenile facilities. JCTV offers a 24-7 blend of Christian music videos, extreme sports, relevant talk, reality shows, movies, comedy, concerts, and more -- all geared for teen and young adult viewers.
Mark Reynolds, director of TBN Second Chance, explained that JCTV will be installed at a facility housing youth ages ten to 21. "We are excited about this opportunity to place TBN's exclusive youth channel in an environment where many young people will be impacted by its life-changing programming," he said. "With hundreds of thousands of young people being placed in some type of detention every year, we have been working diligently to expand our program to juvenile facilities nationwide, and the West Virginia pilot program is a significant step in that direction."
Since its launch in 2007, TBN Second Chance has worked closely with state correctional officials and cable and satellite companies to bring relevant Christian programming to prison facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri -- 31 states so far.
TBN covers the cost for equipment and installation, providing inmates with up to four of its top faith networks: TBN's flagship channel, America's most-watched faith network; JCTV network for teens and young adults; the Church Channel, featuring the best worship services and ministry programs from across the nation; and Enlace, TBN's affiliate Spanish-language Christian network.
Dr. Paul Crouch, TBN's founder and President, emphasized the importance of reaching out to troubled young people with the good news of Jesus Christ. "America's youth is its greatest resource and its hope for the future," he said. "I am thankful for the opportunity TBN Second Chance has to work with West Virginia in its juvenile system. I believe this pilot program will provide a model for similar initiatives across the nation."
For more information about TBN Second Chance, visit www.tbnsecondchance.org.
Christian Newswire
As Christianity's Center Shifts to Global South, Leaders Converge in Chicago to Pioneer Next Generation of Innovative Global Ministry Partnerships
Global:Church
Forum shifts conversation from 'West teaches the rest' to one of
listening and collaboration; Goal is to create global initiatives that
are highly effective and sustainable
CHICAGO,
Sept. 28, 2012
/Christian Newswire/ -- One hundred years ago, the average
Christian was a mid-40s Western male. Today, the average Christian could
be an African female in her 20s. The population epicenter of
Christianity has shifted.
In fact, 60% of today's 2 billion Christians are from the Global South (Africa, Asia and Latin America) -- a figure that will rise to 75% of 3 billion Christians by 2050.
A recent analysis of global trends by First Fruits summarizes this impact of stunning shift: "The West will no longer be the territorial center of Christianity," adding that while the West still controls the conversation globally, the Global South Church will increasingly critique Western approaches, and indigenous mission movements will create new, creative ways to do everything from fundraising to leadership training to community engagement.
Today's most successful Western Christian leaders embrace this shift as an opportunity for unprecedented growth, collaboration and learning within the global church -- and a powerful time to foster collaboration between ministry, church, corporate, major funding and secular development groups to maximize the success of global initiatives.
Global:Church Forum, Oct. 15-18, unites more than 23 speakers from 11 countries who will provide an unprecedented, clear picture of how ministry and development work is conducted within different cultures and economies -- citing with honesty what works and what needs changing -- in order to redefine models and methodologies pursued by the West. The hands-on, practical approach of the forum seeks to uncover points of collaboration that will lead to strategic partnerships that are powerful, scalable and sustainable and address the world's the greatest needs.
Global:Church Forum, hosted by re:source global, will take place Oct. 15 - 18, 2012, at Park Community Church, Chicago. Daytime working sessions are by invitation only, with evening sessions free and open to the public, featuring music by Sara Groves and inspiring talks from global leaders from India, Africa and beyond.
"The current growth of the church in the Global South and East changes the way we as Westerners engage with the church -- we need a shift in perspective, attitude and strategic project and funding models," said Jimmy Lee, founder and CEO of re:source global, the organization hosting the conference and dedicated to pioneering innovative investment models for global development and ministry work.
"The goal for attendees of Global:Church is to become more coordinated and strategic in the work we are doing as funders and ministry leaders," adds Lee. "This is the start of a global conversation we are taking from Chicago to cities around the world, and it's growing in intensity."
Free, public evening sessions feature speakers David Gibbons of New Song Church, Bethany Hoang of International Justice Mission, Ralph Borde of As Our Own India, Tanya Walker of RZIM Europe, and Oscar Muriu of Nairobi Chapel in Kenya. Daytime speakers include Michael Ramsden, European Director of RZIM Zacharias Trust; Bob Doll, former Chief Investment Officer of Global Equities at BlackRock Advisors, LLC; Fayez Ishak, Director of Missions of the Kasr El Dobara, the largest Evangelical Christian Church in the Arab World; and Dr. Zhao Xiao, who was commissioned by the Chinese government to study the success of the American economy and in the process found and embraced Christianity himself.
For more information or to register for daytime or evening events, contact Sarah Martel Lee at 773-931-3559 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 773-931-3559 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, sarahemartel@gmail.com or visit www.resourceglobal.org/gcf.
Note: Portions of the 4-day Global:Church Forum will be recorded and available online after the event. Visit www.resourceglobal.org/gcf to receive these sessions and for more information.
Global:Church Forum is hosted by re:source global, a for-profit organization redefining international philanthropy by engaging global communities, identifying and analyzing their needs and uniting ministry partners, funders and other stakeholders to create long-term solutions and sustainable development initiatives. Based in Chicago, re:source global manages innovative projects in Asia and Africa, and hosts thought leadership events co:lab and Global:Church Forum. For more information visit: www.resourceglobal.org.
Christian Newswire
Hundreds to Gather in Front of the White House for 3 Days of Prayer, Rallies and Civil Disobedience in Support of Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON,
Sept. 27, 2012
/Christian Newswire/ -- Individuals and groups to speak out
against President Obama's HHS Mandate which forces people of faith and
conscience to violate their deeply held religious beliefs and core
values.
The event, which is called Actsfive29, will be held in Lafayette Park Saturday, September 29 through Tuesday, October 2.
Go to actsfive29.com or Facebook.com/Actsfive29 for more information.
The issue of religious freedom and the HHS Mandate will play a critical role in the upcoming Presidential election and is a major voting issue for Catholics and Evangelicals.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states:
Saturday, September 29:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741
Christian Newswire
The event, which is called Actsfive29, will be held in Lafayette Park Saturday, September 29 through Tuesday, October 2.
Go to actsfive29.com or Facebook.com/Actsfive29 for more information.
The issue of religious freedom and the HHS Mandate will play a critical role in the upcoming Presidential election and is a major voting issue for Catholics and Evangelicals.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states:
-
"For the faith community, we can never be silent or indifferent when it
comes to matters of justice, human rights and religious freedom. As
people of principle and faith, we must purpose in our hearts that we
will never comply with an unjust or immoral government mandate which
would require us to violate our conscience, the teachings of the
Scriptures and the historic teachings of the Church.
"We want to make it clear to President Obama and all public officials that we would rather spend time in jail that to be forced into complying with a mandate that crushes religious freedom."
-
"Therefore our reaction to the HHS Mandate is not only in the press, in
the courts, and in the Congress. It is, should be, and will be in the
streets. Civil disobedience must be part of the response."
-
"As a practicing Catholic, I am stunned that President Obama would show
such a profound disrespect for religious freedom, civil liberties and
the First Amendment.
"I agree with Cardinal Dolan when he says, 'No government has the right to intrude into the affairs of the Church, much less coerce, the Church faithful to engage or cooperate in any way with immoral practices. It is the place of the Church, not of government to define religious identity.'
"Mr. President do not tell us how to live our faith."
Saturday, September 29:
-
5:00 P.M. Civil disobedience and arrests in front of the White House. (Pennsylvania Ave. Side.)
-
12:00 P.M. Hundreds praying the Rosary in Lafayette Park led by Father Pavone of Priest for Life.
1:30-3:30 P.M. Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally in Lafayette Park
4:00 P.M. Civil disobedience and arrests in front of the White House.
-
12:00 P.M. Civil disobedience and arrests in front of the White House.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741
Christian Newswire
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Muslim Leaders Make Case for Global Blasphemy Ban at U.N.
(CNSNews.com) – True to their word, the leaders of the world’s
two most populous Muslim countries used their speeches at the United
Nations General Assembly Tuesday to call for a legally-binding, global
anti-blasphemy protocol.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his Pakistan counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari, both argued that insults against Mohammed, Islam’s prophet, incite violence and are not legitimate free speech.
Yudhoyono noted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says the exercise of rights and freedoms is subject to “the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.”
READ MORE
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his Pakistan counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari, both argued that insults against Mohammed, Islam’s prophet, incite violence and are not legitimate free speech.
Yudhoyono noted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says the exercise of rights and freedoms is subject to “the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.”
READ MORE
Church van crash victims cope through worship
A congregation in mourning turns to their faith and one another for
comfort one week after it lost two youth group members in a fiery crash.
The accident happened last Sunday morning on Chapman Highway. Members of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church's youth group were returning to Maryville for a Sunday morning church service after their weekend retreat in the Smokies.
An SUV crossed the center lane and hit the church van head on. The van flipped and landed in ditch before catching on fire. Two church members died in the crash: the van's driver and church youth director Jeff Trussell,45, and Courtney Kaliszewski,16, who was seated behind him.
Ten other youths were injured. One is still recovering in the hospital.
Regular worship at the church resumed this morning for the first time since the accident.
"Our pristine world and lifestyle was forever changed. Just like that," said Pastor Bob Lynch. "This is one of those storms that come in life that really kicked everybody in the stomach."
Sunday morning the broken congregation mourned together and asked God to make it whole again.
"This is a loving church, we're a hugging church. And the love we have for each other will help us heal," said Pastor Lynch.
Pastor Lynch believes strangers' prayers are part of the healing process.
"I personally have had over 100 calls from other churches in upper East Tennessee and other states. It's given us a chance to see that the church is larger than just this little body," he said.
READ MORE
The accident happened last Sunday morning on Chapman Highway. Members of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church's youth group were returning to Maryville for a Sunday morning church service after their weekend retreat in the Smokies.
An SUV crossed the center lane and hit the church van head on. The van flipped and landed in ditch before catching on fire. Two church members died in the crash: the van's driver and church youth director Jeff Trussell,45, and Courtney Kaliszewski,16, who was seated behind him.
Ten other youths were injured. One is still recovering in the hospital.
Regular worship at the church resumed this morning for the first time since the accident.
"Our pristine world and lifestyle was forever changed. Just like that," said Pastor Bob Lynch. "This is one of those storms that come in life that really kicked everybody in the stomach."
Sunday morning the broken congregation mourned together and asked God to make it whole again.
"This is a loving church, we're a hugging church. And the love we have for each other will help us heal," said Pastor Lynch.
Pastor Lynch believes strangers' prayers are part of the healing process.
"I personally have had over 100 calls from other churches in upper East Tennessee and other states. It's given us a chance to see that the church is larger than just this little body," he said.
READ MORE
FactChecker: Divorce Rate Among Christians
"Christians divorce at roughly the same rate as the world!"
It's one of the most quoted stats by Christian leaders today. And it's perhaps one of the most inaccurate.
At bottom, it is used to explain that Christians are not doing well in living out their faith. But it could also be taken as a statement that redemption by and real discipleship under Jesus makes no real difference when it comes to marriage. But mainstream sociologists would tell us that taking one's faith very seriously---in word and deed---does indeed make a marked positive difference in the health and longevity of marriage. Based on the best data available, the divorce rate among Christians is significantly lower than the general population.
Here's the truth...
People who seriously practice a traditional religious faith---whether Christian or other---have a divorce rate markedly lower than the general population.
The factor making the most difference is religious commitment and practice.
What appears intuitive is true. Couples who regularly practice any combination of serious religious behaviors and attitudes---attend church nearly every week, read their bibles and spiritual materials regularly; pray privately and together; generally take their faith seriously, living not as perfect disciples, but serious disciples---enjoy significantly lower divorce rates than mere church members, the general public, and unbelievers.
Professor Bradley Wright, a sociologist at the University of Connecticut, explains from his analysis of people who identify as Christians but rarely attend church, that 60 percent of these have been divorced. Of those who attend church regularly, 38 percent have been divorced.[1]
Other data from additional sociologists of family and religion suggest a substantial marital stability divide between those who take their faith seriously and those who do not.
W. Bradford Wilcox, a leading sociologist at the University of Virginia and director of the National Marriage Project, finds from his own analysis that "active conservative Protestants" who regularly attend church are 35 percent less likely to divorce compared to those who have no affiliation. Nominally attending conservative Protestants are 20 percent more likely to divorce, compared to secular Americans.[2]
The following chart shows the relative risk of divorce by religious affiliation among Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish adherents. (Wilcox controlled for other socio-economic factors that impact marital health, thus providing a clearer, cleaner measure of the actual religious dynamic on marriage.)
READ MORE
It's one of the most quoted stats by Christian leaders today. And it's perhaps one of the most inaccurate.At bottom, it is used to explain that Christians are not doing well in living out their faith. But it could also be taken as a statement that redemption by and real discipleship under Jesus makes no real difference when it comes to marriage. But mainstream sociologists would tell us that taking one's faith very seriously---in word and deed---does indeed make a marked positive difference in the health and longevity of marriage. Based on the best data available, the divorce rate among Christians is significantly lower than the general population.
Here's the truth...
People who seriously practice a traditional religious faith---whether Christian or other---have a divorce rate markedly lower than the general population.
The factor making the most difference is religious commitment and practice.
What appears intuitive is true. Couples who regularly practice any combination of serious religious behaviors and attitudes---attend church nearly every week, read their bibles and spiritual materials regularly; pray privately and together; generally take their faith seriously, living not as perfect disciples, but serious disciples---enjoy significantly lower divorce rates than mere church members, the general public, and unbelievers.
Professor Bradley Wright, a sociologist at the University of Connecticut, explains from his analysis of people who identify as Christians but rarely attend church, that 60 percent of these have been divorced. Of those who attend church regularly, 38 percent have been divorced.[1]
Other data from additional sociologists of family and religion suggest a substantial marital stability divide between those who take their faith seriously and those who do not.
W. Bradford Wilcox, a leading sociologist at the University of Virginia and director of the National Marriage Project, finds from his own analysis that "active conservative Protestants" who regularly attend church are 35 percent less likely to divorce compared to those who have no affiliation. Nominally attending conservative Protestants are 20 percent more likely to divorce, compared to secular Americans.[2]
The following chart shows the relative risk of divorce by religious affiliation among Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish adherents. (Wilcox controlled for other socio-economic factors that impact marital health, thus providing a clearer, cleaner measure of the actual religious dynamic on marriage.)
READ MORE
Six Ways Churches Reverse a Decline
I don't particularly like the "quick-fix" formula some pundits offer to leaders of churches that are plateaued or experiencing a decline. The approaches often appear to be man-centered and methodological. Indeed, many times I think the solutions offered could just as easily apply to a civic organization as they could a church.
Nevertheless, I have had the wonderful opportunity to research churches across America, as well as to have literally hundreds of conversations with church leaders in a variety of settings. What I have learned is that many churches are plateaued or declined. Many leaders are frustrated and seeking God's solution to the situation. And a number of churches exhibit common patterns when they break out of their numerical slump. Allow me to share six of the more common ways I have seen churches reverse a decline.1. They enter a time of corporate prayer and fasting. Sometimes the period is a short duration, such as 24 hours. But in that time, many members of the body agree to pray and fast to seek God's face for His will for His church. In some churches the number of members who participate is relatively small compared to the whole membership. In other situations, a large number may participate. In each case, those who do pray and fast understand that only God can ultimately give the increase to a congregation.
2. They start new groups. Churches that start new small groups, new Sunday school classes, new home groups, new discipleship groups, and a plethora of other possible groups often experience turnaround growth. More often than not, the approach to starting these groups is more strategic than haphazard, and more intentional than incidental.
3. They start new worship services. These worship services may be on Sunday morning, but they could be on other days and times as well. They could be new campuses or new venues. Like those that start new groups, many of the breakout churches strategically and intentionally make the starting of new worship services a vital part of the present and future of the congregation.
Netanyahu Blasts Iran & al-Qaeda in U.N. Speech: ‘The Medieval Forces of Radical Islam…Want to End the Modern World’
This afternoon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu
addressed the United Nations General Assembly, spending the bulk of his
time warning the world against a nuclear-equipped Iran. He challenged
global powers to draw a “red line…before Iran completes the second stage
of nuclear enrichment to make a nuclear bomb,” and spoke fervently
against radical Islam.
While Iran was the overarching focus, Netanyahu opened the speech by proclaiming that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel — a fact that the Obama administration has come under fire by critics for continuously failing to acknowledge. But rather than poking at his Western ally, Netanyahu used the opportunity to deride the Iranian regime, which has repeatedly called for Israel’s destruction.
“I say that to all those who proclaim that the Jewish state has no
roots in our region and that it will soon disappear,” he said of the
Jerusalem mention, going on to herald his nation’s ability to survive
the odds. ”The people of Israel live on.”
The prime minister staked claim to Israel’s placement in the Middle East and said that “the Jewish people have come home” and that they “will never be uprooted again.” Similar to what Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did with his own country on Wednesday, Netanyahu praised Israel’s successes in technology, medicine, agriculture and other spheres, while taking aim at more draconian nations.
READ MORE
While Iran was the overarching focus, Netanyahu opened the speech by proclaiming that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel — a fact that the Obama administration has come under fire by critics for continuously failing to acknowledge. But rather than poking at his Western ally, Netanyahu used the opportunity to deride the Iranian regime, which has repeatedly called for Israel’s destruction.
Benjamin
Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, uses a chart as he speaks about
the Iranian nuclear program during the 67th session of the United
Nations General Assembly September 27, 2012 at UN headquarters in New
York.Credit: AFP/Getty Images
The prime minister staked claim to Israel’s placement in the Middle East and said that “the Jewish people have come home” and that they “will never be uprooted again.” Similar to what Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did with his own country on Wednesday, Netanyahu praised Israel’s successes in technology, medicine, agriculture and other spheres, while taking aim at more draconian nations.
READ MORE
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Planned Parenthood: 'There's A Little Bit of Slut In All of Us!'
MTV Voices with Francisco Ramirez, subtly titled “Sextra Credit 2.” In it, Ramirez, a gay activist, says, “A lot of people define slut as someone who has too much sex or too many partners – but according to who? The slut fairy?”
Ramirez wasn’t done yet: “Did you know that some people use slut in a positive way? They use it to define a woman who is confident in her sexuality and being the sexual being that she is. I personally think there’s a little bit of slut in all of us. So embrace it!”
MORE HERE
&
READ MORE
Obama Announces New Effort Against Human Trafficking, Praises Work of Faith Groups
President Barack Obama issued an executive order Tuesday aimed at strengthening his administration's efforts to combat human trafficking. Later that day, he announced the effort in a speech at the annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York. He praised the work of Christian groups, noting that they are "answering the Bible's call."
Referring to it as "modern slavery," Obama spoke about "the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking.""Now, I do not use that word, 'slavery' lightly," Obama continued. "It evokes obviously one of the most painful chapters in our nation's history. But around the world, there's no denying the awful reality."
Obama described the different forms of slavery, such as those forced to work in sweatshops or as domestic servants, to fight in a war, or to become a prostitute.
"When a little girl is sold by her impoverished family -- girls my daughters' age -- runs away from home, or is lured by the false promises of a better life, and then imprisoned in a brothel and tortured if she resists -- that's slavery. It is barbaric, and it is evil, and it has no place in a civilized world," Obama said.
Obama praised the work of faith-based groups working to combat human trafficking.
Pregnant Rape Victims: Quit Assuming We Want an Abortion
A group called the Ad Hoc Committee of Women Pregnant by Sexual
Assault (WPSA) is responding to the national debate about rape and
abortion. The debate re-started thanks to controversial comments
Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin made about “forcible rape.”
Heather Wilson, Deana Schroeder and other members of The Ad Hoc Committee of Women Pregnant By Sexual Assault have penned a column in response. They are demanding that their voices be heard and upset that many assume women who became pregnant after rape want an abortion.
Their column follows:
We are members of the Ad Hoc Committee of Women Pregnant by Sexual Assault (WPSA). This group was formed eight years ago to petition Congress to hold hearings on the issue of abortion in cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest. So far, however, this petition has not been heard by political leaders on either side of the aisle, or by most in the pro-choice or pro-life communities.
READ MORE
Heather Wilson, Deana Schroeder and other members of The Ad Hoc Committee of Women Pregnant By Sexual Assault have penned a column in response. They are demanding that their voices be heard and upset that many assume women who became pregnant after rape want an abortion.
Their column follows:
We are members of the Ad Hoc Committee of Women Pregnant by Sexual Assault (WPSA). This group was formed eight years ago to petition Congress to hold hearings on the issue of abortion in cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest. So far, however, this petition has not been heard by political leaders on either side of the aisle, or by most in the pro-choice or pro-life communities.
READ MORE
France set to ban the words 'mother' and 'father' from official documents
The move, which has outraged Catholics, means only the word "parents"
would be used in identical marriage ceremonies for all heterosexual and
same-sex couples.
The draft law states that "marriage is a union of two people, of
different or the same gender".
It says all references to "mothers and fathers" in the civil code –
which enshrines French law – will be swapped for simply "parents".
The law would also give equal adoption rights to homosexual and heterosexual
couples.
Justice Minister Christiane Taubira told France's Catholic newspaper La Croix: "Who
is to say that a heterosexual couple will bring a child up better than a
homosexual couple, that they will guarantee the best conditions for the
child's development?"
READ MORE
READ MORE
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
How a Church Dies
"I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things."
- Revelation 2:19Ruth Graham once said, "The definition of a bore is someone who, when asked how they are feeling, will actually tell you."
Some people love to talk about their latest aches and pains and what is wrong with them. I am not one of those people. I am the kind of person who doesn't want to go to the doctor. I don't want to admit that I am sick. But sometimes, when the symptoms become too strong, I need to go. I need to find out what is wrong.
In Revelation 2, Jesus addressed a very spiritually sick church in a place called Thyatira. What is amazing about this church is they started well, but then they went into decline. But before correcting them, the Lord commended them: "I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things" (verse 19).
What was impressive about this church is they were growing, and there was more growth than there was in the beginning. That was good. But our best days should not be behind us, they should be in front of us. The problem is that some people live in the past.
More Americans now commit suicide than are killed in car crashes as miserable economy takes its toll
'The God Interviews' Confronts God with Hard-Hitting Questions
ABILENE, Texas, Sept. 25, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Life is filled with questions. Where we look to find the answers is what makes all the difference. In "The God Interviews," veteran author Julie-Allyson Ieron combines her background in journalism and her love of ministry to answer the question: If women could conduct a sit-down interview with God, what would He say?
"Christ truly cares about the concerns and questions of a woman's heart," says Beverly LaHaye, author of The Spirit-controlled Woman. "Julie has creatively packaged these questions with answers drawn from His words in Scripture."
"The God Interviews" was released September 10 by Leafwood Publishers and will be available at Barnes & Noble, AWBC Booksellers, Sam's Club and all major Christian bookstores.
THE BOOK
With a mix of vivid storytelling and a deep look at Biblical truths, Ieron guides women to the Bible where they can find answers to common questions. "The God Interviews" reaches out to all women who have questions about life. Both Christian and secular, all women wonder about many aspects of life: the whys, the hows, and everything in between. Applying biblical truths to today's hardships, this book uses an "interview with God" setting to allow readers to feel as if they are sitting down face to face with God in a TV studio for the sole purpose of asking any question and receiving an answer.
Find out more about the book by visiting www.thegodinterviews.blogspot.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie-Allyson Ieron is a perceptive journalist who investigates God's truth and crafts her discoveries in ways that engage readers' minds and resonate with their hearts. Her passion is to open God's Word and apply its riches to daily joys, questions, and challenges. She recently celebrated 25 years in publishing and conference speaking ministry and is author or coauthor of more than thirty books.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Leafwood Publishers is an imprint of ACU Press, a publisher located in Abilene, Texas, which for over 25 years has published titles ranging from parenting to Christian living. The press is delighted to be adding "The God Interviews" to its list of books which encourage and enlighten. You can visit their website at www.leafwoodpublishers.com.
Christian Newswire
America for Jesus LIVE on GOD TV
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 25, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- GOD TV founders Rory & Wendy Alec are joining many influential Christian leaders to call America back to God. GOD TV will broadcast the 'America for Jesus' solemn assembly LIVE this weekend as thousands gather in Philadelphia.
The two-day broadcast marathon will start on Friday September 28 at 8.30pm (EST) with the Awakening Youth Rally hosted by Teen Mania founder, Ron Luce. Speakers at the all day event on Saturday September 29 will include Cindy Jacobs, Lou Engle and Bishop Harry Jackson. This will be televised LIVE from 10am to 6pm (EST).
GOD TV can be watched via satellite across the USA on channel 365 of DIRECTV and via cable and digital terrestrial transmission in some cities. The entire America for Jesus event will be streamed LIVE at www.god.tv ; also via Roku Streaming players (www.roku.com) and through the GOD TV App, available on iTunes.
America for Jesus aims to mobilize Christians in prayer, calling the Church to be 'the salt' that will bring healing to the nation. It was birthed out of 'One Nation Under God, Inc,' a coalition of ministries that has organized several solemn assemblies that have attracted several hundred thousand people.
It is significant that America For Jesus 2012 will take place at the Independence Mall in Philadelphia as this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the Constitution of the United States was debated and ratified.
"America is in a state of emergency evidenced by widespread moral depravity and economic meltdown," say the event's national chairperson, Anne Gimenez. "There is only one remedy, we need to renew our covenant with God. We are calling America back to God and proclaiming liberty and freedom over our nation."
GOD TV has supported many prayer events for America including TheCall mass gatherings and annual National Day of Prayer. Rory & Wendy Alec carry a burden for America to turn back to God and encourage viewers to tune in to America for Jesus.
"God is calling the Church in the USA to awaken from her slumber," said Wendy, who is also GOD TV's Director of Television. "We have to be stirred by God's might and power and rise up as a righteous people, who will humble ourselves and cry out to Him so that the enemy's plans for this nation will be reversed."
For more information visit www.god.tv or www.afj2012.org
About GOD TV: GOD TV was founded in the UK in 1995 by Christian media pioneers Rory & Wendy Alec and in just 17 years has become a global phenomenon. Today the network beams a broad cross section of cutting-edge programs, including many life-changing LIVE broadcasts, into millions of homes worldwide. The only Christian broadcaster to transmit globally from Jerusalem, GOD TV's powerful signal is carried via multiple satellites providing free viewing to half a billion people 24-hours-a-day. In the USA, GOD TV can be viewed on DIRECTV channel 365 as well as on select cable channels. It can also be viewed online at www.god.tv. The network has several offices in the USA. Other offices are situated in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. In addition to its vast media outreach, GOD TV also helps people in charitable ways by supporting feeding schemes, orphanages, water drilling projects and disaster relief funds.
Contact: Jeffrey Levinson at GOD TV's North America Regional Office,
375 Douglas Ave Suite, 1008, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.
Telephone (407) 862-5084 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (407) 862-5084 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, fax (407) 682 2407 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (407) 682 2407 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, e-mail; jlevinson@god.tv
GOD TV Broadcast HQ: Jerusalem, Israel. Regional offices: USA (Washington, DC; Orlando, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri) UK & Ireland (Sunderland & Plymouth, England), Scandinavia (Hjørring, Denmark), Europe (Hamburg, Germany), Asia & Middle East (Chennai, India; Sri Lanka), Africa (Cape Town, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya), Australasia (Melbourne, Australia). Angel Christian Television Trust, Inc is a Not-For-Profit Florida Corporation with 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt status from the IRS.
Christian Newswire
Warren County sees church-building boom
For two decades, Warren County has been known as the second-fastest growing county in Ohio.
Today, it’s home to another growth spurt – a church-building boom at a time when church membership is down nationwide. At least seven churches in the county, from Catholic to non-denominational, recently built or are involved in opening new facilities.
Demographers and church officials said the building boom is related to the county’s population growth, but there may also be a spiritual explanation.
“Folks that aren’t presently ‘churched’ feel more comfortable going to a new church or a new church building because it’s a fresh new beginning,’’ said Roger Hendricks, senior minister at Southwest Church, a non-denominational church in Springboro, which opened a $1.2 million building in February. It previously met at a YMCA in Springboro.
READ MORE
Today, it’s home to another growth spurt – a church-building boom at a time when church membership is down nationwide. At least seven churches in the county, from Catholic to non-denominational, recently built or are involved in opening new facilities.
Demographers and church officials said the building boom is related to the county’s population growth, but there may also be a spiritual explanation.
“Folks that aren’t presently ‘churched’ feel more comfortable going to a new church or a new church building because it’s a fresh new beginning,’’ said Roger Hendricks, senior minister at Southwest Church, a non-denominational church in Springboro, which opened a $1.2 million building in February. It previously met at a YMCA in Springboro.
READ MORE
The Biblical Way to Care for the Poor
The religious left tells us that budgets are moral documents. The religious left also assumes that the federal government should take up the cause of helping the poor. One report says the federal government runs 126 different anti-poverty programs1.
The religious left further tells us that across-the-board budget cuts will hurt the poor. But how do we define the poor, and who gets to define them? Are government programs always the moral high ground? What happens if our national debt has reached $16 trillion because of budget deficits (Obama: nearly $5 trillion in four years, a record), while our national income (GDP) is smaller?
Are those big-government budget deficits moral or immoral? Where's the moral high ground in that?
Despite the 126 programs, does anyone notice that we still have poor people? Maybe we need another way.
What does the Bible say about helping the poor?
From the outset, I admit that I get nervous about applying specific Biblical texts to our modern national policy. The Torah was the law of God, so ancient Israel was a theocracy. We shouldn't bring these old laws forward to today in all their literalness and details.
The religious left further tells us that across-the-board budget cuts will hurt the poor. But how do we define the poor, and who gets to define them? Are government programs always the moral high ground? What happens if our national debt has reached $16 trillion because of budget deficits (Obama: nearly $5 trillion in four years, a record), while our national income (GDP) is smaller?
Are those big-government budget deficits moral or immoral? Where's the moral high ground in that?
Despite the 126 programs, does anyone notice that we still have poor people? Maybe we need another way.
What does the Bible say about helping the poor?
From the outset, I admit that I get nervous about applying specific Biblical texts to our modern national policy. The Torah was the law of God, so ancient Israel was a theocracy. We shouldn't bring these old laws forward to today in all their literalness and details.
Is the American Church Dying? Rising Persecution Meets Falling Numbers of Youth
BUSHKILL, Penn., Sept. 25, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The American Church, which once ruled the spiritual landscape of the United States, is struggling amidst rising persecution and shrinking numbers of youth. According to a study by Liberty Institute and the Family Research Council, U.S. Christians are facing unprecedented amounts of persecution and hostility. The recent attack on the FRC by a gunman in Washington D.C. is the latest in a string of incidents that include a Christian woman from Phoenix, Arizona being prohibited from passing out free water bottles and sharing her faith. Dr. James Emory White, theology professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological seminary, said "2012 may very well be the year of persecution against Christians." In addition, an unsettlingly high number of Christian youth walk away from the church once they reach college age. The numbers vary among denominations, but on average it's about 70%-80%, which means that the future church is in danger of shrinking away.
There is a divide within the Christian community concerning these reports. Some dismiss them, while others fight to make a change. Christian fiction author Grant Carroll believes some people need a story to grab their attention. His novel, The Glimpse, is based upon a dream his wife had about the fate of the American Church. "The similarities between current events and her dream are uncanny. I knew it had to become a story, because stories impact us and make us think outside of our own experience. The only way Christians will pay attention to the warning signs of youth leaving and persecution rising is if they catch a glimpse of the Church's fate if these trends continue." Carroll also believes there is a deeper cause. "Apathy. Christian youth are not being raised by their parents and the Church. They're being raised by the media, their peers and the public school system, and nobody seems to be bothered by it."
About Grant Carroll
Grant Carroll is a freelance writer, playwright, published poet and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. He is the editor and co-founder of Child Refuge (www.childrefuge.org), a non-profit ministry with the goal of fighting for the children and young adults in the American church. His prayer is for his life and writing to impact the world for Christ.
Christian Newswire
Bible Apps Available in Closed Countries
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Sept. 25, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Scandinavia Publishing House, a Christian publishing house, has now made 85 children's Bibles available as apps that can be downloaded and read on the iPhone and iPad. Android and Kindle formats are on their way. They are being sold worldwide, even in closed Muslim and communist countries where the written Bible and other Christian symbols are not permitted.
"We are able to monitor global sales of our apps daily," says Jørgen Vium Olesen, Publisher of Scandinavia Publishing. "In just one day, 300 Bibles and biblical books were downloaded in approximately 60 countries. There were 94 books in the USA, 25 in China, 23 in Saudi Arabia, 19 in the United Arab Emirates, 9 in Malaysia, 7 in Russia, and 4 in Egypt. Some days, up to 52 are downloaded in Saudi Arabia alone."
Legal in China
"We continue to see a high number of downloads in China. In Beijing in 2010 we were informed there are no restrictions on digital Bibles and children's Bibles in China," explains Jørgen. "If this freedom remains, it will provide a great opportunity to legally get Bibles into China using digital means."
Scandinavia's vision
Scandinavia was founded upon the vision BRINGING GOOD NEWS TO KIDS AND FAMILIES. Our passion is to get the Gospel out to people all over the world and selling apps worldwide is allowing us to do that in an entirely new way.
Be Aware
When searching for Children's Bibles at app store buyers need to be aware that there are several other books with similar titles (Child's Bible, The Children Bible etc.). It is important to look for the logo depicting Jesus lifting a little child.
Once the app is downloaded the user can start looking over all the books available. Each series has at least one book that can be downloaded free. Prices for the digital books are somewhat cheaper than printed books since there are no postage and delivery fees. After downloading and using the app, users are invited to rate the books to provide feedback and indicate their level of satisfaction with their purchase.
So far Scandinavia has only released digital books in English but hopes to soon release them as e-books in several other languages. Digital versions of their books all have a built-in function which makes it possible to record them in the user's own language. For instance, a grandmother may tell a story from the Bible to her grandchildren and then use that recording many times. It is also possible to enlarge the text, see details of the pictures, and in some cases, see a small animation of the books.
The Bible books released on the internet include the following series:
- Famous People of the Bible -- 24 books and a free preview of the Noah book.
- Comic Book Bible -- for teenagers. It uses guided view.
- Adventure Story Bible -- 30 books suitable for children 6-12 years old.
- The Children's Bible -- sold more than 6 million copies in 92 languages in 120 countries. As an app, it can be bought as a complete book or divided into Old and New Testament stories.
- The Little Children's Bible Books -- 24 books for children 3-7 years old.
- The Handy Bible series -- 5 different books for younger children.
Christian Newswire
Monday, September 24, 2012
AbortionDocs.org Surpasses 3,000 Document Uploads Showing Widespread Abortion Abuses
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pro-Life Nation announces that AbortionDocs.org has surpassed 3,000 document-uploads that reveal a systemic pattern abuse throughout the abortion industry.
"The more than 3,000 documents now online are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exposing the health care crisis that exists in the abortion cartel today," said Troy Newman, President of Pro-Life Nation. "We have really just begun to document abortion abuses that are occurring every day at abortion clinics that the public mistakenly thinks are providing safe abortions."
AbortionDocs.org is an outreach of Pro-Life Nation. It is a searchable database that lists every surgical abortion and medication abortion clinic as well as every known abortionist in the country. Each clinic and abortionist has a profile page with links to documents that include license applications, law suits, disciplinary action, criminal background, 911 recordings, autopsy reports, and more.
In 1991, there were over 2,176 surgical abortion clinics in America. Today there are 660, showing the effectiveness of pro-life efforts over the years.
"AbortionDocs.org is the nation's abortion scorecard. There we can see at a glance the number of abortion clinics dropping as clinics continue to close," said Newman.
Most recently Summit Women's Center in Hartford, Connecticut, permanently closed while the Women's Aid abortion clinic relocated from Lincolnwood, IL to Chicago and stopped providing surgical abortions.
AbortionDocs.org is updated daily and contains the most accurate listing of abortion providers and documentation available. AbortionDocs.org encourages those who have documentation of abortion abuses, such as ambulance photos, court documents, and video clips to submit those documents to AbortionDocs.org for publication.
Visit AbortionDocs.org
About Operation Rescue®
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Operation Rescue is now headquartered in a former abortion clinic that it bought and closed in 2006. From there, Operation Rescue launches its innovative new strategies across the nation, exposing and closing abortion clinics through peaceful, legal means. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to stop abortion and ultimately restore legal personhood to the pre-born in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to support Operation Rescue.
About Pro-Life Nation
Pro-Life Nation is an initiative of Operation Rescue that offers a goal-oriented strategy to end abortion. For more visit ProLifeNation.org and read our new booklet that details our strategy.
Christian Newswire
Ohio Poll Finds Poor Economy and Lack of Full Time Jobs Devastate Young Adults
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- 85% of Ohio’s 18-29 year olds changed some aspect of their day-to-day lives because of the current state of the economy (Accepted multiple responses) (Randomized):
- 55% - reduced entertainment budget;
- 43% - cut back on gifts for friends and family;
- 43% - reduced grocery/food budget;
- 38% - skipped a vacation;
- 38% - driven less/relied more on public transit;
- 37% - taken active steps to reduce home energy costs;
- 30% - tried to find an additional job;
- 27% - sold personal items or property (cars, electronic appliances, or other possessions);
- 24% - changed living situation (moved in with family, taken extra roommates, downgraded apartment or home);
- 17% - skipped a wedding, family reunion, or other significant social event;
- 3% - Other, specified;
- 11% - None of the above (accepted only this response);
- 4% - Do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).
- 79% of 18-29 year olds in Ohio have delayed or might not do at least one major life event due to the current state of the economy (Accepted multiple responses) (Randomized):
- 42% - Buy my own place;
- 30% - Go back to school/getting more education or training;
- 29% - Pay off student loans or other debt;
- 27% - Start a family;
- 25% - Save for retirement;
- 22% - Change jobs/cities;
- 20% - Get married;
- 17% - None of the above (accepted only this response);
- 4% - Do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).
OHIO YOUNG ADULTS ON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, VIEWS ON ELECTED LEADERS, THE MIDDLE CLASS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FULL-TIME JOBS:
- Only 33% believe that today’s political leaders reflect the interests of young Americans.
- 73% believe that the lack of job opportunities is shrinking the American middle class.
- 64% of Ohio Millennials believe the availability of more quality, full-time jobs upon graduation is more important than lower student loan interest rates.
- 81% of 18-29 year olds in Ohio plan to vote in the election for President this year.
Generation Opportunity’s social media
operations and grassroots organizers and volunteers have already engaged
well over a hundred and thirty thousand young people online and at
various events across Ohio over the course of the past year. They have
trained student leaders on college campuses; co-sponsored trade shows,
industry and manufacturing summits; participated in street fairs and
local festivals; and attended happy hours for young professionals.
Field activities over the past year
include the Ohio State Fair; the Fountain Square Summer Music Series in
Cincinnati; the Ohio Growth Summit in Columbus; Buck-I-Frenzy at Ohio
State University; Constitution Day in Cedarville; local Chamber of
Commerce events throughout Cincinnati, Dayton, Dublin, Toledo, and
Westerville; NCAA and NFL football games; a charity mud volleyball
tournament in Dayton; and local community festivals in New Straitsville
and Avon. Generation Opportunity is a member of the Chambers of Commerce
in Akron, Columbus, and Dayton.
In recent months, Generation Opportunity
field teams also have met with young adults at college and schools
throughout the state, signing up volunteers and further expanding its
growing statewide network of grassroots activists and volunteers.
Generation Opportunity organizers have visited and recruited new
volunteer team member at The Ohio State University, Ashland University,
Bowling Green State University, Oberlin College, Otterbein University,
Cedarville University, Rhodes State Community College, Ohio Wesleyan
University, Ohio University, Miami University, Ohio State – Lima, and
Wright State University. The organization has dozens more events
planned and is providing assistance to events their volunteers are
conducting within their own communities and extensive social media
networks.
ABOUT GENERATION OPPORTUNITY
Generation Opportunity is a non-profit,
non-partisan 501 (c)(4) organization that seeks to engage everyone from
young adults, to early career professionals, college students, young
mothers and fathers, construction workers, current service men and
women, veterans, entrepreneurs, and all Americans who find themselves
dissatisfied with the status quo and willing to create a better
tomorrow.
Generation Opportunity operates on a
strategy that combines advanced social media tactics with proven field
tactics to reach Americans 18-29. The organization’s social media
platforms – “Being American by GO,” “The Constitution by GO,” “Gas
Prices Are Too Damn High,” “Lower Taxes by GO,” “Keep Texas Awesome,”
“Jersey Proud,” and “We Like Small Government” on Facebook – have
amassed a total fan base of more than 4 million. The pages post links to
relevant articles and reports from sources ranging from the federal
Government Accountability Office (GAO), to The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Brookings Institution, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and The Heritage Foundation.
Read about Generation Opportunity here; visit “Being American by GO” on Facebook here, “The Constitution by GO” on Facebook here, “Gas Prices Are Too Damn High” on Facebook here, “Lower Taxes by GO” on Facebook here, “Keep Texas Awesome” on Facebook here, “Jersey Proud” on Facebook here, and “We Like Small Government” on Facebook here.
For our Spanish-language page – Generación Oportunidad – click here.
Christian Newswire
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