Saturday, October 27, 2012
"Escaping the Cauldron" Author Kristine McGuire Former Witch, Medium, & Ghosthunter
An eight-year journey through the occult and into freedom.Escaping the
Cauldron exposes the subtle occult influences that affect 21st century
Christians. Part Bible study, part memoir, this book takes the reader
deep inside Kristine's eight year journey as a witch, medium, and ghost
hunter and reveals how God delivered her out of the occult altogether
and mercifully restored her faith and life in Christ
Thursday, October 25, 2012
New Bible exhibit 'innovative, family-friendly'
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BP) -- At the recent opening of the Passages Bible
exhibition in Charlotte, N.C., Steve Green was described as "a man of no
compromise who sticks to God's Word and does everything at a level of
excellence." Green is the president of Hobby Lobby and owner of the
world's largest private collection of rare biblical texts and artifacts.
Passages showcases more than 400 items of great historical and biblical significance from the Green Collection. The full collection contains more than 40,000 items. The exhibit opened in Charlotte in September and continues daily through the end of February.
The 30,000-square-foot Passages exhibition provides a captivating experience that tells the dramatic story of the most debated, most banned, most read, best-selling book of all time.
The exhibit's website describes Passages as an "innovative, interactive, family-friendly exhibit that showcases both the Old and New Testaments -- arguably the world's most significant pieces of literature -- through a non-sectarian, scholarly approach that makes the history, scholarship and impact of the Bible on virtually every facet of society accessible to everyone."
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Passages showcases more than 400 items of great historical and biblical significance from the Green Collection. The full collection contains more than 40,000 items. The exhibit opened in Charlotte in September and continues daily through the end of February.
The 30,000-square-foot Passages exhibition provides a captivating experience that tells the dramatic story of the most debated, most banned, most read, best-selling book of all time.
The exhibit's website describes Passages as an "innovative, interactive, family-friendly exhibit that showcases both the Old and New Testaments -- arguably the world's most significant pieces of literature -- through a non-sectarian, scholarly approach that makes the history, scholarship and impact of the Bible on virtually every facet of society accessible to everyone."
READ MORE
Matt Chandler to Pastors: Entitlement Kills Churches
By Jeff Schapiro , Christian Post Reporter
October 23, 2012|5:27 pm
Matt Chandler addressed pastors during the Creature of the Word Simulcast on Tuesday and warned them that harboring a sense of entitlement can kill a church.
There are times in ministry, Chandler confessed, when he feels he is owed something. He sometimes wants to tell others, "Just do what I say ... Why are you asking me questions? Just do what I tell you to do."Pastors can sometimes get caught up in their position, he said, and fail to obey Jesus Christ's teaching in Matthew 20:26, which says, "whoever would be great among you must be your servant." But they are supposed to model servitude for their congregations, and failing to do so could be to their church's detriment.
"You walk in entitlement, you will simply empower entitlement underneath you. You want to talk trickle-down effect? You got an entitled pastor, you'll have an entitled staff. That then leads to an entitled laity, that leads to the death of a church," he said.
Chandler shared a story of a friend who came to pray with him before he delivered a sermon several years ago. The friend, Josh, put dirt in Chandler's hands, poured water on the dirt and told him to rub his hands together. "Kingdom hands are dirty hands," he told Chandler.
"You want to serve the Lord, you're always going to have dirty hands," said Chandler. "You don't get to a place, you don't get to a size where your hands are clean, your heart is free from the heartbreak, loss, the celebration, the need for prayer, the desperation that comes from leading and walking with God's people."
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Being a missionary in Uzbekistan can get you five years in jail
In Uzbekistan, having more than one Bible can make you a missionary,
and being a missionary in Uzbekistan can get you five years in jail.
Uzbeks no longer have freedom of religion, or even speech; not only is just one Bible per household mandated by law, it must also be written in Russian, a language only 20 percent of Uzbeks understand.
Located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan was formerly the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992, Uzbekistan became a secular state after passing its first post-Soviet constitution, but that state still kept many of the centralized controls characteristic of its former Soviet Republic.
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Uzbeks no longer have freedom of religion, or even speech; not only is just one Bible per household mandated by law, it must also be written in Russian, a language only 20 percent of Uzbeks understand.
Located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan was formerly the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992, Uzbekistan became a secular state after passing its first post-Soviet constitution, but that state still kept many of the centralized controls characteristic of its former Soviet Republic.
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Social worker bans religious conversation
A social worker has taken the idea of “qualifying” for federal
benefits to a new level by telling a resident of a HUD-subsidized
building that she no longer had the right to free speech because of the
government’s contributions to the building’s operations.
The attack on religious freedom came in a Minneapolis suburb, where Ruth Sweats told WND that she was told she has “no freedom of speech.”
Sweats told WND that she and a friend were sitting in a corner of the
common area at the Osborne Apartments in Spring Lake Park, Minn., when
she says the building social worker, Rachelle Henkle, “dramatically
approached her with a raised voice” and said, “You can’t talk like that
here!”
Since Sweats was having a private conversation with a friend and simply had read the introduction paragraph from her Bible describing the Book of Revelation, she was shocked. She said her friend had asked her about Revelation, and she opened her Bible and began reading the introduction that precedes the book.
Sweats, a member of a Messianic church congregation, said she frequently reads the Bible, studies it with friends, prays, and even hosts Bible studies in that very room, yet for some reason the social worker’s ire was triggered when she read, “These that bear the mark of the monster and are not registered in the Lambs Book of Life.”
Sweats told WND she informed Henkle that she was entitled to have a private conversation with a friend, and in fact had done so many times, saying, “I have freedom of speech, you know.”
But she says the social worker claimed that free speech doesn’t exist when it’s in a HUD-funded building, and that in order to talk about the Bible it had to be in an apartment, not the common area.
Sweats said the tenant handbook outlines fair housing regulations but she wasn’t shown where any regulation would allow someone to silence her private conversation about her religion with a friend.
Matt Sharp, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, says that his organization now represents Sweats and that he has sent a letter to the building’s management company, Ebenezer, informing them of their discriminatory actions.
“In their apparent effort not to discriminate, it’s possible they may be discriminating against Sweats,” Sharp told WND.
Sharp said the building management’s position is simply incorrect and that HUD has repeatedly made statements announcing that funding is not in jeopardy because of private religious expression.
“Simply because the government provides a benefit with public funds does not mean that all ‘mention of religion or prayer’ must be whitewashed from the use of the benefit,” Sharp wrote in the letter to Ebenezer.
ADF would like to see Ebenezer “do the right thing,” Sharp said.
READ MORE
The attack on religious freedom came in a Minneapolis suburb, where Ruth Sweats told WND that she was told she has “no freedom of speech.”
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Since Sweats was having a private conversation with a friend and simply had read the introduction paragraph from her Bible describing the Book of Revelation, she was shocked. She said her friend had asked her about Revelation, and she opened her Bible and began reading the introduction that precedes the book.
Sweats, a member of a Messianic church congregation, said she frequently reads the Bible, studies it with friends, prays, and even hosts Bible studies in that very room, yet for some reason the social worker’s ire was triggered when she read, “These that bear the mark of the monster and are not registered in the Lambs Book of Life.”
Sweats told WND she informed Henkle that she was entitled to have a private conversation with a friend, and in fact had done so many times, saying, “I have freedom of speech, you know.”
But she says the social worker claimed that free speech doesn’t exist when it’s in a HUD-funded building, and that in order to talk about the Bible it had to be in an apartment, not the common area.
Sweats said the tenant handbook outlines fair housing regulations but she wasn’t shown where any regulation would allow someone to silence her private conversation about her religion with a friend.
Matt Sharp, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, says that his organization now represents Sweats and that he has sent a letter to the building’s management company, Ebenezer, informing them of their discriminatory actions.
“In their apparent effort not to discriminate, it’s possible they may be discriminating against Sweats,” Sharp told WND.
Sharp said the building management’s position is simply incorrect and that HUD has repeatedly made statements announcing that funding is not in jeopardy because of private religious expression.
“Simply because the government provides a benefit with public funds does not mean that all ‘mention of religion or prayer’ must be whitewashed from the use of the benefit,” Sharp wrote in the letter to Ebenezer.
ADF would like to see Ebenezer “do the right thing,” Sharp said.
READ MORE
Adventures in Missions' 100,000th Volunteer is Serving Others and Changing Lives, Including Her Own
GAINESVILLE, Ga., Oct. 25, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- What began as a dream in one man's garage has morphed into a global movement, sending over 100,000 volunteers around the world. Annually, Adventures in Missions sends over 6,000 adults, students, and families on mission trips to more than 70 locations on several continents, with their trips ranging from a few days to a few years.
"It's counter-cultural, but it's not new. Our methods are Jesus' own," said Seth Barnes, Adventures' founder. "They aren't based on a curriculum or a program. We believe in impacting the world one relationship at a time."
Adventures hasn't always been the global organization it is today. This nonprofit originated in Seth Barnes' Wellington, Fla. home 23 years ago. The tiny operation quickly outgrew the kitchen, so it moved to the garage. In both places, the Barnes children were the organization's hardest workers, doing odd jobs like licking stamps and folding newsletters. As the ministry grew, so did the challenges, including enduring the skepticism of others.
"Life on the home front was difficult. We were pregnant with our fifth child, had no insurance, and nobody to pay me a salary," Barnes said. "But it was better to abandon everything and trust in God than to trust in my own competence."
Today, nearly a quarter century later, Barnes is still trusting God to guide and provide for his family, which now includes dozens of full-time staff members who train, support, and work alongside thousands of volunteers annually.
What makes Adventures different from other nonprofit organizations is the way in which its staff invites participants to purposely choose things that are eternal over temporary. Instead of striving for the American Dream, they challenge people to reach for God's dream -- for themselves, their families and their community, Barnes said, and others agree.
"I see how Adventures impacts not just the world, but is changing generations," said Selena Day of the Georgia-based Present Day Truth Ministries, an Adventures' ministry partner.
Adventures' 100,000th participant, Shelley Manning, launched her trip in July.
"Sometimes I feel very inadequate, but God is completely trustworthy and this is in my heart to do." Manning said. Although she left her job as a pediatric nurse, Manning believes she is still taking care of people, only in different ways.
She's part of the World Race, Adventures' fastest growing program taking participants to eleven countries in eleven months. This is Manning's first mission trip, and she's excited about both the adventure and the way God will develop her character along the way.
As Adventures begins a new chapter, World Race participant Lydia Shaw is the first of the next 100,000 volunteers.
"God impressed on me that now is the time. So I go," Shaw said of her decision to be a short-term missionary. "A missionary is someone who listens and follows."
In addition to Adventures' variety of trips, it also encourages and facilitates partnerships between North American churches and those in host countries. Its newest program, the Center for Global Action, provides opportunities for Adventures' alumni to dive deeper into discovering their call from God.
For more about Adventures in Missions and to watch an exclusive video, visit Adventures' 100K website.
Christian Newswire
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
More Christians imprisoned in Iran
The condition of an imprisoned pastor in Iran has worsened since he was given a five-year prison term for converting from Islam to Christianity -- which Iranian authorities claim to be a crime against national security.
When Behnam Irani was examined about a month ago, doctors advised surgery. Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries tells OneNewsNow the pastor's health has continued to get worse.
"The last I've heard from our sources is that he's lost another ten pounds in about the last three months, and his skin is like a yellowish color," DeMars reports. "He's not healthy, and he's still being denied medical attention from the authorities there in the Ghezal Hezar prison there in Karaj, Iran."
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Make Way for the Metro-Evangelical
Downtown Seattle's Daniels Recital Hall, with its soaring Beaux Arts
dome, intricate woodwork and stained glass, is about to become a church
again. The developer who saved it from the wrecking ball has signed a
long-term lease with Mars Hill Downtown Seattle, a resolutely
evangelical congregation that has been worshiping in a former nightclub
since its founding in 2008. With 1,500 members, the congregation outgrew
its old, less-than-ideal quarters, where for a time the congregants
used exotic dancers' cages as coat racks.
Christians in Seattle aren't alone in wanting to reclaim the heart of their city as a place for worship. Though the American evangelical movement is often stereotyped as rural and provincial, it has actually had its greatest success in the suburbs and exurbs, where entrepreneurial pastors found cheap land and plentiful parking to build the "megachurches" of the past generation—think Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., seating capacity over 7,000.
But a new generation of church founders believes that city centers will be the beachhead of a new evangelization. While U.S. cities aren't growing as fast as overseas metropolises like Lagos or Shanghai, their renaissance since the crime-ridden 1970s is one of the cultural headlines of the last generation, and it has been accompanied by burgeoning urban congregations. On a Sunday morning in any American city the signs of change come in literal form: placards on sidewalks and corners announcing church meetings.
The growth in city-center churches is in tune with the times, summed up by Harvard economist Edward Glaeser's book "The Triumph of the City." News outlets like National Public Radio have aired numerous stories on the boom in urban studies. And my own employer, the evangelical magazine Christianity Today, has embarked on a two-year series of cover stories and documentary films about the urban Christian revival called "This Is Our City."
New York City pastor and best-selling author Timothy J. Keller helped spearhead the movement more than two decades ago. In 1989, he moved from rural Virginia to Manhattan and founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church. With several thousand in worship every week, Redeemer Presbyterian is perhaps the most celebrated city-center church story of recent years.
"You go to the city to reach the culture," Mr. Keller tells his congregation. This, he explains, is as old as religion itself, and points to what New Testament scholar Wayne Meeks called "the first urban Christians"—the first-century churches founded in provincial cities all over the Roman world, and very quickly in Rome itself.
READ MORE
Christians in Seattle aren't alone in wanting to reclaim the heart of their city as a place for worship. Though the American evangelical movement is often stereotyped as rural and provincial, it has actually had its greatest success in the suburbs and exurbs, where entrepreneurial pastors found cheap land and plentiful parking to build the "megachurches" of the past generation—think Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., seating capacity over 7,000.
But a new generation of church founders believes that city centers will be the beachhead of a new evangelization. While U.S. cities aren't growing as fast as overseas metropolises like Lagos or Shanghai, their renaissance since the crime-ridden 1970s is one of the cultural headlines of the last generation, and it has been accompanied by burgeoning urban congregations. On a Sunday morning in any American city the signs of change come in literal form: placards on sidewalks and corners announcing church meetings.
The growth in city-center churches is in tune with the times, summed up by Harvard economist Edward Glaeser's book "The Triumph of the City." News outlets like National Public Radio have aired numerous stories on the boom in urban studies. And my own employer, the evangelical magazine Christianity Today, has embarked on a two-year series of cover stories and documentary films about the urban Christian revival called "This Is Our City."
New York City pastor and best-selling author Timothy J. Keller helped spearhead the movement more than two decades ago. In 1989, he moved from rural Virginia to Manhattan and founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church. With several thousand in worship every week, Redeemer Presbyterian is perhaps the most celebrated city-center church story of recent years.
"You go to the city to reach the culture," Mr. Keller tells his congregation. This, he explains, is as old as religion itself, and points to what New Testament scholar Wayne Meeks called "the first urban Christians"—the first-century churches founded in provincial cities all over the Roman world, and very quickly in Rome itself.
READ MORE
Teen Girls Get Truth on Purity at The Pink Lid
With fashion magazine covers depicting Photoshopped imagery of girls with near perfect skin, hair—and everything else—Alyssa Shull is working to help teen girls see themselves through God’s eyes.
An Oral Roberts University graduate, Shull launched a conference in 2006 aimed at girls aged 12 to 18 who need a revelation on what true beauty is all about. Dubbed The Pink Lid, the two-day events include a fashion show, make-up seminar, speakers, a live band, food, giveaways, and Q&As about sex, love and dating.
“My sister was away from the Lord for a while, but then she attended a church event where 20-something girls shared their testimonies and it completely changed her life,” says Shull, co-founder of Shull Ministries International, the producer of Skunks TV. “She got on fire for God and she is still serving Him to this day. I wanted to give other young girls that experience.”
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An Oral Roberts University graduate, Shull launched a conference in 2006 aimed at girls aged 12 to 18 who need a revelation on what true beauty is all about. Dubbed The Pink Lid, the two-day events include a fashion show, make-up seminar, speakers, a live band, food, giveaways, and Q&As about sex, love and dating.
“My sister was away from the Lord for a while, but then she attended a church event where 20-something girls shared their testimonies and it completely changed her life,” says Shull, co-founder of Shull Ministries International, the producer of Skunks TV. “She got on fire for God and she is still serving Him to this day. I wanted to give other young girls that experience.”
READ MORE
Facing Adversity God's Way
WOOSTER, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- To be a fiction writer means to create difficult situations and have the characters overcome them. Ohio Christian fiction author, Lillian Duncan, hasn't needed to create a difficult situation, she's living it.
She developed Bell's Palsy on April 1 of this year. Her doctor insisted on an MRI and bilateral brain tumors were discovered. Though schwannomas are almost always benign, they can not be left untreated and require long-term monitoring and treatment.
"I was faced with a decision. Feel sorry for myself or live out my faith. I chose to honor God, but it's not easy. Every morning I have to make that choice again."
In spite of her medical condition, Ms. Duncan continues to be active in her writing career. Along with her fiction writing, she is currently using her own medical experiences as the foundation for her devotional blog Power Up With God powerupwithgod.com.
Power Up With God has been featuring a series of devotions relating to Facing Adversity God's Way, including the 10 Steps For Facing Tough Times:
- Read, Study, and Understand the Bible.
- Believe in God's love for you.
- Accept God's sovereignty.
- Expect trouble.
- Pray.
- Don't get stuck in the valley.
- Praise God.
- Guard your thoughts, words, and actions.
- Keep an attitude of gratitude.
- Focus on others.
In November, Power Up With God will feature GOD ENCOUNTERS from readers and writers about their personal encounters with God.
She will be releasing a Christmas-themed suspense novella, THE CHRISTMAS STALKING, this holiday season. Along with that, the second in her Sisters By Choice series will be released next year. Her website www.lillianduncan.net offers more information about both of these projects.
Ms. Duncan is available for interviews to discuss writing in general, her books, but especially wants to focus on helping others to Face Adversity God's Way.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT LILLIAN AT 330-464-0388 OR EMAIL: LDUNCAN512@AOL.COM
Christian Newswire
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
JCM Inc Partners with Somebody Cares Tampa Bay to Feed the Homeless During the Worship in the Now Conference on November 7-9, 2012
TAMPA, Oct. 23, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Internationally acclaimed recording artist, speaker and actor, JAVEN and JCM Inc. partner with Somebody Cares Tampa Bay on a food drive held during the Worship in the Now Conference at CityLife Church, November 7-9, 2012. All attendees are asked to bring non-perishable items on Friday night, November 9th to join forces with two powerful non-profit organizations committed to assisting the homeless.
The Worship in the Now Conference is an important forum for people to collectively support those in need. This three-day life-changing conference provides teachings by great speakers, leaders and pastors on successful living, spiritual growth, and more. More than just another gathering, this conference is designed to unleash the power of worship in daily living. "The idea of worship is to sacrifice for the will of God. We are expected to fulfill the purpose of God in song and in action. Donating food to the homeless is one other representation of what worship is about," says JAVEN.
Joining JAVEN are special guests such as 'Iron Man' Life Coach Tim Storey, Grammy nominated artist DeLeon Sheffield, former NFL Player Terrell Fletcher, Matt and Laurie Crouch of TBN, and others who will deliver powerful messages which will be sealed with a dynamic MUSIC CONCERT.
"This partnership is important to us because when people give with compassion that is the real music of the gospel," says Daniel Bernard, President of Somebody Cares Tampa Bay.
"I'm excited to be adding this effort so it can also represent the body of Christ and what it means to reach out to help our brothers and sisters in Tampa during these tough economic times. There is a fighter in us, a prayer warrior in us. There is a worshiper in us as well and we have to dig deep to get it out," says JAVEN.
For more information on the Worship in the Now Conference, visit the www.worshipinthenow.com, www.facebook.com/
About JCM Inc.
JCM Inc. is a powerful not-for-profit organization that changes lives across the country and around the world while partnering with such humanitarian works like Hope for Haiti, World Vision, LA Dream Center, and several domestic mission programs that deal with homelessness, hunger, and poverty.
About Somebody Cares Tampa Bay
Somebody Cares Tampa Bay unites and mobilizes the body of Christ to practically demonstrate and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform Tampa Bay.
Christian Newswire
'Jobs and Education Mandate: Defund Planned Parenthood,' says Civil Rights Activist Dr. Alveda King
ATLANTA, Oct. 22, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Rev. Martin Luther King, submits the following and is available for comment:
"At the polls remember that women need jobs, not abortions. Children need education, not birth control. Defund Planned Parenthood and put their annual $365 million entitlement fund to better use.
"Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider and they dole out abortions with a heavy hand. Why not use their huge annual entitlement to help students, families and struggling individuals in need of jobs and education? Give the money to the states for jobs and education programs.
"A plan like this would bolster the economy, and offer young Americans hope in the form of scholarships and or jobs instead of abortions-is that a novel or farfetched thought?
"Why don't we save babies in the womb and also rescue our failing educational systems instead of funding the nation's #1 abortion provider?
"In the late 1800's Reverend Wesley John Gaines called for the establishment of an institution for the moral, spiritual and intellectual growth of African American boys and girls. This vision was the foundation of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. The school opened in 1885 soon after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Once acclaimed, the school has suffered financial challenges over the last few years.
"An infusion of funds could help schools like Morris Brown recover and continue to educate students who can grow up to make meaningful contributions to society. An infusion of funds into entry level job opportunity programs could also bolster the economy and bring hope rather than despair to the dismal landscape.
"States could be invited to develop creative plans that fit their needs, and everyone would be in a win-win atmosphere created to empower our communities. No more entitlement mentality, offering free birth control and abortions. Let's offer hope rather than death and despair.
"By defunding Planned Parenthood, we could spend $365 million dollars a year on education and jobs. Yes, more jobs and school scholarships than we have right now in America.
"Instead of saying no, why don't we look at the bigger picture perspective; give our children and young adults hope, not abortions and harmful birth control drugs. We have to start somewhere; this could be a new beginning. Plant a seed and watch it grow! Defund Planned Parenthood."
More information on Dr. Alveda King and her work is available at King for America.
Christian Newswire
'Escape From North Korea' by Melanie Kirkpatrick
The Untold Story of Asia's Underground Railroad
"Her account is as captivating as a thriller, but unlike a thriller it is morally compelling." -- novelist Mark Helprin, author of In Sunlight and In Shadow
MEDIA ADVISORY,
Oct. 22, 2012
/Christian Newswire/ -- North Korea is hell on
earth--ranking at the bottom of every international measure of freedom.
Food is scarce. Religion is banned. Jails are abundant. Two hundred
thousand men, women and children are incarcerated in political prisons.
Their crimes? Possessing a Bible or disrespecting a photograph of Kim
John Il.
"Her account is as captivating as a thriller, but unlike a thriller it is morally compelling." -- novelist Mark Helprin, author of In Sunlight and In Shadow
It is a crime to leave the country. And for those who dare to flee, there is another circle of hell: life on the run in China. In Escape from North Korea, Melanie Kirkpatrick tells the riveting story of the North Koreans escaping to liberty. With a journalist's grasp of events and a novelist's ear for narrative, Kirkpatrick traces their harrowing passage along a secret route through China, which rejects them as criminals, on to Southeast Asia or Mongolia and, finally, to the sanctuary of South Korea and sometimes the U.S. They travel on a new "underground railroad," operated by brokers who are in it for the money and Christians who are in it to serve God.
Just as escaped slaves from the American South educated Americans about the evils of slavery, the North Korean fugitives are informing the world about the evil country they fled. Escape from North Korea describes how these heroic escapees are also sowing the seeds for change within North Korea by channeling news back to those they left behind. In doing so, they are helping to open their information-starved homeland, exposing their countrymen to liberal ideas, and laying the intellectual groundwork for transforming the totalitarian regime that keeps an entire nation in chains.
Christianity Today calls Escape from North Korea "a rare book that puts human faces on the numbers, a lamentation over policies and duplicities that have haunted a people terribly divided." Richard Land says "Melanie Kirkpatrick has done humanity a great service by telling this compelling story." Seth Lipsky of the New York Sun writes, "Her story reminds us all of why communist regimes so fear religion."
Surprises revealed in Escape from North Korea:
- North Korean exiles feed information into North Korea with forbidden cell phones, MP3 players, DVDs, flash drives.
- Chinese men place orders for "brides" from North Korea
- North Korea is the world's worst persecutor of Christians, yet Christianity is growing there.
- American Christians have gone to jail in China for the "crime" of helping North Koreans.
- A secret network extracts South Korean POWs from North Korea
Escape from North Korea was published by Encounter Books on September 18, 2012. Melanie Kirkpatrick is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former deputy editor of The Wall Street Journal editorial page. To set up an interview, contact Dean Draznin Communications: Dean Draznin 641-472-2257 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 641-472-2257 end_of_the_skype_highlighting dean@drazninpr.com; Leslie Levine 847-205-9853 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 847-205-9853 end_of_the_skype_highlighting leslie@drazninpr.com. See www.MelanieKirkpatrick.com
Christian Newswire
Wisconsin Right to Life Dramatic New Television Ad Airing Statewide -- Draws Attention to HHS Mandate for Religious Institutions
MILWAUKEE, Wis., Oct. 23, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- A dramatic new television ad, produced by Wisconsin Right to Life, is airing in most of Wisconsin's media markets. The ad draws attention to the fact that the federal administration is ordering Catholic hospitals and universities to provide coverage for abortion-inducing drugs, even though abortion violates deeply held Church beliefs.
Wisconsin Right to Life Executive Director Barbara Lyons said, "To follow the administration's orders means Catholic hospitals and universities face a dilemma -- serve only Catholics and deny care to all others, defy the administration and face huge financial penalties -- or close their doors altogether. Wisconsin Right to Life believes this is an untenable situation that the public needs to be aware of."
Wisconsin Right to Life's "Freedom TV Ad" can be viewed here:
www.wrtl.org/freedom/index.
Christian Newswire
Open Doors: Children, Others Surrounded by Terror, Sounds of War Across Syria
SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 23, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- After 20 months of fighting, there is no sign to an end in the civil war ravaging Syria. The war has claimed over 30,000 lives and left the country in ruins. The children of Syria have been among the victims.
"I spoke to a little girl (Yasmin) in Damascus," an Open Doors contact says. "What the girl shared with a mix of seriousness and humor shows what a terrible situation Syrian children grow up nowadays. Yasmin told me that they got rain and thunder in Damascus as the fall season is approaching. Then she continued to say with a small laugh, 'it's raining and thundering not just what God is sending us, but all kinds of stuff.'
"Children call the sound of bombings, attacks, gun shots and cannons 'music.' We wake up with this sound of music, live with it during the day and go to sleep with it."
The girl also told about shelling near her school. "All windows broke, but I wasn't hit by the glass. While all students were running around crying, I and a friend of mine were not afraid. We felt how the peace of Jesus fell on our lives."
The Open Doors contact adds: "Bombings, missiles, shelling, attacks are happening all over the country and are increasing in Aleppo and Damascus. But God's favor is over His church. Pain and suffering are seen daily, but the church is keeping its hope in Jesus."
The reality is harsh. Sunday there was a bomb attack in the Christian neighborhood of Bab Toma in the old city of Damascus. "Thirteen people died and over seventy got injured," says the contact. "One person from the Presbyterian Church died. Jenna from the Nazarene Church got injured. She shared how God lifted her up by a miracle and placed her back on the ground. She had just passed the car with the bomb three seconds earlier."
The bomb exploded around 11 o'clock Sunday morning, the Open Doors' contact shares. "One of the pastors of a nearby church said that this was not long after their morning service was over. The believers went back to church for the evening service and many came."
A pastor from Aleppo reports that prices are getting higher and higher. "We are in a very tough situation and we don't know where we are heading. But thank God, after one week without running water, we just have water again. Having water is a luxury these days."
Christians in Damascus see God's protection and testify about His power. Martitza tells: "My bedroom was destroyed by a grenade which fell nearby. My bed was split in half. Because I was that night taking care of my mother-in-law who is very ill, I did not die in my bed."
In the midst of all the fighting, there are many kidnappings. According to the Open Doors contact, a priest and his wife in Katana were kidnapped. "Bold attacks on Christians and Christian areas are increasing." The contact says that churches continue to do their best to reach out to people and take care of them. "They focus their eyes and hope on Christ and on His plans."
The contact urges Christians in the West to pray for an end to the war, for Christians the energy to handle daily calamities and boldness to reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888-524-2535 end_of_the_skype_highlighting) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 616-915-4117 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email jerryd@odusa.org.)
Christian Newswire
Join an American Moment on Veterans Day
FRONTLINE FAITH organizes moment of silent remembrance, thanksgiving and prayer for soldiers past and present
AUSTIN, Texas,
Oct. 23, 2012
/Christian Newswire/ -- Across generations spanning parts of
two centuries, the 11th day of the 11th month -- known since 1954 as
Veterans Day -- has given Americans everywhere pause ... to remember and
say thank you. Thank you to the U.S. men and women who served in the
military during two world wars, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Americans pause to thank those serving around the world today -- and
their families, who wait, hope and pray for their safe return.
On Sunday Nov. 11, the FRONTLINE FAITH Project calls every American to show their gratitude and their patriotism during An American Moment at noon local time wherever they are. "We want everyone, everywhere, to observe a moment of silence -- An American Moment -- on this Veterans Day and those to follow," said FRONTLINE FAITH founder Cheri Lomonte.
The organization has a created a special video to promote participation in An American Moment. Watch it any time -- and share it -- at youtu.be/0LPUQtSs3b8.
FRONTLINE FAITH believes that An American Moment is a simple, yet powerful action for individuals, families and groups to partake in to show solidarity on Veteran's Day -- the day reserved for Americans to remember with special thanksgiving those brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for country, freedom and safety.
"It is my hope," Lomonte said, "that this collective moment of silent prayer -- lifted all over the world on a single day -- will fortify the men and women of our Armed Forces and also enkindle the spirit of unity in our nation, a nation now fractured by politics and distracted by worldly pursuits. I believe it is time for us to come together as one people who together love our God and our country, serving each to the best of our abilities."
Lomonte founded FRONTLINE FAITH to support the spiritual needs of the United States Military and knows that over the past three years, the thousands of faith-filled MP3 players FRONTLINE FAITH has distributed from Camp Pendleton to Kandahar have provided critical spiritual nourishment for U.S. men and women soldiers. She hopes An American Moment will do that -- and much more.
"We want to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present," she said. "We hope everyone will offer a silent moment of prayer at noon wherever they are -- a silent prayer to thank our military for their service, to pray for the peaceful repose of those who have died, and to pray for the intentions of those still living."
No matter where you are -- at home with your family, gathered with your friends, your church group, civic organization, on bases at home or abroad, or anywhere else, FRONTLINE FAITH calls all Americans to gather with those they are with at noon and join An American Moment to recognize, thank and pray for our military and our country.
"Let us remember our troops on the front lines," said Fr. Jim Evans, a chaplain serving with the Texas Army National Guard. "Indeed, let us remember all of our veterans, and let us pray for all of our military who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"At noon wherever we are," he added, "let us pause for a moment to honor, to pray for and to thank those men and women who now serve and have served, that we might live in freedom. We are one nation; let us show our patriotism as one nation under God."
About Veterans Day
World War I fighting ended Nov. 11, 1918, when Allied nations and Germany signed an armistice -- a temporary cessation of hostilities. The war officially ended June 19, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first commemoration of what was then known as Armistice Day in November 1919. It became a legal holiday in 1938, and was amended to become Veterans Day in 1954. The Uniform Holiday Bill of 1968 included Veterans Day in a group of four national holidays to be celebrated on Mondays -- regardless of date -- in order to provide long weekends for observance and activities. It became apparent quickly that most Americans preferred to observe Veterans Day on the specific annual date of Nov. 11, and President Gerald Ford returned the holiday to its original date by signing Public Law 94-97 in September 1975. That law officially returned Veterans Day to Nov. 11 beginning in 1978, where it remains.
About FRONTLINE FAITH
Founded in 2009, FRONTLINE FAITH produces MP3 players packed with prayers and inspirational material for Christian U.S. military serving around the globe. Each programming package includes features exclusive to its target audience (Catholic or Protestant) and common features like letters from children and inspirational music. Catholics will find a full Mass recorded at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.; Rosary meditations; and a variety of prayers. Protestants will find faith-filled commentaries and messages from pastors, chaplains and troops.
FRONTLINE FAITH has distributed more than 30,000 MP3 players to date, but its task remains daunting. According to numbers from the Department of Defense, reflecting active-duty troops through Jan. 31, 2012, more than 960,000 self-identify as Christian. "When I receive emails from our military thanking us for the players we send to them" Lomonte said, "and what the players mean to them, I am humbled and blessed and I feel very small compared to what they are doing for me and our country. We are all in this together. So when one of us hurts, we all hurt. Our troops need our spiritual support. It is our duty to help our troops with prayer and players."
That duty -- helping -- can take a variety of forms in addition to making An American Moment a priority on Nov. 11:
- Donating as little as $24 to produce and distribute a FRONTLINE FAITH MP3 player;
- Sharing news of the project in church communities to help spread the word about FRONTLINE FAITH;
- Sharing personal stories from the front, or those of family members deployed;
-
Connecting FRONTLINE FAITH to online social communities:
Like and share the FRONTLINE FAITH Facebook page -- Follow FRONTLINE FAITH on Twitter -- @FrontlineFaith.
Christian Newswire
'Purposeful Parenting in Adoption' Seminar Saturday to Help Adoptive Parents
MASON, Ohio, Oct. 23, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- To help equip adoptive families deal with the challenges specific to raising adopted children, All God's Children International is presenting a free training seminar with Patty Jewell, LCSW, and founder of the Center for Family Connection. Through the presentation on "Purposeful Parenting in Adoption," Jewell will explore the impact deficiencies in early childhood care can have on a child's ability to attach, advances in neuroscience as it relates to parenting, how to function as a transracial family, as well as many other topics.
Her training will center on how adoptive parents can properly attach to adopted children, despite the challenges their child may be facing when trying to build lasting relationships due to trauma and maltreatment. She will also give powerful information about strategies that promote well-being in children, and tactics to help parents form proper bonds with them. For the past 14 years, Jewell has worked directly with children and families who are experiencing significant and ongoing problems related to early abuse, neglect and abandonment.
The free seminar will take place on Saturday, October 27th from 10am to 2:30pm at Hope Church in Mason, Ohio. Attendees can RSVP online at AllGodsChildren.org/
About All God's Children International: Founded in 1991, All God's Children International passionately serves the world's orphan and vulnerable children by offering hope through the life-changing ministries of adoption, orphan care and missions. Each year, AGCI unites nearly 200 orphans from around the world with their forever families across the United States. Through AGCI's Hannah's Hope orphan homes, children are provided medical care, education, ministry and safety while waiting to be placed in loving homes. Additionally, AGCI provides orphan care for children without families, family preservation projects, and short-term missions. www.AllGodsChildren.org
Christian Newswire
Colo. Megachurch Pastor: Hype vs. Holy Spirit
A Colorado Springs megachurch pastor became disillusioned when he began to follow on Twitter around a dozen high-profile pastors whose ministries he respected.
These pastors would regularly tweet something that was, in Pastor Brady Boyd's opinion, overflowing with hype. "Super Bowl of all Sundays," "the megamonster of all sermons," "I can't think of another time I have been more excited about preaching a message," they tweeted as they touted upcoming weekend services."How can it be, week after week?" Boyd, senior pastor of New Life Church, wrote in his newly released book Sons & Daughters.
Sadly, the result of hype is a church full of consumers.
"It would be easy to blame church congregations for the madness that has consumed our gatherings these days, except that from what I see from their pastors, we're conditioning them to behave this way. We hype and promote and position and tweet and inadvertently create pews full of consumers instead of devoted worshipers of God," Boyd stated.
"We hyp-ers are setting up our people to expect an experience, instead of teaching them to encounter their Lord."
Job Corps sites in Miss. & Texas honored
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) -- Christian Women's Job Corps sites in
Philadelphia, Miss., and San Marcos, Texas, have received this year's
top honors from the Woman's Missionary Union Foundation.
The two CWJCs, which receive a $1,800 grant each, are part of WMU's national network to equip disadvantaged women for life and employment, offering weekly Bible studies and job training, while also pairing them with mentors for encouragement and accountability.
CWJC of Philadelphia, Miss., established in 2008, offers a Jobs for Life program that includes computer basics, budget training and a clothes closet with clothing appropriate for job interviews.
Site coordinator Sandi Lewis added that the site's one-on-one mentoring sets it apart from secular training programs in the community.
And the site's Jobs for Life curriculum "is biblically-based," Lewis said, "so it addresses issues that [other skills training] programs do not."
Lewis said the site will use the WMU grant to purchase additional GED resources and computer tables for use during classes. Currently, the nine computers used in training are on tables that are too high to comfortably use in an hour-long class, Lewis said.
"There are enough roadblocks to overcome for our ladies," she said, "and having them practice computer skills at desks that are at the correct level will make the process easier and more comfortable."
READ MORE
The two CWJCs, which receive a $1,800 grant each, are part of WMU's national network to equip disadvantaged women for life and employment, offering weekly Bible studies and job training, while also pairing them with mentors for encouragement and accountability.
CWJC of Philadelphia, Miss., established in 2008, offers a Jobs for Life program that includes computer basics, budget training and a clothes closet with clothing appropriate for job interviews.
Site coordinator Sandi Lewis added that the site's one-on-one mentoring sets it apart from secular training programs in the community.
And the site's Jobs for Life curriculum "is biblically-based," Lewis said, "so it addresses issues that [other skills training] programs do not."
Lewis said the site will use the WMU grant to purchase additional GED resources and computer tables for use during classes. Currently, the nine computers used in training are on tables that are too high to comfortably use in an hour-long class, Lewis said.
"There are enough roadblocks to overcome for our ladies," she said, "and having them practice computer skills at desks that are at the correct level will make the process easier and more comfortable."
READ MORE
Stunt Icon Vic Armstrong to Direct Nicolas Cage in 'Left Behind'
Legendary stunt coordinator and second-unit director Vic Armstrong is making a very rare jump into the director’s chair for the rebooted Left Behind movie.
Armstrong is in negotiations to direct Nicolas Cage,
who is making a deal to star in what producers hope will be a new
trilogy based on the mega-successful Christian-themed books written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.
STORY: Faith-Based 'Left Behind' Books Returning to Big Screen
Paul Lalonde, who was one of the producers of the original, independently made series that starred Kirk Cameron, is producing the action thriller with Michael Walker. Jay David Williams of Family Screen Partners is exec producing.
The movies were political thrillers that focused on the End of Days and the Rapture. Those Christian beliefs are again the focal point of the new movie, but the story will be more in the mold of a classic disaster film. The plot unfolds during the first few hours after the Rapture and focuses on the survivors.
Producers are working with a budget in the $15 million range and are aiming to shoot the first movie in spring 2013 in Baton Rouge, La.
READ MORE
our editor recommends
STORY: Faith-Based 'Left Behind' Books Returning to Big Screen
Paul Lalonde, who was one of the producers of the original, independently made series that starred Kirk Cameron, is producing the action thriller with Michael Walker. Jay David Williams of Family Screen Partners is exec producing.
The movies were political thrillers that focused on the End of Days and the Rapture. Those Christian beliefs are again the focal point of the new movie, but the story will be more in the mold of a classic disaster film. The plot unfolds during the first few hours after the Rapture and focuses on the survivors.
Producers are working with a budget in the $15 million range and are aiming to shoot the first movie in spring 2013 in Baton Rouge, La.
READ MORE
What's New: 'Fires of Faith' shares the history of the King James Bible translation
"FIRES OF FAITH: The Inspiring Story Behind the King James Bible," by Brock Brower with Lee Groberg and Steven Porter, Covenant Communications, $29.99, 115 pages (nf)
The history of the King James Version of the Bible is full of hardships and struggles. It is now the No. 1 bestselling book of all time, with tremendous influence on not only religion, but language, culture, art and literature.
"Fires of Faith" is a hardback book that relates how the King James Bible was able to be translated into English during a time when Europe did not practice religious freedom. The brave men and women, some losing their lives for the sake of the book's translation, who fought the battle include William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, Henry VIII, Queen Mary I and King James. Each of played a significant role in the publication of the King James Bible.
The history of the King James Version of the Bible is full of hardships and struggles. It is now the No. 1 bestselling book of all time, with tremendous influence on not only religion, but language, culture, art and literature.
"Fires of Faith" is a hardback book that relates how the King James Bible was able to be translated into English during a time when Europe did not practice religious freedom. The brave men and women, some losing their lives for the sake of the book's translation, who fought the battle include William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, Henry VIII, Queen Mary I and King James. Each of played a significant role in the publication of the King James Bible.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Ann Romney Would be First Pro-Life First Lady Since Roe
Ann Romney interviewed with the liberal women of The View on Thursday
but didn’t back down in proclaiming her pro-life position.
If her husband Mitt Romney wins the presidential election, she would become the first pro-life First Lady since Roe v. Wade. Although Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush were pro-life and crafted extensive pro-life records, their wives did not share their pro-life positions.
Ann Romney did not demure on abortion and proudly said she has also converted to the pro-life position.
“The good news is, I’m not running for office and I don’t have to say what I feel. But I am pro life. I’m happy to say that,” the candidate’s wife said.
Romney went through the explanation of how Mitt Romney, when confronted with legislation that would allow human embryos to be destroyed in a person’s earliest days of life, that Mitt had a genuine change of heart.
“He could not have, on his conscience, creating human life for experimentation,” Romney said. “That’s when he came out saying he was pro life. I think we all have to understand this is an issue that is so tender and there are people on both sides of the issue, with very good conscience, coming with a different opinion.”
Romney also would not give pro-abortion activist Joy Behar the pleasure of making Mitt Romney out to be a candidate who doesn’t care about women’s issues.
“You know, again, I would love it if you’d get my husband on the couch, Joy, and you could go down with that all you want,” she said.
READ MORE
If her husband Mitt Romney wins the presidential election, she would become the first pro-life First Lady since Roe v. Wade. Although Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush were pro-life and crafted extensive pro-life records, their wives did not share their pro-life positions.
Ann Romney did not demure on abortion and proudly said she has also converted to the pro-life position.
“The good news is, I’m not running for office and I don’t have to say what I feel. But I am pro life. I’m happy to say that,” the candidate’s wife said.
Romney went through the explanation of how Mitt Romney, when confronted with legislation that would allow human embryos to be destroyed in a person’s earliest days of life, that Mitt had a genuine change of heart.
“He could not have, on his conscience, creating human life for experimentation,” Romney said. “That’s when he came out saying he was pro life. I think we all have to understand this is an issue that is so tender and there are people on both sides of the issue, with very good conscience, coming with a different opinion.”
Romney also would not give pro-abortion activist Joy Behar the pleasure of making Mitt Romney out to be a candidate who doesn’t care about women’s issues.
“You know, again, I would love it if you’d get my husband on the couch, Joy, and you could go down with that all you want,” she said.
READ MORE
For now, pastors still can oppose sin
A decision in a case regarded as a bellwether in the developing
standoff between the right to free speech and so-called “hate crimes”
laws that punish “thoughts” or “perceptions” has arrived – and it
affirms the right of free speech.
The decision comes from the highest appeals court in Alberta. The court week dismissed an appeal of a lower court decision that ruled Pastor Stephen Boissoin was not liable to pay a $5,000 penalty and issue an apology for a letter he wrote to the editor of a local newspaper.
WND previously reported Alberta adopted a “hate speech” law with promises the measure would be reserved for actions that accompany “hate speech.”
Boissoin’s letter to the Red Deer Advocate newspaper criticized those who “in any way support the homosexual machine that has been mercilessly gaining ground in our society since the 1960s.”
“Our children are being victimized by repugnant and premeditated strategies, aimed at desensitizing and eventually recruiting our young into their camps,” Boisson wrote. “Think about it, children as young as five and six years of age are being subjected to psychologically and physiologically damaging pro-homosexual literature and guidance in the public-school system. … Your teenagers are being instructed on how to perform so-called safe same-gender oral and anal sex. … Come on people, wake up!”
“Back Fired” shows how the faith that gave birth to tolerance is no longer tolerated!
His comments “offended” some, and he was brought to trial before a human rights council, which ordered him to make the apology and pay $5,000 to a professor who brought the complaint.
Now, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom, the decision from the Alberta court likely signals an ultimate victory in the 12-year legal fight.
“Christians and other people of faith should not be fined or jailed for expressing their political or religious beliefs. There is no place for thought control in a free and democratic society,” said Gerald Chipeur, one of more than 2,200 allied attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom, who served as counsel in the suit. “The tools of censorship should not be available to prohibit freedom of religious expression in Canada. The court rightly found that this type of religious speech is not ‘hate speech.’”
READ MORE
The decision comes from the highest appeals court in Alberta. The court week dismissed an appeal of a lower court decision that ruled Pastor Stephen Boissoin was not liable to pay a $5,000 penalty and issue an apology for a letter he wrote to the editor of a local newspaper.
WND previously reported Alberta adopted a “hate speech” law with promises the measure would be reserved for actions that accompany “hate speech.”
Boissoin’s letter to the Red Deer Advocate newspaper criticized those who “in any way support the homosexual machine that has been mercilessly gaining ground in our society since the 1960s.”
“Our children are being victimized by repugnant and premeditated strategies, aimed at desensitizing and eventually recruiting our young into their camps,” Boisson wrote. “Think about it, children as young as five and six years of age are being subjected to psychologically and physiologically damaging pro-homosexual literature and guidance in the public-school system. … Your teenagers are being instructed on how to perform so-called safe same-gender oral and anal sex. … Come on people, wake up!”
“Back Fired” shows how the faith that gave birth to tolerance is no longer tolerated!
His comments “offended” some, and he was brought to trial before a human rights council, which ordered him to make the apology and pay $5,000 to a professor who brought the complaint.
Now, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom, the decision from the Alberta court likely signals an ultimate victory in the 12-year legal fight.
“Christians and other people of faith should not be fined or jailed for expressing their political or religious beliefs. There is no place for thought control in a free and democratic society,” said Gerald Chipeur, one of more than 2,200 allied attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom, who served as counsel in the suit. “The tools of censorship should not be available to prohibit freedom of religious expression in Canada. The court rightly found that this type of religious speech is not ‘hate speech.’”
READ MORE
When social justice equals no justice
By Jan Markell
When a college forum talks about being pro-peace and pro-Jesus, why do I become suspicious? When the event is sponsored by a Department of Reconciliation Studies, why do I become uncomfortable? The answer is, in part, that I graduated from this once rock-solid school in prehistoric days when Christian colleges were a safe bet. Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., is like most Christian schools today. They are trying to be cutting edge, and they are trying to tell the truth from their perspective. But when the forum is about leaving the “traditional pro-Israel stand” and learning to embrace the tormented Palestinians instead, you will begin to understand the dilemma. The attempt at “reconciliation” is disingenuous. The whole truth won’t be told.
And indeed, Bethel University’s “Hope for the Holy Land” offered no hope and didn’t tell the truth. The speakers were on tour promoting Christian engagement in Palestine and Israel. They included Lynne Hybels from Willow Creek Church in Illinois, Sami Awad from the Holy Land Trust and Mae Elise Cannon from World Vision.
I did not know that at the same time my friend and fellow journalist Jim Fletcher was attending “Catalyst East” in Atlanta, one of the greatest gatherings of young evangelicals in America. And, they are largely pro-Palestinian. I shudder as I compare notes with Fletcher because the conclusion is obvious: Israel’s days of enjoying unquestionable support from the evangelical community is eroding. He heard a few of the same voices I did.
Fletcher writes, “Lynne Hybels presented no context with regard to physical conflicts between Israel and her Arab neighbors. For example, in her admittedly brief overview of the region, war seemed to spring up out of nowhere. No mention of Arab invasions of Israel in 1948 or 1973, or the cataclysmic decisions of Egypt’s Nasser in 1967, which led to Israel administering the disputed territories of Judea/Samaria, or as the world largely knows it, the West Bank.” He continues, “For example, Hybels and others have begun framing the issue in terms of ‘pro-peace, pro-Israel, pro-Palestinian, and pro-Jesus.’ Other speakers such as Glenn Stassen, David Gushee, Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo savage Christian Zionists in the most odious terms. Hybels presents a softer, gentler side of Palestinian advocacy.”
I made the same conclusion about Lynne Hybels. If you have to listen to Palestinian propaganda, it is nice to hear it in a soft-spoken voice. The same can be said for Christian Arab Sami Awad. Both are people you would like to get to know better. Both are sincere Christians who just happen to believe what Palestinian Christian leaders have said more than they choose to believe many verses in the Bible as it concerns God’s land and people. Lynn and Sami aren’t being disingenuous. They have different interpretations of the Bible, theology and the facts on the ground.
The problem is they are speaking into the minds of young people who may not be able to properly process the information. These same young people will soon become pastors and teachers to the church at large, and the untruths will be further implemented in the church.
How can you genuinely be pro-peace if there is no truthful talk about the following?
READ MORE
When a college forum talks about being pro-peace and pro-Jesus, why do I become suspicious? When the event is sponsored by a Department of Reconciliation Studies, why do I become uncomfortable? The answer is, in part, that I graduated from this once rock-solid school in prehistoric days when Christian colleges were a safe bet. Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., is like most Christian schools today. They are trying to be cutting edge, and they are trying to tell the truth from their perspective. But when the forum is about leaving the “traditional pro-Israel stand” and learning to embrace the tormented Palestinians instead, you will begin to understand the dilemma. The attempt at “reconciliation” is disingenuous. The whole truth won’t be told.
And indeed, Bethel University’s “Hope for the Holy Land” offered no hope and didn’t tell the truth. The speakers were on tour promoting Christian engagement in Palestine and Israel. They included Lynne Hybels from Willow Creek Church in Illinois, Sami Awad from the Holy Land Trust and Mae Elise Cannon from World Vision.
I did not know that at the same time my friend and fellow journalist Jim Fletcher was attending “Catalyst East” in Atlanta, one of the greatest gatherings of young evangelicals in America. And, they are largely pro-Palestinian. I shudder as I compare notes with Fletcher because the conclusion is obvious: Israel’s days of enjoying unquestionable support from the evangelical community is eroding. He heard a few of the same voices I did.
Fletcher writes, “Lynne Hybels presented no context with regard to physical conflicts between Israel and her Arab neighbors. For example, in her admittedly brief overview of the region, war seemed to spring up out of nowhere. No mention of Arab invasions of Israel in 1948 or 1973, or the cataclysmic decisions of Egypt’s Nasser in 1967, which led to Israel administering the disputed territories of Judea/Samaria, or as the world largely knows it, the West Bank.” He continues, “For example, Hybels and others have begun framing the issue in terms of ‘pro-peace, pro-Israel, pro-Palestinian, and pro-Jesus.’ Other speakers such as Glenn Stassen, David Gushee, Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo savage Christian Zionists in the most odious terms. Hybels presents a softer, gentler side of Palestinian advocacy.”
I made the same conclusion about Lynne Hybels. If you have to listen to Palestinian propaganda, it is nice to hear it in a soft-spoken voice. The same can be said for Christian Arab Sami Awad. Both are people you would like to get to know better. Both are sincere Christians who just happen to believe what Palestinian Christian leaders have said more than they choose to believe many verses in the Bible as it concerns God’s land and people. Lynn and Sami aren’t being disingenuous. They have different interpretations of the Bible, theology and the facts on the ground.
The problem is they are speaking into the minds of young people who may not be able to properly process the information. These same young people will soon become pastors and teachers to the church at large, and the untruths will be further implemented in the church.
How can you genuinely be pro-peace if there is no truthful talk about the following?
READ MORE
'We Stand With Israel' Project Added as Sponsor of the We The People Presidential Debate® -- 'In Their Own Words'(tm) 'Virtual Debate' Airing October 23rd, 2012 at 9PM EST
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 22, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Big Voices Media Broadcast Network announced today that the www.WeStandWithIsrael.org project will join Tea Party Express as a sponsor of its 1 hour exclusive TV Special, We The People Presidential Debate® - "In Their Own Words"™, airing as a webcast on October 23rd at 9PM Eastern at www.BigVoicesMedia.com, and simulcast for viewing through ROKU Internet TV and smart phones. See the program trailer at bigvoicesmedia.com/wethepeople
The strength of the unique U.S.-Israel alliance is found in the shared values of the two nations. When President Lyndon Johnson was asked by Soviet Premier Aleksei Kosygin why the U.S. supported Israel when there are 80 million Arabs and only three million Israelis, President Johnson replied simply: "Because it is right."
The www.WeStandWithIsrael.org project believes in the tradition that America stands by its allies and supports them against our common enemies. It further believes that due to the ongoing threat of the Iranian regime to destroy Israel and the United States, that a nuclear capable Iran is a threat to peace and stability in the free world, is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately by any means necessary.
"The www.WeStandWithIsrael.org project stands for the truth and we are proud to include them as a supporter and sponsor of the We The People Presidential Debate." explains Executive Producer Clyde Fabretti. "We have seen firsthand how a candidate can be 'Candied' in a traditional Presidential Debate [a reference to the contamination of the 10/16 Town Hall Debate by moderator Candy Crowley (CNN) due to her intervention on behalf of President Obama regarding his statements on the Benghazi attack] and, how unfortunately the full truth about a candidate's ideologies and previously stated positions do not always survive such forums. The voting public deserves the clear and unvarnished truth, in a candidate's own words. With the support of a great sponsor like the www.WeStandWithIsrael.org project, that is exactly what is intended for viewers to see Tuesday night."
The theme of this TV production is to ask questions by "We The People" to include an array of notable public figures and the voting public -- with answers "In Their Own Words" ™ revealed in historic videos found through an extensive archival search project conducted by the researchers at Big Voices Media. The program was taped Friday (10/12) before a live studio audience on the campus of the University of North Florida, and was enthusiastically received and praised by the public in attendance at the taping.
Big Voices Media is a conservative broadcast company (www.BigVoicesMedia.com) which is best described as the technical convergence of websites like YouTube, Facebook and U-Stream together, with dozens of affiliate channels, an extensive video library and a social network community, all grounded in conservative principles and values. Public appearances and interviews with Big Voices Media CEO Billie Tucker may be arranged through Dorothy Mowbray, BVM Director of Communications at contact information above.
Contact: Dorothy Mowbray,
Big Voices Media,
407-353-4636 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 407-353-4636 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Christian Newswire
Ohio Life Collaboration Campaign Applauds 2011 Record Abortion Decrease: 12% Fewer Abortions than 2010
AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Numbers released this month by the Ohio Department of Health documented a 12% reduction in abortions in 2011 compared to 2010," stated Patrick D'Andrea, Chairman of the Ohio Life Collaboration Campaign. "It was both heartwarming and inspiring to learn that nearly 3,000 fewer women and their babies endured the pain of abortion."
The Ohio Department of Health reported that the decline is larger in magnitude than has been reported in recent years.
"The Ohio Life Collaboration Campaign is pleased to be a part of the movement to empower women to choose life," continued D'Andrea. "We believe that there are several factors contributing to a decline in abortions: education, media and public policy efforts empower women with information about positive alternatives to abortion and connect them with Pregnancy Help Centers. It's exciting that more Ohio women are learning about the positive resources and assistance available to them, and choosing life for their babies."
Ohio Life Collaboration Campaign Quick Facts:
- The Campaign represents several pro-life groups coming together to connect women with life-affirming resources and help. Collaborative partners include: Heroic Media, Option Line, Heartbeat International, Right to Life of Northeast Ohio, many area churches and local area pregnancy centers. The Campaign attempts to coordinate the efforts of these groups allowing each participant to concentrate its efforts on what it does best along the "connecting" chain, while relying upon the others to do likewise.
- In 2011, Ohio Life Collaboration Campaign media efforts generated over 14,000 connections to life-affirming resources in the state of Ohio.
- The 2011 media campaign consisted of over 120 billboards and over 300,000 Internet ad impressions.
- The current 2012 media campaign includes nearly 400 billboards statewide, viewed by over 7 million daily. In addition, 2012 Internet ad impressions will exceed 1 million.
Contact: Julia Norton,
216-978-7220 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 216-978-7220 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Heroic Media
Option Line
Heartbeat International
Right to Life of Northeast Ohio
216-978-7220 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 216-978-7220 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Christian Newswire
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