Wednesday, October 10, 2012
First World Problems Anthem
These kids put things into perspective and make you think twice about the comments we make about our problems each and every day. There are people out there who don't have food or a home to live in. This video shows us that we should start thinking of others the way Jesus has called us too.
Public Prayer in Jesus' Name: Yes or No?
Since the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Joyner v. Forsyth County that prayers offered in Jesus' name are unconstitutional and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal, some 25 to 30 government bodies across North Carolina have been in the cross hairs of groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Humanist Association. They demand that any sectarian prayers cease and desist.
The ruling essentially turned the First Amendment on its head. Judge Paul Niemeyer, in his dissenting opinion, rightly lamented that in the ruling the court "dared to step in and regulate the language of prayer - the sacred dialogue between humankind and God."This precipitates my sharing about two resources I recently came across that address this topic.
In September my son (Matt) and his wife (Kimberly) visited the U.S.S. North Carolina. This great battleship, also known as "Showboat" took part in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II. It became the most highly decorated American battleship, accumulating 15 battle stars and is now a museum ship and memorial docked in Wilmington.
While browsing the ship's gift shop, Matt and Kimberly came across an old "Song and Service Book for Ship and Field," used by Chaplains for both the Army and the Navy. According to the gift shop, the book had only recently been discovered in storage and was on the ship when the "greatest generation" fought to end tyranny around the world. Knowing my love for rare and out of print religious books, they purchased it as a gift for me on my birthday.
I must say I was elated to receive this newfound resource and immediately started to thumb through its pages. What I found on a cover page astonished me – something to my chagrin I had never seen before – something I would every American could read – Washington's Prayer for the Nation.
Grand Rapids Faith-Based Organizations to Lead Bike Tour to Fight Poverty
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 10, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Cyclists are signing up for the ride of their lives next summer, seeking to end the cycle of poverty in North America and around the world.
The Sea to Sea 2013 Bike Tour is a nine-week, 3,900-mile cycling trek across North America designed to raise awareness and funds in support of those living in poverty around the world. The tour is hosted by the Reformed Church in America, Partners Worldwide, and World Renew--an agency of the Christian Reformed Church in North America.
The tour begins June 21, 2013, in Los Angeles and ends nine weeks later in New York City. Stops include Phoenix, Colorado Springs, Chicago, Pella, Grand Rapids, Toronto, and Montreal. Organizers expect this will be the largest bicycle tour to ever cross the United States and Canada, and applications are already coming in. Riders have the option of going the full distance or registering for one to five week segments. It is recommended that riders register by December 1, 2012.
The challenge includes nine weeks on the road, cycling an average of 68 miles per day, and resting only on Sundays. Each rider is also required to raise at least $10,000 toward the cause.
The 2008 tour, which rode through the U.S. and Canada, sent over $1.5 million to local, national and international agencies fighting poverty.
"We have been able to make a difference in fighting poverty, locally and abroad, before. But there is so much more to do. The needs today are greater," said Claire Elgersma, chair of the tour's steering committee.
Funds generated through the tour will be used to support new or ongoing initiatives in the areas of business and community development, and will provide people around the world with access to clean water, immunizations, and other vital medical services.
Additionally, 35 percent of the tour proceeds will be distributed to local programs that assist the poor.
For more information about Sea to Sea, go to www.seatosea.org.
Christian Newswire
Christian Leader Says People of Faith and Conscience Have a Spiritual and Moral Responsibility to Pray Against the Re-election of President Obama
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states the faith community cannot support a President who has broken covenant and violated the principles of; the dignity of life, religious freedom, the foundation of marriage and social justice for the needy and oppressed.
Some of the comments of Rev. Mahoney include:
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"As Christians and people of faith, we are to respect, honor and
pray for those in authority. Over the past four years, we have been
faithful to respect and pray for President Obama, his family and his
Administration.
"However, the Christian community also has a prophetic responsibility to embrace life, justice and stand against the crushing of human rights. In that respect, we must pray that our leaders will honor God and the historic principles of His Word.
"Since voting is never neutral and carries a moral and spiritual weight, how is the faith community to pray for the Presidential election on November 6? We believe faithful Christians and people of conscience must pray against the re-election of President Obama based on his radical and extremist policies on abortion, his redefinition of marriage, his crushing of religious freedom through the HHS Mandate and his lack of commitment to the oppressed and needy."
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"As Christians and people of faith, we are to respect, honor and
pray for all those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us to offer
prayers and intercessions for our leaders.
- President Obama's crushing and lack of respect for religious freedom and conscience in the HHS mandate in Obamacare.
- His extremist and radical policies on abortion which have resulted in Mr. Obama becoming the most pro-abortion president in American history.
- President Obama becoming our first President to redefine marriage and violate the historic and spiritual principles of marriage.
- His lack of commitment to social justice and the needy as seen in his cutting $19,000,000 to a program of the Catholic Church that helped the victims of sex-trafficking and the dramatic increase of families and children in poverty under his Administration.
"Over the past 4 years, we have been faithful to respect and pray for President Obama, his family and his Administration. We have echoed the prayer of the Rev. Billy Graham for President Obama as he prayed for past Presidents:
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'We beseech Thee that he will have Thy divine guidance and power
daily. Help him as Thou didst help Thy servants of old. Our Father, we
know his burdens and responsibilities will be overwhelming. He will hold
in his hands the destiny of more people than any man in history. O God,
our President needs Thee as no man ever needed Thee in leading a
people!
'There will be times when he will be overwhelmed by the problems at home and abroad that have been building up to the breaking point for many years. Protect him from physical danger. And in the lonely moments of decision grant him an uncompromising courage to do what is morally right. Give him a cool head and a warm heart. Give him a compassion for those in physical, moral, and spiritual need. We pray that Thou wilt so guide President Obama in handling the affairs of state that the whole world will marvel and glorify Thee.'
"However, the Christian community also has a prophetic responsibility to embrace life, justice and stand against the crushing of human rights. In that respect, we must pray that our leaders will honor God, the historic principles of His Word and the founding principles of this nation which has brought freedom and liberty to millions. Christians recognize the truth of Proverbs 14:34 that, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
"Since voting is never neutral and carries a moral and spiritual weight, how is the faith community to pray for the Presidential election on November 6?
"I believe based on the 4 points listed below, faithful Christians and people of conscience have a moral and spiritual responsibility to pray against the re-election of President Obama.
These points are:
"We harbor no malice toward President Obama and recognize that God is sovereign and directs circumstances and situations according to His will and purposes. However, as people of faith and conscience we cannot support a President who has broken covenant and violated the principles of; religious freedom, the dignity of life, the foundation of marriage and social justice. In light of this, we must pray that this President is not re-elected."
Christian Newswire
OHIO: American Heritage Girls Launch Video; 2-D Animated Video Connects Girls to Faith, Service and Fun
CINCINNATI, Ohio, Oct. 10, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- What do karaoke, canoeing and cupcakes have in common? According to a 2-D animated video from the American Heritage Girls (AHG), it's where faith, service and fun come together!
AHG encourages families who are seeking a Christ-centered scouting experience for their daughters to use the video before church services, Scout Sunday, conferences, back-to-school nights and other community events.
The video, just over two minutes in length, begins with the life of a little girl with big dreams. A literal stage suddenly expands to the girl reading her favorite book called "You can learn to fly." The narrator asks if she has heard of American Heritage Girls. An inquisitive "no" begins a journey of a lifetime unveiling the AHG program.
According to the video, AHG will help girls follow Christ, have lots of adventures, and discover their God-given dreams and purpose. The girl is swept onto a stage to experience several activities including theater, cake-decorating, canoeing and even sign language.
The action quickly places the girl into a paper airplane thus living out her deepest desire to be a pilot, missionary and translator.
In the end, the enthusiastic young girl is ready to join AHG. The video, part of the revised AHG Brand, is a copyright of American Heritage Girls, Inc. and must be used in its entirety.
AHG's video was produced by Vision House Studio, a full service video production and web design company. Vision House specializes in production for church and parachurch organizations.
American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christ-centered, character development program for all girls 5 - 18 years of age. AHG is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. Founded in 1995 in Cincinnati, Ohio, AHG has grown from ten troops and 100 members to more than 20,000 members across four countries and 47 U.S. states. With emphasis on Christian values and family involvement, girls participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities and outdoor experiences. AHG and the Boy Scouts of America share a Memorandum of Mutual Support to provide faith-based organizations a wholesome family scouting experience.
To schedule an interview with Patti Garibay, national executive director and founder of American Heritage Girls, contact Jody Token at 513.771.2025 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 513.771.2025 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or news@ahgonline.org
Christian Newswire
America Is One of the Fastest Growing Mission Fields in the World
America is one of the fastest-growing mission fields in the world, the most recent issue of Unfinished magazine says, but if Christians are not careful they will miss opportunities to reach their "least reached neighbors."
The fall edition of the magazine, which is published by The Mission Society, focuses on the increasing diversity throughout the U.S. and how Christians can engage in cross-cultural ministry without leaving the city they live in. The diversity that can be found in cities and university campuses, in particular, provides both opportunities and challenges for ministries that hope to do mission work here at home."Acts 1:8 calls us to take the gospel to the ends of the earth while not neglecting 'Jerusalem,' our mission field at home," Dick McClain, president and CEO of The Mission Society, said in a statement. "Whether you live in Louisville, Kentucky, or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it is incumbent on Christian disciples to identify and then reach out to those who have had the least exposure to the gospel. The least-reached people may very well be your neighbor."
Stan Self, senior director of church ministry for The Mission Society, told The Christian Post on Tuesday that one of the primary reasons the U.S. is becoming an increasingly important mission field is because of the numbers of immigrants entering the country every year. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau released earlier this year, there were nearly 40 million foreign-born people – or 13 percent of the total population – living in the United States as of July 2010.
These statistics suggest that understanding cross-cultural ministry is vitally important in contemporary America, but how does that affect the way churches reach out to these people?
"The first thing I think it ought to do is to just help us realize that we need to be a whole lot more observant of the people that live around us," said Self.
Christian Conference Fires up Appetites in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 10, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- On November 1, 2012, drawing business and Christian ministry leaders from across the region, "the Crave Leadership" Conference is set to take place at The Westin Charlotte Hotel. Engendering a powerful desire or "craving," the conference aims to encourage and motivate entrepreneurs, managers, executives, church leaders and professionals to examine and explore the role of leadership in a dynamic new way.
"All leaders are called to be 'appetite creators,' but most leaders are woefully unaware of the appetites they are to cultivate" asserts Jason Benham, co-founder of BENHAM Companies and organizer of the event with his twin brother David Benham. "At the Crave Conference we plan to focus on the role of today's leader, learn new leadership strategies, and provide networking opportunities. Rather than take our cues from today's culture, we strive to redefine leadership by integrating biblical, professional, and entrepreneurial models. To be effective, it is critical for leaders to take time to understand and evaluate the goals, nature, and types of appetites involved."
Recently in the news as the chief organizers of the Charlotte714 Prayer Gathering September 2 which drew some 9,000 people at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, the Benham brothers are successful serial entrepreneurs. Named the third most productive Realtor in the United States by the Wall Street Journal and Real Trends, Inc., Jason and David Benham bring their expertise and experience to this conference. "The motto of our conference is simple: 'Leadership is the ability to create an appetite in another person,'" David Benham explains, "and the type of appetite you create reveals the kind of leader that you are. Great leaders create life changing appetites in the people they lead." David Benham is taking this message across America. He was just named as one of the national spokesperson for Decree for America (www.DecreeforAmerica.com).
The line-up of speakers for CRAVE presents a showcase of extraordinary leaders, entrepreneurs and visionaries to make this a not-to-be-missed experience including:
Ken Coleman, host of "The KEN COLEMAN SHOW," attracted national attention when he interviewed Dan Cathy, President and CEO of Chick-Fil-A, on marriage, and
Kyle Maynard, born as a congenital amputee, is an author, record setting athlete, certified CrossFit trainer, businessman and a two-time ESPY award winner who just climbed to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa.
For further information, interest in sponsorship, and registration for the Crave Leadership Conference, visit www.CraveLeadership.com or call 704-707-0568 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 704-707-0568 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Christian Newswire
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