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
Monday, October 22, 2012
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
Christ for all Nations European Director Launching Own Ministry Named "Calling Ministry"
KISSIMMEE, Fla., Oct. 19, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Siegfried Tomazsewski -- former European Director and long-standing executive member of Christ for all Nations (ministry founded by Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke) -- has launched his own ministry.
Siegfried Tomazsewski has over 30 years of ministry experience. Beginning with a local church ministry, his work later extended to heading the European Pentecostal Conference and to over 18 years managing the day-to-day operations of Christ for all Nations. He is now launching his own outreach and training initiative, "Calling Ministry."
The ordained Pentecostal pastor has not only been involved in preparing worldwide evangelistic campaigns and conferences for Christ for all Nations (CfaN), but has also been a speaker at many of those events. As an evangelist he has shared the gospel in many countries around the world and trained thousands of leaders, pastors and church workers during the course of his ministry.
His service with Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke began in 1994, when he was invited to manage the huge "From Minus to Plus" evangelistic campaign in Europe. In 1997 he then took over responsibility for CfaN's Frankfurt-based European office. A new development took place in 1999, when he established the "Full Flame" publication company (E-R Productions) to handle the production and distribution of its own top-quality evangelistic training film series and other publications by Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke. Over 195 million copies of Evangelist Bonnke's books, booklets and other material have been produced and distributed worldwide in 135 languages.
"Calling Ministry" will run with the vision to reach the unreached, especially in North Africa -- so that all Africa shall be saved (as Evangelist Bonnke says). His calling is not only to evangelize, but also to train others to do so. With the School of Fire material (which he produced in cooperation with Southeastern University and Evangelist Bonnke, using the latter's books on evangelism) he has trained thousands in the past years in the USA, Canada, Africa and Europe. The ministry's "SWIM" courses are soul-winning training seminars designed for churches of any size and styled as high-end multi-media impartation meetings. He has high recommendations from many church leaders and also from Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, who has mentored him over the past 18 years.
His training or ministry services can be booked for a Saturday or the whole weekend. For more information visit his website www.callingministry.org or contact him directly by email
info@callingministry.org or telephone: +1 407 344 7500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +1 407 344 7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. He is based in Kissimmee, Florida (USA).
Christian Newswire
The Great Commission omission
We preach it and teach it. We put words from it in our vision and
mission statements. We write it on our walls and hearts. We should know
what it means. We should be able to practice it well as much as we refer
to it.
I am referencing The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus states: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Most understand we need to communicate the gospel far and wide around the globe. Thanks be to God for many who continue to answer his call to “go” both at home and abroad.
Teaching the relevant truth of biblical truth still happens in Sunday school, small groups, and gatherings of all ages. I have had some outstanding teachers as a child and as a pastor. Gratitude fills my heart when I think of the thousands who teach about Jesus and His love in Wesleyan ministries every week. Believer baptisms are on the rise at record pace in The Wesleyan Church this year. Encouraging those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ to personally be baptized as the outward sign of God’s inward grace is a reality we need to emphasize more through our churches. All of this leads to “making disciples.” And disciple-making is both the ultimate command and outcome of Jesus’ Great Commission to His children. We make disciples by going, teaching, and baptizing for the sake of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
What is often missing when studying the Great Commission is the simple phrase many lose sight of when applying it.
READ MORE
I am referencing The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus states: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Most understand we need to communicate the gospel far and wide around the globe. Thanks be to God for many who continue to answer his call to “go” both at home and abroad.
Teaching the relevant truth of biblical truth still happens in Sunday school, small groups, and gatherings of all ages. I have had some outstanding teachers as a child and as a pastor. Gratitude fills my heart when I think of the thousands who teach about Jesus and His love in Wesleyan ministries every week. Believer baptisms are on the rise at record pace in The Wesleyan Church this year. Encouraging those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ to personally be baptized as the outward sign of God’s inward grace is a reality we need to emphasize more through our churches. All of this leads to “making disciples.” And disciple-making is both the ultimate command and outcome of Jesus’ Great Commission to His children. We make disciples by going, teaching, and baptizing for the sake of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
What is often missing when studying the Great Commission is the simple phrase many lose sight of when applying it.
READ MORE
Ten Women Who Shook Pakistan Including Asia Bibi and Rimsha Masih
As
you all know, we cover Christian persecution and the horrible things
that happen to Christians all over the world. In recent days we've
covered numerous stories about women who have been persecuted in
Pakistan, including Asia Bibi and Rimsha Masih.
Today there is a great article over at AFP.ForeignPolicy.com which highlights some of the horrific things that have happened in Pakistan.
Two of the women highlighted in their top ten list are Asia Bibi and Rimsha Masih.
READ MORE
Today there is a great article over at AFP.ForeignPolicy.com which highlights some of the horrific things that have happened in Pakistan.
Two of the women highlighted in their top ten list are Asia Bibi and Rimsha Masih.
READ MORE
American Christians Raise Voices Against Boko Haram
We Shall Stand for Our People, say pastors, leaders, professionals
NEW YORK,
Oct. 19, 2012
/Christian Newswire/ -- Nigerian-American Christians will
not sit-by idly as our brethren are being slaughtered in Nigeria by
extreme and fundamental terrorists.
To this end we are addressing a press conference.
-
Press Conference Details
WHERE: National Press Club, Murrow Room
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012, at 10 a.m.
-
Dr. James Fadele, a retired Senior Design Engineer at Ford, now
senior pastor and leader of one of the largest Christian denominations
in the U.S., Redeemed Christian Church of God, North America. He is the
Chairman of the association.
Ms. Oby Ezekwesili, immediate Vice President of the World Bank-Africa Region, a trustee of the association.
Laolu Akande, the longest serving Nigerian foreign correspondent in the United States and (African) at the United Nations, who is the association's Executive Director.
Emmanuel Ogebe, a religious freedom advocate, and CANAN's governmental affairs representative.
CANAN will take up that challenge and use peaceful and non-violent means to fight back. Christians and innocent Nigerians of all hues have become victims of the senseless killings by the terrorist group.
But it is also a challenge to the Nigerian government, its Police Force, and other security agencies in the nation.
We also call upon the United States government and all people of goodwill around the world to pay due attention to what is happening in Nigeria, in order to defend our common humanity.
We call on the international community not to remain quiet.
We call on the U.S. government to review its present policy which falls short of correctly designating the Boko Haram as a terrorist group that it is!
As for CANAN, formed recently in New York, we shall not keep quiet, and we ask for the support of the American people.
CANAN will avail itself of its international contacts here in the U.S. and elsewhere to equip Nigerian Christians against lawlessness and the disturbingly recurrent threat to their fundamental rights.
Contact: Laolu Akande,
Executive Director,
Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN),
516-819-4355 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 516-819-4355 end_of_the_skype_highlighting,
laolu@cananusa.org
Christian Newswire
Whoever Wins the Homeless Lose
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 22, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Joy Junction Inc.:
-
The opposing political messages are endless, as the two presidential
candidates (along with their super PACs) attempt to do whatever it takes
to gain our vote.
Facebook and other social media users add their two cents, putting their support behind whoever they believe most closely reflects the "right" position.
One thing is for sure. On this countdown to the upcoming presidential election, the vitriol is ever present. Friends both virtual and otherwise are being lost, and enemies made, as election day draws closer.
But will all the angst -- and money spent -- make any difference? How much ability does either candidate really have to fulfill their promises? Not much, if one considers the seemingly ever present Washington gridlock and dominant culture of nastiness.
Having kept a pretty close eye on what's going on with all things presidential, I'm disturbed by something lacking in all the political drama. I hear a lot of discussion about the middle class, but nothing being said about homelessness and hunger.
My concern has been echoed by Sojourners Magazine and a CNN commentator, who said, "Neither (presidential) candidate talks about solutions for poverty."
Isn't it time they did? What should we tell them, or is it pointless? Will homelessness and hunger remain the same, whoever is elected?
I had one of my staff pose this question to a few Joy Junction Homeless Shelter guests. Here are some of their responses.
One person said, "Whoever wins (doesn't) matter, 'cause every president always overlooks the homeless like we don't exist."
Someone else commented, "The presidential debates just shows us Americans that are homeless that there is no help out there for us. (President) Obama will keep us jobless; (Governor) Romney is going to cut everything for the homeless. It will be impossible for any agency to help the homeless. (There is) lying and fighting among the candidates. We do not receive a straight answer from either (one). We will lose no matter whom we elect."
Someone else said, "Homelessness has been an ongoing issue. They don't make funding available for the homeless. Too many in government think we choose this lifestyle, that we can go to any social service and get help, but we don't always qualify. Some get help, but others are left out ..."
Another person said, "Either way there won't be much help for the homeless, because of the way the government is being run and the recession. They'll be more concerned about the working class and voters; those people who will put them into office."
I also asked the question to my Facebook friends and Joy Junction Facebook fans, a mixed bag of political persuasions. Here are some of their responses.
One person wrote, "They all have money; they don't care. It's unfortunate, because it's an issue that, given the right support from a candidate, could sway my vote. Too sad."
Another wrote that the situation will "likely remain the same."
Someone else commented, "Unfortunately your efforts are undermined by the politicians treating the homeless as a tool to manipulate the masses; nothing more (my opinion)."
Someone cynically opined, "If the last four years are any indication, it appears the president's plan is to help create more (homelessness and hunger)."
So is the answer to give up on the political system and stay away from the voting booth? Absolutely not. It's all we have. Let's tell the two individuals running for president that we want to hear what solutions they have for the increasing hunger and homelessness that's ailing our land. They should have comprehensive policy proposals for both issues.
However, having said that, even if we do find out what the candidates think about alleviating poverty, that doesn't let those of us who "have," off the hook from helping our community's most vulnerable citizens.
All of us have a community responsibility to help (not judge) the poor, homeless and hungry in our midst, and if we think the government can take care of the situation without our active involvement, we're just fooling ourselves.
I urge you to please get involved by getting involved with your local mission, soup kitchen or food bank. If you don't, the future of America's homeless and hungry looks very bleak indeed.
Contact: Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D.,
Founder and CEO,
Joy Junction Inc.,
505-400-7145 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 505-400-7145 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Joy Junction Inc.
Founder and CEO,
Joy Junction Inc.,
505-400-7145 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 505-400-7145 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Christian Newswire
10,000 Young Egyptians Gather in Desert to Worship the Lord
SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 18, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Increased persecution, the election of a Muslim Brotherhood president, the death of the Coptic Orthodox Church pope and thousands fleeing their homeland in fear of an uncertain future.
Followers of Jesus in Egypt have faced major challenges on their journey of faith in 2012.
But there have been rays of the light of Jesus breaking through the gloom.
Earlier this month about 10,000 Christian young people came from all across Egypt for three days to worship the Lord and to seek God's blessing for their country. The worshippers, mostly ranging from ages 13 to 30, gathered from 10 o'clock in the morning until 8 each evening. Many traveled hundreds of miles to the worship site in the middle of the desert north of Cairo.
"To sit among over 10,000 young people, worship with them in a roaring holy noise, listen to powerful and challenging messages and pray for God's powerful presence in our lives; really, it is hard to describe in words," says a Christian leader. "Sitting at the very back of the small soccer stadium gave me a good view of the scene. Thousands were sitting to my right, thousands to my left and thousands more in the middle. Hardly any empty gaps!
"The wonderful fact is that these young people came from all over Egypt. About 3,000 of them came all the way from many cities located in southern Egypt. They were accommodated in conference facilities available nearby. As for the remaining 7,000, they had to come all the way, every day, riding in the morning from Cairo and Alexandria in about 130 big buses, and then ride back home every evening for the night."
According to the church leader, another 2 million followed the event on Internet and live satellite transmission. The three-day event was called "One Thing." The theme of the meetings was taken from Psalm 27:4: "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."
"The worship music was loud, the lights were attractive and the entire setting of this large youth conference was quite impressive," states the leader. "However, what was really more impressive and touching, from my point of view, were those tears coming down the cheeks of boys and girls, and those genuine shouts of the name of the Lord that echoed across the silence of the desert proclaiming that our Father God is the Lord and Master in the hearts of a generation of Christian youth in Egypt.
"Imagine the empowering, heavenly force that those crowds of young people have taken back with them as they flooded back into their cities, towns and villages all across Egypt, assured that God the Holy Spirit is Himself living within them, determined to make them a blessing for the nation. God is at work in Egypt, no doubt!"
Jerry Dykstra, media relations director for Open Doors USA, adds: "The description the Christian leader gives of 10,000 young people coming together for worship in the desert is so inspiring. I am sure there was some danger involved regarding security issues for this huge event. We can learn so much from our fellow Christians who face persecution and an uncertain future. Pray to the Lord that He will continue to strengthen Christians in Egypt and give them boldness and courage."
Egypt is ranked No. 15 on the Open Doors World Watch List of 50 countries which are the worst persecutors of Christians.
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 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)