Thursday, January 31, 2013
A lesson in forgiveness
Wed, 30 Jan 2013 - 1:57 PM CST
Pastor Dennis Noble of Lake City Assembly sat in the airport on Tuesday afternoon, January 15, his temperature rising - he was not happy. Two straight times the computer at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport had inexplicably dropped his name from the passenger standby list. So now, while other standby passengers who had arrived long after he did were already in flight or even home, he was still waiting to board a plane.
Most days, Noble could have shrugged the incident off - perhaps this was one of those God opportunities? But today wasn't most days. Inside, he was wrestling with all kinds of powerful emotions - from pain and heartbreak to anger and maybe even revenge.
Over the weekend, late Saturday or early Sunday morning, their church, his church - God's house - had been violated and desecrated. And frankly, it hurt. Tens of thousands of dollars of damage had been done to the doors, windows, classrooms, the kitchen and sanctuary by some contemptible person or people, with hate-filled messages painted on classroom walls.
It was 6 a.m. Sunday morning when Noble received the call from the janitor at the church's location in Medical Lake, Washington, telling him to come right away - someone had broken in. Directing the janitor to call 9-1-1 and report the crime, Noble quickly got ready and headed to the church. TV crews almost beat the police to the scene as an email alerted them about the break in.
When Noble arrived at the church, the amount of damage was mind numbing. It was clearly evident the break-in was designed to inflict as much damage as possible on the church. Doors were kicked in, windows were smashed, computers were destroyed - but as the tour of the facilities continued, it was discovered very little had actually been taken.
"The insurance claim has not been finalized yet," Noble says, "but the damage is estimated to be somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000."
READ MORE AT ASSEMBLIESOFGODNEWS
Pastor Dennis Noble of Lake City Assembly sat in the airport on Tuesday afternoon, January 15, his temperature rising - he was not happy. Two straight times the computer at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport had inexplicably dropped his name from the passenger standby list. So now, while other standby passengers who had arrived long after he did were already in flight or even home, he was still waiting to board a plane.
Most days, Noble could have shrugged the incident off - perhaps this was one of those God opportunities? But today wasn't most days. Inside, he was wrestling with all kinds of powerful emotions - from pain and heartbreak to anger and maybe even revenge.
Over the weekend, late Saturday or early Sunday morning, their church, his church - God's house - had been violated and desecrated. And frankly, it hurt. Tens of thousands of dollars of damage had been done to the doors, windows, classrooms, the kitchen and sanctuary by some contemptible person or people, with hate-filled messages painted on classroom walls.
It was 6 a.m. Sunday morning when Noble received the call from the janitor at the church's location in Medical Lake, Washington, telling him to come right away - someone had broken in. Directing the janitor to call 9-1-1 and report the crime, Noble quickly got ready and headed to the church. TV crews almost beat the police to the scene as an email alerted them about the break in.
When Noble arrived at the church, the amount of damage was mind numbing. It was clearly evident the break-in was designed to inflict as much damage as possible on the church. Doors were kicked in, windows were smashed, computers were destroyed - but as the tour of the facilities continued, it was discovered very little had actually been taken.
"The insurance claim has not been finalized yet," Noble says, "but the damage is estimated to be somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000."
READ MORE AT ASSEMBLIESOFGODNEWS
Biblica challenges American teenagers to honor God with their choices
USA (MNN) ― Did you know that 7 out of 10 American teenagers are having sex outside of marriage before their 19th birthday?
Brian Carlson with Biblica says that rate is the same for teens attending church.
"We want to challenge American teenagers to take a good, hard look at their own sexual choices," Carlson says. "They care about human trafficking, they care about pandemic diseases like AIDS, they care about orphans.
READ MORE AT MISSIONNETWORKNEWS
Brian Carlson with Biblica says that rate is the same for teens attending church.
"We want to challenge American teenagers to take a good, hard look at their own sexual choices," Carlson says. "They care about human trafficking, they care about pandemic diseases like AIDS, they care about orphans.
READ MORE AT MISSIONNETWORKNEWS
An Open Letter to Christians About Religious Freedom
By Ken Hutcherson , Op-Ed Contributor
January 31, 2013|10:03 am
Talk, talk, talk just lead to opinions, opinions, opinions, and then to talking points. So what? It is time to do something.
If these words don't mean something to you, then we are lost:"…As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
For me, "House" means my primary family…we will serve the Lord, we will not compromise what God called us to do and be. If anyone in my house does not want to follow God or walk in His truth and live according to His Word, then my choice is God, not them. So, does that house simply mean my four walls? How about the house of God, the Bride of Christ? I am looking for those in this institution who want to take a stand. I am looking for those who will serve the Lord and stand on His Word. I am looking for those who will stand behind the nation as it was originally created and established, with a Constitution that demands that morality grows with power and intelligence.
Chaplains rescue jumpers from suicide
Posted on Jan 30, 2013 | by Ava Thomas
BEACHY HEAD, England (BP) -- For eight years, Ross Hardy has walked the white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head, England, among the thousands who travel there from around the world.
Many come to take pictures. Some come to die.
And by God's grace and a keen eye, Hardy usually can tell the difference.
"We are trained in certain signs, to infer things from people's behavior," Hardy said. "But many times it is nothing but God's prompting that makes us know who to go talk to in a crowd of people standing near the edge."
The "us" is the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, a ministry begun by Hardy, a former Baptist pastor. The ministry now encompasses 14 trained chaplains who patrol the cliffs and are on call 24/7 for people in need of help.
READ MORE AT BAPTISTPRESS
BEACHY HEAD, England (BP) -- For eight years, Ross Hardy has walked the white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head, England, among the thousands who travel there from around the world.
Many come to take pictures. Some come to die.
And by God's grace and a keen eye, Hardy usually can tell the difference.
"We are trained in certain signs, to infer things from people's behavior," Hardy said. "But many times it is nothing but God's prompting that makes us know who to go talk to in a crowd of people standing near the edge."
The "us" is the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, a ministry begun by Hardy, a former Baptist pastor. The ministry now encompasses 14 trained chaplains who patrol the cliffs and are on call 24/7 for people in need of help.
READ MORE AT BAPTISTPRESS
Joni Eareckson Tada on faith healing and marriage
Here are a few more comments from Joni Eareckson Tada that we didn’t have room for in the magazine (see “Loving life” from the Jan. 12 issue and “Choosing to sing” from the Jan. 26 issue, as well as another online-only excerpt “Joni Eareckson Tada on words that hurt, actions that help”
posted last Saturday). In the following excerpt she tells how, after
becoming a quadriplegic, she prayed ardently for God’s physical healing.
She also talks about a hard nightly experience.
Were there Christians who said then, who say now, that if
you only had great faith God would heal you? Do you, or did you, get
that occasionally? Yes. I would read those passages off
Scripture which seemed to guarantee that God would heal. When I was
released from the hospital, I remember going to crusades of Kathryn
Kuhlman, a famous faith healer, a Benny Hinn sort. I hoped that somehow
God’s healing spirit would visit the wheelchair section, that those of
us who were the tough cases would suddenly jump up out of our
wheelchairs—but the spotlight was always on the other side of the
stadium.READ MORE AT WORLDMAG.COM
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Leaving Homosexuality: The Real Power Of My Testimony
by Matt Moore
I used to think that the power of my testimony was in my conversion experience, so over the past few years whenever I have had the opportunity to talk or write about my testimony, I have had a tendency to go back to 2010 and relive the details of how bad I was and how deep in sin I was--- in order to demonstrate how shocking it was that I was brought out of all those activities so suddenly. Surely, God did glorify Himself in yanking me out of the depths of my depraved behavior. His power was seen clearly in that experience and I will continue to tell people about that. But, over the past year or so, what I’ve become even more convinced of is that the real power of my testimony lies in the continuation of my faith in Jesus Christ, rather than just the initial profession.
When I came out of the homosexual lifestyle, the reactions of those around me varied, but one thing was pretty certain among most: “Matt’s just going through a phase.” Parts of my family supported me and parts of my family were perplexed by me. Most of my friends ceased communication with me, but the ones that remained in my life I could tell didn't take what I was saying and doing seriously. I think that overall, everyone wished me well, but at the same time were sure that sooner rather than later I would embrace homosexuality as good and right again…..but maybe be a little more “tame” this time around. By this point, in January of 2013, I’m sure that nearly every one expected me to have “returned to my senses.”
READ MORE AT CP BLOG
I used to think that the power of my testimony was in my conversion experience, so over the past few years whenever I have had the opportunity to talk or write about my testimony, I have had a tendency to go back to 2010 and relive the details of how bad I was and how deep in sin I was--- in order to demonstrate how shocking it was that I was brought out of all those activities so suddenly. Surely, God did glorify Himself in yanking me out of the depths of my depraved behavior. His power was seen clearly in that experience and I will continue to tell people about that. But, over the past year or so, what I’ve become even more convinced of is that the real power of my testimony lies in the continuation of my faith in Jesus Christ, rather than just the initial profession.
When I came out of the homosexual lifestyle, the reactions of those around me varied, but one thing was pretty certain among most: “Matt’s just going through a phase.” Parts of my family supported me and parts of my family were perplexed by me. Most of my friends ceased communication with me, but the ones that remained in my life I could tell didn't take what I was saying and doing seriously. I think that overall, everyone wished me well, but at the same time were sure that sooner rather than later I would embrace homosexuality as good and right again…..but maybe be a little more “tame” this time around. By this point, in January of 2013, I’m sure that nearly every one expected me to have “returned to my senses.”
READ MORE AT CP BLOG
Building bridges–under a bridge
by Ed Welch | Jan. 25, 2013
Kevin Carter and his team are building bridges in Greensboro, N.C.
Although they aren’t engineers, they are building bridges in a figurative sense as they reach out to the city’s homeless, meeting them quite literally where they are.
READ MORE AT WESLEYAN.ORG
Kevin Carter and his team are building bridges in Greensboro, N.C.
Although they aren’t engineers, they are building bridges in a figurative sense as they reach out to the city’s homeless, meeting them quite literally where they are.
READ MORE AT WESLEYAN.ORG
A Bad Economy or Is the Church Losing America's Heart?
By Leonardo Blair , CP Contributor
January 29, 2013|5:45 pm
Americans are giving more to charity but the church is increasingly getting less of the goodwill from their pockets. How much less? At least $1 billion worth of it, says the Atlas of Giving, and that's only what's predicted for this year alone.
Despite positive growth in overall charitable donations from Americans in the last three years, religious organizations can expect more than $1 billion less in giving this year than they collected in 2012, according to a report released this month by the Atlas of Giving.Recognized as the most precise measure of charitable giving in the United States and accounting for the entire giving economy, the Atlas of Giving notes in its 2012 report that while religion remains the largest giving sector in America, its share of the pie will decline from 36 percent to 35 percent this year despite overall increases in charitable giving.
Americans gave $345.93 billion in charitable donations in 2011. In 2012, overall charitable donations increased by 6.7 percent to just over $369 billion. This year, charitable giving, largely fueled by individuals, is expected to increase 1.6 percent to $375.13 billion, according to the report.
Calif. Christian School Sues Ex-Teachers Over Proof of Faith Dispute
By Leonardo Blair , CP Contributor
January 29, 2013|6:54 pm
A Christian school in Southern California has recently filed its own lawsuit against two of its former teachers who had sued the school for being fired after refusing to provide proof of their Christian faith.
The Little Oaks School in Thousand Oaks filed a lawsuit in federal court last Wednesday, claiming its right to hire teachers who subscribe to the school's Christian belief, arguing that its hiring practice is protected by civil rights laws at both the state and federal levels.More than 50,000 Pro-Lifers Fill SF's Civic Center Plaza at Walk For Life West Coast
Pope Benedict XVI honors Walk for Life West Coast on 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Record crowd tops 50,000, fills main S.F. thoroughfare for more than 1 mile
Record crowd tops 50,000, fills main S.F. thoroughfare for more than 1 mile
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27, 2013/Christian Newswire/ -- Pope Benedict XVI commended the "outstanding public witness to the fundamental human right to life" of the Walk for Life West Coast, in a special message delivered by his delegate to tens of thousands gathered in front of San Francisco's City Hall January 26.
Photo: Jong Arcega
The ninth annual Walk for Life West Coast rally at Civic Center Plaza filled the plaza, before participants walked the two miles from City Hall to the Ferry Building, traveling through the heart of the city's shopping and financial districts. More than to 50,000 participated, organizers estimated.
Pope Benedict XVI's representative to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano delivered a message from the pope along with his papal blessing. Pope Benedict's message, which was also sent out on a Vatican Twitter feed, said, "His Holiness is grateful to all those who take part in this outstanding public witness to the fundamental human right to life and to the moral imperative of upholding the inviolable dignity of each member of our human family, especially the smallest and the most defenseless of our brothers and sisters."
"You are a powerful witness that God's truth cannot be silenced," said San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, who blessed participants to begin the event. "Yes, we are here to stay because life is good and life is holy."
The speakers at the Walk included Lacey Buchanan, the mother of a disabled child; Elaine Riddick, who was forcibly sterilized by the state of North Carolina at age 14; Kelly and Matthew Clinger who regret their abortions; and the Rev. Clenard Childress, Jr., who has spoken at nearly every Walk since its founding in 2005.
"Truth is rising up and you are the picture of that truth," said Rev. Childress to loud cheers. "We will not draw back until every child is free."
A Jumbotron displaying a graphic video of aborted children was set up by an anti-abortion group midway along the Walk route, despite efforts by Walk organizers to dissuade the group from playing the video.
Founded in 2005 by a group of San Francisco Bay Area residents, the Walk for Life West Coast's mission is to change the perception of a society that thinks abortion is the answer. For more information and photos, walkforlifewc.com.
Christian Newswire
Longest Married Couple Project Winners Announced by Worldwide Marriage Encounter
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME), the original faith based marriage enrichment program in the United States, announced today the national winners of the 2013 Longest Married Couple Project are John and Ann Betar of Fairfield, CT. They have been married 80 years as of Nov. 25, 2012.
Hundreds of nominations were received for this year's project. The winners from individual states will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013.
"It is truly an honor and a privilege to recognize John and Ann Betar for their commitment to marriage," said Ron and Judy Pekny, the United States Ecclesial Team for WWME. "We are looking forward to personally recognizing them on Feb. 9th in their hometown of Fairfield," they added. The Peknys serve with Fr. Rocky Grimard, as the U.S. leadership for the marriage enrichment movement. Fr. Grimard will also be at the presentation.
The Betars were married Nov. 25, 1932. They lived across the street from each other and John used to drive Ann to school in his Ford Roadster. Ann was supposed to marry someone else in a marriage pre-arranged by her father, but the two eloped and went off to Harrison, NY to get married. John has been quoted as saying, "some people said it would never last. We showed them."
The Connecticut couple achieved the honor of being the Longest Married Couple based on nominations submitted to Worldwide Marriage Encounter beginning in October of last year. The nomination project ended on January 10th.
The Peknys pointed out that the project is based on nominations received from October 15th the previous year to January 10th of the current year. "We realize there could be couples married longer, but we did not receive their nominations from friends or family during the nominating period," they said.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter created the project to highlight marriage in America and to show young couples that marriage really can go the distance. "What an inspiration Mr. & Mrs. Betar are to all of us. They made a commitment to each other 80 plus years ago and they have kept that commitment over these many years. They truly are a sign of hope to us all," the Peknys said.
The national winners have five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. The presentation of gifts and acknowledgments to the Betars will be made on Feb. 9th at their granddaughter's home in Fairfield.
State winners from across the country will be presented certificates of achievement and other recognitions by Worldwide Marriage Encounter couples during Valentine's week.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been offering weekend experiences for over 44 years and is considered the original faith-based marriage enrichment program. The programs are continually updated to keep abreast of changes in society, and WWME now offers evening and half-day programs that are presented at parishes and other church facilities. The weekend program, traditionally presented as an overnight experience at a hotel or retreat center, can also be presented at facilities where the couples return to their homes in the evenings. WWME has a presence in almost 100 countries, which makes it the largest pro-marriage movement in the world. In North America, the WWME programs are presented in English, Spanish, French, and Korean languages.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers married couples the opportunity to spend time together away from the busyness of the world to focus on each other. It offers tools for building and maintaining a strong, Christian marriage in today's world. To learn more about the Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends online, go towwme.org, or you can call 1-800-795-LOVE (English) and 1-800-599-AMOR (Spanish), or contact the WWME Office at (909) 863-9963.
Christian Newswire
Hundreds of nominations were received for this year's project. The winners from individual states will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013.
"It is truly an honor and a privilege to recognize John and Ann Betar for their commitment to marriage," said Ron and Judy Pekny, the United States Ecclesial Team for WWME. "We are looking forward to personally recognizing them on Feb. 9th in their hometown of Fairfield," they added. The Peknys serve with Fr. Rocky Grimard, as the U.S. leadership for the marriage enrichment movement. Fr. Grimard will also be at the presentation.
The Betars were married Nov. 25, 1932. They lived across the street from each other and John used to drive Ann to school in his Ford Roadster. Ann was supposed to marry someone else in a marriage pre-arranged by her father, but the two eloped and went off to Harrison, NY to get married. John has been quoted as saying, "some people said it would never last. We showed them."
The Connecticut couple achieved the honor of being the Longest Married Couple based on nominations submitted to Worldwide Marriage Encounter beginning in October of last year. The nomination project ended on January 10th.
The Peknys pointed out that the project is based on nominations received from October 15th the previous year to January 10th of the current year. "We realize there could be couples married longer, but we did not receive their nominations from friends or family during the nominating period," they said.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter created the project to highlight marriage in America and to show young couples that marriage really can go the distance. "What an inspiration Mr. & Mrs. Betar are to all of us. They made a commitment to each other 80 plus years ago and they have kept that commitment over these many years. They truly are a sign of hope to us all," the Peknys said.
The national winners have five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. The presentation of gifts and acknowledgments to the Betars will be made on Feb. 9th at their granddaughter's home in Fairfield.
State winners from across the country will be presented certificates of achievement and other recognitions by Worldwide Marriage Encounter couples during Valentine's week.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been offering weekend experiences for over 44 years and is considered the original faith-based marriage enrichment program. The programs are continually updated to keep abreast of changes in society, and WWME now offers evening and half-day programs that are presented at parishes and other church facilities. The weekend program, traditionally presented as an overnight experience at a hotel or retreat center, can also be presented at facilities where the couples return to their homes in the evenings. WWME has a presence in almost 100 countries, which makes it the largest pro-marriage movement in the world. In North America, the WWME programs are presented in English, Spanish, French, and Korean languages.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers married couples the opportunity to spend time together away from the busyness of the world to focus on each other. It offers tools for building and maintaining a strong, Christian marriage in today's world. To learn more about the Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends online, go towwme.org, or you can call 1-800-795-LOVE (English) and 1-800-599-AMOR (Spanish), or contact the WWME Office at (909) 863-9963.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Authorities Close Down Churches in Aceh, Indonesia
By Jeremy Reynalds
NEW DELHI, INDIA -- At the prompting of Islamic extremists, authorities in Indonesia's Aceh Province have forbidden nine churches to worship, saying they are "illegal."
According to a story by Morning Star News, Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal, deputy mayor of Banda Aceh, capital of Aceh Province, called pastors of nine churches and five Buddhist monasteries for a meeting on Oct. 15, said Veryanto Sitohang, head of rights group United North Sumatra Alliance.
Representatives from five of the nine churches attended the meeting. Morning Star News reported they were forced to sign an "agreement" saying they would stop all activities because they did not have official permits.
Those permits are obtainable only by meeting very difficult requirements from local governments, Sitohang told Morning Star News. The other four churches will also be told to sign the agreement soon, he added.
Authorities Close Down Churches in Aceh, Indonesia
NEW DELHI, INDIA -- At the prompting of Islamic extremists, authorities in Indonesia's Aceh Province have forbidden nine churches to worship, saying they are "illegal."
According to a story by Morning Star News, Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal, deputy mayor of Banda Aceh, capital of Aceh Province, called pastors of nine churches and five Buddhist monasteries for a meeting on Oct. 15, said Veryanto Sitohang, head of rights group United North Sumatra Alliance.
Representatives from five of the nine churches attended the meeting. Morning Star News reported they were forced to sign an "agreement" saying they would stop all activities because they did not have official permits.
Those permits are obtainable only by meeting very difficult requirements from local governments, Sitohang told Morning Star News. The other four churches will also be told to sign the agreement soon, he added.
Authorities Close Down Churches in Aceh, Indonesia
Egyptian Christian Leader Calls for Prayer in Wake of Revolution Anniversary
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
SANTA ANA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2013) – This Friday marks
two years since the first fire of the January 25 Egyptian revolution
against the Mubarak regime was lit by Egyptian young people.
When the protesters took to the streets of a few large Egyptian cities shouting for freedom, social justice and bread (a symbol of the basic needs of life that millions of Egyptians lack), they probably did not realize then that their enthusiastic adventure was about to change the course of history for the entire Egyptian state. It has turned over a new page in Egypt’s thick history book.
READ MORE AT RELIGIONTODAY.COM
When the protesters took to the streets of a few large Egyptian cities shouting for freedom, social justice and bread (a symbol of the basic needs of life that millions of Egyptians lack), they probably did not realize then that their enthusiastic adventure was about to change the course of history for the entire Egyptian state. It has turned over a new page in Egypt’s thick history book.
READ MORE AT RELIGIONTODAY.COM
Religious War: North Africa's Christians Multiply Amid Persecution
Friday, January 25, 2013
The age of religious war is supposed to be long past, but try telling
that to members of the fledgling Christian movement across North Africa.
The region, conquered by the followers of Muhammad more than a
millennium ago, is witnessing a renewed assault on the church — and
indeed on religious liberty.
“The Muslim-Christian fault line stretches from Senegal across the Sahel to Ethiopia and along Africa’s Indian Ocean seaboard,” says Operation World, the authoritative daily prayer guide. “The potential for widened conflagrations and confrontations is high because of increasingly aggressive Islamist movements and because of African Christian evangelism gaining converts from within Muslim communities.”
READ MORE AT RELIGIONTODAY.COM
“The Muslim-Christian fault line stretches from Senegal across the Sahel to Ethiopia and along Africa’s Indian Ocean seaboard,” says Operation World, the authoritative daily prayer guide. “The potential for widened conflagrations and confrontations is high because of increasingly aggressive Islamist movements and because of African Christian evangelism gaining converts from within Muslim communities.”
READ MORE AT RELIGIONTODAY.COM
DEVOTIONAL: God is a fortress
VOM_MediaDev
January 24, 2013
"He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken" (Psalm 62:6).
Do you ever feel assaulted by life? Life is difficult. As human beings, we all experience physical challenges, emotional upsets financial tests and deep spiritual questions. Others willingly suffer persecution because of their readiness to take risks for Jesus. I have met many sisters and brothers who report that their hope is secure in Christ alone and that they experience spiritual security, exceptional peace and lasting significance He offers to those who fully trust in Him.
READ MORE AT VOICE OF THE MARTYRS
March for Life Movement Counters Lack of News Coverage With Social Media
By Alex Murashko , Christian Post Reporter
January 26, 2013|10:31 am
Participants in this year's March for Life, marking the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, seemed less bothered by the mainstream media's lack of coverage of the estimated half-million people descending on Washington, D.C. to demonstrate against abortion on Friday. That's because they relied heavily on social media to help shine the spotlight on the movement.
Conservative Leaders Call for Puerto Rico Statehood
By Napp Nazworth , Christian Post Reporter
January 29, 2013|8:38 am
A coalition of conservative leaders will call on fellow conservatives to support letting Puerto Rico decide whether it will become the 51st state.
The announcement will come at a Tuesday morning press conference with Alfonso Aguilar, executive director of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles; Luis Fortuno, former Republican Governor of Puerto Rico; Niger Innis, national outreach director for TheTeaParty.net; Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and executive editor of The Christian Post; Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform; and Dr. Hernan Padilla, former mayor of San Juan and the first Hispanic chair of U.S. Conference of Mayors.Mississippi May Close Down Its Last Abortion Facility
by Cheryl Sullenger | Jackson, MS | LifeNews.com | 1/28/13 12:55 PM
The last remaining abortion clinic in Mississippi, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization, has received notice from the Health Department that it intends to revoke the clinic’s operating license after an inspection found that it is has not complied with a state law that requires that all abortionists maintain local hospital privileges.
Closure of the clinic may take up to six weeks until a hearing can be held and a formal revocation can take place. JWHO will be allowed to continue operating until the hearing can be held.
“We are confident that these are the final days for the last abortion clinic in Mississippi. We look forward to the moment when it can no longer unjustly take innocent lives or place the lives and health of woman at risk,” said Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. “If that abortion clinic’s abortionists are so bad that no hospital will have them, then the clinic is just too dangerous to operate.”
READ MORE AT LIFESITENEWS.COM
The last remaining abortion clinic in Mississippi, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization, has received notice from the Health Department that it intends to revoke the clinic’s operating license after an inspection found that it is has not complied with a state law that requires that all abortionists maintain local hospital privileges.
Closure of the clinic may take up to six weeks until a hearing can be held and a formal revocation can take place. JWHO will be allowed to continue operating until the hearing can be held.
“We are confident that these are the final days for the last abortion clinic in Mississippi. We look forward to the moment when it can no longer unjustly take innocent lives or place the lives and health of woman at risk,” said Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. “If that abortion clinic’s abortionists are so bad that no hospital will have them, then the clinic is just too dangerous to operate.”
READ MORE AT LIFESITENEWS.COM
Monday, January 28, 2013
Egypt's Morsi Declares State of Emergency
Two years after the bringing down the government of
former President Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's Islamist President Mohammed
Morsi is facing a wave of protests against him and his government.
Over the weekend, Morsi declared a state of
emergency in the cities of Port Said, Suez and Islamia and imposed a
30-day curfew after clashes between anti-government protestors and
Morsi's security forces left at least 33 dead.
Demonstrations also took place in other cities,
including Alexandria, Menouf and Shibeen el-Koum, where protestors
disrupted train service to and from Cairo.
Ohio Church Raises $10,000 to Pay Neighbors' Water Bills
By Michael Gryboski , Christian Post Reporter
January 28, 2013|4:03 pm
A church in Ohio recently raised approximately $10,000 as part of an annual charity drive in order to help its neighbors pay their water bills.
Several families in Pickerington called their water company and learned to their surprise that their water would not be shut off this month because of the charitable efforts of Grace Fellowship Church. Beth Shively, spokeswoman for Grace Fellowship, told The Christian Post that the payments for water bills of those in the neighborhood were part of her church's annual "Giving It Back" campaign.WJC, MKs to honor Christian supporters of Israel
The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and the World Jewish Congress will give
awards to Christian supporters of Israel Monday night at the seventh annual
“Night to Honor Our Christian Allies.”
Knesset members from across the political spectrum and government leaders will join both Jews and Christians at the King David Hotel for a reception in honor of Christians who have been steadfast in their commitment to Israel.
READ MORE AT JPOST.COM
Knesset members from across the political spectrum and government leaders will join both Jews and Christians at the King David Hotel for a reception in honor of Christians who have been steadfast in their commitment to Israel.
READ MORE AT JPOST.COM
ACLJ: Iran Convicts and Sentences American Pastor Saeed to Prison because of his Christian Faith
(Washington, DC) - The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ),
which focuses on constitutional and human rights law, said today’s
action by an Iranian court convicting and sentencing American Pastor
Saeed Abedini for his Christian faith is a travesty that sadly
underscores Iran’s brazen violation of international law and a tragic
reminder that Iran is one of the world’s worst offenders of religious
freedom.
In an unexpected development in Iran today and without family present, Judge Pir-Abassi of Branch 26 of the Iranian Revolutionary Court – known as the “hanging judge” – verbally convicted and sentenced Pastor Saeed to eight years in prison for threatening the national security of Iran through his leadership in Christian house churches.
READ MORE AT ACLJ
In an unexpected development in Iran today and without family present, Judge Pir-Abassi of Branch 26 of the Iranian Revolutionary Court – known as the “hanging judge” – verbally convicted and sentenced Pastor Saeed to eight years in prison for threatening the national security of Iran through his leadership in Christian house churches.
READ MORE AT ACLJ
The Main Reason People Leave a Church
Look at some of the direct quotes from exit interviews of people who left local congregations:
The Main Reason People Leave a Church
- “The worship leader refused to listen to me about the songs and music I wanted.”
- “The pastor did not feed me.”
- “No one from my church visited me.”
- “I was not about to support the building program they wanted.”
- “I was out two weeks and no one called me.”
- “They moved the times of the worship services and it messed up my schedule.”
- “I told my pastor to go visit my cousin and he never did.”
The Main Reason People Leave a Church
Pentecostal Woman Fired for Wearing Skirt Collects $25K From Burger King
Gina Meeks
A urger King franchise in Texas will pay $25,000 to a Pentecostal woman who was fired for wearing a skirt to work in August 2010 and refusing to change her clothes.
“For 2013 and 2014, defendant agrees to conduct an annual training session for all district managers and general managers for defendant's Texas Burger King restaurants, advising them of the requirements and prohibitions of the federal anti-discrimination laws with a special emphasis on religious discrimination,” the nine-page consent decree states. “The training will also inform these individuals of the necessity of attempting to accommodate the religious beliefs of applicants and employees.”
READ MORE AT CHARISMA NEWS
A urger King franchise in Texas will pay $25,000 to a Pentecostal woman who was fired for wearing a skirt to work in August 2010 and refusing to change her clothes.
“For 2013 and 2014, defendant agrees to conduct an annual training session for all district managers and general managers for defendant's Texas Burger King restaurants, advising them of the requirements and prohibitions of the federal anti-discrimination laws with a special emphasis on religious discrimination,” the nine-page consent decree states. “The training will also inform these individuals of the necessity of attempting to accommodate the religious beliefs of applicants and employees.”
READ MORE AT CHARISMA NEWS
Prayer List: The Abortionists and Clients Need a Savior | Prayer Concerns
Why is abortion still legal in America? The apathy of people in the Church. I am not asking all the Christians to protest abortion. Instead I am asking that you join me in praying for the protection of human life.
Prayer List: The Abortionists and Clients Need a Savior | Prayer Concerns
Prayer List: The Abortionists and Clients Need a Savior | Prayer Concerns
Proposed ordinance would limit where churches could open
Published: Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 17:10 PM.
PARKER — Driving through the Panhandle, churches and liquor stores are a
reoccurring sight and though the two make up much of the landscape,
never the twain shall meet.
At least not in Parker.
Current ordinances prevent businesses where alcoholic beverages are
sold from being established within 500 feet of a church in Parker.
However, an amendment recently introduced to the City Council may soon
extend the prohibition to the establishment of churches near places that
sell alcohol, including grocery stores and restaurants.
The measure is a tit-for-tat, according to Councilman Michael Miller.
“We are just making it reciprocal,” Miller said. “I just questioned why it doesn’t work both ways.”
Why Does the Church Settle for Partial Revival?
There was a time when the United States was known for having the very best of everything. Remember when U.S.-made products and automobiles were the very best, the U.S. economy was the strongest, and the American work ethic was a benchmark standard? It seems like a long time ago, but really it's not. It's sad to say a lot of that has changed.
READ MORE AT CHARISMANEWS
Friday, January 25, 2013
Three languages; one classroom?
International (MNN) ― What if you showed up to your first day of school and couldn’t understand what you were supposed to learn because your teacher was speaking a foreign language?
Maybe that was your experience. Maybe it wasn’t.
\
But for thousands of children in marginalized communities, education can be a struggle when they have to learn school material through a new language.
That’s why Greg and Diane Dekker with Wycliffe Bible Translatorsconduct Multilingual Education (MLE). Diane explains, “Multilingual education begins with the learner’s first language--the language they first learn to speak at home--and helps them learn the curriculum content in school in that language. Then it adds other languages that they need to learn, like perhaps the national language or English in addition.”
Abortion opponents march in Washington
WASHINGTON – Hundreds of thousands of pro-life demonstrators marched through Washington to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday to protest the landmark decision that legalized abortion.
The annual event took on added significance for many in the crowd since it coincided with the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that created a constitutional right to abortion in some circumstances. The demonstrators, carrying signs with messages such as "Defend Life" and "Defund Planned Parenthood," shouted chants including "Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Roe v. Wade has got to go." They packed the National Mall and surrounding streets for the March of Life.
"I just felt this 40th year marked a huge anniversary for the law," said one demonstrator, Pam Tino, 52, of Easton, Mass, who also participated several years ago. "Forty is a very important year in the Bible as well, in terms of years in the desert. And I just felt like maybe this year that was going to be something miraculous that might happen. We might see something going forward with the cause."
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/01/25/abortion-opponents-march-in-washington/#ixzz2J2N05MtW
Franklin Graham Tells Students About the Cost of Following Christ
By Michael Gryboski , Christian Post Reporter
January 23, 2013|4:48 pm
In remarks given at Liberty University, the Rev. Franklin Graham explained to students gathered that there are "costs" to following Jesus.
Graham, who is president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, focused his remarks at a Liberty University's regular event Convocation about "what it means to give your life to Christ.""What does that mean? To say 'God here is my life, take it and use it'? Because there are some costs associated with this," said Graham, who read from Luke 14 to illustrate his point. "You have to be willing to give up everything…If you are going to follow me, if you are going to be my disciple you have got to understand the cost. You have to put me first."
The Duggars Team Up to Take the Fight for Life 'High-Tech'
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Children are a blessing from the Lord" is the heart cry of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar of the popular TLC Channel series 19 kids and Counting. So much so that a family trip taken a couple of years ago made an unexpected yet profound impact on them.
Michelle recalls, "Our family visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. The designers of the museum did an incredible job telling the tragic story of over 6 million Jews who were brutally executed. The purpose of the museum is to educate others on what happened, so that hopefully, something like this will never happen again! A couple of weeks after we went to the Holocaust Museum it dawned on us that there is a holocaust taking place right here in America!"
The holocaust she referenced is the epidemic of abortion in America. After that trip the Duggars began to pray about what they could do to help end abortion. Their first call was to Dan Pennell, CEO of WMtek, a Fort Pierce, FL based web development company, who immediately caught the vision. Working with Jim Bob Duggar and Mathew Staver of Liberty Counsel, Dan formed the powerful coalition of pro-life groups that has become LifeUnited.
LifeUnited is a collaboration of 8 singleminded but unique groups united to end abortion in America. The team includes Life International, Learn, Inc., Liberty Counsel, Living Waters, National Center for Life and Liberty, Family Research Council, The Justice Foundation, and the Duggar Family.
Their first initiative called upon WMtek to pioneer a unique web experience that would, as Dan Pennell states, "tell the story of the American Holocaust, motivate others to get involved, and give them tools to activate their passion." The compelling result is LifeUnited.org set for release to coincide with the January 25, 2013 March for Life in Washington, D.C.
"This site is a powerful vehicle to express our hearts," says Michelle, "We want every American to know that each child is a special creation of God being formed in their mother's womb." LifeUnited.org is a great start.
To learn more please visit www.lifeunited.org or contact:
Dan Pennell, Founder, LifeUnited, CEO, WMtek, Inc., www.wmtek.com,
Mathew Staver, Liberty Counsel, www.lc.org, .
David Gibbs, National Center for Life and Liberty, www.ncll.org,
Josh Duggar, The Duggar Family, www.duggarfamily.com,
Christian Newswire
Michelle recalls, "Our family visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. The designers of the museum did an incredible job telling the tragic story of over 6 million Jews who were brutally executed. The purpose of the museum is to educate others on what happened, so that hopefully, something like this will never happen again! A couple of weeks after we went to the Holocaust Museum it dawned on us that there is a holocaust taking place right here in America!"
The holocaust she referenced is the epidemic of abortion in America. After that trip the Duggars began to pray about what they could do to help end abortion. Their first call was to Dan Pennell, CEO of WMtek, a Fort Pierce, FL based web development company, who immediately caught the vision. Working with Jim Bob Duggar and Mathew Staver of Liberty Counsel, Dan formed the powerful coalition of pro-life groups that has become LifeUnited.
LifeUnited is a collaboration of 8 singleminded but unique groups united to end abortion in America. The team includes Life International, Learn, Inc., Liberty Counsel, Living Waters, National Center for Life and Liberty, Family Research Council, The Justice Foundation, and the Duggar Family.
Their first initiative called upon WMtek to pioneer a unique web experience that would, as Dan Pennell states, "tell the story of the American Holocaust, motivate others to get involved, and give them tools to activate their passion." The compelling result is LifeUnited.org set for release to coincide with the January 25, 2013 March for Life in Washington, D.C.
"This site is a powerful vehicle to express our hearts," says Michelle, "We want every American to know that each child is a special creation of God being formed in their mother's womb." LifeUnited.org is a great start.
To learn more please visit www.lifeunited.org or contact:
Dan Pennell, Founder, LifeUnited, CEO, WMtek, Inc., www.wmtek.com,
Mathew Staver, Liberty Counsel, www.lc.org, .
David Gibbs, National Center for Life and Liberty, www.ncll.org,
Josh Duggar, The Duggar Family, www.duggarfamily.com,
Chicago Pastor Plans to Run a Marathon a Day for Five Months -- Coast to Coast
Quits Job to Help Kids in Africa Get Clean Water
Partners with International Christian Charity World Vision
Partners with International Christian Charity World Vision
SEATTLE, Jan. 24, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Right now, 49 year-old Steve Spear is training for the run of his life. The Chicago-area pastor recently quit his job as a Willow Creek pastor after 15 years, to focus on raising $1.5 million to provide clean water for 30,000 people living in Kenya. It's the adventure of a lifetime, a cross-country fundraising run from Southern California to New York City. Spear, who only took up long-distance running five years ago, has completed countless marathons and ultra-marathons but has never done anything like this before. He will attempt to run a marathon a day for five months, from coast to coast.
Spear will start his quest on April 8th, 2013 from the Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean, finishing up five months later in August in New York City. Steve Spear says his former senior pastor at Willow Creek, Bill Hybels is planning to run with Steve on the final leg of the cross-country odyssey into New York City. Spear will seek support from churches along the way.
A CROSS-COUNTRY ADVENTURE
Spear will start his quest on April 8th, 2013 from the Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean, finishing up five months later in August in New York City. Steve Spear says his former senior pastor at Willow Creek, Bill Hybels is planning to run with Steve on the final leg of the cross-country odyssey into New York City. Spear will seek support from churches along the way.
A CROSS-COUNTRY ADVENTURE
- Spear will run 3200 miles, averaging a marathon a day for 5 months
- He will consume 6100 calories a day.
- He will go through 10 pairs of running shoes
- 900 million people lack access to safe water
- 6000 children die each day from diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe water and basic sanitation facilities
- 443 million school days per year are lost to water-related illness
- The difference: hope for 30,000 people
Twitter: @steveSpear30
Media Contact John Yeager World Vision
jyeager@worldvision.org or
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicate to working with children, families and their communities worldwide by tacking the causes of poverty and injustice. For more information please visit worldvision.orgChristian Newswire
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