Matt Redman Encourages Worship as a Response in Times of Struggle on Aug. 25 Release, We Shall not be Shaken
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Known for having penned popular worship songs sung in churches across the world including "Blessed Be Your Name," "Better Is One Day," "You Never Let Go" and "Heart of Worship," recording artist, Matt Redman encourages everyone to turn to worship in times of struggle on his seventh studio album We Shall Not Be Shaken. The project will release nationwide Aug. 25 via sixstepsrecords.
We Shall Not Be Shaken uses simple poetic lyrics to express unbreakable truth in an age of utter brokenness. Working with producer Robert Marvin (Mat Kearney) and writer Jonas Myrin (Steven Curtis Chapman, Natasha Bedingfield), Redman wrote several songs to center listeners on God's unmatchable constancy.
"This album praises God's steadiness," says Redman. "We're being reminded how shakable earthly things are--job losses, home foreclosures. When we traveled to Korea, there were high profile suicides due to the failing marketplace. So it feels appropriate now to address the economy in a worship song."
The goal of spiritual confidence points to the other key focus on We Shall Not Be Shaken, the centrality of Jesus and the cross. First single "This Is How We Know," co-written with Redman's wife, Beth, seamlessly blends the message of John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16.
Prior to the shaping of the album there was one extremely notable shakeup: in July of 2008, Matt and Beth Redman and their three young children at the time, moved from England to the United States, and in November they welcomed their fourth child. They never envisioned themselves calling America "home," but God had another idea in mind. They recorded We Shall Not Be Shaken in Nashville, TN and now reside in Atlanta, GA. He and his wife will help plant the Passion City Church in Atlanta, alongside Passion Conferences founder Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin and others.
"I believe there is an inextricable link between the songs of worship and the worshipping church, and am convinced the community of Believers gathered to reflect God's greatness is the soil from which authentic and fresh expressions of worship arise," says Louie Giglio, the Visionary Architect/Director of sixstepsrecords and Passion City Church. "That is certainly the case with Matt's new album, arguably his strongest collection of corporate songs to date," he continues. "We are thrilled to both champion the music and celebrate his new partnership with Passion City Church."
Friday, July 3, 2009
Gun Saint Society Honors Kentucky Pastor for July 4th and 2nd Amendment Commemoration
Gun Saint Society Honors Kentucky Pastor for July 4th and 2nd Amendment Commemoration
ARLINGTON, VA, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- "We commend Pastor Ken Pagano for his celebration last weekend in Kentucky of American Independence and the Second Amendment," said John M. Snyder, President of the interdenominational St. Gabriel Possenti Society, Inc. (www.gunsaint.com).
"We're sending him a St. Gabriel Possenti Society Honor Medallion as evidence of our esteem," he continued. "Pastor Pagano knows that religious people own firearms and know how to use them in a responsible manner. His gun carry service was a fine commemoration of our Declaration of Independence and the Second Amendment constitutional right to keep and bear arms."
About 180 participants came to the New Bethel Church last Saturday to hear Pagano, according to The New York Times. "We want to send a message that there are legal, civil, law-abiding intelligent people who also own guns," Pagano preached. "There is nothing to be afraid of from a legal firearms owner."
"We concur," said Snyder. "Too many church officials of various persuasions talk and act as though they're afraid of anything that goes 'bang.' Pastor Pagano counters this mistaken attitude. Guns in the hands of good, responsible citizens can be and are used to prevent crime from occurring or to interrupt crime in process. According to scholarly research, firearms are used over a million times a year in the United States alone for this purpose.
"Pastor Pagano also counters the phony idea that arms use somehow opposes religious values. The Holy Bible itself is replete with references to good, even holy, arms use. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself advised that 'a man without a sword must sell his cloak and buy one,' according to the Gospel according to St. Luke."
Snyder said that, "Clergymen of various faiths may take a cue from Pastor Ken Pagano and follow his example. We certainly hope so. Guns can and are used to save lives."
St. Gabriel Possenti was a mid-19th century Catholic seminarian who was proficient in the use of rifles, shotguns and handguns. He used handguns in 1860 to rescue villagers of Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy from a gang of marauders. He died of consumption two years later. In 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized him. The international Society seeks his official Vatican designation as Patron of Handgunners. The Society emphasizes the historical, philosophical and theological bases for the right of self-defense. It commemorates its 20th anniversary this year. (www.youtube.com/watch? v=xXNE2jBaL9o)
ARLINGTON, VA, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- "We commend Pastor Ken Pagano for his celebration last weekend in Kentucky of American Independence and the Second Amendment," said John M. Snyder, President of the interdenominational St. Gabriel Possenti Society, Inc. (www.gunsaint.com).
"We're sending him a St. Gabriel Possenti Society Honor Medallion as evidence of our esteem," he continued. "Pastor Pagano knows that religious people own firearms and know how to use them in a responsible manner. His gun carry service was a fine commemoration of our Declaration of Independence and the Second Amendment constitutional right to keep and bear arms."
About 180 participants came to the New Bethel Church last Saturday to hear Pagano, according to The New York Times. "We want to send a message that there are legal, civil, law-abiding intelligent people who also own guns," Pagano preached. "There is nothing to be afraid of from a legal firearms owner."
"We concur," said Snyder. "Too many church officials of various persuasions talk and act as though they're afraid of anything that goes 'bang.' Pastor Pagano counters this mistaken attitude. Guns in the hands of good, responsible citizens can be and are used to prevent crime from occurring or to interrupt crime in process. According to scholarly research, firearms are used over a million times a year in the United States alone for this purpose.
"Pastor Pagano also counters the phony idea that arms use somehow opposes religious values. The Holy Bible itself is replete with references to good, even holy, arms use. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself advised that 'a man without a sword must sell his cloak and buy one,' according to the Gospel according to St. Luke."
Snyder said that, "Clergymen of various faiths may take a cue from Pastor Ken Pagano and follow his example. We certainly hope so. Guns can and are used to save lives."
St. Gabriel Possenti was a mid-19th century Catholic seminarian who was proficient in the use of rifles, shotguns and handguns. He used handguns in 1860 to rescue villagers of Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy from a gang of marauders. He died of consumption two years later. In 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized him. The international Society seeks his official Vatican designation as Patron of Handgunners. The Society emphasizes the historical, philosophical and theological bases for the right of self-defense. It commemorates its 20th anniversary this year. (www.youtube.com/watch? v=xXNE2jBaL9o)
What Should Church Leaders Say to Islamic Society of North America this Weekend
What Should Church Leaders Say to Islamic Society of North America this Weekend
"Church leaders like Rick Warren should be able to address Muslim audiences winsomely, affirming common humanity, without compromising Christian teachings." Mark Tooley, IRD President
WASHINGTON, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- California megachurch pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren is addressing the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) this weekend in Washington, D.C. Other Christians addressing ISNA include former National Council of Churches chief Bob Edgar, United Methodist lobbyist Jim Winkler, Yale theologian Miroslav Volf, and Chris Seiple of the Institute on Global Engagement. Thousands of American Muslims are expected to attend.
IRD President Mark Tooley commented:
"Church leaders like Rick Warren should be able to address Muslim audiences winsomely, affirming common humanity, without compromising Christian teachings. I pray that both evangelicals and liberal churchmen who will speak to ISNA this weekend will not embarrass American Christians, resort to anti- Americanism, tout leftist political causes, or betray persecuted Christians in majority Muslim countries. Hope and confidence, not guilt or ideology, are key to successful relations between Christians and Muslims."
The IRD's Guidelines for Christian Muslim Dialogue addresses how church leaders should engage Muslims. First composed in the wake of 9-11, it offers suggestions, including:
1. Emphasize human rights and religious freedom for all people.
2. Uphold the distinctives of the Christian Gospel.
3. Don't fault Christianity or the West for problems in the Islamic world.
4. Be mindful of global Christianity, not just Western churches.
5. Don't assume the world is neatly divided Muslim nations and non-Muslim.
6. Affirm moral issues where there is common ground.
7. Don't exaggerate the power of interfaith dialogue.
The Institute on Religion and Democracy, founded in 1981, is an ecumenical alliance of U.S. Christians working to reform their churches' social witness, in accord with biblical and historic Christian teachings, thereby contributing to the renewal of democratic society at home and abroad.
www.TheIRD.org
"Church leaders like Rick Warren should be able to address Muslim audiences winsomely, affirming common humanity, without compromising Christian teachings." Mark Tooley, IRD President
WASHINGTON, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- California megachurch pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren is addressing the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) this weekend in Washington, D.C. Other Christians addressing ISNA include former National Council of Churches chief Bob Edgar, United Methodist lobbyist Jim Winkler, Yale theologian Miroslav Volf, and Chris Seiple of the Institute on Global Engagement. Thousands of American Muslims are expected to attend.
IRD President Mark Tooley commented:
"Church leaders like Rick Warren should be able to address Muslim audiences winsomely, affirming common humanity, without compromising Christian teachings. I pray that both evangelicals and liberal churchmen who will speak to ISNA this weekend will not embarrass American Christians, resort to anti- Americanism, tout leftist political causes, or betray persecuted Christians in majority Muslim countries. Hope and confidence, not guilt or ideology, are key to successful relations between Christians and Muslims."
The IRD's Guidelines for Christian Muslim Dialogue addresses how church leaders should engage Muslims. First composed in the wake of 9-11, it offers suggestions, including:
1. Emphasize human rights and religious freedom for all people.
2. Uphold the distinctives of the Christian Gospel.
3. Don't fault Christianity or the West for problems in the Islamic world.
4. Be mindful of global Christianity, not just Western churches.
5. Don't assume the world is neatly divided Muslim nations and non-Muslim.
6. Affirm moral issues where there is common ground.
7. Don't exaggerate the power of interfaith dialogue.
The Institute on Religion and Democracy, founded in 1981, is an ecumenical alliance of U.S. Christians working to reform their churches' social witness, in accord with biblical and historic Christian teachings, thereby contributing to the renewal of democratic society at home and abroad.
www.TheIRD.org
Ohio Supreme Court's Decision Protects Privacy of Abusers Says Fr. Pavone
Ohio Supreme Court's Decision Protects Privacy of Abusers Says Fr. Pavone
STATEN ISLAND, NY, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following comment in response to the Ohio Supreme Court's refusal to make redacted medical records available in a case of alleged failure to report child abuse.
"It's hypocritical for the Ohio Supreme Court to be concerned about the privacy of girls receiving abortions at Planned Parenthood when, by keeping the redacted, anonymous records secret, it is in fact protecting the privacy of older men who abuse underage teens. The Court, by its decision, is enabling and perpetuating injustice."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org
STATEN ISLAND, NY, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following comment in response to the Ohio Supreme Court's refusal to make redacted medical records available in a case of alleged failure to report child abuse.
"It's hypocritical for the Ohio Supreme Court to be concerned about the privacy of girls receiving abortions at Planned Parenthood when, by keeping the redacted, anonymous records secret, it is in fact protecting the privacy of older men who abuse underage teens. The Court, by its decision, is enabling and perpetuating injustice."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org
OC-Based House Church Says Church Building Got in the Way of Discipleship
OC-Based House Church Says Church Building Got in the Way of Discipleship
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- A recent study found many megachurch goers are content to be spectators at church, and one house church leader sees a lesson there - but it isn't what you might think.
A recent study by The Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford Seminary and Leadership Network found that nearly half of megachurch attendees say they never volunteer at church and 32 percent say they give little or no money to the church.
But, house church leader and pastor Ken Eastburn of The Well isn't blaming megachurches for this finding. While he acknowledges the sheer size of megachurches may allow spectator Christians to more easily worship anonymously alongside active, engaged Christians, Eastburn cautions other church leaders not to miss what he sees as the deeper message from the study.
"Every church has spectator Christians in attendance and being a disciple of Jesus isn't for spectators," Eastburn asserts. He believes the core lesson from the study is that a church of any size can become complacent about challenging its members to deeper personal relationships with Jesus Christ. "It is a painful reminder," he continues, "that every church must never neglect its basic purpose - making disciples."
Getting back to the basics was one of reasons The Well, once a traditional Southern Baptist church, left its building in 2005 to begin meeting in houses. "For us, our building was standing in the way of our call to building and growing the body of Christ," according to Eastburn. The Well now meets in homes across Orange County, Calif. and is openly learning what it means to be a network of house churches. "We believe this house church model encourages a greater level of engagement with one another and God. And, we're learning new things every day." The Well shares its story and discoveries on its blog at www.leavethebuildingblog.com.
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- A recent study found many megachurch goers are content to be spectators at church, and one house church leader sees a lesson there - but it isn't what you might think.
A recent study by The Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford Seminary and Leadership Network found that nearly half of megachurch attendees say they never volunteer at church and 32 percent say they give little or no money to the church.
But, house church leader and pastor Ken Eastburn of The Well isn't blaming megachurches for this finding. While he acknowledges the sheer size of megachurches may allow spectator Christians to more easily worship anonymously alongside active, engaged Christians, Eastburn cautions other church leaders not to miss what he sees as the deeper message from the study.
"Every church has spectator Christians in attendance and being a disciple of Jesus isn't for spectators," Eastburn asserts. He believes the core lesson from the study is that a church of any size can become complacent about challenging its members to deeper personal relationships with Jesus Christ. "It is a painful reminder," he continues, "that every church must never neglect its basic purpose - making disciples."
Getting back to the basics was one of reasons The Well, once a traditional Southern Baptist church, left its building in 2005 to begin meeting in houses. "For us, our building was standing in the way of our call to building and growing the body of Christ," according to Eastburn. The Well now meets in homes across Orange County, Calif. and is openly learning what it means to be a network of house churches. "We believe this house church model encourages a greater level of engagement with one another and God. And, we're learning new things every day." The Well shares its story and discoveries on its blog at www.leavethebuildingblog.com.
Late-term Abortionist Pendergraft Loses License Suspension Appeal
Late-term Abortionist Pendergraft Loses License Suspension Appeal
Operation Rescue calls on FL Medical Board to convert the suspension into a permanent revocation
TALLAHASSEE, FL, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Late-term abortionist James Pendergraft has lost his appeal of the suspension of his medical license for committing illegal third- trimester abortions. The suspension issued by the Florida Medical Board remains valid and in effect.
In an opinion filed yesterday, the Florida District Court of Appeals rejected all of Pendergraft's arguments and stated that they "found no reversible error" in the Board's suspension order.
The opinion further stated:
· "Dr. Pendergraft violated sections 456.072(1)(k) and 458.331(1)(g) when he performed a third trimester abortion in his clinic, which is not a hospital."...
· "violated section 390.0111(1)(a)... which prohibits third trimester abortions unless two physicians certify in writing to the fact that, to a reasonable degree of medical probability, the termination of the pregnancy is necessary to save the life or preserve the health of the pregnant woman."
· [violated] "section 390.0111(1)(b)... because he did not certify in writing "to the medical necessity for legitimate emergency medical procedures for termination of pregnancy in the third trimester, and another physician is not available for consultation."
· "the [Administrative Law Judge] found that there was clear and convincing evidence that Dr. Pendergraft committed medical malpractice."
Pendergraft has a long history of violations and problems with the law. In 2006, Pendergraft's license was suspended for similar infractions. In 2001, Pendergraft was convicted of extortion and spent 46 months in prison.
"Like so many abortionists, Pendergraft continues to act as if he is above the law. That makes him a danger to the public," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "We call on the Florida Medical Board to convert the suspension into a permanent revocation, and continue to pray that Pendergraft's five Florida abortion mills will permanently close."
Read the opinion issued by the Court of Appeals.
[Special thanks to Jillstanek.com for breaking this story.]
About Operation Rescue®
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
Operation Rescue calls on FL Medical Board to convert the suspension into a permanent revocation
TALLAHASSEE, FL, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Late-term abortionist James Pendergraft has lost his appeal of the suspension of his medical license for committing illegal third- trimester abortions. The suspension issued by the Florida Medical Board remains valid and in effect.
In an opinion filed yesterday, the Florida District Court of Appeals rejected all of Pendergraft's arguments and stated that they "found no reversible error" in the Board's suspension order.
The opinion further stated:
· "Dr. Pendergraft violated sections 456.072(1)(k) and 458.331(1)(g) when he performed a third trimester abortion in his clinic, which is not a hospital."...
· "violated section 390.0111(1)(a)... which prohibits third trimester abortions unless two physicians certify in writing to the fact that, to a reasonable degree of medical probability, the termination of the pregnancy is necessary to save the life or preserve the health of the pregnant woman."
· [violated] "section 390.0111(1)(b)... because he did not certify in writing "to the medical necessity for legitimate emergency medical procedures for termination of pregnancy in the third trimester, and another physician is not available for consultation."
· "the [Administrative Law Judge] found that there was clear and convincing evidence that Dr. Pendergraft committed medical malpractice."
Pendergraft has a long history of violations and problems with the law. In 2006, Pendergraft's license was suspended for similar infractions. In 2001, Pendergraft was convicted of extortion and spent 46 months in prison.
"Like so many abortionists, Pendergraft continues to act as if he is above the law. That makes him a danger to the public," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "We call on the Florida Medical Board to convert the suspension into a permanent revocation, and continue to pray that Pendergraft's five Florida abortion mills will permanently close."
Read the opinion issued by the Court of Appeals.
[Special thanks to Jillstanek.com for breaking this story.]
About Operation Rescue®
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
Pentagon Denies Flyover of Patriotic 'God and Country Rally' in Nampa Idaho Because of its Christian Content
Pentagon Denies Flyover of Patriotic 'God and Country Rally' in Nampa Idaho Because of its Christian Content
NAMPA, Idaho, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- This marks the first time in the 42 year history of the event that a flyover request was denied by the Pentagon.
The event is held ever year to honor the spiritual foundations of our country with a special emphasis on the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
In past years, the "God and Country Rally" has focused on honoring and paying tribute to those veterans who have served our nation in the past and those who are currently on active duty.
At the rally this year, all five branches of the armed services were featured with over 60 new recruits sworn into the military at the event.
After a phone conversation and an e-mail response from the Pentagon, Rally Director Patti Syme says they were denied the request for a flyover this year because of the "Christian" nature of the event.
The e-mail from the Pentagon can be seen here.
The Christian Defense Coalition says this is a "slap in the face" to all those who have proudly served or are currently on active duty in the armed services.
The group is concerned that this new policy may indicate an open hostility toward public expressions of faith by the Obama Administration.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states,
"For years, flyovers have been allowed by the Pentagon at the 'God and Country Rally' in Nampa Idaho. These flyovers were not to endorse or promote any one religious faith tradition. Rather, they were held to honor and pay tribute to our heroic men and women who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces.
"For the Obama Administration to deny a flyover for the first time, is a slap in the face to all those who proudly serve our country especially when we are at war. These flyovers have been a special part of the 'God and Country Rally' for many years.
"Will the new policy of President Obama be that a person has to surrender their faith tradition to honor and pay tribute to our courageous men and women who serve in the military?
"With respect to the economic concerns that the Pentagon mentioned, I would answer this way. If we can pay hundreds thousands of dollars for President Obama to go on a date with his wife to see a Broadway show and have an expensive dinner in New York City, we can certainly find a way to honor our brave men and women who serve in the armed services with a simple flyover.
"The Christian Defense Coalition will diligently work to reverse this unjust policy and determine why this flyover was denied in the first place."
Brandi Swindell, national Christian activist and Director of Generation Life, based in Idaho, adds,
"For the Pentagon to deny this flyover for the first time in the history of our state is deeply troubling and disturbing.
"During a time of war and especially around the 4th of July we should be doing all within our power as a nation to honor and respect our military.
"It must be stressed that the flyover was not to honor Christianity but to honor our fallen heroes who have proudly given their lives to protect our country and advance the cause of liberty around the world.
"Does this mean in the future that all public rallies must be stripped of any expressions of faith to respect our military? This Administration should be protecting religious expression in the public square not crushing it.
"I hope that President Obama will reverse this unjust policy and next year we will be allowed to give the military the honor they deserve."
For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney 540.538.4741 202.547.1735
Brandi Swindell 208.867.1307
Patti Syme Director of "The God and Country Rally"
208.573.9300
Patti's husband Scott is a Colonel in the United States Army currently serving in Iraq.
NAMPA, Idaho, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- This marks the first time in the 42 year history of the event that a flyover request was denied by the Pentagon.
The event is held ever year to honor the spiritual foundations of our country with a special emphasis on the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
In past years, the "God and Country Rally" has focused on honoring and paying tribute to those veterans who have served our nation in the past and those who are currently on active duty.
At the rally this year, all five branches of the armed services were featured with over 60 new recruits sworn into the military at the event.
After a phone conversation and an e-mail response from the Pentagon, Rally Director Patti Syme says they were denied the request for a flyover this year because of the "Christian" nature of the event.
The e-mail from the Pentagon can be seen here.
The Christian Defense Coalition says this is a "slap in the face" to all those who have proudly served or are currently on active duty in the armed services.
The group is concerned that this new policy may indicate an open hostility toward public expressions of faith by the Obama Administration.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states,
"For years, flyovers have been allowed by the Pentagon at the 'God and Country Rally' in Nampa Idaho. These flyovers were not to endorse or promote any one religious faith tradition. Rather, they were held to honor and pay tribute to our heroic men and women who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces.
"For the Obama Administration to deny a flyover for the first time, is a slap in the face to all those who proudly serve our country especially when we are at war. These flyovers have been a special part of the 'God and Country Rally' for many years.
"Will the new policy of President Obama be that a person has to surrender their faith tradition to honor and pay tribute to our courageous men and women who serve in the military?
"With respect to the economic concerns that the Pentagon mentioned, I would answer this way. If we can pay hundreds thousands of dollars for President Obama to go on a date with his wife to see a Broadway show and have an expensive dinner in New York City, we can certainly find a way to honor our brave men and women who serve in the armed services with a simple flyover.
"The Christian Defense Coalition will diligently work to reverse this unjust policy and determine why this flyover was denied in the first place."
Brandi Swindell, national Christian activist and Director of Generation Life, based in Idaho, adds,
"For the Pentagon to deny this flyover for the first time in the history of our state is deeply troubling and disturbing.
"During a time of war and especially around the 4th of July we should be doing all within our power as a nation to honor and respect our military.
"It must be stressed that the flyover was not to honor Christianity but to honor our fallen heroes who have proudly given their lives to protect our country and advance the cause of liberty around the world.
"Does this mean in the future that all public rallies must be stripped of any expressions of faith to respect our military? This Administration should be protecting religious expression in the public square not crushing it.
"I hope that President Obama will reverse this unjust policy and next year we will be allowed to give the military the honor they deserve."
For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney 540.538.4741 202.547.1735
Brandi Swindell 208.867.1307
Patti Syme Director of "The God and Country Rally"
208.573.9300
Patti's husband Scott is a Colonel in the United States Army currently serving in Iraq.
Missions Organization Issues 30-Day Global Prayer Challenge
Missions Organization Issues 30-Day Global Prayer Challenge
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- One missionary-sending agency is challenging Christians to embark on a global adventure -- a 30-day prayer tour around the world.
World Gospel Mission (WGM) invites believers to join The Concert of Prayer: Encore. The Concert of Prayer is a 30-day challenge where participants join other believers in daily prayer for specific countries and opportunities where WGM missionaries are serving.
The September/October issue of WGM's magazine, The Call, will lead readers on a 30-day prayer tour around the world. During the 30-day challenge, from September 14-October 14, WGM invites readers to join other believers at 12:00 pm (EST) each day via a conference call to pray for the country designated on that day.
"Last fall, we led our champions in this Concert of Prayer, through our magazine," said Tim Rickel, Vice President of Development. "That issue was so popular and affected so many that we decided to hold an 'encore!'"
"We can't wait to see what God is going to do through these days of unified, concentrated prayer for our world," said Rickel. "If you want to be a part of this event, sign up now!"
To be part of the Concert of Prayer: Encore, sign up for your free subscription to The Call at www.wgm.org/call. The Concert of Prayer: Encore can also be followed on www.wgm.org, with audio files of the daily prayers, special podcast episodes, and more.
Formerly known as The Call to Prayer, The Call is a bimonthly magazine and has been in publication since 1919. WGM is offering a free subscription to anyone wishing to live a mission-active life.
About World Gospel Mission
World Gospel Mission disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. As an interdenominational missionary organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to intentionally address the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Learn more at www.wgm.org.
Rachel Elwood, Media Relations
World Gospel Mission
(765) 671-7255
mediarelations@wgm.org
www.wgm.org
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- One missionary-sending agency is challenging Christians to embark on a global adventure -- a 30-day prayer tour around the world.
World Gospel Mission (WGM) invites believers to join The Concert of Prayer: Encore. The Concert of Prayer is a 30-day challenge where participants join other believers in daily prayer for specific countries and opportunities where WGM missionaries are serving.
The September/October issue of WGM's magazine, The Call, will lead readers on a 30-day prayer tour around the world. During the 30-day challenge, from September 14-October 14, WGM invites readers to join other believers at 12:00 pm (EST) each day via a conference call to pray for the country designated on that day.
"Last fall, we led our champions in this Concert of Prayer, through our magazine," said Tim Rickel, Vice President of Development. "That issue was so popular and affected so many that we decided to hold an 'encore!'"
"We can't wait to see what God is going to do through these days of unified, concentrated prayer for our world," said Rickel. "If you want to be a part of this event, sign up now!"
To be part of the Concert of Prayer: Encore, sign up for your free subscription to The Call at www.wgm.org/call. The Concert of Prayer: Encore can also be followed on www.wgm.org, with audio files of the daily prayers, special podcast episodes, and more.
Formerly known as The Call to Prayer, The Call is a bimonthly magazine and has been in publication since 1919. WGM is offering a free subscription to anyone wishing to live a mission-active life.
About World Gospel Mission
World Gospel Mission disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. As an interdenominational missionary organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to intentionally address the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Learn more at www.wgm.org.
Rachel Elwood, Media Relations
World Gospel Mission
(765) 671-7255
mediarelations@wgm.org
www.wgm.org
Undercover Student Video Shows Planned Parenthood in Alabama 'Bending the Rules' of Mandatory Reporting for Sexual Abuse
Undercover Student Video Shows Planned Parenthood in Alabama 'Bending the Rules' of Mandatory Reporting for Sexual Abuse
BIRMINGHAM, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- A Planned Parenthood counselor in Birmingham was caught on hidden camera telling an alleged 14-year-old statutory rape victim that the clinic "does sometimes bend the rules a little bit" rather than report sexual abuse to state authorities. This is the seventh Planned Parenthood clinic implicated in a multi-state child abuse scandal involving the deliberate and unlawful suppression of evidence of statutory rape. (View video here: liveaction.org/alabama)
Lila Rose, 20-year-old UCLA student and president of the non-profit Live Action, went undercover at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Birmingham and told a counselor that she was 14-years-old, pregnant by her 31-year-old "boyfriend." Rose said she needed a secret abortion so her parents would not find out about her sexual relationship with the older man.
After telling the counselor that her "boyfriend" is 31, Rose asks, "Is it a problem about my boyfriend?" The counselor, identified as "Tanisha" in the video, responds, "As long as you consented to having sex with him, there's nothing we can truly do about that." Rose then says that her boyfriend "said he could get in big trouble," and Tanisha acknowledges that "he could, especially if your parents find out that he's 31." She then tells Rose that the clinic manager, OB/GYN Dr. Desiree Bates, "sometimes does bend the rules a little bit" and states that "whatever you tell us stays within these walls" and "we can't disclose any information to anybody."
Alabama code 26-14-3 requires health professionals to disclose suspected cases of sexual abuse to state officials immediately.
"The law is explicit about a healthcare provider's duty to report, yet Planned Parenthood pretends they cannot say anything," Rose notes of the investigation. "Planned Parenthood increases its business and influence by circumventing state reporting laws, but inflicts terrible harm upon the vulnerable young girls sent back to statutory rapists."
In the video, Tanisha also seems to tell Rose that a signature from an "older sister that's over the age of 18" or someone "with the same last name" could function as a substitute for parental consent so Planned Parenthood could perform an abortion on a minor. Alabama Code 26-21-3 specifies that the written permission of either a parent or legal guardian is necessary before a minor may obtain an abortion.
The new video is sixth in Live Action's "Mona Lisa Project," a nationwide undercover investigation that documents Planned Parenthood's repeated noncompliance with state mandatory reporting laws for sexual abuse of minors. Alabama is the fourth state to be implicated in the controversy, along with Arizona, Indiana, and Tennessee. Recently, the investigation of a clinic in Memphis, TN assisted state legislators in their effort to successfully divert nearly $1 million in taxpayer subsidies from Planned Parenthood to law-abiding local health clinics.
"When to 'bend the rules a little' means hiding a case of statutory rape from Child Protective Services and looking for ways around the parental consent requirement, Planned Parenthood becomes directly responsible for ensuring that statutory rapists can continue their abuse of young girls," Rose says.
(The video can be viewed online at liveaction.org/alabama)
BIRMINGHAM, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- A Planned Parenthood counselor in Birmingham was caught on hidden camera telling an alleged 14-year-old statutory rape victim that the clinic "does sometimes bend the rules a little bit" rather than report sexual abuse to state authorities. This is the seventh Planned Parenthood clinic implicated in a multi-state child abuse scandal involving the deliberate and unlawful suppression of evidence of statutory rape. (View video here: liveaction.org/alabama)
Lila Rose, 20-year-old UCLA student and president of the non-profit Live Action, went undercover at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Birmingham and told a counselor that she was 14-years-old, pregnant by her 31-year-old "boyfriend." Rose said she needed a secret abortion so her parents would not find out about her sexual relationship with the older man.
After telling the counselor that her "boyfriend" is 31, Rose asks, "Is it a problem about my boyfriend?" The counselor, identified as "Tanisha" in the video, responds, "As long as you consented to having sex with him, there's nothing we can truly do about that." Rose then says that her boyfriend "said he could get in big trouble," and Tanisha acknowledges that "he could, especially if your parents find out that he's 31." She then tells Rose that the clinic manager, OB/GYN Dr. Desiree Bates, "sometimes does bend the rules a little bit" and states that "whatever you tell us stays within these walls" and "we can't disclose any information to anybody."
Alabama code 26-14-3 requires health professionals to disclose suspected cases of sexual abuse to state officials immediately.
"The law is explicit about a healthcare provider's duty to report, yet Planned Parenthood pretends they cannot say anything," Rose notes of the investigation. "Planned Parenthood increases its business and influence by circumventing state reporting laws, but inflicts terrible harm upon the vulnerable young girls sent back to statutory rapists."
In the video, Tanisha also seems to tell Rose that a signature from an "older sister that's over the age of 18" or someone "with the same last name" could function as a substitute for parental consent so Planned Parenthood could perform an abortion on a minor. Alabama Code 26-21-3 specifies that the written permission of either a parent or legal guardian is necessary before a minor may obtain an abortion.
The new video is sixth in Live Action's "Mona Lisa Project," a nationwide undercover investigation that documents Planned Parenthood's repeated noncompliance with state mandatory reporting laws for sexual abuse of minors. Alabama is the fourth state to be implicated in the controversy, along with Arizona, Indiana, and Tennessee. Recently, the investigation of a clinic in Memphis, TN assisted state legislators in their effort to successfully divert nearly $1 million in taxpayer subsidies from Planned Parenthood to law-abiding local health clinics.
"When to 'bend the rules a little' means hiding a case of statutory rape from Child Protective Services and looking for ways around the parental consent requirement, Planned Parenthood becomes directly responsible for ensuring that statutory rapists can continue their abuse of young girls," Rose says.
(The video can be viewed online at liveaction.org/alabama)
Dr. Mack King Carter, Distinguished Pastor and Teacher, Poised to Take His Place in History After 27 Years of Leadership at the Helm of New Mount
Dr. Mack King Carter. Photo: Christian Newswire
Dr. Mack King Carter, Distinguished Pastor and Teacher, Poised to Take His Place in History After 27 Years of Leadership at the Helm of New Mount Olive Baptist Church
FORT LAUDERDALE, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Mack King Carter, Senior Pastor of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church, will deliver his final sermon as Senior Pastor of the 10,000 member congregation on Sunday September 27, 2010.
Photo: Dr. Mack King Carter
In 1981, Rev. George E. Weaver, then pastor of New Mount Olive, invited Dr. Carter to become his co-pastor before passing the torch to him in November 1982. Under Carter's leadership the membership has grown to more than 10,000. He has established a television ministry that is broadcast nationally and internationally. He also created the Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODCO) which is a faith- based organization whose mission is to revitalize low and moderate income communities by providing strategic programs that promote economic development, create jobs and focus on strengthening families through Public Service, Affordable Housing, and Entrepreneurial Ventures.
Dr. Carter is recognized as one of the country's greatest Theologians. He has published four books and lectured extensively throughout his career as a spiritual leader. He believes that his pastoral mission is "to bring humankind in line with the kingdom of God" through loving God, loving people and practicing peace and patience.
Throughout Dr. Carter's career as a Theologian, Teacher and Pastor, he has stated that he "values relationships, thinks that people are important, and that people matter more than things." After each day's work, Dr. Carter maintains that he "never goes to bed without attempting to make a difference in somebody's life."
The New Mount Olive family is currently in the process of organizing an unforgettable fete themed "A Page in HIS-[S] TORY" for Dr. Carter and his devoted wife of 36 years, Patricia Thomas Carter. The evening of Friday October 2nd, will include tributes, special presentations and lots of song and celebration at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL.
For more information about Dr. Carter's retirement celebration, please call (954) 463-5126 or visit www.mountolive.org.
New Study Shows Fruit of the Spirit is a Powerful Product that Delivers High Anti-Oxidants and Alkalizing Minerals -- Eating more Fruits and Vegetable
New Study Shows Fruit of the Spirit is a Powerful Product that Delivers High Anti-Oxidants and Alkalizing Minerals -- Eating more Fruits and Vegetables Reduces Risk of Chronic Disease
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Studies show unwise lifestyle choices set the stage for chronic disease including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and some cancers by activating and inactivating genes that comprise our unique genetic map. Published scientific studies estimate that up to 90% of diabetes and 83% of heart disease can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes. A risk factor for chronic disease is not eating the recommended 5-servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
We are too busy, unable financially to buy fresh ingredients and processed foods taste better to our families. A New Christian based product "Fruit of the Spirit" can provide you 5-servings of fruits and alkalinizing minerals in one ounce and it tastes good too:
* The formulation of Fruit of the Spirit was five years in the making. It is a blend of 16 whole fruit purees, not extracts, providing broad-spectrum antioxidant protection not found in single-fruit juices.
* Alkalinizing minerals from the Dead Sea known to restore your cells and bring your body back to its balanced state.
Volunteers who recently had bariatric surgery added 2- ounces of Fruit of the Spirit twice daily for 30 days. Participants reported better energy levels, quality of sleep, and overall well being. They also reported less aches and pains consistently.
The ORAC value (Anti-Oxidant Measure) of the Fruit of the Spirit was compared to that of the most commonly consumed 100% fruit juices. The ORAC for Fruit of the Spirit was 2250 per ounce compared to an average of 500 per ounce for the other juices. Fruit of the Spirit's ORAC was more than 3 times greater than the best- selling grape juice and pomegranate juice.
Fruit of the Spirit's total ORAC value (protection against the 5 most dangerous free radicals) was exceptional. One ounce of Fruit of the Spirit delivers 180% of the total ORAC average for 6-8 ounces of other juices that promote antioxidant power.
Fruit of the Spirit contains 3 g. of carbohydrates (sugars) per serving vs. 26-39 g. of sugar in the other best-selling juices. That equates to 15 calories per serving for Fruit of the Spirit vs. 110-160 calories per serving for the other best-selling juices.
Dr. John Young, MD encourages his patients to make Fruit of the Spirit a part of their daily health program: "I've seen several products that are out in the market. None come close to Fruit of the Spirit. It delivers such a powerful dose of Anti-Oxidants and Minerals with very low sugar, carbohydrates and calories."
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Studies show unwise lifestyle choices set the stage for chronic disease including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and some cancers by activating and inactivating genes that comprise our unique genetic map. Published scientific studies estimate that up to 90% of diabetes and 83% of heart disease can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes. A risk factor for chronic disease is not eating the recommended 5-servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
We are too busy, unable financially to buy fresh ingredients and processed foods taste better to our families. A New Christian based product "Fruit of the Spirit" can provide you 5-servings of fruits and alkalinizing minerals in one ounce and it tastes good too:
* The formulation of Fruit of the Spirit was five years in the making. It is a blend of 16 whole fruit purees, not extracts, providing broad-spectrum antioxidant protection not found in single-fruit juices.
* Alkalinizing minerals from the Dead Sea known to restore your cells and bring your body back to its balanced state.
Volunteers who recently had bariatric surgery added 2- ounces of Fruit of the Spirit twice daily for 30 days. Participants reported better energy levels, quality of sleep, and overall well being. They also reported less aches and pains consistently.
The ORAC value (Anti-Oxidant Measure) of the Fruit of the Spirit was compared to that of the most commonly consumed 100% fruit juices. The ORAC for Fruit of the Spirit was 2250 per ounce compared to an average of 500 per ounce for the other juices. Fruit of the Spirit's ORAC was more than 3 times greater than the best- selling grape juice and pomegranate juice.
Fruit of the Spirit's total ORAC value (protection against the 5 most dangerous free radicals) was exceptional. One ounce of Fruit of the Spirit delivers 180% of the total ORAC average for 6-8 ounces of other juices that promote antioxidant power.
Fruit of the Spirit contains 3 g. of carbohydrates (sugars) per serving vs. 26-39 g. of sugar in the other best-selling juices. That equates to 15 calories per serving for Fruit of the Spirit vs. 110-160 calories per serving for the other best-selling juices.
Dr. John Young, MD encourages his patients to make Fruit of the Spirit a part of their daily health program: "I've seen several products that are out in the market. None come close to Fruit of the Spirit. It delivers such a powerful dose of Anti-Oxidants and Minerals with very low sugar, carbohydrates and calories."
Pro-Life Youth to Picket Office of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Pro-Life Youth to Picket Office of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
LOS ANGELES, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Youth activists will demand that not penny of taxpayer funds be used to pay for abortions while teachers and community services are being cut in California due to budget concerns.
The demonstration will take place on Tuesday, June 30 at 11:00 A.M.
The location will be at 300 South Spring St., Los Angeles
The 65 youth activists will be carrying large signs and banners.
This event kicks off a national campaign by Survivors called "Teachers not Abortions."
Sarah Massell, a member of Survivors, states, "The pro-abortion movement is always telling us that we cannot force our morality on them. If abortion is a moral issue, why are taxpayers being forced to pay for abortions rather than fund education?
"Public funds that should be going to ensure our teachers are properly compensated are now going to fund unlimited and unrestricted abortions. The more we cut resources to our educational system the more it will have a negative impact on future generations."
Timmerie Millington adds, "We have become a society that kills its own children with unlimited public funds. Yet, firefighters and police officers who have laid down their lives to protect our nation are losing their jobs because our tax dollars are being spent on the killing of America's children."
Survivors is one of the leading pro-life youth activist organizations in the nation and they are sponsoring their annual 10 day leadership training and camp in Southern California.
LOS ANGELES, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Youth activists will demand that not penny of taxpayer funds be used to pay for abortions while teachers and community services are being cut in California due to budget concerns.
The demonstration will take place on Tuesday, June 30 at 11:00 A.M.
The location will be at 300 South Spring St., Los Angeles
The 65 youth activists will be carrying large signs and banners.
This event kicks off a national campaign by Survivors called "Teachers not Abortions."
Sarah Massell, a member of Survivors, states, "The pro-abortion movement is always telling us that we cannot force our morality on them. If abortion is a moral issue, why are taxpayers being forced to pay for abortions rather than fund education?
"Public funds that should be going to ensure our teachers are properly compensated are now going to fund unlimited and unrestricted abortions. The more we cut resources to our educational system the more it will have a negative impact on future generations."
Timmerie Millington adds, "We have become a society that kills its own children with unlimited public funds. Yet, firefighters and police officers who have laid down their lives to protect our nation are losing their jobs because our tax dollars are being spent on the killing of America's children."
Survivors is one of the leading pro-life youth activist organizations in the nation and they are sponsoring their annual 10 day leadership training and camp in Southern California.
Iran: More Pressure on Christians?
Iran: More Pressure on Christians?
Son of Martyred Pastor Says Believers Could Face Even More Persecution During Protest Crackdown
SANTA ANA, Calif., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Joseph Hovsepian says Christians who are protesting the June 12 re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran could face even more intense persecution.
Hovsepian, whose father Bishop Haik Hovsepian was martyred in Iran in 1994, says he is hearing from his friends and relatives in Iran that few Christians are in the streets protesting, although they certainly share the protesters' demands for a full recount of the bitterly disputed election and more freedom.
"We should not forget that the danger for Christians protesting in Iran is double," he states. "If this is how brutally the Iranian government cracks down on its own Muslim protestors who shout 'Alaho Akbar' (God is great), just imagine how much worse it could be for Christians protesting and calling Jesus for help!
"I know that the regime is planning on a very hard and merciless reaction to the point that they are putting together a team to silence the protesters within a week. Many of the protest leaders have been arrested. People live in fear. The danger could be more for Christians. They have already been persecuted for years.
"However, I believe the regime can not be the same anymore. It will certainly change as a result of these protests. I personally hope it will shape towards a better and freer Iran."
Hovsepian, who now makes his home in the Los Angeles area, adds that the current events in Iran have united the Church there.
"They are gathering together and praying that the Lord would make something good come out of this (protests and the world's spotlight). We have seen in the history of the world that during crises and pressures people unite and forget the small difference of opinions. So that is happening to the Church in Iran. They see a window of opportunity to share the gospel with the new generation which is very tired of the dictatorship and the forcing of the Islamic religion on people.
"There is definitely a mixture of excitement, hope and tension. Their hope is in God."
Hovsepian notes that he has been "very encouraged to see many Christians in the West remembering Iran in their prayers and concerned with the situation there.
"My family and I have been in a very unique, emotional period of time. We wake up and sleep with the news from Iran. But we regularly remind ourselves that God is in control. This is what my father would always say when we were worried about him. Knowing the fact that God sees all of this and is in control definitely helps me, especially during crises."
The murder of Neda Agah-Soltan, 26, killed by a bullet while standing on a street in Tehran during a protest, brought back the memory of the brutal killing of Joseph Hovsepian's father. He was stabbed 26 times by an attacker. Haik Hovsepian was an evangelical church leader in Iran.
"The very first time I saw the clip of Neda's bleeding death on the streets of Tehran, I remembered the shocking moment years ago when I saw my father's bloody dead body in the morgue. I was 19 years old. The second time we watched the clip on YouTube with my mother and brothers. We all cried. At first the reaction was anger and hatred. And then we go back on the road of daily forgiveness. We continue to pray as many did for us during my father's martyrdom."
Joseph Hovsepian and his brother Andre made a compelling documentary of his father's death called A Cry From Iran. The film, produced in partnership with Open Doors, has won numerous awards over the past year and a half. For more information, go to www.acryfromiran.com. The Hovsepian brothers are reaching out to Iranian Christians now through a radio and satellite television ministry.
Open Doors reports that in 2008 at least 50 Christians, mostly Muslim Background Believers, were arrested, interrogated, tortured, intimidated and some even killed in Iran. It marked the toughest year regarding Christian persecution since the Islamic Revolution 30 years ago. Iran is ranked No. 3 on the Open Doors World Watch List of 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) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org).
Son of Martyred Pastor Says Believers Could Face Even More Persecution During Protest Crackdown
SANTA ANA, Calif., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Joseph Hovsepian says Christians who are protesting the June 12 re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran could face even more intense persecution.
Hovsepian, whose father Bishop Haik Hovsepian was martyred in Iran in 1994, says he is hearing from his friends and relatives in Iran that few Christians are in the streets protesting, although they certainly share the protesters' demands for a full recount of the bitterly disputed election and more freedom.
"We should not forget that the danger for Christians protesting in Iran is double," he states. "If this is how brutally the Iranian government cracks down on its own Muslim protestors who shout 'Alaho Akbar' (God is great), just imagine how much worse it could be for Christians protesting and calling Jesus for help!
"I know that the regime is planning on a very hard and merciless reaction to the point that they are putting together a team to silence the protesters within a week. Many of the protest leaders have been arrested. People live in fear. The danger could be more for Christians. They have already been persecuted for years.
"However, I believe the regime can not be the same anymore. It will certainly change as a result of these protests. I personally hope it will shape towards a better and freer Iran."
Hovsepian, who now makes his home in the Los Angeles area, adds that the current events in Iran have united the Church there.
"They are gathering together and praying that the Lord would make something good come out of this (protests and the world's spotlight). We have seen in the history of the world that during crises and pressures people unite and forget the small difference of opinions. So that is happening to the Church in Iran. They see a window of opportunity to share the gospel with the new generation which is very tired of the dictatorship and the forcing of the Islamic religion on people.
"There is definitely a mixture of excitement, hope and tension. Their hope is in God."
Hovsepian notes that he has been "very encouraged to see many Christians in the West remembering Iran in their prayers and concerned with the situation there.
"My family and I have been in a very unique, emotional period of time. We wake up and sleep with the news from Iran. But we regularly remind ourselves that God is in control. This is what my father would always say when we were worried about him. Knowing the fact that God sees all of this and is in control definitely helps me, especially during crises."
The murder of Neda Agah-Soltan, 26, killed by a bullet while standing on a street in Tehran during a protest, brought back the memory of the brutal killing of Joseph Hovsepian's father. He was stabbed 26 times by an attacker. Haik Hovsepian was an evangelical church leader in Iran.
"The very first time I saw the clip of Neda's bleeding death on the streets of Tehran, I remembered the shocking moment years ago when I saw my father's bloody dead body in the morgue. I was 19 years old. The second time we watched the clip on YouTube with my mother and brothers. We all cried. At first the reaction was anger and hatred. And then we go back on the road of daily forgiveness. We continue to pray as many did for us during my father's martyrdom."
Joseph Hovsepian and his brother Andre made a compelling documentary of his father's death called A Cry From Iran. The film, produced in partnership with Open Doors, has won numerous awards over the past year and a half. For more information, go to www.acryfromiran.com. The Hovsepian brothers are reaching out to Iranian Christians now through a radio and satellite television ministry.
Open Doors reports that in 2008 at least 50 Christians, mostly Muslim Background Believers, were arrested, interrogated, tortured, intimidated and some even killed in Iran. It marked the toughest year regarding Christian persecution since the Islamic Revolution 30 years ago. Iran is ranked No. 3 on the Open Doors World Watch List of 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) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org).
Lombard Demonstrates Why Gays Should Not be Allowed to Adopt
Lombard Demonstrates Why Gays Should Not be Allowed to Adopt
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The on-line rape of his 5-year- old adopted son by Duke University's openly-gay, Frank Lombard, is no anomaly. Instead, Lombard's molestation fits the pattern that emerged in the latest review of the scientific literature about gay fathers.
Lombard lives with his gay partner, another Duke University employee. The Arrest Warrant documents that Lombard sodomized one of his two adopted African-American sons and made the boy give him oral sex on-line. He offered other gays the same opportunity. Although the boy was drugged, "it is likely he developed interest in gay sex through these activities," said Dr. Paul Cameron, an expert in gay fostering/gay adoption and author of the latest review.
Published in the peer-reviewed Psychological Reports, the review(1) noted that gays' children were more frequently exposed to parental molestation and more apt to adopt homosexual interests and activities. "The Lombard case fits the pattern," said Dr. Cameron. "While every gay parent does not molest his child, the scientific literature records a much higher incidence of molestation by gay parents or foster parents."
Dr. Cameron, Chairman of the Family Research Institute, a Colorado Springs think-tank, noted that the review documented that gays' children were also:
1) more apt to report sexual confusion;
2) more apt to be socially disturbed;
3) more apt to abuse substances;
4) less apt to get married;
5) more apt to have difficulty in attachment and loving relationships; and
6) more apt to have emotional difficulties.
"The cant that 'gay parents are no more likely to molest' is not based on evidence but liberal ideology," said Cameron. "By endorsing gay adoption, President Obama, the state of North Carolina, and Duke University share blame for this tragedy. These policy makers let dogma blind them to evidence that has been in the literature for years. Why would anyone who cared about children endorse adoption by members of a group which had 23% of its members admit to sex with boys(2) or had 19% say they felt 'positive' about sex with them?(3)"
1. Cameron P. Gay Fathers' Effects On Children: A Review Psychological Reports, 2009:104;649- 639
2. Bell AP, Weinberg MS Homosexualities: a study of diversity among men and women. NY: Simon & Schuster, 1978.
3. Jay K & Young A. The Gay report. NY: Summit, 1979.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The on-line rape of his 5-year- old adopted son by Duke University's openly-gay, Frank Lombard, is no anomaly. Instead, Lombard's molestation fits the pattern that emerged in the latest review of the scientific literature about gay fathers.
Lombard lives with his gay partner, another Duke University employee. The Arrest Warrant documents that Lombard sodomized one of his two adopted African-American sons and made the boy give him oral sex on-line. He offered other gays the same opportunity. Although the boy was drugged, "it is likely he developed interest in gay sex through these activities," said Dr. Paul Cameron, an expert in gay fostering/gay adoption and author of the latest review.
Published in the peer-reviewed Psychological Reports, the review(1) noted that gays' children were more frequently exposed to parental molestation and more apt to adopt homosexual interests and activities. "The Lombard case fits the pattern," said Dr. Cameron. "While every gay parent does not molest his child, the scientific literature records a much higher incidence of molestation by gay parents or foster parents."
Dr. Cameron, Chairman of the Family Research Institute, a Colorado Springs think-tank, noted that the review documented that gays' children were also:
1) more apt to report sexual confusion;
2) more apt to be socially disturbed;
3) more apt to abuse substances;
4) less apt to get married;
5) more apt to have difficulty in attachment and loving relationships; and
6) more apt to have emotional difficulties.
"The cant that 'gay parents are no more likely to molest' is not based on evidence but liberal ideology," said Cameron. "By endorsing gay adoption, President Obama, the state of North Carolina, and Duke University share blame for this tragedy. These policy makers let dogma blind them to evidence that has been in the literature for years. Why would anyone who cared about children endorse adoption by members of a group which had 23% of its members admit to sex with boys(2) or had 19% say they felt 'positive' about sex with them?(3)"
1. Cameron P. Gay Fathers' Effects On Children: A Review Psychological Reports, 2009:104;649- 639
2. Bell AP, Weinberg MS Homosexualities: a study of diversity among men and women. NY: Simon & Schuster, 1978.
3. Jay K & Young A. The Gay report. NY: Summit, 1979.
America Cannot Afford Health Care
America Cannot Afford Health Care
WASHINGTON, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- President Barack Obama has said that the passage of his Health Bill is very important. He also says we must pass it now because the cost will go up and we cannot allow people to need health care and not receive it.
The truth is health care is being handled better in the United States than it is by other nations who have health care provisions. America cannot afford it because the Federal Government is already broke and has trouble borrowing any more money.
Swarthout asks, "How are we going to pay for this program? When will America realize the Federal Government is broke and does not have any money? Besides, all of the money our government receives comes directly from you and I when we pay our taxes."
Swarthout added, "It is time to say NO to our government. We must say NO until our government learns to live within their means and cut unnecessary spending programs for which you and I are now paying. Friends, you cannot run your household budget the way we allow the Federal Government to run theirs."
What have the uninsured people been doing for health care all of these years? The answer is simple. They have been going to Emergency Rooms to be treated because our laws and the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors say that they must be treated.
You and I have been paying for their treatment even though some people may not think we are paying their bills. But, think about that for just a minute.
Let's remember that hospitals are in business to make money. They cannot continue to stay in business unless somebody, you and I, pay for those who cannot pay for themselves. So the hospitals figure the cost of treating the uninsured into the costs of treating responsible people who can pay. Therefore, you and I are ALREADY paying for people who cannot pay for themselves.
Now the Government wants to run our Health Care Program. Never mind the fact that the Government has stolen our Social Security money and has replaced it with worthless IOU's. The government is broke and cannot pay us back what they stole from us in the form of Social Security money. Of course the government does not say anything about that fact. Besides we already have a $12,000,000,000 dollar deficit.
Swarthout concluded, "Health Care for everyone would be nice...if we could afford it. However, for America Health Care is just another good idea that we cannot afford."
WASHINGTON, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- President Barack Obama has said that the passage of his Health Bill is very important. He also says we must pass it now because the cost will go up and we cannot allow people to need health care and not receive it.
The truth is health care is being handled better in the United States than it is by other nations who have health care provisions. America cannot afford it because the Federal Government is already broke and has trouble borrowing any more money.
Swarthout asks, "How are we going to pay for this program? When will America realize the Federal Government is broke and does not have any money? Besides, all of the money our government receives comes directly from you and I when we pay our taxes."
Swarthout added, "It is time to say NO to our government. We must say NO until our government learns to live within their means and cut unnecessary spending programs for which you and I are now paying. Friends, you cannot run your household budget the way we allow the Federal Government to run theirs."
What have the uninsured people been doing for health care all of these years? The answer is simple. They have been going to Emergency Rooms to be treated because our laws and the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors say that they must be treated.
You and I have been paying for their treatment even though some people may not think we are paying their bills. But, think about that for just a minute.
Let's remember that hospitals are in business to make money. They cannot continue to stay in business unless somebody, you and I, pay for those who cannot pay for themselves. So the hospitals figure the cost of treating the uninsured into the costs of treating responsible people who can pay. Therefore, you and I are ALREADY paying for people who cannot pay for themselves.
Now the Government wants to run our Health Care Program. Never mind the fact that the Government has stolen our Social Security money and has replaced it with worthless IOU's. The government is broke and cannot pay us back what they stole from us in the form of Social Security money. Of course the government does not say anything about that fact. Besides we already have a $12,000,000,000 dollar deficit.
Swarthout concluded, "Health Care for everyone would be nice...if we could afford it. However, for America Health Care is just another good idea that we cannot afford."
World's Leading Internet Evangelist Claims Michael Jackson is in Hell
World's Leading Internet Evangelist Claims Michael Jackson is in Hell
LivePrayer.com Founder Says What a Person Believes Matters...for Eternity
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pastor Bill Keller, founder of Liveprayer.com, submits the following and is available for comment:
In all of the intense media coverage after the death of pop superstar Michael Jackson, the one thing that has driven me crazy has been hearing over and over, often by high profile Christians, that Michael is now at peace in Heaven. Really? I hear this same thing whenever a famous person dies, regardless what they believed during their life, as well as from people when a family member or close friend dies, again, regardless what they believed during their life.
If this is true, than what is the use of the Gospel? If this is true, why should anyone waste their time and effort telling people about Jesus? If this is true, than the death of Jesus on the cross was a meaningless exercise, his resurrection didn't need to occur, and people can believe whatever they want during this life and make it to Heaven. THAT MY FRIEND IS THE UNIVERSALISTIC LIE FROM HELL!!!
The fact is God made only ONE plan of salvation. There is only ONE way to everlasting life and that is faith in Jesus Christ, the Jesus Christ of the Bible. There are NOT many roads that lead to God, only one, the Jesus road!!! You can't believe whatever you want and die and end up in Heaven. That is a lie from satan that is leading millions of souls to the flames of hell for all eternity. WHAT YOU BELIEVE DOES MATTER!!!
It is arguable that Michael Jackson was the most recognized person on the planet. Despite his vast fame and material possessions, Michael was bankrupt in the things that really matter in life, joy, peace, contentment, HOPE! Those things only comes through having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and living according to God's Word.
After his child molestation trial concluded, on June 17, 2005 I wrote these words, "Even though he has been acquitted of the charges brought against him, the moment he dies he will stand before The Judge, God Himself. At that moment, if he dies without Christ he will be standing all alone. There will be no high priced defense attorney, no family, no fans, only God who will judge him for his sins and cast him into everlasting darkness. At that moment, if he has accepted Christ as his Savior by faith, he won't be standing alone. Next to him will be the ultimate defense attorney, JESUS CHRIST, who will tell The Judge that his sins have been paid for and Michael Jackson will be ushered into God's presence for all eternity."
Sadly, Michael grew up in the Jehovah's Witnesses cult. This is the cult born out of the depraved mind of Charles Taze Russell and denies the very deity of Christ. You can go to Google and type in "cults Jehovah's Witnesses" and it will give you many websites to document their false theology. However, Michael has not only followed the false theology of the Jehovah's Witnesses, he made the choice to live his life in rebellion to God and His Word and follow all kinds of false religions and teachings.
During his 2005 trial for child molestation, instead of turning to Christ for strength, he turned to a cult I have exposed and talked about, Kaballah which was popularized by singer Madonna, signified by the "red string" bracelet he wore throughout the trial. He had during his life several high profile spiritual advisors, Orthodox Jew Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and New Age tool charlatan Deepak Chopra, a tool of satan I have warned you about in past Devotionals. Jackson was also heavily influenced by several of his brothers who are deep in the false religion of Islam. Clearly Michael Jackson was a man lost and searching.
I know it makes people feel better when a famous person or someone they know dies, though think that they are in Heaven. This is why I have literally given my life 24/7/365 these past 20 years for the Gospel, because the FACT is, those who die without Jesus will not be in Heaven, but in the flames of hell for all eternity. What you believe matters, and based on what he believes, Michael Jackson is not in Heaven, but in eternal torment and punishment for his sins.
I realize many people will point out all of the great humanitarian deeds Jackson did during his life, the multi millions he has given to charity and those are wonderful acts that should be commended. But we can't work or buy our way into Heaven. No amount of money or good works saves you, only faith in Christ and God's grace (Ephesians 2:8,9).
The fact is, Michael Jackson like all men is born into this life with sin in addition to those sins he has committed during his life, and it is that sin that separates him from a Holy God. The moment he died he stood before God and the number of records he sold, the number of people who saw him perform, all of his good deeds didn't mean anything. The ONLY thing that mattered was the he rejected the Jesus of the Bible by faith as his Lord and Savior.
That is all that will matter when you take your last breath my friend. If you have never made the commitment to ask Christ into your heart and life by faith, let me tell you that the most important decision you will make in this life is not who you will marry, or where you will live, or what kind of job you will have. The most important decision you will make in this life is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. God's desire is that none be lost, that all come to repentance. He is speaking to you today. The Bible says that TODAY is the day of salvation.
I would invite you to go to, www.liveprayer.com/bdy_salvatn.html. Pray to ask God to open your heart, read the words, watch the short video, pray the prayer, and accept God' s free gift to you today. WHAT YOU BELIEVE MATTERS.....FOR ALL ETERNITY!!!
ABOUT BILL KELLER
Crowned the next big thing in mass media religion by the news media, Pastor Bill Keller has hosted the only live call-in faith and values-based program airing nationally on major secular television network affiliates for nearly six years. Live Prayer with Bill Keller is now seen exclusively on the internet, Monday through Friday from 11 PM to midnight EST on Liveprayer.com. The program is also simulcast on Tampa's 50,000-watt WWBA-820, and is being syndicated nationwide on other major secular radio stations.
Live Prayer deals head-on with issues ranging from divorce, homosexuality, abortion, sexual abuse, pornography, drug addiction, radical Islam, race relations, spousal abuse, false prophets, and various other issues from a conservative, biblical worldview. Unscripted and unedited, Live Prayer is a fresh and totally spontaneous approach to problem solving. An archive of all past Live Prayer TV programs is available at Liveprayer.com.
MORE ABOUT LIVEPRAYER.COM
In 1999, Keller launched LivePrayer.com; it has become the most successful online faith outreach in history. Since its inception, LivePrayer.com has responded personally to more than 60 million online requests for prayer. Additionally, Keller's Live Prayer devotional is received daily by over 2.4 million email subscribers, making Keller's devotional one of the most read e-communications worldwide. For information on where to watch Live Prayer in your area, visit www.liveprayer.com
3mnewswire.org
LivePrayer.com Founder Says What a Person Believes Matters...for Eternity
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pastor Bill Keller, founder of Liveprayer.com, submits the following and is available for comment:
In all of the intense media coverage after the death of pop superstar Michael Jackson, the one thing that has driven me crazy has been hearing over and over, often by high profile Christians, that Michael is now at peace in Heaven. Really? I hear this same thing whenever a famous person dies, regardless what they believed during their life, as well as from people when a family member or close friend dies, again, regardless what they believed during their life.
If this is true, than what is the use of the Gospel? If this is true, why should anyone waste their time and effort telling people about Jesus? If this is true, than the death of Jesus on the cross was a meaningless exercise, his resurrection didn't need to occur, and people can believe whatever they want during this life and make it to Heaven. THAT MY FRIEND IS THE UNIVERSALISTIC LIE FROM HELL!!!
The fact is God made only ONE plan of salvation. There is only ONE way to everlasting life and that is faith in Jesus Christ, the Jesus Christ of the Bible. There are NOT many roads that lead to God, only one, the Jesus road!!! You can't believe whatever you want and die and end up in Heaven. That is a lie from satan that is leading millions of souls to the flames of hell for all eternity. WHAT YOU BELIEVE DOES MATTER!!!
It is arguable that Michael Jackson was the most recognized person on the planet. Despite his vast fame and material possessions, Michael was bankrupt in the things that really matter in life, joy, peace, contentment, HOPE! Those things only comes through having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and living according to God's Word.
After his child molestation trial concluded, on June 17, 2005 I wrote these words, "Even though he has been acquitted of the charges brought against him, the moment he dies he will stand before The Judge, God Himself. At that moment, if he dies without Christ he will be standing all alone. There will be no high priced defense attorney, no family, no fans, only God who will judge him for his sins and cast him into everlasting darkness. At that moment, if he has accepted Christ as his Savior by faith, he won't be standing alone. Next to him will be the ultimate defense attorney, JESUS CHRIST, who will tell The Judge that his sins have been paid for and Michael Jackson will be ushered into God's presence for all eternity."
Sadly, Michael grew up in the Jehovah's Witnesses cult. This is the cult born out of the depraved mind of Charles Taze Russell and denies the very deity of Christ. You can go to Google and type in "cults Jehovah's Witnesses" and it will give you many websites to document their false theology. However, Michael has not only followed the false theology of the Jehovah's Witnesses, he made the choice to live his life in rebellion to God and His Word and follow all kinds of false religions and teachings.
During his 2005 trial for child molestation, instead of turning to Christ for strength, he turned to a cult I have exposed and talked about, Kaballah which was popularized by singer Madonna, signified by the "red string" bracelet he wore throughout the trial. He had during his life several high profile spiritual advisors, Orthodox Jew Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and New Age tool charlatan Deepak Chopra, a tool of satan I have warned you about in past Devotionals. Jackson was also heavily influenced by several of his brothers who are deep in the false religion of Islam. Clearly Michael Jackson was a man lost and searching.
I know it makes people feel better when a famous person or someone they know dies, though think that they are in Heaven. This is why I have literally given my life 24/7/365 these past 20 years for the Gospel, because the FACT is, those who die without Jesus will not be in Heaven, but in the flames of hell for all eternity. What you believe matters, and based on what he believes, Michael Jackson is not in Heaven, but in eternal torment and punishment for his sins.
I realize many people will point out all of the great humanitarian deeds Jackson did during his life, the multi millions he has given to charity and those are wonderful acts that should be commended. But we can't work or buy our way into Heaven. No amount of money or good works saves you, only faith in Christ and God's grace (Ephesians 2:8,9).
The fact is, Michael Jackson like all men is born into this life with sin in addition to those sins he has committed during his life, and it is that sin that separates him from a Holy God. The moment he died he stood before God and the number of records he sold, the number of people who saw him perform, all of his good deeds didn't mean anything. The ONLY thing that mattered was the he rejected the Jesus of the Bible by faith as his Lord and Savior.
That is all that will matter when you take your last breath my friend. If you have never made the commitment to ask Christ into your heart and life by faith, let me tell you that the most important decision you will make in this life is not who you will marry, or where you will live, or what kind of job you will have. The most important decision you will make in this life is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. God's desire is that none be lost, that all come to repentance. He is speaking to you today. The Bible says that TODAY is the day of salvation.
I would invite you to go to, www.liveprayer.com/bdy_salvatn.html. Pray to ask God to open your heart, read the words, watch the short video, pray the prayer, and accept God' s free gift to you today. WHAT YOU BELIEVE MATTERS.....FOR ALL ETERNITY!!!
ABOUT BILL KELLER
Crowned the next big thing in mass media religion by the news media, Pastor Bill Keller has hosted the only live call-in faith and values-based program airing nationally on major secular television network affiliates for nearly six years. Live Prayer with Bill Keller is now seen exclusively on the internet, Monday through Friday from 11 PM to midnight EST on Liveprayer.com. The program is also simulcast on Tampa's 50,000-watt WWBA-820, and is being syndicated nationwide on other major secular radio stations.
Live Prayer deals head-on with issues ranging from divorce, homosexuality, abortion, sexual abuse, pornography, drug addiction, radical Islam, race relations, spousal abuse, false prophets, and various other issues from a conservative, biblical worldview. Unscripted and unedited, Live Prayer is a fresh and totally spontaneous approach to problem solving. An archive of all past Live Prayer TV programs is available at Liveprayer.com.
MORE ABOUT LIVEPRAYER.COM
In 1999, Keller launched LivePrayer.com; it has become the most successful online faith outreach in history. Since its inception, LivePrayer.com has responded personally to more than 60 million online requests for prayer. Additionally, Keller's Live Prayer devotional is received daily by over 2.4 million email subscribers, making Keller's devotional one of the most read e-communications worldwide. For information on where to watch Live Prayer in your area, visit www.liveprayer.com
3mnewswire.org
Announcing the Release of Demographic Winter Part II -- 'The Demographic Bomb'
Announcing the Release of Demographic Winter Part II -- 'The Demographic Bomb'
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- SRB Documentaries is pleased to announce the release of "Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny," the long-awaited sequel to 2008's "Demographic Winter: the decline of the human family."
Barry McLerran, producer of both documentaries, observed, "Like 'Demographic Winter,' 'The Demographic Bomb' deals with rapidly falling birth rates and their consequences for humanity in the 21st century."
Viewers of "Demographic Winter" heard from demographers, sociologists, economists and historians on the demographic crisis confronting us.
McLerran commented: "'Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny' explores the history of the modern population-control movement -- how it persuaded the public that there are too many people in the world, and how these fallacies became institutionalized."
Among those interviewed in "Demographic Bomb" is Paul Ehrlich of Stanford University, author of 1968's The Population Bomb, which popularized the myth of overpopulation.
Mathew Connelly of Columbia University (author of Fatal Misconception: The Struggle To Control World Population) reveals how organizations, institutions, governments and the United Nations manipulated and coerced families, evaded political accountability and violated basic human rights to achieve their population-reduction agenda.
Former Yale Professor of Economics Jennifer Roback Morse, USC Professor of Urban Planning and Demography Dowell Myers, Harvard PhD Nick Eberstadt, Harvard MBA, Harry Dent (author of The Great Depression Ahead) and Nobel Prize winning economist Gary Becker uncover the roots of the crisis that has shaken the world's economies.
McLerran noted: "'Demographic Winter' predicted the financial crash of 2008 to within 12 months. "Demographic Bomb" reveals how this is just the beginning."
"'Demographic Bomb' shows what happens when countries comprising 80% of the world's economy have plummeting numbers of workers, consumers and innovators - leading to falling consumer spending, and too few workers to support the elderly," McLerran disclosed.
Accredited members of the media can receive a review copy of "Demographic Bomb" by e-mailing support@demographicwinter.org or calling 508- 405-1337. Click here to view a trailer for "Demographic Bomb."
To arrange an interview with a spokesman for "Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny" and "Demographic Winter" contact Don Feder at 508- 405-1337 or dfeder@rcn.com.
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- SRB Documentaries is pleased to announce the release of "Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny," the long-awaited sequel to 2008's "Demographic Winter: the decline of the human family."
Barry McLerran, producer of both documentaries, observed, "Like 'Demographic Winter,' 'The Demographic Bomb' deals with rapidly falling birth rates and their consequences for humanity in the 21st century."
Viewers of "Demographic Winter" heard from demographers, sociologists, economists and historians on the demographic crisis confronting us.
McLerran commented: "'Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny' explores the history of the modern population-control movement -- how it persuaded the public that there are too many people in the world, and how these fallacies became institutionalized."
Among those interviewed in "Demographic Bomb" is Paul Ehrlich of Stanford University, author of 1968's The Population Bomb, which popularized the myth of overpopulation.
Mathew Connelly of Columbia University (author of Fatal Misconception: The Struggle To Control World Population) reveals how organizations, institutions, governments and the United Nations manipulated and coerced families, evaded political accountability and violated basic human rights to achieve their population-reduction agenda.
Former Yale Professor of Economics Jennifer Roback Morse, USC Professor of Urban Planning and Demography Dowell Myers, Harvard PhD Nick Eberstadt, Harvard MBA, Harry Dent (author of The Great Depression Ahead) and Nobel Prize winning economist Gary Becker uncover the roots of the crisis that has shaken the world's economies.
McLerran noted: "'Demographic Winter' predicted the financial crash of 2008 to within 12 months. "Demographic Bomb" reveals how this is just the beginning."
"'Demographic Bomb' shows what happens when countries comprising 80% of the world's economy have plummeting numbers of workers, consumers and innovators - leading to falling consumer spending, and too few workers to support the elderly," McLerran disclosed.
Accredited members of the media can receive a review copy of "Demographic Bomb" by e-mailing support@demographicwinter.org or calling 508- 405-1337. Click here to view a trailer for "Demographic Bomb."
To arrange an interview with a spokesman for "Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny" and "Demographic Winter" contact Don Feder at 508- 405-1337 or dfeder@rcn.com.
Supreme Court Confirms: Sotomayor was Wrong
Supreme Court Confirms: Sotomayor was Wrong
Sanctioned discrimination against firefighters for color of skin
WASHINGTON, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The United States Supreme Court reversed Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor in the now-famous New Haven firefighters case. Although Judge Sotomayor and two of her colleagues did not even think the case worthy of a published opinion, the Supreme Court said the case presented "two provisions of Title VII to be interpreted and reconciled, with few, if any, precedents in the courts of appeals discussing the issue."
Concerned Women for America (CWA) President Wendy Wright said, "This decision sends a disturbing message that Sonia Sotomayor, as a judge, sanctioned discrimination against people because of the color of their skin. This validates concerns that Judge Sotomayor's judicial philosophy reflects her personal bias, as expressed in speeches and the controversial groups to which she has belonged, that people should be discriminated against based on their ethnicity or sex. No one in a burning building cares if their fire chief is a minority. A firefighter's qualifications can determine if innocent people will live or die. Yet Judge Sotomayor denied qualified firefighters a promotion in order to advance her ethnic politics. Judge Sotomayor's decision in the Ricci case proves that questions about her fitness to serve at the Supreme Court are legitimate. Her decisions suggest such an enormous bias in her philosophy that we could not fault anyone in her courtroom for questioning her impartiality."
"In choosing a Supreme Court nominee, President Obama said 'I will seek someone who understands that justice ... is also about how our laws affect the daily realities of people's lives, whether they can make a living, and care for their families, whether they feel safe in their homes, and welcome in their own nation. I view that quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with peoples hopes and struggles as an essential ingredient for arriving at just decisions and outcomes.' Judge Sotomayor's unjust decision in the Ricci case shows that she does not fit that description. She denied firefighters the well-deserved promotions and, by doing so, was willing to make people unsafe in their homes."
Mario Diaz, Esq., CWA's Policy Director for Legal Issues, said the Ricci case "exposes not only bias, but arrogance on the part of a judge at the brink of getting a lifetime appointment to the highest court of the land. How she thought this case did not even deserve a published opinion is beyond comprehension. It seems ethnicity and gender not only 'play a role' in her judgment as she has said, but they actually control her judgment to the point where she can no longer look at the facts of a case impartially. Looking at her record, it seems her passion for minorities is such that she would need to recuse herself from any case involving a minority party in litigation.
"Unless she renounces her own statements and has some strong explanation for her actions in cases like Ricci at her hearings, I don't see how any Senator, or even the President himself, can feel confident about her fitness to serve at the Supreme Court."
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.
Sanctioned discrimination against firefighters for color of skin
WASHINGTON, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The United States Supreme Court reversed Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor in the now-famous New Haven firefighters case. Although Judge Sotomayor and two of her colleagues did not even think the case worthy of a published opinion, the Supreme Court said the case presented "two provisions of Title VII to be interpreted and reconciled, with few, if any, precedents in the courts of appeals discussing the issue."
Concerned Women for America (CWA) President Wendy Wright said, "This decision sends a disturbing message that Sonia Sotomayor, as a judge, sanctioned discrimination against people because of the color of their skin. This validates concerns that Judge Sotomayor's judicial philosophy reflects her personal bias, as expressed in speeches and the controversial groups to which she has belonged, that people should be discriminated against based on their ethnicity or sex. No one in a burning building cares if their fire chief is a minority. A firefighter's qualifications can determine if innocent people will live or die. Yet Judge Sotomayor denied qualified firefighters a promotion in order to advance her ethnic politics. Judge Sotomayor's decision in the Ricci case proves that questions about her fitness to serve at the Supreme Court are legitimate. Her decisions suggest such an enormous bias in her philosophy that we could not fault anyone in her courtroom for questioning her impartiality."
"In choosing a Supreme Court nominee, President Obama said 'I will seek someone who understands that justice ... is also about how our laws affect the daily realities of people's lives, whether they can make a living, and care for their families, whether they feel safe in their homes, and welcome in their own nation. I view that quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with peoples hopes and struggles as an essential ingredient for arriving at just decisions and outcomes.' Judge Sotomayor's unjust decision in the Ricci case shows that she does not fit that description. She denied firefighters the well-deserved promotions and, by doing so, was willing to make people unsafe in their homes."
Mario Diaz, Esq., CWA's Policy Director for Legal Issues, said the Ricci case "exposes not only bias, but arrogance on the part of a judge at the brink of getting a lifetime appointment to the highest court of the land. How she thought this case did not even deserve a published opinion is beyond comprehension. It seems ethnicity and gender not only 'play a role' in her judgment as she has said, but they actually control her judgment to the point where she can no longer look at the facts of a case impartially. Looking at her record, it seems her passion for minorities is such that she would need to recuse herself from any case involving a minority party in litigation.
"Unless she renounces her own statements and has some strong explanation for her actions in cases like Ricci at her hearings, I don't see how any Senator, or even the President himself, can feel confident about her fitness to serve at the Supreme Court."
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.
New Gospel Dream Episode Premieres Weds. July 1 at 10 pm ET on GMC
New Gospel Dream Episode Premieres Weds. July 1 at 10 pm ET on GMC
Top 10 finalists head to boot camp this week
ATLANTA, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The ten Gospel Dream finalists will get down to business this week, going through voice and performance coaching, stylist sessions, media training, photography and more, when the next new episode of Gospel Music Channel's American Idol®-style talent search series premieres on GMC Weds. July 1 at 10:00 P.M. ET/9:00 CT.
GMC will now give viewers a chance to catch the previous week's Gospel Dream episode immediately before the new episode premiere:
GMC's New Weds. Night Line-Up
8:00 P.M. Clash of the Choirs
9:00 P.M. Gospel Dream (Encore of Previous Week)
10:00 P.M. Gospel Dream (New Episode Premiere)
All Times Eastern
The judges deciding the fate of the contestants are: Michelle Williams from the GRAMMY- winning group "Destiny's Child"; one of Gospel music's most prolific talents, J. Moss; and one of the music industry's most respected executives, Mitchell Solarek. Kimberley Locke, the first American Idol® alumnae to debut at #1 on the Billboard charts with a non-Idol single, serves as co-host along with Mike Kasem ("MTV's Top 20 Video Countdown" "American Top 10"). In addition, two major musical artists will serve as surprise coaches during the season. The theme for the Gospel Dream's fourth season: The Greatest Inspirational Songs of All Time.
The Top Ten finalists competing are: Amber Davies, Brownsville, TN (Age 18); Ashli Marie Pritchett, Thomaston, GA (16); Erin Lyder, Boston, MA (24); Jasmine Jackson, Murfreesboro, TN (21); NeVar Massey, Hampton, GA (34); Rashelle Garrett, Ceres, CA (32); Robert Mauti, Nashville, TN (26); Tim Stylez, Atlanta, GA (27); Tony LeBron, Boca Raton, FL (32); and Travis Lindseth, Kirkland, WA (21).
Gospel Dream talent auditions invited solo artists between the ages of 16-40, from all genres of Gospel/Christian music styles, including traditional, rock, pop, country and soul to compete for the final competition in Nashville from which ten finalists-- and ultimately one winner--will be chosen by a celebrity panel of industry professionals. The winning artist will receive record and music video exposure, among other prizes.
The Gospel Dream series was created by Executive Producer Elvin Ross, who is also the series' executive producer and musical director. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in 45 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.
Top 10 finalists head to boot camp this week
ATLANTA, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The ten Gospel Dream finalists will get down to business this week, going through voice and performance coaching, stylist sessions, media training, photography and more, when the next new episode of Gospel Music Channel's American Idol®-style talent search series premieres on GMC Weds. July 1 at 10:00 P.M. ET/9:00 CT.
GMC will now give viewers a chance to catch the previous week's Gospel Dream episode immediately before the new episode premiere:
GMC's New Weds. Night Line-Up
8:00 P.M. Clash of the Choirs
9:00 P.M. Gospel Dream (Encore of Previous Week)
10:00 P.M. Gospel Dream (New Episode Premiere)
All Times Eastern
The judges deciding the fate of the contestants are: Michelle Williams from the GRAMMY- winning group "Destiny's Child"; one of Gospel music's most prolific talents, J. Moss; and one of the music industry's most respected executives, Mitchell Solarek. Kimberley Locke, the first American Idol® alumnae to debut at #1 on the Billboard charts with a non-Idol single, serves as co-host along with Mike Kasem ("MTV's Top 20 Video Countdown" "American Top 10"). In addition, two major musical artists will serve as surprise coaches during the season. The theme for the Gospel Dream's fourth season: The Greatest Inspirational Songs of All Time.
The Top Ten finalists competing are: Amber Davies, Brownsville, TN (Age 18); Ashli Marie Pritchett, Thomaston, GA (16); Erin Lyder, Boston, MA (24); Jasmine Jackson, Murfreesboro, TN (21); NeVar Massey, Hampton, GA (34); Rashelle Garrett, Ceres, CA (32); Robert Mauti, Nashville, TN (26); Tim Stylez, Atlanta, GA (27); Tony LeBron, Boca Raton, FL (32); and Travis Lindseth, Kirkland, WA (21).
Gospel Dream talent auditions invited solo artists between the ages of 16-40, from all genres of Gospel/Christian music styles, including traditional, rock, pop, country and soul to compete for the final competition in Nashville from which ten finalists-- and ultimately one winner--will be chosen by a celebrity panel of industry professionals. The winning artist will receive record and music video exposure, among other prizes.
The Gospel Dream series was created by Executive Producer Elvin Ross, who is also the series' executive producer and musical director. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in 45 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.
AFTAH Warns of Obama's Radical Homosexual Agenda as President Meets Today with Gay Activists
AFTAH Warns of Obama's Radical Homosexual Agenda as President Meets Today with Gay Activists
MEDIA ADVISORY June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) warns that President Obama will likely renew his radical promises to homosexual activists today at a White House "Pride Month" reception -- promises that, if fulfilled, will undermine the freedoms of the majority of Americans who affirm marriage and healthy, time-tested Judeo-Christian sexual values in their daily lives.
This afternoon, President Obama will meet with homosexual and transsexual activists at a "Reception for LGBT Pride Month." AFTAH President Peter LaBarbera reminds voters that Obama has no mandate for his comprehensive "gay" agenda, since these agenda items were barely discussed in the general election campaign:
* Obama's commitment to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act -- which could force pro-traditional- marriage states to recognize out-of-state homosexual "marriages";
* Obama's plans to homosexualize the U.S. military despite the plea of 1,100 high-ranking retired military officers not to overturn current law declaring homosexuality incompatible with military service;
* Obama's plans to create federal workplace "rights" based on transsexuality;
* Obama's Faith Advisory appointment of Harry Knox, who called the pope a "discredited leader" and homosexuality a "gift from God," thus mocking holy Scripture;
* Obama's appointment of Kevin Jennings to head up "Safe Schools" at the Department of Education. As founder of Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Jennings presided over a scandal in which a GLSEN-sponsored workshop exposed underage children to graphic discussions by homosexual adults on how to perform dangerous and bizarre gay perversions; Jennings also said "[F**k] 'em" and "Drop dead" to religious conservatives in a 2000 speech;
* Obama's appointment of John Berry as Office of Personnel Management Director, strategically placed to advance homosexual activism throughout the federal government;
* Obama's agenda of federalizing pro- homosexual "hate crimes" and employment law -- which would undermine Americans' freedoms and vastly increase the power of the state to punish moral- minded citizens by promoting homosexuality and gender confusion as official government policy;
* Obama's goal to homosexualize immigration laws, thus further undermining marriage and incentivizing the immigration of homosexuals -- adding new stress to an already burdened system;
* The White House's honoring of "gay pride" and radical, anti-Christian bigots like homosexual icon Frank Kameny -- who smears religious conservatives as "Christianofascists" -- and who cynically proclaims, despite being an atheist, that "gay is godly."
MEDIA ADVISORY June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) warns that President Obama will likely renew his radical promises to homosexual activists today at a White House "Pride Month" reception -- promises that, if fulfilled, will undermine the freedoms of the majority of Americans who affirm marriage and healthy, time-tested Judeo-Christian sexual values in their daily lives.
This afternoon, President Obama will meet with homosexual and transsexual activists at a "Reception for LGBT Pride Month." AFTAH President Peter LaBarbera reminds voters that Obama has no mandate for his comprehensive "gay" agenda, since these agenda items were barely discussed in the general election campaign:
* Obama's commitment to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act -- which could force pro-traditional- marriage states to recognize out-of-state homosexual "marriages";
* Obama's plans to homosexualize the U.S. military despite the plea of 1,100 high-ranking retired military officers not to overturn current law declaring homosexuality incompatible with military service;
* Obama's plans to create federal workplace "rights" based on transsexuality;
* Obama's Faith Advisory appointment of Harry Knox, who called the pope a "discredited leader" and homosexuality a "gift from God," thus mocking holy Scripture;
* Obama's appointment of Kevin Jennings to head up "Safe Schools" at the Department of Education. As founder of Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Jennings presided over a scandal in which a GLSEN-sponsored workshop exposed underage children to graphic discussions by homosexual adults on how to perform dangerous and bizarre gay perversions; Jennings also said "[F**k] 'em" and "Drop dead" to religious conservatives in a 2000 speech;
* Obama's appointment of John Berry as Office of Personnel Management Director, strategically placed to advance homosexual activism throughout the federal government;
* Obama's agenda of federalizing pro- homosexual "hate crimes" and employment law -- which would undermine Americans' freedoms and vastly increase the power of the state to punish moral- minded citizens by promoting homosexuality and gender confusion as official government policy;
* Obama's goal to homosexualize immigration laws, thus further undermining marriage and incentivizing the immigration of homosexuals -- adding new stress to an already burdened system;
* The White House's honoring of "gay pride" and radical, anti-Christian bigots like homosexual icon Frank Kameny -- who smears religious conservatives as "Christianofascists" -- and who cynically proclaims, despite being an atheist, that "gay is godly."
U.S.-Built Ferry Sets Sail for Africa
U.S.-Built Ferry Sets Sail for Africa
Thain Boatworks, Inc. Ships its First Containerized Ferry to Uganda
Thain and EarthWise Ventures, Inc., is Major Step Toward Rebuilding African Infrastructure
EVERETT, Wash., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Thain Boatworks and EarthWise Ventures, Inc. will be shipping the first Thain Containerizable Ferry from Everett to Uganda the final week of July. According to Robert Smith, U.S.A CEO of EarthWise Ventures and President of Thain Boatworks, "The shipping of this vessel is the first step in fulfilling the Earthwise dream of rebuilding African infrastructure through for-profit, private investment."
Just shy of 65', the twin-hulled vessel is made of fiberglass-clad wood, and is designed to be disassembled and shipped in standard containers, to be reassembled in Uganda by a team comprised of Americans and Africans. Eventually, Thain BoatWorks plans to conduct most of its ferry production in a Ugandan-based factory, thus adding jobs and revenue to the Ugandan economy. The ferry is designed for passenger traffic, and is expected to carry between 150 and 200 passengers between various destinations on Lake Victoria. It is the first in a fleet that is expected to grow to at least 10 vessels over the next 10 years.
The first planned route will travel between Port Bell, Uganda, and Mwanza, Tanzania, a 185-mile cross- lake run. The ship is designed to be fast, covering the distance in approximately 8 hours time, 11 hours less than when the route was last served in 1996. Presently, the only way to travel between these destinations is an arduous 1- to 2-day bus trip over extremely poor roads.
EarthWise Co-Founders Robert Smith and Calvin Echodu have each founded and operated a variety of successful African and USA based for-profit and not- for-profit operations, including Agathos Foundation, ( www.agathosfoundation.org) and Pilgrim Uganda ( www.pilgrim-uganda.org), each a privately funded, not-for-profit serving the vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Rob Smith and/or Calvin Echodu, please call Rob Smith at (425) 319-1032. Photos available upon request.
Thain Boatworks, Inc. Ships its First Containerized Ferry to Uganda
Thain and EarthWise Ventures, Inc., is Major Step Toward Rebuilding African Infrastructure
EVERETT, Wash., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Thain Boatworks and EarthWise Ventures, Inc. will be shipping the first Thain Containerizable Ferry from Everett to Uganda the final week of July. According to Robert Smith, U.S.A CEO of EarthWise Ventures and President of Thain Boatworks, "The shipping of this vessel is the first step in fulfilling the Earthwise dream of rebuilding African infrastructure through for-profit, private investment."
Just shy of 65', the twin-hulled vessel is made of fiberglass-clad wood, and is designed to be disassembled and shipped in standard containers, to be reassembled in Uganda by a team comprised of Americans and Africans. Eventually, Thain BoatWorks plans to conduct most of its ferry production in a Ugandan-based factory, thus adding jobs and revenue to the Ugandan economy. The ferry is designed for passenger traffic, and is expected to carry between 150 and 200 passengers between various destinations on Lake Victoria. It is the first in a fleet that is expected to grow to at least 10 vessels over the next 10 years.
The first planned route will travel between Port Bell, Uganda, and Mwanza, Tanzania, a 185-mile cross- lake run. The ship is designed to be fast, covering the distance in approximately 8 hours time, 11 hours less than when the route was last served in 1996. Presently, the only way to travel between these destinations is an arduous 1- to 2-day bus trip over extremely poor roads.
EarthWise Co-Founders Robert Smith and Calvin Echodu have each founded and operated a variety of successful African and USA based for-profit and not- for-profit operations, including Agathos Foundation, ( www.agathosfoundation.org) and Pilgrim Uganda ( www.pilgrim-uganda.org), each a privately funded, not-for-profit serving the vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Rob Smith and/or Calvin Echodu, please call Rob Smith at (425) 319-1032. Photos available upon request.
Wesleyan General Superintendent Part of Sri Lanka Peace-Building Mission
Wesleyan General Superintendent Part of Sri Lanka Peace-Building Mission
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, member of the board of General Superintendents, The Wesleyan Church, was part of a nine-person international peace- building/goodwill mission to Sri Lanka. The June 1-5, 2009 mission was organized by the World Evangelical Alliance, an association of national alliances in128 countries, in response to an invitation by Christian leaders in Sri Lanka. The team was comprised of diplomats, business leaders, and church leaders from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Its mission was to learn about Sri Lankan humanitarian needs, to encourage fellow Christian leaders, and to build bridges of understanding with non-evangelical Christians, other faiths, and governmental leaders.
The Wesleyan Church has had a presence in Sri Lanka, a country that is less than one percent Christian, since 1993. General Superintendent Lyon said, "Meeting with our Wesleyan leaders, I was once more reminded of the incredible faith it takes to live in the midst of persecution and harassment."
The aftermath of Sri Lanka's three decades-old armed conflict has displaced more than 300,000 people who are in desperate conditions. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, WEA General Secretary and International Director, said, "The church is called to be salt and light and rarely have I seen such dedication to extending God's love to non-Christian communities, despite logistical difficulties and real personal danger to themselves."
Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka welcomed the end of hostilities, "As a Christian I have hope for the future of Sri Lanka. But the danger is that, now that the headlines highlighting the war are reducing, the world will forget about those who continue to be affected. For us the real work is only now beginning!"
Lyon represents The Wesleyan Church as well as the National Association of Evangelicals in this endeavor. She further noted from her past experience in working in Sri Lanka during the tsunami, that the Christian Church is ideally placed to lead reconciliation initiatives. "In fact," she noted, "among major faiths the Christian Church is unique in having both Tamil and Sinhalese members."
From a variety of meetings with government leaders, human rights lawyers, leaders of Civil Society the statement was consistent: "the Christian Church must lead us in reconciliation." It was noted by a Sri Lankan human rights lawyer that "Truth and Reconciliation Commissions have not worked in a non-Christian country."
As in many post-war situations, particularly one which has ended so recently, some elements are still intent on intimidation, including intimidation of the church, civil society and the media. John Langlois, a former member of the Guernsey, Channel Islands, parliament and Chair of the WEA Religious Liberty Commission said, "I ask all Christian to join us in praying for those, including church leaders, who have been harassed and threatened, especially within the minority communities."
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, member of the board of General Superintendents, The Wesleyan Church, was part of a nine-person international peace- building/goodwill mission to Sri Lanka. The June 1-5, 2009 mission was organized by the World Evangelical Alliance, an association of national alliances in128 countries, in response to an invitation by Christian leaders in Sri Lanka. The team was comprised of diplomats, business leaders, and church leaders from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Its mission was to learn about Sri Lankan humanitarian needs, to encourage fellow Christian leaders, and to build bridges of understanding with non-evangelical Christians, other faiths, and governmental leaders.
The Wesleyan Church has had a presence in Sri Lanka, a country that is less than one percent Christian, since 1993. General Superintendent Lyon said, "Meeting with our Wesleyan leaders, I was once more reminded of the incredible faith it takes to live in the midst of persecution and harassment."
The aftermath of Sri Lanka's three decades-old armed conflict has displaced more than 300,000 people who are in desperate conditions. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, WEA General Secretary and International Director, said, "The church is called to be salt and light and rarely have I seen such dedication to extending God's love to non-Christian communities, despite logistical difficulties and real personal danger to themselves."
Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka welcomed the end of hostilities, "As a Christian I have hope for the future of Sri Lanka. But the danger is that, now that the headlines highlighting the war are reducing, the world will forget about those who continue to be affected. For us the real work is only now beginning!"
Lyon represents The Wesleyan Church as well as the National Association of Evangelicals in this endeavor. She further noted from her past experience in working in Sri Lanka during the tsunami, that the Christian Church is ideally placed to lead reconciliation initiatives. "In fact," she noted, "among major faiths the Christian Church is unique in having both Tamil and Sinhalese members."
From a variety of meetings with government leaders, human rights lawyers, leaders of Civil Society the statement was consistent: "the Christian Church must lead us in reconciliation." It was noted by a Sri Lankan human rights lawyer that "Truth and Reconciliation Commissions have not worked in a non-Christian country."
As in many post-war situations, particularly one which has ended so recently, some elements are still intent on intimidation, including intimidation of the church, civil society and the media. John Langlois, a former member of the Guernsey, Channel Islands, parliament and Chair of the WEA Religious Liberty Commission said, "I ask all Christian to join us in praying for those, including church leaders, who have been harassed and threatened, especially within the minority communities."
Monday, June 29, 2009
New Novel, 'He Flew Too High,' Explores Religious Extremism and Betrayal Within Mennonite Community
New Novel, 'He Flew Too High,' Explores Religious Extremism and Betrayal Within Mennonite Community
ENUMCLAW, Wash., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ken Yoder Reed's grandparents drove a horse and buggy--not because they lived during "the olden days," but because they were Amish and Old Order Mennonite.
And, although Reed has long since moved from his childhood home on a southeastern Pennsylvania farm to California's Silicon Valley, he calls himself a "refugee Mennonite."
A former journalist, Reed describes his boyhood life in Pennsylvania: "I read voraciously--when I was supposed to be tending the cows--but I never found a book that described life as I saw it all around me on the farm, in the church, at the family gatherings."
His first book, "Mennonite Soldier" (Masthof Press) retold the famous Prodigal Son story with two brothers in World War I. With his new novel, "He Flew Too High," Reed says: "This is my boyhood world--post- World War II Kittochtinny, a fictitious Mennonite community in Pennsylvania. It's the story I was born to tell."
The novel's protagonist, Saul MacNamara, is an Army nuclear bombing planner who falls in love with the daughter of a Mennonite bishop. Tormented by his belief that his work is morally evil, Saul abandons his career, marries the young woman and fully embraces her pacifist Mennonite lifestyle.
But as Saul grows convicted that a revival is needed to stop the tidal wave of Fifties American culture--and that he's the one to lead it--he alienates himself from those he cares for most: his own dear wife, her father, and the community's tradition-bound bishops.
The novel follows Saul as he makes a series of devastating decisions that threaten to destroy the lives not only of his own family, but of the entire community.
"The novel helps readers understand that zealous crusaders for God can inadvertently destroy others," says Reed. "But amid the devastation, forgiveness may come sweetly, like an unexpected vision."
To purchase a copy, visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323. To see a video book trailer, visit www.kyreed.com. To schedule an interview, or request a review copy contact Abigail Davidson at 360-802-9758 or abigail@winepressgroup.com.
ENUMCLAW, Wash., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ken Yoder Reed's grandparents drove a horse and buggy--not because they lived during "the olden days," but because they were Amish and Old Order Mennonite.
And, although Reed has long since moved from his childhood home on a southeastern Pennsylvania farm to California's Silicon Valley, he calls himself a "refugee Mennonite."
A former journalist, Reed describes his boyhood life in Pennsylvania: "I read voraciously--when I was supposed to be tending the cows--but I never found a book that described life as I saw it all around me on the farm, in the church, at the family gatherings."
His first book, "Mennonite Soldier" (Masthof Press) retold the famous Prodigal Son story with two brothers in World War I. With his new novel, "He Flew Too High," Reed says: "This is my boyhood world--post- World War II Kittochtinny, a fictitious Mennonite community in Pennsylvania. It's the story I was born to tell."
The novel's protagonist, Saul MacNamara, is an Army nuclear bombing planner who falls in love with the daughter of a Mennonite bishop. Tormented by his belief that his work is morally evil, Saul abandons his career, marries the young woman and fully embraces her pacifist Mennonite lifestyle.
But as Saul grows convicted that a revival is needed to stop the tidal wave of Fifties American culture--and that he's the one to lead it--he alienates himself from those he cares for most: his own dear wife, her father, and the community's tradition-bound bishops.
The novel follows Saul as he makes a series of devastating decisions that threaten to destroy the lives not only of his own family, but of the entire community.
"The novel helps readers understand that zealous crusaders for God can inadvertently destroy others," says Reed. "But amid the devastation, forgiveness may come sweetly, like an unexpected vision."
To purchase a copy, visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323. To see a video book trailer, visit www.kyreed.com. To schedule an interview, or request a review copy contact Abigail Davidson at 360-802-9758 or abigail@winepressgroup.com.
Survivors Announce Southern California Rally for Life Featuring Rev. Walter Hoye on Tuesday, June 30 in Norco, California
Survivors Announce Southern California Rally for Life Featuring Rev. Walter Hoye on Tuesday, June 30 in Norco, California
NORCO, Calif., June 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Southern California Rally for Life will take place on Tuesday, June 30, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at New Beginnings Community Church at 1769 Western Avenue in Norco, California. With the theme of "Building a culture of life during the Obama presidency", the rally will feature keynote speaker Rev. Walter Hoye, II, along with prominent pro-life leaders Troy Newman of Operation Rescue and Rev. Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition.
Rev. Walter Hoye, II is the Founder and President of the Issues4Life Foundation. Rev. Hoye, a pro-life hero of our times, recently spent 19 days in jail for his peaceful pro-life work in Oakland, California. Pastor Hoye was arrested while standing on a sidewalk with a sign that read, "Jesus loves you and your baby, let us help you."
The Rally for Life is sponsored by the Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, a national pro-life youth activism organization. Over 70 young people, ages 14 to 30, will be participating in the Rally for Life as part of the Survivors 12th annual ProLife Training Camp. The Rally for Life is co-sponsored by other local pro-life organizations, including Riverside 40 Days for Life and Corona Life Services. For more information: www.survivors.la/rally.asp.
The following high school students, attendees of the Survivors ProLife Training Camp, are available for further comments at 540-538-4741.
"Since one third of our generation has been murdered, it's our duty as members of this generation to be the voice for those who didn't have one," says Amaris Gonzalez, age 17. "With this rally we are encouraging people to be the voice and to show that this generation is now standing for life and will continue to fight until this abortion holocaust has ended."
Presley Crowe, 17, states, "As a young woman living in a society where the brutal murder of unborn children is widely accepted, I want to encourage all men and women young and old to stand up for the right to life for all. This past year in a national survey, 51% of Americans polled said they were pro-life. We are not alone. We need to band together and continue to fight for the right to life for all human beings, especially the unborn. We are living in a society that is being led by the most pro-abortion president in history. Time is crucial -- we must stand up now on behalf of the unborn."
Adam Shelton, 17, states, "With the rising of the most pro-abortion president of all time, we need to show America that the tables have turned and the majority of people are pro-life rather than pro-choice."
For interviews contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540- 538-4741
NORCO, Calif., June 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Southern California Rally for Life will take place on Tuesday, June 30, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at New Beginnings Community Church at 1769 Western Avenue in Norco, California. With the theme of "Building a culture of life during the Obama presidency", the rally will feature keynote speaker Rev. Walter Hoye, II, along with prominent pro-life leaders Troy Newman of Operation Rescue and Rev. Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition.
Rev. Walter Hoye, II is the Founder and President of the Issues4Life Foundation. Rev. Hoye, a pro-life hero of our times, recently spent 19 days in jail for his peaceful pro-life work in Oakland, California. Pastor Hoye was arrested while standing on a sidewalk with a sign that read, "Jesus loves you and your baby, let us help you."
The Rally for Life is sponsored by the Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, a national pro-life youth activism organization. Over 70 young people, ages 14 to 30, will be participating in the Rally for Life as part of the Survivors 12th annual ProLife Training Camp. The Rally for Life is co-sponsored by other local pro-life organizations, including Riverside 40 Days for Life and Corona Life Services. For more information: www.survivors.la/rally.asp.
The following high school students, attendees of the Survivors ProLife Training Camp, are available for further comments at 540-538-4741.
"Since one third of our generation has been murdered, it's our duty as members of this generation to be the voice for those who didn't have one," says Amaris Gonzalez, age 17. "With this rally we are encouraging people to be the voice and to show that this generation is now standing for life and will continue to fight until this abortion holocaust has ended."
Presley Crowe, 17, states, "As a young woman living in a society where the brutal murder of unborn children is widely accepted, I want to encourage all men and women young and old to stand up for the right to life for all. This past year in a national survey, 51% of Americans polled said they were pro-life. We are not alone. We need to band together and continue to fight for the right to life for all human beings, especially the unborn. We are living in a society that is being led by the most pro-abortion president in history. Time is crucial -- we must stand up now on behalf of the unborn."
Adam Shelton, 17, states, "With the rising of the most pro-abortion president of all time, we need to show America that the tables have turned and the majority of people are pro-life rather than pro-choice."
For interviews contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540- 538-4741
Society Honoring Gun Saint Commends Catholic Sportsmen's Organization on 10th Anniversary Sporting Clays Classic
Gun Saint. Photo: Christian Newswire
Society Honoring Gun Saint Commends Catholic Sportsmen's Organization on 10th Anniversary Sporting Clays Classic
ARLINGTON, VA, June 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- The St. Gabriel Possenti Society, Inc. (www.gunsaint.com) commends the Catholic Sportsmen's Organization (CSO) on its successful 10th Anniversary annual Father's Day Sporting Clays Classic, Society Chairman John M. Snyder stated today.
"We take our hats off to co-founders John Aquilino and Chris Carroll. For a decade now, these two gentlemen have worked successfully to put together this annual sport shooting charity competition the Saturday before Father's Day. It's held each year at the Prince George's County, Maryland Trap and Skeet Center."
About 80 shooters participated in a number of events at the tournament. The Society contributed St. Gabriel Possenti medallions included on plagues awarded 10 winners. Over the years, according to Aquilino, CSO "has raised nearly $90,000 for local youth athletic, educational, and arts activities, including scouts." This year, the Knights of Columbus of St. Jerome's Parish, Hyattsville, Maryland cooperated in preparation of the event. Aquilino is active in Knights Council 5564.
Snyder said that, "as we approach the Fourth of July, it's significant to note that Chris and his six brothers and seven sisters are direct descendants of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the signers of our Declaration of Independence in 1776. Chris' leadership highlights the very real connection between shooting skills and the independence we celebrate this coming weekend. After all, it is because of early Americans' shooting skills that we are able to celebrate our independence."
St. Gabriel Possenti was a mid-19th century Catholic seminarian who was proficient in the use of shotguns, rifles and handguns. He used handguns in 1860 to rescue villagers of Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy from a gang of marauders. He died of consumption two years later. In 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized him. The international Society seeks his official Vatican designation as Patron of Handgunners. Interdenominational in scope, it emphasizes the historical, philosophical and theological bases for the right of self-defense. ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXNE2jBaL9o).
Operation Rescue Office Attacked in Broad Daylight
Operation Rescue Office Attacked in Broad Daylight
WICHITA, Kansas, June 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- Friday afternoon, June 26, a man on a bicycle attacked Operation Rescue's national headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, and attempted to disable the security system. There were four people working in the office at the time.
Operation Rescue President Troy Newman heard noise outside his office and observed the assailant through the security cameras attempting to gain access to the roof. Newman rushed outside and confronted the man, who then tried to punch Newman. When that failed, he flung his bicycle at Newman then fled the scene.
One security camera was stolen causing an estimated $1,000 in damage. No one was hurt in the fracas.
Police were called and a report was filed, but the suspect is still at large.
Ironically, at the time of the attack Newman was on the telephone giving an interview to a reporter from the Washington Times about the increase in threats against Operation Rescue staff members in the wake of the murder of late-term abortionist George Tiller.
"In light of the recent events, the targeting of our security system is troubling. We can't help but think that if this attack happened to an abortion clinic, there would be federal marshals patrolling and investigating. The police seemed apathetic. It's almost as if pro-lifers are second-class citizens," said Newman.
"We are just thankful that no one was injured and that the attacker was interrupted before he could do more damage. We will be increasing our security precautions as a result of this incident. We have a very dedicated staff, and no amount of intimidation will deter us from our work."
About Operation Rescue®
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
WICHITA, Kansas, June 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- Friday afternoon, June 26, a man on a bicycle attacked Operation Rescue's national headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, and attempted to disable the security system. There were four people working in the office at the time.
Operation Rescue President Troy Newman heard noise outside his office and observed the assailant through the security cameras attempting to gain access to the roof. Newman rushed outside and confronted the man, who then tried to punch Newman. When that failed, he flung his bicycle at Newman then fled the scene.
One security camera was stolen causing an estimated $1,000 in damage. No one was hurt in the fracas.
Police were called and a report was filed, but the suspect is still at large.
Ironically, at the time of the attack Newman was on the telephone giving an interview to a reporter from the Washington Times about the increase in threats against Operation Rescue staff members in the wake of the murder of late-term abortionist George Tiller.
"In light of the recent events, the targeting of our security system is troubling. We can't help but think that if this attack happened to an abortion clinic, there would be federal marshals patrolling and investigating. The police seemed apathetic. It's almost as if pro-lifers are second-class citizens," said Newman.
"We are just thankful that no one was injured and that the attacker was interrupted before he could do more damage. We will be increasing our security precautions as a result of this incident. We have a very dedicated staff, and no amount of intimidation will deter us from our work."
About Operation Rescue®
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
Boston Cardinal O'Malley Withdraws Caritas Christi from Potential Abortion Scandal
Boston Cardinal O'Malley Withdraws Caritas Christi from Potential Abortion Scandal
WASHINGTON, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement from American Life League president Judie Brown regarding Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley's announcement that archdiocese-affiliated Caritas Christi Healthcare has withdrawn ownership of CeltiCare Health Plan. The announcement comes only two days after A.L.L. announced it would launch an investigation into the scandal.
"Praise God! After months of tireless effort from American Life League and pro-life heroes in Boston and around the country to expose a potential scandal only days away from becoming a tragic betrayal of Catholicism's unwavering commitment to the dignity of the human person, Cardinal Sean O'Malley has heard our voices and will end the joint venture with abortion-providing Centene Corp!
"We profoundly thank Cardinal O'Malley for his courage, leadership and pastoral concern for the health and well-being of those youngest members of his archdiocese. He has set a beautiful example of dedication and charity for those poorest of the poor -- the preborn.
"Cardinal O'Malley has answered our call and beat the clock as the minutes ticked away until the July 1 launch of the new CeltiCare Health Plan and the Catholic Church's participation in the intrinsic evil of abortion.
"Together with the thousands of American Life League supporters whose voices cried out in horror to the Cardinal at the thought of the Archdiocese of Boston supporting and promoting abortion, we congratulate Cardinal O'Malley on his commitment to the Faith -- even during this time of severe financial crisis.
"It has been American Life League's privilege and honor to work alongside Massachusetts heroes Carol McKinley, C.J. Doyle of Catholic Action League and many other Boston pro-lifers in our effort to bring this potential scandal to light.
"Their constant vigilance and unwavering dedication to truth were a clear voice of conscience in Boston and the archdiocese is incredibly blessed to have such soldiers for Christ in their pews.
"What happened in Boston will ring out far beyond the potential scandal that could have involved Caritas Christi and thereby the Archdiocese. Cardinal O'Malley's reaffirmation of the Faith, when it would have been all too easy to compromise, is a sign of the vitality of United States Catholics' commitment to human life and personhood.
"American Life League and our supporters are humbled to stand alongside Cardinal O'Malley as a sign of contradiction to the culture of death."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro- life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
American Life League: ALL Promises Caritas Christi Investigation After July 1 (24 June 2009)
Catholic Action League of Massachusetts
Boston Globe: Caritas Ends Venture Over Abortion Issue (26 June 2009)
WASHINGTON, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement from American Life League president Judie Brown regarding Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley's announcement that archdiocese-affiliated Caritas Christi Healthcare has withdrawn ownership of CeltiCare Health Plan. The announcement comes only two days after A.L.L. announced it would launch an investigation into the scandal.
"Praise God! After months of tireless effort from American Life League and pro-life heroes in Boston and around the country to expose a potential scandal only days away from becoming a tragic betrayal of Catholicism's unwavering commitment to the dignity of the human person, Cardinal Sean O'Malley has heard our voices and will end the joint venture with abortion-providing Centene Corp!
"We profoundly thank Cardinal O'Malley for his courage, leadership and pastoral concern for the health and well-being of those youngest members of his archdiocese. He has set a beautiful example of dedication and charity for those poorest of the poor -- the preborn.
"Cardinal O'Malley has answered our call and beat the clock as the minutes ticked away until the July 1 launch of the new CeltiCare Health Plan and the Catholic Church's participation in the intrinsic evil of abortion.
"Together with the thousands of American Life League supporters whose voices cried out in horror to the Cardinal at the thought of the Archdiocese of Boston supporting and promoting abortion, we congratulate Cardinal O'Malley on his commitment to the Faith -- even during this time of severe financial crisis.
"It has been American Life League's privilege and honor to work alongside Massachusetts heroes Carol McKinley, C.J. Doyle of Catholic Action League and many other Boston pro-lifers in our effort to bring this potential scandal to light.
"Their constant vigilance and unwavering dedication to truth were a clear voice of conscience in Boston and the archdiocese is incredibly blessed to have such soldiers for Christ in their pews.
"What happened in Boston will ring out far beyond the potential scandal that could have involved Caritas Christi and thereby the Archdiocese. Cardinal O'Malley's reaffirmation of the Faith, when it would have been all too easy to compromise, is a sign of the vitality of United States Catholics' commitment to human life and personhood.
"American Life League and our supporters are humbled to stand alongside Cardinal O'Malley as a sign of contradiction to the culture of death."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro- life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
American Life League: ALL Promises Caritas Christi Investigation After July 1 (24 June 2009)
Catholic Action League of Massachusetts
Boston Globe: Caritas Ends Venture Over Abortion Issue (26 June 2009)
Momentum Builds for Pro-Life Prayer-&-Picket of NEA Teacher Union Convention in San Diego & NEA State HQs on July 2
Momentum Builds for Pro-Life Prayer-&-Picket of NEA Teacher Union Convention in San Diego & NEA State HQs on July 2; Troy Newman, Rev. Patrick Mahoney, and Jeff White Join Team of Coordinators; Pastors & Churches Urged to Promote Demonstrations Across USA
SAN DIEGO, June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- Bob Pawson of Pro-Life Educators And Students (PLEAS), announces, "Our growing team of pro-life coordinators now includes Jeff White from Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, Rev. Patrick Mahoney of Christian Defense Coalition, and Troy Newman of Operation Rescue, for the July 2 prayer-and-picket demonstrations during the NEA teacher union convention at the San Diego Convention Center and NEA-State-Affiliate offices across America.
"These esteemed pro-life leaders are promoting and recruiting for our peaceful, prayerful demonstrations regarding the NEA leadership's pro-abortion track record. They are speaking at the Rally for Life at New Beginnings Church in Norco, CA, this Tuesday evening alongside Rev. Walter B. Hoye II, president of Issues4Life Foundation."
Pro-Life citizens, teachers, parents, and children are urged to picket the National Education Association leadership's pro-abortion policies, actions, and agenda in San Diego between 10:00AM and 2:00PM and NEA-State-Affiliate-HQs in cities across America from 11:00AM through 1:00PM.
"During these final days before July 2nd, pro-life leaders, pastors, groups, and individuals are encouraged to organize demonstrations of a dozen or two picketers at NEA offices in their state's capitals and hometowns. Promote at worship services this Sunday. Gather together your family members and a few pro-life friends and just go to your state's NEA- affiliate offices with pro-life posters. Pray and picket for an hour. Children are especially effective messengers highlighting the hypocrisy of teacher-union leaders supporting abortion," said Pawson.
"The number of locations nationwide is more important than the number of picketers at any location. We don't necessarily need hundreds of picketers at each state's NEA-HQ. A dozen or two would be sufficient -- multiplied by many sites across 50 states. Pro-Lifers far from state capitals can picket their county or town's local NEA-affiliate listed in telephone book white pages."
Survivors founder, Jeff White, said, "It seems bizarre and surreal that teachers, people whose love for children is supposedly second only to that of their parents, would support the mass killing of babies. The Abortion Holocaust has also eliminated multitudes of jobs and careers for teachers and school workers. Why do NEA members tolerate this from their so-called leaders?"
"Apparently this event will be the first highly visible pro- life event since the murder of George Tiller," said Pawson. "Pro-abortion militants and hostile media pundits have exploited the killing of Tiller, by a madman not associated with our movement, to intimidate pro-lifers into silence and surrender. Our peaceful, prayerfully pickets should inspire millions of pro-life Americans to reaffirm that we express our concern, compassion, and desire for true justice through lawful, constitutional means using reason, rational discourse, and our right to assemble in the public square."
Pro-Life Opinion editor, Gingi Edmonds, says, "An overwhelming majority of NEA members, 82%, believe their union leaders should take no official position on abortion. Regardless of their personal political views, NEA members expect the leadership to fight for things like better teacher pay and higher standards in school; not to support pro-abortion candidates and justices who argue for killing the next generation of students."
State and local organizers should e-mail PLEAS detailing locations and leadership contact info. Also, send digital photos or video to PLEAS later that afternoon.
Mary Kuper reports that she and local San Diegan pro- life volunteers "will be located inside the NEA convention, in a booth, helping to educate the delegates on life issues."
SAN DIEGO, June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- Bob Pawson of Pro-Life Educators And Students (PLEAS), announces, "Our growing team of pro-life coordinators now includes Jeff White from Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, Rev. Patrick Mahoney of Christian Defense Coalition, and Troy Newman of Operation Rescue, for the July 2 prayer-and-picket demonstrations during the NEA teacher union convention at the San Diego Convention Center and NEA-State-Affiliate offices across America.
"These esteemed pro-life leaders are promoting and recruiting for our peaceful, prayerful demonstrations regarding the NEA leadership's pro-abortion track record. They are speaking at the Rally for Life at New Beginnings Church in Norco, CA, this Tuesday evening alongside Rev. Walter B. Hoye II, president of Issues4Life Foundation."
Pro-Life citizens, teachers, parents, and children are urged to picket the National Education Association leadership's pro-abortion policies, actions, and agenda in San Diego between 10:00AM and 2:00PM and NEA-State-Affiliate-HQs in cities across America from 11:00AM through 1:00PM.
"During these final days before July 2nd, pro-life leaders, pastors, groups, and individuals are encouraged to organize demonstrations of a dozen or two picketers at NEA offices in their state's capitals and hometowns. Promote at worship services this Sunday. Gather together your family members and a few pro-life friends and just go to your state's NEA- affiliate offices with pro-life posters. Pray and picket for an hour. Children are especially effective messengers highlighting the hypocrisy of teacher-union leaders supporting abortion," said Pawson.
"The number of locations nationwide is more important than the number of picketers at any location. We don't necessarily need hundreds of picketers at each state's NEA-HQ. A dozen or two would be sufficient -- multiplied by many sites across 50 states. Pro-Lifers far from state capitals can picket their county or town's local NEA-affiliate listed in telephone book white pages."
Survivors founder, Jeff White, said, "It seems bizarre and surreal that teachers, people whose love for children is supposedly second only to that of their parents, would support the mass killing of babies. The Abortion Holocaust has also eliminated multitudes of jobs and careers for teachers and school workers. Why do NEA members tolerate this from their so-called leaders?"
"Apparently this event will be the first highly visible pro- life event since the murder of George Tiller," said Pawson. "Pro-abortion militants and hostile media pundits have exploited the killing of Tiller, by a madman not associated with our movement, to intimidate pro-lifers into silence and surrender. Our peaceful, prayerfully pickets should inspire millions of pro-life Americans to reaffirm that we express our concern, compassion, and desire for true justice through lawful, constitutional means using reason, rational discourse, and our right to assemble in the public square."
Pro-Life Opinion editor, Gingi Edmonds, says, "An overwhelming majority of NEA members, 82%, believe their union leaders should take no official position on abortion. Regardless of their personal political views, NEA members expect the leadership to fight for things like better teacher pay and higher standards in school; not to support pro-abortion candidates and justices who argue for killing the next generation of students."
State and local organizers should e-mail PLEAS detailing locations and leadership contact info. Also, send digital photos or video to PLEAS later that afternoon.
Mary Kuper reports that she and local San Diegan pro- life volunteers "will be located inside the NEA convention, in a booth, helping to educate the delegates on life issues."
New Book Renders Strong Piece of Historical Fiction
Photo: Christian Newswire
New Book Renders Strong Piece of Historical Fiction
Book Review by J. Alpha, US Review of Books
MEDIA ADVISORY, June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- "As it is with all children who accept the reins of responsibility from a powerful parent, ultimately a time came when there were choices to be made that only a Heavenly Father could understand."
"Threads: An American Tapestry" by Gloria Waldron Hukle ( www.authorgloriawaldronhukle.com) is a story that deftly weaves together the struggles and triumphs of the differing visions and conflicts of the independent-minded characters of the New York Hudson Valley colonials, which comprised a mix of European, African, and Native American cultures, with the turmoil in the lives of three siblings--heirs to the estate of Gerrit Vandenberg, a wealthy New York North River Valley landowner.
However, as the central theme of Threads reveals, prosperity does not exclude life's struggles from the affluent, nor is it a shield against the lifelong prejudices and alienation Margaret Vandenberg had experienced as a "high-brow Indian woman"--Garrit Vandenberg's "half-breed" daughter, who in spite of her good intentions and acts of charity and generosity remains a slave to the suspicions, mistrust, and hatred of her mixed heritage and Old World enemies as she struggles to retain sole control over her families upstate New York estate when her long thought dead brother returns with a wife and business partner. Thus the stage has been set for Threads compelling story conflict which builds on the tension between the main characters, their internal constraints, and the outside forces of their environment and opposing external forces.
As the story (circa 1723) begins, Margaret Vandenberg--well into her thirties--prepares to marry for the first time while facing the smoldering emotions of envy and perceived corruption of religious beliefs, in addition to the tragic murder of one of her black servants and the secret involvement of another who is harboring runaway slaves by providing a stopover at her manor on their way to Canada.
Compelled to follow an obstacle strewn path, Margaret knew full well that her decisions would alter the course of her life, but never could have conceived of all the other lives that would also be altered. A woman of strong faith, Margaret vows that she will leave her fate, in God's hand, but yet as a strong, resourceful, and independent woman she also understands that the consequences of her decisions are hers to hold forever.
Threads--Hukle's third installment in The Waldron Series--is a reflective tale told with an infusion of relevant historical facts that enhance both the action and pacing of the plot. Often in historical fiction, authors unintentionally lose their characters inside their story-like passages of exhaustive research, but Hukle has completely avoided this common pitfall, having rendered a strong piece of historical fiction for readers to be drawn into with her solid research, solid character renderings, and solid writing.
The US Review of Books
PO Box 11, Titusville, NJ 08560
Scotland's Highlands Reached Through Evangelist Luis Palau's Two-Week Campaign
Scotland's Highlands Reached Through Evangelist Luis Palau's Two-Week Campaign
More than 60 outreach events saturate the region with the Gospel, spark hope for local churches
INVERNESS, Scotland, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Highland Festival with Luis Palau culminated in Inverness, Scotland on June 20 after two weeks of more than 60 outreach events in more than a dozen towns throughout Scotland's Highlands. Local pastors praised the Palau outreach for the unity it created among participating churches and for saturating the Highlands with the Gospel message. Most of the sparsely populated towns impacted by the campaign have not witnessed such a large scale effort since Palau's previous Scottish campaigns that ran from 1979-1981.
"You can definitely sense the secularization and lack of church attendance," said the Argentine evangelist, the grandson of Scotsman Robert Balfour. "I have asked young people 'do you go to church?' and they look at me like I'm from another planet." But just as he noted 30 years ago, Palau said, "Scotland is once again dry tinder, ready to catch fire for the Lord."
The Highland Festival involved more than 100 churches -- that's more than half the region's total church population -- representing nearly every denomination. Together with Palau, his son Andrew, and a team of partner evangelists, these churches made a profound impact through a combination of preaching, music, skateboarding, sports, and good, old-fashioned fun. An estimated 5 percent of attendees made a commitment to Christ.
"What a great blessing we have seen through Highland Festival with Luis Palau," said Lord Mackay of Clashfern, honorary chairman of the campaign and, until recently, the third most powerful person in the United Kingdom's government as Lord Chancellor. "Never in recent history has there been such a widespread evangelistic effort that touched so many people of all ages in so many locations throughout the Highlands."
Leading up to the final event, an outdoor festival in Inverness on June 19-20, were eight mini-festivals in nearby towns, more than 40 outreaches at schools and prisons, a tea for women held at the personal castle of well-known Christian businesswoman Anne Gloag, a business leaders' luncheon, and two evenings of traditional music and preaching at an indoor theatre. By the end of the culminating festival, officials estimated approximately 20,000 people had been reached with the Gospel message -- representing 10 percent of the population of the surrounding area and marking a significant step forward for evangelism in the region.
"The number of people reached is tremendous for Scotland's Highlands," said Palau, also noting that the clear message of God's salvation was also broadcast throughout the entire United Kingdom via BBC4 and through press stories. "I am encouraged! But even more, we are excited for the unity, collaboration, and vision this campaign has given the local churches. Christian leaders want to continue this work."
Palau's worldwide festivals also include widespread community service initiatives, now known as Season of Service campaigns. In Inverness, thousands of pounds of food were collected through a partnership with Blythswood Care. "It is obvious that the recession and resulting unemployment is hitting parts of the Highlands very hard," said Blythswood chief executive James Campbell. "The food bank will tide many hundreds of adults and children over, when otherwise they would face the prospect of real deprivation."
"We are praising God through this entire campaign," said Palau. "We give thanks to our prayer partners who interceded on behalf of the people of the Highlands and gave to make it all possible. We continue praying that this is just the beginning of what God plans to do in this area."
More than 60 outreach events saturate the region with the Gospel, spark hope for local churches
INVERNESS, Scotland, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Highland Festival with Luis Palau culminated in Inverness, Scotland on June 20 after two weeks of more than 60 outreach events in more than a dozen towns throughout Scotland's Highlands. Local pastors praised the Palau outreach for the unity it created among participating churches and for saturating the Highlands with the Gospel message. Most of the sparsely populated towns impacted by the campaign have not witnessed such a large scale effort since Palau's previous Scottish campaigns that ran from 1979-1981.
"You can definitely sense the secularization and lack of church attendance," said the Argentine evangelist, the grandson of Scotsman Robert Balfour. "I have asked young people 'do you go to church?' and they look at me like I'm from another planet." But just as he noted 30 years ago, Palau said, "Scotland is once again dry tinder, ready to catch fire for the Lord."
The Highland Festival involved more than 100 churches -- that's more than half the region's total church population -- representing nearly every denomination. Together with Palau, his son Andrew, and a team of partner evangelists, these churches made a profound impact through a combination of preaching, music, skateboarding, sports, and good, old-fashioned fun. An estimated 5 percent of attendees made a commitment to Christ.
"What a great blessing we have seen through Highland Festival with Luis Palau," said Lord Mackay of Clashfern, honorary chairman of the campaign and, until recently, the third most powerful person in the United Kingdom's government as Lord Chancellor. "Never in recent history has there been such a widespread evangelistic effort that touched so many people of all ages in so many locations throughout the Highlands."
Leading up to the final event, an outdoor festival in Inverness on June 19-20, were eight mini-festivals in nearby towns, more than 40 outreaches at schools and prisons, a tea for women held at the personal castle of well-known Christian businesswoman Anne Gloag, a business leaders' luncheon, and two evenings of traditional music and preaching at an indoor theatre. By the end of the culminating festival, officials estimated approximately 20,000 people had been reached with the Gospel message -- representing 10 percent of the population of the surrounding area and marking a significant step forward for evangelism in the region.
"The number of people reached is tremendous for Scotland's Highlands," said Palau, also noting that the clear message of God's salvation was also broadcast throughout the entire United Kingdom via BBC4 and through press stories. "I am encouraged! But even more, we are excited for the unity, collaboration, and vision this campaign has given the local churches. Christian leaders want to continue this work."
Palau's worldwide festivals also include widespread community service initiatives, now known as Season of Service campaigns. In Inverness, thousands of pounds of food were collected through a partnership with Blythswood Care. "It is obvious that the recession and resulting unemployment is hitting parts of the Highlands very hard," said Blythswood chief executive James Campbell. "The food bank will tide many hundreds of adults and children over, when otherwise they would face the prospect of real deprivation."
"We are praising God through this entire campaign," said Palau. "We give thanks to our prayer partners who interceded on behalf of the people of the Highlands and gave to make it all possible. We continue praying that this is just the beginning of what God plans to do in this area."
Audio Bible Ministry Grows Outreach in Sri Lanka
Audio Bible Ministry Grows Outreach in Sri Lanka
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Tens of thousands died in the fighting, and many more thousands fled in search of peace. Now, hundreds of thousands survive in refugee camps not far from the places they once called home.
After 26 years of bitter civil war in Sri Lanka, this island nation's militarized minority, the Tamil Tigers, laid down their weapons. This transition has opened the door for the Good News to come into areas once cut- off from the world.
"Conditions in Sri Lanka are difficult right now -- closed roads, unsanitary living conditions and lack of resources," said Doug Harstine, Faith Comes By Hearing regional manager.
"There is great need, especially for food. Relief organizations and Faith Comes By Hearing partners, like the Ceylon Bible Society, are assessing which regions have the most damage," said Harstine. "The rebel-held areas, which were once closed and heavily guarded, will be open again soon."
During this time of rebuilding comes a rebuilding of faith.
"The people are ready for the message of hope that comes from God's Word," he said. "We're working with the Ceylon Bible Society to distribute Audio Bibles in those refugee camps."
Harstine said Faith Comes By Hearing is expanding their impact in the region by forming a new outreach team and sending out a recording team.
"Our new Faith Comes By Hearing outreach team is made up of Ceylon Bible Society staff. These dedicated believers will go into these areas and camps, come alongside churches and ministries and start Audio Bible listening groups," said Harstine.
As people hear God's Word, they are discipled and transformed; they respond by planting churches.
"The recording team will re-record the Tamil Audio Bible using indigenous voices," said Harstine. "The current recording was voiced by Indians because of the lack of access to the Tamil region. Now, the Word of God will be in their dialect, and Tamil people will be more open to the Scriptures."
After finishing the Tamil New Testament, this team will record other languages in South Asia.
Faith Comes By Hearing's mission is to record the New Testament in 2,000 languages and to implement two million Bible listening groups by 2016 to reach the 50% of the world who cannot read and are poor. Faith Comes By Hearing now has 439 Audio Scripture recordings in 371 languages. All are available for free download at www.FaithComesByHearing.com.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Tens of thousands died in the fighting, and many more thousands fled in search of peace. Now, hundreds of thousands survive in refugee camps not far from the places they once called home.
After 26 years of bitter civil war in Sri Lanka, this island nation's militarized minority, the Tamil Tigers, laid down their weapons. This transition has opened the door for the Good News to come into areas once cut- off from the world.
"Conditions in Sri Lanka are difficult right now -- closed roads, unsanitary living conditions and lack of resources," said Doug Harstine, Faith Comes By Hearing regional manager.
"There is great need, especially for food. Relief organizations and Faith Comes By Hearing partners, like the Ceylon Bible Society, are assessing which regions have the most damage," said Harstine. "The rebel-held areas, which were once closed and heavily guarded, will be open again soon."
During this time of rebuilding comes a rebuilding of faith.
"The people are ready for the message of hope that comes from God's Word," he said. "We're working with the Ceylon Bible Society to distribute Audio Bibles in those refugee camps."
Harstine said Faith Comes By Hearing is expanding their impact in the region by forming a new outreach team and sending out a recording team.
"Our new Faith Comes By Hearing outreach team is made up of Ceylon Bible Society staff. These dedicated believers will go into these areas and camps, come alongside churches and ministries and start Audio Bible listening groups," said Harstine.
As people hear God's Word, they are discipled and transformed; they respond by planting churches.
"The recording team will re-record the Tamil Audio Bible using indigenous voices," said Harstine. "The current recording was voiced by Indians because of the lack of access to the Tamil region. Now, the Word of God will be in their dialect, and Tamil people will be more open to the Scriptures."
After finishing the Tamil New Testament, this team will record other languages in South Asia.
Faith Comes By Hearing's mission is to record the New Testament in 2,000 languages and to implement two million Bible listening groups by 2016 to reach the 50% of the world who cannot read and are poor. Faith Comes By Hearing now has 439 Audio Scripture recordings in 371 languages. All are available for free download at www.FaithComesByHearing.com.
GFA President Praises Indian Government Move to Strike Down Anti-Conversion Laws
GFA President Praises Indian Government Move to Strike Down Anti-Conversion Laws
CARROLLTON, Texas, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- The newly elected Indian government, led by the moderate Congress party, is taking a strong stand against anti-conversion legislation that has restricted religious freedom in the nation. They plan to block bills introduced in a number of states by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This is very encouraging news for Christians and other minorities in the nation.
Dr. K.P. Yohannan, president of Gospel for Asia, gladly welcomed the news of the Indian government's recent stand.
"It's absolutely encouraging to see the government is upholding the constitution and its secular values of freedom of choice and liberty for the people," he said. "Continue to pray for those in authority, that they will protect the rights of the minorities in their freedom to choose."
The controversial anti-conversion laws, ironically called the "Freedom of Religion" acts, are currently active in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Two more states--Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh-- have passed anti-conversion legislation but not yet put it into practice. Anti-conversion legislation has also been introduced in the state of Karnataka.
The impact on these states will vary depending on whether the BJP is dominant there. In Rajasthan, an anti-conversion law had been passed but had not yet been implemented. With the consent of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the Indian government plans to nullify it there.
For Madhya Pradesh, they plan to withhold consent to the ruling BJP, which had proposed amendments that would make the law there even more stringent. Digvijay Singh, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and today a senior official in the Congress party, agrees with the federal government's concerns that the bill infringes on the religious freedom outlined in the constitution, according to ChristianToday.com.
"When I was chief minister in those 10 years, there was no case for forcible conversion," he told a media source.
Where enacted, the laws have held strict penalties for anyone declared guilty of either converting someone or of changing their religion without first informing the government 30 days beforehand. Depending on the state, this could mean two years in prison, a heavy fine, or even both.
While the laws were reportedly introduced to check religious conversions made by "force, fraud or allurement," Christians say they have been misused to attack and arrest pastors on made-up charges.
Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.
CARROLLTON, Texas, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- The newly elected Indian government, led by the moderate Congress party, is taking a strong stand against anti-conversion legislation that has restricted religious freedom in the nation. They plan to block bills introduced in a number of states by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This is very encouraging news for Christians and other minorities in the nation.
Dr. K.P. Yohannan, president of Gospel for Asia, gladly welcomed the news of the Indian government's recent stand.
"It's absolutely encouraging to see the government is upholding the constitution and its secular values of freedom of choice and liberty for the people," he said. "Continue to pray for those in authority, that they will protect the rights of the minorities in their freedom to choose."
The controversial anti-conversion laws, ironically called the "Freedom of Religion" acts, are currently active in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Two more states--Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh-- have passed anti-conversion legislation but not yet put it into practice. Anti-conversion legislation has also been introduced in the state of Karnataka.
The impact on these states will vary depending on whether the BJP is dominant there. In Rajasthan, an anti-conversion law had been passed but had not yet been implemented. With the consent of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the Indian government plans to nullify it there.
For Madhya Pradesh, they plan to withhold consent to the ruling BJP, which had proposed amendments that would make the law there even more stringent. Digvijay Singh, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and today a senior official in the Congress party, agrees with the federal government's concerns that the bill infringes on the religious freedom outlined in the constitution, according to ChristianToday.com.
"When I was chief minister in those 10 years, there was no case for forcible conversion," he told a media source.
Where enacted, the laws have held strict penalties for anyone declared guilty of either converting someone or of changing their religion without first informing the government 30 days beforehand. Depending on the state, this could mean two years in prison, a heavy fine, or even both.
While the laws were reportedly introduced to check religious conversions made by "force, fraud or allurement," Christians say they have been misused to attack and arrest pastors on made-up charges.
Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.
Relationship Expert Offers Hope to King of Pop, Four Days Before His Death
Relationship Expert Offers Hope to King of Pop, Four Days Before His Death
Nationally-known television evangelist interrupts Sunday morning worship service with a prophetic message to king of pop, "...He's greater than the hole in your heart..."
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gregory Dickow, Pastor of Life Changers International Church outside Chicago, baffled worshippers when, at the end of this past Sunday's Father's Day service, he looked into the television camera and stated, "I announce to the king of pop, today, my (Heavenly) Father is greater than all that was done to you and all that you've done and is greater than the hole in your heart and He will fill it to overflowing." Afterward, Dickow simply ended the service. Only a few days later would the world learn how prophetic, and stunning, his statement was when reports surfaced that the 'king of pop' was dead. Jackson was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, when attempts to revive him from full cardiac arrest were unsuccessful.
When asked if he knew of any health problems the pop star was suffering with, Dickow stated, "I've never met Michael Jackson and knew nothing about his health. There's no way I could have known that within just a few days we'd be watching reports of his (Jackson's) death on national TV." Dickow continued "Certainly, I pray that Michael Jackson knew God and that his family will find peace during this time of mourning."
In addition to heading up the large Chicago suburban mega church, Dickow also appears daily on the Changing Your Life television program on stations across the world as well as hosting the popular live radio show, Ask the Pastor.
"I may never know if the message God gave me for Michael actually reached him. But it's the same message I'll continue to give folks everywhere I go", Dickow said.
Videotape of the sermon will be shown on an upcoming broadcast. Until then, the excerpt can be seen on YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites worldwide.
Known by thousands across the country as a relationship expert, Dickow also authored the new book, The Power to Change Today, a book that guides its readers through steps toward a fulfilled life.
Nationally-known television evangelist interrupts Sunday morning worship service with a prophetic message to king of pop, "...He's greater than the hole in your heart..."
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gregory Dickow, Pastor of Life Changers International Church outside Chicago, baffled worshippers when, at the end of this past Sunday's Father's Day service, he looked into the television camera and stated, "I announce to the king of pop, today, my (Heavenly) Father is greater than all that was done to you and all that you've done and is greater than the hole in your heart and He will fill it to overflowing." Afterward, Dickow simply ended the service. Only a few days later would the world learn how prophetic, and stunning, his statement was when reports surfaced that the 'king of pop' was dead. Jackson was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, when attempts to revive him from full cardiac arrest were unsuccessful.
When asked if he knew of any health problems the pop star was suffering with, Dickow stated, "I've never met Michael Jackson and knew nothing about his health. There's no way I could have known that within just a few days we'd be watching reports of his (Jackson's) death on national TV." Dickow continued "Certainly, I pray that Michael Jackson knew God and that his family will find peace during this time of mourning."
In addition to heading up the large Chicago suburban mega church, Dickow also appears daily on the Changing Your Life television program on stations across the world as well as hosting the popular live radio show, Ask the Pastor.
"I may never know if the message God gave me for Michael actually reached him. But it's the same message I'll continue to give folks everywhere I go", Dickow said.
Videotape of the sermon will be shown on an upcoming broadcast. Until then, the excerpt can be seen on YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites worldwide.
Known by thousands across the country as a relationship expert, Dickow also authored the new book, The Power to Change Today, a book that guides its readers through steps toward a fulfilled life.
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