Bott Radio Network FM Christian Talk Radio Expands Across Omaha, Lincoln & Southeast Nebraska at 88.5 FM

BRN Executive Vice President Rich Bott noted. Photo: Christian Newswire

Bott Radio Network FM Christian Talk Radio Expands Across Omaha, Lincoln & Southeast Nebraska at 88.5 FM

OVERLAND PARK, Kans., July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Beginning July 1st, Bott Radio Network's Nebraska flagship station at 88.5 FM now broadcasts with ten times the power from one of the tallest radio towers in the state at 1,250 feet high. This combination provides 100,000 watts of effective coverage all across Southeast Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice and Nebraska City at 88.5 FM. This powerful, new signal expands the listening area to cover over 600,000 new people with the power of God's Word.

BRN will continue to broadcast from three repeater signals in the Omaha area to fill in any locations where there may be interference or terrain obstructions to receiving the main 88.5 FM signal. Those repeater signals are at 93.7 FM in Omaha, 92.7 FM in La Vista, and 102.9 FM in Fremont.

Bott Radio Network built 88.5 FM as KLCV--Lincoln's Christian Voice--in the summer of 1996 and began broadcasting quality Bible teaching, Christian news, and information radio twenty-four hours a day. For thirteen years BRN has faithfully broadcast to Lincoln at 88.5 FM, and when families in Omaha and Southeast Nebraska asked for expansion into their area, Bott Radio Network responded to their needs. Today, 88.5 FM fills the need with one of the most powerful FM radio voices in the region.

BRN Executive Vice President Rich Bott noted, "For nearly 50 years, Bott Radio Network has served families with Quality Bible Teaching and Christian News and Information. We are excited about expanding our coverage in Omaha, Lincoln, and all across Southeast Nebraska. At 88.5 FM, this new powerful signal will help more people to grow in their faith and to know what's happening in the world around them, from a Biblical perspective."

Bott Radio Network also serves the state of Nebraska in Columbus at 95.5 FM, in Crete at 100.5 FM, in Dakota City at 1250 AM, in Grand Island at 104.3 FM, in Hastings at 99.9 FM, in Norfolk at 96.3 FM, in York at 99.3 FM, in North Platte at 107.9 FM, in Cozad at 1580 AM, and across Central Nebraska at 104.5 FM with 100,000 watts of power.

With headquarters in Kansas City, Bott Radio Network is recognized as a national leader in Christian broadcasting. For nearly 50 years, Bott Radio Network has featured America's finest Bible teachers and Christian news and information programs to help people grow in the Lord and apply their faith in their daily lives. Bott Radio Network stretches across the United States from California to Tennessee, with a focus on the heart of America.

Bott Radio Network is a pioneer in the development of Christian talk radio. Time magazine listed several of BRN's talk show hosts among the nation's 25 most influential evangelicals. The listing included Dr. James Dobson, who was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and hosts Focus On The Family-- one of the nation's top-rated talk radio programs; Dr. Richard Land of For Faith & Family--President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention; and attorney and judicial advocate Jay Sekulow, who hosts Jay Sekulow Live from Washington D.C. BRN also features Back to the Bible with Dr. Woodrow Kroll from Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as broadcasts by Billy Graham, Phyllis Schlafly, Chuck Swindoll, June Hunt, Paul Sheppard, Charles Stanley, and many other national Christian leaders.

In 2008, Bott Radio Network's founder, Dr. Dick Bott, was inducted into the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Hall of Fame. The NRB is the world's largest association of Christian communicators, with over 1,400 member organizations, and the Hall of Fame award is the highest honor the organization confers. This year Bott Radio Network was honored to receive the Network of the Year award from Focus on the Family.

Founded in 1962, Bott Radio Network currently broadcasts its format of Faith-Based Family Talk Radio on 81 outlets reaching into fourteen states with a combined coverage area of nearly 40 million people. It is also heard nationwide over SkyAngel IPTV Channel 202, and worldwide via the iPhone, and on the Internet at www.bottradionetwork.com.

For Press Release Photos, go to
www.bottradionetwork.com/about/network-news/ - bottom

For a BRN Nebraska Coverage Map, go to
www.bottradionetwork.com/wp- content/uploads/BRN_Nebraska_Expansion_ Coverage_June09.pdf

For a BRN National Coverage Map, go to
www.bottradionetwork.com/wp- content/uploads/HeartofAmericaBRN_Map_Jul09.pdf

For More Information, Contact:
Bott Radio Network
Rachel Launius, Marketing Manager
10550 Barkley · Overland Park, KS 66212
913-642-7770 · rlaunius@bottradionetwork.com

ChinaAid Calls for Prayer and Action on Behalf of Imprisoned Christian Shi Weihan

Shi Weihan distributed bibles for free. Photo China Aid

ChinaAid Calls for Prayer and Action on Behalf of Imprisoned Christian Shi Weihan

BEIJING, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- ChinaAid calls on the international community to pray and act on behalf of imprisoned Christian house church leader Shi Weihan. On June 10 the Beijing Court found Shi Weihan, age 38, guilty of "illegal business operation" and sentenced him to three years in prison and 150,000 Yuan fine (about $22,000 USD) for printing and distributing Bibles at no cost.

Six others stood trial together with Shi Weihan, and also received criminal sentences for "illegal business operation." Tian Hongxia, who worked for Shi Weihan, was fined three years in prison and 150,000 yuan. The other five sentenced were Li Fengshan, Zhou Xin, Cheng Xiaojing, Lű Yuequan and Li Zong, all shareholders and employees of Xinshu Printing Company Ltd. of Beijing, the printing company which printed the Bibles and Christian books. Their sentences range from one to two years with fines from 60,000 yuan to 120,000 yuan. ChinaAid recently received the Criminal Judgment from Haidian District People's Court of Beijing Municipality for Shi Weihan and the other six who were sentenced. Click here to read.

ChinaAid president, Bob Fu stated, "Most of the books Shi Weihan published were Bibles and Christian books. He distributed them free of charge, because the Chinese government does not permit Bibles to be sold in public bookstores, and there is a great need for them. We call upon Christian book authors and those who placed orders for printing Bibles and Christian literature to speak out for Shi and his family."

Shi Weihan's wife Zhang Jing and their two daughters, 12-year-old Shi Jia and 8-year-old Shi En Mei, are under tremendous pressure from authorities. Shi's wife has hired Christian lawyer Li Fangping to represent him and to appeal the verdict. The appeal process could take up to one year.

Contact the Chinese embassy and request that Shi Weihan and the other six sentenced be immediately released, and that government authorities allow Bibles and Christian literature to be printed and freely distributed in China.

Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong
3505 International Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 495-2000
Fax: (202) 588-9760

Read the Criminal Judgment from Haidian District People's Court of Beijing Municipality against Shi Weihan.

ChinaAid grants permission to reproduce photos and/or information for non-fundraising purposes, with the provision that www.ChinaAid.org is credited. Please contact: Katherine@ChinaAid.org with questions or requests for further information.

United Church of Christ Resolution to Teach LGBT Curriculum in Public Schools Violates Children - Confessing Movement Protests

United Church of Christ Resolution to Teach LGBT Curriculum in Public Schools Violates Children - Confessing Movement Protests

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- A Resolution of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ concluding today in Grand Rapids, Michigan, calls for "diversity/multi- cultural education" in public elementary schools that includes, "the experience of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, bi- sexual, transgender), individuals and families." The resolution also calls for aggressive opposition to efforts by parents whose moral convictions are violated by such teaching to protect their children from LGBT indoctrination. The resolution mixes the LGBT agenda with a call for public school diversity teaching on racism and the acceptance of immigrant minorities.

In protest, the confessing movement within the United Church of Christ known as Biblical Witness Fellowship has issued a statement of protest. "Teaching that behavior and relationships which are morally wrong to most Christian families, as well as families of the Islamic, Hindu and other religious traditions is normative, makes the public school an unsafe environment for our children. Mixing such a message with the legitimate concerns of racism and the acceptance of immigrating families and children is offensive, intellectually dishonest, and inappropriate. Diversity demands that public education respect the morality of all and protects the innocence of children."

www.ReformationUCC.org

www.biblicalwitness.org

Why Can't Scientists Believe in God

Why Can't Scientists Believe in God

Book Exposes Charles Darwin as The Man Who Separated God From Science

WASHINGTON, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- Charles Darwin spent his life spreading the myth that anything scientific could not include God--a myth that has grown to define science for the last 150 years. Darwin believed everything could be explained through natural selection--without the help of a divine hand--so he deliberately left God out of his version of evolution, known as Darwinism. As Dr. Benjamin Wiker reveals in his new book The Darwin Myth: The Life and Lies of Charles Darwin, it was in this moment that science and God could no longer peacefully coexist.

Darwin's legacy set ideological atheism as the default position of science. As Wiker explains, Darwinism isn't all wrong--but it's just a tiny part of something far grander, from which God cannot be reasonably excluded. The Darwin Myth exposes Darwin's ultimate goal behind his version of evolution: eliminating God not only from Darwinism, but from all science. Wiker also explores the collision between Darwin and Christianity--breaking down what it means, as a Christian, to either accept or deny evolution. Christians and scientists alike can use this book to find possible motives behind the removal of a divine creator in Darwin's vision of evolution.

2009 is the Year of Darwin, celebrating 200 years of Darwin the man and 150 years of his work that divorced God from science, On The Origin of Species. From Darwin's obsession with making the theory of evolution his own to his belief that progress meant the advance of secularized science against religion, The Darwin Myth offers a critical examination of Darwin's theories as well as the scientific, social, and religious implications of his life and work.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Benjamin Wiker, please contact Laura Bentz at (202) 216-0601, ext. 440 or lbentz@eaglepub.com

Vision America Proud to Participate in Freedom Federation

Vision America Proud to Participate in Freedom Federation

WASHINGTON, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, representatives of some of America's largest faith-based groups gathered in the nation's capital to announce that they will organize and mobilize their grassroots constituencies in a common cause.

At the National Press Club, Vision America President Pastor Rick Scarborough joined other conservative leaders, including Mat Staver, dean of Liberty University Law School and the Federation's convener, to formally announce the formation of the Freedom Federation.

The Federation encompasses individuals of different races, faiths and backgrounds who are committed to the preservation of freedom and American values, founded on the Judeo-Christian tradition. The Freedom Federation is not a separate organization, but an association of like-minded national organizations with large and unique religious and political constituencies.

A partial listing of organizations involved in the Freedom Federation includes: the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (America's largest Hispanic Christian organization); Teen Mania (reaching several hundred thousand teens each year); American Association of Christian Counselors (the largest Christian counseling organization with over 50,000 professional members); Liberty University (the largest evangelical university in the world with 50,000 students); Catholic Online; American Family Association; Family Research Council; Liberty Counsel, Vision America; The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention; Concerned Women for America; Traditional Values Coalition (a coalition of 45,000 evangelical churches); National Clergy Council; Eagle Forum; Americans for Prosperity; and BOND (the Los Angeles-based Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny).

Scarborough commented: "These organizations represent some of the nation's largest constituencies of youth, Hispanics, African-Americans, women, pastors and churches, who are uniting to defend a tradition increasingly under attack."

The Freedom Federation is committed to defending and extending core values expressed in the Declaration of American Values, the organization's founding document. These include the right to life, the institution of marriage, parental rights, religious liberty, an environment free of pornography and indecency, the right to property, freedom from excessive taxation, and national sovereignty. The statement is posted on the Vision America website at www.visionamerica.us.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Rick Scarborough, contact Catherine Rouse at 936- 560-3900 or Catherine@visionamerica.us.

Calvin's 500th Birthday Celebrated: Critics and Supporters Agree He was America's Founding Father

Calvin's 500th Birthday Celebrated: Critics and Supporters Agree He was America's Founding Father

BOSTON, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- As America prepares to celebrate Independence Day this July 4, Vision Forum Ministries will be hosting a national celebration to honor the 500th birthday of John Calvin, a man who many scholars recognize as America's "Founding Father." The event -- The Reformation 500 Celebration -- will take place July 1-4 at the Park Plaza Hotel in downtown Boston. More than a thousand attendees are expected to gather for the four- day conference.

"Long before America declared its independence, John Calvin declared and defended principles that birthed liberty in the modern world," noted Doug Phillips, president of Vision Forum Ministries. "Scholars both critical and sympathetic of the life and theology of Calvin agree on one thing: that this reformer from Geneva was the father of modern liberty as well as the intellectual founding father of America."

"Jean Jacques Rousseau, a fellow Genevan who was no friend to Christianity, observed: 'Those who consider Calvin only as a theologian fail to recognize the breadth of his genius. The editing of our wise laws, in which he had a large share, does him as much credit as his Institutes. . . . [S]o long as the love of country and liberty is not extinct amongst us, the memory of this great man will be held in reverence.'

"German historian Leopold von Ranke observed that 'Calvin was virtually the founder of America.' Harvard historian George Bancroft was no less direct with this remark: 'He who will not honor the memory and respect the influence of Calvin knows but little of the origin of American liberty.'

"John Adams, America's second president, agreed with this sentiment and issued this pointed charge: 'Let not Geneva be forgotten or despised. Religious liberty owes it much respect.'

"As we celebrate America's Independence this July 4, we would do well to heed John Adams' admonition and show due respect to the memory of John Calvin whose 500th birthday fall six days later," Phillips stated.

Calvin, a convert to Reformation Christianity born in Noyon, France, on July 10, 1509, is best known for his influence on the city of Geneva. It was there that he modeled many of the principles of liberty later embraced by America's Founders, including anti- statism, the belief in transcendent principles of law as the foundation of an ethical legal system, free market economics, decentralized authority, an educated citizenry as a safeguard against tyranny, and republican representative government which was accountable to the people and a higher law.

The Reformation 500 Celebration will honor Calvin's legacy, along with other key Protestant reformers, and will feature more than thirty history messages on the impact of the Reformation, Faith & Freedom mini-tours of historic Boston, and a Children's Parade. The festivities will climax on America's Independence Day as attendees join thousands of others for the world-renowned music and fireworks celebration on the Esplanade with the Boston Pops Orchestra.

To learn more about the Reformation 500 Celebration click here. To interview Doug Phillips regarding Calvin's influence on America, contact Wesley Strackbein by e-mail at press@visionforum.org or by phone at (210) 340- 5250, ext. 222.

Acton Institute Says 'Lifestyle Tax' Just Camouflage for New Sin Taxes

Acton Institute Says 'Lifestyle Tax' Just Camouflage for New Sin Taxes

WASHINGTON, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Senate Finance Committee is pushing for what it calls a "lifestyle tax" to raise funds to pay for President Obama's $1.2 trillion health care plan. The lifestyle tax -- better known as the sin tax -- would increase the current taxes on wine, beer, and hard liquor and impose new taxes on soft drinks and drinks containing sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

According to the Senate Finance Committee, the new sin taxes will slow the sales of unhealthy products that play a role in obesity. The Finance Committee says the aim of the "lifestyle tax" is to "promote wellness and healthy choices, and curb activities that increase overall health care costs." The Senate plan includes, among other things, a 19 percent tax increase on alcoholic beverages. The new taxes on sweetened drinks would be applied to soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, and even chocolate milk.

The "lifestyle tax" is just a euphemism for the sin tax, an age-old ploy by elected officials who believe they can tax sinful habits with little organized protest from the "sinners" who smoke, drink, or eat junk food.

Rev. Robert A. Sirico, president and co-founder of the Acton Institute, recently wrote about a growing wave of state and federal sin tax proposals in The American, published by the American Enterprise Institute. Rev. Sirico argues that expanding the sin tax to pay for universal health care will not increase revenues, but do exactly the opposite.

The consequences of the sin tax are often the very opposite of those intended by its designers. Rather than increasing revenue, the sin tax can reduce it. Rather than discouraging what are regarded as morally questionable behaviors, the sin tax can make them more appealing. Rather than reducing what are perceived to be internal costs of the sin, the sin tax can increase them and expand them to society as a whole.

Describing the sin tax as a "lifestyle tax" won't make these new taxes any more effective as a source of revenue or morally justifiable. And what's next? New "lifestyle taxes" on morally suspect foods and drinks like junk food, candy bars, cookies and milk shakes?

Anglican Mission Announces President's Transition: Brust to Church Plant

Anglican Mission Announces President's Transition: Brust to Church Plant

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Anglican Mission announced today that the Rev. Canon Ellis E. Brust, President, will be leaving his position this fall to plant a church in south Orange County, California. In addition, Canon Brust will partner with Bishop-elect Todd Hunter who leads Churches for the Sake of Others (C4SO). Serving as the Bishop's Canon, Brust will assist in identifying, training and sending out missionary leaders to reach the goal of planting well over 100 new congregations during the next 10 years.

Canon Brust assumed the position as President of the Anglican Mission in January 2007, responsible for overseeing daily operations and management of the Anglican Mission and its Mission Center in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Previously, he was Chief Operating Officer of the American Anglican Council, Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Florida and has led four congregations in Texas since his ordination to the priesthood in 1985.

"It has been an honor to serve the Anglican Mission and work alongside the great leaders of this missionary movement," said Canon Brust. "After a decade away from parish ministry, I am responding to God's call to return to my first love as a minister of the Gospel -- the local church. I look forward with great anticipation to building a church that reflects God's love for the world as well as the opportunity to work with Bishop-elect Hunter and fulfill the Kingdom vision of C4SO," he added.

Bishop Murphy enthusiastically affirmed this new call for Canon Brust.

"We have greatly valued Ellis' time in the position of President, and I'm grateful for his accomplishments during his tenure," Bishop Murphy noted. "But I have also seen his heart for parish ministry and his passion for planting new Anglican Mission churches. This is an exciting time for him and for the Mission as he now joins one of our key initiatives."

Bishop Murphy has asked Cynthia P. Brust, Director of Communications, to continue in her position after the couple's relocation to California.

Launched in early January, C4SO is a church planting movement designed to develop churches and leaders committed to beginning new congregations located primarily, but not exclusively, on the west coast. These churches will emphasize multiplication as each congregation plants daughter churches at the rate of at least two every five years.

"Having Ellis join this movement will make all the difference as we go forward," said Bishop-elect Hunter. "In our model, Ellis and I will be planting our own churches while simultaneously working in partnership to lead C4SO. I believe our unique backgrounds and experience in church leadership will be complementary and blend in an authentic synergy for exciting and fruitful ministry together. I am also excited that Cynthia will not only continue in her role within the Mission but also be at Ellis' side as an integral part of the new church plant."

During this period of transition, Bishop Murphy will consider next steps in Mission Center leadership and appropriate announcements will follow in the weeks to come.

Ohio High Court Endangers Minors in the Name of Privacy

Ohio High Court Endangers Minors in the Name of Privacy

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Yesterday the Ohio Supreme Court upheld an earlier decision that allows Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Ohio (PP) to keep secret their reports documenting whether or not PP is notifying authorities of instances of statutory rape of pregnant minors seeking abortion services at the Cincinnati clinic.

The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments last October on this issue after granting a Motion for Rehearing which was brought by attorneys for Jane Roe.

In Roe v. Planned Parenthood, the parents of Roe allege PP employees breached their legal duties when they failed to notify the proper authorities of the young girl's sexual victimization by the 22-year-old male who brought her to the clinic. They further allege that PP violated Ohio's parental involvement laws by failing to notify or get consent from them before performing the abortion on their 14-year-old daughter.

Attorney for Jane Roe, Brian Hurley, states about the decision, "We respectfully disagree with and are disappointed in the decision. It allows Planned Parenthood, under the pretext of protecting privacy rights, to prevent anyone from reviewing its redacted records to determine the truth of what many people believe is Planned Parenthood's policy and practice of violating its duty to report suspected or known sexual abuse of minors. We believe that the protection Ohio provides to its sexually abused children has been significantly weakened and parents' rights to protect their children from abuse have been undermined. We agree with Judge Donovan's assessment that the decision is neither just nor reasonable.

"It is important to point out that the Court clearly stated that our clients may pursue all of their claims against Planned Parenthood and that we may obtain from Planned Parenthood through other forms of discovery the statistical data about the number of abortions performed and number of reports of sexual abuse that is needed to help prove those claims. We intend to do so, and we intend to win at trial."

Life Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a non-profit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens, committed to the sanctity of human life. LLDF is helping to fund Roe's case. For more information, call Dana Cody at 916.727.4396.

Randall Terry to Make 12 City Tour to Mobilize Opposition to Sotomayor

Randall Terry to Make 12 City Tour to Mobilize Opposition to Sotomayor. Also, Tens of Thousands of 'Defeat Sotomayor' Brochures Have Been Mailed. Brochure can be Seen at www.OverturnRoe.com (Sotomayor's Face is Morphed into the Angel of Death)

WASHINGTON, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement submitted by Randall Terry:

"We must stop permitting this hypocrisy, cowardice, and treachery in our midst. Pro-life voters are calling on pro-life Senators to filibuster Sotomayor.

"A Senator cannot say, 'I want to overturn Roe,' and then vote to confirm a Supreme Court Judge that will uphold Roe. A vote to confirm Sotomayor is a vote to uphold Roe.

"Many senators use pro-life rhetoric to seduce us; they get our money, our volunteer labor, and our votes. But once an election is over, they discard us like an embarrassing mistress. They say that they want to overturn Roe, but they do little or nothing to protect the innocent. Whether they are 'pro-life' Republicans like John McCain (AZ) and Sam Brownback (KS), or pro- life Democrats like Ben Nelson (NE) or Robert Casey (PA), we have been lied to again and again.

"Whether they 'have the votes' to sustain a filibuster or not, they need to fight to stop her, for the sake of the babies who will die under her judicial reign.

Filibuster Sotomayor Tour

Mon. July 6 --

Omaha, NE
7:00 PM Filibuster Rally
The Regency Lodge
909 South 107th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68114

Tues. July 7 --

Omaha, NE
10:00 AM Press Conference, Calling on Senator Nelson to Filibuster Sotomayor.
Office of Senator Ben Nelson
7602 Pacific St.
Suite 205
Omaha, NE 68114

Lincoln, NE
12:00 noon Press Conference, Calling on Senator Nelson to Filibuster Sotomayor.
Office of Senator Ben Nelson
440 North 8th Street
Suite 120
Lincoln, NE 68508

St. Joseph, MO
3:30 PM Press Conference Calling on Senator Christopher Bond (R) & Senator Claire McCaskill (D) to Filibuster Sotomayor, and calling on MO Bishops to enter the fight against Sotomayor.
City Hall
1100 Frederick Ave.
St. Joseph, MO 64501

Kansas City, KS
7:00 PM Filibuster Rally
location TBD

Wed. July 8 --

Kansas City, KS
9:30 AM Press Conference, Calling on Senator Brownback to lead the Filibuster against Sotomayor.
Office of Senator Sam Brownback
11111 West 95th, Suite 245
Overland Park, KS 66214

Topeka, KS
11:30 AM Press Conference, Calling on Senator Brownback to lead the Filibuster against Sotomayor.
Office of Senator Sam Brownback
612 South Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603

Wichita, KS
2:45 PM Press Conference, Calling on Senator Brownback to lead the Filibuster against Sotomayor.
Office of George Tiller
5107 East Kellogg
Wichita, KS 67218

Thurs. July 9 --

Philadelphia, PA

12:00 PM Press Conference, Pleading with Cardinal Rigali to withhold communion from Senator Casey if Casey votes for Sotomayor.
Chancery of Cardinal Justin Rigali
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Allentown, PA
3:00 Press Conference, Pleading with Bishop John Barres to withhold communion from Senator Casey if Casey votes for Sotomayor.
Diocese of Allentown Administrative Office
4029 W. Tilghman St.
Allentown, PA 18105-1538

Wilkes-Barre, PA
7:00 PM Filibuster Rally
The Beer Deli Restaurant
175 Welles Street
Forty Fort, PA 18704 (570) 288-8141

Fri. July 10 --

Scranton, PA
10 AM Press Conference, thanking Bishop Martino for his brave stand, and pleading with him to withhold communion from Senator Casey if Casey votes for Sotomayor.
Office of Bishop Joseph F. Martino
300 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503

Harrisburg, PA
12:00 Noon Press Conference, Calling on Senator Casey to Filibuster Sotomayor - to put loyalty to God and the babies' lives ahead of party loyalty.
Office of Senator Robert Casey, Jr
22 S. Third Street, Suite 6A
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Baltimore, MD
2:30 PM Press Conference, Calling on Archbishop O'Brien to withhold communion from Senator Barbara Mikulski because of her support of child-killing.
Basilica of the Assumption
408 N Charles St
Baltimore, MD‎ 21201

Sun. July 12 --

2:30 P.M. Rally
Supreme Court
Washington DC

Mon. July 13 --

At Sotomayor hearings.

Now Anyone can Stop the Mouth of an Atheist or Cultist by Simply Asking the Right Questions

Now Anyone can Stop the Mouth of an Atheist or Cultist by Simply Asking the Right Questions

BELVIDERE, Ill., July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Illinois based Voice in the Wilderness Ministries has just released three easy-to- read books designed to close the mouths and open the minds of even the most difficult people. What did Jesus do when the false teachers tried to trap Him? Rather than argue doctrine, all He had to do was ask the right question, and it stopped their mouths every time. Answering Jehovah's Witnesses With Questions, Answering Islam With Questions, and Answering Atheism With Questions are designed to teach us how to use the same method Jesus used so effectively.

According to the books' author, Philip DelRe, "There are at least ten good reasons why the art and the science of asking the right question is such a powerful form of communication. First, you do not have to become an expert in the theory of evolution, for example, to hold your own against a PhD biology professor. Just ask the right question, and all the pressure is on the teacher to prove his or her position. Second, if posed with humility, it's non-confrontational, so even the meekest person can do this and be effective. Third, since you're neither arguing nor debating, you don't need to get emotional (although your opponent may). Fourth, if a pointed question causes the opposition to discover the answer in their own mind, they cannot escape the conclusion. Fifth, good questions can cause people to actually think. Sixth, asking questions allows you to maintain control of the conversation. Seventh, it's fun to stump your opponent, while at the same time exposing false conclusions. Eighth, many of your fellow students will thank you for it, and want to know more. Ninth, since the approach is non-combative, it usually disarms your opponent, and causes them to respond rather than react. Tenth, it's what Jesus did.

According to DelRe, "Statistics show that the next generation is falling away from the church before they ever get to college for three basic reasons: 1. They do not know how to explain why they believe, what they believe, so when the persecution comes, they fall away. 2. The hypocrisy they see in those who claim to be Christians. 3. The irrelevance of the Sunday morning sermons. We are working to fix that."

A former national speaker for the Jehovah's Witnesses said, "This is the best resource I have found to refute their false doctrine." One former Muslim said, "Your teaching helped me to discover the truth myself." So, how are the churches responding? According to DelRe, "When I teach this in churches, people always enjoy a hardy laugh when they hear the real life stories, and see how easy and effective this is. Knowing the right questions means you don't have to have all the answers. You do not have to become a creation scientist, a philosopher, or an attorney to effectively engage the so-called 'expert.' No high school or college student should ever leave home without it."

To arrange an interview with Philip DelRe, please call Susan DelRe at 815-547-0765 or e-mail Jesus@safeplace.net

Matt Redman Encourages Worship as a Response in Times of Struggle on Aug. 25 Release, We Shall not be Shaken

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."

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)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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."

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.

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).

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.

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."

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

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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."