Alabama Attorney General Calls Undercover Video of Planned Parenthood Ignoring Statutory Rape 'Extremely Troubling', Seeks Investigation
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Alabama Attorney General Troy King has called a new undercover video released last week showing Planned Parenthood of Alabama apparently breaking state mandatory reporting laws for sexual abuse "extremely troubling" and requested the full recordings. The student-led nonprofit responsible for the recordings, Live Action, immediately sent the full footage, which the Attorney General's office received yesterday.
The video shows a Planned Parenthood staffer, identified as "Tanisha," telling a purportedly 14-year- old girl with a 31-year-old "boyfriend" that Planned Parenthood "does sometimes bend the rules a little bit" when it comes to reporting statutory rape to state authorities. Despite strong parental consent laws in Alabama, "Tanisha" also explains that a person with the "same last name" as the 14-year-old would suffice as a guardian or parent to sign off for the minor's abortion. In an interview last week, King said, "If that tape is an accurate depiction of what's happening, that's very troubling," and "if that video is true and accurate and correct, it's extremely troubling from a legal and moral point of view."
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has also expressed concern about the contents of the video and warned of potential repercussions for Planned Parenthood. Lt. Randy Christian said: "Anyone who sees that should be disturbed by it, and I hope they're disturbed by it. For a 31 year old to have sex with a 14 year old, that is rape in the second degree. I think they are not only morally obligated to report it - the law requires them to report it, and there could be some serious consequences otherwise."
Lila Rose, president of Live Action and the UCLA student who went undercover posing as the 14-year- old in the video, called for a thorough state investigation of Planned Parenthood: "Attorney General King should use this evidence to subpoena records and witness testimony from Planned Parenthood of Alabama and the state Department of Human Resources."
Rose notes that in 2006, three Alabama abortion clinics were placed on probation after an investigation found them operating outside state regulations. King said of the current allegations, "We have knowledge that the law may have been broken and I think we're compelled at that point to see if it has or not."
"Attorney General King is absolutely correct," says Rose. "How many other rapes has this single clinic covered up? When mandatory reporters at Planned Parenthood can 'bend the rules a little bit' in service of their abortion-first mentality and put vulnerable young girls at risk, someone needs to stand up and put a stop to it."
(To view the undercover video and for more information, go to www.LiveAction.org)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Sky Angel Televises 'ACLJ This Week' with Jay Sekulow
Sky Angel Televises 'ACLJ This Week' with Jay Sekulow
MEDIA ADVIOSRY, July 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Sky Angel, a national provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming, now airs ACLJ This Week hosted by Jay Sekulow. The show is broadcast on Angel One, one of over 30 faith-based television channels in Sky Angel's lineup.
"ACLJ This Week with Jay Sekulow provides our viewers with news and updates on matters of critical concern to people of faith. With guests that include elected officials and political analysts, ACLJ This Week's analysis is hard-hitting and thought- provoking," said Brian Collins, Sky Angel's Sr. VP Programming/Media Sales.
"At a time when we're facing extraordinary challenges here at home and abroad, the American Center for Law and Justice is committed to protecting religious and constitutional freedoms. Whether it's meeting legal challenges at the Supreme Court of the United States, or working to protect Christians who are being persecuted for their faith around the world, the ACLJ is on the front lines. And our television program, ACLJ This Week, provides viewers with the information and analysis that makes a difference. Our partnership with Sky Angel significantly extends our reach -- enhancing our ability to communicate and give viewers an opportunity to stand with us during these challenging times. Our dedication to freedom never waivers and we're grateful for the ability to reach so many people through ACLJ This Week and with our friends at Sky Angel," said Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel and Host of ACLJ This Week.
Sky Angel offers subscribers over 75 television and radio channels of faith-based and family-friendly broadcasts, with entertainment, educational, sports and news programming and is completely compatible with your current TV service. Sky Angel does not require a dish or antenna, is easily installed, and includes value-added features like 48-hour playback on all Faith-based television channels plus an ever- growing Video-On-Demand library with free and fee- based selections with subscription packages starting at $14.99 per month. To learn more, or to subscribe, visit www.skyangel.com or call 1-800-SKY-ANGEL (1-800-759-2643).
About Sky Angel:
Sky Angel® U.S. LLC is a Christian-owned multi- channel provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming. Sky Angel was created to provide a Christ-centered and family- friendly alternative to the standard television fare. Sky Angel carries the Parents Television Council's® prestigious Entertainment Seal of Approval(tm), which recognizes excellence and social responsibility in programming.
About the ACLJ:
The American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) is the nation's top conservative civil liberties law firm. Committed to safeguarding constitutional freedoms, the ACLJ educates and, when necessary, litigates to ensure that religious liberty and the sanctity of human life are protected. The ACLJ also supports an international network of more than 300 attorneys. As a not-for-profit organization, the ACLJ provides its services free-of-charge. Visit www.aclj.org.
MEDIA ADVIOSRY, July 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Sky Angel, a national provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming, now airs ACLJ This Week hosted by Jay Sekulow. The show is broadcast on Angel One, one of over 30 faith-based television channels in Sky Angel's lineup.
"ACLJ This Week with Jay Sekulow provides our viewers with news and updates on matters of critical concern to people of faith. With guests that include elected officials and political analysts, ACLJ This Week's analysis is hard-hitting and thought- provoking," said Brian Collins, Sky Angel's Sr. VP Programming/Media Sales.
"At a time when we're facing extraordinary challenges here at home and abroad, the American Center for Law and Justice is committed to protecting religious and constitutional freedoms. Whether it's meeting legal challenges at the Supreme Court of the United States, or working to protect Christians who are being persecuted for their faith around the world, the ACLJ is on the front lines. And our television program, ACLJ This Week, provides viewers with the information and analysis that makes a difference. Our partnership with Sky Angel significantly extends our reach -- enhancing our ability to communicate and give viewers an opportunity to stand with us during these challenging times. Our dedication to freedom never waivers and we're grateful for the ability to reach so many people through ACLJ This Week and with our friends at Sky Angel," said Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel and Host of ACLJ This Week.
Sky Angel offers subscribers over 75 television and radio channels of faith-based and family-friendly broadcasts, with entertainment, educational, sports and news programming and is completely compatible with your current TV service. Sky Angel does not require a dish or antenna, is easily installed, and includes value-added features like 48-hour playback on all Faith-based television channels plus an ever- growing Video-On-Demand library with free and fee- based selections with subscription packages starting at $14.99 per month. To learn more, or to subscribe, visit www.skyangel.com or call 1-800-SKY-ANGEL (1-800-759-2643).
About Sky Angel:
Sky Angel® U.S. LLC is a Christian-owned multi- channel provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming. Sky Angel was created to provide a Christ-centered and family- friendly alternative to the standard television fare. Sky Angel carries the Parents Television Council's® prestigious Entertainment Seal of Approval(tm), which recognizes excellence and social responsibility in programming.
About the ACLJ:
The American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) is the nation's top conservative civil liberties law firm. Committed to safeguarding constitutional freedoms, the ACLJ educates and, when necessary, litigates to ensure that religious liberty and the sanctity of human life are protected. The ACLJ also supports an international network of more than 300 attorneys. As a not-for-profit organization, the ACLJ provides its services free-of-charge. Visit www.aclj.org.
Magazine Calls Believers to Missions
Magazine Calls Believers to Missions
Every Christian is called to be a missionary, according to World Gospel Mission.
Encouraging Christians to embrace a missions lifestyle is the focus of the July/August issue of The Call, World Gospel Mission's bimonthly magazine.
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Missions is for every believer. The Great Commission doesn't just apply to a select few--all of us are called to share His truth with others," said Tim Rickel, vice president of Development. "This issue of The Call is designed to spark some thoughts and inspire believers to take big steps of faith."
Through real-life stories of people becoming missions-active, practical how-to articles, and even a section for kids, this issue, titled "So You Want To Be A Missionary," seeks to demonstrate what being involved in missions looks like. Tough issues like missions and race, making a difference on short-- term mission trips, student loans, finding your calling, and much more are addressed.
"Our society is very much focused on self, and reaching outside that mindset can be difficult," said Rickel. "That's why we're here -- to encourage, to listen, and to provide the tools to help you experience what God wants for your life."
E-mail thecall@wgm.org to sign up for your free subscription to The Call. An abbreviated online version is available at www.wgm.org/call, and select articles can be enjoyed via podcast on iTunes.
Formerly known as Call to Prayer, The Call has been in publication since 1919.
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
Every Christian is called to be a missionary, according to World Gospel Mission.
Encouraging Christians to embrace a missions lifestyle is the focus of the July/August issue of The Call, World Gospel Mission's bimonthly magazine.
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Missions is for every believer. The Great Commission doesn't just apply to a select few--all of us are called to share His truth with others," said Tim Rickel, vice president of Development. "This issue of The Call is designed to spark some thoughts and inspire believers to take big steps of faith."
Through real-life stories of people becoming missions-active, practical how-to articles, and even a section for kids, this issue, titled "So You Want To Be A Missionary," seeks to demonstrate what being involved in missions looks like. Tough issues like missions and race, making a difference on short-- term mission trips, student loans, finding your calling, and much more are addressed.
"Our society is very much focused on self, and reaching outside that mindset can be difficult," said Rickel. "That's why we're here -- to encourage, to listen, and to provide the tools to help you experience what God wants for your life."
E-mail thecall@wgm.org to sign up for your free subscription to The Call. An abbreviated online version is available at www.wgm.org/call, and select articles can be enjoyed via podcast on iTunes.
Formerly known as Call to Prayer, The Call has been in publication since 1919.
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
Calvin500 Opens in Geneva
Calvin500 Opens in Geneva
GENEVA, Switzerland, July 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Calvin 500, the international Quincentenary celebration of the 500th anniversary of John Calvin's birth (July 10, 1509), opened today at St. Pierre Cathedral in the old town of Geneva. Beginning with a welcome by Mr. Guillaume Taylor from the St. Pierre Parish Council, approximately 500 worshipers attended the opening convocations, featuring morning worship from Calvin's time and a sermon on Philippians 3:8-12 by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.
The evening services featured Ugandan Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, much psalm singing, and a sermon by Dr. Bryan Chapell, President of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.
"Calvin is one of the most important thinkers in history," said Calvin500 Executive Director Rev. David Hall, who also is pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church in America located in Powder Springs, GA. "His ministry and writings left an indelible impression on the modern world, and especially Western culture. It would be hard to find a figure from history more worthy of remembering, if lasting impact for good is the standard."
Throughout the coming week, scholars and ministers will present lectures and sermons in these historic environs to celebrate the contributions of the Genevan reformer. The public is invited.
For more information and updates, visit www.Calvin500blog.org. Live blogging information will also be available from that page.
GENEVA, Switzerland, July 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Calvin 500, the international Quincentenary celebration of the 500th anniversary of John Calvin's birth (July 10, 1509), opened today at St. Pierre Cathedral in the old town of Geneva. Beginning with a welcome by Mr. Guillaume Taylor from the St. Pierre Parish Council, approximately 500 worshipers attended the opening convocations, featuring morning worship from Calvin's time and a sermon on Philippians 3:8-12 by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.
The evening services featured Ugandan Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, much psalm singing, and a sermon by Dr. Bryan Chapell, President of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.
"Calvin is one of the most important thinkers in history," said Calvin500 Executive Director Rev. David Hall, who also is pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church in America located in Powder Springs, GA. "His ministry and writings left an indelible impression on the modern world, and especially Western culture. It would be hard to find a figure from history more worthy of remembering, if lasting impact for good is the standard."
Throughout the coming week, scholars and ministers will present lectures and sermons in these historic environs to celebrate the contributions of the Genevan reformer. The public is invited.
For more information and updates, visit www.Calvin500blog.org. Live blogging information will also be available from that page.
Correction Officer Celebrates his Spiritual Independence Day
Correction Officer Celebrates his Spiritual Independence Day
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- This weekend Independence day will be celebrated by over eleven million people in Ohio. Family and friends will gather together and enjoy this holiday of freedom. However, approximately 50,000 Ohioans may have only an abbreviated celebration because they do not have as much "freedom" as the others.
They are incarcerated.
As the fireworks throughout Northeast Ohio decorate the skies, John Lees will be patrolling one of our correctional facilities. Much like the inmates that John watches over on his patrols during his graveyard shift, he was also once held in a prison of his own.
"I did not think that God would accept me because of my past." John says. His past included a divorce that separated him from his three children and a grudge against God. The guilt and depression that followed these events put him in spiritual bondage. The realization that he may never be able to raise his children was almost unbearable.
One night changed everything.
John decided to pray and seek for the Holy Spirit. His mind was made up that this night he would gain freedom from his past. He had read in the Bible about the Day of Pentecost in the second chapter of Acts. The Holy Spirit was poured out on all the believers and they waited for the promise that Jesus had given. Peter stood up and explained to the multitude the plan of salvation in three easy to understand steps. He told them to repent, be baptized in Jesus name and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Lees had completed the first two steps years ago and was ready to take the final step. "I always had one foot toward God but the other I was keeping back." The spiritual shackles began to break once John got serious about his prayer life and began fasting by following the spiritual workout in the book, "The 14- Day Spiritual Workout" by Brian H Gaugler.
That night, John received the gift of the Holy Spirit just like the believers on the Day of Pentecost.
Like the day a prisoner is set free into society after years of incarceration, John began to see a whole new world full of opportunities ahead. He looked forward to his daily time spent in prayer and reading the Bible and his marriage has blossomed.
Just a few weeks later he received an unexpected phone call. He was asked to pick up his children for the weekend. It was like a phone call straight from Heaven. Almost three years had past since he was able to spend time with them.
In addition to being thankful for the men and women that sacrificed their lives for our freedom, John will also gives thanks for his spiritual Independence Day.
Brian H. Gaugler B.S.B.A. is a former national bench press champion and certified fitness trainer from Ohio. He is a motivational speaker and Spiritual Coach helping young people build their "spiritual" body. He can be reached at bgaugler@neo.rr.com.
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- This weekend Independence day will be celebrated by over eleven million people in Ohio. Family and friends will gather together and enjoy this holiday of freedom. However, approximately 50,000 Ohioans may have only an abbreviated celebration because they do not have as much "freedom" as the others.
They are incarcerated.
As the fireworks throughout Northeast Ohio decorate the skies, John Lees will be patrolling one of our correctional facilities. Much like the inmates that John watches over on his patrols during his graveyard shift, he was also once held in a prison of his own.
"I did not think that God would accept me because of my past." John says. His past included a divorce that separated him from his three children and a grudge against God. The guilt and depression that followed these events put him in spiritual bondage. The realization that he may never be able to raise his children was almost unbearable.
One night changed everything.
John decided to pray and seek for the Holy Spirit. His mind was made up that this night he would gain freedom from his past. He had read in the Bible about the Day of Pentecost in the second chapter of Acts. The Holy Spirit was poured out on all the believers and they waited for the promise that Jesus had given. Peter stood up and explained to the multitude the plan of salvation in three easy to understand steps. He told them to repent, be baptized in Jesus name and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Lees had completed the first two steps years ago and was ready to take the final step. "I always had one foot toward God but the other I was keeping back." The spiritual shackles began to break once John got serious about his prayer life and began fasting by following the spiritual workout in the book, "The 14- Day Spiritual Workout" by Brian H Gaugler.
That night, John received the gift of the Holy Spirit just like the believers on the Day of Pentecost.
Like the day a prisoner is set free into society after years of incarceration, John began to see a whole new world full of opportunities ahead. He looked forward to his daily time spent in prayer and reading the Bible and his marriage has blossomed.
Just a few weeks later he received an unexpected phone call. He was asked to pick up his children for the weekend. It was like a phone call straight from Heaven. Almost three years had past since he was able to spend time with them.
In addition to being thankful for the men and women that sacrificed their lives for our freedom, John will also gives thanks for his spiritual Independence Day.
Brian H. Gaugler B.S.B.A. is a former national bench press champion and certified fitness trainer from Ohio. He is a motivational speaker and Spiritual Coach helping young people build their "spiritual" body. He can be reached at bgaugler@neo.rr.com.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Team Sarah Statement on Palin Resignation
Team Sarah Statement on Palin Resignation
Team Sarah Founders address Governor Sarah Palin's decision to step down as Governor of Alaska
WASHINGTON, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today Team Sarah commented on the announcement that Sarah Palin will step down as Governor of Alaska on July 25, 2009: "Sarah Palin has always been an intensely independent woman -- always true to her faith, her family and call to public service. She has taken vast numbers of Americans to a new place: politics without cynicism. And she has provided women with a new political role model," said Team Sarah Co-Founder Marjorie Dannenfelser. "Her entrance onto the public stage has had an immensely positive effect, drawing in massive numbers of Americans new to the political process. We have every confidence she will have an equal and profound impact in whatever projects she undertakes now."
"Team Sarah members anxiously await Palin's next decision on how she believes she can best serve our nation. Since the 2008 Election, the continual presence of personal attacks on both Governor Palin and her family indicate that she remains a threat to the liberal feminist political establishment," said Team Sarah Co-Founder Jane Abraham. "Despite criticism, Governor Palin's success will endure. Team Sarah's thousands of members remain as engaged as ever on TeamSarah.org. The Governor has inspired millions, and her audience of enthusiastic support will only grow in the future."
Team Sarah is a coalition of Americans dedicated to advancing the values that Sarah Palin represents in the political process. Its political networking website, www.teamsarah.org, has grown to over 70,000 activists. Co-Founders of Team Sarah include Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List, and Jane Abraham, the organization's General Chairman.
www.teamsarah.org
www.sba-list.org
To schedule an interview with Team Sarah Founders, please contact
Joy Yearout (703) 380-6674 or jyearout@sba-list.org Emily Buchanan (703) 380-0509 or ebuchanan@sba- list.org
Team Sarah Founders address Governor Sarah Palin's decision to step down as Governor of Alaska
WASHINGTON, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today Team Sarah commented on the announcement that Sarah Palin will step down as Governor of Alaska on July 25, 2009: "Sarah Palin has always been an intensely independent woman -- always true to her faith, her family and call to public service. She has taken vast numbers of Americans to a new place: politics without cynicism. And she has provided women with a new political role model," said Team Sarah Co-Founder Marjorie Dannenfelser. "Her entrance onto the public stage has had an immensely positive effect, drawing in massive numbers of Americans new to the political process. We have every confidence she will have an equal and profound impact in whatever projects she undertakes now."
"Team Sarah members anxiously await Palin's next decision on how she believes she can best serve our nation. Since the 2008 Election, the continual presence of personal attacks on both Governor Palin and her family indicate that she remains a threat to the liberal feminist political establishment," said Team Sarah Co-Founder Jane Abraham. "Despite criticism, Governor Palin's success will endure. Team Sarah's thousands of members remain as engaged as ever on TeamSarah.org. The Governor has inspired millions, and her audience of enthusiastic support will only grow in the future."
Team Sarah is a coalition of Americans dedicated to advancing the values that Sarah Palin represents in the political process. Its political networking website, www.teamsarah.org, has grown to over 70,000 activists. Co-Founders of Team Sarah include Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List, and Jane Abraham, the organization's General Chairman.
www.teamsarah.org
www.sba-list.org
To schedule an interview with Team Sarah Founders, please contact
Joy Yearout (703) 380-6674 or jyearout@sba-list.org Emily Buchanan (703) 380-0509 or ebuchanan@sba- list.org
Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders Reports Need for Increasing Awareness of Eating Disorders in Males
Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders Reports Need for Increasing Awareness of Eating Disorders in Males
PHOENIX, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- As many as five to ten million males in the U.S. struggle quietly with an eating disorder because they're ashamed to admit they have the illness, reports Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders ( www.remudaranch.com). Healthcare professionals, family members and close friends often are unaware of the high-risk behaviors in males that may signify an eating disorder. Therefore, effective intervention is often not available to the male population.
"It is a reality that boys and men do have eating disorders and ignoring the problem may only allow it to get to a life threatening state," said Sam Lample, therapist and assistant clinical director of ReddStone, A Remuda Program for Boys. "Early and proper diagnosis from healthcare providers could be a powerful force in preventing male eating disorders from becoming as common as they have become in females."
Reddstone (www.remudaranch.com/reddstone/index.php) is an inpatient program that treats boys 17 and under who are struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge- eating disorder. It follows the Remuda Model of Treatment that is based on a bio-psycho-social- spiritual framework. The program doesn't just treat the disorder; it treats the entire patient and offers them the best possible chance for complete and lasting recovery from eating disorders.
Research suggests that at least 1 in 4 pre-teen cases of anorexia are male. There are thousands of males with eating disorders in our society. Historically, it was thought that the ratio of boys to girls with eating disorders was 1:10, but more recent research indicates that it may be closer to 1:3.
"Over the past 10 years, the male body has come under much scrutiny, much like the female body has for decades," adds Lample. "Boys see images in the media and are inundated with the message that they need to look that way or they're inadequate."
At ReddStone, Boys remain in treatment for 60 days -- the minimum amount of time required for eating disorder behaviors to stop and new skills to be acquired. Each boy has a team of professionals, who not only treat the eating disorder, but address co- occurring issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and trauma.
Since 1990, Remuda has provided care to nearly 9,000 patients with eating disorders. Ninety-five percent of Remuda's patients are in good recovery one, five and ten years after leaving the program. They no longer have a diagnosable eating disorder, their personal relationships have improved and they're functioning more effectively in school and work.
About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs for individuals of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Each patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist, Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life. For more information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.
PHOENIX, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- As many as five to ten million males in the U.S. struggle quietly with an eating disorder because they're ashamed to admit they have the illness, reports Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders ( www.remudaranch.com). Healthcare professionals, family members and close friends often are unaware of the high-risk behaviors in males that may signify an eating disorder. Therefore, effective intervention is often not available to the male population.
"It is a reality that boys and men do have eating disorders and ignoring the problem may only allow it to get to a life threatening state," said Sam Lample, therapist and assistant clinical director of ReddStone, A Remuda Program for Boys. "Early and proper diagnosis from healthcare providers could be a powerful force in preventing male eating disorders from becoming as common as they have become in females."
Reddstone (www.remudaranch.com/reddstone/index.php) is an inpatient program that treats boys 17 and under who are struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge- eating disorder. It follows the Remuda Model of Treatment that is based on a bio-psycho-social- spiritual framework. The program doesn't just treat the disorder; it treats the entire patient and offers them the best possible chance for complete and lasting recovery from eating disorders.
Research suggests that at least 1 in 4 pre-teen cases of anorexia are male. There are thousands of males with eating disorders in our society. Historically, it was thought that the ratio of boys to girls with eating disorders was 1:10, but more recent research indicates that it may be closer to 1:3.
"Over the past 10 years, the male body has come under much scrutiny, much like the female body has for decades," adds Lample. "Boys see images in the media and are inundated with the message that they need to look that way or they're inadequate."
At ReddStone, Boys remain in treatment for 60 days -- the minimum amount of time required for eating disorder behaviors to stop and new skills to be acquired. Each boy has a team of professionals, who not only treat the eating disorder, but address co- occurring issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and trauma.
Since 1990, Remuda has provided care to nearly 9,000 patients with eating disorders. Ninety-five percent of Remuda's patients are in good recovery one, five and ten years after leaving the program. They no longer have a diagnosable eating disorder, their personal relationships have improved and they're functioning more effectively in school and work.
About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs for individuals of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Each patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist, Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life. For more information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.
Performer Honors Late Pope during Year for Priests
Performer Honors Late Pope during Year for Priests
Jeremy Stanbary Stars in One-Man Drama about Pope John Paul II
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pope Benedict XVI opened the Year for Priests in St. Peter's Square on Friday, June 19. He called for the special year to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, who was famed for his priestly ministry. The year hopes to celebrate the life, mission and vocation of priests, the Church's spiritual fathers.
Jeremy Stanbary has found a unique way to celebrate the Year for Priests. Stanbary, founder and executive director of the Minneapolis-based Epiphany Studio Productions, is performing his one-man play called Lolek. The drama is a stirring portrayal of Karol Wojtyla, the man who later became Pope John Paul II. Known as "Lolek" to his closest friends, Wojtyla was ordained to the priesthood on November 1, 1946 and elected Pope on October 16, 1978.
Stanbary says Lolek is one of the most popular plays in his repertoire. "Lolek looks at the young adulthood of Pope John Paul II, his discernment and calling to the priesthood," said Stanbary. "The play recounts his heroic vocational journey amidst great adversity and ends with a moving depiction of his ordination."
Set in occupied Poland, Lolek is a riveting drama that provides insight into the experiences and influences that formed one of the most intriguing and beloved figures of all time.
Like the late pope an actor and playwright himself, Stanbary has combined his love of acting with his passion for working with youth and his love of the Catholic Faith. He hopes his performances will entertain, educate and inspire audiences. Stanbary has performed at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany and Sydney, Australia.
Stanbary will be performing Lolek in Chicago from October 1-5. In November, Lolek is being performed for at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin for the Diocese of La Crosse Youth Conference. For more information about these and other performances by Stanbary, please visit www.EpiphanyStudios.com.
To schedule an interview with Stanbary, please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871.
If your church, school or organization would like to book Stanbary for a performance of Lolek, please contact Tina Remmert with The Maximus Group at 386-763-9127.
Jeremy Stanbary Stars in One-Man Drama about Pope John Paul II
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pope Benedict XVI opened the Year for Priests in St. Peter's Square on Friday, June 19. He called for the special year to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, who was famed for his priestly ministry. The year hopes to celebrate the life, mission and vocation of priests, the Church's spiritual fathers.
Jeremy Stanbary has found a unique way to celebrate the Year for Priests. Stanbary, founder and executive director of the Minneapolis-based Epiphany Studio Productions, is performing his one-man play called Lolek. The drama is a stirring portrayal of Karol Wojtyla, the man who later became Pope John Paul II. Known as "Lolek" to his closest friends, Wojtyla was ordained to the priesthood on November 1, 1946 and elected Pope on October 16, 1978.
Stanbary says Lolek is one of the most popular plays in his repertoire. "Lolek looks at the young adulthood of Pope John Paul II, his discernment and calling to the priesthood," said Stanbary. "The play recounts his heroic vocational journey amidst great adversity and ends with a moving depiction of his ordination."
Set in occupied Poland, Lolek is a riveting drama that provides insight into the experiences and influences that formed one of the most intriguing and beloved figures of all time.
Like the late pope an actor and playwright himself, Stanbary has combined his love of acting with his passion for working with youth and his love of the Catholic Faith. He hopes his performances will entertain, educate and inspire audiences. Stanbary has performed at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany and Sydney, Australia.
Stanbary will be performing Lolek in Chicago from October 1-5. In November, Lolek is being performed for at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin for the Diocese of La Crosse Youth Conference. For more information about these and other performances by Stanbary, please visit www.EpiphanyStudios.com.
To schedule an interview with Stanbary, please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871.
If your church, school or organization would like to book Stanbary for a performance of Lolek, please contact Tina Remmert with The Maximus Group at 386-763-9127.
New Book Challenges Wall Street's Asset Allocation Paradigm
Wall Street and its secrets. Photo: Christian Newswire
New Book Challenges Wall Street's Asset Allocation Paradigm
After years of managing his family's retirement assets, private investor Peter Casula Jr. divulges his secrets on beating the market.
LOS ANGELES, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Going against the grain in Wall Street can definitely pay off, as Peter Casula Jr. can attest: his portfolios have earned double digit returns since their inception in 2003 and ending in 2007. While the current state of the market has many individuals reluctant to invest, Casula views the upheaval as a window of opportunity, and is publishing his strategies for maintaining a secure investment portfolio in his first book Inter-Economic Market Allocation: How the Average Investor Can Beat the Market.
According to Casula, many fearful investors are unsure of what to do with their finances given the current state of the market. "People are pulling money out of their retirement plans without a good plan of where to put their finances next, so they are defaulting to bonds," states Casula, "The problem, however, isn't the market fundamentally - it's where you put your money in the market."
Casula's strategy stands in contrast to conventional Wall Street advice on asset allocation, which tells investors to allocate their capital between cash, equities and income. This strategy, says Casula, isn't adequate to properly diversify and hedge portfolios in today's global economy, which consists more than just stocks or the real estate market.
"It's almost as if Wall Street thinks the average investor isn't capable of understanding the market," states Casula, whose strategy of asset allocation expands beyond just three market sectors into seven.
In addition to detailing this strategy, Inter-Economic Market Allocation also helps its readers to understand the contemporary market, as well as market psychology. As the result of years of careful research and observation, Casula is well versed in the history of the economy and markets and continues to maintain a watchful eye on market indicators as they relate to economic and market cycles.
Through his understanding of these issues, particularly as they relate to the paradigms that shape investors' decision-making processes, Casula is well- positioned to help his readers answer the most important question of all: what is their mentality towards their finances?
"People need to honestly assess their relationship with financial risk before making any investment," says Casula, who constantly strives to provide the investor with full disclosure. "At the end of the day, the specific allocation mix that will bring you the most satisfaction is dependent on your temperament, not the market."
More information about Inter-economic Market Allocation: How the Average Investor Can Beat the Market can be found by calling 1-800-834-1803 or online at the following websites: rosedogbookstore.com, amazon.com, borders.com, and google.com/products.
An All Out Blast for Africa on GOD TV
God TV. Photo: Christian Newswire
An All Out Blast for Africa on GOD TV
Through Angel Mission wells, $5 can provide clean water for a person for 20 years
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Six explosive bands will be performing LIVE on GOD TV this weekend as the Angel Mission Benefit Concert is broadcast around the globe. This far-reaching initiative aims to raise support for desperately needed clean water wells in Africa - literally saving lives that would otherwise be lost to the global water crisis.
The Angel Mission Benefit Concert forms the climax of a full day's line-up at the 'I Love America' Celebration in Springfield, Missouri. This grand scale event will be televised LIVE on GOD TV from 6pm (ET) on Friday July 3rd, with an edited version broadcast on Independence Day, July 4 at 1pm.
The featured artists include the cross-cultural worship style of Israel Houghton & New Breed ( www.newbreedmusic.com); Leeland, the alternative and progressive rock band from Texas ( www.leelandonline.com); and Press Play, which captivates its growing fan-base with pop/rock, rap and urban sounds ( www.thisispressplay.tv).
Also featured are: The Afters, a Dove Award winning band famous for pounding out beats that change gear from pop to ballad to alternative rock (www.theafters.com); Vicky Beeching an anointed worship leader from the UK who sings words of deep adoration ( www.vickybeeching.com); and Live Out Loud: an alternative rock duo from Zimbabwe who create inspirational rock tones with lyrics that tackle the issues facing Africa. ( www.myspace.com/liveoutloud5).
The public is invited to participate in this event. Those wanting to get involved can attend in person, watch on GOD TV, watch the webcast at www.5dollarwater.com or donate $5 by texting the word WATER to 90999.
"884 million people do not have access to safe water and 1.4 million children die each year because of this. That is 4,000 children per day," said GOD TV / Angel Mission co-founder Rory Alec. "Africa faces a desperate need for clean water, but through Angel Mission's drilling of community water wells as little as $5 can help provide a single person with sufficient water for 20 years. This means everyone can be part of helping revive entire communities in this vast continent."
Net proceeds for the Angel Mission Benefit Concert will go to 25 water projects in the West Pokot region of Kenya. And, with so many top bands performing for such a worthy cause, viewers are in for some unsurpassed musical entertainment.
Angel Mission, a ministry outreach of GOD TV, is a Christian international development organization, bringing help and hope to poor communities. Partnering with the Church and other organizations, it seeks to find sustainable ways to help alleviate poverty and share God's love with all people.
GOD TV can be accessed via channel 365 of DIRECTV or online at www.god.tv/stream. The Angel Mission Benefit Concert will also be broadcast LIVE at www.5dollarwater.com and made available for video on demand viewing at www.god.tv/god.
About GOD TV and Angel Mission:
Birthed in the UK in 1995, GOD TV is an international media network broadcasting Christian television programming to more than 155 million homes in more than 200 nations. The network follows founders Rory and Wendy Alec’s vision to air more live programming from revival hotspots than any other broadcaster, reaching a younger demographic than Christian television traditionally reaches. GOD TV sets aside a percentage of all donations to Angel Mission, its humanitarian relief and development ministry. Angel Mission provides clean water and sanitation, and develops Life Centers that combat poverty in seven strategic ways. For more information, visit www.god.tv and www.angel-mission.org.
Angel Mission Media Contact:
Jenny Kutz, Telephone (919) 605-9217 or e-mail jenny@angel- mission.org
GOD TV Media Contact:
Contact: Jeffrey Levinson, Telephone (407) 862-5084,e-mail; jlevinson@god.tv
GOD TV USA: Suite 1008, 375 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida, 32714
Telephone: +1 407 862 5084, Fax +1 407 682 2407
Broadcast HQ: Jerusalem, Israel
International offices: Africa, Asia & Middle East, Europe, Scandinavia, UK & Ireland
Angel Christian Television Trust, Inc is a Not- For-Profit Florida Corporation with 501 (C) (3) tax- exempt status from the IRS.
With Digital Shift Complete, TBN Viewers Make Big Gains with Sharper Pictures, More Faith and Family-Friendly Channel Options
With Digital Shift Complete, TBN Viewers Make Big Gains with Sharper Pictures, More Faith and Family-Friendly Channel Options
LOS ANGELES, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- The last several months have been a busy time for nearly everyone at Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), as the world's largest religious broadcaster has put the finishing touches on the shift to digital broadcasting for all 35 of its full- power TV stations in the United States. While that shift was officially completed on June 12th, when the federal government mandated the nationwide transition from analog to digital, TBN's engineers had actually been working diligently not only to keep the network ahead of the curve, but to enable the bulk of TBN's stations nationwide to multicast five of its most popular channels.
The five channels, which are currently being multicast in more than 30 U.S. markets, include TBN's flagship channel, the most watched and most requested faith- based channel in the nation; Smile of a Child, for children 2-12; JCTV, for young adults 13-29; the Church Channel, featuring many of the top inspirational authors and speakers in the U.S.; and TBN Enlace USA, offering the best of faith programming from Latin America and the U.S., all in Spanish.
"The digital switch has revolutionized television and given viewers a richer experience in nearly every way," explained Paul Crouch Jr., TBN's Chief of Staff. "For our viewers who watch over the air, it means they can see TBN programs and channels more clearly, and they also have more viewing options through the multicasting feature that digital broadcast allows."
Crouch noted that over the past several years, as TBN has designed its studios and broadcast dynamics around the emerging digital revolution, the result has been an increasingly rich source of inspirational, family-friendly programming for all age groups and demographics. "Our goal at TBN has always been to inspire, challenge, educate, entertain, and engage individuals with the highest quality television for the vast faith community across the nation and around the world," said Crouch. "We've done that well for over 35 years, and as this new era in television comes of age, we feel confident that TBN will continue to lead the way."
About TBN
TBN is the world's largest religious network and America's most watched faith channel. Each day TBN offers 24 hours of commercial-free inspirational programming that appeals to people in a wide variety of denominations. TBN now reaches every major continent via 54 satellites and more than 12,000 television and cable affiliates worldwide. In the United States, TBN is available to 92 percent of the total households. Its website receives more than 27 million visitors monthly. In addition to TBN, the network owns and operates seven networks, including: The Church Channel, JCTV youth network, TBN Enlace USA Spanish network, and Smile of a Child TV children's network. For more information on TBN, visit www.tbn.org.
LOS ANGELES, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- The last several months have been a busy time for nearly everyone at Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), as the world's largest religious broadcaster has put the finishing touches on the shift to digital broadcasting for all 35 of its full- power TV stations in the United States. While that shift was officially completed on June 12th, when the federal government mandated the nationwide transition from analog to digital, TBN's engineers had actually been working diligently not only to keep the network ahead of the curve, but to enable the bulk of TBN's stations nationwide to multicast five of its most popular channels.
The five channels, which are currently being multicast in more than 30 U.S. markets, include TBN's flagship channel, the most watched and most requested faith- based channel in the nation; Smile of a Child, for children 2-12; JCTV, for young adults 13-29; the Church Channel, featuring many of the top inspirational authors and speakers in the U.S.; and TBN Enlace USA, offering the best of faith programming from Latin America and the U.S., all in Spanish.
"The digital switch has revolutionized television and given viewers a richer experience in nearly every way," explained Paul Crouch Jr., TBN's Chief of Staff. "For our viewers who watch over the air, it means they can see TBN programs and channels more clearly, and they also have more viewing options through the multicasting feature that digital broadcast allows."
Crouch noted that over the past several years, as TBN has designed its studios and broadcast dynamics around the emerging digital revolution, the result has been an increasingly rich source of inspirational, family-friendly programming for all age groups and demographics. "Our goal at TBN has always been to inspire, challenge, educate, entertain, and engage individuals with the highest quality television for the vast faith community across the nation and around the world," said Crouch. "We've done that well for over 35 years, and as this new era in television comes of age, we feel confident that TBN will continue to lead the way."
About TBN
TBN is the world's largest religious network and America's most watched faith channel. Each day TBN offers 24 hours of commercial-free inspirational programming that appeals to people in a wide variety of denominations. TBN now reaches every major continent via 54 satellites and more than 12,000 television and cable affiliates worldwide. In the United States, TBN is available to 92 percent of the total households. Its website receives more than 27 million visitors monthly. In addition to TBN, the network owns and operates seven networks, including: The Church Channel, JCTV youth network, TBN Enlace USA Spanish network, and Smile of a Child TV children's network. For more information on TBN, visit www.tbn.org.
Rock Church Pastor and Wife Sentenced to One Year of Labor Camp in Henan
Rock House Church -- abolished and sealed by authorities. Photo: Christian Newswire
Rock Church Pastor and Wife Sentenced to One Year of Labor Camp in Henan
HENAN, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pastor Dou Shaowen and his wife Feng Lu of Rock (Panshi) Church in Zhengzhou city, Henan, were sentenced to one year of re- education through labor for "engaging in illegal religious activities." Attorney Li Dunyong has traveled to Zhengzhou city to represent Pastor Dou and Feng Lu for the Administrative Review and Appeal.
While Pastor Dou Shaowen is imprisoned at the labor camp, officials released Feng Lu on the evening of June 25. Authorities have permitted Feng Lu to serve her sentence at home, in order to care for their 12- year-old daughter. She is required to report to the Public Security Bureau regularly, and could be sent to labor camp again if she is found "engaging in illegal religious activities" again.
Pastor Dou Shaowen and his wife Feng Lu were arrested on June 14, when several dozen officials from Zhengzhou Municipal Bureau of Religion and Zhengzhou Municipal Bureau of State broke into the church's Sunday worship service. Officials forcibly photographed and videotaped the more than 100 Christians present, cut off the electricity and forced the Christians to leave. Finally, the authorities posted sealing tape from the Bureau of Religion, sealing off all the worship areas of Rock Church. Five other Christians, Li Zhemin, Wei Jianhua, Zhang Julin, Ma Jianbo and Li Cuiying were arrested with Pastor Dou and Feng Lu. Each of the five were sentenced to 15 days of administrative detention and were forced to pay a 800-900 yuan fine.
Contact Zhengzhou city authorities to ask for the immediate release of Pastor Dou Shaowen and Feng Lu, and the five Christians sentenced to administrative detention.
Zhengzhou Mayor Tel +86-371-12345 Mayor's E-mail: mayor@zhengzhou.gov.cn
Zhengzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau office to report phone +86-371-66228710
Zhengzhou City, People's Procuratorate +86-371- 68985078
Zhengzhou Intermediate People's Court reported Phone +86-371-68983950
Jin-shui County Government +86-371-3526200
Henan People's Radio Station +86-371-65723998
Zhengzhou People's Broadcasting Station +86-371- 68982487
Henan TV +86-371-65723657
Zhengzhou television +86-371-68982886
Read Dou Shaowen's Re-education Through Labor Decision Statement.
Read Feng Lu's Re-education Through Labor Decision Statement.
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.
TBN's Holy Land Experience Set for July 4th Musical Extravaganza
TBN's Holy Land Experience Set for July 4th Musical Extravaganza
Patriotic, inspirational concert to feature Grammy winning gospel artist Larnelle Harris
ORLANDO, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- Orlando, Florida's Holy Land Experience, one of America's most inspirational and innovative theme parks, has built a reputation as a colorful and festive place where dads, moms, kids, and individuals of all ages can visit throughout the year to have fun and revel in the historic world of the Bible in a unique and interactive way.
This year on July 4th at 7:15 p.m., an inspirational and patriotic concert by five-time Grammy Award winning gospel artist Larnelle Harris will add a special sparkle to the exciting roster of regularly scheduled events at the park. Harris, who has toured extensively both as a solo artist and as a past member of the award- winning Gaither Vocal Band with legendary song writer Bill Gaither, has garnered nineteen number-one singles and numerous top ten hits on inspirational radio. His powerful and rich tenor voice has been one of the most beloved and popular in the history of sacred music, and many of his songs--including his signature number Amen--are considered modern gospel classics.
In addition to his Grammy wins, Harris has been honored with eleven Dove Awards, including three for Male Vocalist of the Year. In 2007, Harris was formally inducted into the highly esteemed Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
"Throughout his impressive three-decade long career, Larnelle Harris has come to represent the epitome of both talent and integrity in inspirational music," said Paul Crouch Jr., TBN's Chief of Staff and President of Holy Land Experience. "We are blessed to have him as a part of our special Holy Land Experience Independence Day celebration."
Owned and operated since 2007 by TBN, Holy Land Experience is designed to make the Bible come alive to visitors through such recreated sites as the Garden Tomb where Christ was buried and rose three days later; the Qumran Caves where some of the most recent biblical manuscripts were discovered over 60 years ago; the Great Temple of New Testament Jerusalem; a miniature version of the city of Jerusalem; and much more!
In addition to its regular programs, Holy Land Experience has added some very special live dramatic presentations for the summer season, along with a special place for kids called Smile of a Child Adventureland (sponsored by TBN's exclusive Kid's TV network), where younger guests are treated to a fun and exciting world that allows them to become a part of their favorite Bible stories. There's even an awesome--and totally safe--rock climbing experience kids will talk about for years to come.
"Holy Land Experience is one of the most relevant and life-changing vacation stops that individuals, families, church groups, youth groups--just about anyone-- could experience," said Crouch. "It's fun, it's entertaining, it's inspiring. And we're convinced that those who visit us will make it a regular destination throughout the year."
The special concert with Larnelle Harris is included in the regular price of admission at Holy Land Experience. For more information log on to www.holylandexperience.com.
About Holy Land Experience
The Holy Land Experience is an exclusive interactive theme park in Orlando, Florida that combines innovative music, drama, and historical exhibits to offer visitors a face to face encounter with the transforming truths of the Bible. Bringing together the sights, sounds, tastes, and feel of the Bible world, HLE is a uniquely educational and inspiring experience. Its structures and exhibits accurately characterize the style, architecture, and settings of ancient Jerusalem, while its lively presentations provide visitors with one-of-a-kind scriptural perspectives. Colorful and dramatic re-creations of the ministry of Jesus, unforgettable stories from both the Old and New Testaments, glorious miracles, and life- changing triumphs will move and inspire HLE guests of all ages. For more information on the Holy Land Experience, visit www.holylandexperience.com.
Patriotic, inspirational concert to feature Grammy winning gospel artist Larnelle Harris
ORLANDO, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- Orlando, Florida's Holy Land Experience, one of America's most inspirational and innovative theme parks, has built a reputation as a colorful and festive place where dads, moms, kids, and individuals of all ages can visit throughout the year to have fun and revel in the historic world of the Bible in a unique and interactive way.
This year on July 4th at 7:15 p.m., an inspirational and patriotic concert by five-time Grammy Award winning gospel artist Larnelle Harris will add a special sparkle to the exciting roster of regularly scheduled events at the park. Harris, who has toured extensively both as a solo artist and as a past member of the award- winning Gaither Vocal Band with legendary song writer Bill Gaither, has garnered nineteen number-one singles and numerous top ten hits on inspirational radio. His powerful and rich tenor voice has been one of the most beloved and popular in the history of sacred music, and many of his songs--including his signature number Amen--are considered modern gospel classics.
In addition to his Grammy wins, Harris has been honored with eleven Dove Awards, including three for Male Vocalist of the Year. In 2007, Harris was formally inducted into the highly esteemed Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
"Throughout his impressive three-decade long career, Larnelle Harris has come to represent the epitome of both talent and integrity in inspirational music," said Paul Crouch Jr., TBN's Chief of Staff and President of Holy Land Experience. "We are blessed to have him as a part of our special Holy Land Experience Independence Day celebration."
Owned and operated since 2007 by TBN, Holy Land Experience is designed to make the Bible come alive to visitors through such recreated sites as the Garden Tomb where Christ was buried and rose three days later; the Qumran Caves where some of the most recent biblical manuscripts were discovered over 60 years ago; the Great Temple of New Testament Jerusalem; a miniature version of the city of Jerusalem; and much more!
In addition to its regular programs, Holy Land Experience has added some very special live dramatic presentations for the summer season, along with a special place for kids called Smile of a Child Adventureland (sponsored by TBN's exclusive Kid's TV network), where younger guests are treated to a fun and exciting world that allows them to become a part of their favorite Bible stories. There's even an awesome--and totally safe--rock climbing experience kids will talk about for years to come.
"Holy Land Experience is one of the most relevant and life-changing vacation stops that individuals, families, church groups, youth groups--just about anyone-- could experience," said Crouch. "It's fun, it's entertaining, it's inspiring. And we're convinced that those who visit us will make it a regular destination throughout the year."
The special concert with Larnelle Harris is included in the regular price of admission at Holy Land Experience. For more information log on to www.holylandexperience.com.
About Holy Land Experience
The Holy Land Experience is an exclusive interactive theme park in Orlando, Florida that combines innovative music, drama, and historical exhibits to offer visitors a face to face encounter with the transforming truths of the Bible. Bringing together the sights, sounds, tastes, and feel of the Bible world, HLE is a uniquely educational and inspiring experience. Its structures and exhibits accurately characterize the style, architecture, and settings of ancient Jerusalem, while its lively presentations provide visitors with one-of-a-kind scriptural perspectives. Colorful and dramatic re-creations of the ministry of Jesus, unforgettable stories from both the Old and New Testaments, glorious miracles, and life- changing triumphs will move and inspire HLE guests of all ages. For more information on the Holy Land Experience, visit www.holylandexperience.com.
Little Egypt Minister Offers Wit, Wisdom, and Inspiration Enjoyed by Believers and Non-believers Alike
Little Egypt Minister Offers Wit, Wisdom, and Inspiration Enjoyed by Believers and Non-believers Alike
CENTRALIA, Ill., July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- In his new book "Ken Qualls Just Thinking Out Loud" Xulon Press [ISBN 978-1- 60791-397-9], pastor Qualls draws on his three decades of experience ministering in small rural Churches to address various aspects of Christian life and thought.
Gently exposing their foibles, follies and flaws he encourages believers to remember that they are ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Qualls strongly believes that the Bible is the word of God and that Christians have a grave responsibility to rightly interpret it. He also believes that believers owe it to the world to be equipped to give an intelligent, well- reasoned explanation for the faith they profess. The reader will quickly sense the passion he has for the Bible and the compassion and respect he has for both fellow believers and unbelievers.
The book is a compilation of articles Qualls has written over the years. A Tribute to Hypocrites, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Leave a Well in the Valley, Lessons from the Miracle Kitten, The Saddest Time of Year, In the Dark of the Midnight, and What Floats Your Boat are but a few of the chapters that illustrate the author's understanding of and connectedness with the average person and the realities of life.
Ken Qualls is an ordained Southern Baptist bi- vocational pastor born and raised in Southern Illinois also known as Little Egypt. According to Qualls, as a teenager his pastor and his wife Ferdie and Margaret Schimpf thought that God would use him as a professional comedian.
Qualls says he has always been an avid reader and enjoyed writing. Robert J. Hastings, essayist, editor, storyteller and author [A Nickel's Worth of Skim Milk, Penny's Worth of Minced Ham, The Station, Tinyburg Tales] encouraged him to write and published his first article, a guest editorial, in the Illinois Baptist.
Without big marketing dollars, a celebrity author, high power publicity or a mega ministry to sell it, Ken Qualls Just Thinking Out Loud, an easy read that will inspire, edify and entertain the reader, is quickly finding a place in hearts and homes across America.
Just Thinking Out Loud is available from Amazon.com and booksellers everywhere.
CENTRALIA, Ill., July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- In his new book "Ken Qualls Just Thinking Out Loud" Xulon Press [ISBN 978-1- 60791-397-9], pastor Qualls draws on his three decades of experience ministering in small rural Churches to address various aspects of Christian life and thought.
Gently exposing their foibles, follies and flaws he encourages believers to remember that they are ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Qualls strongly believes that the Bible is the word of God and that Christians have a grave responsibility to rightly interpret it. He also believes that believers owe it to the world to be equipped to give an intelligent, well- reasoned explanation for the faith they profess. The reader will quickly sense the passion he has for the Bible and the compassion and respect he has for both fellow believers and unbelievers.
The book is a compilation of articles Qualls has written over the years. A Tribute to Hypocrites, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Leave a Well in the Valley, Lessons from the Miracle Kitten, The Saddest Time of Year, In the Dark of the Midnight, and What Floats Your Boat are but a few of the chapters that illustrate the author's understanding of and connectedness with the average person and the realities of life.
Ken Qualls is an ordained Southern Baptist bi- vocational pastor born and raised in Southern Illinois also known as Little Egypt. According to Qualls, as a teenager his pastor and his wife Ferdie and Margaret Schimpf thought that God would use him as a professional comedian.
Qualls says he has always been an avid reader and enjoyed writing. Robert J. Hastings, essayist, editor, storyteller and author [A Nickel's Worth of Skim Milk, Penny's Worth of Minced Ham, The Station, Tinyburg Tales] encouraged him to write and published his first article, a guest editorial, in the Illinois Baptist.
Without big marketing dollars, a celebrity author, high power publicity or a mega ministry to sell it, Ken Qualls Just Thinking Out Loud, an easy read that will inspire, edify and entertain the reader, is quickly finding a place in hearts and homes across America.
Just Thinking Out Loud is available from Amazon.com and booksellers everywhere.
Sky Angel Added to Affinity4 Product Lineup
Sky Angel. Photo: Christian Newswire
Sky Angel Added to Affinity4 Product Lineup
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Sky Angel, a national provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming, is pleased to announce that Affinity4 (Norfolk, VA) has added Sky Angel to its product lineup.
Affinity4 is one of the nation's leading affinity-based marketers, offering a range of products from long distance and wireless phone services to Internet services -- and now includes Sky Angel's television subscription service. Affinity4 provides an opportunity for consumers to give back to their favorite charity or ministry without giving up on quality service or savings. Specifically, Affinity4 provides a 10% GiveBack every time a nonprofit's members/supporters purchase a product.
"Sky Angel truly is a perfect fit for addition to Affinity4's services. Affinity 4 is a company which shares our values and mission, as we work together to foster positive, faith-enriching experiences," said Tom Scott, Sky Angel's President & COO. "Sky Angel offers subscribers several affordable packages to choose from, and we have the widest range of Christian programming available in one package anywhere in the world. We're proud to partner with Affinity4 and become part of the solution to a world in need of quality faith based and family friendly programming."
"Today, more than ever, our world needs to be immersed in uplifting, affirmative messages which celebrate and reinforce the best human traits and values," stated Affinity4 President and CEO, Stephen Halliday. "Sky Angel's programming -- from its Christian and ministry events, conferences and parenting seminars to its science and nature programs, documentaries, news, music, sports, home, health, self-improvement and family-friendly movies and videos -- are exactly what the world needs now."
Sky Angel offers subscribers over 75 television and radio channels of faith-based and family-friendly channels, with entertainment, educational, sports and news programming. Sky Angel requires no dish or antenna, is completely compatible with current TV service, is easily installed, and includes value-added features like 48-hour playback on all Faith-based television channels plus an ever-growing Video-On- Demand library with thousands of free and fee-based selections.
For more information about Sky Angel, visit: www.affinity4.com and click on "Sky Angel."
About Sky Angel:
Sky Angel® U.S. LLC is a Christian-owned multi- channel provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming. Founded by Robert Johnson Sr. more than 27 years ago, Sky Angel was created to provide a Christ-centered and family- friendly alternative to the standard television fare. Since then, his vision has grown into a service providing quality television and radio programming to all corners of the United States. Sky Angel's mission is to build and operate a global communications system to assure the Gospel will penetrate every nation, culture and people. Sky Angel also carries the Parents Television Council's® prestigious Entertainment Seal of Approval(tm), which recognizes excellence and social responsibility in programming.
More about Affinity4:
Affinity4 is an affinity-based marketing company whose mission is to help support its nonprofits' goals by assisting in their fundraising and development programs. Specifically, Affinty4 markets various telecommunications products and services, including long distance and wireless phone services, high speed Internet, as well as DIRECTV®, credit card and motorist assistance to the supporters of its international base of nonprofits which includes charities, ministries, colleges and universities. With each supporter's purchase, Affinity4 provides a 10% GiveBack to the corresponding nonprofit organization. Affinity4's business model is to leverage and transform ordinary activities such as making phone calls into fundraising opportunities on behalf of vital causes worldwide. The Affinity4 Brand Promise is Ordinary Activities. Extraordinary Giving. To date, Affinity4 has given back more than $75 million to nonprofits worldwide. The company is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia and led by President and CEO, Stephen Halliday.
3mnewswire.org
Church Executive Magazine: Megapastor Kallestad Says His Church Won't Accept Gay Clergy
Church Executive Magazine: Megapastor Kallestad Says His Church Won't Accept Gay Clergy
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Walt Kallestad, senior pastor of Community Church of Joy, Glendale, AZ, told Church Executive that the movement within his ELCA denomination to allow gay ordained clergy will not be accepted by his congregation or school. The ELCA churchwide meetings in Minneapolis next month will vote on allowing congregations to receive "life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships" among ordained clergy.
On March 4 Kallestad wrote his congregation "our firm opposition to this policy" in the belief that "the Bible makes it clear that homosexuality is a sin." He expanded on his views in the magazine's interview, noting that the ELCA statement on sexuality has "become a social action issue when it's not. It's a biblical authority issue."
Church of Joy has an attendance of 2,500 and a school of 1,000 students. Kallestad says that "if they are seeking diversity, what they've ended up with is division." He has said he is working with other large congregations against the action when it comes to a vote.
Also in the July issue, Michael Leahy, a recovering sex addict, says that pornography finds its way into the offices of pastors and church leaders as it does in the general workplace.
"Based on my own personal experience talking with pastors and church leaders, it's becoming a major problem thanks to the availability, affordability and anonymity of Internet porn." Leahy is the author of "Porn@Work: Exposing the Office's #1 Addiction" (Northfield Publishing, 2009).
Leahy says that porn is as much a problem for women as for men. "Women make up more than 40 percent of all new admissions to in-residence sexual addiction recovery programs," he says. A third of visitors to porn sites daily are women.
"To offer real help, churches need to work at becoming a 'safe place' for men and women to come forward and seek out help and resources," he says. Not every church needs a recovery program or counselor, "but they should know what churches in the area do have those resources, and they should be willing to refer their people and church attendees to those programs and individuals."
He notes too that churches have legal liability from porn on church computers, with a "risk of costly litigation due to claims of sexual harassment and/or harboring a hostile workplace environment."
For these and other articles in Church Executive, go to http://churchexecutive.com/article.asp? VolumeNo=2009&IssueNo=7
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Walt Kallestad, senior pastor of Community Church of Joy, Glendale, AZ, told Church Executive that the movement within his ELCA denomination to allow gay ordained clergy will not be accepted by his congregation or school. The ELCA churchwide meetings in Minneapolis next month will vote on allowing congregations to receive "life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships" among ordained clergy.
On March 4 Kallestad wrote his congregation "our firm opposition to this policy" in the belief that "the Bible makes it clear that homosexuality is a sin." He expanded on his views in the magazine's interview, noting that the ELCA statement on sexuality has "become a social action issue when it's not. It's a biblical authority issue."
Church of Joy has an attendance of 2,500 and a school of 1,000 students. Kallestad says that "if they are seeking diversity, what they've ended up with is division." He has said he is working with other large congregations against the action when it comes to a vote.
Also in the July issue, Michael Leahy, a recovering sex addict, says that pornography finds its way into the offices of pastors and church leaders as it does in the general workplace.
"Based on my own personal experience talking with pastors and church leaders, it's becoming a major problem thanks to the availability, affordability and anonymity of Internet porn." Leahy is the author of "Porn@Work: Exposing the Office's #1 Addiction" (Northfield Publishing, 2009).
Leahy says that porn is as much a problem for women as for men. "Women make up more than 40 percent of all new admissions to in-residence sexual addiction recovery programs," he says. A third of visitors to porn sites daily are women.
"To offer real help, churches need to work at becoming a 'safe place' for men and women to come forward and seek out help and resources," he says. Not every church needs a recovery program or counselor, "but they should know what churches in the area do have those resources, and they should be willing to refer their people and church attendees to those programs and individuals."
He notes too that churches have legal liability from porn on church computers, with a "risk of costly litigation due to claims of sexual harassment and/or harboring a hostile workplace environment."
For these and other articles in Church Executive, go to http://churchexecutive.com/article.asp? VolumeNo=2009&IssueNo=7
GodStories: Explorations in the Gospel of God
GodStories: Explorations in the Gospel of God
Andrew Wilson Explores Fifty-six of the Glorious Stories That Make Up the Gospel of God
DALLAS, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, multitudes see theology as a rabbit warren of concepts without narratives, a series of points, principles, and theories that take all the best bits (like characters, plot twists, and heroism) out of the Bible and leave behind a slightly inedible result--like eating cereal without milk or playing Scrabble without vowels. But in his new book, GodStories: Explorations in the Gospel of God (David C Cook), author of the best-selling Incomparable brings Scripture to life with fresh and relevant insights on how its stories can profoundly affect our faith.
Just as we have one God in three persons, and one church made up of many people, so in Scripture we have one gospel made up of many stories. In fifty-six short narratives, Andrew Wilson examines these beautiful, triumphant, often heartbreaking, and always magnificent stories that make up the gospel of God-- GodStories. Inside readers will rediscover the glorious mission of God, freedom from sin, and how the promises of God never fail.
"We have one gospel, for sure: a single, unifying, big story about God and creation, man and sin, Jesus and rescue," says Wilson. "But we also have many different ways of telling that big story because it is too large for us to grasp all at once. Seeing the many GodStories in the one gospel does not reduce that gospel in glory or splendour. Quite the opposite--it dramatically increases it."
Written in a devotional-style perfect for morning or evening reading, GodStories includes reflection sections that will give additional food for thought in the form of questions, scriptures and psalms, hymns, quotes from important church figures, prayers, etc. With winsome language and a solid biblical foundation, Wilson also introduces and walks through, in layman's terms, some heavier points of theology, such as atonement, justification by faith, penal substitution, open theism, and the new covenant.
"We need to know, and preach, and live the gospel," writes Wilson. "The good news that shines through every GodStory will bring us closer into worship, push us further into mission, and draw us closer into community--face down, flat out, all in. Prepare to be stunned and in total amazement at the many-faceted gospel story, the greatest story ever told."
www.davidccook.com/explore/godstories
Andrew Wilson Explores Fifty-six of the Glorious Stories That Make Up the Gospel of God
DALLAS, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, multitudes see theology as a rabbit warren of concepts without narratives, a series of points, principles, and theories that take all the best bits (like characters, plot twists, and heroism) out of the Bible and leave behind a slightly inedible result--like eating cereal without milk or playing Scrabble without vowels. But in his new book, GodStories: Explorations in the Gospel of God (David C Cook), author of the best-selling Incomparable brings Scripture to life with fresh and relevant insights on how its stories can profoundly affect our faith.
Just as we have one God in three persons, and one church made up of many people, so in Scripture we have one gospel made up of many stories. In fifty-six short narratives, Andrew Wilson examines these beautiful, triumphant, often heartbreaking, and always magnificent stories that make up the gospel of God-- GodStories. Inside readers will rediscover the glorious mission of God, freedom from sin, and how the promises of God never fail.
"We have one gospel, for sure: a single, unifying, big story about God and creation, man and sin, Jesus and rescue," says Wilson. "But we also have many different ways of telling that big story because it is too large for us to grasp all at once. Seeing the many GodStories in the one gospel does not reduce that gospel in glory or splendour. Quite the opposite--it dramatically increases it."
Written in a devotional-style perfect for morning or evening reading, GodStories includes reflection sections that will give additional food for thought in the form of questions, scriptures and psalms, hymns, quotes from important church figures, prayers, etc. With winsome language and a solid biblical foundation, Wilson also introduces and walks through, in layman's terms, some heavier points of theology, such as atonement, justification by faith, penal substitution, open theism, and the new covenant.
"We need to know, and preach, and live the gospel," writes Wilson. "The good news that shines through every GodStory will bring us closer into worship, push us further into mission, and draw us closer into community--face down, flat out, all in. Prepare to be stunned and in total amazement at the many-faceted gospel story, the greatest story ever told."
www.davidccook.com/explore/godstories
Audio Bibles for American Troops
Audio Bibles for American Troops
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fourth of July is when Americans celebrate their freedom and gather for cook outs, parades and fireworks. It's also a time to honor our nation's troops.
Faith Comes By Hearing, the world's foremost Audio Bible ministry, is honoring America's military through the Military BibleStick project.
"We felt burdened to bring the Word of God in audio to our troops," said Morgan Jackson, the ministry's international director. "So, we developed a special, portable Audio Bible for the military, loaded it with the entire New Testament and sent them to chaplains who contacted us and requested them."
Chaplains who requested them have now distributed over 10,000 Audio Bibles to service members in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
"Audio Scriptures are perfect for military men and women to hear God's Word," said one Navy Chaplain. "Nobody walks around with a paperback in their back pocket. Instead, they plug in their MP3 player, watch movies or play video games. They are an audio-visual generation; why not reach them with Scriptures in the media they're most comfortable with?"
In fact, receiving free Audio Bibles has stirred many troops to write back. For example, an Army Sergeant in Iraq said, "Thank you for sending the Audio New Testament. It's a fabulous idea. I enjoy listening when I need a quiet moment to reflect upon the Lord's words."
"Deployed troops live in cramped quarters," added Jackson. "It's difficult to get time alone. You're always around other people. Putting in ear buds and listening to the Bible can help you get away. Plus, it's dramatized with sound effects, music and multiple character voices."
A Marine in Iraq wrote, "You feel like you're there -- like you're listening to a story or watching a movie. It's interesting and easy to listen to."
A soldier's mother expressed her thoughts by writing, "Thank you for your Audio Bible that was given to my son Matthew. He's stationed in Camp Anaconda, Iraq. He has listened and he enjoyed it very much. He has also passed it around for other soldiers to listen to. When you're a mother whose child is so many miles away, it's a comfort to know he's keeping God with him."
"This project is so successful the demand has depleted our resources," said Jackson. "People can honor the troops by sponsoring a soldier for $25."
To learn more, visit www.FaithComesByHearing.com or call (800) 545-6552.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, July 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fourth of July is when Americans celebrate their freedom and gather for cook outs, parades and fireworks. It's also a time to honor our nation's troops.
Faith Comes By Hearing, the world's foremost Audio Bible ministry, is honoring America's military through the Military BibleStick project.
"We felt burdened to bring the Word of God in audio to our troops," said Morgan Jackson, the ministry's international director. "So, we developed a special, portable Audio Bible for the military, loaded it with the entire New Testament and sent them to chaplains who contacted us and requested them."
Chaplains who requested them have now distributed over 10,000 Audio Bibles to service members in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
"Audio Scriptures are perfect for military men and women to hear God's Word," said one Navy Chaplain. "Nobody walks around with a paperback in their back pocket. Instead, they plug in their MP3 player, watch movies or play video games. They are an audio-visual generation; why not reach them with Scriptures in the media they're most comfortable with?"
In fact, receiving free Audio Bibles has stirred many troops to write back. For example, an Army Sergeant in Iraq said, "Thank you for sending the Audio New Testament. It's a fabulous idea. I enjoy listening when I need a quiet moment to reflect upon the Lord's words."
"Deployed troops live in cramped quarters," added Jackson. "It's difficult to get time alone. You're always around other people. Putting in ear buds and listening to the Bible can help you get away. Plus, it's dramatized with sound effects, music and multiple character voices."
A Marine in Iraq wrote, "You feel like you're there -- like you're listening to a story or watching a movie. It's interesting and easy to listen to."
A soldier's mother expressed her thoughts by writing, "Thank you for your Audio Bible that was given to my son Matthew. He's stationed in Camp Anaconda, Iraq. He has listened and he enjoyed it very much. He has also passed it around for other soldiers to listen to. When you're a mother whose child is so many miles away, it's a comfort to know he's keeping God with him."
"This project is so successful the demand has depleted our resources," said Jackson. "People can honor the troops by sponsoring a soldier for $25."
To learn more, visit www.FaithComesByHearing.com or call (800) 545-6552.
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
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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."
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)
ARLINGTON, VA, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- "We commend Pastor Ken Pagano for his celebration last weekend in Kentucky of American Independence and the Second Amendment," said John M. Snyder, President of the interdenominational St. Gabriel Possenti Society, Inc. (www.gunsaint.com).
"We're sending him a St. Gabriel Possenti Society Honor Medallion as evidence of our esteem," he continued. "Pastor Pagano knows that religious people own firearms and know how to use them in a responsible manner. His gun carry service was a fine commemoration of our Declaration of Independence and the Second Amendment constitutional right to keep and bear arms."
About 180 participants came to the New Bethel Church last Saturday to hear Pagano, according to The New York Times. "We want to send a message that there are legal, civil, law-abiding intelligent people who also own guns," Pagano preached. "There is nothing to be afraid of from a legal firearms owner."
"We concur," said Snyder. "Too many church officials of various persuasions talk and act as though they're afraid of anything that goes 'bang.' Pastor Pagano counters this mistaken attitude. Guns in the hands of good, responsible citizens can be and are used to prevent crime from occurring or to interrupt crime in process. According to scholarly research, firearms are used over a million times a year in the United States alone for this purpose.
"Pastor Pagano also counters the phony idea that arms use somehow opposes religious values. The Holy Bible itself is replete with references to good, even holy, arms use. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself advised that 'a man without a sword must sell his cloak and buy one,' according to the Gospel according to St. Luke."
Snyder said that, "Clergymen of various faiths may take a cue from Pastor Ken Pagano and follow his example. We certainly hope so. Guns can and are used to save lives."
St. Gabriel Possenti was a mid-19th century Catholic seminarian who was proficient in the use of rifles, shotguns and handguns. He used handguns in 1860 to rescue villagers of Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy from a gang of marauders. He died of consumption two years later. In 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized him. The international Society seeks his official Vatican designation as Patron of Handgunners. The Society emphasizes the historical, philosophical and theological bases for the right of self-defense. It commemorates its 20th anniversary this year. (www.youtube.com/watch? v=xXNE2jBaL9o)
What Should Church Leaders Say to Islamic Society of North America this Weekend
What Should Church Leaders Say to Islamic Society of North America this Weekend
"Church leaders like Rick Warren should be able to address Muslim audiences winsomely, affirming common humanity, without compromising Christian teachings." Mark Tooley, IRD President
WASHINGTON, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- California megachurch pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren is addressing the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) this weekend in Washington, D.C. Other Christians addressing ISNA include former National Council of Churches chief Bob Edgar, United Methodist lobbyist Jim Winkler, Yale theologian Miroslav Volf, and Chris Seiple of the Institute on Global Engagement. Thousands of American Muslims are expected to attend.
IRD President Mark Tooley commented:
"Church leaders like Rick Warren should be able to address Muslim audiences winsomely, affirming common humanity, without compromising Christian teachings. I pray that both evangelicals and liberal churchmen who will speak to ISNA this weekend will not embarrass American Christians, resort to anti- Americanism, tout leftist political causes, or betray persecuted Christians in majority Muslim countries. Hope and confidence, not guilt or ideology, are key to successful relations between Christians and Muslims."
The IRD's Guidelines for Christian Muslim Dialogue addresses how church leaders should engage Muslims. First composed in the wake of 9-11, it offers suggestions, including:
1. Emphasize human rights and religious freedom for all people.
2. Uphold the distinctives of the Christian Gospel.
3. Don't fault Christianity or the West for problems in the Islamic world.
4. Be mindful of global Christianity, not just Western churches.
5. Don't assume the world is neatly divided Muslim nations and non-Muslim.
6. Affirm moral issues where there is common ground.
7. Don't exaggerate the power of interfaith dialogue.
The Institute on Religion and Democracy, founded in 1981, is an ecumenical alliance of U.S. Christians working to reform their churches' social witness, in accord with biblical and historic Christian teachings, thereby contributing to the renewal of democratic society at home and abroad.
www.TheIRD.org
"Church leaders like Rick Warren should be able to address Muslim audiences winsomely, affirming common humanity, without compromising Christian teachings." Mark Tooley, IRD President
WASHINGTON, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- California megachurch pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren is addressing the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) this weekend in Washington, D.C. Other Christians addressing ISNA include former National Council of Churches chief Bob Edgar, United Methodist lobbyist Jim Winkler, Yale theologian Miroslav Volf, and Chris Seiple of the Institute on Global Engagement. Thousands of American Muslims are expected to attend.
IRD President Mark Tooley commented:
"Church leaders like Rick Warren should be able to address Muslim audiences winsomely, affirming common humanity, without compromising Christian teachings. I pray that both evangelicals and liberal churchmen who will speak to ISNA this weekend will not embarrass American Christians, resort to anti- Americanism, tout leftist political causes, or betray persecuted Christians in majority Muslim countries. Hope and confidence, not guilt or ideology, are key to successful relations between Christians and Muslims."
The IRD's Guidelines for Christian Muslim Dialogue addresses how church leaders should engage Muslims. First composed in the wake of 9-11, it offers suggestions, including:
1. Emphasize human rights and religious freedom for all people.
2. Uphold the distinctives of the Christian Gospel.
3. Don't fault Christianity or the West for problems in the Islamic world.
4. Be mindful of global Christianity, not just Western churches.
5. Don't assume the world is neatly divided Muslim nations and non-Muslim.
6. Affirm moral issues where there is common ground.
7. Don't exaggerate the power of interfaith dialogue.
The Institute on Religion and Democracy, founded in 1981, is an ecumenical alliance of U.S. Christians working to reform their churches' social witness, in accord with biblical and historic Christian teachings, thereby contributing to the renewal of democratic society at home and abroad.
www.TheIRD.org
Ohio Supreme Court's Decision Protects Privacy of Abusers Says Fr. Pavone
Ohio Supreme Court's Decision Protects Privacy of Abusers Says Fr. Pavone
STATEN ISLAND, NY, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following comment in response to the Ohio Supreme Court's refusal to make redacted medical records available in a case of alleged failure to report child abuse.
"It's hypocritical for the Ohio Supreme Court to be concerned about the privacy of girls receiving abortions at Planned Parenthood when, by keeping the redacted, anonymous records secret, it is in fact protecting the privacy of older men who abuse underage teens. The Court, by its decision, is enabling and perpetuating injustice."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org
STATEN ISLAND, NY, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following comment in response to the Ohio Supreme Court's refusal to make redacted medical records available in a case of alleged failure to report child abuse.
"It's hypocritical for the Ohio Supreme Court to be concerned about the privacy of girls receiving abortions at Planned Parenthood when, by keeping the redacted, anonymous records secret, it is in fact protecting the privacy of older men who abuse underage teens. The Court, by its decision, is enabling and perpetuating injustice."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org
OC-Based House Church Says Church Building Got in the Way of Discipleship
OC-Based House Church Says Church Building Got in the Way of Discipleship
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- A recent study found many megachurch goers are content to be spectators at church, and one house church leader sees a lesson there - but it isn't what you might think.
A recent study by The Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford Seminary and Leadership Network found that nearly half of megachurch attendees say they never volunteer at church and 32 percent say they give little or no money to the church.
But, house church leader and pastor Ken Eastburn of The Well isn't blaming megachurches for this finding. While he acknowledges the sheer size of megachurches may allow spectator Christians to more easily worship anonymously alongside active, engaged Christians, Eastburn cautions other church leaders not to miss what he sees as the deeper message from the study.
"Every church has spectator Christians in attendance and being a disciple of Jesus isn't for spectators," Eastburn asserts. He believes the core lesson from the study is that a church of any size can become complacent about challenging its members to deeper personal relationships with Jesus Christ. "It is a painful reminder," he continues, "that every church must never neglect its basic purpose - making disciples."
Getting back to the basics was one of reasons The Well, once a traditional Southern Baptist church, left its building in 2005 to begin meeting in houses. "For us, our building was standing in the way of our call to building and growing the body of Christ," according to Eastburn. The Well now meets in homes across Orange County, Calif. and is openly learning what it means to be a network of house churches. "We believe this house church model encourages a greater level of engagement with one another and God. And, we're learning new things every day." The Well shares its story and discoveries on its blog at www.leavethebuildingblog.com.
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- A recent study found many megachurch goers are content to be spectators at church, and one house church leader sees a lesson there - but it isn't what you might think.
A recent study by The Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford Seminary and Leadership Network found that nearly half of megachurch attendees say they never volunteer at church and 32 percent say they give little or no money to the church.
But, house church leader and pastor Ken Eastburn of The Well isn't blaming megachurches for this finding. While he acknowledges the sheer size of megachurches may allow spectator Christians to more easily worship anonymously alongside active, engaged Christians, Eastburn cautions other church leaders not to miss what he sees as the deeper message from the study.
"Every church has spectator Christians in attendance and being a disciple of Jesus isn't for spectators," Eastburn asserts. He believes the core lesson from the study is that a church of any size can become complacent about challenging its members to deeper personal relationships with Jesus Christ. "It is a painful reminder," he continues, "that every church must never neglect its basic purpose - making disciples."
Getting back to the basics was one of reasons The Well, once a traditional Southern Baptist church, left its building in 2005 to begin meeting in houses. "For us, our building was standing in the way of our call to building and growing the body of Christ," according to Eastburn. The Well now meets in homes across Orange County, Calif. and is openly learning what it means to be a network of house churches. "We believe this house church model encourages a greater level of engagement with one another and God. And, we're learning new things every day." The Well shares its story and discoveries on its blog at www.leavethebuildingblog.com.
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