Dr. Mack King Carter, Distinguished Pastor and Teacher, Poised to Take His Place in History After 27 Years of Leadership at the Helm of New Mount

Dr. Mack King Carter. Photo: Christian Newswire

Dr. Mack King Carter, Distinguished Pastor and Teacher, Poised to Take His Place in History After 27 Years of Leadership at the Helm of New Mount Olive Baptist Church

FORT LAUDERDALE, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Mack King Carter, Senior Pastor of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church, will deliver his final sermon as Senior Pastor of the 10,000 member congregation on Sunday September 27, 2010.
Photo: Dr. Mack King Carter

In 1981, Rev. George E. Weaver, then pastor of New Mount Olive, invited Dr. Carter to become his co-pastor before passing the torch to him in November 1982. Under Carter's leadership the membership has grown to more than 10,000. He has established a television ministry that is broadcast nationally and internationally. He also created the Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODCO) which is a faith- based organization whose mission is to revitalize low and moderate income communities by providing strategic programs that promote economic development, create jobs and focus on strengthening families through Public Service, Affordable Housing, and Entrepreneurial Ventures.

Dr. Carter is recognized as one of the country's greatest Theologians. He has published four books and lectured extensively throughout his career as a spiritual leader. He believes that his pastoral mission is "to bring humankind in line with the kingdom of God" through loving God, loving people and practicing peace and patience.

Throughout Dr. Carter's career as a Theologian, Teacher and Pastor, he has stated that he "values relationships, thinks that people are important, and that people matter more than things." After each day's work, Dr. Carter maintains that he "never goes to bed without attempting to make a difference in somebody's life."

The New Mount Olive family is currently in the process of organizing an unforgettable fete themed "A Page in HIS-[S] TORY" for Dr. Carter and his devoted wife of 36 years, Patricia Thomas Carter. The evening of Friday October 2nd, will include tributes, special presentations and lots of song and celebration at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL.

For more information about Dr. Carter's retirement celebration, please call (954) 463-5126 or visit www.mountolive.org.

New Study Shows Fruit of the Spirit is a Powerful Product that Delivers High Anti-Oxidants and Alkalizing Minerals -- Eating more Fruits and Vegetable

New Study Shows Fruit of the Spirit is a Powerful Product that Delivers High Anti-Oxidants and Alkalizing Minerals -- Eating more Fruits and Vegetables Reduces Risk of Chronic Disease

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Studies show unwise lifestyle choices set the stage for chronic disease including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and some cancers by activating and inactivating genes that comprise our unique genetic map. Published scientific studies estimate that up to 90% of diabetes and 83% of heart disease can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes. A risk factor for chronic disease is not eating the recommended 5-servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

We are too busy, unable financially to buy fresh ingredients and processed foods taste better to our families. A New Christian based product "Fruit of the Spirit" can provide you 5-servings of fruits and alkalinizing minerals in one ounce and it tastes good too:

* The formulation of Fruit of the Spirit was five years in the making. It is a blend of 16 whole fruit purees, not extracts, providing broad-spectrum antioxidant protection not found in single-fruit juices.

* Alkalinizing minerals from the Dead Sea known to restore your cells and bring your body back to its balanced state.

Volunteers who recently had bariatric surgery added 2- ounces of Fruit of the Spirit twice daily for 30 days. Participants reported better energy levels, quality of sleep, and overall well being. They also reported less aches and pains consistently.

The ORAC value (Anti-Oxidant Measure) of the Fruit of the Spirit was compared to that of the most commonly consumed 100% fruit juices. The ORAC for Fruit of the Spirit was 2250 per ounce compared to an average of 500 per ounce for the other juices. Fruit of the Spirit's ORAC was more than 3 times greater than the best- selling grape juice and pomegranate juice.

Fruit of the Spirit's total ORAC value (protection against the 5 most dangerous free radicals) was exceptional. One ounce of Fruit of the Spirit delivers 180% of the total ORAC average for 6-8 ounces of other juices that promote antioxidant power.

Fruit of the Spirit contains 3 g. of carbohydrates (sugars) per serving vs. 26-39 g. of sugar in the other best-selling juices. That equates to 15 calories per serving for Fruit of the Spirit vs. 110-160 calories per serving for the other best-selling juices.

Dr. John Young, MD encourages his patients to make Fruit of the Spirit a part of their daily health program: "I've seen several products that are out in the market. None come close to Fruit of the Spirit. It delivers such a powerful dose of Anti-Oxidants and Minerals with very low sugar, carbohydrates and calories."

Pro-Life Youth to Picket Office of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Pro-Life Youth to Picket Office of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

LOS ANGELES, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Youth activists will demand that not penny of taxpayer funds be used to pay for abortions while teachers and community services are being cut in California due to budget concerns.

The demonstration will take place on Tuesday, June 30 at 11:00 A.M.

The location will be at 300 South Spring St., Los Angeles

The 65 youth activists will be carrying large signs and banners.

This event kicks off a national campaign by Survivors called "Teachers not Abortions."

Sarah Massell, a member of Survivors, states, "The pro-abortion movement is always telling us that we cannot force our morality on them. If abortion is a moral issue, why are taxpayers being forced to pay for abortions rather than fund education?

"Public funds that should be going to ensure our teachers are properly compensated are now going to fund unlimited and unrestricted abortions. The more we cut resources to our educational system the more it will have a negative impact on future generations."

Timmerie Millington adds, "We have become a society that kills its own children with unlimited public funds. Yet, firefighters and police officers who have laid down their lives to protect our nation are losing their jobs because our tax dollars are being spent on the killing of America's children."

Survivors is one of the leading pro-life youth activist organizations in the nation and they are sponsoring their annual 10 day leadership training and camp in Southern California.

Iran: More Pressure on Christians?

Iran: More Pressure on Christians?

Son of Martyred Pastor Says Believers Could Face Even More Persecution During Protest Crackdown

SANTA ANA, Calif., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Joseph Hovsepian says Christians who are protesting the June 12 re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran could face even more intense persecution.

Hovsepian, whose father Bishop Haik Hovsepian was martyred in Iran in 1994, says he is hearing from his friends and relatives in Iran that few Christians are in the streets protesting, although they certainly share the protesters' demands for a full recount of the bitterly disputed election and more freedom.

"We should not forget that the danger for Christians protesting in Iran is double," he states. "If this is how brutally the Iranian government cracks down on its own Muslim protestors who shout 'Alaho Akbar' (God is great), just imagine how much worse it could be for Christians protesting and calling Jesus for help!

"I know that the regime is planning on a very hard and merciless reaction to the point that they are putting together a team to silence the protesters within a week. Many of the protest leaders have been arrested. People live in fear. The danger could be more for Christians. They have already been persecuted for years.

"However, I believe the regime can not be the same anymore. It will certainly change as a result of these protests. I personally hope it will shape towards a better and freer Iran."

Hovsepian, who now makes his home in the Los Angeles area, adds that the current events in Iran have united the Church there.

"They are gathering together and praying that the Lord would make something good come out of this (protests and the world's spotlight). We have seen in the history of the world that during crises and pressures people unite and forget the small difference of opinions. So that is happening to the Church in Iran. They see a window of opportunity to share the gospel with the new generation which is very tired of the dictatorship and the forcing of the Islamic religion on people.

"There is definitely a mixture of excitement, hope and tension. Their hope is in God."

Hovsepian notes that he has been "very encouraged to see many Christians in the West remembering Iran in their prayers and concerned with the situation there.

"My family and I have been in a very unique, emotional period of time. We wake up and sleep with the news from Iran. But we regularly remind ourselves that God is in control. This is what my father would always say when we were worried about him. Knowing the fact that God sees all of this and is in control definitely helps me, especially during crises."

The murder of Neda Agah-Soltan, 26, killed by a bullet while standing on a street in Tehran during a protest, brought back the memory of the brutal killing of Joseph Hovsepian's father. He was stabbed 26 times by an attacker. Haik Hovsepian was an evangelical church leader in Iran.

"The very first time I saw the clip of Neda's bleeding death on the streets of Tehran, I remembered the shocking moment years ago when I saw my father's bloody dead body in the morgue. I was 19 years old. The second time we watched the clip on YouTube with my mother and brothers. We all cried. At first the reaction was anger and hatred. And then we go back on the road of daily forgiveness. We continue to pray as many did for us during my father's martyrdom."

Joseph Hovsepian and his brother Andre made a compelling documentary of his father's death called A Cry From Iran. The film, produced in partnership with Open Doors, has won numerous awards over the past year and a half. For more information, go to www.acryfromiran.com. The Hovsepian brothers are reaching out to Iranian Christians now through a radio and satellite television ministry.

Open Doors reports that in 2008 at least 50 Christians, mostly Muslim Background Believers, were arrested, interrogated, tortured, intimidated and some even killed in Iran. It marked the toughest year regarding Christian persecution since the Islamic Revolution 30 years ago. Iran is ranked No. 3 on the Open Doors World Watch List of the worst persecutors of Christians.
An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.

(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org).

Lombard Demonstrates Why Gays Should Not be Allowed to Adopt

Lombard Demonstrates Why Gays Should Not be Allowed to Adopt

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The on-line rape of his 5-year- old adopted son by Duke University's openly-gay, Frank Lombard, is no anomaly. Instead, Lombard's molestation fits the pattern that emerged in the latest review of the scientific literature about gay fathers.

Lombard lives with his gay partner, another Duke University employee. The Arrest Warrant documents that Lombard sodomized one of his two adopted African-American sons and made the boy give him oral sex on-line. He offered other gays the same opportunity. Although the boy was drugged, "it is likely he developed interest in gay sex through these activities," said Dr. Paul Cameron, an expert in gay fostering/gay adoption and author of the latest review.

Published in the peer-reviewed Psychological Reports, the review(1) noted that gays' children were more frequently exposed to parental molestation and more apt to adopt homosexual interests and activities. "The Lombard case fits the pattern," said Dr. Cameron. "While every gay parent does not molest his child, the scientific literature records a much higher incidence of molestation by gay parents or foster parents."

Dr. Cameron, Chairman of the Family Research Institute, a Colorado Springs think-tank, noted that the review documented that gays' children were also:

1) more apt to report sexual confusion;

2) more apt to be socially disturbed;

3) more apt to abuse substances;

4) less apt to get married;

5) more apt to have difficulty in attachment and loving relationships; and

6) more apt to have emotional difficulties.

"The cant that 'gay parents are no more likely to molest' is not based on evidence but liberal ideology," said Cameron. "By endorsing gay adoption, President Obama, the state of North Carolina, and Duke University share blame for this tragedy. These policy makers let dogma blind them to evidence that has been in the literature for years. Why would anyone who cared about children endorse adoption by members of a group which had 23% of its members admit to sex with boys(2) or had 19% say they felt 'positive' about sex with them?(3)"

1. Cameron P. Gay Fathers' Effects On Children: A Review Psychological Reports, 2009:104;649- 639

2. Bell AP, Weinberg MS Homosexualities: a study of diversity among men and women. NY: Simon & Schuster, 1978.

3. Jay K & Young A. The Gay report. NY: Summit, 1979.

America Cannot Afford Health Care

America Cannot Afford Health Care

WASHINGTON, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- President Barack Obama has said that the passage of his Health Bill is very important. He also says we must pass it now because the cost will go up and we cannot allow people to need health care and not receive it.

The truth is health care is being handled better in the United States than it is by other nations who have health care provisions. America cannot afford it because the Federal Government is already broke and has trouble borrowing any more money.

Swarthout asks, "How are we going to pay for this program? When will America realize the Federal Government is broke and does not have any money? Besides, all of the money our government receives comes directly from you and I when we pay our taxes."

Swarthout added, "It is time to say NO to our government. We must say NO until our government learns to live within their means and cut unnecessary spending programs for which you and I are now paying. Friends, you cannot run your household budget the way we allow the Federal Government to run theirs."

What have the uninsured people been doing for health care all of these years? The answer is simple. They have been going to Emergency Rooms to be treated because our laws and the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors say that they must be treated.

You and I have been paying for their treatment even though some people may not think we are paying their bills. But, think about that for just a minute.

Let's remember that hospitals are in business to make money. They cannot continue to stay in business unless somebody, you and I, pay for those who cannot pay for themselves. So the hospitals figure the cost of treating the uninsured into the costs of treating responsible people who can pay. Therefore, you and I are ALREADY paying for people who cannot pay for themselves.

Now the Government wants to run our Health Care Program. Never mind the fact that the Government has stolen our Social Security money and has replaced it with worthless IOU's. The government is broke and cannot pay us back what they stole from us in the form of Social Security money. Of course the government does not say anything about that fact. Besides we already have a $12,000,000,000 dollar deficit.

Swarthout concluded, "Health Care for everyone would be nice...if we could afford it. However, for America Health Care is just another good idea that we cannot afford."

World's Leading Internet Evangelist Claims Michael Jackson is in Hell

World's Leading Internet Evangelist Claims Michael Jackson is in Hell
LivePrayer.com Founder Says What a Person Believes Matters...for Eternity

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pastor Bill Keller, founder of Liveprayer.com, submits the following and is available for comment:

In all of the intense media coverage after the death of pop superstar Michael Jackson, the one thing that has driven me crazy has been hearing over and over, often by high profile Christians, that Michael is now at peace in Heaven. Really? I hear this same thing whenever a famous person dies, regardless what they believed during their life, as well as from people when a family member or close friend dies, again, regardless what they believed during their life.

If this is true, than what is the use of the Gospel? If this is true, why should anyone waste their time and effort telling people about Jesus? If this is true, than the death of Jesus on the cross was a meaningless exercise, his resurrection didn't need to occur, and people can believe whatever they want during this life and make it to Heaven. THAT MY FRIEND IS THE UNIVERSALISTIC LIE FROM HELL!!!

The fact is God made only ONE plan of salvation. There is only ONE way to everlasting life and that is faith in Jesus Christ, the Jesus Christ of the Bible. There are NOT many roads that lead to God, only one, the Jesus road!!! You can't believe whatever you want and die and end up in Heaven. That is a lie from satan that is leading millions of souls to the flames of hell for all eternity. WHAT YOU BELIEVE DOES MATTER!!!

It is arguable that Michael Jackson was the most recognized person on the planet. Despite his vast fame and material possessions, Michael was bankrupt in the things that really matter in life, joy, peace, contentment, HOPE! Those things only comes through having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and living according to God's Word.

After his child molestation trial concluded, on June 17, 2005 I wrote these words, "Even though he has been acquitted of the charges brought against him, the moment he dies he will stand before The Judge, God Himself. At that moment, if he dies without Christ he will be standing all alone. There will be no high priced defense attorney, no family, no fans, only God who will judge him for his sins and cast him into everlasting darkness. At that moment, if he has accepted Christ as his Savior by faith, he won't be standing alone. Next to him will be the ultimate defense attorney, JESUS CHRIST, who will tell The Judge that his sins have been paid for and Michael Jackson will be ushered into God's presence for all eternity."

Sadly, Michael grew up in the Jehovah's Witnesses cult. This is the cult born out of the depraved mind of Charles Taze Russell and denies the very deity of Christ. You can go to Google and type in "cults Jehovah's Witnesses" and it will give you many websites to document their false theology. However, Michael has not only followed the false theology of the Jehovah's Witnesses, he made the choice to live his life in rebellion to God and His Word and follow all kinds of false religions and teachings.

During his 2005 trial for child molestation, instead of turning to Christ for strength, he turned to a cult I have exposed and talked about, Kaballah which was popularized by singer Madonna, signified by the "red string" bracelet he wore throughout the trial. He had during his life several high profile spiritual advisors, Orthodox Jew Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and New Age tool charlatan Deepak Chopra, a tool of satan I have warned you about in past Devotionals. Jackson was also heavily influenced by several of his brothers who are deep in the false religion of Islam. Clearly Michael Jackson was a man lost and searching.

I know it makes people feel better when a famous person or someone they know dies, though think that they are in Heaven. This is why I have literally given my life 24/7/365 these past 20 years for the Gospel, because the FACT is, those who die without Jesus will not be in Heaven, but in the flames of hell for all eternity. What you believe matters, and based on what he believes, Michael Jackson is not in Heaven, but in eternal torment and punishment for his sins.

I realize many people will point out all of the great humanitarian deeds Jackson did during his life, the multi millions he has given to charity and those are wonderful acts that should be commended. But we can't work or buy our way into Heaven. No amount of money or good works saves you, only faith in Christ and God's grace (Ephesians 2:8,9).

The fact is, Michael Jackson like all men is born into this life with sin in addition to those sins he has committed during his life, and it is that sin that separates him from a Holy God. The moment he died he stood before God and the number of records he sold, the number of people who saw him perform, all of his good deeds didn't mean anything. The ONLY thing that mattered was the he rejected the Jesus of the Bible by faith as his Lord and Savior.

That is all that will matter when you take your last breath my friend. If you have never made the commitment to ask Christ into your heart and life by faith, let me tell you that the most important decision you will make in this life is not who you will marry, or where you will live, or what kind of job you will have. The most important decision you will make in this life is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. God's desire is that none be lost, that all come to repentance. He is speaking to you today. The Bible says that TODAY is the day of salvation.

I would invite you to go to, www.liveprayer.com/bdy_salvatn.html. Pray to ask God to open your heart, read the words, watch the short video, pray the prayer, and accept God' s free gift to you today. WHAT YOU BELIEVE MATTERS.....FOR ALL ETERNITY!!!

ABOUT BILL KELLER
Crowned the next big thing in mass media religion by the news media, Pastor Bill Keller has hosted the only live call-in faith and values-based program airing nationally on major secular television network affiliates for nearly six years. Live Prayer with Bill Keller is now seen exclusively on the internet, Monday through Friday from 11 PM to midnight EST on Liveprayer.com. The program is also simulcast on Tampa's 50,000-watt WWBA-820, and is being syndicated nationwide on other major secular radio stations.

Live Prayer deals head-on with issues ranging from divorce, homosexuality, abortion, sexual abuse, pornography, drug addiction, radical Islam, race relations, spousal abuse, false prophets, and various other issues from a conservative, biblical worldview. Unscripted and unedited, Live Prayer is a fresh and totally spontaneous approach to problem solving. An archive of all past Live Prayer TV programs is available at Liveprayer.com.

MORE ABOUT LIVEPRAYER.COM
In 1999, Keller launched LivePrayer.com; it has become the most successful online faith outreach in history. Since its inception, LivePrayer.com has responded personally to more than 60 million online requests for prayer. Additionally, Keller's Live Prayer devotional is received daily by over 2.4 million email subscribers, making Keller's devotional one of the most read e-communications worldwide. For information on where to watch Live Prayer in your area, visit www.liveprayer.com

3mnewswire.org

Announcing the Release of Demographic Winter Part II -- 'The Demographic Bomb'

Announcing the Release of Demographic Winter Part II -- 'The Demographic Bomb'

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- SRB Documentaries is pleased to announce the release of "Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny," the long-awaited sequel to 2008's "Demographic Winter: the decline of the human family."

Barry McLerran, producer of both documentaries, observed, "Like 'Demographic Winter,' 'The Demographic Bomb' deals with rapidly falling birth rates and their consequences for humanity in the 21st century."

Viewers of "Demographic Winter" heard from demographers, sociologists, economists and historians on the demographic crisis confronting us.

McLerran commented: "'Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny' explores the history of the modern population-control movement -- how it persuaded the public that there are too many people in the world, and how these fallacies became institutionalized."

Among those interviewed in "Demographic Bomb" is Paul Ehrlich of Stanford University, author of 1968's The Population Bomb, which popularized the myth of overpopulation.

Mathew Connelly of Columbia University (author of Fatal Misconception: The Struggle To Control World Population) reveals how organizations, institutions, governments and the United Nations manipulated and coerced families, evaded political accountability and violated basic human rights to achieve their population-reduction agenda.

Former Yale Professor of Economics Jennifer Roback Morse, USC Professor of Urban Planning and Demography Dowell Myers, Harvard PhD Nick Eberstadt, Harvard MBA, Harry Dent (author of The Great Depression Ahead) and Nobel Prize winning economist Gary Becker uncover the roots of the crisis that has shaken the world's economies.

McLerran noted: "'Demographic Winter' predicted the financial crash of 2008 to within 12 months. "Demographic Bomb" reveals how this is just the beginning."

"'Demographic Bomb' shows what happens when countries comprising 80% of the world's economy have plummeting numbers of workers, consumers and innovators - leading to falling consumer spending, and too few workers to support the elderly," McLerran disclosed.

Accredited members of the media can receive a review copy of "Demographic Bomb" by e-mailing support@demographicwinter.org or calling 508- 405-1337. Click here to view a trailer for "Demographic Bomb."

To arrange an interview with a spokesman for "Demographic Bomb: demography is destiny" and "Demographic Winter" contact Don Feder at 508- 405-1337 or dfeder@rcn.com.

Supreme Court Confirms: Sotomayor was Wrong

Supreme Court Confirms: Sotomayor was Wrong

Sanctioned discrimination against firefighters for color of skin

WASHINGTON, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The United States Supreme Court reversed Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor in the now-famous New Haven firefighters case. Although Judge Sotomayor and two of her colleagues did not even think the case worthy of a published opinion, the Supreme Court said the case presented "two provisions of Title VII to be interpreted and reconciled, with few, if any, precedents in the courts of appeals discussing the issue."

Concerned Women for America (CWA) President Wendy Wright said, "This decision sends a disturbing message that Sonia Sotomayor, as a judge, sanctioned discrimination against people because of the color of their skin. This validates concerns that Judge Sotomayor's judicial philosophy reflects her personal bias, as expressed in speeches and the controversial groups to which she has belonged, that people should be discriminated against based on their ethnicity or sex. No one in a burning building cares if their fire chief is a minority. A firefighter's qualifications can determine if innocent people will live or die. Yet Judge Sotomayor denied qualified firefighters a promotion in order to advance her ethnic politics. Judge Sotomayor's decision in the Ricci case proves that questions about her fitness to serve at the Supreme Court are legitimate. Her decisions suggest such an enormous bias in her philosophy that we could not fault anyone in her courtroom for questioning her impartiality."

"In choosing a Supreme Court nominee, President Obama said 'I will seek someone who understands that justice ... is also about how our laws affect the daily realities of people's lives, whether they can make a living, and care for their families, whether they feel safe in their homes, and welcome in their own nation. I view that quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with peoples hopes and struggles as an essential ingredient for arriving at just decisions and outcomes.' Judge Sotomayor's unjust decision in the Ricci case shows that she does not fit that description. She denied firefighters the well-deserved promotions and, by doing so, was willing to make people unsafe in their homes."

Mario Diaz, Esq., CWA's Policy Director for Legal Issues, said the Ricci case "exposes not only bias, but arrogance on the part of a judge at the brink of getting a lifetime appointment to the highest court of the land. How she thought this case did not even deserve a published opinion is beyond comprehension. It seems ethnicity and gender not only 'play a role' in her judgment as she has said, but they actually control her judgment to the point where she can no longer look at the facts of a case impartially. Looking at her record, it seems her passion for minorities is such that she would need to recuse herself from any case involving a minority party in litigation.

"Unless she renounces her own statements and has some strong explanation for her actions in cases like Ricci at her hearings, I don't see how any Senator, or even the President himself, can feel confident about her fitness to serve at the Supreme Court."

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

New Gospel Dream Episode Premieres Weds. July 1 at 10 pm ET on GMC

New Gospel Dream Episode Premieres Weds. July 1 at 10 pm ET on GMC

Top 10 finalists head to boot camp this week

ATLANTA, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The ten Gospel Dream finalists will get down to business this week, going through voice and performance coaching, stylist sessions, media training, photography and more, when the next new episode of Gospel Music Channel's American Idol®-style talent search series premieres on GMC Weds. July 1 at 10:00 P.M. ET/9:00 CT.

GMC will now give viewers a chance to catch the previous week's Gospel Dream episode immediately before the new episode premiere:

GMC's New Weds. Night Line-Up
8:00 P.M. Clash of the Choirs
9:00 P.M. Gospel Dream (Encore of Previous Week)
10:00 P.M. Gospel Dream (New Episode Premiere)
All Times Eastern

The judges deciding the fate of the contestants are: Michelle Williams from the GRAMMY- winning group "Destiny's Child"; one of Gospel music's most prolific talents, J. Moss; and one of the music industry's most respected executives, Mitchell Solarek. Kimberley Locke, the first American Idol® alumnae to debut at #1 on the Billboard charts with a non-Idol single, serves as co-host along with Mike Kasem ("MTV's Top 20 Video Countdown" "American Top 10"). In addition, two major musical artists will serve as surprise coaches during the season. The theme for the Gospel Dream's fourth season: The Greatest Inspirational Songs of All Time.

The Top Ten finalists competing are: Amber Davies, Brownsville, TN (Age 18); Ashli Marie Pritchett, Thomaston, GA (16); Erin Lyder, Boston, MA (24); Jasmine Jackson, Murfreesboro, TN (21); NeVar Massey, Hampton, GA (34); Rashelle Garrett, Ceres, CA (32); Robert Mauti, Nashville, TN (26); Tim Stylez, Atlanta, GA (27); Tony LeBron, Boca Raton, FL (32); and Travis Lindseth, Kirkland, WA (21).

Gospel Dream talent auditions invited solo artists between the ages of 16-40, from all genres of Gospel/Christian music styles, including traditional, rock, pop, country and soul to compete for the final competition in Nashville from which ten finalists-- and ultimately one winner--will be chosen by a celebrity panel of industry professionals. The winning artist will receive record and music video exposure, among other prizes.

The Gospel Dream series was created by Executive Producer Elvin Ross, who is also the series' executive producer and musical director. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in 45 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

AFTAH Warns of Obama's Radical Homosexual Agenda as President Meets Today with Gay Activists

AFTAH Warns of Obama's Radical Homosexual Agenda as President Meets Today with Gay Activists

MEDIA ADVISORY June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) warns that President Obama will likely renew his radical promises to homosexual activists today at a White House "Pride Month" reception -- promises that, if fulfilled, will undermine the freedoms of the majority of Americans who affirm marriage and healthy, time-tested Judeo-Christian sexual values in their daily lives.

This afternoon, President Obama will meet with homosexual and transsexual activists at a "Reception for LGBT Pride Month." AFTAH President Peter LaBarbera reminds voters that Obama has no mandate for his comprehensive "gay" agenda, since these agenda items were barely discussed in the general election campaign:

* Obama's commitment to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act -- which could force pro-traditional- marriage states to recognize out-of-state homosexual "marriages";

* Obama's plans to homosexualize the U.S. military despite the plea of 1,100 high-ranking retired military officers not to overturn current law declaring homosexuality incompatible with military service;

* Obama's plans to create federal workplace "rights" based on transsexuality;

* Obama's Faith Advisory appointment of Harry Knox, who called the pope a "discredited leader" and homosexuality a "gift from God," thus mocking holy Scripture;

* Obama's appointment of Kevin Jennings to head up "Safe Schools" at the Department of Education. As founder of Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Jennings presided over a scandal in which a GLSEN-sponsored workshop exposed underage children to graphic discussions by homosexual adults on how to perform dangerous and bizarre gay perversions; Jennings also said "[F**k] 'em" and "Drop dead" to religious conservatives in a 2000 speech;

* Obama's appointment of John Berry as Office of Personnel Management Director, strategically placed to advance homosexual activism throughout the federal government;

* Obama's agenda of federalizing pro- homosexual "hate crimes" and employment law -- which would undermine Americans' freedoms and vastly increase the power of the state to punish moral- minded citizens by promoting homosexuality and gender confusion as official government policy;

* Obama's goal to homosexualize immigration laws, thus further undermining marriage and incentivizing the immigration of homosexuals -- adding new stress to an already burdened system;

* The White House's honoring of "gay pride" and radical, anti-Christian bigots like homosexual icon Frank Kameny -- who smears religious conservatives as "Christianofascists" -- and who cynically proclaims, despite being an atheist, that "gay is godly."

U.S.-Built Ferry Sets Sail for Africa

U.S.-Built Ferry Sets Sail for Africa

Thain Boatworks, Inc. Ships its First Containerized Ferry to Uganda

Thain and EarthWise Ventures, Inc., is Major Step Toward Rebuilding African Infrastructure

EVERETT, Wash., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Thain Boatworks and EarthWise Ventures, Inc. will be shipping the first Thain Containerizable Ferry from Everett to Uganda the final week of July. According to Robert Smith, U.S.A CEO of EarthWise Ventures and President of Thain Boatworks, "The shipping of this vessel is the first step in fulfilling the Earthwise dream of rebuilding African infrastructure through for-profit, private investment."

Just shy of 65', the twin-hulled vessel is made of fiberglass-clad wood, and is designed to be disassembled and shipped in standard containers, to be reassembled in Uganda by a team comprised of Americans and Africans. Eventually, Thain BoatWorks plans to conduct most of its ferry production in a Ugandan-based factory, thus adding jobs and revenue to the Ugandan economy. The ferry is designed for passenger traffic, and is expected to carry between 150 and 200 passengers between various destinations on Lake Victoria. It is the first in a fleet that is expected to grow to at least 10 vessels over the next 10 years.

The first planned route will travel between Port Bell, Uganda, and Mwanza, Tanzania, a 185-mile cross- lake run. The ship is designed to be fast, covering the distance in approximately 8 hours time, 11 hours less than when the route was last served in 1996. Presently, the only way to travel between these destinations is an arduous 1- to 2-day bus trip over extremely poor roads.

EarthWise Co-Founders Robert Smith and Calvin Echodu have each founded and operated a variety of successful African and USA based for-profit and not- for-profit operations, including Agathos Foundation, ( www.agathosfoundation.org) and Pilgrim Uganda ( www.pilgrim-uganda.org), each a privately funded, not-for-profit serving the vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Rob Smith and/or Calvin Echodu, please call Rob Smith at (425) 319-1032. Photos available upon request.

Wesleyan General Superintendent Part of Sri Lanka Peace-Building Mission

Wesleyan General Superintendent Part of Sri Lanka Peace-Building Mission

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, member of the board of General Superintendents, The Wesleyan Church, was part of a nine-person international peace- building/goodwill mission to Sri Lanka. The June 1-5, 2009 mission was organized by the World Evangelical Alliance, an association of national alliances in128 countries, in response to an invitation by Christian leaders in Sri Lanka. The team was comprised of diplomats, business leaders, and church leaders from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Its mission was to learn about Sri Lankan humanitarian needs, to encourage fellow Christian leaders, and to build bridges of understanding with non-evangelical Christians, other faiths, and governmental leaders.

The Wesleyan Church has had a presence in Sri Lanka, a country that is less than one percent Christian, since 1993. General Superintendent Lyon said, "Meeting with our Wesleyan leaders, I was once more reminded of the incredible faith it takes to live in the midst of persecution and harassment."

The aftermath of Sri Lanka's three decades-old armed conflict has displaced more than 300,000 people who are in desperate conditions. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, WEA General Secretary and International Director, said, "The church is called to be salt and light and rarely have I seen such dedication to extending God's love to non-Christian communities, despite logistical difficulties and real personal danger to themselves."

Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka welcomed the end of hostilities, "As a Christian I have hope for the future of Sri Lanka. But the danger is that, now that the headlines highlighting the war are reducing, the world will forget about those who continue to be affected. For us the real work is only now beginning!"

Lyon represents The Wesleyan Church as well as the National Association of Evangelicals in this endeavor. She further noted from her past experience in working in Sri Lanka during the tsunami, that the Christian Church is ideally placed to lead reconciliation initiatives. "In fact," she noted, "among major faiths the Christian Church is unique in having both Tamil and Sinhalese members."

From a variety of meetings with government leaders, human rights lawyers, leaders of Civil Society the statement was consistent: "the Christian Church must lead us in reconciliation." It was noted by a Sri Lankan human rights lawyer that "Truth and Reconciliation Commissions have not worked in a non-Christian country."

As in many post-war situations, particularly one which has ended so recently, some elements are still intent on intimidation, including intimidation of the church, civil society and the media. John Langlois, a former member of the Guernsey, Channel Islands, parliament and Chair of the WEA Religious Liberty Commission said, "I ask all Christian to join us in praying for those, including church leaders, who have been harassed and threatened, especially within the minority communities."

New Novel, 'He Flew Too High,' Explores Religious Extremism and Betrayal Within Mennonite Community

New Novel, 'He Flew Too High,' Explores Religious Extremism and Betrayal Within Mennonite Community

ENUMCLAW, Wash., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ken Yoder Reed's grandparents drove a horse and buggy--not because they lived during "the olden days," but because they were Amish and Old Order Mennonite.

And, although Reed has long since moved from his childhood home on a southeastern Pennsylvania farm to California's Silicon Valley, he calls himself a "refugee Mennonite."

A former journalist, Reed describes his boyhood life in Pennsylvania: "I read voraciously--when I was supposed to be tending the cows--but I never found a book that described life as I saw it all around me on the farm, in the church, at the family gatherings."

His first book, "Mennonite Soldier" (Masthof Press) retold the famous Prodigal Son story with two brothers in World War I. With his new novel, "He Flew Too High," Reed says: "This is my boyhood world--post- World War II Kittochtinny, a fictitious Mennonite community in Pennsylvania. It's the story I was born to tell."

The novel's protagonist, Saul MacNamara, is an Army nuclear bombing planner who falls in love with the daughter of a Mennonite bishop. Tormented by his belief that his work is morally evil, Saul abandons his career, marries the young woman and fully embraces her pacifist Mennonite lifestyle.

But as Saul grows convicted that a revival is needed to stop the tidal wave of Fifties American culture--and that he's the one to lead it--he alienates himself from those he cares for most: his own dear wife, her father, and the community's tradition-bound bishops.

The novel follows Saul as he makes a series of devastating decisions that threaten to destroy the lives not only of his own family, but of the entire community.

"The novel helps readers understand that zealous crusaders for God can inadvertently destroy others," says Reed. "But amid the devastation, forgiveness may come sweetly, like an unexpected vision."

To purchase a copy, visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323. To see a video book trailer, visit www.kyreed.com. To schedule an interview, or request a review copy contact Abigail Davidson at 360-802-9758 or abigail@winepressgroup.com.

Survivors Announce Southern California Rally for Life Featuring Rev. Walter Hoye on Tuesday, June 30 in Norco, California

Survivors Announce Southern California Rally for Life Featuring Rev. Walter Hoye on Tuesday, June 30 in Norco, California

NORCO, Calif., June 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Southern California Rally for Life will take place on Tuesday, June 30, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at New Beginnings Community Church at 1769 Western Avenue in Norco, California. With the theme of "Building a culture of life during the Obama presidency", the rally will feature keynote speaker Rev. Walter Hoye, II, along with prominent pro-life leaders Troy Newman of Operation Rescue and Rev. Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition.

Rev. Walter Hoye, II is the Founder and President of the Issues4Life Foundation. Rev. Hoye, a pro-life hero of our times, recently spent 19 days in jail for his peaceful pro-life work in Oakland, California. Pastor Hoye was arrested while standing on a sidewalk with a sign that read, "Jesus loves you and your baby, let us help you."

The Rally for Life is sponsored by the Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, a national pro-life youth activism organization. Over 70 young people, ages 14 to 30, will be participating in the Rally for Life as part of the Survivors 12th annual ProLife Training Camp. The Rally for Life is co-sponsored by other local pro-life organizations, including Riverside 40 Days for Life and Corona Life Services. For more information: www.survivors.la/rally.asp.

The following high school students, attendees of the Survivors ProLife Training Camp, are available for further comments at 540-538-4741.

"Since one third of our generation has been murdered, it's our duty as members of this generation to be the voice for those who didn't have one," says Amaris Gonzalez, age 17. "With this rally we are encouraging people to be the voice and to show that this generation is now standing for life and will continue to fight until this abortion holocaust has ended."

Presley Crowe, 17, states, "As a young woman living in a society where the brutal murder of unborn children is widely accepted, I want to encourage all men and women young and old to stand up for the right to life for all. This past year in a national survey, 51% of Americans polled said they were pro-life. We are not alone. We need to band together and continue to fight for the right to life for all human beings, especially the unborn. We are living in a society that is being led by the most pro-abortion president in history. Time is crucial -- we must stand up now on behalf of the unborn."

Adam Shelton, 17, states, "With the rising of the most pro-abortion president of all time, we need to show America that the tables have turned and the majority of people are pro-life rather than pro-choice."

For interviews contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540- 538-4741

Society Honoring Gun Saint Commends Catholic Sportsmen's Organization on 10th Anniversary Sporting Clays Classic

Gun Saint. Photo: Christian Newswire

Society Honoring Gun Saint Commends Catholic Sportsmen's Organization on 10th Anniversary Sporting Clays Classic

ARLINGTON, VA, June 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- The St. Gabriel Possenti Society, Inc. (www.gunsaint.com) commends the Catholic Sportsmen's Organization (CSO) on its successful 10th Anniversary annual Father's Day Sporting Clays Classic, Society Chairman John M. Snyder stated today.

"We take our hats off to co-founders John Aquilino and Chris Carroll. For a decade now, these two gentlemen have worked successfully to put together this annual sport shooting charity competition the Saturday before Father's Day. It's held each year at the Prince George's County, Maryland Trap and Skeet Center."

About 80 shooters participated in a number of events at the tournament. The Society contributed St. Gabriel Possenti medallions included on plagues awarded 10 winners. Over the years, according to Aquilino, CSO "has raised nearly $90,000 for local youth athletic, educational, and arts activities, including scouts." This year, the Knights of Columbus of St. Jerome's Parish, Hyattsville, Maryland cooperated in preparation of the event. Aquilino is active in Knights Council 5564.

Snyder said that, "as we approach the Fourth of July, it's significant to note that Chris and his six brothers and seven sisters are direct descendants of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the signers of our Declaration of Independence in 1776. Chris' leadership highlights the very real connection between shooting skills and the independence we celebrate this coming weekend. After all, it is because of early Americans' shooting skills that we are able to celebrate our independence."

St. Gabriel Possenti was a mid-19th century Catholic seminarian who was proficient in the use of shotguns, rifles and handguns. He used handguns in 1860 to rescue villagers of Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy from a gang of marauders. He died of consumption two years later. In 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized him. The international Society seeks his official Vatican designation as Patron of Handgunners. Interdenominational in scope, it emphasizes the historical, philosophical and theological bases for the right of self-defense. ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXNE2jBaL9o).

Operation Rescue Office Attacked in Broad Daylight

Operation Rescue Office Attacked in Broad Daylight

WICHITA, Kansas, June 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- Friday afternoon, June 26, a man on a bicycle attacked Operation Rescue's national headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, and attempted to disable the security system. There were four people working in the office at the time.

Operation Rescue President Troy Newman heard noise outside his office and observed the assailant through the security cameras attempting to gain access to the roof. Newman rushed outside and confronted the man, who then tried to punch Newman. When that failed, he flung his bicycle at Newman then fled the scene.

One security camera was stolen causing an estimated $1,000 in damage. No one was hurt in the fracas.

Police were called and a report was filed, but the suspect is still at large.

Ironically, at the time of the attack Newman was on the telephone giving an interview to a reporter from the Washington Times about the increase in threats against Operation Rescue staff members in the wake of the murder of late-term abortionist George Tiller.

"In light of the recent events, the targeting of our security system is troubling. We can't help but think that if this attack happened to an abortion clinic, there would be federal marshals patrolling and investigating. The police seemed apathetic. It's almost as if pro-lifers are second-class citizens," said Newman.

"We are just thankful that no one was injured and that the attacker was interrupted before he could do more damage. We will be increasing our security precautions as a result of this incident. We have a very dedicated staff, and no amount of intimidation will deter us from our work."

About Operation Rescue®
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.

Boston Cardinal O'Malley Withdraws Caritas Christi from Potential Abortion Scandal

Boston Cardinal O'Malley Withdraws Caritas Christi from Potential Abortion Scandal

WASHINGTON, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement from American Life League president Judie Brown regarding Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley's announcement that archdiocese-affiliated Caritas Christi Healthcare has withdrawn ownership of CeltiCare Health Plan. The announcement comes only two days after A.L.L. announced it would launch an investigation into the scandal.

"Praise God! After months of tireless effort from American Life League and pro-life heroes in Boston and around the country to expose a potential scandal only days away from becoming a tragic betrayal of Catholicism's unwavering commitment to the dignity of the human person, Cardinal Sean O'Malley has heard our voices and will end the joint venture with abortion-providing Centene Corp!

"We profoundly thank Cardinal O'Malley for his courage, leadership and pastoral concern for the health and well-being of those youngest members of his archdiocese. He has set a beautiful example of dedication and charity for those poorest of the poor -- the preborn.

"Cardinal O'Malley has answered our call and beat the clock as the minutes ticked away until the July 1 launch of the new CeltiCare Health Plan and the Catholic Church's participation in the intrinsic evil of abortion.

"Together with the thousands of American Life League supporters whose voices cried out in horror to the Cardinal at the thought of the Archdiocese of Boston supporting and promoting abortion, we congratulate Cardinal O'Malley on his commitment to the Faith -- even during this time of severe financial crisis.

"It has been American Life League's privilege and honor to work alongside Massachusetts heroes Carol McKinley, C.J. Doyle of Catholic Action League and many other Boston pro-lifers in our effort to bring this potential scandal to light.

"Their constant vigilance and unwavering dedication to truth were a clear voice of conscience in Boston and the archdiocese is incredibly blessed to have such soldiers for Christ in their pews.

"What happened in Boston will ring out far beyond the potential scandal that could have involved Caritas Christi and thereby the Archdiocese. Cardinal O'Malley's reaffirmation of the Faith, when it would have been all too easy to compromise, is a sign of the vitality of United States Catholics' commitment to human life and personhood.

"American Life League and our supporters are humbled to stand alongside Cardinal O'Malley as a sign of contradiction to the culture of death."

American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro- life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

American Life League: ALL Promises Caritas Christi Investigation After July 1 (24 June 2009)

Catholic Action League of Massachusetts

Boston Globe: Caritas Ends Venture Over Abortion Issue (26 June 2009)

Momentum Builds for Pro-Life Prayer-&-Picket of NEA Teacher Union Convention in San Diego & NEA State HQs on July 2

Momentum Builds for Pro-Life Prayer-&-Picket of NEA Teacher Union Convention in San Diego & NEA State HQs on July 2; Troy Newman, Rev. Patrick Mahoney, and Jeff White Join Team of Coordinators; Pastors & Churches Urged to Promote Demonstrations Across USA

SAN DIEGO, June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- Bob Pawson of Pro-Life Educators And Students (PLEAS), announces, "Our growing team of pro-life coordinators now includes Jeff White from Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, Rev. Patrick Mahoney of Christian Defense Coalition, and Troy Newman of Operation Rescue, for the July 2 prayer-and-picket demonstrations during the NEA teacher union convention at the San Diego Convention Center and NEA-State-Affiliate offices across America.

"These esteemed pro-life leaders are promoting and recruiting for our peaceful, prayerful demonstrations regarding the NEA leadership's pro-abortion track record. They are speaking at the Rally for Life at New Beginnings Church in Norco, CA, this Tuesday evening alongside Rev. Walter B. Hoye II, president of Issues4Life Foundation."

Pro-Life citizens, teachers, parents, and children are urged to picket the National Education Association leadership's pro-abortion policies, actions, and agenda in San Diego between 10:00AM and 2:00PM and NEA-State-Affiliate-HQs in cities across America from 11:00AM through 1:00PM.

"During these final days before July 2nd, pro-life leaders, pastors, groups, and individuals are encouraged to organize demonstrations of a dozen or two picketers at NEA offices in their state's capitals and hometowns. Promote at worship services this Sunday. Gather together your family members and a few pro-life friends and just go to your state's NEA- affiliate offices with pro-life posters. Pray and picket for an hour. Children are especially effective messengers highlighting the hypocrisy of teacher-union leaders supporting abortion," said Pawson.

"The number of locations nationwide is more important than the number of picketers at any location. We don't necessarily need hundreds of picketers at each state's NEA-HQ. A dozen or two would be sufficient -- multiplied by many sites across 50 states. Pro-Lifers far from state capitals can picket their county or town's local NEA-affiliate listed in telephone book white pages."

Survivors founder, Jeff White, said, "It seems bizarre and surreal that teachers, people whose love for children is supposedly second only to that of their parents, would support the mass killing of babies. The Abortion Holocaust has also eliminated multitudes of jobs and careers for teachers and school workers. Why do NEA members tolerate this from their so-called leaders?"

"Apparently this event will be the first highly visible pro- life event since the murder of George Tiller," said Pawson. "Pro-abortion militants and hostile media pundits have exploited the killing of Tiller, by a madman not associated with our movement, to intimidate pro-lifers into silence and surrender. Our peaceful, prayerfully pickets should inspire millions of pro-life Americans to reaffirm that we express our concern, compassion, and desire for true justice through lawful, constitutional means using reason, rational discourse, and our right to assemble in the public square."

Pro-Life Opinion editor, Gingi Edmonds, says, "An overwhelming majority of NEA members, 82%, believe their union leaders should take no official position on abortion. Regardless of their personal political views, NEA members expect the leadership to fight for things like better teacher pay and higher standards in school; not to support pro-abortion candidates and justices who argue for killing the next generation of students."

State and local organizers should e-mail PLEAS detailing locations and leadership contact info. Also, send digital photos or video to PLEAS later that afternoon.

Mary Kuper reports that she and local San Diegan pro- life volunteers "will be located inside the NEA convention, in a booth, helping to educate the delegates on life issues."

New Book Renders Strong Piece of Historical Fiction

Photo: Christian Newswire
New Book Renders Strong Piece of Historical Fiction

Book Review by J. Alpha, US Review of Books

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- "As it is with all children who accept the reins of responsibility from a powerful parent, ultimately a time came when there were choices to be made that only a Heavenly Father could understand."

"Threads: An American Tapestry" by Gloria Waldron Hukle ( www.authorgloriawaldronhukle.com) is a story that deftly weaves together the struggles and triumphs of the differing visions and conflicts of the independent-minded characters of the New York Hudson Valley colonials, which comprised a mix of European, African, and Native American cultures, with the turmoil in the lives of three siblings--heirs to the estate of Gerrit Vandenberg, a wealthy New York North River Valley landowner.

However, as the central theme of Threads reveals, prosperity does not exclude life's struggles from the affluent, nor is it a shield against the lifelong prejudices and alienation Margaret Vandenberg had experienced as a "high-brow Indian woman"--Garrit Vandenberg's "half-breed" daughter, who in spite of her good intentions and acts of charity and generosity remains a slave to the suspicions, mistrust, and hatred of her mixed heritage and Old World enemies as she struggles to retain sole control over her families upstate New York estate when her long thought dead brother returns with a wife and business partner. Thus the stage has been set for Threads compelling story conflict which builds on the tension between the main characters, their internal constraints, and the outside forces of their environment and opposing external forces.

As the story (circa 1723) begins, Margaret Vandenberg--well into her thirties--prepares to marry for the first time while facing the smoldering emotions of envy and perceived corruption of religious beliefs, in addition to the tragic murder of one of her black servants and the secret involvement of another who is harboring runaway slaves by providing a stopover at her manor on their way to Canada.

Compelled to follow an obstacle strewn path, Margaret knew full well that her decisions would alter the course of her life, but never could have conceived of all the other lives that would also be altered. A woman of strong faith, Margaret vows that she will leave her fate, in God's hand, but yet as a strong, resourceful, and independent woman she also understands that the consequences of her decisions are hers to hold forever.

Threads--Hukle's third installment in The Waldron Series--is a reflective tale told with an infusion of relevant historical facts that enhance both the action and pacing of the plot. Often in historical fiction, authors unintentionally lose their characters inside their story-like passages of exhaustive research, but Hukle has completely avoided this common pitfall, having rendered a strong piece of historical fiction for readers to be drawn into with her solid research, solid character renderings, and solid writing.

The US Review of Books
PO Box 11, Titusville, NJ 08560

Scotland's Highlands Reached Through Evangelist Luis Palau's Two-Week Campaign

Scotland's Highlands Reached Through Evangelist Luis Palau's Two-Week Campaign

More than 60 outreach events saturate the region with the Gospel, spark hope for local churches

INVERNESS, Scotland, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Highland Festival with Luis Palau culminated in Inverness, Scotland on June 20 after two weeks of more than 60 outreach events in more than a dozen towns throughout Scotland's Highlands. Local pastors praised the Palau outreach for the unity it created among participating churches and for saturating the Highlands with the Gospel message. Most of the sparsely populated towns impacted by the campaign have not witnessed such a large scale effort since Palau's previous Scottish campaigns that ran from 1979-1981.

"You can definitely sense the secularization and lack of church attendance," said the Argentine evangelist, the grandson of Scotsman Robert Balfour. "I have asked young people 'do you go to church?' and they look at me like I'm from another planet." But just as he noted 30 years ago, Palau said, "Scotland is once again dry tinder, ready to catch fire for the Lord."

The Highland Festival involved more than 100 churches -- that's more than half the region's total church population -- representing nearly every denomination. Together with Palau, his son Andrew, and a team of partner evangelists, these churches made a profound impact through a combination of preaching, music, skateboarding, sports, and good, old-fashioned fun. An estimated 5 percent of attendees made a commitment to Christ.

"What a great blessing we have seen through Highland Festival with Luis Palau," said Lord Mackay of Clashfern, honorary chairman of the campaign and, until recently, the third most powerful person in the United Kingdom's government as Lord Chancellor. "Never in recent history has there been such a widespread evangelistic effort that touched so many people of all ages in so many locations throughout the Highlands."

Leading up to the final event, an outdoor festival in Inverness on June 19-20, were eight mini-festivals in nearby towns, more than 40 outreaches at schools and prisons, a tea for women held at the personal castle of well-known Christian businesswoman Anne Gloag, a business leaders' luncheon, and two evenings of traditional music and preaching at an indoor theatre. By the end of the culminating festival, officials estimated approximately 20,000 people had been reached with the Gospel message -- representing 10 percent of the population of the surrounding area and marking a significant step forward for evangelism in the region.

"The number of people reached is tremendous for Scotland's Highlands," said Palau, also noting that the clear message of God's salvation was also broadcast throughout the entire United Kingdom via BBC4 and through press stories. "I am encouraged! But even more, we are excited for the unity, collaboration, and vision this campaign has given the local churches. Christian leaders want to continue this work."

Palau's worldwide festivals also include widespread community service initiatives, now known as Season of Service campaigns. In Inverness, thousands of pounds of food were collected through a partnership with Blythswood Care. "It is obvious that the recession and resulting unemployment is hitting parts of the Highlands very hard," said Blythswood chief executive James Campbell. "The food bank will tide many hundreds of adults and children over, when otherwise they would face the prospect of real deprivation."

"We are praising God through this entire campaign," said Palau. "We give thanks to our prayer partners who interceded on behalf of the people of the Highlands and gave to make it all possible. We continue praying that this is just the beginning of what God plans to do in this area."

Audio Bible Ministry Grows Outreach in Sri Lanka

Audio Bible Ministry Grows Outreach in Sri Lanka

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Tens of thousands died in the fighting, and many more thousands fled in search of peace. Now, hundreds of thousands survive in refugee camps not far from the places they once called home.

After 26 years of bitter civil war in Sri Lanka, this island nation's militarized minority, the Tamil Tigers, laid down their weapons. This transition has opened the door for the Good News to come into areas once cut- off from the world.

"Conditions in Sri Lanka are difficult right now -- closed roads, unsanitary living conditions and lack of resources," said Doug Harstine, Faith Comes By Hearing regional manager.

"There is great need, especially for food. Relief organizations and Faith Comes By Hearing partners, like the Ceylon Bible Society, are assessing which regions have the most damage," said Harstine. "The rebel-held areas, which were once closed and heavily guarded, will be open again soon."

During this time of rebuilding comes a rebuilding of faith.

"The people are ready for the message of hope that comes from God's Word," he said. "We're working with the Ceylon Bible Society to distribute Audio Bibles in those refugee camps."

Harstine said Faith Comes By Hearing is expanding their impact in the region by forming a new outreach team and sending out a recording team.

"Our new Faith Comes By Hearing outreach team is made up of Ceylon Bible Society staff. These dedicated believers will go into these areas and camps, come alongside churches and ministries and start Audio Bible listening groups," said Harstine.

As people hear God's Word, they are discipled and transformed; they respond by planting churches.

"The recording team will re-record the Tamil Audio Bible using indigenous voices," said Harstine. "The current recording was voiced by Indians because of the lack of access to the Tamil region. Now, the Word of God will be in their dialect, and Tamil people will be more open to the Scriptures."

After finishing the Tamil New Testament, this team will record other languages in South Asia.

Faith Comes By Hearing's mission is to record the New Testament in 2,000 languages and to implement two million Bible listening groups by 2016 to reach the 50% of the world who cannot read and are poor. Faith Comes By Hearing now has 439 Audio Scripture recordings in 371 languages. All are available for free download at www.FaithComesByHearing.com.

GFA President Praises Indian Government Move to Strike Down Anti-Conversion Laws

GFA President Praises Indian Government Move to Strike Down Anti-Conversion Laws

CARROLLTON, Texas, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- The newly elected Indian government, led by the moderate Congress party, is taking a strong stand against anti-conversion legislation that has restricted religious freedom in the nation. They plan to block bills introduced in a number of states by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This is very encouraging news for Christians and other minorities in the nation.

Dr. K.P. Yohannan, president of Gospel for Asia, gladly welcomed the news of the Indian government's recent stand.

"It's absolutely encouraging to see the government is upholding the constitution and its secular values of freedom of choice and liberty for the people," he said. "Continue to pray for those in authority, that they will protect the rights of the minorities in their freedom to choose."

The controversial anti-conversion laws, ironically called the "Freedom of Religion" acts, are currently active in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Two more states--Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh-- have passed anti-conversion legislation but not yet put it into practice. Anti-conversion legislation has also been introduced in the state of Karnataka.

The impact on these states will vary depending on whether the BJP is dominant there. In Rajasthan, an anti-conversion law had been passed but had not yet been implemented. With the consent of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the Indian government plans to nullify it there.

For Madhya Pradesh, they plan to withhold consent to the ruling BJP, which had proposed amendments that would make the law there even more stringent. Digvijay Singh, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and today a senior official in the Congress party, agrees with the federal government's concerns that the bill infringes on the religious freedom outlined in the constitution, according to ChristianToday.com.

"When I was chief minister in those 10 years, there was no case for forcible conversion," he told a media source.

Where enacted, the laws have held strict penalties for anyone declared guilty of either converting someone or of changing their religion without first informing the government 30 days beforehand. Depending on the state, this could mean two years in prison, a heavy fine, or even both.

While the laws were reportedly introduced to check religious conversions made by "force, fraud or allurement," Christians say they have been misused to attack and arrest pastors on made-up charges.

Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.

Relationship Expert Offers Hope to King of Pop, Four Days Before His Death

Relationship Expert Offers Hope to King of Pop, Four Days Before His Death

Nationally-known television evangelist interrupts Sunday morning worship service with a prophetic message to king of pop, "...He's greater than the hole in your heart..."

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gregory Dickow, Pastor of Life Changers International Church outside Chicago, baffled worshippers when, at the end of this past Sunday's Father's Day service, he looked into the television camera and stated, "I announce to the king of pop, today, my (Heavenly) Father is greater than all that was done to you and all that you've done and is greater than the hole in your heart and He will fill it to overflowing." Afterward, Dickow simply ended the service. Only a few days later would the world learn how prophetic, and stunning, his statement was when reports surfaced that the 'king of pop' was dead. Jackson was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, when attempts to revive him from full cardiac arrest were unsuccessful.

When asked if he knew of any health problems the pop star was suffering with, Dickow stated, "I've never met Michael Jackson and knew nothing about his health. There's no way I could have known that within just a few days we'd be watching reports of his (Jackson's) death on national TV." Dickow continued "Certainly, I pray that Michael Jackson knew God and that his family will find peace during this time of mourning."

In addition to heading up the large Chicago suburban mega church, Dickow also appears daily on the Changing Your Life television program on stations across the world as well as hosting the popular live radio show, Ask the Pastor.

"I may never know if the message God gave me for Michael actually reached him. But it's the same message I'll continue to give folks everywhere I go", Dickow said.

Videotape of the sermon will be shown on an upcoming broadcast. Until then, the excerpt can be seen on YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites worldwide.

Known by thousands across the country as a relationship expert, Dickow also authored the new book, The Power to Change Today, a book that guides its readers through steps toward a fulfilled life.

Dr. Craig Williford Named President of Trinity International University

Dr. Craig Williford Named President of Trinity International University

DEERFIELD, Ill., June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Craig Williford was named President of Trinity International University (TIU) by a vote at the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) Leadership Conference in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, on Thursday, June 25, 2009. The TIU community welcomes President Williford, and his wife Carolyn, as they help lead the university in fulfilling its mission to educate men and women for faithful participation in God's redemptive work in the world.

"After a prayerful and thorough search, we know that God has brought us his person in his timing to be the next President of Trinity International University," remarked Presidential Search Committee Chairman Chuck Thor. "Dr. Williford brings a strong commitment to Christ and the Kingdom of God, along with unusual leadership talents and an impressive track record of leadership in the local church and in Christian higher education."

Dr. Williford began serving as acting president of the university on April 1, 2009, after a unanimous recommendation from Trinity's Board of Regents and approval by the EFCA Board of Directors. An ordained minister of the EFCA, Dr. and Mrs. Williford have been warmly welcomed on campus by students, faculty, and staff, and look with great anticipation to the future of Trinity International University.

"Carolyn and I are humbled and pleased to have the privilege of serving as the presidential couple here at Trinity International University," said Dr. Williford. "We express our sincere thanks to the Board of Regents and the EFCA for determining that God has called us to this role."

Dr. and Mrs. Williford humbly ask the Trinity community to join them in prayer. "We covet your prayers that God will empower us for this responsibility and mobilize Trinity to continue to significantly influence the Kingdom of God for His glory through our alumni. We look forward to meeting and working with the entire Trinity family."

Trinity International University is a private, Christian university comprising four schools and two centers: Trinity College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity Graduate School, Trinity Law School, The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity, and the Carl F.H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding. Trinity has more than 2,900 students from 45 countries and throughout the United States. TIU exists to educate men and women for faithful participation in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian fidelity, and lifelong learning.

For more information and images, see www.tiu.edu/president or e-mail pr@tiu.edu.

'California, Stand Up for Jesus' -- State-wide Prayer Rally, Wed, 5 Aug 09, 6pm

'California, Stand Up for Jesus' -- State-wide Prayer Rally, Wed, 5 Aug 09, 6pm

'California, Stand Up for Jesus' -- State-wide Prayer Rally, Confirmed: 5 Aug 09 at 6pm

LODI, Calif., June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following information is submitted by former Navy Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt of The Pray in Jesus Name Project:

PRAYER RALLY DATE IS NOW CONFIRMED and re- scheduled for Wednesday, 5 Aug 2009, 6pm PST.

Why?
The Lodi City Council is considering a vote to BAN THE NAME OF JESUS from public prayers offered before city council meetings. The clerk and city council members now confirm they have scheduled a public debate (and possibly a vote) on 5 August.

Who?
--Former Navy Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt will fly in to lead the rally with many California pastors. (Pastors please call "Chaps" right now: 719-360-5132.)

--Pastor Everett Robinson of The Will Of God Christian Center will lead coordination efforts on the ground. (Bus coordinators and volunteers please call Pastor Robinson: 707-333-1282.)

--Lodi California Mayor Larry D. Hansen fears a lawsuit by atheist groups if he doesn't silence Christian prayers, and has requested to hear your public opinion.

When?
--Prayer rally outside on steps at 6pm, Wednesday, 5 August 2009, before debate.
--City Council meeting and debate or vote at 7pm, inside, "standing room only."

Where?
Lodi City Council Meeting
Carnegie Forum
305 W. Pine Street
Lodi, CA 95240

Where exactly?
Map and driving directions here:
http://tinyurl.com/lodicitycouncil

What happened? Prayer in Jesus name to be banned. Read the SHOCKING NEWS REPORTS here:
http://tinyurl.com/JesusPetitionLodi

Take action nation-wide! Sign the online petition, receive email updates and alerts (optional):
http://tinyurl.com/JesusPetitionLodi

California pastors please announce three things from the Pulpit:

1) I plan to attend if possible, to stand up for Jesus.

2) I want every man in our church to attend if possible, to stand up for Jesus.

3) I want every woman and child to attend if possible, to stand up for Jesus.

CHURCH FLYER: Download, Copy, Distribute, Free 8.5 X 11 Flyer Here:
http://tinyurl.com/lodichurchflyer

Everybody please make flyer copies for every member at all churches every Sunday before the 5 August 09 city council meeting. Then everybody please email this press release widely around the whole state.

MEDIA INTERVIEWS: Please call Chaplain Klingenschmitt.

ALL CALIFORNIA PASTORS: Please call Chaps now: 719-360-5132, then call Pastor Robinson: 707-333- 1282.

California, it's time to take a stand for Jesus.

Let's rally and pray, in Jesus' name,
Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt ("Chaps")
Chaps' Bio: www.PrayInJesusName.org/invite-speaker

All 18 House Church Leaders Released in Sichuan

House church leader Li Ming. Photo: Christian Newswire

All 18 House Church Leaders Released in Sichuan

SICHUAN, China, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- All 18 house church leaders arrested in Langzhong city, Sichuan province on June 9 were released due to pressure from many supporters who called the PSB office after seeing ChinaAid's press release. Thirteen of the leaders served administrative detention for 10 days and were released on June 20 (Beijing time). The five leaders sentenced to criminal detention were released on June 23.

The house church leaders were arrested on June 9, when more than 30 house church leaders were gathered in Pastor Li Ming's house church at 5:30 p.m. in Langzhong city, Sichuan province. Several dozen officials in six to seven police vehicles from the local Domestic Security Protection Squad surrounded the site, then arrested all 30 of the Christians and searched the house. Police released 12 leaders the same day, but detained 18.

ChinaAid, together with 18 released house church leaders, express heartfelt gratitude to those whose prayers and phone calls led to their release.

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.

Heaven and the Afterlife: Separating Fact from Fiction

Heaven and the Afterlife: Separating Fact from Fiction

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Born from our culture's preoccupation and fear of death, the obsession with the supernatural and afterlife is everywhere in society today. From the "Twilight" phenomenon to the popular television shows of "Lost" and "Medium" to the blockbuster "90 Minutes in Heaven" book, the fascination with this topic is seemingly endless.

But with so many differing--and even contradictory-- answers and experiences, who and what can people believe really believe as the truth?

Seeing a deeper need in this insatiable appetite for the supernatural, bestselling author and popular apologist Dr. James Garlow helps readers sort out the fact from the fiction in "Heaven and the Afterlife" (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group; July). Based on years of biblical study and first-hand experiences as a teacher and pastor, he gives straightforward answers to the confusing and sometimes troubling issues of heaven, hell, ghosts, angels, near-death experiences, and much more.

Written in a candid and easy-to-understand way, "Heaven and the Afterlife" is a trustworthy examination of the world beyond this life. In its pages readers will find amazing first-person stories of supernatural experiences, accounts from the Bible, testimonies, theories, and also what some of the world's religions believe on the subject.

Speaking not only to Christians, Garlow makes the information accessible to anyone looking for simple answers to the fascinating subject of the world beyond this life.

About the Author: James L. Garlow, Ph.D., is the coauthor of "Cracking DaVinci's Code", with a half million copies in print. He is the senior pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, and a speaker at pastors' and leaders' conferences. Jim has master's degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary, and a PhD in historical theology from Drew University. He speaks nationwide and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, and NBC. His daily radio commentary, The Garlow Perspective, can be heard on nearly 500 outlets. Jim and his wife are the parents of four children and live in San Diego, California.

More information including questions and answers with James Garlow and an excerpt:
www.bethanyhouse.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-0- 7642-0576-7.

Catholics Learn How to Read and Study the Bible

Catholics Learn How to Read and Study the Bible

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is information on the 2009 National Catholic Bible Conference:

What: The 2009 National Catholic Bible Conference will feature ten of the most effective Catholic bible teachers and biblical scholars in the country. The theme of the event is "Scripture in the Life and Mission of the Church." The conference will begin with mass, followed by a keynote from Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput on Friday morning. Several additional talks will offer opportunities to encounter Scripture in both an informative and transformative sense and inspire participants to put God's Word into practice.

When: Friday and Saturday, June 26-27, 2009

Where: St. Thomas More Church located at 8035 South Quebec Street, Centennial, Colorado.

Speakers: Catholic speakers including Jeff Cavins, Dr. Tim Gray, Dr. Ted Sri, Dr. Brant Pitre, Dr. Peter Williamson, Dr. Mary Healy, Curtis Martin, Thomas Smith, Sarah Christmyer and Deb Holiday.

Who: Anyone interested in learning the Bible. Also, bible study leaders, priests and religious leaders.

Info: Sponsored by Ascension Press, The Augustine Institute and The Denver Catholic Biblical School, the National Catholic Bible Conference seeks to bring people from all over North America together to study the Bible for both knowledge and enrichment.

Information on the conference and how to register can be found at www.CatholicBibleConference.com.

For interviews, please contact Christine Schicker of The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871.

Dr. Alveda King: Celebrity Passings Remind Us of the Importance of Each Life

Dr. Alveda King: Celebrity Passings Remind Us of the Importance of Each Life

ATLANTA, June 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commented today on the deaths of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon.

"The passing of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon takes me back to another time," said Dr. King, "a time that certainly had its turmoil, but that also had its promises. The passing of these 'stars' reminds me of the days when ABC was a fresh and innocent song without hints of profanity or gratuitous sex; the time before beautiful Farrah became an Angel; and Ed and Johnny gave us late night television. Those were the days and times when life was precious in America.
"The memories of Michael, Farrah, and Ed take us back 40 years and over 50 million abortions ago," added Dr. King. "They remind me and my fellow pro- life civil rights warriors how the choices we make shape not only our lives, but the future of others. They teach us yet again that one life can touch the world."

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.

President Obama's Progressive Foreign and Human Rights Policy: 'If You Slaughter and Brutalize Your Own People, You will Still Get Invited to a 4th of

President Obama's Progressive Foreign and Human Rights Policy: 'If You Slaughter and Brutalize Your Own People, You will Still Get Invited to a 4th of July Celebration'

WASHINGTON, June 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Obama Administration refuses to rescind its invitation for Iranian diplomats to attend 4th of July celebrations at US embassies around the world.

This invitation still stands in spite of the Iranian government brutalizing and murdering their people as they peacefully cry for human rights and fair elections.

This is a slap in the face and disgrace to all Iranians who are seeking human rights and justice, especially to those like Neda, a 26 year old student, who was gunned down for simply yearning for freedom.

The group wonders aloud what the next step by President Obama will be toward Iran. Inviting them to a New Year's Eve party after they launch a nuclear attack on Israel?

The Christian Defense Coalition calls upon the faith community to pray and fast for the people of Iran as they engage in this historic struggle for freedom.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states,

"It is an absolute disgrace that the Obama Administration has refused to rescind their invitation to Iranian diplomats to attend 4th of July celebrations at US embassies around the world.

"This invitation is still in place even after the Iranian government has brutally murdered, beaten, jailed and tortured innocent Iranian citizens for peacefully crying out for human rights and fair elections.

"President Obama has chosen to ignore the sacrifices of people like Neda, the 26 year old student, who gave her life for the cause of freedom. What kind of message is this sending to these heroic young people who are only seeking their God given rights for social justice and liberty? I also wonder what kind of message this is sending to the leaders of Iran who are being rewarding for oppressing and brutalizing their own people?

"Is this the new Obama foreign policy doctrine?

"What makes this even more troubling is the fact that it is a 4th of July celebration. Think of the tragic irony of this situation. President Obama is inviting Iranian leaders who brutalize and murder their own people for seeking liberty and freedom, to a holiday celebrating America's historic victory seeking liberty and freedom.

"One thing is clear from the Obama Administration. If you are Iran, you will be rewarded for crushing human rights and democracy."

For more information and interviews contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741 202.547.1735

LA Passes Conscience Clause Bill for ALL Health Care Workers

LA Passes Conscience Clause Bill for ALL Health Care Workers

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- The LA Healthcare Workers Conscience Act, HB-517, passed late this afternoon, LARTL is reporting. Despite efforts to dilute the inevitability of the bill by pro-abortion pols, pro-life legislators fought off the attack against rights of conscience for ALL health care workers. The bill had been amended days ago so that it only applied to public employees, but Sen. Amedee was able to strip that line from the bill today. The LA House had originally passed the bill by a 2 to 1 margin of 65 to 33. The Senate followed last week and the final Senate- House conference overwhelmingly passed the conference bill 31-2. Gov. Bobby Jindal, who has a strong pro-life record, has promised to sign the bill.

Pharmacists For Life International (PFLI) is the only pharmacy association which is exclusively pro-life, something no other pharmacy organization can say (or would have the courage to say!). PFLI is a worldwide apostolate of thousands of pharmacists, plus hundreds of other health professionals, pharmacy students, interns, pharmacy technicians, and the public, in the USA, Canada and worldwide. We have active regional coordinators in many states and nations. For more information or the latest breaking news in matters of conscience or the pharmacy profession go to PFLI.org, and sign up for FREE daily email news while you're there!

YouTube Removes New Undercover Student Video of Planned Parenthood without Explanation

YouTube Removes New Undercover Student Video of Planned Parenthood without Explanation

LOS ANGELES, June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- Without offering any specific explanation, the video-sharing site YouTube has removed a new video by the student group Live Action that shows dishonest counseling practices at Planned Parenthood. The video first plays undercover footage of a Planned Parenthood counselor from Tucson, AZ telling a patient that images of aborted fetuses "are not real" and then shows photographs of a completed abortion and documentation of their authenticity.

Lila Rose, 20-year-old president of Live Action, calls on YouTube to re-instate the video in accordance with its own guidelines: "Since the video we posted does not violate any terms of use, we expect YouTube to re- instate it immediately. YouTube's own 'Community Guideline Tips' advise that intense or disturbing imaging should be 'balanced with additional context and information,' which is exactly what Live Action has done." YouTube has removed videos posted by Live Action without explanation before, including videos showing Planned Parenthood employees caught on tape sympathizing with donors with racist agendas to encourage the abortion of black babies.

Live Action's videos use undercover tactics to expose fraudulent practices in the abortion industry and are similar to other "sting" investigations which journalists often post on YouTube. The most recent video is part of Live Action's Mona Lisa Project, which documents abusive practices in Planned Parenthood clinics across the nation. Footage released to date has caught on hidden camera six Planned Parenthood clinics in three states ignoring their mandatory reporting responsibilities for statutory rape and protecting adult-child sexual relationships. Recently the Tennessee State Legislature used undercover footage from Live Action to help divert nearly $1 million in taxpayer subsidies from Planned Parenthood clinics, and in California, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to end a nearly $300,000 contract with the abortion provider.

"New media is vital to educating the public about the shocking realities of abortion practice in America," Rose emphasizes. "Our videos show hard truths about the abortion industry that must be seen and dealt with. Lawmakers and their constituents are recognizing this, but YouTube does everyone a disservice when they cooperate with Planned Parenthood in burying the evidence of abuse."

For more information, including the censored video, visit
liveaction.org/monalisa/tucson/pp_says_not_real.htm

National 'Faith in Action Sunday' Set for Oct. 11

Faith Sunday in Action. Photo: Christian Newswire

National 'Faith in Action Sunday' Set for Oct. 11

Churches across America to Close Doors on Sunday to Serve Communities during Tough Economic Times

Web Site Launched to Support Expanding Movement

VISTA, Calif., June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- The third annual "Faith In Action Sunday" -- which challenges churches to literally close their doors on a Sunday morning and go out and serve their communities -- will take place on Oct. 11 this year.

Photo: A young member of CloudBreak Church in San Diego helps with a clean-up effort in his community during "Faith in Action Sunday" last year.

"Faith in Action" was developed by World Vision, Zondervan and Outreach, Inc. in 2007 to encourage churches, ministries and small groups to serve and meet practical needs in their local communities.

The "Faith in Action" movement is quickly becoming a viral online community of service-minded churches, collecting photos, videos and testimonies via RSS feeds from other popular sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. A new web site -- www.putyourfaithinaction.org -- has been developed to support this growing movement.

"Faith in Action" also utilizes an online social network to connect churches with one another's stories and successes. Participants can find more resources to equip their congregations for service at www.putyourfaithinaction.org/interact.

John Ortberg, best-selling author and pastor, is the national spokesman for "Faith in Action." He called the initiative "a dynamic program that galvanizes your congregation to be the hands and feet of Jesus in meeting real needs in your local community."

Richard Stearns, president for World Vision, agreed. "'Faith in Action' is a powerful way to demonstrate the love of Jesus to our neighbors," he said.

"Churches all over the U.S. -- even churches that are financially stressed themselves -- have made a genuine difference to their struggling and hurting neighbors with the 'Faith in Action' program," said Eric Abel, vice president of marketing for Outreach, Inc.

Churches have organized food drives and helped the elderly and needy with home repairs. Some groups cleaned and landscaped public areas or private homes. Some maintained women's or homeless shelters. And one church adopted a school and committed to performing regular clean-up and gardening tasks.

The "Faith in Action" program includes an awareness building campaign that educates the church on the power of "loving our neighbors." The program also helps church members invite people in their community to join in serving. Small group materials are also available in Spanish.

"Pastors are raving about the results, saying it really made a difference in their communities. Their members can't wait to do it again," said Abel.

More than 800 churches have signed up for "Faith in Action Sunday" to date, although some have chosen alternative dates for the event. Some are joining together to do community-wide and even city-wide events.

The theme for this year's "Faith in Action Sunday" is "Don't go to church. Be the church," said Abel.

"First Lady Michele Obama recently went on national television asking Americans to volunteer in their local communities. 'Faith in Action' is a great way to show the world that service is not just a one-time initiative, but for followers of Jesus Christ, is a way of life," he said.

"I recommend 'Faith in Action' to any church that wants to mobilize for greater community outreach," said John O'Neal, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Wash., one of the churches that participated in "Faith in Action Sunday" in 2008.

Eric Marsh, pastor of Long Beach Grace Brethren Church, in California, said, "'Faith in Action' is a way to kick-start a church's focus on external service. It's not just the one-day thing."

World Vision (www.worldvision.org ) is the world's largest Christian humanitarian relief organization. Outreach, Inc. (www.outreach.com) is a leading provider of outreach and evangelistic material for churches.