MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Sky Angel U.S., LLC recently earned recognition as an organization of excellence by the Economic Development Council of Collier County in Naples, Fla. The company was nominated and won in the Innovation Category for Mid-Sized Businesses. This award is given annually to a company that "exemplifies innovative leadership through product or process."
Photo: (L-R) Tom Scott, Sky Angel President & COO, accepts EDC Innovation Award from Collier County Commissioner Tom Henning
Tom Scott, Sky Angel's President and COO, accepted the Innovation Award on behalf of the company at the Award Ceremony held at the Sugden Theatre in downtown Naples.
"Sky Angel is honored to receive the Innovation Award from the EDC of Collier County. Our company has always utilized innovative technology and we have embraced IPTV as a way to provide our national subscribers with over 70 channels of great programming. We are proud of the entire Sky Angel team who worked tirelessly during this transition from satellite to IPTV and are excited to continue to introduce IPTV technology throughout the U.S."
In February 2008, Sky Angel U.S. LLC became the first to launch a national multi-channel platform of television programming utilizing encrypted Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) technology. Programming is delivered over the internet to a set top box to bring video and radio programming to television sets nationwide.
Sky Angel IPTV is also compatible with existing satellite or cable service and the company makes it easy to add on to those services.
With IPTV technology, the ability to add new television and radio channels to the lineup is virtually limitless and more cost-effective than traditional formats. Sky Angel IPTV also features a 48-hour playback option on the faith-based TV channels plus an ever-expanding library of free and fee-based Video-On-Demand programs.
Sky Angel U.S. LLC, shares the pioneering spirit originated by its founder, Robert W. Johnson, Sr., when he began the sister satellite company known as Dominion Video Satellite, Inc., more than 25 years ago.
Sky Angel offers over 70 channels of reasonably priced programming starting at only $14.99 per month. To learn more, visit www.skyangel.com or call 1-800-SKY-ANGEL (1-800-759-2643).
About Sky Angel:
Sky Angel® U.S. LLC is a Christian-owned multi- channel provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming. Using the latest technology, Sky Angel IPTV offers television viewers the widest variety of Christian-based channels available, plus family, sports and news programming through a high-speed Internet connection. Sky Angel IPTV also provides subscribers with value-added features including 48-hour playback on all faith-based TV channels plus an ever-growing Video-On-Demand library with free and fee-based selections.
Founded by Robert Johnson Sr. more than 25 years ago, Sky Angel was created to provide a Christ- centered and family-friendly alternative to the standard television fare. Since then, his vision has grown into a service providing quality television and radio programming to all corners of the United States. Sky Angel's mission is to build and operate a global communications system to assure the Gospel will penetrate every nation, culture and people.
Sky Angel also carries the Parents Television Council's® prestigious Entertainment Seal of Approval (TM), which recognizes excellence and social responsibility in programming.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sky Angel Wins Economic Development Council's Excellence in Industry Innovation Award
Catholic Priests and Former Abortionist Confront Congress
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- On the heels of controversies involving House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Joseph Biden's comments on the Catholic Church and abortion, Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, today ended three days of visits to the offices of members of Congress, challenging them to admit what abortion is.
"The abortion debate often lacks a starting point, because the word has lost practically all its meaning," Fr. Pavone stated. "We've been visiting Congressional offices, bringing diagrams of the procedure and quotes of abortionists, and then have asked, 'Is this what you mean when you say abortion?'"
Joining Fr. Pavone in these Capitol Hill meetings were Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., former abortionist Dr. Anthony Levatino, Fr. Denis G. Wilde, O.S.A., Fr. Peter J. West, Fr. Victor Salomon, and the Coordinator of Priests for Life's Lay Missionaries, James J. Pinto. The details of the "Is This What You Mean?" campaign, along with the quotes and diagrams, can be found at www.priestsforlife.org/isthiswhatyoumean.
"The last thing that abortion supporters want to talk about is abortion," Fr. Pavone added. "But this campaign puts the words of the abortionists before the public, so that those who vote in favor of abortion can no longer hide from its violent reality."
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 .
The Public Also Wants Porn Filtered on Flights
NASHVILLE, Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Girls Against Porn is sending a letter, co-signed by organizations, to American Airlines, stating it is in the airline's best interest to filter porn as part of its in-flight Internet. The leaders of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants voiced concern over being designated "moral police" of the in- flight service. They want it filtered. Blogs and complaints from the public concur. Porn is indecent; hardcore pornography can be prosecuted under federal obscenity laws.
The coalition letter expresses concern for children and passengers who are exposed to pornography. Seating is already confined. It isn't fair if someone has to sit next to someone viewing porn. In fact, many passengers will not tolerate this! Flight attendants and customers have already complained. This leads to the risk of security issues aboard a flight given that confrontations will arise.
The letter details, "the airlines are taking a risk, opening themselves up to lawsuits from customers who are exposed to porn or the effects." American Airlines has already been sued for $200,000, by a passenger who alleges while sleeping woke up to find a substance in her hair, from another passenger masturbating. Porn and masturbation go hand in hand and the airlines run the risk of having this happen repeatedly if Internet isn't filtered. In January 2007, the family of an 11 year old girl sued Delta Airlines alleging she was molested by a male passenger.
The letter states, "If passengers who view porn, decide to act upon that, if there is a child flying in that row, airlines have opened the door for traumatic experiences and lawsuits." Airlines should be taking precautions to protect passengers from similar incidents. Concerned citizens will be supporting airlines that have taken the passenger safe stance by applying filters, such as Jet Blue, Continental, and Qantas.
This is a call to the public, and parents, who should e- mail American Airlines Communications: corp.comm@aa.com, or call AA headquarters at, 817- 963-1234, and press 0. Tell them to correct this mistake and insist they apply filters to Internet services immediately.
Girls Against Porn (www.girlsagainstporn.com ) is an on-line resource and action coalition for women who have a loved one involved in porn, and for anyone who wishes to get involved in the fight against porn and enforcement of obscenity laws.
There is Another Reason to Object to the 'Oprah Winfrey Protect Act,' Namely That it Fails to Deal with the Whole Problem
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a program earlier this week, Oprah Winfrey put the weight of her TV talk show behind passage of Senate Bill 1728, entitled the "Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2007." MIM President Robert Peters had the following comments:
On its face, Senate Bill 1728 is a laudable effort to curb sexual exploitation of children. Republican Senator Coburn, however, has objected to the Bill because it spends too much money. Senate Majority Leader Reid is now also attempting to make political mileage from the Bill by attaching it to package of unrelated bills. Oprah Winfrey's motives have also been questioned since the Bill's prime sponsor is Joe Biden and Barack Obama is a co-sponsor.
If S. 1728 comes up for a vote, it will pass easily because Congress can't do enough to curb sexual abuse of children. But if Congress is ready to spend hundreds of millions of additional dollars to curb sexual abuse of children, why doesn't it also spend several million to fight "adult" obscenity?
When I say "adult" obscenity, I am talking about hardcore pornography that does not depict actual children under age 18. Adult obscenity, however, does depict youth who are 18 to 19 and who often look even younger. A citizen complaint made recently to the www.ObscenityCrimes.org tip line included links for "XXX Teen Movies" and "Hardcore Real Babysitter Videos."
For the most part, the Justice Department and FBI focus almost exclusively on child pornography and predators. The refusal to devote little more than token resources to the war against adult obscenity, however, is undermining government efforts to curb sexual exploitation of children.
The explosion of adult obscenity contributes to sexual exploitation of children in a number of ways. First, child molesters use adult obscenity to arouse, desensitize and instruct their child victims. See, e.g., K. Lanning, "Child Molesters: A Behavioral Analysis," National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, pp. 55-57, 70 (2001).
Second, many men arrested on sexual exploitation of children charges begin their downward spiral by viewing not child pornography but adult obscenity. See, e.g., L. Michel & D. Herbeck, "Confessions of a child porn addict" (Buffalo News, 10/17/07), where we read:
"Clarence once enjoyed the adult pornography sites he viewed on the Web. But after a while, the thrill was gone. So he started clicking on some of the ads that popped up on his computer above the naked adults he was watching. He was seeing something new - young teenagers and even young children, posing in the nude, having sex with each other, or being molested by adults. At first, [Clarence] was appalled. But once the shock wore off, he couldn't get enough. Like thousands of other men...he was hooked."
Third, many men who are addicted to adult obscenity use prostitutes to act out their porn fueled fantasies. See, e.g., J.W. Kennedy, "Help for the Sexually Desperate" (Christianity Today, Mar. 2008) ("Viewing pornography is nearly always accompanied by masturbation...'If a guy masturbates to something it would take a prostitute to do, he's more likely to find one.'"). To the extent that addiction to pornography helps maintain or increase the demand for prostitutes, it also helps maintain or increase the demand for children trafficked into prostitution.
Fourth, addiction to adult obscenity is also destroying countless marriages, which puts children at greater risk for sexual abuse. See, e.g., "One-parent Households Double Risk of Child Sexual Abuse," ScienceDaily.com, 3/14/07.
In addition to protecting children from sexual exploitation, the Justice Department and FBI should also be doing all they can to protect children from exposure to Internet obscenity. In the late 1990s, Congress twice enacted legislation to protect children from Internet pornography, but the Supreme Court invalidated the CDA in 1997, and COPA has been tied up in the courts since 1998.
The Congressionally created COPA Commission concluded in its October 2000 Final Report: "Law enforcement resources at the state and federal level have focused nearly exclusively on child pornography and child stalking. We believe that an aggressive effort to address illegal, obscene material on the Internet will also address the presence of harmful to minors material."
Unfortunately, S. 1728 does not authorize one nickel for combating illegal obscene material.
World Premiere Documentary Helps Launch 40 Days for Life's Fall 2008 Campaign, Largest Pro-life Mobilization in History
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- "This Sunday, a brand-new, world premiere documentary about 40 Days for Life - filmed by an Emmy-winning director - will be airing in 128 million homes around the world," said David Bereit, national campaign director of 40 Days for Life. "This installment of the award-winning beingHUMAN series airs Sunday on the EWTN global network at 9 PM Eastern."
This program, part of the beingHUMAN series, will help launch the fall 40 Days for Life campaign, which is scheduled in communities from coast to coast beginning next Wednesday, September 24 and continuing through November 2.
"We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of involvement in 40 Days for Life," said Bereit, noting that more than 170 communities in 47 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and two Canadian provinces are participating this fall, making this campaign the largest and longest coordinated pro-life mobilization in history. The full list of locations is online at www.40daysforlife.com/location.cfm.
40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that features 40 days of prayer and fasting, round-the-clock peaceful vigil outside an abortion facility and grassroots educational outreach. Simultaneous campaigns will be conducted coast-to-coast - and internationally - as part of a unified outreach.
This episode of beingHUMAN interviews volunteers, national leaders, and former abortionists on how 40 Days for Life is renewing hope in communities across the nation. "It focuses on the stories and successes that prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil have accomplished through 40 Days for Life campaigns that have spread hope around the globe," said Bereit. "This show is a great opportunity to get new people involved in this life-saving initiative."
The first installment of this series of high-quality documentary programs helped launch the first national 40 Days for Life campaign in the fall of 2007. The program was honored with a Telly Award for television excellence. "The documentary helped to spread the word about a new approach to pro-life outreach," said Bereit, "an approach that relied on prayer, fasting and peaceful action. It's an approach that has been successful in reducing abortion numbers and bringing more people into pro-life work."
Previews of the new program, as well as additional information about the production of the documentary, are available online at http://www.beinghumanshow.com.
Two Pro-life Catholics Released from Jail While Awaiting Trial
MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Schedule for future Cathedral Literature drops can be seen at www.humbleplea.com, as well as a PDF of the flyer, "Is it Immoral to Vote for Obama for President."
Randall Terry, Founder, Operation Rescue, states:
"In the Spirit of 'The Gospel of Life,' we are begging Bishops to boldly declare: 1) No Catholic can vote for the Obama/Biden ticket in good conscience, because of their stated intent to continue the abortion holocaust; 2) No Catholic politician (such as Joe Biden or Nancy Pelosi) will be served communion who supports legalized child-killing; and if they present themselves for communion, they will be denied the Eucharist until they publicly repent.
"The idea that Catholic laity and Clergy cannot oppose candidates by name on Church property is historically and theologically incorrect. The Church has always 'named names;' righteous prophets, bishops, and martyrs have denounced heretics, public malefactors, and tyrants by name. For example; Moses rebuked Pharaoh, Elijah rebuked Ahab and Jezebel, John the Baptist rebuked Herod, St. Justin Martyr rebuked Caesar, and Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More rebuked Henry VIII. To refuse to courageously 'name names' in this life and death struggle is not a mark of spirituality or prudence, but rather a mark of fear, retreat, and surrender, and a gross dereliction of duty.
"The argument that the Churches 'tax-exempt status' would be jeopardized is equally specious; the Laws of God and the Dogmas of the Church provide the 'guidelines' for our speech - not the IRS. Jesus is Lord of the Gospel of Life, not a government that tolerates or champions the culture of death. We mustn't put allegiance to 'Caesar' and 'Mammon' ahead of allegiance to God, His Laws, and the lives of babies made in His image.
"If Catholic Bishops and priests would fearlessly declare - 'No Vote, No Communion, No Compromise' - it would create an atmosphere in which we would end this holocaust of children in a few short years.
"But if our Bishops will not herald the Gospel of Life, they should not hinder or harass us while we do. We will not join you, your Excellencies, in your silence."
Randall Terry, Founder, Operation Rescue
Mr. Landry's trial is October 14; Mr. Sherwood's is October 28.
Joseph Landry states: "I can't imagine Peter and Paul getting the permission of the Pharisees to preach the gospel on the steps of the Temple or a synagogue. It was illegal, but they did it anyway and were arrested. They could have gone outside the walls to preach but chose the Temple because of what it represented. I was willing to risk arrest because I love the Catholic Church will all my heart, even when she is suffering from cowardice and treachery in our country."
Brian Sherwood states: "I passed out flyers at the Cathedral to make a point; namely, some Bishops will go out of their way - even having faithful Catholics arrested - to avoid addressing child-killing on a political level...all for the love of money. We will continue exposing these Bishops and Clergy and pressuring them to speak out - until the killing of babies is made illegal again."
We are asking the faithful to call the Cathedral and politely insist that the charges be dropped at 410-547- 5437. (Allegations that Messrs Landry and Sherwood were in the Cathedral are false, as shown in the story below.)
(Full story of arrests below found in the Catholic Newspaper, The Remnant)
http://www.remnantnewspaper.com/Archives/2008- 0930-scandal_in_baltimore.htm
To Speak with Mr. Terry, Mr. Landry, or Mr. Sherwood, Call 904 687 9804
Source and Contact: Randall Terry, Washington DC.
OneNewsHow Headlines 9/18/08
The founder of a messianic Jewish ministry says it's outrageous that a meatpacking company has caved to the demands of Muslims who wanted to take breaks to coincide with an Islamic religious period.
Palin hacked, authorities investigate
Hackers broke into the Yahoo! e-mail account that Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin used for official business as Alaska's governor, revealing as evidence a few inconsequential personal messages she has received since John McCain selected her as his running mate.
Google gives a go to godly ad
Internet giant Google has bowed to litigation over an ad by a Christian pro-life group in England.
Arkansans may be footing school bill for illegals
A member of the Arkansas legislature has asked that state's attorney general to clarify the law regarding illegal immigration and higher education.
In an 'unprecedented' move, NOW endorses Obama
The political action committee of one the country's leading abortion advocacy groups has "proudly" endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president.
Tony Evans: Vote should reflect 'Kingdom values'
A well-known preacher and Bible teacher says Christians must vote according to Kingdom values, instead of the world's values.
'ViewTube' a home-schooling resource
A new networking and teaching tool for home schoolers by home schoolers has hit cyberspace.
Lawmakers fight 'parachute' money
A conservative lawmaker in the U.S. House is promoting legislation that would prevent executives of failed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from receiving excessive severance packages.
| The message from Ike-battered Galveston: Stay away GALVESTON, Texas Officials were stung by an ill fated attempt to let residents and business owners "look and leave" their hurricane battered city, ... Israel poised for first female leader in 34 years JERUSALEM Israel's foreign minister declared victory Thursday in a tight race to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as the head of the governing party, getting ... Russian markets closed until Friday MOSCOW Russia ordered its main stock exchanges closed for another day Thursday as President Dmitry Medvedev called for pouring 500 billion rubles ($20 billion) into financial markets in an ... Asian markets tumble as financial fears deepen Business Writer HONG KONG Asian stocks tumbled Thursday, tracking declines on Wall Street as investors feared more companies could succumb to the global financial crisis that forced the U.S. ... 12 more arrested in China's tainted milk scandal SHIJIAZHUANG, China More than a 1,000 parents anxious over tainted milk powder on Thursday rushed their infants to hospitals for health checks as the government announced ... |
Author Enables a Growing Demographic to Age with Dignity
ENUMCLAW, Wash., Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over five million American citizens are 85 years and older. Almost two million live in nursing facilities and that number is expected to increase dramatically in the next 25 years.
According to the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging:
· By 2026, the population of Americans ages 65 and older will double to 71.5 million.
· Between 2007 and 2015, the number of Americans ages 85 and older is expected to increase by 40 percent.
· By 2020, 12 million older Americans will need long- term health care.
A Registered Nurse, Virginia Garberding has more than 20 years experience with the geriatric population. For the past 10 years, she has also functioned as a nurse educator for the Wealshire, a pioneering facility in the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Garberding's new book, "Please Get to Know Me" (WinePress, 2008), addresses the many needs and questions of patients heading into the nursing care stage of life.
Says Garberding, "The elderly is the fastest growing demographic segment of our population. As we hear of more and more people reaching that hundred mark, their children or potential caregivers are themselves in their 70's and 80's. The aging of America will be taking on a whole new meaning."
"Please Get to Know Me", is written from the standpoint of a professional health care worker and from personal experience. Virginia's mother is currently a nursing homes resident, she knows firsthand the questions of concerned patients and their families.
"Elderly people want what everyone else wants. They want to be known for who they are, where they have been, recognized for what they have done and the comfort of living with those who know them. Coming to the understanding of this and seeing my mother become a nursing home resident compelled me to write my book, 'Please Get To Know Me'."
Virginia and her husband Gerald live in Indian Creek, Illinois. The Garberdings have been married for over forty years and are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren.
To order visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877- 421-7323. For a review copy or to schedule an interview please contact Adam Cothes at 360-802- 9758 or adam@winepressgroup.com.
Priests for Life Visit African American Congressional Leaders and Ask, 'When You Say Abortion, is This What You Mean'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life (PFL), and a team of pro-life activists today completed meetings with Congressional members and committee leaders, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, to "redefine the abortion discussion."
Fr. Pavone, joined by Priests for Life's Director of African American Outreach Dr. Alveda King, Director of Hispanic Outreach Fr. Victor Salomon, Director of Missionary Outreach James Pinto, and Pastoral Associates Frs. Peter West and Denis Wilde, visited Capitol Hill offices this week presenting graphic diagrams and detailed descriptions of abortion procedures to members of the House and Senate.
Dr. King explained that the purpose of the meetings was to clarify in the minds of leaders exactly what abortion is. "Just as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and William Wilberforce insisted on graphically demonstrating the plight of the oppressed in their days, we are compelled to follow their example. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, 'America will not reject racism until America sees racism.' Today we say, 'America will not reject abortion until America sees abortion.'"
Dr. King said that she told those with whom she met, "These images are gruesome, yet they are real. We ask you, 'When you say the word abortion, is this what you mean?' Your constituents are asking us this question and we want to give them your reply."
The Priests for Life team visited both pro-life and pro- abortion Members of Congress. They stressed the importance of clarifying that the word "abortion" is not just an issue or a concept, but that it refers to the taking of a human life.
"While it is becoming increasingly apparent that women are secondary victims of abortion, it cannot be denied that babies in the womb are our weakest and most vulnerable Americans and they need advocates. Their civil rights and very lives are at stake," said Dr. King, who herself is post-abortive and speaks on abortion healing from the platforms of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign and Rachel's Vineyard. "I am honored to work with the valiant warriors of Priests for Life and I invite members of the African American community to join us in promoting the Culture of Life."
During her Capitol Hill visits, Dr. King also released an open letter on abortion from fellow black leaders to the Congressional Black Caucus.
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.
Gods Work Ministry Inspirational and Encouragement E-Mail 9/18/08
It is a great encouragement to know that God is in the restoration
business. Many times we get down and discouraged because we fall short
and sin and think God will never forgive us. The truth is God waits with
open arms to forgive and receive us unto Himself again, but we must
recognize our faults and repent before Him. Just as a son apologizes to
his father for a past mistake, so must we repent and ask God's forgiveness.
The Bible says God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness, so never think God is mad at you or
will not forgive you. (1 John 1:9)
This is an encouraging story that was written by Dr. Billy Graham. I
found great comparison with this story and the forgiveness that God has
towards His children. I hope you will be encouraged and uplifted by this
simple story that shows a second chance is always available from the Lord.
A SECOND CHANCE
Georgia Tech played the University of California in the 1929 Rose Bowl.
In the game a player recovered a fumble, but became confused and ran the
wrong way.
A teammate tackled him just before he would have scored a touchdown against
his own team. At halftime all of the players went into the dressing room
and sat down, wondering what the coach would say. This young man sat by
himself; put a towel over his head, and cried.
When the team was ready to go back onto the field for the second half, the
coach stunned the team when he announced that the same players who had
started the first half would start the second. All of the players left the
dressing room except for this young man. He would not budge. The coach
looked back as he called him again, and saw that his cheeks were wet with
tears. The player said, "Coach, I can't do it. I've ruined you. I've
disgraced the University. I can't face that crowd in the stadium again."
Then the coach put his hand on the player's shoulder and said, "Get up and
go back in. The game is only half over."
When I think of that story, deep inside I say, "What a coach!" When I read
the story of Jonah [in the Bible], and the stories of thousands like him,
I say, "To think that God would give me another chance!"
By Billy Graham
It is very important that we realize that God is a just and loving God and
wishes for us to live an abundant and overcoming life. The enemy of hell
wishes for exactly the opposite in every person's life and wants us to
blame God for the things that we do not understand, instead of trusting
the Lord and knowing that God has us perfectly centered in the palms of
His hand. Even though we may fall short, God is waiting for us to get
back up so that He can put us back in the game of life and do better then
we have done in the past. (2 Peter 3:9) (Psalm 103:10-14) (John 10:10-11)
If you are stuck in a rut of unforgiving yourself, I encourage you to get
up, shake yourself off, and get back into your life and fulfill the destiny
that God has for you. Always remember that our God is a God of second
chances. He will not condemn you because you fell short. Once you repent
and ask His forgiveness, it will be as if you have never sinned in the
eyes of the Lord. God truly forgives and forgets and that is motivation in
itself to get back up and start afresh and make God proud. (2 Cor. 5:17-21)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 John 1:8-10 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say
that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."
Jeremiah 29:11-14 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith
the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will
hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search
for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD."
Isaiah 1:18-19 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though
they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and
obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land."
Psalm 103:10-14 "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us
according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so
great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from
the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a
father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For
He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust."
All scriptures can be found in the King James Version.
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry
Please feel free to visit the Website to read more Encouraging and
Inspirational stories, poems and testimonies. Our E-mail Archives are
available as well to read the messages that have been sent in the past. You
can now send Free E-cards to friends and loved ones with the many choices
available. You are also welcome to post your prayer requests in our
Prayer Forum. All this and more available at --- http://www.Godswork.org
You can also send prayer requests to --- Prayers@godswork.org
Add your E-mail address if you'd like correspondence with the prayer partners.
We would like to have an account of how far Gods Work Ministry Mail is
going. It would be greatly appreciated if you took a moment and sent an
Email to Location@godswork.org and in the subject line please tell what
State, Country, or Province you are receiving the mail. It will be a
blessing and an encouragement to know where you are receiving this E-Mail.
Thank you for taking a minute to do this. To God belongs all the Glory,
Honor and Praise. Email to - Location@godswork.org
U.S. Religious Leaders Invite Iranian Dictator to Dinner
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been invited to a dinner put on by American religious leaders during his visit to the United Nations, scheduled for September 25. The event is touted as a dialogue by the Mennonite Central Committee, World Council of Churches, and the Quaker group American Friends Service Committee. Representatives of the Episcopal Church and other mainline denominations plan to attend the dinner.
Representatives of the churches previously visited Iran in February of 2007 and hosted a similar event for Ahmadinejad with the National Council of Churches in September of 2007 at the United Methodist Womens' Building in New York.
UM Action Executive Director Mark Tooley commented,
"These confused prelates will undoubtedly minimize, if not ignore, the evils of the Iranian police state theocracy that brutalizes all who do not share its particular brand of Shiite Islam. They are more worried about what the U.S. might do to Iran than what Iran's deranged president, filled with apocalyptic dreams of destroying the U.S. and Israel, might do to the world.
"The problem is not only the personality of one man, rather than the consistent policies of a 28 year old repressively theocratic regime.
"Iran has been censured by almost the entire international community through the United Nations. It will be interesting to see if the religious leaders confront Ahmadinejad on his Holocaust denials and nuclear ambitions, or merely 'engage' him with pleasantries and anti-American rhetoric.
"Hopefully the dinner organizers will confront Iran's threats to wipe out Israel. In the past, these church leaders have said nothing about the religious freedom of Christians and other religious minorities in Iran. Indeed, there has been no professed concern about human rights in Iran. IRD challenges the leaders to speak up for religious freedom of Iranian Christians and for all people in Iran, since the Iranians themselves are not free to speak plainly."
www.TheIRD.org
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Spinal Cord Victim Finds Himself at Spiritual and Physical Crossroads
ENUMCLAW, Wash., Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, approximately 11,000 individuals suffer a spinal cord injury every year in the United States through sports, auto, or work-related accidents. Over half of these accidents occur to men under thirty years old.
Thanksgiving Day, 1999, at age twenty seven, Andrew Reid suffered a spinal cord stroke, lost all feeling below the belly button, and realized his surfing days had come to an end.
Four years later, while laying in a hospital bed, ravaged by a critical pressure sore along with a preexisting drug problem, a family friend challenged Andrew to consider his eternal future. He agreed to read "The Purpose Driven Life", by Rick Warren; afterwards Andrew surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Immediately, the blood started to circulate through his atrophied legs, causing him to feel something he hadn't in almost half a decade: intense, chronic pain.
Reid - a self proclaimed adrenaline junkie - describes his first book, "Keel Over & Die", as a real-time memoir recording his struggle from drug addiction to sobriety. Written five years after his stroke, Reid details the difficulties he faced with religion, drug addiction, paralysis, chronic pain, temptation, and his tendencies towards self-destructive behavior.
"I am subconsciously preconditioned to self-destruct. So reconnecting with God is ultimately the only way to resolve the conflict, obtain wisdom, throw obsessions away, resist temptations, to defeat Satan."
"Keel Over & Die" chronicles Andrew Reid's journey from utter hopelessness to faith in Jesus Christ. Though still living with chronic pain, Reid has completed a Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling at the Hazelden Graduate School. Andrew continues to rebuild his leg muscles with the assurance that he will walk again soon.
To order visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877- 421-7323. For a review copy or to schedule an interview please contact Adam Cothes at 360-802- 9758 or adam@winepressgroup.com.
http://spinalcord.org/news.php?dep=17&page=94
Gospel Music Heritage Month Going Strong on GMC
ATLANTA, Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- More of the greatest names, past-present-and-future, in gospel music will be seen on Gospel Music Channel (GMC) television network as GMC's on-air celebration of the country's first-ever Gospel Music Heritage Month this September heads for home.
GMC has been proclaiming and celebrating the heritage of gospel music everyday during the month in September. Upcoming highlights (ALL TIMES ET/PT) include:
Saturday, September 20:
· 7pm: Bill Gaither's Best featuring George Beverly Shea (Billy Graham's worship leader)
· 8pm: The Best of The Doves hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman
· 9pm: Faith & Fame: Michael W. Smith
· 10pm: Hometown Gospel: Atlanta featuring Dottie Peoples, Dorothy Norwood, Casting Crowns
Sunday, September 21:
· 7pm: Mahalia Sings! hosted by Dorothy Norwood
· 8pm: Bobby Jones Next Generation featuring Debra Killings and Aaron Sledge
· 9pm: The Gospel According to Al Green (1984) The Reverend's story is told in this widely-hailed documentary
Saturday, September 27:
· 7pm: Bill Gaither's Best featuring The Cathedrals, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers and Sandi Patty
· 8pm: The Best of The Doves hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman
· 9pm: Faith & Fame: Steven Curtis Chapman
· 10pm: Hometown Gospel: New Orleans featuring Trin-i-tee 5:7, Rush of Fools, Bishop Paul S. Morton
Sunday, September 28:
· 7pm: Mahalia Sings! hosted by Dorothy Norwood
· 8pm: Bobby Jones Next Generation featuring Ricky Dillard and Antwaun Stanley
· 9pm: Say Amen Somebody 1982's acclaimed documentary featuring Thomas Dorsey and "Mother" Willie Mae Ford
For complete Gospel Music Heritage Month listings, visit http://www.gospelmusicheritage.com.
In June, Gospel Music Channel joined with Senators, Members of Congress, The Recording Academy® and the Gospel Music Association to launch the "Gospel Music Heritage Month" initiative. The dual legislation in the House of Representatives (H.Con. Res. 370) and the Senate (S. Res. 595) designated September 2008 as "National Gospel Music Heritage Month," honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture. The initiative was created by the Gospel Music Channel, the country's first and only television network devoted to all forms of Gospel/Christian music.
Gospel Music Heritage Month honors a true American art form for its vast contributions to our culture, bringing a message of hope and inspiration to people of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Celebrate Gospel Music Heritage Month by attending concerts, events, watching and listening to gospel music, learning and reading about gospel music and more. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today and can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems around the country and on DIRECTV on channel 338.
Marriage Proponents Physically Assaulted in Santa Rosa, California
SANTA ROSA, Calif., Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- Volunteers with the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP) were assaulted on September 5th while distributing literature in support of traditional marriage at Santa Rosa Junior College.
TFP volunteers are participating in a 30-day tour of cities and colleges across California to educate the public on the importance of preserving traditional marriage.
After shouting obscenities at a TFP volunteer, a supporter of same-sex marriage slapped him as he filmed the demonstration. Although he managed to avert the blow, the assailant hit his camera disabling the settings.
In a separate incident at the same demonstration, another supporter of "gay marriage" threw hot coffee at the face of a different volunteer.
"This shows the contempt for First Amendment rights of proponents of gay marriage," said Cesar Franco, TFP Asst. Student Action Director. "While demanding tolerance for what they call 'diversity,' they are utterly intolerant of opposing viewpoints."
TFP, a Catholic organization, was distributing flyers titled "Ten Reasons Why Homosexual 'Marriage' Is Harmful and Must Be Opposed." It calls on Californians to firmly and peacefully resist the advance of the so-called gay-rights movement.
In June, the California Supreme Court forced same- sex "marriage," on the state. Tradition Family and Property believes the decision will undermine the family unit, harm the nation's moral foundation and jeopardize the innocence of children.
The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property was founded in 1973 by a group of concerned Catholics to lead an intellectual resistance to liberalism, socialism and communism, and to affirm the positive values of tradition family and property.
Visit www.tfp.org for more information on the activities and philosophy of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property.
Finding the Perfect Match
ENUMCLAW, Wash., Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- If you Google the phrase "perfect match" a majority of the million and a half search results (literally) will lead to on-line dating services like eHarmony, as well as personality tests, articles and books on how to find that special someone. The popularity of finding love on the Internet has led to sites for specific groups including Christians, Catholics, those over 40 and men and women who prefer to be matched according to astrological sign. One ad promises six month free membership if you don't find love within six months of joining their service. In a country where 50% of marriages still end in divorce men and women of all ages want love, even if they must look for it in cyberspace. Sadly many of these relationships will end in heartbreak.
"Love is the hardest subject to learn when you have not been taught," says Bill Thompson, author of "First Choice, Only Choice: Relationships that Last Forever". As a Baby Boomer he found that most of his friends divorced and the majority of his kids' classmates were from broken or single-parent homes. According to Thompson, a background of divorce and failed relationships can create an emotional handicap. "You have not seen first hand how real love endures. Your experience has shown you that love fails and commitments are not strong bonds." The sadness of this reality prompted him to provide a foundation for those just beginning the quest for love. He calls his book "First Choice, Only Choice" a relational primer for teens and college-age singles. Opening with the account of the first husband and wife--Adam and Eve-- Thompson illustrates God's design for life-long marriage. The book stresses the idea that God created us for relationships--that there is someone out there for each of us. So how can you prepare your heart for this person, recognize when you have found him, learn commitment and what it means to truly bond with someone for life? Bill Thompson hopes to show young people the way.
"My purpose is to make a difference in the lives of teens and young adults. I believe they are hungry for answers about how to form long-lasting happy relationships."
To order visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877- 421-7323. For a review copy or to schedule an interview please contact Adam Cothes at 360-802- 9758 or adam@winepressgroup.com.
'Chad's Triumph' -- Comfort and Encouragement for Hurting Families
MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Chad's Triumph", released a little over a year ago and published by a small Christian organization in Oklahoma, is a story of actual events that took place thirty years ago and gained national media attention.
The story is about young Chad Green's life and the Chad Green Case that was heralded as the largest Parental Rights Case of it's time. "Chad's Triumph" tells of the struggle between young parents, a seriously ill child, and a very highly esteemed medical profession in Boston, Mass. The couple were guests on the "Good Morning America" show as well as appearing on "The Donahue Show" three times in different locations. Donahue was the largest talk show host of his era much like Oprah is today.
Chad's story is unique in many facets, but it is also a current event topic that continues to appear in the headlines with new names and faces such as that of Abraham Cherrix from Accomac, VA; Katie Wernecke from Corpus Christie, TX; and Anael L'Esperance from Quebec, Canada. All of these families chose alternative cancer treatments from 2005-2007 with varying degrees of legal entanglements and consequences. Their stories have been newsworthy additions to the topic that this book covers in great detail. In fact, "Chad's Triumph" is the pre-eminent predecessor to all of these life events shared by other cancer patients. However, after thirty years of reflection and raising children the authors conclusions may conflict with those who are still opting out of medical treatments for their offspring.
Diana J. Meyer has been invited to and completed several local book-signings. The book's release was a feature article on the front page of our local newspaper, 'The Hastings Tribune'. A reporter from Massachusetts made the announcement of the book on the front page of 'The Patriot Ledger' as well. Diana was also a guest on 'Today in the Heartland', which is a weekly human-interest section of the news on KHAS TV and she will be a guest on a local broadcast of 'Praise the Lord' airing from a station in St. Joseph, MO in November of this year. Diana's hope for this book is that through sharing about the hard learned lessons during Chad's brief life, many others will be ministered to, comforted, and encouraged.
Authors Share the Facts and Fiction of Wicca with Christians
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- Abunga.com, the family- friendly online bookstore, hosted an online chat today with Marla Alupoaicei and Dillon Burroughs about the growing religion of Wicca and how Christians can respond. Alupoaicei and Burroughs are co-authors of the new book, "Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca."
"[Wicca] is very prevalent, yet somehow this growth has managed to happen 'under the radar' of most Christians," said Alupoaicei. "Wicca is the fastest- growing religion in America, set to be the third largest religion by 2012. The numbers of adherents are doubling every 30 months."
During the Abunga.com chat, the authors explained that Wicca is the most popular form of witchcraft. Founded on a pagan earth-based belief system, Wiccans hold two major tenets - the Wiccan Rede which states, "An ye harm none, do as ye will," and the Rule of Three, which says that any action or spell a person does, whether positive or negative, will return to that person three times.
"Many Christians simply avoid Wiccans," said Burroughs. "People tend to avoid stuff they don't understand. This is why part of our goal with 'Generation Hex' is awareness. If you know what Wicca is, maybe you won't be so scared to strike up a conversation with someone wearing a pentacle or pentagram." According to Burroughs, the idea of experiencing spiritual power or the supernatural is a big incentive for many to embrace the religion.
"I think there are many draws [to Wicca], especially for women," Alupoaicei said. "About two-thirds of Wiccans are women. First of all, Wicca is a very community- oriented religion. As our culture becomes more and more isolated and busy, and as real relationships are replaced by texting, IM, etc., young people are starving for real relationships and true community, as well as for a powerful experience of faith. People want a supernatural experience.
"The Christian life is an abundant, supernatural life in which we experience the power of God," continued Alupoaicei. "Yet, we are not communicating that very well to the world. In addition, the cafeteria-style spirituality of Wicca and the 'comfortableness' of it - little challenge, little accountability, an acceptance of homosexuality and other lifestyles - draw people in, as well."
In addition to answering many questions about the growing religious movement during the one-hour Abunga.com chat, the co-authors also provided practical information for Christians who want to reach out to Wiccan followers.
"First, emphasize how Christ can help Wiccans now," Burroughs said. "Since there is no agreement on the afterlife, appeal to how Jesus can change them today. Second, the focus is on Christ rather than a religion. Most Wiccans are pretty eclectic and even anti- institutional in some cases. If they smell membership or formal religion, they will run. Third, appeal to their interests in the environment, for spiritual power, and for friendship. Some Wiccans left Christianity because they did not experience these things in their churches. If they see Christians who care about the earth, live a vibrant Christianity, and offer real friendship, you can be very effective in influencing that person for Christ. Finally, pray. We fail to mention it sometimes, but without God's Spirit at work, nothing happens."
The informational discussion was part of the weekly "Authors at Abunga" online chats held every Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. EDT at Abunga.com/AuthorsAtAbunga. Next week's chat on Sept. 24 will feature Dr. Robert A. Emmons to discuss the psychology of gratitude and how it can make a difference in one's life, a subject he has extensively researched and writes about in "Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier." Authors scheduled for future chats also include William P. Young of "The Shack" on Oct. 22 and Kay Warren, AIDS advocate and author of "Dangerous Surrender," on Oct. 29.
Abunga.com is an online bookstore founded to provide families a protected shopping environment. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Abunga.com offers more than 1.8 million family-friendly books, savings through distributor-direct prices and support to nonprofit organizations by donating 5 percent of each transaction to a customer-selected charity. For more information, visit www.Abunga.com.
Note to Editors: For more information about Abunga.com, please visit www.Abunga.com/media.
Christian Apologist Steps Out in Support of Ex-Gays
MONROE, Va., Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- Debbie Thurman, Christian apologist and author, has come out of the closet' and asks others to follow suit.
A former struggler with same-sex attraction, Thurman has launched a new Web site: http://www.TheFormers.com. Called a place of fellowship for those who have overcome same-sex attraction, as well as for strugglers, friends and supporters, the site offers an open forum, news and commentary, answers to tough questions, resources for help, a pastor's corner and testimonies from former homosexuals.
"I saw a need to gather those who are fellow overcomers into a meaningful, edifying and active community," Thurman said. "Our numbers are greater than people realize. We are the red-headed stepchildren of the gay community, feared because we understand it from the inside out and outcasts because we are no longer in bondage to our former brokenness."
Recently, GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and her home church drew media attention and the ire of gay activists when they learned the church was promoting an "ex-gay" conference (Love Won Out) put on by Focus on the Family.
"Unfortunately, Focus on the Family is relentlessly demonized and the same false statements are continually circulated about their outreach to those desiring to walk away from homosexuality," said Thurman.
Like most who have waged a personal war with homosexuality -- win or lose -- Thurman was reluctant for many years to talk about her past struggles. "That changed when I saw how much gay activism had impacted the culture and I realized the risks to young people who are being indoctrinated into the gay-is- normal lie," she said.
Thurman said she basically thought to herself: If not me, who? If not now, when? "I know there is only one authentic road to wholeness, and that is through Jesus Christ," she said. "It is not through the 'religion' of pro-gay advocacy."
TheFormers.com takes a redemptive approach to homosexuality, drawing a distinction between same- sex orientation and homosexual acts. "The one is temptation, no worse than the many temptations we all face," Thurman maintains, "while the other is sin and something we are compelled to counter with compassionate truth."
To learn more, visit http://www.TheFormers.com. To interview Thurman or book her to speak, call (434) 929-8002 or e-mail info@theformers.com. She is available on short notice in the event of cancellations.
Would Jesus Eat a $28,500 Dinner While People are Homeless from Hurricanes and Struggling to Keep a Roof Over Their Heads
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- Shameful $28,500 per plate fundraiser by Senator Obama is a slap in the face to the middle and working class of America and betrays faith values.
It clearly shows how out of touch Senator Obama is with middle class America.
Senator Obama's recent fundraiser in Beverly Hills, after dramatic loses in the stock market and corporation bankruptcies, demonstrates he has little respect or regard for struggling people in America.
This fundraiser is also taking place while tens of thousands of people have lost their homes from Hurricane Ike and Gustav and are living in shelters and eating emergency rations.
The question must be asked, how much time has Senator Obama spent in Louisiana and Texas helping the victims of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike?
As a candidate of faith who talks about reaching out to the poor and needy, Senator Obama's opulent fundraiser dinner clearly proves his spirituality is more concerned about raising millions of dollars for his political campaign then raising the hopes of millions of suffering Americans.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "It is absolutely shameful and disgraceful, that while millions of people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and thousands in Texas and Louisiana actually have no roofs over their heads, Senator Obama is holding this $28,000 per plate fundraiser in Beverly Hills. This is a slap in the face to every struggling American during these challenging financial times and shows how out of touch Senator Obama is.
Senator Obama is clearly more interested is raising millions of dollars for his political campaign than raising the hopes of suffering Americas. The question must be asked, how much time has Senator Obama spent helping the victims of Hurricane Ike and Gustav over the past couple of weeks? The reality is, Senator Obama has spent more time raising millions of dollars for his campaign and eating extravagant meals with Hollywood producers then working to help rebuild the lives of those torn apart by recent hurricanes.
It is a mockery for Senator Obama to extol his Christian faith and dedication to the poor while showing a cavalier disregard and disrespect for the struggling and broken. While Senator Obama is dining on the most expensive and extravagant food in America, thousands in Texas and Louisiana have lost everything.
I would suggest to Senator Obama instead of quoting Matthew 25 as his favorite Bible verse, that he begins to live it and starts reaching out 'to the least of these.' Faith and social justice are not commodities to get votes during a Presidential election but principles that should daily govern our lives."
For more information or interviews call: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney 202.547.1735 Cell: 540.538.4741
The Upcoming National Elections Could Decide Whether This Country will Remain Free or Not -- A Call for National all Night Vigils of Prayer on the Eve of the Elections
MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Kenneth M. Fisher, Founder & Chairman, Concerned Roman Catholics of America, Inc.:
The Concerned Roman Catholics of America are calling on all Catholics and Christians to ask their Pastors to allow them to conduct an all night vigil of prayer to ask Our Lord to give victory to truly God loving and fearing candidates throughout our Nation so that the present course of moral decay, so evident today in our society, can be reversed and "One Nation Under God" can be once again established, especially the "inalienable right to life."
For Catholics, it would be wonderful to have the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed for this occasion, but it is not absolutely necessary. All that is necessary is for Catholics to spend the night before these crucial elections before the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Homeschool Update from HSLDA 9/16/08
1. Two Families Illustrate Challenges for German Homeschoolers
The Gorbers continue to fight for custody of their children while the Dudeks face a new round of criminal charges. Read more >>
2. Washington Times Op-ed—California Court Reverses Decision
Across the country, homeschoolers have been celebrating the most significant victory for homeschool freedom in 14 years. Read more >>
3. Leaders Conference Focuses on International Homeschooling
International homeschooling was an important theme at the 21st annual HSLDA-sponsored leaders conference held in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Over 600 people attended, and 12 countries were represented. Read more >>
4. Homeschooling thru High School—SAT/ACT
It's time to plan for the SAT/ACT college admission tests. Register online for these tests at the College Board website or the ACT website. Test schedules and fees are listed there as well.
A word to the wise—encourage your teen to prepare before taking these tests. On HSLDA's website you can find test prep resources and tips or purchase an SAT/ACT prep CD. Remember, HSLDA members are always welcome to call or email the high school coordinators with questions.
5. Anniversary Contest Deadline Approaching
As part of our series of 25th anniversary contests, we're asking children to depict their favorite place to homeschool. The entry can be in the form of a drawing, photo, or 75-second video. Email your entry by September 30 to celebrate25@hslda.org. Read more >>
6. Home School Heartbeat: Teaching Math—Interview with Dr. Fred Worth
If math is the bane of your homeschooling existence, this week's program is for you! Math professor Fred Worth discusses why your students might struggle with this difficult subject and how you can improve their performance. A solid foundation in math can prepare your child for life success! Read more >>
7. Generation Joshua: Student Election Workers Wanted
Help shape our country's future! Join Generation Joshua's student action teams and campaign for candidates who pledge to protect homeschooling and support parental rights. In a tight race, your efforts could make all the difference. Read more >>
Gods Eye World Outreach Solves Great Commission Outreach Dilemma
NEW YORK, Sept. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- Full service faith-based Media Production Company and Internet broadcaster provides solution to the problems of redundant marketing and promotion that US Internet podcasters face. The business structure of an informational website and Interactive Internet TV station is what Gods Eye World Outreach, Inc. uses to provide the marketing solution for faith based organizations and access to new people and markets in the United States and other countries.
The problem is that the US consists of less than 5% of the world's population and 76% of Internet users, yet statistics show that the Internet outreach of most ministry websites is local. Therefore, to obtain a greater outreach and impact as a worldwide ministry they turn to popular faith-based Internet podcasters for exposure. However, according to Alexa (a top Internet traffic rating website) the US viewership of many faith- based podcasters can be as high as 92% and with the popularity of big screen TV, small podcasts are difficult to view for any length of time. So the task of accomplishing the Great commission and reaching the people of the world with the Gospel is not happening as much as some may think. In addition, many ad campaigns of Christian singers, writers and movies are not as successful due to the inability of their advertisers to effectively market and promote their content outside of the United States. GEWO, Inc. advocates downloads.
The firm's unique business structure provides the perfect solution because the Internet TV station resides at the wi-fitv.com Social Networking and business web portal where there are over 500 multi- language Internet TV stations and tens of thousands of members and viewers. Wi-FiTV's Alexa rating is 61% US and 38% non-US viewers. Leveraging this existing worldwide market and ratings verses its competition is what GEWO, Inc. offers to ministries that want to expand their outreach within the US and potentially into over 194 countries including, recently opened China without the added expense of bandwidth cost.
The firm is now evaluating Christ centered ministries through a free trial broadcast offer.
Some advantages of an Internet TV station vs. Podcasting are; larger screen, full screen viewing, TV set viewing, professional broadcast clarity, live chat during broadcast and a worldwide platform. "This three-in-one marketing phenomenon GEWO, Inc. is a powerful vehicle for faith-based organizations that want to have a greater impact in the Great Commission," says Mr. Sampson CEO. Website: http://www.godseyewo.com.
Pro-Life Organizations Launch Nationwide Campaign Against Planned Parenthood
CHICAGO, Sept. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- This Thursday, September 18, leaders from more than 20 pro-life organizations will come together in Rosemont, Ill., to draft a joint resolution, expected to outline a plan to de-fund and shut down Planned Parenthood.
The pro-life advocates will gather at the "Planned Parenthood: BAD for America" summit, organized by the Pro-Life Action League, of Chicago, to share techniques that have proved successful in impeding Planned Parenthood's objectives across the country. This is the first time so many pro-life groups from across the country have gathered in a single location to address fighting Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider.
"Each pro-life group emphasizes different strategies for effectively reducing abortion, but we all share a common goal - to stop abortion forever," says Eric Scheidler, PLAL communications director. "Even as the abortion rate declines nationally, Planned Parenthood's abortion numbers are on the rise - and now Planned Parenthood has launched a major expansion, aggressively targeting the young and vulnerable of our nation. Today more than ever, the pro-life movement must stand together to oppose Planned Parenthood."
Scheidler led the effort last year to oppose the opening of a massive new Planned Parenthood facility in Aurora, Ill. - called "Ground Zero" by Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards -- and has advised other pro-life groups around the country on mobilizing grassroots resistance to Planned Parenthood's designs on their communities.
The summit agenda includes presentations by experts who are veterans from the pro-life battlefield, including the following:
"Fighting Planned Parenthood in the Courtroom" with Tom Brejcha, chief counsel of Thomas More Society/Pro-Life Law Center, which has litigated cases against Planned Parenthood in state and federal court.
"Exposing the True Face of Planned Parenthood to the American Public" with Kristan Hawkins, executive director of Students for Life of America, which has exposed Planned Parenthood's willingness to accept racially motivated donations through a series of widely viewed YouTube videos.
"Planned Parenthood's Vision for the Future" with Jim Sedlak, executive director of STOPP Planned Parenthood, the nation's leading Planned Parenthood watchdog group, which has charted Planned Parenthood's expansion effort.
Scheidler and his father, Joe Scheidler, renowned pro- life advocate, will facilitate discussion and drafting of a joint resolution on steps the pro-life coalition will take to combat Planned Parenthood in the coming years.
"Planned Parenthood is a huge organization, flush with cash, but no enemy is too big when we work together," the younger Scheidler says. "When all of these pro-life groups gather on Thursday, America will see a unified front in the battle to save unborn babies from their number-one enemy, Planned Parenthood."
McCain, Obama Reps to Discuss Human Rights and Religion
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- Faith and Action and International Reapers Foundation hold their annual Reese RoundTable on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 12:00 - 2:00 PM at the Capitol Hill Club, 300 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003. Featured guests are Robert Heckman, long-time personal friend and senior advisor to John McCain, and the Reverend Evna La Velle, senior advisor for religious affairs to Barack Obama.
The forum will include remarks from Mr. Heckman and Rev. La Velle, followed by a response from Mr. Bernard Reese, constitutional lawyer of 53 years and active Christian layman. The event will be moderated by the Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), president of Faith and Action, a Christian outreach to elected and appointed officials in Washington and chairman of the Committee on Church and Society for the Evangelical Church Alliance. The presentations will be followed by a period for questions and answers.
A complimentary full lunch will be served for the first 50 attendees. Congressional members may be billed for meals or may attend for only the program segment that begins at 12:30 PM. Hill staff, interns, executives of non-profits and religious organizations are urged to attend. Media representatives are invited for both the meal and program or may come only for the program segment. (Multi-box for audio will NOT be available.)
Who: Faith and Action and International Reapers Foundation
What: Annual Reese RoundTable on Capitol Hill, "Campaign '08: How Does the Declaration of Independence and Its Unalienable Rights Guide Your Ideas on Government?" Featured guests Robert Heckman, advisor to John McCain, and Evna La Velle, advisor to Barack Obama
Where: Capitol Hill Club, 300 First Street, SE, Washington, DC
When: Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
For reservations please call 202-546-8329, ext 103. Media please contact Peggy Birchfield of Faith and Action at 202-236-0953.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
OneNewsNow 9/16/08
Today, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be doing her first cable news interview since being named Republican vice-presidential nominee. Sean Hannity of Fox News offered a preview of the interview recently, which will air the next two nights on Fox.
Perspective: Ray Boltz and his sexually confused generation
In Ray Boltz's mind, God created him homosexual. But Boltz will never like what he is doing, because in his spirit he knows that his argument is fallacious.
Investor: Market going through correction, not collapse
A spokesman for a faith-based investment mutual fund company says it's not normal for such major Wall Street firms as Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch to declare bankruptcy, but argues that it doesn't necessarily mean the U.S. investment industry is in collapse.
Will Palin's candidacy lessen gender bias?
A women's ministry leader believes Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin is helping shine a spotlight on women's voices.
November's Catholic vote will go to...
A new website is highlighting the importance of the Catholic vote.
Jonathan Falwell: 'Sleeping giant' beginning to rise
The son of the late evangelical leader Jerry Falwell says there is a "sleeping giant" beginning to arise in the U.S.
A conservative alternative to liberal NEA
Many conservative teachers are upset that their National Educators Association membership fees are being used to support liberal candidates such as Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Financial Straight-Talk
Read the latest column from Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey.
| Asian markets plunge on Lehman, Merrill woes TOKYO Asian stock markets tumbled Tuesday as the collapse of Lehman Brothers and takeover of Merrill Lynch spurred fears of a global financial crisis. European markets, ... Views on possible rate cuts beginning to change WASHINGTON With turbulence hitting financial markets as a global credit crisis claims heavyweight victims, suddenly the possibility of a reduction in interest rates by the Federal ... Ike survivors may wait weeks for hot meals, baths HOUSTON Tens of thousands of residents first hunkered down to wait for Hurricane Ike's brutal punch. Those survivors on the wrecked Texas ... Oil plummets as Ike largely spares energy output NEW YORK Oil prices plunged to a seven month low Monday as the Gulf Coast energy infrastructure appeared relatively unharmed after Hurricane Ike and traders bet ... Palin spells out her role in McCain administration GOLDEN, Colo. Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said Monday she would concentrate on energy, government reform and helping families with special needs children if the ... |
Richard Viguerie: It's Sarah Palin's Principles, Stupid
MANASSAS, Virginia, September 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- With the popularity of Governor Sarah Palin providing lift to the GOP ticket, Republicans are starting to feel better about races for Congress and at the state level. But most of them are missing the point of her popularity and may be personally disappointed on Election Day, Richard A. Viguerie said.
"Too many Republican candidates think Governor Palin is popular because of her gender or because she's a fresh face with a 'cool' life story. They think they can hold onto her skirt and that her popularity will help carry them to victory," said Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com.
"The truth is, 'It's Palin's principles, stupid!' It's what she represents, as a reformer fighting corruption, even in her own party. It's because you can believe her when she says she will wage war on the corrupt Washington establishment. That's not something you can say about most candidates, who stood by throughout their careers doing precisely nothing about the culture of corruption that infests Washington and politics in general.
"And she's popular because she holds to the core beliefs of the coalition that elected Ronald Reagan in two landslides--on taxes, spending, the role of government, and traditional ideas of right and wrong.
"The popularity of Palin--and the heightened popularity of John McCain, who selected her as his political soul mate--won't help other Republicans unless they also hold to those principles and campaign credibly on those principles.
"At a minimum, Republican candidates must demand the top-to-bottom removal of the Republican leadership that nearly sank the party over the past few years. That includes the leadership in Congress, the Bush administration, and GOP officials at the national level and in most states.
"Republican candidates must tell us how they'll shut down the lobbyist-and-Big-Government political machines that dominate the nation's capital and most state capitals.
"And candidates for Congress must tell us how they'll tear K Street down to street level and sow salt in the earth so that nothing ever grows there again."
Said Viguerie: "It's a cliché, but it's true: The American people are fed up, and want change. By picking Sarah Palin, John McCain has gone a long way in convincing voters that he will be a warrior for the right kind of change. But lower-level Republicans will do poorly unless they demonstrate clearly and credibly that they will be on the front lines of the epic battles to come."
Fw: Water Missions International Deploys another Five Water Purification Systems to Storm-Ravished Haiti
CHARLESTON, South Carolina, September 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- At approximately 4:00p.m. (EST) today, Water Missions International (WMI) will deploy five more water purification systems to aid disaster victims in Haiti. These water systems, airlifted courtesy of FedEx, are in addition to four previously deployed by WMI to the storm-ravished country. After any natural disaster, safe water is among the most urgent needs. Together, these nine water systems will purify enough water to provide more than 45,000 Haitians with a sufficient daily supply of drinking water during aftermath of this disaster. WMI is also making preparations to send additional water systems to other countries affected by these storms.
Pierre Prinvil, WMI's Haitian Country Director, is on the ground in the disaster zone. "It's been over a week since the last storm came through and visible signs of improvement have yet to be seen in many areas," says Prinvil. "The Haitian people are in desperate need of help. Safe water continues to be the most urgent need. It is imperative in our efforts to thwart off the spread of disease and death among survivors. These water systems will make the difference between life and death for thousands of my people." Water Missions International is working to designate teams to go into the disaster zone to assist Prinvil with the installation and operation of the nine water systems.
About WMI: Water Missions International (WMI) is a nonprofit, Christian engineering organization based in Charleston, SC. WMI's mission is to provide sustainable access to safe water and an opportunity to hear the "Living Water" message in developing countries and disaster areas. Assistance is provided regardless of age, sex, race, or faith. To date, WMI has deployed a total of 597 water systems in 36 countries worldwide and two U.S. states, making safe water available to more than one million people. Visit us at www.watermissions.org.
More details on this disaster relief effort will follow as information becomes available. Please also visit www.watermissions.org for regular updates.
TBN's World Premiere of a Motion Picture Adored by Audiences Facing the Giants Debuts Sunday, September 21
LOS ANGELES, September 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is proud to roll out the red carpet for Facing the Giants, to be premiered in its entirety without commercial interruptions (on the world's largest religious network) on Sunday, September 21 at 7:00 PM (PST).
Written, produced, and directed by the Kendrick brothers - Alex and Stephen - Facing the Giants is the story of a down-and-out coach with a losing, underdog team; all must put their faith against their failings both on and off the football field.
"Never give up, never back down, never lose faith," says Susan Zahn, founding director of WDC Media and publicist for TBN. "This is a film that will strengthen your beliefs, rejuvenate your spirit, and emphasize the benefit of having a relationship with Jesus Christ."
A football-themed movie from the award-winning producers of Flywheel, Facing the Giants is an action- packed drama, an inspiring tale of coach Grant Taylor's six losing years of coaching the Shiloh Eagles while at the same time enduring the devastating news of his wife's infertility. Taylor manages to pull himself together, and challenge his players to embrace what he knows to be true: with God, all things are possible.
Mark Richt, head football coach at the University of Georgia since 2001, makes a cameo appearance in two scenes of Facing the Giant. Richt said that after learning about the Kendrick's new movie, he felt honored to be included because he was impressed with their 2003 production, Flywheel.
The film also features Erin Bethea, James Blackwell, and Alex Kendrick as coach Grant Taylor.
"The world premiere of Facing the Giants is another example of TBN's ever increasing commitment to broadcasting thought-provoking programming for people from all walks of life," reports Paul Crouch Jr., TBN's chief of staff. "Facing the Giants will uplift viewers, while engaging both their mind and their spirit."
Facing the Giants is sure to be a movie experience that will inspire the entire family to live with faith, hope, and love.
For more information, visit TBN at www.tbn.org or the film's official website at www.sherwoodpictures.com.
About TBN
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is the world's largest religious network and America's most watched faith network. Each day TBN offers 24 hours of commercial-free inspirational programming those appeals to people in a wide variety of denominations. Beginning in 1973 as a single UHF station in southern California, 20 TBN now reaches every major continent via 70 satellites and more than 12,500 television and cable affiliates worldwide. In the United States, TBN is available to 92 percent of the total households. Its website receives more than 27 million visitors monthly. For more information on TBN, visit www.tbn.org.
About Sherwood Pictures
Sherwood Pictures is the not-for-profit ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. The production company, founded by brothers Stephen and Alex Kendrick, produces movies designed to inspire people of faith. The Kendrick brothers, who are associate pastors at the Sherwood Church, have written, directed, and produced three films - Flywheel, 2001; Facing the Giants, 2006; and Fireproof, 2008. Nominated for three awards, Flywheel won the Sabaoth International Film Festival Adam Award for Best Screenplay in 2004.
Sarah Palin's and Oprah Winfrey's Spiritual Beliefs Contrast Starkly
MEDIA ADVISORY, September 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- In an essay published today at http://www.solvinglight.com/blog/sarah-and- oprah/, author Robert Bowie Johnson Jr. contrasts, point by point, the spiritual beliefs of Sarah Palin with those of passionate Obama supporter, Oprah Winfrey. Here are some excerpts from it:
SARAH exhibits faith in God, believing that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
OPRAH mocks Christian faith, insisting that "God is a feeling experience, not a believing experience. If God for you is still about a belief, then it's not truly God."
SARAH believes that the Scriptures (Genesis to Revelation), in the original Hebrew and Greek, are the inspired, infallible words of the Creator and that these words speak the truth to our minds, and to the eyes of our heart.
OPRAH believes that divine revelation comes through the words of her pathologically narcissistic New Age guru, Eckhart Tolle, whose exclusive, esoteric, "infallible" interpretation of all spiritual traditions she avidly embraces. Oprah sees herself as an "awakened" and "evolved" human being who partakes fully in the supreme "it" behind all things, "universal intelligence." Being plugged in to this "universal intelligence" generates for Oprah "awareness," "presence," and "flowering consciousness," all disguised terms for self- adoration.
SARAH believes that she was created in the image of God, and that she is descended from Adam and Eve through Noah and his wife.
OPRAH believes she evolved by chance out of some kind of primordial ooze over hundreds of millions of years through worms, reptiles, and monkeys.
SARAH relies on the word of God and the Holy Spirit to guide her into truth.
OPRAH relies on a spirit or a force Tolle calls the "Source" which he claims resides within him and Oprah. That "Source" has told him that the word of the God of the Bible is not reliable, that there is no death, and that he and Oprah both are as God, able to say of themselves "I Am That I Am." These things that the "Source" has told Oprah and Tolle are the same things the serpent told Eve in the ancient garden.
Johnson goes on to show that Oprah's own words reveal it was her spiritual beliefs that drew her to Barack Obama. Johnson points to the very obvious and troubling fact that Oprah would not have endorsed a man who did not share her spiritual values.
Other related essays appear at http://www.solvinglight.com/blog/ and http://www.solvinglight.com
The author is available for interviews.
Abunga.com Announces Winners of Kid's Choice Book Awards
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- Abunga.com, the family- friendly online bookstore, is pleased to announce the winning authors and titles of the first Abunga.com Kids' Choice Book Awards. Children pre-kindergarten through 12th grade logged onto the Abunga.com site and nominated their favorite summer reading book through Sept.1.
The winning titles are as follows, by category:
· Pre-kindergarten through first grade - "I'm Invited to a Party" by Mo Willems
· Second through third grade - "Nancy Drew and the Quest of the Missing Map" by Carolyn Keene
· Fourth through fifth grade - "My Life as a Supersized Superhero....with Slobber" by Bill Myers
· Sixth through eighth grade - "Christy Miller Collection" by Robin Jones Gunn
· Ninth through 12th grade - "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris
"Abunga.com was thrilled at the number of children who chose to voice their opinion about the books they read and loved this summer," said Abunga.com Chairman Lee Martin. "We are so thrilled with the variety of winning books and send our congratulations to the winning authors and our thanks to all the children who helped make this possible."
All winning books and authors are listed on the Abunga.com Kids' Choice Book Awards Winners Page and available for purchase on Abunga.com. In addition, the winning authors will be featured on the Abunga.com home page from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and will be listed on the Abunga.com Kids' Choice Awards Web page for one full year until the 2009 awards.
Children who logged onto the Abunga.com Web site and took the time to nominate a book were entered into a drawing for a $20 Abunga.com gift card. One gift card was awarded per age category and the winners are recognized by first name on the Abunga.com Kids' Choice Awards Web page.
Abunga.com is an online bookstore founded to provide families a protected shopping environment. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Abunga.com offers more than 1.6 million family-friendly books, savings through distributor-direct prices and support to nonprofit organizations by donating 5 percent of each transaction to a customer-selected charity. For more information, visit www.Abunga.com.
Note to Editors: For more information about Abunga.com, please visit www.Abunga.com/media. To arrange an interview with Lee Martin, please contact Kristin Cole at 615.289.6701 or via e-mail at kristin@alarryross.com.
Christian Internet Radio Spectacular
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Sept. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- Holy Revival Radio is one of the premiere Gospel Internet Radio Stations on the net. With the launch of the brand new social networking site www.holyrevivalradio.com, ratings and listenership are continuing to rise. Some set back was noticed initially as Holy Revival Radio began using SWCast as an interface for licensing and paying royalty fees. This switch was necessary for Holy Revival Radio to be one of the very few gospel internet stations that operate legally and complies with the rules and regulations as they stand now. Holy Revival Radio has great pride in being able to offer Christian and Gospel Artists not only a place to be heard, but a place that will also enable them to receive royalties for their music that is played on the station. This is important as not all internet radio stations comply with this.
Holy Revival Radio is now actively reaching out to Christian ministries, Gospel/Christian Artists to come and make a home there. Many great opportunities are available, at no cost, to promote your projects and ministries. Using a platform similar to YouTube and MySpace, Holy Revival Radio has created a social network online targeted towards the small to medium ministry that needs a voice and the independent Gospel/Christian artist. As we go farther into the future, a presence online is necessary and being a part of a growing Christian social network is just what a ministry needs to be able to reach a mass number of people with the click of a mouse.
The members that are at the site already have begun putting up profiles, videos, starting groups, and uploading their music. A big draw to the site is the ability to produce and upload your very own videos for the world to see and hear. Many enjoy also the ability to promote their events and start groups for others to join as well. All this is done while listening to great traditional and contemporary gospel music and ministries on Holy Revival Radio.
There are many social networking sites online that Christians participate in. Holy Revival Radio saw a reason to create its own. The reason was to provide a purely Christian experience of social networking without having to be a part of questionable activity that you see on other social networking sites. One can enjoy gospel music from Main Stream contemporary artists like Kirk Franklin, Deitrick Haddon, and Mary Mary. Also everyone will be able to enjoy many up and coming independent artists like Kiara Miller, Delroy Souden, and many others. Creating a custom profile and making friends and contacts on Holy Revival Radio is quick and easy. Social networking is a powerful force to allow many to get exposure in the Christian community online. If you have a voice that needs to be heard, Holy Revival Radio has the platform for you.
Gospel Rescue Missions Measure the 'Dose' of Faith in Faith-Based Initiatives
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gospel Rescue Missions, which provide food, clothing and shelter to millions of needy Americans, have embarked on a landmark study to identify how faith works in faith-based social services.
A self-selected group of seventeen rescue missions from across the United States, with a desire to improve program effectiveness, looked at factors such as the significance of faith in substance abuse recovery and how faith may help a person recover from addiction. Specifically, the missions wanted to know if faith in God, relationships with others -- or both -- are the pathway to a clean, sober, and more responsible lifestyle.
The research may help guide the debate over federal faith-based initiatives, now in their seventh year of expansion under the Bush Administration. Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, and Republican candidate Sen. John McCain have both voiced strong support for faith- based initiatives.
The rescue mission research, known as the National Recovery Initiative Pilot Project, produced these findings:
· Faith elements can be measured, and people who seek help from faith-based programs show clear evidence of change.
· Faith-based programs differ in services delivered and how much faith is incorporated.
· There are no "one size fits all" measures of faith.
· Different faith traditions use different faith-based approaches.
· The duration of a faith-based program and strength of relationships experienced in treatment may result in a stronger faith life by program participants.
The research conducted by the Pilot Project will be expanded to a National Demonstration Project based at Grand Valley State University's Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership and represents new work and uncharted territory.
A detailed report on the results of the Pilot Project was presented in June at a White House conference. The report is available online at "Despite all the publicity about faith-based initiatives, the truth of the matter is that the faith component in these programs is not well understood," said Karen Woods, project director. "The Pilot Study points us in the right direction for a better understanding of how faith works in social service agencies."
The Pilot Member Missions are among 300 rescue missions that belong to the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, Kansas City, Mo., serving across the United States and Canada.
OneNewsNow Headlines
There is shock and sadness in the Christian community over word that famed Christian music singer Ray Boltz has publicly announced he's living a homosexual lifestyle.
McCain highlights Obama's push for sex-ed for little ones
John McCain's presidential campaign is accusing Barack Obama of supporting comprehensive sex education for kindergartners, a familiar attack leveled by Obama's political opponents.
Why do liberals personally despise Palin?
A pro-life activist suggests one of the reasons liberals despise Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin so passionately may be because she gave birth to her son despite a diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Voting based on emotions
An African-American businessman says he cannot, in good conscience, support Senator Barack Obama's bid for the White House.
Pastor warns against taking homosexuality lightly
A song from an increasingly popular singer is still stirring controversy as well as criticism for a pastor for openly objecting to it.
MTV host bashes purity rings, abstinence
A pro-life youth organization is demanding an apology from MTV.
Perspective: Barney Frank and the politics of family values
Christians understand that to err is to be human. Forgiveness is a pillar of our faith. We even forgive Barney Frank.
| Wall Street awakes to 2 storied firms gone AP Business Writers NEW YORK When Wall Street woke up Monday morning, two more of its storied firms had vanished. Lehman Brothers, ... Remnants of Ike blamed for 13 deaths in Midwest CHICAGO Losing its devastating punch as a major hurricane, Ike nevertheless drubbed the Midwest with powerful winds and floodwaters that are being blamed for ... Oil falls below $99 on low Ike damage; so why $5 gas? SINGAPORE Oil prices fell below $99 a barrel on Monday after Hurricane Ike inflicted minimal damage to oil installations on the Texas ... Feds: Audio sheds light on deadly LA train wreck LOS ANGELES Federal investigators said Sunday that audio recordings from a commuter train are missing required verbal safety checks between the engineer and the conductor ... Authorities: Nearly 2,000 saved post-Hurricane Ike GALVESTON, Texas Rescue crews canvassing neighborhoods with dump trucks, helicopters and airboats have saved nearly 2,000 residents who ignored evacuation orders and stayed to face Hurricane Ike, ... |
Learning from Obama: What Non-Profits Can Learn From This Fundraising Power-House
PORTLAND, Oregon, Sept. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- Presidential-hopeful Barack Obama's internet-powered campaign announced it had raised a record $66 million in August.
Eric Foley of Mission Increase Foundation says charities should take a page from his playbook. "Effective fundraising revolves around purposeful relationships," says Foley, Vice-President of Giving and Training, "and that is even truer in online fundraising. Obama's campaign has mastered this like we've never seen before."
Foley notes Obama's online strategy involves three basic steps.
First, he asks people to get involved in a movement, to commit to the cause of "change." Second, once the commitment is there, he asks for money, knowing that money follows commitment. Third, he equips his supporters with online tools and information to pass along to friends and urge them to get involved: websites, photos, videos, forums, blogs, wallpapers, and even ringtones.
Many charities are following a similar fundraising strategy pattern in what Mission Increase Foundation calls "Participation Architecture", or 'P-E-O.' Participate is the first and basic step when the non-profit gets the donor to do a project or activity.
Engage, where funding typically first occurs, is the next level of involvement when the donor wants to do more and learn more about the cause.
The most advanced level, Own, is when champions passionately and actively fundraise and promote the charity's cause within their spheres of influence.
Foley says, "People aren't responding to unsolicited e- newsletters from charities. They're responding to invitations from friends to get involved! So, an effective Internet strategy must focus on equipping supporters to share the cause."
A recent survey by the blog Social Actions found that people are 100 times more likely to donate when asked by a friend or family member than by an anonymous solicitation.
Charities need to understand how donors want to interact and build ways for them to advocate for their cause. "Donors want to call the shots in today's charitable world," says Foley. "The star of your Internet strategy must be the donor, not your organization," he advises.
Mission Increase Foundation offers no-cost workshops on this and other fundraising topics in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. For more information, go to www.missionincrease.org.
Extremists Launch Attacks Against Christians in Second Indian State
CARROLLTON, Texas, September 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- "India is in a scary situation," says Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan. "While violence continues in Orissa, on India's east coast, anti-Christian extremists have unleashed another wave of attacks on Christians in Karnataka, a state on India's west coast.
"At the same time, churches are under attack in Jharkhand and other states, and Muslim extremists have set off bombs in Delhi.
"But we know that, in the end, the future is bright, because Jesus is with His church."
On Sunday, Hindu mobs rushed into churches and prayer centers of many different denominations in Karnataka, attacking Christians during their times of worship. The extremists then destroyed the church buildings and their properties. At least 11 churches were destroyed, including at least one led by Gospel for Asia missionaries.
Christians responded with protest rallies, and more than 60 extremists have been detained by authorities as a result of Sunday's attacks.
"What we saw in Orissa was a well thought-out and detailed agenda to eradicate Christians from the state," said Dr. Yohannan. "As you can see, the same pattern is being followed in Karnataka. It is well planned and orchestrated by Hindu radicals."
A GFA missionary in Karnataka reports that his church was set on fire, even though
Another GFA missionary reported that a mob of extremists crashed into his church around noon Sunday, smashing windows, lights and musical instruments. The mob also destroyed bicycles belonging to church members and the missionary. The missionary filed a police complaint about the attack.
Several similar attacks were reported throughout Karnataka on Sunday, and extremists also made terrorism threats against churches there.
They threatened a congregation that had a new building, which was just dedicated the previous Sunday. Services were conducted there Sunday under police protection.
The weekend violence was not limited to Karnataka. In the state of Jharkhand, militants surrounded a home where a GFA missionary was leading a worship service. When the service was over the militants rounded up the pastor and some of the believers and dragged them to a Hindu temple in a nearby forest.
The militants beat the Christians and demanded money, which they said was necessary to perform the "re-conversion" rituals that would make them Hindus. They tormented the believers for more than four hours before police broke up the standoff. The militants and the Christians were called to the police station Monday and the police asked them to work out a compromise. Church leaders are working with the Jharkhand government to prevent any more attacks.
In Karnataka, a mish-mash of laws affect what constitutes legal assembly for Christians. All places of worship must be registered with the state, and while it is not written into law, police consider it "illegal" for congregations to meet in homes or rented spaces, such as community centers. As a result, many congregations meeting in rented facilities are being shut down under this unwritten "law."
Karnataka also has an anti-conversion law. This law was passed under the guise of "protecting" poor and low-caste people from what the Hindu radicals call "forcible conversions." The extremists falsely charge that Christian missionaries offer inducements, such as money or jobs, to the poor who convert to Christianity. Such false accusations are then used to incite violence against the Christians.
The Hindu radicals are also highly critical of non- Indian missionaries, as well as any Christian groups that receive funds from countries outside of India, especially the United States.
Hindutva is a word derived from two terms, "Hindu" and "Tattya," which literally means "Hindu Principals." The term was coined in the 1920s by an Indian philosopher, but is now most often used in the political context of promoting Hindu nationalism.
The VHP (World Hindu Council), who used the assassination of one of its most strident anti- Christian leaders as an excuse for the latest round of violence in Orissa, is committed to the Hindutva principal that "to be Indian is to be Hindu." They promote the concept of India becoming a totally Hindu nation and driving out Christianity and Islam.
Karnataka's top elected officials belong to political parties that are known to promote Hindutva.
"These people do not represent the majority of Hindus, or of the Indian people at large," Dr. Yohannan said. "This violence is led by a small group of fanatics who are bringing a bad name to India. We must pray for the people of India, and for their leaders, that peace will return to this land."
Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.
Operation Freedom Bell Campaign Joins Beth Moore, LtCol. Oliver North and Travis Cottrell Together to Provide Delivery of Bibles to U.S. Military Troops Throughout the Holidays
Travis Cottrell Releases Upcoming Ring the Bells Christmas Record on October 7, 2008 Through Indelible Creative Group, to Coincide with Operation Freedom Bell Campaign
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- Indelible Creative Group recently announced two unprecedented projects for this holiday season, Operation Freedom Bell and new Travis Cottrell project, Ring The Bells.
A highlight of the Cottrell project release goes further than the music. Ring the Bells will be a launching point for Operation Freedom Bell, which brings hope, encouragement and Bibles to U.S. Soldiers who are serving overseas.
The purchase of each solid-brass Freedom Bell for only ten dollars provides an American solider with an "American Heroes" New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. When a Freedom Bell is purchased, both the consumer and the solider will also receive video downloads from LtCol Oliver North and Beth Moore, along with a MP3 single from Travis Cottrell. Bells may be purchased and Bibles sent online through www.operationfreedombell.org, as well as through select retail and additional ministry outlets. At the Operation Freedom Bell website, there are also forums to hear directly from the soldiers and leave your prayers and thoughts for them as well.
"Often in life we ask ourselves: 'How can I make a difference?'" Jeff Sheets, president & CEO of Son Companies & E3, a partner in Operation Freedom Bell. "Operation Freedom Bell was founded with the desire to provide a tangible way to keep our American Heroes at the forefront of our hearts and prayers and to be a supply line of the most important gifts we can give, God's Word. You can make a difference, most importantly in praying for our troops and you can make an eternal impact by giving them God's Word. In a real sense, participation in Operation Freedom Bell is one of the more tangible ways each of us can make a difference in the lives of men and women serving and protecting around the world."
Operation Freedom Bell is a movement encouraging prayer and the opportunity to physically place the Word of God into the hands of men and women who need hope in the battlefield and encouragement from those they are serving. Travis Cottrell, Beth Moore, and LtCol Oliver North will lead this initiative, but it will be up to the American people to keep it fueled and keep the bells ringing.
Both the Ring the Bells CD and the Freedom Bell will be available at retail, online, and at Cottrell's live tour events nationwide on October 7, 2008, through Indelible Creative Group / Word Entertainment. Cottrell will be touring this fall at Beth Moore Living Proof Live, and will be performing in December on Compassion International's Gloria tour with Cindy Morgan and Shaun Groves.
For more information on Operation Freedom Bell and Travis Cottrell's new project, please visit:
http://www.operationfreedombell.org
http://www.traviscottrell.com
Beth Moore was born on an Army base in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the fourth child of a retired Army major and a homemaker. Beth founded Living Proof Ministries in 1994 with the purpose of teaching women how to love and live on God's Word. Upon completion of a tour of New England this fall, Beth's Living Proof Live conferences will have taken her to all fifty states since 1994. The events have been attended by more than 658,000 women.
LtCol Oliver North is a Vietnam veteran awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts during his twenty-two years of service as a United States Marine. Later, he was assigned to the National Security Council staff by former President Ronald Reagan, who called North "an American hero." Today, he is a New York Times best-selling author, syndicated columnist, and host of the award-winning War Stories documentary series on the FOX News Channel. North has four children, eleven grandchildren, and lives with his wife in Virginia.
Indelible Creative Group, E3Resources, makers and distributers of the EvangeCube, Son Companies, and Buzz Plant are the partners.
Kids Teach the Darndest Things
ENUMCLAW, Washington, September 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- In the late 1990s through April 2000 Bill Cosby hosted the television show "Kids Say the Darndest Things", based on Art Linkletter's classic comedy show segment. Each episode celebrated just how funny, revealing and embarrassingly truthful children can be. It also stood as a sobering reminder that if you don't want something repeated don't say or do it in front of your three-year-old.
Yes, children have a wonderful way of making us laugh, usually when they aren't trying to be funny. At the same time they have a unique knack for unintentionally cheering us up, teaching and inspiring us. Cherise L. Bopape shares such moments from her own parenting journey in "Lessons from the Littlest: A Devotional for Mothers of Young Children". Through the 31 readings contained in the book Bopape entices mothers to become aware of the godly lessons that they can glean from everyday interactions with their young children. The book is filled with true-life stories from her own experiences raising three small children, sharing how her children so often prompted her to stop, reflect on God's goodness, or see life a bit differently. Each devotional ends with a challenge for either personal reflection or service. "I tend to make things complicated," Cherise Bopape says. "By mimicking the innocence and faith of a child we please God. Through spilled milk, poop- filled diapers, and a slew of Little League games or cheerleading practices we can still praise God, be thankful, and give service with a smile. I had to learn this the hard way." Many busy moms can say the same. But with the book written just for them, they can find something to take into their day while learning to see their little ones in a whole new light.
A Former Member Testifies to the Dangers and Dysfunctions of the Jehovah's Witnesses
ENUMCLAW, Washington, September 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- According to the Jehovah's Witness membership statistics, active Watchtower congregants numbers around 7,000,000. Every year, close to 300,000 new members are baptized into the faith, and over 101,000 organized congregations operate under the direction of a central governing administration located in New York.
Raised in one such congregation, author William Coburn remembers his childhood years and the impact the Jehovah's Witness made on his life.
"When our church building, Kingdom Hall, was renovated, a 'Spanking Room' was added as an extra convenience for mothers. My mother kicked me, punched me, threw a vacuum cleaner at me and even knocked me out on more than one occasion."
"The Spanking Room - A Child's Eye View of the Jehovah's Witnesses" explores the inner-workings of the Kingdom Hall and chronicles a first-hand account of the physical, mental and emotional abuse among Jehovah's Witnesses. It explores how Watchtower doctrine encourages violence against its most helpless members-the children.
A former Jehovah's Witness, Coburn spent over thirteen years of his childhood and adolescence observing the consistency of dysfunction and abuse taught by the Watchtower Society.
Today, Coburn works as executive recruiter with a list of clients that includes the Pentagon. He is an accomplished public speaker and has given seminars, classes, and workshops on subjects ranging from drug awareness counseling to close- combat survival at West Point Military Academy. A Christian, husband, and father, Coburn credits his happiness and survival to God's mercy and grace.
"I'm successful. I'm happy. I have love and faith and hope in my life . . . I turned out fine. But I did not turn out this way "because" of the Watchtower Society; I turned out this way in spite of it."
Missourinet News Headlines 9/16/08
Meet Missouri's Teacher of the YearÂ
Missouri's Teacher of the Year says her students, her fellow teachers, and the importance of what she does are the things that have kept her going for 37 years. High School Social Studies teacher Margaret Williams of University City went to...
Warmer, drier weather on the wayÂ
Several days of heavy rains only added to record rainfall for the year. It's been cold and rainy, more like early November than September. Last weekend ruminants of hurricane Ike soaked much of the state. "Anywhere from almost six inches...
Tens of thousands of Missourians remain without powerÂ
Flooding this past weekend knocked out power for tens of thousands of Missourians. It also has created a real danger. AmerenUE reports it has restore power to 86,000 of its customers, with most customers in the St. Louis area restored. Ameren reports that 4,300 St. Louis City and County customers remain without power. It expects to have those homes back on by the end of the day.
Former Senator Talent expects individual positions - not party affiliation - to determine presidential race
Many of the political pundits believe this is going to be a bad November for Republicans at the ballot box. But former U.S. Senator Jim Talent says that is not necessarily the case - at least in the presidential contest. Talent, who won a...
Friday, September 12, 2008
OneNews Now Headlines 9/12/08
A Democrat defending Barack Obama's former work as a community organizer has compared his party's presidential nominee to Jesus Christ.
Values Voter Summit kicks off today
Conservative activists are meeting in Washington, DC, this weekend for the Values Voter Summit. Free live webcast available
NOW levels sexist remarks at Palin
The Independent Women's Forum is disappointed that the National Organization for Women would engage in sexist attacks aimed at Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Southern Baptists of Texas prepare for Ike
Disaster relief teams with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention are on alert status and preparing to help those who will be impacted by Hurricane Ike.
Pelosi 'fundamentally wrong' on Catholic teaching
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has agreed to meet with San Francisco's archbishop to clarify remarks she made during an interview with Tom Brokaw.
Politics in the pulpit: Where do pastors stand?
The Alliance Defense Fund is prepared for pastors to challenge an IRS rule from the pulpit this month, but a group of pastors has filed a complaint with the tax agency.
You may now kiss 'Party A'
Those who wish to be married in California and be called "bride and groom" will have to wed in another state.
Perspective: Coffee, news, and s-bombs
Another guest's use of an expletive on the Today Show highlights the need to use time delays during live broadcasts.
| Houston decides to stare down Ike instead of leave HOUSTON As a gigantic Hurricane Ike steamed through the Gulf of Mexico toward the Texas coast, officials in America's fourth largest city made a bold ... Oil rises in Asia as Ike bears down on Texas coast SINGAPORE As expected, oil prices rose to nearly $102 a barrel Friday in Asia as Hurricane Ike swept up from the Gulf of ... Venezuela's Chavez says US ambassador must leave CARACAS, Venezuela President Hugo Chavez ordered the U.S. ambassador to leave Venezuela within 72 hours on Thursday, accusing the diplomat of conspiring against his government and saying ... Palin says she's ready to step in as president FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Thursday that she didn't blink when Republican John McCain asked her to be his running mate, a surprise selection that shook ... Va. court strikes down anti-spam law RICHMOND, Va. The Virginia Supreme Court declared the state's anti spam law unconstitutional Friday and reversed the conviction of a man once considered one of the world's ... |
IRS Expands Investigation of Florida Internet Evangelist to Include Senator Obama
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- The IRS has expanded its investigation into Florida internet evangelist Bill Keller of Live Prayer to include a review of comments Keller made questioning the faith of senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
In February of this year, the IRS launched an investigation to determine whether or not Keller had violated his ministry's tax-exempt status when he declared "a vote for Romney is a vote for Satan."
Keller responded to the investigation by stating that he has never told anyone who to - or who not to - vote for, nor has he ever endorsed a candidate. Rather, Keller explained, he used the now famous phrase in a legitimate context to warn people that following the teachings of the Mormon cult would inevitably lead a person's soul to hell.
Clearly frustrated by the expansion of the IRS's investigation, Keller recently stated that he and his attorneys have complied fully with the IRS's request for an extensive list of documents, as well as clarification of his comments about Romney.
Keller had anticipated getting a clean bill of health from the IRS since, he believes, the issue to be straightforward - they either believe he did or did not violate his exemption by making those comments. Instead, however, the evangelist received yet another package of requests for documents, as well as a list of questions to be answered, from the IRS who explained it had been unable to resolve the question as to whether or not Keller's comments put his ministry in violation of its status. The new questions all had to do with comments Keller made regarding the faith of senators Obama and Clinton
"Senators Obama and Clinton have been in the public aggressively promoting the fact that they are people of faith," Keller points out. "Obama especially has had a clear strategy to promote himself as a Christian. I have every right, as well as a responsibility, under my exemption to deal with their statements, and to educate the public on these issues. We certainly can't expect a biblically illiterate press to hold politicians accountable when it comes to issues of faith, especially when they lie to the public about their own beliefs.
"The fact is, I have also spoken about Senator McCain's statements regarding his faith," adds Keller. "But this fact has been conveniently ignored. The problem the IRS really has is that I have been consistent in speaking out on these spiritual issues regarding all political candidates who have chosen to make their faith an issue."
The expansion of Keller's activities comes in the wake of efforts by Christian advocacy groups to test America's legal prohibition on clergy endorsing candidates from the pulpit. The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) maintains that the ban is unconstitutional, and that it plans to try to make its point by having several pastors violate the Internal Revenue Service rule on September 28.
Ironically, Keller has made it clear that he does not agree with the ADF's strategy. He does, however, believe that pastors have every right to speak out on the spiritual issues of the day, even when it comes to dealing specifically with political candidates.
"It is not only acceptable, but utterly desirable for spiritual leaders to critique our political leaders," he adds. "And it is possible to do so, as I have done, without telling people who to, or not to, endorse."
Availability: Bill Keller is available immediately for nationwide radio and television, and would be happy to speak to the following questions:
1. How is your statement, "a vote for Romney is a vote for Satan" not telling people they should not vote for Mitt Romney?
2. Is this recent investigation an effort by the IRS to prohibit clergy from speaking out on anything to do with politics?
3. Why do you feel you are being investigated when churches have regularly invited political candidates to speak to their congregations?
4. What will you do if the IRS rules against you?
5. What do you think of the ADF's effort to challenge this law?
ABOUT BILL KELLER
The news media has crowned Pastor Bill Keller the next big thing in mass media religion. Keller is the host of Live Prayer with Bill Keller, the nation's only live call-in faith and values-based program airing exclusively on the internet. 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 more, from a conservative, biblical world- view. Unscripted and unedited, Live Prayer is a fresh and totally spontaneous approach to problem solving. The program can be seen live, Monday through Friday from 10 PM to 11 PM EST, and 24/7 through programs archived on LivePrayer.com.
MORE ABOUT LIVEPRAYER.COM
In 1999, Keller launched LivePrayer.com, which 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 in the world. For information on where to watch Live Prayer in your area, visit www.liveprayer.com.
New Evangelical Poll Shows Golden Rule Moves Attitudes on Torture
ATLANTA, Sept. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- The results of a new poll show that while Southern white evangelicals are more likely to hold a more extreme view on torture than the general public, their views can be changed when reminded of the teachings of Jesus. The new poll, released on Sept. 11 at the National Summit on Torture at Mercer University's Atlanta campus, was commissioned by Faith in Public Life and Mercer and conducted by Public Religion Research base on polling from white evangelical Christians in the South.
Among the findings: close to six-in-10 white evangelicals in the South say that torture can be often (20 percent) or sometimes (37 percent) justified in order to gain important information. This compares to roughly half (48 percent) of the general public who believe that torture can be justified, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll (February 2008).
Despite high levels of religiosity, white evangelicals in the South are significantly more likely to rely on life experiences and common sense (44 percent) than Christian teachings or beliefs (28 percent) when thinking about the acceptability of torture. These different sources of moral thinking lead to strikingly different attitudes.
Among those influenced by Christian teachings, a majority (52 percent) oppose torture--14 points higher than white evangelicals in the South overall. In contrast, among those who rely most on life experiences and common sense, less than one-in- three (31 percent) oppose torture.
A majority (52 percent) agree with the Golden Rule argument against torture--that the U.S. government should not use methods against our enemies that we would not want used on American soldiers. This movement represents a 14-point increase from the 38 percent of white evangelicals who initially said that torture is rarely or never justified. Appeals to three other moral and theological frames did not significantly influence views on torture.
An appeal to the Golden Rule increases opposition to torture among every subgroup of white evangelicals. For example, only about one-third (34 percent) of white evangelicals who attend worship services more than once a week say torture is never or rarely justified, but a majority (50 percent) of this group was persuaded by the Golden Rule argument against torture. This represents a 16-point shift in opinion among the most frequent attending white evangelicals in the South.
"The good news is this poll reminds us that in torture, as with any issue, when Christians remember that our calling is to follow Jesus, he changes everything," said the Rev. Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, director of the Two Futures Project and a Baptist minister. "By framing the question around the golden rule, we're helping a lot of evangelicals who initially came at the issue using non-Christian principles to make their decisions based on Christian teaching and belief."
The findings prompted David Gushee, conference organizer and Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer, to challenge presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain to make a stand against torture a central tenet of their campaigns.
"Use the golden rule position to lead on torture - it is religiously, morally, and politically compelling, and people respond to it," Gushee said. "Say it: we must never do to people of another country what we would not want done to our troops."
To download the polling memo, click here.
To view video from the press conference, click here.
About Mercer University:
Founded in 1833 by Georgia Baptists, Mercer University is a comprehensive, faith-based university enrolling more than 7,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students in 11 schools and colleges on major campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah. For more information, visit www.mercer.edu.
Mercer Contact: Mark Vanderhoek 478-301-4037
Crouse Says, 'Stop Bullying Sarah!'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is appalled at the distortions about women and Christianity embodied in the personal attacks against a political candidate who is unapologetically also a woman, wife, mother and evangelical believer.
"In its continuing game of 'gotcha' journalism and the 'politics of personal destruction,' the mainstream media (MSM) and celebrity reporters are piling on Sarah Palin," said, Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, political commentator for CWALAC. "The personal attacks have reached unprecedented pettiness and hypocrisy. Even former journalistic giants (like the Washington Post and New York Times) are engaging in tabloid-like sensationalism and printing vicious distortions about her life, faith, experience and family. Even feminists -- who supposedly promote women's equality and the so-called 'women's rights' agenda -- are questioning a female candidate's ability to get the job done. It's past time for the bullying to stop!"
Crouse continued, "As an outsider who came to Washington without political connections and became a presidential speechwriter and denizen of the West Wing halls of power, I'd like to offer the governor a bit of advice: Don't be intimidated by the ubiquitous 'data robots' who are like children's wind-up toys spewing out facts and information. They sound impressive, but I've found that they often lack wisdom, insight and vision; many of them haven't the foggiest idea what those facts mean, sometimes lack common sense and too often are unable to shape ideas into reality. Don't be impressed by 'inside-the-Beltway' lingo; far too often the short-hand language that the inside crowd uses to talk to each other obscures the fact that they know very little about the real world inhabited by mainstream Americans."
During the Values Voter Conference this weekend, Dr. Crouse can be reached on her cell phone directly at 202-497-9556.
Missourinet News 9/12/08
Nixon, Hulshof and third party gubernatorial candidates face-off in ColumbiaÂ
It wasn't the one on one match-up between Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon and Republican flag-bearer Kenny Hulshof that so many Missouri political observers had hoped for. Rather, it was a Missouri Press Association forum in Columbia... Â
Meat prices on the riseÂ
The food on your game day grill will cost you more next season and more than likely for at least the next five years. By 2013 beef prices could rise 64 cents a pound, pork by 43 cents and chicken by 25 cents, according to a new University of...
Top Missouri Republican says Palin has energized baseÂ
A top Missouri Republican acknowledges the party was down only a few months ago, but says all that has changed because of the addition of Sarah Palin to the presidential ticket. House Speaker Rod Jetton says he never would have believed the...
Congress remembersÂ
Congress is remembering 9/11. A bi-partisan resolution introduced in the House of Representatives marks the tragedy seven years ago and pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who died in New York, at the Pentagon and in an isolated field in Pennsylvania. West-Central Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton tells colleagues during his speech on the House floor that the tragedy won't weaken America. Â
Southeast Missouri man arrested for holding his wife against her will
A Malden woman's husband held her against her will and beat her for a week before she escaped. Malden Police arrested Lonnie Campbell last week for brutally beating his wife and holding her against her will. Campbell faces charges of 1 st degree...Â
Freedom's Defense Fund Launches 2nd Ad in Battleground Michigan
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Freedom's Defense Fund (FDF) rotated a new spot in Macomb County cable markets, this time focused on Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright.
The ad reminds voters of Senator Obama's long- standing relationship with the Reverend Wright - Obama's former pastor and spiritual advisor. The Freedom's Defense Fund again asks voters, "Do you know who Barack Obama's friends are?"
To view the ad please visit: http://www.freedomsdefensefund.com/videos.html
"Barack Obama's spiritual adviser for more than two decades is America's sharpest critic," said Todd Zirkle, executive director of the Freedom's Defense Fund. "Hillary Clinton thought this appropriate content for the Democratic primary and we think it underscores Obama's vulnerability (his judgment) in the general election."
The ad is scheduled to run a saturated one-week schedule on cable news networks in Macomb County, Michigan.
"Our donors are demanding that we be strategically relevant in this campaign," continued Zirkle. "We will stay active in Macomb County, as we believe it critical to the Michigan outcome. Michigan will be a decisive to the national result."
FDF is a political action committee (PAC). We are dedicated to the principles of limited government as the Founders understood them. We stand with conservative, pro-freedom candidates against the radical left and their elitist allies in Washington. FDF was established in 2004 and has over 20,000 supporters nationwide.
The Love Dare Book (From the Makers of FIREPROOF the Movie)
A Movie Plot Device is Already a Bestseller
www.LoveDareBook.com
NASHVILLE, Sept. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- Weeks before the movie Fireproof opens in theaters, The Love Dare, a book that began as a plot device in the film, has sold 300,000 copies into bookstores and is in its third printing. Sony Pictures opens Fireproof in some 750 theaters this Sept. 26.
"It's a plot device, it's a book, it's a marriage saver, it's a movement," says John Thompson, vice president of marketing for the book's publisher, B&H Publishing Group. "This is the fastest-selling book we've ever handled.
"In America, the average book sells about 5,000 copies," Thompson said. "The Love Dare, at $14.99 a copy in paperback, could be the top-selling Christian book of 2008." The paperback version hits stores in time for the movie's theatrical premiere this month. The keepsake edition coincides with the DVD release in spring 2009.
In the movie, after he and his wife have agreed to divorce, firefighter Caleb Holt's father gives him a handwritten book, a 40-day challenge to love his wife a. Caleb resents the exercises but goes through the motions: Day One: Love is Patient; Day Two: Love is Kind; Day Three: Love is Thoughtful. While Caleb bites his tongue, sets out coffee, and assesses his priorities, his wife, ignores each gesture. By day 20 Caleb breaks; he can't love without God. And the real love story begins.
In movie pre-screenings, audiences left asking, "How can I get that book?"
Churches want The Love Dare for their marriage classes, and counselors want it for couples. Timed for the movie's release, churches, groups, and classes are ordering the book in bulk.
The Love Dare and Fireproof come from the creators of Facing the Giants, the 2006 movie that surprised the film industry by showing in 1,010 theaters and earning $10.1 million at the box office using an all- volunteer cast from Sherwood Baptist Church where the Kendricks are associate pastors. To date, the Facing the Giants DVD has sold 1.5 million copies in 14 languages in 58 countries (on every continent!). Fireproof and Facing the Giants are marketed and distributed by Provident Films and Sony Pictures.
B&H Publishing Group, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources, produces some of today's most sought-after books, Bibles, church supplies, and multimedia products. Learn more at www.LoveDareBook.com .
The 2008 Presidential Election and Its Impact on Enforcement of Federal Obscenity Laws
NEW YORK, Sept. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- In this 4,500-word article, MIM President Robert Peters discusses the history of enforcement of federal obscenity laws and why this Presidential Election is important for future enforcement. Mr. Peters also supports his assertion that "what has now become a floodtide of obscenity is one of the most pressing moral problems of our time, primarily because of its effects on marriages and children." Excerpts from the article, published at www.obscenitycrimes.org and www.moralityinmedia.org (Current News pages), follow:
Most people know that the First Amendment does not protect child pornography. Most people may not know that the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly held that obscene material is also unprotected by the First Amendment; and that there are federal and state obscenity laws now on the books which can be enforced against hardcore pornography.
....
In the 1973 Miller v. California case, the Supreme Court corrected some of the definitional problems it created in the 1960s. Federal and state obscenity laws were again enforceable, but by 1973 most prosecutors had stopped enforcing these laws and the so-called "sexual revolution" was also in full swing. As a result, the 1970s and 1980s were in large measure a hey-day for producers and distributors of pornography. But by the early 1980s, a "backlash" was growing, led by religious Americans and feminists.
....
President Reagan responded in various ways. During his first term, he opened the doors of the White House to leaders of organizations opposed to pornography. This sent a message both to federal law enforcement agencies and the public that the President viewed obscenity as a serious social problem... During [his] second term, Attorney General Meese established a Commission on Pornography, which led to the formation of an Obscenity Unit in the Justice Department in 1987. Within two years, the Unit (re- named the Child Exploitation & Obscenity Section) had commercial purveyors of "adult" obscenity on the run, and it kept them on the run until 1993.
....
President George H.W. Bush was also tough on purveyors of obscenity. John Weston, an attorney who represented pornographers, described the crackdown on Los Angeles area pornography companies as "a holocaust."
....
But President Bill Clinton nominated Janet Reno for U.S. Attorney General; and he couldn't have made a better choice, if the goal was to unleash a torrent of obscenity into the mainstream.
Enforcement of obscenity laws was not a priority when Janet Reno served as State Attorney, and it did not become one when she became U.S. Attorney General. By the end of 1994, enforcement of federal laws against commercial distributors of "adult" obscenity had come to a virtual halt.
....
Having criticized the Bush Administration for its failure to get the obscenity law enforcement job done, in fairness it must also be said that this Administration has made some progress. The main problem, as I see it, is that the record of enforcing federal obscenity laws is about five years behind what it should be.
....
I also think that our nation is at a crucial juncture in the war against obscenity. Despite the Bush Administration's failure to enforce obscenity laws vigorously, it has shown that obscenity cases are winnable. What we need now is a President who will build on the progress. The last thing this nation needs is another eight-year "free ride" for hardcore pornographers.
....
How then do we explain John McCain and Barack Obama's failure to state publicly whether they support enforcement of federal obscenity laws, despite repeated requests to do so? Frankly, I find this puzzling, since both candidates profess to be concerned about the family, children and moral values; and both are working to win the women's vote. Neither candidate is timid when it comes to abortion and homosexuality. Why then the silence on pornography?
Can it be that both major party candidates are ignorant of the harm that pornography is causing to marriages, to children, to society's moral fabric, to our national image and to women? Can it be that both candidates are more concerned about offending consumers of hardcore pornography than they are about the harm it is causing? Can it be that neither candidate views the floodtide of obscenity as a serious moral issue meriting his attention?
....
I may be a "voice crying in the wilderness," but I think the American people deserve a truthful answer to the following question, before the November elections: If elected President, will you do all in your constitutional power to ensure that obscenity laws are enforced vigorously?
....
I stated above that the floodtide of obscenity has become "one of the most pressing moral problems of our time, primarily because of its effects on the family and children." I thought it would be helpful before closing if I set forth evidence to support that claim.
Fw: Institute to Teach Faith-Based Organizations to Prevent/Manage Tax, Legal and Financial Crisis
MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- While the spending habits of some large churches are under the scrutiny of a congressional committee, a small church grapples with legal dilemmas. As one pastor and congregation tries to heal after a tragic church shooting, another church attempts to understand the contracts and processes necessary to build beyond their current facilities.
It is those tough topics and more that Faith & Philanthropy Institute (FPI) in collaboration with CPA firm, Ratliff and Sommerville, P.C. and legal firm, Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C., will address during its 2nd Annual "Ultimate Financial and Legal Conference," October 27-28, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel in Arlington, TX. "A passion for ministry is fundamentally important for carrying out our God-given missions: but the passion must be coupled with an understanding of how to effectively do the work of ministry," said Sherrye Willis, founder and president of FPI. "This conference is designed to strengthen organizations and provide the latest information on ministry finance, legal, human resource and risk management concerns."
The conference will use the resources of national and local experts as presenters. Mary Forsythe, a former Dallas businesswoman who is now founder and president of Kingdom Living Ministries will be speaking about "Leading in the Marketplace: Kingdom Principles at Work." She will help attendees understand how they can advance God's Kingdom as they align with His vision in their sphere of influence.
Ron Smedley, president of Synergistic Resource Associates in Placentia, California will share reasons why faith-based organizations need to consider going beyond meeting the basic legal and ethical requirements for treating employees. Smedley shares, "God has called employers at all times to treat their people with dignity, respect, compassion and integrity."
Frank Sommerville, an Arlington, Texas based CPA and tax attorney will help participants understand the tax and legal minefields that face nonprofits today. "Faith-based organizations need to develop organizational policies and procedures to prevent them from getting into tax trouble, sex scandals, or legal liabilities."
In 2007, the inaugural year of this conference, participants came to the DFW metroplex from all over the United States--from Washington State on the west coast to Washington, D. C. on the east coast.
For more information on this conference, call 817-835- 0271 or log on to www.fpiweb.org.
Seven Years Later
Mark Earley
Today, seven years after terrorists flew a plane into the Pentagon, killing 184 people, a memorial to that attack will be dedicated. That it has taken seven years to erect this memorial is a testimony to our uncertainty as to how best to memorialize the events of that day.
In contrast to the Pentagon memorial, any memorial to the victims in New York is "years away." Reinhold Martin of Columbia calls the situation at "Ground Zero" an "incredible mess." The iconic status of the site, combined with "disagreements and competing priorities among government agencies, family groups, and Wall Street interests," has made settling on a design near impossible.
While we debate what to do with stone and metal, there are some things we can do with our thoughts and actions right now.
I do know this: The best way to honor those who died has nothing to do with architecture.
One group is calling on Americans to make September 11 a "national day of charitable service." They urge us to "volunteer, donate to a cause, or perform another good deed of [our] own choosing."
Charitable service is always a good idea, and any attempt to inspire volunteerism is welcome. So is the decision by the presidential candidates to pull campaign ads on this day. That kind of respectfulness is appropriate.
But there is more to memorials than architecture and good deeds, as important as they are. The word memorial comes from the Latin word memor, which means "mindful," "remembering," and even "grateful."
What should we remember? Of course, we remember the victims and their families. And we are grateful for those, such as the New York firefighters and police, who died trying to save others.
But we should also be mindful of why they died. We should not let the passage of time dull us to the threat posed by those who perpetrated the attack, their distorted worldview, and their continuing determination to kill us. You can be sure that bin Laden, his followers, and would-be followers will be celebrating the seventh anniversary of these attacks and calling for more just like them.
Events like the Madrid and London bombings testify to the continuing appeal of al Qaeda-like jihadism. The cult of the suicide bomber is, unfortunately, alive and well in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Their resilience should come as no surprise: Their memories go back nearly 1,400 years. They bemoan events that took place before the discovery of America. Their attention span and patience easily accommodate seven years. The real question is: Do ours?
We should also remember that their inability-for now-to attack us on our own soil does not mean they cannot threaten our way of life. Recent months have highlighted our dependence on foreign oil-oil that disproportionately comes from the part of the world where these enemies are most active.
While architecture can honor the past, the only memorial worthy of that name are the lessons we learn that keep the past from ever being repeated again.
Water Missions International Aids Storm Victims in Haiti
CHARLESTON, Sc., Sept. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- Water Missions International (WMI) is responding with water purification systems in Haiti after four major storms ripped through the impoverished country in less than four weeks. Four of the Living Water(TM) Treatment Systems are currently stationed in Haiti and will provide the vital resource of safe, clean water to disaster victims immediately upon clearance from customs. WMI staff and volunteers are readying five more water systems for deployment to Haiti. Together, these nine systems are capable of purifying 90,000 gallons of water each day. In a disaster situation, this is enough to provide more than 45,000 people with a sufficient daily supply of drinking water. WMI is also making preparations to send additional water systems to other countries in the disaster area.
Pierre Prinvil, WMI's Haitian Country Director, is on the ground in the disaster zone. "I've never seen destruction and devastation quite like this. In my hometown alone [Cabaret, Haiti], more than 60 people have died," says Prinvil. "The people of Haiti are suffering and need help. Safe water is the most urgent need. We must act quickly."
Water Missions International is accepting donations to support this urgent relief effort and ongoing safe water projects around the world.
About WMI: Water Missions International (WMI) is a nonprofit, Christian engineering organization based in Charleston, SC. WMI's mission is to provide sustainable access to safe water and an opportunity to hear the "Living Water" message in developing countries and disaster areas. Assistance is provided regardless of age, sex, race, or faith. To date, WMI has deployed a total of 597 water systems in 36 countries worldwide and two U.S. states, making safe water available to more than one million people. Visit us at www.watermissions.org.
More details on this disaster relief effort will follow as information becomes available. Please also visit www.watermissions.org for regular updates.
If you would like to donate funds to disaster relief projects, please contact Danya Jordan at (843)769- 7395 x 210 or djordan@watermissions.org. Donations are also accepted online at www.watermissions.org.
Christian Coalition of America Promotes 'Citizenship Sunday' to 'Get Out the Christian Vote'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- Billy Graham once commented: "In a world that might say one vote doesn't matter.,it does matter because each person is of infinite worth and value to God.Your vote is a declaration of importance as a person and a citizen."
Voting is the most foundational of all American institutions. Our Founding Fathers believed strongly in the right of all Americans to participate in their government. Succeeding centuries have seen voting rights secured by an ever-increasing segment of the population.
Unfortunately, however, only half of those Americans who are eligible to vote are registered to do so. And equally disheartening is the fact that the percentages among Christians mirror those of America as a whole.
At Christian Coalition, we are dedicated to seeing every Christian register to vote. That is why we are sponsoring Citizenship Sundays in local congregations all across America.
I am very encouraged by the increased conservative mandate in the 2004 election; the increase brought on by pro-family voters. It is my belief that these Citizenship Sundays can ensure a continuance of the trend into 2008 and beyond.
In order for Citizenship Sunday to be a success, we are asking churches across the nation to get involved and sponsor a Citizenship Sunday voter registration day.
We must see the political tide of this nation continue to turn away from liberalism and toward traditional family values in legislatures all across the land.
We have simplified the process of voter registration by setting up a website for Voter Registration Info for your state so that anyone can easily find out how to register and vote in their state. Also, we have provided tips for Citizenship Sunday to help churches with process of holding a voter registration in their own church.
Chubby Girls Gospel Music Record Label Launched
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- If there's truth to the saying "It's not over until the fat lady sings" then Los Angeles- based Chubby Girl Records is destined to become a profitable niche label of the gospel music industry. In an industry where gospel music is distinctive and revered, Chubby Girl Records (CGR) celebrates and embraces gifted gospel recording artists who just happen to be 'pleasingly plump'.
The primary focus of the label is gospel music. Gospel music is one of the few genres where physical appearance takes a backseat to good old-fashioned singing. According to Sherrie Keys, CEO and President: "The beauty of the cross is the focus of gospel music. People who hunger for God's presence really don't consider a singer's image as part of gospel music's appeal."
Keys states that praise and worship is the passion and mission of her label and that music ministry takes precedence over image-conscious trends. "Our calling is higher than gospel music. Our mission is to exalt Christ, to magnify Him with such artistry that listeners look beyond our externals to experience Christ alone."
Keys believes gospel music marketing offers a compelling and unique opportunity to positively influence the way plus-size women view their bodies. A gospel music collaboration with a fashion-forward plus-size artist represents both a new retail offering for Christian music lovers and a breakthrough business model for the plus-size industry. Keys, a gifted singer in her own right, will be the first gospel recording artist distributed on the label's roster.
According to a Purdue University study, 65% of churchgoers are in the overweight or obese category. Gospel music lovers are an influential demographic with considerable purchasing power. "Music is an integral part of pop culture. The message to plus-size consumers should be that living a life with purpose can be achieved at any size. We don't advocate obesity as a healthy lifestyle choice. We advocate a positive self-image as the foundation to holistic health."
In conjunction with the music label's launch, the company is designing a clothing line targeting the plus-size market. Keys believes that plus-size women deserve fashion equality and that the demographic has strong growth potential in an otherwise stagnant retail market. So are retailers poised to offer fashionable Sunday clothes to the faithful? Keys laughs, "We won't need couture robes when we get to heaven but a few designer garments down here would be divine."
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Gods Work Ministry Inspirational and Encouragement - 9/10/08
speaking to my heart on having a vision of victory and to not let our self
get into the mind set of being a defeated person. I hope this message on
victory will encourage and challenge you to change your thinking and see
yourself as God sees you; The Victor.
A scripture that has been repeating in my mind is found in Proverbs 23:7,
As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Many people have read this
scripture and tend to associate it with pride or arrogance, but I believe
this scripture relates to every area of life. As a man thinks in his heart,
so is he. If we have it made up in our minds that only bad things ever
happen to us or we will never get ahead in life, then we have in essence
given permission to the enemy to continue having dominance in our life.
We need to remember that God is a God of second chances. He has given us
His Word and the Holy Spirit to minister to us and strengthen us so that
we may be the victorious people God has in mind for us to be. If we renew
our mind with the Word of God and get it deep in our heart that we will not
be defeated any longer, we will be in effect taking back our position of
authority as children of the Most High God. We need to keep in mind the
devil is a liar and the God who created us did not create His people to
live a miserable life, but rather to live an overcoming abundant life full
of blessings and joy. Remember the scripture says, As a man thinks in his
heart, so is he. (2 Peter 3:9) (Romans 12:1-3) (John 10:10)
If you have been doing nothing except complaining about how tough life is
or seeing yourself in the same defeated place and think there is no hope
concerning your situation, I want you to know that you are feeding straight
from the devils lies. You need to break free from these negative thoughts
and get into your Bible and let it feed your spirit where you will have a
renewed outlook on life and yourself. If you think you are going to be
defeated, then you will be defeated. If you think that you will have the
victory, then you will have the victory. It all depends on your outlook
and what your spirit man is receiving from your heart. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
I encourage you today to think positive uplifting and overcoming thoughts
of victory. I challenge you to look at your employment position and say
that you have the favor of the Lord and nothing but blessings will follow
you. Look at your health and renew your mind with God's Word and see
yourself healed and delivered of whatever sickness has you bound. God is
a healing God. God is a blessing God. The word sickness does not enter
His vocabulary, and neither should it enter ours. We will only receive
what we expect. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (3 John 2)
I pray that this simple message has encouraged you to renew your outlook
on your life and to never feed on the enemy's lies. You are a mighty
warrior through Christ and if only you could see through your spiritual
eyes the great things God has in store for your life. Remember to see
yourself as the victor and when thoughts of defeat and discouragement come
your way, you must go straight to the Book that God Himself wrote to
encourage you and show you how victorious you really are. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Ephesians 6:10-12 ".my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of
His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of
the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the
heavenly places."
Isaiah 41:9-10 "You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And
called from its farthest regions, And said to you, 'You are My servant, I
have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will
help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'"
Romans 8:37-39 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors
through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to
come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever
things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these
things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me,
these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
All scriptures can be found in the New King James Version.
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry
Please feel free to visit the Website to read more Encouraging and
Inspirational stories, poems and testimonies. Our E-mail Archives are
available as well to read the messages that have been sent in the past. You
can now send Free E-cards to friends and loved ones with the many choices
available. You are also welcome to post your prayer requests in our
Prayer Forum. All this and more available at --- http://www.Godswork.org
You can also send prayer requests to --- Prayers@godswork.org
Add your E-mail address if you'd like correspondence with the prayer partners.
Promise Keepers Brings Coach Bill McCartney Out of Retirement
Promise Keepers was birthed in 1990 following a discussion between McCartney and friend Dave Wardell, Ph.D., in which McCartney dreamed about filling the University of Colorado's Folsom Field with 50,000 men for teaching on what it means to be a godly man. That summer the two men convened 72 men to pray about a national Christian men's conference. The following year 4,200 men gathered at the University of Colorado Events Center for the organization's first conference.
The number grew to 22,000 when men representing every state in the nation gathered in Folsom Field in July 1992. McCartney's initial dream was fulfilled in 1993 when 50,000 men packed Folsom Field and the ministry of Promise Keepers was up and running. Attendance at multiple stadium events grew to 278,000 in 1994, 738,000 in 1995 and more than a million in 1996. In 1997 more than one million men gathered on the National Mall in Washington for "Stand in the Gap."
Since 1990, Promise Keepers has drawn more than 6 million men to some 250 conferences in stadiums and arenas across North America. In 2003, Bill McCartney resigned as president of the organization he helped start. He has since launched a ministry called "Road to Jerusalem," whose vision is to mobilize the Body of Christ to partner with Jewish believers.
Having spoken at PK's Atlanta conference last month, McCartney is excited about the future of the Promise Keepers ministry and will begin unveiling plans for 2009 and beyond after he and Washington have had an opportunity to meet with the ministry's staff in the coming days.
Families Must Prepare for Mental Health Pressures of College
Mental health issues including depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and anxiety, often brought on by the heightened stress of a college environment, have grown increasingly common among college students. As recent news has raised serious concerns about the effects of such issues, especially when left untreated, it is important to take a proactive approach to recognizing and addressing them, says Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director of Timberline Knolls, a national residential treatment center for eating disorders, substance abuse, self- injury behavior and other emotional disorders.
"Raising awareness of the mental health struggles met by many college students is a crucial step in fighting the associated stigma that often keeps those suffering from seeking help," Dr. Dennis says. "If students feel comfortable reaching out, issues can be professionally addressed before they become severe, or even dangerous."
According to Dr. Dennis, the following facts should be taken into account as students enter college this fall:
New freedom, new anxiety. Studies show that change, lack of sleep and stress (all commonplace among college freshmen) can be the greatest triggers of mental health issues. Leaving your parents for an unstructured environment is exciting, but it can also cause high levels of stress and anxiety. Late nights, whether spent studying or socializing, also come at a price. Both academic and social stress can lead to depression, which when left untreated can lead to suicide - the second leading cause of death among college students.
New peers, new pressure. College freshmen are surrounded by new personalities and unfamiliar social settings. The desire to fit in can potentially create a spiral of unhealthy behaviors that can lead to problems like alcohol dependence or eating disorders. Students are urged to seek professional help if they drink every day, binge drink to get drunk or if alcohol is interfering with schoolwork or relationships. Also important to note, studies indicate that as many as 19 percent of college-aged American women suffer from bulimia, a dangerous eating disorder that can be detrimental to self-esteem, social relationships and academic performance.
New fears, new feelings. A survey of more than 90,000 college students, 50 percent admitted to feeling depressed, and 93 percent reported feeling overwhelmed. The stress of school assignments and exams, paired with the pressure of social organizations like fraternities and sororities, can quickly become unmanageable. Because mental health issues are often dismissed as "normal" college life, it is important for students, parents and university faculty and staff to learn to recognize the warning signs of more serious troubles. When a student appears to be masking emotional problems with alcohol or drugs, or suffers from extended depression, he or she should be referred to the appropriate mental health offices for treatment. Research shows the most common occurrence of emotional disorders appears among young adults, ages 17 to 21.
New ideas, new hope. Recent studies revealing the biochemical basis of depression and other disorders have helped many students realize that mental health issues do not indicate personal failure, and should not cause shame. On-campus groups promoting mental health awareness are popping up at universities across the country, slowly stomping out the stigma of mental and emotional disorders and helping encourage students to seek help for their problems. A 2007 survey by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America showed 13 percent of all college students now use or have used on-campus mental health services. In fact, one institution reported a 29 percent increase in the use of counseling and psychological services over the last four years, and another reported that 40 percent of first-year students visit the counseling center at least once.
Being aware of and prepared for the mental health issues that often come with the territory for college freshmen can help foster an accepting environment among students, parents and university faculty and staff. By normalizing mental health issues, Dr. Dennis says students can feel comfortable seeking the help they need, leading to increased success and satisfaction in life, rather than suffering in silence and isolation. For additional information, visit www.timberlineknolls.com .
About Timberline Knolls
Located on 43 beautiful acres just outside of Chicago, Timberline Knolls offers a spiritually nurturing environment of recovery for women ages 12 and older who are struggling to overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. For more information on Timberline Knolls and the services offered, visit www.timberlineknolls.com.
TOp Christian News Stories 9/10/08
A conservative media analyst says the decision by MSNBC to drop Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews as co-anchors of its political night coverage is an effort to regain some of the credibility that the network lost when the liberal bias of the two hosts was challenged on the air by their colleagues.
Bishops criticize Biden's abortion statements
Two U.S. Catholic bishops say Democratic vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden contradicted church teaching by saying that the question of when human life begins is a "personal and private" religious matter.
College entrance still an obstacle to home schoolers
A senior counsel for the Home School Legal Defense Association says as home schooling comes of age in the U.S., the battle for rights is shifting.
MD voters 'up the creek' on gender identity law
Baltimore residents have lost their battle against an ordinance protecting transgendered people.
Steel City police handing out obscenity citations
In two-and-a-half years, Pittsburgh city police have written in excess of 200 tickets for disorderly conduct for filthy language, obscene gestures, and other disrespectful acts. The American Civil Liberties Union is crying infringement.
Gov't action on Fannie, Freddie necessary, says expert
A former official with the White House Office of Management and Budget says the federal takeover of troubled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was necessary to help restore the health of the credit and housing markets.
Perspective: Churches and lottery winnings - a losing proposition
Churches should never in any fashion place their lot with games of chance -- unless they're prepared to lose it all.
Sarah Palin's Keeping Disabled Baby May Reduce Abortions, Doctor Worries
people across the world with a comment that he worries abortions
will go down because of Sarah Palin's story. The number two
doctor at the national Canadian physicians group worries Palin's
decision to keep her disabled baby will reduce abortions.
Palin's story of deciding to give birth to her disabled son Trig
despite knowing he would be afflicted with Down syndrome, has
been an encouragement to families with special needs children.
Full story at: http://www.LifeNews.com/int914.html
Persecuted In The World 9/10/08
Post Chronicle - USA
But they are being persecuted to no end. What the leadership wants is for
the United Church of Canada to grow so pagan that it is no longer giving
even the ...
<http://www.postchronicle.com/religion/article_212171057.shtml>
See all stories on this topic:
<http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ncl=http://www.postchronicle.com/religion/article_212171057.shtml>
The Ongoing Saga of Poor, Poor, Persecuted Sarah Palin
News Hounds - Newport Beach,CA,USA
(Comment: She attends a church that attempts to "pray away the gay" and
which, two weeks ago, had a guest speaker, the executive director of Jews
for Jesus, ...
<http://www.newshounds.us/2008/09/10/the_ongoing_saga_of_poor_poor_persecuted_sarah.php>
See all stories on this topic:
<http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ncl=http://www.newshounds.us/2008/09/10/the_ongoing_saga_of_poor_poor_persecuted_sarah.php>
Pope: bearing the news of God's love is the true mission of the ...
AsiaNews.it - Italy
... and Paul calls himself "one untimely born", "the least of the apostles,
not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
...
<http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=13182&size=A>
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<http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ncl=http://www.asianews.it/index.php%3Fl%3Den%26art%3D13182%26size%3DA>
The Passion of Palin: Separating Real Concerns From the Hysteria
Wall Street Journal Blogs - New York,NY,USA
Palin as attacks on Christians in general, which means the more she is
criticized — the more persecuted she seems — the more Christ-like
she'll become, ...
<http://blogs.wsj.com/politicalperceptions/2008/09/09/the-passion-of-palin-separating-real-concerns-from-the-hysteria/?mod=googlenews_wsj>
See all stories on this topic:
<http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ncl=http://blogs.wsj.com/politicalperceptions/2008/09/09/the-passion-of-palin-separating-real-concerns-from-the-hysteria/%3Fmod%3Dgooglenews_wsj>
Monday, September 08, 2008
First-Ever Internet Catholic TV Station Launches
SOUTH BEND, Ind., September 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- RealCatholicTV.com launched the first television station of its kind on the internet. For the first time, this week all internet users can access solid Catholic programming including, daily news, daily political commentary, daily features on saints and history. From October 1st Premium Users will be able to access regular episodes on morality, movie reviews, entertainment, apologetics, and much more.
As of 2004, the number of hours spent on the internet overtook the number of hours spent watching television in the US. Additionally, the majority of people under 30 now use the internet for their news, information, and education, as well as entertainment. RealCatholicTV.com provides solid Catholic programming targeted directly at the internet audience.
Says Michael Voris, Sr. Executive Producer and host of the network's flagship show, The Vortex, "We hope to make possible 'direct and immediate access to important religious and spiritual resources' for Catholics and Non-Catholics alike. Through Real Catholic TV, viewers will be able to 'overcome distance and isolation' by joining our 'virtual community of faith' that will both inspire and entertain. For the first time, 'young people and young adults, the elderly and home-bound, persons living in remote areas, the members of other religious bodies' and those who are merely interested in access to authentic Catholic programming have a safe and common place to come on the Internet."
RealCatholicTV.com utilizes an easy to navigate site featuring proprietary technology. The site will provide content through a video player that will allow users to view, send, and download content regardless of their computing platform with no plug-ins required. All viewers will have free access to home page content - daily news and commentary (current events and politics) from the Catholic perspective, messages directly from Catholic bishops to the faithful, program previews, and more.
Premium memberships for $10.00 per month will allow access to the full site which includes original programming such as The Other View - a talk show featuring five women co-hosts; Catholic Critic - movie/book/art reviews; Moral Compass - a "Front Line" style approach to church teaching on morality, and Shadow Priest - an edgy presentation of profound Catholic teaching aimed at the young, tech-savvy audience, and at least a dozen more programs.
RealCatholicTV.com has the support of various bishops in the US including Archbishop Charles Joseph Chaput of Denver, Colorado, Bishop David R. Choby of Nashville, Tennessee, and Bishop Robert Francis Vasa of Baker, Oregon, as well as Bishops around the world such as Bishop Athanasius Schneider of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, all who are all making appearances on Real Catholic TV this month. Check out their Shepherd's Voice channel at www.RealCatholicTV.com.
For additional information on this launch, contact Ashley Walker or Christine Schicker of The Maximus Group at 678-990-9032 or visit www.realcatholictv.com.
ABOUT RealCatholic TV - RealCatholic TV was formed in early 2008 by lay Catholics faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church with extensive experience in commercial broadcast television. RealCatholic TV aims to provide everyone with means to increase their personal holiness through catechesis and evangelization about the truth of the Christian faith. We aim to convert non-Catholics to the faith founded personally by Jesus Christ, and strengthen the faith of existing Catholics.
New Southern Gospel TV Series Announced
ATLANTA, Sept. 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- The heavenly harmonies of quartets will soon be a part of Gospel Music Channel's weekly programming line-up when America's only dedicated gospel/Christian music television network launches a new series that will feature performances by the top names and future stars of Southern Gospel music. The to-be-named weekly concert series will premiere in early 2009.
Gospel Music Channel Production crews will be at the National Quartet Convention (NQC) this week at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, KY, where they will shoot performances from among the more than 50 artists expected to appear during six-day event filled with afternoon and evening concerts.
Some of the artists to be featured include The Dove Brothers Quartet, The Hoppers, The Kingdom Heirs, Brian Free & Assurance, Gold City, Greater Vision, Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River and more to be announced. The series will also feature behind-the- scenes footage to provide a personal look at the lives of the quartet members.
"Southern Gospel and quartet music is a distinctly American-bred genre of music and has an important place in Gospel Music Channel's programming mission. With the National Quartet Convention considered the 'Grand Daddy' of all the southern gospel music events, we thought it would provide special music and inspirational moments for an original new series" said Charles Humbard, founder and president of Gospel Music Channel.
"The National Quartet Convention appreciates the commitment that Gospel Music Channel has made to traditional, harmony oriented Gospel music by producing this original series from NQC. We are looking forward to the new series being aired on GMC, giving millions of fans and supporters the opportunity to see and hear this great music on a weekly basis," commented Clarke Beasley, executive vice president, NQC.
Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in more than 40 million homes on various cable systems around the country and on DIRECTV on channel 338. For more information, visit www.gospelmusicchannel.com.
ChristianFamilyTube.com Up For Sale
MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- www.ChristianFamilyTube.com , which gives the Christian community and Christian organizations the ability to upload their sermons, whether in video or audio format, and to create platforms for member-to-member communications, one-on-one evangelical outreach, and a whole suite of other popular web-based social networking features is Up For Sale.
Built to help church ministries gain publicity for the Kingdom of God, ChristianFamilyTube.com also has a mercantile section where people can build a website to help them sell Christian- and family-friendly products. The website offers new merchants the option of talking to the various shop owners before buying. With all of these exceptional features and benefits, ChristianFamilyTube.com has truly become Christians' "town square of the internet."
"We are looking for someone/organization to take our turn key semi popular website from this point and move forward with it. Our site is user friendly and fully key-word optimized for generating traffic. This is a great opportunity for someone/organization that has been looking to break into the Christian Online Community & Network."