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Monday, 31 August 09 - 01:33 PM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Christianity Today Launches Website for Thoughtful, Influential Women
CAROL STREAM, Ill., Aug. 31 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Christianity Today International has launched
Kyria.com, a resource for women who want to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and in faithfully influencing the people around them to respond to Christ.
Kyria.com is a web-based resource for these women that provides solid, strong teaching material, and helps women understand what it means to live out their gifts to make a kingdom impact within their local church and throughout the world.
Ginger Kolbaba, founding editor, says, "We've heard from many women who want something different from the women's ministry resources and events that are designed simply to make women more comfortable. A lot of Christian women want materials that will make them think and grow, and will help them go beyond themselves to make disciples of others."
Amy Simpson, publisher at Christianity Today International, adds, "With Kyria.com, we acknowledge that God has created, gifted, and chosen women to do his work and to build his church. Kyria.com equips women to use their gifts, take responsibility for their spiritual formation and discipling others, and fulfill the work God has called them to--through the power of his life-transforming and life-sustaining Spirit."
Women can join Kyria.com for an introductory price of only $14.95 a year and get access to the following resources:
• Hundreds of articles that encourage and motivate women to go deeper in their ministries, discipleship, spiritual formation, and relationships with others.
• A monthly digital magazine that focuses on a specific spiritual discipline or spiritual theme. The inaugural issue, titled "Born Identity: Chosen in Christ. Called to Influence, is set to launch November 2009.
• Twenty percent off all downloadable resources at KyriaStore.com (
kyriastore.com)--members can find personal growth tools and teaching materials to use within their ministries.
Kyria.com features a growing list of top-notch contributors, both established and fresh voices, to speak to women and call them to live more deeply.
To become a charter member of Kyria.com or give a gift to influential, thoughtful Christian women you know, visit
kyria.com/membership.
Christianity Today International publishes 9 print magazines and newsletters and operates an award-winning website reaching more than 2.5-million unique visitors monthly.
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Monday, 15 June 09 - 10:48 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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THE FOUNDATION
"The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families. ... How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn their Mothers live in habitual Infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant Infidelity to their Mothers?" --John Adams
FAITH AND FAMILY
Father's Day is Sunday, June 21
"In a time when many homes are marked by absentee fathers, the last thing we need to be beating up on fatherhood in general. Yet, 'dad' seems to be the only person in modern society who it is acceptable to belittle. To what extent does such treatment pervert our son's developing attitudes about the men they are expected to become? And why would we teach our daughters that there's no real hope or need to marry a strong, reliable man of character? Timeless messages about the wisdom of fathers in shows like 'Father Knows Best' have disappeared. They just aren't 'politically correct.' As a wife and mother of two young men who are being raised in an anti-male culture that spews the mantra of radical feminism, I'd like to say a few words to America's dads: We need you. Loving fathers are critical to the development of children. And the truth is that every woman is a better person when she has a good man to rely on. Dads are not an 'optional' family accessory to be tossed in the corner like dirty socks or trampled on like a door mat. We should reject the attitudes of both women who treat them that way and of any man who has bought the lie and started assuming the loser role. And we need to let our boys know that one of the greatest contributions they can make as adults is to be strong fathers who are committed to their families. ... To good husbands and dads everywhere, thank you for what you contribute to your families and to society. And to wives and mothers, let's make sure we affirm the men in our lives and teach our children to respect them too. A good man is a priceless blessing from God. Let's remember to treat them like the treasures they are." --columnist Rebecca Hagelin
THE GIPPER
"'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it,' Solomon tells us. Clearly, the future is in the care of our parents. Such is the responsibility, promise and hope of fatherhood. Such is the gift that our fathers give us. Our fathers bear an awesome responsibility -- one that they shoulder willingly and fulfill with a love that asks no recompense. By turns both gentle and firm, our fathers guide us along the path from infancy to adulthood. We embody their joy, pain and sacrifice, and inherit memories more cherished than any possession. On Father's Day each year, we express formally a love and gratitude whose roots go deeper than conscious memory can recite. It is only fitting that we have this special day to pay tribute to those men -- our natural fathers, adoptive fathers and foster fathers -- who deserve our deepest respect and devotion. It is equally fitting, as we recall the ancient and loving command to honor our fathers, that we resolve to do so by becoming ourselves parents and citizens who are worthy of honor." --Ronald Reagan
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Saturday, 29 November 08 - 10:41 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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I have read of many churches celebrating Christmas with Pageants that include an actual baby portraying the role of 'baby Jesus'. Our first child Ruth, was born December 12th, 1981 and was chosen to be 'baby Jesus' for our church's (Reba Place Fellowship) Christmas Eve service. Last year, our grandson, Charlie, born on Oct. 19th 2008, was chosen, also at Reba Place Fellowship. But in prison no such ritual exists.
I wasn't even thinking about babies being in Christmas plays back in 1972. This was yet another year in prison the difference being this was my first Christmas as a christian. The Christmas service held new meaning for me as we sang the traditional Christmas Carols bringing with it a hope for a new life with a redeemed future. Christian volunteers were apart of our service at the U. S. Medical Center for Prisoners in Springfield, Mo.
As our service wound to completion a cry was heard. The faint whimpering of a baby. My first thought was that I wasn't hearing what I thought I had heard. I had been in prison for many years and had never even seen a baby inside of a prison (not counting my infrequent times in the visiting room.) But there it was again, a baby crying. Someone, a volunteer, had brought their baby into the service wrapped in a blanket unnoticed by the guards. I then thought, there was our 'baby Jesus'.
The parents of the yet unknown child were the children of an older couple (Lloyd and Nita Colbaugh) who had only a few years previously began their ministry to the prison. Even the great-grandmother (Mom Carter) was a volunteer and had played a significant role in my own conversion, telling me that God had a plan for my life.
Life would go on and the incident of 'baby Jesus' coming to prison would fade to a memory, until the baby grew up and now is known throughout many countries far and wide as acclaimed singer/songwriter Sara Groves.
I hope this story adds to your appreciation of the life of Sara and her family.
John C Thomson
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Tuesday, 11 November 08 - 01:07 PM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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We haven't been sharing accounts of what's going on in the prison here for the past couple of weeks because we haven't been there! Nita spent almost a week in the hospital, and is only slowly regaining strength—an ulcer turns out to be at least part of the problem. I've had a taste of what 'home care' is all about. We are thankful for every gain and every prayer!
I resist most pleas to forward stuff. But this one touched my heart. Our dear friends Marcae and Nick, missionaries to India, have a sweet child who is "Fragile X". (If you're
not familiar with it, give it a 'Google'.) Her care has necessitated dramatic changes in Nick and Marcae's plans. This morning we received this email from Marcae. Please read it. Sense the passion and love with which she implores us to join her. I think the last time I did this kind of thing was when I sent John Ashcroft a letter about prisoners.
Lloyd
Here's Marcae's appeal:
President-elect Obama has promised Planned Parenthood that the first thing he would sign as President is the "The Freedom of Choice Act."
This is incredibly dangerous legislation. It would eradicate state and federal laws that the majority of Americans support, such as bans on: Partial Birth Abortion, requirements that women be given information about the risks of getting an abortion, only licensed physicians can perform abortions, and parents must be informed and give consent to their minor daughter's abortion. FOCA would erase these laws and prevent states from enacting similar protective measures in the future.
It grieves my heart that this legislation is even in minds of people. I am as opposed to abortion as one can possibly be, but even for those who might feel abortion is justified in some cases, surely everyone agrees that a minor girl should not be allowed to go through this procedure without parents even being aware. The nurse at Grace's [Marcae's older daughter] elementary school cannot even give her a Tylenol without getting my physical presence in the room. Yet we are proposing for a child to undergo an operation without a parent's knowledge? This is crazy.
Life is precious, not just of the unborn child but of the mother. These lives must both be protected, nurtured, and loved. When I look at my precious daughter, Hope, and think that if the doctors had known about her condition beforehand, they would have counseled me to kill her, I feel sick to my stomach. Doctors have told us that if we want to have more children, they can test me so we can abort the children we don't want (i.e., another child with Fragile X). I wanted to scream at these doctors. Do they even realize what they are saying about Hope's value by comments like that! We are not supposed to judge people by the color of their skin (and I say a hearty amen to that!), but this election seems to point that it is okay to judge people (babies) by how intelligent they are, by how many appendages they have, by how much "work" they might entail . . . God forgive us for our arrogance, pride, and selfishness. Children are a blessing from the Lord, period. Period.
Please pray that God will change Obama's heart. Please pray that FOCA will not be signed into legislation. Please pray that the body of Christ will extend arms of love and not just judgment to women who are pregnant, pray for God's love to penetrate men and women's hearts to reveal the beauty of the life within.
And please sign the petition. Ask others to sign. Write your state legislators. Contact your local pro-life agencies and ask if you can answer phones or support women in need.
I've copied the link below. I am sorry if this is not worded the best--my fingers are trembling as I type, because it just pains me to even think of one more child dying, of one more woman feeling such pain, of God's heart breaking over his gift being rejected. God forgive me for my inaction.
Marcae
P.S. It is really easy to sign and access the website.
http://www.fightfoca.com/2008/06/23/thank-you-for-signing/
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Tuesday, 28 October 08 - 11:22 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Please help us get this information into the hands of as many people as possible by forwarding it to your entire e-mail list of family and friends.
Home Depot: Hanukkah, yes! Holidays, yes! Christmas, no!
Home Depot bans Christmas from its Website.
October 27, 2008
Dear Ed And Mimi,
Home Depot has it's new holiday Website up and running. You can find many gifts for the holidays. You can even find gifts for Hanukkah. But Christmas? Home Depot's Website hasn't a single reference to Christmas. Not one. At Home Depot, Christmas doesn't exist!
Home Depot has elected to go with the politically correct crowd and censor Christmas, replacing it with holidays.
Please Note: Home Depot may block your message. If so, you can e-mail, write, or call Chairman Frank Blake with the information below.
- E-Mail: frank_blake@homedepot.com.
- Write 2455 Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30339.
- Call 1-800-466-3337, option 3 or 1-800-430-3376.
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| </ br>Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us continue? |
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Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon,
Founder and Chairman
American Family Association |
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Please take a few minutes and invite your friends to AFA ActionAlert. |
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Tuesday, 28 October 08 - 11:19 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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FIREPROOF CONTINUES TO BURN AS OTHER FILMS FIZZLE
The Love Dare Book-Turned-Movement Sweeps Married America
October 28, Nashville, TN—In the fifth week of its theatrical run, FIREPROOF (
www.fireproofthemovie.com), made by a church in GA, and marketed and distributed by Provident Films and
Samuel Goldwyn Films/Sony Affirm Films, is still #11 at the box office though 22 films have opened wide since its debut. FIREPROOF retains 80 percent of its original screens after five weeks, remarkable by Hollywood standards.
Meanwhile,
The Love Dare (
www.LoveDareBook.com), published by B&H Publishing Group, enters its third week atop the NYT Bestseller’s List for paperback advice books. Keeping up with high demand, 1 million books will be in print within the week.
“FIREPROOF and
The Love Dare’s hand-in-hand success confirm a desire for a great story that also delivers a meaningful message,” said Kris Fuhr, VP of marketing for Provident Films. “People leave the theater filled with hope - for all the relationships in their lives. Given the current cultural climate, this
message of hope is clearly a resounding hit with audiences."
To put FIREPROOF’s performance in perspective:
• FIREPROOF’s cumulative box office through the fifth weekend is $23, 617,000
• FIREPROOF lost only 17.1 percent from the previous weekend. Compared to other Top 20
movies
in theaters more than one week, week-to-week losses were much higher—from 27 to 57 percent.
• FIREPROOF had the smallest drop among nationwide releases for the third week in a row
(
Boxofficemojo.com).
• FIREPROOF opened at #4 in the nation, although the rest of the films in the top ten had three times
as many screens or more.
• While many films drop the number of screens significantly each week, FIREPROOF has held at
near 900 screens since opening.
• FIREPROOF expanded to 85 new screens this week.
• FIREPROOF finished sixth in per-theater average among the top 15 movies with $2,380.
To interview the filmmakers, contact Monique Sondag at 214-536-4319.
PROVIDENT FILMS is a division of Provident Music Group, designed to produce and distribute faith-based films. Sony BMG Music Entertainment's Provident Music Group is one of the world's leading Christian music companies. Provident Music Group operates under the umbrella for Sony BMG Nashville.
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Friday, 26 September 08 - 02:08 PM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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A new Christian film that focuses on committed marriage is generating lots of excited buzz in the Christian community, complete with Bible studies and Christian T-Shirts.
(PRWEB) September 26, 2008 -- A new movie is generating a huge about of buzz in the Christian community. The movie is called "Fireproof," and it opened Sept. 26 in hundreds of theatres across the U.S. Many churches bought up all the seats for opening weekend after massive publicity from Christian talk shows, the TV networks and even television's Dr. Phil.
The movie stars Kirk Cameron, the star of the old TV series "Growing Pains" and is the third feature film from Sherwood Pictures (the creators of "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel"). Fireproof is an action-packed love story that has left preview audiences laughing, crying, and inching toward the edge of their seats as they are drawn into the world of a firefighter, his wife and a marriage worth rescuing. Church leaders say Fireproof is rekindling excitement over committed, covenant Christian marriage and may help stem the nation's horrendous divorce rate as men and women reflect on God's idea of marriage and vow to shore up theirs.
It is accompanied by an extensive word-of-mouth campaign aided by cool Christian T-Shirts for men and women and a ballcap themed from the movie, sold by the Online Christian apparel portal http://www.onlinechristianshopper.com.
"These are going to be huge," said Mike Fletcher, a pastor and the owner of Online Christian Shopper. "With the film, churches across the country will be holding Bible studies, showing clips and using the movie to teach about covenant marriage."
The apparel, designed by the award-winning Kerusso Christian clothing company, is styled to look just like the real T-shirts firemen wear on the job. A men's navy tee features the iconic Firemen's Cross and Axes. The block-lettered backprint is also typical of a real fireman's T-shirt. It features the firemen's creed that makes it clear to Caleb (lead actor in Fireproof movie played by Cameron) - "Never Leave Your Partner."
The woman's Tee is hot pink and features detailed interlocked wedding rings. On the back it subtly presents a Christian Bible message about committed marriage: "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. - Mark 10:9"
Fletcher says preorders even before the movie opened have been significant.
"A movie like this reaches people at the gut level," he said. "People are wearing the shirts and using them as opportunities to tell others about the Bible's teaching on marriage."
Besides the Christian T-Shirts and the publicity they are giving the film, national groups such as Focus on the Family, Outreach, FamilyLife, The Marriage CoMission, America's Family Coaches, AMFM, Marriage Alive Communications, and Marriage Today endorse the movie and are urging their constituencies to see it. Influencers such as marriage expert Gary Smalley and Bubba Cathy of Chick-fil-A are also working to spread the word.
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Monday, 08 September 08 - 10:00 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Living in what the Bible views as "the center of the world," Gary and Cindy Bayer have a front row seat for events unfolding in this very strategic crossroads of the Middle East. Both were drawn to Israel for different reasons, but having met and married there, they now share a common purpose which has opened doors to relationships with local people and has given them the opportunity to share their journey of faith.
Gary is an actor of stage, television and film, beginning at the Milwaukee Repertory, to Stratford Ontario, to Eugene O'Neill Playwright's Conference, to Arena Stage, where he received the first Tony Award given to a repertory company. He was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his work in the Broadway premiere of HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FILM and starred in the Al Pacino production of RICHARD THE III and the Lamb's Theatre production of PORCH. Some of his television credits include HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN, LA LAW, HOME IMPROVEMENT and LIFE WITH BONNIE. He starred in the NBC comedy series ME & MRS. C, and the family video series SECRET ADVENTURES. His film work includes IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, YEARS OF THE BEAST, A MESSAGE FROM HOLLY and A CHRISTMAS WISH. He has produced and directed documentary projects: THE CHILDREN OF ARTSAKH with Jeff Sparks, MISSIONARY, and ANWAR’S STORY. Gary began coming to Israel in 2000 to direct dramatic musicals and teach acting intensives for the School of Worship in Jerusalem. He now does acting, directing, filming, and voice-over work across Israel.
Cindy made 12 trips to Israel prior to coming in 2002 to begin a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies in Jerusalem. Having taught women’s Bible study since 1973, her travel to the land of the Bible enriched her teaching and made her thirsty for living "in the place of her heroes." She wrote and teaches a Bible study entitled, Master Design…Decorating by ‘The Book,’ which draws on Biblical principles to teach how color, design, and personal story can combine to reflect God’s character in a home. Cindy also writes an e-journal called "Jerusalem Journal," which gives a "man-on-the-street" perspective on life in Israel with a spiritual insight.
After marrying in Jerusalem on Easter Sunday 2005, Gary and Cindy have created The Writers’ Gathering Jerusalem which sponsors established screenwriters, TV writers, playwrights, and novelists to come to Israel for a two-week experience. The news media often paints a negative portrait of life in the land of the Bible, but Gary and Cindy believe that storytellers will be impacted to tell good stories by the people they meet and the places they visit there.
They are also very involved in sharing their table with others at both their Sea of Galilee home (The Place of Stories) and the apartment they share on the Via Dolorosa in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. Between them they have five children and 2 grandchildren.
Gary and Cindy will be coming to Evanston, Il and speaking at Reba Place Fellowship, Sunday, September 14th contact jmthomson@sbcglobal.net
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Wednesday, 27 August 08 - 10:07 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Sara Groves to release Christmas album
August 26th, 2008 1:54 pm · 0 comments
Even though it’s still warm outside and Labor Day is still several days away, a Christmas album is giving me an excuse to write about one of my favorite and most thoughtful Christian music performers, Sara Groves.
Groves has announced she will release her first album of Christmas music, “O Holy Night,” on INO Records on Oct. 14.
It was originally intended as an advent album for her family, but as she began working on it, the Minnesota mom/performer decided to release it to the public at large
She includes some of her favorite songs about her family’s Christmas traditions, and also plans four originals.
The sacred Christmas songs are to include “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” the last one recorded with family and friends gathered around, singing together.
I’ve liked Groves’ clear, easy-to-take voice and thoughtful lyrics of her faith throughout her decade on the Christian music scene.
My personal favorite is 1999’s “Conversations,” which has great songs like the title track, “Painting Pictures of Egypt” about how all of us don’t like to venture out into the unknown, and the great “How Is It Between Us?”
Or maybe it’s “All Right Here” from 2002, which has the heady, but still catchy, “Less Like Scars.” Groves shows in this song that she clearly has something to say:
“It seemed out of my hands
a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
look less like scars and more like character
Less like a prison a prison more like my room
Less like a casket more like a womb
Less like dying more like transcending
Less like fear, less like an ending
And I feel you here …”
And she says it well, as anyone who’s heard her sing would agree.
See www.saragroves.com for more.
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Monday, 25 August 08 - 04:49 PM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Sara Groves heads out on Art*Music*Justice Tour
Sara Groves has gathered fellow-acclaimed artists and friends Brandon Heath, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken and author/artist Charlie Peacock for her fall Art*Music*Justice Tour, which will benefit both the International Justice Mission and Food For the Hungry.
For most of her life, Sara Groves admits she was a control freak, afraid to take chances of any kind, let alone travel around the world on behalf of others.
Then a few years ago she picked up the book, "Terrify No More," by Gary Haugen, president of the International Justice Mission (IJM). The book documents IJM's raids in the Cambodian village of Svay Pak, notorious for its sex-trafficking of underage girls.
She was already feeling that she'd already been all dressed up with no place to go, spiritually speaking. But the book stirred in her a willingness to go where God was calling, even though it meant letting go and stepping into the unknown.
She went to Louisiana to bring aid to Hurricane Katrina victims. She travelled to Rwanda with Pastor Rick Warren and a group from Saddleback Community Church to learn about the challenges of reconciliation and economic development 11 years after mass genocide.
She told me a couple of years ago, that when they asked her to go to Rwanda, her initial response was, "Over my dead body, because I have enough to think about. I don't want to go to Rwanda and add a Rwanda-sized burden."
But she stepped out in faith and her life was changed forever.
"The first thing that was exposed in my heart was the self-congratulatory attitude about how I'm helping Africa," she said, speaking of her promotion of AIDs education and support of DATA. Then came the realization that rather than taking on the weight of the world, witnessing the effects of mass genocide and meeting it survivors revealed to her the fullness of life.
"Oh Lord, I cannot believe I didn't want to do this," she said with emotion. "I just saw something that changed me and I'm not dashed on the rocks. I am lifted up."
Now the admitted 'fraidy cat is a social justice advocate, championing causes from sex slavery to poverty.
With the Art*Music*Justice Tour, Groves hopes to further educate the church about God's heart for justice, gain advocates for the oppressed, and show evidence of a God at work in this world. If she can do it, we all can.
The tour kicks off September 19 in Wheaton, IL and ends October 26 in Springs, TX. For complete tour dates, visit the Art*Music*Justice MySpace page.
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Friday, 15 August 08 - 10:30 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Friday, August 15, 2008
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SARA GROVES TEAMS WITH ACCLAIMED ARTISTS FOR ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE TOUR
Fall Tour to Feature Brandon Heath, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, and Charlie Peacock
Benefiting the International Justice Mission and Food For the Hungry,
tour Aims to �Add to the Beauty, Seek Justice and Give God Praise�
NASHVILLE, TN....8/13/08.... Critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter�Sara Groves has gathered a group of fellow-acclaimed artists and friends Brandon Heath, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken and author/artist Charlie Peacock, for her ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE tour this fall, which will benefit both the International Justice Mission and Food For the Hungry. ���The International Justice Mission (www.IJM.org) is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. �Food for the Hungry (www.FH.org) works in more than 26 developing countries providing disaster and emergency relief, and implementing sustainable development programs to transform communities physically and spiritually.
With dates running from Sept 19th through October 26th (concert listing below), the tour is a unique concert opportunity to �add to the beauty, seek justice and give God praise,� desiring to further educate the church on God's heart for justice, gain advocates for the oppressed, and show evidence of a God at work in this world. � Each evening will bring inspired music and stories of God's people in action and their heroic experiences across the globe. Incredible stories of rescue from the International Justice Mission �will be told, while giving audience members the opportunity to be involved in Groves 'adopted' village in Rwanda thru Food for the Hungry.
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�"God is mighty to save and is actively rescuing the oppressed through His people,� comments Groves. ��Scripture references to the 'slave, the poor, the oppressed' are not figurative. �There are 27 million people enslaved today, after more than in 400 years of trans-atlantic slavery. �God is calling us to respond. �All of us on this tour want to convey, it is not a burden to help, it is an adventure. �We�re excited to get out there and share what God is doing!" �To listen to audio of Sara sharing about the tour, and for more tour information, please go to: �www.myspace.com/artmusicjustice.
In addition, all of the artists on the tour are offering songs on NoiseTrade.com for the price of telling three friends about them or paying any amount they choose in exchange for an immediate download. ��Webb co-created NoiseTrade.com after the success of giving away over 80,000 full downloads of his project �Mockingbird,� ��Through NOISETRADE, any artist can freely distribute their music online via NoiseTrade�s embeddable widget. ��For the Art*Music*Justice Tour widget, go to www.myspace.com/artmusicjustice.
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Friday, 18 July 08 - 11:32 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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MercyMe Workshop Launched Today; Fans Now Able to Play the Band's Songs Courtesy of WorkshopLive.com, the Music Lesson Experts Grammy-Nominees MercyMe launched the MercyMe Workshop today where fans receive breakthrough instruction on how to play their favorite songs directly from the band members. The site is powered by WorkshopLive.com, the music lesson experts, on the heels of the huge success of the similar site for guitar legend Joe Satriani earlier last month. 2008-07-18
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Thursday, 17 July 08 - 10:12 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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The Senior Care Podcast By LivHOME Explores Elder Law; Discussion Includes Maintaining Key Legal Documents, Understanding Medicare, Finding an Elder Law AttorneyEpisode 8 of The Senior Care Podcast by LivHOME features an attorney and elder law specialist discussing elder law and some common issues facing seniors. 2008-07-17
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Wednesday, 16 July 08 - 10:24 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Audio Bible Distribution Website Goes Live
Never in history has it been possible to send the Word of God around the world instantly and at no cost. But that's exactly what's happening at FaithComesByHearing.com.
Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) July 16, 2008 -- Never in history has it been possible to send the Word of God around the world instantly and at no cost. But that's exactly what's happening at FaithComesByHearing.com.
This website, the virtual home of the world's foremost Audio Bible ministry, was recently updated and now serves as an online Audio Bible distribution center. Internet surfers, webmasters, bloggers and social network users have the ability to spread the Word of God in audio using popular sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Digg and Reddit.
"Our site now functions more as a ministry tool for online users who desire to spread God's Word digitally and less as an information platform," said Troy Carl, Faith Comes By Hearing's national director.
"The website offers many ways for people to get engaged in Scripture listening and, in turn, to reach the world with God's Word in audio," he added.
For those who want to use online technology for that purpose, Faith Comes By Hearing has developed an Audio Bible widget. Webmasters, bloggers and social network users can place this Audio Bible sampling software onto their websites, blogs or social network profiles. Visitors to those sites can then listen to a sample of any of the nearly 300 Audio New Testaments in Faith Comes By Hearing's collection before choosing to download their own free Audio Bible. This widget is featured on the new "Link to Us" page, which also contains "cut and paste" links, website code, banners, graphics and logos.
The "ShareThis" link allows users to post their favorite Faith Comes By Hearing stories on their MySpace, Facebook and Twitter profiles, as well as share content through emails, text messages and AOL Instant Messenger.
Carl said visitors can still download free Audio Bibles, subscribe to Audio Bible podcasts and listen to stirring stories and testimonies about God's Word at work.
At the "Subscribe To" page, users can stay informed by subscribing to monthly ministry emails that deliver inspiring testimonies, worldwide prayer needs and the latest ministry news to their email address.
The website also underwent a few cosmetic changes, such as a revamped visual design, an interactive multimedia Flash player and simpler navigation.
"We wanted to increase and simplify users' abilities to engage in the Word of God and share it with their online communities. All these enhancements make FaithComesByHearing.com more interactive and navigable," said Carl. "This upgrade is part of the overall mission of this ministry to cover the earth with God's Word. That world also includes the online community."
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Friday, 04 July 08 - 09:27 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Have a safe and patriotic July 4th. Listen to Elvis Presley sing America The Beautiful but most of all pray for our troops all over the world. Especially pray for Joshua Kalina, the son of my good friends Ken and Judy Kalina who is stationed in Iraq. God Bless to everyone.
http://home.comcast.net/~nw-fla/tribute_flag_B_thompson.htm
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Sunday, 03 February 08 - 11:55 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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The below account beginning with "Good morning!" describes the tumultuous experience of Sara Groves Aunt, Uncle and cousins who as missionaries were caught up in the attempted overthrow of the Chad Government by Rebel forces. The writer is Sara's grandfather, Lloyd.
"Good morning!
It's 4:45 a.m. here. Woke up, couldn't get back to sleep, so I came in to check on our family in Chad. This is a generic email, so some of you have been following events. For others, it's picking up from our Thursday night "re" mail!
The background: Our granddaughter Megan and her husband Tom are new missionaries in Chad, a landlocked former French colony in central Africa. They live in Dourbali, a village 60 miles by dirt road from N'Djamena, the capital. Megan is pregnant, and they have tickets to return to California the end of February to have the baby, due in May. (Airlines sometimes refuse to admit pregnancies much further along.) Megan's dad, Fred, a Stanford professor of anesthesiology, frequently goes all over the world on medical missions and had arranged one in Chad. Tom and Meg went into N'Djamena to meet him and bring him to see their village before he went to another town for the medical mission. That brings us to Thursday. I mentioned then that rebels were advancing on the capital, the medical mission had been scrubbed, and they were forbidden to leave the city. We asked your prayer.
The rebels came into N'Djamena, the government protesting all was well. The rebels claimed the city. The president was holed up in his palace. Our family was moved to a French school, unfortunately near the palace. No flights were coming or leaving. Fred had arrived on the last flight. Tom and Meg had only the clothes on their backs—no passports, since they were planning to go back to the village. We sent out an appeal for prayer, as did all the rest of the family. Fred made a contact with his wife Debbie by phone, which was suddenly cut off. He then got through on his iPhone. From then on most contact was by text-messaging son Matt in L.A. or daughter Heidi in Washington, D.C., where she works for USAID.
We then heard France was sending an Airbus to evacuate the 700 people who had now been moved to a tent next to a French military airfield. The Airbus was to return to Paris. Then we heard it was to go to Gabon, a former French colony on Africa's west coast, instead. There everyone would have to fend for themselves. Without passports, it might be tough for Tom and Meg. By this time everyone was worn out.
A text message came that only 20 people were left in the tent at the airfield. Fred and Tom and Meg were still there. Finally, another plane. And a text message that they were aboard. The U.S. embassy had said they would try to expedite Meg's departure from Gabon, even though she was missing her passport. Fred discovered he had left his bag in the tent and went back to get it. The plane left without him. His case was missing.
Debbie's final email to us last night, which I just received: Boy, what a day! Fred is on another plane supposed to take off in the next few minutes. They found his case. Heidi and Matt have been so wonderful all day-sending messages back and forth. Heidi called the US embassy in Gabon—they are meeting Tom and Meg at the airport—they should be landing soon and will let them know what's up with Fred. The deputy ambassador said they will also meet Fred's flight and get him reunited with the kids. I can't thank you enough for all the prayers-God is good! Deb
And we thank all of our "re" friends who joined us in prayer. One last request—pray that Meg's pregnancy will not have been adversely affected and that the Lord will guide them as they pursue their future in Chad."
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Thursday, 27 September 07 - 11:45 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Prisons to Restore Purged Religious Books
By NEELA BANERJEE
Published: September 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 — Facing pressure from religious groups, civil libertarians and members of Congress, the federal Bureau of Prisons has decided to return religious materials that had been purged from prison chapel libraries because they were not on the bureau's lists of approved resources.
The bureau had said it was prompted to remove the materials after a 2004 Department of Justice report mentioned that religious books that incite violence could infiltrate chapel libraries.
After the details of the removal became widely known earlier this month, Republican lawmakers, liberal Christians and evangelical talk shows all criticized the government for creating a list of acceptable religious books.
The bureau has not abandoned the idea of creating such lists, Judi Simon Garrett, a spokeswoman, said in an e-mail. But rather than packing away everything while those lists were compiled, the religious materials would remain on the shelves, Ms. Garrett explained.
In an e-mail today, the bureau said: "In response to concerns expressed by members of several religious communities, the Bureau of Prisons has decided to alter its planned course of action with respect to the Chapel Library Project.
"The bureau will begin immediately to return to chapel libraries materials that were removed in June 2007, with the exception of any publications that have been found to be inappropriate, such as material that could be radicalizing or incite violence. The review of all materials in chapel libraries will be completed by the end of January 2008."
Only a week ago the bureau said it was not reconsidering the library policy. But critics of the bureau's program said it appeared that the bureau had bowed to widespread outrage.
"Certainly putting the books back on the shelves is a major victory, and it shows the outcry from all over the country was heard," said Moses Silverman, a lawyer for three prisoners who are suing the bureau over the program. "But regarding what they do after they put them back, I'm concerned."
The bureau originally set out to take an inventory of all materials in its chapel libraries in an effort to weed about books that might incite violence. But the list grew to the tens of thousands, and the bureau decided instead to compile lists of acceptable materials in a plan called the Standardized Chapel Library Project. The plan identifies about 150 items for each of 20 religions or religious categories.
In the spring, prison chaplains were told to remove all materials not on the lists and put them in storage. The bureau said it planned to issue additions to the lists once a year. In some cases, chaplains packed up libraries with thousands of books collected over decades. Unidentified religious experts helped the bureau shape the lists of acceptable materials, which independent scholars said omitted many important religious texts.
Ms. Garrett declined to elaborate on how the re-stocking of the prison libraries is progressing. She said the effort "is beginning immediately," but she would not say when it would be completed, which titles are being kept off the shelves and the specific criteria being used in such decisions.
Bob Moore, director of prison policy oversight at Aleph, an advocacy group for Jews in prison, said the lack of detail and transparency about how the lists are determined continued to trouble him.
"This is a positive step: it means they are not throwing the baby out with the bath water," he said of keeping books on the shelves for now. "But our position is there should not be a list of what should be on the shelves, but what shouldn't be."
Mr. Silverman said he had not yet spoken to the bureau, and the bureau has not posted its change in any public forum. The return of the books would "go a long way," he said, to resolving the lawsuit. But he added, "I remain concerned that the criteria for returning the books will be constitutional and lawful."
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Tuesday, 18 September 07 - 09:42 AM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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New Inspirational Line of Musical Greeting Cards from Christian Artist, Chris Atkins Now Available at Singnificards.com The Popular Musical Greeting Card and Gift Found in Christian Bookstores is Now Available Online. 2007-09-18
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Thursday, 13 September 07 - 05:23 PM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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Groundbreaking feature film and TV special utilizes vintage home movies to help families remember the joy of Christmas past. 2007-09-13
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Monday, 19 March 07 - 03:58 PM (GMT -06:00)
By John C Thomson in Christianity
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The American Bible Society have become the first Bible Society in the world to launch an international direct-to-consumer mobile internet site for delivering the Bible to mobile phone subscribers.
New York (PRWEB) March 19, 2007 -- ChristianMobile, creators of VirtualBible™, the first ever Bible delivered to a mobile phone by way of a premium sms-text message, facilitated the implementation of the American Bible Societies' direct-to-consumer mobile internet site http://absbibles.com.
The service enables mobile phone users in more than 150 countries across all networks to purchase and download the Bible on their mobile phones by visiting http://absbibles.com from their mobile phone.
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