Prayer News | Where Christians Pray Through the News

Prayer List: Covid-19 Global Menace

Cases of Covid-19, the Wuhan Coronoavirus, have been reported in more than 200 nations and more than 80,000 people have died. – Stats from Wikipedia

Orders to stay at home are preventing normal funeral services for the victims. Some families and friends of the deceased are experiencing deep depression.

Severe economic problems are also on the horizon for the unemployed.

Prayer List

  • Pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort the families and friends of people that have died from Covid-19.
  • Pray for a rapid recovery for those who are sick.
  • Pray for safety for doctors, nurses and family members caring for the sick.
  • Pray for financial needs to be met for people financially struggling after losing a job or receiving fewer work hours.
  • Pray for the spiritual needs of people to also be met.
  • Pray for opportunities to share God’s love and hope to people that are depressed from these circumstances.

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Assemblies of God News

  • newChildhood Trauma Yields Compassionate Ministry
    Darius and Bryttani Giles want to help others with a troubled past to find healing in Jesus.
    - 17 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 1:00pm -
  • Cornhusker Calling
    Recent college graduates oversee Chi Alpha ministry at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
    - 2 days ago 7 Feb 23, 4:30pm -
  • This is My Story: Prisoner to Pastor
    Rameses "Cheno" Echevarria shares his testimony that took him from a life of drugs, crime, and multiple prison sentences to a relationship with Christ and planting an AG church in Georgia.
    - 2 days ago 7 Feb 23, 1:00pm -
  • On the Nurse Track
    Southeastern University track and field standout Namiah Simpson anticipates a career helping patients.
    - 3 days ago 6 Feb 23, 1:00pm -
  • Overcoming Youthful Strongholds
    Former drug addict is now helping guide youth as North Carolina pastor.
    - 6 days ago 3 Feb 23, 3:00pm -

Baptist Press

  • newNAMB Trustees meet missionaries reaching Miami’s unique diversity
    MIAMI (BP) – Against a backdrop of Miami’s vast diversity and vibrancy, trustees with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) met to celebrate church planters and other missionaries who are reaching a region whose residents are, in some areas, nearly 60 percent foreign born. Trustees also welcomed news that recently retired pastor Ken Whitten will head NAMB’s leadership ministry.
    - 7 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 10:41pm -
  • newFIRST-PERSON: Great systems and deep theology are not at odds
    LEBANON, Tenn. (BP) – Many of us who love John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul and John Piper often ignore how systems help their churches. We forget their churches comprise thousands of people.
    - 8 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 10:32pm -
  • newAbortion gains little notice in Biden’s State of the Union speech
    WASHINGTON (BP) – President Biden reiterated his call for restoring an expansive right to abortion only briefly in a 72-minute State of the Union address Tuesday night (Feb. 7) in which he urged Congress to reach bipartisan agreement on multiple issues.
    - 9 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 9:11pm -
  • newHope fading as deaths in Turkey, Syria quake near 12,000
    GAZIANTEP, Turkey (AP) – With hope of finding survivors fading, stretched rescue teams in Turkey and Syria searched Wednesday for signs of life in the rubble of thousands of buildings toppled by the world's deadliest earthquake in more than a decade. The confirmed death toll approached 12,000.
    - 9 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 9:03pm -
  • newSBC DIGEST: GuideStone’s Employee Benefits Summit; BGCT gifted $28M
    Registration available for GuideStone’s annual Employee Benefits Summit; BGCT receives $28 million from Dukes estate.
    - 9 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 8:59pm -

Christian Headlines

Christian Newswire

  • newPro-life Advocates Gathered to Pray with Mark Houck Outside of Philadelphia Planned Parenthood on Wednesday Morning
    NEWS PROVIDED BYChristian Defense CoalitionFeb. 8, 2023WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Mark Houck, who is a husband and father of seven children, was recently acquitted of unjust Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act charges in Philadelphia federal court. The charges were brought against him by the Biden Administration. Houck has a 20 year record of peaceful pro-life activism. He was facing up to 11 years in federal prison if convicted. This was the first time Source: Christian Defense Coalition
    - 9 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 8:39pm -
  • newEmpowered21 to Host 'Amsterdam2023'
    Conference to Unite Believers in Fulfilling the Great Commission by 2033NEWS PROVIDED BYEmpowered21Feb. 8, 2023TULSA, Okla., Feb. 8, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Empowered21, a relational leadership network representing the more than 650 million Spirit-empowered Christians, will host Amsterdam2023, a three-day conference and one-day stadium event on June 21-24, 2023 at Amsterdam RAI & Olympic Stadium. The international event will feature influential leaders and powerful speakers gathere Source: A Larry Ross Communications
    - 12 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 6:11pm -
  • new'Mount Rushmore of Black Conservatism' Ignites Movement to Counter Liberal 'Wokeness,' Fire-Up Base
    "We wish to plead our cause," say leaders of Black Conservative Summit, March 24-25NEWS PROVIDED BYFreedom's Journal InstituteFeb. 8, 2023CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- A voice uniting Black conservatives cries out into a wilderness of "wokeness" as the U.S. celebrates Black History Month and enters the threshold of its most critical presidential election this century. The largest gathering of Black conservative leaders in the Midwest -- described as "the Mou Source: I AM PR
    - 15 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 3:00pm -
  • TBN Presents THE JOURNEY: A Music Special From Andrea Bocelli Coming to Theaters Nationwide Beginning April 2
    Movie Event Premieres During Holy Week and Features Pope Francis, Michael W. Smith, 2CELLOS, Tori Kelly, Clara Barbier Serrano, Tauren Wells, and MoreTICKETS ON SALE NOW NEWS PROVIDED BYEPIC AgencyFeb. 7, 2023NASHVILLE, Feb. 7, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Trinity Broadcasting Network, Fathom Events, and Impact Productions announce the debut of their new musical documentary, THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli, coming to theaters nationwide for four nights only on Apr Source: EPIC
    - 1 day ago 7 Feb 23, 10:19pm -
  • The Way to True Happiness: New Book Unpacks the Meaning and Messages Inside the Familiar Beatitudes
    NEWS PROVIDED BYCatholic AnswersFeb. 7, 2023SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- That famous list of "blessed ares" from the Sermon on the Mount isn't just a piece of pious triviait's nothing less than the summation of all Jesus' teachings, the roadmap for our happiness in this world and salvation in the next.The words of the Beatitudes are familiar to most Christians. But, says, Norbertine Father Sebastian Walshe (Secrets from Heaven, Always a Catholic), that very f Source: Catholic Answers
    - 2 days ago 7 Feb 23, 4:00pm -

Christian Post

  • newJeff Younger says pediatrician ex-wife began telling son he was a girl at age 2: 'Monsters eat boys'
    A Texas father who found himself in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife as a result of her efforts to get their twin son to identify as a girl recently revealed he hadn't seen his two sons in over a year, and that her attempts to get her son to transition date back to the time when the boy was only 2 years old.  #Transgender #Texas #California #TimPool #JeffYounger #JamesYounger
    - 8 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 9:52pm -
  • newGen Z gets most of its news from social media instead of traditional sources, survey finds
    Young adults and adolescents from Generation Z differ significantly from older generations in how they consume the news, according to new research. But a leading Christian ministry warns that it's incumbent on consumers to discern the truth no matter what avenue news is presented.  #GenZ #Millenials #socialmedia #news #TikTok #Instagram #CNN #FoxNews #voting #politics
    - 8 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 9:49pm -
  • newNewborn with umbilical cord attached rescued from earthquake rubble in Syria
    A Syrian newborn with her umbilical cord still attached was rescued alive after being found buried underneath large chunks of rubble in the aftermath of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria on Monday. #NewbornBaby #UmbilicalCord #Rescued #Alive #Aftermath #Syrian #Turkey #Earthquake
    - 11 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 7:09pm -
  • newPCUSA head urges Biden to lift sanctions on Syria to help earthquake victims hurt by blockade
    The head of Presbyterian Church (USA) has called on the United States to lift its sanctions on Syria so as to better help provide aid after the devastating earthquake that impacted the area. #PresbyterianChurchUSA #Syria #Turkey #sanctions #Biden #earthquake
    - 11 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 6:40pm -
  • new8 notable guests at the State of the Union address
    Presidents and individual members of Congress have often used the State of the Union address as an opportunity to promote preferred policy goals and objectives by inviting and highlighting individuals they view as beneficiaries or victims of public policy solutions or problems in the U.S. The following pages highlight eight notable guests at the 2023 State of the Union. #JoeBiden #KevinMcCarthy #EnesKanterFreedom #PaulPelosi #118thCongress #StateoftheUnion
    - 13 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 4:49pm -

Christian Research Network

Christian Sentinel

  • The United States of Israel: America in End Times Prophecy
    Controversial Book Impacts Traditional EschatologyThe post The United States of Israel: America in End Times Prophecy appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 11 Jun 22, 2:49pm -
  • ‘The Inevitable Collapse of the Auto Industry’ by Jackie Alnor and Joni Finkle
    The transportation industry is under tremendous pressure from the WEF/NWO in the real or imagined war on climate change. It doesn't take a genius to see the writing on the wall when passing by car dealerships with lots almost empty of cars for sale.The post ‘The Inevitable Collapse of the Auto Industry’ by Jackie Alnor and Joni Finkle appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 28 May 22, 2:31am -
  • NEW BOOK NOW ON AMAZON
    FROM THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF RAPTURE READY RADIO “There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; and hid that shall not be known.” Prophecy…The post NEW BOOK NOW ON AMAZON appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 13 May 22, 4:36pm -
  • Charisma’s 25th Anniversary Hall of Shame (Repost from the year 2000)
    Charisma Magazine's 25th Anniversary edition looks at the legacy of those who have graced its covers.  The list is a Who's Who of people who have brought shame to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The post Charisma’s 25th Anniversary Hall of Shame (Repost from the year 2000) appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 22 Oct 21, 2:53pm -
  • Stephen Strang in the Pits (2006 article I wrote posted by request)
    Do you think Jesus would be happy with Mr. Strang, selling out the Church for the almighty dollar?The post Stephen Strang in the Pits (2006 article I wrote posted by request) appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 22 Oct 21, 2:25pm -

Christianity Today

  • newLet There Be Radio: Lebanese Evangelicals Launch FM Station
    Persevering amid the world’s biggest economic crisis, BeLight has found an appreciative audience by offering hope and local Arabic worship.Radio first brought Nolla Azar fame. Then it brought her Jesus.Today she uses it to bring others to him, via a new ministry.“I know how to get women’s attention,” said the host of Listening to You, an afternoon talk show on Lebanon’s BeLight FM. “I use the same methods here, but for a higher purpose.”Once working with Dubai-based MBC, one of the largest media companies in the Middle East, Azar returned to Lebanon in 2009 after desiring the warmth of home. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities she found in the local industry, she turned instead to social media and became a celebrated influencer.Doing a podcast for women, she accumulated 275,000 followers on TikTok, boasting 17 million views. Still, she felt empty, complaining often to her mother about dissatisfaction with her finances, career, and love life.In 2021, COVID-19 isolation sparked a spiritual search. Maronite Catholic by background, she read books about God, watched religious TV, stumbled upon a new and unheralded radio station, and gave her life to Christ.Today, she is one of its top-rated hosts.“When I first came [to BeLight], it was hard to balance between entertaining people and being ‘Christian,’” said Azar. “But it is God who brought me here, and when lifting people’s spirits, I redirect them to Jesus.”She has contributed to the increasing professionalism among a motley crew that is quickly growing in popularity. BeLight began on Thanksgiving Day 2020 as an initiative of Arabs determined to launch a Protestant-led FM station in Lebanon. Many had backgrounds in TV production, but none in radio.It began with 90-percent worship music, culled from English-language favorites and the ...Continue reading...
    - 13 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 5:15pm -
  • newSuper Bowl Fans Don’t Need a Linebacker Jesus
    Using sports to market Christ has a long history, but Sunday’s iteration might skip the muscles for heart. This year during the Super Bowl, all eyes will be on Jesus—at least during the two ads sponsored by the He Gets Us campaign.Aiming to make Jesus more relatable through a massive public relations campaign, He Gets Us has already received plenty of attention and criticism. What fascinates me, as a historian of American sports and Christianity, is its continuity with the past. By choosing the Super Bowl as the moment for its “largest splash” to date, the He Gets Us campaign is standing in line with Christian marketing efforts that date back a century, while also attempting to chart something new.One hundred years ago, American Christian leaders worried about polarization and irrelevance in a rapidly changing culture. Division threatened to split churches, with modernists and fundamentalists battling for control of denominations. A surging white Christian nationalism, embodied in the second coming of the Ku Klux Klan, wedded a white supremacist understanding of American identity with Christian language and symbols. Meanwhile, many young Americans opted out of formal religion altogether, showing more interest in baseball games and prizefight boxing than church.Into this moment of crisis stepped a leader in the advertising industry named Bruce Barton.The son of a preacher, Barton looked at the Christian anxieties of his age through the eyes of his marketing expertise and saw a public relations problem. The image of Jesus had gotten tied up in narrow controversies and outdated modes of understanding. Americans, particularly men, did not find him compelling; Christ did not speak to their needs.Barton’s solution? Write a book that could demonstrate the human Jesus’ relevance to a changing culture. Focus ...Continue reading...
    - 16 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 2:00pm -
  • Turkish and Syrian Christians Rally Earthquake Relief
    With one pastor dead, another saved, and churches of all denominations destroyed, local believers race to the frontlines of emergency response.Local Christians were among the first responders to the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria that left more than 5,000 people dead and more than 20,000 injured. They just don’t know how to make sense of it.“God have mercy on us, Christ have mercy,” said Gokhan Talas, founder of the evangelical Miras Publishing Ministry in Istanbul. “This is our only spiritual reflection right now.”His first instinct was to go. But as reports came in of deep snowfall and damaged roads, he shifted gears. His wife stayed up all night making phone calls to believers in Malatya, trying to coordinate aid. And with members of his church and Protestant congregations throughout Turkey, they bought blankets, medicines, baby formula, and diapers to send onward to the afflicted areas.“From this side of eternity, nothing is clear,” Talas said. “But our sweet Lord is suffering with us.”He warned of scams preying on the outpouring of generosity from around the world, even among the small Turkish evangelical community of roughly 10,000 believers.Their own supplies are being donated through İlk Umut Derneği—in English, First Hope Association (FHA), a Turkish Protestant NGO working closely with the local Red Crescent and AFAD, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority.Officials said more than 5,000 buildings have been destroyed by the 7.8 magnitude quake. More than 13,000 search and rescue personnel have been deployed, supplying 41,000 tents, 100,000 beds, and 300,000 blankets. Almost 8,000 people have been rescued so far.This includes pastor Mehmet and his wife Deniz in Malatya, longtime friends of Talas, who spent half the day freezing under the rubble until neighbors succeeded ...Continue reading...
    - 2 days ago 7 Feb 23, 4:45pm -
  • A Mighty Controversy Is This Lutheran Catechism
    The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod resumes distribution of new annotated volume after detractors push back on essays. The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) has resumed distributing its new annotated edition of Luther’s Large Catechism over the objections of some of the denomination’s most conservative members and pastors.Luther’s Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications contains the unaltered text of Luther’s Large Catechism, a core Lutheran doctrinal statement, with 80 essays applying Luther’s ideas in modern society. The book is over 700 pages long.Concordia Publishing House released the work in mid-January, but two weeks ago, LCMS president Matthew Harrison announced that he had asked the denominational publisher to stop distribution so they could “evaluate the comments and critiques received and revisit our doctrinal process.”Critics raised concerns that some of the essays, which are not Lutheran doctrine, mishandle current issues like racial justice, human sexuality, and gun rights.In an email to Christianity Today, Harrison described the controversy as a “handful of quotations were taken out of context to allege some conspiracy to import CRT, sexual ambiguity, and woke issues in general into the LCMS.”By February 2, he had asked Concordia Publishing House to resume distribution.Harrison said he does not have the authority to halt a publication that has been through the doctrinal review process, and that “while some things might have been expressed more clearly, nevertheless, there is nothing in the content of the volume promoting critical race theory (CRT), confusion of sexuality issues, or any theological position at odds with biblical and confessional Lutheranism.” ...Continue reading...
    - 2 days ago 7 Feb 23, 4:00pm -
  • People Perish for Lack of Religion
    Deaths of despair are on the rise in our country. What is the role of the church?Today our society is suffering from an epidemic of self-harm, culminating in the most final form of suffering on this earth—in “deaths of despair.”These deaths speak to the harm inflicted on oneself through overdosing, suicide, or health issues from alcoholism. They manifest despair as a way of coping (or trying to end) one’s suffering of physical or mental pain.A new study makes the case that a loss of religion has played a significant part in this rise. This does not necessarily entail atheism, as many of these people may continue to believe in God or some other kind of spirituality. Rather, it involves no longer participating in organized religion within a faith community.Previous research has shown that men and women who regularly attended religious services at least once a week were less likely to die of despair. Which means, as Tyler VanderWeele and Brendan Case point out in a CT article, “Empty pews are an American public health crisis.”The individualization of religion and the isolation of its experience are two factors contributing to this trend. We live in times of great confusion regarding how God created us—and among the lies we struggle with is believing that community is something we can take or leave.When God declared of Adam “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18), he revealed that he’d created human beings to be inherently social by nature. What was good for Adam was community, of which his marriage to Eve was the first manifestation.The partnership of marriage, as well as other communities today—including neighborhoods, civic organizations, and political affiliations—all lack sufficient or healthy participation. This results ...Continue reading...
    - 2 days ago 6 Feb 23, 7:00pm -

Forum 18 News Service

  • OCCUPIED UKRAINE: "Disappeared" clergy, seized places of worship, library purge
    Russian occupation authorities continue to violate freedom of religion and belief in the Ukrainian territory they currently control. In late 2022 two Greek Catholic priests and a Protestant pastor were the latest known religious leaders seized by occupation authorities, and it is unknown where they are or even if they are still alive. [UPDATE: Russian military seized Orthodox priest Platon Danyshchuk on 26 January.] Raids on and seizures of places of worship continued in January 2023, and a purge of "extremist" books from educational libraries was ordered in Luhansk.
    - -
  • UKRAINE: Draft law better than others, freedom of religion or belief concerns remain
    The Ukrainian government has produced a draft law prohibiting the operation of religious organisations affiliated with "centres of influence of religious organisations or associations with ruling centres" in Russia, but imposing an obligation on the state to prove any affiliation in court. The draft law in its present form raises freedom of religion or belief concerns. If adopted and implemented it may significantly change the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is historically and ecclesiastically linked to the Moscow Patriarchate.
    - -
  • BELARUS: Religious freedom survey, January 2023
    Forum 18's freedom of religion and belief survey analysis of Belarus notes continuing violations of this freedom and of interlinked freedoms. These include a web of "legal" restrictions on which communities can meet, where, who they are led by, and what literature they may use. These restrictions make the exercise of freedom of religion and belief dependent on state permission. Violations have worsened since fraudulent presidential elections in August 2020, and the regime's support for Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
    - -
  • RUSSIA: Two trials, nine long jail terms
    Eight of nine Jehovah's Witnesses convicted on "extremism"-related charges in two trials in Russia's Far East in December 2022 received jail terms of 6 to 7 years. An Amur Region Prosecutor's Office official justified the jailings: "Any missionary activity of members of a religious organisation liquidated by a court in connection with repeated violations of the law on countering extremist activity will be illegal in nature and subject to liability established by law." The 9 were among 124 Jehovah's Witnesses criminally convicted in 2022. Trials continue.
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  • KYRGYZSTAN: Violent attacks continue in 2022 and into 2023
    Violent attacks against non-Muslims in regions outside the capital Bishkek have continued in 2022 and into 2023, local Protestants told Forum 18. Officials refused to explain why perpetrators are not prosecuted and punished, and what is being done to stop such attacks. When such attacks happen, Protestants stated, "local believers are afraid to complain to the authorities" as "they are afraid of reprisals from the authorities and local mobs for complaining". "These are only isolated cases," Kanatbek Midin uuly of the State Commission for Religious Affairs claimed.
    - -

Get Religion

  • newKansas City Star shows a curious lack of curiosity about pro-LGBTQ Christian school's closing
    All together now: Who. What. When. Where. Why. How.Once upon a time, journalists were really curious people when it came to seeking basic, on-the-record answers to factual questions linked to the stories they were covering. That old “W5H” equation didn’t cover all the bases, of course, but it wasn’t a bad place to start.When covering stories about a religious group, it really helps to know the specific religious tradition or larger organization (think “denomination”) to which it is linked. If it’s an ecumenical or interfaith group, that may require seeking the ties that band various groups of people who are involved in this project.This brings us to a recent Kansas City Star report that ran with this headline: “KC Christian school lost donations after supporting LGBTQ rights. Now it’s closing.”By definition, a “Christian school” is a religious organization. I have never heard of one that did not have ties of some kind — financial, theological, cultural or historical — to a specific religious tradition or to a group of churches that helped it get started. Think of this as the “Who” and “Why” factors.Yes, in this nondenominational age a school may, in fact, have links to a number of congregations or religious networks. But that doesn’t mean there are no, to quote that old Gospel hymn, "ties that bind.” A nondenominational school will still have specific flocks of believersthat provide students, donations, training and other kinds of practical support.The Urban Christian Academy certainly fits the nondenominational mold, or lack of a mold. Check out its online “manifesto” about it’s spiritual and intellectual commitments. However, that doesn’t mean that its leaders have zero practical or even personal links to institutional churches or other schools.There was plenty of room to address questions of this kind in this 1,500-word feature. Was there a reason that the Kansas City Star included next to zero information about the institutional DNA of this urban school? I find the newsroom’s lack of curiosity to be be rather curious. Let’s look at a few pieces of this report and look for clues as to what is going on, starting with the overture: In its nine years of existence, Urban Christian Academy steadily grew, adding a new grade each year in a neglected southeast Kansas City neighborhood. The school has provided its students, kindergarten through eighth grade, with a tuition-free private education. And with its “inclusive theology,” it always supported LGBTQ students and staff. But it did so quietly, as issues like same-sex marriage and gay clergy divided Protestant denominations while hate crimes and violence against the LGBTQ community rose.OK, this is a story about theological, doctrinal divisions inside “Protestant denominations.”
    - 13 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 4:59pm -
  • Death of old-school journalism may be why Catholic church vandalism isn't a big story
    The start of 2023 has brought with it renewed discussion about the role of journalism in society and, more importantly, how it should be practiced and for whom.At the same time, more Catholic churches and crisis-pregnancy centers have been the target of vandalism.You may not have noticed this trend — because it is receiving little elite-news coverage.I can’t help but think these two things are linked. Here’s how.  Journalists and news organizations are increasingly abandoning old-school objectivity — think basic standards of accuracy, balance, fairness, etc. — in favor of an ever-changing worldview linked to whatever is fashionable politically or culturally, especially stances that are popular with paying customers. These news organizations are increasingly focused on how to influence the now and future rather than report on basic facts surrounding events.Journalism, however, is not solely about predicting the future — see, for example, the heavy coverage towards polls trying to predict the outcome of elections — but observing the present and the on-the-record facts that surround us at the moment on a particular topic or issue.  This growing activism among journalists has led reporters to lose most of their curiosity, a crucial element in news coverage.Instead of asking questions, many already think they have the answers on an array of issues. In the process, this sense of activism among this new journalist class (and their Gen X editors who suddenly think that journalists have been doing things all wrong for decades) has led it to loss its curiosity. Debates? Who needs debates? Tropes based in secular society’s current values, for example, automatically trump thousands of years worth of Judeo-Christian tradition.This brings us to the continuing trend that has seen many churches vandalized over the past few years. It’s a story that has received very little news coverage in the national press. Why?
    - 2 days ago 7 Feb 23, 4:59pm -
  • RIP American Model of the Press? It appears that online financial realities killed it ...
    From Day 1 here at GetReligion, just over 19 years ago, our primary goal has been to defend religion-beat reporting rooted in what has long been called the American Model of the Press.You know, that’s the old-liberalism brand of journalism built on accuracy, fairness, balance and respect for the views of citizens involved in debates about issues in culture, morality, religion and even politics.Some people include the word “objectivity” in creeds about this kind of journalism, which tends to fuel philosophical discussions about whether it’s possible for the minds of journalists to remain “blank slates,” or words to that effect. In my teaching days, I attempted to define objectivity in terms of fair-minded professional standards for newsroom work.This brings me to an essay that I recently wrote for the Religion & Liberty journal published by the Acton Institute. The headline: “The Evolving Religion of Journalism.” I don’t want to cue waves of weeping violins, but writing this piece was painful and involved about a month of involuntary 3 a.m. brainstorms.The bottom line: I didn’t want to write another essay about media-bias issues, because discussing “bias” implies the existence of shared, common professional standards for journalists. My goal was to describe the emerging digital-marketplace reality — news that preaches to niche choirs makes money. It produces faithful, paying subscribers, which is what matters now that news organizations cannot depend on mass-market advertising.Are you reading the stunning four-part Columbia Journalism Review series by Jeff Gerth about elite newsrooms and Donald Trump? It’s crucial that “The press versus the president” was published by a journal at the heart of the old-liberal journalism establishment. Here is a crucial passage, right after Trump commits to his “fake news” approach to press relations: In the days after Trump’s declaration, the Times surveyed its new digital subscribers, millions of whom flocked to the paper during his presidency, to better understand their motivations: the administration’s “vilification of the press,” one subscriber replied, in a typical response, according to “New Digital Subscribers Survey” data provided to me by a Times staffer. Trump would often call the Times “failing,” including the day after the controversial story about Russia-Trump ties, but in fact the soaring digital-subscriber base throughout his presidency offset the steady fall in revenue from print subscribers and advertising.What does this have to do with my Acton essay, which focuses on a timeline of events that begins long, long before Orange Man Bad?
    - 3 days ago 6 Feb 23, 4:45pm -
  • Plug-In: The funeral of Tyre Nichols -- grief, prayers and more calls for police reform
    It seems appropriate that Weekend Plug-in should be “Livin’ on a Prayer“ this time around.That’s especially true this past week as Bon Jovi’s classic single topped 1 billion views on YouTube. As Christianity Today’s Kate Shellnutt put it, “Oo-oo he's all the way there.”Enjoy the music as we get down to business, reviewing the top headlines and best reads in the world of faith.What To Know: The Big StoryTyre Nichols: In Memphis, Tennessee, loved ones celebrated the 29-year-old police beating victim’s life — and called for reforms — Wednesday at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.“We have come with heavy hearts that can only be healed by the grace of God, full transparency, accountability and comprehensive legislative reform,” the Rev. J. Lawrence Turner said, as reported by the Commercial Appeal’s Lucas Finton, Katherine Burgess and Laura Testino.The funeral featured messages of faith from Vice President Kamala Harris and the Rev. Al Sharpton, Religion News Service’s Adelle M. Banks notes.Grief and goals: RNS’ Banks talks to faith leaders about Nichols’ death.At Christianity Today, Russell Moore writes that “Scriptures denounce officials who abuse their authority to harm rather than protect the people they serve.”‘No excuse’: As a teen, longtime Memphis minister and politician John DeBerry Jr. witnessed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech before his 1968 assassination. I interviewed DeBerry about Nichols’ death: “I think it is a systemic issue and that it is not a new issue. While we focus on violations of law and protocol and civil rights, and we especially focus on it when it crosses racial lines, this is especially concerning to a lot of us because all five of these officers (charged with murder) are Black.
    - 3 days ago 6 Feb 23, 2:00pm -
  • Prayer in the NFL? The powers that be worry about this complex, controversial subject
    Super Bowls create media storms, but many journalists and sports executives thought what happened in 1988 was totally out of bounds.The establishment was shocked when players and coaches from Denver and Washington, D.C., held a prayer meeting on the eve of this NFL rite. The powers that be worried that "fraternization" of this kind could damage this clash between gridiron warriors.To make matters worse, players from competing teams soon began kneeling in post-game, on-field prayer huddles as a symbol of unity and, often, shared concerns about injured players. Players waved off league efforts to stop the prayer circles."For the NFL, this was a corporate thing," said historian Paul Putz, of Baylor University's Faith & Sports Institute. Executives are "fine with prayer, as long as it isn't tied to anything controversial or a specific brand of religion. …"The NFL didn't mind prayers that were out of sight, maybe in locker rooms with chaplains. But then things started happening on television. That was too much."That was then. The electric wave of prayer that swept America after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's heart-stopping injury was, he said, a "critical mass" moment and a sign of changing times -- maybe.The key was that this drama happened on "Monday Night Football," with anguished players from both teams huddled around Hamlin near midfield, many visibly praying, as first responders fought to save his life.It was natural for broadcasters to acknowledge the explosion of social-media commentary from athletes, coaches and others -- including fervent calls for prayer. All 32 NFL teams soon posted #PrayForDamar appeals."We have never seen anything like this before," said Putz. It became clear that it "was OK to tweet messages that went way beyond the usual thoughts and prayers."The question, added Putz, is what happens next.
    - 4 days ago 5 Feb 23, 6:00pm -

ID the Future (Podcast)

  • Cascading Problems
    Doctor Howard Glicksman explains the cascading problems in our body. If you solve one problem, then you have another, and another, all at once. You need oxygen, hence a respiratory system. But the oxygen doesn’t dissolve well, so you need hemoglobin. But that requires kidney cells to control them, and on and on. Who’s managing the red blood cells!? Glicksman Read More ›Source
    - 9 days ago 31 Jan 23, 5:30pm -
  • Superabundance on PragerU
    There are now eight billion people living on the planet. Is there enough room for all of us? Are we going to run out of food and other resources? Discovery Institute Senior Fellow Gale Pooley's co-author Marian Tupy, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, discusses their new book Superabundance and examines whether or not these fears are valid. His answer may surprise you.Source
    - 9 days ago 30 Jan 23, 10:55pm -
  • Coherence in the Human Body
    Engineer Steve Laufmann discusses the coherence of systems in the human body, the necessity that each part in the system has to be specialized to solve a sub-problem. The parts have to be just the way they are. Laufmann is co-author of the book Your Designed Body: https://www.YourDesignedBody.com Every day, your body must solve hundreds of hard engineering problems simultaneously, Read More ›Source
    - 14 days ago 26 Jan 23, 5:30pm -
  • Breaking the K-12 Education Monopoly
    Recently Discovery Institute Fellow and American Center for Transforming Education Director Dr. Keri Ingraham joined The Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts on his show to discuss educational freedom, education entrepreneurship, innovation, and much more.Source
    - 14 days ago 25 Jan 23, 10:09pm -
  • What Inspired Don Nielsen to Write Every School?
    In 2014 Don Nielsen wrote a book titled Every School: One Citizen’s Guide to Transforming Education. What inspired him to write the book?Source
    - 15 days ago 24 Jan 23, 10:13pm -

International Missions Board

Julie Roys Report

  • newHillsong Founder Brian Houston’s Wife Defends His Integrity, Character in Social Media Post
    Hillsong Church co-founder and former pastor Bobbie Houston on Monday took to social media to defend her embattled husband, Brian Houston. She called out the “relentless assault” on him and posted to “vindicate his integrity, character, and worth.”“As a wife of near 46 (years) I’m weary of the relentless assault on this man, weary of the unchallenged, uncontained narratives left to fester,” wrote Bobbie Houston on Instagram. “I vowed to him last (year) that if no one stands up & vindicates his integrity, character & worth, I will.” She briefly addressed the current court proceedings against her husband, noting that “Brian can’t speak of it for legal reasons, but I can.”In August 2021, authorities charged Brian Houston with one count of concealing a serious indictable offense for allegedly failing years prior to report his father Frank’s child sexual abuse to police. 
    - 10 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 7:40pm -
  • newKeller Center for Apologetics Aims to Help Churches Reach Changing Country
    Visiting houses of worship in the United States, you can’t help but see empty pews, giving the impression that organized religion in the United States is in trouble.Increasingly, those who study church attendance and related matters are doing the math: In a recent study that projects what faith in America might look like in 50 years, Pew Research Center found that the number of Americans who identify as religious, which has been shrinking for decades, will continue to decline as the number of those with no religion will continue to grow. 
    - 11 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 6:40pm -
  • Embattled Hillsong Church Names New Global Senior Pastors
    On Sunday, Phil and Lucinda Dooley were announced as the new global senior pastors of Hillsong Church. The couple had stepped into the role on an interim basis following the sabbatical and subsequent resignation of the church’s founding pastor, Brian Houston, in 2022. Houston, who had pastored the church for nearly four decades, resigned in March 2022, roughly two months into what was to be a yearlong sabbatical, which arose in part from concerns about Houston’s previous conduct with regard to instances of alcohol and prescription drug abuse, as well as inappropriate behavior toward women.  
    - 1 day ago 8 Feb 23, 12:40am -
  • Devastating Fentanyl Epidemic Prompts Response From U.S. Churches
    A Google search for “fentanyl overdose” reveals recent stories of the deaths of three middle-aged Texans, a teen in California and a toddler in South Carolina.Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Overdoses have become commonplace around the country.“Fentanyl can be put into anything,” said Troy Young, church outreach coordinator for Isaiah House, an evangelical drug addiction treatment facility in Harrodsburg, Ky. 
    - 1 day ago 8 Feb 23, 12:35am -
  • Parents Sue Christian Preschool, Alleging Sex Abuse Cover-up
    Parents who say their child was abused by a teacher at a preschool in Texas are suing the preschool where the abuse allegedly happened. They’re also suing a Christian preschool where the teacher was previously employed, claiming the school failed to report other allegations of the teacher’s abuse, allowing his abuse to continue.The lawsuit was filed on January 26 in Dallas County District Court and seeks $100 million in damages. The Roys Report (TRR) is not naming the alleged victim’s parents to protect the alleged victim’s identity.  
    - 2 days ago 6 Feb 23, 11:55pm -

Life News

  • newUK Abortion Biz Killing 50% More Babies in 2023
    Abortions have surged by almost 50% in the first two weeks of this year compared with the same time last year, according to abortion provider MSI Reproductive Choices, formerly Marie Stopes International. The abortion giant said that it has administered 47% more abortions in the first two weeks of 2023 compared with the same time […]The post UK Abortion Biz Killing 50% More Babies in 2023 appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 5 hours ago 9 Feb 23, 1:00am -
  • newPenn Badgley, Star of Netflix Show “You.” Reveals How He Was Born Two Months Prematurely
    Star of Netflix’s You and Gossip Girl, Penn Badgley, has revealed that he was born two months prematurely and had to be resuscitated numerous times by his mother when he was a baby. The actor, 36, revealed in a podcast that he was born two months before his due date and suffered serious health problems […]The post Penn Badgley, Star of Netflix Show “You.” Reveals How He Was Born Two Months Prematurely appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 5 hours ago 9 Feb 23, 12:57am -
  • newSouth Carolina Committee Passes Bill Banning Abortions, Affirming Life Begins at Conception
    The House Judiciary Committee yesterday voted 16-7 along party lines to advance the 2023 Human Life Protection Act (H3774) to the full House of Representatives for debate. All 16 Judiciary Committee Republicans voted in favor of protecting unborn human life at all stages of development; seven Democrats voted against the measure with two Democrats not […]The post South Carolina Committee Passes Bill Banning Abortions, Affirming Life Begins at Conception appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 5 hours ago 9 Feb 23, 12:53am -
  • new24 AGs Tell Yelp to Quit Discriminating Against Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers
    Attorney General Jason Miyares today joined a 24-state coalition of attorneys general in sending a letter to Yelp opposing the company’s practice of discriminating against crisis pregnancy centers in online consumer notices. Last year, Yelp announced that the company would begin issuing consumer notices to the Yelp profiles of crisis pregnancy centers. The notices claim […]The post 24 AGs Tell Yelp to Quit Discriminating Against Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 5 hours ago 9 Feb 23, 12:50am -
  • newPlanned Parenthood Staffer Faces Charges for Assaulting Pro-Life Advocate
    A Planned Parenthood worker is facing battery charges after pro-life advocates said he hit and pushed a sidewalk counselor Jan. 19 outside an abortion facility in Flossmore, Illinois. In a second incident, Coalition Life, a pro-life organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, said another sidewalk counselor was hit by a vehicle driven by a Planned […]The post Planned Parenthood Staffer Faces Charges for Assaulting Pro-Life Advocate appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 7 hours ago 8 Feb 23, 10:56pm -

Mennonite Central Committee

  • Honoring peacebuilders
    Caption: Michael J. Sharp, second from left, participates in a 2013 meeting at camp for internally displaced people in the town of Shasha, North Kivu, Eastern Congo.
    - 8 days ago 1 Feb 23, 5:00am -
  • 50 comforters project: From spreadsheets to works of art
    Three years ago, Amy Stauffer-McNutt never would’ve imagined the extent to which comforters would take over her life. In fact, at the beginning of 2020, she barely had any sewing experience. Fast forward to this past November when Amy put the finishing touches on comforter number 50 for MCC.
    - 10 days ago 30 Jan 23, 5:00am -
  • Through the conflict, life carries on
    The darkness fell in an instant. One minute, a music video was projected on the wall of the small church, and kids were singing along. The next moment the power was off. The room plunged into darkness.
    - 13 days ago 27 Jan 23, 5:00am -
  • Fellowship with the IVEPers
    Our MCC Central States (CS) IVEPers gathered in Denver, Colorado, for their first retreat in December. We went snow tubing in Fraser, walked around downtown Denver and shared meals from various cultures.
    - 23 days ago 17 Jan 23, 5:00am -
  • Seasons, weather and feelings
    Before coming to the United States to begin my IVEP journey, I often wondered what it would feel like. I thought maybe I would sometimes be homesick or lonely, but overall happy and excited. However, that doesn’t even begin to explain what the turmoil of feelings actually is like.
    - 23 days ago 17 Jan 23, 5:00am -

MinistryWatch

Religion News Service

Trinity Foundation

  • Donor Beware: Gospel for Asia’s Fine Print
    Almost four years have passed since Gospel for Asia (GFA), the global promoter of native missionaries, settled a class action lawsuit for $37 million GFA has finished paying back $37 million to former donors. The settlement agreement also required GFA to “publish annual reports of all work accomplished with donated funds.” While the 2022 annual […]
    - 8 days ago 1 Feb 23, 2:23am -
  • List of 100 Highly Paid Evangelical Non-profit Executives
    Each January MinistryWatch publishes a list of highly compensated religious non-profit executives. The compensation for 100 employees on the 2023 list ranges from $370,890 to $7,319,371 (David Cerullo of INSP !!). Seven million plus dollars!!! America needs to have a serious conversation about excessive compensation in the non-profit world. Many of the highest paid televangelists […]
    - 8 days ago 1 Feb 23, 2:08am -
  • New Hillsong Podcast Premieres on Groundhog Day
    Storyglass, a UK-based studio, has produced an 8-part podcast series about Hillsong, the well-known megachurch that originated in Australia. The first episode of False Profits: Hillsong drops on February 2nd, which is better known as Groundhog Day. In the first episode Noemi Uribe, a former member of Hillsong, describes the charismatic appeal of Hillsong. In […]
    - 8 days ago 1 Feb 23, 2:00am -
  • International Religious Fraud in the News: African Ponzi Scheming Pastor Reaps 519 Years Imprisonment
    Accra, Ghana; last week, 1/18/2023 Various incarnations of Ponzi schemes are not unique to America or guys like Bernie Madoff.  Many experts have told Trinity Foundation that there is more money stolen in the name of God than any other way. After having been found guilty of 173 counts of conspiracy to commit a crime […]
    - 8 days ago 1 Feb 23, 1:49am -
  • Court Cases to Watch in 2023
    Besides shining a spotlight on the bad behavior of religious leaders, court  cases often bring unique attention to church and ministry governance issues. Cross examination frequently provides answers to questions church members have long sought. The finances of churches and ministries which are often secret may become a matter of public record during litigation. For […]
    - 8 days ago 1 Feb 23, 1:39am -

United Methodist News Service

The World And Everything In It (Podcast)

  • 1.16.23 Legal Docket, Moneybeat, and History Book
    On Legal Docket, a dispute over a gerrymandered congressional map; on Moneybeat, the latest economic news and answers to listener questions; and on History Book, important dates from the past. Plus: the Monday morning news. Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate. Additional support comes from Children’s Hunger Fund—delivering food and the hope of the gospel to children in need around the world. Learn more at ChildrensHungerFund.org. Dordt University. See for yourself why Dordt offers outstanding academic programs and a Christ-centered community. More at Dordt.edu/visit Mission Focused Men for Christ podcast. This month: helping men overcome a disordered life to stay better focused on honoring Jesus--that’s Mission Focused Men for Christ on your podcast app. The Word of the Lord Endures Forever podcast, a daily, 15-minute, verse-by-verse Bible study hosted by Lutheran Pastor Will Weedon. Learn more at thewordendures.org
    - 24 days ago 16 Jan 23, 8:15am -
  • 1.13.23 Culture Friday, and the music of Rich Mullins
    On Culture Friday, an actual example of toxic masculinity and the arrest of a pro-life leader; Collin Garbarino provides a warning about Tom Hanks’ newest movie; and Steve West reviews a tribute to the music of Christian musician Rich Mullins. Plus: the Friday morning news. Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate. Additional support comes from Frameworks: A Biblical Worldview Initiative. Online courses for public high school students - transferrable for elective credit. More at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com Pensacola Christian College. Empowering leaders to influence the world for Christ. More at go.pcci.edu/World Ambassadors Impact Network, a nationwide group of angel investors committed to funding entrepreneurs whose Christian convictions have hindered secular financing sources. More at ambassadorsimpact.com Mission Focused Men for Christ podcast. This month: helping men overcome a disordered life to stay better focused on honoring Jesus--that’s Mission Focused Men for Christ on your podcast app.
    - 27 days ago 13 Jan 23, 8:15am -
  • 1.12.23 Expanding access to abortion, unrest in Brazil, and a Lego championship
    The Biden administration is making legal changes that make the abortion pill more widely available; what comes next in Brazil after thousands of protesters stormed the country’s congress, supreme court, and presidential palace over the weekend; and a Lego championship. Plus: commentary from Cal Thomas, and the Thursday morning news. Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate. Additional support comes from Ambassadors Impact Network, an investing network that finances Christ-following entrepreneurs who demonstrate the gospel through their businesses. More at ambassadorsimpact.comFrameworks: A Biblical Worldview Initiative. Online courses for public high school students - transferrable for elective credit. More at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com Pensacola Christian College. Empowering leaders to influence the world for Christ. More at go.pcci.edu/World Mission Focused Men for Christ podcast. This month: helping men overcome a disordered life to stay better focused on honoring Jesus--that’s Mission Focused Men for Christ on your podcast app.
    - 28 days ago 12 Jan 23, 8:15am -
  • 1.11.23 Washington Wednesday, World Tour, and adapting to a new home
    On Washington Wednesday, Biden’s visit to the southern border after announcing new immigration policies; on World Tour, the latest international news; and an immigrant who has made it his mission to help newcomers adjust to a new life in the States. Plus: a message in a bottle, commentary from Janie B. Cheaney, and the Wednesday morning news. Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate. Additional support comes from Pensacola Christian College. Empowering leaders to influence the world for Christ. More at go.pcci.edu/World Ambassadors Impact Network, a nationwide group of angel investors committed to funding entrepreneurs whose Christian convictions have hindered secular financing sources. More at ambassadorsimpact.com Frameworks: A Biblical Worldview Initiative. Online courses for public high school students - transferrable for elective credit. More at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com Mission Focused Men for Christ podcast. This month: helping men overcome a disordered life to stay better focused on honoring Jesus--that’s Mission Focused Men for Christ on your podcast app.
    - 29 days ago 11 Jan 23, 8:15am -
  • 1.10.23 Changes to House rules, and embryo adoption
    New changes to the rules in the House of Representatives could affect how Congress conducts business; a new COVID variant is circulating in the country; and a story about a family that chose to adopt some frozen embryos. Plus: a wild goose chase, commentary from Steve West, and the Tuesday morning news. Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate. Additional support comes from Frameworks: A Biblical Worldview Initiative. Online courses for public high school students - transferrable for elective credit. More at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com Pensacola Christian College. Empowering leaders to influence the world for Christ. More at go.pcci.edu/World Ambassadors Impact Network, an investing network that finances Christ-following entrepreneurs who demonstrate the gospel through their businesses. More at ambassadorsimpact.com Mission Focused Men for Christ podcast. This month: helping men overcome a disordered life to stay better focused on honoring Jesus--that’s Mission Focused Men for Christ on your podcast app.
    - 30 days ago 10 Jan 23, 8:15am -

World Magazine