Delia Knox had been paralyzed since a car accident on Christmas Day 1987. But a video shot during a revival service Friday shows Knox telling British evangelist Nathan Morris that she can feel his hands on her legs. As he and other ministers continue to pray for her, she stands up from her wheelchair walks across the platform as the crowd leaps and screams. (Watch video.) Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33942&PN=1&TPN=1
Church Changes a Country and Saves Lives Along the Way - 9/2/2010
I sat mesmerized by the story Dr. Erickson was telling me. I couldn't help but thank God that he uses men such as Dr. Reid and Pastor Tom Deuschle to mobilize care for the African people in a cholera crisis. Likewise, I was humbled by Celebration Church's effort in the name of Christian charity, their yearning to bless their community, their city, and their country. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33941&PN=1&TPN=1
'Islamization' of Paris a Warning to the West - 9/1/2010
A hidden camera shows streets blocked by huge crowds of Muslim worshippers and enforced by a private security force. This is all illegal in France: the public worship, the blocked streets, and the private security. But the police have been ordered not to intervene. A French citizen who has been watching the Islamization of Paris decided that the world needed to see. Read On: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2010/August/Islamization-of-Paris-a-Warning-to-the-West/
Indonesia Christians Suffer for Religious Freedom - 9/1/2010
While most Americans feel a mosque shouldn't be built near where the 9/11 attacks killed 3,000 people, others say the mosque is a matter of religious freedom. But what about religious liberty in the world's largest Muslim nation of Indonesia? Christians are finding it increasingly difficult just to gather for worship. Muslim incite mob violence and force churches to close. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33938&PN=1&TPN=1
Taliban murders aid workers - 9/1/2010
The bodies of three Christian aid workers have been found in Pakistan. Authorities recovered the bodies of the three workers on Wednesday, not long after threats had been issued against workers trying to provide aid. The trio had been kidnapped and killed by members of the Pakistani Taliban in the flood-ravaged country. Other relief workers have been threatened. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33937&PN=1&TPN=1
Christian Convert in Bangladesh Falsely Accused of Theft by Muslims - 9/1/2010
Muslims said to use mistaken identity to stop activities of Christian. A Christian convert from Islam was falsely arrested for cattle theft last weekend in a bid by influential Muslims to stop his Christian activities. Christian villagers told Compass that Hossen was the victim of "dirty tricks" by influential Muslims. Muslims have been harassing him since his conversion. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33935&PN=1&TPN=1
Federal Court Halts Obama Administration’s Embryonic Stem Cell Policy - 8/30/2010
At issue is a law prohibiting federal funds from being used on research that involves the destruction of human embryos. The court order prevents the Obama administration from carrying on its embryonic stem cell research policy while a lawsuit against it proceeds. Studies are showing promising health benefits with non-embryonic stem cells. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33922&PN=1&TPN=1
Islamic intolerance is mounting unchecked across Pakistan as the Islamic fundamentalism emanating from mosques and madrassas cultivates hatred. As chaos and lawlessness proliferate, the situation for Christians deteriorates. The frequency of Christian girls being raped is escalating, and Muslims increasingly are rejecting having Christians live amongst them. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33801&PN=1&TPN=1
Pakistan Floods: A Disaster of Epic Proportions - 20 mllion plus people affected - 8/19/2010
There is an adjustment to be made as you step off the plane and take in the enormity of the damage and human suffering. Compounding the suffering is the sharp increase of local prices for food and supplies, and growing shortages. Factories are closing because of damages and reports of very limited gas supply. Logistical and systemic breakdowns are the next big hurdle. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33802&PN=1&TPN=1
Disastrous flooding in Pakistan creates dire conditions for surviving families - 8/18/2010
For three days, they crammed together on the rooftop of the school with more than 100 people, exposed to the elements and waiting to be rescued — or at least for something to eat. Unrelenting rains have worsened flood conditions in areas where millions are affected and resources are running critically low. Landslides are hampering efforts to provide food to millions. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33796&PN=1&TPN=1
Glory in Karu, Nigeria! - 8/18/2010
Tonight – the first night of this campaign – more than 110,000 people poured onto the crusade field. When I gave the invitation for salvation they responded in huge numbers surrendering their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. After the prayer for the sick, the glory of the Lord rested on that dusty field in a powerful way and miracles began to break out everywhere! Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33797&PN=1&TPN=1
Major First Amendment and Pro-Life Victory in Washington, D.C. - 8/18/2010
"We thank God for this important victory for free speech, public prayer and the First Amendment. The City of Washington, D.C. got it right when they reversed their tragic decision to arrest American citizens for simply praying on a public sidewalk." Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney was arrested on June 8 for simply praying and reading from the Bible on a public sidewalk. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33795&PN=1&TPN=1
Muslim Cleric Calls for Jihad, Coptic Christians Attacked in Egypt - 8/18/2010
On Friday, August 13, 2010, an Imam called during Muslim Friday prayers for "Jihad" against Christians living there. As a result the Christians living in the village were assaulted over two consecutive days. Eleven Copts were hospitalized and many Coptic youths were arrested. Security forces took the Christian victims and kept them at the station in spite of their wounds. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33794&PN=1&TPN=1
Developers of Ground Zero Mosque Only Own Half the Property - 8/16/2010
New Yorkers want to know why they weren't told the truth about the Ground Zero mosque. Representative Peter King says the developers seem to be "operating under false pretenses." It turns out half the land is owned by Con Ed, an electric utility. Any sale proposal would have to go before the Public Service Commission. So far, the project has raised $200 in donations. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33776&PN=1&TPN=1
Scientists Link Faith and Liver Transplant Survival - 8/16/2010
Research in Italy shows 93.5 per cent of religious worshippers were still alive four years after their operation, while only 79.5 per cent of their non-religious counterparts survived. The statistics suggest the mortality rate for a patient who does not believe in God is three times higher than for those who do. That's 20.5 per cent compared to 6.6 per cent. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33775&PN=1&TPN=1
Barna Studies Report on Changing Faith in America - 8/16/2010
One out of eight adults is an ex-Christian. The Barna Group defines this as someone who was Protestant or Catholic in childhood, but is now atheist, agnostic or something else. Those converting to Christianity from another childhood faith or lack of faith, account for three percent of the population. Most conversions take place during the teenage years or young adulthood. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33774&PN=1&TPN=1
Obama Insinuates Himself into NY Zoning Case, Families of 911 Victims Aghast - 8/15/2010
Barack Obama declared his support for the 911 mosque, surrounded by Muslims preparing to celebrate their holy month of Ramadan. Gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio is opposing the project. He says it's a question of safety and security. New York City already has over 100 mosques. A spokeman for the plan says organizers hope to attract federal, state and local dollars. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33750&PN=1&TPN=1
Sears Ignores Calls to Stop Selling Porn - 8/13/2010
What was once known as Sears, Roebuck and Company captured business headlines in 2005 by merging with K-Mart. Now the "family" retailer is making news again as it tries to woo another market segment - the connoisseurs of soft porn. And judging from the company's response to a recent action alert, the big shots don't care what you think. One group is considering a boycott. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33727&PN=1&TPN=1
Schuller Family Takes 50 Percent Pay Cut at Crystal Cathedral - 8/13/2010
Don't expect to see Robert Schuller, his wife, Arvella, five of their children and their spouses at the Unemployment Office anytime soon. The pay cut is just for the next two months. But you may see some of Schuller's 100 or more former staff at the Unemployment Office. Also a number of contract musicians haven't been paid since January. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33728&PN=1&TPN=1
Shopping Mall's Religious Speech Restrictions Overturned - 8/14/2010
The case arose after a youth pastor was arrested for striking up casual conversations with shoppers about their faith. It happened in Roseville, California. A judge has just determined that Galleria Malls' rules against Christian speech are unconstitutional. The court indicates youth pastor Matthew Snatchko would be able to collect damages and attorney fees. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33736&PN=1&TPN=1
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New President: God Can Save the Philippines - 7/29/2010
During his presidential campaign, Aquino pledged to end poverty by first ending corruption. Aquino exposed irregularities allegedly committed by the former administration. "Now is the time to end the extravagance of government officials squandering the people's money," "If we remain firm in our belief that God is on our side is there anything impossible for us to achieve?"Aquino said. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33529&PN=1&TPN=1
Students Punished for Opposing Homosexuality - 7/29/2010
Christian students at two different universities are being punished for disagreeing with their schools' policies on homosexuality. Julea Ward was expelled from the graduate program at Eastern Michigan University. A federal judge has upheld her expulsion. Jennifer Keeton at ASU Georgia, was told she would not be allowed to graduate unless she changed her Christian beliefs. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33528&PN=1&TPN=1
Armed Robber Repents After Clerk Tells Him About Jesus - 7/30/2010
The armed robber who showed up at a mobile phone shop was carnally minded. Although he said he was a Christian, he wasn't trusting God for the $300 needed to stop his family's eviction. His intended victim, Nayara Goncalves, was spiritually minded. She shared her faith at gunpoint. No one was hurt. Police are still looking for the man, believed to be around 40 years-old. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33545&PN=1&TPN=1
Pastors' Alliance Working to Take Back Violent Mexican Border Town - 7/31/2010
A pastor told me one of his teenagers stopped a car and asked, "Can we pray for you?" The guys who were inside said, "No, I don't think you can pray for our business." When this young lady looked into the car she saw five men with guns, but still started praying. All of a sudden these people got silent, closed their eyes, bowed their heads and prayed. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33555&PN=1&TPN=1
Believers Proclaim Canberra Declaration into Spiritual Realm Over Australia - 7/31/2010
It was declared on the basis of Psalm 133 and Habakkuk 2:2. Over 20 Christian leaders helped write the 850-word document linking Western civilization to Judaeo-Christian values. It warns that if religious freedom, marriage and family, or sanctity of life are removed, democracy and liberty are seriously undermined. The declaration criticizes hate crime laws in particular. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33553&PN=1&TPN=1
CBS President Apologizes for Not Having Enough Homosexual Propaganda - 7/31/2010
It makes you wonder how such a small percentage of the population exerts such power over mass media. CBS recently received a low rating on the "Network Responsibility Index," put out by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The group also resorts to peer pressure, calling its preferences "industry standards." CBS President Nina Tassler promises to do better.Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33556&PN=1&TPN=1
Revival Fire Ignites in Northeast India as Presbyterians Pray - 8/1/2010
Even some non-Christians began to come under the power of God. Hindu and Buddhist children had revelations of the living God. Some Muslim children saw Jesus. Many Hindus and animists began coming to the church services. One non-Christian girl was choking and couldn’t speak. Once an amulet was broken off her neck, she suddenly burst out, no longer a mute. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33558&PN=1&TPN=1
Focus on the Family Expected to Announce the Layoff of More Workers - 8/1/2010
Focus on the Family has ministered to countless families since its founding in 1977. One of the ways it has helped is with financial advice. But in recent years, people who work for Focus have seen their family financial health put at risk. The ministry's work force is now nearly 50 percent of its size in 2002. A new layoff is expected to be announced in early August. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33560&PN=1&TPN=1
77-Foot Cross Raised to 'Lift Up Christ' - 8/2/2010
Charismatic artist Max Greiner wants to draw people to Christ. That's why he's created huge bronze sculptures of Jesus that sit outside megachurches and even the Trinity Broadcasting Network studios. And he says that's why he built a $2 million, 77-foot cross that was recently raised along Interstate 10 in Kerrville, Texas. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33579&PN=1&TPN=1
Mass Arrest of New Christian Converts in Iran - 8/4/2010
In a pre-planned and coordinated effort by government security forces, a group of 15 newly-converted Christians, who were traveling to meet and to fellowship were arrested. The government security forces forced the bus, carrying the 15 Christians, to be stopped en-route to their destination and after boarding the bus arrested everyone. This year many arrests have occurred. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33600&PN=1&TPN=1
Pakistan: Call To Pray and Help Flood Affected Across the Country - Thousands dead and 2.5 million homeless - 8/4/2010
Massive rains and subsequent flooding in Pakistan has claimed the lives of thousands and left millions homeless. Thousands of villages have been submerged into rivers and millions of houses, roads, bridges, as well as standing crops and livestock, have been swept away. "In the worst disaster in the history of Pakistan, bigger than the 2005 earthquake." Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33601&PN=1&TPN=1
God is greater than violent Native American reservation - 8/4/2010
Initially as teens began to share their stories with passersby, the response was grim. Students were broken up by the hostile reactions to the message of Christ. On the second night of ministry, however, 27 people came to faith in Jesus Christ. Many divinely-inspired conversations took place. On the third night, over one-third of the audience came to the Lord. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33602&PN=1&TPN=1
Pakistan Christian government minister is accused of committing blasphemy - Muslim cleric demands removal of Shahbaz Bhatti from the Cabinet - 7/28/2010
Bhatti, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities had spoken out about the murder on Monday, June 19, of two Christian brothers. They had been accused of blasphey. -- A Muslim cleric said, "It is not a cruelty to kill blasphemers, rather blasphemy itself is such an enormous brutality that the one who commits it neither has got a right to live." Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33520&PN=1&TPN=1
Benny Hinn and Paula White Deny Tabloid Allegations of Affair - 7/26/2010
"We have independently determined that we will have no further social relationship until such time as my divorce has concluded and only if we feel direction from the Lord to do so." That was part of Benny Hinn's response to a "National Enquirer" article accusing him of an affair with Paula White. The paper published photos of them leaving a Rome hotel, holding hands.
http://www.jaxchristian.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=158&Itemid=684
Evangelist Purchases Modern-Day Slaves - 7/26/2010
Imagine children as young as 4 and 5 years old being forced to work 14- to 16-hour days making bricks, cigarettes, rope and textiles, then being forced to beg strangers for food. This is the picture of slavery in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Armed with guns and money, Bruce Ladebu goes into these areas to purchase children and sometimes entire families. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33502&PN=1&TPN=1
Survey Says: Faith and Family Dropped in Priority from 2006 to 2010 - 7/26/2010
Family and faith continue to be the most common priorities of Americans, though these have waned in importance since 2006. Meanwhile, other elements such as health, leisure, money and professional success are more likely to be identified as Americans’ top priorities. More than three-quarter of adults identify themselves as Christians. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33501&PN=1&TPN=1
New Jersey Governor Vetoes Millions for Planned Parenthood - 7/25/2010
Governor Chris Christie thinks there's little reason to give Planned Parenthood $7.5 million when the state currently faces an $11 billion deficit. Christie's budget had removed the millions in funding, but Democrats voted in June to restore it by a supplemental funding bill. Pro-life advocates are praising the governor's action. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33482&PN=1&TPN=1
Government-Incited Gang in Vietnam Attacks House Church - 7/25/2010
Local youths smashed the walls of the home and wreaked havoc within as they railed against evangelist Mang Vuong for being a Christian. This is not the first time Vuong has been the victim of such an attack. About a week earlier the same youths broke into his home, stole more than $3,000 and destroyed household furnishings, utensils and books. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33481&PN=1&TPN=1
Graduate Student Told to Give Up Her Christian Beliefs or Be Expelled - 7/23/2010
Jennifer Keeton would be almost as out of place at a gay pride parade as Holocaust survivors at a Nazi rally. Her professors are telling her to go and change her beliefs. Augusta State feels Keeton won't fit in to the multi-cultural profession of counseling. But the school isn't tolerant enough to accept her Christian orientation. Keeton is suing, and refuses to change. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33455&PN=1&TPN=1
Abortion Provider Allegedly Violates Closure Order - 7/23/2010
Abortionist Steven Brigham has repeatedly been in trouble with the law. The Pennsylvania Health Department recently ordered his facilities closed, citing a "reckless and careless attitude" toward patients. Now there's a report that operations continue. It seems ownership may have been transferred to an elderly, out-of-state woman. Will Pennsylvania authorities respond? Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33454&PN=1&TPN=1
Pastor Rick Warren's Eyes Burned in Accident - 7/23/2010
Rick Warren is at home recovering from an accident in which his eyes were burned with the sap of a firestick plant. The Saddleback Community Church pastor only stayed in the hospital a day. He's expected to fully recover. Warren, who loves to garden, accidentally wiped the toxic sap into his eyes when he took off his gloves to wipe his forehead. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33453&PN=1&TPN=1
Christian College Student Spends Summer Break Living With Homeless - 7/23/2010
Brian Seeley was not new to the downtown scene in Lakeland, Florida. He'd been there many times before — hanging out with friends. This past spring the Southeastern University senior decided to do more than just hang out — he went to live alongside the homeless. That meant sleeping outdoors, taking bucket showers and eating at places that offer free food. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33452&PN=1&TPN=1
Gospel Singer Doug Oldham Dies Awaiting Surgery - 7/22/2010
He partnered with some of the most famous musicians and ministers of his day, from Bill Gaither to Jerry Falwell to Jim Bakker. His earthly ministry ended this week when Doug Oldham passed away at the University of Virginia Medical Center. His powerful baritone voice brought strong emotion to Gaither's "The King is Coming." Doug Oldham was 79. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33442&PN=1&TPN=1
Nearly 70,000 people in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico place their faith in Jesus through 'My Hope' Billy Graham TV project - 7/14/2010
Equipped with evangelism training and filled with a passion for the Gospel, the Dominican and Puerto Rican believers opened their homes as part of 'My Hope', a ministry of the Charlotte, N.C.-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The projects were the largest evangelism outreaches in the history of both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33318&PN=1&TPN=1
American missionaries among Uganda bomb blast injured - 7/14/2010
A group of American missionaries was among those in the twin terror attacks in Kampala, Uganda during the World Cup final. One American was killed Two of those injured in the blast were Emily Kerstetter, 16, and her grandmother, Joanne, in Uganda on a church mission trip. They are both in “serious condition” in intensive care Johannesburg's Milpark Hospital. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33317&PN=1&TPN=1
A New Generation for Transformation - Special Fiji Report - 7/14/2010
We traveled most of the day across the mountains to the village of Tavua. When we crossed into the region we felt the shift in the spiritual atmosphere. We could feel the ancient strongholds in this dark land. Idols were prominent and guarding villages, the people looked oppressed, and the spiritual climate felt hostile. -- The entire village repented for idolatry! Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33303&PN=1
Barna Studies How Teenagers’ Faith Practices are Changing - 7/12/2010
The faith of teenagers is a picture of contrasts. They are consistently among the most religiously active Americans, but the spirituality of teens is also remarkably diverse and fluid. In several ways, teenagers are much less inclined toward spirituality than were teens a dozen years ago. This includes their involvement in evangelism. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33286&PN=1&TPN=1
Maurice Smith Combats the Suicide of Christian Theology with Facts and Humor - 7/11/2010
A fresh wave of universalism is intent on seducing the church through the belief that all men will be saved, period. For those who have not studied theology, it is brand new. For those who have, it goes back nearly two thousand years. An on-line chat group got Maurice Smith so stirred up, that he wrote a book to address the issue. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33274&PN=1&TPN=1
A ministry helps Haiti rebuild from within - 7/14/2010
Roughly half of those who fled the capital have returned because they had nowhere to go. "The poor country cousin was happy to receive the city kinfolk, but when food supplies started to diminish even more than they already were, it was kind of like, 'City kinfolk, it's time for you to move on.'" "Christ has been raised up like never before. Churches are overflowing. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33319&PN=1&TPN=1
Haiti Earthquake 6-month Update - 7/13/2010
To give you an accurate picture of the current situation in Haiti, we've asked World Vision experts on the ground to share their personal stories and observations through a special video interview. Many displaced families sleep in shelters made of flimsy materials that provide little protection and are particularly vulnerable to the threat of secondary disasters. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33298&PN=1&TPN=1
Amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Bujumbura, Burundi! - 7/14/2010
We experienced an amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Bujumbura! To see the hunger for the Lord in the people of Burundi will truly move you! To watch the clip simply click here: http://www.abm.cc/ Please continue to pray for us as we go to Boston this week and then to New York that many more lives will hear and receive the gospel. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33321&PN=1&TPN=1
Cops Accused of Tampering with Evidence in Street Preacher Case - 7/11/2010
Apparently fearing accountability, police interfered with the free speech of two street preachers and allegedly destroyed evidence of official misconduct. The evangelists, who were sharing the Gospel with Muslims outside a Philadelphia mosque, were arrested. They had been recording the situation, but their camera was reportedly seized and their video erased. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33265&PN=1&TPN=1
Dismissed Foster Parent Eligible Again, Official Was Upset Child Accepted Jesus - 7/12/2010
The woman had been blamed because a teenager in her care renounced Islam in favor of a personal relationship with Jesus. It turns out the girl was 16 and made up her own mind about God. A court recently overruled the original decision. The woman is seeking damages from local government, claiming her dismissal caused financial hardship. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33287&PN=1&TPN=1
A Constitutional Vote in Kenya Could End Muslim Courts - 7/11/2010
Christians are concerned the presence of 17 Islamic courts in Kenya could signal expansion of Sharia law. They're scared of what they see in nearby Somalia. Kenya is supposed to be a secular country, but the existence of separate courts for Muslims seems to be an intrusion of state-sponsored religion. All this could change with the constitutional referendum on August 4th. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33262&PN=1&TPN=1
Florida School District Sued for Bible Ban - 7/2/2010
Public schools in Colier County, Florida allow the Little League, Humane Society and 4-H to distribute material. So why can't World Changes pass out Bibles on Religious Freedom Day? The school system claims it's because the Bibles contain "no educational benefit." But doesn't the banning of Bibles say something about the district's respect for religious freedom? Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33142&PN=1&TPN=1
Long-Time Baptist Sues DC Church Over Gay Wedding - 7/2/2010
Can a member make a church pay back previously given tithes when it departs from scriptural behavior? We may never know the legal answer to that question. Yvonne Moore sued Covenant Baptist Church after it hosted a gay wedding. She has since dropped the suit and is going to church somewhere else. The pastor's effort at inclusiveness has driven off half the congregation.
Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33140&PN=1&TPN=1
US Gets Tough on Border Security When Christian Musician from Australia Shows Up - 7/2/2010
US officials detained Ray Naingollan for seven hours at San Francisco airport, asking him hundreds of questions. It all apparently comes down to a technicality about his type of visa. The former Hillsong artist had flown to America to promote a new album. Now Naingollan is back in Australia, trying to get together enough money for a new plane ticket and a different visa. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33144&PN=1&TPN=1
UK Students Failing in Faith? - 7/3/2010
Schools in England have taught core values of the Christian faith for years. Yet, a new report reveals students in the United Kingdom are confused and even ignorant about their Christian heritage. The Transforming Religious Education report found that greater attention was being paid to the religious experiences of children of other faiths besides Christianity. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33153&PN=1&TPN=1
Under Fire, Kyrgystan Judge Stands for Righteousness - 7/4/2010
Judge Anarkul Toksobayeva once read her Bible aloud, and prayed in front of her unbelieving colleagues, for 40 minutes. That apparently led to officials planting money in her office and accusing her of taking a bribe. A four-year legal battle followed. Toksobayeva was finally exonerated after a revolution that ended a corrupt government. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33161&PN=1&TPN=1
Christmas Censor Principals Humbled by Court Ruling - 7/4/2010
The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals says Lynn Swanson and Jackie Bomchill were wrong in stopping distribution of Christian material by students. Swanson and Bomchill are principals in Plano, Texas. The ruling cites Supreme Court precedent that elementary school students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33162&PN=1&TPN=1
Presbyterian Church USA Elects Pro-Gay Moderator - 7/5/2010
Six candidates were running for moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA. Only one, Cynthia Bolbach, expressed unqualified support for same-sex marriage. But she was the winner. Bolbach says, "We fail to satisfy the Gospel imperative of inclusiveness as we continue to exclude gays and lesbians from leadership in our church." John Knox would disagree if he were still alive. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33177&PN=1&TPN=1
Indonesian Muslims Call for Halt to 'Christianization' - 7/6/2010
Muslim organizations in Bekasi, West Java declared their intention to establish paramilitary units in local mosques and a "mission center" to oppose "ongoing attempts to convert people to Christianity." Bekasi Islamic Congress agreed to establish a mission center to halt "Christianization," and push for the implementation of sharia (Islamic law). Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33195&PN=1&TPN=1
Next Generation Christian leaders at Ukraine festival commit to live and serve God - 7/6/2010
Young Next Generation Christian leaders celebrated God's faithfulness, and re-dedicated their lives to be servants of God at the first ever international School Without Walls festival in Ukraine. With the theme of 'A Time to Live - A Time to Serve', 520 + participants from the U.S., Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and even India, gathered. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33196&PN=1&TPN=1
Indonesia: Fitna and apostaphobia in Bekasi. - 7/6/2010
Bekasi, located in the outskirts of Jakarta, West Java, is a culturally and religiously diverse city. However, converging trends of migration, urbanisation, Islamic radicalisation, and rapid development in residential and industrial zones has turned Bekasi into a hot-spot for religious tension rooted in Islamic apostaphobia (fear of converts and conversions). Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33197&PN=1&TPN=1
ORU Sells Former Presidential Compound - 7/2/2010
Roger and Brian Broach are not well-known to the Christian world. But they are the brothers who just bought the former presidential compound at ORU for $1.55 million. The nine acres come with six houses, including the ones where Richard and Oral Roberts once lived. The Broachs say they will lease out the property until the real estate market turns around. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33139&PN=1&TPN=1
Scripture in heart languages is causing revival wherever it's heard - 7/1/2010
In response to hearing God's Word in their own language for the first time, millions of people are coming to Christ around the world. Faith Comes By Hearing is making this possible by recording dramatized New Testaments on Proclaimers--digital and solar devices that make audio Scripture easily accessible to anyone, no matter how remote their village. Read On: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33131&PN=1&TPN=1
