MinistryWatch.com Compiled RSS News Feed

Ft. Hood suspect reportedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' - AP

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:42:54 +0000

Italians outraged as European court rules against crucifixes - Christian Science Monitor

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Watch-Women Complain, IDF Orders Biblical Verse Removed - Israel National News

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:41:23 +0000

Haggard using his home to start new church in Springs - Colorado Springs Gazette

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:40:14 +0000

The church that helped bring down the Berlin Wall - Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:36:31 +0000

IDOP observed in churches Sunday

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Orphan Sunday a call to action

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Chinese house church forced to worship in the snow

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Buckner helps transform entire communities

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Bethany Christian Services provides adoption options on Orphan Sunday

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Afghanistan and Just War

Chuck Colson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:59:38 -0400

The President must make a decision with enormous military, political, and, most importantly, moral implications.

Joyce Meyer, Son Might Testify in Murder Trial

Aaron J. Leichman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:54:29 -0400

Charismatic speaker Joyce Meyer and her son might be asked to testify in a murder trial involving their ministry’s former chief of security.

Huckabee: New Christmas Book Not 'Churchy,' Political

Michelle A. Vu — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:44:17 -0400

Former Baptist pastor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said his latest book is neither “churchy” nor political, but simply about relationships as told through Christmas memories.

'Cure' for Happy Marriage?

Jeff Larson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:10:00 -0400

Is Truth Really Plural? Postmodernism in Full Flower

R. Albert Mohler, Jr. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:40:40 -0400

As with any major shift in human thinking, postmodernism comes packaged with both positive and negative elements.

Rick Warren, Reader's Digest Part Ways on Magazine Project

Michelle A. Vu — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:16:14 -0400

The Purpose Driven Connection magazine will no longer be published by The Reader’s Digest Association as of 2010, announced Rick Warren’s media representative Wednesday.

Profit 'Not Satanic,' Barclays Says, After Goldman Invokes Jesus - Bloomberg

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:42:29 +0000

Special NASA Visitor

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:42:08 +0000

I’m continually amazed to hear of so many scientists and engineers who are associated with NASA and the American space program who are creationists. Last Friday, one of the engineers who has worked on the International Space Station toured the Creation Museum. This man (we’ll keep his identity hidden—his position could be jeopardized if his [...]

Spreading gospel on cable pays off / Charley Humbard's Gospel Music Channel continues to grow - Boston Globe

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:40:45 +0000

Troy couple become medical missionaries in Swaziland - Dayton Daily News

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:39:34 +0000

Reader's Digest and Rick Warren End Magazine Venture - New York Times

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:36:18 +0000

Generations of Pentecostals divided on doctrine of speaking in tongues - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:07:47 +0000

Osteen's book again upbeat - Washington Times

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:16 +0000

Solicitations!

Tim Wallburg — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:59:55 -0400

Baby's Right-to-Life Case Pits Father Against Mother

Aaron J. Leichman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:56:19 -0400

Parents of a baby born with a severe birth defect faced off against one another in a British court Monday to determine their child’s fate.

4 Amish bishops charged with not reporting abuse - AP

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Gone to the dogs: LA church starts pet service - AP

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:28:47 +0000

Plea bargaining underway in Boulder abortion threat case - Denver Post

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:27:39 +0000

Street named after pastor for years of work in the community - Miami Herald

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:18:06 +0000

What Not to Forget for Your Interview

Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:23:31 -0400

Jason really wanted the job, and had spent a lot of time preparing for the interview. He thought about possible interview questions he'd be asked, and practiced his responses. He researched the company, and felt he had a good grasp of what they did.

Evangelism Remixed: Empowering Teens to Reach Teens

Audrey Barrick — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:17:33 -0400

After two years of research on youth groups that have been successful in seeing friends come to Christ, veteran youth worker Terry Linhart found that adults are integral to teens reaching teens with the Gospel.

Salvation Army, JCPenney Launch Online Shopping for the Needy

Jennifer Riley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:16:24 -0400

The Salvation Army and JC Penney launched on Tuesday an online Angel Giving Tree program that will allow customers to adopt and then shop for needy children and seniors this Christmas.

Evangelical, Jewish Leaders Call for Sanctions Against Iran

Ethan Cole — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:12:23 -0400

Evangelical Christian and Jewish leaders are calling for immediate sanctions against Iran to discourage the government from developing nuclear weapons.

What's the Big Deal with Cohabitation?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:51:39

My girlfriend and I are living together, but her parents have let it be known they don't approve "because God doesn't like it." What's the big deal?

Maine Voters Repeal Gay Marriage Law

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:00:51

The majority of voters in Maine rejected a law on Tuesday that allowed gay and lesbian couples to wed.

What's the Big Deal with Cohabitation?

Billy Graham — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:51:39 -0400

My girlfriend and I are living together, but her parents have let it be known they don't approve "because God doesn't like it." What's the big deal?

Life Together: The Difference Between Doing Church and Being the Church

S. Michael Craven — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:40:29 -0400

This is why marriage both as an ideal and in reality should matter to the church, because its condition within the body of Christ either serves or opposes the gospel of the kingdom.

Regent University Names Presidential Successor to Pat Robertson

Aaron J. Leichman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:56:18 -0400

The interdenominational Christian university founded by charismatic televangelist Pat Robertson has found its next president following a six-month national search that began with Robertson’s announced intention to retire.

2012 or Bust

Chuck Colson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:19:17 -0400

Yesterday, I talked about the popularity of doomsday scenarios. What’s behind the phenomenon? Simple—a lack of faith.

Faith-Based Contradiction

CP Guest Contributor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:54:01 -0400

The Times is irked because the President has not yet “made good on his promise” to overturn what they deem a “constitutionally suspect” aspect of the Bush policy. What’s really irksome is the New York Times’ contempt for religious freedom.

Interview: NAE's Galen Carey on Impact of Growing Up an MK

Michelle A. Vu — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:51:34 -0400

Galen Carey, the new director of government affairs at the National Association of Evangelicals, spoke about the impact that growing up as a missionary kid in a poor country had on his career choice and on the issues he cares about.

No Crosses Allowed?

Erin Gillespie — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:26:35 -0400

Brazil's March for Jesus Draws 1.5 Million Evangelicals

Ethan Cole — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:52:46 -0400

In its 17th year, the event brings together hundreds of evangelical churches in a country that is home to the world’s largest Roman Catholic population.

Give Lifesaving Gifts this Holiday Season

03 Nov 2009 12:36

Medical Teams International Releases 2009 Gifts of Hope Catalog

Looking for a holiday gift that will last long after the wrapping has been recycled? Medical Teams International has just released the Gifts of Hope catalog with 10 lifesaving presents to honor family and friends this holiday season.

Each gift ordered from the catalog will be matched, up to $200,000, giving dollar for dollar every time a gift is purchased. The catalog offers ways to help those in need around the world, and here in our backyard. The “Dental Visit in the U.S.” gift provides much-need dental care to people in the Pacific Northwest that could not otherwise afford dental services.

“Last year, I purchased the gift of Emergency Care. I like that my gift went to people being trained to help others in emergency situations. This is a gift that will go on and on because once people learn how to care for their communities; they will continue to teach their knowledge to others.” Said Debbie Fellman of Oregon.

Other giving options include bed nets to protect children from malaria, medicines to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to their children and clean water in Cambodia. Browse other gifts online at www.medicalteams.org/catalog. Print copies are also available by calling 1-800-959-HEAL (4325.)

Colorful cards for Gifts of Hope recipients can be requested online or in the print catalog. For more information about the catalog, call 1-800-959-HEAL (4325).

Since 1979, Medical Teams International has shipped more than 1.3 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 35 million people in 100 countries around the world. More than 2000 volunteers meet the needs of people worldwide each year. Donations can be made by calling (503) 624.1000 or by logging on to www.medicalteams.org.

Dallas Megachurch Moves Forward on $130M Campus

Lillian Kwon — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:21:56 -0400

A megachurch in Dallas is pursuing what is expected to be the largest church expansion program in modern history. First Baptist Church Dallas unveiled plans on Sunday for a $130 million campus in the downtown area

Christian Doctors Blast House Bill as 'Overdose' in Reform

Michelle A. Vu — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:55:39 -0400

The nation's largest faith-based association of physicians strongly criticized the new 2,000-page House health care bill as an "overdose" in reform that injects massive government intervention in the system.

Youth-Geared Ministry Adds New Reality TV Series to Lineup

Kevin P. Donovan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:54:26 -0400

A ministry that produces Christian television programs geared toward young people has added a new reality TV series to its lineup of “cutting edge” programs.

Court rejects Pa. buffer law on abortion clinics - AP

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:50:08 +0000

Criticism 101

Mark Batterson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:48:09 -0400

Thought I'd share a few thoughts on the topic of criticism.

Televangelist Joyce Meyer May Have To Testify In Coleman Murder Civil Case - KTVI

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:28:14 +0000

'Fireproof' Creators to Reveal Plans for 4th Film

Josh Kimball — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:17:49 -0400

Movie-making church ministry Sherwood Pictures will be announcing the title and story line of its next movie this month and has been providing video “clues” over the past week.

Field of Streams

Jeff Larson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:28:37 -0400

Major Storm Hits Vietnam After Striking Philippines

Ethan Cole — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:38:01 -0400

After hitting an already devastated Philippines, a tropical storm with powerful winds hit the central coast of Vietnam Monday, forcing more than 80,000 people to evacuate.

Millions Mark All Saints Day

Joshua Goldberg — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:57:23 -0400

Millions of Christians worldwide observed All Saints Day on Sunday, marking the annual tradition according to their understanding of it.

WWII Bomber Pilot Visits

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:03:18 +0000

At the end of a recent Thursday at the Creation Museum, and right after the conclusion of three days of board meetings, I found it nice to take a breather and meet some of our guests visiting that day. That included Harry and Lola Fike of Davenport, Iowa. They have been to the museum four [...]

Prayer Campaign Helps Save 534 Babies from Abortion

Nathan Black — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:49:19 -0400

Organizers of a national pro-life campaign that concluded this past weekend say "the abortion industry is starting to squirm."

Wash. State to Bar Religious Displays Inside Capitol Buildings

Lawrence Jones — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:01:27 -0400

Religious and nongovernmental displays will not be allowed inside Capitol buildings in Washington state starting next month, according to newly established rules.

Violence Soars Because We've Lost Sight of What's Right and Wrong

Billy Graham — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:56:26 -0400

Q: Why do you think there is so much violence in our communities today?

Pastor Returns to Pulpit After Severe Stabbing

Aaron J. Leichman — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:55:54 -0400

A Detroit-area pastor who was severely stabbed over 30 times in his home this past summer returned to the pulpit of his church Sunday to talk about the experience that almost left him dead.

Set No Wicked Thing

Scott Lincoln — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:44:18 -0400

Democracy is Shrinking in DC

Harry R. Jackson, Jr. — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:42:44 -0400

It is ironic that the city’s most fundamental civil rights - the right to vote - is being hijacked in the name of giving one group its civil rights.

Churches Celebrate 10th Anniversary of 'Justification' Agreement

Joshua Goldberg — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:16:53 -0400

Methodists, Lutherans and Roman Catholics worldwide on Saturday observed the tenth anniversary of the signing of a landmark ecumenical agreement considered as one of the most significant since the Reformation.

U.S. Prison Reformers Back New Report's Policy Recommendations

Eric Young — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:21:06 -0400

State and federal policy makers are being encouraged to help meet the needs of the 1.7 million children in America who have a father or mother behind prison bars by implementing newly recommended policies.

Ministry Aims to End L.A. Homelessness by 2019

Michelle A. Vu — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:50:59 -0400

A Christian ministry launched an ambitious initiative this week to cut homelessness on Los Angeles' infamous Skid Row by 90 percent within three years, and completely end homelessness in the nation’s second largest city within 10 years.

Pittsburgh Anglicans Seek 'Christian Way' to Resolve Property Dispute

Lillian Kwon — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:52:15 -0400

Anglicans in Pittsburgh who broke from The Episcopal Church announced this week that they will appeal the recent ruling that strips them of their church properties.

Seminary Students in Indonesia Evicted from Two Locations

Samuel Rionaldo — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:55:22 -0400

In the past week hundreds of students from Arastamar Evangelical Theological Seminary (SETIA) were evicted from two sites where they had taken refuge after Muslim protestors drove them from their campus last year.

Fond Farewell

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:27:37 +0000

This week we said good-bye to one of our dear staff, Donna. She is retiring and moving to Arizona to be near family and friends; before doing so, she will be visiting parts of America and then volunteer for a few weeks at the fine ministry of Voice of the Martyrs in Oklahoma. See www.vom.org Donna, [...]

Too Old?

Tim Wallburg — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:44:04 -0400

US: Mass. can't force gay marriage benefits ["States that allow gay marriage can't force the federal government to provide benefits to those couples, the Obama administration argued Friday in court papers in a lawsuit by Massachusetts"] - AP

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:33:43 +0000

Population Control in an Aging Society

Ken Connor — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:26:47 -0400

Most would agree that conserving resources and minimizing adverse impacts on the environment make sense, but something has gone terribly awry within the Green Movement.

Fear and Panic

Jeff Larson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:58:44 -0400

James Dobson to Go Off the Air

Audrey Barrick — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:56:22 -0400

Focus on the Family announced Friday Dobson’s intention to remove himself as the primary radio voice of his daily radio broadcast at the end of February.

Creation Museum Wins Tourism Awards

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:43:50 +0000

The Creation Museum received four awards—including Best of Show honors—at the Kentucky Tourism Council’s 2009 Traverse Awards for Excellence in Tourism Marketing held in Louisville, Kentucky, earlier this week. The museum took Best of Show honors out of over 200 entries for our billboard campaign designed by Joseph David Advertising. Television ads featuring our planetarium [...]

Code Red

Erin Gillespie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:58:02 -0400

10 Questions for Pastor Mark Batterson

Lillian Kwon — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:37:59 -0400

In observance of Pastor Appreciation Month, The Christian Post asked influential and innovative pastor Mark Batterson, 39, of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., to reflect on his pastoral ministry and Junky Car Club membership.

15,000 Bibles in Malaysia Seized Over 'Allah' Reference

Ethan Cole — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:10:29 -0400

Malaysian authorities have seized more than 15,000 Bibles that refer to God as "Allah" in recent months, said church officials Thursday.

Beliefnet Co-Founder Steps Down for FCC Post

Jennifer Riley — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:09:49 -0400

The co-founder, editor-in-chief and president of Beliefnet announced Wednesday that he will step down from his various posts in the company to head a government media commission.

Saved at the Museum

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:06:51 +0000

Testimonies like the following are what the Creation Museum and Answers in Genesis ministry are all about: I wanted to write and let you know that last Saturday we visited the Creation Museum. It was a wonderful experience. We knew that it would be good, but it was even better than we expected. We were traveling [...]

Conservatives Vow to Keep Close Watch on Hate Crimes Law

Michelle A. Vu — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:02:34 -0400

Christian conservative groups will be keeping a close watch over how new hate crimes legislation will be enforced after President Obama signed it into law Wednesday.

Missing Childhood

Jeff Larson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:42:45 -0400

Brick-and-Mortar Pastor Defends Virtual Church as Real

Lillian Kwon — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:20:18 -0400

The Christian church is engaging far less than 1 percent of the 70 million people who are active in the virtual world. This means the virtual world is by far the largest unreached people group on planet Earth, says one pastor.

Luis Palau CityFest Draws 55,000 in Arkansas

Michelle A. Vu — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:01:06 -0400

Evangelist Luis Palau drew more than 55,000 people this past weekend during his two-day CityFest that capped off a massive Christian community service campaign.

Student appeals teacher's 'Jesus glasses' mockery / Lower court already found instructor's other comments unconstitutional - WorldNetDaily

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:03:25 +0000

Survey: Churches Still Generous Despite Recession

Audrey Barrick — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:12:07 -0400

According to a new study, released Tuesday, more than two-thirds of congregations reported that their fundraising receipts increased or remained the same in the first half of 2009 compared to last year, even as the economic downturn was worsening.

Missions Summit Aims to Form Joint Global Evangelism Plan

Jennifer Riley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:57:00 -0400

Top mission leaders attending an invitation-only conference in Tennessee on Tuesday began exchanging ideas and discussing how to complete the Great Commission.

Appeals panel dismisses Fla. Christian frat case - AP

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:42:06 +0000

Judge Limits Christian Convert's Internet, Phone Usage - AP

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:41:37 +0000

PC(USA) Loses Three More Churches to EPC

Lillian Kwon — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:33 -0400

Three churches in northern California cut ties with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and joined a smaller and more conservative denomination this month.

Medical Teams International Receives Healthcare Products for Humanitarian Aid Missions

27 Oct 2009 09:53

Henry Schein, Inc. recently awarded Medical Teams International with a contract extension. Though Henry Schein Cares, Medical Teams International will continue to receive medical and dental product donations. This partnership will allow for the international humanitarian aid organization to expand its missions all across the globe.

Medical Teams International first partnered with Henry Schein Cares in 2007. Over the past two years, the organization has received donations from Henry Schein Cares worth $600,000. These gifts-in-kind have been used for Medical Teams International’s Mobile Dental Program and child survival program in Liberia.

The Mobile Dental Program is a 20-year-old US-based program that provides free or low-cost dental care to individuals and families who lack insurance or a realistic way to pay for treatment. Medical Teams International currently operates 11 state-of-the-art vans that allow for 900 of its dedicated volunteers, supported by limited staff, to provide care and services.

To support our gift-in-kind program, please send your donations through:

www.medicalteams.org/donate
(800) 959.HEAL (4325).
Medical Teams International, PO Box 10, Portland, OR 97207-0010.

Encouragement

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:38:09 +0000

On the Internet we often see negative comments secularists (and even some Christians) make about Answers in Genesis and our Creation Museum. So, I thought it would be good to encourage us all to read some of the statements left on our Facebook site last week: “Thanks to you and all those at AiG for your [...]

Penn State Students Poke Fun at T-Shirt Cross 'Controversy'

Lawrence D. Jones — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:55:19 -0400

A T-shirt design that was intended to foster school spirit on the campus of Penn State University has become a center of media-brewed controversy that will likely fizzle out before ever catching fire.

U.S. Christians Learn How to Share Christ with Muslims

Michelle A. Vu — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:19:19 -0400

More than 200 American Christians attended a conference in Indianapolis this past weekend to learn how to reach out to Muslims in North America.

WRAP Week Mobilizes Americans to Take Action Against Pornography

Eric Young — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:41:49 -0400

Concerned Americans are being encouraged to help raise awareness of the harms of pornography and highlight the need to enforce obscenity and related laws as they observe the 22nd annual White Ribbon Against Pornography (WRAP) Week.

Scholar: Churches Can Use Internet to Reach Non-Seekers

Jennifer Riley — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:30:59 -0400

The Internet is not only useful for churches in communicating with seekers, but it can also be harnessed to reach people not actively looking for answers, says a Danish scholar.

United Methodists Win Best Tagline Award

Audrey Barrick — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:15:55 -0400

The United Methodist Church's "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." was awarded best nonprofit tagline among religious organizations

Medical Teams International Improves Health Care in Sri Lanka

20 Oct 2009 13:56

Medical Teams International recently increased the capacity of local health care facilities by developing emergency departments in five district hospitals.

Medical Teams International provided state-of-the-art equipment and trained staff in emergency care and resuscitation. We also included five dental clinics, upgraded four hospital kitchens and distributed five continuous cardiotocography (CTG) machines for the hospitals’ maternity units.

Medical Teams International also expanded the region’s emergency medical services program by providing an ambulance boat. Complete with equipment and a crew of trained First Responders, this emergency vehicle will provide care for the citizens living in the islands.

“Local residents now have access to a quick response ambulance system and their local hospitals have lifesaving emergency medical and trauma units,” said Juliano Fernando, Medical Teams International Deputy Country Director. “This is a lifesaving project for thousands of people.”

This project was done in partnership with the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health, AmeriCares and the World Health Organization.

Medical Teams International has been providing care in Sri Lanka through mobile medical and dental clinics and by providing training and education in community health and emergency medical services. Since 2005, Medical Teams International has provided $30 million in health sector projects in Sri Lanka.

Radio Personalities Travel with Food For The Poor to Haiti

Food for the Poor, Inc. — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:23:04 -0400

On-air personalities from across the country traveled to Haiti this fall with the Christian relief and development organization, Food For The Poor. For many of the travelers this was their first experience in witnessing destitution.

3rd Lausanne Evangelization Congress Less Than a Year Away

Eric Young — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:58:16 -0400

Leaders of a Christian movement focused on world evangelization marked the one-year count down to their third major gathering in over three decades Friday.

1 Million People Rally Against Abortion in Spain

Ethan Cole — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:11:08 -0400

An estimated one million people participated in a rally in Madrid Saturday to protest a proposed new law that would expand permission for abortion.

NIV Translation Team Adds Two More Scholars

Audrey Barrick — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:15:59 -0400

Bill Mounce, who was part of the translation team for the English Standard Version of the Bible, was elected this week to join the NIV team. Mounce stressed that he is not "jumping ship."

Vacation Bible School Students Inspire a Parish to Build Homes

Food for the Poor, Inc. — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:35:57 -0400

Throughout the Caribbean and Latin America many families lack safe shelter. During hurricane season, vulnerable families fear their crumbling shacks may collapse on them.

Ban on Biblical Football Banners Upheld

Nathan Black — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:00:25 -0400

The ban on Bible verse banners at a Georgia high school's football games was upheld by the Catoosa County Board of Education Tuesday night.

Ga. Megachurch Builds $5M Bridge to Draw the Unchurched

Lillian Kwon — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:03:28 -0400

One of the largest evangelical churches in the country recently received permission to build a bridge from its campus to a major highway to help ease the flow of traffic on Sundays.

Prepare Your Heart with 40 Days of Thanks

Food for the Poor, Inc. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:45:07 -0400

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season -shopping for gifts, making travel plans, remembering to defrost the turkey - can sometimes overshadow the real meaning of Thanksgiving.

'Twitter Bible' Converts Scripture into Mini Messages

Michelle A. Vu — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:43:28 -0400

A new so-called "Twitter Bible," which summarizes the over 31,000-verse Bible into nearly 4,000 short-form tweets, is being released at the Frankfurt Book Fair this week.

Mission Team Supports Church Planting in Rwanda

East West Ministries International — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:05:51 -0400

Bob West, Vice-President of Evangelism, and David Windley, Director of Short Term Mission Trips, had the privilege of being a part of a mission team of 17 people to take the saving message of Jesus Christ to six villages in Rwanda, Africa. This country was torn apart in 1994-1995 during the genocide, but it appears to be a safe and stable country now with a very progressive and effective president.

Medical Teams International Sends Landmark 2,000th Team

14 Oct 2009 10:44

The 2,000th team of medical volunteers sent by Medical Teams International takes place tomorrow, Thursday, October 15, and will travel to Uganda, where Medical Teams International has been working for the past 4 years.

Jo Hauser, an Emergency Room physician from Ottawa, ON will lead the team of three volunteers. The other team members include experienced Medical Teams International volunteers; Janey Pinneo, Children’s Hospital nurse and Deanna King, a Registered Nurse from Harrison, ID.

This three person team will travel to Southwestern Uganda to provide relief to refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The team will work alongside our national Ugandan staff to provide primary and emergency healthcare services in resettlement communities.

“This team represents thousands of volunteers who have touched lives around the world over the last 30 years,” says Bas Vanderzalm, president of Medical Teams International. “Dr. Hauser and this team are a great example of the compassion and dedication which drives our volunteers to bring hope and healing to the sick.”

NOTE TO EDITORS: Interviews are available by meeting the team at SeaTac International Airport between 11-11:30am at the Northwest Airlines ticket counter. To arrange a phone interview, call Lee Keller at (206) 799.3805.

Dawkins Refuses to Debate Intelligent Design Scholars

Eric Young — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:23:19 -0400

Atheist author Richard Dawkins has made it loud and clear that he believes faith has no place in science and that a public debate between him and a creationist – of any type – is out of the question.

Franklin Graham Makes 3rd Trip to North Korea

Joshua A. Goldberg — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:05:32 -0400

Franklin Graham arrived in North Korea on Tuesday to meet with high-level government officials and visit his ministries' humanitarian assistance projects.

Influential Megachurch Willow Creek Celebrates 34 Years

Audrey Barrick — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:44:00 -0400

Willow Creek Community Church, one of the nation's largest and most influential churches, is celebrating its 34th anniversary this weekend. Over the last three decades Willow Creek has grown from 100 members to more than 22,000.

Abortion and the American Conscience

R. Albert Mohler, Jr. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:48:19 -0400

When the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Roe v. Wade, the court's majority attempted to put an end to the abortion question. To the contrary, that decision both enlarged and revealed the great moral divide that runs through the center of our culture.

Max Lucado's 'Fearless' Message Resonates in Hard Times

Audrey Barrick — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:22:40 -0400

Twenty-eight-year-old Zach from Chicago hates his job and is struggling with life and expectations. While his friends seem to have it all – a good job, a marriage and kids – he fears he'll be in the same place, living with regret 20 years from now.

FRC: Hate Crimes Bill to be Slipped into Defense Budget

Jennifer Riley — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:53:38 -0400

Leaders in the U.S. House plan to slip the hate crimes bill into the 2010 Defense Authorization bill that could be voted on as early as Thursday, a conservative public policy organization warned.

Medical Teams International Expands Child Survival Efforts in Uganda

06 Oct 2009 09:48

Medical Teams International started a four-year, $2 million program to reduce child morbidity and mortality in Uganda on Oct. 1, 2009.

The Child Survival program is an initiative to serve 107,000 people (46,000 children under 5 and women of reproductive age) within Lira District, northern Uganda. The program will work with women's groups from the local churches and healthcare staff from health facilities to significantly prevent illness and death among children under five years of age and pregnant women.

“We are pleased to be awarded the opportunity to serve the people of northern Uganda and with them, prevent loss of lives of young children and women,” said Janis Lindsteadt, Director of Technical Services for Medical Teams International.

Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Medical Teams International. This award permits Medical Teams International to be part of formal learning among the US-based nonprofits that are setting high-impact standards in maternal and child health worldwide.

Medical Teams is also working with Portland-based Hands to Hearts International as a consulting partner to achieve the Early Childhood Development objectives in this project.

This grant goes specifically to save lives of mothers and children in Uganda; Medical Teams International has to reach a funding commitment of $500,000 over four years in order for the grant to go through as planned. To contribute, please visit, www.medicalteams.org; call 1-800-959-4325; or mail funds to Medical Teams International, PO Box 10, Portland, OR 97207-0010.

Medical Teams International Continues Aid to Families in Philippines, Samoa

05 Oct 2009 15:36

Medical Teams International is preparing to airlift two emergency medical health kits valued at $900,000 to the Philippines. Each medical kit provides emergency medicines and supplies for 10,000 people for three months.

Tammy Teske announced the deployment of the first health kit to Manila last week. "Today, the Portland-based health agency is preparing a second kit to treat an additional 10,000 people for three months," said Teske, Medical Team International’s manager of emergency relief.

If clearances are approved, both kits will be shipped from Holland to the Philippines this week, said Teske. The kits will be distributed through partners Food for the Hungry and Christian Reformed World Relief to provide much needed medicines to affected communities.

“We still are on stand-by to send emergency medical teams if they are needed to relieve doctors and nurses who are caring for 600,000 people living in evacuation camps,” Teske added.

In Indonesia, Medical Teams International is working with its partner, MAP International, to help send in a two-person medical team in the Pariaman District, just outside of Padang, Indonesia. Physician Thomas Barry, from New York City, NY, and Physician Assistant Fred Hesser, from Babb, Mont., who worked in Indonesia after the tsunami in 2004, have confirmed they can leave immediately for Indonesia’s disaster zone.

To make an immediate and secure gift:

Go to www.medicalteams.org/donate.
Call (800) 959-HEAL (4325).
Send your contribution to P.O. Box 10, Portland, OR 97207-0010.

Since 1979, Medical Teams International has shipped more than 1.3 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 45 million people in 100 countries around the world. More than 2,600 volunteers meet the needs of people worldwide each year.

Willow Creekers Challenged on Money Stewardship, Tithing

Audrey Barrick — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:52:03 -0400

Influential church pastor Bill Hybels wrapped up a challenging sermon series on Sunday with a call to choose God or money. And they can't serve both.

High Court to Hear Arguments on Mojave Cross

Lawrence D. Jones — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:48:20 -0400

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this week on whether a seven-foot cross on government-owned ground can stand without violating the Constitution’s ban on establishment of religion by the government.

Poll: Pro-Choice Americans Falling Away

Audrey Barrick — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:20:37 -0400

Support for abortion is slipping among most demographic and political groups, a new poll revealed this week.

Medical Teams International Helps Disaster Survivors in the Philippines and Samoa

30 Sep 2009 15:42

Rescuers assist residents from floodwaters caused by Typhoon Ketsana as they board a rubber boat in Cainta, Rizal, east of Manila on September 27, 2009. (Photo courtesy of REUTERS/Erik de Castro)

Medical Teams International is preparing to send a volunteer medical team and urgently needed supplies to the Philippines. This action is in response to a typhoon that killed 246 people, left an estimated 500,000 people homeless and has affected 2.2 million people. The Portland-based agency is also in touch with partners in Samoa and Indonesia where an earthquake and tsunami hit yesterday.

“Our partner in the Philippines has requested the help of our volunteers and staff,” says Tammy Teske, Medical Teams International’s manager of emergency relief. “We will be sending our assistance as soon as possible.” In metropolitan Manila alone, 370,000 people are taking refugee in 600 emergency shelters.

“At this point, we are also in contact with local church leaders in Samoa. We will direct funds we receive for this disaster through these churches to help those affected,” says Teske.

Medical Teams International is now accepting cash contributions to help.

To make an immediate and secure gift:

Go to www.medicalteams.org/donate.
Call (800) 959-HEAL (4325).
Send your contribution to P.O. Box 10, Portland, OR 97207-0010.

National Religious Broadcasters Marks 65-Year Milestone

Joshua A. Goldberg — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:47:53 -0400

On Monday, the nation’s largest association of Christian media professionals marked 65 years since the face of religious broadcasting was “forever changed.”

Report: Most States Pursuing Pro-Life Agenda

Nathan Black — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:10:41 -0400

Pro-lifers have had a good year with the majority of states continuing to pursue life-affirming laws and policies, a new report shows. In 2009, the states enacted approximately 60 pro-life measures.

Pro-Life Leaders: Obama Still Misleading Americans on Abortion Funding

Eric Young — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:50:40 -0400

Pro-life leaders across the nation made it clear Thursday that President Obama’s claim that "no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions" is misleading and flat out not true.

Medical Teams International Awarded Grant to Help Darfur Families in Sudan

25 Aug 2009 08:50

[PORTLAND, Ore. - Aug. 25, 2009] Medical Teams International, along with its Global Relief Alliance partners, is the recipient of a $1.92 million grant to provide primary health care to 105,000 people in West Darfur.

The Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is providing the grant to Medical Teams International and its Christian partners on the scene to supply health, nutrition and water aid until July 2010.

“Our goal is to improve access and increase the quality of primary health care in clinics and health training in four communities – including one community where another agency was expelled last year,” reports Tammy Teske, Manager of Disaster Response Services.

In one month’s time, this health program will be able to provide services that include:

Health care for nearly 5000 patients,
Vaccines for more than 200 children and
HIV / AIDS education and training for more than 4300 people.

Since 2004, more than 4.7 million people have been affected by this conflict – including 137,000 new victims in the first half of 2009. Medical Teams International has worked in this region since June 2004.

This OFDA grant helps cover health care costs. Volunteers going to the scene still need help with sponsorship for this assignment. If you would like to donate or sponsor a volunteer, visit www.medicalteams.org.

Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International has deployed nearly 2,000 volunteer teams and shipped more than $1.2 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 35 million people in 100 countries.

Tough Times for Wycliffe as Donations Fall

Jenna Lyle — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:00:29 -0400

Wycliffe Bible Translators in the U.K. says it is planning for a “tough” financial year ahead amid falling donations and a difficult economic climate.

Community Health Project Manages Nutrition Problems

14 Aug 2009 09:28

Mothers and Children Receive Much-needed Support

As of June, Medical Teams International has helped Indonesians meet nutritional needs – especially for their children. We have helped families plant 35 nutrition gardens in Pidie in the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province of Indonesia.

These gardens help improve child survival and development. Products from the nutrition gardens are distributed as supplementary foods for children under five years of age, for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Quality Nutrition at an Affordable Price

Before our Community Health Project started, families incorrectly considered expensive ingredients, like meat and chicken, as the only sources of good nutrition. Families also kept cakes and sweets a regular part of their daily diet. These sugary treat were treated as staples and considered a way for many parents to express affection to their children.

To help improve nutritional practices, families learned new cooking habits using local ingredients. Medical Teams International also provided parents with a book on cooking for children. These books offer parents a variety of recipes, nutritional facts and simple how-to guidelines.

The nutrition garden project encouraged families in the community to utilize empty spaces around their residences or within their farms. These empty spaces are now the families’ first source of healthy foods instead of buying from vendors at expensive prices.

What’s Next for the Community Health Project

Provide education and training on the nutritional needs of children less than five years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Train mothers with skills to deal with their children’s eating challenges and their own nutrition problems during pregnancy.
Advocate the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding.

To support this Community Health Project in the Pidie community, visit our secure donation page, call 800-959-4325 or mail funds to Medical Teams International, P.O. Box 10, Portland, OR 97207-0010.

Major Mideast Christian Satellite Channels to Merge

Jennifer Riley — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:19:19 -0400

Two major Christian channels that broadcast into Muslim-dominated regions recently decided to merge, the executives of both ministries announced.

Medical Teams International Airlifted Cancer Medicines to Moldova

27 Jul 2009 11:18

The National Cancer Coalition and German nonprofit, HFK Krebsallianz recently donated $130,000 in cancer-fighting drugs to Medical Teams International. These medications arrived in Moldova earlier this month and are already helping patients who cannot afford cancer treatments.

This donation will benefit an estimated 150 children and adults seeking care at Moldova’s largest cancer hospital.

According to the United Nations, Moldova is the poorest country in Eastern Europe with most families earning less than $2200 per year. Although Moldova recently established a centralized health system, the program is in its infancy and faces serious shortages of medical supplies and equipment.

Medical Teams International has an office located in the capital city of Chisinau and employs eight full-time national staff. The primary activity of this office is to train local paramedics in pre-hospital emergency response. Medical Teams International’s Moldova Country Manager, Rodica Cerbov, has led the development and relief efforts in Moldova since 1997.

Rodica Cerbov and staff have gained the Ministry of Health approval for allowing the cancer drugs to enter the country.

To contribute to Medical Teams International, please visit our secure donation page; call 1-8...; or mail funds to Medical Teams International, PO Box 10, Portland, OR 97207-0010.

Kids Earn Money to Buy Bibles for Troops

Ethan Cole — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:54:09 -0400

American Christian kids as young as four are being challenged to do extra chores and other fundraising activities to raise money to buy Bibles for U.S. troops.

New Survey Reveals Huckabee as GOP's Leading Contender for 2012

Lawrence D. Jones — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:57:32 CP_TIM

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has risen to become the leading choice of likely Republican voters for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, according to a report released Monday.

Widow of Slain Ill. Pastor Still Praying for Suspect

Joshua A. Goldberg — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:21:51 CP_TIM

The widow of the Ill. Pastor who was shot and killed as he was preaching to his congregation this past March says she continues to pray for her late husband’s alleged killer and hopes that he “finds peace with God.”