DropBox : South Korean Pastor Who Saves Abandoned Babies

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DropBox : South Korean Pastor Who Saves Abandoned Babies

A documentary about a South Korean pastor who is credited with saving countless abandoned babies who might have otherwise have died abandoned on the streets is set to open in theaters nationwide early next Spring.

“The Dropbox” tells the story of Lee Jong-rak, who in 2009, constructed a “heated bin lodged in a wall that allows mothers to deposit their children without being seen.” The effort to save South Korea’s “unwanted” children sprung out of Jong-rak’s own experience as his son, Eun-man, was born with cerebral palsy, leaving him bedridden. The pastor sold his house to pay the medical bills, and Jong-rak and his wife and daughter practically lived at the hospital for the next decade.

But it was during this time that Jong-rak became a testimony of love to those around him.

“[A]s Lee preached and sang songs in the hallways, he soon developed a reputation as ‘a lover of the unlovable,’” an outline on the film’s website reads. “Pastor Lee became known throughout the hospital for his unceasing love for ‘the boy on his back.’”

One woman who witnessed Jong-rak’s great love for his son then asked him to adopt her disabled daughter, and so he did. He bought another home and began taking in other children from the hospital. Soon, word began to spread that Jong-rak was caring for the children of South Korea, and he awoke one day to find a baby abandoned on his doorstep.

But because the mother had left the infant out in the cold where she could have frozen to death, Jong-rak decided to build a heated dropbox with an in-home buzzer alert in case other mothers sought to bring their babies to his doorstep. Within just a few days, more babies began to come.

“One of the mothers told me that she had poison to kill both herself and her baby,” Jong-rak says in the trailer for “The Dropbox.” “So I told her, ‘Don’t do that. Come here with your baby…Read More

Source and Original Content by Christian News Network

Ferguson Grand Jury Update: Jury Convenes to make Decision

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Ferguson Grand Jury Update: Jury Convenes to make Decision

A grand jury decision on whether or not to indict white police officer Darren Wilson for shooting to death 18-year-old African-American Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, is not likely until at least Monday, according to media reports, even as layers of emergency plans have been set up and President Obama has called for calm.

Brown, who had allegedly stolen cigars from a convenience store, was shot dead by the officer moments later while responding to a 911 call on Aug. 9. The incident sparked protests, riots, looting and violent clashes with police.

While the decision was expected by Sunday, reports quote “sources” as saying that the grand jury will not reconvene until at least Monday, as it is still gathering information about the incident. The delay has caused frustration among residents.

“I just think this is crazy,” CNN quotes Brandon Turner, 25, as saying. “A young man was killed on the street in broad daylight. I am surprised it has taken so long. I’ve got a lot of clients and they’re all in shock.”

Kansas City Police Chief Darryl Forté also tweeted Saturday, “Grand jury did not convene today. Expected to convene next week. Will continue to update as info becomes available.”

Police claim the officer did not know Brown was a suspect when he stopped him and his friend. The two were walking down the middle of the street blocking traffic, and when the officer encountered them he saw the cigars in Brown’s hands, police say.

The officer allegedly received injuries to his face during the encounter with Brown. Brown’s friend, Johnson, earlier said that the officer pointed a gun at Brown and said, “I’ll shoot.” The officer fired shots after Brown held his hands up.

Last week, the FBI and other federal agencies sent teams of agents and officers to Ferguson ahead of the grand jury decision, according to NBC News. The Department of Homeland Security also sent Federal Protection Service personnel to protect federal buildings and facilities.

If the jury doesn’t indict the officer, “there’s going to be no Ferguson” and it’s “going to be worse than before,” 15-year-old city resident Kim Randel told NBC.

Gun sales have also increased significantly in recent weeks, according to Reuters…Read More

Source and Original Content by Christian Post

Church Members Given $500 to do aid Others

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Church Members Given $500 to do aid Others

On a very memorable Sunday, Pastor Laura Truax surprised her congregation with a bold announcement. She was about to hand out money to everyone.

LaSalle Street Church had received a tidy $1.6 million from a real estate deal, the pastor said, and $160,000 — a typical 10 percent tithe — would be divided among some 320 regular attendees. Each would get a $500 check to do something positive.

LaSalle, a non-denominational church, has long been involved in social causes, from feeding homeless families to buying an ambulance for a medical clinic in Niger.

Not surprisingly, many donations will reach far-flung places, including a school in the Himalayas and an irrigation project in Tanzania. Closer to home, some checks are helping needy friends.

Church members, Truax says, are doing just what she’d envisioned when she distributed the checks in September.

“I hoped that they would recognize the power they had to bless others and change somebody’s life,” she says. “… And that has largely happened.”

Jeliner Jordan remembers being young and in debt.

More than 40 years ago, she was a divorced mother of three who couldn’t stretch her seamstress earnings far enough to support her kids. She took out a loan of about $4,000 to attend a business college, expecting it would lead to better opportunities — and it did.

But she never forgot the pressure of making payments, then falling behind before eventually settling her debt.

Aware that her granddaughter, Deitra Galloway, was saddled with college loans, Jordan knew what she’d do with part of her church money: She gave Galloway $300, figuring it might cover a month’s payment. She was shocked when her granddaughter revealed her school debt was in the many thousands.

A grateful Galloway, 26, used the money instead to help pay a loan on her used car. It was just another example of her grandmother’s generosity, which included taking her to Paris when she was in college. “I always thought she was rich because she would do these things for me and it never seemed like money was an obstacle,” she says.

Far from it. Jordan, now 71, is a meticulous planner who watches every dollar.

“She’s a great role model,” Galloway says.

Jordan, who had a long career in the insurance industry but still enjoys sewing, divided her remaining money between a local arts program and a nearby elementary school.

“It’s not possible to give without receiving,” she says. “And what I received immediately is joy…Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

Christians Worshippers Form Human Barrier to Stop Demolition of Church

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Christians Worshippers Form Human Barrier to Stop Demolition of Church

As churchwomen wailed and young men shouted that they were prepared to die to prevent further demolition, hundreds of Christians in North Khartoum blocked authorities’ attempts to destroy buildings on their compound this week.

After a bulldozer accompanied by security personnel and police knocked down a wall of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church’s (SPEC) Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church and some houses on Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 17-18), the Christians formed a human barrier to face down further demolition attempts on Wednesday and Thursday (Nov. 19-20), sources said.

One of the homes destroyed in the compound belonged to Nile Theological College; a Christian doctor had rented it, and he lost all his belongings, sources said.

The bulldozer, accompanied by National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) personnel and police, carried out the demolitions based on a court order demanding that church leaders surrender the premises to Muslim businessman Khalid Mustafa. A church committee of members that the Sudanese government interposed made a secret agreement with Mustafa to sell him church property as part of Sudan’s campaign to do away with Christianity in the country, church leaders said.

“The government recently installed some committee to the running of the church, and these are the same people who want to sell the church for business purposes,” pastor Daud Fadul told Morning Star News.

Church members strongly condemned the “government puppet committee” supporting the government agenda to do away with Christianity.

“This is a case of serious persecution of the church in Sudan,” elder Daud Bashir Gadalah told Morning Star News. “We appeal to the international community of the Christian body to stand with us and to advocate for our case. The forces of evil cannot prevail against the church of Christ.”

After Monday’s demolitions, church leaders on Tuesday (Nov. 18) filed a court complaint. They were told they would have to wait until Dec. 4 to have their grievances heard.

The next day authorities destroyed the home of pastor Hafiz Fasaha at the SPEC church compound after ordering personnel inside to leave the premises, church leaders said. Authorities told the Christians a Muslim businessman owned the land and that they had a court order calling for the use of force to take over the property.

The Christians stood helpless as they watched the building destroyed before their eyes.

“We are surprised that our government is determined to take all lands that belong to the church,” said a church member who requested anonymity.

Two other structures housing church youth were destroyed while the young people and the pastor were away, sources said. Pastor Fasaha has not been seen since the demolition, they said.

Church leaders were upset over thousands of dollars in damages to window panes, steel doors, refrigerators, students’ certificates, books, mobiles phones, wardrobes and other valuables…Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

Extremists Attempting to Start ‘Religious War’ in Kenya

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Extremists Attempting to Start ‘Religious War’ in Kenya

The killing of several Christians on a bus in Kenya by Al-Shabab terrorists is an attempt to start a religious war, a senior member of the Kenyan government has said.

Earlier on Saturday morning a bus taking people to the capital Nairobi for the Christmas period was stopped by the Muslim extremists.

The militants ordered passengers to read a passage from the Koran and shot dead the 28 that could not.

A number of Muslims pled with the gunmen not to kill Christians but they too were shot.

Other Muslims were freed.

Senior adviser to President Uhuru Kenyatta, Abdikadir Mohammed, said: “The aim is to create conflict between the Muslims and the non-Muslims in this country.”

He told the BBC it was an attempt to create ‘a religious war, religious strife, in Kenya’.
What is Al Shabab?

– Formed in 2006 in Somalia

– Means “The Youth” in Arabic

– Between 7,000 and 9,000 fighters

– In 2012 it pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda

– Behind Nairobi’s Westgate shopping centre attack

Survivors have said the driver tried to accelerate away from the scene but his vehicle got trapped in mud.

Kenyan authorities have pledged to track down the fighters and bring them to justice.

Local media reported that the country’s military had destroyed an Al-Shabab camp and killed ‘many’.

Mr Mohammed added: “We have had a lot of the Muslim leaders come out today [Saturday] and strongly condemn this and call on Kenyans of all faiths and creeds to stand together against these heinous crimes and criminals.”

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian News

Most Inspirational Myles Munroe Quotes

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Most Inspirational Myles Munroe Quotes

Revered by some and denounced by others, we’ve gathered together some of the best quotes from the late pastor Myles Munroe:

1.”If you have hope for the future you have true riches; no matter how much you have in your account.”

2. “The poorest person in the world is the person without a dream.”

3. “Purpose is when you know and understand what you were born to accomplish. Vision is when you see it in your mind and begin to imagine it.”

4. “Circumstances and crises are God’s tools to move you into your purpose and the maximizing of your potential.”

5. “If you don’t attempt things, you don’t attract God.”

6. “Great leaders have no need for reputation. Reputation is what you are in public; character is who you are in private.”

7. “We are a sum total of what we have learned from all who have taught us, both great and small.”

8. “Don’t ever make the mistake of telling God that you have nothing to offer. That simply is not true. God does not create any junk.”

9. “A true leader does not measure his success by comparing himself to others but by evaluating how he is fulfilling his own purpose and vision.”

10. “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but life without a purpose.”

Source and Original Content by Christian Today

Keys to Keep the Fire of God Burning

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Keys to Keep the Fire of God Burning

“How do you get the fire/zeal back in to your prayer time? Why do we go through these dry places where our prayers seem blah (and very ‘me-centered’). Why is reading the Word sometimes a chore instead of a delight? How do I live by faith when I can’t muster through life?”
So here’s my best answer:TRUST…

Using “TRUSST” as an acronym, here are few things I learned about reigniting my prayer life:

T- Thanksgiving: Almost always, when I sense that the fire has gone out and my passion has waned, it’s because I stopped being grateful, stopped thanking God for all of the blessings I enjoy. When we focus too much on what we don’t have and on what God is not giving us at the moment, we lose sight of the fact that God is always wonderfully good, is beautifully for us, and will never forsake us. Start today by thanking Him for everything you’d miss tomorrow if you woke up and it wasn’t there.

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18).

R – Repentance: Another fire-quencher is sin and selfish attitudes. Scripture says that His kindness leads us to repentance. When you’ve spent some time thanking God, conviction returns to your soul. Take the next step and dare to say, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my concerns, and see if there is any rebellious way in me, and lead me in the ancient way” (see Ps. 139). Confession is a cleansing, beautiful thing. God draws especially near to the humble, repentant heart.

“Confess your faults to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much” (James 5:16).

U – Understand: Oftentimes when we feel our flame flickering and not burning brightly, it’s because we’ve approached God only for what He can do for us and not for who He is. A sure way to fan our spiritual flame is to seek Him for all He is worth! Still bring your requests before Him, but then lay them down at His feet, and seek to know His heart. He is the star-breathing God, the Lord of Lords, the King of kings, and the God of angel armies! He is high and lifted up and yet intimately right here. He loves you. Get to know Him more, and you’ll have a better understanding of how He is working in your current circumstances. To better know Him is to love Him more; and to know Him is to be filled to the fullness with Him. See the book of Ephesians to understand this better.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10).

S – Stand: When we don’t feel God’s presence and His promises don’t exactly feel true, it’s time to stand on the Word of God because it is true. When I find myself feeling more earthbound than heaven-bound, I rise up, walk around my house and proclaim the promises of God written over my life. I will not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord! (because I struggle with health issues). God’s grace abounds in my life so I can abound in every good work! (because I’m constantly in over my head). When I stand on God’s promises, and my ears hear my mouth say what’s true, in due time,= my heart believes again that His Word is true. I challenge you, walk around, stomp your feet if you have to and proclaim the promises of God. Take your stand right where you stand!

“For You have exalted Your Word above all Your name” (Psalm 138:2).

S – Surrender: Another thing I’ve noticed is that surrender and spiritual passion are closely linked. When I find myself hanging on to my own understanding, or when I rely more heavily on my fears than I do on God’s faithfulness, it’s like throwing a wet blanket on my spiritual flame. What’s my answer? I get on my knees, open my hands, and I surrender my everything to the Lord once again. I give Him my worries, my “what if’s” and the deep desires of my heart. I’m only dealing with partial information. He knows what’s best for me (and for you). Try actually getting on your knees, opening your hands and releasing the things you’ve been white-knuckling up to this point. Say to the Lord, “Father, what does obedience look like here? And who do You want to be to me here? My Deliverer? Defender? Strong Tower? I surrender to You. Show me Your greatness in this place…Read More

Source and Original Content by Charisma News

Scottish Minister Appoints Christians to New Scottish cabinet

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Scottish Minister Appoints Christians to New Scottish cabinet

Scotland’s new First Minister has appointed two Christians to her first cabinet.

Nicola Sturgeon has made changes to the government after taking over from Alex Salmond who resigned last week.

Roseanna Cunningham and Michael Matheson, both Catholics, have both been promoted into the Scottish cabinet.

Mrs Cunningham has been given the work, skills and training brief whilst Mr Matheson takes over from Kenny MacAskill as Justice Secretary.

Revealing her Cabinet Ms Sturgeon said: “This new Cabinet is a team of all the talents, which will take forward this Government’s priorities for Scotland.

“The aims of my Government are clear: to create a nation that is both socially democratic and socially just, a nation that is confident in itself and governed effectively and a nation which will address poverty, support business, promote growth and tackle inequality.

“The new Cabinet team I have announced today will pursue these priorities with verve, vigour and determination.”

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian News

Belt That Charges Your Phone and Still Holds Up Your Pants

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Belt That Charges Your Phone and Still Holds Up Your Pants

Belts are so darn boring. However, without them, our ill-fitting pants would be down by our ankles most of the time, not a good look if you’re walking into a job interview or delivering an important speech.

Thankfully, Nifty — a UK-based startup that made a name for itself with its MiniDrive storage solution for the MacBook — is threatening to breathe new life into the humble waist-based loop. The team has come up with an innovative design that incorporates battery-charging tech, offering the pants-wearing public a new way to keep their mobile devices at full power while they’re dashing about in their comfortably fitting trousers.

The XOO Belt (pronounced “zoo”) is wearable tech that you might actually want to wear – especially if running out of smartphone juice is an issue for you. And because it’s slung around your body, you’ll have one less thing to carry when you go out.

RELATED: Your Phone Can’t Run on Caffeine Like You Do, so Starbucks Added Wireless Charging

“It looks, feels and weighs about the same as a really nice belt … but comes with a mighty 2,100 mAh of hidden charge and can charge pretty much any device,” the Nifty team says.

Designed with a new breed of lithium ceramic polymer flexible battery, the belt is said to be safe, durable, and weather-resistant.

While the flexible part of the battery lives inside the belt strap, the rest is contained in the buckle. The charging wire runs alongside the inside of the belt when it’s not in use, with magnetism holding it in place.

You charge it the same way you would your smartphone, and five discreetly placed LEDs on the buckle indicate power level. According to Nifty, the belt will fully charge, for example, an iPhone 6 in about 2.5 hours from empty.

Nifty’s XOO Belt is part of a recently launched Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, so it’s not ready just yet. However, should backers stump up a total of $50,000 by Dec. 18, the company plans to start shipping the product in July with a $155 price tag, though early backers can, of course, get a better deal.

http://youtu.be/a1Wk9WdT7QE

Source and Original Content by Yahoo

Talking Books Give Access to Education for the Poorest of Poor in Africa

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Talking Books Give Access to Education for the Poorest of Poor in Africa

To help eradicate serious illnesses like ebola and cholera by spreading health education amongst the poorest of poor, the charity Literacy Bridge in association with Unicef and mobile chip-maker ARM is going to distribute Talking Book mobile devices to deliver health education to 40,000 vulnerable people living in Ghana. These are custom made audio players that can be used to share spoken information in people’s local languages.

The Talking Books were developed by Literacy Bridge in 2007, to give people without literacy access to interviews, songs, and dramas that address lifesaving health and agricultural advice. The $750,000 (approximately Rs. 4,63,95,000) project, which is being mostly funded by Unicef and ARM, and will focus on the use of low-cost mobile technology. It will mostly be used to cover the cost of 2,000 devices, and the staff to support them, with a target of reaching 40,000 people.

The project wants to use the talking books to deliver education about ebola and cholera prevention, the treatment of diarrhoea in children, identifying and treating diseased crops and more. This project will run for two-and-a-half years, with each device’s content updated once in every five weeks, according to a report by the BBC.

The devices, big plastic boxes which look like old cassette players, store data on microSD cards, and can each hold hundreds of hours of audio – they’re intentionally simplistic since they have to be usable by people who cannot read, but the devices are sophisticated enough that you can share data by connecting them using a USB cable, and they come with a microphone, capable of recording voice feedback.

The devices are being custom built with assistance from ARM, with a goal of improving battery efficiency.

Source and Original Content by Ndtv

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