Pastor’s 12-Year-Old Daughter Dies after Being Trapped under Collapsed Snow Fort during Church Service

-
0
Pastor’s 12-Year-Old Daughter Dies after Being Trapped under Collapsed Snow Fort during Church Service


Pastor’s 12-Year-Old Daughter Dies after Being Trapped under Collapsed Snow Fort during Church Service


Two girls, one 12 and the other nine, were buried under a heap of snow after a snow fort collapsed on them outside of a Chicago church, killing the 12-year-old.


Over the weekend, Chicago was hit by a snowstorm that left several inches of snow on the ground. 


According to Faithwire, 12-year-old Esther Jung, the daughter of the Rothem Church pastor where the girls were found, went outside during a church service Sunday morning to play in the snow with her friend. An hour after going outside, the girls’ parents noticed that their daughters had not yet come in from the cold and began to worry. Together, the parents decided to go outside to look for their children.


Faithwire reports that when the two were discovered, Jung was in cardiac arrest and her nine-year-old friend was suffering from hypothermia.


According to Jung’s neighbor Peg Gradl, Jung loved to play in the snow and regularly built snow forts. Sadly, the fun went deadly wrong, this time, when the fort collapsed, trapping Jung and her friend underneath it.


According to ABC-7, Jung’s great -uncle Jae said the pre-teen yelled out for help, but no one heard her. He said, “She cried out, ‘Help me. Help me,’ but nobody heard it.”


Police were called to the scene and the girls were transported to a nearby hospital. Upon investigating the incident, Police have ruled…

… Read More

Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.

قالب وردپرس

‘People are shell shocked’, sport chaplains supporting Cardiff City over player in missing plane

-
0
‘People are shell shocked’, sport chaplains supporting Cardiff City over player in missing plane

Rescue workers are scouring the English Channel after a light aircraft carrying the 28-year-old disappeared while en-route from northern France to Wales on Monday evening. The aircraft’s pilot is also unaccounted for.

Martin Lewis, the director of Sports Chaplaincy Wales, told Premier’s News Hour he had spoken with numerous people at the club.

 

He said: “I’ve spoken with many and many have text me; people are just shell shocked and totally stunned.

“Sadly, the longer time goes on without finding the plane the more desperate, perhaps things will come.”

AP Photo/David Vincent

 

It has emerged Sala sent a WhatsApp voice message to friends during the flight, saying he was “getting scared” and “aboard a plane that seems like it is falling to pieces”.

Mr Lewis continued: “I was able to speak with some of the key club members yesterday and offer our support and encouragement and prayers during this difficult time…”

Ben Birchall/PA Wire

 

Rescue workers have been prioritising their search around the possibility the plane – a US-registered Piper PA-46 Malibu – landed on water and its life raft was deployed, police in Guernsey said.

They added that the chances of survival were “slim”.

Ben Birchall/PA Wire

 

Click here to listen to Premier’s Cara Bentley speaking with Martin Lewis at Sports Chaplaincy…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Appeals Court Paves the Way for Texas to Defund Planned Parenthood

-
0
Appeals Court Paves the Way for Texas to Defund Planned Parenthood


Appeals Court Paves the Way for Texas to Defund Planned Parenthood


The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5thCircuit handed a victory to pro-life advocates who want to see Planned Parenthood defunded. The Court overturned a ruling by U.S. district judge Samuel Sparks which prevented Texas from kicking Planned Parenthood out of the state’s Medicaid.


The Lone Star State’s decision to defund Planned Parenthood came after undercover videos by the Center for Medical Progress appeared to show officials from the nation’s largest abortion provider negotiating to sell tissue from aborted babies. Planned Parenthood argued that the videos were “deceptively edited.”


In his ruling, Sparks said the case read like a “best-selling novel” and dismissed both the videos and a report written by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Office of Inspector General. He said the report was too flimsy to be used to “expel a group of health care providers from a social health care program for families and individuals with limited resources.”


The Court of Appeals disagreed with Judge Sparks. They vacated his injunction with blocked Texas from booting Planned Parenthood from Medicaid and remanded the case back to the lower court for further review. If Sparks reinstates his injunction, he will have to do so using a different legal standard.


Planned Parenthood blasted the decision. Their spokesperson, Erica Sackin, said, “it is completely…

… Read More

Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.

قالب وردپرس

Six Symptoms of a Dysfunctional Church

-
0

Six Symptoms of a Dysfunctional Church

  1. Severe theological errors are pervasive in the church.
  2. The church is known as a “pastor-eater.”
  3. The congregation experiences severe conflict.
  4. Hardly anyone in the community knows the church exists.
  5. The church is declining while the community is growing.
  6. The church is “family owned and family operated.”

Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report:

  • Are things in your church going according to God’s plan?
  • Do non-Christians in your church’s community know your church exists? Does it have a good reputation with non-members?
  • If your community doesn’t know your church exists, you have a problem.
  • Most churches that die are in highly populated areas.

… Read More

—

Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.

قالب وردپرس

The ‘racist’ confrontation in DC: 3 biblical responses

-
0
The ‘racist’ confrontation in DC: 3 biblical responses

Nathan Phillips is a Native American who attended the Indigenous Peoples March in Washington last Friday. He told the Washington Post that he was there to beat his drum while urging participants to “be strong” against colonialism.

According to Phillips, a throng of young, mostly white teenage boys, several wearing “Make America Great Again” caps, swarmed around him and began to chant, “Build that wall, build that wall.” One of them “blocked my way and wouldn’t allow me to retreat,” Phillips said.

He told the Detroit Free Press a different story. This time, he said that the students became upset by a group of Black Israelites. “They were in the process of attacking these four black individuals,” he said. So, “I put myself between beast and prey. These young men were beastly and these old black individuals was their prey.”

Phillips stated that the students had a “mob mentality” that was “ugly, what these kids were involved in. It was racism. It was hatred. It was scary.”

Video of the event went viral. News outlets around the country condemned the students. One image of a student with a Make America Great Again cap smiling at Phillips became an icon for the event. Filmmaker Michael Green tweeted: “A face like that never changes. This image will define his life. No one need ever forgive him.”

Now we know the rest of the story.

“I am being called every name in the book”

Longer videos emerged showing that the incident actually started with Black Hebrew Israelites (BHI) members. According to Christian apologist Ryan Turner, this group believes that black people are the true Israelites from the tribe of Judah.

In their view, white people are “conspirators who attempt to persecute the black people and hide their true identity as Israelites.” Many view white people as “almost subhuman” and are known for shouting profanity and condemning people for their allegedly false beliefs.

When BHI members began shouting…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Denison Forum.

قالب وردپرس

Aretha Franklin’s home church raises money for mural of her

-
0
Aretha Franklin’s home church raises money for mural of her

New Bethel Baptist Church, where Aretha Franklin’s father, Rev C.L. Franklin was the pastor from 1946-79, is now raising money to have a piece of artwork featuring Aretha and her father painted on one of the church’s outside walls.

It’s estimated to cost $375,000 if the wall is going to be preserved.

Rev C.L. Franklin is a noteworthy figure aside from his daughter’s fame in the music industry.

He was a keynote speaker, invited by Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights ‘Detroit Walk to Freedom’ march in 1963 and a famous gospel preacher, broadcasting sermons every Sunday on a radio station.

The ‘Queen of Soul’ recorded her first album at the church and many concerts were held there throughout her upbringing and career.

The Baptist minister, Rev Jesse Jackson, announced on Tuesday in a press conference (below) that the church planned to make this tribute.

“To have on the side of this building this mural with Reverend C.L. Franklin and Aretha is entirely appropriate,” Rev. Jackson said.

Next to him was a smaller version of what the mural would look like – with a profile of Rev Franklin on the left and Aretha Franklin on the right and the church behind them inbetween.

The current pastor of New Bethel Baptist church, Rev Robert Smith, said: “The wall is going to have to be treated in such a way that it doesn’t fall apart.”

On the second day of their GoFundMe page they only had $120 of the $375,000.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Coach dropped by school over playing field prayers is denied appeal

-
0
Coach dropped by school over playing field prayers is denied appeal

The US Supreme Court has declined – for the time being – to hear the case of Joe Kennedy, who previously taught American football at Bremerton High School near Seattle.

He had filed a lawsuit with the court last summer under the First Amendment – which protects freedom of religious expression.

 

Kennedy is longer working for the school after a decision was taken not to renew his contract. He was previously placed on leave in 2015.

Lower courts rejected his claim that the school district compromised his right to free speech.

 

Bremerton School District had argued it has the right to insist that staff do not encourage or discourage religious activities related to school activities.

While rejecting the case, four of the justices at the Supreme Court said they were interested in the issues it raised. They also expressed concern over the way lower courts had handled proceedings.

 

Speaking with Fox News in 2017, Kennedy denied that leading prayers on playing field after matches risked alienating people.

He said: “That was never an issue; if the kids wanted to…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Church of England entices young with workouts and weekday services in £35m boost

-
0
Church of England entices young with workouts and weekday services in £35m boost

The congregation – proposed for Bradford – will try and entice students and young adults.

It forms part of “bold” £35 million plans by the Church to reverse a decline in attendance and champion “new types of churches”.

 

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, said: “These projects show the dynamism and drive of the Church of England’s mission to share this good news with people throughout our dioceses and parishes.

“We are committed to this work because we want everyone to know how much they are loved by God through Jesus Christ, and how they can find that love for themselves.”

Wikimedia Commons/Jon Farman https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonfarman/5942532511/

 

Busy young professionals working near Holy Trinity Church in Leeds will be encouraged to try new weekday services, while money will also go towards creating house churches in rural parts of Suffolk.

The Community of St Cuthbert, a new group inspired by the monastic tradition, shall be established in Durham and a social media pastor – lay or ordained – will spearhead digital mission from Stockton Parish Church in County Durham.

 

The cash forms part of the Church’s Renewal and Reform programme, which aims to create “a growing church for all people and for all places”.

Programme director, Debbie Clinton said: “From a church in a nightclub area to weekday congregations and a social media…

… Read More

—

Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

قالب وردپرس

Our Daily Bread 23 January 2019 Devotional – A Big Deal

CM Editor
-
0

Topic: A Big Deal [Our Daily Bread 23 January 2019 Devotional]

Bible in a Year: Exodus 9–11; Matthew 15:21–39

This is the kind of fasting I want: . . . Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. – Isaiah 58:6 nlt

Today’s Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 58:6-9

A family member needed help with his December rent. To his family, the request felt like a burden—especially with their own unexpected expenses at year’s end. But they dug into their savings, grateful for God’s provision—and blessed by their relative’s gratitude.

He handed them a thank-you card filled with grateful words. “There you go again . . . doing nice things, probably passing it off as no big deal.”

Helping others is a big deal, however, to God. The prophet Isaiah made that point to the nation of Israel. The people were fasting but still quarreling and fighting. Instead, said Isaiah: “Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. . . . Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help” (Isaiah 58:6–7 nlt).

Such a sacrifice, said Isaiah, shares God’s light but also heals our own brokenness (v. 8). As the family helped their relative, they looked hard at their own finances, seeing ways they could manage better all year. This was God’s promise for being generous: “Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind” (v. 8 nlt). In the end, giving to their kin blessed them more. And God? He already gave His all—with love.

Today’s Reflection:
 Lord, light the path of generosity, helping us to give like You.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Patricia Raybon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

The post Our Daily Bread 23 January 2019 Devotional – A Big Deal appeared first on Flatimes.

Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Deferring Gratification?

CM Editor
-
0

Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Deferring Gratification?

Deferring Gratification?

1.I worship and Adore You, my Father, because You are the rewarder of them that diligently seek and serve You.

Also Read: Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Daily Devotional

2.Thank You, Jesus, for leaving all Your glory in heaven, to take the form of man, in order to save me from eternal destruction.

3.Thank You, Jesus, for the great and precious price You paid for me with Your blood, for the salvation of soul.

4.Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus name.

5.Father, let me be willing to forgo anything that may constitute a hindrance to my spiritual growth and progress, or cause me to be vulnerable to sin and its enticing allurments, in Jesus name.

6.Father, let me always be willing to give up my personal comfort, rights and privileges, for the sake of the gospel of Christ, and for the expansion of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

7.Father, give me the grace to endure the suffering of this present world, for the glory and joy that are placed ahead of me, in Jesus name.

8.Father, empower me not to expect instant reward or gratification, for all my labours of love in Your vineyard, but be willing to wait for Your promised time of reward and harvest, in Jesus name.

9.Father, please, help me to live through today, without committing a single sin, in Jesus name.

10.Father, reward Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, for all his labours of love in Your vineyard, in Jesus name.

11.Father, bless Your son, that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures; help him to overcome every challenge of getting these prayer points across to Your children timely, on daily basis, in Jesus name.

12.Your Personal petitions. (Philippians 4:6)

13.In Jesus name I pray. (John 14:13-14; 15:16)

14.Thank you Father for answered prayers. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

Kindly, purchase your own hard copy or online version of the Open Heavens devotional & buy for your friends too, as a potent evangelism tool. God bless you, as you sow, into Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s book Ministry, in Jesus name.

Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Deferring Gratification?

The post Open Heaven 23 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Deferring Gratification? appeared first on Flatimes.

1...1,3791,3801,381...3,893Page 1,380 of 3,893