Pastor Sells Prized Possession to Raise Money for Charity

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Pastor Sells Prized Possession to Raise Money for Charity

A Welsh pastor waited and saved for 20 years to buy the classic car of his dreams. Now he has decided to give it away to raise funds for charity.

Clive Owen, pastor of Wellspring Christian Fellowship Church in Langstone near Newport in South Wales, and married with two daughters and four grandchildren, had vowed never to sell the 1971 Gilbern Invader Mark II he bought in Bournemouth last year.

According to the South Wales Argus, just 287 models of the Invader Mark II were made at Gilbern’s factory in Llantwit Fardre in Pontypridd. Launched at the 1970 British Motor Show, the Mark II featured an improved front chassis design, with modified suspension locations, and the Watt’s linkages were replaced with Panhard rods.

The name, Gilbern, combined the name of co-founder Giles Smith, a butcher from Church Village near Pontypridd, and that of Bernard Friese, an engineer from Germany and former prisoner of war.

The company was founded in 1959 and the cars were considered expensive for the time. The Argus reports that because of VAT being put on kit cars, the price went up and finally, production stopped in 1973.

Mr Owen, who has been “born again” for 33 years and earlier this year raised £1,000 for charity with his grandson by climbing the “three peaks”, Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell, in three days, paid £3,600 for the car 14 months ago.

It is now worth between £8,000 and £10,000. He wants offers of £10,000 or more to raise funds for three charities. Eden Gate is a homelessness and drug and alcohol rehab charity in Newport, there is also a Uganda charity, Life Ministries Trust Kampala, supporting 125 churches plus schools and hospitals, and the third is Shevet Achim, a UK charity dedicated to saving the lives of Arab children, mainly from Gaza, Iraq and Syria, born with congenital heart defects by funding their treatment in Israeli hospitals.

“As we speak there are two Syrian babies that have come through Jordan to Israel and are having their operations this week,” he said.

He had waited two decades to buy the car and when he purchased it, vowed that he would never sell it. He told Christian Today: “I am not selling it, I am giving it away, to anyone who will give me £10,000 for the three charities I support. I will be heartbroken to lose it.”

His mind was made up on his latest visit to Israel seven weeks ago, when he was at the main hospital in Tel Aviv. A little baby from Syria had just come out of the operating theatre. “As I looked at him he just gave me the most beautiful smile. I thought to myself, I’ve got to do more for these children. I thought, what do I love more than I love the life of a child? The answer was, nothing, not houses, cars or reputation, nothing. I went home and went walking, and thought, I will give the car away.

“I love that car. I waited 20 years for it. But if we don’t practise what we preach, they are empty words. Christmas is a greedy time. We call it greedmass. On one side of the line, people have more than they want. On the other side, they have nothing.

At this time of year we must take stock of what we do. If we say, all for God, it must be all for God. If one person in the world realises by my selling my car that perhaps they can do something good, sell something, give something away, then it’s been worth it. My heart will rejoice and I won’t be sad.

Source and Original Content by Christianity Today

Patriarch and Pope to Face World Challenges Together

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Patriarch and Pope to Face World Challenges Together

A common declaration of Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew on the issues of ecology and poverty would be natural is foreseeable for the future, a theological advisor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Costantinople told CNA Nov. 28.

“Today, there is no excuse for indifference or inaction. A joint response between Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew can prove both powerful and permanent,” said Fr. John Chrissavgis, who works for the partriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Fr. Chrissavgis spoke on the eve of Pope Francis’ voyage to Turkey, scheduled Nov. 28-30.

During Pope Francis’ Nov. 28-30 trip to Turkey, he will meet with Patriarch Bartholomew for an ecumenical prayer on Saturday night at the Phanar, the Headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.

According to Fr. Chrissavgis, there are thre three main challenges that both the Papacy and the Ecumenical Patriarchate can face together.

First, both should foster “a sense of humility and repentance for the arrogant suspicion and hostile polemics of the past. We should no longer be tempted by isolationism and fanaticism that characterized relations between the two Churches in previous centuries.”

Second, “we should honestly examine the theological differences that continue to separate us, especially the issue of authority and primacy, as well as infallibility and collegiality. Pope Francis has already demonstrated his willingness and openness to explore the common tradition of the early, undivided Church on these matters.”

And finally – Fr. Chrissavgis maintained – “even as we discuss doctrinal matters, we should not ignore the global problems facing people everywhere, including poverty, war, injustice, and the ecological crisis.”

Pope Francis has proven to be very attentive to ecological matters: he already announced he will issue an encyclical on ecology by the beginning of the next year, and often mentioned the notion of human ecology in his speeches – the last time Nov. 25, speaking in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“The Pope’s love of the poor and vulnerable in society makes him equally sensitive to the natural environment,” said Fr. Chrissavgis.

On the other hand, Patriarch Bartholomew has “worked tirelessly for the awakening of people’s conscience about climate change. Hence the title that he has been given by journalists: ‘the Green Patriarch.”

Fr. Chrissavgis noted that “it is true that natural and human ecology are inseparably linked. The way we treat people, and especially the poor, is directly reflected in the way we respond to environmental issues; and the way we respect God’s creation is manifested in our attitude toward human beings created in the image of God. Indeed, both visionary leaders can discern this truth.”

“It would be wonderful – and natural – for the Pope and the Patriarch to stand together on this issue and sign a common declaration, just as Patriarch Bartholomew co-signed the Venice Declaration with Pope John Paul II in 2002. I can certainly foresee this happening in the near future.”

Source and Original Content by CNA

Church Gives 1,000 Thanksgiving Dinners to the Homeless

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Church Gives 1,000 Thanksgiving Dinners to the Homeless

More than 100 volunteers distributed 1,000 meals to homeless and homebound people in Detroit on Thursday through Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit.

The fifth-annual meal distribution also included passing out bottled water, hand sanitizer and personal hygiene kits, according to church spokeswoman Laydell Harper.

The menu was turkey, dressing, green beans and cake.

“The reason we go find the hungry is because what we discovered is that a lot of the folks can’t get to the shelters and various places that are serving,” Harper explained. “That’s our way of giving back to the community and we do that in all different ways.”

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

Christmas Concert Organizers Ban Carols

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Christmas Concert Organizers Ban Carols

A town orchestra says their audience will only get secular festive tunes this year.

Northampton Concert Band says it’s been gathering feedback from the community over the years.

It claims a survey of last year’s programme showed that carols scored consistently low in terms of audience enjoyment.

It says it doesn’t want people to feel ‘press-ganged’ into singing.

So this year their concert, held at the Holy Sepulchre Church, will consist of instrumental seasonal songs, such as ‘Walking in the Air’ and ‘Fairytale of New York’.

Concert Manager, Brian Crutchley, says church goers felt pressured to sing along, making them ‘uncomfortable’:

“I can understand that a lot of people do not enjoy singing in public, even with such a great band accompanying them.

“With the feedback we’ve had from our survey, we thought we’d drop carols from the concert altogether, which leaves room for other popular music for our audience to listen to.

He added, “If people want to sing carols, they’re better off going to a carol service.”

Stephen Bell, the band’s musical director promised they wouldn’t be “short-changing” their audience:

“They will still get two hours of top entertainment. The band will be performing some ‘lighter’ repertoire along with some well-known seasonal music.”

The band has 40 members and was originally formed by a group of First World War ex-servicemen in 1919.

Source and Original Content by Premier Christianity

Nigerian Christian Chibok Schoolgirl Prays That Militants Will Find Salvation

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Nigerian Christian Chibok Schoolgirl Prays That Militants Will Find Salvation

An 18-year-old Christian Nigerian schoolgirl who escaped during terror group Boko Haram’s attack on the village of Chibok in April recalled her ordeal in an interview in the U.S., and said that she prays the Islamic militants will turn to God and renounce their violent ways.

“In the Bible, God says that He can talk to people, even in their dreams,” Mercy Paul told NBC News in an interview. “I pray that they find that God is forgiving and merciful and that they stop doing what it is that they’re doing.”

Paul was one of the 276 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in the attack on Chibok. She managed to escape, however, and is now studying at a boarding school in Canyonville, Oregon.

Recalling the attack, Paul noted that militants set the girls’ school on fire, before forcing the students onto trucks and driving them into the forest.

“I jumped,” Paul said, “not knowing if I would be able to walk or whether I would die.”

Although dozens of other schoolgirls also managed to escape, more than 200 remain captured by Boko Haram. Despite an international campaign calling for their release, and the Nigerian army’s efforts to find the girls, they have not yet been found. Boko Haram’s leaders have said that the girls have been converted to Islam and sold off as brides.

The Islamic terror group has waged war on the Nigerian government for over five years now, raiding and taking over a number of towns. Earlier in November, the militants came back to carry out another raid in Chibok, and proclaimed that the town is under its Islamic caliphate.

Christians have been heavily targeted by the terror group, which has carried out bombings of churches and shot up entire congregations.

Boko Haram has also carried out several violent attacks on schools, with a suicide bomber killing 48 students in the northeastern city of Potiskum earlier this month.

The Nigerian government reported in October that it had reached a ceasefire deal with Boko Haram and was negotiating for the release of the kidnapped schoolgirls, but those hopes were dashed when it was revealed that the parties it was in contact with were not part of the real Boko Haram leadership.

Non-profit groups have been reaching out to help victims in Nigeria, however, and Paul’s relocation to the U.S. was made possible by Christian group The Jubilee Campaign.

The organization is also raising funds to help all 57 schoolgirls who escaped Boko Haram to come to America and finish school.

Source and Original Content by Christian Post

Real Madrid Logo looses Cross to Please Muslim Supporters

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Real Madrid Logo looses Cross to Please Muslim Supporters

A cross which is part of the Real Madrid club crest is being removed in an apparent move to appease Muslim supporters.

The European Champions, from the Spanish capital have signed a new lucrative sponsorship deal with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

Local newspaper reports suggest the change of the badge was brought in to make sure no offence was taken in the Islamic United Arab Emirates, where a marketing drive will take place.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez called the deal a “strategic alliance with one of the most prestigious institutions in the world”.

The change in design hasn’t formally been announced but it was seen at the launch of the new deal where a number of the club’s stars, including Welsh international Gareth Bale, were in attendance.

Premier has contacted Real Madrid but is yet to receive a response.

Source and Original Content by Premier Christianity

US Church Commences ‘Drive-Thru’ prayers

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US Church Commences ‘Drive-Thru’ prayers

Busy drivers in California can now be blessed by a pastor through their car window.

The first drive-thru service at the car park of the Holy Spirit Church in Fremont was held on 17th November.

Around 35 cars arrived within the first hour.

It’s proven so popular that it will now be repeated every weekday evening, during the ‘rush hour’ period.

The church itself is one of the oldest in the area, having been founded in 1886, but Pastor Rev Matthew Vellankal was keen that they should adapt to fit around modern, busy lifestyles.

He said he was inspired after hearing about a similar scheme in Florida, as well as Pope Francis’s comments that ‘we should go where the people are’.

They don’t spend any money on advertising, as a parishioner simply holds a sign saying ‘Drive Thru Prayer’ at the intersection of Fremont Boulevard and Central Avenue during rush hour.

The aim of the scheme, Rev. Vellankal says, is to offer comfort and solace to people who are very busy.

He adds: “We live in a fast-paced society and if people don’t have an hour to pray, they might have a few minutes”.

Each driver spends a few minutes with the pastor.

Services are between 5 – 6pm every weekday evening.

Source and Original Content by Premier Christianity

Bishop Advises the Use of Koran at Charles’ Coronation

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Bishop Advises the Use of Koran at Charles’ Coronation

A senior Church of England bishop has said a passage from the Islamic Holy Book should be read out at the coronation of Prince Charles.

Speaking in the House of Lords the former Bishop of Oxford Lord Harries said it would be a ‘creative act of accommodation’ to use the Koran.

Normally at a coronation of a British King or Queen Christianity is the only religion involved in the service with readings from the Bible only.

Lord Harries, who’s now serving as an assistant bishop in the diocese of Southwark, told peers the Church should use ‘its historic position in a hospitable way’.

He raised a service at Bristol Cathedral last year where a passage of the Koran was read before the Christian service.

“It was a brilliant creative act of accommodation that made the Muslim high sheriff feel, as she said, warmly embraced but did not alienate the core congregation. That principle of hospitality can and should be reflected in many public ceremonies, including the next coronation service,” he said.

In the past Charles has spoken about his relationship with other faiths.

He once said he wanted to be known as ‘Defender of Faith’ rather than the current ‘Defender of the Faith’ title.

The bishop’s speech has been criticised by the Christian Institute.

Simon Calvert from the organisation told the Daily Mail: “Most people will be amazed at the idea that a Christian leader would consider the use of the Koran at a Christian service in a Christian abbey.

“People are just so disappointed when senior Church of England figures lose confidence in the claims of the Christian faith.”

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Pope Urges Muslims to Openly Condemn IS

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Pope Urges Muslims to Openly Condemn IS

Pope Francis will hold talks with senior Muslims today where he’s expected to reiterate calls for them to openly condemn the actions of Islamic State.

The Pontiff is on a trip to predominantly Muslim country Turkey and is due to visit a mosque in Istanbul.

He’ll also say mass at the city’s cathedral.

Yesterday he urged Muslim leaders to condemn the “barbaric violence” committed in Iraq and Syria in the name of Islam.

The Holy Father is in the country to improve inter faith relations but has taken the opportunity to raise the problem of Islamic State.

The extremist group has forced the majority of Christians in many parts of the Middle East to flee their homes.

In some places it offered an ultimatum to believers to pay a tax or face death.

Speaking yesterday at Turkey’s government-run Religious Affairs Directorate the Pope said: “As religious leaders, we are obliged to denounce all violations against human dignity and human rights.

“As such, any violence which seeks religious justification warrants the strongest condemnation because the omnipotent is the God of life and peace.”

He also reaffirmed his belief that military action was justified to stop the extremists.

Mehmet Gormez, Turkey’s top cleric, said: “Those who veer away from the message of Islam – which is a call for peace – and spread violence and savagery are in a state of rebellion against Allah no matter what they call themselves.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Islamophobia in the West was a factor in the rise of Islamic State.

“Those who feel defeated, wronged, oppressed and abandoned … can become open to being exploited by terror organisations,” he said.

The Pope is due to visit Sultan Ahmet mosque, Turkey’s most important place of Muslim worship, before saying mass at Istanbul Cathedral.

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian News

17 Arrested over Christian school attack In Bangladesh

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17 Arrested over Christian school attack In Bangladesh

It’s claimed a Christian school in Bangladesh has come under attack by around 200 extremist Islamists.

Steve Kim Mission School, which is funded by a South Korean Christian, was accused of forcing Muslim children to convert to Christianity. Pupils of all faiths attend classes.

The incident is said to have took place earlier this month, but is only just coming to light.

World Watch Monitor says the attackers vandalised classrooms, destroyed the bakery and stole several items including computers and projectors. They also reportedly set fire to the library, burnt Bibles, hymnals and chairs; then cut the electricity lines of the school and destroyed a generator.

No students were harmed but it’s believed 12 of the 14 staff members at the school were attacked.

Local police say 17 people have been arrested.

Source and Original Content by Christianity News

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