Pennsylvania Nun Forgives And Prays For Rapist at Sentencing

-
0
Pennsylvania Nun Forgives And Prays For Rapist at Sentencing

A Pennsylvania nun who was physically and sexually assaulted last December forgave her attacker and prayed for him ahead of his sentencing on Wednesday.

The 86-year-old victim did not appear in the Beaver County court, but her written statement was read by another sister.

The Sisters of St Joseph of Baden nun was walking through the parking lot of St. Titus Church in Aliquippa on December 13 at 11:30am, trying to put newspapers in a recycling bin.

Andrew Bullock, 19, approached her, and asked if she needed help. He then exposed himself, grabbed her by the throat, and choked her on the ground. Bullock raped her and punched her in the face, breaking her jaw.

Police matched his shoes with footprints found in the snow at the scene, and he admitted to the crimes.

Despite being a victim of a horrific crime, the elderly nun’s statement was one of compassion and hope for the young man.

“You, Andrew, are my brother, and you, like me, are a beloved child of our heavenly Father God,” she wrote. “And our Father asks of his children to love one another and forgive one another. And, this I do, Andrew, by God’s merciful grace.

“My profound and permanent prayer for you, Andrew, is that you wholeheartedly take advantage of the educational, uplifting, socially positive opportunities that may be available during your prison time,” she continued.

“I pray that one day both of us can look back upon what happened and understand even more truly, that, as Scripture says: ‘All things work together unto good for those who love God.’ Learn to love God ever more, Andrew, for He certainly loves you and yearns for you to have a healthy, holy and happy life.”

Bullock was sentenced to 18 1/2 to 37 years in prison.

Source and Original Content by Christian Today

Asia Bibi ; British MPs Lobby Pakistan Over Fate of Christian Mother

-
0
Asia Bibi ; British MPs Lobby Pakistan Over Fate of Christian Mother

More than 50 MPs have written to the Pakistani government calling for an urgent review of the Asia Bibi case. Mrs Bibi, an illiterate Christian farm worker from Punjab, has spent five years in prison after been accused of blaspheming Mohammed during an argument with neighbours over a well.

Last month the Pakistani high court upheld the death penalty imposed on the mother of five, despite widespread protests from around the world. In a joint letter, written by Conservative MP Rehman Chishti, a Muslim, the 54 British MPs say that a miscarriage of justice has taken place, and call on the Pakistani prime minister, Nawaz Sharif and the chief justice, Nasir-Ul-Mulk, to consider this case as a matter of urgency. If the sentence were carried out, Mrs Bibi would become the first woman in Pakistan’s history to be executed for blasphemy.

She now faces further delays seeking an appeal to the supreme court. Mr Chishti, the MP for Gillingham, has raised the case of Asia Bibi in Parliament on several occasions. Last month he also asked the Prime Minister, David Cameron, to take up the case with the Pakistani government. Mr Cameron told the House of Commons that “we have been pushing the Pakistan government to amend the blasphemy laws, and I will be speaking to the Prime Minister.” The case involving 43-year-old Mrs Bibi has gained worldwide attention, highlighting Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws, which critics say are often used in local disputes or to settle grudges.

Two Pakistani politicians, the Muslim Salmaan Tasser and Christian Shabhaz Bhatti, were murdered for standing up for Mrs Bibi. Canada has offered her asylum, a group in America has raised a petition of 200,000 signatures calling for an end to US aid, and a French journalist has ghost written her memoirs.

Source and Original Content by Catholic Herald

Cast Set for Sequel to the’The Bible’ Miniseries

-
0
Cast Set for Sequel to the’The Bible’ Miniseries

Bible believers tuning in to the next Bible-based blockbuster likely will find that it falls into their comfort zone.

That’s because the production team behind the 12-episode NBC event series A.D., set to premiere next Easter Sunday, April 5, is known for their Christian faith and have a track record of producing Bible-based material that is both faithful and respectful to its source.

Plus, the miniseries by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey will be a follow-up to their highly rated and well-received The Bible miniseries. A.D. chronicles the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion as the tiny band of followers fight for survival while they try to spread the Word to the world. But they have hope and soon they have power: the amazing miracle of the Resurrection, and the arrival of the Holy Spirit upon them.

Burnett and Roma Downey have assembled the cast for the miniseries, according to deadline.com. In addition to her later work, Downey is remembered for her starring role on the television drama Touched By an Angel… Read More

Source and Original Content by Charisma News

Gospel Star Asks Judge for Visitation Rights to His Children

-
0
Gospel Star Asks Judge for Visitation Rights to His Children

A Grammy-nominated gospel music star is asking a judge for the chance to see his children again.

James Fortune was arrested last month in Stafford on suspicion of aggravated assault family violence. Court documents indicate he has not been allowed to see his four children as a condition of his release on bond, which he posted the day after his arrest.

According to a motion filed by Fortune’s attorney the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is investigating now to ensure his children were not being harmed or neglected. That same document indicates his wife, Cheryl is the “complaining witness.” It’s unclear what the extent of her alleged injuries might have been. Fortune’s attorney tells Eyewitness News that another report that she had suffered broken bones is not accurate…Read More

Source and Original Content BCNN1

Understanding The Ministry Of Angels

-
0
Understanding The Ministry Of Angels

Seen Any Angels Lately?

Angels are spiritual messengers, they appear in every major religious tradition. Whatever your personal belief, angels are available to help you if you tune in to their energy and ask them for assistance. I invite you now to open your mind and heart to the invisible world where the angels live.

As a photographer and spiritual energy healer, I am both familiar and comfortable with angels. Human beings have dense physical bodies, but we also inhabit an invisible world of energy and spirit. One way to experience the energy of this invisible world is through works of art, music, meditation prayer……

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to encounter angels in situations some people would call coincidences or miracles. In my work as a healer, I am often assisted by angels and healing guides. Each energetic connection I have with a person is the result of an angel working through me—sometimes directly, by giving me energy or support; other times indirectly, by sending their healing vibrations.

My first experience with angels occurred at age fifteen as I stood at the bedside of my dying grandmother. I listened in awe while she matter-of-factly described the angels she saw floating on the ceiling of the hospital room. “The angels are here, see them?” she said, pointing upward. I was thrilled that she assumed I could see them too.

Angels often manifest in order to help us make the transition between life and death. It is common for the dying to communicate with them. Children, too, often interact with angels; since they have recently arrived from the spiritual world, the veil separating them from angelic domains is thin, allowing easy passage from one realm to the other. With maturity, however, societal influences inhibit their ability to leave the physical realm. Fortunately, adult communication with the spiritual world is now gaining acceptability.

Angels have protected me for years. Once, while a close friend was driving us down an icy road, he asked me to seek angelic protection. I began to visualize a large angel in white standing on the hood of the car—a technique I often employ when traveling by car or airplane. Ten minutes later, we hit a patch of ice. The car spun across the highway into oncoming traffic, then careened onto the grassy shoulder. The first words my friend spoke were, “Thank your angels, we could have been killed…Read More

Source and Original Content by Angels of New York Book

Conquering Anger in Your Marriage

-
0
Conquering Anger in Your Marriage

Has your marriage turned into a battlefield full of hidden explosive devices?

Do your conversations escalate into arguments rapidly?

Has communication collapsed in fear of your spouse’s anger?

Communication is the master key to a successful marriage and it’s probably one of the things you loved most about your spouse when you were dating. You remember those long conversations where you felt safe sharing everything that was on your heart. Now after a few years of marriage you can barely get out the first few words without bombs exploding.

Your spouse’s anger can open the door for a spirit of bitterness to take root in you. I see it all the time in the office. The angry husband that realizes he has a problem and wants help to change, but the wife is barracked behind a wall of pain and distrust.

That pain is often attached to word curses that have dropped like bombs in the midst of the battle.

Salvo’s fly with words like:

“You are such a nag!”
“You are bitter, just like your mother!”
“Nothing is ever good enough for you!”

These word curses fuel the battle and leave wounds of rejection that demonic kingdom will use over and over to keep the war fresh.

It’s time wave the white flag and call a truce…Read More

Source and Original Content by AandBCounselling

Billy Graham Celebrates 96th Birthday, BGEA to Debut “Heaven” Film

-
0
Billy Graham Celebrates 96th Birthday, BGEA to Debut “Heaven” Film

At 96 years old, Billy Graham’s desire to share hope with the world is as strong as ever. On Nov. 7, the day Graham celebrates his birthday, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will debut Heaven, a film that includes a never-before-seen message from Billy Graham.

Graham’s message was recorded last year, while the aging yet still passionate evangelist worked with a camera crew to capture his thoughts in a series of interviews at his home in Montreat.

“I know I’m going to heaven. I’m looking forward to it with great anticipation,” said Graham, who explains in the film how people can share that same hope.

When Graham celebrated his 95th birthday last year in Asheville, 800 guests gathered to watch The Cross, a 30-minute program that was the first of a five-year project called My Hope with Billy Graham. The 2013 film was the largest outreach ever conducted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared through thousands of churches and watched by hundreds of thousands on television in the U.S. and Canada. This year, My Hope will have a special focus in the United Kingdom as more than 9,000 churches in the country are participating in the outreach.

For his 96th birthday, Graham plans a more subdued evening at home enjoying the company of family members who plan to visit him during the week of his birthday. However, he hopes people will join him in watching Heaven, the latest My Hope with Billy Graham film… Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

Phrases Successful People Don’t Say

-
0
Phrases Successful People Don’t Say

Stephen Akintayo — If you want to become more successful as an entrepreneur or in your career, you can start by making a habit of talking and thinking more like the people you know or read about who are already successful.

Here are some phrases you’ll never hear a successful person say:

1. “We can’t do that.”

One thing that makes people and companies successful is the ability to make solving their customers’ problems and demands their main priority. If a need arises repeatedly, the most successful people learn how to solve it as quickly as they can.

2. “I don’t know how.”

Instead of automatically shutting down solution-finding, successful people learn what they can in order to succeed in a project or in their career. For example, you would never see a truly successful international business consultant who travels to Italy multiple times per year refusing to learn Italian.

3. “I don’t know what that is.”

Pleading ignorance doesn’t make the problem go away. It just makes the asker find someone who is able to work with them to solve the problem. While’s it’s always good to be honest with those you interact with, finishing this phrase with “but I’ll find out” is a surefire way to become more successful.

4. “I did everything on my own.”

The best people know to surround themselves with others who are smart, savvy and as dedicated as they are. What makes this work is always giving credit where it’s due, as due credit to you will always come back in hand. Recognize those that have helped you or made an impact and you’ll continue to earn success and recognition yourself.

5. “That’s too early.”

You would never hear Benjamin Franklin or someone such as Steve Jobs say, “that is too early for me to be there.” If there is a networking meeting, project launch or interview opportunity at the very beginning of the day, the most successful people do what it takes to be there. Part of being successful is being at the right place at the right time, no matter if you’re a morning bird or night owl.

6. “That’s too late.”

Along the same lines, if you’re asked to a 9 p.m. dinner by a potential business partner, and you can make it, definitely go. You may be tired the next day, but the connections you will make during a small dinner or after-hours meeting can make all the difference when it comes to your career or next project.

7. “It’s too bad we couldn’t work together.”

Truly hitting it off with someone can be a rare occurrence, but if you truly connect with someone and want to work with them, find a way to make it work. Finding people that you really enjoy communicating with don’t come along too often, so whether it’s a case study or a new business, successful people know that working with those who truly align with your personality and interests are the path to true success.

8. “Let’s catch up sometime.”

Many times, this phrase is said as filler, without any true follow up. Successful people know that if they really want to catch up with someone, they follow up to make it happen. This also builds on the idea that the most successful people have worked hard to build genuine connections and relationships within their network, without any hidden agenda. Nurturing your network means being thoughtful of others, while keeping your relationships with them on top of your mind.

9. “I’m sorry, I’m too busy.”

If an opportunity comes their way, successful people do what it takes to make it happen. Sure, this might mean longer hours occasionally, but if you want something to work, that is what it takes. After all, according to Lao-Tzu: “Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.’”

10. “That was all my idea.”

Again, as mentioned in number four, the most successful people spread the wealth when it comes to doling out praise from a successful project. No idea is truly one’s own — it’s a sum of their experiences from interacting and building off of collaborative ideas with a team. Doling out praise and encouragement is a crucial part of building a successful company and culture… Read More

Source and Original Content by PraiseWorld Radio

“I Read The Bible Everyday… ” – George W. Bush

-
0
“I Read The Bible Everyday… ” – George W. Bush

Former president of the United States of America, George W. Bush addressed an estimated 200 civic and business leaders in Dallas, USA at an event to raise awareness about the Museum of the Bible project in Washington, D.C. During the discussion, Bush emphasized how much the Bible was an integral part of his daily life as president.

“I read the Bible every day during my presidency,” said Bush, who shared the stage with Hobby Lobby President and Museum of the Bible Chairman, Steve Green.

“The easiest time to be faithful is during a time of crisis. The hardest time for faith is when all is well. Faith informed my principles and decisions, but not my tactics. It would give me strength, but I didn’t use my faith to make decisions. Freedom is a faith informed principle,” the former Commander-In-Chief of the United States said.

Scheduled to open in 2017, the Museum of the Bible will feature religious artifacts said to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Bible museum project was an effort that began five years ago when Green started collecting ancient religious manuscripts, including papyri, Torahs and Bibles, from all over the world. In 2012 he purchased a 430,000-square-foot building near Capitol Hill for $50 million, which is being renovated to house the museum’s collection.

Bush also shared his thoughts about the Museum of the Bible’s opening and its location in the nation’s capital. “The museum is a great idea. It’s very important that the Museum of the Bible invites and makes people of all faiths feel comfortable. It will be an important part of our capital.”

According to the museum fact sheet, once completed the Museum of the Bible will include eight floors and a basement that will house more than 500 biblical texts and artifacts; one rooftop biblical garden; permanent exhibits on the history, impact and narrative of the Bible; libraries and museum galleries; and will be open to 60 seminaries and universities worldwide whose students will be conducting research on the Green family’s collection… Read More

Source and Original Content by PraiseWorld Radio

Police Use Car GPS to Find Abducted Woman

-
0
Police Use Car GPS to Find Abducted Woman

A woman snatched off the streets was rescued with the help of a GPS tracking device that had been installed on the suspect’s car by the dealer in case it needed to be repossessed, authorities said Thursday.

It was just the latest arrest made possible by the surveillance technology that is seemingly everywhere nowadays. And it involved not just GPS but surveillance video, traffic-camera imagery and a left-behind cellphone.

Carlesha Freeland-Gaither, 22, was resting at her mother’s home in Philadelphia after a three-day ordeal that ended in Jessup, Maryland, on Wednesday when federal agents surrounded the car and seized the kidnapping suspect, who was lying next to her in the back seat.

“My understanding is she continued to fight throughout this ordeal,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said. “She’s really a very, very strong young woman and just very, very lucky to have survived this.”

The FBI filed a kidnapping charge Thursday night against the man accused of abducting her, Delvin Barnes, 37. He also faces unrelated state charges that he abducted and attempted to kill a 16-year-old Virginia girl.

Police did not disclose a motive for the Philadelphia kidnapping. Court documents said Barnes confessed and told authorities he didn’t know his victim…Read More

Source and Original Content by Ndtv

1...3,8053,8063,807...3,893Page 3,806 of 3,893