Christian charities call for calm after Nigeria postpones general election

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shared the news in the early hours of Saturday morning – a few hours before polls were scheduled to open.

There has been growing concern since the election was rescheduled to 23rd February that some citizens will not voice their grievances peacefully but resort to violence.

 

Speaking from Abuja, the country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria, Charles Usie, said: “The postponement has definitely disrupted a lot of things, and there are fears that this could lead to a higher level of voter apathy than would have happened if the election had taken place on Saturday.

“This is because many people had to travel to locations where they are registered to vote and might be discouraged from travelling long distances again.

“However, we have seen over the years that Nigerians are a resilient people.

“This might just be the push that is needed for citizens to go out en masse to vote. Nevertheless, there is still a very real risk that the outcome of the polls could trigger post-election violence, especially in already volatile areas.”

Christian Aid has partnered with the Christian relief and development charity Tearfund to raise a fund to “mitigate collaboratively against this potential violence”.

The charities will work with key stakeholders like the Emergency Management Authority, traditional and faith leaders, INEC and…

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

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Dozens of Missionaries Forced to Flee Haiti amid Growing Violence

Dozens of Missionaries Forced to Flee Haiti amid Growing Violence



Missionaries are being forced to leave Haiti amid growing violence in the country.


According to media reports, there have been riots in the country, calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moise. CBN News reports that families have had to go into hiding and people are paying money to travel safely on the streets.


“There have been lots of demonstrations in Haiti over the past year. There are lots of people that are unhappy with the government and the way the president is doing things. It’s just been escalating and building up,” said Lisa Honorat, a missionary who has since fled the country.


“It was all over the country, not just in the city,” she said. “There have been roadblocks and looting and burning tires, burning cars. If anyone tries to go out on the street, they will destroy your car. It’s very dangerous.”


“A man we talked to on the plane yesterday said he got through by driving but at every checkpoint, he had to pay between U.S. $500 and $5,000 just to get through.”


James Roberts, vice president of Haiti Arise, says the riots and violence started when food and fuel depots were closed.


“People couldn’t even buy food, if there was any available, because the money got devalued. So, we were starting to run out of food for all our people,” he said.


Mission organization Dirt Road Project had plans to travel to Haiti to help with those food…

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

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BBC defends controversial Songs of Praise lunchtime slot

A member of the Church of England’s governing body claimed bringing the programme forward to 1.15pm meant it was missing peak-time evening audiences. The show, which first aired during the early 1960s, previously took early-evening slots.

But a BBC spokesman told Premier: “Songs of Praise has moved to a new time on Sunday’s to ensure consistency in scheduling, make it easier to find for viewers and to avoid the programme being displaced by sporting events which can often overrun.”

 

Addressing fellow members of General Synod, Chris Angus from the Diocese of Carlisle was quoted by The Times as asking if leaders “had questioned why the only regular religious television programme previously to be broadcast in peak time has these past few months been marginalised to a slot early on Sunday afternoons.”

PA

Songs of Praise presenters Pam Rhodes, Aled Jones and Diane-Louise Jordan

 

In a written response, Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said he had been informed by the BBC that the schedule change meant Songs of Praise episodes were accessible on BBC iPlayer for longer during Sundays.

Anthony Devlin/ PA Wire

 

Last March, it was announced that independent companies would take over production of Songs of Praise from the BBC.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to…

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Five Micro-Strategies for Growing Your Church

 

Podcast Episode #512

SUBSCRIBE:
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Growth in a church doesn’t have to be the result of a large strategy. Today we discuss how a few small things can lead to big growth.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • Many pastors and church leaders try to start too much in their church.
  • Too many local community ministries don’t have a clear outreach component that connects people to a church service.
  • Outreach to local adults with special needs is a great opportunity for a church to serve its community.
  • Small increases in a church can lead to big momentum for growth.

The five micro-strategies we discuss are:

  1. Get a commitment from one or two groups.
  2. Start a ministry from scratch with a clear outreach component to it.
  3. Find a group in your community that may be neglected in ministry.
  4. Make Pray and Go an ongoing ministry of your church.
  5. Try a few of the 16 adjustments.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network


Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.com.


Today’s episode is sponsored by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Be…

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

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Divination – Christian Movie

Do not trust every spirit – Supernatural forces collide in ‘Divination’. Jason (D’angelo Midili) is a young, successful artist married to the lovely Jessica (Natasha Sims). They’re filled with joy at their first pregnancy and the uncanny return of their mysterious friend Dee (Lisa Coronado). But Jason is tormented by Fear (Tucker Boggio) continually whispering nightmares and horrific visions into his mind. As he descends deeper into madness an intervention is made by the powerful angel Joshua (Philipp Aurand), and his eager assistant Daniel (James Grixoni). ‘Divination’ is pure spiritual warfare, a thriller like no other.

Do not trust every spirit.

Sidewalk Prophets – These Simple Truths Tour – Benton, IL

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         Ten years ago Sidewalk Prophets released their first album These Simple Truths.  The songs from that album (Words I Would Say, You Love Me Anyway) would dramatically impact their ministry and lives. Because of the doors that album the band has been able to travel the world, meet amazing people, and hear powerful stories.  Through all of those experiences they’ve been able to see Christ at work and so many ways.  Now, Sidewalk Prophets want to take those miles on the road and the the stories they have compiled on the the road and share them with you. Hear the stories behind the songs you’ve come to love, PLUS get a preview of the new music to come! Join us for the “These Simple Truths Anniversary Tour”.
     

     
    -Gets you into your seats 90 minutes before the show starts-PLUS you get to be a part of the bands daily devotional-PLUS a limited edition VIP After Party tour laminate-PLUS entry into the VIP After Party(Meet the band, share stories and have a blast!)

    -Gets you into your seats 90 minutes before the show starts -PLUS you get to be a part of the bands daily devotional

    -This is your ticket to the show!
     
    *All ticket prices increase on day of show when purchased at the door. 
    FAQs
     What’s the refund policy?
    There are no refunds for ticket purchases.  If you end up with a change in plans or something unexpected coming up, the tour will gladly donate your tickets to someone who cannot afford to be in attendance. 
    ***Online sales will close at Noon the day of show. Unless otherwise noted tickets will be available at the doors. Call 615-358-8756 to see if tickets are still available.***
    Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
    You can redeem your ticket either by printing the ticket or by having ticket QR code saved on your mobile device.  Printing off your tickets is the fastest and easiest way to get you into the show.
    What time should I arrive at the concert?
    If you purchased a general admission ticket, please plan on arriving 60 minutes prior to the scheduled door time.  If you have early entry or VIP tickets, please plan on arriving 90 minutes prior to the scheduled door time.  When your scheduled event is closer, you’ll receive an email with detailed arrival instructions.  
    If you purchased merchandise during the ticketing process the items that you purchase will be set aside for you on the day of show.  Please know that is your responsibility to pick up the merchandise on the day of show.  If you fail to pick up merchandise you will be responsible to cover the shipping cost of getting the product to you once the tour leaves town.
    Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
    Yes, as long as you have permission.
     Does the event use haze / strobe lighting?
    This event does utilize fast moving lights, as well as strobing effects and haze.  Those with sensitivies should exercise caution. 
     Is this event Handicap Accessible?
    Please email [email protected] and she can get you all information on accessible entrances and seating.
    Does my child need a ticket for the show?
    Our rule of thumb is the following. If you child will sit in a seat, they will need a ticket. Any lap children do not. 
    Are photos/video allowed?

    Yes, photos and video are allowed at the show.  Please note that by posting any photo or video from the show that the tour has authority to post/repost/re-use this content.   Date and Time.
    Sun , 05 , May ,2019 – 01:05:am BST
    Sun , 05 , May ,2019 – 04:05:am BSTLocation
    Benton Civic Center
    414 W Hudelson Street
    Benton, IL 62812

    Benton
    Source

    REQUIEM FOR THE LIVING–Concert with Choirs and Orchestra

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      Friday & Saturday, March 8 & 9 @ 7:00 p.m.
      Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church and Cupertino High School Choirs Present:
      Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living

      Featuring over 300 musicians in choirs & orchestra

      Harp, piano & organ solos

      Spirituals with tenor soloist Trente Morant

      The concert features Dan Forrest’s powerful Requiem for the Living (2013), a five-movement prayer for rest based on Biblical texts (Ecclesiastes and Job) and traditional Requiem texts. The texts and music move from pouring out grief, and wrestling with the problem of pain and sorrow, to finding hope in Christ’s redemption, seeing God’s glory in creation, and arriving at rest and peace in Christ, even while living in our broken world. Several rousing spiritual settings featuring tenor soloist Trente Morant round out the program.
      Reception immediately following the concert.  
      No cost to attend; a free will offering will be collected to help offset concert costs. Seating is limited and by advance reservation. Please arrive early, we cannot guarantee your reserved seat after 6:50 p.m. Free onsite parking.
      NOTE: Performers do not need to reserve a seat.

      Date and Time.
      Sat , 09 , March ,2019 – 03:03:am GMT
      Sat , 09 , March ,2019 – 05:03:am GMTLocation
      Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church
      728 West Fremont Avenue
      Sunnyvale, CA 94087

      Sunnyvale
      Source

      Jews and Sufis: Shared Musical Traditions

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        From at least the sixteenth century up to the present, Hebrew devotional poetry (piyyutim) set to Ottoman/Turkish makam music for use in the synagogue has shown the close relationship Jews established with members of Muslim mystical brotherhoods in Ottoman regions. This program presents selections from these shared musical repertoires.
        Performance by Dünya Ensemble with discussion by Katz Center fellow Edwin Seroussi.
        Visit our website for more information on the performers and speaker.
        Date and Time.
        Sun , 17 , March ,2019 – 06:03:pm GMT
        Sun , 17 , March ,2019 – 07:03:pm GMTLocation
        Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church
        412 Pine Street
        Philadelphia, PA 19106

        Philadelphia
        Source

        The reward a Texas couple found in a bottle from 1962

        While walking on the Gulf Shore near Corpus Christi, Jim and Candy Duke found an unusual bottle. It contained a note explaining that the bottle had been released in 1962 by scientists studying the role of water currents on the movement of shrimp.

        Here’s the good news: if the person finding the bottle completed and mailed the enclosed postcard, they would receive “a fifty cent reward.”

        The current lab director offered to pay the Dukes as promised, though it would cost the agency fifty-five cents for a stamp and three dollars to print the check.

        What was the most powerful computer in 1962?

        I’ve been thinking about some of the changes to our culture since 1962.

        Technological advances are an obvious example. In 1962, the most powerful computer in the world was the Ferranti Atlas. It filled a room, took six months to assemble, and was difficult to keep running for ten minutes at a time.

        Technology has revolutionized our lives, but its advances are a double-edged sword: they have put mobile computing in our pockets but also fueled the plague of pornography and provided a platform for terrorist recruiting.

        In 1962, the Civil Rights Act was still two years away. Governmental legislation soon advanced the biblical mandate to reject racism (cf. Galatians 3:28), but other legislation has overturned centuries of biblical morality regarding marriage, gender, and the sanctity of life.

        The Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1962 celebrated groundbreaking discoveries “concerning the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its significance for information transfer in living material.” This work was foundational to genetic advances that are revolutionizing medicine today. However, these advances could also enable eugenic alterations that would redefine and threaten the future of our species.

        In 1962, President Kennedy announced the goal of putting a man on the moon by the end of the decade. Thomas Kuhn’s book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, was a…

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

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        New Movie: The Gospel of John

        The Gospel of John takes the story of Jesus from John’s gospel with its own unique characteristics. For John, Jesus is the Word of God made human. John is clear that that when encounter Jesus, we encounter God. The gospel writer points to the miracles (the ‘Signs’) and teachings as evidence of Jesus’ special relationship as the divine Son of God.

        This full-length feature film about the life of Jesus takes the actual Gospel text as its script, word for word, unedited. Five years in the making, this epic production has been critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic telling of the Jesus story. Narrated by leading British actor David Harewood (‘Homeland’, ‘Blood Diamond’, ‘Merchant of Venice’) it is based on the latest theological, historical and archaeological research. With specially constructed sets and the extraordinarily authentic villages and countryside of rural Morocco, it immerses the viewer in the world of first century Palestine…Read More
        Release Date: (Netflix) December 1, 2014
        Release Date: (DVD) TBA!

        Source and Original Content by Christian Filmdatabase