Something Incredible Is Happening to Thousands of Texas Prisoners

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Something Incredible Is Happening to Thousands of Texas Prisoners

Only God can effect true heart and life change—and Pastor Stephen Wilson knows that all too well.

When Wilson accepted the Lord into his life, he also voluntarily turned himself into authorities and served a two-year prison sentence for a past crime.

After his release, he jumped into ministry, and hasn’t looked back. Now, he’s helping others find Christ by planting churches inside Texas prisons.

“I never really thought about prison ministry until I walked in and saw the hearts of the guys. The very first night I walked into county prison, I was scared to death,” he recently told The Pure Flix Podcast. “[What] made the [biggest] impact on me: seeing these men in a crisis-type situation where you would think it was the lowest part of their lives, they gathered together in prayer. … It blew me away and that’s when the Holy Spirit placed it on my heart and said ‘you really need to minister to these guys.’”

Over the years, Wilson has ministered to and mentored thousands of prisoners who are serving sentences in at least four Texas state penitentiaries.

Wilson, working as a full-time pastor for the Texas-based Gateway Church, brings all the elements of a traditional church service inside the walls of the prison, and lives are being dramatically changed as a result of his work.

Listen to Wilson reveal what’s happening inside the Texas prison system:

“[We had a] November 2018 launch and in eight months [we] had 1,000 men come to know Christ. First-time decisions and recommitments,” he said. “We’re going in and doing baptisms inside the prison. It’s amazing.”

And that was only at one prison campus. Since he spoke to The Pure Flix Podcast, the ministry has opened at least three more prison campuses and is working with prison officials to open even more.

SOURCE: Charisma News, Billy Hallowell

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How Coronavirus Plague Is Affecting Religious Freedom Around the World

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How Coronavirus Plague Is Affecting Religious Freedom Around the World

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is affecting every aspect of life: family, education, work and business. For millions around the globe, COVID-19 is also affecting religious freedom.

Save the Persecuted Christians (STPC), which advocates on behalf of hundreds of millions of Christians facing heavy persecution worldwide, is pointing to a new fact sheet from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which states: “Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in December 2019, governments have begun implementing various public health interventions to control the spread of the illness. These interventions have impacted billions of people worldwide and often involve large public programs, restrictions on freedom of movement and government management of critical resources.”

The mission of Save the Persecuted Christians is to save lives and save souls by disseminating actionable information about the magnitude of the persecution taking place globally and by mobilizing concerned Americans for the purpose of disincentivizing further attacks on those who follow Jesus. And the manner in which the coronavirus has further impacted religious liberties has been worrisome, said STPC Executive Director Dede Laugesen.

“When the world deals with a crisis such as this—the coronavirus pandemic—religious freedom is often affected first, especially in countries that are closed off to Christianity,” Laugesen said. “Situations like these also create opportunities for persecutors to exploit the crisis and operate with a greater sense of impunity. Therefore, it remains imperative for believers who do enjoy religious liberties to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are at risk of anti-Christian violence.”

The USCIRF fact sheet continues:

It is important for governments to account for religious freedom concerns in their responses to COVID-19, for reasons of both legality and policy effectiveness. From a legal perspective, international law requires governments to preserve individual human rights, including religious freedom, when taking measures to protect public health even in times of crisis. From an efficacy perspective, considering religious freedom concerns can help build trust between governments and religious groups, who in past public health crises have played a critical role in delivering health interventions.

In the fact sheet, USCIRF also points to international standards on freedom of religion or belief and public health. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) are the primary international provisions securing the freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) under international human rights law. Both use similar language in providing robust protections to FoRB, and in defining the narrow circumstances under which states may lawfully limit it in furtherance of an identified state interest, including public health.

SOURCE: Charisma News

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In Dr. Tim Clinton’s New Book ‘Take It Back’ he Says Men ‘Must Embrace God’s True Definition of Manhood and Masculinity’ in Order to Impact Culture–Starting With Their Families

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In Dr. Tim Clinton’s New Book ‘Take It Back’ he Says Men ‘Must Embrace God’s True Definition of Manhood and Masculinity’ in Order to Impact Culture–Starting With Their Families

Husbands and fathers are in uncharted territory, with children home from school, possibly anxious or worried wives and perhaps the challenges of working remotely and even “attending” church online.

Their families need them to lead during this difficult time, so how can men do so from a biblical center?

Dr. Tim Clinton, author of the forthcoming book, Take It Back: Reclaiming Biblical Manhood for the Sake of Marriage, Family and Culture, says authentic manhood begins with serving God, and he uses the Bible’s King David as an example.

“David understood that as Israel’s new leader, his son, Solomon, would need to take a stand, leading the people in keeping God’s ways,” Clinton says. “His leadership of Israel, however, had to begin with his own personal integrity before God. David related authentic manhood to serving God. That’s big. The same is true today.

“For men to impact the culture around them and their circles of influence, starting with their families, they must embrace God’s true definition of manhood and masculinity,” he adds. “You don’t have to accept mainstream media’s or some liberal organization’s label of who you are, and you certainly don’t have to accept the mischaracterized version of traditional masculinity—but instead, you must accept the absolute truth of what God’s Word says about you.”

In Take It Back, Clinton notes that J. Oswald Sanders wrote, “When God does discover a man who conforms to His spiritual requirement, who is willing to pay the full price of discipleship, He uses him to the limit, despite his patent shortcomings.”

SOURCE: Charisma News

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Frederica Wilson on Economic Relief for Black Businesses

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Frederica Wilson on Economic Relief for Black Businesses

The coronavirus has come down on our nation’s economy like a sledgehammer and many small businesses may never recover from the impact. This is particularly true for Black-owned businesses.

Earlier this month, congress authorized $7 billion for small business disaster loans, but as with many government programs and processes, bureaucratic red-tape has slowed the process. which in turn pushes businesses desperate for a lifeline deeper in the red.

Many of the small businesses in my district are minority-owned. They still have to pay rent and their employees’ health insurance premiums during this slow period.

One business owner is paying his employees who are stuck at home because their children’s schools have closed. He has hired temporary workers to replace them until they can return to work. This business owner is not sure how much longer he can continue to do that and would greatly benefit from an SBA bridge loan, which are being provided for up to $50,000, to help business-owners like him keep their head above water.

While some of the larger, Black-owned small businesses can benefit from SBA loans, there are many more that cannot afford to take on new debt even at an exceptionally low interest rate. In response, the Congressional Black Caucus has called for government-backed, interest-free loans to businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and independent contractors to cover operating expenses and payroll needs.

Still, piling on new debt could be catastrophic for some small business owners and if they default, for any reason, they would lose everything they’ve worked for, including their homes.

Source: Miami Times

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Louisiana Church Ignores Social Distancing Advice, Welcomes 1,800 People to Church

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Louisiana Church Ignores Social Distancing Advice, Welcomes 1,800 People to Church


Louisiana Church Ignores Social Distancing Advice, Welcomes 1,800 People to Church

A Louisiana church has disregarded the official advice on social distancing and welcomed 1,800 people through its doors.

Despite the rampant coronavirus outbreak, over the weekend Life Tabernacle Church had 26 buses transport crowds of worshippers down to church for Sunday Service. The shocking act of defiance came despite a grave warning from the state’s governor and a plea for churches to temporarily cease operations.

“I would urge that faith leaders and all faith leaders to heed this directive and not necessarily engage in mass gatherings where this coronavirus can spread,” Gov. John Edwards said this week, as he issued a comprehensive “stay at home” order.

However, Life Tabernacle’s Pastor Tony Spell said he would be openly defying the advice and believing God for the protection of his flock.

“That is our command. ‘They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover,'” Spell told WGMB. “When the paramedics can’t get there, when the law enforcement can’t get there, the holy ghost can get there it will make a difference in someone’s life.”

If anyone in his congregation becomes infected with the COVID-19 virus, Spell insists that he will simply invoke the healing of the Holy Spirit. “I’m going to address that by laying hands on them and praying for them and depending on God to heal their body,” he said.

Louisiana is one of the worst-affected states in…

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Netflix’s ‘Self Made’ Tells of First Female Millionaire

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Netflix’s ‘Self Made’ Tells of First Female Millionaire

NEW YORK (AP) — Madam C.J. Walker may be one of America’s most successful “pull yourself up by your own bootstrap” stories, but many have never heard of her. However, that’s changing, thanks to the recent release of a Netflix limited series starring Octavia Spencer.

“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker,” which also stars Blair Underwood, Tiffany Haddish, Bill Bellamy and Carmen Ejogo, tells the story of America’s first female millionaire, who was also black, at the turn of the 20th century. Her path to riches would be noteworthy in any era, but it’s particularly impressive given the discrimination and roadblocks women and blacks had to endure at the time.

“I knew about her since I was a little girl because my mother taught us about her. We were from humble beginnings and Madam was from humble beginnings,” said Spencer. “She dictated her path in life, and what an inspirational and aspirational story to use as an example for young people who were from nothing. … She was able to do all of that without having the right to vote or the right to own anything because of her gender and color.”

Walker, whose real name was Sarah Breedlove, created and marketed hair products for African American women at the turn of the 20th century. The four-part drama is based on the book “On Her Own Ground” by author and journalist A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great granddaughter. Kasi Lemmons, who helmed last year’s “Harriet” film and DeMane Davis both direct two episodes.

Although Bundles says this has been a project “50 years in the making” with many starts and stops, it almost failed this time as well. Spencer says she nearly walked away from the project before basketball superstar LeBron James and his business partner, Maverick Carter, intervened (both are executive producers on the project, along with Spencer).

“There were things that I felt that, in my career, that I needed within my contract,” said the Oscar winner. “Sometimes you reach an impasse. And I am always prepared to graciously walk away, especially now, understanding my value as an actress, as a producer, and understanding what will be required of me when I’m on set.

“So I was graciously bowing out and LeBron (James) and Maverick (Carter) advocated for me. And it’s terrible that they had to, but they did. And that’s what we all need sometimes in the negotiating process. But you also have to be ready to say, ‘Thank you for thinking of me.’”

Walker, who died in 1919 at age 51, was not only an extremely successful business woman, but a philanthropist as well. She gave generously to what are now known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and fought for anti-lynching laws.

Bundles hopes that her great-great grandmother will serve as an inspiration to those who know about her and those who are just learning of her, and that everyone will dig even deeper into her story.

“What has been meaningful for me in these many years of telling her story is to find the other dimensions: that she was not only a woman who was a pioneer of the modern hair care industry, but who employed thousands of African American women and helped to create generational wealth,” Bundles said “She created a hair care company, but she used her money and her influence to make a difference in her community.”

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Follow AP Entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at twitter.com/garyghamilton

Source: Associated Press

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Pennsylvania Church Apologizes for Holding ‘Large Church Service’ Amid Coronavirus Concerns

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Pennsylvania Church Apologizes for Holding ‘Large Church Service’ Amid Coronavirus Concerns

A church in Pennsylvania has issued an apology for holding worship on Sunday amid federal government recommendations that people not hold gatherings of more than 10 people.

Word of Life Church of Greensburg held what Jim Madalinsky of Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 described as “a large church service” inside their church building on Sunday.

The gathering stood in contrast to efforts across the country to reduce large gatherings, including religious ones, in order to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Word of Life Pastor Tom Walters posted a statement to the church’s Facebook page on Monday apologizing for the decision to hold the service.

Walters explained that the gathering began with him and the church staff coming together to pray, with others joining them because “they felt led to.”

“Please believe me when I say that it was not out of arrogance or defiance, but solely for the purpose of praying for our churches, communities, and nation,” explained Walters.

“We certainly want to be a blessing to our community and have certainly tried to be in years gone by. My heart was so heavy to experience the amount of hateful comments we received, but I guess I can understand.”

SOURCE: Christian Post, Michael Gryboski

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Black Businesses in Peril in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic

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Black Businesses in Peril in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many business owners are fearing for their future. These worries are especially pronounced in the state’s black neighborhoods. A survey conducted by the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) found that 90% of respondents are currently experiencing a somewhat to severe negative financial impact due to the crisis.

The survey, published last Thursday, highlighted the often-debilitating effects that the outbreak has had on black-owned businesses.

“Black businesses were already in a precarious position prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report states. “The current crisis has devastated an already hampered business community.” The report notes that without protection efforts, many businesses will suffer long-term consequences.

“The black business community is in dire straits right now,” BECMA Director Segun Idowu told the Banner.

Idowu added that many black businesses lacked stable investments from the city or state. Now, he said, many businesses won’t last 90 days.

The report surveyed 71 business owners, said Idowu, more than a quarter of BECMA’s membership. Sixty-eight percent of respondents said that there would be a significant or severe financial impact on their businesses, with a majority saying that their businesses wouldn’t last more than six months and 47.4% predicting that their businesses would not survive longer than three months. Thirteen percent of respondents noted that their businesses wouldn’t survive at all.

Source: Bay State Banner

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91-Year-Old Greeter is First Person from Arkansas Church to Die of Coronavirus

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91-Year-Old Greeter is First Person from Arkansas Church to Die of Coronavirus

William “Bill” Barton, a greeter at Greers Ferry First Assembly in Cleburne County, Arkansas, where at least 34 people have been struck by the new coronavirus became first of the infected to die Tuesday. He was 91.

State and local government officials confirmed the 91-year-old died at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Conway Regional Medical Center, and was the second coronavirus fatality in the state, according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. The first was a 59-year-old Sherwood man who had underlying health issues.

“Sadly we’ve had our first death from COVID-19 and since that came about earlier today, we’ve had another death so now we have two deaths from COVID-19,” Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said at a press conference Tuesday.

“Today, I’ve had meetings with hospitals, I’ve had meetings with counties, legislators in talking to my public health team. They used this language and said what we’re seeing is the calm before the storm. I know that many people don’t see this as a calm but I think the way that it’s phrased, makes us understand that we’re still on the lower end of the slope as it goes up,” he warned.

While the church has yet to release a formal statement on Barton’s passing, member Gracie Campbell confirmed with the Gazette that Barton had passed and was a greeter at the church.

His funeral arrangements are currently being handled by Bishop-Crites Funeral Home in Greenbrier, where owner Jeff Crites told The Christian Post Wednesday that Barton’s family was distraught and wouldn’t be available for interviews.

“My main concern is taking care of the family,” Crites said.

SOURCE: Christian Post, Leonardo Blair

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International Mission Board Postpones Volunteer Trips Through June 30; Personnel ‘shelter in Place’

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International Mission Board Postpones Volunteer Trips Through June 30; Personnel ‘shelter in Place’

RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — International Mission Board senior leaders have directed IMB missionary personnel around the world to postpone hosting any ministry volunteer groups through June 30, leaders announced Wednesday (March 25). The directive will be reassessed May 1.

“We’re instructing our personnel to postpone all volunteer efforts at this time due to the uncertainty of health and travel for those traveling internationally, and also to comply with the State Department’s guidance,” said IMB President Paul Chitwood. “We strongly recommend that Southern Baptist volunteer teams postpone any travel during this time, particularly overseas travel.”

Chitwood said setting a parameter about volunteer teams is a complex issue because of the global nature of the virus, including with the United States being greatly impacted and movement becoming more restricted.

“We highly value all our field personnel and their partners — our long-term personnel; our mid-term personnel, including Journeymen; and the faithful mission volunteers,” Chitwood said. “Throughout this situation, we are continually assessing local situations in the context of the global crisis and doing our best, at both the local and global levels, to make good decisions for our personnel’s health and safety, and for those who desire to serve alongside us as volunteers for a shorter time.

“Ministry overseas, however, hasn’t stopped as many of our missionaries are making the same efforts to move to online discipleship training and other types of meetings to ensure that Southern Baptists’ work and witness among the nations remains strong.”

Chitwood said every Southern Baptist and other partners have an opportunity to support missions now, even while being restricted in their travel, by committing to a concerted time of prayer.

“We believe that prayer not only paves the way for the Lord to work, but following Jesus’ example, we know that prayer itself is, in fact, part of that vital work,” Chitwood said. “What an incredible opportunity to step into the gap for millions of unreached people while our eyes are on the condition of the world.”

Prayer requests on IMB.org/Pray provide a window on the world, and IMB leaders urge those who are committed to prayer to join IMB’s 175 Days of Prayer, planned for May 11-Nov. 29, 2020, at IMB.org/175.

Olympics volunteers affected

The postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics is affecting volunteers planning to share the gospel and serve other ways through the international event in Japan. IMB’s Olympic ministry coordinators shared a message online as well as through a YouTube video for those volunteers.

“We want you to know that the IMB and our partners here in Japan are still committed to the Tokyo Olympics [when they take place],” said Daniel Rice, who is coordinating IMB’s 2020 Olympic ministries. Between now and then, “our team will continue working hard to keep things moving forward in order to bring the good news of the Gospel to the Japanese. We will make the necessary adjustments to continue our [ministry] plan when the Olympics take place. Our hope is that many of you will be able to join us.

“In the meantime, we ask that you continue to pray for the Japanese people. Many Japanese may feel disappointed and are even concerned that the Olympics’ postponement reflects negatively on them as a nation.”

Source: Baptist Press

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