Young Boy Denied Kidney Transplant Because Father Violated Probation

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A hospital denied a 2-year-old boy a life-saving kidney transplant when they learned of his father’s probation violation.

REUTERS/Keith BedfordSurgeon Karim Zalazun looks at a monitor displaying a donor kidney for patient Adam Abernathy, who participated in a five-way organ transplant swap, in New York, August 1, 2012.

Anthony Dickerson was supposed to donate his kidney to his son, AJ Burgess, who was born a month early and came without functioning kidneys. Dickerson is a 100 percent match for the toddler.

When Emory Hospital learned that Dickerson spent time behind bars for violating his probation, they denied the family the surgery. He was arrested for possession of firearms.

Janet Christenbury, the hospital’s director of media relations, told the Daily News that their policies for organ transplantation are meant to maximize the chance of success for organ recipients and minimize risk for living donors.

She emphasized, “Transplant decisions regarding donors are made based on many medical, social, and psychological factors.”

The hospital reportedly agreed to reevaluate the case in 2018 if Dickerson maintains good behavior for three to four months prior to donating his kidney.

The surgery was scheduled early in Oct. but Dickerson was arrested by authorities in Gwinnett County just before that.

Carmella, AJ’s mother, is worried that her son will not make it to 2018. She said that the toddler needs bladder surgery. More importantly, the boy’s body is failing. A few months ago, the two-year-old suffered a stroke, which only made the transplant more urgent.

“‘He’s been through a lot,” the mother said. Unconvinced about the hospital guidelines, Carmella believes the hospital is punishing their boy for his father’s actions.

AJ could be placed on the kidney transplant waiting list but chances of getting an immediate transplant are slim. The National Kidney Foundation suggests that the patients on the list would have to wait three to five years on average. On the other hand, AJ, being a child, will be one of the priorities.

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Five Unintended Consequences of Short Pastoral Tenure

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Five Unintended Consequences of Short Pastoral Tenure

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By Jonathan Howe

Not a week goes by when I don’t hear of a pastor leaving one church headed to another. It happens. We all get that. Unfortunately, some of the names or churches mentioned are the same ones I heard just months earlier. For this post, I’ll refer to anything shorter than 6-9 months tenure as a “short pastorate.

While some circumstances do call for quick pastoral turnover, it’s hard not to wonder if some churches fire their pastor (or the pastor bails) too quickly. Regardless of which side cuts the other loose, the church and pastor are nearly always worse off as a result. The unintended consequences of short pastoral tenure take their toll on both sides.

  1. Members lose trust in the pastors, and pastors lose trust in churches. This seems obvious, but if a pastor leaves a church and the church feels like the pastor burned them in the process, the next pastor will find the deck stacked against them. If the pastor is the one burned, there will be a greater scrutinizing and distrust of the next church—if there is a next church.
  2. Your current church will wonder if it will happen to them. If you had a short pastorate at your last stop, the church you go to will inevitably wonder if the same will happen to them. Trust is hard to gain and easy to lose. Short pastorates eat up trust on both sides of the equation.
  3. The staff is demoralized. Regardless of where the blame for the short pastorate lies, the staff is left to pick up the pieces after a pastor leaves. They have to answer the questions, deal with more uncertainty, and try to move forward in a new normal they weren’t expecting—and one they often contributed little to.
  4. The vision of the church is clouded. When a new pastor comes in, a new vision and direction is usually cast. After a short pastorate, there is great uncertainty about the vision and direction of the church. Do you continue in the direction the last pastor was leading? Do you return to what it was before the short pastorate? Does someone internally rise up and cast a new vision? Those are just three options. And it’s likely that different areas of the church will gravitate to a different one. Then you have a whole new set of problems.
  5. Financial waste. This is the most practical consequence of a short pastorate. Financial resources are expended to find a new pastor only to turn around and spend that much or more to do it again within just a few months. It’s a wasteful use of funds. Money for ministry becomes money for mistakes.

In closing, if you’re in a situation and considering leaving your church after just a few months, I exhort you to reconsider and pray earnestly. Far too often “God told me” becomes a convenient cover for “this is hard, and I want out.” Churches, the same goes for you. Far too often “God told us” becomes a convenient cover for “we don’t want to change.”

Jonathan Howe serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at LifeWay Christian Resources as well as the host and producer of Rainer on Leadership and SBC This Week. Jonathan writes weekly at ThomRainer.com on topics ranging from social media to websites and church communications. Connect with Jonathan on Twitter at @Jonathan_Howe.

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China’s president urges party to promote ‘Chinese’ religion

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China’s president urges party to promote ‘Chinese’ religion

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President Xi Jinping opened a twice-a-decade national congress by highlighting the need for the party to take on a more forceful role in society and economic development, and better address “grim” challenges facing the country.

Speaking at the Great Hall of the People near Tiananmen Square in Beijing, Xi laid out his vision of a ruling party that not only defends national security but also provides moral guidance to ordinary Chinese people as well.

Chinatopix via AP

 

He told hundreds of delegates in his three-and-a-half-hour address: “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is no walk in the park or mere drum-beating and gong-clanging.

“The whole party must be prepared to make ever more difficult and harder efforts.

“To achieve great dreams there must be a great struggle.”

Xi is expected to get a second five-year term as party leader at the gathering.

He also pledged that the party would have “zero tolerance” for corruption and said it would “continue to purify, improve and reform itself”.

 

China’s President has in the past warned that religious influences could infiltrate the country from abroad.

The country is currently ranked 39 in a list compiled by Open Doors of the 50 worst countries in the world for Christian persecution.

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Open Heavens 19 October 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – All Things Work For Good

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Open Heavens 19 October 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – All Things Work For Good
Open Heavens 19 October 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – All Things Work For Good

Topic: All Things Work For Good — Thursday 19, October 2017.

Memorise: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Read: Acts 8:1-8 (KJV)

1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

Bible in One Year: Ephesians 5-6, Philippians 1, Daniel 9:16-27, Hymn: Sing Hymn 4 – Through The Level Of God Our Saviour

MESSAGE:

When we look at the situation of the world today, we can be tempted to think that God has withdrawn from the world He created, but nothing could be further from the truth. Our God is very much in charge of His created order. He has never and He will never lose grip of His created universe. One reason why some people think it is immoral to link God with what is happening in the world today is the evil that permeates the world as a result of sin being perpetrated by the men and women of this age. Such people believe that if God is involved in the affairs of this world, then the terrible things we are witnessing today should have triggered His direct intervention. Such opinions are not new; they were also expressed by some people at the time of the early Church, to whom Peter responded with the words of 2 Peter 3:9:

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 20 October 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Importune Prayer Or Vain Repetitions

The events described in today’s Bible reading showed God’s people living in a very difficult time. The persecution of the early Christians by the Jews, which claimed the life of Stephen, caused the believers to scatter all over the then known world, in a bid to escape further persecution by the Jews. However, the dispersion resulted in the spread of the gospel. Philip, who was initially commissioned to minister to the widows of Jerusalem, became a city-wide evangelist in Samaria. The Bible testifies thus about him:

“5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” – Acts 8:5-6

You can therefore see that indeed, all the things that happened in Jerusalem, including the scattering of the disciples, worked together for the salvation and deliverance of the people of Samaria and other parts of the world. My prayer for you is that all the things you are passing through this season will work together for your good in Jesus’ Name. However, only those who love God have all the assurance of all things working together in their favour, especially those who are called according to God’s purpose. Therefore, ensure that your love for God is sincere, so that your expectations will not be disappointed.

Prayer Point: Father, in accordance with Your word, let all things begin to work together for my good in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.


An Earth-Shaking Sign of the End Times You Might Have Overlooked .

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An Earth-Shaking Sign of the End Times You Might Have Overlooked .

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The Resurrection, rapture, War and Second Coming all happen at the same time, are part of the same release of power, which also shakes the whole earth. (Pixabay/Angelo_Giordano)

Yeshua taught that there would be many earthquakes in different places around the world in the end times (Matt. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11). Earthquakes can sometimes be the result of a clash of spiritual forces behind the scenes. There was an earthquake when God visited Elijah at Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:11-12), and in the time of King Uzziah (Zech. 14:5; Amos 1:1).

Earthquakes can occur as the result of our prayers, prophecies and praises—when combined with the work of angels and the fire of the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:25-26; Rev. 8:3-5;  Rev. 11:13, 19). There was an earthquake at Mt. Sinai (Ex. 19:18) and also at the time of Yeshua’s crucifixion (Matt. 27:54) and resurrection (Matt. 28:2).

The word for earthquake in Greek is seismos (as in “seismic” and “seismograph”). In Hebrew there are two words. One is simply the word for “shaking” and used in Modern Hebrew for an earthquake, re’idah ×¨×¢×™×”×”.

In Biblical Hebrew there is another word, ra’ash ×¨×¢×©, which can be translated as noise, earthquake, shaking or rattling. The sound of the voice of the Lord can actually shake the earth (Heb. 12:26). This word ra’ash also describes the sound at the supernatural manifestation of the glory of YHVH (Ezek. 3:12-13).

This word is found in three significant prophecies about the end times:

  1. Resurrection: There is a vivid and detailed picture of the physical reconstruction of bodies at the moment of the resurrection in Ezekiel 37:1-14. At the moment of the resurrection, there is an earthquake shaking, rattling noise: ra’ash (verse 7).
  2. Great War: When the forces of Gog and Magog attack Israel in the end times, God releases a fiery power to destroy them. This causes a great earthquake: ra’ash (Ezek. 38:19; Is. 29:6).
  3. Second Coming: When the forces of evil reach Jerusalem, the Lord descends to fight them; His feet stand on the Mount of Olives and a huge earthquake takes place, which splits the mountain in two: ra’ash (Is. 29:6; Zech. 14:4-5).

These passages indicate that the Resurrection, the War and the Second Coming take place at the time of the great earthquake and are part of the same event. Since the rapture is described as coming at the same time as the Second Coming and the Resurrection (Matt. 24:31; Mark 13:27; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; 2 Thess. 2:1), it is clear that they are all connected.

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Catholic school in slave costume apology

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Catholic school in slave costume apology

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The note, which had not been approved by senior figures at St Winefride’s primary school in Newham, suggested youngsters in one year 2 class arrive in “dirty and worn out” clothes.

Writing on the school’s website, head teacher Paul Underwood responded: “I have issued a letter to 2N parents regarding the revised Black History Month presentation.

“Once again, I apologise on behalf of the school for Friday’s unauthorised letter and the offence caused.”

According to the Newham Recorder, the letter said: “It might be an idea to not wash these clothes and stain them with tea or coffee to look more authentic.”

Though pointing out the letter was “rogue”, one parent told the local newspaper: “You wouldn’t ask Jewish children to come in and re-enact the Holocaust.”

A spokeswoman told the Recorder: “We understand the importance of Black History Month and celebrate this by studying the success and achievements of black role models.

“The content of this letter is not in keeping with the ethos of the school or a reflection of how the school celebrates Black History Month.”

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in the UK this month, Black History Month recognises the contributions African, Asian and Caribbean people make to the country’s politics, economy and wider culture.

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Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily October 18, 2017 devotional – Push People Up

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Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily October 18, 2017 devotional – Push People Up
Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily October 18, 2017 devotional – Push People Up

Today’s Scripture: “Two are better than one…if either of them falls down, one can help the other up…” – (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV)

Topic: Push People Up [Wednesday October 18, 2017]

We all need somebody to believe in us more than we believe in ourselves. We all need people who will push us up, so to speak. After all, there are enough people trying to push us down in life. There are enough people telling us what we can’t become and how we don’t have what it takes.

I know in my own life, I wouldn’t be half of who I am if it were not for Victoria. She has spoken so much faith into me. She has called out the potential on the inside.

I believe we all have the responsibility to do this for others. Let’s push people up. Let’s look with our eyes of faith and see their potential and tell them what they can become. If you will be that person for somebody else, God will make sure somebody will be that person for you.

Friend, every person has seeds of greatness on the inside. You can cause your children to rise to a new level. You can be the catalyst for your family to do things they never thought possible. Your words have creative power. When you speak vision, that can be the seed God uses to thrust them to a new level.

A Prayer for Today: “Father, today I commit to push people up. I choose to speak life and call forth the seeds of greatness within. Thank You for using me to help others fulfill their destiny in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

From Joel Osteen Ministries.


Israel’s Prime Minister Calls on Christian Journalists to Stand for Iran’s Persecuted Believers .

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Israel’s Prime Minister Calls on Christian Journalists to Stand for Iran’s Persecuted Believers .

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Oct. 15, 2017. (Reuters/Abir Sultan/Pool)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on a group of Christian journalists to put a spotlight on the persecution of Christians under Iran’s Islamic regime.

Speaking at the first Christian Media Summit in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said it’s time to speak out for suffering Christians in Iran.

He cited pastors who are jailed for no other reason than being a Christian leader and believers who have been brutally tortured just for practicing their faith.

“Christians have been lashed—do you hear this?—lashed for sipping wine during prayer services,” he said.

Netanyahu has been warning the world about Iran’s terrorist activities and nuclear ambitions, but he said on this night that he wanted to turn his attention to the persecuted.

“Some world leaders are willing to ignore this repression and seek to appease Iran, but I am not one of them. I think that how a country treats religious minorities is a very good indicator of how it will treat its fellow citizens and its neighbors.”

He then encouraged the Christian journalists to highlight Iran’s suffering believers.

“Dedicate this week to outlining the plight of the countless Christians suffering under Iran. Profile the brave Christian leaders jailed for practicing their faith. Sit with the families, the schoolteachers jailed for years merely for converting to Christianity. … Call out the lies of President Rouhani, who promised in 2013 that all religions would quote “feel justice” in Iran while so many Christians live there in constant terror,” he said.

Sponsored by the Government Press Office, the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office, the summit has brought more than 100 Christian journalists and speakers from around the world to learn about Israel’s biblical and modern history as well as its security challenges. Netanyahu’s address at the Israel Museum kicked off the summit.

The Israeli leader praised President Trump for his action this week, seeking to impose changes to tighten the nuclear deal with Iran signed by the Obama administration.

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Why you need to know about Gracie Gold

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Why you need to know about Gracie Gold

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You may never have heard of Gracie Gold, but you need to know her story.

Grace Elizabeth Gold is an American figure skater. She began skating at the age of eight, winning a national title and an Olympic bronze medal in 2014. She won another national title in 2016.

The 2018 Winter Olympics are only five months away. At a time when skaters are working feverishly to prepare, Gracie is stepping away from her sport. Her explanation: “I am currently in treatment for depression, anxiety and an eating disorder. I will not have adequate training time to prepare and compete at the level that I want to.”

Gracie’s decision is both rare and courageous. As sportswriter Eric Adelson notes, “Depression, anxiety and eating disorders are almost always confronted in private, and in many cases they aren’t even acknowledged or realized by the person facing them.” This is especially true for Olympic athletes: “There is always another practice or sponsorship meeting or fan greeting to do for this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Often the needs of the self are suppressed or ignored.”

The numbers are staggering: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 46 percent of Americans experience at least one mental illness at some point in their lives. The CDC reported in 2011 that antidepressant use in the US had increased nearly 400 percent in the last two decades. Antidepressants are the most frequently used class of medications by Americans ages eighteen to forty-four years.

Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill were known for significant episodes of depression. Celebrities such as Terry Bradshaw, Owen Wilson, J. K. Rowling, and Gwyneth Paltrow have suffered from depression as well. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin was treated for depression and alcoholism and went on to serve as chairman of the National Association of Mental Health.

What causes depression? Counselors cite neurotransmitters in the brain, negative thinking patterns, concurrence of other diseases, side effects of medication, genetics, and difficult life events. A major step forward is admitting the disease and seeking help. That’s why Gracie Gold’s story is so courageous and so significant.

If you’re dealing with symptoms such as feelings of sadness or hopelessness, anger or irritability, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, tiredness and lack of energy, reduced appetite, slowed thinking, feelings of worthlessness, or frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, it is vital that you speak with a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. If you’re not struggling with these challenges, it is vital that you support and encourage those who are.

Where is God when depression strikes? “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). He invites you to “cast all your anxieties upon him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). He promises that “weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Remember that “Christ literally walked in our shoes” (Tim Keller) and is walking in yours now (Hebrews 4:15). So, “let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (v. 16).

Max Lucado is right: “God never said that the journey would be easy, but he did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”

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Church school bars charity’s assemblies over upset

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Church school bars charity’s assemblies over upset

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Intervention by the head teacher comes after a 16-year partnership between St John’s primary school in Tunbridge Wells and CrossTeach.

Writing to parents, Dan Turvey said: “After careful consideration, I have decided that we will end our regular commitment to CrossTeach and that they will no longer lead assemblies or take lessons.”

The school revealed concerns from parents that by welcoming workers from CrossTeach and St John’s Church they exposed students to “extreme beliefs”.

One unnamed parent told The Telegraph youngsters were being told “they would not go to a good place when they died” unless they believed in God.

CrossTeach said its work in schools takes place under constant supervision, and in adherence to school policies and national guidelines.

National director, Wayne Harris said the charity was “very disappointed” by the school’s decision and claimed workers have never been accused of extremist views before.

He said: “Wherever possible we work in partnership with local churches and we reflect their teaching, always aiming to be sensitive to the local context, and recognising that churches vary.

“We teach mainstream Christianity.”

Rev Dick Farr from St John’s Church said the church completely supported Mr Turvey’s letter but urged parents to remember the school was a church school.

Expressing “sadness” at his own decision, Mr Turvey added: “I do not believe CrossTeach has done anything wrong.

“They do not deserve the tarnishing of their good name and allegations of extremism that have taken place over the last few months.”

CrossTeach will still be allowed to operate run a club for children and parents who decide to take part.

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