Bishop Michael Curry Says Episcopal Church Won’t Stop Supporting Gay Marriage Despite Anglican Suspension

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Bishop Michael Curry Says Episcopal Church Won’t Stop Supporting Gay Marriage Despite Anglican Suspension

Christian Post Report – Retired Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire and the first openly gay priest elected as a bishop in a major Christian organization, Gene Robinson.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has admitted that the Episcopal Church’s suspension in January by the Anglican Communion for supporting gay marriage is fair, but said that it will not change their stance on the issue.

“We’re not changing — so there shouldn’t be an expectation that in the next three years the Episcopal Church is going to change,” Curry said at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. earlier this week, according to an article on the Institute on Religion & Democracy blog Juicy Ecumenism.

“This is who we are,” Curry added.

Anglican Communion leaders announced at a major meeting in January that they are suspending the Episcopal Church for three years due to its 2015 vote to authorize same-sex marriage ceremonies in church.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby(Photo: Reuters/Toby Melville)The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (L) speaks with protestors in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, southern Britain January 15, 2016. The Anglican Church has slapped sanctions on its liberal U.S. branch for supporting same-sex marriage, a move that averted a formal schism in the world’s third largest Christian denomination but left deep divisions unresolved. The Anglican communion, which counts some 85 million members in 165 countries, has been in crisis since 2003 because of arguments over sexuality and gender between liberal churches in the West and their conservative counterparts, mostly in Africa.

“The traditional doctrine of the Church in view of the teaching of Scripture, upholds marriage as between a man and a woman in faithful, lifelong union. The majority of those gathered reaffirm this teaching,” the Anglican Primates affirmed.

“Recent developments in The Episcopal Church with respect to a change in their Canon on marriage represent a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching held by the majority of our provinces on the doctrine of marriage. Possible developments in other provinces could further exacerbate this situation,” they added.

Curry reflected that the Anglican decision makes sense because of the doctrinal disagreements, but insisted that the Primates “did not vote us off the island.” He said that Episcopalians are still part of the “Anglican family” despite the developments.

“Because we differ on a core doctrine, it would not be seen as appropriate for us to represent the Anglican Communion in ecumenical, interfaith, ambassadorial relationships. That’s fair,” Curry added.

“Because we disagree on core doctrine they are asking that we not cast our vote on matters of doctrine or polity — not about our life together and a whole bunch of other things that get considered.”

Retired New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson, who in 2003 became the first openly gay bishop in a relationship, thanked Curry for the way the Episcopal Church has handled the controversy.

“Thanks for not throwing us under the bus — the LGBT community as well as the Episcopal Church, we’re proud of you,” Robinson said.

Robinson has been an outspoken voice for LGBT rights, and in March 2014 wrote to Pope Francis asking him to change the Roman Catholic Church’s official doctrine that defines homosexuality as a disorder, arguing that such a teaching is “the basis for discrimination, rejection and violence the world over.”

Anglican leader Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, has continued trying to push for reconciliation between conservative African bishops and their more liberal North American counterparts.

Welby said back in January that the Episcopal Church is facing “consequences” for stepping out of line with the Anglican Communion, but clarified it is important not to refer to the decision against the Episcopalians as “sanctions.”

Source : Christian Post

Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colors,’ ‘War Room’ Score Big on Awards Night Celebrating Faith & Values in TV, Movies

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Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colors,’ ‘War Room’ Score Big on Awards Night Celebrating Faith & Values in TV, Movies

Christian Post Report – Dolly Parton during the red carpet ceremony with Movieguide founder Ted Baehr (L) and 8-year-old actress Alyvia Alyn Lind, who plays a young Parton in Coat of Many Colors.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — At Movieguide’s 24th Annual Faith & Values Awards Gala, Dolly Parton was awarded the Epiphany Prize for the Most Inspiring TV Program of 2015 for her NBC TV movie “Coat of Many Colors,” a story of her upbringing in rural Tennessee around the time she was 9 years old.

“I really wanted to celebrate the people, my whole family, who made me who and what I am today. I’m so blessed and thankful for a great cast, producers, director, and for everyone who watched and I’m extremely thankful to the Movieguide Awards for this honor,” Parton said.

During an evening celebrating family-friendly entertainment, “War Room” came away with the $100,000 Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie of 2015. The event, held at the Universal Hilton last Friday, will be telecast Monday, Feb. 22 and Wednesday, Feb. 24 on the REELZChannel.

The Epiphany Prizes are supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. They are given every year to the “best, most inspiring movie and television program that resulted in a great increase in man’s love or understanding of God.”

The Grace Award for Most Inspiring TV Performance by an Actress, went to 8-year-old Alyvia Alyn Lind who played the young Dolly in “Coat of Many Colors.”

Movieguide(Photo: John Fredricks/One Ten Pictures)Movieguide’s 24th Annual Faith & Values Awards Gala, held at the Universal Hilton last Friday, will be telecast Monday, February 22 and Wednesday, February 24, 2016, on the REELZChannel.

Ted Baehr, founder and publisher of Movieguide, also released the 2016 Annual Report to the Entertainment Industry at the event that shows that the most family-friendly movies averaged more than $73.01 million per movie in 2014 in the U.S. and Canada, but that “the least family-friendly movies with the most offensive, obscene, or anti-family, immoral content averaged only about $17.59 million.”

The study extensively analyzed the content of the top movies released by the major studios in Hollywood earning $750,000 or more, including the major independent studios.

“Most people want to see good conquer evil, truth triumph over falsehood, Justice prevail over injustice, Liberty conquer tyranny, and beauty overcome ugliness,” said Baehr, as reported by Movieguide. “They also would like to take their whole family, including their grandparents, to the movies more often.”

As a family advocacy group, Movieguide has been analyzing the content of movies and comparing box office numbers since 1991.

“We’ve found similar results in practically all of our previous studies,” Baehr noted. “However, last year was one of the best years for family-friendly entertainment.”

Cast of Woodlawn (Photo: John Fredricks/One Ten Pictures)

From Left: Tony Nathan, the former NFL and college football star who was the central figure in the movie “Woodlawn” is joined by cast members Nic Bishop, Joy Brunson, Caleb Castille, and Marcus Henderson.

Alex Murashko is currently working with One Ten Pictures as an associate producer, developing and working on projects that include stories about people and organizations making a difference in this world as ambassadors for Christ. He previously was a Church & Ministry Editor/Reporter for The Christian Post. He also worked at the Los Angeles Times Orange County Edition and at the Press Enterprise in its Southwest Riverside County bureau. Website: AlexMurashko.com.

Source : Christian Post

5th Century Underground Church Discovered in Turkey Depicts Jesus Rising Up Into the Sky

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5th Century Underground Church Discovered in Turkey Depicts Jesus Rising Up Into the Sky

Christian Post Report – Priests hold a mass at Surp Asdvadzadzin Patriarchal Church in Istanbul, Turkey, April 24, 2015, as part of events to commemorate the victims of mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks.

Turkish archaeologists excavating the world’s largest known underground city in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey have found a fifth century underground church with scenes of Jesus rising into the sky.

“This place is even bigger than the other historical churches in Cappadocia. It was built underground and has original frescoes that have survived to this day,” the mayor of Nevsehir, Hasan Unver, told Hurriyet Daily News.

“We didn’t even think of finding such a structure when we first started works. But excavations and cleaning work are continuing and we hope to find new data relating to the history of Cappadocia,” the mayor said.

“It is reported that some of the frescoes here are unique,” Unver continued. There are exciting depictions like fish falling from the hand of Jesus Christ, Him rising up into the sky, and the bad souls being killed. When the church is completely revealed, Cappadocia could become an even bigger pilgrimage center of Orthodoxy.”

Unver said the church may have been built in the fifth century AD.

The thin walls of the church collapsed because of snow and rain, but can be restored, according to the archeologists.

“We have stopped work in order to protect the wall paintings and the church. When the weather gets warmer in the spring, we will wait for humidity to evaporate and then we will start removing the earth,” archaeologist Ali Aydin was quoted as saying.

Aydın also said that the side walls of the church were still underground and the frescoes there are likely to be intact. “Only a few of the paintings have been revealed. Others will emerge when the earth is removed. There are important paintings in the front part of the church showing the crucifixion of Jesus and his ascension to Heaven. There are also frescoes showing the Apostles, the saints and other prophets Moses and Elyesa [Elijah].”

In December 2014, the archeologists found the underground city, consisting of about 3.5 miles of tunnels, churches and escape galleries dating back around 5,000 years. The city was found under Nevsehir fortress and the surrounding area during an urban transformation project carried out by Turkey’s Housing Development Administration.

Five other churches have previously been discovered in the same underground city. It is believed that early Christians used the underground city to hide during the widespread persecution of Christians after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Christianity’s spread to Turkey started in the early fourth century, and these discoveries could help archaeologists learn more about the practice of early Christianity in the region.

Source : Christian Post

A Case of Church Burnout

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A Case of Church Burnout

Christian Post Report – “I just did not have the energy to keep coming back to church.”

Though my consultation with the church took place many years ago, I remember vividly my interview with a member of the church who had recently dropped out. Her departure stunned the members and leadership. She was the one member you could count on. She was there “every time the doors were open.”

And then she never showed up again.

She simply sent an email of resignation of all ministries and left.

This church member experienced classic church burnout. And, as a consequence, she put herself on the sidelines of local church ministry, unsure if she would ever come back to active

Source : Christian Post

Is That a Bible? Be Careful!

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Is That a Bible? Be Careful!

Christian Post Report – It is amazing that people today want to treat anything from the Bible as if it’s asbestos, to borrow a line from Christian attorney Jordan Lorence, if it somehow shows up in a public school. Historically, it was the push to teach the Bible that gave birth to education for the masses in the first place. This was the forerunner to the public school. How ironic.

A seemingly minor conflict in a small Texas public high school is symptomatic of a major conflict in society at large.

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/anti-christian-bible-like-asbestos-public-schools-kountze-texas-cheerleaders-156913/#soOAGMjte6P2fl1g.99

Source : Christian Post

Futuristic Food: 3D Print Your Pizza, Spaghetti Sauce and Gaucamole

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Futuristic Food: 3D Print Your Pizza, Spaghetti Sauce and Gaucamole

Christian Post Report – A chocolate bear printed with a 3D food printer of the company XYZprinting is seen the IFA Electronics show in Berlin, Germany, September 2, 2015.

Descriptions of food typically include the use of adjectives such as delicious, mouth-watering, scrumptious, delectable, flavorful, appetizing, succulent and (for those over-the-top indulgent desserts) decadent. But Natural Machines and 3D Systems, makers of 3D food printers Foodini and ChefJet, would like consumers to add inventive and futuristic to the list.

A food printer?

The growing number of devices for 3D food printing has the potential to completely alter the way in which consumers view food and food preparation. But the Foodini and its brethren aren’t the same as the 3D printers being used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Those printers generally run at one speed and print plastic. The Foodini is programmed similarly, but it works with numerous ingredients and prints edible creations. Instead of ink cartridges, 3D food printers utilize food capsules. There are a surprising number of 3D food printers currently on the market or poised to enter the market. Some of these include the Choc Creator from Choc Edge, the Discovery Extruder from Structur3D, the 3D Fruit Printer from Dovetailed, and the Original Food Printer from Fab@Home.

Ease of use

In a recent 3Ders.org article, a Natural Machines spokesperson said, “Foodini’s main purpose is to take on the difficult and/or time-consuming parts of food preparation that often discourage people from creating homemade food.” The Foodini offers pre-loaded and pre-tested recipes, or users can design their own. If using a pre-loaded recipe, the user selects the recipe using the touch-screen interface or a separate internet-connected device and will be directed on ingredients to add to the stainless steel food capsules. For example, with Foodini’s recipe for pizza, the dough and sauce – the more difficult parts to make from scratch – are printed, but the cheese, spices and toppings are added by hand.

The current iteration of the Foodini does not actually heat or cook food, which means those who want a hot meal still will need to turn on a stove or oven. However heating and cooking are features expected in future versions. Bocusini, a 3D food printer startup partially funded on Kickstarter, recently introduced a prototype that includes a heating feature. The company has told users they can expect to enjoy a reduction in cooking prep time as well as less time spent on cleanup.

What about variety?

Desserts, sweets, candies and chocolates are the most common and perfected items currently produced by 3D food printers. However, menu items are quickly expanding. Pancakes, cheese, biscuits, pasta, spaghetti sauce, potatoes, some seafood and even ice cream have been printed. Earlier this year, Chef Mateo Blanch from La Boscana restaurant in Lleida, Spain, created the first 3D printed five-course meal. The menu included items such as caviar cookies with lemon and strawberries as well as hummus and guacamole. Thus far, Chef Blanch is only one of a handful of Michelin-starred chefs using the 3D food printing technology.

Try it, you just might like it

Printing food significantly shifts the consumer-food relationship. In a world in which technology has been embedded in almost every aspect of life, some believe 3D food printing is a natural progression. It uses more naturally grown foods, such as algae, sprouts, vegetables and dried fruits, rather than meat, which is a boon for vegetarians and vegans. Also because much of the printed food does not require cooking, shelf stability is increased and there is no need for refrigeration or freezing.

However, until heating and cooking becomes more commonplace, 3D food printing doesn’t offer much in terms of texture. The consistency generally seems to be varying degrees of paste. Those who enjoy the crunchiness, graininess, creaminess or crispness of each bite may want to delay trying 3D printed food until the process is a bit more refined.

Pricing for 3D food printers varies greatly, ranging from $200 to $5,000. Not everyone will agree that 3D food printing is the next great invention, but it’s hard to deny that these printers are game-changing instruments that could impact consumer behavior and provide a potentially valuable alternative in food preparation and storage.

Source : Christian Post

Costco vs. Walmart Tires – Which Is Cheaper?

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Costco vs. Walmart Tires – Which Is Cheaper?

Buying tires is a big and costly deal, especially if you like to change all four tires at the same time. Being the bargain hunter I am (see my track record here), I set out with steely determination in my eyes to do my research and get the detailed price breakdown to find out who wins the price war when it comes to cost versus what you get.

Anecdotal accounts of family and friends reveal two big-box stores with a strong reputation for low prices – Costco and Walmart. Before driving to the nearest Costco and Walmart for a price quote, I did research to narrow down and select the exact tire I wanted to avoid the chaos of juggling multiple factors.

I called up my trusty dad who is a pro bargain hunter (especially when it comes to cars and home improvement), and found out that he recommends Michelin. But being a journalist, the cliché phrase, “If your mother tells you she loves you, check it out,” rings in my ears and I can’t help but factcheck my dad’s choice against an unbiased source. I turn to Consumer Report, a monthly product review magazine that is trusted by subscribers because it does not accept advertising and pays for all the products it tests, and is a non-profit organization with no shareholders.

A 2015 article published in Consumer Report titled, “What brands make the best tires? Consumer Reports rank the top tire maker,” ranks Michelin (“Dad, you’re right!”) as the number one tire brand after careful performance test. The magazine boasts that it offers a list of detailed comprehensive test findings on over 170 models.

“Across the board, Michelin offers nearly a perfect blend of grip, handing, low rolling resistance for good fuel economy, and long tread life,” read part of the review.

I decided to specifically go with the Michelin Defender, an all-season tire suitable for family cars with an impressive 90,000 mile warranty.

michelin tire (Photo: Reuters/Regis Duvignau)

Workers hold a motorsport racing tyre stocked in the Michelin tyre company’s factory in Clermont-Ferrand, central France, July 10, 2013. Picture taken July 10, 2013.

Now here comes the fun part you’ve all been waiting for.

My local Costco Tire Center (note taken: too busy on Saturday with 2.5 hour wait. Go on weekdays as early as possible) informed me that the total cost before tax will be $541.12. Costco sold the Michelin Defender 205/55R16 for $133.99 per tire but had, at the time, a $70 instant savings for any member who bought a set of 4 new Michelin tires.

The store offers a flat rate $15 installation package per tire that includes:

• mount and balance
• balance and rotation for the life of the tire
• new rubber valve stem
• inflation checks for the life of the tire
• nitrogen tire inflation
• flat repairs for the life of the tire
• Costco scrap tire disposal
• reset tire pressure monitoring system
• wheels hand torqued to manufacturer’s specifications
• mileage warranty
• road hazard warranty
• manufacturer’s defects warranty

As for Walmart, my local store does not carry Michelin tires and I would have to order them using the company’s website and have them delivered for free. A Michelin Defender tire 205/55R16 costs $136.23 per tire, which is $2.24 more expensive than Costco’s price. Moreover, Costco offers the $70 instant discount when you buy four Michelin tires, which is a deal Walmart doesn’t offer. That means we are talking about a $78.96 price difference (Costco $465.96 vs. Walmart $544.92) in terms of a set of four tires.

Walmart quoted the installation of the tire as including:

• balance for lifetime of tire – $9/tire
• new rubber valve stem – $3/tire
• road hazard warranty – $10/tire
• tire disposal – $1.50/tire

This price breakdown means we are talking about an installation package at Walmart of $23.50 per tire, which is higher than Costco’s $15 per tire.

Just out of curiosity, I went to another popular auto service center, Mr. Tire, which states on its website that it has over 1,000 locations nationwide. Mr. Tire sold the Michelin Defender 205/55R16 for $169.99 per tire for a total of $679.96 for a set of four.

In terms of installation, Mr. Tire says there is no charge for the following: tire mounting and balance, lifetime rotation, new valve stem, and tire disposal. But Mr. Tire charges $23.78 per tire for road hazard coverage and $10.49 for shop supply fee.

At the end of my tire bargain hunting, I concluded that Costco won out by a long shot. Check out the price breakdown for yourself.

costco vs. walmart chart

Source : Christian Post

Pastor Adeboye ask Members of RCCG to Evangelism for Souls

CM Editor
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Pastor Adeboye ask Members of RCCG to Evangelism for Souls

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Adeboye asked all Members of RCCG to Evangelism for Souls .

He said in order for your prayers to be answered, you need to evangelize for lost souls.

Watch the Video Below

Tyrese Says He Lacks Nothing Because He Has Jesus

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Tyrese Says He Lacks Nothing Because He Has Jesus

Christian Post Report – Actor Tyrese Gibson poses during the GQ Men of the Year party in West Hollywood, California, December 3, 2015.

Model, actor, and singer Tyrese Gibson is known for his racy music and his role in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, but the R&B singer recently took to Instagram to credit Christ for the “influence” he has on others and to declare that he lacks nothing because of Jesus.

Gibson tends to make the most of social media by frequently posting comments and videos about his views on happenings in popular culture. Lately his online platforms are being used more and more to share his faith. In a recent Instagram post he revealed that his success is not the reason for his wealth.

“Every show while I’m singing I’m praying, when I lift my hands I am thanking the Lord Jesus Christ for the God given stage of influence he has given me,” Gibson wrote.

His very passionate posts often get criticized for being inspirational yet vulgar because of his use of foul language, but he is unfazed by what people think or say.

A photo posted by TYRESE (@tyrese) on

“I fear no man….. I walk in my truth and in my life’s purpose everyday…….. I am clear that God is my SOURCE and people and things are just resources……… God IS my source…. And I want for nothing cause I have it ALL cause I have Jesus……. #Amen,” Gibson ended. Gibson first emerged on the R&B scene in the late ’90s and since then has become a household name mononymously known as Tyrese. He made his acting debut alongside Taraji P. Henson in the 2001 film “Baby Boy”. The Grammy nominated singer is seemly targeting this generation with the message of finding worth in God and not fame and fortune. He often talks of his Christian faith and how it anchors him during his many motivational video rants. In a past Facebook post, he clearly stated that he believes Jesus is the remedy to cure the insistent desire for relevance, fame and fortune. The actor said, “When you love yourself deep within. When you fall in love with Jesus and you’re completely submerged in Christ your heart and soul is fulfilled independent of what’s in your bank account and where you are on the charts.” In that same message Gibson went on to say that when people are obedient to their God-given assignments and visions, they should anticipate huge life-changing blessings. He also said that there is great reward on the other side of obedience. Gibson’s company, Voltron Entertainment, is capitalizing on the reach of social media and although he has accomplished much, he regularly says he is aiming higher. The talented triple threat recently joined hip- hop legend Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons on The Oprah Winfrey Network’s newest series “It’s Not You, It’s Men.”

The series brings viewers insights on sex, love and relationships from their different perspectives. Gibson is a single father in search of his dream woman, while Rev Run has been happily married for more than 20 years and is a father of six.

Source : Christian Post

Al-Qaeda Terror Group Releases 80-Y-O Christian Missionary, but Still Holding Husband Captive

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Al-Qaeda Terror Group Releases 80-Y-O Christian Missionary, but Still Holding Husband Captive

Christian Post Report – Ken and Jocelyn Elliott

An Australian Christian missionary who was kidnapped by an al-Qaeda affiliate in the African nation of Burkina Faso last month has been released, however, her husband still remains detained.

Jocelyn Elliott and Dr. Ken Elliott were kidnapped in mid-January by militants associated with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Mahgreb in the town of Djibo, which is near the Mali border.

The Christian couple, who are both in their 80s, have lived in the Djibo since the 1970s and operate a 120-bed medical clinic in the town where Dr. Elliott is the only surgeon. The Elliotts’ clinic is the only one located within hundreds of miles of the location.

The coupe was kidnapped on the same day that the al-Qaeda-linked group attacked the Burkina Faso capital of Ouagadougou and killed at least 27 people, including other missionaries.

In an audio recording released Friday, the Islamic extremist group explained that it was going to release Elliot as to “not make women involved in the war.”

“It is our religious duty to respect the civilians, based on the [Islamic] prophet’s hadith on not harming women, the elderly and the children, and based on the guidance by our commanders,” the statement asserts.

Niger and Burkina Faso authorities are still working to secure Dr. Elliott’s release.

The militant group said in the audio message that it kidnapped the Christian couple in hopes of being able to work out an agreement for the release of some of its fighters.

“The primary motive behind their kidnapping was to [gain] the release of our captives who sit behind bars and suffer the pain of imprisonment, as well as being deprived of their basic rights,” the message added.

Elliott was released in Burkina Faso’s neighboring country Niger over the weekend and returned to Burkina Faso on Monday, when she arrived at the airport in Ouagadougou.

According to a post on Dr. Elliott’s facebook page Monday, Jocelyn Elliott was quoted as saying after her release that she is looking forward to sleeping “in a lovely bed.”

“I am very moved to be here with my Burkina family. I want to thank the people of Burkina for their support in my absence,” Elliott said in French. “I want to be with my husband shortly so that we can go to Djibo and continue there.”

Elliott’s children issued a statement thanking the Niger and Burkina Faso authorities for their assistance in freeing their mother and continued effort to free their father.

“The Elliott family are deeply grateful for the safe release of our mother Jocelyn,” the statement from the family reads. “We wish to convey our great appreciation to the authorities in #Niger and #Burkina Faso for their support and assistance.”

“For over four decades she has served the Burkinabe people together with our father Dr. Ken Elliott,” the statement continued. “They are separated now but united in their desire to bring healing and hope to the people of Northern Burkina Faso and the surrounding regions.”

The family remains hopeful that the militants will eventually release their father, as they did their mother.

“We are trusting that the moral and guiding principles of those who have released our mother will be applied to our elderly father who has served the community of Djibo and the Sahei for more than half his lifetime,” the statement added. “We respectfully request that they be allowed to continue their work together in providing essential surgical services.”

Source : Christian Post

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