The legislation introduced in five states would allow educators to challenge Darwinism in science classes
In tandem with a provocative documentary claiming that scientists are not allowed to discuss evidence of design in the universe, lawmakers in several states introduced academic freedom bills that would allow educators to challenge flaws in Darwinian evolution with objective scientific data.

“There is a nationwide trend going on in which people are becoming aware of the fact that scientists have been persecuted because they questioned Darwinism and that there is a need for protections of teachers and scientists to challenge evolution,” said Casey Luskin, program officer for public policy and legal affairs at the Discovery Institute, a Seattle-based intelligent-design think tank.

“The movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed is raising consciousness about this problem, and there is now a nationwide movement to protect teachers who challenge evolution.”

The film, which released April 18, follows actor and social commentator Ben Stein as he travels the globe interviewing educators and scientists who claim they were denied tenure and even fired for questioning Darwinism. The film released as more than 700 scientists from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and universities that included Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rice and UCLA signed the Discovery Institute’s “Scientific Dissent from Darwinism” list.

By signing the document, the prominent scientists and professors acknowledged that they are skeptical of the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life and called for a careful examination of the evidence for Darwinian theory.

Patricia Reiff, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and the director of the Rice Space Institute in Houston, said she agreed to have her name added to the list because there are certain events in the evolutionary process that are mathematically “quite improbable.” She is convinced by the evidence for evolution and does not discuss religion in the classroom, but said “life from nonlife is very, very improbable.”

“Astronomer Fred Hoyle once said, ‘It’s like having an explosion in a junk yard and ending up with a 747,’” she said. “I think there is an option for people of faith to say, ‘Look, there are certain places in the evolutionary structure where the hand of God can be seen.’ ”

After Stein and the producers showed the film to Florida lawmakers, Sen. Ronda Storms and Rep. D. Alan Hays, both Republicans, introduced the Academic Freedom Act, which would allow public schoolteachers to present a “full range of views on biological and chemical origins.” In March, an education committee approved the bill 4-1, but it must be passed by both houses and signed by the governor to become a law. In April, lawmakers in Louisiana, Alabama, Michigan and Missouri introduced similar bills.

“What these bills would do is give protections to teachers and students that they could not be reprimanded or terminated because they engaged in a robust discussion, not on creationism or intelligent design, but just on the scientific strengths and weaknesses of evolution,” said John Stemberger, president and general counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, which joined Stein at a March press conference to support the bill.

Stein and the producers of Expelled hope lawmakers in all 50 states will introduce similar legislation. “People don’t like to be told what is obviously true is not true,” Stein said. “People don’t like to be told that the God who made them in a loving way helps them and is their shepherd every single moment of every day doesn’t exist. We’re sick and tired of being pushed around, and it stops now.”
—Troy Anderson

Howard Ridings, D.D., director of ministry at Strang Communications, died April 17 after a brief illness. He was 79. Ridings was the brother-in-law of Joy Strang, chief financial officer of Strang Communications, which publishes Charisma. Born in New Zealand, Ridings spent more than 50 years in ministry, holding numerous positions in the Assemblies of God and serving as senior pastor of St. Andrews Assembly of God in Panama City, Fla. He and his wife, Rosella, later served as missionaries to Singapore, where they started the Youth and Literature Ministry, and Hong Kong, where they led an international English service that today draws 4,000. After returning to the U.S., the couple founded Christian Center Ministries in Panama City, which they led for 15 years. In addition to his role at Strang Communications, Ridings was on the board of Evangel Fellowship International and was founding pastor of Heart of Orlando Worship Center in central Florida. Memorial services were held April 20 in Orlando and April 22 in Panama City. He is survived by his wife, Rosella; son, Dean Ridings; daughter, Denae Haas; sister, Noelle Midgley; five grandchildren; and numerous extended-family members.

Statement Urges Jewish Evangelism

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) released a statement in March that called on all evangelicals to “forthrightly” share the love of Jesus Christ with the Jewish people. Dozens of prominent evangelical leaders signed the statement, dubbed “The Gospel and the Jewish People,” which acknowledged Christianity’s marred history of anti-Semitism, but argued “the most loving and Scriptural expression of our friendship toward Jewish people” is telling them about Jesus and encouraging others to do the same. The statement ran as a full-page ad in The New York Times, other secular publications and in Christian print as well, including Charisma magazine. Meanwhile, a survey published in the Jerusalem Post on April 10 showed more than 80 percent of American Christians still believe they have a “moral and biblical obligation” to support the state of Israel. Conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Joshua Fund, the study indicated pro-Israeli sentiment cut across all denominational lines.

Copeland, Dollar Question Senator’s Probe

Two ministries not fully cooperating with Sen. Charles Grassley’s investigation into tax-related issues have sought to reason with the Senate Finance Committee. Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar explained in separate letters that portions of Grassley’s probe raised concerns of privacy and basic First Amendment rights. Copeland later followed up his letter by submitting a request to the Internal Revenue Service for an audit of his ministry. Grassley’s “most appropriate” course of action for obtaining information into the financial history of Kenneth Copeland Ministries is to use procedural channels that already exist between Congress and the IRS, the letter stated. Full compliance in turning over all tax-related documents directly to Grassley would conceivably clear up his suspicions that tax-exempt donations have been misused by the six TV-based ministries he is currently investigating.

Christian Business Fined For Refusing to Photograph Gay Ceremony

A New Mexico human rights panel ruled in April that a Christian photographer who refused to photograph a lesbian couple’s commitment ceremony violated state discrimination laws, the Alliance Defense Fund reported. The couple filed a complaint with the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission in 2006, alleging that Elane Photography discriminated against them on the basis of sexual orientation when Elaine Huguenin, who owns the Albuquerque studio with her husband, told the women that she photographs only traditional marriages. The commission ordered Elane Photography to pay $6,637 in attorneys fees. The Huguenins are appealing the decision.

Former Biola University President Dies

Clyde Cook, president for 25 years of Biola University, died at his home in Fullerton, Calif., on April 11. He was 72. Before Cook retired last year, Biola had grown to be one of the largest evangelical universities in the U.S. Bible teacher Charles Swindoll described Cook as “the most encouraging friend I ever had.” A memorial was held on April 19 at Fullerton’s First Evangelical Free Church, where Cook and his wife, Anna Belle, were members for 25 years. In addition to his wife, Cook is survived by two children and six grandchildren.

Commission Calls on China to Stop Deporting North Korean Refugees

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is urging China to stop repatriating North Korean refugees, who are often subjected to harsh interrogation, torture and long detentions without trial if the North Korean government suspects them of meeting with Christian groups. The call came after a new report titled A Prison Without Bars revealed human rights abuses North Korean asylum-seekers face if they are found to have converted to Christianity while in China or had contact with South Koreans, which are both considered political offenses. Despite decades of repression, the report said “remnants” of Shamanism, Buddhism and Christianity continue to exist in North Korea, though the latter two have been “reduced largely to clandestine worship.”

My Turn

Lee Grady denounced the Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s anti-American comments and questioned how Sen. Barack Obama could sit in Wright’s congregation for 20 years (Fire in My Bones online, March 27). Grady’s column was the truth and nothing but the truth.

As an African-American pastor I have spoken out against Wright’s views. His comments were not inspired by Scripture. They were full of hatred and division. Our country is not perfect, but the country is ours and we must protect it.

It seems as if most African-American brothers and sisters are content to vote for Obama just because he is black. Forget about the issues-they just want a black man in the White House.

Why are so many black ministers supporting Obama? Are they not concerned with his views on abortion and homosexuality? Their support of Obama is sending a confusing message to the body of Christ.

Why should we continue to support killing babies and blessing same-sex unions? Our prayer should be for more wisdom, understanding and discernment that can come only from the Holy Spirit.

Rev. M. C. Campbell

Victory Christian Center of Hollywood

Los Angeles, California

The Buzz About Huckabee

Thanks for the profile of Mike Huckabee (“The Preacher Who Dared to Be President” by Drew Dyck, April). When will Christians realize there are other parties more closely aligned with their beliefs than the Democratic or Republican parties?

The Constitution Party’s views seem to coincide with Huckabee’s positions. He would make an excellent candidate for that. I am not the only Republican who is fed up with the GOP.

Joseph Elster

Rogers, Arizona

I am an evangelical, born-again believer who is on my face for this nation. I did not support Mike Huckabee, and I could not vote for the man no matter what he said during his campaign.
Many evangelical believers in Colorado also chose not to support Huckabee. We are not stupid. We are not blinded by “the lowest possible taxes … to the exclusion of other issues.” We are people who read, pray, ask for the Holy Spirit’s discernment and then make our decisions. Your article was offensive.

Carol Anderson

Colorado Springs, Colorado

How presumptuous of the author, and even more so, those whom he quoted, to think they could speak for those of us who did not vote for Mike Huckabee. My husband and I do not believe his being governor of Arkansas and his stand on moral issues are sufficient qualifications for becoming president.

We need a president who is a seasoned politician. He must make hard decisions and be courageous enough to implement them. I disagree with the Rev. Joel Hunter, who demeaningly asserted that we who did not vote for Huckabee “may have a wallet or a gun” where our hearts are. Our hearts and wallets are still in the right place—and so is our reasoning.

Frances Hesterman

Sand Springs, Oklahoma

I hope you will continue to rally Christians behind Mike Huckabee. Christians made a huge mistake in not doing so during the early days of the campaign. Now look whom we have to choose from.

Judith Makinson

Killen, Alabama

If you spent more time examining Huckabee’s policies and less time gushing over the fact that he is a former pastor, you might understand why so many conservative Christians believed that Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson were better candidates.

Matt Shufeldt

Worthington, Ohio

Obama and Racial strife

Although I was taken aback by J. Lee Grady’s column concerning Barack Obama and his pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright (Fire in My Bones online, March 27), I won’t stop reading what Grady has to say. I understand Wright’s anger, and perhaps he shouldn’t have vocalized it. But based on the audience’s response, he is not the only one who feels that way.

When a person’s heart becomes full, what’s in it will come pouring out. Perhaps that is why Grady could hear only anger and did not understand Wright’s heart.

C.L. Wilson

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

I am an African-American female who loves the Lord. I often stand alone among my black family and friends on the positions I take concerning Barack Obama, his political platform and the Rev. Wright’s divisive remarks. He should have never said, “God damn America,” in the pulpit.

Linda White

via e-mail

Americans should be outraged at the hate rhetoric of Jeremiah Wright and Louis Farrakhan. But let’s be realistic. Rhetoric alone never bombed a federal building or a black church. Rhetoric alone never hanged and lynched thousands in the Bible Belt while Christians sang hymns.

We can and will make a statement to the world in November: “All men are created equal.” Rejoice, America! Barack Obama is our next president.

Scott Perry

Vero Beach, Florida

I am a 52-year-old black man. I am not voting for Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton because of their stand on abortion and gay rights. Anyone who votes for a candidate based on anything other than how the person’s views line up with Scripture will not be voting the way God desires. If the candidate supports issues that are opposed to the Word of God, then I am opposed to that candidate.

Barry O. Johnson

Beavercreek, Ohio

I am a black church leader and I agree with what J. Lee Grady said about Barack Obama. Yes, it is difficult for us as African-Americans because we have to fight twice as hard to make it. Racism is still out there. Nevertheless, truth is truth, and we have to speak out or else the blood is on our hands.

Name withheld

A Cry From Israel

This letter is in response to Stephen Strang’s column about the rise in violence against Christians in Israel (Strang Report online, April 7). I’d like to ask the body of Christ worldwide not only to speak up but also to withhold funding from the state of Israel and nonbelieving causes here.

Texas pastor John Hagee recently pledged $6 million to help Israel. I’d like to see him place conditions on this gift. He should give it only if the state of Israel agrees to do something about the persecution of Christians living here.

I ask that all believers prayerfully consider transferring funds into the hands of the actual believers in Israel.We must pressure government leaders until we find the perpetrators who planted this bomb.

Jennifer Wiseman

Tiberias, Israel

[BOOKS]

Spotlight:

God’s Master Plan for Your Life

By Gloria Copeland, Putnam Praise, softcover, 304 pages, $19.95.

Gloria Copeland exhorts us to “connect to God’s master plan” in her latest book. Copeland weaves personal stories with many biblical examples and references to support 10 practical “keys” for finding and fulfilling one’s God-given destiny. With the heart and soul of a spiritual soccer mom coaching her kids to be everything they can be for the Lord, Copeland dives headfirst into her topic, encouraging readers to walk by faith and believe God for great things. Prioritizing time in the Word, disconnecting from sinful hindrances and developing a heart of gratitude are some of the keys to finding and staying on the path of God’s master plan. The book emphasizes the role we play in connecting with and staying connected to the master plan. This emphasis could pose an opportunity for spiritual burnout (because it’s all up to us) if not balanced with God’s sovereign ability to get us from point A to point B. Nevertheless, the author’s emphasis on the role and importance of faith (the chapter “Put Your Foot in the Water” is especially strong) for living in God’s master plan is spiritual dynamite for every believer. Packed with faith-building examples of those living “in the plan,” this book would be a great tool for unbelievers or those feeling stymied in their walk with God.

—Annemarie McLean

Interpreting the Times

By Chuck D. Pierce, Charisma House, softcover, 224 pages, $19.99.

In Interpreting the Times Chuck D. Pierce teaches that we can transition into a new dimension of God’s success by faith. God is not limited by our idea of time; He knows everything about our lives from beginning to end. And as the author teaches, we must rise above man’s view of time and see time from God’s perspective. Pierce takes us on an amazing journey of understanding the concepts of time and of getting in step with God’s perfect timing—especially in certain situations—using prayer, fasting and worship. He also teaches us how to understand spiritual warfare as well as how to identify when we might be outside God’s timing and how to realign our lives. Pierce not only discusses the concept of time, he also shows us how to develop faith for our future, how to remain in God’s perfect timing and how to make it through the transitions of life.

—CHERI CLAY

Light From Lucas
By Bob Vander Plaats, Tyndale House, softcover, 160 pages, $12.99.

Bob Vander Plaats’ dream of building a basketball team with his children was destroyed when his third son was born. In the delivery room things spun out of control, and Vander Plaats and his wife felt discouragement and anger and questioned God’s plan when they realized that their lives were changed forever. Their son Lucas, who now lives in a care facility, is unable to speak or care for himself. But rather than being a burden, Lucas is a blessing, and in this book Vander Plaats shares what God has been teaching him through his son. “I believe Lucas was created to reveal God’s love and glory,” Vander Plaats says. Light From Lucas is vulnerable, intensely personal and sometimes even uncomfortable, as a father shares hard-learned lessons about passion, priorities, purpose and joy. The lessons will be encouraging to anyone for whom life hasn’t worked out according to his expectations. “God doesn’t promise us wealth, life without struggle, or children born without disabilities,” he writes. “He simply wants us to remember that He has already given us everything.” Lucas has been teaching the Vander Plaatses without saying a word.
—JONATHAN MERRITT

Saving Women From the Church

By Susan McLeod-Harrison, Barclay Press, softcover, 210 pages, $18.

Author Susan McLeod-Harrison focuses on Jesus, who championed rather than marginalized women. Her format is simple: She describes a modern-day situation of a woman being hurt in a church setting, which, although fictional, is drawn from the experiences of real women. McLeod-Harrison contrasts this with a biblical account, also fictionalized, in which Jesus goes out of His way to affirm women. This is followed by an exercise for the reader to meditate on and receive healing from God. The strengths of this book are the Scriptures that clearly demonstrate God’s affirmation of women. The author also gives a list of resources for further reading. One weakness of this book is the fictionalized Scripture, which would have read better in its actual form. Also, in one situation it appeared that a woman was being overly sensitive when a man did not want to minister with her alone, which seemed to point more to common-sense boundaries for people of the opposite sex rather than his judgment of a woman being a seductress. This book is aimed at healing the hearts of individual women, but also can be taken as constructive criticism for the church to better reflect the heart of Jesus.
—DEBORAH L. DELK

How to Be Your Best When You Feel Your Worst

By Casey Treat, Berkley Praise, hardcover, 320 pages, $19.95.
Casey Treat’s How to Be Your Best When You Feel Your Worst comes with a subtitle: 5 Steps to a Great Life! Five steps, yes, but more like landings on a much larger flight of stairs that leads to your “best” in God. Treat takes the reader up this spiritual staircase, where he does not spare some of the “worst” he has faced as he pours from his own life story. Along the way, he answers these questions: How can a serious medical condition become a key to our future? How does an enemy in front of us become a crisis handled behind us? How do we know Jesus will forgive us when we come to him in sin? The author desires that we find a course for our life’s purpose and then stay on it.
—J. JAMES ESTRADA

[MUSIC]

I’ll Say Yes

By The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Integrity Music.
The six-time Grammy-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir return with I’ll Say Yes, their 26th album and first recording on the Integrity Music label. The choir incorporates its signature sound and melodic voices to deliver a dynamic musical project. I’ll Say Yes features soulful versions of such classic songs as Darlene Zschech’s “Worthy Is the Lamb,” the explosive “Holy Is the Lord” and Kurt Carr’s “I Never Lost My Praise.” The album also includes some salsa flavor on “We Fill the Sanctuary” and the exciting, gospel-tinged “Hallelujah You’re Worthy.” The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir also sing out moving, heartfelt worship on such tracks as “Spirit Fall Down” and the title track, a chorus of a simple message of humility. With I’ll Say Yes, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir remain true to their style of worship and ministry.

—TWANNA POWELL-GREEN

For the Love of the Game

By Pillar, Flicker Records.
With the release of their fifth national studio release, Pillar might very well be on the most solid footing musically, lyrically and—most importantly—spiritually in the band’s 10-year existence. That fact alone should make For the Love of the Game one of this decade’s more significant hard- rock projects. With a semi-pervasive sports theme throughout, the title track uses athletic metaphors to nudge young believers toward a passionate pursuit of Christ. The driving, post-punk infused verses break into a half-time Nu Metal feel complete with clean instrumental precision. “Turn It Up” features a laid-back, rock-groove that kicks into an understated funk-rock rhythm. Other standout tracks include the chunky rock anthem “Reckless Youth”—a challenge for the young and young at heart to make a difference in the world—and “I Fade Away,” featuring female vocalist Sarah Anthony from the band Breaking the Silence, a reminder that we must decrease so Christ can increase.

—CHAD BONHAM

Take It Back

By Dorinda Clark-Cole, Gospocentric/Zomba Gospel.

Over the last 25 years, Dorinda Clark-Cole has established herself as one of gospel’s most distinctive and gifted vocalists. Her third solo album, Take It Back, is a 10-track set of triumph, hope and encouragement. It features Clark-Cole’s fiery vocals with various music backdrops of neo-soul to jazz to her signature traditional style. The empowering lead single, “Take It Back,” is already gaining major radio airplay. She continues the praise party with a lively remake of the classic “Got to Hold On” and “Praise Your Way Out,” a song birthed out of one of her sermons. Clark-Cole also shares her heart to encourage souls with such stirring and mellow tracks as “Yesterday,” “Faithful” and “Make Me Real.” Take It Back also includes a surprise with the breakthrough track, “Return,” featuring J. Moss and PAJAM. It showcases her jazzy vocals laced over the high-energy, edgy, hard-hitting urban rhythms. Clark-Cole delivers a solid and versatile album and she continues to maintain the integrity and style that has made her iconic in gospel music.

—TWANNA POWELL-GREEN

Thy Kingdom Come
By CeCe Winans, PureSprings Gospel.

Thy Kingdom Come is a 14-track collection of music reminiscent of some of CeCe Winans’ previous projects such as Alone in His Presence, Alabaster Box and Throne Room. The music incorporates movements of urban gospel, creative orchestration and corporate worship. Winans wrote or co-wrote eight of the tracks. Thy Kingdom Come starts with the soulful invitation to worship, “We Welcome You (Holy Father).” Then, Winans moves into the rousing praise song “Forever” and the empowering “It Ain’t Over.” The first radio single, “Waging War,” is a declarative anthem, and “Worthy” is another gem of encouragement that comes with a reggae-pop vibe showcasing Winans’ versatile style. Winans is in her element of praise and worship on such tracks as “Oh Holy Place” and “The Coast is Clear.” Thy Kingdom Come is Winans’ most empowering and versatile collection to date. It is a clear definition of her passion: God and leading people into His presence.

—TWANNA POWELL-GREEN

Empty and Beautiful
By Matt Maher, Essential Records.

Empty and Beautiful, from worship leader and songwriter Matt Maher, is a collection of praise- and faith-filled songs perfect for personal and corporate worship. Maher, a music minister for 10 years, opens the album by acknowledging God’s grace with “Your Grace Is Enough” and “Look Like a Fool.” These songs set the stage for listeners to enter God’s presence with gratefulness. The piano-based “As It Is in Heaven” is a lovely yet rousing take on the Lord’s Prayer. The pace picks up a bit on “Shine Like the Son,” which reminds believers that Jesus “made us ready” to take the good news to the world. Acoustic ballad “Lay It Down” is a passionate cry of surrender of “everything I am” and “everything I long to be.” The fresh and catchy melodies envelop simple, yet profound truths of faith. This album is evidence that Maher doesn’t just sing worship songs but is a true worshiper at heart.
—Leigh DeVore

[NEW ON DVD]

The Secret Things of God
Fox Home Entertainment, $26.98

Subtitled “Unlocking the Treasures Reserved for You” and based on the book by Henry Cloud, this DVD explores the biblical perspective of the ideas outlined in Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret. As a Christian and a psychologist, Cloud helps viewers understand how they can experience peace, joy, hope and purpose through their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Ten Commandments
Promenade Pictures/Genius Products, $19.99

This animated version of the classic Bible story of Moses features the vocal talents of Ben Kingsley, Christian Slater, Elliott Gould and others. It includes a music video of “I Am Willing” performed by Jeremy Camp, a look at the making of the film, interviews and more.

The Final Season
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, $26.96

The high school baseball team in Norway, Iowa, has one of the best records in the country. But their 20th championship is threatened when officials decide to merge the school with a neighboring school—and fire their legendary coach. The new coach has to work hard to rally the team, and even the town, to finish their final season. This film is rated PG for some language and thematic elements.

[FICTION]

[SUSPENSE]
Thread of Deceit

By Catherine Palmer, Steeple Hill, softcover, 288 pages, $13.95.

Sam Hawke’s inner-city youth center needs help. When reporter Ana Burns starts asking questions for a story, Sam worries that her article might cause the outreach to lose support. In the midst of her research, Ana is drawn to Flora, a troubled little girl. What Flora reveals to Ana causes Sam and Ana to have to fight to protect not only Flora but also the center.

[CONTEMPORARY]
Summer Snow

By Nicole Baart, Tyndale House, softcover, 350 pages, $12.99.

Julia is ready to build her life after dropping out of college. But her plans are disrupted when her estranged mother shows up after a 10-year absence. There is a lot of anger and bitterness between the two, and restoration seems impossible. But Julia’s half-brother, Simon, captures everyone’s hearts and seems able to close the divide between mother and daughter.

[ROMANCE]
The Forbidden
By Beverly Lewis, Bethany House, softcover, 352 pages, $13.99.
A church split in Amish country threatens the love between Caleb Yoder and Nellie Mae Fisher. Nellie, now of the New Order, is still in love with Caleb, from the Older Order. But Caleb’s father forbids the courtship, and Caleb risks his inheritance if he continues to pursue Nellie Mae. Can this couple follow their hearts yet satisfy what is expected of them?

[SPOTLIGHT]

The Glory Zone

David Herzog says greatest agent of change is God’s glory.

A prophetic evangelist from Sedona, Ariz., has two main goals in mind for his popular TV program—the salvation and healing of souls.

David Herzog, easygoing 38-year-old host of The Glory Zone (thegloryzone.org), says people are saved, healed and delivered whenever exposed to the “glory”—what he describes as “the atmosphere and manifest presence of heaven on Earth.”

With his wife and co-host, Stephanie, Herzog treats supernatural matters with a unique matter-of-fact charm. He believes encounters with God’s glory should not be seen as extraordinary and wants everyday Christians to experience living inside that glory. “A lot of believers have the anointing, but they don’t walk in the glory of God,” he says.

Initially launched on GOD TV in Europe in 2005, The Glory Zone began airing in the U.S. as well as 215 nations worldwide after a year of soaring ratings. Herzog says testimonies pour in from across the globe, ranging from disappearing tumors to creative miracles to on-the-spot weight loss.

Both simple and profound, his premise is: “Once you are in the glory zone, anything is possible.”

Spirit-filled at a young age, Herzog says in his teens God gave him an “open vision” of revival coming to the nations and even spilling onto the streets. After he and his wife graduated from the Dallas-based Christ for the Nations Institute in 1992, they spent more than a decade in overseas ministry, which included holding a six-month revival in France in 1998.

Herzog says his ministry took a “quantum leap in the glory realm” after meeting the late revivalist Ruth Heflin in 1999. He began holding crusades across the globe, with witches, atheists, addicts and Satanists repenting, and signs and wonders following.

Herzog says the increased “glory” in his life during this time was “like being born-again all over again” or as if “I had died and gone to heaven.” He locked himself in his room for hours, even days, and produced two books—Mysteries of the Glory Unveiled and Glory Invasion.

“When the glory enters the room it’s like being in heaven,” he says. “God’s glory is coming closer to Earth. This will result in a release of unprecedented miracles which will result in the greatest harvest of souls the world has ever seen.”

The Glory Zone airs on God TV, Daystar, The Miracle Channel in Canada and CNL TV in Russia.
—Suzy A. Richardson

An original program being produced by The Inspiration Network (INSP) will examine current world events in light of Bible prophecy. Premiering on INSP May 31, The Coming Storm is billed as an evangelistic tool to prepare believers to reach the lost in the face of coming worldwide calamities. Filmed in Israel, with the Valley of Armageddon as a backdrop, the special is hosted by David Cerullo and includes perspectives from guests such as John Hagee, Joel Rosenberg, Kay Arthur and Perry Stone.

In front of a large gathering of religious broadcasters in March, President Bush decried reinstating the Fairness Doctrine—an Orwellian-named policy, he said, that would require broadcasters to meet “Washington’s definition of balance.” To applause and laughter Bush pointed out that for advocates of so-called balance “the only opinions that require balancing are the ones they don’t like.” The Fairness Doctrine was repealed in the late 1980s, but aspects of it have been debated among politicians ever since. Bush said that “vital to a healthy democracy” are First Amendment rights such as freedom of speech and religion. “If Congress should ever pass any legislation that stifles your right to express your views,” he said, “I’m going to veto it.”

The United Kingdom’s largest one-day Christian music festival will be broadcast worldwide on GOD TV Saturday, June 7. In its fourth year, Frenzy 2008 is expected to draw thousands of believers and unbelievers alike to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland, for worship performances by Delirious, Chris Tomlin, Leeland, David Crowder Band, Phil Wickham, Rebecca St. James and YFriday.