SPOTLIGHT

United in Worship

Musicians across Israel team up for Son of David

To mark the 60th anniversary of Israel’s statehood, Galilee of the Nations released a compilation project, Son of David, that its producer says represents the distinct sound of the believing community in Israel. Featuring a host of Messianic artists including Karen Davis, the project also has prophetic significance, says label President Yochanan Ben Yehuda, because it unites Jewish and gentile believers in worship. “What we have is this beautiful blend, spiritually, of the one new man,” he says. “Spiritually, I think, we’re making an incredible statement from the Lord that this is about Yeshua ben David [Jesus the Messiah], this is about His people, this is about one new man rising out of Israel.”
Adrienne S. Gaines

PRAYER POINT

Thousands of people will gather in venues around the world May 11 to pray for their nations during this year’s Global Day of Prayer. We encourage you to join them in praying that:

»Christians worldwide would be God’s hands and feet in the midst of suffering
»Nations closed to the gospel would be opened
»The body of Christ would pray faithfully for the lost
»The power of God would be demonstrated as a tangible sign of His presence.

PUTTING FAITH ON FILM

With its poignant pro-life theme, Bella was a surprise hit in 2007. The independent film about a young woman faced with an unplanned pregnancy quietly grossed $5 million at the box office in the first four weeks after its release and has been lauded by groups such as Focus on the Family and the National Council for Adoption, which gave the film its Media Excellence Award. Releasing on DVD this month, the movie also earned the top prize at the Toronto Film Festival in 2006, the Smithsonian Institute’s Legacy Award and the grand prize at the Heartland Film Festival, among other accolades.

UNSUNG HEROES

Ending Stroke

For more than a decade, pastors Lyle and Deborah Dukes have been teaching the members of Harvest Life Changers Church International in Woodbridge, Va., how to live an empowered Christian life physically, spiritually and mentally. So when the American Heart Association asked the couple to be spokespeople for their Power to End Stroke campaign, they saw it as a natural extension of their ministry.

“We think ministry is not only preaching the Word but living the Word, so we’re trying to present a balanced program to the people,” Lyle Dukes says.

African-Americans suffer strokes at almost twice the rate of whites, and the disease is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. The Dukes say their predominantly African-American congregation has been receptive to their gospel of good health. “I believe that really living healthy is spiritual too,” Deborah Dukes says. “What we say does matter and does sink in. There are those who are going to do what they’re going to do, but they won’t go out without understanding.”
Adrienne S. Gaines

FAITH & CULTURE

Teens Lead a ‘Rebelution’

Twin brothers tell youth to rebel against low expectations

Twins Alex and Brett Harris have a message for their generation: Do hard things.
Teens are often encouraged to view adolescence as a time to goof off, the brothers say. But youth should see their teen years as a time to prepare for their life’s purpose. “A lot of young people have in their hearts that there is more to life than what youth culture is selling them,” Alex says.

To counter the effects of what they see as society’s low expectations of youth, the Harris twins have started what they call a “rebelution,” using their Web site, , to challenge youth to seek God’s purpose for their lives and begin walking in it as teens. In addition to hosting the popular site, the home-schooled younger brothers of I Kissed Dating Goodbye author Joshua Harris published their ideas in a book, Do Hard Things, which released in April.

They say their message has resonated profoundly with other teens. Brett says one young woman wrote them, describing herself as a rebel without a cause. But after hearing their challenge she rededicated her life to Christ and began working with two nongovernmental organizations as an advocate for sexually exploited children.
“We’re trying to show our generation a better way,” Brett says. “Excellence is cool. Having a heart to share the gospel, help the oppressed is cool.”
Adrienne Gaines

FEATURES

The Tongues Debate

For years, speaking in tongues has been debated mainly between those who believe it ceased in the days of the apostles and those who believe it should still be evident in the modern church. Now, another debate about glossolalia is quietly playing out in the Pentecostal-charismatic world. Is tongues the initial evidence of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit? What do you believe? Go to debate to listen to two Pentecostal-charismatic scholars discuss this issue. Let us know what you think by joining the discussion online.

Q&A With Chuck Pierce?

If you could ask prophetic minister Chuck Pierce, president of Glory of Zion Ministries, a question about the state of the church and the nation, what would it be? Visit to hear Charisma publisher Stephen Strang ask Pierce readers’ questions about the future of the church.

Prince Caspian

Visit to see a trailer of the upcoming release Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and to learn more about the movie, which will be in theaters on May 16. You can also read a movie summary by going to the Web site.

Robert Walker Tribute

To see a video interview and other tributes to Christian journalist Robert Walker, go to

Charisma Conference Directory

Visit to find a life-changing conference near you and to add your conference to the directory free of charge.

My Turn

It was so great to see a truly humble Christian leader on the cover of your magazine (“One Woman vs. the Dragon” by Adrian Brookes, March). I read Jackie Pullinger’s book Chasing the Dragon when I was 14 or 15 years old and it had such a profound impact on my life. Her commitment to Christ and to the poor is truly amazing.

We live in a time when the Christian celebrity syndrome has interfered with the true meaning and purpose of Christianity. It’s a shame that more Christians don’t dedicate themselves to their faith the way Jackie has. Even in the middle of the article there was an ad for a love cruise with two prominent Christian leaders trying to exploit their successes by inviting anyone who can pay to be a part of the celebration. Yuck!

I hope Jackie’s message will get out to more young people and show them God is looking for servants, not superstars. Shame on American Christian leaders for promoting wealth over health, fame over faith, and success over souls. Jesus plus nothing equals everything. All we need is Him. The size of our bank accounts, expense of our cars, or the number of homes we own mean nothing in God’s eyes.

Let’s pray that more and more people realize this and call out leaders and pastors who have lost that focus. God is lifting the sheets and revealing this type of wrongdoing all over the country. Please promote the truth of who Christ is more and highlight people like Jackie Pullinger who are living out His call in action. And continue to call out those who have forgotten the cross and seem to live only for themselves.
Alex Coffee
Los Angeles, California

China’s Lady Warrior

It is so refreshing to see a missionary to Hong Kong on the cover of Charisma (“One Woman vs. the Dragon” by Adrian Brookes, March). Jackie Pullinger has a beautiful ministry, smile and spirit. Missionaries and small ministries often go unrecognized for the kingdom work they do.
Marilyn Williams
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Thank you for the long-overdue recognition of Hong Kong missionary Jackie Pullinger. I served in Taiwan for 25 years, and most of us were very familiar with her ministry in the 1980s. She was regarded with awe and admiration. I don’t think any of us 800-plus missionaries could come close to matching her remarkable influence.
Allen Swanson
Gainesville, Georgia

I read Jackie Pullinger’s book years ago and attended a Vineyard conference at John Wimber’s church where she spoke. My life has never been the same. My pastor at that time told the congregation she was the “scariest person he knew” because she moved in a different spiritual realm than the majority of us.
Paula Sterns
Grand Prairie, Texas

The Grassley Probe

My wife and I have a heart connection and a financial commitment to the ministries of Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. These are effective worldwide works of God. In the United States, if you’re good at what you do, you get paid well for it. The blessing of God and the faith of these ministers is the reason they get what they get.
Damon and Cindy Williams
Syracuse, New York

With regard to the Grassley investigation, the devil has launched an all-out war on the televised preaching of the gospel. Am I saying Sen. Grassley, who is born again, is intentionally persecuting these ministers? No! Is the devil trying to use this investigation to hinder the spread of the gospel? Without a doubt!
Gregg Huestis
Evans, Colorado

I think one of the reasons God is allowing the Grassley investigation to come down on televangelists is because of their misuse of power. Instead of touting those who have a book deal in the works, or are influential in the Christian world, Charisma ought to be promoting the humble apostle Pauls of the world.
Angela Donaldson
Fort Myers, Florida

It is obvious that this is an attack on Word-Faith believers. Why didn’t Sen. Grassley contact the ministries before the press release? He published his letter on his Web site and held a press conference before talking to the ministries. His letter strikes at the very heart of Word-Faith beliefs and practices.
Jerry Colter
Camden, Tennessee

Question: As for the investigation of so-called nonprofit ministries by Sen. Charles Grassley, has he given the same kind of scrutiny to the Jehovah’s Witnesses Watchtower Society? They allegedly have vast real estate holdings in New York.
name withheld
Washington, D.C.

I happen to agree with Sen. Grassley’s passion to hold Christian ministries accountable. I think we all know that some charismatic ministers preach a gospel that is not orthodox Christianity. I want to be clear that I do not believe all the particular ministries fall into this category.

The issue is our constitutional right to have a religion that makes “ministers” rich and greedy and who falsely promise us that we will get rich if we give money to them. I don’t like that teaching, and I don’t support it.
name withheld

Stinking to High Heaven

J. Lee Grady’s description of why pride stinks was perfect (Fire in My Bones, March). “Pride stinks because it is the sulfuric stench of Lucifer himself,” is one quote that will stick with me for a lifetime. It illustrates how nauseating pride really is. Jesus taught us to be humble.
Deb Spichke
Paynesville, Minnesota

Grady said in his column that “the day of the ‘armor bearer’ is over.” When I read that I wanted to leap from my bed and cheer.

The ridiculous and absurd have abounded in this misuse of doctrine. I feel sorry for all the armor bearers and Bible carriers who thought they were doing God’s will.

I once was invited to Jamaica with a fellow woman evangelist. I was to teach at schools while she held revivals. When we got to Jamaica, she told me my job was to make sure she had hot tea every morning. That privilege cost me $2,000.
Debi Olive
Grove, Oklahoma

Thank God for the article about armor bearers! This teaching has deceived many people, yet many of them refuse to accept the truth in God’s Word. We are supposed to be servants of Christ, not important people who are too proud to carry our own Bibles.
Mary Odell
Jackson, Mississippi

I have been receiving Charisma for nearly a year and enjoy the publication very much. I am most alarmed by the tactics of ministers who seem to set their own standards of conduct and have no accountability. They need to be put in their place so they can stop discrediting the North American church.
Jim Ness
New Brigden, Alberta,Canada

I am really tired of all the foolishness among church leaders today, and I’m happy to see someone is speaking up about the ridiculous shows of pomp and circumstance. Those of us who attend megachurches are kept away from those whose salaries we provide. We are told this is for the pastor’s protection.

I recently attempted to speak with my pastor’s wife after a service. I was halted by her personal security guard, who politely informed me that she had been through a lot and that it was not a good time to greet her. It makes us wonder how Jesus ever fulfilled His mission on earth without armor bearers and security guards.
Lenora Parnell
Greenville, South Carolina

Stop the Divorce Craze

With regard to your article on divorced ministers (“Is Marriage Still Sacred” by Lisa Jones Townsel, March), I am angered by prominent Christian leaders who toss their marriages out the door because they become inconvenient.

I know of several women, myself included, who endure difficult marriages because “God hates divorce.” We believe there is a better way than running away from the relationship. Some of us struggle with resentment, anger, hatred and depression in these marriages.

As we struggle to obey and honor God, there is a sweetness and a joy only God can give. If we Christians can’t stay married and learn to work things out, how do we expect to be a witness to those who don’t know God? Why should they take a chance on Him if it doesn’t work for us?
name withheld
Rome, Pennsylvania

It saddens me that too many people find an excuse for divorce. My parents have been married 62 years and I know that at times that thought may have entered their minds but not their vocabulary. Divorce is painful and as Christians it should be a last resort.
Jeff Coe
Edmunds, Washington

Thank you for the article on divorce. It must break the heart of God to see so many of His children running to divorce court for reasons motivated by selfishness.
M. Jackson
Queens, New York

Your article about marriage suggested that pastors who divorce should step aside at least for a while so they can get healed and restored. Charisma should also stop running ads for conferences sponsored by such pastors. Taking their ads implies that there is no need for them to step aside as long as the magazine makes money.
Amos Martinez
Temple, Texas

I’m confused. Why does Charisma continue to accept advertising dollars from well-known ministers whose actions are repeatedly called into question? Your editorial says one thing, but your advertisement says another.
L. Williams
Albany, New York

I don’t get it: Paula White can get a divorce and yet Charisma still runs her advertisements. To whom is she accountable? It is obvious that T.D. Jakes still promotes her as well as Charisma. A double standard is portrayed.
Rev. Richard L. Shelton
Riverside Tabernacle Church of God
Fort Gratiot, Michigan

Editor’s note: When Randy and Paula White announced their divorce, Randy took full responsiblity for the breakup (News, October). We do not feel we should punish Paula for her husband’s decision.

Christian Celebrities

The article about greedy, egotistical ministers was excellent (“The Celebrity Syndrome” by Steve Hill, February). Thanks to Steve Hill for having the courage to write it.
Eva V. Bendeck
via e-mail

In the 1980s we witnessed a religious leader being jailed for squandering money. Today, televangelists are investigated for misusing money. You would think our memories wouldn’t be that short.

If the only people we are attracting to church are the ones who can afford to pay the ticket price, many who cannot “afford” to pay lose “access” to God.
Adrienne Miller
Raleigh, North Carolina

Personal Faith, Public Policy
By Harry R. Jackson Jr. and Tony Perkins,

FrontLine, hardcover, 256 pages, $.
Is the Religious Right splintering, infighting and growing irrelevant, as pundits and politicos suggest? No, say Harry R. Jackson Jr. and Tony Perkins, who argue the contrary in Personal Faith, Public Policy. The movement isn’t falling apart, they contend, but adapting instead to a changing political environment. It is “poised for greater influence” if Christians will unify over seven core values—human life, immigration, poverty and justice, racial reconciliation, religious freedom, marriage and family, and the environment. The authors discuss these with regard to America’s moral integrity and attempt to lay out a strategy for enacting change. While doing so, Jackson, founder and chairman of the High Impact Leadership Coalition in Washington, D.C., and Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, provide a capsulated history of the political movement founded by the late Jerry Falwell and other conservative Christians. Though Jackson and Perkins successfully argue that the Religious Right is poised to influence America, one chapter alone (“Taking the Land”) isn’t enough to provide a definitive strategy for change.
Jimmy Stewart

BOOKS

The Reformation Manifesto,br>
By Cindy Jacobs, Bethany House,
hardcover, 208 pages, $.
Prophetic intercessor and international conference speaker Cindy Jacobs sends out an urgent SOS to the body of Christ in her new book, The Reformation Manifesto. She points out that other social and political groups through the ages found the courage to adamantly declare their views and see that they be incorporated into the culture and into government laws across the globe. Jacobs, founder of Generals International, says it is now time for the people of God to stand up and see the culture changed for the sake of righteousness. This caliber of reformation—the Martin Luther kind of reformation—which Jacobs promotes began with the prayer movement and will end with the people of God taking action against the systems of the world through godly strategies. This soul-stirring, passionate book outlines those strategies and stands as formal documentation that God’s ways will prevail.
Jevon Bolden

God’s Unfolding Battle Plan,br>
By Chuck D. Pierce, Regal Books,
softcover, 224 pages, $.
Chuck D. Pierce reveals eight structures of war that believers must become aware of in the end times: mind war, blood war, time war, presence-and-glory war, power war, wealth war, war of the nations and harvest war. Readers should expect to be well-informed about who they are and what belongs to them; how to secure and protect their covenant blessings; how to discern rightly between good and evil; how to recognize satanic influences in economics, times and laws; how to gain a clear understanding of the war over blood; and the significance of the conflicts in the Middle East. Pierce also equips readers to face battle as he teaches on night watches, worship warfare and knowing the enemy. This is an all-encompassing volume for believers who seek to advance with the armies of God against the forces of darkness.
Jevon Bolden

The Beautiful Fight
By Gary Thomas, Zondervan,
272 pages, hardcover, $.
Best-selling author Gary Thomas views a holy man or woman as a “spiritual force” and a “God-oasis” for weary souls. He says the “beautiful fight” to become holy and transformed into the image of Christ is the Christian’s duty to pursue. Thomas, with the boldness of John the Baptist crying out a radical message, uses references from Christians throughout history to show the high cost of Christ-likeness. The book has three sections that work together to demonstrate how faith and continued surrender to Christ transform Christians who, in turn, impact others. The body becomes God’s “servant” and “instrument of peace.” A Christian’s eyes become God’s eyes, seeing with compassion. Their mouths speak Christ’s words of encouragement. Their hands heal instead of hurt. Their feet take them to places where there is a need. Thomas’ hope is that Christians become authentic vessels who are available to God and are not merely focusing on themselves. If you are hungry for a deeper walk with God, this book will encourage you to pursue Him.
Tracee N. Mason

Shifting Shadows of Supernatural Experiences
By James W. Goll and Julia Loren,
Destiny Image, softcover, 244 pages, $.
The mention of “supernatural experiences” can elicit a variety of responses, including joy, fear, confusion and blank stares. James W. Goll and Julia Loren come to the rescue with an organized, biblically based examination of such topics as out-of- body experiences, dreams, visions, trances and miracles. Using contemporary and biblical examples, the authors even venture into areas usually ignored, such as near-death experiences and supernatural manifestations involving children. But equally important is the discussion of how to discern the origin of the various experiences, whether from the Holy Spirit, the human soul or the realm of evil spirits. Goll and Loren write in an easily understandable style. They invite readers to explore the vast array of experiences the Holy Spirit still uses today.
Jeff Friend

MUSIC

Opposite Way
By Leeland, Essential Records.
When Leeland burst onto the scene with much pomp and circumstance two years ago, the young guns actually managed to live up to the hype in convincing fashion. The next challenge: Prove it wasn’t a fluke. The group does just that on sophomore release Opposite Way—a near-perfect exercise in balancing vertical worship and horizontal edification. On “Count Me In,” Leeland accept their divine calling with a punchy, staccato bass line and 1990s-inspired modern-rock guitar riffs. Another highlight is the title track, which tells how Jesus sacrificed His life so we might run the “Opposite Way” of sin and death. At times, Leeland maintains a poetic approach but more often espouses a straightforward lyrical style that might remind some of the late Keith Green (for example, “Enter This Temple” and “Thief in the Night”). If you missed Leeland’s first effort, don’t make the same mistake twice. Opposite Way is chock full of instant classics that will leave you clamoring for more from this buzz band turned legitimate music industry player.
Chad Bonham

Right Now Praise
By Jonathan Nelson & Purpose, Integrity Gospel.
Jonathan Nelson is regarded as one of gospel music’s in-demand songwriters. He has been compared to gospel greats Donald Lawrence and Fred Hammond in his ability to incorporate prophetic messages in music to encourage the spirit and soul. But Nelson has a style all his own. For debut Right Now Praise, Nelson & Purpose pulled out all the stops to deliver a solid collection of soul-stirring music. The CD kicks into high gear with such declarative anthems as “Champions” and “My Name Is Victory.” They also articulate their soulful melodies and moving worship on such songs as “Bettah,” “Drench My Heart,” “Fill My Cup/I Need the Lord Medley,” and Nelson’s personal anthem “Right Now Praise,” featuring Jason Nelson, Jonathan’s twin brother. This album is a musical jewel and is destined as a future classic to be embraced by all who listen.
Twanna Powell-Green

DVD

A Cry From Iran,br>
JFA Productions/Open Doors International, $.
First screened in September in Los Angeles, this moving 54-minute documentary won six first-place awards at various film festivals. It poses a vivid reminder that beliefs have consequences—and for nearly a dozen martyrs in Iran since 1979, eternal ones. A Cry From Iran centers on the ultimate price paid by Assemblies of God (AG) pastor Haik Hovsepian. Although more than 14 years have passed since his death, the circumstances around it are as fresh as today’s headlines.
Hovsepian was brutally stabbed after successfully pressuring his nation’s hard-line, theocratic government to waive the death sentence of an Iranian convert whose only “crime” was departing from the Islamic faith. Yet, as the film makes clear, the noted evangelical leader’s death was the culmination of hostility and death threats that stalked him for decades. Nor did the killing stop with Hovsepian. Just five months after the campaign that freed him, Mehdi Dibaj became a martyr. The slayings continue today, with four AG figures among the victims. Although this oppression may spark animosity, at Hovsepian’s funeral Brother Andrew reminded Christians of the correct response: To treat “Islam” as an acronym that stands for “I Sincerely Love All Muslims.”
Ken Walker

SPOTLIGHT

Praying in Jerusalem

TheCall and the Global Day of Prayer mark Israel’s 60-year anniversary.

Thousands of Christians are expected to journey to Israel this month to celebrate the 60-year anniversary of its modern statehood with music, prayer, fellowship and historical tours.

On Pentecost Sunday, May 11, global Christian broadcaster GOD TV will air live footage of worship and celebration events that bring together two of the world’s leading prayer movements—Lou Engle’s TheCall and Graham Power’s Global Day of Prayer (GDP).

Power will join GOD TV co-founders Rory and Wendy Alec inside their Jerusalem TV studios to pray in concert with millions worldwide while Engle will simultaneously rally intercessors across town for TheCall Jerusalem at the Jerusalem Convention Center. Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer and Cindy Jacobs, co-founder of Generals International, will join Engle at TheCall.

The prayer events fall in the middle of a week of festivities being hosted by GOD TV as part of its Israel Tour 2008, which includes a concert at Mount Carmel featuring prophetic minister Kim Clement and a 60th anniversary celebration by Hillsong’s worship team at the Western Wall. A potential audience of tens of millions of viewers worldwide will be able to tune in to GOD TV’s coverage of the rallies and lend their prayer support to local Messianic and Arab believers in the Holy Land.

“This is a huge undertaking, as we literally bring the world together in prayer via television,” Rory Alec says. “We believe we will be impacting the destinies of our nations as we join together in mass prayer, humility and repentance.”

One purpose for praying, according to Engle’s Web site, is to marshall both Jews and gentiles to “ascend the hill of the Lord” and “contend for the fullness of the Holy Spirit to be poured out on His people in Israel and the Middle East.” He adds: “We do not come with a political agenda but to seek God for a spiritual breakthrough.”

Marking the first time both prayer movements have united, TheCall Jerusalem () aims to inspire Christians to pray and fast while the GDP (globaldayof ), a council of prayer that convenes each year on Pentecost Sunday, calls all nations to confess God’s sovereignty, repent of sin and ask that His kingdom come.

“We believe this combined event is going to release God’s anointing in an unprecedented way,” Wendy Alec says. “[It] will have a divine impact not only on Israel and the world, but also in our personal lives. We are trusting the Lord to turn things around for everyone who participates, even in a day.”
SUZY A. RICHARDSON

America’s switch from analog to digital television, ordered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin Feb. 17, 2009, will affect TVs in millions of homes that currently receive over-the-air analog signals via dipole antennas (rabbit ears). For families wishing to continue using analog-based TVs after the February deadline, a limited supply of government-subsidized $40 coupons, which can be found at , are now available to help cover the cost of digital-to-analog converter boxes. Most new television sets, especially those sold after March 2007, are equipped with built-in digital tuners, which do not require a converter box and therefore are not at risk of losing reception after the deadline. Customers receiving television services by cable, satellite or a telephone company will not be affected by the transition. Though advocates for digital TV point out the potential for higher-quality image and sound, the coming switch-over is more likely due to the world’s limited airwave spectrum. A digital signal enables networks to broadcast multiple programs over the same bandwidth, a process called multiplexing, which makes better use of the airwaves in today’s increasingly wireless world.

Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI) recently celebrated 40 years of preaching the gospel to Jews and gentiles across the globe. Jonathan Bernis (above right), executive director of JVMI and host of Jewish Voice With Jonathan Bernis, is a Messianic rabbi who discusses with guests topics such as archaeology, the Jewish roots of Christianity and parallels between world events and Israel in prophecy. The weekly program airs on TBN, Daystar, INSP, LeSea and GOD TV. Daystar also carries it in Israel.