Values Voter Presidential Debate: Leaders Say They Were Snubbed

The debate was held Sept. 17 without the four GOP front-runners in attendance. Gov. Mike Huckabee won the voter straw poll.
 
Values Voter Debate:

The first ever values voter presidential debate was held Sept. 17 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but without the four Republican presidential candidate front-runners in attendance. Mitt Romney, John McCain, Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani all said they could not attend due to scheduling conflicts, reported the Associated Press (AP). “They will regret the decision,” Janet Folger, president of Faith2Action and a member of the debate host committee, told the AP. “Because they snubbed us, they will not win because we will not follow their lead.” Despite the absence of the GOP’s most prominent candidates, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was declared the winner in the values voter straw poll, receiving nearly five times the votes as the other candidates. “Unlike other straw polls where candidates have bussed in supporters or paid for their tickets, 40 national leaders chose hundreds of delegates who accurately represent America’s largest voting block,” said Mat Staver, chairmen of Liberty Counsel, and values voter debate committee member. “This is the most important straw poll yet.”



Megachurches Opening Their Books

More and more major megachurches in the U.S. have been following a trend to become financially transparent with congregants and staff personnel.
 
Megachurches Opening Their Books
Recently major megachurches in the U.S. have been following a trend to become financially transparent with congregants and staff personnel, even resembling high-profit corporations in their structure, according to a report by Reuters. From Florida to Illinois to Texas, multi-million dollar megachurches are stressing total disclosure in the area of financial accountability as a way of ensuring safe and healthy giving. “[The congregations] need to be informed completely,” said Tim Tracey, executive director of operations at the Florida-based Northland, A Church Distributed. “It’s not the leadership’s money, it’s ultimately God’s money.” The report also pointed out the work of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), an accreditation agency with 2,000 Christian member groups whose accounting practices are stringently judged.


Judge Rules Jesus Can Remain in Courthouse

A federal judge rebuffed a request by the ACLU in early September by refusing to remove a painting of Jesus Christ from a display at a city courthouse.
 
Judge Rules Jesus Can Remain in Courthouse

A federal judge rebuffed a request by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in early September by refusing to remove a painting of Jesus Christ from a display at the Slidell city courthouse lobby in Slidell, La. “The court today recognized that the First Amendment allows public officials, and not the ACLU, to determine what is appropriate for acknowledging our nation’s legal and cultural heritage,” said Mike Johnson, senior counsel at the Alliance Defense Fund, which represented the city of Slidell, a Slidell city judge, and the parish of St. Tammany in the suit filed by the ACLU in July. The Jesus painting is mounted in the courthouse alongside 15 other portraits of notable lawgivers in history, including Moses, Charlemagne and Sir William Blackstone.  

 Photo Credit: Ann Barks Public Relations



First Values Voter Debate to Be Held

The first-ever values voter presidential debate is scheduled for Monday evening, Sept. 17. Seven of the nine Republican candidates have confirmed attendance.
 
First Values Voter Debate to Be Held
The first-ever values voter presidential debate is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 17 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Thirty of the nation’s most influential Christian-based organizations will ask hard-hitting questions of the presidential candidates. The debate is to be moderated by Joseph Farah, founder and CEO of WorldNetDaily. “We're going to see where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to us, and not just taking the crumbs that come from the networks and Chris Matthews and the other debates,” said Janet Folger, president and founder of Faith2Action ministry. “We're going to find out where they stand on all the issues that we care most about.” The questions, which will focus on issues such as abortion, marriage, “hate crimes” legislation and judicial nominees, were drafted by various Christian leaders including: Phyllis Schlafly, founder and president of Eagle Forum; Don Wildmon, founder and chairman of the American Family Association; Rick Scarborough, president of Vision America; and Mat Staver chairman of Liberty Council. The debate will be aired live on Sky Angel’s Angel One channel and will also be available online at . It will re-air on Daystar on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. “Even with two-thirds [19 million] of the evangelical Christian eligible voters sitting on the bench in the last presidential election, we, values voters, still made up the largest voting block in the country,” Folger noted. The majority of the Republican candidates have confirmed their attendance at the event.


Charisma News – Sept. 11 Prayer Vigil

On the eve of the sixth anniversary of a prayer vigil was held in Lafayette Park across from the White House to remember the victims of Sept. 11
 
Sept. 11 Prayer Vigil
On the eve of the sixth anniversary of a prayer vigil was held in Lafayette Park across from the White House to remember the victims of Sept. 11 and to pray for God’s wisdom regarding decisions to be made about the Iraq war. “It is essential that the faith community humble themselves and urgently seek God for His wisdom, guidance and direction,” said Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition. “We [gathered] at the White House, on the eve of 9/11, to cry out to God for His mercy and grace and ask Him to superintend over the war in Iraq and the affairs of our nation.” The group that met together in the park was comprised of both local and national Christian leaders. They began the evening candlelight vigil with worship and then prayed for the president, law enforcement and the military. Mahoney believes that the nation, which is still involved in full-scale war in Iraq, is in a critical period of time, and that believers must pray for God to intercede. “The decisions that will be made concerning the war in Iraq over the next several weeks will have a profound impact on the future of America and the entire Middle East,” Mahoney said. “We need to seek God.”


Casting Crowns Debuts on Billboard’s No. 2

Last week the third release from Christian pop-worship band Casting Crowns, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200, second only to Disney’s High School Musical 2.
 
Casting Crowns Debuts on Billboard’s No. 2
Last week The Altar and the Door, the third release from Christian pop-worship band Casting Crowns, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200. Without the backing of mainstream radio or TV, Casting Crowns—comprised of youth ministers still actively engaged in their Georgia churches—held the position as the week’s highest album debut in the country. Disney’s High School Musical 2 held the No. 1 position—its third week at the top spot. “This debut is a landmark achievement for this artist and our company in so many ways,” said Terry Hemmings, president and CEO of the groups label Provident Music Group. “Casting Crowns has proven that artistry, ministry, career and personal life can all co-exist successfully when the mission is clear. We are truly thankful to be a part of this at a time when record sales are hard to come by and consumers have so many choices. Clearly, Casting Crowns’ message of hope and encouragement, coupled with Mark Miller’s magnificent production, is resonating with listeners.” Though Casting Crowns’ first two albums received many music accolades and both went platinum, the Atlanta-based music group has said their focus is not on the band’s success. “Our priority is to our churches and to our families,” said Megan Garrett, who sings background vocals and plays the keyboard for the group to CCM magazine. “God’s made it so obvious that Casting Crowns is something He’s doing, and we know it’s not going to last forever.”


Debate Over the Location of Noah’s Ark Rekindled

A high-tech satellite company announced recently that it could help resolve the mysterious Mount Ararat Anomaly—which some believe contain the remnants of Noah’s ark.
 
Debate Over the Location of Noah’s Ark Rekindled

A high-tech satellite company announced in early September the creation of a 3-D terrain model that it said could help resolve the mysterious Mount Ararat Anomaly—a deviation in the terrain at the top of a 15,300-foot mountain in northeastern Turkey that some believe could contain the remnants of Noah’s ark. Satellite Imaging Corporation, in conjunction with GeoEye and INTA Space Turk, released a statement describing how high-resolution, satellite-borne sensors were used to photograph and analyze the unusual 980-foot-long piece of terrain atop the mountain. The Ararat Anomaly is surrounded by rugged strato-volcanic rock and mostly buried underneath a permanent glacier. Porcher Taylor, an associate professor at the University of Richmond’s School of Continuing Studies and a leading proponent of the satellite-based research, noted the “groundbreaking 3-D (stereoscopic) fly-through movie [is] a quantum leap in making the Ararat Anomaly even more transparent.” Taylor thanked various researchers and contributors involved in the project, describing the role of GeoEye’s satellite as a “space-based Indiana Jones.”



D. James Kennedy Dies at 76

The Rev. D. James Kennedy, author, theologian and pastor of 10,000-member Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church passed away in his sleep Wednesday morning.
 
D. James Kennedy Dies at 76
The Rev. D. James Kennedy, author, theologian and pastor of 10,000-member Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 2:15 a.m. He was 76. “We will miss Dr. Kennedy enormously,” said Frank Wright, president of the National Religious Broadcasters. “His moral leadership and his legacy of impacting the globe for Jesus Christ is unmatched by few in the history of the church. It is our desire to honor him by sustaining and multiplying his impact through Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and all the ministries founded by Dr. Kennedy in the years to come.” Kennedy had been suffering complications from cardiac arrest since December 2006 and had not been able to return to the Coral Ridge pulpit since his last sermon on Christmas Eve. On Aug. 26 he announced his retirement from active ministry. He will be remembered for leading Coral Ridge from a few members to 10,000 members, for Evangelism Explosion through which 5 million people gave their lives to Christ in 1996, and also for his extensive broadcast ministry. His daily radio program, Truths That Transform, is carried on nearly 750 stations while his weekly TV show, The Coral Ridge Hour, is aired over more than 400 stations. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne, and his daughter, Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy. “There are all kinds of wonderful things I could say about my dad,” Cassidy said. “But one that stands out is his fine example. He ‘walked the walk’ and ‘practiced what he preached.’ His work for Christ is lasting—it will go on and on and make a difference for eternity.” Dates and times for a public viewing and funeral are yet to be announced.


Ministry Sends $8 Million in Aid to Flood Victims

Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief organization, airlifted an $8 million aid package to North Korean flood victims last Friday.
 
Ministry Sends $8 Million in Aid to Flood Victims

Samaritan’s Purse, a North Carolina-based Christian relief organization, airlifted an $8 million aid package to North Korean flood victims last Friday. The flooding had left an estimated 600 people dead and 100,000 homeless, the Associated Press reported. “In spite of the political differences that divide our two countries, we need to do all we can to care for the people of North Korea,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Graham noted the significance of the delivery in that it was the first direct flight from the United States to communist North Korea since the Korean War in 1950. The aid will help thousands of victims affected by the flooding that destroyed homes, power stations, crops and railroads in what is one of the countries most devastating natural disasters. With support from the BGEA and the United States government, Samaritan’s Purse flew a Boeing 747 cargo jet filled with 75 tons of medicines, medical supplies, temporary shelter materials and other equipment to help aid the flood victims. “This is much more than an airlift of aid,” said Graham. “It's historic and symbolic not only because the flight went directly from the United States, but also because we've had such good cooperation with the North Korean and U.S. governments. My hope would be that this aid for those suffering can also be a bridge-building opportunity between our two countries.”



Vibes


Angelic Encounters
By James W. and Michal Ann Goll,
Charisma House, softcover, 224 pages, $.


For James and Michal Ann Goll, who are active in prophetic ministry and intercession, angels are as alive and real as human beings. In Angelic Encounters: Engaging Help From Heaven, they discuss the nature of angels, their role as God’s messengers and their types—archangels and cherubim among them—revealing angels’ rankings in God’s kingdom. Though the book is based on the Scriptures and offers perspectives from church leaders throughout history, the authors also report on angel sightings from around the world and share their own encounters. Michal Ann recounts intense visits she had from angels during one nine-week period. Urging readers to be wary of evil spirits, the authors provide nine scriptural tests to determine if an angel is sent by God. One chapter discussing the work of angels in the nation of Israel will be of interest to pro-Israel Christians. Seeing the human-angel connection as a partnership, the authors provide biblically based teaching on angelic encounters but with a personal touch. Readers curious about the supernatural will find much to ponder in Angelic Encounters.
Christine D. Johnson


BOOKS


After the Fall
By Donald Hilliard,
Destiny Image Publishers,
softcover, 396 pages, $.


With grace and compassion, Donald Hilliard issues a wake-up call to the modern church in After the Fall: Resurrecting Your Life From Shame, Disgrace, and Guilt. By offering candid, biblical advice, the longtime pastor reaches out to those seeking freedom from the crippling power of shame and guilt. Examining the biblical account of historical figures such as King David and the apostle Peter, Hilliard shows how disobedience to God’s law leads to moral failures so shameful that the temptation is to look for someone else to blame. But he advises readers to take personal responsibility and stop making excuses for their sins or they could doom themselves to life as “professional victims.” Hilliard assures readers that God’s forgiveness is sufficient for all, if they come to Him in sincere repentance. Senior pastor of Cathedral International in Plainfield, N.J., and a visiting lecturer at Wheaton College, Hilliard draws on 30 years of pastoral ministry to proclaim this timely message of repentance and forgiveness.
David Rogers


Girl Soldier
By Faith J.H. McDonnell and Grace Akallo,
Chosen, softcover, 240 pages, $.


The war in Uganda has raged for two decades and for nearly that long Joseph Kony’s rebel force has attacked Acholi villages, filling his army with children abducted in the raids. The children—now as many as 50,000—undergo a systematic program of mind control and starvation as they are turned into killers and abductors themselves, perpetuating a hideous cycle. Grace Akallo, who joined with Faith J.H. McDonnell to tell her story, was one of the young girls kidnapped. Despite having to endure unimaginable torture, being left for dead and buried, she survived and remained strong in her faith. In Girl Soldier: A Story of Hope for Northern Uganda’s Children, Akallo shows how God provides hope in the midst of despair. The fight of Akallo, now a college student in the U.S., is to involve the world in helping return peace to the people of northern Uganda. Interspersed with the history and current events of the African country, the book’s well-written, first-person narrative tells a story that is hard to ignore. Readers will find most helpful the information provided for those who desire to aid the Ugandan people.
Sandra Furlong


Right People, Right Place, Right Plan
By Jentezen Franklin, Whitaker House,
hardcover, 208 pages, $.


In Right People, Right Place, Right Plan: Discerning the Voice of God, megachurch pastor Jentezen Franklin discusses how believers can learn to hear God’s voice, even in the middle of day-to-day busyness. Franklin challenges readers to fulfill their unique God-given destiny by tapping into God’s heart and mind through the internal compass of the Holy Spirit. Injecting fresh perspectives on scriptural illustrations about hearing from God, Franklin believes that “when you ask God for a miracle, He will always give you a set of instructions—a plan.” He focuses on wisely choosing relationships that will bring out the best in an individual and equally emphasizes learning to pursue God- opportunities, not just good options. A few chapters of Right People, Right Place, Right Plan project a primarily charismatic perspective, though the practical tips the author shares will aid any Christian trying to develop spiritual discernment. Readers at major life crossroads, including those in job transitions, engaged couples and struggling parents, will find Franklin’s insights particularly helpful.
Leann Weiss


MUSIC


Before the Daylight’s Shot
By Ashley Cleveland, 204 Records.


Before the Daylight’s Shot, Ashley Cleveland’s seventh release, is once again a powerful project from an awesome artist. Her voice is soulful, driven, raw and beautiful, naturally complementing her graceful, compelling writing style. Deeply personal, sometimes poignant lyrics craft songs of faith, love, longing and introspection. Cleveland is a clever wordsmith with an explosive yet tender singing style. Before the Daylight’s Shot is a collection of great rock ‘n’ roll and soulful ballads that share the artist’s ups and downs, her desires and her mature faith. Stellar examples are: “Satisfied With Drowning,” a plea for loved ones to lay down those things that hinder them from a better life, “Deeper Walk,” a personal testimony of Cleveland’s deep faith in God and “Twilight Hour,” an upbeat love song. Also included are covers of Leon Russell’s “Roll Away the Stone” and Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground.” This album is a powerful expression of a life lived with passion, frailty and a sincere relationship with Jesus. Cleveland is one of the few great singer-songwriters who writes thought-provoking lyrics and then vocally masters the emotion of the song. Before the Daylight’s Shot is the work of a great artist in her prime.
Debbie Gibboney


For Zion’s Sake, I Will Not Be Silent
By various artists, Galilee of the Nations.


This moving album and companion DVD single tell a story, as one track builds on another with prayers of repentance, remembrance, and a commitment not to be silent for the sake of Israel and the Jewish people. The centerpiece song is “The Forgotten People,” which is featured on the companion DVD. The title refers to the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and those who “forgot” them. The song opens with chilling audio clips of Adolf Hitler, and includes prayers of repentance (in German and English). The stirring DVD includes footage from Dachau. “Never Again!” is a moving call to the church not to be silent. The album manages not to be condemning or overbearing—only challenging. At a time when anti-Semitism is at its highest since World War II, lyrics such as, “Everyday people who ignored the news / Indifferent people sitting in the pews,” challenge the church not to be silent again.
Diana Scimone


I Cry Holy
By Dennis Jernigan, Shepherd’s Heart Music.


Singer-songwriter Dennis Jernigan, writer of chart-topping songs such as “You Are My All in All” and “We Will Worship the Lamb of Glory,” delivers his latest collection of praise songs on his new project, I Cry Holy. The CD features a mix of tempos and sounds, including the world-music flavor of “Beautiful,” the Caribbean-flavored “I Will Sing,” the jazz-influenced “Our God Is Mighty” and the pop rock of the proclamation “I Want to Be Free.” Jernigan shines brightest on piano-worship ballads such as “See the Lamb” and “You Are My King,” as well as the love song “I’ve Waited a Lifetime,” particularly because the simplicity lends itself more to a timeless quality, while synthesized instrumentation oftentimes sounds dated. Jernigan sings with fervency on I Cry Holy, and as his personal testimony verifies, he sings from experience about the life-changing power of the cross. Musically, this album will inspire his longtime listeners but probably won’t broaden his listener base much.
Dewayne Hamby


Manifesto
By Pocket Full of Rocks, Myrrh Records.


Following the band’s self-titled Myrrh Records debut, Pocket Full of Rocks returns with a new modern worship experience, blending pop-rock sensibilities with passionate lyrics and vocals, and as a result making praise music creative and accessible outside church environments. Melodic-rock anthem “Who Is This King?” delivers spiritual intensity while showcasing a polished musical landscape. Similarly, the low-key “Water (There Is None Like You),” a straight-ahead praise track, is destined for radio success. Also of interest are the jazzy piano praise of “Take Me There,” the simple challenge of “Worst of Us” and the heart-rending “Heal,” which prays for God’s healing intervention. “My Everything” serves up its own manifesto, declaring “You’re my everything, Lord,” dismissing all the things that compete for God’s sovereignty. Manifesto showcases Pocket Full of Rocks’ talent for bringing solid songs to the table and creating individualistic musical moments, staying accessible and creative at the same time.
Dewayne Hamby


Journey
By Richard Smallwood, Verity/Zomba Gospel.


It has been six years since gospel legend and Grammy Award-winner Richard Smallwood has released an album. His newest release, Journey: Live in New York, proves it was worth the wait. Journey is a stellar two-disc set featuring classics as well as new songs from Smallwood. It also features some of today’s best gospel artists, including Kim Burrell on the title track, the Hawkins Family on “We’ve Come Too Far,” and the original Richard Smallwood Singers on the soulful renditions of “Holy Holy” and “He Won’t Leave You.” Two of R&B’s best are also showcased on this album: Kelly Price on the encouraging “Morning Breaking” and the amazing Chaka Khan on “Precious Is Your Name.” Undoubtedly, the standout track is “I’ll Trust You,” featuring the melodic voices of Vision, Smallwood’s choir. Journey: Live in New York has already gained major radio airplay and can be considered one of Smallwood’s best musical efforts to date.
Twanna Powell-Green


Fiction


Clear Blue Sky
By F.P. Lione, Revell, softcover, 352 pages, $.


It’s September 2001 and New York is buzzing with festivals and crowds. Police officer Tony Cavalucci wonders if the overtime is worth the hassle. His family is giving him a hard time about his faith and his fiancee. As Tony helps in the rescue effort after the Sept. 11 attack on the city, he learns to appreciate family, life and faith anew.


CONTEMPORARY


My Soul to Keep
By Davis Bunn, Bethany House, softcover, 400 pages, $.


Brent Stark is a rising star until an accident leads to prison time. But he becomes a Christian in prison, and after his release a Christian businessman approaches him about a filmmaking venture. They and their crew are in for the challenge of their lives as some in Hollywood are determined to see this production fail.


ADVENTURE


My Hands Came Away Red
By Lisa McKay, Moody Publishers, softcover, 320 pages, $.


Cori, 18, is searching for direction. She decides that a church-building trip to Indonesia will help her escape her complicated love life. But trouble is brewing on a nearby island, and soon the hostility comes to her. The church is burned, and the pastor and villagers are killed. Now six teenagers are running for their lives in the mountains with only the pastor’s son guiding them.


New On DVD


THE ULTIMATE GIFT
Fox Home Entertainment,
$.
When Red Stevens (James Garner) dies, grandson Jason Stevens expects a huge inheritance. Instead, Red has left him a video message explaining that Jason must complete 12 tasks in order to have a chance to receive any money. During the process Jason learns what is most important in life. This film is rated PG.


DA’ . & FRIENDS LIVE
Cross Movement Records,
$.
Enjoy a close-up look at Impact2006, a hip-hop worship experience with performances by Da’., Tye Tribbett, Trip Lee and others. Also included is a documentary featuring a chat with BET host Gerard Henry and Da’., as well as commentary from Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and others.


ASTRONAUT FARMER
Warner Bros.,
$.
Charles Farmer wanted to be an astronaut. Circumstances changed his plans but not his dream of going to space. He and his son have built a spaceship in their barn. Farmer is determined to launch it even though the government tries to stop him. This story is about family, hope and the courage to dream. Rated PG.