NW World News Prayer Network

What Exactly is the Religion of Bush Who has Proclaimed Hindu Holiday Dwali, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Year of the Goat, Year of the Rat; Referred to 'An Almighty' and Said Christians/Muslims Worship Same God?

MEDIA ADVISORY, May 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- Recovering Republican John Lofton, Editor of TheAmericanView.com web site and co-host of "The American View" radio show has issued the following statement:

"What, exactly, is the religion of President George W. Bush? He says he is a Christian. And numerous so-called conservative Christian leaders and organizations have said Mr. Bush is a Christian. But, is he a Christian? Is there a way to tell if a person is a Christian? Of course. None other than our Lord Himself says that we are known by our fruits, our actions (Matthew 7:15ff). Some of Mr. Bush's "fruits" as President include these:

Mr. Bush has contradicted God’s Word by saying, repeatedly, and approvingly, that people of different faiths "are free to worship as they choose" or not worship. God, however, says, in the First Commandment that He – the God of the Bible -- is the only true God there is and He must be worshipped the way He says He is to be worshipped: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

Mr. Bush has also said, repeatedly, that the strength of our Nation is in its diversity of religions. But, God says in His Word that it is only the nation that has Him as its God, and only Him, that is blessed (Psalm 33:12).

Mr. Bush, in this year's "National Day Of Prayer," referred, strangely, to "an Almighty" when he expressed his hope that someday there might be an "International Day Of Prayer."

Mr. Bush has honored by various proclamations: The Hindu holiday of Dwali which features prominently the "Goddess Lakshimi" and "Lord Ganesha;" Ramadan; Kwanzaa; The Year Of The Goat; and The Year Of The Rat (coincidentally an election year, this year.)

For an in-depth, respectful, and well-researched discussion of this important topic (rulers can bless curse a nation), please visit TheAmericanView.com web site and listen to "The American View" radio show number 155: http://www.theamericanview.com/index.php? id=1054

Editor Lofton also discusses this topic with radio talk show Jan Mickelson of WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa: http://mickelson.libsyn.com/index.php? post_id=337250.

If you'd like to interview John Lofton, you may reach him by calling: 301-873-4612; 410-760-8885; or by email: JLof@aol.com.

- Christian Newswire

Pregnancy Resource Group Asks High Court to Encourage Doctors to be Honest with Patients Considering Abortion

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- Heartbeat International joins a "friend of the court" brief in support of Rosa Acuna's petition. On Friday, Acuna's attorney Harold Cassidy filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the egregious New Jersey Supreme Court decision in the case of Rosa Acuna v. Sheldon C. Turkish, MD.

"As an association dedicated to helping women, we call on the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the New Jersey Court's precedent and to require abortionists to provide medically accurate details about the gestational development of a human baby," said Heartbeat International President Peggy Hartshorn, Ph.D. "The facts are a baby's heart begins beating at 21 days and brain waves can be measured at six weeks. Women deserve the truth."

With Acuna v. Turkish, the New Jersey High Court set the legal precedent that a doctor can legally deceive a woman considering abortion. The ruling held that a doctor who performs an abortion has no responsibility to present precise biological information to a woman about her unborn child or the abortion procedure risks.

"When a woman comes into a Heartbeat center seeking abortion information, she wants to know what is happening with and in her body. We tell her about abortion procedures and show her fetal models or pictures of fetal development," said Hartshorn. "A doctor should have the responsibility of explaining human development to his patient. She has a right to be fully informed before she submits to an abortion procedure. The woman's health risks increase without this information."

Turkish told Rosa Acuna that she should not "be stupid" because the only thing being removed was "just blood." Turkish testified that he routinely tells women it is "just some tissue." By any standard these statements are false and misleading.

Heartbeat International and its affiliates advocate for the safe reproductive health and well-being of women. Abortion is not a medical "treatment" that can improve a woman's health. Women seen in Heartbeat's pregnancy centers testify daily to the painful physical and emotional effects of abortion.

Heartbeat International, founded in 1971, is an interdenominational Christian association of nearly 1,100 pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, non-profit adoption agencies, and medical clinics in 48 states and 42 countries. Heartbeat provides www.OptionLine.org (800-395-HELP), a joint venture with Care Net, to connect callers with a local pregnancy center for the help they need. Each month our national call center responds to approximately 20,000 contacts.

- Christian Newswire

White House "Compassion in Action" Roundtable Highlights Critical Role of Nonprofits in Disaster Preparation and Response

WASHINGTON, May 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI), joined by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, today convened a Compassion in Action policy roundtable entitled, "Partnerships in Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery: The Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations in Building Resilient Communities." Hosted by OFBCI Director Jay Hein, the Roundtable underscored the critical and increasing role of faith-based and community organizations in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

"The President's commitment to working in close partnership with nonprofit organizations has been unparalleled, and our department is more effective because of it," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Faith based and community organizations can play a vital role in planning, preparedness and response efforts, and we'll continue to work closely with them."

Today's event highlighted ways public-private partnerships are boosting the quality of aid delivered to individuals and communities in the wake of disaster. Effective disaster preparation, response and recovery are increasingly defined by cross-sector collaboration that draws upon the complementary strengths of public, private and nonprofit sector players. Faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs), in particular, add much to these partnerships through their established role in the community, existing infrastructure, unique ability to mobilize resources and human capital, and other capabilities complementary to those of government. As disaster recovery models transition from government-centered delivery of services to innovative community-based partnerships, the role of FBCOs remains vital to ensuring that communities are equipped to respond effectively to both the short- and long-term impact of disasters.

"In the aftermath of disaster, America's armies of compassion are among the first responders extending a hand to their neighbors and helping rebuild distressed communities. Today, we applaud these compassionate Americans and explore innovative partnerships to strengthen their service," said OFBCI Director Jay Hein.

Recognizing the critical role of America's nonprofits in disaster recovery and rebuilding, the Federal government works to engage these vital allies and extend their efforts to meet critical community needs. For example, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with USA Freedom Corps, FEMA and other public- and private-sector players, strengthened the National Response Framework, the nation's guide for domestic disaster response, to ensure coordinated efforts and effective utilization of skilled volunteers. Additionally, a host of Federal efforts ranging from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, which supplies food to disaster relief organizations for mass distribution, to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's HOME Investment Partnerships to help rebuild disaster-torn areas, are engaging FBCOs to help rebuild neighborhoods and restore lives. To aid with international disasters, the Federal government partners with non-government organizations through the U.S. Agency for International Development to help impact disaster-torn areas.

Moreover, since President Bush launched Citizen Corps in 2002, to engage volunteer activities to help communities prepare for disasters through multi- sector engagement, nearly $150 million has been distributed to States and territories to build community preparedness. Extending the President's vision for a culture of volunteer service, Citizen Corps currently operates 2,343 local Councils, which serve nearly 224 million people, or 78% of the total U.S. population.

Today's dialogue on the critical role of America's nonprofit sector will be further explored at a White House Conference on Disaster Relief and Preparedness on May 29 and 30, in New Orleans. The Conference will also offer tools and training for social service organizations as they work to rebuild and sustain their communities.

President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) is built from the conviction that the most effective way to address our communities' great needs is to draw upon the unique strengths of every willing community and faith-based partner. He launched the FBCI upon taking office in January 2001, to strengthen America's nonprofit sector and extend its work in partnership with government. Since April 2006, the OFBCI has convened monthly Compassion in Action policy roundtables to discuss issues of interest faith- and community-based organizations and highlight honor the successes of dedicated Americans helping their neighbors in need.

For more information on the OFBCI and the President's compassion agenda, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/.

- Christian Newswire

California Supreme Court Foolishness Justifies Same Sex Marriages

UNION CITY, California, May 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Today the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of same sex marriages and in so doing turned its back on both the will of the people and clearly biblical teaching," said Walter Hoye, President and Founder of the Issues4Life Foundation.

Hoye says, "The only way Californians can reverse this outrageous decision is by passing the 'ProtectMarriage.com' initiative in November and put the definition of marriage in the California state constitution. This will ensure that no judge, politician or special interest group interferes with the will of the people."

Hoye goes on to say, "Currently 40% (percent) of children are born out of wedlock so it is clearly in the public interest to encourage people who engage in reproductive acts to marry since only those acts create new life without the staggering and tragic social consequences outside of marriage. By redefining and diluting the definition of marriage, the California Supreme Court has undermined the foundation of our society."

Hoye continues by saying, "Strong Biblical marriages are part of the answer to the horrifying numbers surrounding abortion in the African-American community. According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) fact sheet entitled "Facts on Induced Abortion in the United States" dated January 2008, Black abortions totaled 683,294 or accounted for 56% of all legal abortions in the United States in 2005."

This percentage equates to the following:

56,941-Black babies were aborted every month
13,140-Black babies were aborted every week
1,871-Black babies were aborted every day
78-Black babies were aborted every hour
1.3-Black babies were aborted every minute

Mr. Hoye concludes by challenging all Christian Leaders, (i.e., Pastors, Priest, Bishops, Rabbis, etc.), to install voter registration drives immediately, using these drives to inform the people of the clearly biblical definition of marriage between a single man and a single woman and the relationship between the impact of abortion in America and strong Biblical marriages.

- Christian Newswire

California High Court Decision Striking Down Marriage Underscores Need for Congress to Pass AFM's Marriage Protection Amendment

Marriage Protection Amendment Drafted by AFM is Essential to Protect Views of the Vast Majority of Americans

WASHINGTON, May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Alliance for Marriage Foundation urged the people of California to constitutionally protect marriage in their state, while calling upon Congress to pass AFM's federal Marriage Protection Amendment in the aftermath of a California Supreme Court decision striking down marriage.

"In the most populous state in the Union, radical activists have convinced judges to ignore the will of the people and to follow the destructive lead of the Massachusetts courts in striking down the common sense definition of marriage," said Matt Daniels, president and founder of the Alliance for Marriage Foundation. "California is now ground-zero in the Battle to Protect Marriage, and the fight in California must now be joined in the Congress."

Recently, California voters delivered over 1.1 million signatures to protect marriage with a constitutional amendment. The signatures are being verified by county election officials for the constitutional amendment to be approved for the November 2008 ballot.

"The future of marriage in California should be determined among the 36 million residents of the State of California -- not by the personal, closed-door deliberation of seven judges," said Rev. Sam Rodriguez, Jr., an Advisory Board Member of the Alliance for Marriage Foundation. "For several decades, America has been wandering in a wilderness of social problems caused by family disintegration. Tragically, as bad as our current situation may be, today's decision by the Court can only make the situation dramatically worse."

"Given the continuous attacks upon marriage in courts across the country, AFM's Marriage Protection Amendment is clearly the only hope for the American people to determine the future of marriage under our laws," Daniels added.

"Americans want our laws to send a positive message to children about marriage, family and their future," said Daniels.

The Alliance for Marriage is a non-partisan, multicultural coalition whose Board of Advisors includes Rev. Walter Fauntroy -- the former DC Delegate who organized the March on Washington for Martin Luther King Jr. -- as well as other civil rights and religious leaders, and national legal experts.

- Christian Newswire

California High Court Overrules People

SACRAMENTO, May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court of California today overturned Proposition 22. In striking down Proposition 22, the initiative passed in 2000 - by 61.4% of voters - to define marriage in California as only between a man and a woman, the Court declared a right to "same-sex marriage" under the California Constitution.

The majority decision was authored by Chief Justice Ronald George, who stated, "history alone is not invariably an appropriate guide for determining the meaning and scope of this fundamental constitutional guarantee."

"This shocking decision is a wake-up call for the majority of California's citizens, whose votes have been rendered worthless by the Supreme Court's disregard for the democratic system," said Ron Prentice, the executive director of California Family Council. "In November, the people will have an opportunity to overrule the Court's decision by passing a constitutional amendment - and California's voters must respond in strength and number," concluded Prentice.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Baxter wrote, the majority's decision "relies heavily on the Legislature's adoption of progressive civil rights protections for gays and lesbians to find a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. In effect, the majority gives the Legislature indirectly power that body does not directly possess to amend the Constitution and repeal an initiative statute." CFC's Prentice added, "Since time began, marriage between a man and a woman has served children, families, and societies best. Today, the California Supreme Court dishonored marriage's tradition and historic purposes, as well as the will of the people."

The court's decision will go into effect in 30 days, unless the parties involved seek a "stay." It is likely that attorneys representing the ProtectMarriage.com coalition will request a stay until the people of California have opportunity to vote on a constitutional marriage amendment in the November general election.

ProtectMarriage.com, a coalition of grassroots organizations, churches and voters, has been formed in order to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2008 ballot. The Supreme Court's ruling coincides with the submission of 1.1 million signatures to California's 58 counties. Known as the California Marriage Protection Act, the initiative's signatures are now undergoing a review for validation. Based on the number of raw signatures submitted and the current validation percentages reported, it appears the initiative will qualify for the ballot.

- Christian Newswire

California Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Proves it's Time to Target State Court Judges

WASHINGTON, May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to the 4 - 3 ruling today on marriage by the justices of the California Supreme Court, the Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), president of the conservative National Clergy Council and its affiliate, Faith and Action, released this statement:

"Today's ruling by the California Supreme Court ordering the state to legalize a man marrying a man and woman marrying a woman demonstrates the need for religious conservatives to pay close attention to state supreme court judges, especially during election campaigns. California citizens can take bad judges off the bench by voting no when their names appear on the ballot. Other states use different means for electing or retaining supreme court judges. Citizens must get directly involved in choosing who will sit on their highest state courts."

Schenck's organization, Faith and Action, sponsors a program called The State-by-State Initiative that is aimed at influencing the judicial philosophies of state supreme court judges and justices.

Schenck is available for further comment. Contact Peggy Birchfield of Faith and Action at 202-546-8329, extension 103.

- Christian Newswire

Catholics for the Common Good Disappointed by California Court Marriage Ruling

SAN FRANCISCO, May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Today, the California Supreme Court turned its back on both the will of the people and the common interest of every child in California in having a married mother and father," said Bill May, chairman of Catholics for the Common Good and spokesperson for Stand with Children.

"The only way Californians can reverse this outrageous decision and restore common sense is by passing the ProtectMarriage.com initiative on the November ballot. That would put the definition of marriage in the state constitution - putting it out of reach of judges and politicians," May said.

"The majority found that there is no compelling state interest in restricting marriage to people who engage in reproductive acts [men and women]. Tell that to the 40% percent of children born out of wedlock each year or the 34% of children living without their fathers. It is clearly in the public interest to encourage men and women to marry because of the staggering and tragic social consequences for children born to single women or cohabitating couples. By disconnecting marriage from the public interest and overturning the will of the people, the Court has undermined the very foundation of society."

The 4-3 ruling of the California Supreme Court declared the California Defense of Marriage Act (Proposition 22) unconstitutional. That law, which defined marriage as between a man and a woman, was adopted by 61.4% of California voters in the year 2000.

Stand with Children, an educational coalition, promotes the interest that every child has in the marriage of his or her parents. It is a project of the Catholics for the Common Good Institute, an educational organization dedicated to bringing reason to the public square based on insights from Catholic social teachings related to the dignity of the human person, fundamental human rights, marriage and the family as the foundation of social justice, and commitment to the poor and vulnerable.

Catholics for the Common Good · P.O. Box 320038 ·San Francisco, CA 94132 www.ccgaction.org

- Christian Newswire

Rev. Peterson Blasts California Court on Same Sex-Marriage Ruling; Calls on Black Churches to Support Marriage Amendment

LOS ANGELES, May 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, Founder and President of BOND, Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny, blasted the California Supreme Court for its 4-3 decision overturning Proposition 22, the initiative passed in 2000 affirming that only marriage between a man and woman is "valid or recognized in California." The following is Rev. Peterson's statement on this issue:

"Sixty-one percent of California voters supported Prop 22 and now activist judges are overruling the will of the people. This decision should outrage and motivate all decent and law abiding Americans to support a marriage amendment. Homosexual activists are relentless in trying to normalize their abnormal lifestyle; and now a Republican-majority court is doing their bidding.

"The time is now for conservative black churches to join with white Christians in opposing this ruling. For far too long churches have sat on the sidelines while serious moral issues have been decided without their participation. This issue is about right and wrong. Changing the definition of traditional marriage to include homosexuals is wrong and Christians have a moral duty to speak out against it. Black ministers must encourage their congregations to support grassroots coalitions that seek to protect traditional marriage."

A coalition of churches and citizens has submitted 1.1 million signatures to California's 58 counties to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2008. Based on the reported number of signatures, it appears the initiative known as the California Marriage Protection ACT will qualify for the ballot.

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is Founder and President of The Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny (BOND), a nationally respected nonprofit organization dedicated to "Rebuilding the Family by Rebuilding the Man." He is also the host of "The Jesse Lee Peterson Radio Show." For more information visit www.bondinfo.org

- Christian Newswire

Next week, Vets for Freedom will introduce Vets for Freedom PAC (VFFPAC), in order to help ensure that pro-mission candidates — Democrats and Republicans alike — are elected to the United States Congress. VFFPAC will endorse and offer extended support to combat veterans, and a select number of other candidates, who support victory in the Global War on Terrorism. Bottom Line: VFFPAC will support those who support victory — that is our only litmus test.

Vets for Freedom will continue to be America’s most influential voice for veterans of the Global War on Terror, and will continue to educate Americans on the importance of never surrendering to extremists. VFFPAC will work to actively support candidates who champion our mission. We have appealed to Congress for support – now it’s time to change Congress from the bottom up.

Look for an e-mail early next week introducing the VFFPAC. We look forward to your continued support.

Move out and draw fire!

Pete Hegseth
Executive Director
Vets for Freedom

GFA Relief Shipment Received in Yangon

CARROLLTON, Texas, May 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gospel for Asia's first shipment of cyclone relief supplies has arrived in Myanmar (Burma) and has been received by GFA/Believers Church officials.

"Because of our previous service to the nation in times of such need, our national leader has a good reputation among government leaders, and the local churches are held in high regard," explained GFA President and Founder K.P. Yohannan. "As a result, the government has agreed to allow GFA/Believers Church to not only bring in supplies, but also to make sure they reach the people who are in such desperate need."

Even though there have been several reports in the international media of aid materials being diverted, GFA has been assured that these will get to those in need.

In addition to the medical supplies that were flown into the Yangon (Rangoon) airport, GFA/Believers Church is also shipping food to the disaster-struck nation.

"Please pray that all of these supplies will get into the hands of the people who need them the most," Yohannan pleaded. "I also ask that Christians offer prayer that the government leaders will give greater freedom to help the hurting in remote areas."

In what he described as a near-miracle, the Myanmar government has also given special permission to GFA/Believers Church to open medical clinics in its church compounds.

"This is a very unusual situation," Yohannan said, "and it is good because we have 400 churches in Burma, and many are in the most affected areas. Of course we cannot minister to everyone who is suffering as a result of this disaster, but we will do everything we can to help everyone we can."

Yohannan said the most pressing need at these clinics is for trained medical personnel

"I am asking people to pray that God would lead us to Burmese doctors and nurses who are already in the country, since so far the government has not allowed outsiders to come in and work," Yohannan said.

Yohannan also revealed that the GFA/Believers Church leader in Myanmar has asked to open an orphanage to care for more than 90 children now in his church's temporary care.

"Could you please allow us to pick up the pitiful children who have lost their parents in the cyclone," he pleaded. "They have no families and are completely alone."

Yohannan said permission had been granted and that the children will be cared for.

GFA workers have been actively involved in the relief effort since a few hours after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar in the predawn hours of May 3. The work started in the GFA Bible college in Rangoon, where people sought shelter in the badly damaged, but still usable, buildings. A few days later, GFA workers spread their efforts to other parts of the storm-ravaged country.

The Bible college is still being utilized as a shelter. A portable generator there has made it possible to draw clean, fresh water out of the campus well. The water is being bottled and distributed to those who so desperately need it. At night, the missionaries are using portable projectors to show an Indian-made film about Jesus.

Missionaries are focusing their attention on the two major needs of the people.

"The people are asking for water to drink and rice to eat. Starvation is the major problem right now," Yohannan said.

GFA/Believers Church has additional medical and food shipments on the way to the country, and more than 300 students from GFA's Bible colleges, along with missionaries and volunteers, are mobilized to get food and clothing to the storm survivors.

News reports from inside Myanmar put the death toll at 38,491. The United Nations estimates that more than 60,000 people perished because of the storm. The International Red Cross says the dead could number as high as 127,900.

"No matter what the official number is, we must remember that each of these people was a soul precious to God. In the same manner, we must continue to help the millions of survivors. They need to hear that they are beautiful in God's eyes," Yohannan said.

Weather-related troubles may not be over for the people of Myanmar. Heavy rains have been falling on the country for several days and the annual monsoon season is just a few weeks away.

The foul weather may complicate the distribution of some emergency supplies, but it will not be cause for the relief efforts to stop. GFA's 500 native missionaries in Myanmar will continue to serve their fellow countrymen, long after the crisis disappears from the headlines.

"Rebuilding Myanmar could take years. And since our missionaries, churches and Bible college students are indigenous, they are there for the long haul," Yohannan said.

Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton, Texas involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.

- Christian Newswire

Christian Defense Coalition Calls for Apology from Governor Huckabee in Reference to Comments Regarding Senator Obama

WASHINGTON, May 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Christian Defense Coalition calls for Governor Huckabee to apologize for his thoughtless, insensitive and troubling remarks about Senator Obama.

At a National Rifle Association convention in Louisville today, CNN and Associated Press reported that Governor Huckabee quipped that a loud noise backstage was Senator Obama dodging a gunman.

Governor Huckabee's quote was, "That was Barak Obama, he just tripped off a chair, he's getting ready to speak. Somebody aimed a gun at him and he dove for the floor."

The Coalition finds it reprehensible that a major and respected political figure like Governor Huckabee would make such a disturbing statement.

It is critical for Governor Huckabee, who is as a devoted person of faith, to apologize immediately to Senator Obama and ask for forgiveness.

This statement reinforces the public misconception that republicans are "mean spirited" and a angry party.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, "I have great respect for Governor Huckabee. That is why I was so stunned to read about his thoughtless and troubling remarks about Senator Obama. These comments were not humorous and funny but were disturbing and outrageous.

"There is no context one can talk about someone aiming a gun at Senator Obama and having it be anything but reprehensible. My hope and prayer is that Governor Huckabee will personally call Senator Obama to apologize and ask for his forgiveness.

"In a time when politics is getting nastier and more vicious, statements like this must be unequivocally condemned by all. Governor Huckabee's comments are even more offensive when it has been reported over the past several months that Senator Obama has received numerous death threats."

- Christian Newswire

Wikipedia Peddles Porn to Kids

WASHINGTON, May 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- It would be a tall order, but parents around the world may want to make every effort to keep their kids away from Wikipedia.com, the enormously popular, user-generated online encyclopedia. While doing homework, research for term papers, or for just plain fun, millions of kids visit Wikipedia every day. That's why parents may be alarmed to learn that, as recently exposed by WorldNetDaily.com, Wikipedia features hundreds, if not thousands, of hardcore pornographic images and online sex videos, making them easily accessible to children.

Matt Barber, Policy Director for Cultural Issues with Concerned Women for America (CWA), said, "Perhaps Wikipedia should change its name to Pornopedia. Providing clinical images that may assist people in research is one thing, but many of the images and videos featured by Wikipedia are gratuitous and obscene. They're entirely unnecessary and amount to hardcore pornography, plain and simple.

"These actions by Wiki founder Jimmy Wales and other executives with Wikipedia are reprehensible. By disseminating this obscene material, their misbehavior is no better than that of the sleazy smut peddler at the XXX bookstore down the street. They should be ashamed of themselves. In fact, the Department of Justice (DOJ) should look into whether Wikipedia may be in violation of federal obscenity laws.

"For this reason, we're calling on Wikipedia to either pull the pornography from its Web page, or, as do many other porn sites, place a prominent warning on the home page indicating that it features pornography, and requiring visitors to affirm that they are at least 18 years of age or older before entering," said Barber.

"People may notice that while searching a term using the Google search engine, a Wikipedia link is often the first to pop up. This makes Wikipedia one of the most visited websites on the Internet. With great power comes great responsibility. To willingly, if not intentionally, make pornography a mouse click away for kids is contemptibly low and represents the height of irresponsibility.

"Unfortunately, the federal government's reticence to prosecute violations of federal obscenity laws has created a climate where disseminating hardcore pornography, even to children, is considered 'no big deal.' Perhaps now, knowing that millions of children are being readily exposed to obscenity on Wikipedia.com, the DOJ will finally step up its efforts," concluded Barber.

- Christian Newswire

Water Missions International Prepares Water Purification Systems to Aid Survivors in Myanmar

CHARLESTON, Sc., May 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Water Missions International (WMI) is preparing 44 water purification systems for immediate deployment to aid survivors of last Saturday's deadly cyclone in Myanmar. The 44 Living Water(TM) Treatment Systems (LWTS(TM)) have been requested from other organizations around the United States who are working to get relief to the people of Myanmar. World Vision has requested 20 water systems, Operation Blessing has requested up to 12, and Samaritan's Purse has asked for 12 water systems to be ready for transport this Friday, May 9. The first water systems to depart Water Missions International for this disaster effort will leave via the Samaritan's Purse transport truck on Friday morning. In addition to these initial 44 systems, Water Missions International is equipped to assemble another 19 water systems in case further requests are received. Each water system treats up to ten gallons of water per minute, approximately 10,000 gallons per day, and supports communities of up to 3,000 people.

Cyclone Nargis, a Category 3 storm, ripped though Myanmar on Saturday, May 3, affecting more than two million people. According to the latest reports, the death toll may top 100,000, and more than 70,000 people are still missing and feared dead. This is the worst disaster to strike Southeast Asia since the Tsunami in 2004. A state of emergency has been declared across five regions of Myanmar, and up to one million people are in desperate need of immediate, life-saving assistance. Clean, safe drinking water tops the list of urgent needs.

Donations are needed immediately to assist with disaster relief efforts. "With a response of this magnitude, Water Missions International could incur costs nearing $1 million," explains Danya Jordan, WMI's VP of Development. "To save lives we must act quickly, and to act quickly, we desperately need funding. We encourage everyone to act now. Every gift makes a difference," Jordan says. For more information on how to help, please contact Danya Jordan at (843)769-7395 or donate online at www.watermissions.org.

About WMI:

Water Missions International (WMI) is a nonprofit, Christian engineering organization based in Charleston, SC. WMI's mission is to provide sustainable access to safe water and an opportunity to hear the "Living Water" message in developing countries and disaster areas. Assistance is provided regardless of age, sex, race, or faith. To date, WMI has deployed a total of 560 water systems in 35 countries worldwide and two U.S. states, making safe water available to more than one million people. Visit us at www.watermissions.org.

If you would like more information about Water Missions International, or to donate funds to disaster relief projects, please contact Danya Jordan at (843) 769-7395 x 210 or djordan@watermissions.org. Donations are also accepted online at www.watermissions.org. For volunteer opportunities, contact Kelly Lewis at (843)769-7395 x 207 or volunteers@watermissions.org.

- Christian Newswire

Judicial Action Group has Mixed Reactions to John McCain on Judges

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Judicial Action Group had mixed reactions to GOP Presidential candidate Senator John McCain and his speech yesterday outlining his judicial philosophy at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.

JAG President Phillip Jauregui stated, "Senator McCain's speech was excellent in many respects, and there were a number of excellent points. The 'pros' far outnumbered the 'cons.' The 'cons' however were weighty and cannot be left unchecked.

"Senator McCain explained his vote for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by saying 'I voted for [her because she was] qualified.' By Senator McCain's own standards presented in his speech, while Ginsburg was experienced, she was not qualified.

"There is a big difference between experience and qualification. In fact, it was Ginsburg's experience that made her unqualified. She was experienced at legislating from the bench, both as a federal judge for over ten years, and as an advocate for judicial supremacy at both the ACLU and NOW. No one should have been surprised that Justice Ginsburg has turned out to be a judicial supremacist. She was one before she joined the Court and remains one now. Her experience and record made her demonstrably unqualified to protect the same Constitution that she had spent years destroying.

"McCain also asserts that in response to supremacist judges who show little regard for the authority of the president, Congress, and states, the 'only remedy available to any of us is to find, nominate, and confirm better judges.'

"Senator McCain is simply incorrect on this monumental point." Jauregui referred to Stanford Law School Dean Larry Kramer, who wrote: "The Constitution leaves room for numerous responses to an overly assertive Court: Justices can be impeached, the Court's budget can be slashed, the President can ignore the Courts' illegal mandates, Congress can strip it of jurisdiction or shrink its size or pack it with new members or give it burdensome new responsibilities. The means are available, and have been used to great effect when necessary by some of the most admired Presidents and Congresses in American History."

"We applaud Senator McCain for his support of federal judges who will apply the U.S. Constitution. His characterization of the Court 'applying' rather than 'interpreting' is an extremely important distinction which we are working to help more people understand.

See the full response posted at www.JudicialActionGroup.com.

- Christian Newswire

Reaffirmation, Reformation, and Repositioning at Heart of "An Evangelical Manifesto"

Evangelicals Reclaim Theological Definition and Encourage Support of a Civil Public Square

WASHINGTON, May 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- "An Evangelical Manifesto" was unveiled earlier today during a press conference at the National Press Club, calling for reaffirmation of identity, reformation of behavior and repositioning in public life among Evangelicals.

"This is not a rebranding or a relabeling issue," said Dr. Os Guinness, author and member of the Manifesto's drafting committee. "'Evangelical' is not a bad brand; the trouble is, we have a bad reality."

Such dynamics prompted a group of theologians and Christian leaders of considerable academic wisdom to carefully draft 'An Evangelical Manifesto.' This three- year effort has sought to reclaim the definition of what it means to be an Evangelical - a term that, in recent years, has often been used politically, culturally, socially - and even as a marketing demographic.

Recognizing that many people outside the movement now doubt that Evangelical is ever positive, and many inside now wonder whether the term any longer serves a useful purpose, they organized a core committee to draft a document that reclaims the term and the calling for both the culture and community of faith. The theological root traces back to the Greek word "euangelion" for 'good news or Gospel.'

In the midst of a volcanic political season, presenters were resolute in stating that this Manifesto is not intended to influence the 2008 race, but rather more appropriately is a result from the aftermath of the 2000 election, when the Values Voter took center stage and became erroneously identified as a voting block.

"We're not speaking to issues," said Dr. John Huffman, Jr., senior pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, Calif., and board chair of Christianity Today International. "We're not here to resolve issues, but rather to stand for the rights of those on the far left and those on the far right, calling for civility."

"Why is this Manifesto needed?" asked David Neff, editor-in-chief and vice president of Christianity Today Media Group and one of the steering committee members. "Because American society has an increasingly new perception of what Evangelicals are. This is an endeavor to set the record straight. As Evangelicals we share a similar determination to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. But our causes, issues, priorities and methodologies differ even as our core values are quite similar."

The process of identifying drafters and early signers was not in any way meant to be restrictive, but rather born out of relationship according to categories.

"A lot of the people whose names you see here are people who are not as publicly visible, but are absolutely vital in this community's function," said Neff.

In response to how Christians might partner with others professing different faiths or no faiths at all, Neff responded that we need to tell the underlying meaning behind our actions. "If we advocate for the earth, it's because God made it; if we advocate for refugees, it's because Jesus was one; and if we advocate for children, it's because He loved children."

"We have a history of either giving up on the culture or trying to take it over," said Dr. Richard Mouw, president and professor of Christian Philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary. "Instead, we should do what we are capable of doing for the common good alongside others who have a sincere commitment to the common good. We need to develop a more adequate theology, not impose our will on society."

The Manifesto repudiates the partisans of both a sacred public square that gives preference in public life to one religion, and a naked public square that would make all religious expression inviolably private and keep the public square equally secular.

Mouw cited findings of a recent Barna survey, indicating that the younger generation sees Evangelicals as 'mean-spirited, homophobic and narrow minded.' "This document calls for an Evangelicalism that is gentle and reverent," he said.

Moderator Larry Ross, president of A. Larry Ross Communications, noted that this initiative is not "rewriting the rules of the game, but rather laying the lines down on the field. Individuals can evaluate or recalibrate their own beliefs and behaviors to determine whether the moniker truly fits for them."

He continued, "The document does not become more or less inclusive based on who signed it, because as of today, any-and-everyone can sign it. It is not about any name, but Christ."

"Evangelicalism is about renewal, and renewal brings transformation," Neff said. "The key moments in history, such as the abolition of slavery and women's suffrage, were about personal transformation. Evangelicalism is not an ideology. It is not a party. It is a renewal movement that brings transformation."

In addition to Guinness, Huffman, Mouw, Neff and Ross, the steering committee members who were not able to participate or be present include consultant and businessman Richard W. Ohman; Jesse Miranda, distinguished professor and director of the Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership, Vanguard University; Dallas Willard, professor, School of Philosophy, University of Southern California; and Timothy George, dean, Beeson Divinity School.

Both the entire Manifesto and an executive summary are available online at www.evangelicalmanifesto.com, and are available for anyone to read, reflect, comment or sign. Also available is a study guide which will provide readers with insight and the biblical and theological underpinnings that shaped the language and direction of the document.

Note to Editors: For more information about "An Evangelical Manifesto" please visit www.evangelicalmanifesto.com/media. To arrange an interview with members of the steering committee, please contact Vicki Morgan at 469.774.6377 or via e- mail at vicki@alarryross.com.

- Christian Newswire

Dr. Alveda King: "Abortion Man" Video Is an Assault on Human Dignity, Just Like Abortion Itself

ATLANTA, May 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today decried the WayoutTV.com video, "Abortion Man," now being broadcast on the internet. The video, an apparent attempt at dark humor, portrays a caped, flying "Abortion Man" who attacks a young pregnant woman until she loses her child, all at the behest of the baby's father.

"Abortion Man just comes off as horrifying in its treatment of the innocent and degrading in its treatment of blacks," said Dr. King. "As callous and unconcerned as Abortion Man is for women and babies, though, I found him little different from the abortion industry itself. If any man wants his pregnant girlfriend to abort, an abortion business will be there to help him get rid of his child. Basically, the abortion industry is Abortion Man without the cape and with less overtly offensive methods."

"I understand that there's a fine line between dark comedy and plain old offensive material," added Dr. King, "but wherever that line is, it's somewhere way in the distance of Abortion Man's rear view mirror. I'm convinced, though, that if the makers of this video had heard the stories I've heard of women coerced into abortions, they never would have tried to find humor in such gruesome situations. If the Abortion Man producers ever want to stimulate dialogue and find solutions for the horrors of abortion against the human race, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with them."

- Christian Newswire

Washington, DC News Conference on Ten Commandments Event is Part of Open House at Site of Controversial Monument on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, May 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Faith and Action, America's only Christian missionary outreach to government officials located on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, will hold a news conference in front of the U.S. Supreme Court tomorrow, Thursday, May 8, at 4:00 PM, to announce its national effort to enlist support for a National Ten Commandments Day.

Faith and Action is the sponsor of the National Ten Commandments Project which presents beautiful stone artwork tablets of the Ten Commandments to elected and appointed officials, asking them to "display and to obey" the Great Words of Sinai. The group also confers the National Ten Commandments Leadership Award on those who use their stations of influence to promote the principles espoused in the Ten Commandments.

Faith and Action is holding an open house for pastors and Christian leaders, May 7 - 9, at its headquarters, the site of a controversial stone monument of the Ten Commandments in the facility's front garden immediately opposite the U.S. Supreme Court. The District of Columbia government had initially threatened Faith and Action with fines of $300 per day until the sculpture was removed, but later relented and ruled the display was protected under the First Amendment.

Details:

News Conference on Effort to Back "National Ten Commandments Day"
Speaking: The Reverend Rob Schenck, president, Faith and Action
Thursday, May 8, 4:00 - 4:30 PM
Sidewalk in front of US Supreme Court, 1st St, NE and Maryland Ave
Washington, DC

Open House for Pastors and Christian Leaders
May 7 - 9, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Faith and Action Headquarters at the Honorable
William J. Ostrowski House
109 2nd St, NE
Washington, DC 20002

Information contact Ashley Keene, 202-546-8329, ext 104, or ashley@faithandaction.org

- Christian Newswire

Sing Changelujah: "What Would Jesus Buy" Mission Presses on

MEDIA ADVISORY, May 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- "It is powerful; it's rooted in a missional, gospel-centered view of the Christian reality," says Mickey Klink, New Testament professor at Talbot School of Theology. Film critic Darrel Mason of Hollywood Jesus agrees. "What Would Jesus Buy? has a message that needs to be spoken to a world that is out of control," he says.

What Would Jesus Buy? is a satirical documentary that follows Reverend Billy and his Church of Stop Shopping on a cross-country road trip to save Christmas from being consumed by consumption. It is a consumption that is unchecked by where and how Americans buy their goods, the values that purchasing habits suggest, and what it ultimately does to compromise the celebrated season of Christmas.

With a successful release last Christmas to a select number of theaters, Reverend Billy and producer Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) hope to expand their message to a wider audience when What Would Jesus Buy? releases to DVD on May 20.

And they've assembled a broad base of support. Evangelical groups like Buy Nothing Christmas and Advent Conspiracy (a group of more than 1,000 churches started by Rick Mckinley of Imageo Dei Church) and fair trade organizations like Global Exchange and Co-Op America see the film as a showcase for discussions about the simple message of Christmas and the problems of America's consumption habits. Simply put: buy less and give more. "Christmas is meant to shake the world up. Not just be an occasion for more shopping!" says Jim Wallis of Sojourners.

What Would Jesus Buy? releases on DVD May 20 in an effort to build awareness in the months leading up to Christmas. For complete information, including resource materials, ongoing events and church services please visit www.wwjbmovie.com and www.revbilly.com. You'll be singing "Changelujah" too.

- Christian Newswire

Pro-Lifers: Let's Picket NEA Teacher Convention in Washington, DC & NEA HQs in State Capitals July 2

WASHINGTON, May 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Pro-Life activists, teachers, school employees, students, parents, and clergy are invited to come pray and peacefully picket the National Education Association's convention at the Washington Convention Center, July 2nd between 10:00AM and 2:00PM," announces Pro-Life Educators and Students (PLEAS) Coordinator, Bob Pawson. "Especially pro- lifers from DC, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Activate your groups. Bring your families, friends and pro-life signs and banners. Hundreds of citizens publicly admonishing NEA's leaders would create excellent media reportage and inspire the Pro-Life Movement nationwide. Let's go!"

Hillary Clinton and/or Barack Obama will surely address NEA's 9,000 Delegates, as they did last year; especially the eventual Democratic nominee. NEA- PAC may vote for and announce NEA's endorsement during the convention. Late-term abortionist George Tiller spoke at NEA headquarters for the Feminist Majority Foundation's Leadership Conference in March 2008.

METRO Yellow and Green Lines provide convenient transportation to 'Mt. Vernon Sq/7th Street & Convention Center' station. www.dcconvention.com/directions.aspx

Pro-life groups and activists across America are urged to organize lunch-hour pickets at NEA State Affiliate HQs in all fifty states July 2nd. Most prolife groups have school employees in their ranks, including NEA members, to alert and activate.

"Please unite in a high-profile rebuke of the leadership of America's largest, socio-politically meddlesome union for misrepresenting so many teachers on abortion. Seize this opportunity to focus nationwide attention and condemnation upon the pro- abortion activism of arrogant educrats disingenuously pretending to protect children and teachers' jobs."

"A pro-abortion position isn't just morally outrageous; it's stupid; economic suicide. Twenty-five abortions equal one lost classroom, lost teaching careers, and catastrophic losses to America's future," said Pawson, an NEA-NJEA teacher in Trenton.

"We teachers love children. Most are pro-life. It's unacceptable for union representatives to condone or promote killing babies, future students, in their mothers' wombs. We resent having our dues used to subvert our moral, social, and political values while creating artificial divisions among the rank-and-file. NEA must repeal Family Planning Resolution I-15 and similar policies to respect the diversity of 3.2 million members."

To recruit picketers, PLEAS is contacting pro-life organizations across America, including over fifty headquartered in the greater DC area.

Groups and individuals committed to picketing NEA should e-mail: BobPawson@bringyourbible.com.

Bring traditional pro-life signs & messages like:

PRO-LIFE NEA MEMBER PRO-LIFE TEACHER PRO- LIFE STUDENT
REPEAL NEA RES I-15 MAKE NEA ABORTION- NEUTRAL
PRO-LIFE PARENT FORMER FETUS / CURRENT STUDENT
ABORTION=FEWER STUDENTS
ABORTION=UNEMPLOYED TEACHERS
25 ABORTIONS=1 LOST CLASS

- Christian Newswire

Is Mohammed a Murderer and a Pedophile -- Shocking You-Tube Video Revels the Darker Side of the Writings of Islam

ST PETERSBURG, Fla., May 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- In an explosive new video just released on YouTube to evangelize Muslims, the world's leading Internet evangelist Bill Keller, founder of Liveprayer.com, makes the case that Islam is a false religion founded by a murderer and a pedophile based on the writings of Islam!

Keller received international attention last fall when he sent a video message to terror leader Osama Bin Laden, inviting him to become a Christian. Keller, who has taken on the false beliefs of the Mormon cult, gaining worldwide attention for stating that "a vote for Romney is a vote for Satan" opposing the former Massachusetts Governor's bid to become President based on the influence he would have to lead people to the false beliefs of his cult.

Keller stated, "There are over 1.3 billion people following the false religion of Islam to hell. Their entire religion is based on the person of Mohammed, just like the Christian faith is based on the person of Jesus Christ. This video will show, from the very writings of Islam, that Mohammed received the inspiration for his new religion from Satan, was a pedophile for taking a wife who was 6 years old and consummating the marriage when she was 9, and spreading his new religion through hate and death."

About Bill Keller
The press has crowned him the Dr. Phil of Prayer and the next big thing in mass media religion. Bill Keller is the host of Live Prayer with Bill Keller, the nation's only live call-in faith and values-based program airing exclusively on the internet. The program deals head-on with issues ranging from divorce, homosexuality, abortion, sexual abuse, pornography, drug addiction, radical Islam, race relations, spousal abuse, false prophets and more, from a conservative, biblical worldview. Live Prayer is unscripted and unedited, giving it a fresh and totally spontaneous approach to problem solving. The program can be seen live, Monday through Friday from 10PM to 12AM EST, and 24/7 through programs archived on LivePrayer.com. Live Prayer with Bill Keller is positioned to become the world's most-watched internet television broadcast. For information please visit www.liveprayer.com.

About Live Prayer.com....

In 1999, Keller launched LivePrayer.com, which has become the most successful online faith outreach in history. Since its inception, LivePrayer.com has responded personally to more than 60 million online requests for prayer. Additionally, Keller's Live Prayer devotional is received daily by nearly 2.5 million email subscribers, making Keller devotional one of the most read e- communications in the world. For information on where to watch Live Prayer in your area, visit www.liveprayer.com

- Christian Newswire

Tiller Loses Bid to End Grand Jury Investigation

Supreme Court punts records issue back to District Court

TOPEKA, Kansas, May 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Kansas Supreme Court ruled against late-term abortionist George R. Tiller who had asked the Court to rule that a citizen's called grand jury was unconstitutional and should be dismissed. Instead the Court found that such grand juries are indeed constitutional.

In the same opinion, the Court ruled that subpoenas issued by the grand jury in their investigation into illegal abortions done by Tiller and his associates should be further reviewed by the Sedgwick County District Court to insure that the subpoenas are not overly broad or harassing in nature.

The grand jury issued subpoenas to Tiller in January for 2,000 late-term abortion records, a request that was later reduced to 50 records randomly chosen for each of the last five years. The subpoenas specifically state that all patient identifying information should be redacted before being sent to the grand jury.

"While we are gratified that the Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the right of citizens to call for grand juries, we are concerned that the order to punt the subpoena question down to the lower courts could be a stall tactic," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "This decision leaves an open door for further mandamus actions by Tiller's attorneys. They know if they stall long enough with their frivolous motions, the grand jury term will expire, and the evidence will not have to be produced. That is obstruction of justice, pure and simple."

The grand jury was seated on January 8, 2008, for a term of three months. That term was extended by Judge Paul Buchanan, but will expire on July 8, 2008, with no further extensions available.

"It is our prayer that the District Court will act swiftly to get the necessary evidence into the hands of the grand jury so justice can be done," said Newman.

- Christian Newswire

Crouse Says "Evangelical Manifesto" Muddies the Evangelical Waters

WASHINGTON, May 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, Director and Senior Fellow of Concerned Women for America's Beverly LaHaye Institute, commented on Wednesday's release of "An Evangelical Manifesto," the product of a 10-member steering committee that "seeks to clarify the confusions and corruptions surrounding the term 'evangelical.'"

Dr. Crouse said, "The select group drafting the manifesto apparently excludes traditional conservative, pro-life and pro-family evangelical voices. Further, the timing of the manifesto - at the end of primary election season and just before the general election in a presidential election year - makes this a decidedly political document when millions of evangelical votes are at stake.

"The manifesto seems to be targeting evangelicals by blurring the distinctions between liberal and conservatives, producing an amalgam that will become as impotent and barren in the 21st century as most mainline protestant churches became in the 20th century. Polls indicate that the majority of evangelical believers hold mainstream views and attend church weekly. They believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that personal faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. They oppose both homosexual 'marriage' and 'civil unions' as undermining marriage, and they believe that abortion should be illegal.

"The term 'evangelical' means a Biblical worldview and dictates a philosophical/theological perspective on the timeless moral issues of Scripture. Those positions ought to be clear and unequivocal, rather than muddied by sophisticated rhetoric and clever obfuscation. The subtle danger is, as the old axiom states: 'Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything,'" Crouse concluded.

- Christian Newswire

Greetings!

In recent election cycles (including this current one), much attention has been focused on the top of the ticket -- at the nationally-featured candidates, such as those running for President. Overlooked and almost forgotten are the numerous outspoken pro-family Congressmen who are running -- and have previously won seats -- in those same elections.

Two of those bright stars are Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave and Congressman Steve Pearce. Both have been instrumental in helping secure many unpublicized pro-faith and pro-family victories.

Significantly, both are founding members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus (www.prayercaucus.org), a group of Congressmen committed to encouraging prayer for God to heal America and to defending the rights of Americans to pray and acknowledge God. Recent victories they have helped secure include:

Changing the policy that kept acknowledgements of God from being included on official congressional flag certificates;

Reversing the policy of the Veteran's Department that halted the flag-folding ceremony at military burials because of its open acknowledgments of God;

Helping restore the acknowledgment of God to the National Park Service display of the capstone at the Washington Monument;

Removing the restrictions on what words military chaplains can use when they pray;

And numerous other victories.

Additionally, these two have fought valiantly to protect traditional marriage, limit judicial activism, protect the life of the unborn, reinstate "In God We Trust" to its former prominent position on the face of U. S. coins, reduce federal spending, and numerous other issues. (While not all of these goals have yet been achieved, that has not kept them from being outspoken and fearless leaders fighting on behalf of these issues.) Both are now under attack from the Secular Left and need your help.

Marilyn is the number-one target of homosexual activists. She introduced and championed the Federal Marriage Amendment, and homosexuals and liberals believe that her defeat will be a key public victory and help advance their agenda.

Steve is running for the U. S. Senate and many groups have targeted him for defeat in his primary in four weeks, for they rightly view him as a major threat that would add a conservative vote to the Left-leaning liberal U. S. Senate.

I have known Marilyn and Steve for years, and have worked closely with them on a number of issues in Congress. I personally and heartily endorse their candidacy, and ask you to consider making a contribution to their campaigns. (Each individual may contribute up to $2,300, but contributions of any size will be very helpful.) Any contribution you make will definitely be investing money in the future of a healthy America.

To give online, go to:
http://musgraveforcongress.com
http://peopleforpearce.com

To give by mail, send a check to:

Marilyn Musgrave for Congress
257 Johnstown Center Drive, #211
Johnstown, CO 80534

People for Pearce
PO Box 2696
Hobbs, NM 88241

Please help make a difference in these races, for both of them are running for all of us!

God bless!

- David Barton

Pacific Justice Institute News....

May 6, 2008

Sacramento, CA – Two closely-watched cases involving the conscientious rights of doctors and pharmacists have been scheduled for argument within the next few weeks.
Pacific Justice Institute filed an amicus brief last week with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Stormans, Inc. v. Selecky, where pharmacists are seeking protection from a Washington law requiring them to dispense the “Plan B” abortifacient drug. A lower federal court ruled in favor of the pharmacists, allowing them to refer patients to other pharmacists who do not have moral objections to selling the drugs. The court cited a lack of evidence that anyone in Washington had ever been unable to obtain Plan B within 72 hours because a pharmacist refused to provide it. The Ninth Circuit has expedited the case and will hear arguments June 3 in Seattle.

Meanwhile, the California Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for May 28 in North Coast Women’s Care Medical Group, et al., v. Superior Court, where two doctors are accused of violating California’s civil rights law because they declined to artificially inseminate an unmarried, lesbian woman. The doctors instead referred her to another physician—at their own expense—who provided the services. The woman suing the doctors now has several children but claims she was offended and discriminated against. Pacific Justice Institute filed an amicus brief on behalf of the doctors, supporting their rights of conscience. The case has been pending at the California Supreme Court for nearly two years.

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, commented, “It is appalling that radical abortion and homosexual-rights activists would rather force pharmacists and doctors to leave the medical field than allow them to follow their consciences. More than ever, we need health care professionals who understand that life is sacred.”
__________________________

The Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.

P.O. Box 276600
Sacramento, CA 95827-6600
Phone: (916) 857-6900
Fax (916) 857-6902
Internet: www.pacificjustice.org

Art Rorheim, Co-Founder of Awana, to Celebrate 90th Birthday May 7

STREAMWOOD, Ill., May 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Awana will honor Art Rorheim, co-founder of Awana, with a 90th-birthday celebration May 7 at the ministry's suburban Chicago headquarters in Streamwood. Under Art's leading, a ministry at a small Chicago church has grown to impact the life of millions of children and youth worldwide.

The tribute will begin at 9 a.m. with a retrospective on Rorheim's life and legacy at Awana. Following the event, Awana will host a luncheon for Rorheim with dignitaries and some of his closest ministry associates. Rorheim's wife, Winnie, will join him for the festivities. The couple will commemorate their 69th wedding anniversary later this year.

In 1935, 17-year-old Art Rorheim agreed to direct a weekly program for third- and fourth-grade boys that would meet in the basement of his home church in Chicago. More than 73 years later, Rorheim is still going strong long after leaving a worldwide imprint on children's and youth ministry.

Rorheim's work with Awana began in 1941. After his stint as a volunteer club director at the North Side Gospel Center, Rorheim was chosen as the church's youth director. That year, he and Senior Pastor Lance "Doc" Latham began developing a mid-week children's program at the church that they named Awana. Rorheim developed the weekly Awana clubs to appeal to churched and non-churched kids, lead them into a personal relationship with Christ and grow them in enduring faith and service to God.

Other churches learned about the success of the program and inquired about its availability. In 1950, Latham and Rorheim founded Awana as a parachurch organization, with Rorheim as executive director.

The ministry quickly flourished. By 1960, 900 churches had started Awana programs, and by 1972 the first international club was formed. Today, Awana is a leader in children's ministry by helping children and youth know, love and serve Christ. Each week more than a million children and youth and 250,000 volunteers participate in Awana programs in more than 17,000 churches in the U.S. and 100 other countries. Awana serves churches from 100 different Christian denominations, and millions of adults are alumni.

"I know that I would never be where I am today, if it hadn't been for [Art] challenging me so many years ago." says Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL who grew up in the Awana program.

Erwin Lutzer, Sr. Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago admires Art Rorheim for his "consistency of character and focus" Lutzer adds, "not only does [Art] walk with God, but he is intent on helping others to do so as well."

Rorheim stepped down as executive director in 1992. He then served as Awana president until 1999 when Jack Eggar was appointed president/CEO. For the last nine years, Rorheim has continued to report to Awana headquarters in the role of co-founder.

"I've never been able to find the word "retirement" in the Bible," he often jokes.

Dr. Tony Evans, Sr. Pastor of Oak Cliffs Bible Fellowship, says, "The kingdom of God has been blessed...for [Art's] commitment to Christ and to children."

Rorheim typically works in the office two days a week, contributing ideas and speaking to outside groups visiting Awana. He also travels across the U.S. to speak at conferences, meet with ministry leaders and partners and represent Awana at various engagements. His heart remains firmly focused on using God's Word to impact others around the world. Most recently he crafted a Bible memory program for inmates as part of the Awana Lifeline prison ministry.

- Christian Newswire

Norfolk Magazine Celebrates GED Graduates - Breathe Again Magazine Hosts 1st Annual "I Made It" Ceremony

Special Graduation Ceremony Celebrates GED Recipients: Delegate Kenneth Alexander, 89th District, is Keynote Speaker

NORFOLK, Virginia, May 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Breathe Again Magazine will host its 1st Annual "I Made It" Ceremony, Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 6:30PM at The Murray Center, 455 East Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk. Delegate Kenneth Alexander (D) 89th District, will serve as the keynote speaker.

The "I Made It" Ceremony was inspired by a 17 yr old that recently passed his GED test. After family members congratulated him he said, "It's not like we have a ceremony or anything, it doesn't really mean anything. No one really cares."

Breathe Again Magazine founder, Nicole Cleveland doesn't want anyone to feel their accomplishment means nothing. "Just like we expose the negative", says Cleveland "we must start celebrating the victories with these young adults - they are our future."

"As a community we must come together and celebrate them. We come together for gang awareness meetings and crime. But rarely do we come together when a life is turned around," says Cleveland.

This graduation ceremony will be complete with caps, gowns, graduation pictures and most importantly -- these young adults will be able to "walk" just like high school graduates & receive their diploma. This will be a day they will never forget.

Employers will be on site conducting interviews for the graduates and college recruiters will be present. "We want them to know that they too, have a future" says Cleveland.

Breathe Again Magazine is in need of sponsors to help celebrate these young adults. If your company is interested in sponsorship, contact Nicole Cleveland at 757-404-1582.

Breathe Again Magazine is on a mission to encourage, motivate and inspire women by posting real life stories of women overcoming adversity.

After reading a story you are sure to say, "If she made it, I know I can!"

For more information visit www.breatheagainmagazine.com or call us at 757- 404-1582

- Christian Newswire

Rev. Rob Schenck Exposes Rev. Jeremiah Wright on Hannity's America

WASHINGTON, May 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), president of the National Clergy Council and founder of Faith and Action in Washington, DC, appeared this past weekend as a guest on Hannity's America, broadcast on top-rated Fox News Network, continuing his critique of the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, long-time pastor to Sen. Barack Obama.

Schenck was prominently featured during the special segment of Hannity's America broadcast Friday, May 2, and later posted to the Fox News website. Schenck was present for Wright's now infamous speech at the National Press Club and talked about his reaction to it, as well as his personal encounter with Wright that morning.

In the piece entitled "Dangerous Doctrine," Schenck said about Wright's embrace of liberation theology, "At the core of his theology is really an anti-Christian understanding of God and is part of a long history of individuals who actually advocate using violence in overthrowing those they perceive as oppressing them," concluding it's, "very, very dangerous."

Schenck recently published an essay explaining his pursuit of the Wright controversy at www.faithandaction.org. His organization has received hundreds of E-mails supporting the effort to expose Wright's radical Marxist-informed and racially divisive philosophy.

Schenck has launched a campaign to collect E-mails from concerned Americans addressed to Wright about liberation theology and plans to deliver them to Wright in early June. E-mails may be sent to info@faithandaction.org with "Rev. Wright" in the subject line.

- Christian Newswire

C. S. Lewis Society to Host Luncheon and Private Screening of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," with Special Presentation by C. S. Lewis Scholar Michael Ward

OAKLAND, Calif., May 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- A private screening of C.S. Lewis's "Prince Caspian," the second, epic film in the beloved "Chronicles of Narnia" series, will be held Saturday, May 17th, the day after the film's release. Sponsored by the C. S. Lewis Society of California this event will be held beginning late morning at the Metreon in San Francisco.

The first Narnia film, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," grossed $740 million at the box office, and sales of Lewis's Narniad are over 100 million copies.

This program will also include a presentation by Dr. Michael Ward, Chaplain of Peterhouse at Cambridge University and author of the acclaimed, landmark book, "Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis" (Oxford, 2008), plus a luncheon in Jillian's (in the Metreon) with Dr. Ward after the screening. Dr. Ward's book is revolutionizing interest in Lewis and the Narnia series by revealing a profound, but heretofore unknown, literary secret embedded in the books, and a stunning level of intricacy and sophistication by Lewis.

Produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, the new film vividly brings to life "Prince Caspian," as the Pevensie children are transported back from England to the world of Narnia, where a thrilling and perilous adventure and greater test of their faith and courage await them. One year (1,300 years in Narnian time) after the first film, Narnia has been conquered and is controlled by the tyrannical King Miraz. The four children meet the young Prince Caspian, who is in hiding as his uncle Miraz plots to kill him. The Narnians embark on a remarkable journey to find the divine Aslan, and restore liberty and justice to the land.

Directed by veteran director Andrew Adamson, this highly imaginative film reunites the original cast and creative team behind the Academy Award-winning first film in the series.

The C.S. Lewis Society of California is an educational and cultural organization interested in events, publications, and other developments that advance deeper understanding of the enduring philosophical, cultural, historical, literary, theological, social, and economic issues of mankind.

With limited seating, tickets are available at $25/person ($20 for Lewis Society Members) or $50 Special Admission includes one autographed copy of "Planet Narnia" (25% discount). Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and the program at 10:30.

For reservations, phone 510-635-6892, fax 510-568-6040, email events@lewissociety.org, or go here.

- Christian Newswire

www.CogicCommunity.com Announces: Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) Community

MEDIA ADVISORY, May 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- COGIC members are logging on everyday from around the world, CogicCommunity.com is sure to become the biggest online community for Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) members.

"CogicCommunity.com is a community of real people, talking about real issues" says web owner. With members joining for free from around the world, you can believe there is a great deal of networking and praying going on here. The Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) has many things going on this year and a lot of people who have questions. Who can answer your questions better than someone who's involved? The answer is probably no one. That's why the CogicCommunity.com website was developed, to give members a place to congregate online.

The Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) is the world's largest African-American Pentecostal denomination with headquarters in Memphis, Tenn., which is where the Holy Convocation is held every year. The Church Of God In Christ is also the fourth-largest Protestant religious denomination in the United States. With saying this, it is surprising that a central web community www.CogicCommunity.com has recently become available, where members of the Church Of God In Christ can gather, pray, chat, share photos, videos, music and more.

CogicCommunity.com is a free and healthy alternative to other well known communities online but geared toward a specific audience. CogicCommunity.com or MyCogic.com has been around since the end of December 2007 and is steady growing without heavy advertising. Many of the members take advantage of creating their own page, posting videos or music and some just like to view what others post or have written. So what's the big deal? Well, for starters it's a place online where the members have a common interest. Also, it's the best way to communicate and meet other great COGIC members from across the country. This is truly remarkable and you would have to see it for yourself, and you can do so by getting on your nearest Internet connection and going to: www.CogicCommunity.com or www.MyCogic.com.

About www.CogicCommunity.com:

COGIC Community (CogicCommunity.com) exists in order to give Church Of God In Christ members a place to network and be comfortable online, knowing that their community is constantly being monitored for spam.

COGIC headquarters are located at Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee. Bishop Charles E. Blake is Presiding Bishop.

Visit www.CogicCommunity.com for more information on COGIC Community

- Christian Newswire

Christians in Theater Arts Hosts June Conference in California

Theatre Artists Gather to Advance Skills and Grow Artistic Passion

GREENVILLE, Sc., May 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Non-Profit Christians in Theatre Arts (CITA) presents its annual conference June 10-13, 2008, at Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta, Azusa, Calif. This national networking conference, entitled "Taking Theatre to the Next Level," features challenging courses, inspiring presenters and live performances, all with the singular goal of fostering artistic excellence.

CITA's 18th annual gathering boasts a strong lineup of speakers, including Robert Smyth, producing artistic director of Lamb's Players in San Diego. In addition, several workshops cater to a broad spectrum of interests, including: acting, dance, directing, musical theatre, screenwriting, teaching and learning through drama education, theatre in missions and worship, and theology in theatre. Participants from congregations, academic institutions, and theatre companies as well as individual theatre professionals, will further benefit from relevant panel discussions and valuable networking opportunities.

"This year, it's somewhat fitting that we're gathering around the corner from the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame," says Dr. Dale Savidge, CITA's founding president and executive director. "Hundreds of local artists, as well as believers from around the U.S., Canada and several foreign countries will come to be inspired by ministry leaders and challenged by professional theatre artists while fostering artistic excellence."

Attendees will enjoy screenings of the award-winning documentary Laundry and Tosca, as well as Purple State of Mind, and Decalogue I. On the main stage, Dancing with My Father, a moving and inspired play, will explore facets of a father-daughter relationship. In addition, late-night improv features Houseful of Honkeys.

For registration information, visit www.cita.org/ca2008 or www.cita.org.

About Christians in Theatre Arts:

Christians in Theatre Arts (CITA) is a non-profit organization impacting the world and furthering the kingdom of God by equipping Christians in theatre arts. With nearly 2,000 members, CITA encourages artists to make a real connection between their spiritual life and artistic vocation by offering a continent-wide support network of contacts, information and resources for church drama groups, individual theatre artists and professional theatre companies.

- Christian Newswire

Two Tiller Complaints Progressing, Says KS Board of Healing Arts

TOPEKA, Kansas, May 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts has notified Cheryl Sullenger and Troy Newman in separate letters that complaints they filed against late-term abortionist George R. Tiller and his associates are progressing. The complaints request that the medical licenses of three abortionists be suspended.

Sullenger's complaint, filed against Tiller and abortionist Ann Kristin Neuhaus in October, 2006, involves allegations that Tiller conducted illegal late-term abortions using Neuhaus as the second concurring physician required by law for post-viability abortions. Sullenger submitted evidence compiled though Operation Rescue investigations that indicated that Neuhaus and Tiller were financially associated, which is prohibited by law.

Tiller has since been charged with 19 criminal counts of violating the non-affiliated physician law. That case is still pending and tentatively set for trial on June 16, 2008.

Newman's complaint against Tiller and California abortionist Shelley Sella was filed in October, 2007, and alleges that the coerced abortion of Michelle Armesto-Berge was done prior to obtaining proper consent and other violations of the standard of care. Newman filed the complaint on Armesto-Berge's behalf at her request.

Armesto-Berge's horrific late-term abortion experience was first made public when she testified last September before a joint legislative committee investigating illegal late- term abortions and the non-enforcement of Kansas abortion laws.

Abortionist Shelley Sella is a resident of Oakland, California, and is an employee of Tiller's and flies to Kansas every third week to abort babies at his Wichita abortion mill. Abortions after 24 weeks gestation are illegal in California.

"We are cautiously optimistic that the cases against Tiller, Neuhaus, and Sella will now be given the attention they deserve," said Newman. Two top members of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts resigned last month in a shake up over the Board's slowness to act and over apparent cover-ups.

"Up to this point, the Board has refused to act to protect women and viable babies from illegal abortions. The situation in Kansas is critical. The lives of viable babies that laws were enacted to protect remain in jeopardy," said Newman. "We pray that these abortion complaints will get moved to the front burner where they belong, and that suspensions of licenses will be soon forthcoming in the interest of public safety."

- Christian Newswire

Religion is Child Abuse?

An In-Depth Look at Article 14 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

This week, we continue our series on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child with Article 14, which says that the government shall “respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion,” and shall also “respect the rights and duties of the parents and, when applicable, legal guardians, to provide direction to the child in the exercise of his or her right in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child.”

Proponents of the CRC, such as law professor Jonathan Todres, has commented that Article 14 “provides for the role of parents in teaching religion to their children, while ensuring that the government does not impose restrictions on any child’s right to freedom of religion.” Nevertheless, a deeper understanding of this provision reveals that the purportedly “pro-parent” language is really another avenue for government power, not a shield to protect parental rights.

How much “direction” is too much direction?

On its face, this article may seem to support the role of parents, but such a position is merely wishful thinking. The Convention merely recognizes the parents’ primary role to “provide direction” to the child, and there is considerable disagreement on what this “direction” should entail. For example, according to Faulkner University law professor John Garman, Article 14 is one of the few clauses in the CRC that “actually brings the parents into play to ‘provide direction to the child.’”

But another CRC proponent, law professor Cynthia Price Cohen, disagrees. According to Cohen, one of the earliest drafts of Article 14 included “two paragraphs that protected the right of parents to guide the exercise of this right and to ‘respect the liberty of the child and his parents’ with regard to the child’s religious education.” When the final text was adopted, however, all language protecting the rights of parents to “ensure the religious and moral education of the child” was omitted. This omission makes no sense if the purpose of Article 14 was to protect the rights of parents to instruct their children.

Religious “indoctrination” as abuse?

The danger to parents is compounded by a growing movement among American and international academics to prevent parents from “indoctrinating” their children with religious beliefs. For example, British scientist and bestselling author Richard Dawkins recently described religious “indoctrination” of young children as a form of child abuse. “Odious as the physical abuse of children by priests undoubtedly is,” Dawkins writes, “I suspect that it may do them less lasting damage than the mental abuse of bringing them up Catholic in the first place.”

Dawkins is not alone in his analysis. In 1998, bestselling author and professor of psychology Nicholas Humphrey, teaching at New York University at the time, argued for “censorship” of parents, who have “no right to limit the horizons of their children’s knowledge, to bring them up in an atmosphere of dogma and superstition, or to insist they follow the straight and narrow paths of their own faith.”

Both authors advocate an outside solution to “protect” children from indoctrination: intervention by the government. In The God Delusion, Dawkins quotes from Humphrey, who writes that “children have a right not to have their minds addled by nonsense, and we as a society have a duty to protect them from it.” Humphrey bluntly adds that “parents’ rights have no status in ethics and should have none in law” – parenting is a “privilege” that operates within parameters set by society to protect the child’s “fundamental rights to self determination.” If parents step beyond these boundaries by indoctrinating their children, “the contract lapses – and it is then the duty of those who granted the privilege to intervene.” (emphasis added)

Some have called for international talks on whether children should be involved in religion. Innaiah Narisetti of the Center for Inquiry (a U.N. NGO) said, “The time has come to debate the participation of children in religious institutions,” continues Narisetti. “While some might see it as a matter better left to parents, the negative influence of religion and its subsequent contribution to child abuse from religious beliefs and practices requires us to ask whether organized religion is an institution that needs limits set on how early it should have access to children.” Narisetti also said that “The UN must then take a clear stand on the issue of the forced involvement of children in religious practices; it must speak up for the rights of children and not the automatic right of parents and societies to pass on religious beliefs, and it must reexamine whether an organization like the Vatican should belong to the UN”

The “fundamental interest of parents”

This aggressive censorship of parents captures the true spirit of Article 14. According to law professor Bruce Hafen, the language of Article 14 views “parents as trustees of the state who have only such authority and discretion as the state may grant in order to protect the child’s independent rights,” and is consistent with what the state deems as the child’s “evolving capacities.” Such a calloused view of parents stands in stark contrast to our own legal tradition, which has long upheld “the fundamental interest of parents, as contrasted with that of the State, to guide the religious future and education of their children.”

America’s legal heritage has consistently held that parents have a fundamental right to teach their children about religion, shielded from well-intentioned but intrusive interference from the state. The danger of Article 14 is that it disrupts this crucial balance, tipping the scales in favor of the government and those who claim to “know better” in our society. If we wish to secure these freedoms, we must act now to place parental rights into the text of our Constitution.

- UN Watch

Bible College Housing Cyclone Survivors in Burma

RANGOON, Burma, May 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- A Gospel for Asia Bible college in Rangoon, Burma, (Yangon, Myanmar) is now a makeshift shelter for those devastated by Cyclone Nargis, which swept across the country Saturday.

"One of our correspondents was at the Bible college in Rangoon when the storm hit. He was able to obtain information and get on one of the only flights out of the country to deliver a report and photos of the devastation," said Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan.

The cyclone hit at about 2:30 a.m. By daylight the full effect of the storm was obvious. Homes were destroyed. Giant trees had crashed through buildings and were lying uprooted, blocking roads.

The news that is trickling out of the country is horrifying. The death toll is estimated to be at least 10,000 and another 2,700 are missing.

"The people in Burma live in clusters of small communities in simple bamboo structures," Yohannan explained. "These villages are not made of concrete. I imagine that literally hundreds of these simple structures were just blown away. We are praying here in India and are asking Christians around the world to join us."

More than 80 people-along with 70 children from a nearby orphanage that was destroyed-made their way to the Bible college campus as soon as the storm subsided. Buddhist monks are also at the college, seeking assistance.

Local officials set up shop at the Bible college because the police station was completely destroyed. The police have asked for help from the staff at the college. At present, the students are away on their summer vacation. This freed up space to accommodate many who came for help.

GFA missionaries serve at about 400 churches and 250 mission stations in Burma. In 2006, the military- run government of Burma forbade foreign non- government organizations from doing aid work in the country. In the face of this disaster, the government is now relenting, and allowing outside assistance.

Since GFA missionaries are already in the country, and have found favor with the government, they are one of the few groups able to offer immediate help to the people as they begin the recovery process. "In the past, whenever there was a problem of any kind, our people got involved in helping. That is why the government and the people there look at us with good favor," Yohannan said.

The missionaries and staff at the Bible college are taking care of the people's basic needs by offering meals, prayers and the love of Jesus for these who have lost all hope. They will continue caring for the people, but the task before them is daunting.

"Rangoon is in total darkness and they are estimating that there will not be electricity for at least three months," Yohannan said.

Obtaining enough food to feed all those at the Bible college presents another challenge. At present, the banks are closed and fresh food and water are in short supply. Yet these are simply the immediate problems before the aid workers.

"We are facing at least six months of continuous work ministering to the people. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to reach out in love to them, just like we did after the tsunami in 2004," Yohannan said.

And while part of one Bible college building is still standing, portions of the campus-including the building where the people are now staying-were severely damaged.

"We will need to rebuild the Bible college, staff quarters and hundreds of homes of those in our churches," Yohannan said. "Also, dozens of churches are sure to have been destroyed."

While many missionaries and staff will remain in Rangoon assisting with the work at the Bible college, many others are already going out into the villages looking for survivors and surveying the damage.

Yohannan asks for continued prayer for the people of Burma as they come to grips with this crisis. He also asks for prayer for those who are helping them.

GFA has activated a cyclone relief fund and 100 percent of donations to that fund will go straight to the field to assist survivors.

Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton, Texas involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.

- Christian Newswire

Our Worst President

Our Worst President May 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gary McCullough, director of the Christian Newswire, submits the following for publication and is available for comment:

When judging the performance of a president the grid one uses is the most influential factor. For many Americans that grid is national security.

With this in mind, which presidents have led our nation to a more secure status? And which presidents have left us more at risk?

When viewed through this grid I propose that President Jimmy Carter put America at physical risk more so than any other president. Today on a Sunday talk show, Mr. Carter continued putting Americans at risk as the self described authorized spokesman for HAMAS.

Let's not forget Carter paved the path for Khomeini to revive militant Islam. Carter's policies left him impotent, unable to free the Americans held hostage in Iran.

President Bush faces dismal public popularity ratings.

One tactic for a nation's leader whose popularity is low is to pick a fight in order to bring national unity in opposing a common threat. This is the ultimate abuse of "the tail wagging the dog" tactic. But it works.

What happens when a nation's leader employs the exact opposite tactic? What happens when a president whose popularity is low ignores the polls and continues on a course that makes the nation more secure?

President Bush ignored such popularity polls and took the fight to the enemy and the result is that we have a more secure and safe nation.

One soldier I spoke with while on his way back to the Middle