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Current Trends & Updates September 1, 1996 Vol. II No. 4 List #8
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Date: Mon, 2 Sep 1996 03:57:09 +0000
From: Caroll Dale Turbeville
CURRENT TRENDS & UPDATES POSTED 9/1/96
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The Lord has wonderfully blessed the work of CT&U beyond any expectations of the publisher. With a growing readership in excess of 5,000 it became necessary to secure the services of a mail server. Further information will be coming shortly. Additional information is being made available at a website location. Back issues of CT&U will be made available.
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RELIGION
BBFI LARGEST INDEPENDENT BAPTIST MISSIONARY ORGANIZATION
"Since 1950, the BBFI [Baptist Bible Fellowship International] has majored on getting the gospel out, winning souls, planting churches and multiplying these efforts with the goal of 'preach(ing) the gospel to every creature' (Mark 16:15). Nearly every year since its beginning, the BBFI has seen its international outreach grow in numbers of foreign missionaries, fields of service and funds given until it has become and continues to be the largest independent Baptist missionary organization in the world." Over the last year there has been an increase of 25 additional missionaries and three new fields of service with nearly 1.5 million dollars more than the previous year in revenue. This has increased giving to missionary work to $25.4 million. These reports are encouraging, but not nearly as much as the stories of souls saved, churches planted, doors opening to the gospel and work being done by national Baptist Bible Fellowships in various other countries of the world. (Baptist Bible Tribune, August 15, 1996)
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A GREAT MINISTRY RESOURCE -- FUNDAMENTALISM FILE
The Fundamentalism File, a ministry of Bob Jones University, has over 80,000
articles indexed to 6,000 different subjects. It is a religious topics file
dealing with ETHICAL ISSUES of today (i.e., capital punishment, women in
ministry, abortion, ordination of women, homosexuality and the church,
etc.), RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS (i.e., Awana and the
American Baptist Convention, Methodism and Homosexuality, etc.), and LEADING
PEOPLE (Jack VanImpe, Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, Jim Baker, etc.). The
Fundamentalism File does not present the official position of Bob Jones
University. They are a research arm and will give information as requested
(pro or con). The cost is ten cents per photo copy plus $1.00 handling fee
and postage or fax charges. The Fundamentalism File may be reached by
e-mail
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MAYFLOWER TOUR OF ENGLAND & HOLLAND -- THE ENGLISH SEPARATIST MOVEMENT
Senior host, Dr. David Beale of Bob Jones Seminary, and co-host, Dr. Gerald Priest of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary will conduct another unique and unforgettable two-week adventure (Departing May 17th) in England and Holland, tracing the footsteps of the Pilgrims, Puritans, early Baptists and Wesleys. Enjoy the services of a multilingual European tour director. Stroll along quaint streets, visit ancient churches, and chat with local "old timers" in the villages and hamlets of England's "Holy Triangle," where the English Separatist movement originated. Travel with experts to explore the Christian heritage and earn course credit. For additional information contact Dr. Beale <76061.1511@compuserve.com>.
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A GREAT MINISTRY TOOL -- CD-ROM THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY WITH FOREIGN LANGUAGE HELPS
Missionaries should be alerted to 400 MB of resources in an easy to use
program with foreign language helps. A number of English translations are
included plus more than THIRTY foreign translations including Dutch, French,
German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Greek, Hebrew and others. Several
translations can be opened simultaneously allowing for ease of foreign
language study. There are a number of integrated research materials keyed
to Strong's numbers with more than 5000 topics including: Thompson Chain
Topics, Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary, New Topical Textbook, Bible
Dictionary, Archaeological material, Creation Science material, 25
full-color maps and more. In bound editions the value would exceed $1000.
This sells for under $50.00. Contact can be may via e-mail
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BAPTIST BIBLE FELLOWSHIP FALL MISSION MEETING
The BBFI will have a Fall Missions Meeting hosted by Dr. Harry Boyle, President of Baptist Bible College East, Boston, MA during September 23-26. Speakers include: Gary Coleman (Osterville, MA), David Freeman (Taiwan), Ben Feldott (Falmouth, MA), T. G. Wille (Flint, MI), Dwight Scott (Kansas City, MO), Curtis Rowe (Springfield, MA), John Rawlings (Union, KY), Richard Moeller (South Africa), Jamie Ragle (Cincinnati, OH), David Brown (Yakima, WA), Sandy Baird (Houston, TX), John Frier (Mesquite, TX), Leland Kennedy (Springfield, MO), David Smith (England) with the last speaker on Thursday evening being either Sam Davison (Oklahoma City, OK) or John McCall (Sarasota, FL) whoever becomes the newly elected president of the BBFI. (Baptist Bible Tribune, August 15, 1996).
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UNREGISTERED BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP MEETING
September 10 is slated for the official meeting of the Unregistered Baptist Fellowship. Speakers include Presidential Candidate Charles Collins as well as Pastors Greg Dixon (Indianapolis Baptist Temple, Indianapolis, IN), John Lewis (Old Paths Baptist Church, Campbellsburg, IN) and John Weaver (Freedom Baptist Church, Waycross, GA). The meeting will be held at Remnant Baptist Church, Dillsboro, Indiana (Pastor Mike Martin).
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ASSEMBLIES OF GOD JOIN SOUTHERN BAPTIST BOYCOTT OF DISNEY
"The Assemblies of God, with 2.5 million members in the US, have decided to boycott the Walt Disney Company because of the company's links to a film and a book sympathetic to homosexuals." (ENI News Highlights, August 21, 1996)
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CHRIST-CENTERED ORPHANAGE MINISTRY NEEDED IN ZAMBIA
As the result of HIV and AIDS (estimated as high as 75% by some "unofficial"
reports) the population of Zambia is bottom-heavy. 20% of the population is
under the age of 5. "Practically every household in Zambia has at least one
child living with them from the extended family due to the death of both
parents. Thousands of these children are not placed with family members
because whole families have been wiped out." These extra children are
placed in Roman Catholic Church orphanages. Thousands of children from
their earliest memory are taught that the only truth concerning God and
religion comes from the RCC. There is a need for teachers, nurses and
resources for this needed evangelical ministry effort. Those God burdens
should contact Missionary Patrick Coleman
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BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE EAST
Opening day at BBCE brought 93 students to this east coast BBFI school. Herb Koonce reports this enrollment as a healthy increase over the previous year's enrollment. "Students came from as far away as Washington state and as near as Boston -- where new Baptist churches continue to spring up." (Pastor Herb Koonce)
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BIBLICAL ROLE OF WOMEN
"The world at large is in the grips of a moral and cultural revolution. Perhaps no segment of our society has been as radically affected as have the women of the Western Hemisphere. But while the standards of contemporary society have changed rapidly, those set forth in the Word of God remain unaltered. The true liberation of women, brought to us through biblical mandates, comes before us through the articles" in the current issue of "Israel My Glory". The August/September issue of the magazine of "The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry" emphasizes the biblical role of women with many notes concerning the historical role of women in Old Testament times. The articles are entitled: "The Woman's Relationship to Home & Family", "Jesus and the Role of Women", "Godly Women Who Made A Difference", "Foundations of Faith", "Women in Modern Israel" and "The Last Word." (Israel My Glory, Vol. 54, No. 4, August/September, 1996)
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MID-AMERICA CONFERENCE ON PREACHING
Dr. David M. Doran, pastor of Inter-City Baptist Church and Chancellor of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, announces the Mid-American Conference on Preaching to be held at Inter-City Baptist Church, Allen Park, Michigan, October 24-25, 1996. The theme is based on II Timothy 4:5, "Do the Work of an Evangelist". The conference promises to be an excellent time of equipping and soul-stirring challenge about the pastor's role in leading the local church in evangelism. There is a conservative line-up of speakers including the well-known evangelists Jerry Sivnksty and Tom Farrel. Rolland McCune, Sam Horn, Mike Harding and Steve Hankins will be speaking along with Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary faculty members.
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BJU THANKS GOD FOR 70 YEARS OF MINISTRY
This is a year of reminiscing for Bob Jones University. 1997 marks the 70th year anniversary and 50 years in Greenville, SC. "We're celebrating all year with a grateful look into our past and a hopeful look into our future, recounting all the blessings along the way. In 1927, with the Great Depression looming around the corner, Bob Jones, Sr., was witnessing a dream come true. In September of that year, the campus at College Point, Fl., opened its doors to 88 students, laying the foundation for what has become Bob Jones University. Burdened for America's youth, Dr. Jones wanted 'to build a school that will have high cultural and academic standards and ... a school that will keep in use an old-time, country mourner's bench where folks can get right with God.' Now, 70 years later, Bob Jones University stands as a testimony to that dream. BJU has grown to over 5,000 students and has expanded and outgrown two college campuses (Florida and Tennessee) and is stretching the seams of a third." (BJU Review, Fall, 1996)
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BIMI PRAYER CALENDAR
Baptist International Missions, Inc. has a beautiful prayer calendar they publish yearly. It lists all their missionaries (with birthdays) and fields of service. It is available free on request to BIMI at <73122.1321@compuserve.com>. Each of their divisions of ministry produces a publication which is also free upon request. For example, under the direction of Dr. James Ray there is a very informative magazine called "Europe". It is designed to promote the need for mission workers in Europe. (Bob Zemeski, Missionary to Ireland)
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BOB BAIRD TEN YEARS AS MISSION DIRECTOR
"Bob Baird was appointed Mission Director of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International in 1986. He had already served as a BBFI missionary, as the Assistant Mission Director for the BBFI, as a pastor and as First Vice President for the BBFI. During the past ten years, his leadership has been instrumental in several areas including the erection of the World Mission Service Center (Mission Office) building, the enlargement of foreign missionary work with increased personnel and finances and the improvement in training and missionary services. (Baptist Bible Tribune, August 15, 1996)
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REFORMED CHURCH OF AMERICA PONDERING A BASIC THEOLOGICAL TRUTH -- CAN CHRIST ALONE SAVE?
"Is salvation possible only through Christ, or is it available to non-Christians through other channels? This thorny question has become a deeply controversial one for the Reformed Church in America (RCA)." (ENI News Highlights, August 23, 1996)
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MINISTRY TEAMS AVAILABLE
This fall will evidence two ministry teams from Bob Jones University traveling in local church ministry. The BJU Drama Team will be ministering September through December in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and Vermont. The BJU Musical Ministry Team will minister during the same period of time in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. (BJU Review, Fall, 1996)
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$600,000 1996 Missionary Projects Offering
The Missions work of the BBFI has an annual projects offering. This year's goal is $600,000. It is far short of providing all the needs for funds requested by missionaries for churches and homes but it is a realistically reachable amount. The MPO serves a valuable purpose: it provides funds for building missionary churches and missionary homes around the world. The current goal will assist ninety-two congregations on thirty-five fields build new church buildings, and ninety-eight missionaries on thirty-one fields build homes. (Baptist Bible Tribune, August 15, 1996)
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ONE WORLD CHURCH -- WILL IT BE THIS NEXT CENTURY?
"The general assembly of the World Council of Churches has announced plans to start talks in the year 2000 'to work for the time when a genuinely universal council may once more speak for all Christians. One of the central issues to be settled as part of the process,' according to Konrad Raiser, a leading authority on ecumenism, 'was the question of the primacy of the Pope.' John Paul II invited other churches to discuss this issue in his encyclical Ut unmsint: 'For the Roman Catholic Church, the issue under discussion is the possibility of an ecumenical interpretation and reception of the decisions of the Second Vatican Council.' The Catholic Church is not a member of the World Council of Church, which currently lists 330 members. (The Baptist Trumpet, September, 1996)
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PIONEER BIBLE TRANSLATORS
Pioneer Bible Translators founded in 1976, began work in its twentieth language group in 1993. Currently, 80 personnel are working in five countries (Papua New Guinea, Zaire, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea & Former Soviet Union). For the 90s PBT has targeted 15 new groups for translation and literacy work. Pioneer Bible Translators is an evangelical, non-denominational mission committed to practicing and promoting Biblical Christianity and the unity of all Christians. Their members and support come primarily from the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. They seek to cooperate with all believers to the extent that like aims are held. ("You Can Bring God's Word to Life", Pioneer Bible Translators")
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KJ21 AN UPDATE PART II
The publisher provides the following information concerning the KJ21. "The
21st Century King James Version (KJ21) is not a new translation or a
revision. It is an updating which retains the unparalleled power, beauty,
and dignity of the King James Version while using modern punctuation,
paragraphing, and format to make the KJ21 easier to read and understand."
Concerning doctrine or meaning the publisher writes: "All changes made
enhance readability, yet do nothing to change the doctrine or meaning of the
King James Version. No passages from the KJV have been omitted. No
gender-neutral language has been used. No attempt has been made to simplify
the wording of the KJV to conform to so-called basic English." The typeset
emphasizes certain passages the publisher deems as "important". "Words
spoken by Christ are indented and italicized. Bold type denotes passages
which are among the most powerful, best loved, and most often quoted." As
an example of word updating the publisher writes: "Over time some words
have become obsolete. In the KJ21 these obsolete words have been replaced
by modern equivalents." In the KJV the word "minish" becomes "diminish" in
the KJ21. "Bewray" becomes "betray". "Wist" becomes "knew". According to
the publisher, "the meanings of some words have changed over the past 400
years, and in the KJ21 these words have been replaced with modern synonyms."
"Prevent" becomes "precede". "Convince" becomes "convict". "Conversation"
becomes "manner of living". Words such as "thou," "ye," "art," "hath,"
etc., although archaic, are readily understood and have been retained to
preserve the traditional language of worship and prayer, and, in the case of
personal pronouns, to distinguish singular from plural according to the
publisher. "Many modern translators change words to conform to modern
cultural and political biases. In all such cases, the KJ21 retains words
exactly as they are in the KJV. For example: In the KJV and KJ21
"covetousness" is the translation whereas modern versions use "greed".
"Judgement" in the KJV and KJ21 becomes "justice" in modern versions.
"Virgin" in the KJV and KJ21 becomes "young woman" in the modern versions.
The publisher claims that the "KJ21 is markedly closer in language and
spirit to the KJV than any other Bible copyrighted in the 20th century.
Preserving the power, beauty and timeless message of its historic
predecessor, it is simply the most powerfully and beautifully worded of all
modern Bibles." Additional information may be obtained from the publisher
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THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE STUDY BIBLE REVISION & UPDATING
"Over the past several years considerable effort has gone into revising and updating Dr. Frank C. Thompson's system of Chain-References for its inclusion with the New King James Version text. During the production of the Expanded Thompson there were three guiding principles: authenticity (true to Dr. Thompson's intentions), consistency and simplicity. The publisher, Kirkbride, reports six major differences between the Expanded NKJV Thompson and the other versions. They are: 1) Complete Chains, 2) Complete Listing of Topics, 3) Placement of All Topics on the Margin, 4) Consistent Naming of Topics, 5) Consistent Outlines in the Analysis of Books, and 6) New Introduction. Kirkbride produces a Mission Edition Special that is more cost effective for use in 3rd world countries. They have now produced "The Thompson Exhaustive Topical Bible" with more than 8,000 subjects and subtopics and 100,000 Scripture verses as an add-on volume for use with the Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles. (The Chain-Link, Summer, 1996)
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OLYMPIC EFFORTS AT EVANGELISM
"The two weeks' literature distribution effort during the Summer Olympic Games represented sacrifice on the part of many. Nearly 450,000 tracts were given by Chick Publications, Fellowship Tract League, and World Missionary Press. 'The Ultimate Question' booklet was provided in several languages by Revival Literature. Response cards were printed by Marion Baptist Church, and Caprock Baptist Church." Literature was provided in 78 languages. Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church graciously provided their facilities for use. Team members paid their own way, traveling from 10 states and Germany. Missionaries to Chile, Mexico, Philippines and Australia, were part of the team. Two pastors left their flocks to be part of the effort. (IBMissions Results of Olympic Outreach Effort, August 24, 1996)
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"SEEKER SERVICES" A BUZZ WORD FOR CONTEMPORARY EVANGELISTIC TECHNIQUES
The Willow Creek Association and Willow Creek Community Church have advertised their 1996 "Church Leadership Conferences. The Spring conference was May 15-18th and the fall conference is slated for October 23-26th. Garry Poole, Willow Creek's director of evangelism, will conduct a one day seminar "Launching Seeker Small Groups". (Willow Creek Association Promotion)
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MEDICAL SAMARITANS NEEDS A MOTOR HOME FOR MINISTRY
Medical Samaritans is a team of medical professionals, ministers and
Christian volunteers who seek to serve the Lord Jesus Christ through an
outreach that involves both a ministry of healing and a message of hope.
Medical Samaritans is led by Dr. Dennis V. Humphries, M.D. and Missionary
Evangelist Don Tackett. Recent ministry success with free medical clinics
in the Appalachian region of Eastern Ohio has resulted in numerous requests
for help throughout he region. Medical Samaritans are seeking a large motor
home which can be converted and equipped as a mobile clinic. Anyone having
such a vehicle or knowledge of where one can be obtained please respond to
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GOVERNMENT
PRO-FAMILY BILL DEFEATED
"On July 11, the House passed the 1997 funding bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. Defeated: a pro-family amendment offered by Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Okla.) that would have required written parental consent before a teenager receives any services, including abortion referrals, under the Title X federal family planning program. The House also defeated an attempt by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) that would have allowed federally-funded human embryo experiments. Current law prohibits such research on live human embryos." (Washington Watch, The MACS Monitor, August, 1996)
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KOREAN RE-UNIFICATION ???
"Fast church growth means half Korea's Christians are Presbyterian. ... Presbyterian churches in South Korea are growing at a breathtaking speed and now account for just over half of all Christians in the country. Many Christians believe that this phenomenal church growth is a 'divine preparation' for Korean re-unification, according to an associate professor of Christianity and Culture in the South Korean capital of Seoul." (ENI News Highlights, August 28-29, 1996)
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NETANYAHU VOWS TO CONTINUE PEACE PROCESS
"The Likud-led government voted into power will continue the peace process, honor Israel's international commitments, and strive to heal rifts in the country, Prime Minister-elect Binyamin Netanyahu said in a statement [after the recent election]." (Israel In the News, Vol. 6, No. 4, August/September, 1996; Israel My Glory)
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UK PUSHED TO CURB HAMAS
"Britain is coming under increasing pressure from Israel to curb the activities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, following allegations the groups are using London as an operational center. These suspicions were confirmed when Ramadan Shallah was appointed to replace the slain Fathi Shkaki as head of the Islamic Jihad movements." (Israel In the News, Vol. 6, No. 4, August/September, 1996; Israel My Glory)
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BRITISH MONARCHY PLANS CHANGE
"Britain's Queen Elizabeth is reportedly considering radical changes in the monarchy to ensure its survival in the twenty-first century, according to a report on British Sky News. Among the proposals is the repeal of a law dating from 1701 forbidding Catholics to marry into the royal family in direct line to the throne. In addition, Prince Charles has suggested the end of the monarchy's role as head of the Church of England. He has stated his desire to be known as Defender of Faith rather than Defender of THE Faith." (Benny King, Missionary to Germany)
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FRANCE GRANTING HUMANITARIAN AID TO HIZBULLAH
"France is extending 'humanitarian aid' to Lebanon through Hizbullah, citing the fact that Hizbullah performs humanitarian services, Channel 1 reported." (Israel In the News, Vol. 6, No. 4, August/September, 1996; Israel My Glory)
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WHY THE STATE SHOULD NOT CONTROL FAITH-BASED MINISTRIES
David C. Gibbs, Jr. reports five reasons why faith-based ministries should not be licensed by the State of Texas (or any state). The letter is a follow-up letter requested from the Governor's office (State of Texas) as to why the state should not control faith-based ministries. Five reasons were explained: 1) Faith-based ministries are unique and distinct from their secular counterparts, and as such cannot be judged by the same guidelines; 2) Licensure of faith-based ministries does not ensure quality aid to those in need of assistance; 3) Many faith-based ministries view government licensure as unbiblical and will leave the State of Texas rather than submit to licensure; 4) Faith-based ministries save the State of Texas needed funding for use in other programs; and 5) Faith-based ministries save people's lives. (Minuteman Alert, September, 1996)
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PHILIPPINE MUSLIM CONCERNS
This past August, Philippine President Ramos and Nur Misuari, the Muslim leader, met and agreed to a Muslim government in part of Mindanao Island. The news headlines read, "Threat of War". The Philippine president insists there's no hidden agenda. (Ken Turner, Missionary to the Philippines)
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LEGAL VICTORIES FOR SOULWINNERS AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Flame '96 saw 500,000 Gospel tracts and Gospels of John given to Olympic spectators in Atlanta as they walked about the Olympic venues. On one occasion "[t]eenagers were handing out tracts to others in a subway station. The police arrived. They were told by the police that kind of activity was not allowed in the subway station. They honored the police captain and immediately vacated the area. When they got back to the Flame '96 headquarters, the CLA attorney who was stationed there to help protect their rights to witness in downtown Atlanta, was informed of the incident. Immediately, calls were placed to the police headquarters where the incident took place. After explaining the constitutional rights of these young people to share the Gospel, the officer in charge immediately conceded that these soulwinners did have the right to hand out their literature. He not only agreed that they were wrongfully escorted out of the area, but he also said that all the soulwinners had to do is to come to his office and let them know that they were going to hand out their tracts and he would make sure that they would not be wrongfully excluded from the area. Instead, he promised that the police would provide them with special protection." (Minuteman Alert, September, 1996)
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RECORD KEEPING FOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MINISTRIES -- A LEGAL NEED
Christian Law Association reports the importance of record keeping is imperative. If a ministry is sued, the records are the first thing requested by the opposing party. If records are kept haphazardly or inconsistently, have gaps, or even worse, are nonexistent, the school's case will be a "legal nightmare". It is imperative to keep good, accurate records on a daily basis. CLA provides a legal resources that has separate sections on the reasons for recording keeping, what records to keep, and the benefits of an excellent record keeping system. They may be reached at P.O. Box 4010, Seminole, FL 34645-4010. (Minuteman Alert, September, 1996)
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MINUTEMAN ALERT PRAYER CONCERNS
MINUTEMAN ALERT, September, 1996, monthly prayer letter for the Christian Law Association & Defender of the Faith Radio Ministry updates the following legal concerns for prayer for America: INDIANA -- A ministry has been cited for distributing tracts in a public park without a permit. WASHINGTON -- Soul winners are being told that they cannot distribute tracts in a public park even though last July the Mayor officially apologized to them for similar actions taken against them. TEXAS -- A soul winner is being told he cannot place religious tracts in a public display rack at a local mall. FLORIDA -- A woman was fired from her job because she would not work on Sunday. GEORGIA -- A pastor was arrested for silently holding up a Gospel sign on a public sidewalk for passing motorists to read. > OHIO -- A church seeking to buy land in an area where zoning requires minimum acreage. MASSACHUSETTS -- Soul winners are seeking the right to witness in malls. FLORIDA -- A sidewalk counselor has been banned from witnessing at abortion clinics by a city ordinance prohibiting this activity in front of the clinics. KENTUCKY -- Soul winners are being threatened with arrest for preaching in public streets and parks. TENNESSEE -- The right of Christians to use amplification equipment in a city park on the same basis as other groups. TEXAS -- Governor George Bush would like to submit bills to the Texas Legislature to relieve the strict licensing requirements from such church ministries as preschools, children's homes, nursing homes, and drug and alcohol treatment programs. FLORIDA -- Several churches have been billed for what are being called "fee assessments." These assessments appear to be taxes by another name. TEXAS -- A trial court recently ruled that a church is liable for taxes from five years before the church owned the property. (Minuteman Alert, September, 1996)
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NEW YORK BANS CHILD PORN
"New York State has passed a law making possession of child pornography a felony (see 'The Evil of Pornography,' Celebrate Life, May/June, 1996)." (Celebrate Life, July/August, 1996)
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SOCIETY
AIDS IN ZAMBIA
Baptist Bible Fellowship missionary Patrick Coleman writes "We have 25- 30 people per day dying -- mostly of AIDS related diseases -- just in Luanshya, Zambia. In Kitwe and Ndola there are about 100 per day and numbers climb to an estimated 300 in the capital city of Lusaka. When we look at ways to curb the spread of AIDS, the people -- men and women alike -- are incredulous at the suggestion of 'one man and one woman for life'. An American condom company has supplied inexpensive products selling for less than 5 cents each and these are being advertised as 'safe' for our promiscuous society -- the 'Christian' nation of Zambia. ... HIV and AIDS is spreading so fast that published percentages are worthless. Government figures -- the 'official' and very optimistic ones -- are that over 20% of the adult population is HIV positive. Private figures -- the 'unofficial' yet probably more realistic ones -- push that number to well over 75%; including 90% of the military." (BBFI Missionary, Patrick Coleman)
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PEDOPHILE ACTIVITY ON THE INCREASE
"Three men and a woman have been arrested following the rescue by Belgian police of two children who had been missing for several weeks. According to a report on sky News the girls, both eight years old, were malnourished and had been sexually abused. Police searching the property of a locally known pedophile discovered the remains of seven more children buried in the yard." Other children remain missing. (Missionary to Germany, Benny King)
MARRIAGE: A SACRED INSTITUTION
"With the attempt to redefine marriage (same-sex marriages being promoted by the homosexual crowd) and the discussion of doing away with no-fault divorce in Michigan, let us look at some ingredients for a happy and enduring marriage. First, realize that in the United States, 1.2 million couples divorce each year and 700,000 of these marriages involve children. Many of these marriage breakups are with our Christian school families. Conservative social critic Linda Chavez, points out, 'Now there is little doubt based on overwhelming research -- that, on average, children of divorce are worse off than those who grow up in intact families. Children of divorce are more likely to be truant, to do poorly in school and to get in trouble with the law than children who grow up with both parents.' Dr. Lawrence Burtoft, a social policy analyst, observes that 'no-fault divorce not only has failed to bring about the happiness and freedom it promised, it has actually victimized women and children as well. The experiment failed tragically and inevitably -- for it pandered to human weakness and moral delinquency.'" (The MACS Monitor, August, 1996)
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THE AMERICAN VOTER
"A new NBC/Wall Street Journal poll shows that voters rank moral and values issues higher in their list of priorities in deciding how they will vote than either the economy or foreign policy. This is exactly the opposite of what the Washington establishment and much of the media believe." (Freedom's Alert, The MACS Monitor, August, 1996)
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A LITERACY CRISIS IN THE UNITED STATES
The typical 25-year-old male inmate functions 2-3 grade levels below the grade level actually completed; 60% of prison inmates are illiterate and 86% of all juvenile offenders have reading problems. U.S. Department of Education statistics show that the high school drop-out rate is 20% in this country; in Japan the rate is 5% and in Russia, 2%. An English Language Proficiency Survey found that 37% of adults classified as illiterate do not speak English at home. Up to 86% of non-English speakers who are illiterate in English are also illiterate in their native language. The National Adult Literacy Survey found that between 21% and 23% of American adults are functioning at Level 1 and are only able to perform tasks involving "brief, uncomplicated text." An additional 25% to 28%, representing 50 million American adults are functioning at Level 2 and have skills that are "more varied" but "still quite limited." A significant percentage of the 90 million adults at the two lowest levels of literacy proficiency perceive themselves as reading or writing English "well" or "very well." (Zondervan News Service, August 29, 1996)
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COSTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Dr. Bob Jones, III, president of Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina writes: "The Collegiate Information Services, a Greenwich, CT firm that advises colleges, surveyed 502 guidance counselors in 1995 and found that 85 percent say college has become too expensive. This was reported in USA Today, May 29, 1996." Dr. Bob III reports that Bob Jones University's annual room, board, and tuition costs are $8800 at the present time. It is less than half the national average for private colleges. (BJU Review, Fall, 1996)
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CALIFORNIA INTERNET PROVIDER PULLS THE PLUG ON 'SEX TOUR' WEBSITE AFTER CAPCAT APPEAL
"A sexually-explicit Internet website promoting sex tourism in Asia and featuring photos of teen and pre-teen southeast Asian girls has been removed from the World Wide Web just seven hours after the Bangkok-based "Coalition Against Prostitution & Child Abuse in Thailand" (CAPCAT) launched a world-wide e.mail campaign calling for its removal. The website owned by 'PVS Publications' of Santa Monica, California featured 'A Gentleman's Guide to the Erotic World of Southeast Asia' included books, travel guides and videos which focused on commercial sex in several Asian countries. It also offered an escorted, 10-day 'Sex Tour to Thailand.'" (Forwarded from CAHT-L, August 28, 1996)
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PUBLISHING HOUSES ASSIST IN COUNTERING THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIETY
One such publishing house is Bob Jones University Press. According to the BJU Review, BJU Press produces 2,758 products geared for quality, character and inspiration. They have media that will minister to the entire family. A video collection from Unusual Films that includes "The Printing", "Sheffey", "Flame in the Wind", "Red Runs the River", and "Wine of Morning" has been packaged for $100.00. The latest Unusual Films video release, "Beyond the Night", tells the true story of a medical missionary couple in Africa. There is fiction for every age. This is an excellent source of materials for home schooling and the needs of missionaries training their children in distant places. BJU Press can be contacted at BJU Press, Greenville, SC 29614-0062, U.S.A.
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FORMER CHURCH TREASURER BEGINS PRISON TERM FOR US$2 MILLION THEFT
"Ellen Cooke, the former national treasurer for the Episcopal Church in the United States, arrived at the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson, West Virginia, at noon" August 26th, to begin a five-year sentence for embezzling more than US$2 million from her church. (ENI News Highlights, August 27, 1996)
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ABORTION -- PRINCIPLE VS. PRAGMATISM
"The debate rages among pro-life people over the merits of the 'principled' approach to political action versus the 'pragmatic' approach. Believers in the 'principled' approach say, 'No compromise over the inalienable right of personhood.' Once we admit that deliberate taking of human life is justified, even if not in all circumstances, they argue, we have abandoned he moral high ground and so forfeited the public debate. These pro-lifers characteristically refuse to support proabortion politicians who propose only marginal restrictions on abortion, such as taxpayer funding. The 'pragmatic' pro-lifers, on the other hand, argue that saving lives takes priority over principle. I.e., we must do whatever is politically possible to save a few babies now, even if that means temporarily supporting politicians who are not pro-life. A 'pro-choice' office holder who favors restrictions, the argument goes, will result in fewer dead babies than one who allows no restrictions at all." (Allen B. Dobey, Celebrate Life, July/August, 1996)
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FEWER SURGICAL ABORTIONS
"'Fewer women are getting pregnant, and fewer of those who do are getting abortions,' according to American Medical News. There were 1.3 million surgical 'abortions in 1993, down 2.1% from 1992. Adding an estimated 876,000 stillbirths and miscarriages, there were 6.2 million pregnancies in 1993. In 1992, there were 6.5 million. The decline in births and abortions continues a trend that began in 1991. Abortions dropped 2.8% in 1991 and 2.1% in 1992. Births declined 1.1% in 1991 and another 1.1% in 1992. (The figures do not include those lives that ended before implantation.) Most women who had surgical abortions in 1993 'were younger than 25, white and single'; 92% had the abortion 'in their home state. Slightly over half the abortions were done within the first eight weeks of pregnancy; 89% in the first 12 weeks.'" (Celebrate Life, July/August, 1996)
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AMERICANS -- LOTTERIES & OFFERING PLATES
"In 1994 Americans spent considerably more on lotteries than they gave to their churches, according to Associated Baptist Press (ABP). (ENI News Highlights, August 23, 1996)
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"CURRENT TRENDS & UPDATES"
Ministering to Servants of God in Isolated Places
Weekly Post by Rev. Caroll Turbeville
All Feedback should be sent to CDTURBEVILLE@JUNO.COM
Committed to Edification, Information & Education
Thru Current & Relevant Information
Attempting to Present Factual Information Objectively
Caroll Turbeville, Pastor
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Caroll Turbeville, Pastor
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