Historic Gathering of Denominational Leaders

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- On January 13, 2012, an historic meeting of leaders took place at the Central Offices of the Foursquare Church. Welcomed by president Glenn Burris, 18 top leaders of denominations committed to a common emphasis on holiness in the 21st century met as part of the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium (WHC). These leaders represent 13 denominations whose roots are common in the Wesleyan Holiness movement.

The WHC was formed in 2006 at a meeting of these leaders in Dallas. Since then, the WHC has expanded in influence involving regional leaders and thousands of pastors from these denominations across the United States and in South America. The denominations represented at this meeting included: Assemblies of God, Brethren in Christ, Church of God/Anderson, Evangelical, Foursquare, Free Methodist, Grace Communion International, Nazarene, Pentecostal Holiness, Salvation Army, United Methodist, United Pentecostal, Wesleyan. Other denominations participate in the WHC though their top leaders did not make the meeting.

The work of the WHC represents the first time in a century that the Pentecostal and Traditional streams of the Holiness movement have come together in unity around a common future mission. Vinson Synan, renowned church historian at Regent University from the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, reported on the meeting with enthusiasm, "This is an historic day. The divisions of a hundred years ago were laid aside today in a wonderful spirit of unity."

J.K. Warrick, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, reflected: "This meeting would never have been possible 15 years ago." Pastor Jack Hayford, co-host of last week’s gathering and former President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, expressed a personal sense that this indeed may be a "prophetic path increasing partnership toward reaching the world."

Kevin Mannoia, Chair of the WHC, depicted the unity of churches through the WHC as "a rising tributary that fuels the river of God in the world." "These families of churches have a common heritage. That heritage is the source of unity and passion for the future with a renewed emphasis on holiness in the 21st century." Reminiscent of Ezekiel 47, in opening remarks he painted a picture of the river of God flowing through the world bringing life wherever it goes. "That is the transformational impact of God's holiness in the world. And the WHC re-weaves the Pentecostal and Traditional holiness churches together in heart and mission." 

Significant outcomes of the meeting included a commitment to expand the WHC efforts in regional networks as well as publications through the newly formed Aldersgate Press. Currently the WHC facilitates regional networks that conduct Holiness Pastors' Days in five cities in the US, and four cities in South America. Additionally the WHC Presidents' Network meets annually convening the presidents of universities and colleges seeking to integrate the impact of this message and theological distinctive on their leadership, educational approach, and identity. The WHC also provides a context and support for the Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy (WHWC), which is affiliated with the WHC.

Dr. James Linzey of Military Bible Association Urges South Carolina Military Members and Pastors to Support Ron Paul for President

COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 13, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Former resident of Fort Jackson and Charleston, Dr. James F. Linzey, Retired Chaplain with the rank of Major, who now heads up the Military Bible Association, is asking all military personnel and pastors in the State of South Carolina to get out the vote and support Congressman Ron Paul for the Office of President of the United States.

"This is our moment to overhaul the United States government and restore the Constitution of the United States to her rightful position -- the standard of government," said the former television host of Operation Freedom, which rivaled Armed Forces Television. "The historical role of the United States Armed Forces has been and always will be to secure America's shores, skies and borders. Ron Paul will get the job done! He is the only candidate on both sides of the aisle who will put religious and civil freedoms first, and special interest groups on the back burner permanently," Linzey said in an interview with Dr. Janice Hollis of Hollis Media Group.

Dr. Linzey continued, "If military members want to come home and secure America from all enemies, foreign and domestic, as the Constitution says they're supposed to do, Ron Paul is the Commander-in-Chief they need to make this a reality." Congressman Paul is a Baptist who does not exploit religion for political gain.

"Everywhere I go," said Linzey, "I am reminded that Americans are people of faith. But many are fearful that the candidate they want most will not be popular enough to beat President Obama.

Well, it's time to take a 'leap of faith' and not compromise any longer. Americans have compromised too long, and observe how bad off we are today. It's time to put America first regardless of our fears. It's time to give a genuine Constitutionalist a chance to put the Constitution to work for us before we totally lose our freedoms.'"

"I am asking military personnel and pastors of the great State of South Carolina to support Ron Paul before we lose America altogether. We may not survive another four more years without a true guardian of the US Constitution looking out for us. Ron Paul is the Ronald Reagan of today. I served Ronald Reagan. Please give America a chance. Support former Air Force Captain Ron Paul," the evangelical evangelist stated.

Member of Kuwaiti royal family embraces Christ

Kuwaiti royal prince (Courtesy Mohabat News).

Member of Kuwaiti royal family embraces Christ: "The T.V. channel claimed that Prince Abdollah Al-sabah comes from a Kuwaiti royal family which currently governs the country. The channel also said that the prince recently denounced his Islamic faith and became a Christian.

The voice in the audio file introduced himself as Abdollah Al-sabah and stated, "First of all, I totally agree with the distribution of this audio file and I now declare that if they kill me because of this audio file, then I'll go into the presence of Jesus Christ and be with him for all eternity.""

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MAF work is vital to rebuilding Haiti

With your support, MAF was able to
 help rebuild homes, churches and
 more. 

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Haiti (MNN) ― Two years after a devastating earthquake crippled Haiti and killed thousands, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) remains actively involved in the rebuilding process, supporting more than 30 relief organizations with critical flights to 15 airstrips.

"We have been encouraged by the progress made in Haiti over the past year, but we know there is still a long road ahead," said John Boyd, MAF president and CEO. "It is a privilege to serve the people of Haiti daily, and we look forward to continuing our role in assisting with rebuilding efforts."

MAF currently operates three planes in Haiti and has been serving the country since 1986. They provide daily flights for relief workers, medical personnel, churches, and work teams involved in community development efforts. In a country where roads are nearly impassable and bandits threaten travelers, MAF services are invaluable.

The ministry organization has also distributed micro grants to help families and small businesses get back on their feet after the earthquake. MAF funding has allowed families to rebuild their homes and send their children to school. MAF also assisted in repairing a school, provided meals for school children, and constructed 26 small homes for those in need.

Since cholera broke out in late 2010, nearly 500,000 cases have been reported, resulting in more than 265,000 hospitalizations and some 6,800 deaths. The Haitian Ministry of Health recently reported that it expects the cholera epidemic to continue for the next two to three years as it spreads from urban centers to rural areas. MAF has aided in the ongoing battle against cholera by flying medical teams and supplies to clinics and hospitals.

While the country has suffered through some dark times, many people seem encouraged about Haiti's future.

"The country is optimistic right now about what is going on," MAF Haiti program manager David Carwell said. "We've also seen many churches and mission organizations that have been strengthened and are moving forward. We pray that MAF can be a catalyst in the process."

Randall Terry got Higher Percentage of Vote Than Rick Perry in New Hampshire Primary

Terry to open Campaign Headquarters in Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. Pro-life Super Bowl ads coming.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Randall Terry received .8% of the primary vote in the New Hampshire Democrat primary, compared to .7% for Governor Perry in the Republican primary. See results at Politico:

www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/President/2012/Primary/NH

Randall Terry and campaign team to travel to Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho to open campaign headquarters for upcoming Democrat primaries and caucuses. (Campaign headquarters have already been opened in Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Maine.)

Three Super Bowl ads have been purchased in three local markets; campaign raising money to run ads in a total of 35 markets during the Super Bowl, or during the pre-game or post-game shows.

Mr. Terry states:

"My goals in running for President are simple: first, I want to help create the political climate in which child killing is made illegal from conception until birth. As other social revolutions teach us, this requires showing graphic images of injustice, as well as confrontational rhetoric.

"Next, while I cannot defeat President Obama in the primary, I could cause his defeat in the general election, if I can convince enough Catholics and Evangelicals who voted for him in 2008 that they cannot ethically vote for him in 2012 because of his promotion of the murder of babies.

 If I can persuade 7% or 8% of those voters in swing states to never vote for Obama again for the sake of innocent babies, that could be the margin for his defeat in the general election of 2012."

Mr. Terry's campaign ads have already run on TV stations in Iowa and New Hampshire, as well as surrounding states: Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Maine, and Boston Massachusetts.

See Mr. Terry's ads at www.TerryForPresident.com.

Contributions to Mr. Terry's campaign can also be made atwww.TerryForPresident.com

Paid for by committee: Randall Terry for President.

Christian Groups Plan Major Prayer and Public Witness Event at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte this Summer

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 11, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Leaders are in Charlotte for two days to meet with City Officials, police, local pastors and Christian leaders.
 
Rev. Patrick Mahoney and Father Terry Gensemer to discuss their plans at a a news conference on Thursday, January 12, at 11:00 A.M.
 
The location will be at the Time Warner Arena in Charlotte at East 5th Street and North Brevard Street.
 
Rev. Mahoney is the Director of the Christian Defense Coalition in Washington, D.C. and Father Terry Gensemer is the Director of CEC for Life based in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
The group hopes to see thousands from Charlotte and around the nation participate in the event which will include: prayer vigils and rallies seeking God for the healing of our nation, calls for repentance from the Christian community, reaching out to the needy in Charlotte with love and service projects, major public events around the City of Charlotte, calling on President Obama and praying for him to embrace life, family, marriage, religious liberty and human rights and justice for all.
 
A major focus will be on the pro-life issue and will include such things as: leaving 3,300 flowers at the Time Warner Arena to remember and honor the 3,300 children who die every day from abortion, prayer at local abortion clinics, "Voices from the Womb" which will perform  live ultrasounds throughout Charlotte having the pre-born children of America "speak" to President Obama and rallies with African-American leaders focusing on the high rate of abortions in the  black community.

'Heaven Is for Real for Kids' Reaches #1 on 'New York Times' Best Seller List

NASHVILLE, Jan. 10, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Four-year-old Colton Burpo's journey to heaven and back has reached over six million people in his story's various formats. In addition to top rankings on several bestseller lists, the children's book depicting Colton's trip, "Heaven Is for Real for Kids," has hit a new benchmark: #1 on the children's picture books list of the "New York Times" Best Seller List.

"It is a simple and pure message from the experience of a four year old child: 'Jesus really loves children. And He loves You!' " says Laura Minchew, Senior Vice President of Specialty Publishing at Thomas Nelson. "What a delight to see this message resonating with so many families."

While the original trade book "Heaven Is for Real" was narrated by Colton's father Todd, "Heaven Is for Real for Kids" shows children what heaven is like through the eyes of young Colton Burpo. 

When he was nearly four years old, Colton experienced a burst appendix; it was during his emergency surgery that Colton visited heaven.  Aided by illustrator Wilson Ong, Colton vividly shows children what he saw in heaven and shares an important message: Jesus really, really loves children. The book features a letter to parents and a Q&A section that answers questions kids frequently have when they finish Colton's story. In December 2011, the app "Heaven Is for Real for Kids" released on all Apple platforms.

"Heaven Is for Real for Kids" is one of a trio of new products by the Burpo family released by Thomas Nelson, the world's largest Christian publisher. "Heaven Is for Real" deluxe edition is also available to provide a hardcover, gift-able version of the best-selling trade book. A "Heaven is for Real" DVD-based Conversation Kit features footage of the Burpo family talking about their experiences while offering discussion questions and suggestions for participants.

About the Authors:

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan, a volunteer fireman, and works with a garage door company. His wife, Sonja, is a children's minister, busy pastor's wife, and mom. Colton, an active 12-year-old, has an older sister, Cassie, and a younger brother, Colby.

Tommy Nelson , the children's division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., publishes a wide variety of high quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson products are designed to expand children's imaginations and nurture their faith while pointing them to a personal relationship with God. For more information, visitwww.tommynelson.com.