Churches Use Pickleball’s Popularity for Relationship Building, Outreach

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December 19, 2022

NASHVILLE (BP) – Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America for the past two years, and Southern Baptist churches are using it as a way to build relationships among their members and reach out to their communities.

Invented in 1965 near Seattle, pickleball resembles Ping-Pong, badminton or tennis.

Players stand on opposite sides of a 3-foot-high net and use paddles to return a plastic ball back and forth until the ball is either hit out of bounds, hit illegally or bounces twice.

For Lee Chinnis, support pastor at Charleston Baptist Church in S.C., the simplicity of the sport has made it popular with both church members and guests.

“We have used pickleball for building in-house community, but also for our congregation to invite friends who may not normally come to church to play,” Chinnis said.

“It’s a good sport to bring people together and that’s what we were trying to do. We were trying to get some of our congregation who might not know each other to do so.”

Part of Chinnis’ job as support pastor is developing hospitality events and organizing church activities like sports.

He told Baptist Press the church was planning to establish pickleball as a weekly activity at their gym right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

After several months of planning, Charleston Baptist purchased four pickleball nets which they set up for people to play every Tuesday. Guests can sign up for a time slot via an app and reserve a court to play singles or doubles games.

Since starting the program earlier this fall, Chinnis said there are currently 80 registered users on the app, and the church usually has between 20-25 people playing each Tuesday.

Although the sport was initially most appealing to the older members of Charleston, Chinnis quickly realized the game is truly for everyone.

“We started by just trying to get our older generation to come out and play … but we now have a very wide variety of people that come to play, including some 20-year-olds and some kids as young as 9,” Chinnis said.

“The sport is just so amazing because it’s just contagious. It’s not a hard game to learn. It’s quick to pick up and anybody can have fun with it.”

Recent statistics prove Chinnis’ sentiment.

According to The Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2022 annual report, pickleball was the country’s fastest growing sport in both 2021 and 2022. During those two years, the sport’s popularity grew by nearly 40 percent.

The report said the U.S. boasts nearly 5 million pickleball players, and according to an article from ESPN, the fastest-growing demographic is people under the age of 24.

Many superstar professional athletes have made headlines by financially investing in several Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams. Investing athletes include LeBron James, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes.

Amid Power Outages, Ukraine Women Crochet Angel Ornaments To Thank Donors

By

Diana Chandler

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December 19, 2022

ODESSA, Ukraine (BP) – Light is scarce during scheduled electrical outages as Ukraine suffers a bombed-out power grid, yet women there are using their light this Christmas to crochet angel ornaments to send churches and other supporters in the U.S.

“Now it’s difficult because cities stay without light sometimes 24 hours, sometimes more,” Tanya Pyzh, daughter-in-law of Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary (UBTS) President Yaroslav “Slavik” Pyzh, told Baptist Press.

“It’s before Christmas, a really special time, and now they don’t have light. It’s like two or three hours a day they have light. And they’re working in those two or three hours because they need to see those small details,” Tanya said. “It’s precious. All of them were really ready and thankful to do this, because it means a lot. Right now, it means a lot.”

As many as 20 women near Odessa, in Lviv and a few other Ukrainian cities are paid a small fee to make the ornaments through a partnership of UBTS in Lviv and the Ukrainian Partnership Foundation (UPF) in Chesterfield, Mo., Penny Iannacone, UPF donor engagement director, told Baptist Press.

The small fee supplements the income of women in Ukraine struggling to provide for their families during the war’s high inflation rate, with some of the women donating their earnings to the Ukrainian war effort, Iannacone said.

“The war’s probably been the hardest on the family, and because a man can be called to war if they’re between the ages of 18 to 60, a lot of the women have been left without the man in the home,” Iannacone said. “I’m sure this has been a blessing for those ladies to not only have a little project to work on, but also to be able to earn a little money for however they used it, whether for their personal need or whether they donated it back to the war effort.”

UBTS ships the ornaments to the foundation, which in turn distributes them with thank you cards to top givers among U.S. churches, individuals and groups. UPF will display and distribute ornaments at a Woman’s Missionary Union conference in January.

Send Relief, the humanitarian arm of the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board, has supported UPF through grants. Additionally, Send Relief’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine topped $10 million in the first three months of the war.

“They’re very popular. I’ve had several people ask if they could purchase them to give as Christmas gifts. We don’t have an endless supply,” Iannacone said of the ornaments. “We’ve asked (the women in Ukraine) to produce as many as possible during the next month, and they told us they thought they could get us 1,600 more.” Each ornament is crafted with yarn in Ukraine’s national colors of blue and yellow and takes about two hours to crochet. UPF is not charging recipients for the ornaments, Iannacone said.

First Baptist Church of Nashville, Tenn., is among a handful of congregations that each received about 50 of the ornaments, Iannacone said.

For Nashville First’s children, the ornaments are a reminder of the angel’s encouragement in Luke 2:10 to “fear not,” Nashville First Minister to Children Shannon Meadors told Baptist Press.

“Our children were overwhelmed that the women of Ukraine would send them a gift. With wide eyes, they held onto their angel ornaments so carefully, commenting on their beauty,” Meadors said. “As parents arrived, the kids were so excited to show and tell all about their special gift.

‘Never Seen It Like This’: El Paso Churches Continue Ministry Amid Crowds of Migrants

By

Scott Barkley

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December 19, 2022

EL PASO, Texas (BP) – Southern Baptists are joining other groups here to respond to large numbers of migrants that can quickly and easily spiral into a humanitarian crisis.

“We’re averaging 2,500 crossings a day,” said Larry Floyd, executive director of the El Paso Baptist Association. “Shelters are full. I’ve never seen it like this.”

The recent crowds at the border can be linked to the upcoming Dec. 21 deadline of Title 42. Originally enacted as part of the Public Health Service Act of 1944, Title 42 regards the “suspension of entries and imports … to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.” President Donald Trump cited the COVID-19 pandemic when he enacted Title 42 in March 2020, thus leading to the rapid expulsion of migrants at the border.

Floyd and others braced for a flood of immigrants last year as Title 42’s deadline neared, but the Biden administration ultimately decided to continue the policy.

At that time, the El Paso Baptist Association had just opened its migrant ministry center. Since then, the center has worked with the local government as well as the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in helping 60-100 migrants each week.

The current crisis happens, though, as the association’s migrant center is closed down for the rest of the month. Primarily, the closure is due to a lack of the center’s regular volunteers, who will be serving at their respective churches during Christmas.

“There are churches going out on their own and handing out items like blankets,” Floyd said. “Pastor Ariel Martinez and Del Sol Church have been active in this.”

The migrant center will reopen in January.

“I’m hoping this surge creates a bigger sense of the need for volunteers year-round,” said Floyd, who added that the center remains “spiritually-based” and meets those needs alongside humanitarian ones. Families and individuals typically spend 24-36 hours there before being processed out.

Brent Moore, pastor of Life Church in El Paso, is one of those churches active at the migrant center.

“About a third of my church works with the government, so we’re ministering to them during this as well as those crossing the border,” he said.

Moore said government officials need to act. “There’s a way to be compassionate while calling your local officials to uphold the law. We’re ministering to our people who are putting in the overtime as well as migrants.”

9 Common Christmas Myths Christians Believe

By

Shane Pruitt

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December 19, 2022

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year, because it calls our attention to one of the most beautiful teachings of Scripture—the Incarnation of Christ. When you realize the incredible truths behind the reality that God came and dwelt among us, it can’t help but impact the way you live. Plus, it’s an awesome reminder that God kept His promises from the Old Testament to send a Messiah to rescue His people from their sins. However, since that time, many Christmas myths have been added to the greatest story ever told.

9 Christmas Myths Christians Believe:

1. The Bible Says That Jesus Was Born on December 25

It’s the age-old question, “Is December 25 Jesus’ birthday?” The answer is that we really don’t know when His actual birthday was. The Bible doesn’t tell us an exact date. So, it begs the question, “How did Christmas land on December 25”? Some historians believe that it was a Christian reaction to a Roman pagan holiday, while others believe the date is a response to the traditional date of Jesus’ crucifixion in March. Honestly, we don’t really know when Jesus was born, however, two things are certain—Jesus was born of a virgin, and the Bible doesn’t give us an exact date.

2. The Bible Says Mary Rode Into Bethlehem on a Donkey

An extremely pregnant Mary riding into town on a donkey is definitely a common Christmas myth most Christians believe is in the Bible. Now, she very well could have made the 65-mile trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem on a donkey. Nevertheless, the account of this story, in Luke 2:1-6, does not specifically teach this. Nevertheless, we all should consider how tough Mary was to make this trip while being pregnant, because most of us men can’t get out of bed if we have the common cold.

3. The Bible Says There Were 3 Wisemen

One of the most popular Christmas carols, We Three Kings, shows the commonality of this particular Christmas myth. The Gospel of Matthew describes these men as magi or wise men. People commonly think there were three in number, because the Bible details the fact that they brought three gifts—gold, frankincense and myrrh. But, this doesn’t mean there were three magi; there could just as easily have been four, eight or 10. Also, one could ascertain that these guys were the very first Essential Oils dealers.

4. The Bible Says a Star Hovered Over the Manger

You’d be hard-pressed to find a nativity scene that doesn’t include a bright shining star hovering above it. It’s definitely a nice sentiment and symbol. The problem is there’s no reference to this in Gospels. The magi were given a star that first lead them to Jerusalem (Matthew 2:1 – 2), then on to Bethlehem (v. 9 -10) where they found the child. In jealousy, King Herod gave a command that all babies in the region younger than 2 years old to be killed (v. 16). This suggests that Jesus had been in Bethlehem for some time at this point, so neither the wise men nor the star were hovering over the manger the night Jesus was born.

5. The Bible Says Jesus Was Born in a Barn or Stable

Just about every nativity set places the baby Jesus in a barn, surrounded by animals. Once again, this is an assumption because the Bible does not specify this. The Scriptures actually say, “And she gave birth…and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).” It’s easy to assume that Jesus was born in a barn or stable, because of the manger mention. A manger is a feeding trough for animals. However, these feeding troughs were also commonly used inside homes, because families would sleep upstairs while small animals were kept downstairs on cold nights.

6. The Bible Says There Was a Little Drummer Boy

A little drummer boy playing his drum—pum pum pum pum. That’s what all first-time parents want, right? Mary and Joseph haven’t had any sleep. The birthing arrangements and location haven’t been ideal, but yes, please come play your drum for my newborn baby boy. Just make sure you play it as loud as humanly possible. It doesn’t make much sense, and there is no account of this ever happening.

7. The Bible Says Jesus Was Born in 0 A.D.

“B.C.” stands for “before Christ,” and “A.D.” stands for a Latin phrase anno domini; which means “in the year of the Lord.” However, according to Matthew 2:1, Jesus was born during the days of Herod the king. Most historians place Herod’s death at 4 B.C. With Herod ordering all boys 2 years old and younger in the area to be killed before his on own death. It seems as though a more proper estimate of Jesus birth would have sometime between 4 B.C. and 6 B.C.

8. Saying Merry X-mas Is “Taking Christ Out of Christmas”

Over the last decade or so, many Christians have felt like there is a “War on Christmas.” Some believers see the phrase “Merry Xmas” as an attempt to remove Christ from Christmas. Although some people may be deliberate in their attempts, the statement by itself is not offensive. The first letter in the Greek word for “Christ” is chi. In the Roman alphabet, chi is represented by the symbol X. Therefore, Xians don’t have to be flustered by hearing or seeing “Merry Xmas!”

9. Saying Happy Holidays Is “Taking Christ Out of Christmas”

This statement may be an attempt at being “politically correct.” However, holiday literally means “holy day.” Celebrating the birth of Jesus definitely makes it a holy day. Thankfully, because of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus; every day can be a happy holy-day. To the believer, Christmas shouldn’t be a one-day celebration, but rather a lifestyle of celebrating the truth that Jesus is Immanuel—God with us.

This article about Christmas myths originally appeared here.

How to G.I.F.T. Yourself to Your Family This Christmas

By

Andrew Linder

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December 18, 2022

Around this time of year, there’s always a lot of gift giving going on to show people that we love and appreciate them. And of course, there’s no better people for us to show that to than our family.

While Christmas is a wonderful time to express our love through generosity and gift giving, I’ll bet that there are some things that your family wants more from you than just more stuff. Even more than they want all of the goodies that you can give them, they really just want more of YOU.

So, if you’d like to give them what they really want for Christmas, you have two options: you can either tape a big red bow to the top of your head and mummify yourself in wrapping paper, or…you can simply do these four easy things to G.I.F.T. yourself to your family:

G-IVE Them What They Really Deserve

You may think that they deserve that new outfit or a new toy, but the truth is that what they really deserve most is The Very Best of You—your intentional presence, your listening ear, and your love and affection. Give your family the best version of you that there is.

Your kids deserve a parent who is engaged, present, kind, playful, patient, and unselfish. Your husband or wife deserves a spouse that is understanding, helpful, flexible, romantic, generous, and sacrificial.

Gift yourself to your family this Christmas, and I guarantee you it will mean more to them than any other gift that they’ll find under the tree (those will just be bonus gifts)! If you’d like more ideas on this, Here are 5 things your kids want from you at Christmastime more than just more stuff.

I-NCLUDE Them in Your Holiday Planning

Let’s face it, Christmastime is a busy time of the year. As you plan out your schedule and calendar, be intentional about what you do and don’t participate in. And make sure your family takes top priority in such a way that they know it.

Here are a few good questions to consider as you plan out your December schedule:

Will participating in this activity keep me from giving my family the priority that they deserve?
What holiday activities can we participate in together as a family?
Which activities can we participate in that will create lasting family memories?
What can we participate in that will benefit someone other than just ourselves?
Which “useless” activities can we say no to, in order to say yes to something better?

F-IND Ways To Make Them Feel Special & Loved.

Yes, you love your family, but how are you going to tangibly show it to them this December? Here are some simple ideas on my list this month that may help you to get your creative juices flowing:

Buy that Christmas specialty coffee drink for your wife or daughter.
Play some “NFL” football with your boys out in the freezing cold (just to keep it real).
Make your spouse a coupon book for the 12 days of Christmas.
Sit down and have a one on one conversation with each person in your family, and honestly tell them in specific ways what they mean to you.

Whatever you decide to do, find some ways to “show the love” by gifting yourself to those you love.

T-ALK About Their Dreams for the Coming Year

This is something that I’m excited about doing this month—sitting down with each person in our family, and listening to their heart. This involves asking them honest and somewhat pointed questions about the past year, as well as their dreams and desires for the coming year. (If you’d like a sneak peek, you can see my list of questions here.) I do this annually with each of our kids, and am usually pleasantly surprised by their honest and open feedback.

All Good Work is God’s Work (Including Yours)

By

Scott Sauls

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December 18, 2022

Whether our work is done at home or out in the community, as volunteers or for a paycheck, an essential question has to do with how faith relates to our work.

Currently, there is a global, emotional crisis related to work. Most people in the world deeply dislike their work. One Gallup poll revealed that more than anything, what the world wants is a good job—more than food, shelter, safety and peace—a good job. And yet, as another poll revealed, a full 87% of workers are disengaged from and miserable in their jobs.

In the movie, Office Space, the main character, Peter, visits a hypnotherapist to help him with his lack of motivation and disdain toward his mid-level job. In that meeting, he says the following:

“So I was sitting in my cubicle today and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the day before it. So that means that every single day that you see me, that’s the worst day of my life…I’d say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual work.”

Though intended to get a laugh, these words hit home for a lot of us. Our work doesn’t feel meaningful but because our perspective about work lacks a biblical imagination. Dorothy Sayers says that the church is largely at fault for this crisis. According to Ms. Sayers, rather than foster a robust vocational imagination in its people, the church has allowed work and religion to become separate departments.

Assuming she is correct and all work is God’s work, what is the way forward?

The Reason for Work

We need to work because work is in our blood. As carriers of the divine imprint, as bearers of the image of God, we are by nature vocational beings.

Have you ever considered that the very first thing God reveals about himself in the Bible is that he, God, is a worker? “In the beginning, God created…” That’s right. God, the Maker of all things, put his hands in the dirt. He started by creating water, earth and sky, all designed as hospitable spaces for life. Then came the plants, the land creatures, the birds, the fish, and they the crown of his creation—man and woman. Then, at the end of his work, God looked at everything he had made and called it very good (Genesis 1:1-31).

But work did not stop with God. After creating everything, God put Adam and Eve in his garden and told them to work it and tend to it, to cultivate it…to make culture as they exercise dominion on God’s behalf over the world God had made (Genesis 2:15).

Tim Keller is fond of saying that history began in a garden and ends in a city. In Genesis, the first chapters of history past, everything starts in Eden, the garden of God’s delight. In Revelation, the final chapters of history future, everything will culminate in a New Heaven and New Earth, also referred to as the New Jerusalem—the Holy City of God (Revelation 21:1-2).

The Shadowy Nature of the Theocracy

By

Nicholas Batzig

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December 17, 2022

With a burgeoning interest in the idea of Christian Nationalism, the Christian Church in America has seen a renewed interest in modified versions of theonomy. Theonomy was a politico-theological movement that arose out of Reformed theological circles in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The central figures in this movement were R.J. Rushdooney, Gary North, Greg Bahnsen, Ken Gentry, and Gary DeMar.

The various forms of theonomy have commonly been denominated by both adherents and critics, “dominion theology,” “Christian reconstructionism,” or “general equity theonomy.” While differences certainly exist in the specific way in which the theonomists and Christian Nationalists have packaged their proposals, there is a common commitment to emphasize that God desires the implementation of the Old Covenant laws, in some form, into the governments of the world in the New Covenant.

Legion are the problems with the theonomic proposals—not least of which is the fact that the Apostles never taught the fledgling New Covenant churches to labor for the implementation of the Old Covenant civil law into the government. Theonomy is utterly dependent upon the embrace of a postmillennialism that inevitably demands the implementation of a Christian theistic ethic into the fabric of every society. This makes nearly every form of theonomy a present non-reality that is dependent on a misconstrued eschatological hope. However, there are two other overarching hermeneutical reasons why theonomy is built on a defunct understanding of the role of the civil law in redemptive history.

In his chapter, “The Mosaic Theocracy,” in Eschatology of the Old Testament, Geerhardus Vos explained the unique place of the theocracy in redemptive history. He wrote,

The eschatological idea influencing the constitution of the theocracy becomes dependent on the interaction of the type and the antitype. The future state imposes its own stamp on the theocracy, an actual institution of Israel. The theocratic structure projects its own character into the picture of the future. Heaven reflected itself on Israel and Israel became part of the future. . .There is somewhat of the shadowy, inadequate character of the prefiguration that passes over into the description of what the eschatological will be like when it comes. The antitype impresses its stamp upon the theocratic structure and imparts to it somewhat of its transcendent, absolute character. The theocracy has something ideal or unattainable about it. Its plan, as conceived by the law, hovers over the actual life of Israel. The theocracy in the idea transcends its embodiment in experience.

Vos proceeded to explain that this “unattainable” ideal of the eternal rule of God stamped on Old Covenant Israel served its purpose until the coming of Christ, who, in turn, spiritualized or eternalized everything about the theocracy. He explained,

Israel fell short of the ideal at all points. This theocratic organization of Israel had something ideal about it from the beginning. It could not be attained. It hovered over the life of the people. . .The great principles and realities of theocratic life were embodied in external form. This was the only way to clothe the essence of the theocracy in a way that the Israelites could grasp. In order to keep the future eschatological picture in touch with Israel’s religion these forms had to be maintained. The prophets had to give the essence in particular forms. Eschatological revelation is presented in the language of the Mosaic institutions.

The New Testament first transposes it into a new key. Here in the New Testament it is spiritualized. In the Old Testament it is expressed in terms of perfection of the forms of Israel’s theocracy. The holy city is center; offices, organization, peace, abundance, etc. are there, but this all is to be eternalized in the messianic era, and will be free of the vicissitudes of the present era.

In short, Vos is suggesting that God imposed on Old Covenant Israel a shadow of His eschatological righteous rule. This shadow was to reflect the ideal until the coming of the Redeemer. The members of the Westminster Assembly made the strongest possible declaration about the expiration of the Old Covenant civil law in the New Covenant era, when they wrote,

To [Old Covenant Israel], as a body politic, He gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any other, now, further than the general equity thereof may require.

Youth Ministry Hacks: 10 Simple Ways to Grow Your Group

By

Greg Stier

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December 16, 2022

Youth ministry hacks are helpful for a variety of tasks. But they’re also useful for spurring growth, both numerical and spiritual. Healthy things grow. It’s true of babies, plants and youth ministry.

If you want a healthy youth ministry, then you have to discover ways to get your youth group to grow, both with new believers and in spiritual maturity. So use these 10 Bible-based youth ministry hacks to make that happen.

10 Growth-Focused Youth Ministry Hacks

1. Pray like you mean it.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

The Apostle Paul prayed for the Philippian believers to grow. He wanted them to grow in their love, knowledge, discernment, purity and righteousness. He wanted them to grow spiritually, so he prayed that way. Do you relentlessly pray for the spiritual growth of your teenagers? Are your adult leaders following your lead?

If not, start. Prayer is one of the most important youth ministry hacks. It takes zero budget. Yet you can unleash the most powerful force in the universe to transform your youth ministry…God’s.

2. Create an intercessory and invitational culture.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4

When teenagers pray for the lost, they see the lost. Just like when you buy a new car, you start seeing that same brand of car everywhere. Spend time praying for the lost personally, with your leaders and in your youth group meetings. I know of one large youth group that begins every meeting on their knees praying for lost friends. Not a bad idea. And again, zero budget.

When teens start interceding for their friends during youth group, they’ll start inviting their friends to youth group. So create a culture that’s authentic, fun, highly relational and not afraid to dive into the Word. What you lack in budget, make up for in prayer, duct tape and creativity. On a curriculum level, Dare 2 Share has a growing number of high quality, FREE curriculum to help get you started. Click here to download.

3. Give the Gospel every week no matter what.

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

An easy outreach hack is to give the Gospel in youth group every week, no matter what. When teens realize you’ll always share the Gospel message, they’ll bring their friends to hear it.

As a youth leader, I did this youth ministry hack, and our group grew significantly. When I was a church planter I did this, and the church grew significantly. When you give the Gospel every week at youth group (combined with prayer and a contagious culture), your youth group should grow significantly.

Why This Pastor No Longer Makes Fun of ‘Fundie Christians’

By

Jessica Mouser

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December 16, 2022

In a Twitter thread Thursday, Michael Clary, lead pastor of Christ the King Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, shared that at one point in his life, he felt comfortable ridiculing a certain type of evangelical Christian: those who had a “country religion.”

“There once was a certain kind of evangelical Christian I felt free to make fun of,” said Clary. “I was pastoring a fast growing church in an urban environment, and a spirit of elitism had infected us. No one would correct me on it because they made fun of them too.”

He continued, “The people we felt free to mock were conservative, uneducated, backwoods fundies who still read the KJV [King James Version]. They lacked the theological sophistication and cultural insight I had acquired while doing campus ministry and studying at seminary.”

There once was a certain kind of evangelical Christian I felt free to make fun of. I was pastoring a fast growing church in an urban environment, and a spirit of elitism had infected us. No one would correct me on it because they made fun of them too.

— Michael Clary (@dmichaelclary) December 15, 2022

A Certain Kind of Evangelical Christian

Clary explained that these people he thought less of were actually people in the community where he was raised. “I came from the hills of [West Virginia],” he said. “Appalachian, born and bred. I knew these people well because I grew up around them.”

After he went to seminary, traveled the country, and gained experience in the world, Clary came to think he was more enlightened than the folks at home. “I was a successful church planter in an urban cultural context in Cincinnati,” he said. “My sending organization flew me around the country to share my success stories and train younger planters in the ‘way it’s done.’” The result was that Clary felt he had “moved on. I was better than them. I was more learned and cultured. I had ‘seen the world’ and they hadn’t.”

“I would not have admitted this at the time,” the pastor continued, “but deep down, I felt superior to my hometown people and their country religion. My ministry ‘success’ was at least partly driven by a desire to separate myself from them and prove that ‘I’m not one of those fundie Christians.’”

However, Clary came to see this way of thinking as prideful and foolish. “It began to dawn on me,” he said. “I was standing on the shoulders of giants.” As an example, he mentioned his grandfather, who “was one of those country preachers. [He] provided for his family by working a physically demanding job in a steel mill his whole life. His family was poor, but he did what needed to be done.”

Clary said that his grandfather did not read well, having only been educated through the 6th grade, but that he used the KJV Bible to learn how to spell. Clary’s grandfather also had a habit of listening to the Bible on audio cassette every day during his commute to work.

After tWitch’s Death, Kirk Franklin Urges Followers To Check on Loved Ones

By

Jessica Mouser

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December 16, 2022

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by calling or texting 988.

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin posted a video to Instagram Thursday responding to the death of dancer and DJ Stephen Boss, aka “tWitch,” who took his own life on Tuesday. Franklin called the news about Boss’ death “heartbreaking” and exhorted his followers to check on their loved ones during the holiday season, even if doing so feels invasive.

“Don’t be afraid to be intrusive,” said Franklin. “Get on their nerves. Ask them how they’re doing…ask them about what they’re thinking.“ The “holiday season…can be a little interesting,” he observed. “I don’t know what it is about the holidays. I feel it at times too. But man, I’m telling you, it’s a beautiful thing when people get on my nerves.”

Stephen Boss’ Tragic Passing

Stephen Boss, or “tWitch” as he was known, was an accomplished dancer, choreographer and actor who competed on MTV’s “The Wade Robson Project” in 2003 and whose fame increased after he competed in the 2008 season of “So You Think You Can Dance?” (SYTYCD). Ellen DeGeneres brought Boss onto her show as a DJ in 2014 and made him a co-executive producer in 2020.

Boss met his wife, Allison Holker, while the two were competing as all-stars on “SYTYCD” in 2010. The couple had just celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary days before Boss died. According to TMZ, on Monday morning Boss took an Uber to a hotel near his home and was discovered at the hotel Tuesday morning, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 40 years old. The last post on Stephen Boss’ Instagram page shows him dancing with his wife.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Allison Holker (@allisonholker)

In a statement to CNN, Allison Holker Boss said, “Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.” She asked for privacy for her family as they grieve, concluding, “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

Kirk Franklin said he wanted to “send out my heartfelt condolences to Stephen ’tWitch’ Boss’ family, beautiful children, beautiful wife.” The gospel singer noted that he has been open about his own struggles with depression and anxiety.

Florida Pastor, Son Arrested for Alleged $8 Million PPP Fraud

By

Stephanie Martin

-

December 16, 2022

evan edwards — Screenshot from Facebook / @Mary Jane Edwards

Investigations into misuse of federal pandemic-relief funds have nabbed another church leader, along with his adult son. On Wednesday (Dec. 14), Evan Edwards, 64, and son Josh Edwards, 30, were arrested at the family’s Florida home. According to a federal indictment, the pair defrauded the U.S. government out of more than $8 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Each man has been charged with six counts related to the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, including bank fraud. Josh Edwards faces an additional charge of making a false statement to a lending institution.

Federal prosecutors identified the alleged scam back in December 2020. When charges hadn’t yet been filed by July 2022, NBC News reporters highlighted the case. “The inaction is especially curious given that other suspected Covid-relief fraudsters have been hit with criminal charges despite being accused of stealing far less money,” the team of journalists wrote.

Evan Edwards Indictment: PPP App Misstated Ministry’s Size

Evan Edwards, who is from Canada, performed missionary work in Turkey before moving his family to Florida. In 2019, he founded ASLAN International Ministry to “communicate Christian love in doctrine and service to the poor.”

After the pandemic hit in spring 2020, Josh Edwards submitted a PPP application on behalf of ASLAN, claiming the nonprofit had 486 employees and payroll expenses of $2.7 million monthly. According to the indictment, almost everything in that application was untrue. The two men knew the ministry’s employee numbers and payroll expenses were “significantly lower, or entirely nonexistent,” say prosecutors.

More than $8.4 million of PPP funds were then deposited into an Edwards family bank account that, until then, had a balance of $25, according to the federal complaint. Afterward, say prosecutors, the family spread out the loan money in various accounts “in an attempt to hide and conceal their whereabouts.”

Two months later, suspicions arose when the family tried to purchase a $3.7 million home near Orlando, part of Disney World’s Golden Oak development. Authorities seized the down-payment funds and began looking into the situation.

Investigators found that no one worked at ASLAN’s business office. In addition, the employee listed as the accountant stopped working for the nonprofit in 2017 and has dementia. And the employee listed as ministry director hadn’t worked with ASLAN since 2012. Other red flags appeared on the ministry’s website, which had inactive links and text that was plagiarized from other sources.

Pastor Evan Edwards’ Arrest Was ‘A Long Time Coming’

While trying to execute a search warrant in September 2020, police stopped the family’s vehicle on a Florida highway. Inside were shredded documents and a bag that prevents the tracking of electronic devices. Although the family was taken into custody on an unrelated immigration charge, that case was dismissed.

Ken Ham: The Nation’s Leaders Are Fostering an Environment Similar to Sodom and Gomorrah

By

Jesse T. Jackson

-

December 16, 2022

Earlier this week, apologist Ken Ham posted a series of images including some of the nation’s top leaders who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, saying that he never thought he’d see the day when our culture exemplified the likeness of Sodom and Gomorrah.

“Looked at the news and these are the sort of headlines we see,” Ham tweeted. “I must admit, I never thought I would see such a day as we’re seeing with political leaders fostering an environment for wickedness to permeate the culture. One reads about Sodom and Gomorrah but we never thought we would see something similar happening in our day. ‘Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees,’ (Isaiah 10:1).”

The images included a retired military colonel who posed in his uniform wearing a “pup play” mask, which is a part of a sadomasochistic activity wherein men behave like young dogs during a sexual encounter, typically with other men.

Another image included a man who is believed to be the retired colonel’s romantic partner, an officer in our nation’s military also wearing a “pup play” mask.

One image was of the White House lit up with rainbow colors to represent LGBTQ+ pride.

Ham also included a photo of Sam Brinton, a Department of Energy official who was recently fired after being accused of stealing luggage. Brinton was hired by the Biden Administration as one of the federal government’s first gender nonbinary officials.

Ham’s post comes on the heels of President Joe Biden signing of the Respect for Marriage Act into law earlier this week. The law has codified protections for same-sex marriage and interracial couples, though many Christians fear it will negatively impact religious liberty.

Nonbinary drag queen Marti Gould Cummings was invited to the bill’s signing at the White House, and Ham included an image of Cummings in his collage of those “fostering an environment of wickedness.”

In 2020, Cummings tweeted, “I’m a proud fem queer nonbinary drag artist who wants to defund police and fund education, affordable housing, social work and I’m running for city council along with a lot of other queer candidates and we are going to fight for you the people, not police unions, not real estate, but for you.”

Cummings has said in the past that “anyone who thinks drag isn’t for children is wrong, Drag is expression, and children are such judgment-free beings. They don’t really care what you’re wearing, just what you’re performing.”

Trio of Camels Escape From Nativity Production, Roam the Neighborhood in Search of Grass

By

Dale Chamberlain

-

December 16, 2022

nativity camels — Pictured: Cyrus, whom animal trainers described as the leader of the trio of camels; screengrab via Facebook @7NEWS

A trio of camels were roaming the streets of a suburban community near Brisbane, Australia, this week after escaping from their pen at a nearby church. Commuters were surprised to see them casually walking alongside the road during rush hour.

The camels have been part of a nativity production at Bridgeman Baptist Community Church, which has been hosting performances this month.

The trio, named Cyrus, Benjamin, and Morgie, had apparently set out to find some grass to graze, eventually succeeding when they happened upon a cemetery roughly a quarter mile away.

“I’m sure a few people would have thought they were seeing things. I’m sure of it,” Melanie Fitzgibbon of Camelot Camels told 7NEWS.

Wayne Morris, who had been tending to the camels, was understandably shaken when he discovered they had escaped.

“Your heart drops a little bit,” Morris said. “It’s one of those things where you go, ‘Oh no, where are they?’”

Thankfully, the camels were discovered and eventually returned to their pen at the church unharmed—just not before they went from being supporting characters in a nativity reenactment to the stars of their own show.

“It’s not every day you get to see camels on the side of the road,” said James Harwin, who serves as the church’s operations manager.

Nevertheless, this is something that happens at one church or another almost every Christmas season. While Jesus once used the image of a camel going through the eye of a needle to illustrate something that is impossible, a camel getting out of his pen is apparently something that is remarkably easy.

Last year, one camel escaped from a nativity scene in Kansas, only being captured by police and animal control officials after a multi-day pursuit that included officers commandeering golf carts as the camel traversed a local course.

Similar mishaps have occurred in various places throughout the years.

While most of these instances have ended without any harm coming to the animals or people involved, it is important to note that these situations can become dangerous, as in one case in 1997 when a camel died after being struck by a car.

The potential dangers of using live animals for nativity performances has led some animal rights activists, including PETA, to condemn the practice.

“Live animals don’t belong in church Nativity scenes any more than they belong in the pews or the pulpit,” said PETA Foundation Faith Outreach and Engagement Campaign Coordinator Candice Kelsey in response to the escape of a cow from a live nativity at a church in North Carolina earlier this month.

Church Ballet Studio Performance Centered on Missions

By

Timothy Cockes

-

December 16, 2022

church ballet doxa — Dancers wearing traditional Ukrainian dresses represent the people of the Europe Affinity Group as identified by the International Mission Board. Submitted photo

AMARILLO, Texas (BP) – Paramount Baptist Church has put a new spin on the oft-told story of Lottie Moon.

Doxa, a ballet studio based at the church, presented “In a Nutshell” the first weekend of this month. The show is a retooling of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker,” only instead of telling the story of Clara and her journey to the Land of Sweets, it tells the story of a girl named Lottie and her passion for international missions.

“We wanted to show that God is making a people of every tribe, tongue, language and culture that will be worshiping Him forever,” said Doxa director Brittanie Wooten. “We don’t know who will come, but we need to be faithful to share and complete the Great Commission that we’ve been given.”

“In a Nutshell” centers around Lottie making a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ at a church service and subsequently going on a journey of learning about missions and spreading the Gospel to different people groups around the world.

All of the proceeds from the performances went to Paramount Baptist’s missions offering, with 75 percent going to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and 25 percent going to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

Wooten grew up attending Paramount and has served as director of Doxa (the Greek word from which doctrine and doxology derive) since it began in 2009.

“I love performing at our church because that means people are coming to the building and interacting with our pastors,” Wooten said. “Yet, one thing that people always tell us about our productions is that ‘the Bible came to life’ or ‘I’ve read that Scripture before but I’ve never seen it that way.’ It’s meant to be a visual representation of Scripture whether someone is familiar with it or not.”

The studio will perform one or two biblically-focused dance productions at the church each year. Many other local Southern Baptist churches are represented among the students, but some students and families are simply looking for a quality ballet studio.

Wooten explained the plot of the production is not an exact retelling of Lottie Moon’s story, but is instead an original story loosely patterned after “The Nutcracker” and inspired by Lottie’s ministry.

After the Lottie character makes a profession of faith in Jesus Christ at a church service, she is transported to various biblical events teaching about missions, like Pentecost.

Next, she is shown eight different people groups around the world and learns about sharing the Gospel. The people groups represent the affinity groups identified by the International Mission Board.

Wooten said the ballet studio has become about much more than dancing over the years.

“God has just really used it,” she said. “It has kind of morphed into a discipleship arm. There are lots of Bible studies and times of prayer in the classes and they have become very evangelistic.”

One example of training beyond dance is the additional tasks asked of the students for the most recent production.

In addition to learning the choreography, each student was assigned research related to international missions.

Students had the option to do a report on the biography of a famous missionary or on one of the IMB affinity groups or compose a fictional narrative about a lost person hearing the Gospel.

Wooten hopes the project will spark evangelistic passion in the students.

48 Students Baptized in One Day Amid Johnson Ferry’s Discipleship Culture

By

Diana Chandler

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December 16, 2022

MARIETTA, Ga. (BP) – Discipleship is promoted and modeled as a culture at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Senior Pastor Clay Smith told Baptist Press after the church baptized 48 junior and high school students Dec. 11.

“It’s more caught than taught,” Smith said. “Sunday was the fruit of a larger disciple-making culture that we have been intentional about over the last two years, particularly in our student ministry. It was a wonderful celebration of where we see God doing some really special things.

“We’ve had other big days of baptism with people of all ages before in our history, but as far as we know, that was by far the largest student baptism day that we’ve ever seen here.”

Disciple-making is practiced by all leaders of the church and encouraged among members of all ages, Smith said, pointing out the work of the entire student ministry team led by Logan Grantham, associate pastor of students.

“He’s done a great job with his team, making evangelism a priority and disciple-making a priority,” Smith said. “They teach the meaning of baptism to the group as a whole, but meet with each student to discern their salvation and actually, each student writes out their testimony.”

Perhaps half of those baptized Sunday made professions of faith during Johnson Ferry’s DNOW (Disciple Now) weekend Nov. 11-13, Smith said, with others having professed faith at other events this year. The baptisms were conducted during the 11:30 a.m. worship service.

“We vet all of them,” he said. “Anyone we baptize, we first want to discern their understanding of baptism, and also allow us a chance to properly discern the legitimacy of their salvation as best as we can. All 48 were vetted, for lack of a better word.”

Disciple-making is modeled and encouraged through 4:19 groups based on Matthew 4:19, with students leading student discipleship groups.

“We still have big fun events, like most student ministries. but we put a lot more emphasis on students discipling students,” he said. “It’s a strategy we use across the church. It’s not just for students.”

Smith himself discipled five male high school seniors this year, he said, and told Baptist Press of an 88-year-old Johnson Ferry member who discipled 12 people in the past year.

“We’ve seen a lot more ownership of our students taking evangelism seriously, taking disciple-making seriously,” he said, “and I think in large part what we’re seeing with these baptisms is the fruit of people sharing Jesus with their friends.”

Jesuit Case Underscores Secrecy, Leniency for Abuse of Women

By

Nicole Winfield

-

December 16, 2022

jesuit abuse case — FILE - Pope Francis is flanked by Jesuits' superior general Arturo Sosa Abascal, left as he leaves the Church of the Gesu', mother church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), after presiding a mass on March 12, 2022. The head of Pope Francis’ Jesuit religious order admitted Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, that a famous Jesuit priest had been convicted of one of the most serious crimes in the Catholic Church some two years before the Vatican decided to shelve another case against him for allegedly abusing other adult women under his spiritual care.The Rev. Arturo Sosa, the Jesuit superior general, made the admission during a briefing with journalists that was dominated by the scandal over the Rev. Marko Ivan Rubnik and the reluctance of both the Vatican and the Jesuits to tell the whole story behind the unusually lenient treatment he received. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

ROME (AP) — Revelations that the Vatican let a famous priest off the hook twice for abusing his authority over adult women has exposed two main weaknesses in the Holy See’s abuse policies: sexual and spiritual misconduct against adult women is rarely if ever punished, and secrecy still reigns supreme, especially when powerful priests are involved.

The Jesuit order, to which Pope Francis belongs, was forced to admit Wednesday that its initial statements about the Rev. Marko Ivan Rupnik, an internationally recognized religious artist, were less than complete. The order had said Rupnik was accused in 2021 of unspecified problems “in the way he exercised his ministry” but that the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith determined the allegations were too old to prosecute.

But under questioning by journalists, the Jesuit superior general, the Rev. Arturo Sosa, acknowledged the Congregation had prosecuted Rupnik for a separate, prior case from 2019 that ended with his conviction and temporary excommunication for one of the gravest crimes in the church’s in-house canon law: that he used the confessional to absolve a woman with whom he previously had sexual relations.

The case dates from 2015, when Rupnik was in Rome, and also included an accusation of false mysticism that wasn’t prosecuted, according to a person familiar with the case who was not authorized to speak about it. Rupnik quickly admitted to the confession-related crime and formally repented, and the Congregation immediately lifted his excommunication from the church, Sosa said in response to a question from The Associated Press.

While the Jesuits barred Rupnik from hearing confessions or giving spiritual direction, the restrictions on his ministry did not prevent him from celebrating Mass or preaching. He continued writing and making his art without the public, the consecrated women in his community or even his own Jesuit confreres knowing the truth.

Rupnik is unknown to most Catholics but is a giant within the Jesuit order and the Catholic hierarchy because he is one of the church’s most sought-after artists. His mosaics depicting biblical scenes decorate the basilica in Lourdes, France, the Vatican’s own Redemptoris Mater chapel and the John Paul II institute in Washington, and are due to grace the new basilica in Aparecida, Brazil. He designed the Vatican logo for the 2022 World Meeting of Families, and was featured in a Vatican News television interview to describe the religious inspiration behind it.

When the 2021 case became public this month, fellow Jesuits called for the Vatican to shed more light on why Rupnik wasn’t sanctioned by the Holy See after he was accused.

After fine-tuning its procedures to punish priests who abuse children, the Vatican last year updated its law to criminalize abuse of authority over adults, and in 2020 it revealed how a once-powerful ex-cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, sexually abused his adult seminarians.

But the new disclosures about Rupnik indicate that Catholic priests who abuse their authority to sexually, spiritually or psychologically abuse adult women rarely receive canonical sanctions despite estimates that priests are four times more likely to engage in sexual activity with women than minors.

Sara Larson, executive director of Awake, a grassroots U.S. group that seeks to educate, advocate for and support Catholic abuse survivors, said there is a seemingly reflexive belief that, barring physical violence, all sexual contact between adults is consensual. And yet the #MeToo movement made clear that power differentials often make meaningful consent impossible.

“There can be no true consent when a priest is in a position of spiritual authority over someone,” Larson said in a telephone interview. “We recognize that sexual activity between a doctor and a patient, or a therapist and a client, is a serious abuse of power, and we treat that kind of sexual contact as criminal. Sexual activity between a priest and someone seeing him for spiritual care is really no different.”

Yet the hierarchy often responds to women who report priests for abusing their authority over them by blaming the women for seducing the priest, or minimizing the event as a mere “mistake” or “boundary violation” by an otherwise holy priest, without considering the devastating trauma such abuse can have on the woman, Larson said.

Faith Leaders Urge Lawmakers To Pass Expanded Child Tax Credit

By

Jack Jenkins

-

December 16, 2022

child tax credit — Photo by Adam Szuscik (via Unsplash)

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Faith leaders joined members of Congress on Capitol Hill Thursday (Dec. 15) to voice support for the expansion of the child tax credit, urging lawmakers to reinstate a broader version of the anti-poverty benefit before the end of the year.

“For many of us, this is a season of miracles — the miracle of Jesus’ birth, the miracle of Hanukkah,” said Abibat Rahman-Davies of the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker group. “But expanding the CTC? That shouldn’t take a miracle.”

The event was part of a sustained advocacy push by a group of faith leaders from across the theological spectrum, with liberal-leaning religious groups and conservative evangelical organizations joining forces to push for lawmakers to embrace an expanded version of the credit that helps combat child poverty. Earlier this year, the group published an advertisement in Politico Magazine and sent a letter to all 535 members of Congress and to the White House asking them to make the child tax credit “fully refundable and available to low-income families on a permanent basis.”

Lawmakers allowed the expanded version of the credit, which was created as part of the American Rescue Plan, to expire last year, sparking frustration among anti-poverty advocates. Members are currently wrangling over competing last-minute proposals put forward by both parties in hopes of passing something as part of an omnibus bill before the end of the year.

Rep. Rosa Luisa DeLauro of Connecticut, who has often invoked her Catholic faith while advocating for liberal policies, voiced passionate support for an expanded version during Thursday’s event.

“I’m so proud of being a part of a living Catholic tradition,” DeLauro said. “A tradition that unfailingly promotes the common good, expresses a consistent model framework for life and highlights the need to provide a collective safety net for our community’s most vulnerable — and that includes our children.“

DeLauro appeared to reference proposals floated by some Democrats that include tax breaks for businesses in an attempt to accrue Republican support.

“If we can provide tax cuts for America’s corporations, we can certainly provide a tax cut for America’s kids,” she said.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Lutheran, tied his support for the credit to Matthew 25, a Bible passage that calls on Christians to care for the sick and feed the hungry. Brown said he was once given a Poverty and Justice Bible, and noted how its translation of the passage’s final line — “What you did for those who seem less important, you did for me” — resonated with his faith.

“It’s so clear that that’s our calling,” Brown, an Ohio Democrat, said.

People impacted by the child tax credit also addressed the gathering, explaining how the credit benefited their families. Rabbi Jonah Pesner offered a prayer, asking God to forgive the U.S. for a “year of suffering of our children” because of the expired credit.

The expanded version of the credit allowed families to receive as much as $3,600 per child in 2021, a marked increase over the previous $2,000-per-child payments. Advocates argue the increase made a significant difference to struggling families, and that its disappearance resulted in dire consequences: Researchers at Columbia University found that child poverty increased 41% a month after the credit expired.

Religious Liberty Concerns Raised as Texas Governor Seeks To Investigate Groups Helping Migrants

By

Alejandra Molina

-

December 16, 2022

religious liberty — Gustavo Banda, center right, pastor of Templo Embajadores de Jesus, Tijuana’s largest migrant shelter, speaks with migrants at a shelter, Oct. 13, 2022, in Tijuana, Mexico. The Biden administration’s policy shift on Venezuelan migrants may pose an enormous challenge to overstretched Mexican shelters. The U.S. has coupled plans to let up to 24,000 Venezuelans apply online to fly to the U.S. for temporary stays with a pledge to immediately turn back Venezuelans who cross the border illegally from Mexico. (AP Photo/Elliot Spagat)

(RNS) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the state attorney to investigate nongovernmental organizations that he claims have assisted with “illegal border crossings” along the U.S.-Mexico border near El Paso, raising religious liberty concerns among faith-based groups and religious organizers helping migrants with medical needs and shelter.

Abbott, in his Dec. 14 letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton, didn’t identify any organizations or offer evidence of NGOs “unlawfully orchestrating” border crossings on both sides of the border. The governor urged Paxton to investigate the “role of NGOs in planning and facilitating the illegal transportation of illegal immigrants across our borders.”

Abbott’s office has not returned a request for comment.

Catholic activist Dylan Corbett said that Abbott, with this move, is seeking to intimidate “the very people who are working to address the fallout of a broken immigration system at the border.”

“The reality is that the majority of the work that is done on the border, the humanitarian work, the reception of refugees and migrants, is done by faith-based organizations,” said Corbett, who is the executive director of Hope Border Institute. “We do this as an expression of our faith. We do this as an expression of our commitment to building a more just world because we are people of faith.”

Added Corbett: “It raises serious questions about the abuse of office, and I also think it raises serious questions about religious liberty.”

Corbett said organizations such as his are not engaging in criminal acts by helping migrants along the border. In fact, he said, Hope Border and similar groups are “working to build legal pathways for people to migrate legally.”

Abbott’s letter comes days before a Trump-era policy, known as Title 42, is set to end Dec. 21. The policy denies migrants rights under U.S. and international law to request asylum on public health grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Immigrant rights advocates have said President Joe Biden expanded this policy to apply to Venezuelan migrants seeking asylum.

The Southwest border has been experiencing a record number of immigrant encounters, many of which are repeat encounters, according to the news site El Paso Matters. Border enforcement agents in El Paso and New Mexico are encountering up to 2,500 migrants daily, the news site reported.

This has led organizations to work overdrive in assisting migrants in need.

The Hope Border Institute, in a recent report, detailed how Biden’s expansion of the Trump-era policy “represents a significant burden on an already strained safety net for migrants and refugees expelled to Mexico,” particularly Ciudad Juárez, a Mexican city on the Rio Grande, just south of El Paso.

The Hope Border Institute, in partnership with Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, has invested over $100,000 through its Border Refugee Assistance Fund to “respond to the ongoing arrival of migrants and asylum seekers to the US-Mexico border, including the recent Venezuelans population,” according to the report.

With the expulsion of Venezuelans to Ciudad Juárez, Hope Border Institute helped offer food, clothing and shelter. It established a program with medical professionals from El Paso who volunteer their time to provide primary care to migrants. The organization has also worked with groups in Ciudad Juárez “to ensure that people on the move and in shelters have access to both basic medicine and mental health services,” according to the report.

Said Corbett: “We’re not intimidated. We’re not afraid. We’re going to continue to do our work. We know that our partners along the border are going to continue to do their work.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared here.

5 Ways We Can Misuse Our Spiritual Authority

By

Dan Reiland

-

December 16, 2022

Have you ever wondered why God entrusted us with the potential for so much power?

I mean, really, think about that. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit (“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you”—Acts 1:8) to those who follow Him as a disciple!

The Holy Spirit is given to all believers, but why might that be different for leaders?

It’s because we’ve also been entrusted with organizational authority.

Human authority is typically granted by a church board or some formal structure that recognizes calling and gifts. This is in the natural realm.

God gives power through His Spirit. This is in the supernatural realm.

The combination of human authority and spiritual power is the foundation of spiritual leadership.

Those of us who lead have been trusted with two important elements; the responsibility to lead and the power of heaven to actually see life-changing, eternal results.

When we lead according to the will and purposes of God, it creates an extraordinary divine partnership.

So back to the opening question, why did God give us this power?

For the purpose of salvation for others and their maturing faith and our boldness, wisdom, challenge, and encouragement. Essentially, the ability to live a life that would not be possible without Him.

The power of God is for our benefit but not based on our agenda; it is for His will and His purpose.

That’s where this can become complicated. We are human. Therefore, we are not perfect. We have fears and insecurities that can lead to less-than-ideal leadership.

On occasion, when we are not at our best, we can misuse this incredible gift of supernatural power and therefore misuse the authority that has been entrusted to us.

Let’s take a look at some common ways this can happen with insights toward prevention.

5 Ways That Misuse Your Spiritual Authority:

1. Believing You Are the Source of Your Authority

It never goes well when a kid on the playground announces (by their behavior) that he’s pretty much king of the hill. Today we call that a bully.

The same is true in leadership; it always works better when you are chosen, affirmed, and invited into leadership. In this case, a person or a group entrusts you with authority.

The authority we possess as leaders was never ours, it’s always transferred to us. It’s a matter of stewardship, not ownership or rights.

When we understand the source of our authority, gratitude comes more naturally, and it’s easier to surrender it when it’s time.

If we ever begin to think thoughts like, It’s “my church” or “my campus.” Or this is “my department, I started it and built it,” we have forgotten the source of our authority.

Poinsettia Christmas Tree: Try This Fun Craft With Kids

By

ChildrensMinistry.com

-

December 15, 2022

This poinsettia Christmas tree craft comes with a seasonal devotion. Use it to remind Sunday school children how our Christmas celebrations point us to Jesus.

Poinsettia Christmas Tree Devotion & Craft

As kids press poinsettia leaves into the shape of Christmas trees, they’ll learn how Christmas trees can point us to Jesus.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2

You’ll need:

Bible
poinsettia plants
wax paper
hand towel
iron
ironing board
silver glitter glue

Christmas Star

Show kids a poinsettia flower. Point out the star shape of each flower.

Say: Poinsettias are often used to decorate for Christmas because they’re great winter plants. And the star shape of the flower reminds us of the first Christmas star.

Read aloud Matthew 2:1-2.

Ask: What are other places you see stars around Christmas?

Christmas Trees

Say: Another place we see the Christmas star is on a Christmas tree. A story from hundreds of years ago tells of a Christian named Martin Luther. He went for a walk in the woods around Christmas. Then he noticed how the snow shimmered on the branches of evergreen trees. It reminded him of a shining star, pointing us to heaven. So he took a tree home and decorated it for Christmas.

Let’s use poinsettias and Christmas trees to make a fun craft. Every time you see it, it will point you to Jesus.

Poinsettia Christmas Tree Craft

Give each child two pieces of wax paper. Have kids pick leaves and petals off the poinsettia. Next, arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree on one piece of wax paper. When kids are done arranging, have them set their wax papers on the ironing board. Then place their second piece of wax paper on top.

9 Christmas Myths Christians Believe:

1. The Bible Says That Jesus Was Born on December 25

2. The Bible Says Mary Rode Into Bethlehem on a Donkey

3. The Bible Says There Were 3 Wisemen

4. The Bible Says a Star Hovered Over the Manger

5. The Bible Says Jesus Was Born in a Barn or Stable

6. The Bible Says There Was a Little Drummer Boy

7. The Bible Says Jesus Was Born in 0 A.D.

8. Saying Merry X-mas Is “Taking Christ Out of Christmas”

9. Saying Happy Holidays Is “Taking Christ Out of Christmas”

G-IVE Them What They Really Deserve

I-NCLUDE Them in Your Holiday Planning

F-IND Ways To Make Them Feel Special & Loved.

T-ALK About Their Dreams for the Coming Year

The Reason for Work

10 Growth-Focused Youth Ministry Hacks

1. Pray like you mean it.

2. Create an intercessory and invitational culture.

3. Give the Gospel every week no matter what.

A Certain Kind of Evangelical Christian

Stephen Boss’ Tragic Passing

Evan Edwards Indictment: PPP App Misstated Ministry’s Size

Pastor Evan Edwards’ Arrest Was ‘A Long Time Coming’

5 Ways That Misuse Your Spiritual Authority:

1. Believing You Are the Source of Your Authority

Poinsettia Christmas Tree Devotion & Craft

Christmas Star

Christmas Trees

Poinsettia Christmas Tree Craft

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