Christian World News: January. 20, 2012

George Thomas: Today on Christian World News – A Christian culture in decline. Believers in the United Kingdom hold fast to their faith while attacks against them increase. Wendy Griffith: Plus – Messenger Angels in Mexico. How a tiny evangelical church is transforming the dangerous streets of Juarez into a place of peace. George Thomas: And – This online teaching video about Jesus Christ and religion goes viral. Why it had millions of hits in less than a day. * * * Wendy Griffith: Radical secularism overtakes a Christian country. Hello, I’m Wendy Griffith. George Thomas: And I’m George Thomas. Christians in the United Kingdom are facing hostility on many fronts, from the top levels of government to local city councils and secular organizations. Wendy Griffith: But as Mark Martin reports, these attacks are waking up a sleeping church. * * * Mark Martin: More than 400 years ago, English explorers brought Christianity to the New World. Spreading the Gospel was a mandate in the England of old. Shepherd Masango, Christian Street Preacher: I want to tell you that the same Jesus that radically transformed my life… Mark Martin: Today in the United Kingdom, sharing that Christian faith could land you behind bars. Under current law, using “insulting words or behaviour” is a criminal offense. As a result, police have arrested a number of Christians, including street preachers because listeners considered the message insulting. Shepherd Masango: I think that personally there is a decline in just the knowledge of God and in the love of God. There’s a lot of people that we speak to on the streets, 16-year-olds or below, people that have never grown up going to church, and people have just radically turned away from God and are just following different kind(s) of things. Mike Judge, The Christian Institute: There are campaign groups that want to push Christianity out of public life. They regard religion and particularly Christianity as something of a private affair and should have no role to play in public life. Mark Martin: Mike Judge works for The Christian Institute which is defending the Bideford town council against a lawsuit by the National Secular Society. That group, which is similar to the ACLU, claims praying at council meetings, a practice that started in the days of Queen Elizabeth I, discriminates against people of no religion. The NSS posted this photo of smiling staff members outside the high court on its website, but for Mike Judge and The Christian Institute, the matter is nothing to smile about. Mike Judge: This is a very serious hearing. It’s the first time that the saying of prayers at civic events has been challenged in the high court. Now the saying of prayers is entirely voluntary; no one’s compelled to attend, and yet it was taken to court. Mark Martin: If the judge rules against prayer, it could affect councils across England and Wales, since most pray during their meetings. Other councils are already reconsidering their policies in light of the lawsuit. While there’s a push to ban prayer in city council meetings, other local councils have banned Christian words and phrases from advertisements. On the other hand, homosexual activists appear to be gaining favor with government groups. For example, here in Liverpool, the city became the first in the U.K. to put homosexual rainbow emblems on some of its street signs. Europe’s largest gay news service, Pink News, quoted Liverpool city councillor Nick Small as saying, “The new signs clearly show that we are recognizing where the LGBT scene is based in the city and that it is a very important part of our city life.” The Liverpool council has also spoken out against “Frontline Church,” a local evangelical non-denominational church. The church published a resource online which labeled homosexuality a sin and suggested ways to help people wanting out of that lifestyle. Frontline Church told CBN News that while it removed the material because it did not adequately address the complexity of the issue, the church has not changed its stance on homosexuality. John Harding, Frontline Church, Liverpool: We believe that the Bible teaches that heterosexual marriage is the only context for sexual relationship. All people, we’re all sinners; we’re all saved by grace, those that know the Lord Jesus, so we don’t see it as any different to any other issue, but what we’re very clear on is that we don’t judge people; we don’t condemn people. Mark Martin: A new government-sponsored survey shows the number of people in England and Wales who consider themselves Christians dropped ten percent in five years. During that same period, those who say they have no religion increased from 15 to 21 percent. Although Christians in the U.K. are in the middle of an intense spiritual battle, they say they are witnessing encouraging signs of the healing power of Jesus Christ. The prayer rally behind me in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is one example. Crowd singing: King Jesus! Rev. Pat Allerton, 7:14 Prayer Rally Coordinator: It’s cold, it’s wet, but still we saw, whatever it was, 5 - 600 people turning out to pray and worship Jesus. Woman at Rally: …where the economy is struggling, Father God, we pray and ask for a solution, and may it be rapid, Father God. Mark Martin: The Second Chronicles 7:14 prayer rally followed a “Not Ashamed Day” gathering, both events held adjacent to the Occupy London tent city. Andrew Marsh, Christian Concern: There’s a deeper problem. These things are not actually the root cause; they’re symptoms, and that actually Jesus has answers for these issues, for individuals, for communities, for nations, for our world because he transforms lives. Rob Joy, Evangelist, www.notashamed.org.uk: The thing that stops me from taking crack cocaine every day is that Jesus Christ took the root out of addiction in my heart. Mark Martin: In spite of the attacks on Christianity, many U.K. believers have not lost hope that revival will return, battling one challenge at a time, while embracing hurting souls. Mark Martin, CBN News, England. * * * Wendy Griffith: British Prime Minister David Cameron said a return a Christian values could counter Britain’s moral collapse. He said that moral neutrality is not an option in the face of hard economic times, last summer’s riots, and the threat of terrorist attacks from radical Islam. While Mr. Cameron made it clear he is not against people of other faiths or people who hold no faith it all. He did say: “We are a Christian country, and we should not be afraid to say so. The Bible has helped to give Britain a set of values and morals which make Britain what it is today.” George Thomas: Christian intolerance is on the rise both here in the United States as well as abroad But nearly all instances of persecution overseas has come from one thing in common, they are connected to Islam. Joining us now is John Eibner. He’s the CEO of Christian Solidarity International, a Christian human rights group. He joins us from our D.C. bureau. John, you say that there is today a campaign of religious cleansing taking place in the Islamic world and the victims are mainly Christians. Why is this happening today? John Eibner, Christian Solidarity International: Well, it’s happening because Islam has historically been intolerant of Christianity and it has put Christians in the position of second-class citizens or if they don’t cooperate and if they are not subservient to Islamic regimes then they are subjected to violence. And the Arab Spring, the so-called Arab Spring, has unleashed forces of militant Islam and are creating a situation of confusion throughout the region, which places the small historic Christian communities at risk. We’re now in a situation where the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity, a place where Jesus was born, where Christianity first took root, is in danger of extinction. I have spent much time in Iraq since 2007 and one can call what is happening there actually a genocide. Half of the country’s Christian population has been forced to leave the country since the fall of Saddam Hussein. This actually predates the Arab Spring, but there’s no question about it, the so-called Arab Spring or these Arab uprisings are creating ever more danger for the Christians. And if things go on as they are going on today very much longer could be that within a generation we don’t find Christian communities in what used to be the heartland of the Christian world. George Thomas: What is it about Christians? Are they perceived as a threat? Why are they being targeted today in such a ferocious way? John Eibner: Yes, Christians are perceived as a threat even though in many cases there numbers are almost negligible. But throughout the centuries Christians have been viewed as potential allies of the West, called “religionists.” So throughout the region the Christians are viewed with great suspicion as perhaps they’re not really loyal to the Islamic authority and if there are conflicts with the western world they will be the agents or a fifth column or that they will subversive ideas from the West. In some cases the perceived threat has to do with ethnic differences. For example, the Christians in Iraq regard themselves as ethnically Assyrian or Chaldean. They speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus in their homes, not Arabic. So they’re often viewed as ethnic minorities as well. George Thomas: John Eibner of Christian Solidarity International. John, great to have you on the broadcast this week. John Eibner: Thank you very much. * * * George Thomas: And Christian Solidarity International is just one of many groups serving the persecuted church. We have compiled a list of others with links to their websites. You can find all of that information at our page, cwnews.org. * * * Wendy Griffith: And turning now to Asia where a recent election in Taiwan could mean greater opportunities to share the faith in Mainland China. Gary Lane has the story. * * * Gary Lane: Two issues dominated the Taiwanese presidential campaign: the country’s economic downturn and relations with China. Taiwan’s incumbent president, now the winner of a second term in office, is promising to improve ties between the two nations. Christian leaders see God’s hand in the election results. Pastor Andrew Kou, Home of Christ Church: (Voice of Interpreter). The Bible says: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Whether or not the party or candidates we supported were elected, I am glad to see that the democracy has matured in Taiwan. This is God’s work. Rev. Te-Chien Chang, Presbyterian Church of Taiwan: (Voice of Interpreter). So some are happy, some are disappointed, but this is the process of democracy. We willingly accept the outcome. As Christians we should continue to pray for Taiwan. Gary Lane: How will President Ma Ying-Jeou’s re-election affect cross-strait mission work? Pastor Mao-Sung Chang predicts it will be more active. Pastor Mao-Sung Chang, Top Church: (Voice of Interpreter). In the past, only Taiwan ministers visit Mainland China, but obviously from now on, ministers and churches from China will be visiting Taiwan. Cross-strait churches will have closer relationships than before. The door to the Gospel will be wide open. Gary Lane: So, Taiwan’s president remains the same, with the nation’s Christians praying for their country’s leadership and new opportunities to advance the Gospel. Gary Lane, CBN News. * * * George Thomas: Just ahead – Children once abandoned outside a hospital now live in one of the brightest compounds in Haiti. See how Operation Blessing made it happen. – Commercial Break – Wendy Griffith: A half dozen murders every day make Ciudad Juarez one of the most violent cities in the world. Drug trafficking drives the violence in this Mexican city which is right across the border from El Paso, Texas. George Thomas: And the residents of Juarez have organized marches and protests to fight back, but with little success. But as Stan Jeter reports, recently “angels” have been showing up to bring peace to these dangerous streets. * * * Stan Jeter: Half a dozen Mexican youth wait patiently as silver makeup and white robes turn them into messenger angels. They’re members of a tiny evangelical church in one of Ciudad Juarez’ poorer neighborhoods and contribute a ray of hope in the midst of daily tragedies. Cuevas, “Juarez Angel”: (Voice of Interpreter). Something very nice and also risky, but the word of God says we need to be strong and courageous and I believe we need to be courageous for Ciudad Juarez. Stan Jeter: They’ve drawn the attention of international media. But today these unusual angels are thinking of the job that lies ahead. Soon they’ll be out on the dangerous streets of Juarez with placards calling for repentance and peace. The risks are many. Sujey Vacio, “Juarez Angel”: (Voice of Interpreter). But there might be an accident or something or that we could fall off the chairs. Stan Jeter: When they’re ready they head out to one of the city’s busy intersections. They quickly take their positions, standing on chairs to look taller. They put on their wings and hold a placard. This one says: “Corrupt police seek God.” Sujey Vacio: (Voice of Interpreter). These wings are heavy, but it’s for God. Stan Jeter: The angels freeze like statues, silent sentinels hoping their message will impact the hundreds of people crossing this intersection. Daniel Rubalcaba, “Juarez Angel”: (Voice of Interpreter). The work is nice but also a little tiring. I’m happy because God who’s up in the heavens is watching the work we’re doing. And that’s what he commands, to take the Gospel to every nation. Stan Jeter: The group also rushes to crime scenes, like this neighborhood where someone has been shot. Police lines are up, and among police and reporters the angels get as close as they can. One signs says: “Reporter friend, this news is for you. Christ loves you.” After holding their silent vigil, the angels offer to pray with neighbors for an end to the killing, and for salvation from sin. They pray for more converts to faith, like Daniel Diaz, who used to be part of the problem. Daniel Diaz, “Juarez Angel”: (Voice of Interpreter). I was out in the world, a delinquent, and now, I want to tell you that in that life you won’t find anything good, but you’ll sink down more and more. Stan Jeter: Back in front of their church, one participant sums up their efforts. Cuevas: (Voice of Interpreter). I’m participating because I think we need hope here in Ciudad Juarez. Messages that encourage people, that the violence that we’re living in can be solved, and I believe we can only find that hope in God. Stan Jeter: Stan Jeter, CBN News. * * * George Thomas: Terrific story. Well, the earthquake in Haiti last year left more than a million people homeless. Many of them were children. Wendy Griffith: So sad. Now, thanks to CBN’s Operation Blessing, some of those children have a permanent place to call home. Efrem Graham has that story. * * * Efrem Graham: Singing fills the air at Zanmi Beni Children’s Home. It’s hard to imagine this happy place sits only eight miles from a Port-au-Prince hospital where parents abandoned young children, like three-year-old Marcus. Eric Lotz, Operation Blessing: The hospital didn’t really have a program to take care of them, but they had a room where the kids stayed. Hospital staff would come by and take care of them. But they didn’t have a program for them. When the earthquake hit, the hospital really needed that space back and so they said these kids have to go. Efrem Graham: Operation Blessing joined forces with Partners in Health to build the children a home in Croix-des-Bouquets. Eric Lotz: These kids came from the worst imaginable experience at the hospital to living in this beautiful place. It really is just a remarkable transformation in the lives of these kids. Efrem Graham: Children are surrounded by banana trees, pets, and a therapeutic pool. There are also physical therapists working with children living with disabilities. Zanmi Beni is Creole for Blessed Friends. And this home is indeed a blessing for little guys like this one here, and some forty-nine other children. And believe it or not, this facility started with just one building. Eric Lotz: For about the first year, we had all the kids living in one big building until we were able to finish building the dormitory for the kids. Efrem Graham: Our cameras captured the early construction as Operation Blessing began building the new dormitory months ago. Today it is complete. And little Marcus loves it. He now shares a room with only one other child. Eric Lotz: The dormitory is huge for the kids. I mean, beforehand, at the hospital, they were living in a small maybe 20 by 30 room all forty-six kids. Efrem Graham: The dorm isn’t the only growing addition to the Zanmi Beni campus. Operation Blessing harvests tilapia here. Each of these blue tanks is filled with two hundred fish, from small fingerlings to fully grown. Then, when it’s time, staff catch, clean, batter, and fry the fish for the happy, hungry children. Eric Lotz: This program is expanding by leaps and bounds, yes. What you see behind you is just a way to get our foot in the door, basically, for aquaculture here in Haiti. Efrem Graham: Workers are building two aqua cells on the property. Each is 150 feet long, 40 feet wide, and will hold 120,000 gallons of water. It will soon produce 10- to 15,000 pounds of tilapia. Eric Lotz: We’re talking a number of jobs created by this program, both in the construction and the management. Efrem Graham: More jobs and more resources for the home’s children, like Marcus. While he doesn’t seem to remember the horror of being abandoned, he knows the joy of being surrounded by blessed friends at Zanmi Beni. Eric Lotz: It’s beautiful. It’s almost like a tropical paradise. Efrem Graham: Efrem Graham, CBN News, Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. * * * Wendy Griffith: Up next – Have you heard about the video “Why I Hate Religion but Love Jesus?” Why it’s taking the online world by storm. – Commercial Break – George Thomas: And welcome back to the broadcast. An online teaching video about Jesus Christ and religion has gone viral. It’s called “Why I Hate Religion but Love Jesus.” The video is spreading like wildfire on social networks Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. It’s crazy! Well, Tyler James reports. * * * Video: What if I told you, Jesus came to abolish religion. What if I told you, voting Republican really wasn’t his mission? What if I told you, Republican doesn’t automatically mean Christian? Tyler James: The four-minute professionally produced video is taking the online world by storm, getting millions of hits in less than a day. Video: I mean if religion is so great, why has it started so many wars? Why does it build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor? Tyler James: It’s a poem highlighting the difference between Jesus and what the author calls false religion. The issue is controversial and Christians are weighing in. Video: You see the problem with religion is that it never gets to the core. Tyler James: Tens of thousands of comments are spilling into YouTube. Like this viewer who says: “We need the fellowship of the church, but the real church is not the place we go to worship. It’s the worldwide Body of Christ.” (mybrothersscars) This person agrees with the video, saying: “Religion is about routine and habit and not about faith.” (kham8542) Video: Religion says slave. Jesus says son. Religion puts you in bondage while Jesus sets you free. Religion makes you blind, but Jesus lets you see. Tyler James: Agree or disagree with the message, one thing is clear, people are talking, and their talking about Jesus. In just a few days, this YouTube video has over six million hits. That number goes up every minute. Video: Now I ain’t judging, I’m just saying quit putting on a fake look. Because there’s a problem if people only know that you’re a Christian by your Facebook. Tyler James: CBN News viewers are joining the conversation on our Facebook page. Like Darcy, who says: “I got goosebumps because I was so excited the first time I saw it.” Larry adds: “Religion is not a bad thing as this man tries to make it out to be.” Video: So for religion, no, I hate it. In fact I literally resent it. Because when Jesus said “It is finished,” I believe he meant it. Tyler James: Tyler James, CBN News. * * * Wendy Griffith: He’s really talented. Well, Jefferson Bethke you just saw there is the young man who wrote that poem and created this Internet sensation. But Bethke also received some constructive criticism from Michigan pastor Kevin DeYoung. In a blog entry, DeYoung wrote: “The mood of our country is one that wants God without the structures that come with traditional Christianity. We love the Jesus that hates religion. The only problem is, he didn’t. Jesus was a Jew. He went to services at the synagogue. He observed holy days. He did not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them.” DeYoung goes on to analyze Bethke’s poem verse by verse. Bethke, the young man, later read the blog post and wrote DeYoung a letter thanking him. He said he agreed with DeYoung’s comments and was thankful for that critique. To view the original video and for a link to DeYoung’s blog, you can go to our website. That’s cbnnews.com. And you can join the conversation by posting your thoughts. We’ll be right back. – Commercial Break – George Thomas: And finally on the broadcast – Some sad news to report. Christians around the world are mourning the loss of evangelist R. W. Schambach. The East Texas-based pastor died of a heart attack on Tuesday. He and his wife ministered through international crusades and inner-city tent meetings for over six decades. Schamback was 85 years old. Wendy Griffith: What a life, what a legacy. George Thomas: It sure was. Well, that’s all for this week’s edition of Christian World News. I hope you’ve enjoyed our broadcast. Thank you so much for joining us this week. Wendy Griffith: Until next week, good-bye, everyone, and God bless you.