Christian World News: February 3, 2012

George Thomas: Coming up on the broadcast – How the game of basketball has the potential of changing the destiny of one African nation. Wendy Griffith: Plus – Are you ready for some football? Super Box XLVI (46) takes place this Sunday. Hear how God is moving on and off the field. George Thomas: And practically tortured for professing his faith. We’ll introduce you to a boy who was bullied after converting from Islam. * * * George Thomas: And hello, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Christian World News. I’m George Thomas. Wendy Griffith: And I’m Wendy Griffith. The Central African Republic is one of the world’s least developed countries. Armed militias, bandits, high crime rates, and years of political instability only add to its problems. George Thomas: That’s right. Well, one American group is trying to change the country’s destiny by focusing on young people. Recently, I traveled there to report on how the game of basketball is bringing hope to the people of the Central African Republic. * * * George Thomas: In the heart of Africa… Theodore Kapou, Bishop of Apostolic Church: (Voice of Interpreter). Life is extremely difficult here in the Central African Republic. George Thomas: …one country struggles to build a stable future. This is a country that has truly suffered? George Offong, Adonia Missions International: You know, when you are used to suffering, suffering becomes normal. George Thomas: Central African Republic is a landlocked nation surrounded by some of the most dangerous places on earth. Since gaining its independence back in 1960 from the French, the Central African Republic has endured some eleven mutinies, numerous rebellious movements both in the north as well as in the south, and today is one of the poorest countries here on the African continent. Two friends, from two different backgrounds and living thousands of miles apart, are trying to change the country’s outlook. Theodore Kapou is from Central African Republic. He runs the largest network of churches here. Theodore Kapou: (Voice of Interpreter). We can see the hopelessness, but God is our hope and the nation that puts its trust in God will be blessed. George Thomas: Rob Hoskins is from America. He runs One Hope, a ministry focused on sharing the gospel with young people around the world. Rob Hoskins, President, One Hope: It seems like in the most desperate situations that’s when God sends the winds of His spirit. George Thomas: Their friendship caught the attention of the government. The two met with top leaders and were given unprecedented access to reach the youth with a biblical message of hope. Hoskins says the key was to use the game of basketball, a very popular sport here, to reach that next generation. Rob Hoskins: It’s like a magnet, I mean you show up with a basketball and kids just come from everywhere because they don’t have very many basketballs, they don’t have any infrastructure, so the very little that you do produces amazing results in this country. George Thomas: So Hoskins brought in 5,000 basketballs and a team of Christian players from Indiana. They put on daily basketball clinics in the capital city. It was a big hit, attracting hundreds of young boys and girls. Loel Hochhalter, Basketball Coach: Some they come in and kick off their flip-flops and play barefoot. And I saw a kid today play in crocs. Some kids have shoes, some don’t. Some have incredible ability, some don’t. Some have a meal to eat, some don’t. George Thomas: Forty percent of the country’s population is under 15, and many of these kids will face an uncertain future. Rob Hoskins: Everything changes for them. For that moment that they’re playing and that they’re interacting and having fun, they forget about everything else. George Thomas: In another part of town, coach Adrian Crawford, a former Florida State University basketball star, held drills with players from Central African Republic’s national basketball team. Adrian Crawford, President, Game Speed Basketball: We focus on footwork, shooting mechanics, scoring off the move. We work on defensive principles, defending ball screens. One thing I like to try to do is give them a lot of drills that they can take and do when I’m not here. George Thomas: For One Hope, these basketball clinics are more than just about the game of basketball. In the end it is about imparting values - more importantly, biblical values. Dustin Denton, Basketball Coach: The 15 minutes at the end is the real reason we’re here. We took 15, 20 minutes every day in the camp and just shared the gospel, shared the word, told the kids why we’re here. Adrian Crawford: I really encouraged them. No matter where they are, whether they don’t have a relationship with God or they’ve been serving God for a period of time, it’s always have an intensity about your faith. Be as disciplined as you are in your sport, be that same way in your faith. George Thomas: For two friends on the national basketball team those words were life-changing. Player No. 1: (Voice of Interpreter). I used to think the word of God was a joke. But after spending time with coach Adrian I saw in his life what it means to be a true follower of Christ. Player No. 2 (Voice of Interpreter). I never used to pray before games. I never thought I needed God in my life. These last few days have taught me otherwise. George Thomas: While the Indiana team focused on basketball clinics, a team from France focused on presenting the gospel to high school kids through drama. Pierre Chiner, One Hope France: (Voice of Interpreter). God is doing amazing things around the world but there are still so many children who have not heard the name Jesus. We are trying to change that here. George Thomas: Each child is given the Book of Hope, an interactive, Bible-based magazine. Rob Hoskins: So it’s not only the scriptures that they are being given but there are articles that really explain to them the word of God in a way that they can understand it and allow children to fall in love with God’s word so that they’ll have a lifelong relationship with the word of God. George Thomas: The government has given One Hope and Kapou’s network of churches the green light to teach classes based on the Bible in public schools. Theodore Kapou: (Voice of Interpreter). Whether it’s in the areas of education, health, the economy or sports, only God can transform our society and bring lasting peace. George Thomas: In the evening the American, French and local believers took to the outskirts of the capital, going door-to-door handing out gospel tracts. And just before sunset the teams regroup. The screen is put up. The projector and speakers come out. And hundreds gather to watch a showing of “The God Man,” One Hope’s animated film about the life of Christ. Later a gospel invitation is given and many stand to receive Christ into their hearts. Little Boy: (Voice of Interpreter). We’ve done so many bad things to each other in our country. We’ve killed each other, we’ve stolen from each other. This is why God sent his Son to die for us and to save us from our sins. George Thomas: It’s that message that Hoskins and Kapou hope will one day make the difference in changing the destiny of the nation. * * * George Thomas: And to learn more about One Hope’s terrific work among children and young people around the world, please visit their website at www.onehope.net. You can also log on to cbnnews.com for an in-depth interview with the president of One Hope. Wendy Griffith: Great story. Sudan’s military has bombed a Bible school built by evangelist Franklin Graham. It happened in South Kordofan state near the border with South Sudan. Eight bombs were dropped on the Heiban Bible College. Two school buildings were destroyed; no one was injured. Franklin Graham is the president of Samaritan’s Purse. He told us Sudan’s Islamic regime is engaged in a campaign of ethnic cleansing. Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse (on the phone): They’re targeting civilian areas. It’s not just our Bible school, but they go after hospitals, they go after food distribution centers, anywhere that civilians are gathered. They’re wanting to put panic into the hearts of the civilian population to make them flee. It’s ethnic cleansing, that’s what the Serbs did, we saw in Bosnia and they’re doing it here. Wendy Griffith: The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations condemned the bombing calling it a heinous act. Sudan has carried out several attacks in South Kordofan. The violence has forced tens of thousands of people to flee that area. You can log on to our website at cbnnews.com for an extensive interview with Graham on the challenges facing South Sudan. George Thomas: And coming up on the broadcast next – Super faith at the Super Bowl. We go to Indianapolis and talk to the players about football and faith. – Commercial Break – Wendy Griffith: Politics and prayer came together in Washington, D.C. recently. U.S. President Barack Obama spoke about his Christian faith and how it shapes his policies. John Jessup reports from the National Prayer Breakfast. * * * John Jessup: What could bring two people on opposite ends of the political spectrum, like Jeff Sessions... Sen. Jeff Sessions, (R) Alabama: Jesus said that if we had faith as small as a mustard seed, we could move mountains. John Jessup: and Nancy Pelosi… Rep. Nancy Pelosi, (D) California: So Solomon said, “Give your servant a heart to understand how to govern your people.” John Jessup: …together on one stage? The National Prayer Breakfast, a Washington institution for more than 60 years. It’s an event that examines the life of Jesus as a model for servant leadership. Sen. Mark Pryor, (D) Arkansas: We don’t need a constitutional amendment or some big congressional reform. We just need to start acting better, and Jesus gives us the place to start. John Jessup: For the third time, President Obama addressed the bipartisan, international crowd where he discussed the importance of prayer. Pres. Barack Obama: These moments of prayer slow us down. They humble us. John Jessup: He revealed some things about his own spiritual habits, which include morning prayer and a devotion and daily scriptures from pastors like Joel Hunter or T. D. Jakes. But he also suggested that his politics of “shared responsibility” and higher taxes for the rich are shaped by his faith. Pres. Obama: But for me as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus’ teaching that “For unto whom much is given, much shall be required.” It mirrors the Islamic belief that those who’ve been blessed have an obligation to use those blessings to help others, or the Jewish doctrine of moderation and consideration for others. Highlighting a current issue in the “cultural war,” keynote Speaker Eric Mataxes reminded the audience how Christian leaders like William Wilberforce and Dietrich Bonhoeffer fought to end slavery and to stop the holocaust. He likened their efforts to the modern-day fight for the unborn. Eric Mataxes, Author: Apart from God we cannot see that they are persons as well. So those of us who know the unborn to be human beings are commanded by God to love those who do not yet see that. John Jessup: Mataxes also encouraged the audience to love and pray for everyone, especially for those with whom they disagree. That, he said, is the key between a living faith and mere religion. John Jessup, CBN News, Washington. * * * George Thomas: And thanks, John. Well, in the United States, American football is, well, it is so popular that some say it’s become like a religion, with Super Bowl Sunday being the holiest day of all. But that’s not the case for many players taking part in the “Big Game” this Sunday. As CBN’s Shawn Brown reports, they seek to glorify God through sport. * * * Shawn Brown: Hello, and welcome to Lucas Oil Stadium here in Indianapolis for CBN’s coverage of Super Bowl XLVI (46) where the grudge match between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants will happen this Sunday. It was just four short seasons ago that the Pats’ aim at perfection was taken from right under their noses by the Giants. So this time around you might say there’s a little bit of revenge at stake. But regardless of all that, players on both teams agree that there’s a lot more to life than winning a Super Bowl championship. Devin Thomas (WR) New York Giants: Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I put him first. But he’s given me this opportunity to showcase on a large scale about the works that he’s done in my life. Prince Amukamara (CB) New York Giants: My faith can just help me just because I know it’s an audience of One and I’m just performing for Jesus. Justin Tuck (DE) New York Giants: You know, you talk about so many guys that have played this game to the best of their ability for so many years and never had the opportunity to be here. You know, I’m completely blessed to just have the opportunity to be here and now two times in seven years. Man, you know, I definitely give him all the praise for that. Shawn Brown: Giants wideout Hackeem Nicks had a pretty good season, and he credits his success on the field to his relationship with Jesus Christ. Hackeem Nicks New York Giants: You know, I’m all in. I’m all in with Christ. I think that’s why I’m all in with this game and why I’m here today. I just know what he put me here for. I know why he put me on a pedestal to exalt him and to humble myself and that’s what I let him do. Chase Blackburn (LB) New York Giants: Faith is one of the most important things you can have in terms of a game as violent as we play week in and week out. And it helps you to understand that there’s no such thing as luck and it’s all about work ethic and the ups and downs, the ebbs and flows of life as a whole. Shawn Brown: This is Patriots Running Back Danny Woodhead’s first Super Bowl. He’s probably the smallest guy on the team at about five-seven, 195 pounds. But it hasn’t stopped him from contributing to his team. Danny Woodhead (RB) New England Patriots: I think that’s the most important part of my life. Without my relationship with Christ, you know, nothing else really matters. This is obviously the greatest, you know, situation to be in in football in my athletic career, but my faith comes first. Wes Welker (WR) New England Patriots: You definitely have to have a lot of faith in yourself, in God and Jesus and understand that you’re here for a purpose. And, you know, you’ve been given a great stage to go out there and present your talent and never taking that for granted and understand that, you know, your faith is what got you here and something you have to lean on constantly. Shawn Brown: Veteran wide receiver Deon Branch has been here three times before. Deion Branch (WR) New England Patriots: Life is bigger than just football. This is temporary, I can’t do this forever, you know, but what I am I’m going to be a God-fearing Christian, you know. I’m a - I have to be the father to my kids, the husband to my wife. I have to do that forever, but this [football] won’t last forever. * * * Wendy Griffith: Amazing! Well, what do you think of the role sports plays in society? Have Americans turned sports into a god and how can we keep them in perspective? Join the conversation on CWN Facebook page. George Thomas: Well, the cost of converting in Turkey. The story of how one teen was persecuted for turning to Christ. – Commercial Break – George Thomas: And welcome back to Christian World News. One in four American children are victimized by bullies. Many U.S. schools are now implementing programs to prevent bullying. Wendy Griffith: But what about schools in other countries, especially those where Christians are in the minority? Gary Lane traveled to Turkey and brings us the story of a young school boy who is paying a big price for staying true to his Christian faith. * * * Gary Lane: February 2011: Americans are appalled when they see this shocking cell phone video, a vicious attack on a 13-year-old Philadelphia boy. Nadin Khoury said the assault came because he’s small for his age and his family is African. Nadin made the rounds on television talk shows like “The View,” programs eager to highlight the victims of bullying in America. But what about Christians in other countries who are often attacked and sometimes even killed because of their faith, especially those who convert from Islam? Attacks like the one against Nadin Khoury occur regularly throughout the Muslim world and the American mainstream media is unlikely to tell you about it - stories like that of former Muslim, Hussein. The 12-year-old publicly professed his Christian faith in Turkey by wearing this silver cross necklace to school. Hussein, Former Muslim: (Voice of Interpreter). It’s not the physical cross, it’s the meaning of the cross that’s important. It’s a beautiful thing. I wanted people to ask me about it and then I could tell them about Christ. Gary Lane: Hussein was nine years old at the time. His father Hakeem was once an Islamic scholar who had studied the Koran in Iran and Syria. But he had questions about Islam, questions that none of the religious scholars could answer. So Hakeem began searching elsewhere for the truth. He discovered it in the Bible and church. After he came to faith in Christ, Hakeem decided to take Hussein and his other children to church. Hussein: (Voice of Interpreter). I felt so alive hearing the hymns and singing at the church. I felt I had to learn more about this. I was so joyful. Gary Lane: And after he accepted Christ, Hussein wanted to share the Good News with others. He was unaware of the potential dangers he faced for leaving Islam. His sister saw him wearing the silver cross necklace and anxiously told her parents that Hussein was telling everyone that the family had become Christian. Because they feared persecution from militant Muslims, Hussein’s parents prohibited him from wearing the cross. Hakeem Hussein’s Father: (Voice of Interpreter). We referred to it as Hussein’s problem. We were trying to prevent conflicts with others, but we came to realize that we were the ones with the problem, not Hussein. We decided to be like Hussein, more open about our Christianity. Gary Lane: Muslim classmates taunted Hussein in school. They spat on him and called him names. He often suffered attacks similar to the one against Nadin, the Philadelphia boy. Hussein threatened to report one of the bullies to the principal. Hussein: (Voice of Interpreter). The boy grabbed me by the arm, squeezed my hand and yelled, “I’m going to shoot you if you tell about this!” Gary Lane: Hakeem described what happened when he confronted the bully’s father. Hakeem: (Voice of Interpreter). I thought the father would be concerned about his son’s action, but instead, he called me names, threatened me and said he would shoot me himself if I pursued action against his son. Gary Lane: Some of the worst beatings endured by Hussein didn’t come from his classmates. Hakeem: (Voice of Interpreter). Hussein refused to attend the school, so I asked him if he was still getting beat up by those boys. He said no, by my religion teacher. Gary Lane: Like in most Islamic countries, students of all faiths are required to attend Islamic studies in school. Those who refuse to recite the Koran and Islamic prayers are often beaten by the teacher. And so it was for Hussein. He says he was punished regularly with a two-foot wooden rod because he wouldn’t say the Islamic Shahada. (Shahada recited here) (Voice of Interpreter). “I bear witness that there is no God but God and I bear witness that Mohammed is the messenger of God.” Hussein: (Voice of Interpreter). I don’t like saying it. It isn’t in my heart. It’s just meaningless words to me. Gary Lane: Hakeem went to the school and asked why his Christian son was beaten for refusing to recite Muslim prayers. Hakeem: (Voice of Interpreter). The religion teacher said the principal and parents agreed that he should do this. Gary Lane: The teacher’s beatings, the bullying, and the assaults from classmates took a toll on young Hussein. Stressed and traumatized, he started to experience grand mal seizures. He now takes medicine to treat the condition. Hussein now attends a new school where he suffers fewer attacks. He insists he will never return to Islam even if he is forced to endure worse abuse. Hussein: (Voice of Interpreter). Christ said you would suffer for me. It’s okay to suffer for Christ and we should be happy to suffer for Christ. The Lord is with me. Gary Lane: And Hussein says he will continue to tell others about Jesus, with or without that silver cross necklace. Gary Lane, CBN News, Turkey. – Commercial Break – George Thomas: Well, several hundred mourners gathered near the Sea of Galilee this week to say good-bye to one of Israel’s Christian pioneers. Ken Crowell loved Israel and he touched millions of lives around the world. Chris Mitchell reports. * * * Chris Mitchell: Crowell chose to be buried in Israel. He said he felt called to the land and its people and committed most of his life to fulfill that calling. Crowell arrived in Israel with his wife Margie and two children in 1969. In this recent interview with CBN News, he said he came with three goals: to be a Christian witness; provide work and… Ken Crowell, Founder of Galtronics: And the third one was to bless the nation of Israel. Chris Mitchell: Crowell established a number of companies including Galtronics, a company that now employs hundreds of Israelis. He developed a device that takes the gospel to millions in remote areas and received the prestigious Kaplan Award from Israel for his contributions to the nation. Eiten Oved, Tiberius City Councilman: But the greatest thing that he did was bring love to the heart of the people here. David Davis, Founder, Kehilat Hacarmel: He came here with this tremendous vision. Nobody thought it would work and it worked because of his faith in the Lord Yeshua, the Messiah.. Rachel Leonard, Ken Crowell’s Secretary: He always stood for godliness and holiness. And he loved Margie so much. Chris Mitchell: The name Galtronics comes from Psalm 37 in Hebrew: “Commit thy way to the Lord -or gal al Adonai - trust in him and he shall bring it to pass.” Crowell’s advice: Ken Crowell: I would say seek the Lord to know what he wants you to do. And then gal la Adonai, roll it over on him and do it as you are led. Chris Mitchell: Ken Crowell, survived by his wife Margie, was 79. Chris Mitchell, CBN News, Tiberius. * * * Wendy Griffith: Seek the Lord for what he wants you to do, amazing. George Thomas: That’s right, blessing the nation of Israel. Well, thank you so much for joining us on this week’s edition of Christian World News. Wendy Griffith: Until next week, from all of us here, good-bye, and God bless you.