Student allowed to give speech after attempted censorship
A student in Michigan will be allowed to give her valedictory speech without being censored. Elizabeth Turner was told by her high school principal that she could not mention her Christian faith during her commencement speech next month. Turner was told by the principal through email that she needed to be “mindful of her religious references because they were not appropriate in a public forum”. The principal Amy Goldsmith further added her speech was government property and that mentioning Christ was “not appropriate”. Turner mentioned in her speech that Christ was the center of her purpose and that He would lead her throughout her pursuits following high school. The young woman also mentioned in her speech that her identity was in Christ and encouraged her fellow graduates to make today count. The student following the potential ban was represented by First Liberty. Attorneys for the organization argued that Miss Turner’s speech was her private property and not the property of the state government. The attorneys added that a ban violates the US Department of Education’s protection of students’ freedom of expression. One of the student’s attorneys Keisha Russell said of the case all public schools should protect the private religious expressions of their students. The principal has not commented on the case after the ban was reversed.
Pastor Gool & Mrs. Gool with members of CLF
(Christian Leaders Fellowship) Photo credit- Victory Christian Center
Pastor Gool honored by Christian Leaders Fellowship
Pastor Gool was honored recently by The Christian Leaders Fellowship. The organization is a group in the US and around the world dedicated to encouragement for pastors and leaders in the Body of Christ. The organization was founded by Pastor Ock Soo Park and is committed to preaching the Gospel according to the Word of God across denominational lines. The organization discovered Pastor in a modern way; on YouTube. Following the viewing of one of Pastor’s sermons the organization contacted Pastor Gool who ministered about empowerment during the CLF’s first virtual conference earlier this year. The organization honored pastor with a plaque of appreciation for his participation in that conference. Members of the organization traveled to present the award to him in person. The plaque reads in part: “for your invaluable contribution bringing insightful perspectives and providing meaningful fellowship to Christian leaders worldwide.” Pastor Gool gave God all the glory for the honor.
US Secretary of State meets with Israeli Prime Minister
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Israel for a special meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a ceasefire agreement. The trip was part of the efforts by the US government to continue work with Israel and Palestinians following the ceasefire after an eleven day conflict. Controversy surrounded the meeting following Blinken’s announcement that the consulate in Jerusalem will reopen.
President Trump had previously left the run of this office up to the US ambassador to Israel who had shut the office down. The consulate which is separate from the US Embassy in Jerusalem will be used for the sole purpose of restoring diplomatic ties with Palestinians. The Biden Administration refused to condemn Israel for defending its borders from attack during the conflict but has continued to fund Palestinians. Secretary Blinken announced during his trip 40 million dollars will be pledged to aid Palestinians. A total of 360 million dollars has so far been given by the administration to Palestinians. In addition to the meeting concerning Palestine, Israel’s Prime Minister says they are asking the US not to renew the Iranian nuclear deal. If they do the prime minister says Israel may have to create their own course concerning negotiations.
SNBC HEALTH report : the benefits of buying organic meat
According to research organic meat is the best option for consumers. Researchers at Johns Hopkins studied the difference between organic meat and traditionally processed meats. The difference they found is the way the meat is processed according to requirements. According to the research team organic meats were less likely to be contaminated. The meat also was less likely to contain issues with drug resistant bacteria. The study reveals organic meats are 56 percent less likely to be contaminated than conventionally processed meats. Organic meat according to USDA standards must be from an animal fed 100 percent organic feed, and given no antibiotics or hormones. The animal must be raised humanely and graze in open pastures. Meat for human consumption in the US is usually processed in three ways: organic, conventional, or split processing which means organic and conventionally processed meats are produced in the same factories. Finding organic meat in stores is fairly easy now and packages are always clearly labeled with the USDA certified approval seal.