Photo Courtesy of Wendy Chaplin for SNBC NEWS (Ministry division of Victory Christian Center)
Supporters and healthcare workers protest shot mandate at two Charlotte Hospital systems
Members of the local medical community and supporters are protesting changes in policy at two major North Carolina hospitals. Novant and Atrium Hospitals have announced all employees in their healthcare systems must receive the coronavirus shot or be officially exempt from taking it by this fall. Atrium’s deadline according to reports is October 31st. Novant has issued their deadline for September 15th. Mecklenburg County has also announced its public health employees must receive the shot by September 7th. Officials claim the requirement is due to an effort to combat the coronavirus and various strands of the illness. Supporters rallied in Freedom Park today in support of healthcare workers not being required to receive the shot. Over 1,000 protestors showed support for healthcare workers. The group ended the rally with protests in front of a nearby hospital. The North Carolina Healthcare Association released a statement in support of the mandated shot requirement. The organization claims information from the CDC and a rise in COVID cases in North Carolina justifies requirement of the shot. Atrium and Novant released similar statements claiming the same. This mandate is not just being issued in North Carolina. The State of California’s governor is requiring state employees to either receive the shot or submit to wearing masks indoors and weekly COVID tests if they refuse. Other state governments, and businesses in the US are also threatening shot mandates. The nation of France recently passed a vax card requirement for citizens to enter restaurants and other public areas or produce a negative Covid test. The president of the Philippines has threatened to arrest anyone who refuses the shot. Here in Charlotte, the Charlotte Mecklenburg’s School Board also recently announced in an 8-1 vote that students in the CMS school system will be required to wear masks when they return to school this fall.
Ice cream company boycotts nation of Israel
The ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is receiving heavy criticism after a controversial announcement. The company announced it will end sales of its product in East Jerusalem and the Israeli West Bank region. The company founders, who are Jewish, claimed the protest is a boycott due to Israel’s “illegal occupation of the West Bank.” Bennett Cohen and Jerry Greenfield claim the decision to boycott the area was one of the most important decisions in the company’s 43-year history. Critics believe the protest is a part of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, also known as BDS. The movement is part of a campaign by companies to cause economic hardship to Israel in order to force that nation to surrender the West Bank and the city of Jerusalem to Palestinians. Israeli officials criticized Ben & Jerry’s calling their decision a form of antisemitism and terrorism. The company is known for their liberal stance and support of controversial issues. Officials in five states here in the US are looking into sanctions against the company for its boycott of Israel.
SNBC HEALTH report: the effect of fermented foods on the human body.
Researchers at Stanford University are reporting how fermented foods benefit the human body. These foods are a benefit to gut health providing good bacteria in support of the body’s immune system. Fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir can help boost intestinal and respiratory health. Fermented foods fight against inflammation. They are believed to help remove toxins and bad bacteria from the body. These types of foods provide probiotics, assist in digestive health, and help the body absorb nutrients better. Fermented foods are also rich in fiber. Sauerkraut, pickled foods, yogurt, kefir, and apple cider vinegar are just some of the fermented foods that benefit the body.
Image from VCC’s I AM Victory Day
Recap of Victory Christian Center’s #IAM VICTORY DAY
The sites, the sounds, the laughter, and joy of a celebration at Victory Christian Center were evident Sunday July 25th. I AM VICTORY DAY is an annual event that celebrates the church’s birthday or anniversary. This year Victory celebrated 41 years! Members at the request of Pastor Gool dressed in their “It’s an Honor to serve Jesus” and “By His Spirit” Shirts (part of our VCC Wordshop merchandise). Following the Word of God ministered by Pastor on Sunday morning, parishioners walked to the Victory Youth Building to start the day’s festivities. Members were treated to an amazing variety of food vendors indoors and outside in the VYB parking lot. There were games for the kids and contests for all ages. The annual event was enjoyed by all ! Thank you to all those that attended on this special day of celebration!!! We give God all the Praise, Honor and Glory for 41 years of ministry at VCC, where we are touching and changing lives for the Glory of God …..HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICTORY!!!!