SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27th, 2020

Pictured (Participants of The National Prayer Walk & The Return stand in front of the Washington Monument to pray for the nation)

All Photos featured in story courtesy of Wendy Chaplin-
SNBC NEWS (Ministry team operating on behalf of Victory Christian Center-Charlotte)

Wendy Chaplin SNBC NEWS producer and anchor was apart of The Return in Washington, D.C. The event was a call to prayer by Pastor Joseph Cahn, a Messianic Jewish pastor and author. The call was for Christians around the world to pray for revival in nations around the world. Participants were invited to attend in Washington or during a live simulcast at host churches and around the world through live streaming. Please enjoy this written account of Ms. Chaplin’s time in Washington as part of The Return. SNBC NEWS will return with more stories next week. 

Wendy Chaplin’s account-
The Return was an experience I was so excited for and once it was announced that a group was going from Charlotte (members of VCC were invited to attend on a travel bus with Dr. Leon Threatt- pastor of Christian Faith Church). The travel bus arrived in D.C. around 11am and from the very start it was an experience. There were so many people! I initially was taken aback at just the volume of people. I knew it would be a large group, but wow…just wow the call to prayer had brought believers literally from all over the country. I met families of all races, from all over the US. The common thread- our love for God and the love for the United States. The crowds were upwards of 100 thousand. I believe that is a low estimate, because when you saw live shots of the crowds they covered the mall.
My day started with the National Prayer Walk with Rev. Franklin Graham at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Vice President Mike Pence joined him along with other leaders who prayed instructed those in attendance how to conduct their prayer walk. Those at the event were given lanyards with little maps on the back that showed where to pray and the purpose of prayer at each location (prayers included praying for unity, the president, the nation, and for revival). The event was followed by more activities as part of the The Return with Pastor Cahn. This event featured several speakers praying over the nation, calls for prayer from ministries around the world and praise and worship throughout the day. The people, the smiles from strangers, the prayers for the nation, people praying for each other laughing and talking, children playing with each other. I recall telling a person in our travel group that is from a different country, “This is the America I wish people would see more often. Not the America the media shows”.
It was a wonderful experience that I am so grateful to be apart of this event. I encourage those who were there, or watched online or at a simulcast event to continue praying for the U.S., revival in our nation and the same for those around the world (there were Christians around the world featured in video that also asked for prayer for their nations and for revival in their various countries). 

Photo montage below Courtesy of Wendy Chaplin- SNBC NEWS
(Ministry team operating on behalf of Victory Christian Center-Charlotte)

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20th, 2020

Historic Abraham Accords peace treaty signed in Washington, D.C.
The leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates met at the White House on Tuesday to sign the historic peace treaty announced just a few weeks prior. The treaty called the Abraham Accords was signed on the South Lawn of the White House. The peace agreement between the three nations will include the establishment of embassies, a relationship in trade, security and tourism. President Trump called the treaty the foundation for a comprehensive peace across the Middle East. The president also disclosed the U.S. is in talks with another five or six other countries that are willing to sign peace treaties with Israel. The president declined to name the nations, but mentioned he remains hopeful of future treaties. The Abraham Accord received praise from politicians in both major parties here in the U.S. The leaders of Bahrain, the UAE and Israel also praised the Trump administration for their “tireless efforts that brought the nations here today to make peace a reality.” (The treaty is called the Abraham Accords due to the majority religions of each nation: Christianity(U.S.), Judaism (Israel), Islam (Bahrain and U.A.E.) all faiths claim lineage from Abraham who is mentioned in all faiths texts.) 

SNBC News updates from California
The Governor of California Gavin Newsom has officially signed the controversial SB145 bill. The law will allow judges in California to use their discretion regarding cases of certain sexual offenses against minors. Judges will now be able to decide if a person accused will be added to the sex offender registry. Supporters of the law say that law will not apply to minors under the age of 14 and will only apply to those accused that are within ten years of the victims age. Supporters of the law also claim if the relationship was consensual judges will be able to decide if further action should be taken against the accused. The author of the bill State senator Scott Wiener says the law was needed to protect LGBT youth against those who abuse the law. Opponents say the law is legalizing criminal acts against children.

Calvary Chapel Church recently held a mass baptism that has gained nationwide attention. The baptism held at Corona Del Mar State Beach in California welcomed almost one-thousand participants who declared their faith in Jesus Christ. The church director of the event says the turn out was nearly three times the normal turnout for their outdoor baptism events. Churches in California have been closed by the state government due to COVID-19, but churches in the state have continued to witness the Gospel in creative ways including outdoor services and witnessing events.

Long time Pastor of First Baptist Atlanta announces retirement
Dr. Charles Stanley announced his retirement as the head pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta. Dr. Stanley will now be referred to as Pastor Emeritus for the ministry. The pastor announced his retirement in a video recording to the church’s congregation and to those online. Dr. Stanley recalled his initial resistance to be pastor of the ministry, but later recalls how grateful he was to God for the opportunity and for his obedience to God’s voice. Dr. Stanley has been pastor of First Baptist for over 50 years and teaches on the weekly TV ministry In-Touch. Dr. Stanley says despite his retirement his focus is to continue to spread the Gospel as long as possible to as many people as possible.  Dr. Stanley in his announcement also announced the new pastor of the church Dr. Anthony George. Dr. Charles Stanley became pastor of First Baptist Atlanta in 1971; the membership includes members from 98 different countries and is considered one of the most diverse congregations in the U.S. 

SNBC HEALTH report : can plants absorb radiation? Recent online articles and blog posts are suggesting that certain kinds of plants could help with radiation absorption. The conversation mainly focuses on radiation from technology (ex.cellphones and computers) and notes certain kinds of plants maybe able to reduce the amount the human body is exposed to. The SNBC NEWS team has read several different studies to give as accurate a report as possible on this subject and have found some interesting information. According to the website beatemf.com there are some succulent plants that do help to absorb some forms of radiation. Succulents and plants in the Cacti family absorb forms of EMF radiation. EMF which stands for electromagnetic fields has been found to be absorbed well by plants in the succulent and Cacti families according to a 2005 study by NASA. The organization studied five plants in subjects homes to see the effects of absorption by the plants. Added to the study cacti and succulents require low maintenance and tend to thrive with minimum care. The snake plant, spider plant, stone lotus flower, aloe vera, and sunflowers are considered useful against radiation absorption. Sunflowers have been used at the Chernobyl incident site to help absorb radiation from the environment.   A 2015 study by Stanford University finds plants can absorb radiation with little or no damage to their genetic makeup. The author of the beatemf.com article Jordan Mitchell did remark to a question in the comments that these plants do not completely absorb all radiation from the environment, but plants can help as part of an overall effort to reduce radiation levels in the home.  

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13th, 2020

NC expands opportunity scholarship fund
The North Carolina State Legislature has passed a law to expand the opportunity scholarships for students in the state. The opportunity scholarships gives parents $4,200 towards attending private and chartered schools. The law will expand the earning eligibility for families who want to apply for the scholarship to $72,000. The bill will also end the cap on the number of kindergartners and first grade students that can qualify for the opportunity scholarship. Lawmakers added the expansion to bill determining how to spend a coronavirus federal aid fund awarded to the state from the federal government. Governor Roy Cooper says he is not happy with the bill, but will sign it into law. Opponents of the scholarship fund say public schools are suffering and taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund private school education. Supporters say parents should be given the right to get the best education for their child even if their choice is a private school.The bill will also allow public schools protection from budget cuts if enrollment drops and more financial assistance for special needs students. The president of Parents for Educational Freedom Mike Long called the decision a great week for North Carolina families, students and parents. Long added that North Carolina remains at the forefront of parental school choice. The Wall Street Journal also praised North Carolina’s officials for the decision in an editorial piece calling it an exposure of union-first,
students- last priorities in traditional public schools. 

Schools in England now required to teach LGBT curriculum
All schools in England are now mandated to teach an LGBT inclusive curriculum starting this school year. Students of all ages in that nation will be required according to the curriculum  to learn about sexual orientation, gender identity, and healthy relationships. Students in primary schools will be taught about different families including LGBT families. The curriculum according to supporters will allow students be mentally well and be safe and healthy. The leader of one organization says the lessons will teach children at a young age  to be more inclusive and more tolerant of different families. Opponents call the new requirements sexualizing children and a violation of religious beliefs. Due to protests from parents students can be excluded from the majority of lessons; students can not be exempt from the Relationship and Health education classes that are part of the lessons. 

Arab League declines to condemn Israel- UAE Treaty

Palestinian leaders have voiced their frustration over a failed resolution attempt. The Arab League voted down a resolution presented by Palestinians. The resolution would have condemned the recent peace agreement between Israel and the UAE. The Palestinian Authority leader voiced his anger in a statement saying the measure was defeated after a three hour debate. The defeat included a dismissal of discussing the agreement between the two nations and the U.S. Representatives with the Arab League say they still support the Palestinian cause and want to “end Israeli occupation and have East Jerusalem as a potential Palestinian capital.” The statement however contradicts support from powerful members of the Arab League. Egypt, which is already in a peace deal with Israel expressed support for the deal along with Saudi Arabia. The nation of Bahrain responded to the peace treaty by working to establish a diplomatic relationship with Israel. 

SNBC HEALTH report : the health benefits of the pomegranate
According to research from around the world the popular fruit has several special nutritional advantages over other fruit. Pomegranates are antioxidant, anti fungal, and boost memory. The fruit is known to fight inflammation and is currently being used as a natural response by some doctors to help patients dealing with this issue.  Researchers in Israel released a study in 2013 noting pomegranates improve heart health. The researchers also reported the fruit helped with blood pressure, and cholesterol issues in patients. It has three kinds of antioxidants and has been tested in the prevention of colon cancer. The fruit is also known to aid in digestion, and the prevention of diabetes. Researchers advised consuming organic pomegranate if possible to acquire the full benefits of the fruit. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6th, 2020

California passes controversial law
A state congressman in California is at the center of a controversial bill recently passed in the state. State Senator Scott Wiener has authored a bill that will allow judges to rule according to their discretion in cases of child molestation. The bill approved in both state chambers means a judge can decide if an adult accused of a molesting a child within ten years of the victims age may not be charged with a crime. Senator Wiener claims a justice should be able to dismiss charges or order a more lenient sentence in these cases. Weiner who is openly gay says the previous laws are out of date and are often used to victimize the LGBT community. The vote for the law was 41-18 in the California State Assembly and 23-10 in the State Senate. The vote is believed to have been mostly along party lines; the state assembly and the state senate are both majority Democratic. The bill is expected to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsome. The new law has caused a rift in Senator Wiener’s own party. California Congresswoman Lorena Gonzalez who is part of the Democratic party with Wiener said in a statement, “I cannot in my mind as a mother understand how sex between a 24-year-old and a 14-year-old could ever be consensual, how it could ever not be a registrable offense.” 

School alters gift from local church 
A Church’s donation to a school here in North Carolina is making news due to the school district’s controversial decision.  Sulphur Springs Baptist Church donated several planners to students at East Alexander Middle School in Alexander County as part of a back-to-school donation drive for students. The church later found out according to parents the planners were altered. Students received the planners with the backs of the notebooks cut off. According to the church’s representative Bible scriptures from the Book Jeremiah and Philippians were removed before the planners given to students. A parent interviewed says the school’s altering of the planner was hurtful. The school district released a statement saying student’s individual rights would have been violated if the planner was presented with the scriptures. The school district went on to say in their statement public school’s role is not to indoctrinate students with religious teachings. The church donated over 600-day planners to the school; only a portion of the altered planners were distributed. SNBC NEWS reached out to Sulphur Springs Baptist Church about the story but did not get a response at our deadline. 

US NEWS : Washington, D.C., Mississippi, Ohio, Georgia, and Michigan 
The mayor of Washington DC announced a special committee wants several national monuments removed in order to appease protestors. According the mayor the committee has come up with a list of statues and monuments they want removed from the nation’s capital. Among the list recommended for removal: The Jefferson Monument, a statue of Christopher Columbus, Benjamin Franklin and the Washington Monument. Several politicians criticized the mayor saying the monuments and statues belong to the American people and cannot be torn down. The committee used five rules to decide on what statues and monuments should be removed. Among those rules: was the person involved in systematic racism, do they violate current human rights laws or support oppression.  

Mississippi: The state is now one step closer to  selecting a new state flag. The selection is making news because of the bold design. The flag features the state flower a magnolia and the words “In God We Trust”. The design will be voted on for approval by residents of the state in November.  State representatives chose to replace the old state flag which featured the Confederate flag after being urged by several groups in that state.The designer of the new flag says she wanted a state flag that represented all residents of Mississippi. 

Various states: US Marshals Service announce rescue of sex trafficking victims
The US Marshals Service has announced the arrests of several members of various human trafficking rings. The Marshals reported major busts in Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia. A total of 81 victims were rescued across the three states. The operations rescued victims some as young as 13 years old who were currently victims of sex trafficking rings. The authorities say they still have a long way to go to find other children missing, but are calling the operations a major success. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates one in six of the over 23-thousand missing children in the U.S. last year are suspected victims of sex trafficking rings. 

SNBC HEALTH report : the health benefits of sage
This herb is considered medicinal and has been used in this manner since the times of Ancient Greece and Egypt. The herb which is apart of the mint family is also popular in various recipes. Sage however is more than a great accent for a recipe, it also has several health benefits. The herb is noted by researchers for its high antioxidant properties. According to research from a 2017 study sage was used to help relieve Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers noted the herb’s ability to enhance cognitive activity and protect patients against the disease. Sage helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels according to a 2013 study. It also helps with symptoms related to the common cold. Sage oil is also considered to have health benefits according to researchers. Doctors do advise to know the difference between sage oil and clary sage oil. Clary sage oil is produced from the flowering top of the plant and is considered different from sage oil. Make sure to use instructions when applying essential oils and stop using if it causes an allergic reaction. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 30th, 2020

Abortion Rights Group erects Billboards across East Texas
Residents and conservative groups in East Texas are responding to a recent billboard erected across the region. The abortion right advocacy group Lilith Fund has sponsored four billboards across East Texas in four towns. The billboards read “Abortion is a Blessing. My decision to have an abortion was guided by my faith and my love for my family.” The statement on the billboard is accompanied by a website for those in need of an abortion to contact the organization or “faith centered abortion rights groups” according to their representatives. The billboard company Lamar Communications says they do not prohibit freedom of speech regardless of the message. Lamar Communications and Lilith Fund are being criticized for the billboards. Several groups are planning demonstrations and billboards to counter the ads. Two billboards were vandalized according to the company that erected the signs; police are investigating. 

Mural honoring aborted and endangered unborn children appears in Charlotte
A similar effort by pro-life activists in Charlotte is gaining national and statewide attention. Pro-life activists recently painted a mural in front of a Planned Parenthood neighborhood. The mural reads “Baby Live Matter”; written in pink and blue letters. Neighbors say the mural appeared overnight. The mural is part of a GoFund Me campaign. The fund is being used to finance artists painting these murals across the country. The first mural appears in Salt Lake City, Utah. The GoFund Me campaign has raised over 17-thousand dollars. The Charlotte Mecklenburg police department says the mural has been reported to them as an act of vandalism. CMPD says the incident is being investigated.  

Police officer awards good deeds in local community
A police officer in Indianapolis is reaching praise for her efforts to recognize those in the community for acts of kindness. Officer Molly Groce is receiving national attention for her pay it forward campaign. The officer raises money to reward citizens in the city for acts of kindness. Officer Groce’s latest recipient is a young grocery store worker. According to the officer the young man, Caleb Harris sent over 45 minutes assisting an elderly customer who was legally blind. The young man helped shop for items, called the man’s wife to clarify some shopping requests and loaded his car at the end of the customer’s visit to the store. Officer Groce raised the funds on her own social media site. The officer later presented the grocery store worker with over four thousand dollars in donations. Caleb Harris says he was grateful for the donations and surprised by the award. Harris says he plans on giving to his church, savings, and paying it forward to others. Officer Groce recently awarded a waitress in Indianapolis with almost two thousand dollars following a separate pay if forward campaign.

SNBC HEALTH: TV and mindless eating
According to researchers at the University of Sussex  the more engaged you are with a task while eating affects the body’s sense of feeling full. Doctors in the research study gave each group a simple or more complex tasks while eating a snack. The group with the simple task were more likely to realize when they were full compared to those with the more complex tasks. Reachers believe the body’s natural signals to the brain that you are full become dampened as a result of basically a kind of complex distraction. It takes longer to know you're full due to the attention on the task. This according to the research is what makes eating and watching television a problem. Researchers say if you are practicing portion control or want to lose weight it maybe best to completely eliminate TV time when eating to prevent overeating. Previous research by other study groups promotes eating together as a family or without entertainment to prevent overeating.