SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 11th, 2020

Tension between two nations becomes international conflict between allies
Two nations currently part of a tense ceasefire are causing an international conflict among members of NATO. The nation of Azerbaijan and Armenia are currently in tentative peace deal following a conflict over disputed land. Each side claiming the land is their own, the fighting lasted about two weeks old but caused larger issues among the international community. According to report Turkey has taken the side of Azerbaijan. 
The president of France and other leaders have condemned the conflict, accusing Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan of sending jihadists to help aid in the conflict. Activists and international community leaders say the conflict is more than a border dispute, it is a war between two faiths: Christian and Islamic. The tension between the two nations is now causing NATO members to threaten sanctions against the nation of Turkey. The nation of Armenia has a long fractured history with Turkey. The nation yearly marks the Armenian genocide which killed 1.5 million Armenian Christians by the Ottoman Empire (present day Turkey); an incident Turkish officials have long denied and refuse to acknowledge. Turkey’s president has made headlines in the past few months for his claims that Christians in that nation are the cause of COVID-19, his declaration that Jerusalem still belongs to Turkey, and his growing loyalty to countries known to support terrorist activity. According to French website France 24 a tentative peace deal was reached between the two nations October 10th. 

US Department of Justice supports church in lawsuit against District of Columbia
The US Department of Justice has announced a decision on a lawsuit involving a historic church in the nation’s capital. According to reports Capital Hill Baptist church has filed a lawsuit against DC’s mayor and the city for prohibiting its worship services. Representatives for the church say they have been prohibited from having more than 100 people in service since March 11th of this year. The city and mayor Muriel Bowser claim the restriction is due to COVID-19 precautions. In a statement released by the church leadership they note that the mayor and the city have not restricted peaceful protests that have occurred in the city in the past few months. The city has continued to deny the church indoor and outdoor permit requests for their entire congregation to gather for service. Leaders say the church does not have a social media presence meaning the majority of their 850 member congregation has not been in service for over six months. The US Department of Justice released a statement on the lawsuit saying, “The Justice Department is committed to defending both of these fundamental freedoms and in supporting all Americans' rights to worship as they choose.” The statement further supported the church noting how DC’s city authorities and mayor ignored the fundamental rights of the church. The mayor and city officials have not commented on the decision. 

NY Governor continues to defend closing of State’s churches & synagogues 
The state of New York is also in the midst of legal battles with churches due to its continued restrictions on religious gatherings. Governor Andrew Cuomo says the continued ban on mass gatherings is due to COVID-19 hot spots in the state. Churches, synagogues and other houses of worship are restricted to gatherings of less than 25 percent according to COVID-19 mandates in New York state. The state recently held emergency sessions after being sued by Jewish leaders who want to gather for upcoming celebrations and holidays. Several leaders and organizations have accused Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio of unfairly targeting the Jewish communities in New York City and New York State. The governor recently held a press conference claiming the Jewish community had gathered without permission and without masks citing a photo he showed to the press. Cuomo used it to justify his restrictions; the photo was later found to be taken in 2006. Lawsuits from religious organizations against the Governor and the state are still pending, but the state’s attorney general says he does not see a violation of any amendment rights.

SNBC HEALTH report :the health benefits of Oregano oil
According to research the herb is not just useful for flavoring foods. Oregano oil is found to be effective against norovirus. Doctors doing research on the oil found it was effective against certain forms of norovirus because of nutrients naturally found in the oil. Oregano oil is used as a pain reliever and antibacterial agent. The oil was also found to help consumers relax according to researchers. Oregano oil can also be used to relieve allergies, sinus issues, and coughs. When purchasing oregano oil one expert advises buying from a trusted manufacturer to make sure the oil is 100 percent pure. The same expert also advised diluting the oil with water or using a carrier oil such as olive, coconut or jojoba oil for topical use. You can test the oil by using it on a small part of the skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 4th, 2020

Photo Courtesy of Wendy Chaplin (SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE-Victory Christian Center- Charlotte)

Lift Up Charlotte Prayer Event
Residents of the Charlotte Metro area gathered in Uptown for an event called Lift Up Charlotte. The event sponsored by CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings, City Commissioner Vilma Leake, and The City’s Clergy Work group invited residents of the city and surrounding areas to pray for the city, police, and residents. Those invited to pray enjoyed worship music, and fellowship with those in the community and representing several churches. Mrs. Marilyn Gool prayed for the city during the community event. Lift Up Charlotte closed with praise and worship and a heartfelt thank you from organizers to those who participated.  Participants at the event commented on their excitement to be apart of the prayer event, and how at this critical time in America and in the City of Charlotte it is important to be in prayer.

 Coney- Barrett confirmation hearing move forward after criticism from opposition
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has made it through the latest rounds of media scrutiny since her candidacy announcement. Coney-Barrett recently tested negative for COVID-19. The announcement comes just days after the president and first lady announced they had tested positive for the illness. The president and first lady are doing well according to White House officials saying both are experiencing mild symptoms. Republicans in the Senate have announced hearings Coney-Barrett’s nomination will start on October 12th. The nomination is expected to be confirmed by the Senate majority. Coney-Barrett has been under scrutiny for her faith and her personal life including being an adoptive mother to two children from Haiti and a child with special needs. Critics in addition to attacks on her personal life claim the President has no right to nominate a justice to the Supreme Court during his “lame duck phase”. Democratic nominee former Vice President Joe Biden along with his supporters believe the nomination to replace the late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should occur after the National Elections.

Christian groups sue state of Virginia over new laws
Several Christian business owners, schools, and organizations have filed a lawsuit against the state of Virginia after two laws that they believe violates their rights. The first law (S.B. 868) or the Virginia Values Act now requires employers in the state to hire employees regardless of whether they share the same beliefs. The second law (H.B. 1429) would require ministries to cover controversial procedures under their healthcare plans for employees such as a transgender surgery.  Supporters of the new laws say it also protects people based on race, disability, and military veterans. Critics including those in the lawsuits say these laws are a violation of their rights and may force them to offer services or hire employees contrary to their Christian faith. Virginia State Senator Adam P. Ebbin said of the lawsuit against the new laws  "People have a right to be free from discrimination… And there are a few people who want to hold onto the past, unfortunately." The new laws will go into effect on July 1st of next year if they are not overturned.

SNBC HEALTH report : the health benefits of Beets
Researchers are reporting benefits from beets that some consumers may find interesting. According to researchers at the University of Florida nitrates found naturally in food may help improve lung function in humans. The researchers used two study groups involving mice to conduct the study. According to the results the mice given nitrates in their drinking water were found to have improved lung function. Beets are naturally found to be high in nitrates. It is considered one on the vegetables with the highest nitrates containing 250 milligrams of the nutrient. In addition to nitrates beets are high in phosphorus, zinc, fiber, vitamins C, A, B6, calcium and iron. Beets are also a good source of energy, help fight inflammation and assist in detoxification. The vegetable can be consumed in various forms, but it is advised not to overcook the vegetable or it could diminish its nutritional value. Researchers do note that beets are naturally high in sugar, but believe eating the vegetable or drinking beet juice a few times a week will not affect blood sugar levels. They do advise to consume in moderation.

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.