SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 18th, 2020

HUD investigates complaint at senior apartment complex
Dr. Ben Carson has announced an investigation by HUD concerning a case in Oklahoma. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development head, the case focuses on Wilhoit Properties Inc. Dr. Carson says according to a letter received by the department a resident is claiming religious discrimination. The source reported to HUD senior apartment complex, Carriage Crossing had Bibles and religious symbols removed from a community Christmas tree last year. Dr. Carson said of the case, “Religious liberty is at the core of our Nation’s identity and will be upheld under the Fair Housing Act.”  A similar case was investigated also last year in California. An 85 year old woman was evicted for witnessing the Gospel and praying with residents in her complex. The apartment’s owner was investigated in that case as well.

Organization sues NY Governor over churches/ religious schools
The Thomas More Society has filed an Emergency amended complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order against the Governor of New York. The filing is in response to Governor Cuomo’s warning to churches and religious schools in New York State October 5th. The governor threatened he would shutdown all gatherings if guidelines were not enforced. The governor claims the restrictions are not being obeyed (citing large numbers during gatherings instead of the required 25 percent capacity). Governor Cuomo says the strict guidelines are a safety precaution due to COVID-19 hot spots in New York. Cuomo did admit the restrictions do target houses of worship and religious schools in the state. The governor has also been quoted referring to religious gatherings as super spreader events despite allowing unrestricted protests this summer across the state with thousands gathering to protest in larger cities in New York State.

SNBC NEWS has an update: Capitol Hill Baptist wins case
Capitol Hill Baptist Church has won its case in court to hold outdoor services. As reported last week, the historic church located in the Nation’s capital was not allowed to hold indoor or outdoor services; both permits were denied by the mayor of DC Muriel Bowser and the city council. The acting US attorney for the District of Columbia says he is gratified the court upheld the right of worshipers to exercise their First Freedom.

Saudi official criticizes Palestinian leaders over  Israeli deal failure
A Saudi official’s comments are indicating Saudi Arabia maybe one step closer to a peace deal with Israel. The former Saudi Intel chief and current US Ambassador Bandar bin Sultan had harsh criticism for Palestinian leaders. Bin Sultan says Palestinians criticizing Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates for signing the peace treaty with Israel is unacceptable. He continued referring to Palestinians failure to reach a peace deal as 70 to 75 years of failures. The comments were made during an interview on a national Saudi television station. Analysts believe the comments are part of growing frustration from Saudi leaders towards Palestinians. The country had previously vowed to reach a peace deal only after Palestinians had a peace deal with Israel. Saudi officials in recent months have praised the peace deals with Israel and declined to denounce the Abraham Accords in an Arab Union meeting. Saudi Officials have criticized Palestinian officials for their ties to Iran, Turkey and Qatar all considered enemies of Saudi Arabia by its nation’s officials.

SNBC Health News: multivitamins and preventive care
According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, multivitamins since becoming mainstream have positively affected people as they age.  The council commissioned research by Oregon State University on the subject. The university studied 42 healthy subjects from ages 55 to 75. Researchers’ found subjects who took a multivitamin felt better and recovered faster if ill, compared to subjects who did not take a multivitamin. The group reported nutrient deficiencies can also be a factor in health issues. A multivitamin may contribute to heart health in women.  Researchers’ do note multivitamins are more effective with a healthy lifestyle and cannot replace eating well.

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.