SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 31st, 2021

Three state pass laws to protect the unborn
Three states have announced plans to protect the unborn. South Carolina, South Dakota, and Kentucky each announced legislation to protect the lives of unborn children. South Carolina legislators announced a law preventing abortions after a fetal heartbeat has been detected. According to medical professionals a baby’s heartbeat can be detected after 6 weeks. Any doctor in South Carolina that performs an abortion after that time according to the new law will be fined 10-thousand dollars and face up to two years in jail; the law is expected to be passed by the state Senate. The state of Kentucky’s Congress has voted that medical staff at abortion clinics must aid a child that has survived a failed abortion. The law includes aiding a child born with a disability that is not wanted by the parent or guardian. The Governor of South Dakota also recently announced legislation that would ban abortions based on a child’s medical condition in particular Down Syndrome. Governor Kristi Noem in her statement said God created us and endowed all of us with the right to life…this is true for everyone.  

Military Chaplain investigated for opinion against transgender soldiers
A military chaplain is under investigation for comments he made on social media. According to reports Major Andrew Calvert is under investigation for speaking out against allowing transgender soldiers to serve in the U.S. military. Calvert posted his comments on the Army Times social media page. Calvert said a transgender solider is the very definition of mentally unfit. The chaplain continued saying the idea of allowing a person to claim the opposite gender and everyone condone it is feeding into a fantasy and delusion. He continued comparing a transgender person to believing the Earth is flat. Calvert continued saying allowing transgender soldiers would be a waste of military resources and funding. Military officials quickly commented against Calvert’s remarks. One official said Major Calvert was under investigation and that the military fully supported the commander in chief and the Department of Defense in all policies and directives. President Biden issued an executive order shortly after taking office allowing transgender soldiers in the military. President Trump had previously issued a ban on transgender soldiers. 

Willie Reid (senior citizen outreach participant) - photo courtesy of VCC Missions Department (a division of Victory Christian Center)

VCC Ministry Highlight: Senior Citizen Outreach Ministry
One of VCC’s favorite praise dancers recently went Home to be with the Lord. Mr. William Reid who was faithfully at church dancing and praising the Lord was mainly due in part to the Senior Citizen Outreach ministry team. According to Richardine Horne ministry team leader for this ministry, Mr. Reid loved his pastor (Pastor Gool) and was a faithful participant of the ministry. She mentioned that he loved dancing before the Lord and even though he used a cane, never used it when praising the Lord. This outreach team focuses on ministering to our senior members of the Charlotte community. The ministry started in the 1990s for the purpose of ministering to  senior citizens. These seniors mostly live in assisted living facilities and senior homes and may not have family or visitors on a regular basis. As Mrs. Horne put it, we (the ministry team and the church members of VCC) became their family. She says that the seniors in the ministry have all accepted Christ as their Savior and encourage each other in the Word of God from what they have learned in church. Mrs. Horne says senior citizens often gave testimonies and told how the ministry and the church has impacted their lives. One of the moments Mrs. Horne considers special is the testimony of one particular senior citizen. She recalled asking the seniors to give a testimony on how Victory Christian Center and the ministry team has affected their lives. She mentioned one senior who had a history of being a “mean old man” (his own words). The senior citizen then mentioned that the team showing the Love of God to him  is what changed his demeanor. The Senior Citizen Outreach ministry team is currently ministering to senior citizens with help from our Missions Office by delivering food and checking in on senior citizens especially during this time. Many seniors have been blessed including those who were in the same facilities and were able to receive food and encouragement as well. If your are and member of VCC and interested in participating in the Senior Citizen Outreach ministry please sign up at the Courtesy Booth. They are always in need of volunteers especially men. 

SNBC HEALTH Report; the importance of Omega-3 and why you need more
According to researchers omega-3 is beneficial to the body in various ways. There are several ways that have been widely reported; but researchers say they continue to find various ways this nutrient benefits the body. Researchers studying diabetic patients found omega-3 caused patients’ bodies to react positively. In some cases omega-3 helped with autoimmune diabetes prevention. Omega-3 assists in the prevention of inflammation and cardiovascular issues. DHA found in omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial to the brain, eyes, and skin. The nutrient is beneficial to muscle development and bone health. Omega-3 can be found mainly in cold water fish: Alaskan salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel and herring. Researchers advise avoiding farmed salmon because most are genetically modified and are fed corn and soy. Corn and soy are not naturally apart of the animal’s diet. Genetically modified versions of Soy and corn are also is currently being sold in the American food market.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 24th, 2021

Biden spends first day reversing work of Trump Administration 
to reports the 46th president had a busy day following the normal inauguration festivities. According to USA TODAY, Newsmax, CBN and other media outlets President Biden spent his first hours in office reversing executive orders by President Trump. Among the reversals Biden ordered counting illegal immigrants in the upcoming census (census numbers determine the amount of seats in Congress and funding for states according to population numbers). The president ordered the re-entry of the US into the Paris Climate Agreement, the end of the Border wall construction, stopped use of the Keystone XL pipeline, and to rejoin the World Health Organization. Biden also issued several orders to protection LGBT employees and lifted the ban on transgender soldiers serving in the U.S. military. The president also issued an executive order lifting a travel ban on several nations. The administration in a controversial move changed the title of the U.S. Ambassador to Israel to “The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza”. Critics called the reversals a blatant effort to destroy everything the previous administration had done. Supporters of Biden called previous polices by the Trump Administration a stain on the U.S. and this action by the Biden Administration is a sign to the world that the U.S. is back to where it was prior to the Trump Administration. 

Executive order enforces transgender policy in sports
One of the most controversial of Biden’s executive orders will allow men who identify as women to participate in women’s sports. The executive order allows men who identify as women or transgender to use women’s facilities and participate in women’s sports. The order would also allow funding to schools that admit transgender athletes.  Opponents of the order have pointed out prior to this order the unfairness of letting biological males participate in women’s sports. Opponents ranging from professional female athletes to medical professionals have pointed out the biological advantage men have over women. Lung capacity, bone density, and muscle mass have been proven to be different in men and women; this would give a transgender athlete an unfair advantage over a biological woman. Supporters of the executive order were quick to label those that disagree as prejudice. The hashtag “Biden erased women” began to trend on social media following the announcement. The Biden administration has not commented on the controversy.

Evangelism ministry reports record outreach numbers
A ministry team is encouraging Christians to keep witnessing the Gospel. Nick Hall founder of the ministry group Pulse is reporting a record year of soul winning. Hall is reporting the numbers as an encouragement to the Body of Christ to keep witnessing the Gospel and praying for revival. According to Hall the ministry is reporting 100-thousand people accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior and over 150 million people hearing the Gospel through the ministry. Hall says that people are hungry for the Gospel especially in the current climate in America. Hall says that in 2021 he is believing God for revival across the U.S. 

SNBC Health report the health benefits of Ginger Tea
According to reports ginger tea is beneficial to the body in a number of ways. Ginger Root is commonly used for a number of health benefits and has been used for its medicinal properties for several thousand years. Ginger tea which is a tea produced from boiled ginger root is also considered beneficial in a number of ways. Ginger tea is known to help relieve nausea, and is beneficial to respiratory issues. It is believed that ginger tea assists in decreasing inflammation which aids in reducing issues with asthma. It is known to boost brain function and strengthens the immune system. Nutrients found in ginger help promote heart health, and ginger is caffeine and sugar free. Nutritionists report side effects to ginger root tea are mild; some consumers have reported mild irritation, upset stomach, and mouth irritation when drinking ginger tea. Please consult a trusted healthcare professional when adding new food items to your health regimen.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 17th, 2020

Mexican president announces investigation into tech giant companies
The president of Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced a call for international investigations into social media platforms. Obrador, who is an ally and friend to president Trump says  that his call for international support has nothing to do with President Trump.  Mexico’s president says these companies being able to silence a person’ s freedom of expression regardless of opinion is the problem. President Obrador has powerful allies from at least six other nations across the world that agree with his concerns. The leaders of Germany and Poland who both expressed their concern about the banning of President on social media are aligned with Mexico’s president on the matter. President Obrador says he will bring up the matter at the next G20 meeting. 

SNBC HEALTH REPORT : Cranberries and health
Cranberries are more commonly associated with holiday events as an accessory. This powerful little fruit is more that just a tasty side dish; it packs a lot of powerful properties in its small frame. The plant is one of the fruits native to North America and has a unique profit as a fruit. It is rich in vitamin C, fiber and contains nutrients that protect the heart. Cranberries are one of the fruits known to help protect the body from UTI (urinary tract infection), has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Cranberries are also known to promote gut health and are a benefit to oral health. Cranberries can be eaten raw or cooked, please monitor the amount of sugar added to the fruit (sugar as reported by nutritionist are known to cancel benefits commonly found in healthy foods). 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 10th, 2020

Congressman prayers Amen and “woman”

A Congressman’s controversial prayer has him at the center of criticism. Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver delivered the prayer for the first session of Congress for 2021. The Congressman’s prayer included references to scriptures and then began to take a turn. Cleaver referenced the Hindu god Braham. Cleaver referred to God as being known by many names by many different faiths. The congressman then ended the prayer by saying Amen and “a woman”. Other congressmen and critics quickly criticized Cleaver pointing out that Amen means “So be it” it Latin and has nothing to do with gender. Congressman Cleaver claims his prayers was misinterpreted. Cleaver went on to say the end of the prayer was a lighthearted joe to acknowledge the number of women now serving in the U.S. Congress. 

Sudan and Morocco join Abraham Accords
The Nations of Sudan and Morocco have officially signed peace deals with Israel. Israel’s deal with Morocco had previously been announced, but was made official this week. A delegation led by the U.S. participated in the signing of Morocco to the Abraham Accords. The nation of Sudan announced last week their nation had also signed the Abraham Accords. The Sudanese government released a statement concerning the signing during a recent visit by U.S officials. The nation was visited for the first time in 15 years by U.S. Secretary Mike Pompeo last year. 

In Christian World News: Pakistan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia
A Christian in Pakistan has been acquitted of blasphemy and released from prison. The man according the family had already served 10 years. The family says his release was not expected. The family is currently in hiding for their safety and protection, but say they release is an answer to their prayers. 

Nigeria: 300 abducted boys have been rescued. The children were abducted as apart of an attack on a school in December. The Nigerian government reported negotiations with the attackers prior to their release. No further details were given but the attackers are believed to be connected to the terrorist group Boko Haram. 

Saudi Arabia:  The nation of Saudi Arabia is continuing its efforts to strengthen ties with Israel. The nation’s school textbooks are now being revised concerning Israel. The government is now removing mentions of Anti-Israel and Anti-Semitism from those books. A report released this year says the nation is making a clear change in textbook content compared to previous editors. The CEO of IMACT Marcus Sheff, says Saudi authorities have begun the process of voting out Anti-Jewish hate.

SNBC Health News: the benefits of cocoa flavanols
Flavanols are beneficial to the brain and can be found in a variety of foods. According to a 2017 study, cocoa flavanols assist in brain oxygenation. Flavanols especially found in dark chocolate have several health benefits. It’s rich in fiber, protein, carbohydrates. Flavanols in dark chocolate improve insulin sensitivity. It is considered beneficials for its healthy fats, antioxidant properties, mineral and assists in stress reduction. The health benefits according to experts are found in chocolate with a 70 percent cacao ratio or higher. The health benefits of chocolate reduce when other ingredients are added. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 3rd, 2020

Churches fined by state for holding Christmas Eve services
Two churches in New Mexico were scolded by the state’s governor for holding Christmas Eve services. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham scolded church leadership and members of Legacy Church and Calvary Church in Albuquerque. Government officials took action after the two churches posted video and photos of their services online. Each church was fined 10-thousand dollars by the state. The governor in her statement called the churches leaders pro-virus. Grisham continued the verbal assault calling the members who attended the services selfish adding the services were illegal to attend. The governor of New Mexico had previously ordered all citizens of the state to wear masks in areas that are in considered red zones and keep attendance to 25 percent capacity for worship services. Both churches released statements saying their first authority is to God and the state government has overstepped their bounds. Both churches also said they did follow restrictions mandated by the governor. Supporters of the churches say the governor is ignoring the recent Supreme Court rulings in favor of faith based organizations that were previously restricted in California, New York and Colorado. 

Senator pledges to contest electoral college certification
The Supreme Court’s decision not to rule in the latest election lawsuits has prompted action from several representatives in Congress. Senator Ted Cruz has announced he will contest the electoral college certification in the upcoming joint session on January 6th. The Trump administration had previously filed lawsuits in response to voter fraud allegations from poll workers and others who witnessed tampering with election results.  Federal courts had previously turned away these claims saying there is no evidence. The growing number of witnesses and videos surfacing has prompted a growing number of Republican officials to contest the certification of certain states. Cruz says that he will push for an emergency 10 day audit of election results. Those supporting Senator Cruz referenced previous elections in 1877, 1969 and 2005 where fraud was suspected and the elected Congress at those times took the same action to verify election results.Ten other GOP members have agreed to back the Senator in pushing to verify the results due to fraud allegations. In addition to these officials contesting the election results, Senator Josh Hawley has announced that he will officially contest election results in the state of Pennsylvania. The joint session of Congress needs one Senator and one member of the House to contest the electoral college certification of each state for the audit to proceed. 

Israel welcomes record number of immigrants from all over the world in 2020
The nation of Israel is celebrating a big milestone in that nation. According to officials the nation welcomed 20-thousand immigrants from 70 different nations in 2020. The Jewish Agency says the immigrants are apart of Biblical prophecy being fulfilled. According to the organization the majority of immigrants came from the former Soviet Union, Western Europe, and North America. The Jewish Agency reported over 40-thousand applications were filed by those seeking to move to Israel; twice the number of applicants that applied in 2019. It is estimated by the organization that Israel could welcome as many at 250-thousand immigrants in the next three to five years. The nation has already welcomed its first group of immigrants this year; according to CUFI (Christians United for Israel) 300 immigrants from Ethiopia were the first to be admitted to Israel this year on New Year’s Day as part of Operation Rock of Israel.  

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: Exercise and the human body
Exercise and consistent activity is  beneficial to the human body in a number of ways. Experts have long reported adding exercise to your daily regimen is part of a balanced lifestyle. Two separate groups report vigorous or shorter segments of exercising positively affects the body in various ways. The overall health of a person is improved when they exercise consistently, and the body shows improvements at every level. Researchers report exercise helps not only with cardiovascular health, and  mental health, but it affects the body on a metabolic level. Immunity, muscle health, lowered risk of illness, increased oxygen intake and other benefits are associated with regular exercise. Experts advise getting at least 150 to 300 minutes of exercise a week which breaks down to about between 20 and 40 minutes of exercise each day (if working out seven days a week).