SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 21st, 2021

SNBC News Update : Pastor James Coates
Pastor James Coates is scheduled to be released from prison. According to the pastor’s attorneys the pastor has been in jail since February 16th. Coates was arrested after refusing to stop in person worship services at his church Grace Life located in Alberta, Canada. The justice presiding over the case claimed his actions were endangering public health and a violation of Alberta’s city council mandates. Attorneys for the pastor say all but one charge has been withdrawn in the case. Pastor Coates is scheduled to appear in court for the charge May 3rd. 

 Leaders/well known figures speak out against Equality Act
Several groups are speaking out urging the US Senate not to pass the Equality Act. The bill would add an amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This addition would offer protections to LGBT citizens; critics point out that it would in turn violate the beliefs of others. 57 Black pastors, leaders, and nationally known figures sent a letter to the Senate urging protection for religious freedom. The group urged support for the Fairness for All Act. This proposed bill would protect religious groups in the US and offer some protections to the LGBT community such as employment and housing. The Heritage Foundation, and the Family Research Council has criticized the bill because of its lack of protection for churches, schools, and other institutions based on faith. Several Senators have promised they will vote  against the Equality Act due to public concern and no protection for religious groups. 

SNBC NEWS UPDATE the governor of Arkansas signs Anti-abortion bill
The Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson recently signed the state’s anti-abortion bill making it the most restrictive law against abortion in the nation. The state’s congress introduced an amendment to the bill allowing abortions after 20 weeks to victims of rape and incest. The bill would only allow the abortion after 20 weeks if victims to report the crime to police in that state. Critics say this requirement will further traumatize victims. Supporters including the author of the bill say they want to help victims by prosecuting those accused. The head of the American Civil Liberties Union- Arkansas released a statement following the laws passing. Holly Dickson commented that abortion was still legal in all 50 states including Arkansas and that her organization would see the governor in court.  

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: ultra-processed foods and its effect on the human body
According to researchers a diet consisting of mainly processed foods could be harmful to the bones. This term refers to foods such as fried foods, store bought baked goods, and foods high in bad fats and sodium. Eating these foods on a consistent basis with no balance could be harmful to your body in particular the bones.  A six week study on bone health followed a range of various diets given to lab rats. The study found the more the animals diet was filled with heavily processed foods, the more weakened their bones became. The study also found heavily processed foods limited bone growth in the younger animals. Researchers discovered ultra processed foods inhibit gut health. This type of food reduces the beneficial bacteria in the body. This could affect the body’s ability to fight against issues such as heart disease. Researchers advise limited to no processed foods if possible and a diet rich in natural, whole foods as much as possible. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 21st, 2021

Satanic temple sues for right to abortions in Texas
Satanic temple has filed a disturbing lawsuit in Texas. The Satanic Temple of Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas recently. The organization claims that the state’s abortion laws violate their religious beliefs and practices. According to the temple’s co-founder and spokesperson Lucien Greaves, the laws in that state are a violation to followers’ beliefs. Greaves claims women who are apart of the satanic temple have abortions and then chant affirmations claiming power over their bodies. The lawsuit claims some abortion clinics in Texas are far away and violate followers rights to have an abortion in a timely manner. The satanic temple spokesperson says he is challenging the Texas state attorney general Ken Paxton to defend his beliefs the same as Paxton would defend the belief of Christians in the state. The Texas state attorney general Ken Paxton has not commented on the case. 

Mississippi governor signs competition law to protect female competitors
The state of Mississippi’s governor has signed a law in favor of biological women in state sport competitions. Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill into law this week. The law will allow only biological women to participate in high school and collegiate sports in the state of Mississippi. The bill was passed in response to President Biden’s executive order opening women’s sports up to transgender athletes. These biological men who identify as women have a natural advantage according to medical doctors and scientists. Supporters say competing against biological women and access to locker rooms and other facilities designated for women would be dangerous and unfair. Allowing transgender athletes competing against biological women has also been protested by female professional athletes who voiced the same opinion as medical professionals. Several other states are expected to follow Mississippi. Tennessee, and South Dakota are expected pass similar laws soon. Critics call the bill anti-transgender and prejudice. In protest of these state laws 500 student athletes sent a letter to the NCAA asking the organization not to hold championships in states that pass bans on transgender athletes in sports. 

Malaysian court rules in favor of Christians use of the word Allah
The Malaysian supreme court has announced a decision in a case that has spanned over ten years. The court in that nation has ruled that the word Allah can be used in Christian publications, songs, and the Bible. The ruling will end a 35 year ban on the use of the word by Christians. Most citizens in that nation speak more than one language, but in the Malay language Allah is the only word for God. The case started in 2008 after a woman’s Christian materials were confiscated for having the name Allah in them. Christians in the nation previously were victims of attacks by Muslim Extremists who wanted Allah designated exclusively for the Islamic religion. The decision was celebrated by advocates who say the court’s ruling is a reflection of rights for all citizens in Malaysia. Malaysia’s population is 10 percent Christian.

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: face masks and their effect on children
Doctors and researchers are releasing the effects of wearing a face masks on young children. Researchers in Germany launched an online survey encouraging parents to report the effects of lockdowns and mask wearing on their children. Parents reported a range of issues to researchers. Parents reported issues such as irritability, breathing issues, anxiety over attending school, loss of concentration, and fatigue. The numbers for each of these conditions was over 20 percent ; in some cases as high as 60 percent of children experienced issues.  The CDC also reported a rise in psychological issues in children. The rise was in direct correlation with their parents who were experiencing stress and psychological issues in 2020.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology reported a rise in parents choosing to medicate children last year as a way for the them to cope with stress. These issues have affected education in the U.S. Teachers have reported a drop in children attending online classes or comprehending the curriculum compared to in person learning. Researchers point to the nation of Sweden for a better response to the coronavirus. That nation did not order lockdowns, mask mandates, or schools to be closed. The Swedish government instead asked citizens to use common sense, social distance where needed and encouraged citizens with health issues to stay home. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MARCH 7th, 2021

States announce lifting of mask mandate
Five states have announced mask mandates will be lifted immediately or relaxed starting in just a few weeks. The five states include Texas, Mississippi, Iowa, Montana and North Dakota. The state of Alabama is also expected to possibly lift their mask mandate soon. This will now up the number of states with no mask requirement to 16. This number includes South Carolina which never required a mask mandate statewide. The state governments of Texas and Mississippi have also announced businesses will be at full capacity with no restrictions. Critics voiced their opposition to the mandate changes claiming the coronavirus is at risk for a possible resurgence. State governments that announced a change in policy cited a change in the reported amount of cases in their states as the reason for relaxing restrictions. President Biden commented on the reopening saying, ”I think it's a terrible mistake...the last thing we need is neanderthal thinking that everything is fine.” He further commented saying state governments should follow the science. 

US and World News: Michigan, California, Tennessee

Christian adoption agency will allow LGBT clients
A Michigan based adoption agency has announced it will allow LGBT clients. Bethany Christian Services made the announced recently. The decision follows a lawsuit in 2019. The adoption and foster agency is one of the largest in the nation. The agency said in a statement Faith in Jesus is still at the core of their mission, but providing a good home for children is the top priority.

California : US Supreme Court rules in favor of churches
The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of churches once again in California. The court ruled that churches in Santa Clara County will be allowed to return to indoor worship services. The court ruled 6-3 in favor of the churches who appealed to the court. Attorneys for the five churches involved say their clients are grateful to return to services after almost a year of being prohibited and called California’s mandates and overreach of government officials.

Tennessee authorities announce rescue of in human trafficking cases
Law enforcement in Tennessee are reporting great news. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported the recovery of 150 children. The operation was in cooperation with the US Marshal Service and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. Operation Volunteer Strong was launched in January of this year.

SNBC NEWS: Persecution of church in Canada
Trinity Bible Chapel in Waterloo Canada has been fined 83-thousand dollars for holding an in person service. The church was fined by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice after holding a service with more than 10 people. The fines include penalties against the church, the pastor, each of the church’s elders and an additional 45-thousand dollars in legal fees to cover the court costs of the region’s attorney general. The church’s pastor took the opportunity to glorify God saying several people at the service were baptized and requested to be baptized. A Gofundme has been setup to help pay the churches fees.

UPDATE: Pastor James Coates (Canada)
Protests continue for the release of Pastor James Coates. The pastor was arrested in Alberta Canada for violating pandemic restrictions. The city’s health department claims the church violated restrictions by holding in person services over 15 percent capacity and not requiring masks on campus. Pastor Coates was offered release if he agreed to the city’s terms for in person worship services. He refused citing his calling to the ministry as priority. Because of the refusal the pastor will remain in jail until a hearing in May according to a judge presiding over the case. 

  In our SNBC HEALTH REPORT: exercise and its benefit to our bones. According to a recent study exercise helps improve the health of your bones. According to researchers at two different labs, exercise assists in the development of new bone forming cells. Exercise in particular walking and running helps the blood vessels in bone marrow, increasing bone forming cell production. Exercise helps to increase immunity cells in the body. Researchers with Harvard Medical Center say all forms of exercise help with bone density. A 2019 report in the Journal of Sport and Health Science found that exercise improves your immune system by lowering illness risk and inflammation. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Good nutrition, and getting enough Vitamin D and calcium are also recommended to promote bone health.     

SNBC NEWS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28th, 2021

Equality Act passes in the US House of Representatives
The Equality Act has been passed by the House and is now up for debate in the US Senate. The controversial bill was introduced in 2019 by Representative David Cicilline. The bill would ban discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. President Biden had previously promised the bill was one of his top legislative priorities during his campaign. Biden praised the vote saying that he commended the congressman who introduced the law. Biden went on to say in a statement that LGBTQ+ citizens deserve civil rights protections from the federal government which are, “long overdue”.  If passed this would be added as an amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Long term the bill would affect the church by possibly forcing employees who do not share the same beliefs or identify as LGBT to be accepted if they apply for jobs. The bill would force allowing those who identify with the opposite gender access to public locker rooms and restrooms. Medical professionals would also be forced to treat a child who wanted to change their gender without parental consent no matter how young.  The bill would also make it illegal to refuse service, lending systems, housing, education and protection from being fired based on their lifestyle. Only 5.6 million people identify as apart of the LGBTQ community out of 382.2 million people in the US population. A group of Rabbis in the US also released a statement saying the passing of this law could potentially pose an infringement on the rights of Jewish Americans who actively practice their faith.

Pastor arrested for holding in person services
A pastor in Alberta Canada has been arrested for violating pandemic restrictions. Pastor James Coates of Grace Life Church was arrested for holding in person services. The service according to local officials was in violation of Covid-19 restrictions. According to the pastor’s attorney the church was issued an order by the city health services inspector in December. The city officials ordered the church to obey the following rules: anyone on their campus must were a mask, social distance and occupancy stay at 15 percent or less. The health department then filed a complaint in court last month to force the church to obey the order. The pastor was arrested after a church service was attended by 400 members. Pastor Coates was arrested on February 14th according to reports. Officials say they offered Pastor Coates to be released if he agrees to stop holding church services in person. He has refused citing his call as a minister and is currently still in jail according to his attorney. Church representatives called the Alberta government restrictions “dystopian” and said they obey God first, not the government. The statement further pushed for citizens in Canada to have their civil liberties restored to them.

Christian World News: Pakistan, India, China
In Christian World News: two men were arrested in Pakistan for blasphemy recently. The two men in their 20s were accused by a group of Muslims after they were seen reading the Bible and discussing it between each other in a public park. According to the report the Muslims demanded the two men leave the park claiming they were in violation of the law to which they refused. After the group asked for some Christian material from the two men they later returned to the park accusing the one man remaining at the scene of blasphemy. The second man was arrested at his home. Both are currently in jail awaiting trial. Christian advocacy groups say blasphemy laws are regularly abused in Pakistan by those seeking revenge or for religious persecution against Christians…

In India a couple was forced out of their home and village for their Christian faith. The couple recently converted to Christianity last year and say they have been bullied and harassed by other villagers. The chief of the village demanded the couple abandon their faith, which they refused. Jaga Padiami says he told the chief he and his wife will not leave Jesus no matter what. The couple were forced to leave the village just a week later. The incident was reported to the local police, but so far no charges have been filed…

Violations against Christians continue in the nation of China. Government officials are now using Covid-19 as an excuse to raid the churches and homes of Christians. Government officials now claim worship services, prayer events, religious funeral services, and even religious meetings in homes among family members are in violation of social restrictions. A Christian in that nation confirmed the persecution reporting last year police forced their way into her home claiming she was holding an illegal meeting. According to Christian watchdog groups in the nation, the Chinese government wants all citizens to pledge loyalty to only them and no other source including religious beliefs. 

SNBC HEALTH : the health benefits of eating black pepper
This spice is one of the most commonly used seasonings in the US second only to salt.  The easy access to black pepper may cause consumers to overlook how beneficial it is to the human body. Pepper in particular black pepper is called the King of Spices. It is the leading variety of pepper sold making up 70 percent of sales in the spice market. Black pepper has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It according to scientist helps aid in the prevention of illness such as liver disease and atherosclerosis. It benefits in cardiovascular health assisting in the reduction of inflammation in the body. Black pepper promotes brain health and fights against issues that may lead to diabetes. It fights against cancer, assists in the absorption of other nutrients, and has several other benefits according to researchers. Researchers advise purchasing black pepper in its natural state as peppercorn and using a pepper mill or grinder to receive the full nutrients from the spice.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21st, 2021

Dr. Frederick K.C. Price passes
Apostle and pastor Dr. Frederick K.C. Price passed. Dr. Price was pastor and founder of Crenshaw Christian Center located in Los Angeles and later a location in New York. The Price Family released a statement online to announce his passing. Dr. Price was known for his upfront no nonsense ministry style. The church he pastored was founded in 1973 and had a weekly  TV broadcast ministering to millions across the world. In addition to the church, Dr. Price founded several schools including the Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School (preschool through 12th grade) in 1986, a Ministry Training Institute, and a school of the Bible. He served as a mentor to pastors and ministers including to Pastor Gool for a season of time. Dr. Price wrote 50 books on faith, prosperity and the Holy Spirit. He retired as the full time pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center in 2009; his son Frederick K. Price Jr. took over as the church’s pastor. Dr. Price is survived by his wife of 67 years Dr. Betty Price, four children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Dr. Frederick K.C. Price was 89 years old. 

Christian Music artist Carman passes
The family of Christian music artist Carman announced his passing recently. Born Carman Licciardello, the music artist was known to fans of his music as just Carman. Carman was considered an artist that put the Gospel through music at the forefront of innovation garnering attention from Christian and secular circles. He drew most attention from secular media for holding free concerts to minister packing every venue wherever he toured. The artist says that he never forgot he was sent by God to minster through music. Carman’s albums sold millions and he was awarded several industry honors including being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018. In a statement after his passing Carman’s manager Matt Felts emphasized how much evangelism of the Gospel meant to Carman. Several artists in Christian music, those in the industry, and several others, voiced their admiration for the artist and his stance for Christ following his passing. Carman is survived by his wife Dana, five step children and 10 step grandchildren. 

South Carolina state government passes anti abortion law
Governor of South Carolina has officially signed a bill protecting the lives of the unborn into law. Governor Henry McMaster signed the “South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act” this week. Surrounded by those who were in support of the law, McMaster said, “There’s a lot of happy hearts beating across South Carolina right now.” The law will prevent an abortion once a heartbeat is detected. Abortions will only be allowed in cases of incest, rape or if the mother’s life is in danger. Doctors who perform abortions in violation of the state’s law will be prosecuted. The law was immediately contested by Planned Parenthood who filed a lawsuit to block it from going into effect. The president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Atlantic called the law plainly absurd, but says abortions are still protected by federal law which prompted the lawsuit. The Attorney General for the state of South Carolina says his office will vigorously defend the law in court because there is nothing more important that protecting life.

In our SNBC HEALTH REPORT: the importance of Thiamine
This nutrient also known as Vitamin B1 is important to the human body for several reasons. The vitamin is converted into energy. It also assists in getting electrolytes to the muscles and nervous system. Thiamine is not naturally produced by the body so it is very important to obtain this nutrient. The vitamin assists in fighting against infectious respiratory illnesses. This nutrient is so important it is even found to have a negative effect on animals that are deficient in the nutrient. Vitamin B1 can be absorbed through supplements, but nutritionists advise acquiring the nutrient through food. Whole grains, eggs, various meats, milk, green leafy vegetables and various beans are foods rich in Vitamin B1 or Thiamine.