SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MAY 23rd, 2021

Israel/ Hamas terrorist group reach peace agreement
Israeli forces and the terrorist group Hamas have reached an agreement. The agreement will result in a ceasefire on both sides. Tensions are still high in the region despite the tentative peace deal. The ceasefire agreement was reached with Egyptian officials serving as mediators. The ceasefire is unconditional according to Israeli officials. The terrorist group Hamas remains defiant following their attacks on Israel. The group held a victory parade in Gaza this week following the ceasefire. Many Political leaders showed a strong biased towards Palestine during the attacks.  Israeli forces were called aggressive for defending its borders from attack. According to reports the UN seems to be siding more with the Palestinians. During one address to the UN an official claimed Israel and Hamas have both committed war crimes. Israeli officials have continued to comment that they will defend the nation and its citizens from attacks.  

Pro-Israel supporters gather for rally in Charlotte
Support for Israel continued this week in Charlotte. About 100 supporters gathered at Romare- Bearden Park in support of Israel. The event sponsored by Club Z  featured speeches and poetry in support of Israel. Olga Washington wrote a poem in support of Israel and the Jewish community around the world. Participants including Pastor Dumisani Washington gave impassioned speeches calling for the support of Israel and for locals in the area to standup in support of that nation protecting its borders. One participant Yael Osovski spoke on her own personal hardships recently during the Israel/Hamas conflict. Speaking with SNBC News following the demonstration she spoke on how she stood with friends during BLM protests last year. Yael says the favor was not returned during her stance in support of Israel. She later commented that most of her Black friends declined to show any support for her during this time. The mainstream media in America as well as other left wing groups showed support mainly for Palestine claiming that they were the real victims. Hamas fired rockets into Israel first starting the 11 day conflict. Israeli officials say they only defended the nation rather than initiating any attacks on the terrorist group. The most extreme opponents want sanctions against Israel because of the conflict. 

Toy companies court LGBT customers with controversial toy campaign
The month of June will feature several promotions from companies celebrating what has been dubbed LGBT pride month. The latest company to enter to fray is a children’s toy company. Lego has debuted a toy line rainbow colored in honor of the month of June. The toy is displayed on the company’s website and in a press release celebrating the special toy. The item according to the company is a way to express individuality while keeping each toy ambiguous. The set was created by one of the company’s designers who claims to be apart of the LGBT community. The set includes a purple figurine with a wig in honor of drag queens. The set is just part of other campaigns being used to promote and court LGBT customers as part of the pride month campaign. Companies including Converse, have released special products promoting the month. Some critics in the LGBT community claim the products are not enough and they are only an attempt to get money. Critics believe this special product creation is being used to expose impressionable children and will alienate other customers. 

SNBC HEALTH report : using food as medicine
According to Dr. Robert Lustig food is not serving its purpose to the human body as it should. The doctor says food has the nutrients to help the body naturally heal and function properly. Lustig says people having healthy food has been interrupted by big business. Most of these companies are interested in GMO products and processed foods which are unnaturally created or are loaded with preservatives to increase shelf life. Processed foods strip food of necessary nutrients and can cause the body harm long term. Unhealthy eating habits can lead to other issues. Dr. Lustig says these issues are largely due to companies caring more about making money instead of providing healthy options for customers. The doctor advises eating whole food with fiber, antioxidants and nutrients to help feed the body the essentials it needs to thrive whenever possible. Most foods like eggs, dark leafy greens, fruits, and seafood are filled with multiple nutrients vital to the body’s health.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MAY 16th, 2021

North and South Carolina governors relax mask mandates
The governors of North and South Carolina have officially relaxed and lifted mask mandates across both states. Governor Henry McMaster announced this week he was lifting the executive order for masks. The governor also announced parents will have the option to have their children wear masks or not in school. Governor McMaster said in his statement we must move past the time of governments dictating when and where South Carolinians are required to wear a mask. Governor Roy Cooper announced this week he will lift all mandates for mandatory capacity, gathering and social distancing requirements. The Governor is still strongly urging masks for those who are unvaccinated. Cooper says the recommendation is at the urging of the CDC who is also encouraging masks for those who have not received the COVID-19 shot. Critics say this mandate is another attempt to manipulate people into taking the shot especially those who chosen not to get it for various reasons. President Biden stirred controversy recently by tweeting: “The rule is not simple get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do”. Critics called the tweet tyrannical. 

SNBC NEWS (Developing stories)
Several colleges in North Carolina will now require students to receive the COVID-19 shot before returning back to campus. Johnson and Wales University recently announced students returning to campus this fall must receive the shot prior to arrival. The school says the announcement comes after careful consideration with government and health officials. Five other colleges in North Carolina: Brevard College, Duke University, Livingstone College, Union Presbyterian Seminary at Charlotte, and Wake Forest University are also requiring students to receive the COVID-19 shot. Wofford College is the only university in South Carolina requiring the shot.

In Canada another pastor has been arrested for violating policies concerning COVID-19 restrictions. Police in Alberta, Calgary arrested Pastor Artur Pawlowski and his brother claiming they were in violation of Alberta Health service mandates. The men were charged with illegal in person gathering, including requesting, inciting or inviting others to attend an illegal public gathering. Officials claims the pastor chose to ignore requirements by continuing to hold church services. Pastor Pawlowski went viral after forcing police and health officials out of his church on Resurrection Sunday. The police later returned with a warrant but were turned away again by the pastor. We will update you on these stories as they continue to develop. 

Pro-Palestine protests sweep the U.S.
Protests were held around the US including in Charlotte in support of Palestine. Most of the protests were met with counter protests in support of Israel. The counter demonstrations here in Charlotte were  tense at some points between the two sides, but remained peaceful. Terrorist group Hamas recently attacked Israel sending rockets into Israeli territory. Seven people have been reported killed by Hamas rockets in Israel; 188 people are reported killed in Gaza. Israel’s actions have been in defense of its borders in response to Hamas firing rockets into the county. The Israel Defense Forces have reportedly destroyed several terrorist strongholds and tunnels in response. Hamas is known for using civilians as human shields, even using spaces in civilian buildings to fire rockets at Israel. Critics attacked Israel in the press for firing on a Palestinian news building. What most did not report is the building was shared with Hamas and the terrorist group fired a rocket from the building, prompting Israeli forces to retaliate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will continue to defend it borders and citizens from attacks. According to today’s most recent updates Hamas is still attacking Israel firing over 100 rockets into that nation. 

SNBC Health report: exercise and its affect on overall health
According to research exercise has positive affects on every area of life. A recent study finds exercising on a regular basis helps with improvement in day to day physical activities. Exercise offers a boost to mental, physical and emotional health overall. According to researchers participants in the study conducted at Harvard University reported feeling more engaged in their  daily lives and motivated to achieve goals.  The study included over 14-thousand participants ages 50 and older.  Researchers said the study especially found a significant difference in subjects closer to retirement age and saw these subjects participate in a more active lifestyle when daily exercise was included. Health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise per day and least 75 minutes to 150 minutes of exercise per week.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MAY 9th, 2021

Biden Administration may try to force transgender procedures on doctors
According to reports the Biden Administration is looking to force doctors to perform gender transition surgeries. The order would require these procedures to be done regardless of the doctor’s personal convictions. The order maybe based on a former interpretation of the Affordable Care Act which was introduced during the Obama Administration.This order is known as the  Transgender Mandate. The mandate would require doctors, and hospitals to treat and perform surgeries on transgender candidates regardless of personal convictions or the restrictions due to a hospitals’ religious foundations in some cases. The mandate was recently overturned by a court in North Dakota. The Biden Administration has since filed an appeal in the ruling. Critics believe Biden’s motive is restoring all former policies from the Obama Administration where he served as vice president for eight years.  The president has also spent the first 100 days in office dismantling the Trump administration’s work.The Biden Administration has not commented on this story. 

President leaves God out of National Day of Prayer proclamation
The president did issue a proclamation in honor of the national day of prayer this week. According to critics President Biden just let out one important detail; the name of God. The president issued the proclamation to honor the nationwide day of prayer which is an annual event. The day of prayer encourages citizens across the nation to take time and pray for the God’s blessings over the U.S. In the proclamation the president referred to the first Thursday in May as the national day of prayer. The proclamation continued for US citizens in accordance with their own faiths to give thanks for their many freedoms and blessings. Biden in the proclamation asked people of all faiths to pray for spiritual guidance, mercy, and protection. Previous administration’s did issue  national day of prayer proclamations that did include the name of God. 

Trinity Bible Chapel in Canada locked by local officials
The church was being charged fines every time the congregation met in person. Trinity Bible Chapel has now been locked with no entry by order of local officials. Located in Waterloo, Canada the church announced on social media that the local government had officially blocked entry to the building. The church reported that reporters, police, and a locksmith were present to witness and enforce the ban by local officials. The lockdown of the building comes after several months of harassment by Canadian officials towards Trinity Bible Chapel. The church’s pastor, and elders were charged a total of 83-thousand dollars in fines and ordered to pay the government’s court fees. The church’s attorney Lisa Bildy called the government’s actions against the church grievous and unfair. This is the second church in Canada to be barricaded or locked by local government officials. Grace Life Church was barricaded following the release of their pastor James Coates who was in prison for over a month for refusing to end in person worship services. That church is now meeting in secret to avoid further persecution from the local officials. 

In our SNBC Health report: researchers are reporting about the dangers of consuming too much sugar. According to research from the CDC the rate of obesity in America is climbing. The organization reports the rate of obese adults in America has almost doubled since studies that were conducted on the same subject in 1999. The American Heart Association blames the issue mainly on sugar. They report the average American eats far more than the amount recommended each day. Researchers blame the over consumption of sugar mainly on processed foods. The average American according to the study consumes 60 pounds of sugar per year. This amount is three times the recommended amount. Children on average consume 65 pounds of sugar each year. The study groups believe most consumers take in too much sugar due to it being hidden in most foods. Fruit juices, energy drinks and some items advertised as health foods have high amounts of sugar added to them. Researchers believe this is cause of more sugar being added into most people’s diet without their knowledge. To limit sugar intake researchers advise reading labels and limiting the amount of processed foods and sugar as often as possible. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MAY 2nd, 2021

Florida passes ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports
The president’s support for LGBT causes may directly result in a battle between the Biden Administration and a growing number of states here in the US. Florida is now the latest state government to pass a bill banning transgender athletes in all levels of competition. Governor Ron DeSantis spoke about the bill at a town hall meeting prior to the vote. DeSantis said that he and state officials will protect girls in the state of Florida. The governor further added referencing his own daughters that girls and women in the state deserve to be on an even playing field in sporting competitions. The state of Florida is the latest in a series of several states passing laws to protect biological women in sports competitions. President Biden in his first state of the union address commented that he has the back of those in the transgender community. The comment is believed to be in reference to the recent sports bans. The state of North Carolina is also considering a bill to ban transgender athletes in women’s sports. We will update you on the bill’s progress as this story continues.

Judge issues warrant for pastor’s arrest over services
News from Canada as that nation’s government has issued a by any means necessary order concerning a pastor and his church. In a surprise move a Canadian judge gave permission for police and health department officials to raid a church building. The justice David Gates, issued a warrant for Pastor Artur Pawlowski’s arrest and gave access to the church’s building. Gates added to the warrant that police and health officials are allowed to use such reasonable force they deem appropriate to gain access. The warrant further makes the instructions clear adding if the pastor or anyone present intervenes to “do what is necessary”. The pastor went viral and made international headlines for kicking out health officials and police from the church’s building on Resurrection Sunday. During the confrontation the pastor referred to the police and health officials as Nazis and communists telling them to only return with a warrant. The officials did return the following Sunday but were denied access by Pastor Pawlowski. This news is the latest in a string of growing persecution by the Canadian government against The Church. Pastor James Coates was arrested for violating COVID-19 restrictions according to officials and is now meeting with his congregation at a secret location following a barricade being erected around the church’s building. Another church in Canada has been charged thousands of dollars in fines every-time they meet for in person worship services. 

Participants in Journey to Joy Photo courtesy of Victory Christian Center

VCC’s Journey to Joy Ministry hosts Spring Refresher
The VCC Journey to Joy hosted a luncheon and activity session of ministry participants. According to ministry team leader Joan Kelley was a check in to see how participants are doing. She says the ministry also provides participants the opportunity to encourage one another.  Journey to Joy is a ministry for widows and widowers who are members of VCC. There were various activities led by Dr. Clarissa Carr,  prizes and participants received encouragement from Mrs. Gool during the event. We spoke with a member of the ministry team Mary Land who spoke about the impact of the ministry on participants. Mrs. Land says ministering to this group is a ministry of hope, healing and restoration. She says that those that are further along in their journey of healing are able to minister to those who need encouragement by standing on the Word of God.

SNBC Health report: the health benefits of Zinc
The nutrient has been referenced more in health circles in the past year. This nutrient is one of the names being floated around to help build the immune system. Zinc in addition to boosting the immune system has other benefits for the body. This nutrient is known to help with inflammation. Zinc is an essential nutrient required for the function of the body’s metabolism, nerve function, and digestion. It helps with the immune system by strengthening various areas of the body including the lungs. It also assists in wound healing. The nutrient is fortified into some breakfast foods, but the best way to get the nutrient is through food. Eggs, legumes, seafood, whole grains, and dark chocolate are all rich in zinc. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY APRIL 25th, 2021

North Carolina bill to protect children defeated before vote
The North Carolina State Congress would pass a bill banning transgender medical procedures for children. We have now learned the bill will not advance to a vote.  According to the state’s republican senate leader the chamber will not review the bill. The ban would have prohibited medical procedures of this kind on residents of North Carolina under the age of 21. Supporters of the now defeated bill say the bill was being introduced to protect youth from making a life altering decision at such a young age. The state’s largest LGBT group Equality North Carolina celebrated the bill’s failure. A spokesperson for the group claims those that sponsored the bill and two other potential bills of this nature have “blood on their hands.” Several state governments around the US are currently working on legislation to ban transgender surgeries and medical procedures for children under the age of 18. 

Pastors in UK sign letter criticizing COVID passports
Over one-thousand leaders in the United Kingdom signed an open letter to that nation’s Prime Minister. The leaders of churches from across the UK sent the letter in protest of vaccine passports being debated as a requirement in that nation. The measure is being considered by the British Parliament; a move church leaders have objected to strongly. The letter called the requirement of possible vaccine passports “Medical apartheid”.  The letter further called this action the creation of a two tier society making those who decline the vaccine a underclass in British society. The vaccine passports would allow certain freedoms for those who take the vaccine while excluding or banning those who refuse from various activities around the nation. The UK Parliament continues to insist they are reviewing COVID Status certification and no decision has been made. Several nations around the world are considering COVID passports for entry into their country or freedom of movement for its citizens.

SNBC News Update : Pastor James Coates & Grace Life Church (Alberta Canada)
Pastor James Coates has held another service this time from an undisclosed location. The pastor who was jailed for over a month for holding church services continued to encourage the congregation of Grace Life Church located in Alberta, Canada. The church has been persecuted by the local government for various violations according to officials. Pastor Coates was arrested for refusing to end in person worship services. All the charges against the pastor were later dropped except one charge; a court hearing for that charge is scheduled for May. The pastor during the service encouraged those present and those streaming that the Word of God was still the foundation of their ministry despite the persecution. The images of those in attendance were blurred out on the screen to protect them from persecution from the government. The church according to Pastor Coates is still barricaded by order of the local government. Local officials claim the church was barricaded due to church officials being in violation of COVID protocol.

SNBC Health report: the Health benefits of sulforaphane
According to researchers this nutrient is found in leafy greens mainly cruciferous dark greens. Sulforaphane is known to benefit the body in a variety of ways. According to researchers the nutrient promotes heart health and is known to be beneficial to brain health. Broccoli for example has more vitamin C than an orange and is rich in bio-available calcium. Studies have also found vegetables rich in this nutrient help improve cognitive skills, and helps fight against asthma. It is a natural detoxifier, helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and helps with the reduction of inflammation in the body. Researchers advise eating organic or traditionally farmed vegetables whenever possible to avoid GMO products. Broccoli, Arugula, Cauliflower, cabbage, Kale and a variety of other vegetables are rich in Sulforaphane.