SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY MAY 30th, 2021

Student allowed to give speech after attempted censorship
A student in Michigan will be allowed to give her valedictory speech without being censored. Elizabeth Turner was told by her high school principal that she could not mention her Christian faith during her commencement speech next month. Turner was told by the principal through email that she needed to be “mindful of her religious references because they were not appropriate in a public forum”.  The principal Amy Goldsmith further added her speech was government property and that mentioning Christ was “not appropriate”. Turner mentioned in her speech that Christ was the center of her purpose and that He would lead her throughout her pursuits following high school. The young woman also mentioned in her speech that her identity was in Christ and encouraged her fellow graduates to make today count. The student following the potential ban was represented by First Liberty. Attorneys for the organization argued that Miss Turner’s speech was her private property and not the property of the state government. The attorneys added that a ban violates the US Department of Education’s protection of students’ freedom of expression.  One of the student’s attorneys Keisha Russell said of the case all public schools should protect the private religious expressions of their students. The principal has not commented on the case after the ban was reversed.  

Pastor Gool & Mrs. Gool with members of CLF
(Christian Leaders Fellowship) Photo credit- Victory Christian Center

Pastor Gool honored by Christian Leaders Fellowship
Pastor Gool was honored recently by The Christian Leaders Fellowship. The organization is a group in the US and around the world dedicated to encouragement for pastors and leaders in the Body of Christ. The organization was founded by Pastor Ock Soo Park and is committed to preaching the Gospel according to the Word of God across denominational lines. The organization discovered Pastor in a modern way; on YouTube. Following the viewing of one of Pastor’s sermons the organization contacted Pastor Gool who ministered about empowerment during the CLF’s first virtual conference earlier this year. The organization honored pastor with a plaque of appreciation for his participation in that conference. Members of the organization traveled to present the award to him in person. The plaque reads in part: “for your invaluable contribution bringing insightful perspectives and providing meaningful fellowship to Christian leaders worldwide.” Pastor Gool gave God all the glory for the honor. 

 US Secretary of State meets with Israeli Prime Minister
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Israel for a special meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a ceasefire agreement. The trip was part of the efforts by the US government to continue work with Israel and Palestinians following the ceasefire after an eleven day conflict.  Controversy surrounded the meeting following Blinken’s announcement that the consulate in Jerusalem will reopen. 
President Trump had previously left the run of this office up to the US ambassador to Israel who had shut the office down. The consulate which is separate from the US Embassy in Jerusalem will be used for the sole purpose of restoring diplomatic ties with Palestinians. The Biden Administration refused to condemn Israel for defending its borders from attack during the conflict but has continued to fund Palestinians. Secretary Blinken announced during his trip 40 million dollars will be pledged to aid Palestinians. A total of 360 million dollars has so far been given by the administration to Palestinians. In addition to the meeting concerning Palestine, Israel’s Prime Minister says they are asking  the US not to renew the Iranian nuclear deal. If they do the prime minister says Israel may have to create their own course concerning negotiations. 

SNBC HEALTH report : the benefits of buying organic meat
According to research organic meat is the best option for consumers. Researchers at Johns Hopkins studied the difference between organic meat and  traditionally processed meats. The difference they found is the way the meat is processed according to requirements. According to the research team organic meats were less likely to be contaminated. The meat also was less likely to contain issues with drug resistant bacteria. The study reveals organic meats are 56 percent less likely to be contaminated than conventionally processed meats. Organic meat according to USDA standards must be from an animal fed 100 percent organic feed, and given no antibiotics or hormones. The animal must be raised humanely and graze in open pastures.  Meat for human consumption in the US is usually processed in three ways: organic, conventional, or split processing which means organic and conventionally processed meats are produced in the same factories. Finding organic meat in stores is fairly easy now and  packages are always clearly labeled with the USDA certified approval seal. 

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.