SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 1st 2021

Photo Courtesy of Wendy Chaplin for SNBC NEWS (Ministry division of Victory Christian Center)

Supporters and healthcare workers protest shot mandate at two Charlotte Hospital systems
Members of the local medical community and supporters are protesting changes in policy at two major North Carolina hospitals. Novant and Atrium Hospitals have announced all employees in their healthcare systems must receive the coronavirus shot or be officially exempt from taking it by this fall. Atrium’s deadline according to reports is October 31st. Novant has issued their deadline for September 15th. Mecklenburg County has also announced its public health employees must receive the shot by September 7th. Officials claim the requirement is due to an effort to combat the coronavirus and various strands of the illness. Supporters rallied in Freedom Park today in support of healthcare workers not being required to receive the shot. Over 1,000 protestors showed support for healthcare workers. The group ended the rally with protests in front of a nearby hospital. The North Carolina Healthcare Association released a statement in support of the mandated shot requirement. The organization claims information from the CDC and a rise in COVID cases in North Carolina justifies requirement of the shot. Atrium and Novant released similar statements claiming the same. This mandate is not just being issued in North Carolina. The State of California’s governor is requiring state employees to either receive the shot or submit to wearing masks indoors and weekly COVID tests if they refuse.  Other state governments, and businesses in the US are also threatening shot mandates. The nation of France recently passed a vax card requirement for citizens to enter restaurants and other public areas or produce a negative Covid test. The president of the Philippines has threatened to arrest anyone who refuses the shot.  Here in Charlotte, the Charlotte Mecklenburg’s School Board also recently announced in an 8-1 vote that students in the CMS school system will be required to wear masks when they return to school this fall.

 Ice cream company boycotts nation of Israel
The ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is receiving heavy criticism after a controversial announcement. The company announced it will end sales of its product in East Jerusalem and the Israeli West Bank region. The company founders, who are Jewish, claimed the protest is a boycott due to Israel’s “illegal occupation of the West Bank.” Bennett Cohen and Jerry Greenfield claim the decision to boycott the area was one of the most important decisions in the company’s 43-year history. Critics believe the protest is a part of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, also known as BDS. The movement is part of a campaign by companies to cause economic hardship to Israel in order to force that nation to surrender the West Bank and the city of Jerusalem to Palestinians. Israeli officials criticized Ben & Jerry’s calling their decision a form of antisemitism and terrorism. The company is known for their liberal stance and support of controversial issues. Officials in five states here in the US are looking into sanctions against the company for its boycott of Israel.   

SNBC HEALTH report: the effect of fermented foods on the human body. 
Researchers at Stanford University are reporting how fermented foods benefit the human body. These foods are a benefit to gut health providing good bacteria in support of the body’s immune system. Fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir can help boost intestinal and respiratory health. Fermented foods fight against inflammation. They are believed to help remove toxins and bad bacteria from the body. These types of foods provide probiotics, assist in digestive health, and help the body absorb nutrients better. Fermented foods are also rich in fiber. Sauerkraut, pickled foods, yogurt, kefir, and apple cider vinegar are just some of the fermented foods that benefit the body. 

 

Image from VCC’s I AM Victory Day

Recap of Victory Christian Center’s #IAM VICTORY DAY
The sites, the sounds, the laughter, and joy of a celebration at Victory Christian Center were evident Sunday July 25th. I AM VICTORY DAY is an annual event that celebrates the church’s birthday or anniversary. This year Victory celebrated 41 years! Members at the request of Pastor Gool dressed in their “It’s an Honor to serve Jesus” and “By His Spirit” Shirts (part of our VCC Wordshop merchandise). Following the Word of God ministered by Pastor on Sunday morning, parishioners walked to the Victory Youth Building to start the day’s festivities. Members were treated to an amazing variety of food vendors indoors and outside in the VYB parking lot. There were games for the kids and contests for all ages. The annual event was enjoyed by all ! Thank you to all those that attended on this special day of celebration!!! We give God all the Praise, Honor and Glory for 41 years of ministry at VCC, where we are touching and changing lives for the Glory of God …..HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICTORY!!!!

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JULY 25th, 2021

Sunday July 25th is # IAM VICTORY DAY! Due to the festivities Sunday Evening Services are CANCELLED for SUNDAY EVENING. Please enjoy these web exclusive stories.

Officials admit vaccine not working as previously believed
The push for Americans to take the shot is continuing by the US government. This push continues despite the growing controversy surrounding new information being released.  According to an executive, whose company helped develop the Pfizer shot, antibody levels of vaccine recipients are now dropping. Ugar Sahin in an article published by the Wall Street Journal says the antibody levels in recipients are dropping seven month after immunization. Dr. Anthony Fauci, who recently had a contentious confrontation with Senator Rand Paul over the subject, admitted to CNN that booster shots maybe needed for recipients of the shot with weaker immune systems. Researchers in Israel recently released study findings reporting the Pfizer shot has a 39 percent success rate against the coronavirus, and recipients’ can still contract a mild version of the illness.

SNBC HEALTH NEWS: The health benefits of peaches
Summer is a great opportunity to enjoy traditionally summer fruits and reap the benefits of those nutrients. Peaches, a traditional summer fruit has some great benefits according to research. The fruit is believed to have originated in China over eight thousand years ago. The peach is in the stone fruit family (Named for the single seed located inside the peach, the same with other fruits in this family).
The fruit improves digestion, and assists in allergy relief. Packed with antioxidants, this fruit administers nutrients to the body in as little as 30 minutes. Peaches are high in fiber, help with inflammation, improve gut health, and may help lower cholesterol. Peaches are beneficial to the skin and help reduce allergic reaction. This stone fruit is in its peak season from July to August and is harvested mostly throughout the U.S. in places where the fruit thrives.
SNBC NEWS Fun Fact: Georgia’s nickname maybe “The Peach State”, but it does not produce the most peaches. The state of Georgia is fourth in peach production according to the USDA behind California, South Carolina, and New Jersey.  Georgia’s Department of Agriculture, not one to back down claims their peaches are sweeter and taste better than those produced in other states (Loll).

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JULY 18th, 2021

Rally in support of Israel in Washington D.C.
Recently thousands rallied in the nation’s capital in support of Israel. The rally in Washington, D.C. was titled: “No Fear, A rally in solidarity with the Jewish people.” The event featured keynote speakers from the Jewish community as well allies from both majority parties in Congress. Representatives from the Republican Jewish Coalition and the Jewish Democratic Council of America spoke together onstage as a sign of solidarity. Senator Norman Coleman said during the rally, “we stand united in the belief that each of us has a responsibility to call out Anti-Semitism…Anti-Semitism has no place in America or anywhere in the world.” There has been a rise in Anti-Semitic attacks and activity in the past few years. Thousands around the world protested earlier this year in support of Palestine following unprovoked attacks by Hamas into Israel. The Israeli government says regardless of criticism against the nation, it will defend its borders and its citizens. An estimated three to eight thousand people participated in the DC rally. 

Church arsons on the rise in Canada
Mandates on churches in the U.S. and in Canada during the lockdowns are changing following backlash and court orders. Churches in Canada now are facing another attack of the enemy: a rise in arsons. Reporter Ezra Levant reported the vandalizing and arsons of churches recently. Pleading to politician on social media for help, Levant reported ten churches were vandalized and burned down in just one day. The arsons are being called revenge attacks following the discovery of unmarked graves of children who were at boarding schools for indigenous Canadians. Those schools were run by the Catholic Church 100 years ago. Those attacking churches are targeting churches of all denominations. The nation’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau did finally condemn the arsons. The leader of the liberal organization British Columbia Civil Liberties Association Harsha Walia tweeted “burn it all down” in response to the Prime Minister’s condemning of the arsons. Several pastors apart of First Nation tribes in Canada have also condemned the arsons calling for an end to the violence. Ten more churches were burned the day PM Trudeau condemned the attacks.
SNBC NEWS UPDATE: (The total church number of church buildings according to CBN News that have been vandalized or destroyed in Canada due to arson is now at 45, with 17 being completely destroyed - as of July 15th, 2021).

Pastors work to end violence in Chicago
Pastors in Chicago are working together to help combat gun violence in that city. Pastor Dimas Salaberrios and Pastor Corey Brooks are working to help end violence in Chicago. Notoriously known as one of the nation’s most violent cities, the pastor’s say it’s clear the battle is spiritual. Pastor Salaberrios says it’s clear there is a demonic presence over the city when he interacts with people through his ministry. Pastor Brooks agreed saying there seems to be a spirit of murder in the city. The pastors’ efforts were featured in a documentary that has gained national attention. Pastor Salaberrios, a former gang member filmed the documentary after time in prayer to shine a light on efforts to end the violence in that city. The U.S. Department of Defense reports in an almost 20-year study from 2001 to 2020 more people have died in the city of Chicago than the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. 

SNBC HEALTH report: Vitamin D and its effect on the coronavirus
 Nutritionists and some doctors reported last year that nutrients and vitamin intake could fight against COVID-19. Studies are now being released confirming this belief by medical professionals. Vitamin D is beneficial to the body in multiple ways. It is especially beneficial to the immune system. Vitamin D contains anti-inflammatory properties that fight against infection. Researchers administered Vitamin D to COVID patients who were deficient in the nutrient. They found the patients issues with inflammation decreased with no side effects. Vitamin D3 was found to reduce the number of ICU patients in Spain. Researchers called Vitamin D a simple and inexpensive life saving strategy. Researchers advise taking Vitamin D with magnesium and Vitamin K2 to achieve higher Vitamin D levels. Researchers report you will need a lower amount of Vitamin D when all three are taken together. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JULY 11th, 2021

NC Governor vetoes bill protecting unborn children with genetic abnormalities
Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed a bill designed to protect the unborn. The governor vetoed HB453 also known as Human Life Nondiscrimination Act/No Eugenics. The bill according to supporters was designed to protect children born with genetic abnormalities. The bill would have also been used to protect unborn children based on race and gender.  The governor said in a statement the bill was unconstitutional and violated the doctor-patient relationship. Several Republicans who supported the bill believe the bill would have given the unborn protections and the right to live in North Carolina.  NC State Representative Senator Amy said of the veto, "With a stroke of his pen, Gov. Cooper just told North Carolinians that it's OK to discriminate based on race or disability as long as it's in the womb.”

Third pastor in Canada released from jail
Pastor Tim Stephens was released recently. The pastor was arrested after police used a helicopter to find where his church was holding services. Stephens was later arrested for violating COVID restrictions according to officials in Alberta Canada. The pastor was later released following the relaxing of mandate restrictions. Upon release the pastor thanked God for being strengthened during his imprisonment, his family and attorneys at Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. Pastor Tim Stephens was the third pastor arrested in Alberta, Canada for covid violations. Pastor Artur Pawlowski and Pastor James Coates were also arrested in the same area for violations. Government officials in Canada shutdown churches claiming indoor services could spread the coronavirus; Pastor Pawlowski was later arrested on a busy highway and Pastor Coates began to hold church services in secret following a several months stay in prison.

Biden debates possible door-to-door vaccines
The Biden Administration is claiming possible drastic measures in an attempt to convince people to take the shot. Biden debated options during a press briefing. He claimed the efforts to get people vaccinated have slowed down as people become complacent. Biden then suggested the shot be offered by workers literally going door to door to each person that has not taken it. Some doctors have spoken out against the comments, while others have voiced support. The comments were made as news this week from Israel concerning the shot. The Israeli government reports the shot created by Pfizer only has a 64 percent rating of protection against variants. The finding is a contradiction to what previous reports claimed that the shot would protect people at least 90 percent or more. Added to the controversy over Biden’s comments this week a family reported the death of a healthy 13-year-old boy following the teen receiving a second shot of the vaccine. Experts claim the boy may have had underlying conditions and the shot may not be the cause of his death. 

SNBC HEALTH REPORT: Artificial sweeteners and its effect on the human body
According to studies long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners can cause damaging affects to the body in particular gut health. Research in Europe found these alternative sweeteners caused some long-term health problems including an increased risk of stroke or diabetes. Aspartame was singled out in some studies as a possible cause for increased behavioral issues in some people dealing with depression. Researchers reported mice given aspartame laced drinking water were found to have a negative reaction to their insulin levels. The water was also found to affect the animals’ microbial composition. A study on sucralose was found to cause migraines, raised the risk of Type 2 diabetes and enlargement of the liver and kidneys. Doctors advise using alternatives to these sweeteners such as Stevia and allulose. These natural sweeteners are known to help with lowering blood glucose and reducing fat around the abdominal area and liver. 

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY JULY 4th, 2021

Parent gives passionate speech opposing Critical Race Theory
A parent is receiving praise for his speech caught on camera. Ty Smith gave an impassioned speech in opposition of Critical Race Theory. The speech was made during a school board meeting concerning the use of the teaching method in Central Illinois. Smith passionately spoke against the teaching method calling it the exact opposite of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s teachings. Mr. Smith, who is a conservative Podcast host, says he would not be a successful college graduate if he believed the concept of critical race theory. The father went on to say this particular belief and teaching will divide children instead of bringing them together. Critical race theory is a teaching theory that focuses on injustice to ethnic groups under the American law system. The theory claims these groups in America are disadvantaged due to the lack of reform in the U.S. legal system. Smith says if this theory is taught in Central Illinois schools’ there is no reason to celebrate or remember Dr. King in that school district because this theory dismisses King’s speeches on peace and unity among different ethnic groups in the US.

Supreme Court declines to rule in case
The US Supreme Court has refused to hear the case of a Christian florist. Barronelle Stutzman was sued for refusing to decorate for two former customers same sex wedding. Stutzman says her Christian faith is why she refused to provide her services. The men later sued claiming discrimination. Washington State courts ruled against the florist who appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. The Supreme Court ordered a review in Washington State based on possible biased to the florist. That court later ruled their decision was not acting with animosity. The Washington State Court ruled that Stutzman violated discrimination laws. The woman again appealed to the Supreme Court who this time declined to hear the case. In order for the nation’s highest court to accept a case at least four of the nine judges must agree. Only three judges elected to hear the case. Recent cases ruled on by the Supreme Court had been in favor of Christian business owners who declined service or faced discrimination due to their faith. The court ruled in favor of Jack Phillips of Colorado who declined to make a cake for a same sex wedding. The court also ruled in favor of a Catholic child placement service that was declined a contract by the city of Philadelphia due to the organization only working with traditionally married couples. 

Chinese Government reportedly working on national digital currency
There is a surprising new addition to the push for a digital currency. The nation of China is reportedly trying to push its citizens into accept a government created  form of ditigal currency. According to reports the communist government is working to create a digital currency that will replace their paper money and coins. The plan according to a former analyst with the CIA is to create a cashless society. According to the expert there is more to the potential move then just currency. Digital currency would give the Chinese government control of its citizens financial income since the government would be the only ones distributing this currency. This would give them the ability to monitor, control and freeze assets whenever the Communist government wished. The idea of a cashless society is controversial because it could lead to issues with hackers attacking digital systems. This could also lead to the eventual elimination of currency leading to people using their hands, or a mark as spoken of in the Bible. The Chinese government according to sources is already testing the system and plans on making a major test run in 2022 during the Beijing Olympics. 

SNBC HEALTH report: the health benefits of spinach
According to a professor in nutritional science, spinach has so many benefits that help the body in a variety of ways. Norman Hord head of the University of Oklahoma’s Department of Nutritional Science says spinach is full of benefits to the human body. Spinach is widely known as a good source of iron. The vegetable is a good source of nitrates which helps with the health of the skeletal muscle. It is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, folate, magnesium, and fiber. Spinach contains lutein which is beneficial to eye health. Nutrients in the vegetable help protect the body from heart disease, and strokes. Researchers advise eating spinach in the least processed form possible so you can receive as many nutrients from the vegetable as possible.