SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 8, 2021

CMS School Board votes to mandate masks in school
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board held an emergency meeting to decide if masks would be required for the students attending public schools. The board received recommendations from Mecklenburg County health officials who referenced the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Both organizations recommend face coverings for children kindergarten age with the AAP recommending masks as young as 2 years old in school settings. The public was not allowed to speak at the meeting. The ban to speak caused several parents to erupt into angry shouts several times during the meeting. The vote was eventually passed 8-1. Sean Strain was the only board member that voted against the mask mandate. Mr. Strain repeatedly asked at least three different times to pediatrician Dr. Meg Sullivan, what was the purpose of the mask mandates. Dr. Sullivan claimed it was due to the surge of the Delta variant each time. Mr. Strain in his rebuttal to the claim cited natural immunity and that the flu is more dangerous to children than COVID-19. Strain also pointed out that the mask mandate seems like punishment for children whose parents have not received the shot.  The comments among the other board members were basically the same, all commenting that masks work, the shots work and for the safety of the community everyone eligible should receive the shot. 

 COVID- 19: dispelling fact from fiction - Delta outbreaks
The message from the CMS School board is a similar argument around the nation. The city of New York is the first to issue a citywide mandate requiring vax cards to enter gyms and eat at restaurants indoors. The mainstream media claims those who refuse are misinformed and dangerous to public health. We wanted to present some information from credible sources that contradicts the mainstream media’s reporting on COVID-19. Dr. Meg Sullivan mentioned in her comments to the CMS School board that the evidence from the CDC suggests a surge in the Delta variant. According to recent information this week Dr. Rochelle Walensky head of the CDC admitted the surge is based on an outbreak among people in Cape Cod who have taken the shot. The Kaiser Family Foundation suggests there have been over 74-thousand breakthrough cases. An internal CDC presentation reports 35-thousand breakthrough infections could happen each week. The Biden administration once claimed that if at least 1/3 of adults in the U.S. received the shot this would help the U.S. get back to normal life pre-COVID. That goal was reached on August 4th with over 160 million people receiving one shot, which is half of the population. This means there is no reason for mandates because the goal was reached. According to a study by John Hopkins and FAIR Health, children almost always fair better if they have the coronavirus (the rate for children diagnosed is low). Dr. Byram Bridle an esteemed immunologist from Canada studied the coronavirus early on and received a large grant to conduct his work. Dr. Bridle says the current shot only isolated one spike protein and does not target other strands. This means the shot only attacks the one strand it was created for while ignoring the mutated version of the coronavirus leading to outbreaks. Bridle says people who have not taken the shot or have had COVID have long lasting immunity because the body’s natural immune system which targets all forms of the virus and not just a certain protein. He blames the shot as a possible source of the mutations. Dr. Bridle was criticized for his speaking out on the subject. Supporters say the criticism is based on jealously because of the large amount of money the doctor received to do his research ($230,000). The ZOE COVID study in Great Britain led by epidemiologist Dr. Tim Spector of Kings College confirmed in mid- July breakthrough cases among those who have received the shot in the UK are rising and will soon surpass cases of those who are referred to as the unvaccinated. 
SNBC NEWS NOTE: Please keep in mind Dr. Byram Bridle is speaking out publicly about his findings and has not been forced to admit his mistake. This series of admission interviews is considered by some as an almost “redemption tour”. The doctor is going willingly on television and doing interviews in an attempt to spread the word of his mistake…possibly at the risk of losing his credibility and career. Dr. Bridle’s work is what helped lead to the development of the current covid shots according to his interviews.

Christian Athletes stand for Christ in Victory at the Tokyo Olympics
Some athletes at this year’s Summer Olympic games used their platform to Glorify God on an international stage. Here are just a few highlights about the athletes and some additional notes that didn’t make the live broadcast.

Allyson Felix is an 11-time Olympic medalist. She is the most decorated track and field athlete of all time. (She passes Carl Lewis who previously held the record). Felix returned from a difficult emergency C-section in 2018 to compete in this year’s games. Felix says it’s by God’s grace that she is here, and running is God’s gift to her. Allyson has 7 gold medals, 3 silver and 1 bronze. (Allyson’s husband Kenneth Ferguson is also a former sprinter and runner.)
SNBC NEWS NOTES: Allyson recently announced The Tokyo Olympics will be her 5th and final appearance in the games. Her coach is legendary track and field coach Bob Kersee. Kersee has coached several Olympic athletes including Florence Griffith-Joyner, his wife Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Gail Devers, and current track star Olympic Gold Medalist Athing Mu.

Sydney McLaughlin won gold and set a world record in the 400m race. McLaughlin wrote on social media that she hopes her journey is a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God. 
SNBC NEWS NOTE: Sydney is mentored by Allyson Felix, and ran the 4x400 relay race (along with her mentor Allyson) in Tokyo, winning another gold medal on her (Sydney’s) 22nd Birthday.

Athing Mu (pronounced Uhh-Thing Moe) is one of youngest members of the US team. The 19-year-old who is the daughter of Sudanese immigrants set a US record in the 800m race winning the gold for the US for the first time in that race since 1968. Mu gave God praise on social media saying it was God who won the battle and her main goal is to live in the image of Jesus.
SNBC NEWS NOTE: Athing’s humility was on full display after winning the 800m. She was being considered to run in the women’s 4X400. She told reporters, “I don’t take anything for granted, I hope they put me in” Athing not only participated in the race but ran the anchor leg, helping her teammate Allyson Felix win her 11th record setting Olympic medal. Athing is also coached by Bob Kersee.

Helen Maroulis won bronze in the women’s 57 kg freestyle wrestling event.
The wrestler walked away from the sport after a PTSD diagnosis and two concussions. Helen says her relationship with God helped her fight back to compete again. In 2010 she was invited to church by a coach and accepted Christ as her Savior. Maroulis says she knew God was encouraging her to return to wrestling and not to run from this challenge or she would be running from challenges for the rest of her life. Maroulis also won gold in 2016. 
SNBC NEWS NOTE: Helen says in 2010, the day she was invited to church by her coach she planned on “going to sleep” during the sermon. She says the pastor literally “rocked her world” and she accepted Jesus as her Savior that day. Helen has been vocal about her faith in Christ ever since. Helen is the first female athlete in the US to win medals in wrestling. There are only two women to medal in Olympic wrestling for the U.S.- Helen Maroulis and her teammate Tamyra Mensah-Stock.

Tamyra Mensah-Stock went viral for her emotional and exuberant celebration following her gold medal win. Mensah-Stock expressed her joy in representing the U.S. She is the first Black American woman to win gold in wrestling.  Tamyra says she gives God all the credit for her win. The athlete said she wouldn’t be able to move her feet without the Grace of God. She mentioned how God literally speaks to her in her spirit telling her how to move during each match and she puts everything in His hands.  During her interview Mensah-Stock honored her late father, and says she looks forward to celebrating her win with her mom, siblings, husband, and her dogs. Tamyra recently announced she will use some of her Olympic earnings to help her mom buy a food truck.
SNBC NEWS NOTE: Tamrya cried when speaking about her father after her gold medal match. Mensah-Stock says he was her biggest fan. She mentioned that her father was Ghanaian and would have been ecstatic that she beat Nigeria for the gold (According to Tamrya the two nations -Nigeria and Ghana are sports rivals.) Tamyra’s husband Jacob Stock is also a former wrestler.

Congratulations to all these athletes and they said it best…. to God be all the Glory!

SNBC HEALTH report: the benefits of consuming plants and the human heart
According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet benefits the heart. A study focusing on women and young adults found less issues with cardiovascular disease when the subjects had a more plant centered diet. Dr. Yuni Choi studied over four thousand adults over a 32-year period. The study finds a plant centered benefited the study subject’s heart. The doctors found subjects did not have to be on a vegetarian diet to see these benefits over time. The study found some subjects also had diets rich in healthy fats such as avocado and olive oil. Both foods are rich in nutrients that benefit the heart. 

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.