SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17th, 2023

Moms for Liberty announces growth despite liberal bias
The conservative group Moms for Liberty is reporting a surge in members following persecution from liberal groups. The group, according to its founders, now has 300 chapters and over 120 thousand members. The group spans across 45 states here in the US. Moms for Liberty gained support following a rise in parent activists against school boards. The group supports parents who are protesting controversial curriculums for students from kindergarten through high school. Moms for Liberty became the target of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which labeled the group and groups similar, “extremists’ groups”. The label grew heavy criticism from conservative across the US. The founders of the group give all credit to God and say they will continue their fight for parental rights in school across the US.

AI program impersonates Jesus promotes LGBT agenda
Conservatives and Christians are speaking out against a growing trend in AI technology. A company called ChatGPT has launched what it calls an app with an AI version of Jesus and other Biblical figures. The artificial intelligence program according to critics is being used to support a pro-LGBT agenda. According to one user on social media who questioned the program claims it responded with a fake Bible passage claiming Jesus affirmed trans people. The user later acknowledges knowing the response was manipulating and fake but called it comforting. The term “trans-affirming” is used by the LGBT community for those who recognize what a person calls themselves, instead of their biological gender. The app is growing in popularity among liberal groups. Michael Brown, a radio host and author called the app criticized the program for manipulating scripture. Brown says Jesus would not tell a person be whole by having life altering surgery to remove body parts. He continued saying Jesus would heal a person with gender dysphoria from the inside out.

Canadian Freedom Convoy organizers prosecuted
Court trials are now underway for organizers of the Canadian Freedom Convoy. Prosecutors in the trials claim the protests were not peaceful; they also added the prosecution of the plaintiffs is not a political matter. The Freedom Convoy’s in Canada were a nationwide protest in 2022.The protests were by truck drivers and supporters calling for an end the Canada’s strict COVID mandate laws. The Canadian government at the time required truck drivers, among other groups to receive the COVID shot in order to work. Thousands protested in front of Canadian parliament following convoy protest by truck drivers across the country. Prosecutors claim the protests harassed innocent citizens and caused disruption in the Canadian government. The protests sparked similar grassroots protests around the world including here in the US. If prosecuted the organizers could face up to 10 years in prison.

SNBC Health report: the health benefits of raspberries
This little berry is another late summer treat that packs a lot of nutrients in a small package. Raspberries contain eight grams of fiber, which benefits lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. This fruit can also be used to help with disease prevention. It is high in antioxidants and helps with the aging process. It is rich in vitamin C which promote healthy skin; raspberries are also rich in manganese, vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acidy and potassium. Raspberries are available in three varieties of colors: red, black and golden. Peak season for this fruit is June through August but can be kept longer in the freezer.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10th 2023

SC Supreme court upholds abortion restrictions
South Carolina’s highest court has upheld a new state abortion law.  State representatives passed a new state law restricting abortions to six weeks of pregnancy. The now law would ban abortions after the first heartbeat is detected. The law was previously overturned by the same court but was reconsidered following the retirement of one of the justices presiding over the case. The law later ruled 4-1 in favor of the new abortion law. The majority opinion in the case ruled South Carolina’s state constitution did not include abortions in its protection of privacy for its residents. The state’s governor, Henry McMaster released a statement saying, “With this victory we protect the lives of countless unborn children and reaffirm South Carolina’s place as one of the most pro-life states in America.”

Maryland Parents fight for right to opt out of controversial curriculums
Parents in the state of Maryland are continuing their fight after a loss in court. A federal justice recently ruled against parents who sued the Montgomery County School system. The parents were seeking to have their children opt out reading and discussing pro-LGBT books and topics in school. The school district would require children as young as preschool aged students to participate in these lessons. Deborah L. Boardman ruled that parents objecting to this curriculum was not a fundamental right based on a violation of their religious beliefs. Parents say they will appeal the court’s decision. The group further added they will not quit in this fight. The case is expected to go all the way to the US Supreme Court.

Nations announce move of embassy to Jerusalem
Two more nations are announcing the opening of their embassies in Jerusalem. The nation of Papua New Guinea announced their embassy would open at the end of August. The nation of Sierra Leone also announced they would move their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The two nations follow the several nations including the US in moving their embassy to Jerusalem. The nation of Suriname is planning to move their embassy eventually but have suspended the move due to budget issues; Paraguay has announced it will open its embassy in the next few months. Several nations had previously avoided building their embassies in Jerusalem to avoid protests from supporters of a Palestinian nation. Palestinians wanted to split Jerusalem with the nation of Israel to as the capital of their potential country; Israel has denied this request. Following the move of the US embassy in 2018 by President Trump, more nations around the world moved their embassies to Jerusalem as an official acknowledgment of Israel’s capital.

SNBC Health report: the health benefits of zucchini
The end of summer is fast approaching, but it is not too late to get some nutritional benefits naturally from fruits and vegetables traditionally harvested in the summer. Zucchini has a number of benefits that you may not be aware of. This vegetable is known as summer squash and can be used in a variety of ways from smoothies to salads, to a substitute in pasta dishes. This vegetable is low in sugar, carbs and loaded with various nutrients. Zucchini contains Fiber, Vitamins A, C, K, B6, and potassium, as well as several other nutrients. It promotes heart health, improves digestion, and is a good source of calcium. Researchers have also reported this vegetable is beneficial to eye health and helps control blood levels. Zucchini can be consumed year-round, but the vegetable is at its peak season May through August.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2023

US Court upholds Alabama law protecting children from trans surgery procedures
A US federal court of appeals has ruled in favor of the state of Alabama. The state congress had previously passed a law banning experimental puberty blockers being given to children and teens in that state. The law according to officials is designed to protect vulnerable children dealing with gender confusion. The penalizes doctors and healthcare workers that administer puberty or hormone blockers to children in Alabama under the age of 19.  The law could carry a fine of up to 10 years in prison and a 15-thousand dollar fine. Opponents sued to prevent the law from being enforced, claiming it violated children’s rights. A three-panel federal court has ruled the law does not inhibit the existing rights of medical treatment for children in the state. The justices in the case say the plaintiffs did not prove their case, and the law does not classify under the basis of sex or any protected characteristic. Alabama state attorney general Steve Marshall says the ruling reinforces the state’s authority to safeguard the physical and psychological wellbeing of minors. 

Israeli officials protest new Biden Administration deal with Iran
Israeli officials are continuing to voice their opposition to the nation of Iran following a deal from the Biden Administration. SNBC NEWS reported in our last broadcast the Biden Administration has agreed to release six billion dollars of frozen assets to Iranian officials in exchange for several American hostages. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now blaming a recent increase of terrorist attacks on influence from Iran. Netanyahu and that nation’s defense minister claim Palestinian terrorists are being funded, encouraged, and trained by Iranians. The prime minister says the terrorism is guided by Iran to harm Israeli citizens. Critics of the Palestinian Authority claim 70 percent of terror attacks, are funded by the group, and they believe the money is coming from Iranian and other outside influences. Israeli officials have vowed to continue to protect their country and its citizens from terror attacks even whether they have the support of their allies of not.

Sound of Freedom continues to soar at the US Box office
Great news, the movie ‘The Sound of Freedom’ has continued to soar at the box office. The film which depicts the life of a former Homeland security agent turned anti-sex trafficking advocate surprised the secular Hollywood industry. The faith-based film has so far remained in the top 10 among movies out this summer. The box office reports ‘Sound of Freedom’ has so far made over 175 million dollars. The movie has surpassed expectations and continues to have a steady viewing audience after five weeks in movie theaters. It has drawn more attention in the fight against human trafficking. The film was financially supported through crowd funding. Supporters of the film, including former trafficking victims  say the film is giving communities the opportunity to talk about the fight against human trafficking in the US.
(SNBC NEWS UPDATE: Sound of Freedom has now reportedly now made $180 million dollars at the US domestic box office).
According to Time Magazine:
(Excerpt from the article on Time.com): “Since its release on July 4, it's raked in over $180 million at the domestic box office, outperforming big-budget features like Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and making it the highest-grossing indie film since 2019's Parasite. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and making it the highest-grossing indie film since 2019's Parasite.”

SNBC HEALTH report: a new trend in food is getting attention from nutritionists and dietitians
The trend in Health right now is healthy alternatives that benefit the body. A growing trend according to some nutritionists is alternative drinks that provide benefits. The latest trend is prebiotic sodas and other drinks. The drinks are low in sugar and carbs and provide health benefits to the consumer. Researchers recently studied these drinks to see what effect these drinks have on the body. Prebiotics support gut health: according to researchers’ prebiotics support the body by helping to increase  the production of probiotics. Probiotics are essential good bacteria in the body which help with digestion. Prebiotic drinks such as kombucha and some alternative sodas on the market claim to assist in acquiring the body’s recommended daily intake of prebiotics. Marilia Chamon, a registered nutritional therapist says this new trend is not a surprise with consumers more conscious of their health. Chamon does advise consumers to consider changing their diets, especially here in the U.S. She recommends limiting processed foods and eating more whole foods, which would help the body stay balanced in all areas, including gut health.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 20th, 2023

Anti-parent bill in California passes first phase towards becoming law
Parents in California could face jail time if they protest at school board meetings. According to reports, a new state law SB 596 has passed in the state senate and will be debated in the lower chambers soon. The state law would ban parents from “harassing school employees concerning classwork or extracurricular activities.” The bill, if passed, would also include contact with a school employee in a harassing nature more than two times. If convicted of harassing a school employee parents could face a hefty fine and up to one year in jail. Critics of the law say California’s state congress is attempting to silence parents from speaking out. Organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center previously named parent groups on their right-wing extremist hate group list. Parents in the state of Virginia were also labeled extremists after heated debates at school board meeting concerning Critical Race Theory occurred across that state. A parent in California says if the new bill passes, it will cause parents to second guess themselves and lead to their right being eroded in the public school system.

Biden Administration releases billions to terrorist nation in exchange for hostages
The Biden Administration is being criticized for agreeing to release billions of dollars to the nation of Iran. According to reports the administration has agreed to release 6 billion dollars’ worth of revenue from oil reserves held in South Korea in exchange for the release of five Americans being held hostage in Iran. Critics say this deal will encourage terrorists to hold American hostage in exchange for a sweetheart deal. The decision is further adding a strain to the U.S.’s relationship with Israel. Additional news was announced by an Israeli newspaper recently. The paper claims that the Biden Administration secretly agreed to a new nuclear deal with Iran. Israeli officials criticized both deals by the Biden Administration and say they will defend their nation at all costs. The ransom exchange for hostages and the new secret nuclear deal would give Iran access to billions of dollars. The nuclear deal, if made official would allow that nation to work in limited amount on a nuclear weapons program. Iranian officials have openly expressed hatred towards Israel and have vowed to attack that nation to “wipe them off the map”. Republicans speaking out about the decision by the Biden Administration say they believe the money will be used to fund terrorism.

Black pastors honor MLK and support of Israel
Several hundred pastors traveled to the city of Jerusalem to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The pastors as part of their tour participated in a special event on a street in the city named in honor of Dr. King. The street was named after the pastor and civil rights leader to honor his pro- Israel stance in 2018. Israeli officials noted Dr. King and his wife Coretta visited the Israeli capital in 1959. According to Pastor Joshua Giles, Dr. King had planned to return later with a delegation of Black Americans to the nation but was assassinated before that trip could happen.  Several of the pastors on hand for this special event expressed their support from the Black community for the nation of Israel. They also called this visit a fulfillment of Dr. King’s wish to bring more Black Americans to visit the nation of Israel. 

VCC Member worshipping (photo property of Victory Chrisitan Center)

SNBC HEALTH report: doctors are ordering patients to go back to church
According to a recent report released by the US Surgeon General, loneliness is now a public health threat. Dr. Vivek Murthy compared the issue to smoking or obesity. Dr. Murthy says that loneliness and isolation has been an issue in the US since 2020 during the COVID Lockdowns. According to the surgeon general loneliness can lead to physical health issues. Heart issues, depression, and anxiety can be contributed to mental health issues such as loneliness. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist offered a simple solution to help combat these mental health issues; go back to church. Amen says in person interactions is key to helping combat emotional and mental health problems especially after COVID-19 shutdowns. Dr. Amen says, “go back to church, get involved…no better place to be than the church.” According to the National Institutes of Health, regular church attendance is good for mental health. A Gallup news study also released reports confirming those who attend regular church services are satisfied with their lives at least ten percent more than those who do not attend services.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY AUGUST 13th, 2023

Aquatic Sports Council votes to ban trans athletes in women’s competition
An international sports organization has made a decision on trans athletes. World Aquatics has announced they will add a third category to competition for trans athletes to compete against each other. This solution according to the organization is to protect biological women and continue fairness in international competition. Several international sports organizations have announced a ban on trans athletes in women’s sports including cycling, powerlifting, boxing, and swimming. The World Aquatics decision was made following the domination of a male athlete, who claimed to be transgender and competed in college swimming competitions in 2022. The athlete went from not ranking in competition for the men’s division to placing first and breaking NCAA women’s swimming records. The athlete’s competitors called on fairness in NCAA tournaments and protecting for female athletes.

 Federal agents announce major bust in human trafficking ring
The movie ‘The Sound of Freedom’ is shedding more light on the fight against human trafficking. This exposure is helping with more successful missions against this type of crime. Federal agents are reporting a recent large bust of a child and human trafficking ring. Agents announced operation Cross Country was a success. FBI agents announced they rescued 200 victims across the US. The victims ranged from ages 11- 15; almost 200 suspects were arrested in connection with human trafficking. The FBI’s Director Chris Wray say the FBI is committed to pursuing all criminals and rescuing victims associated with human trafficking.

Christian World News: Denmark, United Kingdom, Haiti
(Denmark)
An evangelist from Denmark is facing deportation from the US after his petition was denied. Evangelist Torben Sondergaard fled Denmark in 2019 following persecution from that nation’s government. The evangelist’s legal team says the case is still pending; Sondergaard says he is believing God for a miracle to be granted asylum in the US.

(UK) A military veteran in the UK is now facing charges after silently praying in front of an abortion clinic. Adam Smith-Connor has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Smith-Connor says he was confronted by a police officer for violating the Public Space Protection Order. The order bans any form of protest in front of an abortion clinic within 490 feet. Attorneys for Alliance Defending Freedom UK are representing Mr. Smith-Connor. They claim their client’s rights were violated, and British culture is plunging into dangerous waters on the human rights front.

(Haiti) Good news tonight: a Christian nurse and her daughter have safely been released following a kidnapping in Haiti. Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter were kidnapped by a group demanding one million dollars in ransom. The woman and her daughter were held for two weeks. Citizens in the area protested in the streets for the nurse, demanding her release. The organization Dorsainvil works for El Roi released a statement saying she is safe and her and her daughter are in the process of healing. They also thanked the community and Christians around the world for their prayers.

SNBC HEALTH report: regulating blood pressure naturally
According to recent reports there are natural ways to control and regulate blood pressure. Instead of medication doctors are advising finding natural solutions to regulate the condition. According to Mayo Clinic.org, losing weight and regular exercise helps to lower patients’ high blood pressure. Concerning exercise, the website claims regular activity just 30 minutes a day can lower blood pressure and keep it from elevating.  A healthy diet with whole foods and limiting your sodium intake also assists with regulating blood pressure. Limiting processed foods is also recommended according to Mercola.com to help reduce sodium intake. Reducing stress and a good night’s sleep. Magnesium is also considered a good option to help naturally lower blood pressure. This nutrient can be acquired through supplements or in food such as cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds and spinach.