SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 22nd, 2023

Israel prepares for group offensive against Hamas
Israel’s offensive against the terrorist group Hamas continues this week. The Israeli Defense Forces or IDF recently told more than one million Palestinian civilians to evacuate their homes in Northern Gaza. The terrorist group Hamas called the warning propaganda. The IDF released notices telling citizens that they were being used as human shields, and to leave for South Gaza as soon as possible. Hamas has also claimed that Iran and the terrorist group Hezbollah may get involved in the war if Israel invades Gaza. Protests around the world a rise in Anti-Semitism. Supporters claim Hamas is defending the area from “an oppressive regimen”. The nation of Israel is considered the only functional democracy in the Middle East. Leaders around the world are continuing to support Israel and condemning the attacks of Hamas.

Student athletes gather to witness the Gospel across the US
 Thousands of student athletes, coaches and supporters gathered to pray across the US for an annual event. Students gathered on sport event fields across the US for the annual Fields of Faith.  The event is a student led outreach that encourages students and coaches to be bold about their Christian faith. Students are encouraged to spread the Gospel during these events. Some students lead prayers and present challenges to others to spend more time in prayers, God’s Word and sharing the Gospel with fellow students. This year is the 20th anniversary of the event. Organizers expected it to be one of the biggest turnouts. The FCA event started in 2002 and is now nationwide.

Law jeopardizes California police officers’ free speech
Conservatives in California say a recent bill may endanger the rights of Christians employees by police departments. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill in the state known as Assembly Bill 443. The new law will allow police department leaders to define what is biased conduct. This law will apply even in private settings and will include online discussions, especially anything against the LGBT community. This could also apply to interactions with the public, and other fellow employees of the state (first responders, fellow officers, court employees, etc.). Conservatives say the broad definition, and clear LGBT biased in the law would mean officers could lose their jobs for “alleged misconduct”, when it would actually be considered free speech by US federal law. Conservative groups commented that examples such as accusing an officer of not using a person’s preferred gender pronouns or sharing scripture on their personal social media pages could be grounds for dismissal under this law. The organization Save California says the law is a violation of officers First Amendment rights.

SNBC HEALTH report: the health benefits of walking upstairs and its effect on the human heart
According to recent studies, walking on a daily basis helps improve heart health. A recent medical journal reported the benefits of walking, in particular walking of flights of stairs. The journal found heart disease dropped by 20 percent for patients who took the stairs at least five flights or more per day. Two other medical groups conducted similar studies. The National Institutes of Health found less plaque buildup in the heart following daily walking. Tulane University conducted a study analyzing 12-years of data in cooperation with Peking University in Beijing. The study followed over 400 thousand test subjects in the United Kingdom. The study found those who walked in particular on the stairs daily saw improvements in their heart health. The main key according to researchers is high intensity aerobic exercise. According to one medical professional, routine short bursts of high-intensity exercise such as climbing stairs on a regular basis lowers blood pressure and promotes a healthier weight. Experts recommend daily exercise at least 150 minutes per week.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 15th, 2023

Israel/Hamas war updates
SNBC News is continuing to monitor the situation in Israel. At our deadline Israel is continuing a full offensive against the terrorist group Hamas. The terrorist group attacked Israel in a surprise attack on Saturday October 7th. The Israeli government declared war the following day. IDF forces have launched a full-scale response to the attack. The Gaza Border is now reportedly secured following the offensive with IDF. Israel’s embassy in Washington, D.C. is reporting one thousand people have been killed. Several hundred more civilians were taken hostage by Hamas and paraded in the streets following the mass kidnappings. The offensive by Israel is reportedly the strongest response in Israel’s 75-year history as a modern nation. Several nations including the US have pledged their support to Israel. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to attack Hamas with such a force that it will “reverberate ... for generations.”

Black Pastors in Ohio fight for life
More than 100 black pastors in Ohio are taking a stand for life. In a letter released across the state, the pastors asked for voters to stand for life. The group pleaded with registered voters to vote no on the upcoming ballot in November. Known as Ohio issue 1, the bill would add abortion rights to the state’s constitution. The group asked voters in that state to vote for life not along party lines. They also noted that the black community in Ohio totals 13 percent but make up 48 percent of abortions in the state. There have been several pro and anti-abortion marches leading up to the vote in just a few weeks. Ohio’s current law allows abortions up to 21 weeks and six days into pregnancy.

Officers report major human trafficking bust in Ohio
More good news tonight from the state of Ohio. A Human trafficking task force has announced a major bust in that state. According to officials 160 people were arrested in the recent busy. The Ohio state attorney says the weeklong sting, Operation Buyer’s Remorse, ended with various arrests for trafficking, solicitation, weapons violations, and narcotics possession. Lawmakers across the U.S. are currently working to ease certain laws that would allow victims to report human trafficking crimes without fear of prosecution.

SNBC HEALTH report: Researchers are reporting that Americans need to improve their vitamin intake
According to a 2017 study published in the Nutrients, a medical peer journal, nearly 30 percent of Americans are deficient in some key nutrients. The Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute, suggests this is a widespread issue among Americans. Researchers suggest the best way to best way to acquire these nutrients and increase them in the body quickly is through food. The vitamins noted as deficient in Americans: Vitamin D, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. When looking to acquire nutrient through food remember most foods are rich in multiple nutrients. Finding foods that are nutrient rich will help will increase your intake better. Organic is always best, but it not possible look for foods that are traditionally farmed, with minimum pesticides. You can get these nutrients through supplements, but again acquire them through food if possible.

SNBC NEWS SUNDAY OCTOBER 8th, 2023

2023 Annual See You at the Pole reported as success
The annual See You at the Pole event was deemed a success across the US. The annual event encourages students to take a stand for their faith and pray at the school’s flagpole before the start of the school day. Organizers estimate one million students participated in this year’s event. Students are encouraged to pray for their schools, friends, teachers, the government, and the U.S. Doug Clark, one of the organizers for the event says it’s important to encourage young people concerning their role in the church. According to the organization hundreds of students posted photos of events at their schools online.  See you at the Pole celebrated 33 years as an event this year.

Chinese citizens purchasing US farmland at alarming rate
News sources are reporting a growth in the purchase of land by Chinese investors here in the US. According to reports these investors are focused on farmland here in the United States for a different reason. The newly purchased farmland is being used to produce marijuana. Investors are reportedly paying cash and buying up US farmland in large quantities to produce the drug. Most claim it is for medicinal purposes; investigators in Oklahoma are reporting most are paying cash. 80 percent are from China. State officials are also reporting between three thousand and six thousand of these marijuana producing farms are under investigation for illegal activities. Critics report the plants produced on these farms may be fueling the black-market drug sales. The US Department of Agriculture reports the number of farms in the US for food production has decreased from 2.2million in 2007 to just 2 million last year.

Christian family maybe deported
A family from Germany is continuing their fight to be granted permanent asylum here in the US. The Romeike family, says they are being persecuted in their native Germany mainly because of their Christian beliefs. The parents say they decided to homeschool their children in 2006. The children in German public schools at the time were being bullied, involved in fights, and experiencing medical issue due to stress. The family says after praying about the situation they removed the children from public school. German officials later charged the family with criminal violations for homeschooling their children. The penalties included hefty fines and threats of removing the children from their parents’ custody. The Romeikes fled that nation in 2008 for the US. The family has been granted asylum for almost 14 years until recently when they were ordered to obtain German passports and prepare to leave the country. Attorneys for the Romeikes say they have not been given an explanation except that there has been a change of orders.  U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger is currently working on bill that would grant the family permanent asylum and create a path to citizenship.  The children, two of whom are adults married to Americans and two more who are US citizens, will be allowed to remain in the US.

SNBC HEALTH report: New research is revealing the benefits of Vitamin D as we age
A recent report from the British Medical Journal, finds vitamin D assists in a variety ways. Researchers with the study followed a large group of adults from ages 60 to 84. The group was studied with one taking vitamin D supplement and the other taking a placebo. The Vitamin D supplement group reported improvements in bone, immunity, and heart health. Those in the supplement group reported less heart health issues compared to the placebo group. Concerning heart health, the research team did advise that eating a healthy diet, exercising, and keeping blood and cholesterol levels under control. Older adults are recommended 600 to 800 IU of Vitamin D daily. This vitamin can be acquired through supplements, or naturally through exposure to the sun, or consuming foods rich in the vitamin such as salmon, eggs, liver, and white mushrooms.

SNBC NEWS SUNDAY OCTOBER 1st, 2023

Federal Judge rules in favor or Christian teachers in California
A judge in California has ruled in favor of two Christian teachers. The two teachers filed a lawsuit after their school district required a “secrecy policy”. That policy requires teachers to withhold information from parents, especially if a student is experiencing gender confusion and desires to live as a different gender. Judge Roger Benitez ruled the San Diego County Escondido Unified School District could not legally uphold this policy. The justice in the case called it a “trifecta of harm”, saying it undermines the constitutional rights of the teachers, and parents. In his decision Benitez said the policy harmed parents, violating the Fourteenth Amendment. He added the teachers were given an unreasonable and unlawful choice; stand for their faith and lose their jobs or turn from their faith to keep their jobs. Attorneys for the teachers have praised the ruling. The policy is on hold until October 13th; following this date, there will be a hearing to determine if the policy will be permanently blocked or allowed in California schools.

Parents in Canada march for their right to protect children
Parents in Canada are taking a stand against government policies. The nationwide One Million March for Children occurred recently in that nation. Canadians across the county protested with the unified goal of “protecting children from LGBTQ indoctrination, and sexualization in public schools.” According to the CBC, parents protesting accused school boards across the nation of exposing public school aged children to gender ideology. Thousands of protesters participated in the day’s event. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the protests, “hateful”. Trudeau in his comments on social media said transphobia and homophobia are not welcome in Canada. The event organizer called the day Families and Kid Liberation Day. Kamel El-Cheikh told supporters during the protests, the group will continue to defend the rights of children and parents in Canada at all costs.

Christian colleges reports surge in student enrollment
Good news tonight for Evangelical Colleges and Universities across the U.S. a recent survey of college admissions is reporting an increase in new students at several Christian colleges. Asbury University, which gained national attention for a student-led revival that began last year is reporting a 20 percent increase in enrollment to the school. Inside Higher Education, who reported the survey, says it’s the largest increase year-to year for the school since it was founded in 1890. Abilene Christian University, East Texas Baptist University, Cedarville University, Taylor University, Grace College, and six other Christian colleges and universities are also reporting an increase in enrollment since last year. The president of one Christian school says students are looking to attend schools where they can freely express their faith without being ridiculed or mocked, as well as fellowship and encouragement from like-minded students.

SNBC HEALTH report the health benefits of psyllium husk
This grain has been used in Indian and Chinese cultures for centuries due to its medicinal properties. Known as an ancient grain, it is derived from a plant in Asia and can be used for a variety of issues in the body. According to the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, psyllium husk assists in digestion and helps with weight loss. It is an excellent source of fiber and promotes heart health. This food is also a popular item with those who are challenged with conditions such as diabetes; it is known to help patients stay full longer. It also promotes heart health, lowers cholesterol, and blood pressure. When purchasing psyllium husk researchers advise organic is always best due to the plant that it is derived from being sprayed with pesticides in traditional farming.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24th, 2023

Finnish Politician on trial for faith stance
A politician in Finland is continuing her fight for free speech. Dr. Pavi Rasanen is defending herself for a second time in court following an appeal.
The former minister of the interior is on trial for speaking out against a pro-LGBT event in her country. Rasanen posted a Bible verst on social media, following the announced of a LGBT pride event sponsored by her church’s denomination in 2019. The post along with a previous pamphlet and radio interview she conducted sparked outrage from liberal groups in Finland. The protests led to a police investigation and later trial. Rasanen was acquitted but is now back in court following the prosecution’s appeal. If convicted Dr. Rasanen could face fines and up to two years in jail. Dr. Rasanen says this case could set a dangerous precedent for Christians in Finland and around Europe.

Revival continues across secular colleges campuses in US
Revival on college campuses around the US is continuing. According to the pastor and youth pastor of New Life Church, in Corpus Christi revival on the campus of Texas A&M is growing at a rapid rate. Students have responded to witnessing events since 2022 and are continuing to accept Christ and spread the Gospel to fellow students. They report several witnessing events, with students asking to be baptized immediately. The last event over 240 students showed up after accepting Christ requesting to be baptized as a statement of faith. The Church also reports over 400 students are encouraging each other as apart of small groups.
(SNBC NEWS NOTE: according to New Life Church’s pastor and youth pastor, student leaders for the campus ministries bought horse troughs from the local animal feed stores to keep up the demand for baptisms on campus. The pastors noted most students ask to be baptized immediately following their acceptance of Christ. To God be all the Glory!)

The same is happening at Auburn University in Alabama. According to students on that campus, thousands of students gathered to worship on campus, which led to 200 students accepting Christ and being asked to be baptized that very night. Student later used the lake at Auburn’s Red Barn to conduct the baptisms. The campus ministry reported over five thousand people showed up to participate in Auburn’s night of worship, as the event was later called. This recent revival started on the college campuses of Asbury University in 2022 and has continued spreading at a rapid rate across the US. According to most campus ministries the revival is being led by students who are praying to God for change on their college campuses.

(SNBC NOTE: Atheist groups are attempting to attack the head coach of Auburn’s football team, Hugh Freeze and the campus chaplain, who participated in baptizing students.) Auburn University officials have not commented on their staff’s participation. Please continue to keep the students and the staff members on college campuses in prayer as the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to spread across colleges and universities in the U.S.

Abraham Accords marks third anniversary
The relationship between Israel and several Arab nations is continuing to develop this week. September 15th marked the third anniversary of the Abraham Accords signing in Washington, D.C. The treaty has also been an opening for additional treaties by other nations with Israel, following the signing of the document. The accords have helped Israel to continue diplomatic relationships with other predominantly Muslim countries. Trade has reportedly increase between Israel and other nations. Several nations are rumored to start diplomatic ties. Negotiations with the kingdom Saudi Arabia, one of the most prominent Muslim nations in the Middle East so far has not advanced. Saudi officials want Israel to offer land for a future Palestinian nation along with part of the capital of Jerusalem. Israeli officials have continued to refuse this request.

SNBC HEALTH report: How Blue Zones affect health
Have you ever wondered if any common characteristics exist between centenarians around the world? Bestselling author, longevity expert, and National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner wondered the same thing and went on a global quest to get answers. In his book Blue Zones, he reported a long, healthy life is no accident. We know it begins first with knowing God and walking in His wisdom. But what other characteristics were found in those who live long lives? The Sardinians from Italy Eat a lean, plant-based diet accented with meat, put family first, drink goat’s milk, celebrate elders, take a walk, and laugh with friends. Okinawans in Japan: Have a purpose in life, grow most of their plant-based foods (including herbs), maintain social networks, enjoy the sunshine, stay active, endure hardness, and have a slower pace of life, focusing on excellence---not competition. The Adventists of Loma Linda, California (the only U. S. Blue Zone): Keep the Sabbath and focus on God, maintain a healthy body mass index, exercise regularly, associate with like-minded friends, eat in moderation, and snack on nuts. They’re mostly vegetarians, drink plenty of water, and don’t drink or smoke. In addition to characteristics already mentioned, other Blue Zone centenarians including Costa Ricans and Greek Ikarians, drink calcium rich water, eat a light dinner, work hard, stay free from stress, drink lots of herbal teas, take mid-afternoon naps and fast occasionally. Centenarians in the newly added Blue Zone of Singapore prioritize walkable, clean environments and a tax break for people who keep their aging parents close. Buettner found that the recipe for longevity is deeply intertwined with community, lifestyle, and spirituality. People live longer and healthier by embracing a few simple but powerful habits, and by creating the right community around themselves.