SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5th, 2023

Federal court rules in favor of Christian school
A federal court has ruled in favor of a Christian school in Colorado. The Darren Patterson Christian Academy will be allowed to participate in that state’s preschool funding program. The program gives money to preschool students attending school at least 15 hours a week. The state attempted to restrict the Christian school from any benefits by demanding they change the school’s criteria for employees. These demands included allowing employees that did not share the same beliefs about religion, gender, and sexuality. The school later sued based on religious discrimination. A federal court sided with the school. The courts also allowed the school to continue receiving benefits while continuing their legal battle against the state of Colorado. Attorneys for the school celebrated the decision saying the ban by the state was a violation of the school’s First Amendment rights.

Christians claim continued harassment by police over abortion clinic “silent prayer” demonstrations
Two Christians in the United Kingdom are speaking out after what they say is continued harassment by police. The two people, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, and Patrick Parkes say the harassment by police for silent prayers in front of abortion clinics has continued. Vaughn-Spruce’s incident was captured on video as a police officer questioned the woman as she stood across the street from an abortion clinic. According to the video footage, the officer asked Vaughn-Spruce if she was praying for unborn children, and if she was a member of a pro-life group. The woman was given a warning from the Birmingham City Council. A second Christian Patrick Parkes was also given a warning for silently praying in front of an abortion clinic. The Alliance Defending Freedom- UK is representing the two involved in both incidents. Counsel for the two called the incidents, “deeply Orwellian”, and an insult to freedoms that Britian is meant to protect. Citizens in the UK have also criticized the government for focusing on “woke agendas”, instead of making crime prevention a real priority.

District Judge rules in favor of Catholic pro-life clinic
More news from Colorado tonight. A federal judge in has ruled in favor of a Catholic health clinic. The clinic, Bella Health and Wellness, was being fined for administering a drug that helps an unborn baby survive a chemical abortion. The state had issued fines to the clinic, up to 20-thousand dollars per violation. US District Court Judge Daniel Domenico said in his judicial opinion, that the state’s ban on abortion reversal pills runs afoul of First Amendment Principles. Attorneys for the clinic as well as the owners of Bella Health and Wellness applauded the court’s decision.

SNBC HEALTH report: researchers are reporting a correlation between orange juice and heart health According to research orange juice and other citrus juices contain hesperidin, an antioxidant that benefits the heart. This nutrient helps improve blood health and reduce chronic inflammation. According to Dr. Lauren Manaker, citrus juice consumption lowers the risk of heart and stroke issues. According to the doctor hesperidin is beneficial in fighting against other issues as well. Research has shown benefits in the nutrient against diabetes, certain cancers, as well as heart disease. Dr. Manaker advises drinking a glass of juice each morning or adding it to a smoothie. Orange juice and other juices are normally loaded with sugar but there are options to combat this issue. Look for juices that have no sugar added, or freshly squeezed juices from health food stores. You can also make juices at home.

Israel ground offensive continues
SNBC NEWS is continuing to monitor the situation in Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces or IDF have invaded the West Bank and are continuing their offensive against the terrorist group Hamas. There have been demonstrations from protestors around the world, and a rise in pressure against Israel to stop the invasion. Israeli officials say they will end the offensive when Hamas is dismantled. The US has also announced support for Israel and has strongly pushed back against those protesting to end the invasion. We will continue to update you as this story develops.

SNBC NEWS FOR LIFE SUNDAY OCTOBER 29th, 2023

Christians in India as for prayer as persecution intensifies
Christians in India are requesting prayer from fellow believers following a wave of persecution in that nation. Officials in Northern India are reporting a Christian prayer center was demolished. Officials in the region claim Christians attacked the police and other government officials. The claims resulted in 18 pastors being arrested. Hindu nationalists later tore down the Christian worship facility and its mission center. Officials claim the building was erected illegally. They later charged one of the pastors, his wife and the pastor’s brother with conspiracy in a state accusing them of conspiring against the local government. The church was also charged with building illegally on government land without permission and charged $3,400; the cost the government says to tear down their church and missions’ facility. Christians in the nation of India say this is another form of persecution in an attempt to intimidate Christians. There has been a recent rise in attacks against Christians and other religions in the nation of India by Hindu nationalists. The ideology Hindutva is the belief that Hinduism should be the only faith recognized in India and other beliefs must be “wiped out”. The nation of India has 26 million Christians in that nation about 2.3 percent of the population. 

Israel prepares for ground invasion of Gaza Strip
The preparation of a ground offensive by Israel has received protest around the world. Government officials have spoken out asking Israeli officials to stop the ground assault citing the risk to innocent citizens. Instead of attempting to negotiate, the Palestinian Authority released a different response. According to a recent and official document the Palestinian Authority issued a statement calling for the murder of the Jewish people. The document was released in preparation for what Pro-Palestine supporters called a day of Jihad or a Day of Rage around the world. The document called on Islamic leaders to incite violence and murder. The document was published by the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments. It was later exposed by two Jewish organizations. In addition to the document, there is now a rise in Anti-Semitic attacks around the world. Several groups around the world used the day of Jihad to attack Jewish families, synagogues, and other properties. World leaders have continued to condemn these attacks as Israel continues to defend its borders from the terrorist group Hamas.

City of Seattle settles with Christian over religious discrimination
The city of Seattle has settled a case of discrimination involving a former city employee. David Body sued the city after being fired for what he alleged was religious discrimination. Body, who is a Christian says he was discriminated against after he requested an exemption from taking the COVID shot under the city’s mandate. The former employee of the city was denied the request and later fired. Attorneys for the Pacific Justice Institute represented David Body in the case. Attorneys from the organization say they hope this case is a message to other city governments that religious discrimination will not be unchallenged in the courts.

SNBC HEALTH report: researchers look at the effect of ultra-processed foods on the body
According to research the problem with ultra-processed foods goes beyond just consumption. Researchers from the University of Michigan voiced concern about the correlation between highly processed foods and its addictive nature. The research study followed 281 subjects in 36 different countries. 14 percent of adults and 12 percent of children in the study were found to have unhealthy addictions to ultra processed foods according to the study. Conducted using the Yale Food Addition Scale, the group noted the findings were close to the same levels as subjects with alcohol or tobacco addictions. They believe the connection to how fast the food processes in the body is a part of the reason for this kind of dependency developing. The researchers commented ultra-processed foods act almost as a form of dopamine to the brain allowing a kind of high when the food is consumed. The food, however, tends to be high in cholesterol, calories, and empty, but high in carbs. This means the person eating may not get a feeling of being full causing them to overeat. The good news is that according to nutritionists not associated with this study, the key to eating better is mindset. Eating healthier foods, limiting processed foods when possible, and making efforts to change learned behaviors towards food will help combat issues with consuming highly processed foods. We as the Body of Christ also have the most effective weapons to take authority over our bodies; prayer, the Word of God and meditating on scripture.

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.