Teen With Cerebral Palsy Crowned Homecoming Queen

A very special young lady was crowned homecoming queen at Waverly-Shell Rock Senior High School in Waverly, Iowa, on Sept. 23.
“The student body enjoys Courtney being around,” Jeremy Langner, the school’s associate principal, told the press. “She really embodies the community as well, with her love for learning and the passion for being a Go-Hawk. On a daily basis she brings the right attitude.”
Those are typical characteristics for someone you’d expect to earn the coveted homecoming queen title, but for Courtney Tharp, 17, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was only nine months old, this shining moment meant more to her than the other members of the homecoming court.
“She was really excited,” said Langner. “At first she was reluctant to respond, but she started giving everybody high fives. Her face was priceless. It was a really neat moment.”
When Courtney’s nomination was first announced, her mother, Amy Tharp, 43, was admittedly a little apprehensive.

Kanye West says ‘I’m a Christian’

 In a recent interview by Kris Jenner, the mother of his girlfriend Kim Kardashian, popular hip hop artiste Kanye West is noted to have announced publicly that he is a Christian. Though he is known for his outlandish displays of bravado, this time Mr. West shocked the world with his openness and emotional vulnerability. In the 43-minute live studio audience interview, Kanye opened up about his relationship, fatherhood, past failures and then went on to surprise many when he announced “I’m a Christian, and I just wanted to always let people know that’s what’s on my mind.” Obviously, due to his lyrical content and the recent release of his album Yeezus, his declaration was described as surprising and confusing.  The artiste whose rise in the music industry can be described as meteoric was sighted sporting a WWJD (what would Jesus do) bracelet, he asserted, “It’s important to me that I grow, walk and raise my family with Christian values.”

Bishop David Oyedepo: Purported to Watch beating of Government Workers by Church Members

For the second time, some members of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, better known as Winners Chapel have attacked another set of officials of Ogun State Government.

A reporter and cameraman of the state television station, OGTV, were the latest victims.

The State Commisioner for Information and Strategy,Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu,identified the assaulted officials as Mr Peter Falomo, a reporter with OGTV and his cameraman, Lekan Egunjobi.

The duo,according to the statement by the commissioner, were severely beaten and their camera was damaged when they went to the Ota premises of the church to cover the service of building inspection notices by officials of the Ministry Of Urban and Physical Planning.

The video camera of the TV crew was forcibly seized and damaged in the process. The camera was only released after the recording had been wiped off.

“Apart from the TV crew, two officials of the Ministry were also injured by the irate church members who prevented the team from entering the premises.

“The assault was witnessed by the Head Pastor of the Church, Bishop David Oyedepo who equally was visibly angry by the decision of the officials to attempt to carry out their statutory duties in his church premises.

FORBES Five Richest Pastors In Nigeria

Forbes: Mfonobong Nseche's submission of five Richest Pastors in Nigeria, bases their worth largely on the fact that the assets of the church are in the names of the listed Pastors. He leaves us asking the question "if Pastors are en-tiled to legitimately make a fair income and not be judged for trying to ex-tort her people or be accused of using the church's offering and tithe for personal enrichment." 

He states that God is good, especially if you’re a Nigerian pastor with some business savvy. These days, millions of souls, desperate for financial breakthroughs, miracles and healing, all rush to the church for redemption. And while the bible expressly states that salvation is free, at times it comes with a cost: offerings, tithes, gifts to spiritual leaders, and a directive to buy literature and other products created by men of God.

Pastors are no longer solely interested in getting people to Heaven; they’ve devised intelligent ways to make good money while reaching out to souls.

Take Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, for example. He is the founder and lead pastor of the Christ Embassy, a thriving congregation with branches in Nigeria, South Africa, London, Canada and the United States. His publishing company, Loveworld Publications, publishes ‘Rhapsody of Realities,’ a monthly devotional he co-authors with his wife. It sells over 2 million copies every month at $1 apiece. He also owns television stations, newspapers, magazines, a hotel, a fast-food chain, and more.

Gospel Night Live! K-Sticks, Midnight Crew, Monique, A’dam, House Of Psalms Set To Thrill Today

The unique, a la carte gospel show dubbed ‘Gospel Night Live’ that took Lagos by storm in May 2012 is back. This time the event will be holding at the prestigious 2000-seating capacity UNILAG’s main auditorium. This writer agrees that this is a good move away from the 200- seating space in Rodizzio GRA where the show held for several months last year.
According to the organizer, Tunde Makinwa, “We had to take a break to reorganize and plan a better show that will continue to run monthly in a bigger and conducive venue in line with the goal of providing a platform for both new and established gospel acts. The vision of GNLive remains the same and our resolve is stronger than ever. Our mission is to showcase high quality African gospel music on a world-class pedestal in order to increase its attractiveness and consequently the earning power of the genre.” The program is still powered by Spinlet who have facilitated the monthly concert’s migration to a much larger venue.

John Kumuyi's wedding controversy: Father offers to resign

                 •National overseer in Jamaica removed                    • Couple Suspended 

John Kumuyi and his wife, Love had engaged in acts, which negated the church’s tradition during their wedding held in Jamaica on June 15, 2013. Love, who is a daughter of the National Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Jamaica, Pastor Augustine Odih,  was dressed in a fitted stylish wedding gown with transparent short sleeves. She also wore makeup, jewelry and carried a bouquet of flowers. The couple cruised in a limousine and had a huge wedding cake.

The misdemeanor, which attracted widespread criticisms, had earned the newlyweds suspension from church activities despite showing remorse and tendering an apology to the church, blaming their misconduct on the fact that both of them had resided abroad for so long.

Tunde Bakare Blasts New APC Party; Calls them "Bunch Of Looters"

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of the Latter Rain Ministries commenting on the newly approved political party in Nigeria, APC, in a recent interview called them "A Bunch Of Looters"
 The former running mate to General Buhari, blasted the members of All Progressives Congress calling them bunch of looters.
Tunde Bakare claims that most of the members of this new party are richer than their states, after they had looted them dry.

Pastor Adeboye Justifies Purchase Of Private Jet

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God,justifies the reason for the purchase of a private jet.
In an interview with global news channel, Aljazeera, responding to a specific question on why he needed to acquire a private jet,
stated that this was a needed tool to help facilitate his over-sight functions of the various branches of the church across 160 countries, a work he cannot do on a bicycle.

Though considered unique in his simple appearance and un-flamboyant lifestyle, Pastor Adeboye is one of the increasing numbers of Pentecostal pastors that have acquired private jets,of which some Nigerians have expressed their reservations.

The other private jet acquiring pastors include David Oyedepo, the head of the Living Faith Church Worldwide; and Ayo Oritsejafor, the current President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

Skeptics have also drawn our attention to the fact that these Pastors' preside over churches with hundreds of thousands of poor people, but others believe that millions of people have benefited from the grace of God upon their lives, most of whom are behind the acquisition of such jets for their esteemed Pastors.

Tyler Perry Lays Hands On Bishop T.D. Jakes, Donates $1 Million To Youth Cente

Bishop T.D. Jakes recently brought his MegaFest inspirational event to Dallas which included various events featuring Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, to name a few.

One of the notable highlights came from Tyler Perry' laying of hands on Bishop T.D. Jakes. Perry, who attended Sunday morning service at Jakes’ Potters House church to announce his $1 million donation towards the influential spiritual leader’s developing youth center, took to the mic and towards the end of a rousing speech placed his hand on Jakes' head and blessed him.

“I love to give,” he said to those in attendance. “I’ve been a giver all my life. And when people have given to you, and sewn into you. And God has touched them and given you favor… See, they don’t understand it where I come from. They don’t understand it in Hollywood, but I’m going to tell you something about the blood of Jesus.”

Street Preacher Arrested in Scotland

                                  PERTH SCOTLAND

A Christian street preacher was arrested in Perth on Wednesday last week for "breach of the peace".

The Reverend Josh Williamson, pastor of Craigie Reformed Baptist Church, is the third Christian street preacher to be arrested in the UK since July.

The Christian Legal Centre, which reported his arrest, said the trend pointed to "an increasing hostility towards Christianity".

Mr Williamson, who regularly takes to the streets to hand out Christian flyers and engage in open air preaching, was arrested whilst addressing a crowd on one of the main streets in Perth.

The arresting police officer told him he was breaking the law by being in "breach of the peace".

When asked to explain further, the officer contended that the MP3 recorder Mr Williamson was using was too loud.

When Mr Williamson said he was not using any amplification and asked what an acceptable level of volume would be, the officer said the noise level was not the issue but that a complaint had been made against him, the Christian Legal Centre reports.

The officer then told Mr Williamson he would be arrested if he continued to preach. Mr Williamson was arrested when he informed the officer that he would not comply because he was not breaking the law.

A second man, who spoke up in defence of Mr Williamson's right to preach was also arrested at the scene.

In A Terrorist Related Violence In Nigeria last week; 160 Feared Dead

160 people are believed to have died in terrorist related violence last week in Nigeria's Yobe and Borno States.

According to a news release from human rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), on the evening of Sept. 18, Boko Haram members armed with Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers and homemade bombs are reported to have stormed Yadi Buni Town in Yobe State.

CSW said they set fire to a makeshift police station, telecommunications masts, parts of the local government headquarters and the home of the divisional police head, whose wife was burned to death inside the building.
The son of the Yobe Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) youth leader is also said to have been killed, while one soldier and nine sect members died in an ensuing shootout.

On Sept. 17, 143 commuters were killed and several abducted when well armed Boko Haram gunmen in military fatigues and bullet proof vests ambushed vehicles along the busy Maiduguri to Damaturu Express Way in the early evening. Travelers were reportedly asked to produce their ID cards, then lined up and shot.

Pope Bluntly Faults The Catholic Church’s Focus on Gays and Abortion

Pope Francis, in an extensive interview said that the Roman Catholic church had grown “obsessed” with preaching about abortion, gay marriage and contraception, and that he has chosen not to speak of those issues despite recriminations from some critics.
 In remarkably blunt language, Francis sought to set a new tone for the church, saying it should be a “home for all” and not a “small chapel” focused on doctrine, orthodoxy and a limited agenda of moral teachings.

“It is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time,” the pope told the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a fellow Jesuit and editor in chief of La Civiltà Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit journal whose content is routinely approved by the Vatican. “The dogmatic and moral teachings of the church are not all equivalent. The church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently.

“We have to find a new balance,” the pope continued, “otherwise even the moral edifice of the church is likely to fall like a house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel.”

Harvesters Business Leadership Conference Addresses the Issue of “The HeArt of Business Leadership”!

The event featured Thrive Business Clinic in which a panel led by Tonye Cole (Co-founder and Executive Director of Sahara Group) engaged participants in an interactive Q&A session. Other panelists include Jude Anele (a senior executive in Diamond Bank), Ope Filani (General Manager, Sales (West Africa), ABN 360 Group), George Agbonlahor Jr (Serial Entrepreneur), and Shadrach Madlion (an Agriculture Entrepreneur and former UNEP consultant).

“The HeArt of Business Leadership” lead guest speaker Dr. Sam Chand, who is a renowned speaker, author and leadership guru, capped the sessions with insights on how to grow and lead in business. One major point that cuts across all the speakers at the summit is that a good business leader is one that takes his goals and his team’s goals into consideration at all times.

TYLER PERRY'S 44 LESSONS TO THE WORLD

The successful actor, author, producer, director, screenwriter, and TV mogul born Emmitt Perry Jr, but now popularly known as Tyler Perry turned 44 on Friday the 13th of September and had 44 thoughts to share with the world via face book. 

His birthday message which he posted on his face book wall titled ''44 FOR 44'' was simple and reads ''at 44, here are 44 things that I have learned and know to be true. Have a great day today my friends''

1. Yes, God is real.

2. Your gift can make room for you.

3. A baby can heal broken hearts.

4. A mother's love is stronger than distance, more powerful than time and can transcend the grave.

5. Take time to smell the roses but be careful of the bees.

6. God will really make your enemy your footstool.

7. A footstool is only needed when you need to get higher. Let your enemy lift you. 

10 Biggest Mistakes Made by Christians in the Movie Entertainment Industry

As a television and film producer and director based in Los Angeles, California – the home of global entertainment giants like Warner Brothers Studios, Sony Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, NBC, and more, I meet a lot of Christians who come to Hollywood to seek their fame and fortune. There’s no question that Christian media professionals can make an impact in the entertainment industry, and we shouldn’t shy away from putting our imprint as people of faith in that arena. But over the years I’ve also seen Christians who come to Hollywood unprepared for the difficult challenges of making their mark in the business. This is probably the most competitive business in the world, and in Hollywood you meet thousands of actors, directors, writers, and producers, who are constantly out of work. Therefore, to make a mark for God, we have to first make sure we have the experience, the background, the vision, and the skills for moving into this difficult but potentially fruitful arena.

Teenage Marriage? By Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu

There has been an outcry on social media about a bill in the Nigerian Senate to legalise child marriage. The bone of contention simply ‘ Instead, they gave a legislative seal of approval for the marriage of underage girls. That means even a 5 year old toddler could be married off by her parents’ Purported to be pushed by Senator Yerima Ahmed Sani,the former governor of Zamfara state,the institutor of sharia law and admittedly a colourful and controversial figure.

There is no reference to where this legislative seal lies. Which section, of which constitution. All that is going round is an advocacy outcry and anti-child marriage logos. If this rage against the so called amendment legalising child marriage is to remind us of Yerima’s marriage to an Egyptian girl a few years ago, then let us clearly say so. Again if the aim is to create awareness against child marriage, then kudos again but let us be clear. But to mix up the two issues is mischievous and unnecessary.

6 Nigerians On The Forbes ‘Top 30 Under 30 African Entrepreneurs’ List

Six Nigerians join Young entrepreneurs who are changing the face of Africa. Forbes set out to produce a list of the 30 Africans under 30 years old who are making the most dramatic impact across the continent.

Jonathan Liebmann, South African
Real Estate developer, CEO of Propertuity

Liebmann, 28, is the Managing Director of Propertuity, a South African Real Estate development company and the brains behind the construction of the Maboneng Precinct, a thriving cultural district in the east side of Johannesburg’s CBD. Once a neglected and deteriorating neighborhood housing abandoned industrial complexes, Liebmann transformed Maboneng into a vibrant urban mixed-use community complete with Art galleries, artist studios, retail spaces, offices and artist studios.

Patrick Ngowi, Tanzanian
CEO, Helvetic Solar Contractors

Nine years ago, Patrick Ngowi, 28, received a small loan from his mother to start off a business. He started off selling Chinese mobile phones, but when he discovered that a tiny fraction of Tanzanians enjoyed any access to stable and reliable electricity, he knew he had to rectify that problem. Ngowi set up Helvetic Solar Contractors Limited, a company that is a pioneer in the supply, installation and maintenance of solar systems throughout the Northern Circuit of Tanzania. Helvetic Solar Contractors is the first company in the Northern Circuit to cater for Solar needs. The company did about $3 million in revenues last year.

Israel Sued Over Jesus’ Death by a kenyan lawyer

The International Court of Justice in The Hague Was petitioned by Former Kenyan Judiciary spokesman, to annul the trial and death sentence against Jesus Christ, nearly 2000 years ago. Dola Indidis is also suing Israel, Italy, King Herod, Pontius Pilate, various Jewish “wise men” and the Roman Emperor Tiberius for what he considers an illegal trial which “violated Jesus’ human rights”. “I filed the case because it’s my duty to uphold the dignity of Jesus and I have gone to the ICJ to seek justice for the man from Nazareth,” Indidis told The Nairobian, a Kenyan newspaper.“Evidence today is on record in the Bible, and you cannot discredit the Bible,” the lawyer told a Kenyan website Citizen News. After failing to convince the Kenyan High Court in Nairobi 2007 to hear the case, Indidis decided to turn to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, even though the institution only rules on territorial disputes between member states of the United Nations.

THE OLU OF WARRI 'S TRADITIONAL NAME RENOUNCIATION SAGA!

What's in a name? This question is one which natives of Warri have had to contemplate on over the past few days. It is no longer news that the Olu of Warri has joined the growing numbers of kings who have decided to embrace the Christian faith. What is news is the recent decision by the king to renounce the traditional title ''Ogiame'' on the basis that it meant ''king of all water gods and goddesses''. In a document titled ''The New Order of Iwere Kingdom'' where he renounced the name, the Olu of Warri is purported to have stated: “I also repent for the name and title of “Ogiame” that my ancestors and I have borne, as it connotes our allegiance to Umalokun (goddess of the river) and other deities of the sea, all of which are false gods. Today, I renounce our allegiance to Umalokun and other gods of the sea, land and sky. On behalf of the royal bloodline, the throne, the people of Iwere land, I publicly enter into a new covenant with God.” The above renouncement gave rise to a week-long occurrence which found the community under tension, but was eventually resolved with the intervention of Governor Uduaghan who was said to have had to cut short his official engagement in Abuja to meet with the palace chiefs and monarch. A cheering crowd who had earlier embarked on a protest was what decorated the front of the king's palace. Now that normalcy has been restored to the land certain questions still linger on. Was there anything fussy about the name that informed the king's decision to renounce it in the first place? Was the change of name such a big issue and sufficient enough to have amounted to a protest by the people which might have resulted in casualties? What is your opinion?

Pastor Oritsejafor to lead protest against senators on Child marriage

 The Christian Association President of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, on Tuesday said he would lead Nigerians to protest against the Senate resolution to amend Section 29 (4) (b) of the 1999 Constitution under which married underage girls are deemed to be adults.

Statement credited to former Governor of Zamfara State Ahmed Yerima stated that the proposal for the deletion of the section contravened Islamic Law, this the association seriously frowns at.

Pastor Oritsejafor,  in a statement, described Yerima’s argument as offensive, saying, “It presupposes that Nigeria, a secular state, is populated only by Muslims.”

The CAN President, who urged the Senate to
revisit the child marriage issue, also called on Nigerians to reject the resolution which he described as provocative and dehumanising.

Survey shows Increase in digital Reading of God's Word by Americans

A recent survey by the American Bible Society (ABS) revealed that the number of Bible readers who use their smart phone or cell phone to search for Bible content has increased each year.

According to a report in the Washington Examiner, more and more Americans are reaching for some inspiration from the Bible—online that is.

With the convenient availability of Scripture on your tablet, or smartphone, digital inspiration from the Word seems to be on the increase.

John Kerry Intensifies Effort to Free Pastor Saeed Abedini

A nationwide prayer vigil for Abedini on Sept. 26 at the instance of his wife, Naghmeh. The vigils have been scheduled in nearly every state in America and numerous foreign cities, with more being added daily.

SOS Kerry(Washington, DC)—Secretary of State John Kerry's statement urging Iran to allow American Pastor Saeed Abedini to return to his family is an important diplomatic step in the effort for his freedom.

Jordan Sekulow in an article for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) said, "We welcome this renewed involvement and effort initiated by Secretary Kerry to bring Pastor Saeed ...back home to his wife and young children."

Secretary Kerry's statement comes just days after the Iranian judiciary denied Abedini's appeal and affirmed his conviction and eight year prison sentence.

This statement from America's top diplomat reaffirms that despite the legal decision in Iran, the fight for Abedini's freedom is far from over.
It is a critical time to reengage Iran, to use all diplomatic avenues to secure his release.

Teenage College Genius Credits God

The girl with an I.Q. Of 199 was homeschooled and entered college at the age of 11.

Thessalonika n family(Great Lakes, IL)—Thessalonika Arzu-Embry is preparing to graduate from college. She attends Chicago State University, is majoring in psychology and has a 3.9 GPA. After graduation, she plans on getting a Psy.D in clinical psychology.

By the way, she's 14-years-old.

Thessalonika n familyThessalonika, who has an I.Q. Of 199, and her brother were homeschooled by their mother, Wonder Embry. According to a report on CBN News, "as devout Christians, Thessalonika and her family begin each day with prayer and Bible study. Her family attends Bill Winston Ministries in Forest Park, Illinois."