NewLife Faith News - May 2nd
Compiled and Edited by Stan Hunt
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has released his memoir looking at his political career through the lens of his Christian faith. He delves into the way his beliefs influenced his approach to leadership.
Mr Morrison was notable for being the first Australian Prime Minister to identify as a Pentecostal. And he often attracted criticism for his overt displays of faith and public references to practices such as praying for guidance.
In his new book, “Plans for Your Good: A Prime Minister's Testimony of God's Faithfulness”, Mr Morrison takes readers on an even deeper journey into his faith. Full of Biblical references and spiritual quotations, the book has been described as in many ways more devotional resource than standard political autobiography.
Christian Today reports that after an initial launch in Sydney on May 9, a second launch will be held at the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC, on May 15.
Source: Christian Today
The animated “Superbook” is leading the way for millions of children to come to faith in Christ. Superbook, produced by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) uses quality animation in more than sixty languages and dialects to communicate with children in their heart language.
Ben Edwards, CBN International vice president says much of the dialogue is direct from the Bible. He says they know that when kids watch Superbook, they're getting a very strong biblical foundation.
Research shows ages four to fourteen, often known as the 4-14 window, is the age when people are most likely to receive Christ as their Saviour. Superbook reaches children when it's important to reach them with the Gospel, Mr Edwards says.
It is broadcast in more countries every year—reaching 143 countries and a projected 514 million viewers. The Superbook app has been downloaded more than 35 million times.
Source: CBN Christian World News
The faith-based movie Unsung Hero exceeded expectations in its first weekend, finishing No. 2 at the box office. It also gained a rare A+ from CinemaScore, a company that asks moviegoers on opening weekend to rate movies they’ve seen.
The movie is based on the story of David and Helen Smallbone, the parents of future Christian artists Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone of For King and Country. Unsung Hero follows the true story of an Australian couple who move with their six children to the U.S. in search of a brighter future but are forced to scramble when no jobs materialise.
Rebecca told Crosswalk there were a lot of anxious moments around that time. But we saw God show up for us at every turn and meet us in our time of need. Unsung Hero grossed an estimated $7.75 million during its opening weekend.
Source: Crosswalk
The Christian population in North Africa is growing as young leaders emerge in multiple cities.
Theological Education by Extension (PTEE) is having a positive effect in places like Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Tunisia.
In the early centuries of Christianity North Africa was a thriving centre of mission. A spokesman for PTEE (who can’t be named for security) told Mission Network News they are working to bring Muslim-majority North Africa back to its historic roots.
He says the growth of Christianity is being led by PTEE graduates who set up businesses from which they spread the Gospel. North African governments allow Christians to operate any business that helps people and the economy. As part of these businesses, PTEE can host classes.
Students are trained in business, then set up their own ventures with accompanying classes in Christianity. PTEE works with churches to provide leaders for the Arabic-speaking Church.
Source: Mission Network News
There is a lot of despair, pain and sadness in our lives right now. That’s how Dina from the Arab Israeli Bible Society describes the life of people in the war-torn region. Bible Society Australia, along with Bible Societies in Israel and Palestine, is providing practical and spiritual relief to communities, sharing the hope Jesus offers.
Dina says they considered how God would combat the darkness. She says they decided they would not take sides in the conflict but share practical help and spiritual tools to all for reconciliation, love and hope.
The allegiance of our ministry is to Christ, she says. Bible Society Australia along with other global Bible Societies is supporting emergency projects. They are assisting families in the Jenin refugee camp with food packages. And the supply of Bibles. They have also helped Bible Society Israel to aid 3000 evacuees from Gaza, giving practical necessities and Bibles.
Source: Sower: Bible Society Australia
The Assyrian bishop stabbed while preaching at a church in Sydney has suffered visual impairment in one of his eyes due to the incident. Two weeks after the stabbing, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel addressed the congregation gathered at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church in Wakeley.
The bishop wore an eyepatch over his right eye as he shared an Arabic and English sermon. The Christian Post reports that he describes his eye injury as a sacrifice that should be taken as a gesture of love to Muslims.
Bishop Emmanuel spent several days following the stabbing recovering in the hospital. He says he forgives his attacker and will always pray for him. The 16-year-old boy accused of the stabbing has been charged with a terrorism offense.
Four teenagers accused of being part of an extremist network that the 16-year-old is allegedly a part of, have been charged with conspiring to plan a terror attack.
Source: The Christian Post