NewLife Faith News - April 25th
Compiled and Edited by Stan Hunt
A new QR Bible is being distributed to pastors in isolated communities of Ecuador. Amid violence and natural disasters more than one hundred pastors were encouraged after receiving "QR Bible: Principles for Living" from Bible Society Ecuador.
It is a resource prepared by pastor Gene Getz author of more than 60 books. The Bible contains QR codes (hence the name) that can be scanned with a mobile phone to watch videos that explain principles for a Christian lifestyle.
Pastor Getz has included 1,500 Bible principles, from Genesis to Revelation. He told Christian Daily International the format, colours and design of this Bible are different from traditional Bibles, created intentionally for Latino people.
United Bible Societies with other organisations hope to distribute 50,000 Bibles, making 25,000 available for sale. Based on the resources generated, they will give 25,000 free copies to pastors and leaders who cannot afford them.
Source: Christian Daily International
A woman has begun an online Bible Listening Group in the Jamaican Creole language. Jamaican born Karen Roach, who now lives in England, was visiting her homeland and was surprised to find the New Testament translated into her native language.
After attending a training course with Wycliffe Caribbean Mrs Roach started the Listening Group which meets online from 7-8pm on Thursdays. She says they listen to a few Bible passages then have a discussion. Sometimes church leaders are invited to share.
English is the official language of Jamaica. Creole has influences of multiple languages. Mrs Roach told Premier News that hearing the Bible in her heart language has been life transforming. The entire New Testament has been translated into Creole.
Jonah, Ruth and Esther in the Old Testament have been completed and Genesis has been translated but not yet published.
Source: Premier Christian News
Elon Musk and his social media platform X face a daily fine of AUD$785,000. This follows his intention to contest an Australian government order demanding the removal of a video depicting the stabbing of an Assyrian bishop in Sydney.
The eSafety Commissioner of Australia ordered social media platforms X and Meta (Facebook’s parent company) to remove content depicting the attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. The video, initially livestreamed on the church’s social media channel, circulated widely raising concerns about its potential to incite further violence.
X’s global government affairs team released a statement condemning the Australian eSafety Commissioner’s decision to issue a takedown order, stating it violated the platform’s rules and Australian law. The X team told the Christian Post the company complied with the initial order while seeking a legal challenge.
But X now faces a daily fine for not complying with the commissioner’s new demand to withhold the video globally.
Source: The Christian Post
As a squad of Kenyan police head to Haiti, Kenya’s first lady Rachel Ruto has led a marathon prayer event asking God for their protection. Kenya police will be part of a 2,500 multinational police force to assist Haitian police restore order.
Haiti is reeling under gang-led terror, chronic violent political instability, and poverty. Mrs Ruto joined Christian ministry leaders to spend three days in prayer requesting God’s help for the Caribbean nation.
Worthy News reports that Mrs Ruto appealed to all Christians to join in prayer for this great country of Haiti because “we know the Lord can transform Haiti”. We have seen what God has done for the nation of Kenya, she says. We believe that with prayer everything is possible.
The 3-day prayer initiative was organized by President William Ruto’s Faith and Diplomacy office.
Source: Worthy News
A church in the UK has relocated to a former retail store because it has outgrown its premises. Rediscover Church has been based in the city of Exeter for 90 years but from last Sunday the services will be held in its new base which can seat one thousand people.
Mark Pugh Lead Pastor of the church told Premier News that more and more people are discovering who Jesus is and are coming to a personal relationship with Him. The new building will be called Pop Up Church.
They are inviting the community to their new premises to experience contemporary worship gatherings, and also to enjoy friendship and refreshments. The church says the former Store offers excellent facilities for youth and children’s activities, with multiple rooms and activity spaces.
The congregation helped to make the building ready for church, including painting and laying over 16,000 carpet tiles.
Source: Premier Christian News
A wave of concerned parents are warning families that Taylor Swift’s new album is filled with coarse language and adult themes. The Tortured Poets Department is a double album with 'The Anthology' A third of the 31 songs carry an “E” label for explicit content.
This refers to ‘any tracks with profanity or mature/suggestive themes,’ according to Spotify. Across the tracks, there are some references to drugs, sex, suicide, as well as swearing throughout. It isn’t the bubblegum, happy-clappy vibe of her previous hits.
Parents are concerned that the album is not appropriate for the youngest “Swifties” including Christians who have helped pack stadiums to hear the superstar. Several parents have told Crosswalk they would not want their ten-year-old child repeating every line.
All main streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube music and Amazon Music show when a song is explicit.
Source: Crosswalk