NewLife Faith News - April 12th
Compiled and Edited by Stan Hunt
A Christian apologetics organization has launched a curriculum for Christian schools. Known for its arguments for young earth creationism, Answers in Genesis’ new program is called "Twelve Stones Curriculum,"
The name "Twelve Stones" derives from the Bibe where God tells the Israelites to build a memorial of 12 stones to remember when they miraculously crossed the Jordan River. The program is designed for Bible classes in Christian schools, providing students with apologetic and worldview resources.
Christa Ebert, with Answers in Genesis, told The Christian Post the program was created because a student's biblical worldview begins in the early years of life. The goal is to help students develop a solid biblical foundation and proper worldview that will prepare them to stand firm in their faith.
Currently, the curriculum is available for kindergarten to second grade, with work still being done on the content for grades three through 12.
Source: The Christian Post
The Church of England has allocated nearly £8.5 million (more than Au$16 million) for initiatives to advance the Christian faith. This includes programs for parish renewal, children's and youth outreach and church planting.
Grants have been sanctioned for missions nationwide, with a significant portion designated for areas with low incomes. The grants will also facilitate chaplaincy services in secondary schools and offer support and seed funding for 25 churches to enhance their engagement with local secondary schools.
In the Diocese of Durham, £4.7 million (around Au$9 million) has been earmarked over seven years to fund such initiatives as the establishment of 20 new hubs within churches for children and youth ministries.
Premier News reports that additionally, training opportunities will be provided for 600 individuals involved in youth and children's ministries. Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board is dispensing the money.
Source: Premier Christian News
Hillsong founders Brian and Bobbie Houston are calling for volunteers to join their new online ministry, JesusFollowers.TV. The megachurch pioneers issued this call through social media. The post reads in part - “Are you passionate to see the ongoing spread of the Gospel? Are you passionate for purpose and calling?
“If so, you are welcome to enquire about joining the launch team at BrianAndBobbie.com.” Though details about the new ministry remain scarce, this marks Mr Houston's return to ministry following his resignation as leader of Hillsong in 2022.
He stepped down amidst allegations of inappropriate contact with two women, alongside various legal and financial issues. Premier News reports he had previously said he would be commencing a church in the spring of 2024. In his latest update, Mr Houston announced the online ministry will launch during the first weekend in June.
Source: Premier Christian News
A “Turkish Tapestry” tour in September will lead travellers through biblical history to see the love of God in action. Operation Mobilisation (OM) and Selah Travel are combining to connect the past and present in a tapestry of faith, love and history.
Led by Dr Allan Demond, senior pastor of NewHope Baptist Church, Melbourne, the tour will trace the footsteps of biblical history. It will in visit Istanbul, Pergamum, Sardis, Ephesus, Laodicea, Gallipoli, and a day trip to the Isle of Patmos among other places.
Dr Demond says the tour will connect with the work of OM as they share the Gospel with refugees and earthquake survivors. It will weave a contemporary narrative of compassion and hope, he says.
OM’s Turkiye goals this year include sharing God’s Word with at least 2.5 million people by using digital media, outreach, and personal witnessing. Anyone interested in the tour should contact Selah Christian Tours.
Source: Operation Mobilisation
A popular U.S. company that closes its restaurants every Sunday and has a corporate goal to “glorify God” set another sales record in 2023. Chick-fil-A generated $21.58 billion in sales last year, a 14.7 percent increase over 2022 and a 43 percent increase over 2021.
The restaurant chain has “essentially doubled its total sales volume since 2018, according to Technomic Ignite data cited by Nation’s Restaurant News. Chick-fil-A’s restaurants are closed Sundays, a practice that began in 1946 with founder, Truett Cathy.
He saw the importance of closing on Sundays so that he and his employees could set aside one day to rest, enjoy their families or worship if they choose. Crosswalk reports the official corporate purpose is to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to them. And to have a positive influence on all who meet them.
Source: Crosswalk
Ukraine has lowered its draft age from 27-years-old to 25 to increase its forces fighting Russia’s invasion. The bill signed into law by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, drafts men at 25, but they won’t be sent into combat until their 27th birthday.
However, Mission Network News reports the Ukrainian Parliament is also considering a bill that would lower the mobilization age to 25. Eric Mock with Slavic Gospel Association says the grinding years of this war have taken many young lives. More than a half million soldiers have been killed or seriously injured.
The decision to lower the draft age is costly in more ways than one, as it will take more men from pulpits, he says. Around one-third of pastors and church leaders have either left the country or currently serve as military chaplains. SGA is helping its partner churches train 1,000 missionary pastors to fill the gaps.
Source: Mission Network News
JobSeeker payments fail to keep up with rising living costs, as some of Australia’s lowest income earners struggle to stay financially afloat. Latest research by Anglicare Australia found most Centrelink payments, which are only raised by CPI, are failing to cover basic costs.
Anglicare executive director Kasy Chambers says people on lower incomes are paying a higher price for rising living costs than others. She told news.com people on low incomes did not create Australia’s cost-of-living crisis. They shouldn’t be asked to pay a higher price for it.
The research shows that it costs more to be poor, as essential costs are growing much faster than inflation. Anglicare Australia is calling on the government to immediately increase payments.
Their “Back to Basics” research recommends raising the rate of Centrelink payments, making the minimum wage a living wage, and creating cheaper insurance and energy options for people who need them.
Source: news.com
A three-part docuseries about the Old Testament hero Moses, has ranked among the top 10 most popular series on Netflix since its release in March. The docuseries "Testament: The Story of Moses”, features perspectives from Muslims and Christian leaders, along with Jewish rabbis and experts, to delve into the background and history of Moses.
Kelly McPherson, executive producer of the series, told Christian Post ‘Prince of Egypt’ and ‘Ten Commandments,’ are great films, but Moses is almost presented in them as superhuman. This series sheds light on the inner life and personal struggles of the iconic biblical figure, she says.
Throughout the series, dramatizations bring to life key moments from Moses' story. The series incorporates viewpoints from different faith traditions, with a particular emphasis on Moses' prophetic link to Jesus Christ. “Testament: The Story of Moses” comes amid a renewed interest in faith-based projects, particularly those dramatizing biblical stories.
Source: The Christian Post