Black Church Newswire

Black Leaders Say Obama Can Expect Backlash for Backing Homosexual Marriage

2012-05-18T13:38:58Z

With President Barack Obama's comments May 9 that he supports gay marriage, his now explicit position on the controversial topic could energize his base, but it could also energize backers of traditional marriage--who remain a strong force despite growing support for same-sex marriage.

]]> The swing state of North Carolina overwhelmingly passed a marriage amendment the day before his remarks, and 30 other states have passed similar constitutional amendments. Several more will vote on marriage measures this year. Opposition to same-sex marriage is strong in the black community: Heavily African-American counties in North Carolina overwhelmingly approved the traditional marriage amendment. Harry Jackson, a black pastor who has fought efforts to legalize same-sex marriage around the country, said Democrats shouldn't be overconfident in the African-American vote: "Although many political analysts believe this announcement will blow over by November, they seem to forget that President Bush won Florida and Ohio in 2004 because of a 7 to 11 percent shift in the black vote alone."

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SOURCE: WORLD Mag

Trayvon Martin Was Shot at "Intermediate Range"

2012-05-17T12:49:54Z

The autopsy report on Trayvon Martin shows he died from a single gunshot wound to the chest fired from "intermediate range," NBC News is reporting.

NBC, which says it reviewed the report by the medical examiner in Volusia County, Fla., does not define "intermediate range."

]]> The autopsy also found one other fresh injury on 17-year-old Trayvon- an abrasion, no more than a quarter-inch in size, on his left ring finger below the knuckle.

A three-page medical report listed injuries George Zimmerman allegedly suffered during his deadly confrontation with Trayvon on Feb. 26. Zimmerman's doctor examined him the day after and reported he suffered a "closed fracture" of his nose, two black eyes, two lacerations to the back of his head and a minor back injury.

The medical report is among the evidence the special prosecutor filed Monday as part of Zimmerman's trial on charges of second-degree murder. Zimmerman says Trayvon attacked him, so he shot him in self-defense.

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SOURCE: USA Today

Michael Winter

Why Obama's Support for Same-Sex Marriage Has Damaged His Reputation In the Black Church

2012-05-16T13:48:16Z

The question of the black church's response to President's Obama's revelation of his views on same-sex unions should have a simple and direct answer. Congregations of the faithful might consider sending a letter to the president of this sentiment:

]]> Dear Mr. President,

Your recent expression of your understanding of 'marriage' is troubling to us. There are no tenets that can be identified as Christian that allow for anyone to view homosexuality as acceptable. The Christian faith holds to the Bible as the truth, for it has given ample evidence of being the very words of God to man. It is the Bible that reveals marriage to be a union between a man and a woman; it is the Bible that reveals all homosexual activity to be sinful. Therefore we would reject your so-called Christian understanding of same-sex marriage as uninformed and false.

Wide is the gap between what you and we are teaching our children -- the next generation of American workers and leaders. Christian parents have a responsibility to raise their children to fear the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Because the Bible reveals God's standards for right and wrong, there will be many times when the Lord's words come into conflict with human sensibilities. Therefore, while your daughters could not imagine their friends' same-sex union parents being treated differently, you, as their father, would have the responsibility to tell them that their friends' parents participate in immoral acts, although they might be otherwise nice people. This should not be difficult for you to share with your girls, for we suspect you teach them something similar about their friends' parents who commit adultery, and about the subtle racism of some tax-paying Americans.

The use of your daughters' thoughts on this issue is interesting. It seems to be a political move intended to draw emotional sympathy with your position on same-sex unions uniquely. Certainly, as those who uphold the value of the family -- where family is truthfully defined and practiced -- we would expect that you would share with your daughters as much of your life, as the leader of the free world, as you can without compromising our national security. However, we do not believe for one moment that you gain wisdom on matters of this magnitude from your daughters' guileless, youthful comprehension of their experiences. Americans can be fairly certain that you would not say to us that you would stop drone attacks on our enemies because your daughters have taken a revisionist stance on the capturing and killing of Bin Laden. Instead, tenderly, we believe that you would say to your daughters that you must think about greater matters that keep you up at night.

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SOURCE: Baptist Press

Eric C. Redmond

Evangelist Daniel Whyte III, President of Gospel Light Society International, Calls for Global Day of Fasting and Prayer for America and the World

2012-05-15T15:53:10Z

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Commences the 165-day Global Call to Fasting and Prayer for America and the World

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 is the day that the President of the United States and leader of the free world, Barack Obama, broke thousands of years of Godly biblical tradition and announced to the world that he supports homosexual marriage. Along with other fasting opportunities, Evangelist Daniel Whyte III is calling upon all believers to join him in fasting at least one meal every Wednesday through the election (everyone is encouraged to fast the whole 24 hour period, but if you cannot do that, please fast at least one meal), praying and asking God for the following:

]]> 1. That all races understand that neither Romney nor Obama is the answer, but Jesus is the answer.

2. That we as pastors and churches repent of our hypocrisy because the church is more guilty than the government for the state of affairs in this country. The Bible says, "Judgment must begin at the house of God."

3. That both Obama and Romney, who claim to be believers, would confess their sins and repent of lying, dishonesty, hypocrisy, and intentionally deceiving people for political gain.

4. That President Obama will repent of being a Judas and betraying the Lord, betraying the Lord's church, betraying America, betraying thousands of black, white, and hispanic pastors who tried to help him, and betraying his own people who have overwhelmingly supported him; and as a Christian, that he would stand up, humble himself, and apologize to the nation for making such an abominable decision and statement.

5. For the salvation of millions of people in this country and in the world, including those in the homosexual community.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God..." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

"And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:29)

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This twenty-four hour fast will begin after breakfast on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 and will end at breakfast on Thursday, May 17, 2012. This one-day fast will commence an extended period of fasting and prayer which will end on November 6, 2012 (election day). Gospel Light Society is calling on all Christians around the world who believe in traditional marriage and who are willing to stand up for God's Word to unite in fasting and prayer for any length of time during this 165 day period. Those who wish to participate may fast for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 30 days, 40 days, or any amount of time that God leads them to fast.

Gospel Light Society International is a global online ministry that seeks to present the Gospel to all people, in every language, around the world "by any means necessary". In many languages, GLS seeks to share the Gospel of Christ and help new believers grow in the saving knowledge of Jesus by connecting them with a church or a home Bible study group. For more information, visit http://www.GospelLightSociety.com

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over twenty books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message and The Prophet Daniel's Report. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children.

Obama says Homosexual Marriage Stance was the 'Right Thing to Do'

2012-05-15T12:01:50Z

President Barack Obama on Monday defended his view that gay couples should have the right to marry, saying that the country has never gone wrong when it "expanded rights and responsibilities to everybody." ]]> "That doesn't weaken families. That strengthens families," he told gay and lesbian supporters and others at a fundraiser hosted by singer Ricky Martin and the LGBT Leadership Council. "It's the right thing to do."

The remarks were his first to such an audience since he announced his personal support for same-sex marriage last week. They came on a day that Obama was making a targeted appeal to three core voting blocs - women, young people, and gays and lesbians. He gave a commencement address to Barnard College, a women's college, and taped an interview on "The View," a popular day-time talk show aimed at women.

Democrats hope Obama's politically risky embrace of gay marriage will re-energize supporters who had been frustrated by his previous assertions that his views on the hot-button social issue were "evolving."

Women, young people and gay voters all made up crucial voting blocs for Obama in the 2008 election. With the president locked in a close race with Republican rival Mitt Romney, his campaign is focused on rallying support among those groups once again.

"At root, so much of this has to do with a belief that not only are we all in this together but all of us are equal in terms of dignity and in terms of respect, and everybody deserves a shot," he told about 200 supporters at the fundraising event.

Obama also called for repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman. His administration has refused to defend the law in court challenges, and while Obama has voiced support for its repeal before, he specifically listed repeal as a goal.

Romney has said he believes that marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman. Although Obama did not mention Romney's stance, he cast his challenger as a "rubber stamp" for congressional Republicans and cited his 2008 opponent, Sen. John McCain, as a far more independent Republican who believed in climate change and in the need for overhauling the immigration system.

"What we've got this time out is a candidate who's said he would basically rubber stamp the Republican Congress and who wants us to go backwards and not forward," Obama said.

Earlier in the day, during his address at Barnard, Obama urged the graduates to fight for their place at "the head of the table" and help lead a country still battered by economic woes toward brighter days. "I believe that the women of this generation will help lead the way," he said.

The president's choice of Barnard as his first commencement address of the spring underscored the intense focus both candidates have placed on women. An Associated Press-GfK poll conducted earlier this month showed Obama with a sizable advantage over Romney with women voters, 54 percent to 39 percent.

Obama acknowledged that today's college graduates are entering a shaky job market. To those who say overcoming the nation's challenges isn't possible, Obama said, "Don't believe it." He told the graduates that if they ever despair, they should think of the country's history and what young generations before them have achieved.

"Young folks who marched and mobilized and stood up and sat in from Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall they didn't just do it for themselves, they did it for other people," Obama said. "That's how we achieved women's rights, that's how we achieved voting rights, that's how we achieved workers' rights, that's how we achieved gay rights, that's how we've made this union more perfect."

After the speech, Obama taped an appearance on ABC's "The View," which was to air Tuesday. When asked if he would personally fight to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, he replied, "Well, look, Congress is clearly on notice that I think it's a bad idea." He also pointed to the $2 billion loss in high-risk trading at JPMorgan Chase to reiterate the need for Wall Street reforms.

Tickets for the fundraiser hosted by Martin and the LGBT Leadership Council started at $5,000 per person.

A new poll by the Pew Research Center found that about half of those surveyed say Obama's support for same-sex marriage does not affect their opinion of the president, with about one-fourth saying they feel less favorably toward him and 19 percent feeling more favorably.

There was a big disparity between older and younger adults surveyed, indicating a more intensely negative reaction among older Americans. Forty-two percent of people over the age of 65 said they viewed the president less favorably because of his decision, while 62 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 said Obama's announcement did not affect their opinion.

SOURCE: JULIE PACE

Associated Press

Kay Coles James Became a Christian Under the Preaching of Billy Graham and God Has Used her to Do Great Things

2012-05-14T12:18:13Z

She is the president and founder of the Gloucester Institute which is an organization that trains and nurtures leaders in the African American community. George W. Bush appointed her as director of the United States Office of Personnel Management and she served in that position from 2001 until 2005. Prior to that appointment, she served as Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources under then-Governor George Allen and as Senior Vice President of the Family Research Council. She was also the dean of Regent University's government school. She is a current member of the NASA Advisory Council. ]]>

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She is a graduate of Hampton University and is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, including the Doctor of Laws Degree from Pepperdine University. In 2003, she was named the 2003 Distinguished Christian Statesman by Dr. D. James Kennedy, in which she was described as a Christian statesman who "makes it clear that the only way to transform any culture is from the inside out and that 'the children of God will be called upon to lead the way.'" She is a wife, mother of three children, and grandmother of five.

She committed her life to following Jesus Christ while watching Billy Graham on television before entering college. She said that it was while sitting with other students at an InterVarsity Fall Conference in Virginia, that she heard the conference speaker describe the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross and realized that God had a calling for her life. She said it was then that she told God, 'God, I am available to be used by you. Here I am.' She said, "I did not have a plan beyond 'What is the next opportunity to serve?' I will tell others, if you're willing to do that and really mean it, hold on, because you don't have a clue as to where your life is going." Her name is Kay Coles James.

This is the "Chief of Sinners," Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, and just as Kay Coles James gave her life to Christ, may I encourage you to do the same. Here is how:

John 3:16 reads, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

"For God so loved the world" means that if you are in this world, God loves you. No matter what you have done.

"that He gave His only begotten Son." His name is Jesus Christ. He suffered, bled, and died on the cross for your sins and for mine, and He was buried and rose again.

"that whosoever believeth in Him", the word "whosoever" means anybody at anytime. "believeth in Him" means to trust in Him, to depend upon Him, to rely on Him, or to have faith in Him for your salvation.

"should not perish" where? in hell.

"but have everlasting life" in Heaven with God.

The Bible also says in Romans 10:9 and 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Dear friend, if you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me this simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!

Remember, friend, Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of sixteen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

The Power of a Praying Mother

2012-05-14T12:17:42Z

Mothers are a very special part of God's creation. The world would not be what it is today without mothers, especially those mothers who have faithfully and successfully raised their children with love, care, nurture, discipline, and in the ways of the Lord. A mother's world is filled with the awesome responsibility to train up the next generation of young men and women to be servants and citizens of good moral character and integrity. Mothers take special pride in their children reaching their goals and accomplishing great things. We often see football players and basketball players thank two people after a major victory - God and their mother. Statistics show that nearly 50% of people consider their mothers to be the single most important influence in their lives. ]]>

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Mothers are there to comfort, guide, and nurture; to love us unconditionally; to encourage us and support us; and to help create a positive environment for us to grow up in. Mothers also help to shape their children's worldview of God, themselves, and other people. Motherhood is the single most important contribution that a woman can make to society. When God Himself sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth as a baby, God made sure He had a mother to take care of Him. Above and beyond all of the cooking, cleaning, playing, story-telling, and all the things that many mothers do, the most important thing a mother can do for her children is pray for them. Many children have turned out to be great servants of the Lord because their mothers made it her business to pray for them.

Susannah Wesley, the mother of the great preachers John and Charles Wesley is said to have prayed two hours each day for her children. St. Augustine's mother, Monica, prayed that her son would serve God and he later become bishop of Hippo in North Africa. Hudson Taylor's mother prayed that God would use her son one day and he turned out to be the greatest missionary to China. We could go on, but down through hundreds of years, mothers have taken to their prayer closets to pray for their children. These Godly mothers prayed earnestly for their children, God heard them and answered their prayers. These mothers had a deep and abiding relationship with God. They knew God for themselves and they made sure that their children knew Him as well.

If you are a mother and you do not know Jesus Christ for yourself, why not get to know Him on this Mother's Day? It is the best thing you can do for yourself and your children. Allow me to show you how:

1. Accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:20: "For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not." Romans 3:23 reads: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." In fact, I am the chief of sinners, so don't think that you're alone.

2. Accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death..."

3. Accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." The Bible says in Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

4. Accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save yourself! The Bible states in Ephesians 2: 8, 9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast."

5. Accept the fact that God loves you more than you love yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

6. With these facts in mind, please repent of your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and pray and ask Him to come into your heart and save you this very moment. The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

If you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me the following simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!

Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith! God Bless You!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of sixteen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

Song: "No Charge"

Artist: Shirley Caesar
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If There Ever Was a Time to Pray, That Time is Now (Why Prayer Matters in These Troubled Times)

2012-05-14T12:17:20Z

Matthew 7:7-11:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

]]>

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Sunday Evening Evangelistic Hour

There is no doubt about it, but we are indeed living in troubling times. Just this past week, our president publicly stated that he supports homosexual marriage. This month, we have college students graduating and they don't even know whether or not they will be able to find work. Many people are still struggling financially. The financial system of Europe is on the verge of collapse. We think we have it bad in America with an 8.1% unemployment rate, but in Spain the unemployment rate is 24%

Perhaps, you have heard people make these statements: "Because of the economic downturn I lost my job. I don't know what I'll do for income."

"I've lost my investments in the stock market, so now I don't have any savings for the future."

"We don't have money to continue our mortgage payments, so we had to foreclose on our house."

"Our hearts are grieving because of the loss of a loved one."

"I had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Now the cancer has returned."

We live in difficult days. These and other problems abound, hitting us on all sides. You may be facing the most devastating time of your life and you don't know what to do. But there is something you can do. You can take your problem to God through prayer. God always hears our prayers and answers according to His will -- even though they may not be answered the way we anticipated.

Many people in the Bible faced terrible problems, too. When they prayed, God answered and resolved their dilemmas. For example Hezekiah, king of Judah, was deathly ill, and when he prayed God healed him and extended his life. Others in dire circumstances -- such as Peter in prison, David being pursued by enemies, and Paul being persecuted -- prayed and God answered.

You may be asking, well, What Is Prayer?

Prayer is simply talking with God. It is a way of getting help from God, no matter what our problems may be. But it is more than asking God for what we want. Prayer is an all-encompassing activity that can be described in four parts in the acronym ACTS.

A is for Adoration. God created this beautiful universe and everything in it. He deserves our praise, and it pleases Him when we acknowledge Him for all that He has done for us.

C is for Confession. When we tell God our wrong doings against Him and others, He forgives us.

T is for Thanksgiving. We should always thank God for loving us. Regardless of our situations in life, we should always express our thankfulness to God, because He loves us. No matter what situation you are in, you can find something to be thankful for.

S is for Supplication. We can share our concerns, needs, hurts and desires with God. He longs to hear from us. Ephesians 6:18 commands us to pray with "all supplication".

You may be wondering, What should I Pray For:

In the Bible, there are a number of things we can pray for:

The first thing we can pray for is for God's will to be done. Matthew 6:10 states this verse from the Lord's Prayer, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

The second thing we can pray for is our daily Food. Matthew 6:11 continues the Lord's Prayer by saying, "Give us this day our daily bread."

The third thing we can pray for is Protection from evil. Matthew 6:13 reads, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

The fourth thing we can pray for is Forgiveness of sins. Luke 11:4 reads, "And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us."

We can also pray for: our nation--that God will protect us and turn our hearts toward Him, our military troops--that God will keep them safe, our government leaders--that God will help them make wise decisions, our families, our health, our material needs, wisdom, and people we know who are hurting.

What Conditions Must We Meet?

Sometimes our prayers are not answered because of doubt, wrong motives, disobedience, pride, and lack of forgiveness.

* We must pray in faith. Matthew 21:22 tells us, "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

* We must pray according to God's will, that is what He would want. 1 John 5:14 states, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."

God does answer prayer! And His answers bring joy and peace. As Jesus said in John 16:24, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Dear friend, the most important prayer you can pray is to ask God for forgiveness of your sins. The Bible says everyone is a sinner. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." And no one can get to heaven without trusting in Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus His Son, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins. He was raised from the dead so that you can have the gift of everlasting life. To receive His salvation, trust Him now as your Savior.

If you are willing to trust Christ as your Saviour, please pray with me the following prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner. For Jesus Christ's sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life. Amen.

Remember, friend, Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over twenty books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

Song: "I Know What A Prayer Can Do"

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Top Commander for Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army Captured

2012-05-14T12:15:53Z

Ugandan forces captured a senior commander of Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army after a brief fight with rebels near the Congo-Central African Republic border, an army official said Sunday, in what an analyst said was an "intelligence coup" for forces hunting for Kony. ]]> Lt. Col. Abdul Rugumayo, intelligence chief for Uganda's military operation against the LRA, said Caesar Acellam was captured Saturday with two other rebel fighters as they tried to cross a river called Mbomu.

Although Acellam is not one of the LRA commanders indicted along with Kony in 2005 by the International Criminal Court, Ugandan officials say he was one of Kony's top military strategists and a reliable fighter.

"He is in good condition," Rugumayo said of Acellam. "He was captured with two other rebels. They were in a group of 30 rebels."

He said the others escaped.

Details of precisely how Acellam was captured were not available, but some analysts said it was possible he had just walked into the hands of Ugandan army officials.

"He's been on the defection shelf for a long time," said Angelo Izama, a political analyst with the Kampala-based security think tank Fanaka Kwawote. "This is a big intelligence coup for the Ugandan army."

A Ugandan army official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press, said losing Acellam was a big blow to Kony, whose forces have become increasingly degraded by a lack of food and having to constantly move to elude capture.

"He is big fish, very big fish," the official said of Acellam, who has been with the LRA for over 20 years. "He is one of the top division commanders."

The official said Kony, who Ugandan officials suspect to be hiding somewhere in Sudan, has traditionally lived in bush camps significantly far from where his top commanders hide, apparently as a security precaution.

"Kony does not want his commanders near him," he said. "He wants to be alone."

Kony recently became the focus of international attention after the U.S. advocacy group Invisible Children made an online video seeking to make him famous. In 2005 the ICC indicted Kony, along with four other LRA commanders, for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Two of them have since died.

Last year U.S. President Barack Obama sent 100 troops to help regional governments eliminate the LRA. But the manhunt for LRA leaders has proved tough, with the rebels moving in very small groups and avoiding technology. Encounters between Ugandan troops and the rebels are very rare.

Only about 200 LRA members remain the jungle, according to Ugandan officials.

Source: The AP

WATCH: In Mother's Day Video, Trayvon Martin's Mother, Sybrina Fulton, Encourages Other Mothers to Trust God

2012-05-13T11:34:46Z

Sybrina Fulton, whose son, Trayvon Martin, was killed by a neighborhood watch captain in February, has released a Mother's Day video message via an advocacy group.

In the video, posted to the Martin family's JusticeTM website, an emotional Fulton, her voice sometimes wavering, says that Sunday will be her first Mother's Day without her son, and she says her faith and family will pull her through.

]]> "On Sunday, I'm going to say a prayer for other mothers across the country who share this unbearable pain," Fulton continues.

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SOURCE: The Grio

NewsOne Poll Finds Overwhelming 63% of Readers Disagree with Obama's Position on Homosexual Marriage

2012-05-11T14:45:16Z

After the bombshell news story yesterday of President Barack Obama speaking out in support of gay marriage in a sit-down interview with ABC's Robin Roberts, several voices in the African-American community rang out on the issue. NewsOne ran a story on the interview on Wednesday, which was heavily contested by readers. In the poll, we asked readers if they agreed with the President's decision to support gay marriage. In the 22 hours since the poll has been live, more than 400 votes have come with an overwhelming 63 percent of readers in disagreement with President Obama's stance.

]]> One comment in particular from a user named Kelly sparked a passionate debate, which questioned in a simple phrase the sincerity of Obama's new claim, "Obama will do anything for votes, even sell his soul...," read the statement, setting off a variety of replies. Other comments far too harsh and vulgar to print seem to point to the idea that many are angered that Obama would turn away from the normally held conservative Christian beliefs that marriage should only occur between a man and woman.

Although the gay vote helped propel his progressive message as he sought the Presidency, Obama didn't seem to pander to that voting bloc, although he addressed gays and their issues during campaign stops along the way. In 2010, there were reports that gays, especially those who supported Obama in 2008, were turning their backs on the President. Accused of trying to snag votes although the political risk was high, Obama is standing firm that this is not a political chess move.

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SOURCE: NewsOne

D.L. Chandler

Christians Express Disappointment Over Obama's Support of Same-Sex Marriage

2012-05-10T18:35:22Z

U.S. President Barack Obama's endorsement of gay marriage on Wednesday outraged conservative Christian leaders, who vowed to use it as an organizing tool in the 2012 elections, but the move is also activating the liberal base, raising big questions about who gains and loses politically.

]]> "It cuts both ways - it activates both Democratic and Republican base voters," said John Green, an expert on religion and politics at the University of Akron. "The most likely effect is that it makes an already close election even closer."

In an interview with ABC News, Obama said, "At a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."

The announcement puts Obama at odds with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who opposes same-sex marriage and who voiced that opposition in an interview on Wednesday.

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SOURCE: CNN.com

Dan Gilgoff

North Carolina Overwhelmingly Votes to Ban Same-Sex Marriage

2012-05-09T12:29:01Z

A day after North Carolina became the latest state to approve a constitutional amendment defining marriage as solely between a man and a woman, opponents of the referendum begin Wednesday to explore their next options. ]]> North Carolina voted Tuesday to outlaw same-sex marriage, which was already prohibited in the state. Supporters pushed for the constitutional amendment, arguing that it is needed to ward off future legal challenges.

"It is a very sad day in North Carolina," said Tori Taylor, 23, a Charlotte resident who voted against the amendment. "There were a lot of college students, young professionals who came out to vote. We have gay friends. A lot of us are integrated to that culture. Do you think your friends should have the same rights? It's black and white. Of course they should."

The North Carolina amendment alters the constitution to say that "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized" in the state.

"It writes discrimination into our state constitution and gives the majority the chance to vote against the minority," said Anne Fawcett Krishnan, 33, of Greensboro.

But Vote for Marriage NC, which supported the amendment, applauded the passage, saying it solidifies the state ban and ensures the definition of marriage does not change.

"We are not anti-gay, we are pro-marriage," said Tami Fitzgerald, chairwoman of the group. "And the point -- the whole point -- is simply that you don't rewrite the nature of God's design for marriage based on the demands of a group of adults."

Experts expressed concerns that the language of the amendment is so vague, it could strip other unmarried couples of some rights as well.

It could affect unmarried couples who live together and bring them unintended consequences on issues such as child custody and the prosecution of domestic violence, said Kathryn Bradley, a law professor at Duke University.

It also strengthens the state's position against same-sex civil unions, often considered a precursor to the marriage issue, Bradley said.

Some municipalities in North Carolina provide benefits to same-sex couples, and those rights could be lost with passage of the amendment, she said.

Opponents of the amendment regroup Wednesday to decide the next course of action, with some planning campaigns in cities across the state this week. The groups acknowledged the loss, but urged supporters to keep fighting.

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Source: CNN

Black Christians and the North Carolina Homosexual Marriage Ban

2012-05-07T16:44:21Z

Winslow Sherrill has two daughters who are lesbian. While he loves them and gets along with their partners, he's going to vote in favor of banning gay marriage in North Carolina.

North Carolina's African-American voters could be crucial in Tuesday's vote over the proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions. Blacks make up a little more than 20 percent of the state's population, and some polls show they strongly favor a ban. ]]> While activists on both sides make phone calls and put up yard signs, many African-Americans are struggling with the issue inside their churches and homes.

A Pastor's Perspective

Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman is pastor of an African Methodist Episcopal Zion church in the town of Hickory, in North Carolina's Appalachian foothills. Slender and 61, he's a man who chooses his words carefully.

"Many African-Americans -- and it would be very true of my own family of origin -- have what I would consider homophobic ideations," he says.

Spearman says an incident about 15 years ago helped to change his thinking. He was a minister and student adviser at a church-affiliated, historically black college. He says many gay and lesbian students came to talk about their struggles, and one young man told Spearman he planned to commit suicide.

"I knew that if I had let him out of that office that night, the next thing I would do with him was a funeral. I befriended him," he says.

Spearman has taken a public stand against the marriage amendment, calling it an anti-gay attack that will only cause harm. But he'll be the first to tell you that many -- maybe most -- of the people in his own congregation see things differently.

Spearman's Clinton Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church is on a curving road on the east side of Hickory, where most of the town's black population lives. On a Wednesday night, about 25 mostly older people sing hymns before the weekly bible study.

As his text for the night, Spearman chooses the Gospel story of the Good Samaritan, who helps the man who's been beaten and robbed and left on the road to die.

"Say that this victim is a victim of gay bashing," he says.

Spearman says in the story, Jesus is telling them to love everyone, including those they despise the most.

"Jesus is always calling us away from our comfort zones," he says. "If you look at his life, he is always out there doing something to liberate somebody's life, from something. And he expects us to do the very same thing."

Whose Judgment Call?

So far, Spearman's flock seems to be with him. Sylvia Shuford is a smallish woman in her 50s. She says as a home health aide, she's worked with patients with HIV.

"Gays, [transvestites] -- I've had to deal with all of them," she says, "and God has given me a discernment where I can look beyond, and I see people."

Shuford's attitude changes fast, though, when Spearman turns from love-thy-neighbor tolerance of gay people to the question of marriage equality. She gets in an argument with another parishioner, Bari Tiggett, who says North Carolina should not make a moral judgment about who can marry.

"I feel like ultimately, God's the one that's gonna handle that," Tiggett says.

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SOURCE: NPR - John Biewen

Former Inmate Helping to Reduce City's Gang Violence, Homicide Rate Among Young Black Men

2012-05-07T16:43:39Z

Stepping over boxes, the Rev. Peterson Mingo points to a poster with dozens of faces, all of victims from Cincinnati's unsolved homicides.

His wife's only brother is among them.

]]> Mingo is getting ready to pick up a group of men from a suburban apartment complex where they've been landscaping for about eight hours. Most of the men, like himself, have served time in the state's prison system.

Mingo tries to help men who remind him a little too much of his younger self through Cincinnati's Initiative to Reduce Violence.

Toledo officials are looking to the work that Mingo and the Cincinnati Police Department are doing as a guide for a new program kicked off by Toledo Mayor Mike Bell last month to reduce gang violence and the city's growing homicide rate -- especially among young black men.

Mingo said he knew in his heart the initiative would work in Cincinnati from the first time he heard of it.

The strategy can work in Toledo too, he said, "if you have the right people in place. That's the key to the whole program. Having the right people in place."

Mingo drives many of the men to work in the morning, picking them up at the Evanston Baptist Church before 6 a.m. and retrieving them from the job site a little after 3 p.m.

He knows all of the men personally and the baggage they come with. It's easy for him to connect. His story isn't much different.

In 1958, he lost a brother, Morris Fluellen, to street violence. And in 1974, another brother, Charles Ball, died at the hands of Cincinnati police.

His brother, Joea Harris, was shot and paralyzed, losing both legs, before he died as a result in 1985.

Two other brothers -- Robert and William Ball -- are dead. AIDS claimed Robert, but Mingo is not sure how William died.

He has another brother, Eddie Ball, who has been in a state prison since 1979 for voluntary manslaughter.

His brother-in-law William Clendening was killed in 2003. Two of Mingo's nephews, including one he raised, Kenny Mingo, a talented athlete, died in 2005.

The other, whose lifeless body was found behind a trash bin, he doesn't like to talk about.

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SOURCE: Toledo Blade