Dobson Endorses Huckabee
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/318676.aspx
Focus on the Family founder James Dobson officially endorsed the Southern Baptist minister Mike Huckabee in his GOP presidential bid Thursday night.
The endorsement doesn't appear to be too late, either, especially with Mitt Romney dropping out of the picture earlier Thursday.
"The remaining candidate for whom I could vote is Governor Huckabee," Dobson declared. "His unwavering positions on the social issues, notably the institution of marriage, the importance of faith and the sanctity of human life, resonate deeply with me and with many others."
Dobson wants to give Huckabee all the help he can get, especially with McCain racking in the delegates on Super Tuesday.
"Obviously, the governor faces an uphill struggle, given the delegates already committed to Senator McCain," Dobson added. "Nevertheless, I believe he is our best remaining choice for president of the United States."
Of course, Huckabee wouldn't have minded gaining Dobson's backing earlier, especially with Focus on the Family's reported radio broadcast audience reaching nearly 9 million people across the nation and 220 million worldwide.
Rekindling Huckabee's Fire?
As one of the most influential Evangelical leaders in the nation, Dobson's newly declared support of Huckabee could be just the boost that he needs as campaigns take their final turn toward the party conventions.
Dobson spoke with the former Arkansas governor on Thursday and publicly disclosed his decision later that night, according to the Christian leader's spokesman Gary Schneeberger.
In the official statement, it was not made known whether Dobson would campaign for Huckabee, but the Focus on the Family founder said he would "support Governor Huckabee through the remaining primaries."
Last year, Christian actor and martial arts expert Chuck Norris gave Huckabee's campaign new life when he began endorsing and campaigning for the former Arkansas governor.
Out of all the candidates, many would believe that Huckabee best reflects the conservative Christian values that Dobson espouses as head of the Colorado Springs-based ministry.
This is the first time Dobson has endorsed a Republican presidential candidate while primary campaigns were still taking place.
Because Focus on the Family is a tax-exempt organization, Dobson said that his endorsement comes as a private citizen and does not represent the views of his ministry.
Some 110,000 people were e-mailed about Dobson's endorsement of Huckabee through Focus on the Family Action, which is allowed to be more politically active as a separate entity, Schneeberger said.
More Support on the Way?
By far, Dobson is Huckabee's greatest Evangelical endorsement.
Despite this backing, many other big names in the Christian circle haven't come forth to cast their support for the Baptist candidate.
One obstacle for conservative believers revolves around fears that Huckabee would broaden the Evangelical scope to include environmental issues and poverty.
Others shy away because of his stance on the economy and taxes, which has been attacked by some fiscal conservatives.
Countering the Moderate
Dobson's endorsement seems to have as much to do with Huckabee's conservative ideals as it does with McCain's moderate stance.
"It is rather late in the game, but Dr. Dobson is well known for sticking to his guns," said John Green, a senior fellow with the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. "It doesn't surprise me this late in the game that he would make an announcement like this because it fits in well with what he's been saying."
Green believes that McCain is a big motivation for Dobson's decision.
"He really doesn't want a moderate Republican nominee; he wants a conservative," Green concluded.
He says there is still truth to the consensus that Huckabee will only attract the social conservative vote - even with the Dobson endorsement.
But Green also notes that there is talk that Dobson's new support can help him to make up lost ground, especially in the Southern states.
What about McCain?
Any hopes of Dobson backing McCain were dashed on Super Tuesday when the Christian leader delivered a lashing commentary about the Arizona senator's refusal to support a federal anti-gay marriage amendment. Dobson also focused on McCain's backing of embryonic stem cell research, as well as his foul language and hot temper.
In his statement Tuesday, Dobson reminded America that it will be the first time in his life that he would not vote for a president - if McCain is on the Republican ticket.
But McCain is not the only presidential hopeful Dobson has rejected.
The "No" List
Last year, Dobson voiced his disapproval of Rudy Giuliani as a GOP candidate, citing him as an "unapologetic supporter of abortion on demand." He also mentioned the former New York mayor's signing of a bill that brought domestic-partnership benefits to New York City residents in 1997.
And Dr. Dobson shot down Fred Thompson as a possibility last year, when he questioned the former Tennessee senator's Christian convictions and stance on moral issues.
He concluded by saying the former Law and Order star "has no passion, no zeal and no apparent 'want to.'"
Until now Dobson was unclear as to whether he would support Romney or Huckabee, but he said that Romney's drop from the race "changed the political landscape."
McCain Says Huckabee Still Viable; Dems Face Presidential Showdown
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/08/washington-state-3-others-become-unlikely-battlegrounds-for-dems/
Facing a seemingly insurmountable lead in the race for the presidency, Mike Huckabee said he is not harping on delegate counts heading into Saturday’s GOP contests in three states.
“I’m more into miracles than math,” he said Friday. “Miracles, I understand. Math is a little harder. People have said, well, you’ve got to have anywhere from 70 to 80 percent of all the rest of the delegates. That’s assuming no other delegates leave the people they’ve supported so far. … But as we all know, a candidate can say one word, do one thing, have one particular moment that can end his whole career so, you know, I’m not saying I’m just driving behind (McCain) at the NASCAR race waiting for him to lose a tire. But crazier things have happened.”
Washington, Louisiana and Kansas hold GOP contests this weekend, and the former Arkansas governor and John McCain, who said Huckabee still is a viable threat, campaigned in Kansas on Friday.
Among the Republicans, McCain’s campaign officials say they expect to stay on the trail five to six days a week through March and April. Aides say the March 4 primaries would be their earliest chance to lock up the nomination with the needed 1,191 delegates. Mitt Romney’s exit from the race Thursday made McCain the unquestioned leader in the GOP race.
On the Democratic side, the race for the nomination will come down to some unfamiliar battlegrounds, and this weekend Washington state is the first of many unlikely scenes for a presidential showdown after Super Tuesday failed to mint a front-runner in the Democratic field.
Washington offers the most delegates of any of the four states holding Democratic contests this weekend. Washington and Nebraska hold caucuses Saturday, alongside a Louisiana primary, and Maine holds caucuses Sunday. The Virgin Islands also hold caucuses Saturday.
The contests offer 161 delegates total for the Democrats, and 78 of them come from Washington.
For Democrats, every delegate matters. Barack Obama was the only Democratic candidate to campaign in all four states voting this weekend, and both he and Hillary Clinton were barnstorming the Pacific Northwest.
Clinton visited Tacoma Friday, where she spoke to a crowd of about 4,000, mostly about health care.
She also urged shift workers to caucus for her Saturday.
“I need all of you to redouble your efforts to go to the caucuses tomorrow to be there to stand up for what we need in a president,” she said.
Clinton has the backing of Washington’s two female senators - which she touts in an ad running statewide — but Obama won the endorsement Friday of Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, whom both candidates had courted.
She stumped for him at a massive 20,000-person rally in Seattle, where Clinton had been the day before.
“It is time for us to have hope, not fear; it is time for us to believe again. It is time for us to unite America. It is time for us to lead the world,” said Gregoire. “And my fellow Washingtonians, there is one person in America that I firmly believe can do all that and that man’s name is Barack Obama.”
After touring a mechanical contracting company Friday morning, Obama said Washington would be “very important,” since the race will be close across the country.
“On Saturday if we come out of here with momentum and additional delegates, that will lay the groundwork for (future primaries),” he said. “Washington has a lot of delegates at stake and will impact how the contest is viewed.”
Though convention delegates are still being tallied, the 22 states that held Democratic contests on Super Tuesday left the Democrats in a dead heat. The latest tallies show Clinton with 1,045 and Obama with 960 - 2,025 are needed to seal the nomination, leaving the candidates in a state-by-state quest for supporters.
In Washington, though the state has a history of electing women to high office, polls favor Obama, and his anti-war stance could play well to the largely anti-war population.
“The key issue in this state is the war,” said Seattle Pacific University’s Reed Davis. “We have a long history in Washington state of anti-war activism, so that’s why Obama is favored to win the caucuses tomorrow.”
He’s also shown an ability to fare well in smaller, caucus states.
Obama said the reason for that is “we have enormous enthusiasm among our supporters. They’re not casual voters … they are more likely to come out to a caucus.”
He said the caucus states have mostly been smaller states where he can meet more voters, allowing him to fight against “that Clinton brand name.”
Despite the dead heat, both candidates have been trying to play the role of underdog.
A Clinton fundraising e-mail asked for help in defeating Obama and “his virtually unlimited funds.”
Both candidates plan to be in Maine Saturday, while Bill Clinton and Obama have already campaigned in Louisiana.
Though in unfamiliar electoral territory, the candidates resorted to well-trodden themes, trading accusations Friday over health care.
Clinton said in Tacoma, “When it comes to universal health care, my opponent is saying, ‘No we can’t.’ Well I say, Yes we can … if we make the right decision in this election.”
“Yes we can” is one of Obama’s campaign mantras. Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in response that the Illinois senator offers universal health care as well, only his plan would do more to cut costs and would not mandate coverage like Clinton’s.
Japan Deploys Fighter Jets After Russian Bomber Violates Airspace
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330173,00.html
A Russian air force bomber briefly violated Japanese airspace over an uninhabited island just south of Tokyo on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry said.
The three-minute flyby over Sofugan in the Izu island chain by a Tupolev 95 ended following warnings by Japanese air force fighter jets, said Foreign Ministry official Kotaro Otsuki.
The ministry immediately lodged a protest with the Russian Embassy in Tokyo and demanded an explanation, Otsuki said.
A switchboard operator at the embassy said no one was available to comment Saturday.
Japan's navy scrambled 22 fighter jets, including F-15s, and two airborne warning and control aircraft known as AWACs, a Defense Ministry official said on condition of anonymity, citing protocol.
Japan held a rally Thursday to demand the return of a disputed island chain that Russia seized in the closing days of World War II. The capture of the four islands, called the Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan, kept the two countries from signing a peace treaty.
Japan holds a rally every Feb. 7, the anniversary of an 1855 Japan-Russian friendship treaty that gave Japan possession of the islands.
Otsuki said he didn't know if Saturday's flyby was related to the rally Thursday. He said Russia last violated Japanese airspace in January 2006 near Rebun Island off Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido — and close to the disputed northern islands.
Sofugan, which lies on the southernmost tip of the Izu island group, is about 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of Tokyo.
Lights out, America?
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,329407,00.html
The lights may soon go out in Washington, D.C. — and it could happen where you live, too.
"Electric power has already become painfully expensive in Washington and its suburbs. Now, local utilities, say, it could become something even worse: scarce," The Washington Post reported this week.
Maryland, for example, may face rolling blackouts as early as 2011 or 2012 on summer days. The core of the problem is that the region’s ability to meet its ever-increasing demand for electricity is being short-circuited by environmental activists who are doing everything they can to make it as difficult as possible to generate and transmit power.
"Environmental groups say the region should try harder to save energy before it goes out looking for more," the Post reported.
"The cheapest power plant out there is the one you never have to build," one activist told the Post. The euphemism the environmentalists use for this strategy is "conservation." But "rationing" is perhaps the most honest descriptor.
The environmentalists’ new tactic in their war against our meeting our basic energy needs focuses on coal-burning power plants, which are at the top of the list of carbon dioxide emitters.
"Increasing electricity almost inevitably leads to more global warming emissions," an activist told the Post. And the activists have used global warming fears to great effect. "Stymied in their plans to build coal-burning power plants, American utilities are turning to natural gas to meet expected growth in demand, risking a new upward spiral in the price of that fuel," The New York Times reported this week.
Since environmentalist-fomented opposition to coal plants is rising around the country — including a new policy by major banks Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley to discourage coal-plant construction — utility executives say they have little choice even though the boom in natural gas demand will send electricity prices even higher, according to The Times.
Once again, "environmental groups argue that utilities should focus on cutting demand for power, rather than building new capacity," The Times reported. One possible way out of the global warming-angle of this mess is to capture and sequester carbon dioxide emissions of power plants.
Although this column recently reported about the difficulty and expense of carbon capture and sequestration, or CCS, the Bush administration nevertheless has been participating in a project called FutureGen, a futuristic, zero-emission power plant.
The federal government was slated to pay for 75 percent of FutureGen’s costs. But just last week the Department of Energy announced it was pulling out of FutureGen after costs skyrocketed from $800 million to $1.8 billion.
Undersecretary of Energy C.H. "Bud" Albright told FutureGen officials the agency wasn’t interested in "building Disneyland in some swamp in Illinois." With FutureGen off the drawing board, at least for now, there are no significant CCS projects ongoing in the United States — meaning that carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants won’t be captured in the foreseeable future.
Without a plan for CCS, environmental zealots then will be able to continue their anti-energy jihad against essentially defenseless coal-based electricity producers and their consumers.
Of course, coal-based electricity producers and consumers aren’t really defenseless. They could (gasp!) challenge the dubious notion that manmade carbon dioxide emissions drive global climate — click to view a video on this subject — rather than just accepting politically correct myths that have been rammed down their throats without, so far, meaningful opportunity for debate.
It’s an idea worth considering, especially given the apparent lack of understanding of the climate issue, even among those who aspire to be president.
In response to a question on global warming during the last Republican presidential debate before the Super Tuesday primaries, for example, Sen. John McCain declared, "I applaud [efforts] to try to eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. Now, suppose that [I am] wrong, and there's no such thing as climate change. And we adopt these green technologies. … Then all we’ve done is give our kids a cleaner world."
But if we rush to blindly adopt greenhouse gas emission controls, we could disrupt energy markets and cause much economic harm. In real life, a poorer world tends to be a dirtier world.
Moreover, since carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas that naturally makes up a very small part of our atmosphere and since manmade carbon dioxide is an exceedingly small part of total global carbon dioxide emissions, it’s hard to see how reducing emissions will make the world "cleaner."
McCain continued, "But suppose we do nothing … and we don't eliminate this $400 billion dependence we have on foreign oil. Some of that money goes to terrorist organizations and also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Then what kind of a world have we given our children?"
Earth to McCain: U.S. coal-fired electricity doesn’t put a penny in the pockets of Middle East oil producers or terrorists. In fact, inexpensive coal-fired electricity could one day power vehicles so as to drastically cut down on gasoline use and the need for the oil imports that concern him. If we don’t have serious debate on these issues, the combination of unscrupulous anti-growth environmentalists and uninformed grandstanding politicians certainly will lead to lights out for America.
Archbishop Denies Asking for Islamic Law
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/Archbishop_Denies_Asking_/2008/02/09/71430.html
The archbishop of Canterbury said Friday he never proposed the creation of a parallel Islamic legal system in Britain, as anger continued to simmer over statements he made seen as backing Islamic law.
Rowan Williams told the British Broadcasting Corp. in an interview aired Thursday that some aspects of Shariah law, a venerable Islamic code of conduct, already fit easily within the existing British legal system, and he agreed when asked if its implementation was inevitable.
Britain's media took the statement as broadly backing Shariah law, which delighted some British Muslims — and outraged almost everyone else.
Lawmakers across the political spectrum condemned Williams' statement, and Britain's tabloid newspapers reacted with fury, publishing pictures of people being beheaded under Shariah law and showing the carnage after Islamic suicide bombers attacked London's transport system in 2005.
In an editorial, The Sun newspaper called Williams "a dangerous threat to our nation" and said Muslim terrorists would "see his foolish ramblings as a sign that our resolve against extremism is weakening."
Williams acknowledged the "strong reaction in the media and elsewhere" but said in a message posted to his Web site he never intended to propose the creation of a parallel Muslim legal system.
Williams said his aim was "to tease out some of the broader issues around the rights of religious groups within a secular state" and was using Shariah law as an example.
He explained that Christians could not be expected to claim religious exceptions to secular rules — for example, by refusing to carry out abortions — unless they were willing to accommodate other religious traditions.
The heated reaction prompted some British Muslim groups to soften their initial support for Williams' plans and to complain about "Islamophobia" making British Muslims feel unwelcome in their homeland.
"The reaction has escalated into hysteria," said Catherine Heseltine, a spokeswoman with the Muslim Public Affairs Committee UK. "People hear the word Shariah and have an emotive conjuring of Taliban beheadings. It's seen as threatening Muslim outsiders coming in and imposing something on Britain."
In reality, she said, the changes Williams is advocating are not a high priority to British Muslims. For most Muslims here, she said, Shariah law deals primarily with questions of how Halal meat should be prepared and how marriages should be conducted.
Shariah is a wide-ranging Islamic code that has evolved over the centuries and is subject to differing interpretations in various countries. It deals with many aspects of daily life, including dress and dietary restrictions, and also codifies how to punish serious offenses.
The code imposes some restrictions on banking practices and in fact some British banks have introduced Shariah-compliant programs for certain types of transactions.
There are already some Shariah councils operating in Britain for Muslims who agree to abide by their rulings, but these are unofficial bodies not recognized by British law.
Parents of Sex Abuse Victim Alert Churches
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06852.shtml
OPP, Alabama -- A family whose mentally handicapped child was molested by a Methodist pastor's teenage son is contacting every Methodist church in the Southeastern district.
"I'm working on 'G' right now" said Paul Therrell, the victim's father. "This pastor's son had a history that no one in the community was aware of, and they will eventually try to move on with the same discretion. We want to make sure that can't happen. So we're gathering email addresses and sending an alert to each one." The attack occurred in the pastor's own home while the Therrells dined with him on their first evening in town.
The church's District Superintendent was made aware of the incident last February but did nothing about it. After almost a year of broken promises and evasive behavior on the part of church leadership, a police report was filed. The young man was charged and plead guilty to sexual abuse. As a result, the Therrells were terminated and evicted from their home.
"His father assured us he was in weekly counseling in Dothan, AL" said the victim's mother, Ronna Therrell. "He would never provide us with any record of that counseling or even the name of the therapist." According to the Covington county Juvenile Officer in Andalusia, AL, the young man was never in professional counseling because no mandatory report was ever made back to the juvenile department in the county where the incident occurred, as is prescribed by law.
"Some may not welcome our letter, but that's a small price to pay" said Mr.Therrell. "Prevention offers us healing." The Therrells hope to complete their contact list by the time the Methodist General Conference convenes in Ft. Worth in April. They are also working on getting an amendment into the Methodist Book of Discipline that will require tougher reporting and notification standards for pastors.
Two Christians Beaten in Yunan, China
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06851.shtml
According to a January 30 report from China Aid Association (CAA), two members of a house church in Yunan province, Chen Xiqiong and Liang Guihua, were severely beaten by police officials on the morning of January 23.
Xiqiong and Guihua walked into the Xishan District's Public Security Bureau office to request an account of the items, including Bibles, which were taken from the church and burned by police officials in early December. After ignoring the believers' request, officials forcibly removed them from the office.
Ms. Liang Guihua (54) was thrown against a wall and rendered unconscious for more than 10 minutes. After the assault, the Christians went to a local hospital for evaluation. According to CAA, Chinese government officials are resorting to the burning of Bibles in order to hinder the growth of house churches in China.
Ask God to heal these two believers. Pray for God to encourage and embolden Chinese Christians as they continue to serve Him by His grace (Philippians 1:29).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, go to www.persecution.net/country/china.htm.
Newspaper Editors Attempt to Influence Abortion Grand Jury, Attack Operation Rescue
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06850.shtml
WICHITA, Kansas -- Yesterday, the Opinion Page of the Wichita Eagle was dominated with an editorial by Rhonda Holman and political cartoon by Richard Crowson attacking Operation Rescue's Troy Newman, and urging a grand jury to disregard any evidence Newman may have presented to the grand jury during when he testified before them last month.
"If the grand jury wants to be fair and impartial in its work, it should be wary of Newman, his fringe group and its harassing and often tasteless tactics," said Holman in her editorial.
"This attack was a shameless attempt to influence the grand jury via the editorial pages of the local newspaper with ad hominem attacks and inaccurate information," said Operation Rescue spokesperson Cheryl Sullenger.
Holman voiced concerns about the privacy rights of women whose abortion records have been subpoenaed by the grand jury, and disparaged the blurred photos released by Operation Rescue of women entering Tiller's Women's Health Care Services abortion clinic obviously in the latest stages of pregnancy. But Holman's concerns are misleading since identifying information about the women was ordered redacted from the records, and photos released by Operation Rescue concealed the faces of the women.
"Privacy arguments are red herrings. A serious investigation into criminal abortions is being conducted and the grand jury is legally entitled to whatever evidence they require. Lives are at stake here. All due effort is being taken to protect the privacy of women, but you can't excuse criminal conduct by claiming in was done under a cloak of privacy," said Sullenger.
Addressing Homan's accusation that OR tactics are harassing, Sullenger responded, "The last time I checked, exercising the First Amendment was not considered harassment, despite Holman's inflammatory rhetoric. Holman would rather that viable- baby abortions illegally continue than face the truth that Tiller may be violating the law. This reveals a militant support for illegal post-viability abortions, which is a startlingly radical position for an editorial board to take."
"As much as they want to shift the focus from Tiller's alleged criminal late-term abortion ring, the truth will win out. Let the grand jury conduct their investigation unimpeded and let justice prevail," said Sullenger.
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
Overruled: Tiller's Motions for Stay in Producing Abortion Records Fail
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06849.shtml
WICHITA, Kansas -- Attorneys for late-term abortionist George R. Tiller were in court this morning asking Judge Paul Buchanan for a stay of his order that over 2,000 late-term abortion records should be produced for the grand jury.
Laura Shanneyfelt told the court that a mandamus action was filed with the Kansas Supreme Court this morning asking for all four subpoenas issued by the grand jury be quashed and requesting an emergency stay while the court considered their motion. Shanneyfelt asked Judge Buchanan to stay his order to produce records pending the outcome of the Supreme Court motions. Judge Buchanan denied that motion and refused to issue a stay of any length.
Tiller was to have begun the process of producing the abortion records Thursday at noon, but that deadline passed without any indication that Tiller was making any effort to comply with the court order. Judge Buchanan told Shanneyfelt to "work it out" with the District Attorney or face the possibility of consequences for failing to produce.
Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who was in court for this morning's hearing, said, "These delay tactics are not about patient privacy but about hiding incriminating information from a grand jury that has the power to indict. I doubt if Tiller has any intention of ever producing truthful records. It is shameful for him to hide behind the skirts of his patients in order to save himself from having to face a legal investigation."
"The more of these worthless motions are made by Tiller's lawyers, the guiltier they are making him look," said Newman.
Shanneyfelt also asked Judge Buchanan for a protective order that Deputy District Attorney Ann Swegle said would impede her ability to do her job with the grand jury and would have required that she seek permission from Buchanan and give prior notice to Tiller's attorneys before she would be allowed to discharge certain duties. The judge overruled that and every other motion brought by Tiller's defense team.
Tiller's attorneys also asked for permission to alter the patient record numbering system and reassign new numbers to the abortion files. Swegle indicated that the patient numbers were critical to the grand jury investigation. Judge Buchanan ruled the grand jury is entitled to the true patient numbers.
About Operation Rescue
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
Aid Agency says Fighting in Chad Could Spiral into Humanitarian Crisis
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06847.shtml
DAKAR, Senegal -- Amid reports that people are trying to flee the country, World Vision staff in Chad fear the situation could turn from a political crisis to a humanitarian disaster if fighting does not stop soon.
"We did not expect things to happen this quickly. I fear that the entire capital could be destroyed. There is already much human and economic damage. Many civilians have been killed," said Levourne Passiri, World Vision's national director in Chad, from N'Djamena.
Rebel attacks, which are now centered on the presidential palace, have forced international aid agency World Vision to move staff and their families to safe houses and to close its office in the capital.
"I live about 20 km from the presidential palace, and we can hear the fighting all the time. Soldiers are circulating around the city," reported Passiri, before he and his family were forced to move to a safer location.
"At this point the roads are blocked so we have no possibility of leaving the city. Security at the moment is very difficult," continued Passiri, who reported that the World Vision office in the capital had been attacked, but that all staff members are safe for the moment. The agency's programs in the central and southern parts of the country have also been disrupted as security concerns have forced staff members to restrict their movements.
It is feared that a humanitarian crisis could result if a negotiated ceasefire or a mediated transition of power are not achieved soon, as this could trigger factional fighting that would displace civilians.
World Vision has nearly 250 staff in country; nearly all are citizens of Chad. The agency's two expatriate staff were not in Chad when the rebel offense began. The aid agency has made contingency plans to evacuate staff to Cameroon, but hopes this will not become necessary.
World Vision has worked in Chad since 1985 and currently serves some 400,000 people. Community development programs are located in central and southern Chad, and focus on health and nutrition, education, HIV prevention, water and sanitation, micro loans to poor entrepreneurs, and agricultural improvements to prevent frequent food shortages.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Visit www.worldvision.org/press for more information.
Abortion Records Subpoenaed in Planned Parenthood Grand Jury Investigation
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06848.shtml
OLATHE, Kansas -- A Kansas grand jury investigating Planned Parenthood has subpoenaed sixteen medical records from 2003, but Planned Parenthood says it will not turn them over.
Planned Parenthood filed a motion to quash the subpoena, citing that "private" information in the records that the grand jury is seeking was denied to former Attorney General Phill Kline by the Kansas Supreme Court during his investigation of the Overland Park abortion clinic. Kline is now the District Attorney of Johnson County, where the grand jury is seated.
A special prosecutor, not Kline, is directing the grand jury.
"The abortion cartel's privacy mantra is wearing thin. This effort to quash the subpoena is obviously about concealing incriminating information from a grand jury and nothing more. It seems like these people will stop at nothing to keep the truth about their seedy business a secret," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who was part of a coalition of groups that spearheaded efforts to convene the Johnson County grand jury.
Judge Richard Anderson testified in court earlier this month that he received abortion records from Planned Parenthood that had been falsified. He said a police handwriting expert confirmed his suspicions that the records had been altered.
A hearing on Planned Parenthood's motion is scheduled to be heard by Judge Kevin Moriarty on February 15.
News of the Planned Parenthood subpoenas came on the same day that a judge in Sedgwick County denied similar motions by attorneys for George R. Tiller, who has been ordered to hand over 2,000 abortion records to a grand jury there. Tiller's attorneys have promised to appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court.
"Let's be clear. The abortion mills are fighting to hide information from the grand juries not to protect their patients, but to keep themselves out of jail, by hook or by crook," said Newman. "Let's let the grand juries conduct their investigations without impediment and let justice be done."
About Operation Rescue
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
Court Refuses to Rule in Case of Muslim Convert to Christianity in Egypt
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06846.shtml
On January 29, an Egyptian court refused to rule in a case filed by Mohammed Hegazy (25), a convert who is seeking legal recognition of his conversion from Islam to Christianity. The judges said that Hegazy had not followed the proper legal procedures and stated that, in any case, people cannot convert to "an older religion."
"Monotheistic religions were sent by God in chronological order," the court said. "As a result, it is unusual to go from the latest religion to the one that preceded it.... The person who has such an attitude is straying from the right path and threatening the principles, values and precepts of Islam and of Egyptian traditions." Hegazy's decision to file the case in August was related to the birth of his daughter who was born on January 10.
If Hegazy does not legally change his religious affiliation, current Egyptian law dictates that his daughter will have to inherit Islam and marry a Muslim man. Hegazy reportedly intends to take his case to Egypt's Supreme Court.
Pray for the Lord to give Hegazy wisdom and guidance as he plans to take his case to a higher court. Pray that he will find peace in knowing that true justice comes from the Lord (Proverbs 29:26).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Egypt, go to www.persecution.net/country/egypt.htm.
Portrait of a President of the United States - American Bible Society Conducts Zogby Poll That Reveals the Answer
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06845.shtml
NEW YORK -- The American Bible Society has discovered what America wants in a President, based upon research done through a Zogby Poll. A nationwide survey of likely voters shows that the majority of those questioned want someone who mirrors biblical ideals of leadership. Truthfulness and integrity, by far, topped the list of the characteristics respondents feel are most important. And they say they want a leader who is, in essence, a servant and mindful of accountability to God.
Three-quarters of the likely voters agree that it is appropriate that every President since George Washington has been sworn into office with a hand on a Bible. Also, about six in ten say that they would be more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who speaks publicly about following the example of admirable leaders from the Bible and who consistently uses the Bible for guidance in both public and personal matters.
A whopping 78 percent of respondents--86 percent of women and 68 percent of men--view candidates citing Scripture, when speaking about political positions, as positive.
A surprising number of respondents (95 percent) said they have some interaction with the Bible, ranging from well aware to exploring the contents of the Bible.
Interestingly, younger respondents are more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who sees the office as a privilege to serve others, with a responsibility to God. Some 84 percent of those 18-29 said this would have an impact on their vote, while only 62 percent of respondents 50-64 said this would influence their decision.
In addition, nearly 50 percent of likely voters indicated that they would not vote for a presidential candidate who does not believe in God, while 20 percent said they would vote for such a candidate and another 20 percent agree that this would not affect their vote.
Participants in the poll, conducted January 25-27, were evenly divided geographically and mirror the U.S. population with reference to age and race. The survey of 1008 adults has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
Those responding tended to be rather well-educated, with 75 percent reporting some college education or having a college degree. And nearly one quarter said they were born-again.
The complete details of the poll are available by writing to rlloyd@americanbible.org or calling 212-408- 8731.
Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message. The American Bible Society Web site is www.Bibles.com.
Judge Orders that Abortion Records Must be Given to Grand Jury
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06844.shtml
WICHITA, Kansas -- Judge Paul Buchanan ruled today that medical records must be handed over to a grand jury investigating illegal late-term abortions at George R. Tiller's Women's Health Care Services under the condition that identifying information about the patients be redacted. The records will then be provided to an independent attorney and physician appointed by the judge. They will screen the records to determine if there are irregularities before turning them over to the grand jury.
"Today's ruling is a victory for truth and justice," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who was present during the court hearing.
A cadre of six attorneys was in court on Tiller's behalf for another failed attempt to persuade Judge Buchanan to quash subpoenas that had been issued by the citizen-called grand jury, which is asking for nearly 2,000 abortion records over the past five years. Tiller's legal team was joined by Bonnie Scott Jones of New York's Center for Reproductive Rights, who argued on behalf of three former Tiller patients that the records be denied or heavily redacted for privacy considerations.
"The privacy that they seem so worried about is just a red herring to deflect attention from any wrongdoing Tiller may be trying to hide. There will be no way to identify individual women from the redacted records, nor would there be any reason to do so. We find it shameful that Tiller would hide behind the skirts of his patients in an effort to protect himself from having to turn over potentially incriminating evidence," said Newman.
Jones told the court of one of her clients, who had a late-term abortion by Tiller because her baby suffered from serious fetal anomalies. However, fetal anomaly is not a legal reason to obtain late abortion in Kansas.
"Bonnie Jones basically admitted in open court that Tiller gave one of her clients an illegal abortion," said Newman. "I found it shocking that she could describe in detail her client's reasons for having the abortion and not understand that. She is either grossly ignorant of Kansas law, or so arrogant that she does not flinch at admitting to the illegal abortion. Either way, it is obvious that the lawyers are more concerned with covering for Tiller than protecting patient privacy, or she would not have given so much medical detail in court."
Thompson said he intends to file another mandamus action with the Kansas Supreme Court asking for a stay. In the meantime, the process of producing the records will begin on Thursday morning.
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
A General's Spiritual Journey - 70,000 copies of new book debut to American troops in the Middle East
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion06843.shtml
DALLAS -- Millions were inspired by the stirring, visceral account of Lt. General Hal Moore's Vietnam war experience as told in the New York Times #1 bestseller We Were Soldiers Once...And Young. The major motion picture adaptation, We Were Soldiers, was hailed by many as "one of the best war movies ever made." But there is so much more to the story.
In A General's Spiritual Journey, observed and written by Hal Moore's driver, General Moore opens his heart and soul about the role faith has played throughout his many life experiences. The evocative collection of memories and private thoughts are observed and written by his friend and "driver." From his childhood in Kentucky, through West Point, to the bloody battlefields of Korea and Vietnam, in business and family, and into his current days of writing, speaking, and living without his beloved wife Julia, Hal Moore leaves little doubt as to what he has always valued most in his life--his God.
General Moore is very bold in speaking about his spiritual journey. "My convictions on leadership and my actions as a military, business, and family leader are based on my strong Christian beliefs--most especially the wisdom and teachings of Jesus Christ and the Ten Commandments," he says.
A General's Spiritual Journey is filled with snapshots of the remarkable experiences that resulted from this attitude of consecration and servant leadership--his wartime decisions not to attack Buddhist temples, his reunion with former enemy commanders in Vietnam, and the deep bond he and Julia formed with his We Were Soldiers family.
By debuting in the Middle East, A General's Spiritual Journey, originally intended as a gift for Moore's family, is already touching lives and a much larger audience than envisioned. "I knew we had to have 70,000 copies for the troops deployed overseas," states Carolyn Blashek, founder of Operation Gratitude ( www.operationgratitude.com), a California-based, non-profit, all-volunteer organization that sends care packages to American troops deployed in hostile regions.
Donated by the publisher, Wild Goose Ministries, 70,000 copies of the treatise were sent in Operation Gratitude care packages to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. "General Moore and I share the same heartbeat-- to encourage and support our soldiers," continues Blashek. "I am confident that many spirits will be uplifted through the reading of this treatise."
For more information call 800.927.1517 and visit www.AGeneralsSpiritualJourney.com
Churches destroyed in wave of religious violence in Nigeria
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/churches.destroyed.in.wave.of.religious.violence.in.nigeria/16769.htm
Around 1000 people were displaced, several critically wounded, and every church reportedly destroyed in Shira Yana, Bauchi State, Nigeria on 2 February 2008. This is the latest in a series of recent incidents of religious violence in northern and central Shari’ah states, reports Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
The violence erupted after a young woman was accused of blaspheming against the prophet Mohammed. According to local sources, the young woman had spurned the advances of a young Muslim man on the previous day. In a last effort the man appealed to her to speak to him “in the name of the Messenger” to which she responded that she knew no messenger.
On the following morning the youth attacked her house accompanied by a crowd, claiming that she had blasphemed against the prophet Mohammed. When the girl fled to a police station for protection, a pursuing mob proceeded to set fire to the building. Policemen responded by firing live ammunition, killing a young man in his 20s and triggering a rampage in which police and Christians were attacked and their homes and churches destroyed.
Tension is also mounting in Kano State, where around 200 Shari’ah police or Hisbah were reported to have patrolled the streets of the Christian area of Sabon Gari in Kano City during the evening of 1 February. They were armed with an array of crude weaponry, including bows, arrows, sticks and machetes.
Around 70 women are said to have been detained during this operation, allegedly for involvement in prostitution. However, a local journalist saw at least one woman held in chains and being punished. He reported this was a result of her refusal to divulge unspecified information. The operation took place despite a 2007 Supreme Court ruling against the use of Hisbah and a warning by Kano State Police Command that Hisbah activities were unconstitutional.
The move by Kano State authorities to enforce a decision taken in November 2007 to demolish four church buildings in Kano City without discussion or compensation has also added to tension in the area. The demolition was supposedly to make way for the construction of roads and a hospital.
Elsewhere, a Baptist church and a Deeper Life church were set ablaze in the Angwan Pama area of Shendam in predominantly Christian Plateau State on 31 January. A car owned by a local Christian that was parked close to the churches was also destroyed in the blaze. Then on 1 February reports began to filter through indicating that six Christian-owned houses had been razed to the ground in Mavo, in the Wase Local Government Area of southern Plateau State.
Engineer Samuel Salifu, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, told Christian Solidarity Worldwide that his organisation commended the speed with which the governor of Bauchi had moved to ensure that the injured would receive treatment, churches would be rebuilt and the victims were compensated. He added that he hoped other governors would adopt a similar response in the event of outbreaks of religious violence.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert, said: “This recent wave of violence in central and northern Nigeria is disturbing, and we can only hope it does not indicate an upsurge in religious violence during 2008. While it is particularly encouraging to hear that the Bauchi State authorities have moved swiftly to assist victims of the recent violence, this has not always been the case elsewhere.
“Thus while commending the Bauchi State authorities, we continue to urge all state governments and the federal authorities to consistently deal with each situation in a timely and sensitive manner and to deliver justice and adequate compensation for all concerned. We particularly call on Kano’s state government to end the use of the Hisbah and disband them, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.”
Eritrean officials imprison 35 members of underground church
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/eritrean.officials.imprison.35.members.of.underground.church/16749.htm
The US-based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Eritrean officials imprisoned 35 men, women and children belonging to the underground Faith Missions Church on Christmas Eve 2007.
Security agents of the government of Eritrea raided a building in the port city of Massawa, where the members of the underground church were holding a prayer vigil.
The imprisoned Christians were placed in Weea Military Training Center, and according to ICC sources are still held there. Weea is one of the most notorious prisons in the country, where the temperature can reach 120º F.
Many prisoners die from the heat and the torture inflicted on them, including a Christian woman, Migsti Haile, who died on September 5, 2007, after being severely tortured for refusing to recant her faith.
Reliable sources from inside Eritrea reported to ICC that Christians in the town of Agordat have also been imprisoned, as well as six other Faith Missions members from the small town of Nakfa.
Faith Missions is a small evangelical denomination in Eritrea. It has been in existence in the country since the early 1950s. Besides engaging in evangelistic activities, the church formerly ran orphanages and schools throughout the country. Eritrean officials closed the church in May 2002, forcing it to go underground. Recently, the government of Eritrea has targeted adherents of this denomination with particular severity.
ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Darara Gubo, stated, “Officials of the government of Eritrea have continued to deny the fact that they are restricting freedom of religion in the country.
"In fact, when a US Congressional delegation led by Donald Payne visited Eritrea in the beginning of January 2008, they were told by government-controlled religious leaders that there was freedom of religion in Eritrea.
"The irony is that Eritrea is one of the most oppressive regimes in terms of Christian persecution.”
In Eritrea, more than 2,000 evangelical Christians alone are imprisoned under inhumane conditions. The country’s ruling party follows a communist ideology and highly restricts freedom of religion.
The only recognised churches in the country are the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran Evangelical Church. Even members of the recognised Christian churches are not spared persecution. The Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, Abune Antonios, is under house arrest for resisting government involvement in the church.
In addition, Dr Fistum Ghebrenegus, Dr Tecleab Menghisteab, Rev Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis, Merigeta (“Mentor” in the Eritrean Orthodox Church) Ytbarek Berhe, along with other leaders, are also imprisoned.
In November 2007, the government of Eritrea expelled 13 Catholic missionaries from the country. Members of the outlawed evangelical churches have been imprisoned or forced to leave the country. Those who remain must worship underground.
Scottish Bible Society helps spread God’s Word in Nepal
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/scottish.bible.society.helps.spread.gods.word.in.nepal/16691.htm
The Scottish Bible Society has launched a new appeal to help its partners in Nepal bring God’s Word to more and more people within the country’s blossoming Christian community.
One year after the predominantly Hindu Nepal became a secular state in May 2006, the Nepal Bible Society’s third attempt in 11 years to be registered ‘official’ finally proved successful. The new Society joins nearly 150 others working in more than 200 countries worldwide.
The Scottish Bible Society acknowledged that working in the country had not always been easy but said there were positive signs of change to be seen.
“With the recent death of Sir Edmund Hillary who with the Nepalese man Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest, the highest mountain in the world, fresh focus has been brought onto Nepal,” said Elaine Duncan, chief executive of the Scottish Bible Society.
“The huge team effort that it took to get the top of that particular mountain might inspire us to join with our fellow workers to achieve another important feat.
“Out of a population of 26 million, there are around 700,000 Christians in Nepal. The formerly unregistered Bible Society had worked in the country for 30 years but always faced the risk of reprisals and prosecution.”
Christianity continues to spread in Nepal, however, and churches are turning increasingly to the Nepal Bible Society for Scriptures to help the ever-growing numbers of Nepali Christians grow stronger in their faith and more mature in their Christian journey.
In 2008, the local Bible Society is hoping to radically change the faith journey of 400,000 Christians by giving them their own copy of God’s Word.
Ms Duncan added, “Plans are in action, production estimates agreed, and now - with the help of Christians in Scotland - the presses can be rolling by the end of March. We’re in exciting times.”
To contribute to the appeal visit www.scottishbiblesociety.org
Reclaiming the Soul of Muslim Algeria
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/318193.aspx
Another terrorist attack occurred against innocents in Algeria. This one, like most in recent years, was the work of the North African wing of al Qaeda.
The Algerian people are trying to move beyond a bloody 15-year Islamic insurgency that has claimed as many as 200,000 lives there. While the government continues its fight against al Qaeda and other Islamists, another battle is being waged - this one for the hearts and souls of Algerians.
Muslims Convert in Record Numbers
Muslims are coming to Christ there as never before, mostly in mountain villages among Berber ethnic groups.
"The church is still growing fast; I have no doubt about it. The TV has a tremendous impact on the lives of the people there--especially Arabic language stations where for the first time many Algerians of course watch and see and hear Muslim converts who are preaching, who are teaching and telling them stories and also getting some facts about Islam and their faith in the Koran," Algerian pastor Youssef Ourahmane said.
Christianity existed in Algeria long before Islam, but disappeared in the 12th century. Today, Islam is the dominant faith, but Christianity is making a comeback.
The Algerian church has grown to about 70,000 adherents. Seventy percent of the Christians are under the age of thirty. Hundreds stand in line for more than an hour just to attend services in one church building.
Proselytizing Muslims is against the law in Algeria. Regardless, one evangelist - a former Muslim - travels on trains playing a guitar, singing Christian songs and telling passengers about Christ. The train ride lasts about five to six hours, so he says he has a captive audience--passengers can't leave.
Courage Critical to Church Survival
He added that overcoming fear of Muslims has been crucial to church growth.
"That has been the key and I think the church really is a missionary minded church now. They want to see more churches planted and they want to see the Algerian church become an impact not just for Algeria, but for other countries." Countries like neighboring Morocco.
Just ask Ashraf ( is identity hidden and name changed for protection). He left the Islamic faith for Christianity and began ministering to Muslims in remote mountain villages in Morocco. He showed many the Jesus film. Ahsraf said he wanted to introduce the Berbers to a loving God who forgives them.
"He forgives the sinner who makes him suffer," he said. This is most important that the people see that. They will not think of vengeance or something like this."
But Ashraf has paid a high price for sharing Christ in Morocco. He was arrested and sent to a mental hospital where he was injected with mind altering narcotics.
Before he accepted Christ, Ashraf was arrested for associating with believers. He says national security police tortured him with electricity to get him to provide information about his Christian friends.
Algerians have also faced persecution in their country. Last year, government officials shut down at least five house churches and several Christians were arrested.
"We expect (it) will be (a) tougher situation because now there are complaints from the religious leaders. Imams in Algeria.they complain against what is happening, the evangelization of the Algerians," explained Paster Youssef.
An Amazing Move of God
Their pressure has already led to a new, tougher law: a hefty fine and imprisonment for those found guilty of shaking the faith of a Muslim. The law has yet to be implemented.
But Pastor Youssef suggested laws cannot stop the amazing move of God in North Africa.
"There's no doubt with what is happening today--with God arising men and women who are gifted in preaching, church planting, worship and other things as well. It's an amazing sign of hope," he said.
As for Ashraf the Moroccan evangelist, he knows the risks he faces sharing Christ in an Islamic country, yet he remains unafraid.
"I will always trust God who gives me new life," he said. "Always God is with me everywhere."
Operation Blessing Helps Victims in Kenya
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/318569.aspx
At a cemetery in Nairobi, a two and a half year old girl named Mary is being laid to rest. She is a recent victim of the violence that is sweeping Kenya and sending the nation into turmoil.
When violent mobs from a rival tribe swept through her neighborhood, The toddler's mother was forced to flee for her life. In her haste she could only grab her youngest child. When she returned to her shack she found Mary murdered in her bed.
The violence is driving many people, like Mary's mom, from their homes as they seek safety in numbers. Others have had their homes destroyed.
The victims are converging in the bigger cities, sheltering in Stadiums, Police stations and churches. These camps are full of children, some have been separated from their families, some will never see their families again.
Despite the horrific conditions these people are the fortunate ones who were able to escape with some of their belongings.
The Christian aid organization, Operation Blessing, is in Kenya serving victims in the remote countryside area, where people have lost everything and cannot even afford to run from the danger.
With crops and livelihoods destroyed, food is a priority need for the victims. Operation Blessing is committed to providing thousands of people with food for a two month period. OB is also working with Humedica to provide desperately needed medical services.
With so much deep rooted division in Kenya, Operation Blessing has teamed up with a Danish organization called International Aid Services to deliver healing as well as relief.
The program involves trauma and reconciliation counseling and is being run through local churches. Teams of Christian counselors are listening to the often horrific stories of the victims and offering hope in return through a Biblical based counseling scheme.
There is a long road ahead for Kenya to recover. In the meantime Operation Blessing is on the ground providing relief and hope to the victims of this crisis and helping to position the church to be at the forefront of helping Kenya and little Mary's family heal.
Bush: Personal Prayer Has Helped Me
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/318304.aspx
President Bush said the power of prayer has helped him cope with the stresses of leading the nation.
"I believe in the power of prayer, because I have felt it in my own life," Bush said during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington Thursday. "It has helped me meet the challenges of the presidency. I understand now clearly the story of the calm in the rough seas."
The non-government funded breakfast is sponsored annually by the Fellowship Foundation, an evangelical Christian group. About 2,800 people crowded into the Hilton Washington's International Ballroom for this year's event.
A Loving Father
Bush also spoke of the denominational differences that are bridged by prayer.
"The people in this room come from many different walks of faith. Yet we share one clear conviction: We believe that the Almighty hears our prayers -- and answers those who seek Him," he told the audience.
"Through the miracle of prayer, we believe He listens -- if we listen to His voice and seek His presence in our lives, our hearts will change. And in so doing, in seeking God, we grow in ways that we could never imagine."
The President also pointed to a special relationship that Christians have with God that "the more time we spend with God, the more we see that He is not a distant king, but a loving Father."
Bush reminded the audience that "when we answer God's call to love a neighbor as ourselves, we enter into a deeper friendship with our fellow man -- and a deeper relationship with our eternal Father."
Bush Praised for Fighting AIDS in Africa
Edward "Ward" Brehm, chairman of the United States African Development Foundation and the event's main speaker, praised Bush for his administration's attention to Africa.
"Due to his commitment, and the resulting partnership with Congress, there has been an absolutely historic fourfold increase in American assistance to fight poverty and AIDS in Africa," Brehm said to a standing ovation.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were also in attendance at the breakfast.
Several foreign leaders attended, including: President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras, President Tony Saca of El Salvador, President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi, President Emanuel Mori of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa.
Lawmakers in the audience also included Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., who sat front and center with McCain, R-Ariz.; House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., seated with Pelosi, D-Calif.; and Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, at the end of the front row of tables.
No comments:
Post a Comment