Written By Pat Buchanan

A decade ago, activist Ron Unz conducted a study of the ethnic and religious composition of the student body at Harvard.

Blacks and Hispanics, Unz found, were then being admitted to his alma mater in numbers approaching their share of the population.

And who were the most underrepresented Americans at Harvard?

White Christians and ethnic Catholics. Though two-thirds of the U.S. population then, they had dropped to one-fourth of the student body.

Comes now a more scientific study from Princeton sociologists... http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=181357

Fearing local religious leader, area police refuse to file murder complaint.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 8 (CDN) — A Muslim mob in Jhelum, Pakistan murdered the wife and four children of a Christian last month, but local authorities are too afraid of the local Muslim leader to file charges, according to area Muslim and Christian sources.

Jamshed Masih, a police... http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/pakistan/22542/

In a horrific instance of Talibanism, Muslim fanatics in Kerala on Sunday chopped off the right hand of a college lecturer, accusing him of setting a question paper with a derogatory reference to the Prophet.

Lecturer T J Joseph was returning home from church with his mother and sister around 8.30 am in Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district when he was accosted by the attackers. “We had just got into our car when a van pulled up in front. Around eight people armed with swords and knives emerged and pulled out Joseph after smashing the windscreen.

They then chopped off his... http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Alleging-blasphemy-fanatics-hac...

Written By Gary Stearman

July 7, 2010

(Note from Jan: The last month has been one harrowing experience for me and thus this week I am drawing on an article from Gary Stearman from Prophecy in the News. I hope to be back to normal by next week as the planned surgery for next Wednesday was cancelled. The problem resolved itself thanks to prayer and God's goodness. I was not given a gurantee that things will be better forever but with prayer and God, all things are possible.)

Many Christians are beginning to wonder aloud whether we have entered into a period when God is visibly judging the earth. We now seem to be wildly careening from one crisis to another. At this writing, the latest big calamity -- British Petroleum's Gulf of Mexico oil spill -- has brought endless media dramatization, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Meanwhile, secular power and authority is using this crisis to extend its grasp on global power. Lately, several authors have written books that chronicle the coincidental timing between the U.S. policy toward Israel and catastrophic events affecting our nation. Since Israeli statehood in 1948, we have been Israel's chief guarantor and support. Now, we are pulling away, and the world seems to be trembling in response to this ominous transformation.

At the beginning of May, many students of Bible prophecy began to take note of the reddish color of the floating oil slick. It reminded them of blood. They then wondered aloud if prophecy had been fulfilled. Specifically, they recalled Revelation 16:3: And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. Some have speculated that if the undersea oil flow continues, all life in the sea could die.

On the other hand, we have survived such oil leaks before. Another similar one happened on a Mexican rig in the Gulf and also on an Arabian rig in the Persian Gulf. Still, there is something amazing about this latest disaster. It happened on April 20, the very day that the nation of Israel was celebrating its 62nd Independence Day, called Yom Ha'Atzmaut in Hebrew. On the very day that BP's deepwater rig exploded, Israelis were commemorating their holiday with a national ceremony on Mount Herzl, along with national picnics, barbecues and celebration in general.

If the Lord was sending a message, He certainly chose an appropriate day to do it. Many now believe that God is actively judging the world, particularly in relation to Israel's treatment. They view the weakening relationship between the United States and Israel with great trepidation. Bible-believing Christians understand that the Abrahamic covenant between God and Israel is still in effect. Its primary edict could not be clearer:

"And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). This 3 minute video sums this scenario brilliantly.

And do not miss this three-minute YouTube here. Look at the faces. Do they look evil? They are joyfully obsessed to be returning "home" from the four corners of the earth.

We believe that since Israel has once again become a nation in the modern era, it operates under this covenant. Therefore, any man or nation who stands against Israel is liable to be cursed. By March 25, U.S. criticism of Israel became a daily news release. In an effort to restore talks, Netanyahu and his aides made an emergency trip to the U.S. This resulted in the "dumped for dinner" disaster, in which the Prime Minister was snubbed, as Obama retired to his private quarters in the White House. Netanyahu was said to have received "the treatment reserved for the President of Equatorial Guinea."

Israel was also refused key weapons systems upgrades and spare parts, even as Obama delivered Apache helicopters and F-16 fighters to Egypt. Israel's promised delivery of "bunker buster" bombs was also withheld. U.S. criticism of Israel became a daily news release. Moving into April, we learned that China's President Hu Jintao extracted a promise from the Obama government that would allow a possible UN sanction against Israel.

Israel's enemies soon took advantage of weakening U.S. support for Israel. On April 6th, Jordan's King Abdullah publicly announced that he regretted his father's (the late King Hussein's) decision to make peace with Israel. Because of deteriorating U.S. support, Israel had suddenly arrived at the position of being openly derided as an international pariah. This massive change had taken only a little over a month.

On April 7th, Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan called Israel, "the principal threat to peace in the Middle East."

But Christians who are sensitive to the subtleties of Bible prophecy cannot deny the obvious connection between the building U.S.-Israel conflict and the climactic explosion that came on the very day that celebrates Israel's modern statehood. We are not yet in the Tribulation, so the oil spill cannot be a fulfillment of prophecy in the judgments in the Book of Revelation. Still it may be a foreshadowing of things soon to come.

On the 20th of April, an information service called Standing with Israel News published Independence Day remarks made by featured speakers. Their remarks were tinged with the acknowledgment of the gathering storm.

And then the oil rig exploded.

Note from Jan: Yesterday Obama told Jewish voters what they wanted to hear -- that America will always defend Israel. His actions speak the very opposite. The terms of that cooperation will be a forced Palestinian state in the heart of Israel, including parts of Jerusalem. Sharpen your discernment and don't buy into these falsehoods. Israel has no earthly friends left. A final thought -- we do not know for sure if there is a connection reported on in this article. But Scriptural passage clearly remind us of consequences for causing harm to God's land and people.

We have an "Israel" category with excellent articles and videos to help you understand this issue. Find it here.

Get acquainted with "Understanding the Times" radio. We air live out of Minneapolis/St. Paul on AM980 KKMS and AM1280 "The Patriot," Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. The program is replayed Sundays, 12 to 2 p.m. and Sunday, 8 to 10 a.m. respectively. You can always "listen live" at those Web sites.

We air in other cities. See all our airing outlets here.

For podcasting info via iTunes, visit this link.

All live Saturday programming is posted to "Radio Archives" late Sunday.

Have you visited our video "To Make You Think" category? Follow this link.

Brannon Howse sits in for me for radio this weekend. I hope to be back live out of Minneaopolis/St. Paul July 17.

We cannot answer all e-mails but each one is read. To unsubscribe, scroll to the bottom and click on "SafeUnsubscribe."

Awaiting His return,

Jan Markell

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

WHEREAS, the Gulf Coast has suffered an unfortunate loss of life due to the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, which continues to threaten livelihoods, economies and precious coastal wildlife ecosystems with devastation and destruction; and

WHEREAS, throughout our history, both as a state and as individuals, Texans have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer; and

WHEREAS, prayer provides peace and guidance in times of crisis and conflict, and reminds us of the comforting assurance of God's love for us all; and

WHEREAS, it seems right and fitting that the people of Texas should join with their fellow Gulf Coast residents and others across the country and around the world to thank God, seek his wisdom for ourselves and our leaders, and ask him for his merciful intervention and healing in this time of crisis;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby proclaim Sunday, June 27, 2010, as a Day of Prayer in the State of Texas. I urge Texans of all faiths and religious traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of individuals, the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of entire Gulf Coast environment in the wake of this disaster.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my Office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 23rd day of June, 2010.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas

Each Friday morning, Bardsdale United Methodist Church hosts Kids Story Time from 9:30 am until 11 am in LeBard Hall.

The first 30 minutes begins with simple stories for the younger children followed by longer stories for the older kids. Youngsters with short attention spans are allowed to enjoy the adjacent play area.

Following the stories, there is craft time or physical activity and yummy snacks. The morning ends with free play time.

This 3-year-old program is completely free and open to young families in the community. It is a great place for kids and adults to make new friends and network with each other.

The church is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue and any questions can be answered by calling the church at 524-2070.

According to the 2010 Southern Maine Pride website, Home Depot signed on as a major sponsor of its 2010 Gay Pride events. But simply financing and marching in the parade wasn't enough for the big box chain.

Home Depot also signed on as a "festival" vendor, conducting Kid's Craft Workshops for children in the midst of loud and boisterous gay activities.

To this end, Home Depot is basically encouraging the attendance of children at events which openly expose them to transvestites, cross-dressers, and homosexual activists.

Unfortunately, Home Depot's participation in the Southern Maine Pride Festival doesn't stand alone. It has also sponsored and participated in the 2010 Boston Gay Pride parade.

Gay pride events have a long track record for offensive public displays of homosexual conduct. Obviously, Home Depot is OK with the idea of exposing children to an unhealthy and risky environment. So much so, it is willing to also celebrate it by participating in its promotion, as demonstrated in these photos from the 2010 Maine and Boston events.

TAKE ACTION
Send an email to Home Depot and let them know you are opposed to their support and approval of children at homosexual events. If you are a customer, please add an additional personal line to our prepared letter to Home Depot.

After sending your email, make an extra effort to protect children by calling Home Depot personally. Brad Shaw is the Vice President of Public Relations. His direct number is 770-384-5350.

Note: AFA has attempted a number of times to reach out to Home Depot to discuss our concerns. Home Depot has never returned our calls.

Justice was done last Wednesday when the Muhammad and Waqas Parvez, the father and brother of Aqsa Parvez, received life sentences for strangling her to death in their home in Mississauga, Ontario, on December 10, 2007, when she was sixteen years old. But denial as to how a father and brother could have been moved to murder what should have been a beloved daughter and sister remains all-pervasive. If Canada, the United States and Europe are not going to be the sites of many more Islamic honor killings, that has to change.

Muhammad and Waqas Parvez murdered Aqsa because she would not conform to Islamic behavior codes for women. The Qur’an commands women to “draw their veils over their bosoms” (24:31), and in a hadith, Aisha, the favorite wife of Islam’s prophet Muhammad recounts that he commanded that once a woman “reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands” (Sunan Abu Dawud 32.4092).

Muhammad Parvez was determined to... http://frontpagemag.com/2010/06/21/the-lonesome-death-of-aqsa-parvez/

A wedding ring on Dad’s finger is more than a symbol of his commitment to Mom. It also proves to be the ultimate anti-poverty weapon for their children. Now that’s something to celebrate and encourage this Father’s Day. It’s fitting on Sunday to honor all the fathers who strive to keep that commitment, even when they grow weary.

“The principal cause of child poverty in the U.S. is... http://blog.heritage.org/2010/06/18/morning-bell-fathers-who-are-husband...

by Heidi Swander
June 9, 2010

Time for some good news, don't you agree? Here it is: When you accepted Christ as your personal Savior you received: God's grace, forgiveness of sins, hope, eternal life, adoption into the family of God, a divine inheritance, a teacher and comforter and down payment on your inheritance in the form of God's Holy Spirit, an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, peace, joy, a place in the Father's house. How are you doing? Is this perking you up a bit in these days of distress we live in? That's quite a list, and it is by no means exhaustive.

But there's one more provision you and I received at salvation that we don't hear a lot about and I'd like to expound on it just a bit. We have, at our Father's direction, an entire host of angels -- heavenly bodyguards, if you will -- to watch over us! Did you know this? True story!

Of God's angels the writer of the book of Hebrews says, Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? (1:14). If you are a member of the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ - bound for the New Jerusalem with an inheritance in waiting -- this verse is talking about you!

The psalmist wrote, He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty . . . He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways . . . (91:1, 11). The word, "keep" in the last verse means, "to hedge about; i.e., guard; generally to protect, attend to."

In his uplifting book, Angels Among Us, Dr. Ron Rhodes offers encouraging words when he writes, "A vast world of intelligent, powerful, invisible spirit beings is all around us . . . The angels are nearer than you think . . . taking care of us and ministering to us when we're not even aware of their presence."

Do you remember the story CONTINUED »

Written by Gene Signor, FCA board member

Fillmore Christian Academy’s Serve-a-thon fundraiser was a great success in many ways. While a significant amount of money was raised to benefit the school’s computer lab and scholarship funds students, parents and faculty members also spent time together doing good for the Fillmore community. Doing good for others is a reminder to all who do so that there are some things in life that money cannot buy, including the good feeling that comes with sharing with others and doing deeds that benefit the community.

On April 30th FCA students, parents, and faculty members picked up trash at Shiell’s Park, spruced up the FCA campus, and collected food and clothing donated to the school that was later distributed to approximately 200 needy people in Fillmore by Faith Community Church Compassion Ministry volunteers on Saturday, May 8th.

Other students visited the residents of the Orange Blossom Villa and shared time with them using watercolors to paint and draw that was led by Mrs. Ana Rivera, who also donated all of the supplies necessary to create the artistic renditions by everyone involved. A great time was had by all!

After completing the serve-a-thon students, parents and faculty celebrated together at the school with a delicious meal generously provided by Vallarta Restaurant for a nominal fee that was paid for by Mike and Heather Richardson of Coastal Ag. Everyone had cotton candy and sno-cones and the students enjoyed playing games and a Jolly Jumper that was provided by Tom and Berta Mayhew.

As the school’s name implies, students are taught to follow the example of the one who went about doing good and helping others wherever He went.

Crematorium workers in Guangdong Province found an infant crying in a “medical waste” receptacle on its way to being cremated, reports Xinhua, China’s official news agency. The crematorium workers immediately sent the infant back to the hospital. Later that day, the hospital sent the infant back to the crematorium, dead. The hospital offered no explanation of the cause of death.

Earlier this year, Xinhua reported that 21 bodies of fetuses and babies were found discarded in a river in East China. Xinhua News stated, “the bodies may have been dumped by cleaners from local hospitals after abortions and induced labor. Such dead bodies are treated as ‘medical waste’ by hospitals.”

Meanwhile, the China Daily News glibly reports that... http://www.australianwomenonline.com/forced-abortion-and-sterlisation-in...

If you want your children to have an out-of-this-world experience this summer, we invite you to sign them up for the Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School titled Galactic Blast, A Cosmic Adventure Praising God. The five day space journey will be July 19-23 from 9 am until noon at the Bardsdale church.
It's $10 per child for the week and scholarships are available.
Children 4 years and older will participate in four centers: crafts, science, music and Bible stories.
Young ones, 2-3 years may attend if a parent stays with them in the preschool group.
All space travelers will receive a mid-morning snack and lunch.
Pre-registration is required by July 9 and registration forms are available by email. Parent volunteers are always welcome.
Contact Sharon Hurd at 524-0587 for registration and more information.

Mark your calendars for June 21-28 because the High Seas Expedition Vacation Bible School will be setting off on a great adventure that you won’t want to miss! This theme will explore the mighty love of God as shown throughout scripture. It is an exciting, fun-filled, Bible-based program your kids will love, providing learning activities, related projects and games, and high-energy Bible songs that reinforce Biblical concepts.

Children from four to fifth grade are invited to attemd the VBS at the Church of Christ at Mountain View and Highway 126, June 21 to 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parents and children are invited to participate in the final program on Friday at 6:30 p.m. followed by a barbeque. All events are free. For more information call 524-2851 or 524-3641.

UPDATED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Israel is being bombarded with lies, false and unfair allegations and sheer anti-Semitic assaults. The U.S. is doing precious little to defend its most faithful ally in the Middle East, but this is the precise moment for followers of Jesus Christ to show unconditional love and unwavering support for the Jewish State amidst this brutal onslaught.

The Israeli Defense Forces had every right to defend themselves and their country from the brutal and premeditated attacks of terrorists and left-wing anti-Israel activists, and it is unconscionable for world leaders to act otherwise.

Here’s the background of what happened: Israeli is... http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/31/israel-faces-new-intern...

Written by FATHER ROBERT BARRON

Along with the tales of Galileo and Giordano Bruno, the legend of Hypatia is a favorite of anti-religious ideologues.

Here we go again. I just saw the new film Agora, which is a re-telling of the story of Hypatia, the brilliant woman philosopher from Alexandria, who was killed, supposedly by a mob of "Christians," in the year 415. Along with the tales of Galileo and Giordano Bruno, the legend of Hypatia is a favorite of anti-religious ideologues. I first heard the story from Carl Sagan, the popular scientist whose multi-part program "Cosmos" was widely watched back in the 1970's. "Cosmos" in fact comes to its climax with Sagan's melodramatic rehearsal of the narrative. Hypatia, he explained, was a scientist and philosopher who ran afoul of Cyril, the wicked bishop of Alexandria, who then stirred up a mob of his superstitious followers who subsequently put Hypatia to death. Sagan commented: "the supreme tragedy was that when the Christians came to burn down the great library of Alexandria, there was no one to stop them." And just to rub it in, he said, "and they made Cyril a saint." Sagan's account found its roots in Edward Gibbons' version of the story in his deeply anti-Christian classic The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. In fact, Gibbons was the first to link the murder of Hypatia with the burning down of the Alexandrian library. Alejandro Amenabar's new film stands firmly in the Gibbons/Sagan tradition, presenting Hypatia as a saint of secular rationalism who desperately gathers scrolls from the library before it is invaded by hysterical Christians and who goes nobly to her death, defending reason and science against the avatars of religious superstition.

Well, Hypatia was indeed a CONTINUED »

Written by Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org

There is always Middle East conflict and war is frequently breaking out in that region. Why could a forthcoming war change the world? A little too sensational, you say? When the "epicenter" is involved, always pay attention. While the situation in the Middle East is generally unstable, it could move to the disaster zone this summer or fall.

Major Paul Vallely is a wise military man. He has been a guest on my radio program, "Understanding the Times." He is now making a media circuit warning anyone who will listen that dark storm clouds are on the horizon in the Middle East. He has gotten information, it would seem, from Israel because what he is sharing is detailed. He surely hasn't gotten it from the Obama administration who is a part of the legions of nations deceived that if only Israel would go away, there would be world peace.

We're back to the term an "axis of evil." This axis is scheming to wipe out Israel and the nations include Iran, Syria, Russia, and the biggest player, Hezbollah which operates in south Lebanon. Israel went to war with Hezbollah in 2006. It was half-hearted even though the destruction on both sides was major. According to Vallely's sources, the Iranians are working with Syria and Hezbollah and are planning a pre-emptive strike soon to stop Israel's expected pre-emptive move against Iran. What a chess board! This operation is coming down to the wire. Sources say the chaos will begin in a few weeks to a few months. It is all based on the fact that Iran is now set to go with her nukes and most of them are pointed at Israel.

Here is the startling news: Just CONTINUED »

Saint Francis of Assisi Academy is now accepting applications for the school year 2010/2011. Pre– K program must be 3 1/2 years old by September 7th. Class is small and limited in size and runs a half day, 8:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. For applications please come to the pastoral center and speak with the secretary.

Before the year of the Priest ends, Father Barney and Father Artu, of St. Francis Church, would like to invite all volunteers to a THANK YOU BBQ on Sunday, June 6, 2010. It will begin in the church with a rosary procession at 2PM and the BBZ will be served from 3:30PM to 4:30PM. Family games will follow. Please come to the Parish office by noon June 2nd and pick up a ticket for your family. You are invited to bring a salad to share or a finger dessert to share. For more information contact the Pastoral Center at 524-1306. Thank YOU.

Those included in the thank you BBZ: Altar and Rosary Society, Altar Servers, Brownies, All Catechists, Coros, Choirs, Christmas tree farm volunteers, Church Beautiful Committee, Decorators for the major feast days, Las Guadalupanas, Eucharistic Ministers, Fireworks volunteers, Finance Council, Grupo de Oracion, Knights of Columbus, Lectores, Lectors, Meals for our priests committee, Sunday Social Groups, Children's Mexican dancing group, Neo-catecumen, Respect Life Committee, Safeguard the Children committee, Sacristants, Saint Francis of Assisi Gift Shop, Saint Vincent de Paul, Saturday Garden Club, Small Church Community, Pequeñas comunidades, Ushers, Youth peer leaders. If we left anyone out, come out.