News Of The Day – December 18th
Lauren Diagle Dropped From “New Years Rockin’ Eve”
Popular Christian pop star Lauren Daigle, has been removed from the lineup of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” the musical countdown to the New Year. In early November, Daigle performed at a “Let Us Worship” rally in New Orleans which was held in response to pandemic restrictions on churches. Because of which, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, wrote a letter to Dick Clark productions saying she could not “in good conscience” support Daigle’s involvement in the broadcast. Read more about Diagle’s removal here.
Joel Osteen Defends Receiving Government PPE Money For Church
Multimillionaire televangelist Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Texas netted $4.4 million in bailouts. And now the pastor is defending the move. Lakewood’s PPP check went to 368 full- and part-time employees, spokesman Donald Iloff told the Houston Business Journal. The paper added that about 1,500 religious organizations in the Houston area were approved for PPP loans, with 20 receiving loans of more than $1 million. Read more about the controversy here.
Christian Man Acquitted Of Blasphemy In Pakistan
A Christian man in Pakistan has been acquitted of blasphemy and released from prison after serving 10 years of a life sentence. Imran Ghafur Masih, is now in hiding with his family due to potential threats from extremists. Masih was arrested after a neighbor falsely accused him of burning a Quran. His release was a surprise for Imran’s family who said, “It is a day of resurrection for us. God has heard our cry and we are very thankful to him. It’s a Christmas gift for us.” Read more of his arrest and release here.
Cancer Ward Sets Up Wedding For cancer Patient
Due to the pandemic, those wanting to get married had to change their wedding plans. But when nurses at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale saw cancer patient Samantha Preston’s engagement ring, they went into action. In only three days, the staff arranged a wedding in an area at the hospital traditionally used as a gathering spot for families into a beautiful venue for the couple to tie the knot. Read more about the touching ceremony here.
