Feel Good News

Religious Persecution Is Worsening

The Pew Research Center’s 11th annual study surveying restrictions on freedom of religion in 198 nations, showed that religious persecution is increasing worldwide. The study cites government restrictions which are hostile to the open practice of faith. India, Egypt, and Russia among others, are listed as the worst offenders. Read more of the study’s results here. 

 

Over 50 Beheaded In Isis Extremist Attack

Suspected Islamic State-aligned militants beheaded dozens of people and abducted others in weekend raids in the southern African country of Mozambique. Kidnappings of women and children occurred along with the burning of many homes. Islamic extremist attacks have also risen in other regions of Africa in the last several years. Read more of this massacre here.

 

Bishop Harry Jackson Jr. Dies

On November 9, 2020, Bishop Harry Jackson Jr. of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Maryland, passed away at the age of 66. A prominent conservative pastor and evangelical adviser to President Donald Trump, Bishop Jackson was called a true man of God and a friend of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church is asking for prayers in this difficult time. Read more about his passing here.

 

Ironman Triathlon Completed By Person With Down Syndrome

21-year-old Chris Nikic from Maitland Florida, became the first person with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman. overcoming many obstacles since birth, last year Chris started training for the Special Olympics triathlon and built up enough skill and endurance to finish the race including a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run. Read more this inspirational young man here.

 

 

 

 

 

Church Arsonist Sentenced

A 23 year old man was sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2.6 million. Holden Matthews from Louisiana, was convicted of setting fire to three black Baptist churches in the area. Matthews pleaded guilty in state court to three state hate crime counts, two of simple arson of a religious building and one of aggravated arson of a religious building. Read more about the case here.

 

Temple Mount To Be Referred To By It’s Muslim Name

In what is considered a very partisan decision, The United Nations General Assembly decided Wednesday that the Temple Mount in Jerusalem will now be referred to by the Muslim name of al-Haram al-Sharif. Israel’s ambassador to the UN called the move a disgrace, and vowed the resolution wouldn’t change the strong ties and history of the Jewish people to the sacred site. Read more about this decision here.

 

Air Force Chaplain Discriminated Against For Bible Preaching

Chaplain, Captain Curt Cizek was discriminated against for preaching from the Bible in an Air Force chapel service. While serving as a chaplain in Air Force Basic Military Training, Chaplain Cizek preached a sermon on Christian sexual ethics, causing backlash which ultimately ended his military career. Now Cizek  is requesting that the President Trump restore him back to Active Duty. Read more about this discrimination case here.

 

Researchers Develop A Possible Breakthrough For Alzheimer’s

A research team at the University of Calgary, led by Dr. Wayne Chen, has made an exciting breakthrough with the ability to prevent and reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The team found impressive results after giving animals a drug that interrupts the disease process. This discovery has the potential to impact millions around the world live with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Read more about this exciting discovery here.

 

 

Presidential Race Still Undecided

No clear winner has been announced as of Wednesday morning for the 2020 Presidential race. As both sides are declaring victory, it may days before the final tally of votes are counted in battleground states. as it stands now, it looks like the democrats will hold the house, while the Republicans hold the senate. Get the latest voting results here. 

 

3rd Grader Threatened With Suspension Over Mask

Third grader Lydia Booth wore a mask which said, “Jesus loves me” to her Mississippi school. School officials ordered her to remove the mask and replace it with a school provided one, threatening suspension if she refused. Her parents have filed a lawsuit against the school district for violating her religious freedom. Read more about the ongoing case here.

 

Over 200 Religious Leaders Vow To Bring Peace After Election

Evangelical leaders have signed a letter titled, “A 2020 Call for Biblical Peacemaking: Evangelical Leaders’ Statement on Violence and Division” Concerned with the rise of anger, persecution, violence, and division in the country, these religious leaders vow to bring peace, love, and reunification back to the United States. Read more about their efforts here.

 

Santa Named Essential Worker

Children everywhere are worried that Santa’s annual visit will be stopped this year due to Covid-19.  But rest assured, the big guy himself says he has no plans to cancel his Christmas Eve flight. Labeling Santa as an “essential worker“, a Facebook group is asking people to go outside Christmas Eve at 6:00 p.m. and ring a bell tor sing a Christmas song to show support for Saint Nick.  Read more about their efforts here.