Orange County Edition

Vol. 24, No. 3 March 2013 www.christianexaminer.com

Cal Thomas Eric Metaxas World

Government shouldn’t The not-so-gloomy American pastor FREE defi ne ‘church’ season of Lent imprisoned in Iran writes about ‘horrifi c pressures’ page 4 page 4 page 5 Billy Graham ‘My Hope’ initiative taking shape Campaign to culminate in nationwide evangelistic effort

Christian Examiner staff report

YORBA LINDA — The Rev. Billy Graham may be 94 years old, but he continues to feel called to com- municate the gospel to the world. A Christian woman in Bangladesh While the big-city stadium cam- sheds tears during prayer time. paigns may be a thing of the past, The woman, part of the persecuted Graham is still focused on new ef- church worldwide, is assisted by forts to bring the gospel to young Open Doors International. and old alike. This November, that passion will culminate in the weeklong My Hope With Billy Graham initia- tive—sponsored by the Billy Gra- ham Evangelistic Association— which will enlist believers to open “My Hope with Billy Graham,” their homes to those who are not which culminates in Nov., com- A dangerous message believers, watch a short televised bines the reach and excitement of program and then give a brief tes- a nationwide media event with the timony to their unbelieving guests. power of personal relationships. My Hope began in 2002 at the Open Doors reveals Christ to the urging of Franklin Graham. In the that group that say, ‘I’ve made a step past 10 years, the home-based rela- toward Christ.’” tional evangelism project has been Worldwide, Conard continued, persecuted church worldwide taken to nearly 60 countries—with of the 10 million commitments to 10 million commitments to Christ. Christ, two-thirds of them have been By Lori Arnold “Christ in you is the hope of glo- nization Ridgway is now guiding Since 2002, My Hope has been fi rst-time commitments while the ry”—that I wasn’t confi ned to an while its board searches for a new carried out in 4.5 million homes, remaining have been rededications teve Ridgway was still a fairly organization, to four walls, but national leader. said Bill Conard, executive director or renewals of faith. new Christian when he read because of God’s spirit, wherever Founded 58 years ago by of the project. Pamela Christian, an inspirational a book that opened up the I went, my life could matter and Brother Andrew, the ministry sup- “The response works out to about speaker based in Orange County, S said she accepted an invitation by door to a world of missions he never make a difference.” ports members of the persecuted 2.2 responses per home over the realized existed. The book, “God’s Smuggler” by church and compiles a well-re- entire project,” he said. “What that her pastor, Tom Barkey of Church of “It helped to form my world- author Brother Andrew, not only spected top 50 World Watch List means to a pastor, then, is if he has Grace in Yorba Linda, to coordinate view,” he said. “It shifted my shaped Ridgway’s worldview, but featuring countries considered 10 families doing this or 15 families My Hope for their congregation. She paradigm to understand that it also shaped Open Doors USA, doing this or 100 families doing this said she was moved by project videos (through) Colossians 1:27 — the Orange County-based orga- See OPEN DOORS, page 6 in a large church, there might be between 200 and 300 people out of See MY HOPE, page 3 Wrong turn made right Young woman reclaims her past by leading Central City ministry By Lori Arnold las. And like those who now called York, Baltimore and Washington Los Angeles’ Skid Row home, Ca- D.C. before taking a guest services LOS ANGELES — Even in Los bido spent some of her youth living position at a Beverly Hills hotel. Angeles—the birthplace of fantasy on the streets after running away “I wanted to put some distance and fi lm—metaphors such as “mak- every now and then. between myself and the commu- ing a wrong turn in life” can cross “I got distracted really easy think- nity that I grew up in,” she said. over into life-altering reality, as So- ing about the things I didn’t have,” “So once I graduated from college phia Cabido discovered. she said. and moved away I just kind of shut It was a script made for reality Thanks to her praying grand- the door on that life that I had as TV. mother, Cabido eventually tired of a child.” “I took a wrong turn, and instead her rebellion and pushed through The door reopened when Cabido of driving back to my apartment to graduate, attending college in happened upon the extreme pov- near Beverly Hills I actually drove East Texas. erty that made Skid Row notorious. straight into Skid Row on accident,” “She was a pretty tough cookie,” Face to face with her past, Cabido Cabido said. “I was taken aback by she said. “She stopped at nothing to began volunteering at Central City the community and couldn’t get it keep me in school.” Community Outreach, a ministry out of my mind.” With a passion for the traveling launched in 1991 by Central City She couldn’t get it out of her industry, Cabido was fast-tracked mind because the scenes were into a hotel and resort manage- See CENTRAL CITY, page 3 heartbreakingly familiar to her own ment program offered through childhood living with her grand- Cornell University. She held man- A family carries home a Box of Love mother in public housing near Dal- agement posts in Colorado, New from the annual Shoes that Fit event at Central City Community Outreach. For information about advertising, subscriptions, or bulk delivery, please call 1-800-326-0795 2 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • March 2013 OC www.christianexaminer.com Play it again Recordings take the Good News to the ends of the earth By Patti Townley-Covert Yet, frequently those recording the messages become Christians. TEMECULA — Last year, Gus- tavo, a recordist for Global Record- Advanced technology ings Network in Ecuador, trans- According to Rickards, Global lated some Bible stories into the Recordings Network strives to Salasaca language. A few months make use of the latest technol- later, he boarded a bus. En route ogy. In many remote areas to- to his destination, Gustavo noticed day, “folks will have a cell phone another man and went to sit next even without any power to charge to him. Gustavo wanted to tell the it.” The switch to solar power in man about Jesus. many regions will solve that prob- After listening, the stranger told lem, he believes, so the ministry Gustavo he’d come from the Gal- designed a new website for Inter- lapagos Islands, where he lived with net-capable phones. about 700 members of his tribe, the “We’ve simplifi ed that into just Salasacas. After hearing that some- being able to search for your one had recorded God’s words, language,” Rickards said. “It’s they pooled their money to buy an designed for unbelievers, a very $800 plane ticket. This man was simple interface to plug in their sent to fi nd God’s words and bring country or language and immedi- them back to his tribe. ately download a recording onto Stunned, Gustavo said, “I have their phone.” them in my case.” Another item under develop- He pulled out a handful of CDs ment is a mobile hotspot. Much and gave them to the man. Soon his of the technology advances are people would hear the Good News being provided by students from in their own language. several Christian colleges who Dale Rickards, the executive di- work as volunteers on network rector of Global Recordings Net- projects as part of their course- work USA headquarterd in Tem- work, Rickards said. ecula, Calif., said he fi rst became “One student is developing acquainted with the ministry work a box, basically a computer, to as a missionary kid whose parents take into a village where there’s worked with Muslims in North Af- no power,” he said. “They can rica, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. take preloaded languages for While spreading the gospel, Rick- that people group, turn on the ards said his father played records Bluetooth, and people can come produced by the network. At times up with their phones and simply recordists from Europe came and download the recordings.” stayed in the Rickards’ home be- Sybil Shaw, a senior recordist from Global Recordings Network Australia, uses an ordinary outdoor table to hold her fore leaving for the Sahara Desert. recording equipment in Oceania. Challenging conditions can require recordists to use the bed of a pickup truck for their Sacrifi ce for the cause When Rickards moved to Tem- equipment and sometimes even work to overcome the background noise of chickens. By whatever means possible, ecula in 2007, he took a tour of the ample, one of the network’s re- Global Recordings Network’s pas- network’s facility, where a vintage cordists in India speaks 12 of sion is to take recordings of the cardboard record player brought India’s 13 offi cial languages. But Good News to the most remote PACIFIC JUSTICE fl ashbacks to the one his father with more than 1,000 languages places on Earth. This winter, had used. Soon afterward Rickards throughout the country, the fi eld Rickards said, the ministry’s Ne- pal team went on an excruciating started volunteering, then became recordist must fi nd an intermedi- INSTITUTE three-day journey to record some a board member. ary who also speaks the language language groups. They rode in “GRN started in 1939 with re- of someone from a targeted peo- Tenth Annual Gala a bus packed with people. Many cords, then began making cassettes, ple group. The three translators were carsick. Steep cliffs made then CDs,” Rickards said. then sit together as the recordist them fear for their lives. After Some places that are too dusty reads a section of the script to the for CDs still use the cassettes to re- using three to four types of trans- intermediary, who then repeats portation, the team fi nally arrived cord and speak the truth of God’s it to the target-language speaker, word in the heart language of vari- at their destination and made of JUSTICE who records it. their recordings. ous people groups. On the minis- “Depending on the language, try’s website missionaries can fi nd Back in Nepal, much to the Promoting justice… Preserving family… Protecting faith this can be very labor-intensive, team’s delight, several radio sta- audio and audio-visual materials for sometimes just a phrase at a Our vision is focused. Our plan is bold. evangelism and basic Bible teach- tions asked to broadcast their time,” Rickards said. message. Rickards said that the ing in more than 6,000 languages Once all of the recorded ma- and dialects. radio owners weren’t concerned terial is fi nalized in the studio, about the content; they just Saturday, April 13, 2013 Lauren Thomas said she needed it goes back to the remote tribe, such resources for a visit with a wanted to broadcast something where a different individual lis- 5:00 - 9:30 pm Thai family who only spoke Akha. in the tribal languages. So for 10 tens and repeats what he hears. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Anaheim Wondering how to reach that re- days during peak hours, Global “That’s how we check our doc- mote people group, she contacted Recordings Network’s “Word of VIP Reception, Live Auction and Awards Banquet trinal content to make sure the Global Recordings Network and Life” series went out to hundreds original target person hasn’t in- found Akha recordings of stories of thousands of listeners on a secu- from creation to Christ’s resurrec- fl uenced it through their tradi- lar radio station. Featuring John Bolton tion. In addition, there were testi- tional religion,” he said. “Some- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations monies, songs and discipleship ma- times if a Muslim is helping you, For more information see www. Described as “someone who sees the world terials. Many of the recordings had they might say something pur- grnusa.net or call 1-888-444-7872. as it really is” and “who speaks with moral fl ip charts with pictures. poseful to distort Scripture.” The mobile website is 5Fish.mobi. clarity,” John Bolton will provide us with an Thomas also bought a special unparalleled perspective on world events. hand-cranked MP3 player, a Saber, with speakers loud enough to reach Please mark your calendars and join us as we honor distinguished a large group. attorneys and community leaders for their outstanding work and “When I fi rst pulled it out, they all exceptional commitment to faith and family. gathered around and were amazed that this little box was speaking All proceeds will be used to promote justice, protect family, and preserve faith. their language,” Thomas said. Before leaving them she made To reserve your seat now, visit sure they knew how to use the Saber so that “hopefully many www.regonline.com/coj evenings, when the sun goes down or call 714-796-7151 and there is nothing else to do, they will listen to these stories over and Brad Dacus, Esq. over again.” President, Pacifi c Justice Institute Complicated process Former U.S. Attorney General, Edwin Meese, III Eipeen Huang, a former recordist in Brazil, records Global Recordings Network’s Advisory Board Chairman Making the recordings is no easy task, Rickards said. For ex- Good News stories with a volunteer. www.christianexaminer.com OC March 2013 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 3

Church of the Nazarene, Cabido CENTRAL CITY… met the Jesus who walked with her Continued from page 1 grandmother. A peek at Central City Community Outreach “I realized later that it was Him The numbers: The Skid Row month,” she said. “We’ve managed vides a Thanksgiving meal suited Community Church of the Naza- who broke my heart for the com- ministry serves 100 kids annually to keep our doors open for 23 years. to their living situation. One of rene. At its rented headquarters munity when I fi rst entered Skid through its after-school program That’s a testament that God thinks the volunteers then walks the fam- that is shared with the church, the Row,” she said. “I spent a lot of time and 1,100 more through com- we are doing something impactful. ily back to their home. nonprofi t offers daily after-school sort of refl ecting on my life and re- munity outreaches. The center’s It’s hard.” “It empowers the family to programs, special outreach events alizing that I pushed Him away but annual budget, which includes six The outreach: Its largest com- reach out and to build relation- and resources for parents. He didn’t push me away.” staffers, is $350,000, with about munity outreach is Shoes that ships so that even though they After a year of serving the inner In keeping with the concept 75 percent coming from founda- Fit, a Thanksgiving campaign may not be there regularly we are. city, Cabido walked away from the that Christ heals the whole body, tion grants and the remainder that provides a brand new pair If there is ever a need or a family security of hotel management and Central City offers therapy, one- through individual donations. of shoes to every child living in that needs a friend, we are going the glitz of Beverly Hills to work on-one mentoring and health The volunteers: Assistance Skid Row. Through the event, to be there.” part-time at the outreach. and wellness programs. The main comes from students enrolled at members of the community are The clientele: I think the popu- “That was a big step for me,” she focus, however, continues to be Azusa Pacifi c University, Biola, the personally invited to the Central lation is staying the same, and I said. “I think everybody was like, on learning. University of Southern California City’s headquarters where they think it’s because we are putting ‘It’s a phase she’s going through “We want to bridge the educa- and Athletes in Action. are matched with a personal shop- a Band-Aid on it. We don’t have because of her childhood.’ It was a tional gap for the children that are The need: Although the min- per and another volunteer who people who are willing to invest hard transition, obviously. I’ve been living in that community and going istry receives many in-kind dona- connects with them throughout their time and their energy to be there ever since. I’ve held every po- to local schools because obviously tions, Sophia Cabido, the center’s the day. More than 700 shoes were long-term mentors to families, sition there: teacher, administra- schools in that community are low- executive director, said their big- distributed last year. and that creates generational tion, program director, develop- performing schools,” Cabido said. gest need is cash donations to “We don’t just give them the poverty, the cycle of poverty and ment director, assistant executive “So that’s kind of our ticket into meet payroll. In addition to their shoes and send them on their generational homelessness. We’re director.” dealing with the families. Then, regular duties, the staff uses their way,” Cabido said. “It’s a relation- just not investing in the tools to Ever since her affi liation with after that, we really focus on the own vehicles to transport children ship-building opportunity. We keep them sustainable outside of Central City, Cabido said that she social and emotional needs of to fi eld trips and other events be- get to clean their feet, put clean that community. They know they has been inspired by the relational the kids who are going through cause the ministry van was stolen socks on and get them new pair can always come back and get a component of the ministry, which homelessness and poverty.” three years ago. of shoes.” meal or a bed or a shower. stresses empowerment over hand- “There’s not a month that I The personal shopper also For more information, visit www. outs. In September 2010, she was Rocky roads don’t sit down and look at the books helps to select cold weather cloth- lacentralcity.org. named its executive director. Although rewarding, Cabido said and think we’re going to close this ing and a Box of Love that pro- “We’re not an organization that the job is not without its stressors. evangelizes outright and open, but After hosting a weekend sleepover “It’s just harder to commit your- drive through it every day to work. sion, and we are making an im- everything we do, I think, comes at her home, she noticed that one self to a mission trip to downtown People are less committed to a local pact,” she said. “We see an improve- from the knowledge that Christ of her electronic devices was stolen. L.A. because it’s in your backyard,” project.” ment, but we don’t have the tools to loved us, and that’s why we love,” Even after approaching the group she said. “You don’t get to walk Despite those issues, Cabido said be able to build on that. she said. “So the idea is to really of young people, no one admitted away from it. It’s not some fun the Lord has been quick to provide “If our building went away to- build a relationship with each and the theft. trip to Costa Rica, and we’re also their monthly needs. morrow … we would still be on the every family and just love them.” “In the wake of it all I was praying going to build a school. It’s right “We have this group of people corner of Sixth and San Pedro run- about my anger and my frustration here. You can’t forget about it. You who are so committed to the mis- ning programs for the kids.” Finding Jesus and I had a very clear answer, and Before being able to earnestly that was (this): ‘These things are point people to Christ through ac- happening because you are work- sage is communicated may be altered is to “look up” in prayer followed by tion, Cabido acknowledged that ing with the right kids,’” she said MY HOPE… to communicate more effectively in the urging to “look out” for oppor- she fi rst had to have her own rela- the Lord revealed to her. “You are Continued from page 1 certain settings. tunities to build relationships and tionship with the Messiah. Though working with the kids who need, There are two basic tracks to My “look forward” to the time when the she attended church as a child with who lack. It’s not the stuff and on the website. Hope. initiative is planned. her steadfast grandmother, it was the money that they need, but “I was moved to tears by some of “One is the preparation of powerful, The fi nal thing for believers to always the elder woman’s religion, it’s more attention, mentorship the statistics and some of the real culturally sensitive media programs, pursue is to “look after,” which is not Cabido’s. and love.” heartache that is out there and usually placed on television, which intended to be follow-up. “Growing up I had this bitterness Cabido said there have been how hopeless people are by large communicate the gospel in a way that “We stress that very strongly,” for Him,” she said. “I knew He ex- many other indications that she is degrees,” she said. “I’ve known that, the viewer/hearers can understand,” Conard said. isted, but I just had this bitterness precisely where God intended her in part because of my ministry work Conard said. “The other track, which My Hope focuses on building because I saw my grandmother, to be following her “wrong” turn. that I do as a speaker, but to see the is the major track and this is the most relationships with unbelievers, and who spent her entire life on her They have been simple signs such study done on it and to learn from important one, is challenging pastors Conard believes that Christians knees, die with more debt than any- as seeing two staffers kneeling the Billy Graham Crusade that seven to work with their parishioners … to should be intentional about this in one in one lifetime could pay off. down in the offi ce to show a child out of 100 people are depressed and intentionally reach out to their friends, preparation for November. We were always suffering, so I think how to tie their shoes or when fam- suicidal and 14 out of that 100 people family, neighbors, work associates, “The key thing is to be intentional I had an anger for Him. I commit- ily members approach her in tears are crippled with anxiety and fear, school associates …” and friendly about building relation- ted to show God that I was going to because their child is fi nally im- and 60 out of the 100 don’t know Conard said they are focusing on ships to bring people to understand do this without Him. I was going proving at school. Jesus at all—He is our only hope.” the week of Nov. 3 to 9, with the core your hope in Christ so that He can to get out of poverty without Him, It’s these moments that Cabido Christian said she completed at date being Nov. 7, which happens be their hope too,” he said. “That’s so He let me play at that for a little said she tries to tap into when sell- least 10 hours of video training online to be Billy Graham’s 95th birthday. why it’s ‘My Hope.’” while.” ing the benefi ts of the inner city to prepare for her work this year. Conard noted that Franklin Graham Six years ago, through the minis- ministry to potential, sometimes “I was really honored to do that,” set the core date for the event to Local training scheduled try at Central Church Community reluctant, donors. she said. “Imparting hope is one of coincide with his father’s birthday. A free Southern California train- the best things that we can do.” Conard said they are hoping to air ing for those interested in becoming She said she believes the program a fl agship program on network televi- involved with My Hope is set for 9 a.m. provides vital evangelism tools, add- sion on that day The program, which to 12:15 p.m. March 14 at Clairemont ing that she recently attended an will be approximately 30 minutes in Covenant Church, at 5255 Mount evangelism event in which no one length, will also air on cable televi- Ararat Drive in San Diego. The sessions Publisher: Lamar & Theresa Keener in attendance was unsaved. sion and be available as a DVD and are geared toward pastors and mission “I think our church at large is lacking on downloadable platforms. leaders but are open to anyone who is Managing Editor: Lori Arnold the ability to reach out and bring people A youth program, one specifi cally interested in evangelism. Advertising: Scott Coyle into the fold. To be able to learn how designed for Hispanics, a shorter In addition to the in-person train- Calendar/Classifi eds: Brittany Keener to do that better and train others and program tied into Operation Christ- ing, those registering on the My Hope Correspondents: Patti Townley-Covert see the results is going to be dynamic. mas Child and numerous foreign website can do online training. Distribution Coordinators: Lisa Allen, Kim Baker I can’t wait to get started.” language programs are also planned. Copyright © 2013 Selah Media Group For those participating in My For more information about My Two tracks Hope, Conard said they should pur- Hope with Billy Graham, visit www. The Christian Examiner, formerly known as the Christian Times and fi rst established in 1983, is an in de- While the general message pro- sue fi ve things in preparation. First, myhopewithbillygraham.org. 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Government shouldn’t defi ne ‘church’ Under pressure from religious Christian. Green says, The core issue as I The early church was not a build- Solomon that while He was too and conservative groups, the Obama “We simply cannot see it -- and there are ing with a towering steeple. The big to live in buildings, He would administration has offered another abandon our religious others -- is whether early church met in homes. If one “dwell” in the Temple Solomon compromise on the issue of birth beliefs to comply with the government has accepts New Testament teaching built for Him. Ultimately, though, control coverage within the Affordable this mandate.” That the right to defi ne a (and what higher authority on the He said He had other intentions: Care Act. While exempting churches mandate includes, in church as a building church could there be?), the con- “I will put my law in their minds and some religiously affi liated institu- addition to contracep- in which people con- cept of the church being an organ- and write it on their hearts. I will tions, such as hospitals and universities, tive coverage in em- gregate on Sundays ism that resides in each individual be their God, and they will be my from supplying the coverage, the new ployees’ health care, and whether a private believer is clearly spelled out in sev- people.” (Jeremiah 31:33) proposal calls for their employees to “preventive services,” company headed by a eral passages. That was and remains for believ- receive stand-alone private insurance including “morning- Cal Thomas religious person qual- Paul the Apostle writes in his let- ers the authentic church, so when policies providing birth control cover- after” pills and other ifi es for conscience ter to the Colossians (1:24) about people say, “I am going to church,” age at no cost. Insurance companies drugs, which Green considers abor- exemptions. For government to de- the “body” of Jesus Christ, “which is it is an impossibility because they will foot the bill, but only the naive can tifacients. After Hobby Lobby’s ap- cide such things violates the estab- the church.” By this, he means the can’t go to themselves. possibly think the cost won’t fi nd its way peal to Justice Sonia Sotomayor was lishment and free exercise clauses “body of believers” in whom Christ The administration’s efforts to back to the institution in the form of rejected, the Christian Post reports of the First Amendment, which dwells. Wherever that body is, effectively gerrymander lines be- higher health premiums. the company then made plans to state “Congress shall make no law whether an individual, or a group tween what it considers legitimate Numerous lawsuits fi led against “...shift the beginning of its em- respecting an establishment of reli- of believers, that’s the church. It religious practice and the secular is this and other portions of “Obam- ployee health plan to temporarily gion, or prohibiting the free exer- was only later that this concept of what the Founders hoped to avoid acare” will proceed and for good avoid $1.3 million a day in fi nes for cise thereof...” and appears to put church was turned into something when they linked the establishment reason: the federal government each day since Jan. 1 that it did not the state in the position of supreme with expensive buildings, tax ex- clause with the free exercise clause. seems intent on setting rules on comply with the Affordable Care authority and arbiter of what con- emptions and denominations. That is why, among other rea- matters of conscience and worse, Act.” (According to the new health stitutes “legitimate” religious faith The same theme can be found sons, government should not man- defi ning what constitutes a church, care law, businesses with more than and practice. The Supreme Court in Revelation where John is asked date birth control coverage as part or religious institution. 50 employees that refuse to comply will likely have to resolve its consti- by Jesus to write letters to several of any national health care plan. One of the litigants is Hobby can be fi ned by the IRS $100 per tutionality. churches. Those, too, were bodies Lobby, a chain of craft stores, whose day per employee.) Hobby Lobby’s Permit me to offer the justices of believers, not physical structures. © 2013 Tribune Media Services, CEO, David Green, is an evangelical appeals continue. some assistance. In the Old Testament, God told Inc. Marking the not-so-gloomy season of Lent It’s the one season observance is not lim- long way in Christian history. In oneself.” salvation, starting with the Fall and of the church year ited to Catholics: An- 339 A.D., the bishop of Alexandria Religion is expected to further culminating in Good Friday.” And many would rather glicans and Lutherans (and theologian extraordinaire) this goal. What sociologist Christian in this rehearsal, “a consistent pic- forget: The gloomy observe Lent at the Athanasius described a fast that be- Smith dubbed “moralistic thera- ture of God emerges: the God who season of Lent. But same time as Catho- gan 40 days prior to Holy Week as peutic deism” has no room for the takes the initiative in reconciling us why so glum, chum? lics, and while the being the custom throughout the kind of self-examination and sacri- to Himself.” For those of us who Orthodox Great Lent Christian world. The 40 days dura- fi ce that is at the heart of Lenten Lent is only “gloomy” if you think grew up on the East begins and ends on tion was derived from the period of observance. The God of “moral- that being reconciled to God is Coast or in large cities different days, there is time Jesus fasted in the wilderness istic therapeutic deism” demands “gloomy.” It’s only “gloomy” if you like Chicago or Los An- a signifi cant overlap. at the start of His public ministry. nothing more than that people be think that we are so wonderful that geles, we don’t need a Eric Metaxas Regardless of the For new Christians, these 40 days nice and fair to one another. And if reconciliation didn’t cost God all sleepy groundhog to tell details, the message served as preparation for their bap- they’re not, well, no big deal. that much. us whether or not spring will soon be is the same: as worshippers are told tism at Easter, fi guratively and lit- Lent tells a very different story If you know better, than perhaps here. If you know how to read the signs, on Ash Wednesday, which marks erally the time during which they about a very different kind of God it’s time to pass the fi sh. And by the there is no shortage of hints: besides the start of Lent, “Remember that passed from darkness to light, from who saved very different kinds of way, there are a number of other spring-training reports from baseball thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt death to life. For the already-bap- people. These people didn’t need things you can do to observe Lent. teams in Florida and Arizona, there return.” tized, it was a time of self-examina- to feel good about themselves — Please come to BreakPoint.org, are supermarket signs proclaiming If that sounds gloomy to you, tion and recommitment. they needed to be made good. To click on this commentary, and look “Seafood for Lent.” you’re probably missing the point. All this talk of self-examination that end, God sent His only Son, under “Further Reading and Infor- The signs refer to the Christian About a lot of things. and recommitment sounds “op- born of a woman, to live the life we mation.” practice of fasting and/or abstain- While the word “Lent” — which pressive” and “gloomy” to con- were intended to live but couldn’t. ing from certain foods in the ap- comes from the Anglo-Saxon word temporary minds, including those During Lent, Christians, as a © 2013 Prison Fellowship. Metax- proximately six weeks preceding “lengten,” meaning “spring” — belonging to Christians. For most friend of mine once put it, “re- as is the voice of “Breakpoint,” a Holy Week. While most of us as- does not appear in Scripture, the moderns “the central goal of life is hearse — in the most basic mean- radio commentary, formerly featur- sociate Lent with Catholicism, the observance of Lent goes back a to be happy and to feel good about ing of that word — the story of our ing the late Chuck Colson. Understanding legislation through young, inexperienced eyes You know you’re getting old when Especially signifi cant was the state- the majority of which touching those same lack of comprehensive medical and more and more of the words coming ment from one young man, saying, come in the fi nal week of people—young parents surgical training of nurses, etc. from your mouth remind you of your “We don’t care about legislation. We the session. For example, with mortgages, children If younger citizens would take the parents. I try to catch myself from are more interested in the things that at the time of this writing, in school, unstable em- time to consider the consequences of blurting out the phrases and opinions, touch us emotionally.” 620 bills and 19 constitu- ployment, school loans AB 154, they would be touched emo- but sometimes I just can’t help myself. Hearing this, my mom entered tional amendments have and rising taxes—with all tionally. First, this population is the Please don’t misunderstand, Mom and my head, saying, “Oh, my goodness been submitted with only kinds of emotions strongest defender of the preborn, and Dad, you are witty and wise and all that, gracious.” My dad said some things a week remaining before Of course, lacking AB 154 would allow for the taking of but I’d like to think that I’m more than there, too, but they can’t be repeated. the deadline. foresight is not a crimi- more of those innocent lives. Younger just a product of my environment. Then, my own thoughts took over: Of the bills submitted nal offense, though citizens will also cringe at the medical Recently at a community forum, high “Whaddaya mean, you don’t care about thus far, here is a smat- it sometimes leads to emergencies, even increased deaths school students joined the discussion legislation?” “Things that ‘touch’ you?” tering: several relating to Ron Prentice them. In the case of of women, which will occur due to the with “adults” who averaged 50 years of “Emotionally?” “These kids need my public employees’ retire- legislation, not seeing lowering of medical training. AB 154 age, and those young whippersnappers dad to whip them into shape.” ment, reforming political campaigns the strategy of a “small” bill may result does not provide compassion to the gave important insight to the fogeys. But I digress. and the initiative processes, and to in the construction of a series of bills preborn, or justice to the women who To this group of students, legislation fi nancing post-secondary education. that ultimately negate parental rights are often in fragile, confused condi- is lifeless and, therefore, without worth. Other bills concern water quality, in public schools, religious freedom tions with unplanned pregnancies. What the students don’t understand or teacher accountability and the state’s in employment or the protection of Rather, at its root is the advancement of believe is that every legislative bill is a budget. human life in the womb. so-called “choice,” never mind the facts. small piece of a much larger agenda, However the youngest of voters may For example, Assembly Bill (AB) 154 The work of the church is to im- an agenda that promotes someone’s respond to the aforementioned bills now, seeks to expand the number of medical press upon the next generation of worldview of reality, morality and theol- it is very likely their responses will change personnel who may perform surgical leaders the need for discernment ogy. It isn’t that legislation—once under- as they age. Public employee retirement abortions. Nearly identical to an unsuc- of truth and to help them recog- stood—can’t “touch” a person under 35 packages are bankrupting cities, result- cessful bill last year, AB 154 would allow nize and respond to those whose “emotionally.” However, much work ing in reduced services but not reduced nurse midwives, nurse practitioners worldviews do serious damage to must go into getting a policy’s meaning taxes, and public employee union money and physician assistants to receive ad- life, family and freedom. articulated and broadcast, so that people controls political campaigns, often re- ditional training in order to be certifi ed Stay tuned next month for a com- of all ages will be touched by its potential sulting in an elected representative’s deaf to do abortions. Aside from the obvious plete run-down of the legislative for good, or for bad. ear to his or her electorate. Budget woes damage done to more preborn babies bills under close observation. Each year, California Senate and are answered by increased taxes, and by the passage of this bill, it would also Assembly members submit more than the things that formerly didn’t “touch” place women undergoing abortions at Prentice is chief executive offi cer 1,500 legislative bills for consideration, the teen voter are now, 10 years later, signifi cantly increased risk due to the of California Family Council. www.christianexaminer.com OC March 2013 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 5 American pastor imprisoned in Iran writes about ‘horrifi c pressures’ By Erin Roach tinue to raise awareness of his case prisoned since 2011, is being denied BP News and continue to work for his free- medical treatment for his serious dom.” health problems. Pastor Vruir Avan- TEHRAN, Iran — Pastor Saeed More than 280,000 people had essian, Marshall said, was arrested in Abedini, a U.S. citizen of Iranian de- signed a petition Feb. 22 at SaveS- December, 2012 during a raid on a scent, has released a letter from with- aeed.org, a website aimed at rallying house church. in Iran’s brutal Evin prison in Tehran, international voices to secure his re- Iran has increased its persecution demonstrating that his faith remains lease. of Baha’is recently too, Marshall said. strong despite abusive tactics from “It is rare that he is able to get a “The fact that Iran, despite current Iranian offi cials aimed at getting him letter like this to the public,” Sekulow pressures, attacks peaceful and usu- to renounce Christ. said of the pastor. “He has no voice. ally apolitical minorities shows that “They are trying to put me un- Each of us must be his voice. Sign religious ideology remains a major der such horrifi c pressures (that are the petition for his freedom at Save- determinant of its actions,” Marshall sometimes unbearable) so that they Saeed.org.” wrote. “It also shows that the regime can show me that my faith is empty More than 80 members of the U.S. is weak. Minorities are growing be- and not real,” Saeed wrote. Congress signed a Feb. 12 letter urg- cause many Muslims reject their rul- “And after all of these pressures, ing Secretary of State John Kerry to ers’ version of Islam.” after all of the nails they have pressed “exhaust every possible option to Iran is susceptible to international against my hands and feet, they are secure Mr. Abedini’s immediate re- pressure, Marshall noted, pointing only waiting for one thing ... for me lease.” to the recent case of pastor Youcef to deny Christ. But they will never get The congressional letter states, “Ev- Nadarkhani, who faced execution but this from me,” he wrote in the letter ery American citizen traveling or liv- was released after international pres- that was translated into English. ing abroad should have the assurance Pastor Saeed Abedini and his wife Naghmeh have two children. sure mounted. The text of the letter was circulated that the U.S. government will come tions of international law and human ing religious repression.” He report- “Even apart from the fact that Feb. 22 by the American Center for vigorously to his or her defense if they rights abuses. ed that at least 20 other Christians are Saeed is an American citizen, the Law and Justice, which has been advo- are unjustly detained or imprisoned.” Writing for National Review Online currently detained in Iran because of [Obama] administration should re- cating for the pastor’s release. He was ACLJ fi led a document the week of in January, Paul Marshall, a senior fel- their faith. alize that religious freedom can be sentenced in January to eight years Feb. 10 with the U.N. Human Rights low at the Hudson Institute’s Center Pastor Farshid Fathi has been held a key element in changing Iran, and in prison for starting a house church Council calling on Iran to immediate- for Religious Freedom, said Abedini’s in Evin prison since 2010, Marshall we should press it to do so,” Marshall network a decade ago. ly release Abedini, citing Iran’s viola- case is “just one facet of Iran’s increas- said, and pastor Behnam Irani, im- wrote. “This new letter from Pastor Saeed could not be more clear or direct — he continues to face life-threatening abuse simply because of his religious beliefs,” Jordan Sekulow, ACLJ’s ex- ecutive director, said. “The letter also underscores the need to move quickly.” Abedini reported that the condi- tions inside the prison are so diffi cult that his eyes are blurry and he lacks strength to walk. “Various (bullying) groups, the psychological warfare, a year of not seeing my family, physical violence, actions committed to humiliate me, insults, being mocked, being con- fronted with extremists in the prison who create another prison within the prison walls, and the death threats ...,” Abedini wrote. As a Christian pastor, he believes he is carefully watched and is expected to smile despite the harsh treatment. “But, of course, I can clearly see what is going on and because I want to serve God, I see all of these diffi - culties as golden opportunities and great doors to serve,” Abedini wrote. “There are empty containers who are thirsty for a taste of the Living Water and we can quench their thirst by giv- ing them Jesus Christ.” The imprisoned pastor went on to encourage fellow Christians, reminis- cent of letters from the Apostle Paul. “Maybe you are also in such a situ- ation, so pray and seek God that He would use you and direct you in the pressures and diffi culties of your lives,” Abedini, 32, wrote. Naghmeh Abedini, the pastor’s wife, is living in the United States with the couple’s two young children and has kept close contact with the ACLJ. Upon receiving the letter, she told the advocacy organization it is heart wrenching to know her husband is still being tortured in Iran, where he has been imprisoned since Septem- ber. “Now our worst fears have been confi rmed,” she said. “He continues to face life-threatening abuse at the hands of the Iranian offi cials simply because of his faith in Jesus. These are the dreadful conditions he will continue to face as he serves his lengthy prison sentence in Iran.” Naghmeh Abedini said her hus- band “will never recant his faith in Jesus,” but she is greatly concerned about his health and well-being. “His situation is dire and with the continued abuse and death threats, we are not sure how long Saeed will survive these horrendous conditions in prison,” she wrote. “The most im- portant thing we can do is pray, con- 6 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • March 2013 OC www.christianexaminer.com

what he wanted,” the interim they will be in alleyways, they will OPEN DOORS… CEO said. “He was just a guy un- be in the forest, they will be in a Continued from page 1 derstanding that Christ in him house, they will be singing songs, was the hope of glory. He didn’t mouthing their words but no the most egregious offenders of re- need an organization. He didn’t noise will come from their lips,” ligious freedom. need four walls. He didn’t need a the ministry leader said. “The “That list is very extensive,” staff to go do what he did. He just tears will be pouring down their Ridgway said. “There’s a lot of went because he was obedient eyes because they have connected work that goes into it.” to Jesus. What fl owed from this, with Jesus in a way we could only The list is used by millions of from the telling of the stories, hope for. Yet it is possible here.” Christians who pray for the perse- is all what you see today. He is a At the same time, ministry of- cuted church and by offi cials with humble man who is fi ercely loyal fi cials go to great lengths to try the U.S. State Department, which to Jesus.” to minimize the risk to those they monitors religious and civil rights Today, Open Doors has two or- serve. They do so by maintaining violations across the globe. ganizations: the international min- a fi rm grasp of the culture and po- The National Religious Broad- istry that serves as the hands and litical landscapes in the countries casters will honor the Santa feet to the persecuted church and they serve. Ana-based ministry on March 5 the USA division, which supports “We are not cavalier in what we with a Milestone Award marking the work of the international unit. do,” Ridgway said. “We are very its 50-plus years of continuous Led by Jeff Taylor, the international wise. We have good people on the ministry in Christian outreach. organization maintains a staff of ground. The gospel is a danger- The presentation will be made in eight in the Santa Ana offi ce. Un- ous message. It’s an unsafe mes- Nashville during the NRB’s 70th like many national ministries that sage. So where is it most power- annual convention. disperse funding to their interna- ful? In unsafe places.” Ridgway said Brother Andrew, tional arms, Open Doors’ budget who is still actively preaching goes directly to the international Two children display the colorful Vietnamese Children’s Bible given to them by A bold remnant the gospel at almost 85 years old, division, which operates 21 bases Open Doors. Ridgway points to Syria, where wasn’t seeking accolades or a worldwide. a civil war has proved problem- large ministry when he took his “They disperse it to the projects hands on in all the countries of why Open Doors works to support atic for Christians who have been fi rst mission trip to Eastern Eu- that we are involved with through- the world where we are involved.” the persecuted where they serve the target of Islamists who seek to rope in 1955. out the world,” Ridgway said. instead of trying to relocate them purge the country of non-Muslims. “The wonderful thing about “They really sift this out. They Here at home to safer ground. The United Nations estimates that Brother Andrew (is) this isn’t pray through it. They really have Ridgway’s USA team numbers “That’s a very different message 70,000 people have been killed in 42. Their focus is to supply Bibles to the Western world because the war, and thousands of Christian and Christian literature, train the Western world looks and says believers have fl ed to Lebanon and Egyptian family jailed for Christian leaders, facilitate social/ ‘they are suffering; let’s go rescue Jordon. economic projects and encourage them and get them out of there,’” “But there is a remnant that is prayer for suffering believers. he said. strong and growing,” he said. “The converting to Christianity “What we are trying to do here in fi rst three days of every month prior the U.S. is to engage the American Relying on Jesus alone to the war they met and prayed and Christian Examiner staff report are at greater risk than ever,” Jor- church because we have not done In the nearly six decades of ser- fasted that God would break the dan Sekulow, executive director of a good job of that. We want to take vice to the worldwide church, church and build the church, that CAIRO, Egypt — An Egyptian the American Center for Law and what we believe is a treasure to however, Brother Andrew and his they would be a church of disciples court has sentenced a woman and Justice told Fox News. them. It’s their (spiritual) family partners have discovered that it and evangelism and they would be her seven children to 15 years in “This is another tragic case that they know nothing about, that is in the midst of such suffering a church that grows. They did not prison for converting from Islam to that underscores the growing they don’t know exists.” when the presence of Jesus is of- know it would take a war. Christianity. problem of religious intolerance “We are in the hardest places ten the most sweet and strongest. “Now they meet three days a Nadia Mohamed Ali converted in the Muslim world. To impose in the world,” Ridgway said. “We “Why is it that the churches in week to pray and fast because that’s to Islam 23 years ago after marry- a prison sentence for a family are a presence-driven ministry. We those places are thriving? They where the work is done. Muslims ing Mohamed Abdel-Wahhab Mus- because of their Christian faith know where the persecuted are. are not just surviving. They are are coming to faith in Christ. Peo- tafa. When he died she converted sadly reveals the true agenda of We know how to be with them. thriving,” Ridgway said. “It’s be- ple are courageous and bold and her family back to Christianity, the this new government: Egypt has We know what they need, how cause they’ve discovered that Je- are standing toe to toe with their religion of her youth, in order to no respect for international law to get to them and how to help sus truly is enough. ‘enemies’ and loving them for obtain an inheritance, according to or religious liberty,” continued them to stay. “In the West, unfortunately, Christ and seeing them drop their Fox News. Sekulow. “We are not a rescue organi- most men would opt out for their weapons.” She sought new identity cards for Egyptian President, Mohamed zation. We are not a religious temporal safety and forego their Ridgway emphasized that his her family and began the process by Morsi, was elected last June and freedom organization. We are eternal security. That’s the differ- mission in educating America’s seeking help from workers in the succeeded the secular reign of Hos- not a relief organization. We love ence in how the church is thriv- churches is not one centered in registration offi ce in 2004. ni Mubarak, who is now in prison. everyone who does those things ing in places like Syria and Iran guilt. After Nadia’s conversion was dis- Morsi has not taken any ac- because they do it well. What we and Indonesia and China and “It’s not a story of sadness. It’s covered under the new regime, she, tion against the rising persecution do well is how to be with them North Korea.” not a story of tragedy,” he said. “It’s her children and the offi ce clerks against Egypt’s Christians. and to help them stay to be the Although Christians are thriv- a story of triumph. The reason it’s that processed the new identity Human rights advocates state beauty of Christ, the church, in ing, most of the time they are not a story of triumph is because Jesus cards were all sentenced to prison. that this case is one of many alarm- those hard and hostile places.” visible since they hide their wor- is always the hero of those stories.” “Now that Sharia law has become ing rulings that point to the perse- The interim director said one ship for fear of arrest or death. an integral part of Egypt’s new con- cution of roughly 7 million Chris- of the most diffi cult things for the “You won’t see the box church- For more information, visit www. stitution, Christians in that country tians living in Egypt. American church to understand is es … they will be underground, odusa.org. Hijacked K-12

The Commandeering of California’s Public Schools

An informative new 48-page booklet for parents and teachers offering a realistic view of the culture that has been created within California public schools during the last two decades — a culture that is propelled by anti- Christian and radical ideologies. Throughout these pages, you will be informed of the intellectual and social hazards your kids will be exposed to if they are enrolled in a publicly-funded school in California.

“‘Hijacked’ is an excellent resource for parents. (It) unveils the truth about public school agendas.” — Ron Prentice, CEO of California Family Council

$IGITALDOWNLOAD&REEs0RINTCOPIES ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY www.faith-freedom.com    sINFO FAITH FREEDOMCOM www.christianexaminer.com OC March 2013 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 7 A spiritual renaissance comes to downtown Los Angeles By Sophia Lee World News Service

LOS ANGELES — On an early Sunday morning in downtown Los Angeles, young women in slinky dresses stumble out of nightclubs. Several hours later, other young women in sundresses walk to church, Bibles in hand. For more than 70 years, a sign capitalizing “Jesus Saves” has been fl ashing its evangelical message. But for a good chunk of those de- cades, they were two silent words without a home. Churches have been trickling out of downtown since the mid-1950s, joining their Two Jesus Saves signs were Later, both signs were trans- congregants on an exodus out into erected on top of the original ported to the second building the suburbs. Bible Institute of Los Angeles of Church of the Open Door by The reverse has been happen- (BIOLA) building at the inter- Pastor Gene Scott. One sign re- ing over the last 10 years. Down- section of 6th and Hope Street mains on a building at the inter- town, once a strictly 8-to-5-weekday in Los Angeles on Feb. 17, 1935. section of 9th and Broadway, and ghost town, has been surging back The Church of the Open Door, the other belongs to Scott’s wife, to life. Ever since the city passed which met in Biola’s auditorium, Pastor Melissa Scott of the Faith the adaptive reuse ordinance that and was originally pastored by Center in Glendale. The build- allowed developers to revamp va- Biola’s R.A. Torrey, kept the signs ing that currently stands at 9th cant buildings into luxury lofts and even after Biola moved campuses and Broadway is to soon become commercial buildings, downtown in 1959. the Ace Hotel. has become a destination not just for foodies and night revelers, but also for potential residents. Since juice and stay long after the service conservative,” purposely didn’t cov- 1999 the number of downtown resi- to chat, while kids weave through er the lewd paintings, because “The dents—then 18,000—has tripled. the crowds, running and shouting. city is dirty. The city is sexual. The “You can see the glow in the faces of city is godless. We wanted to be able New City Church the people here when they walk out to teach our people that your faith Boutiques, restaurants and bars of the service,” said Dimson Velas- has to grow in the middle of sin—in are fi lling up the once-empty build- co, a resident at Los Angeles Mis- the middle of the city.” ings and streets, and churches such sion, a nonprofi t service provider as New City Church on Spring Street for the homeless. Live Church LA are trying to fi ll a spiritual void. At Velasco said he wasn’t a church- Jesse Ross, another pastor who least two-thirds of the about 400 or goer until he found New City. “I “felt a calling” to build a church so New City members are downtown hurt myself in so many ways,” he downtown, began in 2001 to fol- residents. Half of those are loft said. “I was struggling with jobs, low the revitalization of downtown. dwellers. The others come from skid with drugs, isolation, suicide. But That turned from hobby to burden row—a dense strip of poverty, social God had something else for me. He and calling, especially when he saw services, and the highest concentra- healed me.” Velasco now hopes to the number of downtown residents tion of chronically homeless people attend seminary and become a pas- doubling and tripling while the in the nation. Whites, Latinos, blacks, toral intern at New City. number of churches stayed stag- and Asians each make up about one- nant. In 2009 Ross and his wife Shel- fourth of the congregation. Sovreign Grace Church ley moved downtown and planted Kevin Haah’s idea for a downtown About a year before New City Live Church LA a few blocks away parish church grew in tandem with held its initial service, Sovereign from their apartment: it meets at downtown’s residential boom. He Grace Church had its in 2007 with Club Nokia, a hip concert venue in had been leading Love LA, his for- a different focus: to be a church L.A. LIVE, downtown’s newest and mer church’s outreach ministry to that affects the whole city, not just fl ashiest multibillion-dollar enter- the skid row community. He became downtown. tainment complex. troubled by a survey of 300 skid row Alex Choi, lead pastor of Sov- On Sundays when the VIP room residents that revealed they consid- ereign Grace, chose downtown is fi lled for another event, the ser- ered the Sunday afternoon worship because it’s the closest thing to a vice takes place on the terrace that and food distribution to be a church: centralized heart in Los Angeles. overlooks the I-10 freeway. All staff “We were taking these people to what Worshipping in the fi nancial, po- members, including Ross, are un- looks like a church, but doesn’t have litical, and cultural hub of Los An- paid volunteers. Congregants are the depth of a church.” geles infuses the church with a pow- mostly in their 20s and 30s, down- One evening, Haah was voicing erful sense of responsibility for the town residents who found Live his concerns to the volunteers at city, Choi said, as residents drive Church through Yelp or Google. Love LA over dinner and blurted, past skid row each day to their lux- Ross has encountered hostility: “What if we planted a multi-ethnic, ury lofts just one block away: “The Comments on one downtown-based multi-socioeconomic church that proximity of the rich and the poor blog that reported Live Church reaches out to both skid row resi- is unavoidable in city life.” LA’s launch ranged from “Lovely, dents and loft dwellers?” The room Unlike New City, Sovereign Grace more nutbag Christians,” to accusa- went silent. He found himself shar- is not a neighborhood church. Its tions about churches “preying on ing that vision with anybody who dominantly Asian-American, work- the poor and uneducated.” would listen, and each time he ing professional congregation Ross sees “a huge wall to tear down” talked about it, he started weep- doesn’t refl ect the socioeconomic but says “people are craving spiritual- ing. “Maybe God is telling us some- or ethnic diversity of downtown: ity”—and when he started attending thing,” his wife, Grace, told him. “Our church is very, very L.A. We City Hall meetings and asking for ways Two years later, New City held its have models, artists, doctors, law- he and his church could volunteer, fi rst service at a nightclub. yers, actors, fashion designers, ev- city workers responded with shock: Haah wanted New City to crack erything.” Choi said church mem- “It was like it’s never been done be- the downtown liberal view of bers want “to do music, to do art, fore. … Apparently it’s hard to fi nd churches as “right-wing” and substi- to do law, to do business as Chris- Christian churches that are vibrant tute the “understanding that we’re tians,” and they ask: With so many in this area.” all messed up and we need Christ.” of these people going to church, Ross now gets his salary as asso- New City meets at the Los Angeles why isn’t the world’s culture being ciate director of People Assisting Theater Center and starts worship transformed? The Homeless/Home for Good with contemporary praise songs led Until Sovereign Grace relocated (PATH), an organization that by a young band in skinny jeans to its current venue at a ballroom in helps move chronically homeless and vintage boots. Dark- and light- the LA Hotel, Sunday service con- veterans into permanent homes. skinned hands rise up, swaying as vened in the middle of a downtown One Saturday during a move, Live the crowd sings, “What can make art gallery. Choi preached directly Church members showed up with me whole again? Nothing but the in front of a giant painting etched bed sheets, toiletries, and clothes. blood of Jesus.” with vulgar words, and the congre- One member hired a U-Haul van to After the service, the parishio- gants sat surrounded by nude paint- tow belongings and donations into ners gather over coffee and cold ings. Choi, who calls himself “very the benefi ciaries’ new home. 8 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • March 2013 OC www.christianexaminer.com

MAR 16 • SATURDAY MAR 22 • FRIDAY (cont.) Have your event listed FREE! Justice, Spirituality and Education Confer- lace. 7pm, Calvary Community Church Room Coffee House. 7:30pm, 24851 Send us your Christian activity/event for next month, and we’ll list it in ence, with Stephan Bauman. 7:30am- of Brea, 603 S. Valencia Ave., Brea • Crisanta Dr., Mission Viejo • 1-888- THE CALEN DAR at no charge. The deadline is the 18th of the prior month. 5pm, Biola University, 13800 Biola Ave., calvarycomm.org 679-8228, theupperroompresents.com Send to the Christian Examiner, P.O. Box 2606, El Cajon, CA 92021. Or La Mirada • biola.edu Michael Card. 7:30pm, Calvary Baptist APR 27 • SATURDAY fax to 1-888-305-4947. Or e-mail to [email protected]. We Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship Church, 8281 Garfi eld Ave., Huntington Chris Tomlin with Louie Giglio & Kari regret we cannot list Sunday morning services. Int’l, open to public. 2pm, Coco’s Res- Beach, $12-25 • (714) 962-6860 Jobe, “Burning Lights Tour.” 7pm, Ve- taurant, 12582 Valley View St., Garden MAR 23 • SATURDAY rizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Irvine • Grove, no cover charge • (714) 943-7942 MAR 1 • FRIDAY MAR 7-10 • THU-SUN “Route 66” Annual Banquet, to benefi t transparentproductions.com Xclaimed Xtraordinary Worship, with Pas- Brethren Christian Junior & Senior High “The Passion of Christ,” movie night. “Development,” a drama. Thu-Fri 8pm; tor Paul Karanick. 6pm, 10871 Western APR 30-MAY 2 • TUE-THU School. 6pm, 21141 Strathmoor Ln, 7pm, Son Light Christian Center, 172 N Sat 2pm 7 8pm; Sun 2pm, Vanguard Authentic Christian Leadership Conference, Ave., Stanton, free • (714) 803-9692 Huntington Beach • bchs.net, (714) Glassell, free • (714) 997-8501 University, 55 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, Pat Lencioni, Dr. Wesley K. Stafford & Apologetics Club meeting, free movie 962-6617 x25 $12-14 • vanguardtickets.com more. Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim, $189- Orange County Singles for Christ, ev- & lecture series. 7:30pm, The Logos 699. Hosted by the Christian Leadership ery Friday. 7:30pm, Shoreline Baptist Building, 3000 W Mac Arthur Blvd., Costa MAR 29 • FRIDAY MAR 9 • SATURDAY Alliance • christianleadershipalliance.org Church, Fountain Valley • ocsfc1.org Mesa • (714) 425-9474 Community Candlelight Communion Fundraising Event for Choices Women’s Service. 7pm, Calvary Chapel the Way, Paul Clark, presented by The Upper Room MAY 2 • THURSDAY MAR 1-3 • FRI-SUN Resource Center, with Sheila Walsh, Ken 23705 Via Del Rio, Yorba Linda, free • Coffee House. 7:30pm, 24851 Crisanta National Day of Prayer • ndpsandiego. “Time for Two” Couple’s Weekend, with Davis, Lisa Harper & Scott MacIntyre. (714) 692-7929 9:30am-5pm, Pomona First Baptist Dr., Mission Viejo • 1-888-679-8228, org, nationaldayofprayer.org Pastor Matt & Mardi Cork. Irvine Mar- theupperroompresents.com MAR 30 • SATURDAY riott. Hosted by American Family Living Church, 601 N Garey Ave., Pomona, LA National Day of Prayer Breakfast for • (714) 637-7900 $20-30. Presented by Women of Faith MAR 17 • SUNDAY Annual Easter Fair. 11am-3pm, Mount pastors & church leaders, featuring Dr. One Day • (909) 258-9273 of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Dr., David Jeremiah. 9am, Universal Hilton The Substance, Worship & Healing with “Development,” a drama. Fri-Sat 8pm, Mission Viejo, free • (949) 837-7467 Hotel, Hosted by KKLA • kkla.com Vanguard University, 55 Fair Dr., Costa ‘Table Talk.’ 10am, Orange Family Living Evangelist D.L. Palm. 5pm, 121 S Center Mesa, $12-14 • vanguardtickets.com Chapel, AFL, 1774 N Glassell, Orange. St., Orange • (714) 865-4342 Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Cabrillo Park, MAY 4 • SATURDAY Hosted by Orange Family Living Chapel Fruit St. & Cabrillo Park Dr., Santa Ana. Rockshow Comedy Tour, with Tim • (714) 637-7900 MAR 19 • TUESDAY Presented by Calvary Church Santa Ana MAR 2 • SATURDAY Hawkins & Bob Smiley. 7pm, Calvary Aglow International Huntington Beach • calvarylife.org/local Apologetics Club meeting, free movie Still Believe Tour with Kim Walker-Smith, Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Luncheon Meeting. 18222 Santa Joanana, & lecture series. 7:30pm, The Logos and Derek Johnson. 7pm, The Wiltern, The Stirring presents “An Easter Togeth- Westlake Village, $18-25 • 1-888-780- Fountain Valley, $12 • (714) 418-0881 Building, 3000 W Mac Arthur Blvd., Costa 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles • er,” with Francis Chan. Music by Tyrone 1116, trinitycommunications.org Mesa • (714) 425-9474 Jesusculture.com MAR 20 • WEDNESDAY Wells, Jadon Lavik, Pawnshop Kings, Rachel Chan, Tully Wilkinson. 5pm, MAY 10-11 • FRI-SAT Patricia Stancato, an evening of anointed MAR 10 • SUNDAY Never Ending Word Bible Study with Pacifi c Amphitheatre, Orange County 29th Annual Homeschooling Convention music. 7:30pm, Christ In You Ministry Natalie Young. 9:30am-12:30pm, Arthur Fairgrounds. By Transparent Productions & Expo, with Michael Farris, Greg Harris The Substance, Worship & Healing with Center, 3198 E. La Palma, Anaheim • P Murray Senior Center, Mission Viejo • • transparentproductions.com & more. California Center for the Arts, Evangelist D.L. Palm. 5pm, 121 S Center (714) 906-0475 (949) 770-6108 Escondido • cfssd.org St., Orange • (714) 865-4342 MAR 31 • SUNDAY MAR 3 • SUNDAY MAR 21 • THURSDAY MAY 17 • FRIDAY MAR 13 • THURSDAY Easter Sunrise Service. 6:30-7:30am, Motivating Messages: Spiritual Prin- 32nd Anniversary of Birth Choice Health Lantern Bay Park Amphitheater, 25111 2013 Promise Tour, featuring Sanctus ciples of the Faith, thru March. 3pm, Stonecroft Christian Women’s Connec- Clinics, with Dr. Marc Newman & Kathleen Park Lantern Rd., Dana Point. Presented Real & other special guests. 7pm, Cor- Spires Restaurant, 13030 Goldenwest/ tion Luncheon. 11:30am, Holiday Inn, Eaton Bravo. Calvary Chapel Santa Ana, by Coast Bible Church • (949) 364-1191 nerstone Community Church, 34570 7000 Beach Blvd., Buena Park • (714) Santa Ana • [email protected] Knott Ave., Westminster, free • (714) APR 11 • THURSDAY Monte Vista Dr., Wildomar, $17-30 • 943-7942 761-4012 MAR 22 • FRIDAY (951) 302-7597 Stonecroft Christian Women’s Connec- MAR 6 • WEDNESDAY MAR 14 • FRIDAY Easter Musical “Arise.” 7pm, Calvary tion Luncheon. 11:30am, Holiday Inn, JUN 19-23 • WED-SUN Never Ending Word Bible Study with Concordia University’s 10th Annual Chapel the Way, 23705 Via Del Rio, Yorba 7000 Beach Blvd., Buena Park • (714) C.S. Lewis Summer Conference, “Living Natalie Young. 9:30am-12:30pm, Arthur Faith & Business Forum Luncheon, with Linda, free • (714) 692-7929 761-4012 the Legacy: The Vision, Voice and Voca- P Murray Senior Center, Mission Viejo • Frank Newport. 11:30am-1:30pm, Hyatt Investigation of Resurrection, evidence APR 12 • FRIDAY tion of C.S. Lewis,” University of San (949) 770-6108 Regency Irvine • (949) 214-3198 by homicide detective, with J. Warner Wal- Diego • 1-888-275-3947 Hawk Nelson, in concert. Calvary Chapel Oceanside, 3715 Oceanic Way, Oceans- AUG 1-3 • THU-SAT ide • tickets.com Spirit West Coast, Laguna Seca, Mon- APR 13 • SATURDAY terey • spiritwestcoast.org Pacifi c Justice Institute 10th Annual Gala, AUG 23-25 • FRI-SUN Celebration of Justice, with John Bolton. SoCal 2013 Harvest Crusade, with 5-9:30pm, Disney’s Grand Californian Greg Laurie. Angel Stadium, Anaheim Hotel, Anaheim • (714) 796-7151, • harvest.org regonline.com/coj SEP 29 • SUNDAY APR 19-20 • FRI-SAT Harvest America 2013 with Greg Laurie. CMTA Impact Convention, Pasadena Streamed nationwide • harvest.org Convention Center. For professional and volunteer workers in Christian education OCT 22-NOV 2 ministry • cmtaconvention.org Christian Singles Hawaii Cruise on Ce- lebrity Cruise Lines (couples welcome) APR 20 • SATURDAY • christiansinglesfunevents.com, (714) Matthew Ward, presented by The Upper 622-4002

MORE EVENTS online now at

• Future events for Orange County not listed in this issue. • Events for the Inland Empire, LA County and San Diego County. • Weekly and monthly ongoing meetings: Bible Studies, Evangelism, Fellowships (Men, Women, Seniors, Singles, Youth, MOPS), Motor- cycle Ministries, Music/Entertainment, Prayer Groups, Recovery and Support groups (Alcohol, Divorce, Domestic Violence/Abuse, Food, Sexual, Grandparenting, Grief, Celebrate Recovery, The Most Excellent Way, and many more), Seminars/Classes, Health/Fitness. www.christianexaminer.com OC March 2013 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 9 Attorneys warn church bylaws should clearly defi ne marriage By Michael Foust The justices are scheduled in March a same-sex couple to use their facility In 2001, a California church’s wor- for church bylaws: BP News to hear two cases concerning gay mar- for a wedding ceremony. ship minister, Bob Gunn, was let go “We believe that term ‘marriage’ riage, and by June could either uphold • allow a traditional couple but not when it was discovered he was gay. He has only one meaning and that is WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the the traditional defi nition of marriage or a same-sex couple to take part in a sued the church, primarily because marriage sanctioned by God which U.S. Supreme Court set to take up gay legalize gay marriage in all 50 states. Al- marriage class or retreat. the pastor told the congregation why joins one man and one woman in marriage and potentially legalize it this liance Defending Freedom (ADF) — a • terminate an employee involved Gunn — who was popular with mem- a single, exclusive union, as delin- summer, churches that host wedding religious liberty legal organization — is in a same-sex wedding. bers — had been fi red. The church eated in Scripture. ceremonies or other events for tradi- hoping for the former but preparing Bylaw language defi ning marriage won in court. (The case was Gunn v. “We believe that God intends tional couples should examine their churches for the latter, just in case. in the biblical sense doesn’t mean a Mariners Church.) sexual intimacy to only occur be- bylaws and shield themselves from the A number of situations could place church won’t face a suit or a complaint, ADF has listed suggested bylaw tween a man and a woman who are impact of possible litigation, says an churches in legal trouble, such as but it does mean the church would be in changes for churches. married to each other. We believe attorney who specializes in religious congregations who would: a much better situation legally, said Erik “What we tell churches is that that God has commanded that no liberty issues. • allow a traditional couple but not Stanley, senior legal counsel for ADF. the clearer and the more explicit intimate sexual activity be engaged “I think we’re in a day where every you can make your religious beliefs in outside of a marriage between a church needs to have a statement in about those issues, the better off man and a woman. its bylaws of its doctrinal beliefs on you are going to be in defending “We believe that any form of Michael Card performs and Christian values. marriage and sexuality,” said. “This is yourself against a claim of discrimi- sexual immorality, such as adultery, The hotel is located at 17900 a proactive approach that churches nation,” Stanley said. “Because fornication, homosexuality, bisex- can take to head off any claims of dis- then it becomes: You’re not dis- ual conduct, bestiality, incest, por- at Calvary Baptist Jamboree Road. crimination in the future, should they criminating against an individual nography or any attempt to change HUNTINGTON BEACH — Cal- Tickets for the event are $55. The occur. There’s no magic language for based upon their sexual orienta- one’s sex, or disagreement with vary Baptist Church of Huntington deadline to register is March 11. such a bylaw statement, but it should tion or marital status. You’re mak- one’s biological sex, is sinful and Beach will host a concert by noted For more information, call (949) be some form of a statement of the ing a decision to abide by your re- offensive to God. author and singer Michael Card at 214-3185. 7:30 p.m. March 22. church’s religious beliefs. ligious beliefs. And that’s protected “We believe that in order to preserve In three decades of ministry, Card “What that does is it allows for a by the Constitution. The more that the function and integrity of the church has released 31 albums and released Brethren schools hosts good defense of a church to any type we can move this from the ground as the local Body of Christ, and to 24 books. He has also hosted a radio its fundraising banquet of discrimination claim that may arise, of a claim of discrimination based provide a biblical role model to the by saying, ‘Look, this is part of our on sexual orientation or marital sta- church members and the community, it program. His songwriting efforts have HUNTINGTON BEACH — included “El Shaddai,” “Emmanuel” religious beliefs.’ When we fi ght on tus to the ground of ‘We are simply is imperative that all persons employed Brethren Christian Junior & Senior the ground of protecting a church’s abiding by our deeply and sincerely by the church in any capacity, or who and “Love Crucifi ed Arose.” High School will hold its “Route Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 religious belief, then we have a lot held religious beliefs,’ the better serve as volunteers, should abide by and 66” Annual Banquet, marking the of ammunition in our arsenal from a off a legal defense is going to be.” agree to this Statement on Marriage at the door and $25 for a VIP meet- schools’ 66th anniversary at 6 p.m. and-great that includes early admis- constitutional perspective.” The legalization of gay marriage, and Sexuality and conduct themselves March 23 at the school. Even without gay marriage legal Stanley said, will impact religious accordingly. sion. The guest For more information, visit www. nationwide, there have been law- freedoms. “We believe that God offers re- speaker will be suits against churches. “Religious liberty is on the chop- demption and restoration to all cbchb.org or call (714) 962-6860. Sean McDow- In 1999 a woman who had ping block any time same-sex mar- who confess and forsake their sin, ell. McDowell worked as a youth minister at a riage is legalized or normalized in seeking His mercy and forgiveness Birth Choice marks 32 is head of the Colorado Episcopal church was the culture,” he said. “But we’re not through Jesus Christ. years with new clinic Bible Depart- terminated after it was learned she defenseless and we’re not left hope- “We believe that every person ment at Cap- SANTA ANA — Birth Choice was a lesbian living with another less. If same-sex marriage is legal- must be afforded compassion, istrano Val- woman. She sued in federal court, ized by the Supreme Court, these love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Health Clinics will celebrate its 32 ley Christian years of service to the community but the lawsuit was dismissed, with types of cases that we see pop up, Hateful and harassing behavior or Schools, where the court ruling her suit was barred they’re just going to become more attitudes directed toward any indi- and the opening of its Santa Ana he teaches phi- by the First Amendment. (The case commonplace.” vidual are to be repudiated and are location with a March 21 gathering losophy, theology and apologetics. was Bryce v. Episcopal Church in Following is ADF’s suggested lan- not in accord with scripture nor the at Calvary Church Santa Ana. The He has spoken across the globe to Diocese of Colorado.) guage on marriage and sexuality doctrines of the church.” event begins at 6 p.m. such organizations as Focus on the The keynote speaker for the event Family, the Chuck Colson Center will be Dr. Marc Newman. Kathleen for Christian Worldview, Campus Eaton Bravo, CEO and founder of Crusade for Christ, Youth Special- Spirit West Coast adds donor program Birth Choice Health Clinics, will also ties, Fellowship of Christian Ath- speak. The prolife fi lm “Crescendo” letes and the Association of Chris- will also be shown. to augment its annual music festival tian Schools International. Tours of the new facility, within Tickets are $66 each. By Lori Arnold brid between admission and tickets walking distance, will be offered. SWC by the numbers: The school is located at 21141 and donations.” The event is free, but reservations MONTEREY — Visitors to this • There have been 23 festivals While it takes more time adminis- are required by sending an email to Strathmoor Lane. since 1997: 15 in Monterey and For more information, visit www. year’s Spirit West Coast in Monterey tratively, Robberson said he believes [email protected]. will have a unique opportunity to 8 in Del Mar. it offers fans of the festival an op- The church is located at 1010 N. bchs.net or call (714) 962-6617, • More than 250,000 people ext. 25. exercise their soles while they are portunity to invest in the Kingdom. Tustin Ave. For more information, exercising their souls. have attended the events. “We are not asking people to call (949) 916-0647. That’s because one of the headlin- • More than 10,000 people solve a crisis, because we are not re- Justice is main focus ers, Audio Adrenaline, will be host- have made fi rst-time salvation ally in that kind of mode,” the pro- Faith and Business of Biola conference ing a fundraising jog and walkathon decisions and recommitments. moter said. “We are asking people • More than 11,000 children Forum Luncheon set LA MIRADA — The Justice, around the landmark 2.2-mile track to share the vision. There is a differ- at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, site have been sponsored through ence. There is a big difference. IRVINE — The 10th Annual Faith Spirituality and Education Confer- Compassion International. ence will be held from 7:30 a.m. to of the Aug. 1 to 3 festival. “We want more and more people and Business Forum Luncheon will be “It’s pretty cool,” said festival pro- • Festival organizers have to sow with us than to consume,” 5 p.m. March 16. held from 11:30 a.m. to March 14 at ducer Jon Robberson of Celebra- launched a sower program seek- he said. “There is a different level Sponsored by Biola University’s the Hyatt Regency Irvine. tion Concerts. “It’s a very famous ing 400 people who are will- there. There is a very popular dis- School of Education, the confer- The luncheon is presented by Phil track, and traditionally at our event ing to give $500 per year ($42 cussion in the church community ence aims to provide a professional Liberatore of IRS Problem Solvers Inc. you can’t get on the track.” per month) to reach its goal of right now that the church commu- The event is designed to pro- forum for people from all academic Proceeds from the walkathon, generating $200,000 in dona- nity, to some degree, has become a mote excellence and integrity in areas and backgrounds to pursue is- which may also offer a non-amateur tions. The nonprofi t festival has consuming community. Of course, leadership. sues of justice as they intersect with 5K, will be split between Spirit West reached about 20 percent of our society is based on consump- The guest spirituality and education. Coast and the Hands and Feet Proj- that goal. tion. You really can’t become a con- speaker will be The plenary speaker will be Stephan ect in Haiti, which Audio Adrena- sumer and a sower at the same time, Dr. Frank New- Bauman, CEO of line founded in 2004. The group is platform to do that, maybe even or there is a different focus. So we port, editor-in- World Relief, an in the midst of a capital campaign more so than ever.” are looking for more sowers.” chief of Gal- international or- to fund two more orphanages in the Rotating the venues, he said, eas- lup, who will ganization offer- impoverished nation. es some of the logistical challenges For more information, visit www. discuss his new ing education, The fundraising event is one of a while encouraging fans to travel to spiritwestcoast.org. book, “God is health, child series of new initiatives Robberson’s the festival during off years region- Alive and Well: development, team has launched to underwrite ally. The Future agriculture, the festival, which has switched “We are very comfortable with of Religion in food security, from offering two each year to alter- that plan, just in the ability—at America.” In his talk, Newport will anti-traffi cking, nating between Northern Califor- all levels—to manage it back and share his insights from more than immigrant services, micro-enterprise, nia and Southern California sites. forth,” he said. a million interviews Gallup has con- disaster response and refugee resettle- The festival is expected to return to As part of its fi nancing campaign, ducted since 2008, revealing just ment services. His topic will be “Do Southern California next year but the festival has added a donor ele- how powerfully intertwined reli- We Dare Disturb the Universe? Doing probably not at the Del Mar Fair- ment to complement income from gion is with every aspect of society. Justice Well Today.” grounds. ticket sales and corporate sponsor- During the event, the forum The presentation tracks include “It doesn’t really change what we ships. will honor Bob Shank, founder of Christians in action; institutional do,” Robberson said. “We’ve always “We’re making progress,” he said. Priority Living and The Master’s and social change; spirituality and been about reaching people, and “That’s the main thing. “It doesn’t Program with the Faithfulness and education; and the pursuit of aca- we continue to be about reaching change the mission. It’s just a differ- Excellence Award. The award rec- demics and justice. people. We’re not really concerned ent way to get there. It’s not even a ognizes a leader whose life exem- For more information, visit www. about where they live or where they new break-through, new idea. The plifi es a commitment to excellence biola.edu/jseconf. come from. We still think this is a way we do it is a new idea, to be a hy- 10 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • March 2013 OC www.christianexaminer.com

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It is okay to use a separate sheet of paper to submit your order. month to your total cost.] www.christianexaminer.com OC March 2013 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 11 Hobby Lobby president honored for biblical values By Lori Arnold To date, the Hobby Lobby has also offers biblically based spiritual been unsuccessful in the courts, and fi nancial counseling to its em- TEMECULA — Steve Green, although one appeal is still pend- ployees. president of the Christian-owned ing. The company faces more than Beyond its employee initiatives, Hobby Lobby, a national chain of $1 million in fi nes each day it is out nearly half of Hobby Lobby’s annu- arts and crafts retail stores, will be of compliance with the law. In the al profi ts are donated according to presented the John M. Templeton interim, the company has shifted biblical principles and for the pro- Biblical Values Award in recogni- the timing of when it offers its in- motion and reading of the Bible it- tion of his Christian leadership in surance coverage to its employees self. These donations have allowed the market place. to delay the fi nes. Hobby Lobby to acquire one of the The annual award will be pre- “It is truly an honor to receive world’s largest private collections of sented to Green April 15 at the the prestigious Templeton award Bibles and biblical artifacts, which National Bible Association awards from the NBA,” Green said. “I am will be eventually be housed at a luncheon in New York City. humbled to join the ranks of other 50,000-square-foot Bible museum “Biblical values are at the core leaders who are committed to the in Washington, D.C. of Hobby Lobby’s business—from Bible to guide their spiritual and re- The Biblical Values Award is closing stores on Sundays to de- ligious beliefs as well as their busi- named after John M. Templeton, fending religious liberty. The bar ness.” who successfully integrated work has been set high for biblical values Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby, will be honored April 15 with the John M. Oklahoma City-based Hobby and his Christian faith by using his in the work place,” said Richard Templeton Biblical Values Award for his market place leadership. The company Lobby was founded in the early investing talents to help ordinary Glickstein, NBA president. “Steve has fi ve Southern California locations. 1970s and now employs more than people and by practicing bibli- is an outstanding example for busi- Both Green and his company contraception coverage without co- 20,000 people in the U.S. Its deci- cal values in the market place. His ness leaders across the country, and have made national headlines over pays or deductibles for women in sion to close stores on Sundays son, Dr. John M. Templeton Jr., is we are grateful for his exemplary Hobby Lobby’s decision to chal- all health care plans. Some of that costs the company more than $100 chairman of the association and the spiritual values and his continued lenge a provision in the contracep- coverage requires paying for con- million in product sales annually. Templeton Foundation. commitment to the Bible.” tive mandate in the Patient Protec- traceptives known as abortifacients In addition, all new employees are As part of its presentation, the The chain has 525 retail outlets, tion and Affordable Care Act, more that act as chemical abortions to paid at least 80 percent more than NBA will also make a $25,000 do- including stores in Temecula, La- commonly known as ObamaCare. end pregnancies. The company the minimum wage, which the NBA nation to a nonprofi t charity that guna Niguel, Huntington Beach, Under the health care law busi- maintains the abortifacients provi- said is a further refl ection of the demonstrates biblical values as des- Rancho Cucamonga and Upland. nesses are required to provide sion violates its religious beliefs. company’s values. Hobby Lobby ignated by Green. Local prayer efforts gear up for May 2 National Day of Prayer By Lori Arnold running just to keep up with today.” To help local groups plan their Subia said the types of events can be in a boardroom, in an of- As coordinator, Subia said her events, Subia has developed an that are hosted in conjunction with fi ce. There’s going to be some at RIVERSIDE — Southern Cali- job is to provide resources for those 11-point prayer suggestion list NDP are just as diverse as the re- schools. There’s going to be some fornia churches and organizations wishing to host events. For instance, based on the acronym Pray Ameri- gion itself. at government buildings, parks, have just a matter of weeks to fi nal- she’s been meeting with local wor- ca: protection of life; religious free- “The challenges for many groups, mountaintops. Some are very short nd ize their preparations for the 62 ship leaders to develop specialized dom and the church; armed forces; churches, organizations is the fi - durations like lunch, some all day annual National Day of Prayer, songs. youth and the future; academia nancial resources are stretched at long. which is set for May 2. This year’s “My particular challenge is that and truth; marriage and the fam- many of them, but we also have theme is “Pray for America.” our area is becoming more and “There are all kinds of different “To me, it’s really important,” more ethnic, and the national (of- ily; economy and jobs; revival; info other people jumping on board, places, which I think is fun.” said Anne Subia, the Southern Cali- fi ce) just doesn’t have the staff, re- and communication; constitution understanding that it doesn’t have fornia coordinator for the National sources, to come up with the ethnic and government; and arts and en- to be a big, elaborate event,” she For more information, visit www. Day of Prayer Task Force. “There tools,” she said. “I’m scrounging tertainment. said. “It can be a small group. It ndpsandiego.org. has never been a time when Ameri- around to try to fi nd ethnic re- ca has needed more prayer, needed sources locally.” it in more areas. I mean we need it A noticeable trend this year is for so many different things.” combining the prayer efforts with Subia said she anticipates that fasting. various groups and organizations “Fasting is becoming more and will host about 300 events in her re- more a part of it,” she said. gion, which covers San Diego, Im- Pastor Jim Domen, who is help- perial, Los Angeles, Orange, River- ing to coordinate National Day of side and San Bernardino Counties. Prayer events in Orange and River- “It sounds impressive to say we side counties, said he is asking peo- have maybe 300 events, or some- ple to fast for marriage. Among the thing like that,” she said. “But we’re suggestions he’s offering is fasting talking about 20 million people. one day a week this year, fasting one That’s just a drop in the bucket. We day a week through June or fasting need a lot more people to be pray- 40 straight days. Not all participants ing.” are fasting food, he said. Some are According to the national task choosing to fast technology, TV, force’s estimates, there is one sports or anything that has become church for every 1,000 people in a signifi cant focus. the United States. With an estimat- “This year my heart is focused on ed 20 million people living in the marriage and calling the people of Southern California region, Subia God to a state and national fast for said there are probably 20,000 marriage,” said Domen, who serves churches. Subia posts all of the with California Family Council. Rockshow events that she is made aware of on “Forty years ago abortion was legal- a local website. The information on ized by the U.S. Supreme Court, Comedy Tour those events should be posted in and the church was silent. Let’s the next week or so. not be silent (but) cry out to God “It’s early, but certainly we know through prayer and fasting! our nation is in desperate need of “The Old Testament is fraught with special guest prayer,” she said. “Getting people with stories of the people of God Bob Smiley in February to think about May is fasting to change the course of his- like pulling teeth. Most people are tory—from Esther to Joel to Jonah.” WESTLAKE VILLAGE Saturday, May 4 7:00 PM Calvary Community Church 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS: $18.00 Groups (6+) $20.00 Advance ($25 at door) Online orders: TrinityCommunications.org Phone orders: 1-888-780-1116 Service fee applies 12 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • March 2013 OC www.christianexaminer.com SoCal teams compete in new ‘American Bible Challenge’ season Christian Examiner staff report ers Christmas presents to children er’s Hope, an organization that, in whose parents are in prison. The partnership with Judson’s Legacy, SIMI VALLEY — The second sea- teammates— Brown, a pool man; raises awareness and funds research son of GSN network’s The Ameri- truck driver Brian Matthews; and cos- for the rare, genetic Krabbe Dis- can Bible Challenge, hosted by Jeff metologist Dana Palminteri—are all ease. Married contestants Christina Foxworthy, premiers March 21 with bikers who spread the Good Word and Drake Levasheff’s fi rstborn son a team from Chula Vista. on their Harleys as part of an uncon- battled the disease for fi ve months The show features 18 three-mem- ventional ministry that reaches those before he died, weeks before his ber teams who compete with their who might not otherwise be exposed third birthday. They were joined on knowledge of the Bible as they earn to God’s saving grace. set with their friend, Dean Bobar. money for charity. During the fi rst The Righteous Rubies, from On- The inaugural season of the six episodes, three teams will com- tario and Corona, are playing for game show garnered the network’s pete for the right to move on to the Ruby Project, which is dedi- highest delivery in its 17-year his- semi-fi nal and fi nal competitions. cated to helping physically, sexually tory with 1.7 million total viewers The game uses both current and and emotionally abused teenage for its series premiere and more historical references, as the teams girls. Its team members are Peace than 13 million total viewers dur- answer questions about the world’s Amadi, a psychology professor; ing its run. The success of the show best-selling book. Ndidi Amadi, a teacher; and Oge- has extended to digital and social Season Two of The American Bible Challenge premiers March 21. Contestants Team Holy Rollers, featuring chi Nwankwo, a nurse. The Ruby answer questions about the Bible to win money for charity. This season includes platforms with the launch of “The Billy Brown, Brian Matthews and Project was founded by Peace and three teams from Southern California. American Bible Challenge Game” Dana Palminteri, is one of three her friend Leslie Nwoke, and it for iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle from Southern California. A fourth grew out of their personal experi- dy” Shaw, Elizabeth Samala and Ez- household goods to about 6,000 and Facebook, which currently has team, Preachin’ Divas, is from the ences with being teased and bullied raley Samala, all from Chula Vista people each month, is an outreach more eight million game plays and communities of Oakland, Concord in school and their heart for em- in San Diego County, are playing of Life Christian Center. If the over 500,000 users. and Berkeley. In all, 18 teams will powering women and girls who’ve for Live Acts, a full-gospel ministry group wins, the money would be In addition to his hosting duties, compete for the charity prize. experienced all kinds of abuse. The to restore broken lives with simple used for refrigerated storage and the comedic Foxworthy also pro- The Holy Rollers, from Simi Val- Ruby Project provides retreats for acts of love, food and resources. industrial shelving for Life Acts. duces the show. ley and Moorpark, are playing for young women suffering the effects Cindy servers as its director, while Last season’s winner, Team Jud- Live Ride Christian Church’s Annual of abuse and trauma. Elizabeth is its CFO. The minis- son’s Legacy from Orange County, For more information, visit www. Angel Tree Toy Drive, which deliv- The Girls of Grace, Cynthia “Cin- try, which provides groceries and brought home $140,000 for Hunt- gsntv.com. Who has more infl uence: pastors or athletes? TWIN CITIES — With the Super Bowl behind us and the profession- al hockey and basketball seasons entering their midpoints, Ameri- cans are highly tuned in to their favorite sports. Not to mention the start of baseball spring training and this month’s March Madness. Our love of sports and sporting heroes is no secret, and a new poll reveals how far we have actually gone down the road of loving our sports and our sports heroes. In a recent poll, The Barna Group revealed that 64 percent of Americans believe professional athletes have more infl uence on American society than faith leaders (19 percent). Those who are not sure came in at 10 percent, while 8 percent believe athletes and faith leaders have the same infl uence. Those who make more than $60,000 annually and are college graduates, white and parents are the most likely to view sports stars as most infl uential, while those most likely to see faith leaders as more infl uential are weekly church attenders and those who make less than $40,000 a year. From Tim Tebow to Ray Lewis, sports fi gures have become more public with their expressions of faith—and Ameri- cans don’t seem to mind, according to the study. More than 60 percent of those polled supported athletes talking publicly about their faith, while only 12 percent disapproved (28 percent did not have an opinion on the matter). Pollsters asked respondents if they were aware of seven promi- nent athletes who are known for their public displays of faith. More than 80 percent of respondents had heard of Tim Tebow, with 73 percent of them holding favorable views of his faith stance, followed by former quarterback Kurt Warner, basketball player Jeremy Linn and golfer Bubba Watson. “Most Americans are comfort- able with a mash-up of their faith and their sports,” said David Kin- naman, president of Barna Group, via the report. “That there’s such a strong and positive awareness of Tim Tebow and his faith reveals Americans—and particularly Chris- tians—desire for an authentic role model who is willing to so publicly connect his faith and life.”