Trump plan creates uncertainty for evangelical churches serving soldiers—and new opportunities. An Assemblies of God church in Heidelberg, Germany lost two-thirds of its worshipping members overnight when a US military base closed. One day in 2015, it was a congregation of 300. The next, 100. That’s how it goes for ministries serving United States soldiers stationed abroad. “You always have to adapt,” said Kirk Priest, pastor of LIFE Church Heidelberg, a Pentecostal... Read More
Churches, Coronavirus, and the New York Times
Describing churches as a “major source of Coronavirus cases” is odd, since that’s not even the case their own article makes. The New York Times just published an article with this headline: "Churches Were Eager to Reopen. Now They Are a Major Source of Coronavirus Cases." Headlines are chosen by editors, and don’t always tell the whole story, of course. However, the lede continues: "The virus has infiltrated Sunday services, church meetings and youth... Read More
Hollywood nursing home takes Irma battle to federal courts
A woman is transported from The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills as patients are evacuated after a loss of air conditioning due to Hurricane Irma on Sept. 13, 2017. Sweltering conditions at the nursing home contributed to the deaths of 12 residents. (Amy Beth Bennett / Sun Sentinel) ... Read More
Churches, Coronavirus, and the New York Times: Churches Are Taking the Virus Seriously, but the New York Times Needs to Take Churches Seriously
Churches are taking the virus seriously, but the New York Times needs to take churches seriously. The New York Times just published an article with this headline: "Churches Were Eager to Reopen. Now They Are a Major Source of Coronavirus Cases." The lede continues: "The virus has infiltrated Sunday services, church meetings and youth camps. More than 650 cases have been linked to reopened religious facilities." "More than 650 cases" in churches. Out of three... Read More
The COVID-19 ‘cure’ sold by a Florida father and his three sons is toxic bleach, federal prosecutors in Miami say
Mark Grenon and sons Jonathan Grenon, 34, Jordan Grenon, 26, and Joseph Grenon, 32, are accused of manufacturing, promoting, and selling their Miracle Mineral Solution as a coronavirus treatment even though the ingredients are typically used for industrial water treatment or bleaching textiles, pulp, and paper, according to court documents. ... Read More
Trump says he’s ‘very flexible’ about Jacksonville convention speech during surge in COVID cases
Confetti and balloons fall on July 21, 2016, during celebrations after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. President Donald Trump says he is “flexible” about considering Jacksonville for his 2020 acceptance speech as part of the Republican National Convention, considering the surge in coronavirus cases in the state. (Matt Rourke/AP) ... Read More
On Eliza Hamilton’s Faith
You have no control who lives, who dies, who tells your story– so let’s not forget hers. I’m not an historian, but I am a fan of the musical. When I read Chernow’s book, upon which the musical is based, it led me to seek to learn more about Eliza Hamilton’s faith. As the musical is launched, I thought it worth a quick look at her deep Christian commitment. While the first Secretary of the Treasury has his portrait currently printed on every $10 bill and is the... Read More
Wayne Mixson, Florida governor for 3 days, dies at age 98
FILE- In this Nov. 7, 1978, file photo, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bob Graham, left, poses with his running mate Wayne Mixson, right, of Marianna, in Miami, while looking at election returns. In the center next to their husbands are Adele Graham and Margie Mixson. Mixson, a former Florida governor whose three-day term was shortest in state history, died Wednesday, July 8, 2020. He was 98. Mixson took over the top spot on Jan. 3, 1987, when Gov. Bob Graham resigned early to be sworn... Read More
Where Two or More Are Gathered, the First Amendment Should Protect Them
Why voluntary organizations deserve the same rights to speech, religion, and assembly as individuals. The Christian tradition has a lot to say about community. People weren’t made to be solitary individualists. Aristotle may have been the first to describe man as a “social animal,” but he was not the first to recognize our inherent sociability. The Scriptures describe God creating human beings to have fellowship with him. As God himself has eternal fellowship within the... Read More
665K Ministry Jobs Covered by Paycheck Protection Program Funds
At least 11,500 Christian employers accepted $150,000 or more in government stimulus loans. Well over a half million pastors, church staff members, and ministry employees kept their jobs and continued serving their communities during the pandemic thanks to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, according to a list released last week. As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March, the government offered grants to cover payroll costs for employers,... Read More