“Nefarious” Documents the Graphic View of Human Trafficking

Journey Church, of Boynton Beach, presented the documentary “Nefarious” on Friday, January 26, which describes the evil of human trafficking, in particular, sex trafficking. The documentary was written by Benjamin Nolot, who traveled throughout the world to discover how pervasive trafficking and slavery truly are. What he discovered was shocking, from a fifteen-year-old who was kidnapped and forced to be a sex slave, to parents in very poor countries who sell their girls in exchange for luxury items such as cell phones to local “escort services” (this being acceptable within some cultures) even before they reach puberty. Oftentimes the mothers […]

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Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication

Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday celebrated in close proximity with Christmas, is a festival celebrated from December 12- 20 this year. The festival is older than Christmas as it has been celebrated since the times of the Maccabees about 200 years before Jesus’ birth. Hanukkah is celebrated all over the world by Jews from all countries, including by Messianic Jews and some Christians. A nine-candle menorah, dreidels and fried treats such as latkes (fried potato cakes) and jelly donuts are all a part of the celebration, each for their own reason. Fried treats are eaten in remembrance of the oil that […]

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The Salvation Army Red Kettle Program Helps Families Year Round

Many people have observed the Salvation Army in the front of a store ringing bells and sharing holiday greetings. Often people will place spare change or bills into the kettle, feeling the Christmas spirit. Many people know about the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program as well, and have purchased a gift for a child who might other wise have no gifts under the tree. What may not be as well known are how many programs the Salvation Army supports through the Red Kettle and the personal stories behind the kettle and the Angel Tree. With millions of American children in […]

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Governor Scott Signs Religious Liberties Act to Impact Schools

The last day of the regular Florida State House session, representatives overwhelmingly approved SB 436, the Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act. The vote was 103 to 12, though the Christian Family Coalition (CFC) was alone in its effort to pass the law. CFC not only endorsed the bill, but also submitted testimony, testified, and e-mailed supporters about this bill. Though the Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act was derided by groups such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Florida Humanist Society, and the National Organization of Women, the Christian Family Coalition prevailed after hearings in the […]

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Should Shoppers Boycott Companies That Don’t Uphold Their Values?

Many Christians have been looking more closely at the places they shop, concerned about the values the corporations’ owners endorse. Other Christians either choose to focus on issues more important to them or on the individual workers who could be harmed by a boycott. Complicating the matter for many is the difference between the approaches used by various groups: some groups directly encourage boycotts while others simply encourage being informed shoppers or consumers. Regardless of the approach, the intent is to prevent Christians from spending their money at a place that does not support their values. Some see this as […]

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God’s Attributes Expressed Through Jesus

Many Christians are familiar with the song “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel” whether it is Enya’s version, or another. Handel’s “Messiah,” another piece that is often heard at Christmas time, also reflects on several of the titles of God that are appropriated by the Messiah, Jesus. Even from the promise of Jesus’ birth, there are both direct statements and hints at his sharing the attributes of God. Some of these directly relate to the name of God, others to his attributes and still others relate to both. The Old Testament prophesies these connections, while the New Testament reveals their fulfillment. […]

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Honoring Veterans on a Day of Armistice

  The eleventh day of the eleventh month is currently known as Veterans’ Day in America and has been celebrated as a day to honor veterans since 1954. Parades and ceremonies often honor veterans and sometimes other community events are held as well. In South Florida, West Palm Beach is hosting a community celebration on Veterans’ Day with a parade, live music, vendors and a picnic. (www.vetfriends.com/parades/directory.cfm?state=FL). Lake Worth is holding a parade and is currently looking for veterans and other military personnel to participate. Davie is holding events as well. (www.davie-fl.gov/gen/DavieFL_SpclPrjcts/activities#veterans). These events are one way the city governments […]

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Take a Break for Fall Colors

One of the things people who have moved from a northern area to South Florida may miss is the obvious change in seasons, as evidenced by brightly colored fall foliage. Whether a vacation is specifically timed for a fall view or takes advantage of the public school’s fall break schedule, fall foliage is not as far away as one might think. There are quite a few places in the Southeast to enjoy fall colors, see historical sights and take in local ‘color’ unique to each state.   Alabama Northern Alabama has later peak fall color times, from late October to […]

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Specialty Bibles Offer Trendy News Ways to Engage the Scriptures

With the popularity of trendy coloring books for adults, graphic novel interpretations of classic works and video game sites being rolled out as books and movies, there are several Bibles focusing on these interests. Illustrators are using people’s varied interests, including Lego building and Minecraft video games, to express faith. With the variety of themes available, parents and teachers can choose those that best suit the interests of their children or students. Minecraft Bibles Two teachers, Garrett Romines and Christopher Miko created The Unofficial Holy Bible for Minecrafters. They had used Minecraft to create imaginative worlds in their classrooms and […]

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Vacation Bible School: Spiritual Summer Enrichment

Many adults have fond memories of Vacation Bible School. The setting was different from a Sunday school setting: the crafts and other sessions, like music, were each done in different classrooms. The projects were fun to make and often quite complicated. The crafts, music and lessons all carried the theme of the Vacation Bible School, and often the rooms were completely decorated in the times of the lesson as well. There were even outside activities that related to the theme, or if the weather was wet, a room was cleared for gym-like activities. Sharing the experience with children can be […]

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