SD • Dec 11

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San Diego County Edition Vol. 29, No. 12

December 2011

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Cal Thomas

Community

Don’t let Christmas hustle block the view of heaven

Penn State’s shame reflects immoral national norms

Southern California has strong showing for Christian Film Festival

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FREE

Mark Larson

Better to Give Christmas gift alternatives provide blessings for the recipient — and the giver By Lori Arnold SAN DIEGO — As the commercialization of Christmas continues to dwarf the spiritual aspects of the holiday, many Christian families are seeking ways to bring the giving spirit back to the holiday. More and more families are opting to forgo the traditional “I want” lists for charitable giving opportunities, which have now become as diverse as the people seeking them. Here is just a sampling of some of the alternative and unique programs available for online charitable giving that can make a difference in someone’s life. Military BibleStick Outreach, a project of Faith Comes by Hearing, the BibleStick is a digital audio New Testament provided to the military. The slim audio player, pre-loaded with a dramatized version of the New Testament, is the size of a pack of gum. Because of the ongoing campaign to America’s military, chaplains from every branch routinely seek the Bibles, with more than 143,000 of the devices in the field. In all, more than 800 chaplains use Military BibleSticks in pre-deployment briefings, counseling sessions, Bible studies, weekly chapels and other

At 3 inches long and less than 1 inch wide, the Military BibleStick is about the size of a pack of gum. More than 143,000 of the devices are now on the field.

spiritual services. For $25, a Military BibleStick, which includes an MP3 disc of the entire New Testament along with a response card for service members to have New Testaments and KIDZ Bibles sent to their families, civilians can purchase a BibleStick for the military. For information, log on to www.faithcomesbyhearing.com. Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit program of the Mennonite See GIVING, page 10

‘A Christmas Tabernacle’ ready to unveil its inaugural festival By Lori Arnold SAN DIEGO — “A Christmas Tabernacle,” a three-day festival designed to usher guests back into a family-friendly playground that celebrates the true meaning of the Christmas holiday, is planned for Dec. 16 to 18 at Liberty Station in Point Loma. The festival is the brainchild of businessman Jamie Sutton, a former tourism publisher, who said he missed the annual Christmas on the Prado event. Although the longtime gathering is still held at Balboa Park, Sutton said he believes it lost its identity when organizers overhauled the program and removed Christmas from the name by calling it December Nights. He said he believes the Christian roots of the holiday should not be overlooked. As is true with most festivals, this one is chock full of entertainment choices thanks to two stages.

The Community Stage will showcase acts featuring church choirs, school groups and local artists singing Christmas favorites, Christmas-themed plays and skits, story readings and magicians. The headlining acts will take the Main Stage and showcase “The Nutcracker” as performed by the San Diego Ballet and “Splash!, an art painting and music show that will create a three-piece nativity painting live to music over all three days of festival. Other Main Stage acts include NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” contestant Kevin Johnson, a ventriloquist who will perform with his friends Clyde & Matilda; “Jingle Bell Rock, a Harmoniously Hysterical Holiday Hit!” starring The Alley Cats; David Patrone, who will perform hits from his Christmas album “Christmastidal”; Trevor Davis presenting hits from his Christmas album “B-day in Bethlehem”; “The Sounds of Christmas Con-

cert” performed by various local music artists and the Recreational Music Center, which will feature various musical performances by children of all ages. Rounding out the Main Stage entertainment will be the Cygnet Theatre with “It’s a Wonderful Life”; The Gospel Workshop of America and its “A Gospel Christmas”; the House of Blues Gospel Brunch band; the San Diego Master Chorale and The San Diego Sun Harbor Chorus will present Christmas carols. Saturday patrons will be treated to Cultural Day, which showcases how Christmas is celebrated around the world and will include performances by Mariachi Real, Folkloric dancers and the FBOC Irish School of Dance presenting “An Irish Christmas,” among others.

An interactive living nativity with nearly threedozen actors, music and live animals will be one of the main features at A Christmas Tabernacle to be held Dec. 16 to 18 at Liberty Station.

Vendors, food and activities In addition to the non-stop entertainment, the festival is offering a wide range of activities designed for the entire family, including See CHRISTMAS, page 11

For information about advertising, subscriptions, or bulk delivery, please call 1-800-326-0795

2 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • December 2011 SD

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Churches ponder cancellations, schedule changes, as Christmas lands on a Sunday By Lori Arnold SANTEE — Few things in life are more consistent for Christians than attending church on Sunday. That is unless Christmas lands on a Sunday. For Phil Harrington, pastor of Pathways Church in Santee, the intersection of Sunday and Christmas on the 2011 calendar presents a pile-up of conflicting needs for his body: young families wishing to stay home to enjoy their annual traditions, staff members who would like be able to enjoy their families on Christmas morning, believers who are burnt out with the commercialism of the holiday and who desperately seek the spiritual grounding they find in their Sunday service and old timers who say skipping church is not an option. “Over programming is a tendency,� Harrington said. “It has been

ever since I was a little boy.� After careful discussion with the staff, Harrington decided to cancel the Sunday services at Pathways and instead offer the flock the option of attending three Christmas Eve services, including a late-night celebration that spills over into early Christmas morning. “Last year’s Christmas Eve services drew more people than Easter,� the lead pastor said. “With all of the things we’ve got going on from Halloween we just decided to make Christmas Eve the finishing line.� Each fall, the church hosts a mammoth Trunk and Treat outreach event for the community, which draws hundreds of children and their families. In early December the church also hosts its annual Living Nativity, an elaborate twoday event that includes a petting corral as well as music and a food court.

“It’s sort of an all-hands on deck operation,� he said, adding that the next few weeks are then focused on the Christmas Eve services. “We thought, with lighting of the Christmas candle, Christmas Eve will be the exclamation point.� The debate on how to handle Christmas Sunday is not new. In 2005, the last time the calendar overlapped, numerous megachurches also canceled their Sunday services, including Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago. The decision was widely criticized, but church officials said they were trying to be good stewards of their resources, adding that only a handful of people showed up to pray in 1994, the last time the holiday fell on a Sunday. Instead they offered eight different services leading up to Christmas Day. “If our target and our mission is to reach the unchurched, basically

the people who don’t go to church, how likely is it that they’ll be going to church on Christmas morning?� Cally Parkinson, a Willow Creek spokeswoman, told USA Today. A marginalizing move? John Wright, professor of Theology and Christian Scripture at Point Loma Nazarene University, said the discussion about the appropriate response for Christmas Sunday has been going on the past 30 years. “I’m always interested in who shows up for Christmas because it’s not my regular crowd,� said Wright who also serves as pastor of the English-speaking church at MidCity Church of the Nazarene. “It shows a desire for God that is often lost into the commercialization of Christmas.� Wright said he is not a fan of canceling Christmas because it often marginalizes the people who need it the most. “You’re taking away a wonderful opportunity to serve the poor or people without families,� he said. “Christmas is one of the deepest days of depression for some people.� He also warned that canceling services further minimizes the spiritual significance of the Christian holiday. “It shifts Christmas even more from a Christian festival to a private family celebration,� he said. “It contributes to the holiday’s secularization by removing the visible signs of the church’s worshipping of the Son and the miracle of the incarnation of the Son.� At the same time, though, he said he understands why churches would re-evaluate when they offer services. “To modify a schedule of worship is different than canceling,� the professor said. He said offering Christmas Eve services is a good alternative and keeps with historical liturgy and practice in that the Sabbath day actually starts at nightfall on Saturday. “That is the Sabbath,� he said. “A Christmas Eve service is really a Christmas worship service, technically.� Methodology vs. theology Harrington is confident this year’s schedule will accommodate most of his congregation, adding that the church also canceled its Sunday services in 2005 because of Christmas Day. “We received very little flack the first time we did it and I haven’t heard anything yet, although it hasn’t been widely advertised yet,� the pastor said. “Usually those that have a problem with it have been involved in church for a long time and think that Sunday is the only day that God shows up.� He went on to add that it’s imperative for thriving churches to

continually evaluate their programming to make sure it fits with congregation’s mission. “Our traditions and methodology can sometimes trump our theology,� Harrington said. “As a pastor friend of mine once said, sometimes the last word of the church is ‘We’ve never done it that way.’ If the goal is to bring glory to—and magnify the birth of Jesus—then it shouldn’t matter what day we do it on. Our traditional mindset can get in the way of what we are trying to do.� Deidre Close, worship arts director for Mission Hills Church in San Marcos agreed. “In ministry, it’s not as much about always moving forward with this motivational principle of appeasing everyone,� she said. “With us, it is very, very specific of keeping Jesus the core and focus.� The Saturday option Mission Hills will also modify its services, dropping two of its regular services and adding three Christmas Eve services. The Christmas morning service, set for 8 a.m. will not offer childcare. Close said she believes people will be drawn to the Saturday service since demand for them has increased over the years. At the same time, they wanted to provide an option for those seeking the traditional Sunday experience. “We knew that would be very important for some our people here,� she said. “It all goes to the body of Christ having to make those practical considerations of what is going to help our congregation. With ministry we have to make sacrifices. “When you work in ministry, the commonality we all aspire to is the dominion of Christ, not the dominion of man. Ministry is something we all do as a sacrifice. Ministry is not about 9 to 5 and you leave it. We have a unique opportunity to reach out to share the Good News. We have the opportunity for others to find the one answer that many people are looking for.� Wright agreed, saying the Christmas observance provides a dramatic evangelistic moment for Christians to use with their unsaved friends and family. “I think helping people to understand why we gather as a church, why we celebrate the birth of Jesus, seems like a wonderful opportunity for teaching how we are different at Christians,� the instructor said. And if not handled correctly, it can also provide unflattering criticism. “I think that to continue the campaign to keep ‘Christ in Christmas’ might seem to be self-defeating if the church doesn’t care enough to show up to worship on a Christmas Sunday morning,� he said.

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This is Part 3 in our three-part series on “The changing face of evangelicalism.� As with any time-tested movement, the notion to change based on current challenges is always prevalent. However, a successful movement manages change well, thus ensuring that its core beliefs and doctrines are not sacrificed on the mantle of “the newest thing.� For a movement like American evangelicalism, which has a long and storied history, established and essential doctrines will form the basis for any change or temptation to change in future generations. The nation’s roughly 100 million evangelicals—or approximately one-third of the country’s population—is not immune, however, from the challenges of postmodernism and secular society. Advances in science and anthropology for years have caused many to question some of the significant truth claims of evangelical Christianity. Also, as American society continues to become less biblically literate, other belief systems—including no religion at all—will gain acceptance and attempt to make claims that challenge Christianity. Finally, younger generations are nearly always tempted to alter the beliefs or prevailing positions of previous generations in an attempt to become more relevant to a changing culture. In light of these challenges, however, a unified commitment to core doctrines may help any movement avoid significantly altering what it believes. Leith Anderson, who is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals and also the senior pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minn., believes the core doctrines of what makes an evangelical are durable, able to stand the test of time. “To be an evangelical is to take the Bible seriously and to accept Jesus Christ as personal Savior,� Anderson said. “I don’t think that will change. If it did change, then people wouldn’t be evangelicals anymore. Because that’s what an evangelical is. In terms of central, historic orthodox Christian beliefs, they are highly durable. While there may be periodic deviations and distractions, I don’t foresee that in a generation they are going to be any different than they are now.� One of evangelicalism’s significant components is its commitment to propositional truth, claims that are made based on objective criteria. As many in American society have moved away from propositional truth, Anderson believes that evangelicals will continue to place strong emphasis on these claims. “Propositional truth—to me—is at the epicenter and core of what evangelicalism is,� Anderson said. “Again, there can’t be an abandonment of propositional truth. However, evangelicals have always been experiential, so it’s not dry orthodoxy; it’s how we actually live.� Previous generations of evangelicals have placed more emphases on various experiential things. However, those emphases did not

distract the overall movement from its commitment to the basic truth claims of Christianity. “In the 1960s, there was a very heavy emphasis on different theories of eschatology,� Anderson said. “In the 1970s, there was a strong emphasis on spiritual gifts. Sometimes that is [an] enhancement of the understanding of biblical truths, and sometimes there’s also a peripheral controversy that comes with it. I think those types of things will happen. There’s not debate over the Trinity, the deity of Jesus Christ, the substitutionary atonement. The central doctrines of Christian faith I foresee as holding strong even though there may be disagreement over propositions of secondary matters.� Younger generations As with all movements, younger generations of adherents play a significant role in its success and whether or not the same commitments will be retained. While it’s difficult to ascertain reliable statistics on what younger evangelicals believe and how they view their role in the future of evangelicalism, some leaders are encouraged by younger believers and their commitment to the faith and to demonstrating Jesus to unbelievers. Anderson sees much to be excited about with younger evangelicals. “In terms of our younger generation, I am more than encouraged; I’m enthused,� Anderson said. “We have a younger generation who are zealous in their Christian faith, who believe in evangelism, who are engaging social issues with hands-on compassion for the poor and the needy.� Anderson has the unique opportunity as president of a national organization and as a pastor of a church to see first-hand younger generations of believers. “As a pastor of a church, I can just tell you that the growing edge of excitement and engagement is in teenagers and young adults,� he said. “Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life before. And I hear similar reports from all over the country. Occasionally, you hear naysayers who think that we have a generation of young adults who are abandoning the faith. And while that may be true for some, for those that are engaged their numbers are growing and the promise is great.� Politics While some may be encouraged by younger evangelicals and their commitment to the faith, many are concerned with what they see as a drifting away from some of the conservative political commitments that have defined the last 40 years. Throughout evangelicalism’s history in the U.S., many in the movement have been involved to some degree with political issues and elections. The last 40 years, however, beginning in the early 1970s, was a pivotal and defining time for evangelicals and their seeming reemergence into politics after a several decade retreat. The Scopes trial in the mid-1920s caused many conservative Christians to seek shelter in a Christian subculture, and it wasn’t until the

early 1970s that many began to emerge from this subculture and re-engage mainstream society. Anderson sees future generations of evangelicals being engaged in society’s most important issues. “Evangelicals have always been involved to an important extent in social issues,� he said. “It was abolitionists in the 19th century, it was prohibitionists who were often evangelicals in the early part of the 20th century. I would expect that engagement in whatever are the most important contemporary issues will continue—like abortion, I think evangelicals will stay engaged as pro-lifers.� However, Anderson is unsure if evangelicals will be committed to a specific political party or candidate. “To the extent that evangelicals will stay involved with one political party or with certain candidates, I think that that’s uncertain at this point,� he said. “And there will be rise and fall of enthusiasm and sometimes because of triumphalism and other times because of disappointment.� Diversity As the nation becomes more ethnically diverse, many believe evangelicals will continue to become more representative of the U.S. One of the ways evangelicalism is becoming more diverse—ethnically and perhaps doctrinally as well—is through immigration. “The growing edge of evangelicalism is among immigrants,� Anderson said. “The U.S., unlike European countries, is experiencing most immigration coming from countries where Christianity is booming. So the revivals and the expansion of evangelicalism— particularly Pentecostalism in Latin America, Africa and Asia— is being brought by immigrants to our shores. It is quite a conservative expression of evangelicalism. So I said that’s our growing edge, so that’s the future.� As each generation ages and passes on the baton of faith to those who are younger, there is always a possibility that the faith may look different down the road. The evangelicalism of today looks quite different than the evangelicalism of the 1840s or the 1930s. One of the hallmarks of the movement, however, is its ability to adapt to new and various cultural conditions and challenges while remaining committed to its essential doctrines and beliefs. While leaders can surmise the challenges evangelicals will face in 2020 or 2040, no one knows for sure if those challenges will actually develop. The peace of mind that comes from daily living out and passing on the ancient faith to younger generations may serve as the best assurance that tomorrow’s evangelical movement will be even more dynamic than today’s.

Part one in “The Changing Face of Evangelicalism� series, “How politics and cultural engagement have shaped the Evangelical movement,� has been archived at www.minnesota. christianexaminer.com under August 2011. Part two, “Why do some leave the movement?� has been archived under September 2011.

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SD

Legislative Update

San Francisco supervisors limit real choice for women By Rebecca Burgoyne SACRAMENTO — With the October death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, focus has been placed on him as the product of an outof-wedlock pregnancy—given up for adoption at birth. Biographer Walter Isaacson said that Jobs saw himself as “chosen and special”— not abandoned by his birth parents. And that conviction, Isaacson said, stayed with Jobs throughout his life. Jobs’ saving grace was that he was born in a pre-Roe v. Wade era. Abortion was not a legal option for his birth mother, a graduate student at the time. Prior to 1973—when the U.S. Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade decreed the “right” of a woman to choose abortion—9 percent of all infants born to never-married mothers were given up for adoption. In recent years, only 1 percent of all babies born to unwed mothers have been given up for adoption. Today abortion has whittled down the opportunities for millions of couples who want to adopt. For 40 years, crisis pregnancy centers—also called pregnancy resource centers—have given women real choice and helped millions avoid the heartache of abortion. Often faith-based, thousands of these centers operate in the United States and Canada, providing counseling, testing, maternity care and support to women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Peggy Hartshorn, president of Heartbeat International, has described the movement as “dedicated to empowering women with life-affirming alternatives so abortion is unwanted now and unthinkable for future generations.” Sadly, thorough information and real choice isn’t what the abortion industry really wants; it wants to restrict a woman’s “choice” to abortion, an ideology that has financed and empowered Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups like NARAL Pro-Choice America. As pro-life organizations and individuals nationwide have responded to abortion with lifeaffirming alternatives, pro-abortion organizations have opposed the successful work of crisis pregnancy centers, whom they view as competition. CPCs’ now outnumber abortion clinics. Viewpoint discrimination Over the past three years, legislation has been introduced in Congress and at least nine states, including California, targeting pregnancy centers. When a coalition of pro-life organizations was able to blunt much of this focus, abortion advocates refocused on cities and counties. Orchestrated by NARAL,

ordinances have been approved in New York City, Montgomery County in Maryland, Baltimore and Austin, Texas. Now, the focus is on San Francisco, where in October the board of supervisors approved an ordinance limiting CPCs. The ordinance, introduced by Supervisor Malia Cohen, would prohibit CPCs—defined as “limitedservice pregnancy centers” for their failure to refer for or provide abortions—from making misleading or incomplete statements in their advertising—something already prohibited by consumer laws. The ordinance would mandate that all crisis pregnancy centers accurately advertise only the services they provide. Supporters of the ordinance claim these centers are deceiving women who may expect counseling options to include abortion. However, the language in the ordinance is vague, and many argue that it is a form of viewpoint discrimination, since those who support abortion are free to falsely present a message of “comprehensive” care. The city claims the ordinance will protect women from losing their window of opportunity to abort, because such a decision is time-sensitive. Biased approach One of the centers that would be affected by the ordinance, First Resort, issued a news release strongly denouncing allegations that their communications mislead their clients. Instead, they argue, “Simply stated, the board disagrees with the services we provide, and therefore seeks to limit what we say and how we say it, to the women we serve.” The sole supervisor to vote against the measure, Sean Elsbernd, said the backers showed no evidence that women are being misled. Despite the fact that similar ordinances elsewhere have been struck down or blunted in the court—and a warning from the city attorney that they must provide a record of false or misleading advertising to mount a strong defense should the measure be challenged in court—city supervisors chose to proceed with an ordinance that targets one viewpoint, while failing to apply it to groups with a competing message. Women are not the only ones affected by abortion. The preborn child in the womb is most at risk of victimization, yet lacks its own voice. God sees each of us as “chosen and special,” even an unplanned child. God has a plan for each life— however short or long. Crisis pregnancy centers—protecting each life—deserve our protection, our support and our prayers. Burgoyne is a research analyst with the California Family Council.

• Become informed about crisis pregnancy centers and the amazing work they do. Research can be found at www.apassiontoserve.org, www.heartbeatinternational.org and www.heartlink.org/beavoice. • Contact a local pregnancy center and ask what you can do to help. You can find a center by visiting Option Line, a project of two faith-based organizations—Heartbeat International and Care Net. Information is available at Heartbeat’s website, listed in the previous bullet point. • Help spread the story of CPCs to friends, churches, local legislators and media. • Pray for pregnancy centers—their work, their volunteers and their funding. Pray that God would protect and use these life-affirming alternatives. • The Alliance Defense Fund and Life Legal Defense Foundation have promised to challenge the San Francisco ordinance should it go into effect. Find out more about these organizations and their work. Visit www. alliancedefensefund.org or www.lldf.org.

December 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 5

SDSU’s new LGBT major raises economic and religious concern By Melody Karpinsi World News Service SAN DIEGO — The approval of San Diego State University’s new Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender major in October set in motion a wave of similar decisions across the state, causing concern among students, politicians and religious leaders. SDSU became the second university in the United States to offer an LGBT studies major Oct. 7, and students will begin entering the program in the spring semester. Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, N.Y., was the first college to offer the major more than a decade ago. A few weeks following SDSU’s announcement, City College of San Francisco and Napa Valley Community College both announced that they had their own LGBT studies programs in the works. City College, which will also begin offering the associates degree program in spring, is in the process of negotiating a transfer agreement with SDSU for students to complete bachelor’s degree requirements at the school. Critics of the program deride the timing of the new major. “I question the decisions to expand programs and departments at a time when our education system is dealing with cutbacks,” Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Carlsbad, said in a written statement to the Union Tribune. “Thousands of students are (already) struggling to get the classes they need to fulfill the requirements for their degrees, and our focus should be on retaining programs and classes that prepare students for the workforce.” But Esther Rothblum, a professor in the SDSU Women’s Studies department and the current adviser for the new major, disagrees. “Garrick should be thrilled since this new major costs nothing!” Rothblum said via email. “All (of) the courses already exist. Had we started a major in, say, Eastern European languages, that would have cost several million dollars.” Costs nothing? Rachel Rodriguez-Mournian, a department secretary at nearby Point Loma Nazarene University, said the process it takes to even get

a class approved at the university level, much less a major, is lengthy. Paperwork, budget approvals, and matriculation requirements with other schools are just a few of the things that have to fall into a place before a new major can be added to a department’s offerings. Samantha Minnor, a senior marketing major at SDSU, is currently taking a women’s sexuality class as part of requirements for her major. The class is one of the courses offered within the new LGBT major. “As a student, I don’t see the relevance of (LGBT studies),” she said. There’s no such thing as heterosexual studies. Our tuition keeps getting hiked up so much, and I feel like the money could be put to better use instead of just trying to gain attention as a school that promotes tolerance and are trendsetters.” Along with questions about the economic wisdom of a new major, Minnor is also concerned about violations of religious liberties. Minnor says both she and other Christian students are facing growing discrimination at public schools like SDSU, especially in places like her sexuality class where Christian views are the minority. “At the beginning of class, our professor said all opinions were welcome, but as soon as I expressed (mine) I ended up getting into a 10-minute argument in front of the whole class which left me very flustered,” Minnor said. “I really just feel like they’re forcing an agenda on me.” It’s a concern Peter Sprigg, a senior fellow for policy studies at the

Family Research Council, shares. “I’m afraid the curriculum content would be one-sided, that they wouldn’t honestly study the negative mental and physical health risks of those lifestyles,” he said. “Instead, the studies would be about celebrating those lifestyles.” Rothblum countered the religious concerns by pointing out that two Religious Studies professors, including the department chair, teach classes in the new major. Dismantling God’s design Jim Garlow, Minnor’s pastor at Skyline Church in La Mesa, questions the religious perspective portrayed. “On a global scale, God establishes ... the three distinct roles that gender specificity, marriage and procreation fulfill,” Garlow said. “Radical secularists and their attempts to change these roles have begun to try and undo these roles one at a time in the opposite direction.” In the end, Family Resource Council’s Sprigg said he believes these types of majors hurt American education. “The unfortunate part of the fad of multiculturalism is that it focuses on what divides us rather than what unites us,” he said. Despite the difficulties encountered in class, Minnor believes she is taking it for a reason. “I have a really great support group who prays for me on the nights I take this class,” Minnor said. “I know God has me in it for something.”

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Don’t let Christmas hustle block the view of heaven Now that the holiday season is upon us, there is no escaping busy schedules and relentless merchandising. The rush is on to snag whatever business can be had in these crazy times, and to make sure joy and cheer are celebrated when possible. It’s Christmas, after all! The most wonderful time of the year! So why does it seem more people are consumed with themselves, emotionally drained and downtrodden? Certainly the rough economy is taking its toll, and non-stop negative news wears on the soul. But aren’t we also creating new diversions and distractions that steal our focus, leading to a lack of Christmastime joy? Every season brings the timeless challenge of getting gift lists filled and schedules met, followed by promises of “I’m going to enjoy the season more…next year.” No matter how hard we try, the goal seems increasingly hard to reach. Besides, there’s just so much to do! I’m reminded of a classic Norman Rockwell illustration featuring passers-by in front of the entrance to a gray cathedral. Crowds of people shuffle by, heads down, studying their shoes and the pavement. While Rockwell painted the im-

age decades ago and it has a distinct 1940s look to it, the message is clearer than ever: In all of our overloaded days, it’s time to “look up.” At the top of the famous image, white “doves” are taking flight. Sure, it may be Mark that this is a picture of St. Patrick’s in New York City, so the birds are likely everyday pigeons, but the artist shows the winged creatures at their best, all in formation. The birds reflect freedom and spirit, unnoticed by the folks trudging by below. If you study them closely, you get a sense of “what do they know... and why are the birds so happy?” They are rising above the ratrace. The heart of the Rockwellian portrait is a man on a stepladder, working on inserting old-fashioned letters on a sign announcing the coming sermon. To the lower right of him, there is a minister, monitoring the activity to make sure his message is spelled out correctly. And there it is, in bold, capital letters: LIFT UP THINE EYES. The expression on the worker’s

face suggests he’s asking the clergyman, “Does that look OK?” Or possibly, “Think anyone will notice?” Too stressed to see Directly above the sign, in sculpted stone, is a figure of Christ. Larson It conveys the thought that while those in ministry “get it,” the masses don’t bother to look. As you think about the people in the illustration who are clearly stressed under the weights of that day, you may start seeing people around you a little differently. A good way to be a bit more sensitive to others is to avoid a snap judgment ala “Wow, isn’t he cranky” or “She seems so distant.” I’ve been trying to offer a short prayer to God such as “There must be something difficult going on there… Lord help that person.” Sometimes just a pleasant greeting can cause a little extra ministry to break out, and encouragement to enter an otherwise awful day. Still the gaggle of humans drags along in Rockwell’s painting, oblivi-

ous to the message of hope, right above their heads. Fancy distractions If the artist was alive today he might update the image with citizens holding cell phones and iPods, wearing headphones so they can be shut out from the world around them. Satan must love our daily distractions, especially this time of the year. He figures it’s better to be bombarded with ubiquitous “holiday” commercials and generic seasonal music, devoid of “religious references.” And why not keep hyping the newest gadgets to absorb even more time each day, keeping us away from connections to God? I love the latest technology, and Christmas is sure the time for the latest and greatest items to be offered. But if we’re not careful, it can simply keep us from raising our heads, looking up and getting some heavenly perspective. And sometimes God’s love and miracles can be right under our noses. Earthly success Steve Jobs was certainly successful in cranking out lots of wonderful products that helped the information age explode and com-

munications to expand around the world. Still with all his technological genius, what might he have been missing? In Walter Isaacson’s fascinating best-selling biography about Jobs, he details a time when young Steve’s parents took him to church. Because the pastor failed to (in Jobs’ view) adequately explain why God allows suffering in the world, the computer whiz apparently gave up on Christianity, later turning to other forms of “spirituality.” I will not presume to say whether Steve Jobs made peace with God through Christ. I pray that was the case. The Lord sure gave him a ton of talent. But I can’t help but wonder how much some of the day-today challenges and burdens may have simply kept him from “looking up” one more time. Let’s find new and fresh ways to lift up our eyes this Christmas… and help others to find the greatest gift of all. Larson is a veteran Southern California radio/television personality and media consultant. He can be heard daily in San Diego on KCBQ 1170AM from 6 to 9 a.m., and on KPRZ 1210AM from 2 to 4 p.m. Email: mark@marklarson.com.

Treating hypocrisy like a political virtue is costly The national political landscape has been deeply divided and toxic for a long time. It’s not just from passionately held convictions on what’s best for the nation; it’s also a moral divide in the weapons used to win an argument, pass a piece of legislation or capture an election. If it was only a matter of objectively determining what’s best for our society, then factual information, objective history, reason and even common sense would go a long way to convincing most people of what we in the Christian community have long believed: a biblical worldview is best, and blessings come to a people open to God’s Word and wisdom. But objectivity is not the nature of our battle. There’s wickedness and malice in the secular-liberal world’s choice of weapons to de-

…we can expose hypocrisy for what it is — extreme arrogance, reflecting a shameful, perverse blindness… stroy what we know to be good and just (2 Corinthians 2:11; 11:14-15). That weapon springs from a conscience-seared use of hypocrisy as a tool of choice, embraced as a legitimate means to politically defeat all opposition. True to its nature, when an “end justifies the means” mentality drives political discourse,

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a blind eye is turned toward failings within one’s own ranks. Pair this with an elitist attitude and any lie, vacuous allegation, or misrepresentation becomes a “virtuous” attack independent of facts or common fairness. Not only is hypocrisy vile, but its blind to its own self-righteousness, traits that Jesus himself condemned in some of the strongest language he ever used (Matthew 7:1-5; 23:27-28). Hypocrisy has fueled the unfounded depictions of the Tea party movement as filled with racists and bigots while secular liberalism has baited and incited racial and class tensions for decades. It irrationally attacks every slip of the tongue of a conservative while racial, sexual and bigoted rants from secular liberals are ignored. It embraces character assassination of Herman Cain without any physical proof, while Bill Clinton is lionized for presidential competence while shaming

himself and our nation through pathetic and foul sexual exploits. It digs into minutia of Sarah Palin’s life while giving the extreme radical past of Barack Obama not only a pass, but demonizing any who Frank dare question it. The same moral bankruptcy claims that whites are the only racists; Christianity is to be feared more than radical Islam or a godless government; and that explicit sex, vulgar language and extreme violence on TV and movies doesn’t affect our youth—but, a 30-second commercial impacts the buying habits of millions of people. The hatred of anything conservative, while trivializing the consequences of debauched lifestyles, sexual perversion and uncontrolled government is obviously irrational to anyone with a shred of decency or common sense. Let’s face it, self-righteous attitudes that justify hypocrisy as a legitimate, virtuous tactic are self-deceived, dangerous and symptomatic of the spiritual warfare poisoning the current political environment.

from gaining traction, we don’t have to just stay on the defensive. Instead, we can expose hypocrisy for what it is—extreme arrogance, reflecting a shameful, perverse blindness that doesn’t spring from a heart tenderized by God’s Kacer mercy and grace. We need to be on the offensive to expose hypocrisy, duplicity, pretense and any unwillingness to accept blame for using a double standard or unjustifiably destroying reputations, whether these come from major news media, entertainment icons or radical liberal political leadership (Ephesians 5:11). In short, hypocrisy is a pathology that’s dangerous and needs to be exposed publicly and firmly whenever found. By speaking truth in love, we can legitimately confront those that are being unwittingly used by the father of evil in the world (John 8:44). But be careful, besides standing for what’s right, we need to remember whom we serve (Matthew 4:10), as well as our accountability for every word we speak (Matthew 12:36), so that we don’t fall into the same trap.

Take the offensive Knowing that next year the hounds of hell will try to destroy any biblically consistent conservatism

Kacer is executive director for the Christian Citizenship Council of San Diego. He can be reached at frankkacer@hotmail.com.

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December 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 7

Divorce study offers a first look at ‘Second Chances’ Divorce is epidemic in the culture and, I’m sad to say, in the Church. Can that change? In her 1968 country tear-jerker about her divorce, Tammy Wynette sang about her son and aboutto-be ex-husband, “I love you both and this will be pure H. E. double L. for me. Oh, I wish that we could stop this D.I.V.O.R.C.E.” New research shows that Tammy is not alone. Working with the Institute for American Values, principal investigators Professor William Doherty of the University of Minnesota and retired Georgia Supreme Court Justice Leah Ward Sears discovered that “About 40 percent of couples already deeply into the divorce process report that one or both spouses are interested in the possibility of reconciliation.”

According to their study, “Second Chances: A Proposal to Reduce Unnecessary Divorce,” this means that a significant number of divorces are preventable and thus unnecessary. Most people believe that divorce is the result of long-term marital strife, but this turns out to be false. As Dr. Doherty and Justice Sears wrote in the Washington Post, “[O]nly a minority of divorcing couples experience high conflict and abuse during their marriages. Most divorces occur with couples who have drifted apart and handle everyday disagreements poorly.” And they add, “It is these ‘average’ divorces that research shows are the most harmful to children.” And because the state has a compelling interest in the wellbeing of children, the state also has a compelling interest in preventing

these unnecessary divorces. That’s why Doherty and Sears have gone beyond research to develop a proposal for changing state laws. First, they recommend a one-year waiting period before a divorce is granted. The decision to diChuck vorce is often made when emotions are hot. Once the papers are filed, couples find themselves on what Justice Sears calls “the divorce superhighway.” As a result, couples find they don’t have the time, the tools or the space to reconsider. A slower road, especially for couples with children, will allow couples to consider the consequences of divorce against other options.

Second, they recommend a mandatory early warning letter from the spouse intent on filing for divorce. It’s a way of putting the other spouse on notice that, “we have a problem” before the legal wheels begin turning. And it Colson would trigger mandatory pre-filing education for parents of minor children. Doherty and Sears go on to recommend that couples contemplating divorce have access to marriage reconciliation services whether they use them or not. While many couples with troubled marriages seek counseling, most therapists aren’t adequately trained in couples counseling and

many feel they should be neutral on the question of divorce. Second Chances recommends proper training and a pro-marriage bias for counselors. Second Chances is “a modest proposal” to reduce divorce, and I am all for it. My question for Christians and for churches is, why wait for a new law? Do we really believe that marriage was instituted by God, that He intended it for human flourishing, and that marriage and the family unit are the cornerstones of civilization? Then for heaven’s sake, let’s use our creativity and gifts to do everything we can to help struggling married couples stay together. © 2011 Prison Fellowship. Reprinted with permission. “BreakPoint with Chuck Colson” is a radio ministry of Prison Fellowship.

Penn State’s shame reflects immoral national norms “Success with Honwell to examine the or” is the motto of reasons behind such Penn State’s athletic things. Yes, it begins program. They got it with human nature, half right. but society—butThe alleged sexual tressed by religion— abuse of young boys once did a better job by former defensive of keeping human nacoordinator Jerry ture in check. Sandusky is disgustSince the free-loving, outrageous and ing ’60s, we seem to Cal Thomas immoral. That so have taken a wrecking many at the school’s highest level ball to social mores. Today, anyone allegedly engaged either in cover- appealing to such a standard is deing up serial abuses or turned a nounced and stamped with the lablind eye to them in order to main- bel of the day, usually ending in the tain the “integrity” of the football suffix, “-phobe.” program and its legendary coach, The medical and psychological Joe Paterno, adds insult to unfath- professions have aided and abetted omable injury. the cultural rot. Doctors once took Baseball may still be called the an oath to “never do harm,” accomnational pastime, but football has panied by a pledge never to assist become the national religion. Col- in an abortion. Now the official polege football is played on Saturday, sition of the American Medical asthe Jewish Sabbath, while profes- sociation’s “code of ethics” is this: sional football is mostly played on “The principles of medical ethics Sunday, the Christian Sabbath. Fans of the AMA do not prohibit a physiof both often express themselves in cian from performing an abortion ways that are more vocal than the in accordance with good medical wildest Pentecostal preacher. practice and under circumstances While denouncing what is al- that do not violate law.” leged to have happened at Penn Doctors once led, now they folState as repugnant, we would do low cultural trends.

Protecting council prayers I read with interest your October 2011 article on the Escondido City Council prayers prompting a lawsuit. The same thing happened in Lancaster, Calif. more than a year ago. The mayor there was not a slacker on the issue and they put it to the vote of the citizens and won out over the American Civil Liberties Union. So the Escondido City Council should know there is a precedent in California. Jeanette Curran El Cajon, Calif.

and discrimination in getting jobs in the government sector. As we know that we are living in world of the 21st century of biotechnology, genetic engineering and space science, but Pakistani Christians are worried for bread and butter. We are struggling to overcome all these problems but we need prayers and support of international community to achieve our goals. We request your prayers for Pakistani Christians. Riaz Anjum Adv Lahore, Pakistan

Prayers sought for Pakistani Christians I am a lawyer and chairman of the “Pakistan Christian Movement,” which is struggling for repeal of blasphemy laws which are used against Christians of Pakistan and other religious minorities of Pakistan. I regret to inform you that Christians are facing many problems like legal and constitutional discrimination, difficulties in getting quality education, poverty

Dream Act is taxpayer nightmare Surprise! More Gestapo tactics on display. Sacramento is about to shell out state funds we don’t have to illegal aliens for higher education with AB 131 the Dream Act effective Jan. 1. America was founded on moral laws. God’s laws are to keep us safe but we do have to live by them to be blessed. Something has gone awry. Have you noticed the oppressive leadership and

What we tolerate and promote we get more of and what we discourage and reject we get less of. On its website, the American Psychological Association brags, “Since 1975, the American Psychological Association has called on psychologists to take the lead in removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated with lesbian, gay and bisexual orientations.” It once considered such behavior otherwise and while even most conservatives no longer regard homosexuality as a mental illness, many still regard it as sinful. That theological diagnosis, too, has been discarded in our increasingly secular and anomalous society where everything is to be tolerated except those people who assert that, according to a standard higher than opinion polls, some things remain

economic struggles? God’s heart must be grieving for us. I believe He’s calling us back to Him. This might be the 11th hour; His perfect timing. I pray His mercy continues because there is a remnant that love Him right here in California! I saw them eagerly sign the SB 48 petition in an effort to protect the schools from government tyranny. Our next attempt will stir even more into the battle. We are to be a self-governing nation, of the people, for the people and by the people. We are a generous people, and we are not stupid. We’ve all heard of the 8th commandment “Thou shalt not steal.” We are calling a HALT to government stealing our money. The people have until Jan. 6 to sign the petition to protect our pocketbook and rights. The holidays are upon us so be sure to do your part at www.stopab131.com. America, bless God. Mary Calgaro Escondido, Calif.

intolerable. What changed? Pressure groups aided by secular education and the entertainment industry. Vulgarity on the screen In November, an episode of “Glee” featured two couples—one straight, one gay—“losing their virginity.” The show’s co-creator, Ryan Murphy, told Bravo’s “Sex in the Box”: “Hopefully I have made it possible for somebody on broadcast television to do a rear-entry scene in three years. Maybe that will be my legacy.” Some legacy. What we tolerate and promote we get more of and what we discourage and reject we get less of.

C.S. Lewis said it best in “The Abolition of Man.” “In a sort of ghastly simplicity we remove the organ and demand the function,” he said. “We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful.” No boundaries The message at Penn State was that we live in a culture that forbids almost nothing. Jerry Sandusky apparently believed that and crossed one of the few remaining lines of morality left in our culture. But even that line might soon be erased if the pressure groups and their campaign contributions grow large enough. In the last verse of the Old Testament’s book of Judges, there is this: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” That could have been the motto at Penn State. Increasingly, it appears to describe contemporary America as well. © 2011 Tribune Media Services Inc.

8 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • December 2011 SD

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Local power strength team ministers in Muslim stronghold Beard and his teammates were on foreign turf. “That’s a wake-up call,” he said. “You really realize that there are no Marines there, and it is just you and God.” After participating in the threeday festival, the San Diego team headed up to the less friendly region of Upper Egypt, where they performed at Garbage City. “It earns its name, sight, smell and everything else,” he said.

By Lori Arnold OCEANSIDE — As part of a Christian strength performance team that makes regular stops to public schools and community events across the country, Andrew Beard has come to expect all sorts of behavior from the audience. Even so, he admits to being somewhat rattled when he noticed a man glaring at him during a November demonstration in Upper Egypt. While staring Beard straight in the eye, the stern-jawed man used his hand to make a deliberate slitting motion across his throat. In a country where the Muslim population is nearly 95 percent, Beard did not need an interpreter for the gesture. “You kind of realize what it costs to be a Christian in Egypt,” said Beard, a member of the Oceansidebased Dunamis Men of Dynamite Power team. “Even so we were asked to boldly preach the gospel.” Founded five years ago, the group uses mind-boggling feats of strength, such as breaking stacks of bricks, rolling a frying pan in half or bending metal pipes over the head or chin as a visual tool to complement their personal testimonies of Christ’s strength. The word Dunamis is Greek for divine power and is used numerous times in the Bible, including Luke 9:1, Luke 24:29, Acts 10:38 and Romans 1:16. “We are ministers of the gospel and we are strong,” Beard said, adding that the group evolved out of a local community outreach ministry, featuring rap, dance and drama at Life Christian Church in Vista. “We were using performing arts

The Dunamis Men of Dynamite Power team impresses the crowd by blowing up hot water bottles far beyond their normal size.

to preach the gospel,” he said. “Someone had the bright idea to add a strength team. Add in some flash and some color, and here we are.” While the gospel is the centerpiece of most of their performances, the testimonies and gospel references are removed at school assemblies, where they instead emphasize personal integrity, ethics and values as a way to overcome challenges, adversity and peer pressure. Their message also covers saying “yes” to abstinence and “no” to drugs and alcohol. Most of their evangelistic community outreaches are held in crime-riddled neighborhoods in

North County. “You were mindful that you were in a place where you would do your show and get out,” Beard said. A hostile environment Half a globe away, Beard said, the stakes are even higher. Dunamis’ exposure to Egypt came three years ago when the team received an invitation to perform at a Christian festival several hours outside of Cairo. Modeled after popular festival outreaches, the event showcases extreme sports in a effort to draw large crowds. In addition to the power team, the threeday Cairo Festival, held in Beit El Wadi, boasted a Christian illusion-

ist, unicyclist, skateboarders, freestyle motocross jumper, zip liners, martial artists, rope courses, dramas and a pool trick-shot specialist. “It’s amazing to see all the skateboarders, BMXers, unicyclists, illusionists and pool trick shooters come together, to see them meet each other, and, five minutes later, we are performing together and leading them toward Christ,” the athlete said. Thousands showed up for the events, which also resulted in hundreds of decisions for Christ. Although warmly welcomed in Cairo, the daily 4:45 a.m. blasts of Arab music calling Muslims to prayer were a bold reminder that

Defined by trash Officially known as Manshiyat Naser, the community has been dubbed “Garbage City” because trash is trucked in from Cairo and dumped in the Christian neighborhood where its poor residents pick through the smelly debris for anything that can be recycled, whether food, clothes or metals. Between performances, local Christians often poured their hearts out to their American visitors. One woman said she feared for her safety after being raped by a family friend. Since she had been defiled, even against her own will, the Muslim culture deems she has brought dishonor to her family. Already the victim of one crime, she was skittishly awaiting her family’s punishment, since sharia law allows for a woman’s execution for sex outside of marriage. Beard was also told by local pastors that they feel the tensions between Christians and Muslims have been escalated by the Arab Spring, which resulted in the ousting of former president Hosni Mubarak and the leadership vacuum it created. See STRENGTH, page 16

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December 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 9

Prop. 8 backers win major ruling By Lori Arnold SAN FRANCISCO — Backers of Proposition 8 won a major victory Nov. 17 when the California Supreme Court ruled the group has a legal right to defend the measure in court, since elected officials have declined to do so. The non-binding decision means the case returns to the federal level, where justices with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will decide the amendment’s constitutionality. Earlier this year, federal appeals justices deferred the matter to the state’s highest court for direction on a technical aspect of the case called “standing,” the legal term designating a vested stake or interest in the lawsuit’s outcome. “It is essential to the integrity of the initiative process ... that there be someone to assert the state’s interest in an initiative’s validity on behalf of the people when the public officials who normally assert that interest decline to do so,” Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye wrote in her opinion. The decision was widely expected after justices, during a hearing earlier this year, appeared reluctant to give elected officials that much power over a voter-approved measure. “We are delighted that the Supreme Court has clearly reaffirmed our right, as the official proponents of Prop. 8, to defend over seven million Californians who amended their own State Constitution to restore traditional marriage,” said Andy Pugno, general counsel for Protect Mar-

riage, the grassroots organization that drafted the successful amendment. This victory is an enormous boost for Proposition 8 as well as the integrity of the initiative process itself. This ruling is a huge disaster for the homosexual marriage extremists. The court totally rejected their demands that their lawsuit to invalidate Proposition 8 should win by default with no defense. Their entire strategy relied on finding a biased judge and keeping the voters completely unrepresented. Today that all crumbled before their eyes. Opponents of Proposition 8 unsuccessfully argued that the only parties with standing to challenge an amendment are the governor or the state attorney general. But Protect Marriage attorneys argued that the initiative’s sponsors must be able to defend a measure if elected officials decline to represent the voters. By not allowing the initiative’s backers to defend the measure, they argued, elected officials would effectively have veto power over the will of the people. The state high court agreed. “Neither the governor, the attorney general nor any other executive or legislative official has the authority to veto or invalidate an initiative measure that has been approved by the voters,” the chief justice went on to write. With the issue of standing likely resolved, the appeals court is now expected to focus on the issue of constitutionality of the amendment, which declares marriage in California to be be-

tween one man and one woman. Last year, Judge Vaughn Walker, who later disclosed he was in a long-term same-sex relationship, overturned Proposition 8 on constitutional grounds. “Today’s decision is a critical step in our three-year battle to uphold marriage between a man and a woman,” Pugno said. “Now we can return our focus to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and our appeal to reverse the lower court’s decision declaring Proposition 8 and traditional marriage itself unconstitutional.” Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a Murrieta-based non-profit legal defense organization, applauded the court’s recognition that voters must have a voice to defend the will of the people. “If the court ruled against the right of the people to defend a law that they passed using the initiative power, it would have tragically undermined the foundation of our democratic system in California,” said Robert Tyler, founder and general counsel for Advocates. Advocates for Faith and Freedom represents Imperial County whose county clerk, Chuck Storey, is also seeking to have standing to defend Proposition 8. Seventy percent of Imperial County voters voted in favor of the measure in the 2008 election. Tyler said their efforts to defend the law are necessary because the opposition is expected to continue to challenge the Proposition 8 campaign’s legal standing in the U.S. Supreme Court.

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GIVING… Continued from page 1 Central Committee, creates opportunities for artisans around the globe to earn a fair wage. A selfdescribed fair-trade retailer, Ten Thousand Villages offers artisancrafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from across the globe. Their inventory includes products from more than 130 artisan groups in 38 countries. In addition, the group has a network of more than 390 retail outlets throughout the United States. Artisans use the income to pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for themselves and their families. For information, log on to www. tenthousandvillages.com.

The Ten Thousand Villages catalog includes a rolled paper frame crafted from artisans in the Philippines, who wrap discarded newspaper around broom bristles and create a funky, recycled newspaper gift to frame your favorite photo.

Holiday Village Market Gift Catalog is an online shopping guide for people wishing to support the work of San Diego-based Plant With Purpose. The organization works to curb deforestation in an effort to help the rural poor use the land for sustenance and commerce. Since its 1984 founding, the group has helped the residents in nearly 250 villages lift themselves out of poverty through its holistic approach to sustainable development. The shop features 15 povertyfighting gifts ranging in price from $1 to plant a tree to $1,000 to build a cistern. Other life-sustaining gifts include a brood of 10 chicks for $20 to provide eggs for a family to eat or sell in the marketplace, a fuelefficient stove for $30 to improve a family’s health or a garden for $50 to provide nutritious food for a family. Scott Sabin, executive director of Plant With Purpose, said their goal is to raise $10,000 by Dec. 31, up from $8,000 last year. For information, log on to www. plantwithpurpose.org/gifts.

Help a family start a garden with a gift of just $50 through Plant With a Purpose.

Maya Mesoamerica Mission, founded in 2000, operates an English-speaking church in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and recently launched Denims for Guatemala, a micro business endeavor. The ministry’s store offers a six-note card set featuring artwork from Mayan children for $12. The cards were designed us-

A set of six gift cards, drawn by children served by the Maya Mesoamerica Mission, is available for $12.

ing original artwork created by children involved with the community of Xolcaja, an outreach of Maya Mesoamerica Mission. The back of each card includes Spanish translations and information about the Maya Mission. Shipping is free. For information, log on to www. mayamission.org/cards.html. NightLight, which has a branch in Los Angles, is an international organization committed to addressing the complex issues surrounding trafficking and prostitution by catalyzing individual and community transformation. NightLight’s vision is to offer intervention to sexually exploited women and children, to enable them to discover their dignity and to provide a program of holistic transformation, empowering them to live and work in their community. The cost of the project is offset by an online jewelry store that also includes such accessories as charms and lanyards. Products are available in a wide range of prices, styles and materials. For information, log on to www. nightlightinternational.com.

The NightLight Design jewelry line provides an economic alternative for women who have been exploited in the bars of Bangkok, Thailand.

Alternative Gifts International was founded in 1980 by Harriet Prichard, then-director of children’s ministries at Pasadena Presbyterian Church, in an effort to model a noncommercial way to give authentic gifts at Christmas. They created an alternative gift market in which children and adults sold relief and selfdevelopment goods and animals for persons in need in the Third World. Cards were inscribed with the gifts purchased and sent to friends and relatives to inform them that an alternative gift was given in their honor. By 2004 there were 325 markets in 43 states. Alternative Gift Markets have also been organized in England, Holland, Japan and Korea. In the course of 20 seasons

more than $17 million has been raised for people in crisis around the world. For information, log on to www. altgifts.org. Akerfa provides bicycles, appropriate technologies, consultancy and capital in Zambia. The San Diego-based ministry was launched in 2004 by Vaughn Spethmann and Dustin McBride after a missions trip to Zambia. Most of the population in Zambia suffers from the country’s 50 percent to 80 percent unemployment status. Those who have jobs earn about $2 a day. The bicycles help the locals overcome the barriers of rural living with basic necessities of transportation: getting to work, medical appointments, markets and schools. For information, log on to www.akerfa.org. Restore International—founded by Bob Goff, an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University—offers products ranging from 30-cent bricks to a $3,300 Restore Vision Trip, where work is done on building projects and maintenance, well drilling, special programs and outreach. Restore’s focus is on combating human rights violations, including forced prostitution and slave labor. For information, log on to www. restoreinternational.org. World Vision—the Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice—also has its own market. It’s online market is easy to search by category or price and includes such gifts as animals, clean water, clothing and shelter, education, emergency aid, gifts that multiply, meeting needs for girls and women, food, help for kids in the United States, maximum impact, medical care, monthly giving and support orphans and widows. The ministry offers non-specified gifts for as low as $10 or two soccer balls for $16. More expensive options include an animal-ofthe-month program, deep water wells, small business loans for women, $22,000 to build a school and $39,000 for a health clinic. For information, log on to www. worldvision.org.

World Vision offers a variety of unique gift-giving ideas, including a sheep for $105 or 5 ducks for $30.

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December 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 11

Bibles, books, family-friendly films make for lasting gifts By Lori Arnold Looking for that special something that will last longer than a gift of argyle socks, platform shoes or that little black dress? Thousands of options are available to Christmas shoppers from, that trendy tie for dad to the newest iGadget for the kids. There are also many options for those wishing to present holiday gifts more in keeping with the spiritual meaning of Christmas. Below are just a few ideas from Bibles to movies to resource materials. Scriptures as story The Voice New Testament, a new translation from Thomas Nelson and the Ecclesia Bible Society have approached the Scriptures from a fresh angle, creating a version that reads like a story with all of the truth and

CHRISTMAS… Continued from page 1 on-site shopping from more than 100 specialty-goods vendors from around the region offering unique gifts for Christmas. A living nativity scene complete with nearly three-dozen actors, music and live animals will be hosted by Cornerstone Church. Designed with six distinct scenes that overlap into a circle, the nativity will be interactive. “We are really proud to be working on this with them,” Sutton said. In Santa’s Village, children will be able to get their photo taken with Santa, view live reindeer and sled down a snow hill. At Santa’s Workshop the activities become a little more interactive with demonstrations, exhibits, and arts and crafts. A fun zone will provide interactive games, attractions and inflatables. In an effort to convert the Southern California locale into a forested wonderland, organizers are creating a themed Christmas tree forest with uniquely themed and decorated trees. Pinery Christmas Trees is providing 100 trees, which will be adopted and decorated by local groups. City Lights, a local yearround Christmas and Collectibles Emporium is providing its lighting skills to the cause. The food court offerings will include a patty melt food truck, sausages and hot dogs, Hunter’s Steakhouse, Oggie’s Pizza, Cajun food, crepes, kettle corn, funnel cakes, roasted corn, chocolate, cupcakes and other baked goods. An emphasis on giving While a major focus of the event is creating a family friendly venue in which to celebrate Christmas, organizer

“The Nutcracker” will be performed by the San Diego Ballet.

wisdom of God’s Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching it invites readers to enter into the whole story of God with their heart, soul, and mind. This bold new translation, its publishers said, engages readers like no other Bible. In producing the new edition, its authors sought to create a translation that goes deeper than informative notes, charts and graphs to help foster personal relationships. “The Voice is focused on helping readers find (or rediscover) this connection with Him,” the Bible’s website says. “Scripture is presented not as an academic document, but as an engaging story. The intention of the scholars and authors who collaborated on The Voice is to enable readers to hear God speaking, to experience His presence in their lives.” According to its publishers, care was taken to accurately translate the individual words from the original

texts and reflect the idioms of the original languages. Amazon price is $8. A version of the full Bible is due out in April and is expected to list for $39.99. Essentials of life Modern technology combines with Holman Christian Standard Bible to create the new tech savvy Life Essentials Study Bible. Created by Pastor Gene Getz, the Bible uses Quick Response technology to link readers to more than 250 hours of free online coaching and teaching by the author. The new 2,208-page Bible is the “result of 10 years of intensive study and painstaking cross-referencing to present 1,500 principles relevant to any Christian, in any culture, any time—all in the text of the popular Holman Christian Standard Bible.” In addition, each principle ap-

pears adjacent to the text that inspired it, providing ready access to timeless truth for everyday, personal living. “Also featured are lists of principles at the beginning of each book of the Bible and a topical index and cross-references for all 1,500 principles. Any reader can easily start with questions, categories, verses, ideas ... and begin to read, learn, apply and grow.” Prices range by cover, but generally range from $44.99 to $69.99. Promising word The makers of the portable GoBible audio player have produced “The Word of Promise,” a dramatic narration of the New King James Version by some of Hollywood’s top stars, including Academy Award winners Marisa Tomei, Richard Dreyfuss, Louis Gossett Jr., and Marcia Gay Hardin. Other actors include Gary Sinise, Jason Alexander and Michael York. Featured Christian music stars are Rebecca

St. James and Michael W. Smith. Billed as an engaging, scripted reading of the Bible that is backed by a stirring musical score, the full version is available on the portable, easy-to-use Original GoBible and GoBible Voyager models, which feature the ability to search the Scriptures and begin play at the verse level. More than 600 actors contributed to the Word of Promise project using audio technology in the narration, scoring and sound effects to create a “you are there” listening experience. Prices range from $89.95 to $109.65. For more information, visit www. GoBible.com. Behind the Bible scenes Students of the Bible are sure to enjoy The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook, offers a glimpse into the ancient biblical settings through 1,100 full color pages, including 500 photos and illustraSee GIFTS, next page

What: A Christmas Tabernacle When: December 16-18 Where: Liberty Station NTC Promenade, Point Loma Features: Specialty-goods vendors, holiday foods, Christmas concerts and dramatic performances, Living Nativity, interactive workshops, Santa’s Village, themed Christmas trees, and a fun zone complete with real snow, games and attractions Cost: $12-$18 — use online promo code “examiner” to save up to $6/ticket — Information — (619) 754-9508 AChristmasTabernacle.com Sutton said he hopes to instill a giving spirit by creating several opportunities to better the community. A primary emphasis is providing discounted tickets to non-profits that they can in turn resell for fundraising. The recipients of each organization will also participate in the tree lighting and the themedtree decorating. In Santa’s Workshop, families are encouraged to make items with their own hands and turn them in to be donated as Christmas gifts. In an effort to bless 100 needy families, A Christmas Tabernacle will create a package with each of the decorated trees from the forest, donated toys from Santa’s Workshop and food from Feeding America. Nominations for worthy families are being accepted online. “We will pick the 100 people we believe are the most deserving to receive these,” Sutton said. “It can be a surprise blessing for the families.” Daily admission ranges from $12 to $18, with multi-day passes also available. A limited amount of VIP tickets are also available for $50 daily. In addition to admission, the VIP tickets include a $10 meal voucher, a $5 cookie voucher, priority line access at several attractions, a horse-and-carriage ride and guaranteed priority seating. Christian Examiner readers can receive a discount of up to $6 on tickets by typing the word “examiner” in the promo code box online. Tickets are available at www. achristmastabernacle.com and at the gate.

In only a few memorable hours, understand, like never before, 4,000 years of life-changing Godly wisdom.

For more Information to bring this seminar to your church or school in San Diego County, call Bruce Fox at (619) 442-2993

12 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • December 2011 SD

GIFTS… Continued from last page tions, and 80 maps and charts. In addition to its emphasis on photos and graphics, the scripture resource includes easy-to-understand explanations of key biblical themes and boasts 100 articles by leading evangelical scholars including Dr. Peter Enns, Dr. Grant R. Osborne and Dr. Daniel B. Wallace. The three parts of the handbook—“God’s Story (and Your Story),” “The Spirit and The Scribes

(How the Bible Came to Be)” and Digging Deeper Into the Bible”— orient readers to the history and culture of the Bible, as well as how to apply the texts in everyday life. The book’s authors are J. Scott Duvall, Ph.D, chairman of the Department of Biblical Studies and J. C. and Mae Fuller Chair of Biblical Studies at Ouachita Baptist University and J. Daniel Hays, Ph.D, dean of the School of Christian Studies and professor of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. For more information, visit www. bakerbooks.com.

www.christianexaminer.com A journey through Israel A new six-DVD pack from Exploration Films offers viewers an impressive look at the birthplace of Christianity through its “Israel: A Journey Through Time,” boxed set. The video series offers 4,000 years of historical and biblical information about the land of Israel and its people. Filmed entirely in Israel, its highlights include stories from Abraham’s divine call through Israel’s ongoing struggle, to the prophetic battle of Armageddon. Christian entertainment legend Pat Boone has called the film package “a graduate course in the Jewish roots of Christianity.” The six featured DVDs, hosted by Dr. John Tweedie, are “From Abraham to Jesus,” “Jesus, The Jew That Divided History,” “Anti-Semitism,” “Aliyah, Rebirth of a Nation,” “Israel in Crisis” and “What Time Is It?” The boxed set retails for $99 and also has an accompanying study guide for $10. The film company also has another film series, “Israel: A Journey of Light,” which traces the Jewish influence and accomplishments despite prejudice and persecution. That set also retails for $99. A week in paradise “Seven Days in Utopia,” a familyfriendly film starring Robert Duvall and Melissa Leo, was set to release on DVD at all major retailers on Nov. 29. The G-Rated movie explores life, love and faith, through the life of Luke Chisolm (Lucas Black), a talented young golfer set on making the pro tour. When his first big shot

turns out to be a very public disaster, Luke escapes the pressures of the game and finds himself unexpectedly stranded in Utopia, Texas, home to eccentric rancher Johnny Crawford (Robert Duvall). But Johnny is more than meets the eye, and his profound ways of looking at life, love, and faith force Luke to question not only his past choices, but his direction for the future. “I was attracted to this because it’s a great tale about a man’s journey, and about how you survive life’s unexpected curve balls,” Duvall said in a news release. Viewers will also be treated to “Born Again,” a new song by Third Day that is featured in the movie. In addition to outstanding Hollywood and PGA talent, the film features a new recording of the hit song “Born Again” by Third Day. List price is $28.99. Grace abounds “The Grace Card,” conceived and produced by Memphis optometrist David Evans, explores the power of forgiveness in the life of Mac McDonald, who loses his son in an accident. “The ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erode his love for his family and leave him angry with God—and just about everyone else,” its publicists said. “Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.”

The film’s directors drew believing actors from more than 50 churches in the Memphis area to star in the movie, which is rated PG-13. Hundreds of other local residents volunteered in a variety of capacities. They included members of Calvary Church in Cordova, where the Evans attend. Proceeds from the film have helped to propel a variety of mercy and service projects in the community, including the adoption of a local Boys and Girls club, homeless ministry assistance and shelter support for disaster relief. “All of these are examples of grace being extended beyond the walls of Calvary Church,” Senior Pastor Lynn Holmes said. The film retails for $24.99. Asparagus with a beat VeggieTales gets into the Christmas spirit with “The Little Drummer Boy,” a follow up to the highly successful “Saint Nicholas” Christmas story from 2009. Based on Ephesians 4:32, “The Little Drummer Boy” teaches children about the joy found in giving your best gift to others, using your talents and forgiveness. The lead is played by Junior Asparagus, a lonely child who finds the true meaning of Christmas when he stumbles upon the birth of the baby Jesus. Big Idea Entertainment, producers of Veggie Tales, have also created the holiday CD, “VeggieTales: O Holy Night—A Journey of a Little Drummer Boy,” in conjunction with the DVD. The movie lists for $14.99, while the CD is $9.99.

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December 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 13

14 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • December 2011 SD

Have your event listed FREE! Send us your Christian activity/event for next month, and we’ll list it in THE CALENDAR at no charge. The deadline is the 15th of the prior month. Send to the Christian Examiner, P.O. Box 2606, El Cajon, CA 92021. Or fax to (619) 668-1115. Or e-mail to calendar@christianexaminer.com. We regret we cannot list Sunday morning services.

NOV 27 • SUNDAY

DEC 4 • SUNDAY (cont.)

“Joy–An Irish Christmas” with Keith & Kristyn Getty. 6pm, Shadow Mountain Community Church, 2100 Greenfield Dr., El Cajon, free • (619) 4401802

Kenwood Dr., Spring Valley • trinitypres. org, (619) 465-3011

NOV 28 • MONDAY LOL with God, an evening hope, with Pam Farrel & Dawn Wilson. Rock Church, San Diego, $5 • love-wise.com/LOL

NOV 30-DEC 31 “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” Cygnet Theatre, Old Town, San Diego • cygnettheatre.com, (619) 337-1525

DEC 1 • THURSDAY Family Connections Christian Adoption Information Session. 6-8pm, 291 S El Camino Real, Ste 202, Oceanside, free • fcadoptions.org, (760) 966-0531 San Diego Evening Aglow with Klee Adoni & Jackie DePalma. 6:30pm, San Diego First Assembly’s Chapel, 8404 Phyllis Pl., San Diego • (619) 890-8203

DEC 1-30 Lamb’s Players’ Festival of Christmas. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado • lambsplayers.org, (619) 437-6000

DEC 2 • FRIDAY Family Movie Night, Veggie Tales’ “Little Drummer Boy.” 6:30pm, San Diego First Assembly, 8404 Phyllis Pl., San Diego, free • (858) 560-1870 x3128 “The Waiting Room,” an original dramatic production. 7pm, Har vest Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 380 Mulberry Dr., San Marcos, free • (760) 731-4949

DEC 2-4 • FRI-SUN ‘A Christmas Carol,’ presented by The Village Church Community Theater. Fri-Sat 7:30pm & Sun 2pm, Village Community Presbyterian Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, $10 • (858) 756-2441

DEC 3 • SATURDAY Freedom From Hurtful Anger seminar, presented by Marcial Felan, LMFT. 8:30am3pm, North Coast Calvary Chapel, 1330 Poinsettia Ln., Carlsbad , $75 • (760) 929-0029, northcoastcalvary.org

DEC 4 • SUNDAY A Christmas Celebration with Rob Richards, Alex-Zsolt & Melvin Crawford. 2pm, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3902

Christmas on the Patio. 5pm, Foothills Christian Church, 365 W Bradley Ave., El Cajon • foothillschurch.org Christmas Inspirations. 4pm, rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Rd., San Diego, free • (858) 487-0811 x288 Watoto Children’s Choir. 6pm, Maranatha Chapel, 10752 Coastwood Rd., San Diego • (858) 613-7800

DEC 6 • TUESDAY Hillsong Live, with Reuben Morgan & Ben Fielding. The Rock, 2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego • premierproductions.com Women’s Christmas Dinner, “A Royal Gift.” 6:30-8:0pm, San Diego First Assembly, 8404 Phyllis Pl., San Diego, $10 • (858) 560-1870

DEC 7 • WEDNESDAY My Therapist ‘Sez’…”, an interactive panel of Christian therapists moderated by Dr. Don Welch on “Attachment: How Better to Connect with Others?” with Cathy Gaetke presenting, Dr. Marcial Felan, Ryan Buchmann & Yolanda Gorick. 6:45-8pm, Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Rd., La Mesa • (619) 660-5000 “A Christmas Together,” with Drew Bray, Molly Jenson, Jadon Lavik, Roy Schenkenberger, Tim Timmons, Tyron Wells, Even Wickham & Pawnshop Kings. 7pm, Maranatha Chapel, 10752 Coastwood Rd., San Diego • (858) 613-7800

DEC 8 • THURSDAY Masterpiece Messiah. 7:30pm, Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Rd., San Diego, $30 • (858) 350-0290

DEC 9-11 • FRI-SUN 2011 Christmas Concert Series, with the Emmanuel Faith Choir & Orchestra and special guest artist/director Steve Amerson. Fri 7:30pm; Sat-Sun 3 & 5:30pm, Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E Felicita Ave., Escondido, free • efcc.org, (760) 781-2134 A Shadow Mountain Christmas. Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 5pm, Shadow Mountain Community Church, 2100 Greenfield Dr., El Cajon, $5 • (619) 4401802

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DEC 9-11 • FRI-SUN (cont.)

DEC 16-18 • FRI-SUN (cont.)

DEC 22-24 • THU-SAT

CCT’s Traditions of Christmas: A Musical Spectacular. Fri 7pm; Sat 2pm & 7pm; Sun 2pm, Lincoln Performing Arts Center, 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego • traditions2011.com, (619) 588-0206

cal. Fri 7pm & Sun 4pm, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3902 Kenwood Dr., Spring Valley • trinitypres.org, (619) 465-3011

Christmas Eve Services. Thu 7pm; Fri 5:30pm & 7pm; Sat 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm, Eastlake Church, 2355 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista • eastlakechurch.com

DEC 10 • SATURDAY Christmas Bazaar. 10am-4pm, Woodland Park Bible Church, 1093 Rock Springs Rd., San Marcos • (760) 744-9242 Build a Gingerbread House. 10am12:30pm, San Diego First Assembly, 8404 Phyllis Pl., San Diego, $10/family • (858) 560-1870 x3128 San Diego Women’s Connection. 11:30am-1:30pm, Mission Valley Resort, 875 Hotel Circle S, San Diego, $22 • (619) 276-6972 18th Annual La Posada Sin Fronteras. 2-4pm, Border Field State Park, Imperial Beach • (619) 233-4114

DEC 11 • SUNDAY The San Diego Festival Chorus, Christmas Concert. 3-5pm, College Avenue Baptist Church, 4747 College Ave., San Diego, $17 • (951) 699-7478

DEC 15 • THURSDAY Men With a Purpose, with Bob Shank. 121:30pm, Doubletree by Hilton, 1515 Hotel Circle, San Diego, $20 • (619) 222-3688

DEC 15-17 • THU-SAT “A Christmas Choice,” three act play. 7pm, Word of Life Worship Center, 8691 Echo Dr., La Mesa, free • (619) 271-8800 Christmas with Michael W. Smith and the Pacific Symphony. 8pm, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, $30 • pacificsymphony.org, (714) 755-5799

DEC 15-18 • THU-SUN CCT’s Traditions of Christmas: A Musical Spectacular. Thu-Sat 7pm; Sun 2pm, Lincoln Performing Arts Center, 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego • traditions2011. com, (619) 588-0206

DEC 15-24 “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol.” ThuFri 7:30pm; Sat 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun 2pm, Sunshine Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, $12-18. Presented by Oceanside Theatre Company • oceansidetheatre.org

DEC 16-17 • FRI-SAT The Living Nativity. Horizon Christian Fellowship, 5331 Mt. Alifan Dr., San Diego • (858) 277-4991

DEC 16-18 • FRI-SUN “Mary, Did You Know?” a Christmas musi-

“A Christmas Tabernacle.” 3-day Christmas Festival, featuring snow area, Santa’s Village, Living Nativity, arts & crafts, Kid Zone, shopping village, shows and concerts, carriage rides, inflatables, international Christmas village, and much more. NTC Liberty Station, Point Loma. $12-18 • achristmastabernacle.com

DEC 17 • SATURDAY 15th Annual Toys for Joy. 9am-2pm, Abraham Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego. Hosted by Rock Church • toys-for-joy.org 3rd Annual ‘A Night of Christmas Hope.’ 7pm, Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista. Hosted by Hope Church • vistixonline. com, (760) 724-2110

DEC 23 • FRIDAY Christmas Concert. 6:30pm, Woodland Park Bible Church, 1093 Rock Springs Rd., San Marcos • (760) 744-9242

DEC 24 • SATURDAY Christmas Eve Service, 3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 11pm, Newbreak Church, Tierrasanta • newbreak.org, (858) 576-0007 Christmas Eve Service, 3pm, Newbreak Church, El Cajon • newbreak.org, (858) 576-0007 Christmas Eve Service, 5pm, Newbreak Church, Santee • newbreak.org, (858) 576-0007 Christmas Eve Service, 5pm, Newbreak Church, Pacific Beach • newbreak.org, (858) 576-0007 Christmas Candlelight Service. 4pm & 6pm, Shadow Mountain Community Church, 2100 Greenfield Dr., El Cajon • (619) 4401802

DEC 17-18 • SAT-SUN Living Nativity, 5-9pm, presented by Horizon North County, 6365 El Apajo Rd., Rancho Santa Fe • (858) 756-5599, horizon.org The 35th Annual Candlelight Presentation of Lessons & Carols. 7:30pm, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala’ Choir, 10818 San Diego Mission Rd., San Diego • (619) 283-7319

DEC 18 • SUNDAY Christmas Music Festival. San Diego First Assembly, 8404 Phyllis Pl., San Diego, free • (858) 560-1870

DEC 19 • MONDAY “The Joy of Holidays,” San MarcosVista Christian Women’s Club luncheon. 11:30am, Lake San Marcos Country Club, 1750 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos, $17 • (760) 432-0772, (760) 744-3744

DEC 21 • WEDNESDAY South Bay Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon. 11:30am-1pm, Chula Vista Golf Course Restaurant, 4475 Bonita Rd., Bonita, $15 • (619) 422-1628

DEC 21-22 • WED-THU CCT’s Traditions of Christmas: A Musical Spectacular. Wed 2pm & 7pm; Thu 2pm, Lincoln Performing Arts Center, 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego • traditions2011.com, (619) 588-0206

DEC 22-23 • THU-FRI Living Nativity, 6-9pm, presented by Horizon North County, 6365 El Apajo Rd., Rancho Santa Fe • (858) 756-5599, horizon.org

Christmas Eve Service. 5-6pm, San Diego First Assembly, 8404 Phyllis Pl., San Diego • (858) 560-1870 Christmas Eve Service. 5pm & 6:30pm, Eastlake Church, 2050 Coronado Ave., Imperial Beach • eastlakechurch.com

DEC 27-30 • TUE-FRI San Diego Christian Film Festival. The La Jolla Marriott • sdcff2011.com

JAN 5 • THURSDAY Family Connections Christian Adoption Information Session. 6-8pm, Oceanside, free • fcadoptions.org, (760) 966-0531

JAN 26 • THURSDAY Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Here We Are Again. College Ave. Baptist Church, San Diego • itickets.com

FEB 18-25 Sandi Patty & Friends Cruise, with Natalie Grant, Mark Shultz, Wayne Watson & more. Eastern Caribbean • 1-800-2884778, cruisewithsandipatty.com

FEB 25 • SATURDAY Educator Job Fair. Stoneybrooke Christian Schools, San Juan Capistrano. Hosted by Network of International Christian Schools • nics.org

MAY 25-27 • FRI-SUN Spirit West Coast, San Diego. Del Mar Fairgrounds • spiritwestcoast.org

2011 Christmas Concert Series With the…

Emmanuel Faith Choir & Orchestra s &RIDAY $ECEMBER 7:30 p.m.

s 3ATURDAY $ECEMBER 3:00 and 5:30 p.m.

s 3UNDAY $ECEMBER 3:00 and 5:30 p.m.

Special Guest Artist/Director…

Steve Amerson All concerts in the Worship Center Free admission (tickets are required and available starting Nov. 12 from the church office)

Emmanuel Faith Community Church 639 E. Felicita Ave. (E. 17th Ave. at Encino Dr.) %SCONDIDO #! s s www.efcc.org

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December 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 15

No. County emergency responders honored

Bethlehem Village returns to Poway

OCEANSIDE — New Venture Christian Fellowship in Oceanside hosted a ceremony Nov. 15 honoring local fire, police and emergency responders as part of its Smokeout Thank You barbecue. More than 300 people attended the event. Among the celebrities on hand to welcome the guests was Kevin Downs, one of the stars of “Courageous,” which is in theaters now. Other dignitaries included various city officials and Chargers 10 Chargers players: Jacques Cesaire, Cam Thomas, Nick Novak, Brandyn Dombrowski, Darrell Stuckey, Antonio Garay, Ryan Matthews, Corey Liuget, Bryan Walters and Takeo Spikes. “The men and women who represent the police, fire and emergency responders of San Diego’s North County put their lives on the line on a daily basis,” said Shawn Mitchell, the church’s senior pastor and founder of the annual event. “This is our opportunity to say thank you for their sacrifices and contributions on our behalf.”

POWAY — “Bethlehem Village,” the annual community outreach that features a re-created view of the biblical Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth, will return to North City Presbyterian Church Dec. 17 and 18. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. both nights and includes a mock census and Roman guards. In addition to a living nativity, the event offers a petting zoo, llama rides, puppet shows, games and crafts. Live music is also presented. “My kids loved the llama rides and games,” said Sonni Cappellari, the mother of two, “We enjoy taking the whole family and the fact that it’s a free event. Christmas has been all but removed from our culture and it’s great to see such an excellent family event.” Food and drink are free and those with tired feet can gather around the fire to keep warm or relax in the café while enjoying live

Christmas concert RANCHO BERNARDO — Maranatha Chapel will kick off the Christmas season at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 with a holiday musical featuring eight contemporary Christian recording artists. The artists—on tour with their seasonal program, “A Christmas Together”—are Drew Bray, Molly Jenson, Jadon Lavik, Roy Schenkenberger, Tim Timmons, Tyron Wells, Evan Wickham, and Pawn-

A firefighter places a sticker moustache on a young boy at the annual Smokeout Thank You barbecue Nov. 15 at New Venture Christian Fellowship.

shop Kings. The concert will feature a variety of holiday music from sacred to secular, and contemporary to traditional. It also includes songs written by the artists. The group is also performing at numerous other Southern California venues. Admission to the concert is free and childcare will be provided. The church is located at 10752 Coastwood Road in 4S Ranch. For more information, visit www. achristmastogether.com.

Dessert Theater at Narratives Church EL CAJON — Narratives Church will host a double feature Christmas drama during its Dec. 9 Dessert Theater. The main event will be the oneact comedy “Selling Christmas,” followed by a shorter one act called “Christmas Legacy.” The production will also include traditional carols. Tickets for the event are $10, with half of the proceeds benefiting a missionary trip to Jamaica. A variety of homemade desserts will be available to sample. The play will be held at 7 p.m. The church is located at 450 Fletcher Parkway, Suite 224, across from the entrance to Parkway Plaza. For more information, or to purchase tickets send an email to info@narrativeschurch.com or call (619) 249-6386.

Living Nativity in North County

Southern California native Molly Jenson is one of eight contemporary Christian artists to perform at “A Christmas Together,” set for Dec. 7 at Maranatha Chapel.

RANCHO SANTA FE — Horizon Christian Fellowship North County will present its annual Living Nativity on two weekends in December. Visitors will go back in time to a first century Jerusalem marketplace, complete with all the sights and sounds, and stroll by live reenactments with costumed actors of the life and times Jesus Christ. There will also be ice skating, camel rides, petting zoo, games and a food court. The free event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 18

MORE EVENTS online now at

and form 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 23. The church is located at 6365 El Apajo Rd. For information, visit www.horizon. org.

January Salt and Light training session planned SAN DIEGO — The San Diegobased Salt and Light Council will hold a training session Jan. 14 for churches desiring to become affiliate members. A Salt and Light Ministry Affiliate is a member-driven ministry, serving under the oversight of local church leaders that works on various civic projects that preserve moral integrity and uphold traditional family, life and liberty. The local affiliate duties include prayer, educating elected officials about biblical worldviews and America’s historical foundations, taking action on issues and legislation, promoting the electoral process, including voter registration drives. Affiliate leaders are also educated on the legal rights of churches to participate in the political process. The purpose is to improve and enhance the witness of Jesus Christ in the areas of government, politics and social issues by appropriately involving the local church to influence its community, culture and government. The time and location of the event will be made public at a later date. For more information, send an email to info@saltandlightcouncil.org.

Christmas bazarre to benefit Birth Choice SAN MARCOS — Woodland Park Bible Church will host a Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 A fundraiser for the for Birth Choice pregnancy resource center in San Marcos, the bazaar will offer craft booths, food, music, children’s crafts and activities. The church is located at 1093 Rock Springs Road. For more information, call (760) 744-9242.

music. This free event is especially tailored for families with young children, but all are welcome. The church, located at 11717 Poway Road. For more information, visit www.northcitychurch.com/bv.

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• Future events for San Diego County not listed in this issue. • Events for Orange County, LA County and the Inland Empire • Weekly and monthly ongoing meetings: Bible Studies, Evangelism, Fellowships (Men, Women, Seniors, Singles, Youth, MOPS), Motorcycle 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.

Several children enjoy petting the animals during a previous “Bethlehem Village” at North City Presbyterian Church. The event returns Dec. 17 and 18.

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16 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • December 2011 SD

Reel local Southern California has strong showing in San Diego Christian Film Festival By Lori Arnold LA JOLLA — Every good story has a critical climax that changes—or confirms—the direction of the protagonist. For Pasadena resident Chad Ahrendt, his conversion to Christianity four years ago exposed the budding filmmaker to faith-based films. For Christian-themed films— long in need of a professional makeover to elevate them from schmaltzy to authentic—the genre’s climax may just well be found in the growing number of faith-based film festivals. “On the faith-based side you don’t have the same dollars to film and distribute your film,” said Ahrendt, who has spent 15 years in the industry, a decade on the production end with Columbia Pictures. “A great way to get your name out there is the film festivals. It lends credibility to your project.” Having earned production credits for such films as “Dream Girls,” “As Good as It Gets,” “I, Robot” and “Finding Forrester,” Ahrendt understands credibility. Now a producer promoting his first feature-length film, Ahrendt is earning his own credibility with “Reconciliation,” having won Best Film awards at three of six Christian Festivals this year and a gospel storyteller award at a fourth. He’s hoping to bring home some more honors at the Second Annual San Diego Christian Film Festival, set for Dec. 27 to 30 at the La Jolla Marriott Hotel. Ahrendt’s film explores the estranged relationship of a father and son, and their painful struggle to forgive on the dad’s deathbed. Richard Bagdazian, executive director of the film festival, said nearly 150 projects were entered for the December event. In all, 20 full-length narratives and documentaries were selected. An additional 13 shorts were also selected for screening, as were five music videos. On the international front, six full-length and six shorts were chosen. Of the 144 submissions, 38 came from California, with 30 of those entered by Southern California residents. El Cajon resident Drew Renaud’s work “Espwa: Hope For Haiti,” was chosen for screening in the international documentary short category, while La Mesa resident Oliver Dark’s “Life Iz,” which captures the ritzy lifestyle of Rodeo Drive as it faces the reality of L.A.’s skid row, secured a spot in the music video genre. Poway

resident Eric Perez was also given a spot for his “Sleepless Pacific” music video. Workshops and panels In addition to the film screenings, the festival will include numerous workshops, a hero’s roundtable and a screenwriter’s panel. A highlight of the event will be the gala and award night. A youth night is planned for Dec. 29 and will include the screening of “Hardflip,” a movie filmed in San Diego that follows the story of a young skateboarder dealing with adult realities. Members of the cast will be on hand and prizes will be given away. Faculty for the event include Dr. Ted Baehr, founder and publisher of Movieguide and chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission; Dr. Carl Moeller, president of Open Doors USA; Rev. Majed El Shafie, producer of “Freedom Fighter”; John Ware, founder and president of the 168 Film Project, Brian Godawa, screenwriter for the award-winning film, “To End All Wars”; John Ward, an industry insider whose projects range from large studio blockbusters to independent films and cutting-edge emerging media; Allan Camaisa, CEO of Risen Media; Dr. Gary David Stratton, a lead teacher for worldview formation and film at Bethel University and Derrick Warfel, writer, director and producer of the thriller “Midnight Reckoning.” Significant opportunity The screenings, combined with the educational aspects of the festivals, provide a valuable outlet for filmmakers, Ahrendt said. “They are learning to tell a really good story and bring that story to fruition,” he said. “I see Christian films sort of taking on the same role as Christian music did. You see it evolving, you see it getting better.” He said he believes the increasing demand for stories from a faith perspective have opened up a window for filmmakers willing to truly grapple, not sugar coat, life topics. “They are trying to tell stories that Christians and people of faith want to see,” he said. “Hollywood is ignoring that audience a great deal.” Ticket prices for the festival range from $8 for a single film screening to $150 for an all-access pass. Individual workshop tickets are available for $25. A family pass that allows four people to view four films is $50. For more information, visit www. sdchristianfilmfestival.com.

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Report: Jailed Iran pastor facing abuse, torture Christian Examiner staff report RASHT, Iran — The mistreatment of a pastor in Iran awaiting a decision on his death sentence for refusing to recant his faith amounts to physical and psychological torture, a source close to the pastor’s family said. Yousef Nadarkhani, sentenced to death a year ago after a court of appeals in Rasht, Iran, found him guilty of leaving Islam, is in deteriorating health, according to a member of Nadarkhani’s denomination, the Church of Iran, who requested anonymity. He said that communication with Nadarkhani is limited, but that sources close to the imprisoned Christian indicated that he has undergone physical and psychological torture. “Certainly he was hit, but his (telephone) conversations are heard (by authorities),” the source said. “We know that he has been in extreme situations, and we consider that torture. When you have spent time in a solitary cell unable to talk to others for a long time, or you are told you will be killed, this is also torture.” The court in Rasht, 150 miles northwest of Tehran, was expected to pronounce a verdict on Nadarkhani’s

appeal in October, and sources said the court’s long silence bodes ill. Instead of pronouncing a verdict, the court sent the Christian’s case to the nation’s Islamic authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, to make a ruling. Authorities have also continued to pressure Nadarkhani to recant his faith while in prison. In October they gave him Islamic literature aimed at discrediting the Bible, according to sources, and instructed him to read it. Some sources indicate a ruling could come the second half of December. One said some Iranian Christians believe that, in the face of international outrage over the case, the government would announce a verdict near the Christmas holidays so that it would receive less attention. On Nov. 10, the Christian Broadcasting Network reported that a verdict on Nadarkhani’s case was expected in mid-December, regardless of whether there is a ruling by Khamenei. Authorities arrested Nadarkhani in his home city of Rasht in October 2009 on charges that he questioned obligatory religion classes in Iranian schools. After finding him guilty of apostasy, the court of appeals in Rasht in November 2010 issued a written confirmation of

his charges and death sentence. At an appeal hearing in June, the Supreme Court of Iran upheld Nadarkhani’s sentence but asked the court in Rasht to determine if he was a practicing Muslim before his conversion. The court declared that Nadarkhani was not a practicing Muslim before his conversion, but that he was still guilty of apostasy due to his Muslim ancestry. The Supreme Court had also determined that his death sentence could be annulled if he recanted his faith. The Rasht court gave Nadarkhani a chance to recant Christianity in accordance with sharia (Islamic law), but Nadarkhani refused to do so. His final appeal hearings ended on Sept. 28, and the court was expected to make its final decision two weeks from the final hearing. “For the moment, we are waiting,” said the Church of Iran source. “We have no response for now. The only thing his lawyer told me is that the file went to the Supreme Court, but normally we should have had a response by now.” BP News Service and Compass Direct News were sourced in this article.

Pakistani evangelist shot dead By Murad Khan Compass Direct News KARACHI, Pakistan — An evangelist was shot dead Nov. 16 by an unidentified gunman in what his family believes was a radical Muslim group’s targeting of a Christian. Zahid Jameel, 25, told Compass Direct that his father, Jameel Saawan, and a helper were opening the doors of their cosmetics shop in the Gulshane-Iqbal area of Pakistan’s commercial hub of Karachi on Wednesday morning when a young man appeared and shot his father, first in the neck and then in the face. The assassin fled on a motorcycle on which two people were waiting, keeping watch for him, Jameel said. “We firmly believe that my father was killed because of his preaching of the Bible, because there is no other reason,” Jameel said.

STRENGTH… Continued from page 8 Many citizens are pressing for the sectarian rule of sharia. Prior to the Arab Spring, the region’s Coptic Christians—fearful of a police force they viewed as corrupt—relied on the balanced hand of the military. Since Mubarak’s exit, however, it has been the military on attack. In October, at least 27 Christians were killed in a series of clashes. “Now it was the military who was

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His father had not spoken of any threats on his life in recent weeks, though he had received threats after voicing his desire to start a welfare organization for poor Christians in the Essanagri area of Karachi two years ago, Jameel said. “That could not materialize after he started receiving threats from some unknown forces,” Jameel said. “We do not know who threatened him, but my mother persuaded him not to put his life in danger, for our sake.” Nevertheless, Jameel said that his father continued to preach and was widely respected for being a vocal supporter of the Christian community. “We live in a rented apartment and our shops are also on lease—we don’t have any property, and no enemies, which is why we are shocked by our father’s killing,” he said. “It wasn’t a robbery, because the assassin only walked towards my father and shot at him.”

Jameel said that his mother was in a state of shock, as were his three sisters and older brother, Shahid. “Our father has been gunned down for no reason at all,” Jameel said. “He used to share the Word with Muslims, but I have never heard that he entered into an argument with any person.” Jameel said that the family had moved to Karachi from Quetta about 10 years ago, with his father starting the cosmetics business two years later. “My father was a very religious man, and some years ago he decided that it was time for him to reach out to the people and share the Good News with them,” his son said. “Every day he would visit several families to share the Word of God and was very content with his life.” Although police registered the case on Nov. 16, they have yet to make any progress in the investigation, sources said.

opening fire on unarmed Christians,” said Beard, who spoke with one man who said he had been shot in each leg by members of the military. In one instance, a group of Muslims attacked a local church, killing 10 people. Although authorities know who did the attack, no arrests have been made. “There was no punitive action because it was against Christians,” he said. “They are treated as secondclass citizens because they don’t hate Egypt’s enemy, which is Israel.”

Jazeera, which broadcasts one of the festival’s celebration services, complete with Christian testimonies. “It’s an honor to go and be a blessing, to be used in the Middle East, to go places most people won’t and take the best message of all,” he said. Beard said coming back from his most recent trip, he is struck by the dichotomy of Christians living here and in Egypt. “We are blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed in America,” he said. “Poor in America means you are rich, but it goes deeper than that. If American Christians would just realize what it costs to be a Christian. In America it costs you nothing. You can go to church or not go to church. It doesn’t matter. You can carry your Bible or not carry a Bible, you are not persecuted for it. “There is so much apathy (here) toward Christianity, the church and the Kingdom of God, and they face no persecution, yet they are not bold for the Kingdom.”

Encouragement and apathy During his conversations with the local pastors, Beard said he tried to be an encourager. “I just told them God is not done with Egypt and Jesus Christ is coming back soon,” he said. In the meantime, the performing arts teams said they are committed to supporting the country through prayers and their annual presentations. The success of the Egypt festival, he said, has prompted an invitation from Christian leaders in Iraq. The festival also gained wide exposure through coverage on Al-

For more information about the ministry, visit www.dunamisteam. com.

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December 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 17

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Social Services. Promising Futures, ser ving DD population in East County, seeking reliable, dedicated individuals to fill the following full time and part time positions. Raises/bonuses for exceptional work. Residential program: Program Manager, Program Instructor. Overtime opportunities available. Salary start from $8-$10/hour. Center for Independent Achievement Day Program: Instructor/Job Coach, $8.50-$9.50/hour. Phone (619) 592-4850, fax (619) 592-4878 or email resume to pficareer@yahoo.com.

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Lowest Possible Fares on airline tickets. Deal with a Christian Travel Agency. Dick, (619) 448-4755.

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Church for Lease–San Diego. Very nice 6,500 sq. ft. industrial building. Space for sanctuary, offices and classrooms. 7,126 sq. ft. parking lot. Centrally located. (858) 452-7115.

Auto and Transmission Repair Shop for sale. Christian owner, retired. 20 years in Orange County. (714) 675-8271.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Would like to rent-to-own condo in Rancho Santa Fe. (619) 260-1062.

MINISTRIES When someone you love is gay. Christian ministry to families needing help coping with homosexuality. Group meeting. First Tuesday of every month, 7-9pm. Fireside Room, Education Building, San Diego First Assembly of God, 8404 Phyllis Place. (619) 426-9300.

MUSIC/MUSICIANS Guitar Lessons. Veteran worship leader and guitarist Scott Coyle is now accepting guitar students. All levels welcome. Call (619) 490-9690 for more information and availability.

REAL ESTATE Prudential CA Realty. For all your real estate needs call Mark Geraci (619) 300-1733.

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Mount Miguel Covenant Village is a Christian Retirement Community just a few miles east of San Diego, Calif. Our community consists of eleven residential apartment buildings, a 48-unit assisted living facility and our skilled nursing center. Our 28 acre park-like setting has been applauded for its beauty and is enjoyed by residents and employees alike. We are an accredited continuing care retirement community, and are part of Covenant Retirement Communities (CRC), a not-forproďŹ t corporation, dedicated to the service of others.

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If you enjoy working with seniors, we want you to be a part of our missionoriented team! Persons with an active Christian faith are encouraged to apply. To apply for these positions, or to inquire about other open positions, please e-mail resume w/salary history to jobs.MountMiguel.CV@covenantretirement. org, or fax to (619) 931-1237, or apply in person at 325 Kempton St., Spring Valley, CA 91977. EOE.

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18 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • December 2011 SD

CMA physicians warn transplant policy is a threat to patients WASHINGTON — The 16,000-member Christian Medical Association urged a “no� vote Nov. 14 on proposed changes in the ethical standards the government endorses to guide organ transplants, contending that the changes would weaken ethical boundaries and could endanger patients, open the door to abusive practices by healthcare facilities and force conscientious professionals out of medicine. CMA CEO Dr. David Stevens conveyed the warning in a letter sent to John R. Lake M.D., president of the board of directors of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network in Richmond, Va. The procurement board is considering the mandatory policy change to guide procedures in securing organs from patients immediately after death—the very definition of which has engendered controversy. “CMA is concerned that relax-

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ing the definition of death would considerably increase the risk that procedures to remove vital organs would be performed on some patients lacking unambiguous signs that death has occurred,� the letter read. The CMA said the new rules would subject grieving families to undue pressure. “Gone is the crucial wall separating patient care from donation solicitations,� the letter read. “Such undue influence on difficult decisions at a heart-wrenching time is ethically unacceptable.�

‘Courageous’ passes $30M, nears ‘Fireproof’ ALBANY, Ga. (BP) — The church-made film “Courageous� passed the $30 million mark the first week in November and finished No. 12 among all movies in its seventh weekend. The movie’s $1,012,220 placed it just behind “Moneyball� for weekend total gross, and its loss of 34 percent was smaller than all but

one movie above it. It has made a total of $31.5 million, which trails the $33.4 million that “Fireproof� made in 2008. Courageous was released Sept. 30. Fireproof also was released in late September in 2008 and wasn’t pulled completely from all theaters until the following January. If Courageous is in theaters that long, it should easily pass Fireproof. Both movies were made by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. The movie follows the story of five men—four of them police officers—as they seek to become better fathers.

Congressmen encourage colleagues to pray for president WASHINGTON (WNS) — Three congressmen—Reps. Dan Boren, D-Okla., Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., and James Lankford, R-Okla.— have distributed a book on presidential prayer to all 435 members of the House of Representatives. Given in November, “Obama

Prayer: Prayer for the 44th President,� is written by Charles Garriott, who ministers to those in the federal government through Mission to North America, an arm of the Presbyterian Church in America. The congressmen included a letter with each book, where they wrote, “All of us who have served our nation as members of the House understand the place and significance of prayer. Over the years we have prayed for presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr. and Jr.� They added that the book is “a means of encouraging specific and thoughtful prayer for President Barack Obama.� The gift came several months after Obama mentioned at the National Prayer Breakfast that his friend Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., prays for him. “It’s comforting to know people are praying for you who don’t always agree with you,� he said. “Even though we are on opposite sides of a whole bunch of issues, part of what has bound us together is a shared faith, a recognition that we pray to and serve the same God.�

Bless Friday outreach to serve community on Black Friday HOUSTON — Houston and Galveston area churches and Christian organizations were scheduled to provide an alternative to the frenzied day-afterThanksgiving shopping spree. The eight mainline churches scheduled community service projects on Nov. 25 as part of their Bless Friday alternative to Black Friday. “I am excited that Bless Friday expanded in its second year,� said Chuck Fox, founder of the project. “People get our message that when we focus too much on buying things, we lose sight of the real reason for Christmas—remembering and honoring Christ. We want to begin our Christmas celebration by serving others just as Jesus did.� Planned projects include painting a hurricane-damaged home, clothing and food distribution, tending to a community garden and various other outreaches including Clean Galveston Day. For more information, visit www.BlessFriday.org.

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Author wants to help readers gain a transformed prayer life Review by Scott Noble “Transforming Prayer: How Everything Changes When You Seek God’s Faceâ€? By Daniel Henderson Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Š 2011, 236 pages, $13.99 Most Christians would eagerly embrace the idea of deepening their prayer life in order to experience more of who God is and what He has planned for our lives. The problem, however, is exactly how to accomplish that. Do we spend more time in prayer, pray in a new or different manner or speak less and thus open up spaces for God to communicate with us? The answer to all of those questions—to some degree—is yes. Daniel Henderson, however, who has spent many years in ministry, including prayer-focused efforts, believes that our prayer lives can be transformed by approaching God in a more worshipminded manner. He lays out this approach in “Transforming Prayer: How Everything Changes When You Seek God’s Face.â€? Henderson is president of Strategic Renewal, an organization that helps churches and individuals renew their passion for Jesus Christ. In addition, Henderson teaches part-time at Liberty University and is pastor of prayer and renewal at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Virginia. For more than two decades, he pastored churches in Washington, California, and Minnesota. Henderson now describes his passion as a “spiritual pyromaniac, traveling to churches and conferences, demonstrating the power of seeking God’s face and leading prayer experiences that establish a fresh, life-transforming approach to prayer.â€? In our fast-paced society, many Christians cite lack of time for prayer or an unprepared heart, as our minds race to the next thing we have to accomplish on our to-do list. Many times prayer becomes an afterthought, something uttered as we walk out the door or

spoken during times of crises. Henderson writes: “Sadly, too many times we engage in prayer with little thought for the reality that we are in the presence of the Almighty and that we are invited, even commanded, to seek His face.� Yet instead of seeking His face, Henderson wonders if we concentrate too much on composing and uttering our prayer lists. He sees “little evidence� in Scripture for prayer lists that focus nearly exclusively on temporal concerns. He writes: “I am not suggesting that everyone stop using prayer lists. But we must recognize the possibility that our prayer lists are replacing the Scriptures and the Spirit as the primary content providers for our prayer times.� With that in mind, Henderson gets to the heart of “Transforming Prayer�: encouraging believers to respond to the invitation to spend devoted time with the Creator of the universe in a worship-minded manner—and then see our lives transformed. Henderson encourages believers to adopt worship-based prayer by being committed to starting our prayers from the Bible, praying with the Scriptures open and keeping our focus on (abiding in) Christ. The last half of the book forms the foundation for what Henderson believes is worship-based prayer, including tips and ideas for adopting this approach—both for individuals and for groups. It’s a very thorough effort at laying out his vision for worship-based prayer, and every reader will find something challenging and helpful in these chapters. “Transforming Prayer� also includes five appendixes, which offer additional help and information on the idea of transforming your prayer life. The appendixes are filled with examples from the Old and New Testament and attempt to buttress Henderson’s points. “Transforming Prayer� can be purchased at www.strategicrenewal. com/books.

December 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 19

Two local crosses earn victories; Utah memorials lose in court Christian Examiner staff report LA JOLLA — Two local cases involving crosses on public lands recently earned reprieves, while a third case involving roadside memorials to fallen officers was dealt a serious setback by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Mount Soledad cross, part of the local war memorial atop of a La Jolla mountaintop, has been cleared to stay pending consideration of the case by the U.S. Supreme Court. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay protecting the landmark on Oct 25, a week after it declined to reconsider its constitutionality. Attorneys for the memorial had filed a request for the entire court to rehear the case in April after a threejudge panel from that court earlier sided with the American Civil Liberties Union, saying the cross was unconstitutional. “The Mount Soledad Memorial is a symbol that stands in honor of the United States Armed Forces and the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives in service to the United States,� said Kelly Shackelford, president of Liberty Institute, which asked for the stay. “We must protect the rights of our veterans and defend the memorials established in their honor. The outcome of the Mount Soledad Memorial not only affects past and current members of the armed forces, but it affects future generations of Americans.� Although the appeals court refused to hear the appeal, five justices made the unusual move of dissenting against the order, siding with the cross. “Removal of the cross at this stage would pose a different Establishment Clause problem: hostility towards the role religion has played in our history, and in particular to the history of the Armed Forces,� Judge Carlos T. Bea wrote in the dissenting opinion. Bea added that San Diego is heavily influenced by and dependant on the armed forces and the Mount Soledad cross is located between Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego. The cross was dedicated in 1954 and initially honored Korean War veterans but now honors all vets.

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The monument, Bea wrote, “is a memorial to the sacrifice made by many soldiers who have protected this country over the years, regardless of their religion. And it is a promise to those current soldiers, a promise that we appreciate the sacrifice they are willing to make for our freedom and that, if they pay the ultimate price, we will remember them.� Meanwhile, farther inland three Julian crosses—removed Aug. 23 from state-owned Caltrans property near Highway 79 because of several complaints—appear to have a new home and could installed in the near future. Attorney Dean Broyles of the National Center for Law & Policy told supporters by email that an adjacent landowner offered to relocate the crosses on his property. Donations to cover the $475 cost to have the parcel survey officially recorded are now being accepted by his office. A contractor has offered to install the crosses for free. “At the new location, the crosses

will be even more visible from the nearby highway,� the attorney said. The decision by Caltrans to remove the crosses sparked outrage during the summer prompting several vigils by Julian residents. Sponsors of the movement to save the crosses ultimately retained Broyles to represent their interests. Supporters of memorial roadside crosses in Utah, however, were not so successful. The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 31 voted 8-1 not to consider an appeal by supporters of 14 12-foot crosses dedicated as a tribute to fallen state troopers. Although privately funded through the Utah Highway Patrol Association, a federal appeals court in Denver ruled their location on state property violated the U.S. Constitution. In an effort to prevent the courtordered removal of the crosses, supporters removed the Utah Highway Patrol logo on each of the crosses in mid-November, according to the Associated Press.

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