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The Christian Journal The Leading Christian Newspaper
TOP STORIES
ISSUE #43
NOVEMBER 2016 TEL: 718 684 2510 EMAIL: info@tcjonline.org WEBSITE: www.tcjonline.org
Canada to open door to more skilled workers, immigrant families Page 20
'Undesirable' Liberians deported from US Page 17
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STARTING AT
Ghana Will Remove 'Racist' Gandhi Statue Page 17
Calvary Deliverance Christian Assembly Int’l Church
presents
MIRACLE
TRANSFIGURATION HOUR EVERY SATURDAY
NOV. 5, 12, 19, 26 Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm VENUE: 737-739 Concourse Village West Bronx, NY 10451
Bishop Dr. Peter Owusu Ansah
Host
www.calvarydeliverance.org facebook.com/cdcanewyork
Directions: By Car: Major Deagan Expwy to Grand Concourse By Train: 2, 4 & 5 train to 149th St (Grand Concourse Station) By Bus: BX 1 bus to E 156th street (Grand Concourse) walk on Grand Concourse until you get to 153rd St., turn right on Concourse Village West. The Church is right after the parking lot.
A Nod to Clinton U
ntil the final three weeks of the elections, fortunes kept changing about this year's presidential race and the reasons cannot be far-fetched: Americans are not enamored of either of the candidates. While some Americans say they are still not decided about the candidate to vote for, others say they are not voting at all because the two candidates don't appeal to them. Well, if we all have to honor our civic responsibilities, the issue of not voting at all must not cross peoples' minds. We will ask such people to rethink and fulfill this very important civic obligation on November 8. The main point is that after all said and done, one of the candidates, either Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump, must be chosen to steer the affairs of this great, beautiful nation. The stakes cannot be that high, but the choice is clear. This election is about the candidate who represents the beauty of America's values and traditions and Hilary Clinton fits that narrative. Described in some circles as too hawkish, Hilary's email controversy has cast her unfairly as a reckless and somewhat untrustworthy candidate. However, in terms of her stint in public service, she stands very tall among other politicians. As a first lady, ex-senator and Secretary of State, she possesses some fundamental political strengths that play to her advantage. She is internationally known and accepted as a capable politician and her extensive foreign policy experience will be a huge asset in these turbulent times. Hilary is very detailed and has very good understanding of issues. Clinton is very cool under pressure and gets her message across with consummate ease. She exudes confidence and very passionate when talking about her signature issues like racial issues, support for families or women's rights. As echoed by no other person than Trump in the October 9 debate, she is a fighter, who never quits and as an establishment candidate, knows how to get things done in Washington. Donald Trump's brand, initially appealing to a sizeable majority of Americans, now stand in sharp contrast to Hilary Clinton's clean, positive campaign. Ever since, he mounted his campaign for the presidency and bragged about building a huge wall around the nation's borders and deport illegal immigrants, controversies have not stopped trailing
him. He stood on a campaign platform and derided African Americans as socially and economically deprived, urging them to vote for him if they wanted to unshackle themselves from poverty and deprivation. He has repeatedly made comments that have often been interpreted as having racial undertones, especially his questioning of Obama's birth place and religious affiliation. Despite his boasts that he was an excellent business student, his understanding of issues remains questionable as he often seems clueless when pressed to explain complex issues. He has promised to run the country like his businesses, but he's declared bankruptcy six times, a situation, which runs counter to his often touted claims as a candidate, who knows how to fix things.
Trump does not appear to embrace criticisms and his penchant for hitting back even for minor comments suggests that he is temperamentally challenged and will find it tough working with politicians on both aisle. In the final debate, when Clinton referred to Trump's slights about John McCain, the Mexican American Judge and the father of the dead war hero, he called Clinton a “nasty woman.� Defending protocol is his conundrum as he is loose on subjects that are considered sacrosanct and prohibitive. For example, he threatened to jail Clinton if he became president and suggested that Clinton should be forced to undergo a drug test to determine her fitness in debates. He has repeatedly thrashed the electoral process and would not commit to honoring the outcome of the elections unless he wins, a stance that has been unheard of in American politics. Trump's long history of objectifying women and his unsavory comments about women are evidence of deep character flaws and a disturbing pattern of moral ineptitude. He has shown affirmation with Vladimir Putin, a man who in recent times has consistently been hostile to America and her allies and voting for him will risk our security interests. In the light of Trump's political and character flaws, The Christian Journal endorses Hilary Clinton as the best candidate to be the next American President.
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WORTHY NEWS
Christian Converts Like Woman Stabbed to Pastors to Protest IRS in Australia Face Restrictions on Speaking Death Increasing Attacks, Human About Politics Rights Group Warns astors across the country The Johnson Amendment,
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will protest Internal Revenue Service restrictions on them not to talk politics in the church as they observe the annual Pulpit Freedom Sunday, days after the introduction of the Free Speech Fairness Act in the U.S. House to reinstate pastors' and churches' rights to speak freely.
which Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has vowed to repeal, says nonprofits, including churches, cannot speak in favor of political candidates, and the Free Speech Fairness Act, a bill that Rep. Steve Scalise and Rep. Jody Hice, both Republican, introduced in the House, would restrict enforcement of the "The IRS has no business acting Johnson Amendment against as the speech police of any non- churches and other non-profit profit organization, as its many groups. scandals over recent years have made clear," said Erik Stanley, senior counsel of the Arizonabased Alliance Defending Freedom, which started Pulpit Freedom Sunday in 2008.
Pew: Americans giving up on God, miracles
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alf of Americans who have left their church no longer believe in God, leading a surge of nearly one quarter of the nation who have no affiliation with any religion, according to a new survey. Pew Research Center said that 49 percent of what they term "nones" left their church and religion because they "don't believe." Another 20 percent said they don't like organized religion. Other reasons included "common sense" and a lack of belief in miracles. The survey is the latest from Pew that demonstrates a growing trend in America: more Page 6
and more people are junking religion and many are giving up on God. Pew interviewed several respondents to try and find a reason. Pew Said for example: "About half of current religious 'nones' who were raised in a religion (49%) indicate that a lack of belief led them to move away from religion. This includes many respondents who mention 'science' as the reason they do not believe in religious teachings, including one who said 'I'm a scientist now, and I don't believe in miracles.' Others reference 'common sense,' 'logic' or a 'lack of evidence' – or simply say they do not believe in God."
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ollowing reports that a 35year-old woman was stabbed to death by her husband in Sydney, Australia, for converting to Christianity, persecution news agencies are bringing attention to the vast number of Iranians who are forced to flee the country after their conversions. "Christianity has been spreading rapidly among Iranians in recent years. This has caused many of them being forced to leave Iran as the government doesn't tolerate conversion from Islam," Mohabat News, an Iranian Christian news agency reported. "Iranian expats have been embracing Christianity in large numbers as well. Many describe this wave of conversion to Christianity among Iranians living outside Iran as a spiritual awakening among them." Several sources, including The Sydney Morning Herald, have reported on the violent murder of Nasrin Abek, allegedly at the hands of her 42-year-old husband, Amir Darbanou, on Sept. 28. Police revealed that the couple were originally from Iran, but had been living in Australia on bridging visas for the past four years. Kings Cross Superintendent Michael Fitzgerald told local media outlets that there was no known history of domestic violence between the couple. "Any incident of violence, let alone domestic violence, is tragic and we ask anyone if they've got any information about any loved one or any friend who may be involved in any domestic incident to come forward, to contact us, because we need to know," Fitzgerald said. Yahoo 7 News subsequently
reported that Abek, who worked as a hairdresser, was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband because she decided to become a Christian. "This poor woman's been stabbed to death in her home, meters from where I sleep and why couldn't I do anything about that?" said neighbor Edward Davison. "(Police) asked if I'd heard screaming, heard an argument. I hadn't.� Mohabat News reports that Darbanou is under arrest and is the primary suspect in her murder. The news site added that similar cases of religious refugees being murdered by their partners have also been reported in Turkey, which holds the largest number of Iranian Christian communities outside of Iran. The government of Iran meanwhile continues its crackdown on Christians and other religious minorities in Iran, which has in part been driving the large number of Iranians seeking asylum outside of the Islamic Republic. The National Council of Resistance in Iran, which was unable to provide comment to CP by press time, reported at the end of September that 25 Christians were arrested during a government raid in the southern city of Kerman solely because of their faith in Jesus Christ. The Christians' homes were also raided during the raid, with many of their belongings confiscated.
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Baldwin University Foundation's COMMUNITY NEWS To Support Underprivileged Students in Africa The Christian Journal Bronx, NY -
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or the sixth year in a roll, the Baldwin University Foundation over the weekend raised money from patrons to support underprivileged students in Africa.
deserve. By reviewing school policies, working with students to create plans, finding scholarship opportunities, rewarding good grades, and advocating for equal opportunity, these organizations work hard to ensure that Dr Akwasi Achampong, a medical doctor and those poor families won't be looked over or the founder of Baldwin University in his treated unfairly when it comes to education. address said "Education nowadays is more important than ever. But getting into, paying The Baldwin University Foundation help to for, and graduating from school is no easy task provide financial assistance such as in Africa, and it's only made more difficult for scholarships and grants to cover tuition as well those students who come from poor families." as books, accommodation, food, clothing and transportation for under privileged students in Luckily, there are numerous organizations Africa. dedicated to helping underprivileged students Baldwin College is an independent, to accessing and pursuing the education they comprehensive institution which provides a
value-centered educational experience that enhances intellectual, ethical, spiritual and social development for students. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of modern life. Undergraduate programs, based on a strong Liberal Arts and Science core curriculum, offer choices in professional and career preparation. visit the organization website at www. baldwinuniversityfoundation.org/donate to support the foundation
See photos page 22
Kwakwaduam Association gives to Akuapem Midwifery centres
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ack of basic health care service and tools have made life unbearable for people living in Akuapem Kwakwaduam and other towns. Residents living mostly in remote areas have no option than to travel long distances to access medical care. It is in this direction that the eleven (11) midwifery centers in the Akuapem Traditional Area have taken delivery of 1,000 pieces of obstetrical kits with excitement and relief. The reason is that more people can be reached with basic health care especially in maternal health care. The 11 midwifery centers which received the items
are, Okrakwadwo, Adukrom, Asseseso, Abiriw, Akropong, Manfe, Mampong, Obosomase, Aburi, Larteh and Oboadaka all in the Eastern Region. Presenting the items to the centres, President of the New York-based non-profit organization Kwakwaduam Association, Dr. Twum Boafo said his outfit is donating the health kits as part of efforts to help the needy and vulnerable in the area. He indicated that the association intends to continue this annually to help people back home and contribute to the nation building as far as healthcare is concerned. He says the association identifies the challenges
facing the Akuapem Traditional Area as key and therefore decided to move in swiftly and put smiles on the faces of residents. Dr. Twum Boafo disclosed that their main aim is to see reduction in maternal health cases. On his part, the Assistant Medical Director of Akropong Health Center, Lydia Gordon who could not hide her excitement, said the items could not have come at a better time as they have mapped up a plan to reach some remote areas where maternal health has become very crucial. Akropong Aboasahemaa, Nana Obrago assured that the medical kits will be put to good use.
Freed Chibok girls reunited with families
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wenty-one girls released last week by Boko Haram militants have been joined by their parents in Abuja. The government has promised that dozens more will be freed soon. Tears, joy and dancing erupted in Abuja as the parents of 21 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram were reunited with their daughters. Although the Islamic extremist group released the girls on Thursday, it had taken days for many of the relatives to arrive in the capital from the remote town of Chibok. "I never expected I will see my daughter again and I pray that those girls still left behind, that God will bring them out safely the way our own daughter came out alive," said the mother of Raha Emmanuel, one of the freed girls, speaking with the Associated Press. Emmanuel and 275 other schoolgirls were abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok in April 2014. Their kidnappers were militants
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loyal to the Boko Haram insurgency, which not only seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate in Nigeria but in its very name expresses a staunch disapproval of Western-style education. Over the following months, dozens of the girls were able to flee their captors. Many who remained were forced to convert to Islam and marry one of the militants. Abuja: 83 more girls will be free 'very soon' The release of 21 girls on Thursday marked the first time the government and Boko Haram successfully negotiated for a peaceful release of some of the girls. According to the government, the terrorists are willing to release 83 of the 197 still in captivity "very soon." "Very soon, another batch, bigger than this would be released," said Information Minister Lai Mohamed, adding that Abuja would not rest until all the girls were back with their families.
At a Christian ceremony for the rescued girls in Abuja, some survivors spoke about their harrowing experiences. "We had no food for one month and 10 days but we did not die. We thank God," said Gloria Dame, speaking with AFP. The girls are reportedly undergoing medical treatment and trauma counseling in the capital's hospitals. While all the parents were overjoyed, some expressed their outrage at how their daughter's abduction had been politicized. "People's children aren't money, people's children are not clothes you wear to campaign, people's children are their pride," father Muta Abana told the Associated Press. Since beginning its insurgency in 2009, Boko Haram has claimed more than 20,000 lives, with the violence often spilling over into neighboring countries.
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church and ministry Nyasa Times
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Prophet Bushiri Pulls Massive Congregation in South Africa
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harismatic celebrity gospel preacher, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri could have set a national, regional if not continental record this Sunday, as at least 100, 000 recorded congregants flocked his church service in Pretoria, South Africa. The Malawian born cleric, commonly dubbed the pride of the Flame Lilly, for his deserved efforts in reinventing a sense of pride and achievement in Malawi, has over the last few years risen to become the most sought after clergyman on the entire globe, smashing attendance records in the process. It is the second time he has achieved a mean feat as this, having filled the FNB Stadium in Soweto to full capacity, excluding overflow, as recently as 11 months ago. South Africa's The Drum Magazine labeled Bushiri
'Africa's most influential' with his ministry being 'the fastest growing' across Africa. His October 10 feat will certainly burst into the annals of history, with well over 20,000 International visitors from countries such as Germany, India, Nigeria, Brazil, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia and the United States, enduring excruciating flights just to join in the service. A humble man, with a soft spoken demeanor, the man of God had this to say about the historic attendance record, through his Public Relations Officer, Kelvin Sulugwe "We only thank God for the grace. The anointing upon our spiritual Father Prophet Bushiri is undeniable and people encounter God here. Such is the power of God. All these people know what they
are seeking before God," Bar the attendance, the service caught the eye and attention of many, as several attendants witnessed great miracles and wonders. The service is estimated to have reached as many as 2 million people, as it was also beamed live on the Prophet's exclusive and official broadcast channel, Prophetic Live, which allowed those not in attendance to join in the grace. Dressed simple in his Angelo Galasso jeans and shirt, Bushiri spent the whole service on the preaching and leading worship. Given his recent rise to unparalleled stardom, it is expected that Bushiri will surpass his own records very soon.
Couples advised to be guided by the Holy Spirit, as they Strive to live in harmony - Rev. Dr. Amo Darko
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former member of Ghana's Council of State during the time of late President John Evans Atta Mills, Rev. Dr. Nii Amo Darko has advised families to learn to live together, stressing husbands and wives must learn to show respect to each other, dwell in harmony without rancour. Speaking at a marriage seminar, Rev. Darko, who linked his advice to how God desires a willing heart to work with, said couples must not allow a strand of bitterness to come into their relationship. Referencing the book of Psalm 105:19-21, Rev. Dr. Darko said “admonishes us that If we allow bitterness to take over us, it will stop the plan of God for our life. “ He said marriage, which dates back to creation, is God's idea but that did not happen in a vacuum, reiterating the point that a willing heart was desired by God to ensure that purpose is fulfilled.
“Whatever God does he needs someone and therefore looking for a Saviour he had to send Christ because there was a need for somebody to shed his precious stainless blood and die so that by his resurrection we have redemption.” Rev. Dr. Darko also maintained that parents must be willing to be used as instruments for God's purpose, citing marriage as an important part of it. According to him, families must be “kingdom focused” in order to become vessels God can use. He said families must ensure that while they strive to follow God's path, it is important for them to prepare their own children for God's kingdom, because for the world with it pleasures will be burnt down by Gods fire. He implored the couples to seek the Holy Spirit because with that as part of their walk with God, their speech and walk will be positively impacted.
Rev. Alexander Adugyamfi outdoors second book “Secrets to a Lasting Marriage”
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he founder and presiding Bishop of Bible Believers' Tabernacle church in the Bronx New York ,Rev. Alexander Gyamfi, on October 30th 2016 launched his second book which looks at the institution of marriage, and how couples can live in an atmosphere of love and peace, sharing each other's joy according to how God loves the church. The well attended event took place at the main auditorium of the church at 1877 Bathgate Avenue. Prior to the launch of the book, the choir treated worshippers to some great gospel tunes, lifting the spirit of members to what they were to expect on the night. Marriage is work. Marriage is struggle. But then again, any close relationship is. And for that matter, so is anything of value in life. It is important to remember that God is the author of marriage. In an Interview with the African Christian Network, he said "marriage is a covenant not a contract. Contract
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has an expiring date but marriage does not. One enters in a contract with the view of what one will gain but in a covenant with the view of what one can offer. Marriage is the only institution that has a link to your salvation." Speaking before the launch of the book, Rev Alexander Adugyamfi recounted some key elements in the book and talked about how it will impacts the lives of people for “the now and the future.” He said his first book, “You Can Dream Again,” was about helping people pick themselves up after going through difficult times in their lives, while trying to fulfill their dreams. The new book, as he said, examined the issue of divorce within the Christian faith and the challenge it presents to the church. He was confident the book will help resolve some of the nagging questions people have regarding how the church handles separation within the church.
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'Undesirable' Liberians deported from US
T
he US government has begun deporting scores of Liberians deemed "undesirable" because they have committed various crimes or offences.
GHANA
AFRICAN NEWS
Ghana to remove 'Racist’Gandhi Statue
deadline for playing the annual US government's diversity visa Critics accused Gandhi of being letters Gandhi wrote during his time racist toward black Africans in South Africa as evidence that he lotto. It gives non-Americans an opportunity to live and work in the US.
The first batch of around 20 were flown into Monrovia, Liberia's Liberia was founded in the 19th capital. Century by freed black slaves repatriated from the US Liberia's ambassador to the US, following the end of the transJeremiah Solunteh, told state Atlantic slave trade. radio that 53 of those to be deported have already "been There are thousands of Liberians processed" and are awaiting currently living in the US under deportation. In the end between the government's so-called 100 and 200 will be deported. Temporary Protection Status as a consequence of the civil war that The Liberians are coming home ended 13 years ago. just as tens of thousands of others rush to meet the 7 November
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hana has said it will remove a statue of Mahatma Gandhi from a university campus in the nation's capital where it had sparked protests over the leader's allegedly racist attitudes. The statue, which was unveiled by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to Ghana in June, was meant to symbolize friendship between the two countries, according to Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But professors and students at the University of Ghana called the statue “a slap in the face” because of Gandhi's “racist identity.” They started an online petition calling for the statue's removal. The petition, which had more than 1,700 supporters on Thursday, cited
advocated for the superiority of Indians over black Africans. It also took issue with his use of the derogatory term kaffir to refer to native Africans and criticized the lack of statues of African heroes and heroines on campus. In light of the petition and protests on social media, Ghana's government wants to relocate the statue “to ensure its safety and to avoid the controversy,” the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday. Gandhi is known for peacefully leading India's independence movement, but a biography published last year also explored the darker side of his time in Africa.
MALAWI
Determined Teen Helped Put An End To Child Marriage In Malawi
The Huffingtonpost
Memory Banda
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hen Memory Banda refused to get married when she turned 15, community members called her “stupid” and “stubborn.” But no amount of shame or dejection could stop Banda from fighting to end child marriage in Malawi. Before the defiant activist launched her mission, Malawi had one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world. More than half of girls there wed
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before they turned 18, according to Reuters. But that's due to change thanks to Banda's grassroots efforts, which helped spur the country to raise the legal marriage age to 18. While the 18-year-old's resolve is uplifting, her work was inspired by practices she couldn't tolerate witnessing. When Banda's younger sister was 11, she was sent to an “initiation camp,” as most girls are when they begin to hit puberty, Banda recalled during a TEDWomen talk. While there, the girls were schooled in how to sexually please men and a man from the community then arrived to sleep with the participants. Banda's little sister was impregnated and forced to marry the man. She's now 17, has three kids and two failed marriages. “It's a hurtful thing,” Banda said of what girls go through at these camps. After watching her sister suffer, Banda vowed to end such pain for Malawian girls who she wants spared from the
effects of child marriage. In addition to losing out on education opportunities, young brides also face devastating health consequences. They're more susceptible to partner violence and sexual abuse, according to the World Health Organization. And complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death in young women ages 15 to 19. To help spearhead her work, Banda partnered with Let Girls Lead and the Girls Empowerment Network (GENET). In 2011, those two organizations launched the Stop Marriage Campaign, an initiative that involved training more than 200 girls in how to become advocates, Denise Dunning, founder of Let Girls Lead, and Joyce Mkandawire, co-founder of GENET, wrote in an op-ed for the Guardian. The bylaws came with harsh consequences to help enforce the ban. Men who marry girls who are younger than 21 have to give up their land in the village and pay a fee of seven goats, a
hefty penalty. Parents who marry off their young girls also face punishments, which could include working as a janitor for three months in a local health clinic. To help see the passage of the ban through, Banda and her fellow advocates rallied at the parliament while the bill was being considered. They even went so far as to find out the lawmakers' phone numbers so that they could text message their appeals, Banda noted in her TED talk. Malawi finally passed a law, the legal marriage age officially became 18. While it was certainly a celebratory moment, advocates aren't breathing easy yet. Supporters say it will also require ending poverty and addressing sexual initiation practices, Reuters reported. Banda noted the need to corral all advocates, especially men, to help put an end to child marriage across the globe within a generation. “We are not just women, we are not just g i r l s , ” B a n d a s a i d . “ We a r e extraordinary, we can do more.”
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First Lady of Ogun State Honored and community news Welcomed in Grand Style at City of Newark, New Jersey Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, was welcomed to the City of Newark, New Jersey by the City of Newark’s Officials and prominent Nigerian leaders across New Jersey on Friday, October 28th, 2016 as she raised the Nigerian Flag at the City Hall. H.E received Proclamation from the Mayor of Newark Ras. J. Baraka, she also received the City Resolution from the City Council President. Congressman Donald Payne’s office welcomed her to the State of New Jersey with a Federal Congressional greeting, which is reserved for highly placed dignitaries that visit the State of New Jersey. The First Lady of Ogun State; Her Excellency Dr.
her Humanitarian activities around Ogun State and Nigeria through her Uplift Foundation also received the Humanitarian of the year award at the City Hall; this was presented to her by a prominent Ogun State born Commissioner in City of Newark Hon. Olamide Davies Talabi. The First Lady was accompanied by wives of prominent Ogun State Government Officials like Mrs. Moji Tejuoso – Wife of the Distinguished Senator, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Seun Adekunbi – Wife of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs. Folasade Adeoluwa – Wife of the Secretary to the State Governor, Mrs. Lai Koiki – Proprietress Green Springs School, Lagos.
The First Lady who has been praised nationwide for
Abena Appiah wins Miss Queen Beauty University Education is my priority, despite being a beauty queen-says
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hen Abena Appiah, newly crowned Miss Queen Beauty University 2016, strolled into the ballroom of Freeport Yacht Club in Long Island, venue for the Baldwin University Foundation Fundraising Dinner Dance, almost everything stopped, literally. People gasped, eyes turned, and, then, the applause followed. Dressed in a lovely long flowing outfit made with African print and the crown on her head, she smiled and waved to everyone. Then the photo opportunities started. Daughter of a former Ghanaian beauty Queen, Miss Appiah won the crown in the Spanish town of Malaga, shrugging off several other
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contestants. “I'm still processing,” she told the African Christian Network in an interview. She is the first Ghanaian to have won the crown, and was delighted about the feat: “I'm very grateful to God and everybody who supported me.” Ms. Appiah is not a novice to beauty contests. She has participated in Miss Universe Ghana 2014, Top Model Ghana 2013 and Top Model of the World 2013. Throughout out the competition, she made sure she was nobody else, but herself-and that attitude did her a lot of good. “I wasn't trying to please anybody, I wasn't trying to do anyone. I was just me.” Though she speaks with American accent, Abena takes pride in her Ashanti roots, and did not shy away from giving everyone, including the judges of a taste of what that unique tradition looks like. It was a punchline that got everyone nodding in approval. “I dressed in my shanti colours, beads, danced adowa and it was very pretty,” she said. “I represented Ghana in all her beauty.” Abena is a student of Communications Studies from the State University of New York. Pageant of such nature requires excellent public speaking skills from the constants, and, unsurprisingly, she has the gift of speaking before people without looking down. She deployed that to good effect and everyone was sold. It turned out to be high scoring marks for her.
By Anny Osabutey, The Christian Journal As part of her prize money, she will spend a year Spain as a humanitarian ambassador- working in the area of education and other related social projects. She is supporting the Baldwin University Foundation as an ambassador to raise money to support hardworking but disadvantage children in Ghana to continue with their education. Coming from a home which prides in education, the beauty queen said supporting other children fulfil their dream is an innate passion-and will sure her ambassadorial role to ensure the dream of others come through. But how does being a beauty queen impact on her education? She giggled before admitting it has not been easy, but she's never allowed her passion get in the way of her education. “It's hard. I work and model but if you are not dedicated you will not be able to do it, she admitted. “School is my number one priority because it's (beauty pageants) not going to live forever.” Abena Appiah started modelling age 3 and soon as she turned 10, her mother started grooming her into what was long seen as a passion. She was therefore to walk, eat and even seat as a beauty queen, many years before she could taste her first assignment in the business. Her long term goals include setting up a modelling agency in Ghana and the United States, to train potential models for the world.
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PRESS ON
By Dr. Steve Danso
I
t was Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Madison Square Garden and the status of Willis Reed, the Knicks' indomitable captain, was in doubt. He had suffered a bad torn muscle in his right thigh in Game 5 of the series and was absent in Game 6 when the Lakers, led by its warhorse, Wilt Chamberlain, took advantage and tied the series at 3-3. Chamberlain poured in 45 points with 27 rebounds in that game. During the pre-match warm-ups in the decisive game 7, Reed was nowhere near the arena. He was in the locker room mulling over his fitness for the game. In fact, nothing suggested that he was fit to play. As time wound down without any hint of Reed's readiness to play, Knicks fans played down any chance of victory over the Lakers. But Reed had other ideas and wasn't in the mood to give up. "I wanted to play," he recalls. "That was for the championship, the one great moment you play for all your life. I didn't want to have to look at myself in the mirror 20 years later and say I wished I had tried to play." Exploring all possibilities for his inclusion, Reed took an injection to lessen the pain in his leg and just before tip-off, hobbled through the tunnel and onto the court. When fans caught sight of the skipper, the garden was thrown into frenzy as they serenaded him with chants and waves of cheers, much to the chagrin of their opponents. "I saw the whole Laker team standing around staring at this man," said Knicks guard Walt Frazier. "When I saw them stop warming up, something told me we might have
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FILLING UP these guys!" In the game, Reed was a poor sight; he was practically immobile, often grimaced in pain and couldn't jump for rebounds or run down the court, but did well to neutralize the Lakers' main hit man, Wilt Chamberlain, who managed only 21 points. Relying on just a leg, Reed eventually led the Knicks to its first NBA Championship with his heart and poise. After the game, Cazzie Russell, one of his team mates described his performance: “Willis was doing his job, doing it with pain, his mere presence, the way he kept going up and down, they weren't going to stop him unless a doctor came out and got him out of there. He had a helluva of guts,” Russell said. Reed saw victory in sight and wouldn't be hampered under any circumstance to press on. This is the genesis of my message. There are so many Christians out there who have given up or are giving up on their faith because nothing seems to be working for them. A man was asked why he wanted to become a Christian and he replied, “My brother became a Christian recently and since then, it seems like everything has been going easy for him.” When he was told that he was making a wise choice, but it wouldn't necessarily be easy for him, he responded, “Really, I thought that Christians have God on their side.” “That's true,” his friend said. “But we also have the devil against us and he fights us every step of the way.” The man thought about the statement for a moment and then said, 'Maybe, I'd better leave my decision alone.” In Luke 14:28-30, Jesus explains this situation, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it – lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish?” What is the meaning of this? Following Christ is like a building a tower. The decision in both scenarios requires a deliberate and calculated commitment. Like the man, who floundered on his decision to follow Christ, many people are those who have desired to walk with Jesus, but were not disciplined enough to continue because they did not assess the cost of jumping into the venture before attempting to do so. Enduring pain or even minor discomfort are
trajectories we always want to avoid. We shudder at the thought of it and reject the idea that it might be good for us. But life is all about ups and downs. Victory today may not necessarily translate into victory tomorrow and it is the fortitude to move on in the face of odds that makes the difference. The Lord we serve does not promise pain-free or stress-free lives. What He tells us is that if we are diligent with Him, He will give us the strength to overcome trials that threaten to consume us. The Apostle Paul shared his experience in the Second Book of Corinthians: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2nd Cor. 12:710). Willis Reed focused on the crown and prepared himself to go the full distance in spite of the pain and suffering he was going through to capture it. Yes, it is not an easy road. We are in a painful, troubling world, but God knows His children. On your way to victory, there may be various distractions, but don't relent; press on in the Name of Jesus! As Thomas Edison once said, “Success is one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration. Just press on! Let Paul's advise inspire somebody: “Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12). Remember also that, “But they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Dr. Steve Danso is a Pastor at Immaculate Pentecostal Church of Christ You can email him at steve@tcjonline.org
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Why Is Fish Good for You? Because It Replaces Meat?
M
any fish, especially oily, darker-fleshed fish like salmon and herring, are rich in heart-healthy, polyunsaturated, omega-3 fatty acids, but healthful fats are not the only reason to eat fish. Dietary guidelines in the United States encourage adults to eat eight ounces of a variety of fish and seafood each week – roughly two meals' worth – because of the “total package of nutrients in fish,” which includes lean protein, vitamins A and D as well as B vitamins, and a host of minerals such as iron, iodine, selenium and zinc. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding are urged to eat as much as 12 ounces of seafood to improve infant outcomes, but should steer clear of fish that's high in methyl mercury. (The Food and Drug Administration recommends avoiding king mackerel, tilefish, shark and swordfish and limiting tuna; the nonprofit Environmental Working Group advises against a broader list of fish in its Consumer
Guide to Seafood.) “Fish is very low in saturated fat and low in cholesterol,” said Jennifer McDaniel, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and people who follow a Mediterranean style diet that incorporates seafood appear to be at lower risk for obesity, “but a lot of people don't think about that and just focus on omega-3s.” Fish can be a much leaner and lower-calorie source of protein than meat, she noted. A cooked four-ounce portion of cod, for example, contains 26 grams of protein but only one gram of fat and 120 calories, compared with a grilled four-ounce portion of lean T-bone steak, which has 28 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat and 278 calories.
HEALTH
The iron in seafood, known as heme iron, is more easily absorbed by the body than the iron from plant sources, and the small bones in sardines are a good source of calcium.
Numerous studies have found that people who eat fish on a regular basis are less likely to die of a heart attack than those who don't eat it or eat it less than once a month, and a 2006 Harvard review concluded that eating one to two servings of fish rich in omega3s every week cut the risk of dying of a heart attack by one-third. Dietary guidelines urge adults to consume 250 milligrams per day of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). You can get a week's supply in an eight-ounce Nutrient content varies depending on the type of portion of salmon or albacore tuna. Other good fish: Shellfish is especially high in selenium, and sources of omega-3s are anchovies, herring, saltwater fish is high in iodine, Ms. McDaniel said. sardines, shad, trout and mussels.
Canada to Double Immigration Levels Immigration who if trends continue will likely come from India and China, will make up the shortfall in medical workers and others that will be needed to care for the elderly population. The economic growth advisory council of the government has advised an increase of up to 450,000 migrants within the next five years, an almost doubling of last year's 239,800 immigrants.
Immigration Minister John McCallum Canada's immigration minister has declared that the country will rapidly increase immigration rates with targets close to half a million people per year. Canadian Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister John McCallum has revealed new targets for immigration rates that are much higher than current numbers. The Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is looking to substantially increase the number of migrants into the country to cope with what it labels “demographic challenges”, reports the CBC. The current number of migrants per year to Canada has hovered around 250,000 for almost a decade. According to the Liberal government, this number is not enough to stem the problems of a Canadian population that, like many others in the Western world, is becoming older. The government claims that the new migrants, www.tcjonline.org
While the Trudeau government has set an increased target of 305,000 migrants in 2016, the proposed 450,000 would be a recordbreaking wave of migration into Canada. One of the ways Canada will increase migration is by easing the current immigration rules such as making it easier for international students to claim permanent residency. Another rule that could be dispensed with is one which requires Canadian companies to hire Canadians before foreigners. Called a labour market impact assessment (LMIA), it is a form all employers must use to prove they require a foreign worker over a Canadian.
was meant to fill shortages of labour in key areas but was more often used to hire cheap labour in low skilled areas like the fast food industry. Trudeau himself wrote that he would like to scale back the programme, which is under review by the Canadian government who have said they would rather see a programme with a path to citizenship for the workers, many who come from the Philippines. McCallum also noted that the government was expediting and easing family unification for workers so that they can bring their families to Canada as well.
Prime Minister Trudeau has been criticised for his increase in accepting migrants as refugees from Syria and the Middle East – especially as his government has previously refused to prioritise marginalised groups like the Yazidis. Since becoming prime minister, Trudeau has become the darling of the left, though many have expressed concern at his attendance of radical-linked mosques and new draconian legislation that would amend the Canadian “So we're going to make it easier for human rights laws to potentially jail people for international students, we're going to reduce up to two years who “misgender” others. some of the barriers in our immigration system… We don't think that every immigrant needs to go through what we call a labour market impact assessment process. We think it can be simplified. We think there are some rules which are no longer necessary,” said McCallum. Many have been previously outraged at the temporary foreign worker programme, which Page 20
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