Author: Texas Gospel

Sunday Report: Nov. 3, 2019

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Some members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle in Ottawa say there have been injustices against Canada’s Indigenous people and are working to protect their language and cultural.  The B.C. Catholic reports the group published a letter and video acknowledging past unfair actions. 

Investigators in New York say a fire that heavily damaged Luz En Tu Senda church in Riverhead is not being investigated as a hate crime because there is no indication the church was targeted for a racial motive. Riverheadlocal.com reports a Freedom of Information request seeking release of a statement of the suspect, Lee Ragland, that would reveal the motive, but officials have refused to release the statement.

A man who vandalized St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic church Grand Rapids, Michigan and threatened two church members was sentenced this week to a year in jail. Anthony Lee Wabindato was found guilty of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of resisting arrest and one count of malicious destruction of property.  According to WOOD TV, the judge also ordered him to pay $3,690 in fines.

Fire officials in North Hornell, Kansas say they believe an Oct. 27 fire at the Station Church was intentionally set. The Evening Tribune reports the Steuben County Sheriff’s office has begun a criminal investigation. Damage to the church is estimated at over $15,000.

Police made an arrest in two recent vandalisms at St. Patrick’s Parish in Watsonville, California after the release of surveillance video sparked tips that led officers to Arturo Padilla. Patch.com reports the damage is estimated at over $1,500. KSBW reports Arturo Padilla is charged with vandalism of a church.

 

Do Christians fear debate?

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Why would a pastor encourage his congregation to avoid engaging atheists?  Doesn’t 1 Peter 3:15 tell us we should, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”? This question, or a variation of it, is often used by crafty people trying to goad Christians into a fight. It’s also been used as “proof” that Christians are people who don’t think.  Is this a fair complaint?

We are told in 1 Peter to be ready to give answer.  But it doesn’t tell us to throw our pearls before swine.  And there is a very big difference between engaging someone in respectful discussion and entertaining someone whose goal is conflict. Jesus made it clear how we are to act when someone refuses to hear the word.  He said in Matthew 10:14, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” Scripture after scripture records Jesus giving answers to those truly seeking answers, but not so much attention to the trolls of his day.

Jeremiah 29:13 tells us anyone who seeks God with all their heart will find Him. God gives us the choice.  We can also choose to reject Him and, as Second Corinthians says, have our eyes blinded to the truth.  Those who claim to have no position, yet spend hours condescending Christians and misrepresenting scripture to “win” an argument are not seeking truth, but picking a fight.

God’s gift of redemption is never forced on anyone.  Will you accept His offer?

Sunday Report 10/27/2019

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Criminal acts against churches reported in North America this week have continued at about the average rate.

The Riverhead News-Review reports Lee Ragland, 33, was caught on surveillance video setting fire to a church in the state of New York.  The Fire Marshal told Riverhead Local it could have been much worse if it were not for quick action by firefighters. Ragland been charged with felony third-degree arson. His actions caused major damage to the building of Luz en tu Senda church.  No motive have been announced.

The St. Alban’s Episcopal church, also in the State of New York, was vandalized by criminals who spray painted a pentagram and the number 666 on the front door. Syracuse.com reports the vandal’s work was cleaned up within a few hours.

A fifth church vandalism within four months in Crowley, Louisiana is being investigated as a hate crime. The latest incident happened at the Jerusalem Baptist church in Crowley.  Local news reports say the motivation of the attacks may be racial, but officials have not yet made that determination.

Keep these folks in your prayers as they deal with the aftermath of those who have no respect for a house of worship.

The Perrys keep movin’ along with new recording

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Perrys - Keep movin' on
Cover of The Perry’s project Keep Moving Along, Oct. 25, 2019 (Stowtown Records)

Nashville, TN (October 25, 2019) – After more than two years, fan favorite Southern Gospel artist The Perrys have released their brand new project, Keep Movin’ Along. This StowTown Records release is available at all retail and digital outlets worldwide via Sony/Provident Distribution.

The Perrys, comprised of Libbi Perry Stuffle, Troy Peach, Andrew Goldman and Jared Stuffle, have always chosen their material carefully. They take their mission to share the Gospel quite seriously, that does not mean sugar coating life to make everything seem easy. The last several years were difficult for the group as they cared for one of their own while continuing to travel and minister. With the passing of beloved bass singer Tracy Stuffle, the last two years have taken them through a journey of grief and of hope, which gives them even more to sing about. “It’s been over two years since The Perrys have released an album with all new material,” Troy shares. “It’s amazing to look back at what all could transpire in two years. Keep Movin’ Along is filled with songs that tell where we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going! We are excited to share this new season of life that God has afforded us.”

Keep Movin’ Along was produced and arranged by StowTown Records co-owner Wayne Haun. As someone who has walked on the hilltops and through the valleys with The Perrys over the last twenty years, he knows them, their story and their heart better than most people. “Of all the projects I’ve produced for The Perrys, this has to be the most diverse. It is heartfelt, fun, emotional, and it is groovy. Not only that, but you get to hear Libbi soar all the way up to a high B-flat on the ballad (“Take You to the Cross”) – and she never once complained!”

The diversity Haun speaks of can be found in many aspects from song styles to songwriters to packaging. The Perrys are known to include a convention style song on each release, but this is the first time that song has been the title cut. Thirteen different songwriters contributed to the seven songs, including (former Perrys member) Joseph Habedank, Scotty Inman and Kenna Turner West. As the first recording following the death of Tracy, The Perrys knew that they wanted everything to convey the joy and hope they’ve chosen to embrace these last two years – and the bright colors of the cover photo were intentionally selected to show that visually.

Even with this variety, the message and theme is consistent: God is faithful, God is always there, God loves you, and God is the answer. As Libbi has shared with fans, no matter what you are going through, God is, and always has been, there. And that is the message they continue to share through their music ministry as they Keep Movin’ Along.

Arrests made, few motives known for attacks on North American churches

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Acts of vandalism continue at churches across North America. The majority of the cases reported this week remain unsolved.  It is unclear if a fire at St. Matthew’s Presbyterian Church in Grand Falls-Windsor is accidental or arson.  The chairman of the church says the cleanup is ongoing following the Oct. 18 fire. CBNCompass.ca reports the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Law enforcement agencies in the US this week have made arrests in church vandalism cases, but have fallen short in determining a motive for the crimes.  Four churches in Crowley, Louisiana were vandalized who smashed windows and fled. Police say the churches attacked are predominately African American and the vandal or vandals could be charged with a hate crime according to KADN television.  Two churches in Buffalo, Illinois were targeted this week by vandals who caused more than $10,000 in damage. Ourquadcities.com reports no arrests have been made. A homeless man was arrested for arson at Our Lady Immaculate Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. Recorder.com reports Trevor DeFrancesco, 21, is held on $20,000 bond. Officials have not determined a motive in the acts of destruction.