Category: News

US investigators suspect arson in Texas church fire

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JEFF TURNER

An arson inspector in the US said one person is in custody following a fire that heavily a church building Friday evening.

A news release from the Amarillo Fire Department says the fire was reported around 10:30 p.m. at the Community of Christ Church.  The building was heavily involved with fire when the first crew arrived and they called for seven additional fire units. Firefighters were unable to enter the building because of the severity of the fire.

All nearby homes and structures were spared.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Ernesto Pena, 24, of Amarillo. A motive has not been announced.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Texas media outlets report the temperature in Amarillo at the time of the fire was 18°F/-7°C.  It is not uncommon for homeless people to start fires in buildings in an attempt to stay warm. We mention this because it is likely the motive is not anti-Christian bigotry. 

Gospel music trailblazer Carman dies at 65

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Gospel artist Carman has died after battling an illness.

A statement from his representative says, “GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame member, CARMAN, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital, after fighting a series of complications resulting from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia.”

Carman received the House of Hope of Humanitarian Award for his positive influence in the lives of American youth in 2006, other noted recipients of this award include Ronald & Nancy Reagan and Billy Graham.

The Gospel Music Association honored Carman with induction into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018. Billboard named Carman “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” in 1992 and 1995, and in 1993, his album, Addicted to Jesus, earned the distinction of Contemporary Christian Album of the Year. Carman was Grammy-nominated multiple times as the Best Pop Contemporary Gospel Artist. His recording, “A Long Time Ago in a Land Called Bethlehem” was nominated for “Album of the Year” by the Recording Academy in 1986.

In 1985, the release of his first #1 song, “The Champion,” solidified his place in music history and defined his soul-winning career as one of endurance, grit, dedication, and pure talent. Anyone who knew Carman knows that he counted only this as his greatest lifetime achievement – winning millions of souls to Christ.

Carman Dominic Licciardello was 65.

Known acts of vandalism and other crimes against people of faith this week

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Known acts of vandalism at Christian churches in North America have been minor this week. These are the ones reported to Texas Gospel Canada:

Fox8tv reports the building belonging to the Church of the Transfiguration in Conemaugh, Pennsylvania had, “a lot of widespread damage,” as well as items related to worship stolen. WJAC TV reports the church has a 100-year history with the local community.

The Burnet Bulletin (Texas, US) reports a $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest in the arson of the Mahomet Christian Church and other buildings in the area.

Vandals overturned pews and damaged property at the Oakley Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Missouri, USA according to a report from KRCG Television.

This report includes only acts against Christian congregations known to Texas Gospel Canada. It is not implied that these are the only acts of aggression against the Church and its property this week.

Michelle Lancaster, wife of Booth Brother’s Paul Lancaster, passes away

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SPECIAL FROM DAYWIND RECORDS

The Booth Brothers announced Sunday  that Paul Lancaster’s wife passed away Sunday morning with Paul at her side. 

Michelle Lancaster had bravely battled breast cancer for 3 and a half years. 

A celebration of Michelle’s life will be announced soon.  Please continue to pray for this family.

Arson, vandalism and minor damage reported this week against congregations

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These are some of the crimes committed against congregations reported today in North America:

The Church of God in Aylmer, ON in has been hit by vandals four times in the past month according to a report from The London Free Press.

KSNB Television is reporting that trial set to begin for a Nebraska man accused of setting a church on fire in Buffalo County, Nebraska.

A Sacramento, California man was arrested for arson after setting a church on fire in Glenn County, California according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

Unknown criminals damaged the marquee at Macedonia AME Church in Carrollton, Virginia according to The Smithfield Times.

A cathedral in Ohio was vandalized with graffiti stating, “Jesus is Black” according to the Catholic News Agency.

A Toledo, Ohio police officer and a church arson suspect were both killed in a standoff this week according to WTOL television. A sheriff’s deputy was also killed according to NBC News.