Monthly Archives: April 2020

Degel Menashe Launch COVID Crisis Relief Effort

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Group of Olim from Northeast India Also Launch New Grassroots Website To Share Their Story and Build Community – DegelMenashe.org

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Tel Aviv, Israel — Today, the B’nei Menashe community leaders in Israel announced the successful launch of a crisis relief effort to aid members of the B’nei Menashe Jewish community in Northeast India. The organization has raised sufficient funds to provide 14 tons of staples to the locked-down region. The food was distributed to community members waiting to be allowed to make Aliyah to Israel. Photos can be seen in the news section on the recently launched community website www.DegelMenashe.org.

The group is now raising additional funds to deliver more desperately needed staples like rice. Fundraising has been led by the Jewish Federation of New Mexico and the non-profit organization Scattered Among the Nations.

Degel Menashe is a non-profit organization recently launched to help the B’nei Menashe community of Israel and those members in Northeastern Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram. Information on the community, its origins, and its current activities can be found at www.DegelMenashe.org.

“Our community has been emigrating to Israel since the 1980s and today there are more than 5,000 B’nei Menashe in Israel with 4,000 still waiting in Northeast India to join us,” said Isaac Thangjom, the Degel Menashe Project Director and a 1998 immigrant to Israel.

Thangjom continued, “Our statement of purpose calls for assisting the B’nei Menashe community in Israel by encouraging its integration in Israeli society, advancing it educationally and vocationally, helping to develop its younger, Israeli-born generation, and working to preserve its cultural heritage, and in India, by strengthening its institutions and furthering its immigration to Israel by all possible means.”

The new Degel Menashe website will serve as a home for information about the B’nei Menashe community and developments in it. Key among them at the present moment is the COVID relief effort. However, the site also features news items and articles dealing with all other features of B’nei Menashe life in Israel and India. Degel Menashe also posts frequently on its Facebook page.

Degel Menashe Boardmember and noted author Hillel Halkin said, “The B’nei Menashe, who trace their disputed origins thousands of years back to the biblical tribe of Manasseh, have written and are writing a small but unique chapter in Jewish history. Degel Menashe seeks to be part of it. We would like others to know about us and to join us in our efforts.”

More information on the B’nei Menashe community and information on how to donate to the relief effort can be found at www.DegelMenashe.org. The site also features information about the Oral History project, musicology project, vocational fellowships, and working with the elderly.

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About Degel Menashe

Degel Menashe grew out of an oral history project, involving hundreds of hours of interviews with elderly B’nei Menashe in Israel, which was begun in 2017 under the sponsorship of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico. This project sparked the idea of founding an organization for the purpose of assisting the B’nei Menashe communities in Israel and India in meeting the many challenges facing them. With this in mind, Degel Menashe was established in 2019 and recognized in the same year as a Non-Profit Organization by the Corporations Authority of Israel.

Why Degel Menashe

Degel means a flag in Hebrew, and our name of “Menashe’s Flag” derives from the account in the book of Numbers of how, when the twelve tribes of Israel camped around the tabernacle in the desert, each flew its own standard. The emblem on that of the tribe of Menashe, according to Jewish tradition, was the re’em or oryx, a long-pronged antelope known for its strength and beauty. We have made it our logo.

Teens can now bring hope and encouragement of the Gospel to their friends “virtually” through the Life in 6 Words app

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Dare 2 Share Ministries’ Life in 6 Words mobile app now allows students to share the Gospel in their own words, from the safety of their own homes.

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Arvada, CO— Much has changed in the past few weeks, leaving, many people’s lives in turmoil and confusion. Remarking on how this pandemic has impacted teenagers, Greg Stier, the founder of Dare 2 Share stated, “We are living at a time where teen anxiety and depression are being accelerated like never before because of the Coronavirus pandemic”

Connection is more important than ever, yet harder and harder to find, leaving many people searching for some kind of comfort. With this in mind, Dare 2 Share Ministries has built an Audio Story function into the Life in 6 Words mobile app, so that teens can engage their friends with the conversation that matters most – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Armed with a way to share their faith in an audio format, this opens up a world of possibilities for students to bring hope to their friends while getting their minds off of their own situation.

Focusing their attention outward can be extremely healthy for students. Echoing this idea, Greg Stier said, “When the Christian teenagers in our youth groups are mobilized to reach out to their unbelieving friends with the message of Jesus, not only do they bring hope to the hopeless, but they grow spiritually in the process!”

On April 11, 2020, Dare 2 Share released its latest update for the Life in 6 Words mobile app with the Audio Story feature that explains the gospel in their own voice to friends across the street or around the world. This latest feature creates an app that gives believing students the tool to engage in spiritual conversations, pray for unsaved friends and family, and set up groups of like-minded teens who all want to bring the hope of Jesus to this world.

“We wanted to give teens a way to have gospel conversations in the midst of this pandemic, and that’s exactly what this new feature allows.” said Debbie Bresina, President Dare 2 Share.

During this time of unprecedented turmoil, people are more open to the good news of Jesus than any time in recent history. Now with the Life in 6 Words app, students can bring hope and encouragement to their world, without having to leave their homes.

The Life in 6 Words app is free to download and can be found on both Apple’s App Store and Google play.

For more information on the organization of Dare 2 Share, visit dare2share.org.

For press inquiries and interview requests, please contact David Marlatt, davidmarlatt@dare2share.org.

During Worldwide Pandemic, New Documentary Film, Before the Wrath Unveils New Findings that Confirm Truth of Christ’s Second Coming.

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A prophetic warning—and message of comfort and hope–in uncertain times.

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Monument, CO, April 20, 2020—Exploration Films announced this week that they have begun distribution of Before the Wrath, a powerful film that provides a timely message of comfort and hope based on true discoveries from the time of Christ. Researchers in the Middle East present new evidence and shocking insight on the biblical prophecies of Christ’s second coming. Before the Wrath reveals how and why he will return for His Bride—Christians who faithfully wait for the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

“As fear consumes the world, Before the Wrath is the perfect response to why we have faith in the Lord’s return. This powerful film acts as not only a warning, but also a great comfort,” said Stephen Penn, “God’s timing for this release comes when people are confined to their homes, desperately seeking a message of hope.”

The film soared to the #1 documentary spot on Amazon in March/April. Daystar Television recently broadcast the film worldwide Saturday, April 11. Based on the book by Middle East Anthropologist, Jay McCarl, and narrated by Kevin Sorbo, Before the Wrath documents Jesus’ references to “an ancient Galilean ceremony passed on through generations that shows how Christ will return.”

“This is the most profound discovery in human history,” declares Theologian and Senior Pastor, J.D. Farag in the film. Scholars reveal the year-long timeline of an ancient Galilean wedding, including the distinct role of the groom’s father, the initial covenant between the groom and bride, their time spent apart, waiting until the father tells the son to go to the bride’s home—in the middle of the night–and bring her back for the wedding feast.

Research results shared with viewers by Scott McConnell, Executive Director of LIFEWAY Research, show that most people, including a majority of church goers. no longer believe in Jesus’ second coming. But Middle Eastern anthropologist, Jay McCarl states “this discovery proves that he is coming back.”

Before the Wrath also presents the amazing findings of Amir Tsafati, founder of Behold Israel, Jan Markell, founder of Olive Tree Ministries, Jack Hibbs, and other specialists of Middle Eastern culture and biblical theology. Researchers show how Jesus spoke to the people of Galilee in a way they would understand, referring to their Galilean culture. Placed in context, these ‘pieces of a puzzle’ reveal a prophetic timeline that shows how and why Jesus Christ will return–and warns the world of what’s coming.

Based on the demand for hope and encouragement in these dark times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the release of Before the Wrath could easily become on the top Christian films of 2020. Produced by Ingenuity Films, and distributed by Exploration Films, Before the Wrath features exciting interviews, and well-produced scenes depicting Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and also how Galileans understood the ancient ceremonial timeline of a wedding.

Ingenuity Films is a growing California production company that explores an array of debated topics of which newly discovered findings could reshape worldviews. They have produced two bestselling films in the United States and have received over 30 awards and nominations for best documentary, writing, cinematography, and editing.

The director of Before the Wrath, Brent Miller Jr, has been featured as a guest on numerous national TV and radio programs and is a frequent speaker at some of the largest prophecy conferences in the United States. Brent Jr has over twenty years of experience working in new media and film production with several Fortune 500 companies, including MTV in New York City.

After Brent Jr personally witnessed the horrific events of 9/11 while living in Manhattan, Ingenuity Films was founded to combat rising misconceptions from sensationalized eschatology that is detrimental to publically perceived biblical validity. Through utilizing apologetics, Ingenuity Films is now reintroducing biblical theology to millions of people that have previously marginalized the topic with unprecedented effectiveness.

Christian pastors, and churches will surely benefit from watching this impressive, insightful documentary that reignites hope for Christian believers worldwide, and prepares the world for the aftermath of Christ’s return.

Before the Wrath is now available in DVD/BluRay & Digital HD at ExplorationFilms.com, Reelhouse.com, Amazon, Christian Cinema, Beforethewrath.com and other numerous places. The film will continue to be released on several other digital platforms in the coming weeks. Before the Wrath is also being prepped for release internationally in Asia & Europe.

As a leading indie film distributor, Exploration Films brings quality faith and family documentaries and feature films to market. The Colorado-based team strives to deliver inspiring content that elevates the culture, and evokes the best in the human soul.

For more information, please email Stephen Penn at penn.stephen@explorationfilms.com Screeners of the film are available upon request.

Bible Study Media Gives Away Hope, New Life in a Time of Need

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  • Christian publisher offers contents of newly launched book via online community platform
    • New online community offers free content by other authors

HOUSTON – April 16, 2020—Bible Study Media (BSM), a Christian curriculum publishing ministry and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announced today it will offer content from one of their recently launched books to the public at no cost through their new online community platform.

“We are living in unique and unprecedented times. However, the reason for what we do hasn’t changed,” said BSM President, The Rev. Charlie Holt. “It is our desire that hearts would be ignited and minds would be engaged in the Scriptures, both in the context of one’s own community of faith and with the global Church at large during this time. In response to the hardships brought on by this global pandemic, we want to offer our content for free.”

Beginning, Sunday, April 19, the newly launched book, A Living Hope: A Study of 1 Peter, will be available on BSM’s new online community free of charge. The Easter Bible study, authored by emerging Christian speaker and author Sarah Viggiano Wright, currently ranks number one on Amazon’s list of Anglican Christian new releases.

While you can still purchase the entire A Living Hope series, the author said that offering the Bible course for free through an online community platform is her way of serving during a time when so many are searching for hope, meaning, and connection.

“I think a lot of us are asking ourselves, How can I find hope today? Where can I go to soften the blows of the hardships from today? Or how can I simply get through the day?” said Wright. “My prayer is that through this study of 1 Peter, believers will become utterly convinced that Jesus is the only sure, true, incorruptible, and permanent hope. His is the only promise you can cling to that guarantees a brighter future will come.”

By visiting https://members.biblestudymedia.com/, users will be asked to provide sign-up details to become a member. Once members enter the community landing page they will have immediate access to the six-week Bible course which includes: daily devotionals, teaching videos, questions for online group discussions, memory verses, and opportunities to participate in video conferencing events with the author. Members have the option to take the Bible study as a self-study, with a small group, or with their church.

In addition to A Living Hope: A Study of 1 Peter, BSM is offering at no cost within the same community network another Easter-season Bible study called The Resurrected Life: Making All Things New, written by BSM president The Rev. Charlie Holt. In the coming weeks, BSM will offer the two other studies in their signature Christian Life Trilogy Bible study curriculum at no charge, which include The Crucified Life and The Spirit-filled Life, also authored by Holt.

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About Bible Study Media

Bible Study Media, a registered 501(c)(3), believes in building up the Church through a fresh discovery of God’s Word and Spirit. We produce resources to shape hearts and minds around the patterns of Christ while strengthening Christian community. Our Biblical Literacy Project seeks to introduce adults, youth, and children to the transforming power of God’s Word through curriculum built around the three-year Revised Common Lectionary and the Christian Church year. Our small groups studies invite participants to journey together through the Scriptures in the rhythms of the Church year. We invite you to explore Bible Study Media—Igniting Hearts and Engaging Minds. To learn more please visit: www.biblestudymedia.com

About the Author

Sarah Viggiano Wright is teacher, speaker, and writer who loves sharing God’s Word. She helps equip churches in their educational ministries. She contributed to Co-Laborers, Co-Heirs: A Family Conversation and Beneath the Cross of Jesus: Lenten Reflections, and served as an instructor for the Teaching Women to Teach the Bible initiative through Reformed Theological Seminary. Sarah holds an M.Div and a MAC from Covenant Theological Seminary and serves Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) alongside her husband, Lee. The couple loves good food, traveling, and being with loved ones, especially their three children.

Media Inquiries
Marisol Espinosa
marisol@biblestudymedia.com
+1.281.658.2614

In the midst of COVID-19, a new book tells the story of hope and restoration

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A book written during a time when “everything was going wrong’ is now released at a time when the whole world needs hope.

The Heart of Ruth, which has just been released by Ark House, was written by author Johanna Pascall when she was going through one of those seasons in her life when everything was going wrong. Now, her story might just be the one people need to hear as the entire world works out how to get through the turmoil that is the coronavirus.

The Heart of Ruth is a modern retelling of the Book of Ruth for young adult readers and many will relate, given their worlds have been turned upside down, literally overnight.

“At the heart of it is a story of hope and of restoration, which as it happens is so relevant to what’s going on in our world right now, given the global pandemic and the fear and hopelessness that is so prevalent right now,” Johanna stated.

“I wrote the book during a time when I was going through my own storm in my life. Everything was going wrong with my job and finances, and at the same time, my husband suffered depression. I went through a journey of being angry with God, then realizing His love, grace and comfort during these times. I didn’t want to waste this experience so I asked God what He wanted me to do and He responded with a quiet whisper, ‘You’re going to write about Ruth in today’s world for young adult readers.’”

Thus the idea for a fantastic new book was birthed. The story of Ruth is so close to the world we are living in right now. For many of us, life has been going along just fine. Most had big plans for 2020 and the new decade – and within a few short months, our world has been rocked by a pandemic that has threatened to go into a recession – at best. Ruth’s life mirrored this and she had to turn to her god to get her through tumultuous times.

“I had always liked the story of Ruth and sometimes wondered what biblical figures would be like in today’s world, but I had never really thought about putting these two together and writing a book about it,” Johanna told me. “So I read Ruth and suddenly, within a few hours, I had the entire plot and chapter by chapter breakdown.

“What really drew me to this story is the overarching message that there is hope, even when life takes an unexpected turn – when you’ve lost so much, don’t think you have a future, when life is tough, when things aren’t going the way you’d planned – there is hope, just keep going and eventually it will turn around. Just don’t give up. In the book, Ruth had everything but she losses it all, and even though life is hard, she kept going and at the end, she found her purpose in life and as a bonus, she also found true love.”

Readers of The Heart of Ruth will discover subjects such as dealing with depression, managing tricky family dynamics, and how to find self worth. Ruth saw herself as the hopeless one in a very gifted family, however she finds that she has something to offer the world after all when she finds her passion and purpose in life.

“It’s so timely that this message is heard during this time,” continued Johanna. “Life is tough already for teenagers and young adults, and now with the overlay of a pandemic, many are now isolated from their friends, so they are without their normal support and comfort structure. In addition, many young people are losing their jobs as a result of lockdowns and the economic effects of the pandemic. It’s important to me that as many young people read this story of hope. I worry that depression and suicide is already a real issue in teens and young adults as it was, and the overlay of this current pandemic will only exacerbate this.”

The Heart of Ruth is now available globally.

FREE Children’s Church Videos for Churches to Use When Streaming Services

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, churches started live streaming their services for adults. However, churches don’t have enough help to continue ministry to children. Child Evangelism Fellowship is offering free weekly videos on its YouTube channel, U-Nite, with a program for children that can be shared by churches free of charge. The length is up to 35 minutes, the same length that children would normally be in children’s church.

The name of the program is Good News TV as everyone could use some good news right now! The Good News TV programs contain a Bible lesson, action-packed songs and a game that helps children learn God’s Word. Two episodes have been posted and a new one will be posted weekly.

More information can be found on https://cefonline.com/covid19/#gntv along with other free resources, such as video help for counseling children regarding salvation and counseling children regarding how to deal with difficult things in life.

There is a variety of ways churches can use the Good News TV program. One idea is to send a link to their membership and suggest everyone with children watch it on Sunday sometime after the regular live stream service.

Another idea is to do a simultaneous live stream of the children’s program using the video starting at the time when children would normally be dismissed from the adult service. They can add a greeting from the regular children’s pastor or children’s church leader.

A third idea is to use the program on a Sunday or Wednesday evening at the usual time when other children’s ministry normally takes place. Comments with greetings from participating families can make it a fun time for everyone to connect with their usual church family.

To access this and other FREE resources that are helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to https://cefonline.com/covid19/#gntv

Child Evangelism Fellowship is an international, nonprofit, Christian ministry that has been teaching the Bible to children since 1937. CEF has 400 offices in the USA and is organized in most nations of the world, with over 3,500 paid staff and hundreds of thousands of volunteers. In its last ministry year, CEF ministered to over 25 million children in its face-to-face teaching ministries.

New Digital Church Platform — Brushfire Online

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For Immediate Release 

FAITH NEWSWIRE – Brushfire Online: Your platform to create the digital connection.

Fort Worth, Texas — Brushfire, the go-to ticketing and registration platform just released, Brushfire Online. A new product designed for live online events.

Brushfire Online is the platform to create the digital connection. From weekend services to live online events—the reliable and simple virtual solution you need. Going online has never been easier. Simply bring a stream, and Brushfire will provide integrated giving, chat, notes, the Bible, custom branding, and more! Establish an online community and provide a deeper connection with Brushfire Online.

“Now more than ever, churches and organizations are looking for a trustworthy solution to create community, enable giving, engage members, and facilitate the online experience. Brushfire Online is the solution you need for ALL of your online events. This starts with all of your services, from weekend to midweek, to any small gatherings you might have. Our platform is reliable, allows multiple beautifully branded experiences, chat with community moderation, simulated live functionality, embedded giving, and the same exceptional support and strategy we have offered for more than a decade. Brushfire Online is here to help you facilitate an authentic, connected online experience.” — Stan Coker (Brushfire Founder & CEO)

This new offering provides a seamless solution for organizations of any size or type to easily upload and host their stream, have integrated giving/donations, engage in community chat, beautifully customize their branding, and provide the deeper connection that churches and congregants are striving for. Brushfire believes that churches can thrive beyond the four walls!

Brushfire handles thousands of events every day, on every continent, ranging anywhere from a handful to 20,000+ attendees. Brushfire strives to facilitate successful events around the world by providing great software and service that never stops improving.

For more information about Brushfire Online please visit brushfire.com/online, hello@brushfire.com, or 866-825-8252.

Name of Press Contact: Caleb Jobe
Date: Thursday, April 2nd
Phone: (866) 825-8252
Email: hello@brushfire.com

VidAngel Extends COVID-19 Relief for Families with Additional Free Access Through April

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As #StayatHome is Extended Across the US, VidAngel Offers Additional Month of Free Service, Adds New Content Including “The Riot and the Dance” and “Chasing American Legends”

FAITH NEWSWIRE – (Los Angeles, CA—April 1, 2020) VidAngel, the family-friendly streaming app and original content studio, announced back on March 16th that it was offering immediate relief to parents affected by COVID-19 with free access to its entire content library, while also offering producers the opportunity to contribute family-friendly content during the initial two-week period. Today, in response to the announcement that the U.S. will continue its #StayatHome period through April, VidAngel extended its free service through April to meet the needs of families.

“During the last two weeks, we’ve been grateful that so many families have accessed VidAngel and enjoyed bringing us into their homes. Our original series The Chosen and Dry Bar Comedy have racked up tens of millions of views, and new content like Chasing American Legends has been so well-received. Like so many wonderful American companies, we’re so happy to be able to pitch in some small way to make this difficult time a little easier,” said Neal Harmon, CEO of VidAngel. “Today, we’re very pleased to announce a new series called The Riot and The Dance that my family has particularly enjoyed, and look forward to welcoming other new titles in April as they are made available to us.”

In response to demand for educational and faith-based content, VidAngel has added two major series to its platform (The Riot and the Dance and Chasing American Legends) and continues to welcome other producers interested in donating content for American families to enjoy. To apply, go to: https://studios.vidangel.com

VidAngel’s Free Offering Includes:

  • The ability to skip objectionable content on Netflix and Amazon content
  • Award-winning series The Chosen about the life of Jesus
  • VidAngel’s brand new series The Riot and the Dance and Chasing American Legends
  • Hundreds of episodes of Dry Bar Comedy, the internet’s largest library of clean standup comedy
  • The Family Night Out Series, including Home at Hank with Hank Smith
  • New iOS and Android mobile apps, which can instantly cast shows to Roku, FireTV, Chromecast, Android TV, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs.
  • To take advantage of this free offer, simply go to com.

All of those who are interested in receiving VidAngel’s free service must agree that they will practice social distancing during the pandemic (no credit card required). Existing subscribers are also eligible.

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About VidAngel VidAngel helps you make entertainment good for your home. Its top-rated original series Dry Bar Comedy and The Chosen have earned wide acclaim from critics and audiences alike. VidAngel’s signature filtering technology—empowering families to skip language, nudity, violence, and other content from movies and TV shows streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO—is available on modern devices such as iOS, Android, ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV and continues to be popular with parents and families.