Monthly Archives: July 2021

96 Organizations Honored as “Certified Best Christian Workplaces”

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – MERCER ISLAND, WA – Today, Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) honors 96 faith-based organizations as Certified Best Christian Workplaces for the first six months of 2021.

After more than a year filled with unexpected challenges and obstacles, these organizations demonstrate exemplary workplace culture and exceed standards as healthy places to work.

“Organizations certified as a Best Christian Workplace have treated employees well during the toughest of times and will thrive as the economy recovers. As the demand for talent increases, these organizations will achieve traction, unlike many others who will experience significant employee turnover,” says BCWI CEO Al Lopus.

Using BCWI’s Employee Engagement Survey, 147 organizations were evaluated on their workplace culture based on BCWI’s proprietary “FLOURISH Model,” which includes the following factors: Fantastic Teams, Life-Giving Work, Outstanding Talent, Uplifting Growth, Rewarding Compensation, Inspirational Leadership, Sustainable Strategy, and Healthy Communication. Certification as a Best Christian Workplace was determined based on anonymous employee feedback and awarded to those organizations deemed “Healthy” or “Flourishing,” based on survey results.

This year’s survey uniquely highlights the positive benefits of the Christian workplace. During the pandemic, organizations were met with new challenges, including accommodating remote work, implementing new safety measures to care for their staff, and pivoting ministry and organizational goals to reach those they serve in creative ways. The positive results from the survey highlight the benefits of a holistic approach to employee care and its subsequent positive impact on employee engagement, a key characteristic of a Best Christian Workplace.

“At certified Best Christian Workplaces, people of faith express their appreciation by bringing their entire selves to work as they experience significant meaning and purpose,” says Lopus. “These organizations have worked to create a sense of community through healthy communication, even while staying at home during the pandemic.”

This year’s certified list features organizations in the United States, Canada, Zambia, and Australia, and includes a variety of faith-based nonprofits, churches, Christian-owned businesses, and a record high nine rescue missions.

Since 2002, BCWI’s Employee Engagement Survey has been completed by more than 300,000 employees from over 1,000 organizations in the US, Australia, Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, and Central America.

About Best Christian Workplaces Institute
BCWI is an international, not-for-profit, research-based, organizational development and human resources consulting firm, with offices in Mercer Island, Washington, and London, Ontario. BCWI’s mission is to equip and inspire Christian leaders to build flourishing workplaces.

For more information, visit bcwinstitute.org. Explore our Blog and the Flourishing Culture Podcast  for valuable insights and resources from top Christian leaders.

The following organizations are honored as Certified Best Christian Workplaces: January – July 2021.

CAMPS AND CONFERENCE CENTERS

Cho-Yeh Camp and Conference Center  – Livingston, TX

SAMBICA Camps & Retreats – Bellevue, WA

CHRISTIAN-OWNED BUSINESSES

BETA Fueling Systems, LLC – Reidsville, NC

C12 Group  – San Antonio, TX

CapinCrouse LLP – Indianapolis, IN

Dow Smith Company, Inc.  – Smyrna, TN

EGW – Carrollton, TX

The FOCUS Group – St. Augustine, FL

Harris Beverages – Durham, NC

Outreach  – Colorado Springs, CO

SPIARS Engineering and Surveying – Plano, TX

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

Anonymous

Calvary Christian Academy – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Cherry Hills Christian School – Highlands Ranch, CO

Colegio Cristiano Nicolás – Ixil, Nebaj, Guatemala

Crossings Christian School – Oklahoma City, OK

Donvale Christian College – Donvale, VIC Australia

Harvest Christian Academy – Elgin, IL

Toledo Christian Schools – Toledo, OH

CHURCHES

Anonymous

2|42 Community Church – Brighton, MI

Ada Bible Church – Ada, MI

BattleCreek Church – Broken Arrow, OK

Beulah Alliance Church – Edmonton, AB Canada

Canyon View Vineyard Church  – Grand Junction, CO

Carey Baptist Church – Canning Vale, WA Australia

Central Community Church – Wichita, KS

Christ Church – Lake Forest, IL

Christ Presbyterian Church – Edina, MN

Christian Life Assembly – Langley, BC Canada

Eastside Christian Church – Anaheim, CA

Engedi Church – Holland, MI

First Christian Church of Johnson City – Johnson City, TN

Grant Memorial Baptist Church – Winnipeg, MB Canada

Hour of Power & Shepherd’s Grove – Irvine, CA

Irving Bible Church – Irving, TX

Kamloops Alliance Church – Kamloops, BC Canada

Life Church – Meridian, ID

Miracle Life Family Church – Lusaka, Zambia

Mission Hills Church – Littleton, CO

Montgomery Community Church – Cincinnati, OH

New Vision – Murfreesboro, TN

Northridge Church – Rochester, NY

Oak Hills Church – San Antonio, TX

Pantano Christian Church – Tucson, AZ

Riverwood Church Community – Winnipeg, MB Canada

Southridge Community Church  – St. Catharines, ON Canada

Trinity Church  – Lansing, MI

Venture Christian Church – Carmel, IN

The Village Church – Flower Mound, TX

West Side Presbyterian Church – Ridgewood, NJ

WestGate Church  – San Jose, CA

Whittier Area Community Church – Whittier, CA

FAMILY SERVICES

4KIDS  – Fort Lauderdale, FL

BsideU for Life – Louisville, KY

Care Net  – Lansdowne, VA

Christian Children’s Home of Ohio  – Wooster, OH

Cookson Hills – Kansas, OK

Human Coalition – Plano, TX

Redeemer Counseling Services – New York, NY

HIGHER EDUCATION

Colorado Christian University – Lakewood, CO

Columbia Bible College – Abbotsford, BC Canada

Highlands College – Birmingham, AL

Prairie College – Three Hills, AB Canada

MEDIA

InterVarsity Press – Westmont, IL

RightNow Media  – McKinney, TX

WGTS 91.9 – Rockville, MD

PARACHURCH AND MISSIONS

Anonymous

Bethesda – Colorado Springs, CO

Bible League International  – Crete, IL

BMA America  – Conway, AR

Edify – San Diego, CA

Family Policy Alliance – Colorado Springs, CO

Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Rockies Region – Colorado Springs, CO

Focus on the Family Canada  – Langley, BC Canada

Generous Giving – Orlando, FL

International Fellowship of Evangelical Students – Oxford, England UK

Jewish Voice Ministries International – Phoenix, AZ

Jews for Jesus – San Francisco, CA

Love Justice International – Lincoln, NE

Mission Training International – Palmer Lake, CO

The Salvation Army of Saint Joseph County – South Bend, IN

Water Mission – North Charleston, SC

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Anonymous

Connect Ministries – Watkinsville, GA

PCA Retirement and Benefits – Lawrenceville, GA

Samaritan Ministries International – Peoria, IL

RESCUE MISSIONS

Outreach – Indianapolis, IN

Phoenix Rescue Mission – Phoenix, AZ

Portland Rescue Mission – Portland, OR

Ruth and Naomi’s Mission – Chilliwack, BC Canada

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission – Seattle, WA

St. Matthew’s House – Naples, FL

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission – Philadelphia, PA

Union Gospel Mission – Vancouver, BC

CONTACT: 
Solape Osoba
sosoba@bcwinstitute.org
206-230-8111

Money Is Easy – New Biblical-based picture book for kids available for pre-order

FAITH NEWS SERVICECan I get a bike? No. Can I get an old bike? No. Can I get some candy? No. Can I get some ice cream? No. Can I geta …? NO! What do you think, child? Money grows on trees?

Sound familiar? Parental guidance has provided a misconception that money, in general, is difficult, or in some way impossible, or out of reach. Conversations about money seemed taboo and only caused arguments between adults. The term invest was way out there in outer space for rich people, and the words tithe and give were for preachers trying to get money.  Schools did not teach money management, and society preached go to school, get an education, but go into debt doing it, then intern, then work years and years to pay off your debts.

The Church preached money is evil and skipped over talking about finances, as not to seem like they were trying to steal from people. It’s a never-ending cycle that millions believe and have been sucked into.  The world’s system is designed to lure individuals into debt and hyper-consumption; hence good and hardworking people look unto to man, the government, and loans from banks as their ‘source.’ Although some of those things can be great bridges, it should not ultimately be a final destination. Sadly, it is safe to say that when you are born in the US, you are born into trillions of dollars of debt. It’s time to uproot such ingrained ideologies. Therefore, meet Money Mike, a super cool animated tree with hidden messages on his money leaves that reveal Biblical secrets to success.

MONEY IS EASY, the first of the four-book series is a bright and engaging Christian-based illustrated children’s rhyming book that debuts Money Mike branching out with the message, “Money is as easy as counting one, two, three!” Money Mike interacts with a young boy and girl, showing them his money leaves that have unique lessons and values of how to TITHE, SAVE, INVEST, GIVE, and stay out of bad debt. He explains three easy steps that reveal secrets to success to making money grow, like the leaves on his tree, and involves the kids to do what he teaches. Added features include a glossary of finance terms and scripture references to engage families in becoming familiar with financial vocabulary and learning more about scriptures that back up money prospering principles.

The lack of teaching and discussing finances, especially in the Church, is the driving force behind Charles and Angela Todd, the creators of Money Mike & the Gang.  As prayer team leaders who have had their 501c3 ministry since 2006, Todd WorldWide Ministries, the two biggest prayer requests in the Church the Todd’s continually experience are for health and finances. Furthermore, secular news has published articles that have headlined, “75 percent of Americans are winging it when it comes to their financial future.” It is the Todd’s passion to correct a very big problem that kids and parents need help with today.

Charles Todd, states, “While teaching ten-week financial courses on money management, all I kept hearing in the beginning from our students was that money was so hard. And it isn’t! Once we got a hold of the simple principles Money Mike teaches, we started to prosper more and more in our later adult living and were livid that we didn’t have this knowledge as kids! Hence the title Money Is Easy because it really is easy once you implement the simple steps.” Angela Todd adds, “Adding a supernatural Biblical base to just basic natural principles that govern market increase enables the door to open to be a blessing to your children’s children. It’s time to break the cycle of kids having to take care of their parents.  It’s the job of the parents to leave an inheritance for their children’s children.  And that is Bible!” The Todd’s practice what they preach.  Not only are they a living testimony of God’s faithfulness from once being bankrupt, but also have amazing testimonies from their students and those they’ve prayed with that have had miracles, breakthroughs, and abundance changing the course of their financial future.  In closing, the Todd’s both proclaim, “To God be the Glory!”

For more information on speaking engagements, events, licensing, media opportunities, partnerships, and all things Money Mike & the Gang, contact Todd WorldWide Ministries at connect@toddworldwide.org or info@moneymikeandthegang.com

About the Authors.

Children’s Picture Books / Kids / Non-Fiction / Learning Basic Concepts

Pre-order Barnes & Noble:

Pre-order Amazon/Kindle eBook:

If you have been blessed by Money Is Easy, please take the time to add your positive reviews on the Barnes & Noble or Amazon platforms. Money Mike & the Gang thanks you!

Scanning from the book, screen shots, or lifting images from the copywritten published files are prohibited. Published by Todd WorldWide Ministries. For more information, please contact: connect@toddworldwide.org or visit www.moneymikeandthegang.com, or socially connect @moneymike_gang / #moneymike_gang

Evangelical online platform Jrevolution.net will host New Neogenesis discipleship program starting August 3

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Johannesburg/US-Canada/India- Sri Lanka July 2021. Jrevolution, the evangelism and discipleship ministry which aims at reaching the lost primarily through online and social media channels, has organised the quarterly kick off of their Neogenesis discipleship program starting August 3. The program takes participants through a training on principals and values in God’s word that offer peace and insights via a 7-part discipleship program over seven weeks. Men, women & students from all over Europe, Asia and Africa have already been through the program. The entire 7-part series may be viewed on YouTube:

Founder & Director of Jrevolution, Christine Kuun says, ”The program is more than just a Bible
study or discipleship course. The power of this program is the actions that participants are asked to complete for a few minutes a day between the program which will help them effectively study the Word, understand how to hear from God, and grow in spiritual maturity as well as develop habits that they can use throughout their lives in order to continue growing and impacting others for Christ. Even mature Christians have gone through this program and felt that it was useful in centering themselves back on God and prioritizing their lives around Christ again.

Many are in difficult situations be it spiritually emotionally and financially due to the ongoing pandemic crisis. We would like to encourage everyone to draw closer to God and find encouragement and comfort in His Word and His promises at this time.”

While the key focus is millennials and younger men and women, people from many different age groups have completed the program and anyone can do it from anywhere.

Some of the testimonials shared by past participants reveal the power of the programme.
Testimonials selected by geography.

Testimonials selected by geography.

I am very pleased that I decided to complete the Jrev program.  This has helped me to understand God and the written word on a completely new level. Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge.  I am passing it on to others too. Carina from Sweden

Personally, my faith in God has increased and I am so happy that I have learnt so much. I am so much more confident to share the Word of God with others and I am feeling confident to  even to disciple them myself.  Camilla from Philippines

“I would really like to THANK JREVOLUTION from the bottom of my heart for the time and effort that you have put in to making each session so practical and impactful… I’ve really seen a change in my focus on my life and my hunger for God… once again THANK YOU!“ Clint from South Africa

Jrevolution is passionate about evangelizing and discipling and will also come alongside churches where invited, to help them recognize and utilize the evangelism gifts that that exist within their churches. Depending on resources and location Jrevolution will also come in and run the program by invitation with churches. If you are a church and are interested in getting in touch to discuss any of the above, you can email the team on info@jrevolution.net.
Throughout the program we re-iterate the importance of being placed and serving in the local
church. Through our church partnerships we will place individuals in churches where they can grow and be fed.

Director–Operations, Michelle Potgieter says,” We call it a revolution because we want to change
the world by the power of the Holy Spirit – to win hearts, minds and souls and open more people to the voice of the Spirit. Jrevolution is looking for church leaders who would like to open their doors to learn and teach the course, receive disciples and lead those who are called to greater service and participation. We are happy to receive content in line with our vision to publish online and to promote interaction in the church community.’

About Jrevolution:
Jrevolution NPC is a ministry registered as a religious non-profit organization
(registration number 2018/308330/08) in South Africa. The core vision of Jrevolution is to reach the lost via the internet & online mediums as well as to help equip churches to evangelize and disciple their members (with a special focus on youth and young adults). The leadership team consists of Christine Kuun, Urvashi Kadam and Michelle Potgieter and they are joined by likeminded believers from all around the world who subscribe to their vision.

Contact: Christine Kuun, christine@jrevolution.net +971566838044

Media contact: Urvashi Kadam, urvashi@therevelationconsultancy.com ; +971503570206

God First Nation Co.(TM) Announces Launch Of Handcrafted Wooden And Stainless Steel Watches, The BlackJes Collection

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – {Longmeadow, MA} – God First Nation Co. (TM) is announcing the launch of The BlackJes Collection, its newest line of timeless, family-branded wooden watches, which intertwine faith and style. The innovative aesthetics are the second hands featuring a cross, and a globe placed at 12 o’clock.

God First Nation Company (TM) is a husband and wife duo, certified service-disabled veteran, African-American, and Haitian owned company and ministry. Co-Founders Alain and Lachelle Jes say the BlackJes Collection watches acknowledge God as the Creator of Time, that God is always on time, and that God’s call on people is to be good stewards of their time. They say, “This is our take on modern-day evangelism. We are committed to helping and inspiring all nations to keep God first in their lifestyle and make disciples.”

The full line of products includes inspirational eyewear, bracelets, jerseys, joggers, masks, tees, headwear, and jumpsuits. The company’s scripture bracelets feature verses including John 3:16,on God sacrificing His only Son;Jeremiah29:11,on God’s plan for our lives; John 16:33,on how the world has tribulation, but Jesus has overcome the world; and Proverbs 3:5-6,on trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

The couple is committed to global service. “We are extremely passionate about Christ, helping persecuted Christians, eliminating homelessness, supporting the youth, alleviating poverty, advocating for food justice, promoting social issues, and preserving the environment, as supported by the Bible.”

The couple launched God First Nation Co. (TM) in January 2019, which coincided with the time of their wedding – they made wedding plans and business plans at the same time. The couple says they are thankful for the journey and mission with which God has entrusted them. “The best advice we’ve ever received was to keep God first. That’s the foundation of our spiritual growth, courtship, marriage, and company. God’s Word is the blueprint of our lives.”

The company is focused on providing Nation Citizens, like themselves, with scripture-based encouragement and inspiration. They also seek to impact the lack of Christian representation in innovative fashion and culture. Additionally, they want to give Nation Citizens a way to evangelize and spark conversations with non-believers and other believers, especially those who are often not comfortable starting conversations with strangers, but still want to be a light in their world.

“People may be going through tough times, but God works all things for our good. And that includes our trials, joyful and painful experiences,” they say, “There is nothing anyone or anything can do to separate you from God’s love.”

God First Nation Company (TM) has partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects, operating in eight countries: Nepal, Madagascar, Haiti, Indonesia, Mozambique, Kenya, Honduras, and Nicaragua, to fight poverty globally through reforestation. The company will donate proceeds from every order to fund the Eden Reforestation Projects’ planting of citrus, mango, papaya, and moringa trees, to support food security. Every purchase made will plant 10 trees for the duration of the partnership These initiatives also provide jobs to the locals, who will be planting the trees that improve the environments where they live.

Media Contact: Alain & Lachelle Jes
Company: God First Nation Co.™
Web Site: https://www.godfirstnation.com/
Email Address: info@GodFirstation.com
Phone Number: 323-524-8181

The Power of Fasting: How About a Juice Fast?

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – In addition to losing some belly fat, a fast helps to detoxify your blood and colon. Fasting can also help with digestive issues, constipation and spiritual growth. If done right, it can bring about a miracle solution to your problem. In the bible, in the book of Daniel, it is shown that Daniel as well as his friends, Medrach, Shedrach and Abednego did not eat the rich foods of their oppressors. Instead they ate vegetables, soups and drank lots of water as well as herbal teas. They were able to withstand being thrown into a lion’s den and a fiery furnace!

If you can fast for seven days it would help you to detox your body of some of the junk that has accumulated in your system over the years. Many people do not fast nor detoxify their bodies. Fasting for just one day can help boost brain function, lower inflammation, improve heart health, improve blood pressure, decrease appetite and improve discipline.

I ask my clients all the time, “When was the last time you did a detox?” More often than not, the answer is, “I don’t remember ever doing one.” In many cultures, parents ensure that their children take something that purges their systems. This helps to rid the body of parasites, too much sugar, psoriasis, eczema and a host of other blood issues. Fasting also gives the internal organs a rest from processing all the food that goes into our bodies daily. It is important to ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to embark on a fast, especially if you have compromised health. In many cases, fasting is recommended. In some cases, it is wise to proceed very cautiously.

In terms of spiritual development, a fast with daily prayers can help one to tremendously relax the mind, helps with disciplining the mind and body which helps you to achieve any goal that you set. Fasting can help calm the mind from incessant chatter and constant worry.

Fasting helps one to think peaceful thoughts, to slow down and to let go and let God fight your battles. Fasting also enables focus and clarity to some complexing and worrisome issues or problems. Fasting with prayers also reduces stress.

It is a good idea to do a juice fast. This consists of all-natural cold pressed juices, wheatgrass shots, water and herbal teas. A watermelon fast is a good way to detox the body and the mind quickly.

Some rules to fasting:

  1. Do stay hydrated. How much water should one drink? Half your body weight in ounces.
  2. Go for a walk and meditate. This helps to take your mind off the fact that you’re hungry,
  3. Ask your medical doctor if it’s a good idea for you to fast, especially if you have diabetes.
  4. Start off small.
  5. Don’t feast when you come off a fast.
  6. Stick with what you learned during fasting. Eating little portions and not overindulging in food is very healthy and you will stay slim.
  7. Don’t fast if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have blood sugar issues like diabetes.
  8. Focus on the reason or reasons for your fast.
  9. Do pray often while you fast. Meditate on scriptures. Some problems can only go away with fasting and prayer. (See Mark 9:29)
  10. Praying with a prayer partner helps achieve what you’re praying for.

Dr. Lord pastors at Inspire New York, a church & wellness center in Queens, NY. She is a naturopathic doctor, practicing at a juice bar called Mother Earth and is the author of several books, the latest being, Beyond Organic: A Guide to using Food & Plants as Medicine.