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Faith Advocacy Groups Create Curriculum to Help Churches Fight ‘Idolatrous’ Christian Nationalism

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Faith Advocacy Groups Create Curriculum to Help Churches Fight ‘Idolatrous’ Christian Nationalism

Last week, three faith-based advocacy organizations launched a curriculum as part of a collaborative effort to help churches combat Christian nationalism.

The curriculum, titled Responding to Christian Nationalism, comprises three lessons created by Christians Against Christian Nationalism (CACN), Vote Common Good and Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. It is available to download as a free PDF on the CACN website.

The curriculum also responds with a webinar titled “Democracy and Faith Under Siege: Responding to Christian Nationalism,” which was held in January by CACN January in the wake of the riot at the U.S. Capitol.

In a statement outlining their curriculum, CACN defines Christian nationalism as a view that “seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy.” The statement adds that “Christian nationalism demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian.”

Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of Baptist Joint Committee, explained to The Christian Post that CACN had received several requests from pastors and church leaders “for additional resources to use with their congregations to better understand and respond to Christian nationalism in their communities and churches.”

In response, Tyler said that the curriculum was created in the spring and released this summer as churches are planning their fall activities and as many are returning to in-person programming.

She contended that Christian nationalism is “at odds with the core tenet of Christianity — that is, that Jesus Christ is Lord” and is “pervasive throughout American society.”

“Christian nationalism, Tyler said, “demands ultimate loyalty to political power rather than God. And therefore, can become idolatrous.”

It is Tyler’s hope that the curriculum, which “relies on Biblical passages and core Christian theology to differentiate the Christian religion and tenets of Christianity from the ideology of Christian nationalism,” will give churches “a basic understanding of what Christian nationalism is and how racism feeds into Christian nationalism.” She also hopes it will provide churches with “ways to respond to Christian nationalism that are grounded in Scripture and Christian understanding.”

Vote Common Good, a progressive grassroots organization that encouraged Christians not to vote for former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, is planning various methods to further promote the curriculum.

“Vote Common Good plans to get the curriculum in front of evangelical pastors through educational pamphlets, outreach to Christian schools and more,” Vote Common Good Executive Director Doug Pagitt said in a statement emailed to The Christian Post.

Pagitt, who leads the Minneapolis-based church, Solomon’s Porch, added that paid ads are also being considered “and will tap into our growing network of Pastors and Christian leaders nationwide to push for its implementation.”

SOURCE: CHRISTIAN HEADLINES

‘I Shouldn’t Be Here’: Las Vegas Pastor Commends First Responders Who Saved His Life following Brutal Stabbing

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‘I Shouldn’t Be Here’: Las Vegas Pastor Commends First Responders Who Saved His Life following Brutal Stabbing

A Las Vegas pastor is well on the road to recovery after an assailant stabbed him 21 times with a butcher knife inside his home back in March.

The Rev. Russ Smethers, who serves as associate pastor at Abundant Peace Church in Las Vegas, was left with skull and facial fractures, sliced eyelids, a punctured lung and many stab wounds to his torso after he was attacked on March 8.

The tip of the knife also broke off in his skull. Smethers describes it as “a souvenir for the rest of my life.”

During a special event at the University Medical Center’s trauma center on Tuesday, Smethers thanked first responders for saving his life, the Associated Press reports.

“I shouldn’t be here. God’s will put me here and put the skill into the hands of the doctors and nurses so that I could be here,” he told reporters

“People say, yeah, first responders are important, and that’s about all they say,” Smethers continued. “There’s no meaning behind it. And I think all of us need to be reminded every once in a while, exactly how important those first responders are.”

The hospital was also presented a certificate of recognition by Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman for their efforts.

At the time of the attack, Smether’s wife managed to escape as the pastor fended off the assailant. The pastor noted that the assailant, whom the Smethers knew, had been on methamphetamine and was recently sentenced for the crime.

Following the attack, Smether shared that a surgeon sewed up his facial wounds and later, a nurse prayed over him multiple times during his hospital stay.

“‘You’re going to be OK, pastor, we’ve got this,'” Smethers recalled the medical staff telling him.

“This is our sole purpose, is to save the lives of those in our community,” said Dr. Douglas Fraser, the hospital’s trauma medical director.

Smether, who has since forgiven his assailant, is currently seeing a psychologist to help him process the emotional trauma from the attack. He asserted that the experience has not shaken his faith in God.

“During the struggle, when I was being attacked, God did tell me, ‘You’re going through some stuff right now, but you’re not going to die tonight,'” Smethers said.

SOURCE: CHRISTIAN HEADLINES

Bishop TD Jakes, Diddy team up to bring ‘Kingdom Culture’ sermons to hip-hop community

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Bishop TD Jakes, Diddy team up to bring ‘Kingdom Culture’ sermons to hip-hop community

Bishop T.D. Jakes and Sean “Diddy” Combs have announced they are teaming up to bring exclusive sermons to REVOLT, the leading black-owned multimedia platform.

Jakes, leader of The Potter’s House megachurch based in Dallas, Texas, is collaborating with Diddy for a show titled “Kingdom Culture with T.D. Jakes” airing on the media mogul’s popular network. “Kingdom Culture” will feature evangelistic sermons and conversations broadcasted from Jakes’ church. 

“Kingdom Culture’s weekly Sunday service will feature topics such as vision, leadership, growth, power, love and more, allowing Bishop Jakes to reach mass audiences through REVOLT,” a press release for the show revealed. 

Jakes, who is also a movie producer, is known for reaching people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races and nationalities. Through the bishop’s new show, REVOLT will focus on connecting with fans of the hip-hop community nationwide. 

“This partnership is monumental for REVOLT, expanding into the faith space to create a program that will inspire millions around the world to have hope and walk in their power,” Combs, the chairman of REVOLT, shared in a statement.  

Combs is known for working with the biggest names in hip-hop and has a close relationship with Jakes. In 2018, Diddy asked Jakes to officiate the funeral of Kim Porter, who mothered four of his six children.

“Bishop Jakes is one of the most transformational leaders of our time who has made a profound impact on my life, so we’re honored for him to join the REVOLT family and use his gift to empower the culture,” he said. 

Combs and Jakes recently sat down to discuss Jakes’ impact on his life during the pandemic and officially announced the partnership. 

“Kingdom Culture” will reportedly re-broadcast special forums, master class conversations and some of Jake’s most impactful dialogues with respected public figures. 

“The gravity and power of T.D. Jakes’ voice and influence extends to business, entertainment, politics and global humanitarian work, which are expected to be, included in forthcoming Kingdom Culture episodes,” REVOLT said of Jakes.

The pastor and bestselling author added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with REVOLT, as it is a great opportunity to further expand our reach to a younger generation. In the last year or two, many young people have been adversely affected by a mix of economic woes and a pandemic both here in the United States and around the world.  I am looking forward to an alliance that engages with this unique audience while also empowering and uplifting them.”

REVOLT will air new episodes of “Kingdom Culture with T.D. Jakes” on its TV channel every Sunday at 9 a.m. EST.

SOURCE: CHRISTIAN POST

DeSantis Tells Christian Group: ‘Stand for What’s Right, Put on the Full Armor of God’

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DeSantis Tells Christian Group: ‘Stand for What’s Right, Put on the Full Armor of God’

Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis on Wednesday encouraged a group of Christian attorneys attending a conference to “stand firm for what’s right” and “put on the full armor of God” as they defend religious liberty.

DeSantis made the remarks in Florida at the Alliance Defending Freedom’s Summit on Religious Liberty as he recounted his own record of defending religious freedom and conservative values. ADF, founded by Christian leaders, is a legal organization that protects “religious freedom, free speech, marriage and family, parental rights, and the sanctity of life,” according to its website.

“I appreciate what you’re doing, because I know you face blowback. I know the media smears. I know that you take on cases that are not popular with certain segments of our elite institutions. God bless you for being willing to do it,” DeSantis, a Republican, said. “… I just would say whether you’re doing legal battles, whether you’re a judge, whether you’re an elected official – stand firm for what’s right, put on the full armor of God. Take a stand against the Left schemes. Take up the shield of faith. You’re gonna face flaming arrows – that’s guaranteed – but stand strong. Hold the line, and don’t ever, ever back down.”

DeSantis told the audience of his record of taking positions and signing laws typically opposed by progressives, including a new law prohibiting transgender girls (biological boys) from playing on girls’ teams.

“It’s discrimination against women athletes to force them to participate against male athletes,” DeSantis said.

Although corporations and the NCAA opposed the bill, DeSantis said, he still signed it.

“We had very little blowback at that point,” he said. “Of course, the Left and the media, they did their thing, but nobody listens to them anymore. So I don’t know why politicians listen to them.”

DeSantis also addressed the subject of churches being closed during the pandemic.

“You had places throughout this country where churches were closed, but strip clubs were open, or liquor stores were open – you tell me how that makes any sense whatsoever,” he said. “And so I think this idea of certain things being essential or not, honestly, is something that we’ve got to throw in the trash can.”

“Wokeness,” he said, dominates academia, media, corporate America and “big tech.” But it has very little support “outside of those aspects of our society,” he added.

“And so if you stand up for what’s right, they may want to chirp at you,” he said. “… But if you stand, you’re standing on behalf of a huge, huge silent majority of Americans who may not have access to those high commanding heights of some of our elite institutions, but who have strength in numbers and who understand common sense.”

SOURCE: CHRISTIAN HEADLINES

Number of Canadian Christian Churches Vandalized, Set on Fire Rises as Terror Campaign Continues

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Number of Canadian Christian Churches Vandalized, Set on Fire Rises as Terror Campaign Continues

An apparent ongoing anti-Christian campaign in Canada has resulted in a total of 45 churches being attacked with some of the buildings being burned to the ground. 

As CBN News has reported, terrorists are responsible for the attacks against mainly Roman Catholic churches serving indigenous congregations. 

The crimes stem from far-left terrorists with a Marxist ideology whose sole purpose is to strike fear in Canadians for practicing their faith. 

CTV News reports indigenous leaders are calling for the church arsons to stop. 

“Burning down churches is not in solidarity with us indigenous people. As I said we do not destroy people’s places of worship,” said Jenn Allan-Riley, an assistant Pentecostal minister at Living Waters Church during a press conference last week.

“We’re concerned about the burning and defacing of churches bringing more strife, depression, and anxiety to those already in pain and mourning,” she said. 

Seventeen of the 45 church buildings attacked have suffered fire damage or completely burned to the ground. 

Counter Signal.com reports the fires and the vandalism span six provinces and the Northwest Territories. Some of the attacks have been in the heartland of First Nation’s territory.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they are investigating the church fires to see if they are connected.

As CBN News reported, terrorists have also targeted other churches not affiliated with the Roman Catholic church.  Last week, the building housing the House of Prayer Alliance Church in Calgary was set on fire.  

Battalion Chief Keith Stahl told CBC News the fire was mostly confined to the outside of the building, but the interior did have heavy smoke damage. Police believe the fire was intentionally set, but have no suspects. 

The congregation of 230 people has been unable to meet in the building due to the fire damage. 

Keean Bexte tweeted CounterSignal.com’s interview with the church’s pastor.

“We are refugees. We escaped from Vietnam to come here to get more freedom, to live, and we think it was a good country – and now it happened to our church,” Pastor Nguyen said. “Maybe it is not safe to be here in Canada compared to Vietnam.”

The church fires were reported across Canada following the recent discoveries of unmarked graves on the sites of former boarding schools for Indigenous children, many of which were run by churches. The remains of nearly 1,000 bodies have been found so far, most of them Indigenous children.

The schools weren’t just in Canada. The American Magazine, a Jesuit journal, reports by 1926 there were 357 schools in 30 states with more than 60,000 children. Catholic religious orders in the United States administered 84 of the schools. Jesuits managed four of them.

Since Catholic orders carried out similar missions in the U.S., and U.S. funding was even given to them, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has now ordered an investigation into the history of these schools and a search for graves of children who may have perished at them.

On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his “heart breaks” after the discovery of more unmarked graves on the grounds of an Indigenous residential school in the southern Gulf Islands off the British Columbia coast.

The Penelakut Tribe says more than 160 undocumented and unmarked graves have been found on the site of the former Kuper Island Indian Industrial School.

“I recognize these findings only deepen the pain that families, survivors, and all Indigenous peoples and communities are already feeling as they reaffirm the truth that they have long known,” Trudeau said during a news conference Tuesday in Ottawa.

“To members of the Penelakut Tribe, we are here for you. We cannot bring back those who are lost but we can and will continue to tell the truth,” Trudeau said.

CBN News has contacted the RCMP for an update on its investigation.  We’ll update this story as soon as we hear back from them. 

SOURCE: CBN NEWS

Three Protestant pastors still detained in Cuba but Catholic Priest released after being beaten

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Three Protestant pastors still detained in Cuba but Catholic Priest released after being beaten

The leader of a Cuban Christian seminary has called for the immediate release of two pastors who were detained on Sunday evening following protests across Cuba. A member of a Baptist denomination is also missing. 

The demonstrations in several cities and towns in Cuba were some of the biggest displays of anti-government sentiment seen in years. The country is facing its worst economic crisis in decades, partly as a consequence of US sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Many young people took part in Sunday’s demonstrations in Havana.

According to Reverend Jatniel Peréz, president of the William Carey Biblical Seminary, Protestant pastors Yéremi Blanco Ramírez and Yarian Sierra are being held in a wing of the women’s prison in poor conditions in Matanzas, on the north coast of Cuba, not far from Havana. 

Reverend Peréz, who has himself been blocked from leaving his home by the police, said that the men were warned that they would be held for at least a week. 

The wives of the two men were able to visit them on Monday to bring them basic hygiene items but Reverend Peréz said it would not last for seven days and that he is concerned for the health of one of them. 

In a post on Facebook, Reverend Peréz stated “I only ask one question: why have two pastors been imprisoned as if they were criminals for the simple act of watching a peaceful demonstration? I hold the government of Cuba and its president, Miguel Díaz Canel, responsible for the health of pastor Yéremi Blanco, who suffers from bronchial asthma and for any chance of catching the covid in that unhygienic place. 

“I urgently demand the release of Yéremi Blanco and Yarian Sierra. We ask all international organisations to please support us in calling for the urgent release of these two pastors. We fear for their lives.”
 
At least two other religious leaders were detained on Sunday as well, including Father Castor José Álvarez Devesa, a Catholic priest who was beaten and detained, and Reverend Yusniel Pérez Montejo, a member of the Eastern Baptist Convention of Cuba who was detained in the province of Santiago. 

Father Castor was released on the afternoon of 12th July and is recovering in his home. The Baptist minister’s whereabouts are still unknown. 

A number of protesters and religious leaders have been arrested and some have been beaten. Many areas continue to be without electricity or internet after the government cut access. 

Religious freedom charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s head of advocacy Anna-Lee Stangl said: “CSW calls on the Cuban government to immediately release Pastor Sierra, Pastor Blanco Ramírez and Pastor Montejo Pérez and to cease its harassment of Reverend Peréz. 

“We welcome news of the release of Father Castor, though we note that he never should have been detained as none of these men have committed any crime. We call on the Cuban authorities to hold those responsible for the assault on Father Castor to account, and to release all others who were detained in relation to the exercise of their fundamental rights immediately and without conditions.”

SOURCE: PREMIER CHRISTIAN NEWS
 

Christian Schools in Nigeria Forced to Close as Violent Attacks, Kidnappings Continue in Kaduna State

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Christian Schools in Nigeria Forced to Close as Violent Attacks, Kidnappings Continue in Kaduna State

An alarming rise in kidnappings has forced 13 schools, mostly Christian institutions, in Kaduna, Nigeria to close down in an effort to slow the rate of abductions.

The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority ordered the shutdown after 121 students were abducted last Monday by armed bandits at Bethel Baptist High School in Damishi, according to the human rights organization CSW.

The organization’s director said the decision to close the schools was made during a “meeting with the National Association of proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and some key stakeholders.” 

A group of gunmen stormed the school in Damishi town, shooting sporadically as they kidnapped dozens of students, police said.  

It was the fourth abduction of students in Kaduna State in the past six months. There have been seven mass kidnappings of students in Nigeria so far this year.  

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Kaduna state, who continue to bear the brunt of a critical security failure,” said CSW’s CEO Scot Bower. “The closures and withdrawal of children from educational facilities is a desperate measure, giving the unfortunate impression of an inability to address a situation that has been allowed to spiral inexorably.”  

He added, “This decision is likely to hurt the education and future prospects of the students concerned, while merely offering a short-term solution to a phenomenon which is part of a state-wide crisis requiring a comprehensive response.  As the other attacks that occurred clearly illustrate, people are no longer safe in hospitals, let alone in their own homes.” 

International Christian Concern, a persecution watchdog, reports these large-scale kidnappings which were originally thought to have been carried out by loosely organized bandits. But recently, Kaduna state governor El Rufai informed the public that these ransoms were used to fund Boko Haram and their extremist agenda.

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) estimates that more than 13 million children are currently out of school across Nigeria.

“The situation is probably at its biggest crisis point at the moment,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria.

Kaduna state education commissioner Shehu Usman Muhammad said he is working to keep schools operational by increasing security measures at some schools and moving others.

“Each time there is a kidnapping … it does also create negative impact on the children in other parts of the state,” Muhammad told Reuters.

Abductions from schools in Nigeria have grown significantly since 2014 when members of the Boko Haram abducted 276 female students from a government school in Chibok in northeastern Borno State. 

CBN News previously reported that nearly 100 gunmen attacked the Federal Government College in Kebbi state last month, leading to the death of a police officer and a student.

Four teachers and 70 students were kidnapped, most of which were girls. 

In February, hundreds of girls from the Government Secondary Jangebe School in Zamfara state were abducted after a large group of gunmen raided the school.

SOURCE: CBN NEWS

Persecution worsens for Christians in post-coup Myanmar

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Persecution worsens for Christians in post-coup Myanmar

Christians and ethnic minorities in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar are facing increased oppression under the junta which overthrew the civilian government on Feb. 1.

Experts warned of the increased danger of persecution of ethnic and religious minorities including Christians in a panel discussion.

The online panel was hosted by US-based international religious persecution watchdog International Christian Concern (ICC) on July 8.

The panelists also discussed the ICC’s new report released on June 16, “Caught in the Crossfire: Myanmar’s Christian Minorities Under Tatmadaw Rule.”

The report revealed details of Christians in ethnic minority areas such as Kachin, Kayah and Chin states and in Wa state where they have historically faced oppression and persecution under more than five decades of iron-fisted military rule.

During the panel discussion, Nadine Maenza, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the situation has deteriorated significantly since the coup five months ago.

Myanmar is facing not only a political crisis but a humanitarian and economic crisis

“No ethno-religious minority has been safe from persecution or discrimination,” she said.

David Eubank of Free Burma Rangers, a Christian humanitarian group, spoke about the thousands of displaced persons in ethnic areas, especially in Karen state where he has been serving.

He shared a recent story of being shot at by the military while villagers attempted to plant rice in Karen state.

Eubank stressed the need for humanitarian assistance, especially in Karen, Kayah and Chin states where thousands of people have been displaced.

Due to air strikes and indiscriminate attacks by the military, thousands of people have fled their homes and taken refuge in churches and the jungle in the three largely Christian areas.

Amid the recent conflict, churches have been raided and shelled and troops stationed in church compounds, while priests and pastors have been arrested and unarmed civilians including Christians have been killed.

More than 230,000 have been displaced in Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin and Shan states following the escalation in fighting between the military and ethnic armed groups and the People’s Defense Force since March.

“Myanmar is facing not only a political crisis but a humanitarian and economic crisis,” said Benedict Rogers, East Asia team leader of UK-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

He called on the international community to impose a global arms embargo and targeted sanctions to cut off the lifeline of the military regime.

“It also should be as sustained as possible as it may be a long, strong struggle in Myanmar’s ongoing pro-democracy movement, so it needs to be intense and sustained as well,” Rogers added.

The protection of Myanmar’s many ethnic and religious minority groups, long persecuted by the Tatmadaw, is a critical matter

The ICC report offered some recommendations to the international community to impose sanctions, create a cohesive bloc and support the national unity government established by ousted lawmakers.

“The protection of Myanmar’s many ethnic and religious minority groups, long persecuted by the Tatmadaw, is a critical matter and one that must rank high on the international community’s list of priorities,” said the report.

Christians make up some 6 percent of Myanmar’s population of 54 million, while Buddhism is the state religion which represents nearly 89 percent.

The Southeast Asian country was ranked 18th on Open Doors USA’s 2021 World Watch list of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. Religious nationalism is especially strong in Myanmar and drives much of the persecution of Christians.

SOURCE: UCA NEWS

Christian mother takes school to court over gay pride parade

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Christian mother takes school to court over gay pride parade

A Christian mother who says her 4-year-old son was forced to take part in a gay pride parade against her will have her case heard in court this week.

Izzy Montague says she was told by the headteacher of Heavers Farm Primary School in Croydon, south London, that her son could not opt out of the 2018 pride event despite the family’s Christian beliefs. 

She is taking the school to court for direct and indirect discrimination, victimisation and breaches of statutory duties under the Education Act 1996 and the Human Rights Act 1998.

Mrs Montague, who has since withdrawn her son from the school, says her concerns were not taken seriously and that the school became “antagonistic” towards her after she asked to withdraw her son.

Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, her case will be heard by Central London County Court from 14 to 21 July. 

The court will consider religious belief and the human rights of parents and their children, as well as the right to opt out of ideological education, and the duty of schools to be politically neutral. 

Ahead of the hearing Mrs Montague said: “I wasn’t even trying to stop the Pride event. I just wanted my child to receive an education, rather than indoctrination.

“I am taking this stand to raise awareness amongst parents as to what is happening in our primary schools. I do not want other parents to go through what I have in the months and years ahead.”

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “This case epitomises the chaos we can expect to see in the next academic year in our schools and is another example of the ‘totalitolerance’ that has become so prevalent in our society. Those who preach tolerance and diversity the loudest do not appear to be interested in practising it.

“A particular agenda is being forced onto children inside the school gates and parents are being given no means to ensure that their children are being taught in line with their religious and philosophical beliefs.”

Heavers Farm Primary School has been contacted for comment.

SOURCE: CHRISTIAN TODAY

‘A Battle for People’s Souls’: Two Pastors Fight Chicago’s Deadly Gun Violence with Power of Prayer and the Gospel

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‘A Battle for People’s Souls’: Two Pastors Fight Chicago’s Deadly Gun Violence with Power of Prayer and the Gospel

For the last 20 years, Chicago has seen an unending wave of violence.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, between 2001 – 2020 more people were killed in the Windy City than in the combined military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Spiritual leaders in the city are joining together hoping to change that narrative. Their weapon is the power of the Gospel.

Pastor Dimas Salaberrios, a former drug dealer from New York, knows firsthand the reality of gun violence. After fasting forty days for an end to the violence, he felt compelled to take America where it happens in his film, Chicago: America’s Hidden War.

Salaberrios spent two years filming in the city and told CBN News what he sees happening there is a spiritual battle.

“I would say in Chicago there is definitely a demonic presence that I sense when I’m praying and interacting with people on the street,” explained Salaberrios.

Pastor Corey Brooks, who heads a ministry in Chicago called Project Hood, agrees with Salaberrios.

“There’s a real spiritual battle going on in the city of Chicago for the lives of people,” said Brooks. “There seems to be a spirit of murder throughout the city.”

Brooks explained how evil works its way into the lives of young people there.

“Some of it is gang-related,” said Brooks. “You have a bunch of splinter groups who are part of organizations. And these splinter groups go from block to block, neighborhood to neighborhood, and it makes things very difficult.”

Children are among the many victims.

“We’re halfway through the year and over a hundred children have been shot already,” said Salaberrios. We have a child in our film, Quincy, who sleeps under his bed because he feels like he can get shot. He realizes from the bullet holes on the walls of his house from many drive-bys in the neighborhood that are the level of his bed – if he slept in his bed – he would be shot.”

That paralysis of fear is spreading.

“We have a lot of parents who are leery about just allowing their children to go out and play,” said Brooks. 

The deadly violence has also had an impact on the city’s economy. 

“We had a McDonalds, of all things, to close because of the violence,” explained Brooks. “I’ve done so many funerals, unfortunately. You know, too many to even count.”

Salaberrios’ documentary, which became eligible for an Academy Award earlier this year, showcases how the church is combating the darkness through prayer and evangelism.

“They’re having marches, going door to door. They’re doing things they have not normally done,” said Brooks.

Through his ministry, Brooks reaches out directly to gang members.

“We have a violence prevention team of ten full-time employees that go out into the neighborhood to help make sure there is no retaliation for violence. To make sure that we have conflict resolution with individuals who participate in that type of lifestyle,” Brooks commented.

Salaberrios said a similar effort saved him from a life of crime and violence in New York.

“There were Christians. Three women reached out to me when I was a street god, one of the largest drug dealers. They said, ‘Can we pray for you?” explained Salaberrios. “I didn’t know what that was. When they laid hands on me the power of God knocks me to the floor, demons come manifesting out of me. They started praying in the name of Jesus. I felt a peace come over me like never before and I quit selling crack cocaine.”

Brooks believes that the same power and peace can now make a difference in his city.

“At the end of the day, we can try to supply jobs. We can try to supply counseling. We can try to give all kinds of different resources, but I really do believe ultimately it’s spiritual warfare and a battle that we’re in and it’s a battle for people’s souls,” said Brooks. 

He added, “The enemy is out to kill, steal and destroy people in our community and we have to do everything that we can to push back the darkness, to push back the evil. And the way that we do that is showing the love of Christ in very practical, meaningful ways.”

Meanwhile, the word is spreading about the film with help from Hollywood of all places. Back in May, Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, along with Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, and other celebrities rented out movie theaters to show the film and help spread its message.

SOURCE: CBN NEWS

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