SGN Scoops Digital

Jonathan Falwell Ministry Responds to Colorado Wildfires

LYNCHBURG, Va., Working with church partner New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO, Gleaning For The World is distributing water, food, personal care supplies and related items to more than 50,000 evacuees in the state. Supplies began to arrive this week.

“Evacuees are finding shelter in schools and churches; we want to make sure they have basic supplies,” stated Jonathan Falwell, Chairman of Gleaning For The World, a humanitarian aid organization affiliated with Thomas Road Baptist Church. “We are praying for the people there and doing all we can to help them cope with this emergency situation.”

Gleaning For the World partners with churches in times of disaster to quickly and efficiently distribute critical supplies to affected communities. New Life Church in Colorado Springs is serving as the distribution point for this effort.

For more information on how you can help the people in Colorado, visit www.GFTW.org

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplains Respond to Colorado and New Mexico as Wildfires Rage

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,  The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is in Colorado and New Mexico as wildfires continue to torch large swaths of the nation’s west. Chaplains are currently offering emotional and spiritual care in the Ruidoso/Capitan area of New Mexico, and in the Fort Collins area of Colorado. Chaplains deployed to both locations on June 14, shortly after the fires began.

News agencies are reporting that the “Little Bear Fire” in New Mexico is 90 percent contained. The “High Park Fire” north of Denver, however, was reported yesterday to be only 55 percent contained, and estimated at more than 87,000 acres. The fire has destroyed more than 250 homes. Due to these circumstances, chaplains have begun reaching out to homeowners in New Mexico, but have had limited opportunities to minister in Colorado as the fire rages and survivors remain evacuated from their homes.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the international Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, who is also president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“Many of those who have been evacuated and unable to return home have told us that the worst part is not knowing,” said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “They don’t know if their homes are still standing, don’t know if their pets are alive, and don’t know if they’ve lost all they own in this world. Our chaplains are there to encourage the ministry of local churches, and offer a listening ear, practical assistance and support to those affected. We want to bring the compassion and hope of Jesus Christ into this horrible situation.”

Previously, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains have deployed following wildfires in California (2003, 2007 and 2008), Texas (2009 and 2011), and Melbourne, Australia (2009).

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is a nationwide network of chaplains across 44 states that are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. Since the ministry was launched in 2002, it has responded to more than 125 natural and man-made disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and shootings.

For more information on the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, visit www.billygraham.org/rrt. For videos, photos and news articles from recent Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployments, visit www.billygraham.org/crisisresponse. Ministry updates and photo galleries are posted at www.facebook.com/BGRapidResponseTeam.

Faith-Based Coaching Put to Test — U.S. Olympic Marathoner Ryan Hall Prepares for Summer Olympic Games

SEATTLE, May 3, 2012 – Ryan Hall, the fastest marathon runner in American history is preparing for the race of his life this August in London at the Summer Olympic Games. In order to go down as the best however, Ryan needs to do something that has eluded him his whole career — win an international marathon. And his supporters need to raise $25,000 by Saturday to fund a documentary, “The 41st Day,” which will chronicle the marathoner’s amazing story. With the help of on-line supporters across America, an initial fundraising goal of $30,000 was raised in the first 48 hours. Now however, the remaining $25,000 needs to be raised by Saturday, May 5th to complete funding for the documentary. The production team still needs money for the rights to use Olympic footage.

In London, Hall will try to win the biggest race of his life, the 2012 Olympic Marathon, taking on the dominant east Africans in a race that is being billed as the toughest and fastest in Olympic history. Hall isn’t an ordinary runner, though. While competitors prepare in training groups under the systematic care of coaches and advisors, Ryan Hall runs alone. Practicing what he calls faith-based coaching, he relies exclusively on the direction of his Christian faith to dictate his training, an unprecedented and often scrutinized approach in the world of distance running. “For me, running is an art more than a science,” says Ryan. Will his faith be enough to take him to the top? This film will tell his story.

To help: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1694465205/the-41st-day

In 2008, Ryan Hall finished 10th in the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. That year, Ryan worked with Team World Vision and thousands of runners across the country to raise money for World Vision projects in Africa. The money went toward urgently-needed clean water projects in Zambia, in Southern Africa. After the Games, Ryan Hall and his wife, fellow Olympian Sara Hall joined Team World Vision athletes for a trip to Zambia to see World Vision work. Team World Vision started in 2005 with runners participating in races on their own to raise funds for World Vision. In 2006, Team World Vision had just over 100 runners in the Chicago Marathon. In 2010, there were more than 1,200. That year, Team World Vision runners raised over 1 million dollars. The money raised provides children and communities in Africa with clean water.

For more information visit: support.worldvision.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TWV_Home

In 2006, Hall won his first national title in the 12-k cross-country championships, winning by 27 seconds. That year, he also broke a U.S. 20-kilometer record by 48 seconds. In 2007, his 2:08:24 was the fastest marathon debut by any American. In November, Hall won the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon in a record 2:09:02 in New York qualifying to run the marathon at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Currently, Ryan Hall is training in California and Northern Arizona.

Marshall Hall’s Single, “Brighter One,” To Be Featured On The CW’s Hart Of Dixie

Hendersonville, TN (April 25, 2012) – The CW Network will be welcoming a new voice to their Hart of Dixie TV show this Monday evening. While Southern Gospel audiences and Gaither fans will find it familiar, many new fans will be pleasantly surprised by the sounds of this terrific singer and his fresh music. The voice of Daywind Records’ artist, Marshall Hall (formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band), with his brand new single, “Brighter One,” will be featured as a part of the April 30th episode of Hart Of Dixie, which airs at 8 pm EST.

Based in a small town in Alabama, the show centers on Zoe Hart (played by Rachel Bilson), a native New Yorker and recent medical school graduate, trying to adjust to life in the South. The show also stars Jaime King, Scott Porter, and Tim Matheson.

“I’m excited!” shares Marshall Hall. “I’ll admit it – I watch teen TV shows a lot. I can’t help it; maybe I haven’t quite grown up yet. To think that there will be a bunch of teenagers hearing a message from my project is pretty amazing. I’d also like to thank my dear friends, Sam and Becca (Mizell), for writing such a great song!”

“Brighter One” is the title track from Marshall Hall’s 2012 GMA Dove Award nominated project, Brighter One. The single released to Southern Gospel radio this month is already receiving a positive response from DJs across the country.

Brighter One is available at Christian retail stores across the country and digitally at iTunes and other outlets. Bulk purchasing for gift and ministry purposes is available by calling 1-800-635-9581.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. In addition to Marshall Hall, Daywind is home to many other great artists such as the Perrys and Jessica King, among others. For more information on Marshall Hall, visit marshallhallmusic.com. For more information on Daywind Records, visit daywindrecords.com.

Randall Franks and the Watkins Family perform at the premiere of “The Solomon Bunch”

Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” recently attended the premiere of his new film – “The Solomon Bunch.”

“This is such a wonderful film that is tailored for youth,” he said. “In the story five youth learn a lesson as they seek the wisdom of Solomon while solving a summer mystery in their small town.”

Franks made a special appearance in the film as the somewhat quirky “Edgar Albert,” he said.

“I was honored to do a cameo in this project,” he said. “I am sure kids around the world will enjoy this movie for years to come. It was beautifully directed and filmed.”

Franks and The Watkins Family joined cast members on the red carpet before entertaining over a thousand attendees at the debut at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, Ga.

The Watkins Family opened the event with songs from their latest CD “Heaven’s Worth Waiting For” including their upcoming single “What Love Has Grown.”

The Watkins Family is Judy Watkins, Todd Watkins, Lorie Watkins and guitarist Jeff Stanley.

“What an exciting event to be part of,” Lorie said. “It is amazing the sweet spirit that was present throughout the night.”

For more information about the Watkins Family, visit www.watkinsfamilymusic.com.

Later in the program, the Watkins joined Randall Franks on stage as he brought the attendees to their feet with his award-winning fiddling and performances from his “Handshakes and Smiles” CD.

Jason Prisk directed the children’s film from Creekside Films and Pinecrest Pictures. It also stars Craig Crumpton, Audrey McCroskey, Todd Maynor, Abbey Kochman, Landon Dodson, Ethan Meeks, Micah Courtland, and Ashton Williamson.

For more information about Randall Franks, visit http://randallfranks.com/

‘Passion of the Christ’ Comes to TBN During Easter Week

LOS ANGELES,  The week leading up to Easter Sunday has always been a special season at Trinity Broadcasting Network, the world’s largest religious broadcaster and America’s most-watched faith channel. And for good reason: during holy week Christians around the world commemorate the Lord Jesus Christ’s suffering for us, His sacrificial death for us, and the glory of His resurrection, where death was conquered and eternal life through Christ Jesus is assured! To celebrate, TBN has selected movies and programs that will comfort, inspire, and challenge viewers throughout this sacred season.

For the second year during Easter week, TBN is featuring what has become a cinema classic for believers all over the world: The Passion of the Christ. Produced by Mel Gibson and starring one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, Jim Caviezel, The Passion follows the Savior through the final hours before his death, from his agonizing intercession in the Garden of Gethsemane and savage scourging at the hands of the Romans, to the final moments of his brutal crucifixion. Throughout this intense and emotion-packed film, Jesus is portrayed in all of his humanity while flashbacks of his life reveal his true divine nature.

Due to the overwhelming response to last year’s showings, TBN will air The Passion of the Christ throughout the week leading up to Easter Sunday, beginning April 4. Visit TBN’s Passion of the Christ web page (here) for specific broadcast times.

TBN will also feature a special four-day showing of the film April 4th through the 7th at Church of All Nations on the grounds of Holy Land Experience, the Orlando, Florida destination that brings the rich history and glorious heritage of biblical Israel to life for the entire family. For more information on this free live showing of The Passion of the Christ, call 1-800-447-7235.

Jim Caviezel, who has been a guest speaker at Holy Land Experience, said his decision to portray Jesus in The Passion was deeply influenced by his love of Scripture. “Throughout my professional life, I have always been drawn to truth when selecting projects,” said Caviezel, who also provides the voice of Jesus on The Word of Promise, a popular audio Bible produced by Thomas Nelson. “In the Scripture I find truth that has long been a source of strength and constant inspiration.”

In addition to The Passion of the Christ, TBN has a full line-up of special programming for the entire family during Easter week, including the mysterious and dramatic film The Road to Emmaus; the moving documentary Twelve Ordinary Men; the unforgettable Apostle Peter and the Last Supper; the stirring In Remembrance; and the classic Easter film The Robe.

‘We’ve been so blessed over the years to be able to air unforgettable and moving films, concerts, and programs reminding us of the awesome gift of salvation through Christ Jesus and His love and sacrifice for all of humanity,” said TBN founder Dr. Paul Crouch. “Easter Week is truly a special season for us here at TBN. Our prayer is always that our programming will present the life-changing power of Christ’s love for our viewers all over the world.”

The Bowlings Talk WIth Rhonda Frye Of SGNScoops Magazine

Greater Vision Interview WIth SGNScoops

Karen Peck Interview About Joyful Noise

Common English Bible is a Bestselling Translation in Record Time

NASHVILLE,  The new Common English Bible is #10 on the CBA Bible Translation Best Seller list for the month of December. Since the list is based on actual unit sales in Christian retail stores in the United States through Oct. 29, 2011, the Common English Bible (Twitter @CommonEngBible) achieved this status after being in stores less than three months.

“We’re delighted the Common English Bible is receiving such early overwhelming support and acceptance,” says Paul Franklin, PhD, associate publisher. “We see this as confirming our decision to create an academically rigorous yet naturally understandable translation for 21st century English readers; a translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that’s built on common ground.”

The best seller achievement comes at the same time the completion of the Common English Bible after four years of translation work was named one of the top 10 religion stories of 2011 as decided by leading religion journalists in the 30th annual Religion Newswriters Association survey.

The Common English Bible is a collaboration of 120 Bible scholars and editors, 77 reading group leaders, and more than 500 average readers from around the world. The translators — from 24 denominations in American, African, Asian, European, and Latino communities — represent such academic institutions as Asbury Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacific University, Bethel Seminary, Denver Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Seattle Pacific University, Wheaton College, Yale University, and many others.
The Common English Bible is written in contemporary idiom at the same reading level as the newspaper USA TODAY — using language that’s comfortable and accessible for today’s English readers. More than half-a-million copies of the Bible are already in print, including an edition with the Apocrypha. The Common English Bible is available online and in 20 digital formats. A Reference Bible edition and a Daily Companion devotional edition are now also available. Additionally, in 2012, Church/Pew Bibles, Gift and Award Bibles, Large Print Bibles, and Children’s Bible editions will be in stores, joining the existing Thinline Bibles, Compact Thin Bibles, and Pocket-Size Bibles, bringing the total variety of Common English Bible stock-keeping units (SKUs) to more than 40.

More than 140 international bloggers are currently participating in the three-month long “Thank You-Come Again-I Promise” blog tour (from November 2011 through January 2012). The tour’s Twitter hashtag is #CEBtour. The complete tour schedule, and information about joining the tour, is available at CommonEnglishBible.com/CEB/blogtour.

Visit CommonEnglishBible.com to see comparison translations, learn about the translators, get free downloads, and more.