PRAYER AND PRAISE:

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FIRST, OUR VIEWS:
 

 

NON-NEWS OF CHRISTIAN MASSACRES

 

 

Catholics praying in Hyderabad, India "Incidents of violence and persecution against Christians shoot up in India." This was reported on Mar. 24, 2024. We had an Indian pastor in our online "Morning Prayers" last year who was telling us about the growing anti-Christian persecution by Hindu extremists. He sent us a video of a young Christian woman who was raped, then dragged through the streets, then shot dead, and said his life was in danger. We haven't seen him online or heard from him in over a year now. Did you see or hear anything in the MSM (MainStream Media) about this? No? That's because it's "Non-News"!

Here's another news item you probably haven't seen or heard of: 70 Christians beheaded in DRC"Tragic Massacre: 70 Christians Beheaded in DRC Church Attack." As this Feb. 21, 2025 article states, the victims had been kidnapped by "Allied Democratic Forces" (ADF) Muslim terrorists. Did you see or hear anything in the MSM about this? No? That's because it's "Non-News"!

And another news story, on Apr. 7, 2025: "Pakistan’s Persecution of Christians Hits Alarming New Heights." Again, Islamic extremists have been attacking "infidels" – mainly Christians. Have you seen or heard anything in the MSM (MainStream Media) about this? No? That's because it's "Non-News"!

Still another news item, on Jun. 16, 2025: "Up to 200 Christians killed by extremists in overnight massacre in Nigeria." Again, Muslim extremists are on the warpath against Christian "infidels." Heard anything in the MSM about this? No? That's because it's "Non-News"! What's going on here?

Get the full article on our ARC-News blog. And create your own blog or website for less than $2 per month!

 

 

A Personal Note: My wife Cheryl got two good reports last week from her personal physician and her surgeon. This week, her PT had her climb halfway up and down a staircase and said she could start using a cane around our home! She will start pool therapy soon. Continue praying for her full recovery: it will likely take 4 to 8 more months.

Our friend Maureen and her daughter in Nairobi, Kenya wrote to us of anti-government riots there. News reports say that over 20 protesters have been shot dead and many more were wounded. It's unsafe for women and girls to go outside because many have been raped. Maureen's shop that sold grains was looted - nothing left. Because of a huge riot planned for July 7, we've sent her funds to move near the Ministry of Defense where the rioters don't dare go, and it's just a 5-minute walk from Kayla's school! As I'm writing this, she has already cleaned the new place and is moving there on July 3.

This week I've spun off a new website: "Seniors Serving Seniors" – www.SenServSen.org. It's just one web-page with links to six of our most important web-pages. It begins: "Why do we need Seniors Serving Seniors? At the time of Christ, the average lifespan was only 40 years. In 1900 it was still just 45 years. Now it's over 75: that's good news! So, what's the problem? As our population ages due to improved medical care and young adults having fewer children due to the Pill and abortion, we now have an acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and home healthcare workers for this growing group of senior citizens." Take a look!

Last week I also spun off "Vision-Complex.org" as its own website so the folks at Vision Complex Orphanage and School in Bunda, Tanzania can update it themselves with their latest news and needs. We'll continue sharing their news in our ARC-News and processing donations for U.S. and worldwide donors. They're busy harvesting rice before the rain comes in about 4 weeks, so they need another $100 to feed these workers! Please, if you're able to help them feed the harvesters, go to https://Agape-Restoration-Society.org/donate.htm and designate your gift for "harvesting rice" – thank you!

 

Here's our next free online course: (click →) Intro: "Ministry to Handicapped and Poor" - deadline to enroll: 31 Aug. 2025 (← click). So enroll today, before you forget!

 

 
NEXT, THE NEWS:
 

2. BRITISH COLUMBIA ENDS CHILD'S LIFESAVING TREATMENT OVER COST: 'LIKE A EUTHANASIA SENTENCE'
from: LiveAction

SYNOPSIS: Nine-year-old Charleigh Pollock, with Batten disease, has been denied life-saving medication Brineura by the British Columbia government, despite ongoing benefits. The B.C. government committee determined Charleigh no longer meets criteria for the drug, despite her doctors' assessment that it improves her quality of life and relieves symptoms, including seizures. Charleigh's parents and advocates plan to meet with Health Minister Josie Osborne to appeal the decision, expressing cautious optimism but disappointment over previous denials.

Charleigh's medical team argues the medication is still in her best interest, emphasizing the significant positive impact on her quality of life, including the elimination of seizures. The decision is viewed by some as a controversial cost-cutting measure that prioritizes cost savings over patient well-being, akin to a "euthanasia sentence" for a young child. The article raises ethical concerns about governments prioritizing cost savings over the lives of those with chronic health conditions, particularly in light of Canada's broader euthanasia and assisted suicide policies.

Pray for little Charleigh Pollock, the 9-year-old Canadian girl who is being denied life-saving medicine because it costs the government too much.

 

3. HEAD OF UOC-MP, ONUFRIY, HAS BEEN STRIPPED OF UKRAINIAN CITIZENSHIP
from: RISU

SYNOPSIS: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revoked the Ukrainian citizenship of Onufriy (Berezovsky), the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) due to Onufriy's alleged secret acquisition of Russian citizenship in 2002, not notifying Ukrainian authorities. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) determined that Onufriy continued to retain Ukrainian citizenship while holding Russian citizenship and maintaining connections with the Moscow Patriarchate, which supports Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Onufriy (Berezovsky) is accused of endorsing the policies of the Russian Orthodox Church and its leadership, particularly Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev), despite the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev) is cited as having blessed the armed aggression of Russian troops and promoting propaganda that justifies violence against Ukrainians. The news article highlights ongoing tensions between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian state. The article mentions other recent news related to Ukrainian church affairs and leaders including meetings with the Pope.

Ask the Lord to put an end to those in Ukraine supporting Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.

 

4. OBERGEFELL MUST FALL
from: First Things

SYNOPSIS: Obergefell v. Hodges, a Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, is now under scrutiny ten years later, with some questioning its long-term viability. While same-sex marriage initially gained widespread acceptance, including support from Republican voters, recent Republican support has diminished, potentially opening the door for legal challenges. Critics argue that the advocacy groups pushing for same-sex marriage have simultaneously promoted more radical ideas, like allowing transgender individuals into single-sex spaces, and that this has created a backlash.

Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University Robert P. George and others contend that the traditional understanding of marriage as a union between one man and one woman is a fundamental moral principle, and that the Obergefell decision defies this principle. Ryan T. Anderson argues that marriage's historical and cross-cultural significance is rooted in its role in procreation and the raising of children. The author suggests the recent Dobbs decision could potentially undermine the legal standing of Obergefell, given its reliance on fabricated rights. He expresses hope that the traditional understanding of marriage can be reasserted, arguing that the redefinition of marriage is too crucial to be considered a permanently settled issue.

Pray and act so that the vile practice of same-sex marriage, legalized by Obergefell v. Hodges, will be again prohibited.

 

5. AS 'ULTRA-ACCOMMODATING' HOTEL TAKES SHAPE, A BID TO REIMAGINE ACCESSIBILITY
from: Disability Scoop

SYNOPSIS:A new hotel, Morgan's Hotel, is being built in San Antonio, designed with "ultra-accommodating" features beyond ADA standards, aiming to provide a personalized and affordable experience for guests of all abilities, including using AI for tailored needs. Morgan's Hotel will utilize oversized rooms, wide hallways, voice-activated controls, and specially trained staff, all to maximize independence and accessibility. Gordon Hartman, founder of Morgan's Hotel, was inspired by his daughter Morgan with disabilities to create Morgan's Wonderland, a fully accessible theme park, and expand it to include a water park, camp, and other facilities.

Initially, Morgan’s was in talks with Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and other major brands in the hospitality industry, but currently the nonprofit is moving forward on its own to establish the hotel as an independent boutique property. “What sets us apart is our expertise in building spaces that accommodate people of all abilities,” Morgan’s said in a statement. “We look forward to sharing our unique approach with the broader hospitality community in the years ahead.” Morgan’s Hotel is expected to be completed in fall 2026.

Thank the Lord for the growing realization that people with disabilities deserve the same ability to function in society as able-bodied people.

 

6. THIS NEW TEST COULD DIAGNOSE PARKINSON'S WITH AI
from: Newsweek

SYNOPSIS:(Watch the video!) A new AI tool, trained on a large dataset of smile videos, shows high accuracy (87.9%) in detecting Parkinson's disease. The AI model analyzed facial expressions, specifically smiles, to differentiate between people with and without PD, even across diverse populations (North America and Bangladesh). Early diagnosis of Parkinson's is challenging due to limited access to expertise, and this AI tool offers a potentially scalable and cost-effective solution.

The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved participants recording themselves smiling, and the AI model measured facial muscle movements (hypomimia). While overall accuracy is high, variations in positive predictive value were noted across different populations, especially in the Bangladesh cohort. The AI model's generalizability and fairness, crucial for clinical use, are emphasized by the authors. The code and features of the AI model are publicly available on GitHub, but raw video data is restricted due to privacy concerns (HIPAA).

Thank the Lord for this amazing progress being made in diagnosing and treating the devastating Parkinson's disease.

 

7. ACCESSIBLE BEACH VACATIONS: A DISABLED TRAVELER'S GUIDE
from: Disabled World

SYNOPSIS: This article provides practical guidance for people with disabilities planning beach vacations, outlining essential accessibility features and strategic planning approaches. The piece identifies key beach amenities that make coastal recreation accessible, including beach wheelchairs, synthetic sand mats (Mobimat), wooden boardwalks, and accessible restrooms, while noting that only some of the 5,084 monitored U.S. beaches offer these accommodations.

The article emphasizes the importance of thorough research and communication with beach staff, as accessibility conditions vary significantly between locations regarding equipment availability, reservation requirements, and physical setup. For seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, this resource offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of accessible beach recreation, highlighting federal and state resources for finding suitable destinations and recommending disability-focused travel communities for peer advice and support.

Praise God for the increasing awareness in society that people with disabilities need accessibility in public places.

 

 
 

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Uphold Orphans and Widows

 

How are we to Uphold Orphans and Widows"Be doers – uphold orphans and widows"? Jesus Christ, starting His ministry, quoted the prophet Isaiah, saying: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).

Then He showed His disciples how to preach the Gospel and minister to the sick, handicapped and poor (Luke 5:12-15), and He sent them out two by two and they practiced what He taught (Luke 9:1-2): preach the Gospel, care for the needy and heal the sick. Next, He taught His followers to minister to the same audience: "the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind" (Luke 14:12-13 and 21). After that, He put it into practice: "Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people" (Mat. 9:35).

And in the Great Commission, Jesus commanded His disciples to make more disciples and teach their disciples to FULFILL ("observe" but not just spectate!) everything He had taught His disciples to DO (Mat. 28:18-20). What did He teach His disciples to DO? Preach the Gospel and Minister to "the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind"! P&M - Preach & Minister - that's Practical Ministry! It's not an "either-or" solution: either preach, evangelize, witness for Christ; or do social action things like feeding the poor, sheltering the homeless, helping the jobless find work. It's a "both-and" proposition: Do Both!

Later, the Apostles selected seven deacons to carry out this diakonia-ministry to the poor, widows, etc. "...and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly" (Acts 6:1-7). St. Paul taught that the bishops, pastors and deacons should "equip the saints to do the work of diakonia-ministry to the building up of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12). This is not just dry theory or theology: it is practical, hands-on ministry that helps the church grow. Enroll in our free courses to see how YOU can do diakonia-ministry. And Join "The ARC" Chat/Video Forum to Build the ARC!

Yours sincerely,

"Dr. Bob"

Robert D. Hosken, M.Min., M.Th.S., D.Min.


Who Are We?   Please remember to pray for Christians in Secularized Countries, and for...

  Your fellow-servants,

  Bob & Cheryl

  p.s. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.