Welcome to
A R C-N e w s, Aug. 30, 2025
Fortnightly Report on Christian Agape-Care in Secular Societies, by Dr. Robert D. Hosken
The right to believe and the right to life are inseparable: Right belief in a loving God enables us to love our neighbor!
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WE ARE COWORKERS TOGETHER WITH GOD
[This is a reprint of my Feb. 18, 2017 article] St. Paul wrote: "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's planting, God's building" (1 Cor. 3:9). The Greek word for "coworkers" or "fellow workers" is "synergoi" and for "working together" is "synergeo" - often used in the New Testament as workers or working together with God:
"They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen" (Mark 16:20).
"Working together with Him [Christ], then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor. 6:1).
"and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith" (1 Thes. 3:2).
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we would walk in them" (Eph 2:8-10).
The Early Church's teaching on "Synergy" is just what the above verses describe: God's grace working in all human beings, enabling us to freely choose to work together with Him and do good works. God's love and grace toward all mankind is the overriding theme of the Apostles, the New Testament, and the Early Church:
"Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mat. 28:19).
"He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light, the true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world" (John 1:8-9).
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Let all the peoples praise Him" (Rom. 15:11).
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people" (Titus 2:11).
"The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).
Synergy seems to strike the right balance between God's sovereignty and mankind's liberty/responsibility. The Augustinian-Calvinist doctrine of predestination and God's sovereignty obliterates our liberty, we are not morally responsible for our actions because our freedom to do good or evil is merely a mirage. God's sovereignty and predestination of all events, the salvation of the elect and damnation of the unelect, are predetermined. And just as people prefer to think they will win the Megabucks lottery rather than being struck by lightning when there's less chance of the former than the latter, many prefer to believe they are among the elect.
Thus whatever they do is OK, because they've convinced themselves they are among those chosen for eternal salvation, they have "eternal security" - a guaranteed ticket to heaven! This idea of "limited atonement" - that Christ died only for the elect - leads directly to a totalitarian mindset, excusing one's own actions while accusing those of the "damned" or "deplorables." In his Predestination Paradise of Geneva, John Calvin had his opponents executed: obviously, they were predestined for it, so disposing of them must be God's will! We see a similar mindset of "only we are the enlightened ones" with Marxists and Islamic terrorists, promising to build their paradise on earth, which excuses their violent elimination of all opposed.
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(click to see the video!) Maureen in Nairobi, Kenya lost her job because a helicopter crash turned her place of work into a crime scene. She needs $300 to rent 1/4 hectare (about 1/2 acre} of this beautiful, rich, dark earth farmland so she can support herself and her first grade daughter Kayla. This would allow her to become self-sufficient instead of turning repeatedly to others for support. If you can help, please go to https://Agape-Restoration-Society.org/donate.htm and designate for "Maureen: farmland" – thank you!
A Personal Note: My wonderful wife Cheryl continues to recover from her second spinal fusion surgery on May 13. Next week, we return to water therapy after a two-week break for pool maintenance. Thanks for your ongoing prayers!
LAST CALL! 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! And check out all of our free literature, e-books, and booklets!
2. SCIENTISTS CAPTURE FOOTAGE OF HUMAN EMBRYO IMPLANTATION… BUT AT WHAT COST?
from: LiveAction
SYNOPSIS: Scientists at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) used leftover embryos donated by Dexeus University Hospital to film the implantation process in a fake uterus. The experiment, purportedly to combat infertility, involved placing embryos in a simulated uterus and observing their interaction with the environment. Researchers described the embryos as "invaders" that exerted force to implant in the artificial uterine environment.
The embryos, likely from IVF treatments, were discarded after the experiment, raising ethical concerns about the treatment of human life. Critics argue that the study dehumanizes embryos, viewing them as objects rather than human beings with a right to life. The study's proponents claim it will improve understanding of the implantation process and potentially aid in infertility treatments, but critics question the ethical cost.
Pray for an end to mad scientists' experiments on embryos resulting in the murder of these tiny human beings.
3. UCCRO STRONGLY CONDEMNS RUSSIA'S RECENT TERRORIST ATTACKS ON UKRAINIAN CITIES AND VILLAGES
from: RISU
SYNOPSIS: The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities, citing the attacks as a criminal act of genocide. The UCCRO statement details the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten, and the loss of civilian lives, specifically condemning the targeting of children. The statement emphasizes that supporting the Russian Federation is equivalent to supporting murderers and criminals and carrying a moral responsibility for the violence.
The statement expresses condolences to victims' families and gratitude to those supporting the Ukrainian people. Various news articles highlight other religious condemnations of Russian aggression, including calls for divine retribution against Putin and his associates, and calls for the condemnation of attacks on religious sites. The webpage also includes news about meetings between religious leaders and political figures, and reports on the impact of the conflict on various communities.
Pray for a fair and permanent end to this horrible war, for the return of all land, war prisoners and the 20,000 kidnapped Ukrainian children.
4. ABLE ACCOUNT RULES UPDATED AS BIGGER CHANGE LOOMS
from: Disability Scoop
SYNOPSIS: Recent federal legislation has made permanent several ABLE savings account rules, ensuring increased confidence in using them. These rules include allowing employed ABLE account holders to save more if they don't have employer-sponsored retirement plans and rolling over funds from 529 college savings plans. ABLE contributions will remain eligible for the Saver's Credit, further incentivizing savings.
The number of ABLE savings accounts grew significantly in 2024, with 213,855 accounts holding $2.68 billion. Eligibility for ABLE accounts will expand dramatically next year, as the age limit for account holders with disabilities will increase from 26 to 46, increasing the eligible population by millions. The changes will bring “increased confidence in using ABLE accounts,” according to Paul Curley of ISS Market Intelligence, which tracks ABLE account trends.
Thank the Lord for these updated rules that increase the initiative of persons with disabilities to provide themselves with funds for higher education.
5. CITING NEW RESEARCH, AMERICAN LIFE LEAGUE URGES TEXAS AG KEN PAXTON TO OUTLAW ABORTION PILLS
from: American Life League
SYNOPSIS: The American Life League is urging Texas AG Ken Paxton to criminalize the distribution of abortion pills. The organization cites their 2024 report, "Beneath the Surface: Exposing the Abortion Pill Drug Cartel," which claims abortion providers like Planned Parenthood are operating like drug cartels, illegally distributing pills. American Life League claims these organizations disregard women's health and help conceal abortions from medical professionals and families.
The report highlights the $130,834,049 in revenue generated by Planned Parenthood in Texas alone, despite existing state restrictions on abortion. American Life League argues that simply restricting abortion pills is insufficient and that criminalization is needed to protect life and ensure justice. Katie Brown Xavios, national director of American Life League, offered collaboration with Paxton's office to address this issue.
Intercede with the Lord to stop this murderous practice of sending out mail-order abortion pills, especially those sent to pro-life states where abortion is illegal.
6. MAJOR AUTISM STUDY UNCOVERS BIOLOGICALLY DISTINCT SUBTYPES, PAVING THE WAY FOR PRECISION DIAGNOSIS AND CARE
from: Princeton University
SYNOPSIS: Researchers at Princeton University and the Simons Foundation identified four distinct autism subtypes using a computational model and a broad range of traits, rather than focusing on single traits. The subtypes—Social and Behavioral Challenges, Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay, Moderate Challenges, and Broadly Affected—show different genetic profiles, developmental trajectories, and clinical presentations. The subtypes have distinct patterns of genetic variation and biological processes affecting brain development.
Olga Troyanskaya, senior author and director of Princeton Precision Health, highlights the importance of understanding autism's genetics for personalized care and accurate diagnosis. The study emphasizes that autism is not a single condition but rather a spectrum of conditions with different biological mechanisms. This study could lead to tailored care, support, and monitoring for individuals with autism by better understanding the genetic basis of different autism subtypes.
Thank God for this new research discovering four distinct major subtypes of autism, helping to tailor care for people with autism.
7. WHEN FIGHTING FOR MY CHILD'S EDUCATION ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE
from: Disabled World
SYNOPSIS: his article presents a deeply personal and alarming account of systemic failures in disability education advocacy, where a mother's attempts to secure appropriate educational services for her autistic six-year-old daughter led to institutional retaliation, conflicts of interest between Regional Centers and school districts, and ultimately a mental health crisis that resulted in a suicide attempt.
The piece exposes how families with disabilities face not only educational barriers but also language discrimination, geographic service limitations, and vindictive responses from the very agencies meant to protect vulnerable children, making it particularly relevant for parents of disabled children, disability rights advocates, and policymakers seeking to understand the human cost of inadequate special education systems.
Pray for this mother and her daughter Layel who is autistic, has ADHD, but like every child, deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive. We know personally what this mother went through!
Perhaps you've read this before and are wondering, "Why am I seeing this again?" But millions of other Christians haven't seen it! So please use the "share" buttons above to share it with your social media friends. Thanks!!
DISABILITY IMPACTS ALL OF US: CDC
How can we create Agape Restoration Communities where Christian people really care about each other and support one another... especially people we tend to ignore – people with disabilities and the elderly? 
61 Million adults in the United States live with a disability – that's 26%, or over 1 in every 4 adults. (Click on the photo from the Center for Disease Control to see all six parts of this infographic. You can also download it as a PDF.) The second part of the infographic shows us the percentages of adults with functional disability types: 13.7% - mobility, 10.8% - cognition, 6.8% - independent living, 5.9% - hearing, 4.6% - vision, and 3.7% - self-care. These often overlap, but mobility issues make up over half of all disabilities.
Why don't we know about disabilities? It's because we literally don't see most of them: people with mobility or self-care, cognition, and independent living problems can't get out easily to public places like shopping, church, restaurants, etc.: we don't see them because they're not there, they can hardly get out of their homes, so – "Out of sight, out of mind" – we assume they don't exist! Also, we ignore them: we likely have an unconscious bias against disability: it reminds us of our own mortality, so we would rather not think about it.
Then there are the "invisible disabilities": you see the person but you don't see their disability, such as heart, back, or knee problems that limit a person's ability, for example, to carry over 15 pounds or walk more than 50 or 100 feet or a block or two so you think they're lazy; or hearing loss that may make you think the person is ignoring you or is sort of stupid or doesn't understand English. (I have a bad back and shouldn't carry heavy stuff; I also have severe hearing loss – even with hearing aids I often can't understand speech, especially in a noisy environment... although I like to meet people, have a doctorate degree, and know several languages.)
How does disability impact the rest of us? If we could help many of these disabled people to be able to contribute to society, think of the impact it could have. This is an urgent issue for Christians to address: we are ignoring 26% of the people in the world! And these are the very people to whom Jesus Christ directed most of His ministry – "the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind." The Gospel teaches us "love your neighbor as yourself," but if we don't see them, we don't have to love them, right?
Wrong! The Russian verb "to hate" literally means "to not look at" or "to not see" – if we look the other way in the presence of a disabled person or ignore a beggar or a person who can't hear very well and it's hard to hold a conversation, we do not love them – we "do not look at" them – we passively hate them. It's not easy to overcome these prejudices that we've built up over a lifetime but we must try. We must change. Change is hard, but change we must. Join "The ARC" Chat/Video Forum to Build the ARC. And enroll in our free "Social Ministry of the Church" courses to see how YOU can do diakonia-ministry to the disabled!
Yours sincerely,
"Dr. Bob"
Robert D. Hosken, M.Min., M.Th.S., D.Min.
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