PRAYER AND PRAISE:

To pray for one article each day, click HERE & add it to your bookmarks: please share it with your friends!

1.Sun.| 2.Mon.| 3.Tue.| 4.Wed.| 5.Thu.| 6.Fri.| 7.Sat.

Join our "Morning Prayers" daily at 8 a.m.!

 

FIRST, OUR VIEWS:
 

 

TIME TO COOL DOWN

 

 

U.S. DOJ report Yes, we're into autumn now – the temperature is cooling down. With all the political violence recently – murders and attempted murders – it's also Time to Cool Down politically: take several deep breaths, relax, and let those boiling brain cells cool. What kickstarted this topic in my thinking was an article about a U.S. DOJ report that began: "Militant, nationalistic, white supremacist violent extremism has increased in the United States. In fact, the number of far-right attacks continues to outpace all other types of terrorism and domestic violent extremism. Since 1990, far-right extremists have committed far more ideologically motivated homicides than far-left or radical Islamist extremists...."

This didn't sound quite right, and this U.S. DOJ report had been taken down in January 2025, but other sources recovered a copy (click the above photo). Where did this seemingly official-sounding government report get its statistics from and what were the specific events it referred to? These statistics didn't seem to match up with the descriptions of many violent incidents that I have been reading over the years. As I studied the report, I found lots of footnotes to further articles by the report's authors, but no descriptions of specific categories of violence.

For example, under previous administrations, freedom of speech when protesting peacefully against abortion has been criminalized under the FACE (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances) Act, so that people who are simply on public sidewalks holding posters stating "Abortion takes a human life," "Abortion is not healthcare," (both obviously and objectively true) and praying silently on the street or sidewalk, or not even saying a word, just recording these peaceful protests on a smartphone, have been arrested and sentenced to prison time.

Parents speaking up at school board meetings about their children being taught gay and transgender ideology have been arrested as "domestic terrorists" and given heavy prison sentences. Sometimes each person arrested at pro-life demonstrations and given a different-length sentence was counted as a unique act of terrorism or domestic violent extremism. This could easily skew the count of "far-right attacks" mentioned in the beginning of my article. Why?

For many on the Left, especially in universities, "speech is violence" when they disagree with opposing views. When some Christian or conservative students were bold enough to speak or display literature in public opposing Antifa or LGBTQ+ issues, their free speech was accused of commiting acts of violence and they were attacked by a literally violent staff member... with a machete! Even "misgendering people can be considered an 'act of violence.'”

Legally, "hate speech" is defined as "credible threats of physical harm to people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or medical condition." Rude, profane, cursing or other mean-spirited speech by either Left or Right is technically and legally not "hate speech." But the expression "hate speech" is often misused to describe free speech that others strongly disagree with. For example...

Read the rest! Go to our ARC-News blog. And create your own blog or website for less than $4 per month!

 
 

A Personal Note: Please keep praying for my wife Cheryl's full recovery from 2 spinal fusion surgeries. Thanks!

Pastor J. in India is a member of our daily online Morning Prayers. Several months ago, he sent us some videos of mobs beating, raping, and dragging a formerly-Hindu young woman through the streets before they killed her. Then we heard nothing from him until just this week, so we were fearful for his life too. But just this week he rejoined us. Here's his testimony:

He writes – "I am ministering to a church in a village in India. There is a lot of opposition to Christianity. We are not allowed worship here, yet we are zealously proclaiming the gospel to people who do not know God. Through this, many people of different races repent and accept Jesus Christ. Not only that, there are many small villages here, where illit erate people live, and we are trying to reach them with the gospel as well. Pray earnestly for their salvation. Also, we go to the slums and conduct Sunday School for all the boys and girls there, thereby proclaiming Jesus. More than 100 children participate here. We are doing our best to help them. So, please pray, in many places there's no church. In your private prayers pray for the salvation of our villages where thousands of people live. Please uphold us in your prayers. May God bless you all."

 

Here's our next free online course: (click →) Course 100 - "Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities" - deadline to enroll: 28 Sep. 2025 (← click). So enroll today, before you forget! And check out all of our free literature, e-books, and booklets!

 

 
NEXT, THE NEWS:
 

2. UNHOLY ALLIANCES: HOW DIVORCING SEX FROM PROCREATION MARRIED TWO MOVEMENTS
from: LiveAction

SYNOPSIS: This article argues that Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups have historically collaborated with those promoting transgender ideology. Key figures like Karl Ulrichs and Magnus Hirschfeld influenced the idea that minors can consent to sexual activities, abortions, and gender transitions. The article links the separation of sex from procreation, promoted by figures like Helene Stöcker and Margaret Sanger, to eugenics and population control efforts.

Planned Parenthood's involvement in promoting transgender care is tied to their historical pro-abortion stance. Neuroscientific and psychological research demonstrates that minors lack the cognitive capacity for informed consent on life-altering decisions. The article highlights the disturbing historical involvement of Nazi regime figures like Erwin Gohrbandt in early sex reassignment experiments. The author contends that the link between pro-abortion and transgender ideologies has existed for many decades.

Pray for and help people become informed about the close relationship between abortion, extramarital sexual behavior, and transgenderism.

 

3. ZELENSKIY INVITES ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH TO VISIT UKRAINE
from: RISU

SYNOPSIS: Ukrainian President Zelenskiy met with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the UN, discussing Ukraine's religious freedom and the negative impact of the Russian Orthodox Church on the situation. Zelenskiy thanked the Patriarch for support and prayers and highlighted efforts to protect religious freedom, emphasizing the absence of religious persecution in Ukraine. Zelenskiy and the Patriarch discussed the need for joint efforts against the Russian Church's destructive influence and the future development of the church in Ukraine, with the Patriarch assuring Constantinople's support.

Zelenskiy invited the Ecumenical Patriarch to visit Ukraine, and the Patriarch reciprocated by inviting Zelensky to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The meeting also covered the diplomatic situation, with the Patriarch sharing his meeting with Donald Trump, and Zelensky describing cooperation with the American team. The webpage also reports on other news related to Ukraine, including court rulings, opinions from religious leaders, and discussions on religious freedom.

Thank the Lord that Ukrainian President Zelenskiy had an opportunity to tell Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew about Russia's invasion and war in Ukraine.

 

4. CLSP PRO-LIFE ESSAY CONTEST: AMPLIFYING YOUNG VOICES NATIONWIDE
from: American Life League

SYNOPSIS: The Culture of Life Studies Program hosts a pro-life essay contest for students in 3rd-12th grade during Respect Life Month (October), cosponsored by several organizations. Different age groups have different essay prompts focusing on topics like human dignity, preborn baby development, moral courage, treating people with disabilities, and interviewing parents of children with disabilities. The contest aims to amplify young voices advocating for the pro-life cause and feature winning essays on the Culture of Life Studies Program website, along with awarding prizes.

Susan Ciancio emphasizes the importance of teaching respect for life from creation to death, highlighting the need to foster moral courage in children to defend the vulnerable against a "culture of death." The essay contest is open until November 7th, 2025. The contest encourages students to understand and articulate their beliefs on the sanctity of life and responsibility for protecting all human beings.

Praise the Lord that schoolchildren are haviing opportunities to learn about and then write essays about pro=life issues.

 

5. TO BUILD BETTER PLAYGROUNDS, COMPANY TURNS TO KIDS WITH DISABILITIES
from: Disability Scoop

SYNOPSIS: John Buettner, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy, played a key role in designing an inclusive playground at Glen Lake Elementary School, advocating for accessibility needs. John's involvement stemmed from observing the lack of wheelchair accessibility on existing playgrounds and prompting a collaborative project with his classmates and teachers. Landscape Structures, a company that designed the playground, recognized the importance of John's input and invited him to be part of their design team, testing new equipment for children with disabilities.

This collaboration emphasizes that designing inclusive playgrounds for everyone benefits from the unique insights of individuals with disabilities, like John. The project involved fundraising, with a substantial donation from BMW, demonstrating community support for inclusive playground initiatives. John's experience inspired a children's book, "A Swing for Samara," showcasing his advocacy for children with disabilities. John's experience underscores the potential for individuals with disabilities to drive positive change, promoting inclusivity and opportunity.

Thank God for business sponsors donating to design and build inclusive playground equipment with input from John, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy.

 

6. AGEISM IS ONE OF THE LAST SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE PREJUDICES. PSYCHOLOGISTS TRY TO CHANGE THAT
from: American Psychological Association

SYNOPSIS: Ageism – discrimination against older adults based on negative stereotypes, is prevalent and often overlooked, despite its harmful effects on individuals and society. Research by psychologists demonstrates that aging is not inherently negative, showcasing the diverse and often positive changes that occur throughout life, including increased agreeableness and emotional regulation. Ageism negatively impacts various aspects of life, including employment, healthcare decisions, and mental health, with harmful societal and individual consequences.

Interventions to address ageism, like intergenerational contact and education about ageing, can be effective in challenging stereotypes and promoting more positive attitudes toward aging. Psychologists are working on interventions aimed at changing attitudes toward ageing, specifically targeting middle-aged adults and promoting positive self-perceptions of ageing, which can positively influence health. Research shows that positive beliefs about ageing are associated with better physical, cognitive, and mental health.

Ageism is the most unconscious bias in society today, so pray that people will become conscious of it and learn how to overcome it.

 

7. TYLENOL IN PREGNANCY LINKED TO HIGHER AUTISM RISK, HARVARD SCIENTISTS REPORT
from: Science Daily

SYNOPSIS: A review of 46 studies by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers, led by Andrea Baccarelli, suggests a link between prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) use and a higher risk of autism and ADHD. The strongest link was observed with prolonged use (four weeks or longer). While acetaminophen is important for managing pain and fever during pregnancy, the study recommends its use at the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible under medical guidance. The FDA has also urged caution regarding acetaminophen use in pregnancy.

Andrea Baccarelli discussed the study with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before the FDA issued its cautionary letter. The study, published in BMC Environmental Health, used the Navigation Guide Systematic Review methodology. Other interesting articles about Tylenol possibly linked to autism: https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/journals/acetaminophen-asd.php and https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0

Thank the Lord for these recent studies showing a likely link between prenatal acetaminophen use and a higher risk of autism and ADHD in babies.

 

 

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!!

 

 

PLEASE LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF

 

CDC stats Are you getting 24 hours older every day, 168 hours older every week, and 8,736 hours older every year? We sure are! How can we turn around that fact to our advantage? Of those 168 hours, subtract 40 hours for work, 10 hours traveling to and from work, 56 hours for sleep, 30 hours for household tasks, leaving 32 hours of "leisure time." What if we re-imagine our use of that free time: give 10% of it, 3 hours per week, to doing actual diakonia-ministry for the widows, orphans, and people with disabilities? This would restore the Church to relevance in society, and us as well!

My wife Cheryl and I are semi-retired former Evangelical missionaries now living on Social Security and small annuities. We met through Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship at U. of Colorado, then ministered to Eastern European countries for 3.5 years. For 20 years I led a small mission support organization while also having a very successful career as an IT consultant managing $100M and $1B projects. Cheryl earned a master's degree and became a licensed vocational rehabilitation consultant.

Then we "semi-retired" before age 50, and during and after the collapse of the USSR (we were in Moscow for the August 1991 coup), we began living on 1/10th of our previous income and served in Russia for 17 years: I started churches, worked as general editor of Agape-Biblia - a revision of the Russian Bible - and earned master's and doctorate degrees. In 1998, Cheryl and I began our ministry to disabled people which became Agape Restoration Society.

I wrote the distance learning software for our *free* 6-course, 1-year online training program "Social Ministry of the Church" and Cheryl wrote most of the content (I wrote 1 course). It's in English and Russian and the objective is "to equip the saints to minister to build up the Body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12): to serve "the poor, maimed, blind, and lame" (Luke 14:21) – a ministry to the disabled and elderly (they frequently occur together).

After coming back to the U.S. in 2007, we became Orthodox Christians and continued teaching our courses online and volunteering – Cheryl as a nurse and I as a job counsellor – at FOCUS+Pittsburgh. By "serving one another in love" (Galatians 5:13) – helping each other cope with what life throws at us – we can turn around the seemingly inevitable downward slide of aging and disability... and actually build up the Body of Christ, the Church! Our "Social Ministry of the Church" courses train those healthier among us as "home healthcare workers" to care for those who need it. And Join "The ARC" Chat/Video Forum to Build the ARC!

Our next free (← click) begins soon, so please enroll!   Here is our full 1-year program:

    * Intro Course - "Ministry to Handicapped and Poor" – 4 weeks: September
    * Course 100 – "Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities" – 5.5 weeks: October-November
    * Course 200 – "Foundations of Psychology" – 5.5 weeks: November-December
        (3-week Christmas break)
    * Course 300 – "A Biblical Theology of Ministry" – 6 weeks: January-February
    * Course 400 – "Care for Patients with Various Conditions" – 6 weeks: March-April
    * Course 500 – "Vocational Rehabilitation" – 6 weeks: April-May

Enrollment for our next course is coming up soon: go to www.Agape-Restoration-Society.org/enroll – please enroll! Join "The ARC" Chat/Video Forum to Build the ARC! Also, please download our Course Brochure and email it out or print & distribute it to people in your church and to other friends who might be interested.

 

 
 

DO YOU WANT $40 ←(click!) TO SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY? – OR – CAPITALONE WILL GIVE US $100 ←(click!) FOR OUR MINISTRY!

Also, we've now added Zelle for completely FEE-FREE giving (if you use a U.S. bank)!
Zelle QR code

Keep our ministry going! Use our Zelle or PayPal QR codes, or click on "Donate One-Time or Monthly."

ARS Paypal QR codeIf just 5% of the people who see this would give $5 per month (just 17¢ per day!) – coffee with your favorite friend at your favorite coffee shop – we could cover our operating expenses and do much more in spreading the word, supporting orphans, and providing accessible housing for the disabled. My wife and I left our careers over 30 years ago to serve in Russia as missionaries: we're now "semi-retired" – we've put on a new set of semi tires and keep on trucking! We live on our retirement income and volunteer our time: we receive no financial support from Agape Restoration Society. Our websites and ministry are funded by us and just a few friends. ...thanks!

And please Share Our Vision with your family & friends!

   


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

  Your fellow-servants,

  Bob & Cheryl

  p.s. Family values: "He who does not engage in propagation of the race is as though he had shed blood." – the Talmud