Daily briefs of the top Christian news and persecution stories impacting believers around the world.
In today's edition:
- Evangelical Survey Shows 40 Percent Drink Socially
- Four Gulf Coast Governors Call Sunday a Day of Prayer
- Militants Order Lebanese Christians to Leave
- Joni Eareckson Tada to Undergo Surgery for Breast Cancer
Evangelical Survey Shows 40 Percent Drink Socially
Religion News Service reports that a survey of evangelical leaders shows that 40 percent said they "socially drink alcohol." Some leaders, in a survey conducted by the National Association of Evangelicals, noted that they imbibe "in moderation," "on special occasions," "occasionally" and "never in excess." The other 60 percent said they did not drink. Among the reasons they cited were their denominational policy supporting abstention from alcohol, a family history of alcoholism or a desire to set an example for younger generations. The NAE polls its 112-member board on a different topic each month. The board includes leaders of denominations, ministries and universities.
Four Gulf Coast Governors Call Sunday a Day of Prayer
Baptist Press reports that four Gulf Coast governors called on residents to set aside yesterday as a Day of Prayer to pray for a solution to the oil spill and for citizens impacted by the disaster. Alabama's Bob Riley, Louisiana's Bobby Jindal, Mississippi's Haley Barbour and Texas' Rick Perry all issued proclamations calling on prayer for the spill, which entered its 69th day Sunday. "Throughout our history, Alabamians have humbly turned to God to ask for His blessings and to hold us steady during times of struggle. This is certainly one of those times," Riley said in a statement. Perry's proclamation says it "seems right and fitting that the people of Texas should join with their fellow Gulf Coast residents" and others across the country and around the world "to thank God, seek his wisdom for ourselves and our leaders, and ask him for his merciful intervention and healing in this time of crisis."
Militants Order Lebanese Christians to Leave
Worthy News reports that at least one person was killed when a bomb exploded in a predominantly Christian town in Lebanon. The blast followed the distribution of leaflets demanding that Christians leave the city of Sidon. The leaflets, which included Islamic slogans, warned Christians to "spare their lives by evacuating the area within one week" or "bear the consequences." Lebanese officials detained two suspects accused of distributing the threats. They have stepped up their efforts following the bomb detonation on June 19, which killed on person and injured two others. Internal Security Forces southern commander Brig. Gen. Munzir Ayoubi, who met with Maronite Catholic church leaders, made clear his troops would not allow Islamic militants to destroy what he called "an example of Islamic-Christian coexistence."
Joni Eareckson Tada to Undergo Surgery for Breast Cancer
ASSIST News Service reports that well-known disability advocate, artist and quadriplegic Joni Eareckson Tada has been diagnosed with breast cancer. "Joni is to undergo several more tests, followed by surgery within the week," said Doug Mazza, Joni and Friends International Disability Center president and COO. "The extent of the cancer will not be determined until the procedure," he said. Tada, who has been wheelchair-bound since her teen years, expressed hope. "I've often said that our afflictions come from the hand of our all-wise and sovereign God, who loves us and wants what is best for us. So, although cancer is something new, I am content to receive from God whatever He deems fit for me," she said. "Now I have a chance to truly empathize and journey alongside [people struggling with cancer], affirming that God's grace is always sufficient for whatever the disease or disability."
