|
23 Feb 04
PRINCIPLE – the source or origin of
anything; a general truth, a truth so
broad and sweeping that many other
truths can be considered offshoots of it |
PRAYER –
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and
for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight
of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto
the knowledge of the truth. I Tim 2:1-4
ENCOUNTER –
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luk 19:13
Feb 29 – Fourth Annual Parenting Teenagers Conference
Mar 12-13 – NM Speech & Debate Assoc, 5th Annual
Speech Tournament, 831-5196
Apr 2-3 - NM Speech & Debate Assoc, 8th Annual Debate Tournament, 831-5196
Apr 26-27 - Justice for All @ UNM
May 14-16 - Worldview Weekend Family Reunion
Jun 1 – NM Primary Elections
Ongoing
Weekends – Portraits in Providence, KFLQ, 91.5 FM
Daily -
Focus on the Family Radio Broadcast
- Wed-Thur, March 3-4, Washington: The Quest for Power.
Author Tom Coburn joins Dr. Dobson to discuss how power and politics play into the political landscape of Washington, D.C.
1st Thur, 8-9:30am - Rio Grande Pastor's Alliance, 821-1993
UNDERSTANDING
- And of the children of Issachar, which were men
that had understanding of the time, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads
of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
I Chron 12:32
Contents:
The Passion of the Christ – Opens This Week
TeenPact in Santa Fe
President’s Day – to Honor the Presidents
Parenting Teenagers Conference
Abstinence Education – NM Funding Opportunity
It Will Never Happen Here? – by Mark Ortega
Illegal Marriages in SF CA – and Now in Sandoval County NM!
2004 NM Legislation Highlights
NM Homeschool Convention
My "Country" Tis of Thee
CitizenLink Action Center
Vision America – America Plan, Coordinate
Friend of the Family
–
The Passion of The Christ – Opens This Week
Focus on the Family article
Focus on the Family interview with Mel Gibson
www.thepassionofthechrist.com/cinemas/results.php?st-NM
www.thepassionoutreach.com, www.the-passion.org
Our church was one of those that hosted "The Passion of the Christ" training rally on Saturday, February 9. I thought Mel Gibson was outstanding in his 20 minute plus interview with Lee Stroebel. I was impressed mostly by his apparent humility and sincerity in wanting the film to reach as many people as possible for Christ. I sensed that he was uncomfortable in drawing any attention away from the focus of the movie, even as its director. I have a strong feeling that he has been as deeply impacted by the finished product as others do doubt will be and his life has changed as a result.
God bless.
Don Kimbro
Pastor Heights Christian Church, Albuquerque NM, 881-9889
-
TeenPact in Santa Fe – The following are two articles by student participants in the recent NM TeenPact event.
CHRIST TO THE CAPITAL
Hi, I`m Jamie Armstrong, I am 14 years old, and I`m a 9th grade home-school student in Albuquerque NM. I have been going to Teen Pact (which is a government program for home schoolers) for three years now. I started out going to Teeny Pact, which is a one day program for younger students. I had a great time at the one day class, but it was nothing compared to the four day class.
But before I get into this I have to tell you, I had been going to the capital for a couple years before I found out about Teen Pact, with my dads business, and I had been a page for senator Kent Cravens those past times. I thought I knew a lot about government, but in class at Teen Pact I found out that I didn`t know as much as I thought. I learned that there is more to the process of a bill then just going to the house, the senate, and then the governor. I learned what parliamentary procedure is, and how the legislature conducts business. In class, we not only watch the real legislators, we also have a whole mock-legislature of our own. This helps you understand how the government really works. All these things have made me very interested in government.
But I think the greatest thing about this program, is that you get to learn all this stuff from a Christian standing. In addition to all the great things to learn and do in the day time, Teen Pact also has an awesome evening service. First we have worship time, where a few of the leaders play some music, and we sing. Then our guest director gives a lesson that is usually on different world views , and how to deal with some difficult situations we may get into when talking to people in government(this was really helpful for me). After that we have some time to fellow ship and get to know each other better.
I have to say that all the friends I made was my was my favorite part of going to Teen Pact, and that is also why I hope to continue going. There is so much more to say about this awesome program, but you`ll have to find that out for yourself. I would encourage any one who is interested in government to go. And even if your not interested in government you`ll still have a great time. Oh, one more thing. Don`t let the homework discourage you because it`s half the learning process and totally worth it!
Jamie Armstrong
TeenPact New Mexico 2004
By: Dave Thomson, 4th Year TeenPact Staff
The "Round House", its many floors and hallways home to the hustle and bustle of the busiest building in the state of New Mexico. Once a year its historic halls become host for the 2004 TeenPact state class about 60 students and staff from all across the state, and for some of the staff, across the nation. Joseph McGowan was the Program Director for this year’s class, and his wonderful staff (no, I am NOT biased) which consisted of Miss Katrina Shaw, Miss Lily Moore, Miss April Brunson, Mr. Curtis Whatley, myself, and Mr. Eric Francisco also contributed to making this class an educational and fun experience. Our class this year was a great success, with Colton Shaw becoming this year’s TeenPact Governor, and who could forget the life-changing evening messages given by the World View Academy and long-time TeenPact supporter, Mr. Todd Kent.
One of the most enjoyable events students have the privilege of participating in is the parliamentary procedure or parli-pro as we call it in TeenPact lingo. During our mock-legislature sessions we had many important bills come before our legislative body, such as Senator Brock Knipprath’s bill to legalize all drugs here in the great state of New Mexico, or Mr. Ted Atkins bill to make Mountain Dew the official drink of New Mexico. When all is said and done and the final session of TeenPact Legislature is adjourned Sine Die, the extremely well dressed and mannerly TeenPact students leave the capitol city of our state, silence once again reigns in the hallways of the State Land Office building, the students return to their home cities and prepare to change their world, and in doing thus, change our world, creating a better future for all of us in New Mexico, and across the nation. So if any of you students are reading this remember that although I will not be there physically next year, I will be there in spirit, so do your homework and obey your staffers!
Dave Thomson
–
President’s Day – to Honor the Presidents
I was watching the Today Show on Presidents Day. They had a segment on what was wrong with some of the Presidents. Nobody’s perfect, but it’s like someone putting you down at your birthday party. I thought people were supposed to HONOR the Presidents on Presidents Day! For some real uplifting historic information on past Presidents, see www.wallbuilders.com – historical writings and historical documents.
It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power and proneness to abuse it which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern, some of them in our country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this in one instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which the use can at any time yield.
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness—these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, "where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?" And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
(Wallbuilders includes outline and original definitions.)
–
Parenting Teenagers Conference
4th Annual Albuquerque Conference
RESOLVING CONFLICT WITH YOUR TEEN
Sunday, February 29, 2004 / 3PM-6:30PM
At The Foothills (Tramway and Candelaria)
Phone Reservations Only: 294-6655 (in ABQ) or 1-888-440-8336
$19 per person / $35 per couple
For more information see: Conference Description
–
Abstinence Education – NM Funding Opportunity
DEADLINE – Tue, Mar 2. If you know any Christian organizations that would be interested in teaching abstinence, please contact the NM Dept of Health at 827-2613 or email anthony.adams@doh.state.nm.us and download the RFP from www.health.state.nm.us/RFP-abstinence-2003-2004.pdf. NM receives approximately $500,000 each year from the federal abstinence education program. This year the RFP was released very late due to transition problems with the new administration. Rep Heather Wilson is investigating reasons why the NM Dept of Health appears reluctant to fund abstinence programs in NM. "Safe-sex" programs are heavily funded in NM and do not encourage self control for dating or marriage. Federal program guidelines require that abstinence programs not teach students about how to use contraceptives (just the dangers of contracting STDs). Abstinence programs teach students to remain abstinent for marriage and to remain faithful during marriage. Most of the training focuses on how to develop healthy relationships.
-
It Will Never Happen Here? – by Mark Ortega
When I first became a Christian back in the 80's there was something that fascinated me. I had become fascinated by what was happening to Christians in other countries. Especially those who were being persecuted for their faith. I read, "God's Smuggler" by Brother Andrew. He founded "Open Doors." This was a ministry dedicated to helping Christians in countries where they are being persecuted for their faith. Eventually I got in contact with other similar groups. Voice of the Martyrs and Gospel For Asia were two other similar groups. These groups proved that people were being persecuted for their faith. This started a 20 year journey to study persecution in the Christian church. Little did I realize where it would take me.
From the time of the early church Christians have been persecuted for their faith. When Jesus walked the Earth he was constantly persecuted and harassed for His beliefs. He went so far as to say, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake" and "No student is greater then their teacher. If they persecuted the teacher they will persecute the student." Eventually this persecution led to the death of Jesus on the cross. After His death the pattern continued.
During the time of the original apostles persecution followed. The Bible records all the apostles, except the Apostle John, being killed for their faith. The Apostle Paul's life became a life of constant persecution. It was part of his ministry. He stirred frequent riots. He was not alone. Persecution was a constant theme for the Apostles and the early church in the Book of Acts. Paul alone suffered beatings, whippings, stonings, starvation, being ship wrecked and eventually history records him having his head cut off by Emperor Nero. The Apostle Peter was crucified upside down. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution."
After the death of the Apostles, the Roman Empire continued the pattern of persecution on and off. Sporadic periods of persecution continued for centuries. Paul's words became prophetic. Such early Christian heroes as Polycarp and Perpetua died willingly for their faith. Eventually Constantine became the first Christian emperor and the pattern stopped for a time. But Paul's words would outlive the empire.
In "Foxe's Book of the Martyrs" there is record of how the persecution continued. Before and during the time of the Protestant Reformation people were killed for their faith. Many courageous Christians refused to bow to ungodly leaders. Fox records how many lost their lives during this time.
The pattern of persecution has continued for centuries. Open Doors and Voice of the Martyrs has recorded a constant pattern of persecution in Communist and Muslim dominated countries. The founder of VOM wrote, "Tortured for Christ." In it he records how he was tortured by Nazis during World War II for being a Christian pastor who spoke up against their evil. After the Nazis were defeated, the Communists ruled for years. They too persecuted him for his faith. The Communists in North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, and China have continued the pattern of persecution and killing of Christians for their faith. Their inhumanity and cruelty may be unrecorded by the Liberal media in our country, but it goes on nonetheless.
From the time of Muhhammed at the founding of Islam to today Christians have been persecuted in Muslim dominated countries. VOM and history records this as a constant pattern. Whenever and wherever Islam has come to power death and violence has followed. The only cure is for people to become Muslim. (Even then Muslims fight among themselves constantly.) Conversion or death by the sword has been the pattern since Muhammed. In all of the Muslim dominated countries Christians are persecuted for their faith and treated unjustly. VOM has very large collection of books and articles from their newsletters that covers this topic. This brings us to the next question. Could it happen here?
Part II in next issue or see It Will Never Happen Here?
–
Illegal Marriages in SF CA – and Now in Sandoval County NM!
Judge Moore is removed for displaying the Ten Commandments.
What will happen to San Francisco city officials for illegally issuing marriage licenses?
Alliance Defense Fund announces lawsuit against SF for violating state law and allowing the "marriage" of same-sex couples in illegal ceremonies.
American Family Association calls for arrest of CA Mayor.
It’s already begun in Sandoval County! Attorney General Patricia Madrid, in response to a request for an opinion, has ruled same sex marriages illegal in New Mexico. ADF and ACLJ have sent letters to key officials in NM and may pursue legal action. Call your Mayor and County Clerk and ask them not to allow same-sex marriages.
Judicial and Executive activism must stop!
–
2004 NM Legislation Highlights
HB277 (passed) – Clarify Sexual Discrimination Provisions
This bill was a carryover from SB28 last year because it "inadvertently" increased discrimination for other categories. I believe God allowed a second chance to stop special rights for homosexual behavior. HB277 started by putting the limit for nondiscrimination at four employees (and above) for other categories and 15 employees (and above) for homosexual behavior. The House amended HB277 by putting the limit for nondiscrimination at four employees (and above) for homosexual behavior. The Senate amended the House amendment by putting the limit back to 15 for homosexual behavior. The House concurred and HB277 now awaits the Governor’s signature. Rep Earlene Roberts is a hero of the faith who spoke on several radio stations and issued a press release against HB277. Sen Bill Sharer was responsible for the Senate amendment to hold "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" at 15 employees when he saw there were not enough votes to stop the bill entirely. This bill was a catch-22 since legislators were accused of racism if they voted against it and anti-family if they voted for it. Unfortunately, we have let liberals define the euphemistic language of sodomy ("sexual orientation" and "gender identity") and make us think we are gaining something by manipulating a threshold for homosexual "nondiscrimination."
Legislation for nondiscrimination was used by MA to justify their judicial order for same-sex "marriage." We just saw this week the aggressive move by Sandoval County officials to issues ILLEGAL marriage licenses under the excuse "we didn’t know it was against the law." If I commit a crime, I go to jail. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Definitions from SB28:
P. "sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality, whether actual or perceived;
Q. "gender identity" means a person's self-perception, or perception of that person by another, of the person's identity as a male or female based upon the person's appearance, behavior or physical characteristics that are in accord with or opposed to the person's physical anatomy
Defense of Marriage Act (not introduced)
This bill was introduced in previous years and allows debate on the value of traditional marriage. Target 2005 legislative session. Federal Constitutional Amendment is also needed to define marriage as one man and one woman. The US Supreme Court will likely mandate nondiscrimination for same-sex marriage. Family is the fundamental building block of all human civilizations. Marriage is the glue that holds it together. The health of our culture, its citizens and their children is intimately linked to the health and well-being of marriage. In these pages, you will find a wealth of information and resources that will help you understand just how much the family matters and keep up to date on how the family is faring in our culture.
See Focus on the Family (http://www.family.org/cforum/fosi/marriage/).
HB625 (passed) – Food & Medical Services Gross Receipts
Fred Nathan with Think NM (www.thinknewmexico.org) has been promoting this bill for years as a benefit to NM families. What society taxes and does not tax is a clear indication of what we value (see SB385 and SB 251 next).
SB385 (signed) – Health Facility Daily Bed Surcharge
This bill taxes beds $8.82/day in a "licensed nursing home, licensed intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded, and licensed residential treatment center." Taxing essential health care like a hotel sends a message that we do not value the elderly or mentally retarded.
SB251 (died) – Create Compulsive Gambling Treatment Fund
Failed in the Senate (18-20). This was a close vote so it appears education of our legislators is necessary to understand the problems with compulsive gambling. They are eager to disburse money from gambling but not help those who are hurt by it. Gambling incurs a heavy cost on individuals, families and communities. Economically, its costs outweigh the benefits as well. See Focus on the Family (http://www.family.org/cforum/fosi/gambling/)
DWI Laws – penalties for anti-social behavior.
HB115 (died in committee) LOCAL DWI GRANT FUND DISTRIBUTIONS HB117 (died in committee) LIQUOR TAX REV TO LOCAL DWI GRANT FUND SB99 (died in committee) FELONY DWI CONVICTION AS PRIOR CONVICTION
SB119 (died in committee) LOCAL DWI GRANT FUND DISTRIBUTION INCREASE
Need to check if other DWI legislation makes it to the Gov and is signed.
There was no answer from the Gov’s office.
Will the Gov actually support what he promotes?
HB15 & SB26 (died in committee) Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Services in Dona Ana County (Las Cruces), $72K. Indication of the impact of teen pregnancies. An area where the church can help instead of government programs.
SB48 (passed) Child Support Enforcement Changes. Reducing the interest rate for delinquent child support and amnesty for child support arrears. Reduces parental responsibility and does nothing to help the children. Opportunity for church-based marriage programs.
–
NM Homeschool Convention and Curriculum Fair
April 22, 23, 24 at Calvary of Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna Road NE
Featuring a Free Family Event ♥ Thursday Night 7:00 PM
The Peasall Sisters in Concert
O Brother, Where Art Thou and Down from the Mountain Soundtrack
It’s My Home School and I’ll Cry if I Want To!
A Musical Comedy Presented by FunnyMoms of Calvary
(Free events do not include Admission to Exhibit Hall)
Paid registration includes:
(Due to space constraints, ages 11+ only may attend)
Special Guest Speakers
Tim Echols: Preacher, Parent, and Patriot, Founder and Director of TeenPact
The Peasall Family: Bluegrass gospel singing, Grammy winning, home schooling musicians!
Dianne Craft: Founder of Child Diagnostics, Inc., author of Brain Integration Therapy for Children, learning disability specialist
Curriculum Exhibit Hall and Used Curriculum Fair
Workshops scheduled to include:
Sessions Especially For Beginners! For Veterans!
For Dads! For Moms! Getting Started Classes - Getting Organized - Teaching with Toddlers - Hands-On Science - Multi-level Teaching - Facing Your Fear of Math - NM Laws - Home Education Through High School & Into College - Speech & Debate - Youth in Government - Classical Education Options - Single Income Survival Skills - Discipline That Works - Choosing Curricula - Home School Leadership - and Many More!
For additional information or convention brochures
Contact CAPE-NM Voice Mail (505) 898-8548
info@cape-nm.org, www.cape-nm.org
The website has downloadable registration forms
–
My "Country" Tis of Thee
A measure of a culture is its music. Number 12 on the Country Charts this week and moving up, I Love You This Much by Jimmy Wayne, tells a poignant story of a son realizing the true love of his father by understanding the love of God the Father.
Half way through the service
While the choir sang a hymn
He looked up above the preacher
And he sadly stared at Him
He said "Forgive me father"
When he realized
That he hadn't been unloved or alone all his life
His arms were stretched out as far as they'd go
Nailed to the cross, for the whole world to know
Chorus
I love you this much and I'm waiting on you
To make up your mind, do you love me too?
However long it takes
I'm never giving up
No matter what, I love you this much
source: www.lyrics007.com
American Country Countdown
–
Citizenlink Action Center. New website for citizen action from Focus on the Family.
-
Vision America – America Plan. visionamerica.org/-about/americaplan.htm
"7 step" program that spells A.M.E.R.I.C.A.
- Articulate the Biblical basis for Christian citizenship
- Motivate the congregation to begin taking their civic responsibilities seriously
- Educate the congregation on the 'Why' and 'How' of civic involvement
- Register to vote All eligible adults in the church
- Inform the congregation about important policy and moral issues
- Coordinate, as appropriate, with other like-minded churches in the community
- Activate the Congregation
Coordinate, as appropriate, with other like-minded churches in the community
Encourage and support other Pastors who are committed to restoring Judeo-Christian values into the culture and civil institutions of our nation.
-
Friends of the Family is a group of key supporters who invest monthly in family ministry. Their commitment is key to the ongoing effectiveness of Focus on the Family and enables us to extend the ministry to many who cannot afford the resources and services they need. They also enable our radio programs, our efforts to defend family values, and our outreaches to special groups like teens, unwed mothers, and non-Christians. For more information, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
-
RESOURCES
The following organizations are listed for your assistance and to promote the mission of the organizations. There is no intent, nor has there ever been any intent to imply these organizations endorse or support the Principles Newsletter, though it is a nice idea. Any organizations wishing to endorse or support the Principles Newsletter, please contact principles@integrity.com. Anyone finding these organizations helpful, please consider mentioning the Principles Newsletter when contacting them. Thank you.
LOCAL
Albuquerque Bible College
Ask Jesus Now
CareNet Pregnancy Center of Albuquerque
Christian Assoc of Parent Educators
Christian Summer Camps
Creation Science Fellowship NM
Educate NM
Free Indeed Ministries
Greater Southwest Council BSA
Habitat for Humanity
Hands On Ministries and Education
Hope Christian Schools
Joy Junction
KFLQ
KNKT
KYNM TV 61
Lightshine Ministries
Parenting Teenagers
Principles
Rio Grande Enrichment Studies
Shepherd's Guide
Tijeras Foundation
Trinity Southwest University
NATIONAL
America Bless God
American Christian History Institute
American Family Association
Center for Reclaiming America
Center for the American Founding
Christian Coalition
Christian Heritage Mini-Course
Christian History Institute
CitizenLink Action Center
Crown Financial Ministries
Early Church Fathers
Faith Facts
Family Research Council
Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family Pastors Weekly Briefing
Foundation for Biblical Government
Founding Fathers
Frontline Fellowship
Pilgrim Institute
Preserve Liberty
Principle Approach International
Providence Foundation
Renew America
Saints and Heroes
Summit Ministries
Vision America
Wallbuilders
Community Impact News is authored by:
Mark Burton, Foothills Fellowship, 294-0016
Pager 971-2053
Many thanks to contributing authors and businesses.
Please forward events/articles/links to
principles@integrity.com.
If anyone you know would like to receive this newsletter directly
or would like to receive a paper copy, please have them send an
email to principles@integrity.com.
If you are reading this from outside NM, please locate and support
a
Family Policy Council in your area.