AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, IF ANY MAN WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVE HIS MARK IN HIS FOREHEAD, OR IN HIS HAND. *** REVELATION 14:9
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thousands Occupy Tel Aviv, Police Respond With Brutal Force
Faster security screening soon a reality for some fliers
5:25pm, EDT
By Joe Myxter
Starting this fall, long airport security lines could be a thing of the past for some eligible frequent travelers.
The Transportation Security Administration on Thursday outlined plans to roll out a pilot system in coming months that would allow select air travelers to qualify for expedited screening.
Initially, only Delta Air Lines passengers flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airports and American Airlines passengers traveling through Miami International and Dallas Fort Worth International airports will be eligible. Some members of U.S. "trusted traveler" programs -- Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS -- will also be eligible.
TSA will extend the program to include other major U.S. carriers -- United, Southwest, JetBlue, US Airways and Alaska -- as well as other airports when ready.
"These improvements will enable our officers to focus their efforts on higher risk areas," TSA Administrator John Pistole told a group of aviation stakeholders. "Enhancing identity-based screening is another common sense step in the right direction as we continue to strengthen overall security and improve the passenger experience whenever possible."
TSA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection are partnering to run the program. The two agencies, along with airlines, will determine eligible travelers. Selected travelers must be U.S. citizens and must agree to supply additional information about themselves.
The U.S. Travel Association applauded the announcement. "While this program will be limited at the outset, it is a strong start. We look forward to working with TSA to move our nation's air travel security away from today's one-size-fits-all approach," Roger Dow, president and CEO of group, said in a statement.
News of the pilot program came on the heels of a government report showing vulnerabilities at U.S. airports, including more than 25,000 security breaches over the past 10 years.
Currently, travelers who want expedited screening have limited options. CLEAR, a company that provides biometric identity verification, offers a fee-based subscription where travelers can supply background information and get a biometric card that allows them to bypass security lines. CLEAR's service is currently offered at Denver International and Orlando International airports, though CLEAR President J. Bennet Waters says the company is negotiating to expand into other airports.
TSA's pilot program is an important, giant step in what is likely going to be a lengthy process, Waters told msnbc.com.
In a statement, he added: "We strongly support TSA's vision to focus more on identifying bad people, not just finding bad objects."
Elections in Venezuela and Mexico, crime in Honduras, Brazil's public-sector wages and the Falklands
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Islam's view on dying, death and Mubarak's coma
Mubarak, who Egyptian state security said had a stroke, is in a coma in a military hospital, transferred there from a Cairo prison hospital. Dying? Maybe but not yet. Sharon has been on life support in a deep coma since he was felled by a massive stroke in 2006.
If you go by what their religions teach, is ongoing life support required in these situations? Yes, and no.
Dr. Abdulaziz Sachedina, professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Virginia and an expert on Islamic bioethics, writes on his website about the use of life support:
The purpose of extraordinary medical intervention is to maintain the process of life, not to avoid or postpone death. It is forbidden to cause harm to the patient with equipment and drugs when the futility of such procedures is established by medical team. Under those circumstances it is permissible to unplug life-support systems.
Doctors and family, Sachedina writes, must consider the prospect that the patient will regain essential functions of life including...
... a person's ability to make decisions and execute them through his own conscious and cognitive competence.
... If active medical intervention in the case of a severely brain-damaged patient leads to further suffering of the patient and those related to him in society, then the ethical judgement cannot ignore the ensuing general harm, including the rising cost of prolonging such life for the entire society.
Islamic jurists have made clear, he writes, that
... in the eyes of Muslim public it is pointless and even degrading to intervene medically in the nature's course toward an imminent death.
Jewish teaching on death and dying is very similar: Choose life when it can be chosen but do not prolong dying.
The situations where the use of life support causes the most trouble are those where the patient has become reliant on the machinery, such that if the machine were turned off, the patient would probably not begin to breathe unaided. Some authorities subscribe to the idea that prolonging this state of supported life when there is no hope of a cure is not the same as attempting to save a life, and so need not be done. However, it is likely that each case will have to be treated on its own merits according to the beliefs of the patient concerned and the wishes of their family.
Sharon's sons will hear nothing of letting go. In a book about his father's life, Gilad Sharon wrote that, according to the New York Times,
... doctors and nurses urged the family to let Mr. Sharon die after his stroke in January 2006 because, as it paraphrases one doctor as saying, "Based on the CT scan, the game was over." The Sharon brothers would not hear of it and insisted on an operation and other efforts to keep their father alive.
Sharon wrote...
The CT scan had been misread. Doctors acknowledged after the operation that his father was healthier than they had realized
He told the Times last year in a phone interview,
When (his father) is awake, he looks at me and moves fingers when I ask him to. I am sure he hears me.
Darrell Issa: President’s Executive Privilege Claims ‘Simply Wrong’

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Saturday, June 23, 2012
Pennsylvania priest found guilty in landmark Catholic child abuse case
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Friday, June 22, 2012, 8:26 PM
Painful chapter closes with Sandusky's conviction for child sex abuse
Clear and Present Danger, Part 2- Tightening the Grip
Dear Friends, Welcome to Keep the Faith Ministry. I’m so glad you have joined me today as we study another important message for our times. We are truly near the coming of Jesus and it gives me great joy to know that we are nearing the end of this dark... READ MORE
Kenyan president Kibaki inaugurates Adventist university library
Jun. 14, 2012 Nairobi, Kenya
Milton Nyakundi/ANN staff
Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki praised the Seventh-day Adventist Church for promoting education to the nation and the wider African continent in a speech here last month to inaugurate the Adventist University of Africa’s (AUA) newly built Judith Thomas Library.
“I commend the Adventist University of Africa for championing one of the flagships of the social pillar by facilitating and promoting the provision of education,” said Kibaki, while acknowledging that the Adventist-sponsored university in Baraton was the first private university in the East African country.
On hand to host the Kenyan head of state was Adventist world church President Ted N. C. Wilson, who underscored the Adventist church’s commitment to equipping the university to offer high quality education.
“The Seventh-day Adventist church believes and remains committed to offering an education that is socially, morally and spiritually enriching,” Wilson said. “The opening of this magnificent library is an testament to that focus.”
AUA typically enrolls about 380 students per semester and is directly affiliated with the Adventist world church’s headquarters.
Its new library, a three-story complex, was built at a cost of US$6 million, with the initial $1 million donated by U.S. philanthropist Judith Thomas. Another $1 million was mobilized through a special book project initiated by the late James Cress, then secretary of the Adventist world church’s Ministerial Association.
The library includes an Ellen G. White research center, which will house books related to Adventist Church heritage and an African heritage center featuring literature, art and cultural artifacts. The library also offers wireless Internet access and subscriptions to numerous online databases, providing student researchers with access to thousands of journals and books, said university Vice Chancellor Brepong Owusu-Antwi.
The foundation stone of the library was laid in 2005 by then Vice President of Kenya Moody Awori. The complex is located at the Advent Hill compound, which hosts the denomination’s East-Central Africa Division headquarters and Maxwell Adventist Academy.
The event was attended by local administrators, politicians and cabinet ministers. AUA council chairman Pardon Mwansa, a vice president of the Adventist world church, commended the church’s headquarters for its steadfastness in influencing transformational leadership through education.
A lighter moment of the ceremony came after the Nairobi Central Adventist Church choir led a musical presentation with Karura primary school students narrating a Biblical verse on peace. The students then released doves as a symbol of peace, but the white birds didn’t fly far. Wilson said to Kibaki in front of the crowd, “Mr. President those doves have not moved an inch from where their brief flight ended and I think that is evidence of the peace and tranquility that your coming here today signifies.”
Source:© 2012, Adventist News Network
Jan Paulsen Receives Order of Merit
06 June 2012 Røyse, Norway [Tor Tjeransen] All eyes were on the former world leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as Ambassador Knut Vollebaek fastened the navy blue silk ribbon with the cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit around the neck of Pastor Jan Paulsen at a ceremony in Norway on June 2.
“I have been overwhelmed. It is such a big thing.” said pastor Paulsen afterwards.
It was a once in a lifetime event for all present at the ceremony which took place at the Adventist owned and operated Tyrifjord Junior College (Tyrifjord videregående skole) in Norway. The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is one of the highest forms of royal honor given to civilians.
For Paulsen it was of special significance that the insignia of the Order of Merit were presented to him by ambassador Vollebaek. They have known each other from the time Mr. Vollebaek was appointed Norwegian ambassador to the United States in 2001, a position he held until 2007.Ambassador Vollebaek, the High Commisioner for National Minorities in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present Jan Paulsen with the insignia of the Order. Vollebaek was the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs when Jan Paulsen was elected President of the Adventist World Church. “I was very proud that a Norwegian national was elected to this position,” said Vollebaek.
The bishop of Oslo for the Lutheran Church of Norway, the reverend Ole Christian Kvarme, was one of the persons behind the nomination for the Order. Bishop Kvarme came to know pastor Paulsen during the bilateral dialogue between the Lutheran World Foundation and the Seventh-day Adventist Church which took place between 1994 and 1998 where both reverend Kvarme and pastor Paulsen were part of their respective delegations. During the four sessions three issues were discussed: 1. Justification by Faith, 2. Scripture and Authority in the Church, and 3. Eschatology. The background papers from the consultations were published in 2000 in the book Lutherans and Adventists in Conversation.
“These consultations brought us together and formed our friendship”, said Bishop Kvarme at the ceremony where the insignia of the Order of Merit were given to Dr Paulsen.
Bishop Kvarme noted that pastor Paulsen has been a courageous international leader and mentioned how Dr Paulsen has been a catalyst in developing educational institutions in West Africa. Dr Paulsen’s contribution in developing Adventist owned Babcock University in Nigeria to become a well-respected university not only in Nigeria, but the whole region is well known. The bishop also mentioned Dr Paulsen’s initiative in establishing the church’s response to the HIV/Aids epidemic through the foundation of the Adventist AIDS International Ministry with an office in South-Africa as well as the cooperation with the World Health Organization in an effort to reach the UN Millennium Development Goals.
“You have performed your leadership as a committed Adventist, a devoted evangelical Christian and a distinguished international citizen of Norway”, said Bishop Kvarme.
Paulsen found it difficult to find words to express his feelings. He told the audience that the short reason given by the Royal Palace for appointing him a Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit meant a lot to him: “Service for the good of humanity.”
“What matters is what we have done for our fellow men,” pastor Paulsen said in his address. He paraphrased Jesus’ words in Matthew 25: “I was in prison, you did not visit me. I was struggling with HIV/Aids, why did you shun me?” Paulsen then stated what may well be termed the philosophy of his ministry: “Serving our Lord is not about what we have said; it is about how we treat other people.”
Pastor Mark Finley, former Vice President of the General Conference, represented the World Church at the ceremony. He read a letter from the current Adventist World Church President, Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, thanking Pastor Paulsen for his outstanding leadership. “Your commitment has inspired the church in its mission to reveal the loving character of Christ to all peoples” the letter from Pastor Wilson said.
The Order of Merit was founded by King Olav V in 1985 and is conferred on foreign and Norwegian nationals as a reward for their outstanding service in the interest of Norway or in service for humanity. The Norwegian Constitution of 1814 abolished all hereditary titles, but gives the King the right to “bestow orders upon whomever he pleases, as a reward for distinguished services”. No royal decoration will exempt the recipient from the common duties of the citizens of Norway.
Pastor Paulsen was the world leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from 1999 to 2010. He holds a Doctor of Theology degree from the University of Tübingen in Germany. Dr Paulsen began his ministerial service in 1953 in Norway and has served as teacher in Ghana and as teacher and college president in Nigeria. From 1976-1980 he was the Principal of church-run Newbold College in England which houses the main theological faculty of the church in the Trans-European region. For twelve years he served as the President of the Trans-European Division with headquarters in St. Albans, England.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has 17 million members worldwide and 4.700 members in Norway. Jan Paulsen lives in the Washington D.C. area, he is married to Kari (nee Trykkerud) and has three adult children. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Miroslav Pujic, director; Deana Stojkovic, editor
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E-mail: tednews@ted-adventist.org
Website: www.ted-adventist.org
tedNEWS is an information bulletin issued by the communication department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division.
You are free to re-print any portion of the bulletin without need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify tedNEWS whenever you publish these materials.
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Delegates elect new officers for Northeastern Conference
New York Seventh Day Adventist Examiner

For the first time in its 67 years of existence, the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventistshas elected a new president--Daniel Lamartine Honore, the first of Haitian descent.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Honore is the second of three children born to Lamartine and Celia Honore. Though he is Dominican by birth like his mother, he is more widely known for his Haitian roots which he inherited from his father.
Delegates from over 100 churches gathered at Camp Victory Lake in Hyde Park, NY on June 10 to cast their votes for the men and women who will serve as Conference officers for the next four years.
Changes to the constitution and by-laws were also recommended and later passed by the delegates to implement term limits of two consecutive terms for the majority of departmental directors, including the office of president and secretary. The offices of treasurer and education director would be limited to three consecutive terms.
The other elected officers include: Oswald Euell, executive secretary; Edson Bovell, treasurer; Lawrence Brown- Stewardship, Trust Services, and Religious Liberty; Pollyanna Prosper-Barnes – Family Ministries and Children’s Ministries; Leroy Daley – Personal Ministries and Health Ministries; Fitzgerald Kerr – Community Services and Sabbath School; JeNean Johnson – Communication; Ainsworth Joseph – Ministerial; Roger Wade – Youth Ministries; Viola Chapman – Education; Stacy Gordon – Adventist Book Center; Jose Joseph – Franco-Haitian Ministries; and José Burroughs – Hispanic Ministries. The executive committee will work to fill the Women's Ministries position.
The Northeastern Conference represents more than 50,000 members in over 170 churches and "15 parochial schools across the states of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
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And the heavens shall declare his righteousness...

The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Pike's Amazing Predictions Of Three World Wars
Egypt army talks tough as Tahrir protests
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