These articles focus on specific concerns deemed relevant to the Christian community. We are observing the dividing lines between church and state. Click on the photo to read the story. Articles are for information only and do not necessarily represent the views of Cornerstone Community Church.
spotlight
dealing with division
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persecution watch
Biden's education secretary vows to shut down the largest Christian university in the US
Cardona made comments during the House Appropriations Committee about cracking down on Grand Canyon University and others like it on April 10th.
President of largest Christian university in the nation says it's being unjustly targeted by federal agencies
Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller told FOX News Digital in October why he believes the university is being targeted by the Department of Education.
After Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona vowed to shut down Grand Canyon University (GCU), the largest Christian university in the U.S., GCU officials are pushing back, telling Fox News Digital the crackdown stems from "deeply held bias."
Cardona made comments during a House Appropriations Committee hearing about cracking down on GCU and other universities like it on April 10.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., asked Cardona how the administration is working to shut down GCU, which she called "a predatory for-profit school."
Cardona openly embraced their enforcement methods, declaring "we are cracking down not only to shut them down, but to send a message to not prey on students."
LARGEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY IN THE NATION ALLEGES IT'S BEING UNJUSTLY TARGETED BY FEDERAL AGENCIES
'PREDATORY FOR-PROFIT COLLEGE'
"Last year, your Department took action against Grand Canyon University, a predatory for-profit college, over the school’s failure to accurately disclose its cost to students, driving up the true cost for those students requiring for them to pay for continuation courses before they would graduate – scam courses added about $10,000 or more to the cost of education to these kids," DeLauro said.
"Going after predatory schools preying on first generation students. They have flashy marketing materials, but the product is not worth the paper it is printed on. Increased enforcement budget to go after these folks and crack down. Levied largest fine in history against a school that lied about costs and terminated a school from Title IV. We are cracking down not only to shut them down, but to send a message not to prey on students," Cardona responded.
GCU appealed a $37.7 million fine imposed by the department in November on allegations that the Arizona-based higher learning institution misled students about the cost of its doctoral programs over several years.
The fine is much larger than what the Department of Education previously gave to schools like Penn State ($2.4 million) and Michigan State ($4.5 million) for failing to address Jerry Sandusky and Larry Nassar’s crimes, respectively.
The department said in an October press release that an investigation conducted by the office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) found GCU "lied" to over 7,500 former and current students about the cost of its doctoral programs. The release also said GCU "falsely advertises" a lower cost for its doctoral programs, adding that about 98% of students ended up paying more than the advertised cost.
The university was given a 20-day deadline to request a hearing with the ED’s Office of Hearings and Appeals or file a response to the FSA to explain why the fine should not be imposed. The Department also imposed specific conditions on the school to continue participating in the federal student aid programs.
A GCU spokesperson told Fox News Digital that they do not expect a hearing to take place until January.
"Our next recourse after that decision would be another appeal within the Department, this time directly to the Secretary of Education," the GCU official said.
‘HOLDING HIGHER EDUCATION ACCOUNTABLE'
"This is far from being a few rotten apples in the bunch. Predatory for-profit colleges have engaged in a range of deceptions designed to increase enrollment and student costs to drive more revenue for owners and shareholders," DeLauro said during the April 10 hearing. "How are you and your agency committing to increased oversight of these institutions and are there anyway in which we can shut these folks down?"
Cardona said that the agency employed "multiple strategies" to crack down on for-profit universities, such as "borrower defense, debt discharge, holding colleges more accountable, and holding higher education institutions more accountable."
In regard to borrower defense, Cardona added that for-profit colleges were "preying on first-generation students."
"You have a shiny brochure and a great commercial. But the product is not worth the paper it's written on. We have students graduating 60K to 70K dollars in debt, only eligible for jobs making under 30K–that to me is unacceptable."
‘INCREASED ENFORCEMENT’
In response to Cardona's comment about shutting down universities like GCU, a GCU spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "officials continue to make derogatory and inflammatory public statements that are legally and factually incorrect and not shared by any of the other 26 regulatory and accrediting bodies that oversee GCU."
"The Secretary’s comments to the House Appropriations Committee were so reckless that GCU is demanding an immediate retraction, as they do not reflect the factual record in this case. He is either confused, misinformed or does not understand the actions taken by his own agency," the spokesperson added.
The president of GCU previously expressed to Fox News Digital sentiments of being "unfairly targeted."
‘OTHER FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS COULD BE NEXT’
Cardona’s comments came after the announcement of a petition to "protect Christian colleges," launched by the American Principles Project (APP).
The petition was launched in "light of the Biden administration’s unprecedented attacks on our nation’s largest Christian colleges" and demands that "the administration halt their crusade and let students choose the schools that fit their values."
"The federal government’s education agenda is punishing schools that do not conform to their progressive ideology. It’s time we take a stand against this egregious abuse of power," APP Policy Director Jon Schweppe said. "The scrutinize-and-penalize campaign against faith-based institutions is not about students’ interests or well-being. Rather, it’s part of a concerted effort to snuff out education choice and promote far-left values. It's critical that Americans be aware of this shameful campaign and that we do all we can to put a stop to it."
In response to APP's efforts, GCU officials told Fox News Digital that the "American people are losing confidence in the federal government to be fair and objective in their operations."
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
"There are clearly no checks and balances to prevent this type of behavior from the Department of Education," they added. "We support any organization that is willing to shed light on the federal government’s unwarranted and targeted actions taken against GCU. If they can make these claims against the largest Christian university in the country, other faith-based organizations could be next."
Additionally, the Goldwater Institute sued ED in February in federal court for "refusing to turn over public records" related to its $37.7 million fine against GCU. They claimed that the records specifically may inform the public about coordination between various federal agencies in what appears to be the "intentional targeting of a successful university based on extraordinarily thin allegations."
The Department of Education did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Joshua Q. Nelson is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
Joshua focuses on politics, education policy ranging from the local to the federal level, and the parental uprising in education.
Joining Fox News Digital in 2019, he previously graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Political Science and is an alum of the National Journalism Center and the Heritage Foundation's Young Leaders Program.
Story tips can be sent to joshua.nelson@fox.com and Joshua can be followed on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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culture watch
'My Son Was Gone': Christian Parents Find Support Amid Sudden Surge in Gender Confusion
SPRINGDALE, Arkansas – Gender identity has become one of the country's most talked about issues and it's not just a secular problem. Churches and Christian communities are also seeing a younger generation joining a culture that promotes gender dysphoria and gender transitioning. When this happens, Christian parents are often left in shock, desperate for resources to help them.
In an unforeseen turn of events for the West family, their child Jonathan suddenly embraced a new identity as Jenna.
"It came from nowhere," expressed Melinda West, Jonathan's mother, highlighting the suddenness of the transition, even within Christian households like theirs.
"My son was gone. This person in front of me was going to be changing. And it wasn't the person I knew," Melinda said.
Long hair, manicured nails, and hormone therapy have become components of the transition process.
"They went in and took two inches off each side of his collar bone and they closed it together so that his shoulders would not be so broad," Melinda said.
Reflecting on the past, Melinda expressed bewilderment, stating, "I can't figure out how I missed it. He grew up as a typical boy, playing baseball and attending youth group."
Amidst the struggle, Gene and Anita Eggman have emerged as pillars of support for parents like Melinda. Leading a Christian support group at Cross Church here in Springdale, Arkansas, "About Hope Ministry" was designed to help parents with children who are attracted to the same sex. Forty percent of the group is now comprised of parents of children who identify as trans.
"It's basically helping parents navigate through all this, maintaining their faith, and being able to stand on the word of God but also be able to show the love of God to their loved ones," Anita Eggman explained.
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Gene Eggman noted the common reluctance of individuals to seek support immediately, emphasizing, "What we have seen is that it is very unusual that people reach out to a support group right away. A lot of time they just try to work through it by themselves."
The Eggmans' group meets weekly, providing a confidential space for parents to share experiences and receive guidance. Online participation extends their reach, allowing parents from across the nation to benefit from their support and tools.
Anita recounted Melinda's journey, highlighting her growth and newfound strength. "When she first came to us, within the first few weeks we went through boundary...creating healthy boundaries," Anita remarked. "And I remember her saying, 'I don't have boundaries.'"
An online resource for parents is called Parents of ROGD Kids. The letters ROGD stand for "Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria."
"I would say every parent goes through, 'What did I do wrong?'" said Amy Areit, a facilitator with the organization. "I know I did."
Started in 2017, the organization now has 3,000 members worldwide. It offers information to also help parents screen therapists who will not simply affirm their child's identity.
"If you go to a therapist and say 'I am confused', and they say, 'Well, you're trans and your problem is that your parents don't affirm you,' well that's just bad therapy," Amy said.
Melinda's support group has taught her what she is up against, how to navigate her relationship with Jonathan, and when to say "no."
"He won't receive gifts from me because I won't buy him anything that is pink," she said.
In a culture that celebrates the transgender movement, the journey for parents like Melinda remains an uphill battle. Yet, with proper support, they are learning to cope and trust amidst the challenges.
"They can't change them. So in their Christian faith, they have to fall back on that, that the Lord is really the only one that can change somebody," Anita said.
"My prayer is that as he learns who he is, he will learn who he is in Christ," added Melinda.
HELP for Parents is available here at Parents of ROGD Kids
* England's National Health Service Rejects Puberty Blockers, Says Little Evidence to Show It's Safe for Kids
* Pediatrician Group Points to 60 Studies Showing Gender Transition Has No Long-Term Benefit
* Detransitioner Sues American Academy of Pediatrics for 'Civil Conspiracy' in Transgender Medicine
* Young Woman Breaks Down in Tears Over Transgender Trauma, Says Psych Unit Missed 'Red Flags' MORE -
revival watch
Jenny Weaver Plans 'Massive' Baptism of Nearly 2,000 After 200 Accept Christ: 'The Lord Spoke to Me'
After hosting a baptism service on Clearwater Beach, FL this Easter, a former witch turned minister and worship leader is planning to lead one of the biggest revivals in the U.S. this May.
Jenny Weaver, senior leader of the Core Group, will host a "mass baptism" on Sarasota Beach, FL on May 11th.
Weaver has asked members of the Core Group to simultaneously host baptisms in Louisiana, Tennessee, California, Texas, and Missouri.
***Please sign up for CBN Newsletters and download the CBN News app to ensure you keep receiving the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***
"The Lord spoke to me and He literally said, 'Summer of Baptism'," she shared in a Facebook video. "I saw us going to different places and doing baptisms."
Weaver shares that so far nearly 1,000 people have signed up for the baptisms in Texas and more than 750 have signed up to be baptized in Sarasota.
As CBN News first reported this past Easter, Weaver and her core group members celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Clearwater Beach where more than 200 people were baptized.
"This was absolutely EPIC!!! We took communion with hundreds of people then baptized people into newness of life in Christ!!!! The core group is a movement and it's BEGUN," Weaver wrote on Instagram.
"God stirred the waters and many people spontaneously began to want to be baptized and came up speaking in tongues and renewed," Weaver shared.
The former Wiccan and drug addict added that what took place on the beach that day truly glorified God.
"During baptism, all of a sudden HUNDREDS of birds began flying over us and kept circling around and DOLPHINS jumped out of the water right behind us," she wrote. "It was as if all of Creation was celebrating what the Lord was doing on the beach!!!"
Weaver later told Fox News, "It is a blessing to be a part of what God is doing in Clearwater, Florida."
She added, "When [people] get baptized and they go into the water, all the sin, all the strongholds, all those things holding them back in life that it will be left in the water because Jesus has made them whole and new again."
Now, Weaver will be hosting a "Summer of Baptisms," on May 11th where hundreds of people are invited to take part in the water baptism.
Weaver and her husband, Stephen, will personally lead baptisms in Sarasota – a location she feels is handpicked by God.
"This is my Hometown Sarasota Florida, this is something called the drum circle they have every week ever since I was a little girl. It's a circle of new age singing, dancing, drinking, smoking, and promotes occult worship," she shared.
"This is the EXACT place the Lord told me to go and hold MASS BAPTISMS," Weaver added. "It's the first time I'm going back to the place I used to dance half naked and drunk as a practicing Wiccan back in the day as now going as a BORN AGAIN Holyghost filled believer to minister the GOSPEL!!"
She added, "It's time to reclaim the land for Jesus!"
To see if "Summer of Baptisms" is coming to an area near you, click here. MORE
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prophecy watch
Professor of physics, Maximilian Abitbol, who is also an expert on the defense industry had this to say about the events of Saturday night. This is a must read. “I wanted to share something that is much more than a feeling. Something that comes from a real calculation: What happened in Israel on last Motzaei Shabbat was not less than the scale of the splitting of the Red Sea. I am a Professor of physics and I worked for several years in the defense industry in Israel, in projects that are still the cutting edge technologies of the defence of the State of Israel. When I look at what happened on Motzai Shabbat, on a scientific level - it simply cannot happen!! Statistically. The likelihood that everything, but really *Everything* works out, does not exist in complex systems Like the defense systems that were used to defend Israel from the massive Iranian attack. These systems have never, *but never*, not only in the State of Israel, been tried in real time!! I took a pencil and dived into the calculations to check the statistic probability that such a result would materialize. The large number of events that had to be handled, when each missile or UAV is handled independently (that is, human error or some deviation of one operation, is not offset by other successful operations), compounds the chance of making a mistake. With all the high technologies, a breach was expected In the defense of the skies of the State of Israel. Even if we got 90% protection it would have been a miracle!! What happened is that everyone, but everyone - the pilots, the systems operators and the technology operators acted as one man, at one moment in total unity. If this is not an act of G-d, then I no longer know what a miracle is. It is Greater than the victory of the Six Day War or the War of Independence. Those wars can also be explained through natural events. BUT The rescue that took place for the people of Israel on Motzai Shabbat is simply impossible naturally. I believe that this miracle saved the lives of many people from Israel. If the defense system had failed to intercept a number of cruise missiles, the result would have dragged us into a very complex war. I wouldn't bet that next time it will work like this without Divine supervision. The simple proof of what I said is that the managers of the defense industries, who develop and manufacture these systems guarantee no more than 90% success! And we all saw, with our own eyes 99.9% !!! Thank You Hashem!!” M. Abitbol
