The 3 - October 15, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes news of how Christian organizations are responding to the violent attacks by Hamas on the nation of Israel.  Also, a women's swim team at a college in Virginia has stood strong against the prospect of a male joining the team.  And, a Christian family who fled Germany in order to homeschool their children, who have been in a long legal process to be able to stay in America, will be able to stay in the U.S. for another year. 

Christian leaders, organizations stand with Israel

The incursion of Hamas fighters into Israel and the brutal atrocities that have been commented has certainly been alarming, and Israel has begun to take steps to protect itself from future dangers at the hands of this and other terrorist groups, which have ties to nations such as Iran.

A number of Christian organizations affiliated with National Religious Broadcasters, to which Faith Radio belongs, have taken action in the region.  A statement in a Pray for Israel article on the NRB website says:

We unequivocally condemn these attacks and mourn this innocent bloodshed. We ask all believers to join us in interceding for the people of Israel as they face violence, kidnapping, and other acts of terrorism by Hamas. Please pray fervently for the safety and wellbeing of NRB members, partners, and Christian ministries who are providing aid on the ground and facing serious peril. NRB stands with Israel at this critical time and will continue in steadfast prayer for peace and protection of the innocent.

NRB members working in the region include International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and Samaritan's Purse.  The NRB article states:

The ICEJ’s “Israel in Crisis” fund supports the ICEJ’s efforts to move Israeli civilians to safety, repair damaged homes, help with medical and trauma needs, and order more life-saving bomb shelters.

It also relates:

Samaritan’s Purse has deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team to support local partners in delivering critical relief, including distributing hot meals and other basic necessities.

Other groups that are involved include Jewish Voice Ministries and Chosen People Ministries.  

David Jeremiah, who is heard on Turning Point, weekday mornings at 6:00, released a statement, stating:

Israel is God's chosen people, and her borders are the boundaries of the Promised Land. Today, I am grieved by the attacks that have besieged the nation of Israel over the last few days. The loss of life, the bloodshed, and the destruction of property are heartbreaking. But in this time of chaos and terrorism, I am reminded of God's words to Abraham when he chose him to be the father of this great nation, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you." (Gen. 12:3). As Christians we recognize God's purpose for Israel, and we must stand with her.

The statement was accompanied by a prayer, which Dr. Jeremiah encouraged Christians to pray.  It said:

Heavenly Father,

The psalmist tells us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." So I pray for peace for Your chosen people, Israel, and their beloved city today. You have planned for Israel, provided for Israel, and protected Israel for thousands of years.

But as in days of old, there are those today who seek to harm, even destroy, Your people.

So I ask you to keep Israel in Your loving care. Put a spiritual hedge of protection around Your people and their land.

Watch over this nation as a Good Shepherd watches over His flock, and may Your chosen people find their ultimate safety and security in You.

While You watch over Your people, may Your Spirit awaken in them a hunger to embrace their Messiah—the One who died for them—until they see Him face to face.

We pray this in His name,

Amen.

Women's swim team at VA college stands against biological male joining team

A biological male attempted to join the women's swimming team at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, and his efforts were resisted by members of the team.  A Washington Times article stated:

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin congratulated the Roanoke College female swimmers for successfully resisting the college’s decision to let a male-born athlete compete on the women’s team based on gender identity.

The article noted that the governor issued a tweet, which said, “In Virginia, we are committed to fairness in women’s sports,” adding, “I stand with the Roanoke College Swimmers in their efforts to seek an even playing field. Their request is reasonable, it’s common sense.”

The article notes that: 

Ten team members held a press conference calling for the NCAA and the Virginia state legislature to approve policies that protect fairness in women’s sports as biological males increasingly make their way into the field.

The male swimmer who sought to join the women's team has now backed off on that effort, according to the college. 

Christian family from Germany that fled due to homeschool restrictions can stay in U.S. for one more year

Perhaps you've been following the plight of the Romeike family, a family in which the parents desired to homeschool their seven children in Germany in accordance with their Christian beliefs. Media host Todd Starnes reported on his website: "The Biden Administration rescinded a deportation order against a German Christian homeschooling family that came to this country legally more than a decade ago to escape persecution."

Starnes noted:

Uwe and Hannelore Romeike, who live in Tennessee with their seven children, will be given a one-year stay of deportation on Wednesday, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association.

“According to our friends on Capitol Hill, this outcome is the direct result of your calls, your petition signature, and your outreach to Congress on this issue,” the HSLDA reports.

The website reported:

In August of 2008, HSLDA assisted the Romeikes in securing visas to enter the United States, where they applied for asylum. The Department of Homeland Security granted the Romeikes asylum, but immigration officials overturned the decision. After five years of legal battles, the Obama administration granted the Romeikes indefinite deferred action status in 2013.

Over the last 10 years, the Romeikes have had to regularly report to their local ICE office in Tennessee, but have otherwise been allowed to live, work, and homeschool their children in peace.

Starnes reported that at one of those regular reporting visits, the family was told they would have to go back to Germany, prompting a public appeal of the decision.  Federal officials have now allowed that one-year reprieve.