SOMALI FAMINE: 29,000 children dead

8/9/11

Written By: Christina Given

In the horn of Africa in Somali, there has been reports of a drastic famine due to a drought, with millions of people in refugee camps. There is an increase in hunger, malnutrition and even death. In addition, there have been reports of rapes in the refugee camps and many have tried to flee the area.

From CBS news, “Nancy Lindborg, an official with the U.S. government aid arm, told a congressional committee in Washington on Wednesday that the U.S. estimates that more than 29,000 children under age 5 have died in the last 90 days in southern Somalia.”

“The reason these people are not receiving immediate assistance is because of the corrupt terrorist groups in these areas who are dominating and taking the aid.

“Getting aid to the country has been difficult because al Qaeda-linked group al-Shabab controls much of the country's most desperate areas.” (CBS)

There are some people in Kenya who want to help but they fear that the al Qaeda groups will interfere. MSNBC reports:

“Kenyan officials have said that they consider the influx of Somali a security risk because part of the country is held by al-Qaida linked rebels. They also fear that if they provide the schools and medical care lacking in Somalia, families will simply move to Kenya to get better services. The Kenyans want aid agencies to deliver food in Somalia instead but charities face attack by bandits and harassment by Kenyan officials at the border. But Somalis say they have no other choice than to flee their homes because they will be killed by gunmen or starve to death if they stay at home.”

Many are trying to cross to Ethiopia for safety but it is difficult because many are so dehydrated and are lacking nutrition. Some walked for 14 or 15 days approximately to leave Somali. Vice President Joe Biden's wife (Jill Biden), was reported visiting in Somali for a conference regarding the emergency situation.

Check out the websites below to assist these innocent victims. Somali and these families are in our thoughts at this time.

How to HELP: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/02/world/main20087152.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody

Sources:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43961620/ns/world_news-africa/t/somalis-fleeing-famine-preyed-rapists/

http://www.cbsnews.com/

http://www.voanews.com/

Photo Credit:

www.voanews.com

World News: Catholic Church Bombed in Kirkuk, Iraq

A Syrian Catholic church was bombed on Tuesday at 6 a.m. in Kirkuk, Iraq. Approximately 20 people were wounded from the car bomb reporters indicated. The victims were from The Holy Family Church. One of the only people in the church was Rev. Imad Yalda, who was severely injured. Not only was the church destroyed, but in addition, surrounding homes and nearby buildings.

The group associated with the attack is most likely an extremist group. Many reports indicate that the threats from these terrorist groups are causing many of the Iraqi Christians to flee the area. Some are willing to stay, according to MSNBC, one of the Priests the bombs were directed to was Reverand Haithem Akram has said,
 "The terrorists want to make us flee Iraq, but they will fail."

Sources:

CNN World News:
 http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/02/iraq.church.attack/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2

MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43982676/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/

Photo Credit: MSNBC News

Sources:

CNN World News:
 http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/02/iraq.church.attack/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2

MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43982676/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/

Photo Credit: MSNBC News

Christian Rapper LECRAE Nominated for Grammy

Lecrae, a Christian Hip-hop Artist was nominated this year in 2011 for a Grammy. Lecrae's 4th album, "REHAB" which was released January 11, 2011 reached the top of the charts. The album is composed of 11 original songs. Lecrae is becoming a household name in the Christian Music Industry. Lecrae's album is about having a spiritual cleansing, and turning away from habitual sin. Lecrae believes Jesus is our "rehabilitation" and hopes to inspire the youth. The up and coming hip-hop artist has collaborated with many musicians and was just featured on CNN and is getting more recognition for his clever lyrics, and inspiring raps.

From Reach Records:

"Lecrae gets support from Sho Baraka, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Pro, J.R., Benjah and many others along the journey towards restoration—with several memorable collaborations. PK, CheeseBeats, J.R., and Benjah contribute on production and sonically, help take the listener along a soul-full ride. REHAB also features bangers like "Use To Do It Too" and "High" along with the anthems "Children of the Light," "40 Deep," and "Walking On Water"--on which Lecrae boasts in God’s ability to empower the weakest of men."

Lecrae's music can be found on iTunes and is on your local Christian Music network JCTV. Check out
Although Lecrae did not recieve a Grammy, he was honored to have been nominated. From Rapzilla.com (Lecrae's blog on ReachRecords.com) Lecrae shares about his experience.
"I'm in LA. I'm 2 inches away from some of Americas most popular entertainers. I'm walking around during Grammy week amongst tons of people who deeply desire to be accepted. I'm in a world where people want to be embraced by society and those they think are more important or significant than themselves.

It's quite sad, but what's sadder is that there are few Christians amongst them who are fighting to serve them and help them see where our true significance is found. In Christ.

I didn't come to take home a Grammy. If I'm honest I really doubt I will. I came to take home relationships with people who seem untouchable and who are addicted to the praise of men. I'm came to strategically place myself among them, to love them, to share hard truths with them and serve them.

Pray for my time here. The awards and stats are great, but they not only point to Gods faithfulness they are things this industry esteems. God has used them thus far to place me in new worlds with heart piercing, darkness shattering truth.

There's more I'd like to share and I will when I return. Until then pray for ya boy."



Sources:
www.Rapzillawww.ReachRecords.com
Check out http://www.jctv.org/

Oprah says Good-bye to the Oprah Winfrey Show

After 25 years, Oprah Winfrey has made an impact on society and day time television. Winfrey says good-bye and her final show aired May 25, 2011. Oprah talks to the audience and does no interviews. Winfrey called it her, "Love letter to her audience." Over 13,000 gathered for her last 2 shows with celebrities like Stevie Wonder and Tyler Perry at the Chicago United Center. Although Winfrey says good-bye to the Oprah Winfrey Show, she is still working and has created her OWN NETWORK. Winfrey is collaborating with stars like the Judds and many others. Winfrey has accumulated over 2 billion dollars but yet remains humble. Oprah will be greatly truly missed.

Credit: tv.msn.com/tv

Photo:Dailycaller.com

Soul Surfer in Theatres Now!

Carrie Underwood stars in her first movie role in the new film of 2011 Soul Surfer. The film is based off the true event of Bethany Hamilton who survived and lost her left arm in a shark attack. Hamilton continues to surf, live and inspire. Soul Surfer hit theatres April 8, 2011 and has had many positive movie reviews. Other starring leads include Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt.

To find out more information about the film, visit: http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com/

Breaking News: 112 Missles Aimed at Libya

The U.S. and the U.K. have ordered a military operation containing 112 missles toward Libya. The missiles were released from the five military ships. MSNBC reports the breaking news with Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney. Gortney said the stikes were coordinated and assessed due to the threats to civilians and pilots.


Vice Admiral Gortney reported that this may be the first phase of several to warn the Libian regime regarding their people and to "shake the battle space". There were 110-112 Tomohawk missiles launched Saturday March 19, 2011. Yahoo also reported the goal of the missles being targeted to Libya. "Its aim: prevent Moammar Gadhafi's forces from inflicting more violence on civilians -- particularly in and around the rebel stronghold of Benghazi -- and degrading the Libyan military's ability to contest a no-fly zone."


According to Yahoo, President Obama said,  "We cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people there will be no mercy."

Gadhafi warns the French and the U.S. regarding 'intervening with his Country.'

The Washington Examiner quotes, "Libya is not yours. Libya is for the Libyans. The Security Council resolution is invalid," he said in the letter to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. "You will regret it if you dare to intervene in our country."

To Obama, the Libyan leader was slightly more conciliatory: "If you had found them taking over American cities with armed force, tell me what you would do."

 

Sources:

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/2011/03/gadhafi-warns-against-intervention-strikes-rebels#ixzz1H66TW5vC

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110319/ap_on_re_us/us_us_libya_military

Photo: The New York Times

Japan: Nuclear Explosions Erupt Following Killer Quake

By: Christina Given
March 12, 2011

The 8.9 mega earthquake shook Japan on Friday and according to UPI.com approximately caused 1,800 people to have been killed. Millions of people in Japan are stranded and are in need of urgent assistance.There are thousands of Japanese still missing.

The quake led to a tsunami which has destroyed cities especially along on the coast of Japan. The large tidal wave has caused enormous amounts of damage.

The earthquake caused a tsunami to hit Japan's coast at 500 mph and headed towards Hawaii and the West coast. California beaches were also closed following the tsunami in Japan.

More recently, The Associate Press reported regarding Nuclear concerns. "The explosion at the nuclear plant, Fukushima Dai-ichi, 170 miles (274 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo, appeared to be a consequence of steps taken to prevent a meltdown after the quake and tsunami knocked out power to the plant, crippling the system used to cool fuel rods there."

The nuclear power plant in Japan that had an explosion caused an emission of toxic gases which led to an evacuation. More updates are still to come regarding the tragedy that has struck Japan. For more information check out the sources listed.

Sources: www.AP.org, FOX news, USA today, UPI.com
Photo Credit: google.com
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