Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos starting quarterback, has recently said he has been giving advice to New York Knicks starting point guard, Jeremy Lin.

Tebow, a Christian athlete who has frequently made his faith known, said he can identify with Lin who rose to fame just three weeks ago. The Broncos quarterback spoke about providing Lin with advice since he could identify with the rising Knicks star.

“He’s a good guy and very humble,” the QB said. “There are a lot of exciting things happening for him. We talk a lot on the phone, because I know what he’s going through, and I’ve been giving him some advice. He’s handling it pretty well and staying focused.”

Lin’s humility and faith have caused many to compare him to Tebow, even before the NFL star revealed that he was in contact with the NBA player. Skip Bayless, controversial sports media personality, tweeted a comparison between the two after hearing Lin speak about his faith following a win over the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 13.

“Jeremy Lin saga is getting Tebowesque,” Bayless tweeted to over 500,000 followers. “Took over late, 3 to win it at :05! Said he loves the pressure. Even thanked Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.”

The Christian Post reports that Lin, who has also been vocal about his Christian faith as a professional athlete, said Tebow inspired him even before they met. In an interview with 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, located a short distance from his hometown of Palo Alto, Lin spoke about his respect for the Denver Broncos quarterback.

I think the things he says in interviews, his approach to the game is just unbelievable and I respect him so much,” Lin said. “I want to be able to do some of the things that he does in terms of the amount of charity work and the nonprofit work, and the way he impacts people off the field. I think that is what is most inspiring to me about him.”

Read More by The Christian Post

“We’re breaking the hits,” says Black Smoke Media Worldwide’s CEO Kerry Douglas as he discusses his latest Top 10 radio smash, “One More Time.” The soul-stirring ballad features gospel legend, John P. Kee and Douglas’ next superstar singer, Zacardi Cortez. The single has been at radio for six months and just reached The Top 5 at Billboard. “One More Time” is one of the songs anchoring the solo CD debut, “Zacardi Cortez: The Introduction” (Black Smoke Media Worldwide), scheduled for release on May 22, 2012. The spine-tingling singer’s premiere set will feature both contemporary and traditional gospel tracks with cameos by Donnie McClurkin, Lalah Hathaway and Kierra Sheard.

Douglas has been quietly building a platform for Cortez over the last six years. Although, Cortez has been singing professionally since his youth when he started off singing with John P. Kee’s VIP Mass Choir , Douglas brought him to national prominence when he featured Cortez on James Fortune & FIYA’s breakthrough Top 20 radio smash, “The Blood,” in 2007. The various YouTube videos of Cortez’ performance have gathered over a half million hits and continues to grow. Last year, Cortez joined Fortune and Shawn McLemore for their #1 radio anthem, “I Believe,” which charted for over twenty (20) weeks. Ever since, fans have demanded more music from Cortez and now his career is about to unfold with a highly anticipated CD, that will be one of the most talked about albums of 2012.

Over the last year, Cortez has been in the studio with artists as diverse as pop star John Legend and Lalah Hathaway. He’s recorded 30 songs in preparation for his debut and is now cutting the CD down to the final dozen songs. “We had Zacardi record a number of different things to see what worked best with his awesome voice and to also make him appeal to a variety of gospel fans,” says Douglas who just booked Cortez with Ricky Smiley, Superstar Comedian and national radio show host with over nine million listeners, on an upcoming eight (8) city comedy tour. “Zacardi is one of the best singers on this planet and when people hear this album, the world is going to fall in love with Zacardi and see why he’s gospel’s next big voice.” For more information, please visit www.mrkerrydouglas.com.

Image Entertainment, Inc. is proud to announce the release of Trinity Goodheart, a modern parable of lost love and regained family values. The DVD has an on sale date of March 27, 2012 at an SRP of $14.98. It will also be available by digital download.

When a kind hearted angel leaves a pendant for 12-year-old Trinity Goodheart, the precocious, street-wise youngster concludes that her long lost mother must be in danger and needs her help. Trinity’s subsequent sojourn results in an effort to reunite her disjointed family; and in the process, Trinity teaches them the values of love, faith and forgiveness.

Trinity Goodheart is played by the vivacious Erica Gluck (“The Game,” “Girlfriends”), with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Benét in his first dramatic lead role starring as her father. The film also stars Mark LaMura (“Something Borrowed,” “One Life to Live,” “As the World Turns”), Jennifer Van Horn (“The Joneses”, “All My Children”), Karen Abercrombie (“Strong Medicine”) and Willie Stratford. The film is executive produced by Rick Eldridge (“The Ultimate Gift”) and directed by Joanne Hock (“Redneck Roots”), marking her feature film directorial debut.

Trinity Goodheart, the first original feature film from GMC, made its world premiere to enthusiastic response on GMC Television last summer, and has received 5 out of 5 DOVES from the Dove Foundation. The film also received the Dove “Family Approved” Seal for All Ages.

View the trailer below.

In the wake of a year of protests and violence, the volatile situation in Syria has brought great suffering to the entire population. Syrian Christians say their greatest need right now is prayer, according to Open Doors, an international ministry supporting persecuted Christians and religious freedom around the world.

The danger has prompted many churches across the country to meet only in daytime, many only on Sundays. On Fridays, the weekly Islamic day of assembly, many Christian schools now close. Because of rampant killing, theft and kidnapping of children, some parents have stopped sending their children to school. Syria also suffers a lack of fuel and electricity, an economy in shambles and few jobs.

“Christians’ plights vary by place,” said Dr. Carl Moeller, president and CEO of Open Doors USA.  “Damascus Christians seem to have the fewest difficulties; in contrast, many Homs believers have fled what has become a war zone.”

Some Christians want to stay; others desperately seek to emigrate, said Moeller.  Many say they simply cannot flee.

“Many believers tell us that Syria is where they belong and will remain, even if that means dying there,” he said.

More than 80 percent of Christians have fled Homs, the city where fighting is the worst. Looters have invaded the homes of those who have fled. At least one evangelical church has been attacked. Those who remain have limited means of safe transportation. Few attend church services.

“Homs is a ghost town, and the situation of people there is not stable,” another source said. “Everyone there fears for safety. People in the city don’t have resources or supplies.  The situation makes a decent human being cry.”

In some areas, the situation is relatively safe for Christians. “We come together to worship, and people have strong faith,” one Syrian pastor said. “Currently, Christians are not under direct attack. But we don’t know if things change how they will treat us.”

Christians fear that if President Assad is overthrown, their plight will dramatically worsen. But Christians find strength in their faith, Moeller said.

“Please join Syrian Christians in prayer,” said Moeller.  “Only God knows what lies ahead, but Scripture assures us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Syria has more than 20 million inhabitants with 1.9 million of them Christians. Syria is ranked No. 36 on the Open Doors 2012 World Watch List of the top 50 persecutors of Christians.

About Open Doors: An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world’s most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.

 

Australian duo for KING & COUNTRY release their debut album Crave today, February 28th, on Fervent Records. Comprised of brothers Joel and Luke, American Songwriter observed, “Crave showcases [for King & Country’s] songwriting chops and lyrical honesty.” The 11-track debut features the duo’s first single, “Busted Heart (Hold On To Me),” which reached No. 1 on the CAC Chart for 3 weeks and was named the fastest rising debut single across all Christian formats. The video for the single recently made its’ world premiere on Entertainment Tonight’s TheInsider.com.

Crave also features “People Change” and “Love’s To Blame,” both of which were spotlighted on The CW’s hit TV show, “Vampire Diaries.” In addition, Last.fm will stream an exclusive live performance and interview with for KING & COUNTRY. Click http://lastfmpresents.radio.com/ to watch performances of “Fine Fine Life,” “Light It Up,” and “Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)” this week.

Here’s what the critics are saying about for KING & COUNTRY:

Entertainment Tonight’s The Insider.com 
World premiere for the video “Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)”!
“for KING & COUNTRY — a pair of Australian brothers who make music that speaks directly to the heart — have been slowly gaining popularity in the alt-rock community thanks to an aggressive series of concert dates that have introduced their infectious sound to American ears.”

American Songwriter 
“Crave showcases [for KING & COUNTRY’s] songwriting chops and lyrical honesty.”

New Release Tuesday Online 
5 out of 5 stars 
“Crave is hands-down one of the best debut projects in years. Creative, poignant and moving, it comes from a very raw place of heartache and hope, never backing down from the honest truth, yet never shying away from the restoration found in Christ. Musically, it’s unlike anything in the genre right now. Haunting, playful and deep all at once, it could quite easily beat out many of its mainstream counterparts. Joel and Luke have completely won me over, and when you hear this album for yourself, you’ll understand why. This is an extremely bright start for one best new acts in CCM and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

The Comet 
“Australian duo for KING & COUNTRY, featuring brothers Joel and Luke, are the hottest debut to watch this year.”

Jays Music Blog 
Breakout Christian group of the year 
“It’s clear that For King & Country deserves the recognition they’ve received, and that Crave is poised to be a top album of 2012 for the listeners.”

JesusFreakHideout
4 out of 5 Stars
Crave, as a whole is nothing short of brilliant. With sounds ranging from U2 to Kings of Leon to The Fray and even The Killers…This is the can’t-miss album of the year.”

Gospel Innovations Online
“Enveloping their insightful lyrics in a sea of ear grabbing melodies, brothers Joel and Luke have forged a distinctive sound that has earned them an enthusiastic fan base as well as the respect of industry professionals who keep tapping their music for use in high profile TV shows. Together Joel and Luke form a unique, distinctive voice that blends into simmering harmony, unrivaled by any other collaborative group to date.”

CRAVE TRACK LISTING:
1. Light It Up
2. The Proof of Your Love
3. Missing
4. Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)
5. People Change
6. Middle of Your Heart
7. Love’s To Blame
8. Fine Fine Life
9. Sane
10. Pushing On a Pull Door
11. Crave

For more information and upcoming tour dates on for KING & COUNTRY, please visit: www.forKINGandCOUNTRY.com /www.facebook.com/forKINGandCOUNTRY
Follow: @4kingandcountry

The Christian Post reports that churches in New York City will be allowed to return to public schools starting this weekend after winning a court order Friday.

District Judge Loretta Preska granted a preliminary injunction against the city’s ban on weekend worship services in vacant school buildings after determining that the plaintiff – the Bronx Household of Faith – demonstrated irreparable harm and will likely win its lawsuit against the Board of Education.

The judge wrote in the court opinion that the church has a good chance of winning based on the argument that the ban “fosters excessive governmental entanglement with religion” and violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment – which provides that “Congress shall make no law … prohibiting the free exercise [of religion].”

The city plans to appeal the ruling.

Jordan Lorence, senior counsel of the Alliance Defense Fund, commented, “The city can’t single out religious expression and treat it worse than the expression of everybody else.

“The court’s order allows churches and other religious groups to meet in empty school buildings on weekends just as non-religious groups do while the lawsuit proceeds. The city’s view of the First Amendment is wrong, and we intend to continue to demonstrate that in court.”

The Alliance Defense Fund has been defending the Bronx church since 1995 after its application to rent a public school building for Sunday services was rejected.

While it was able to win a temporary injunction in 2002 to worship at the school, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the church in 2011. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case in December 2011.

The ban on worship services at public schools went into effect on Feb. 12, affecting more than 60 other churches in New York City.

Click Here to read the full report by the Christian Post. 

Verity Gospel Music Group recording artist Jason Nelson is set to participate in a national initiative to bring the gift of reading to thousands of public schools. The National Education Association’s (NEA) “Read Across America Tour – Driven by Mazda” will stop in 20 cities, each stop enlisting the help of local and national celebrity support, all culminating in New York City on March 2nd in conjunction with the opening of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s 3D feature, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.

Jason Nelson will participate in the Baltimore leg stop of the tour as a reader to the children in Winfield Elementary School. Studies have shown that students who enjoy reading perform better in school, boast higher test scores, develop comprehension proficiency and improve analytical skills faster and better than their peers who read less frequently. Nelson, a Baltimore native and graduate of The Baltimore School for the Arts, feels particularly drawn to this initiative. “We must establish protocols that encourage our children to read and to love reading at an early age,” says Nelson. “I read with my own children on a regular basis to emphasize its importance, and I’m very excited to participate in this initiative.”

Jason Nelson was signed to Verity Gospel Music Group in June 2011. As an artist, he is known equally for his impeccable writing skills, compelling vocals, and passionate heart for ministry. His current single, “Shifting the Atmosphere,” has been widely received by pundits and gospel music fans alike. His highly anticipated album is due later this year.

As a father, pastor and singer, The NEA’s “Read Across America Tour – Driven by Mazda” is a perfect tie-in to Jason Nelson’s life and work. The event will take place at 1:30 pm at Winfield Elementary School, 8300 Carlson Ln. Baltimore, MD. The tour will focus on sharing the story of Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” with students, raise awareness for public schools in need and provide an opportunity for consumers to show that they care – as the Lorax teaches us – “a whole awful lot.” In the words of NEA president, Dennis Van Roekel, “NEA’s National Read Across America celebration is not just about one hour or one day of reading, it is about cultivating a lifetime of good reading habits in students that will translate into academic success.”

LIL PROPHET AND TRIPLE D MAKING A MAJOR MOVE & BREAKTHROUGH LANDING BRAND NEW HIT SINGLE ON THE SOUL TRAIN AWARDS “PARTY TRAIN” MIX TAPE!!

“NEW PATH” BY TRIPLE D FEAT. LIL PROPHET WAS WRITTEN BY PSDK WHO IS ALSO FEATURING ON THIS ENERGIZING HEART FELT SONG THAT’S CALLING OUT TO THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN THE STEP OF CROSSING OVER INTO THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST!

“This song is an awakening experience where there is a crossing over from the darkness of one’s life onto a path full of light where lives are changed and dreams come true and it can only be accomplished in having a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ” says Triple D.

John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (KJV)

TRIPLE D

Here is an anointed, Holy Ghost filled, minister and performer, with a unique lyrical sound. From mid alto to low soprano range, her voice will soothe, hype, and minister to any venue in any surrounding. She believes that her passion for singing comes from the joy and freedom she feels from being in Christ and her mission is to bring this same feeling to everyone she comes in contact with through her ministries unique style of song. Triple D was born in Hampton, Virginia where she first began singing, and now resides in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Dominique N. Kelsie a.k.a Triple D has been affiliated with Real Word Records CEO Lil Prophet for the past 5 years and in this short time she has tremendously gotten many of her desires accomplished, not just for her, but for the label and her fans.

By her unique style of being able to fit in many genres, she featured on smash it “Drop Low” on Lil Prophet’s Mission From God Album, which is a hip-hop style track. Also she sang background vocals to Lil Prophet’s single “Make ‘Em Lean”, which was distributed world-wide through Holy Hip Hop Volume 5 EMI Gospel, which is Track 1.

Having shared the stage with national and local artists like Lil Prophet at 2008 & 2010 Holy Hip Hop Awards and many other venues, Pettidee from Soldier Sound Records, Mr. Del, Rawsrvnt, and many more!

Triple D ministers out of God’s Vision For Life Christian Center, under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Steven D. Kelsie. She has received her Associates Degree in Basic Biblical Studies fromTampa Bay Bible College and is currently working on her Bachelors in Christian Counseling. She understands that even though she has a gift of singing she knows that it is the word of God that soothes the soul.

Triple D is currently working on her freshman album “Unique”, under the Real Word Record label.

“There are many people in this world who need to be comforted and seek their comfort from unhealthy sources. I was one of them, but now that I’ve experienced Christ and a better source of comfort, I want to take what I’ve experienced and share it with all people.” –Triple D.

www.twitter.com/tripled_rwr
www.facebook.com/tripledofrealword
www.therealwordrecords.com

CBN set down with Gospel legend Shirley Caesar, as she spoke candidly about the life of Whitney Houston.  

Caesar, was one of Whitney Houston’s God-Mothers who spoke passionately about Whitney and her relationship with ex-husband Bobby Brown.  Houston called the Gospel icon ‘Mama Shirley.’

Caesar recounts several events in Whitney’s life that Caesar was involved in.

Shirley Caesar talks about a time she reached out to Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, urging them to get their lives in order and start living right.  Caesar recalls pulling the couple aside telling them that they’re a reflection of each other, as Bobby Brown was disrupting a concert that Caesar attended.

Caesar, said she never lost hope when hearing the trials of Whitney and Bobby played out in the media.  She calls Bobby a special person and says God’s hand is on Bobby’s life too. 

In the exclusive interview Caesar was asked If she held Bobby responsible for what happened.  “No, I blame the Devil for it,” says Caesar.  “The Devil does not want a part, he wants your heart.  He wants everything about you.  And once he gets that he will leave you a skeleton.  He will leave you high and dry, with nothing.  Ah, but God!”

She goes on to call Houston “a fantastic person” who knew God loved her.  Caesar speaks to everyone about how to overcome their circumstances, and nearly preaches in the interview.  Listen to the interview below in the below videos.

Since the release of his debut album (Stay) in 2002, BEC Recordings’ Jeremy Camp has had an outstanding career with 25 No. 1 radio singles across all formats, four RIAA Gold-selling studio albums, including that debut, a GRAMMY® nominated project and many more accolades. To celebrate his ten years as an influential artist impacting lives, Camp is releasing I Still Believe: Number Ones Collection on BEC Recordings on March 13.

Camp most recently received his 25th No. 1 single with “Overcome” from his album We Cry Out: The Worship Project. This single has spent 5 weeks at the top on the Inspo chart and continues to climb on AC and CHR formats.

I Still Believe: Number Ones Collection is Camp’s first hits release, and it includes 15 No. 1 hit singles including “I Still Believe,” “Take You Back,” “There Will Be A Day,” and many others as well as an unreleased track. This collection will release on the same date as Camp’s label and touring-mate Adam Cappa’s debut, which Camp co-produced.

I Still Believe: Number Ones Collection Track Listing:
1. Understand
2. Right Here
3. Walk By Faith
4. I Still Believe
5. Take You Back
6. This Man
7. My Desire
8. Lay Down My Pride
9. Take My Life
10. Tonight
11. Let It Fade
12. Give You Glory
13. Give Me Jesus
14. There Will Be A Day
15. Jesus Saves
16. Wait (Bonus Track)

JEREMY CAMP: 

Over his stellar 10 year career, Camp has established himself with these landmark accolades: over three million albums sold, Four RIAA Gold-selling studio albums including his debut album; One RIAA Multi-Platinum long-form video; 25 No. 1 Radio Hits across all formats; GRAMMY® nominated project for his album Speaking Louder Than Before; Billboard’s No. 3 Christian Artist of the Decade including five songs in the Top 50 Billboard Christian Songs of the Decade; Four ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards; ASCAP Song of the Year award; Five Dove awards including two-time Male Vocalist of the Year. Jeremy is a Compassion International artist.