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.

Over the past decade, Israel Houghton has amassed a legion of fans while blasting down musical barriers and drawing together people of all ages, races and cultures through worship. On March 6, Integrity Music celebrates the past 10 years of Houghton’s music and ministry with Decade, a two-disc collection that includes 26 of his best-loved songs including “Friend of God,” “Moving Forward,” “New Season,” “Say So” and many more.

As a worship leader, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and leader of the ministry ensemble New Breed, Houghton has created a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe. And along the way, has been fittingly graced with six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award and four Grammy® Awards.

Decade features songs that are fan and congregational favorites from Houghton’s celebrated albums including New Season, Real, Live From Another Level, Alive in South Africa, A Deeper Level, The Power of One and Love God.Love People. The collection also includes the new song “Jesus At The Center,” which will be featured on Houghton’s new live recording titled Jesus At The Center available this fall.

“After a Decade worth of projects, hundreds of songs, thousands of nights of worship, and hundreds of thousands of people who have allowed us to usher them to Jesus, whether by way of recording or live events, I am so grateful that you gave us an opportunity to worship with you,” says Houghton. “Thank you for singing songs like ‘You Are Good,’ ‘Friend of God,’ ‘Alpha and Omega,’ ‘Moving Forward,’ and so many others and for responding to us over the last decade with such humbling words of encouragement.”

“There’s one decade down and generations more to come,” he adds. “We feel like we’re just getting started and we’re already putting finishing touches on the first project of the next decade!”

The complete tracklist for the Decade album is: Disc 1
1. Friend Of God
2. Again I Say Rejoice
3. You Are Good
4. We Have Overcome
5. Not Forgotten
6. Who Is Like The Lord
7. New Season
8. Alpha And Omega
9. No Limits (Enlarge My Territory)
10. To Worship You I Live
11. There’s A Lifting Of The Hands
12. Hosanna (Be Lifted Higher)
13. Jesus At The Center Of It All

Disc 2 
1. Saved By Grace
2. Just Wanna Say
3. With Long Life
4. Nothing Else Matters
5. Love God. Love People.
6. Going to Another Level
7. I Know Who I Am
8. Say So
9. The Power of One (Change The World)
10. You Hold My World
11. If Not For Your Grace
12. Another Break Through
13. Moving Forward

Decade will be available everywhere Christian music is sold beginning March 6. It will be distributed to Christian retail stores through Provident Distribution and to mainstream stores through Sony Music Entertainment. A digital deluxe version of Decade, featuring additional songs and videos, will be available exclusively through iTunes.

A worship leader and member of Houston’s Lakewood Church, Israel has also led worship for Hillsong conferences, Franklin Graham crusades and a variety of music festivals around the world. Houghton is the leader of New Breed Ministries, an organization comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and together serve the Church at large. Additional information can be found at http://newbreedmusic.com.

William McDowell, well known worship leader and e1/Light Records recording artist, is enjoying a successful season with his current CD ARISE.

The popular 2-CD set has been a consumer hit since it’s release last fall. Reaching Number 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel chart upon release, it stayed there for over 4 weeks. The album continues remain in the top 10. ARISE was recorded live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL at Christian Life Center and is packed with 23 compelling songs of worship, praise, authority, inspiration and revelation.

Driving sales and radio play, is McDowell‘s latest song “I Won’t Go Back.” As with his previous triumphant song “I Give Myself Away,” this single put forwards a message of universal worship and deliverance. The Spirit-led song is a fluid and powerful example of pure worship. “I Won’t Go Back” is Number 3 on the gospel radio chart and continues to rise weekly in spins and plays.

McDowell was recently seen performing “I Won’t Go Back” on the 27th Annual Stellar Awards that aired nationwide in January and February. He has had several televised performances including BET Bobby Jones Gospel and GMC’s Stellar Award Nominee Concert special and is featured in this week’s JET Magazine. McDowell will also be performing at Radio One’s upcoming Inspiration & Music Conference in Philadelphia on March 10th.

McDowell, an Ohio native, will be honored at an upcoming Cleveland Cavaliers game at the 8th Annual State Farm Black Heritage Celebration presented by PNC. On Friday, March 2nd, the Cavs will present Gospel Night at the Cavs vs. Chicago Bulls game with a salute to McDowell.   Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village Church, a local choir will perform his hit song, “I Won’t Go Back,” and he will be awarded for his achievements as a Christian artist. McDowell attributes his accomplishments to his childhood days spent in church and playing the keyboard in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Independent of past, present and future accomplishments, ARISE leaves no doubt that McDowell remains committed to providing the world with modern worship and leading others to God’s throne.

Marvin Winans, Carvin Winans and BeBe Winans have formed a new group and will record a new album together.

Fresh off officiating Whitney Houston’s funeral, the Winans helped make Whitney’s funeral one for the ages.

The group has already begun recording its first song, a tune in tribute to their late brother Ronald, and Whitney Houston.

Apparently, the collaboration is a dream come true for BeBe Winans.  For sometime BeBe wanted to have the brothers collaborate on a record.  

BeBe is probably best known as the second part of the hit duo that he forms with his sister CeCe Winans.  The siblings have recorded music that has afforded them the privilege of performing on some of the worlds biggest stages.  Last year the duo announced that their last album would indeed be their last full project together.  

Pastor Marvin Winans is an accomplished singer in his own right, releasing his first solo recording, ‘Alone, But Not Alone‘ in 2007.  The album was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.

Marvin Winans, a pastor, founded The Perfecting Church in Detroit, Michigan in the early 1990s, and released an album with the church’s choir in 1992 entitled Introducing Perfected Praise. A second album, Friends, appeared in 2001. 

Marvin Winans sang in the 1970s with his brothers Ronald, Carvin (his twin) and Michael (the group also included others) as The Testimonial Singers. Their first performance was at a high school talent show. In 1975 the group’s name was changed to The Winans. Their musical careers spanned both the 1980s and 1990s. The Winans, who were discovered by Andrae Crouch, released their first album under the new group’s name, entitled Introducing The Winans, in 1981. The Winans were greatly influenced by the Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker and her group The Caravans.