“Not Easily Broken” is the latest faith-based film to break into the box office top ten with its weekend debut, grossing around $5.6 million in just 724 theaters across the nation.

It’s also the latest pro-marriage movie to come out as divorce rates within the United States remains high and an alarming 70 percent of Americans believe divorce is “morally acceptable.”

Based on the novel by megachurch minister Bishop T.D. Jakes, “Not Easily Broken” tells the story of Dave and Clarice Johnson (played by Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henderson, respectively), a couple whose two-decades-old marriage has been strained by lack of communication and conflicting life priorities.

Dave, the head of a small construction firm, is not too happy with how things have been turning out for him. His dream of playing professional baseball had been dashed by an injury, his bread-winning wife orders him around, and his desire for children are pushed aside to make room for his wife’s career plans.

To make matters worse, when his mother-in-law moves in to help Clarice after a car accident, Dave is pushed even further away from her and closer to another woman. Can Dave and Clarice’s sage old pastor get them through this? Or were they just not meant to be?

Like the recent box office hit “Fireproof,” “Not Easily Broken” focuses on the need for couples to have God in the marriage equation.

“I think it's a message about family, about marriage and some of the struggles that you face in a marriage,” added Jakes, the senior pastor of 30,000-member The Potters House in Dallas, according to Charisma magazine. “And it encourages people to fight through those struggles and to persevere and that our marital relationships are certainly worth fighting for.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control, the marriage rate in 2005 was 7.5 per 1,000 total population while the divorce rate was 3.6 per 1,000.

And, more recently, a poll by Gallup’s Values and Beliefs survey last year found that an alarming 70 percent of Americans now believe that divorce is “morally acceptable.” The latest figure – the highest on record – represents an 11 percent increase from just 7 years ago and a 3 percent increase from 2 years ago.

Amid these trends, movies such as “Fireproof” and “Not Easily Broken” have been welcomed by pro-family advocates and groups, particularly the former, which drew the support of Focus on the Family, Outreach, FamilyLife, The Marriage CoMission, America's Family Coaches, AMFM, Marriage Alive Communications, and MarriageToday, among others.

To date, “Fireproof” has made over $33 million after its $6.8 million debut last September.

Both the budgets for “Fireproof” and “Not Easily Broken” are small by Hollywood standards. For “Not Easily Broken,” the production budget was $5 million while it was $500,000 for “Fireproof.”

Reported budgets for the eight movies that placed ahead of “Not Easily Broken” this past weekend ranged from $30 million to $150 million.

Despite the small budgets and significantly fewer numbers of theaters, both “Fireproof” and “Not Easily Broken” have made their presence known in the box office and are considered part of a faith-based movie-making movement that is increasingly making waves in Hollywood.

“Jesus said 'Go into all the world,'” Jakes told Charisma.

“Going into all the world doesn't mean a camel and a pair of sandals today, but it means invading the Internet. It means using the telephone; it means using the iPod. It means using the computer, and the silver screen becomes a way to go into all the world,” he said.

President-elect Barack Obama has been without a worship community for about a year now and throughout that time, he says, it’s been difficult.

“Now, I've got a wonderful community of people who are praying for me every day, and they call me up and – you know, but it's not the same as going to church and the choir's going and you get a good sermon,” he said in an interview aired Sunday by ABC's "This Week."

Over the past year, Obama has been attending church sparingly and though it’s been nearly two weeks since he and his family arrived in Washington, the president-elect said they still don’t have a church to attend yet.

But Obama said one of the items on his list of things to do is to visit churches in the area and “seeing what’s comfortable,” preferably before his fast-approaching inauguration date.

“It is tougher as president,” said the incoming commander-in-chief.

And it’s not just an issue of going to church, Obama added. “It’s an issue of going anywhere.”

“You don't want to subject your fellow church members, the rest of the congregation, to being magged every time you go to church,” Obama said. “And so, we're going to try to be balancing, not being disruptive to the city, but also saying we want to be part of Washington D.C.”

Since Obama’s victory in November, churches in the nation’s capital have been extending invitations to him and his family, touting their African-American roots, their ties to past presidents and to Obama himself. According to reports, United Church of Christ, Methodist, nondenominational, and historic black congregations have all extended invitations to the Obamas to attend their services.

“The eclectic nature of Obama’s spiritual pilgrimage, coupled with his coming to Washington unaffiliated with a denomination, has increased the competition among congregations for the involvement of the president-elect and his family,” observed Dr. Gary Scott Smith, author of Faith and the Presidency: From George Washington to George W. Bush.

Whatever choice the Obamas make, it is sure to be analyzed with Obama's relationship to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright in mind.

Wright, who was Obama's pastor for 20 years at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, became a campaign issue after videos of him making controversial statements from the pulpit circulated on the Internet and on television.

The comments, which included “God damn America,” forced Obama to distance himself from the minister, whose comments Obama denounced as "divisive and destructive."

With only eight days remaining before his inauguration, things will certainly be picking up a lot faster for Obama. And though many Christians will be hoping that Obama finds the right church soon and makes the time to attend regularly, they’re also hoping that Christ remains “a [daily] source of strength and sustenance” for Obama, as he claimed He was during the church-hosted Civil Forum on the Presidency last year.

“While Christians hope that the Obamas will worship regularly, they are equally concerned that the new president faithfully reads the Bible, seeks God’s strength and guidance through prayer, and strives to base his policies on biblical principles,” author Smith commented.

Obama is expected to be the first president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to be without the counsel of the Rev. Billy Graham, the man affectionately known as the “World’s Preacher” and “America’s Pastor” for more than 60 years.

In comments made late last year, Graham’s youngest son, Franklin Graham, informed the media that his father’s “time and day for that (pastoring to presidents) is over.”

"But he would certainly like to meet [Obama] and pray with him," the younger Graham added.

Though never partisan in his preaching, Billy Graham is a registered Democrat, according to AP.

NCAA football star Tim Tebow helped bring the spotlight to his team and his faith Thursday night, leading No. 1 Florida to a 24-14 win over No. 2 Oklahoma for the BCS championship.

The Gators quarterback ran 22 times for 109 yards and completed 18 of 30 passes for 231 yards.

Other numbers for that night? 3 and 16.

John 3:16, that is.

As he has done throughout the season, Tebow used his black under-eye markings Thursday night to share Scripture, this time donning the most popular Bible verse in America.

For many, the reference was simply a personal form of self-expression, no different another athlete’s lucky gloves or gold-colored shoes.

“Tebow's religious expression has been a big part of the wholesome image we see described in every single feature written about him,” wrote sports columnist Tom Herrera in the NCAA Football Fanhouse.

“If Tebow wants to put his Christian faith on a pedestal, so be it – it doesn't distract me in the slightest,” he added.

For some, however, it was no different from someone touting “There is no God.”

“I just want to watch a football game; I don’t want to be prosetylized (sic) to,” commented William Lobdell, author of Losing My Religion, in his blog Friday.

Though the evangelical-turned-atheist said he understood why Tebow would make such a move, given his strong Christian beliefs, he suggested that anti-God messages would likely not have been allowed by Florida’s coaches and NCAA officials.

“I imagine that these personal slogans will soon be banned,” he wrote.

Despite the controversy, Tebow remains one of the most popular and respected players in NCAA football, having been the first college sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy and the first college football player to both rush and pass for 20 touchdowns in a season.

Aside from his achievements on the field, Tebow has also been highlighted for his evangelistic outreach and overseas charity works. The son of missionaries frequently visits the Philippines, where he was born, and helps orphans and even performs surgeries with the help of an assistant. He has also preached at several venues, including a prison, where he told inmates that he has found “true satisfaction, true happiness.”

“[A]nd it is not by having your name in a newspaper, it is not by winning trophies, and it is not by winning championships,” Tebow told inmates last April at the Lancaster Correctional Institution in Trenton, Fla.

“It is by having a relationship with Jesus Christ," he said before encouraging the inmates to step on to the stage to accept Christ.

Tebow is also one of the most prominent fruits of the homeschooling movement, which has grown 77 percent over the past eight years, according to recently released estimates from National Center of Education Statistics (NCES).

Tebow began his football career after legislation was passed in Florida in 1996 that allowed homeschooled students to compete in local high school sporting events. He and his siblings were all homeschooled by their mother, who worked to instill the family’s deep Christian beliefs along the way.

According to reports, Tebow figures to soon decide whether he'll return to Florida for his senior season or enter the NFL draft.

Two-time Grammy award-winning gospel superstar, Donnie McClurkin will be featured as part of the all-star line-up confirmed for the 10th Anniversary Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. 

     The announcement was made by Melanie Few, president of Results, Inc., the legacy concert’s founder and producer.

     The commemorative presentation of the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC) will be held as part of the National Football League’s sanctioned events held in conjunction with Super Bowl XLIII on Friday, January 30, 2009 at the Sun Dome at University of South Florida located at 4202 East Fowler Avenue in Tampa, Florida.

     “We are excited and honored that Donnie McClurkin, one of the greatest gospel artist of all time will take part in the tenth anniversary show,” said Few. “Donnie has been a longstanding supporter of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration and his performances are highly anticipated and beloved by the players and fans alike.”

     Gospel superstars Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker are also among the performers scheduled for the 10th Anniversary Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

*In a first for presidential inaugurations, Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia joined Reverend Rob Schenck of Faith and Action and others.

     Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, both based in Washington, DC, in a prayer service inside the US Capitol that included anointing the doorway President-Elect Barack Obama will pass through on his way to the platform to be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States on January 20.

     "Anointing with oil is a rich tradition both in the Bible and in the history of the US Capitol," said Rev. Schenck. "Oil symbolizes consecration, or setting something apart for God's use.

     George Washington used oil during the dedication of the US Capitol. We used oil today to set apart the walkway and doors that will be the literal rite of passage for Barack Obama as he ascends to the highest office in our land."

     Rep. Broun spoke during the 10-minute prayer service, delivering a short sermon-like talk on the need to obey God and His will, and for the future president to do what is right. Rev. Schenck read Bible passages and applied sacred oil to the doorposts of the arched doorway leading out of the Capitol and onto the inaugural stage, immediately in front of the riser where Obama will stand with Chief Justice John Roberts who will administer the Oath of Office. Rev. Mahoney, who is undertaking a 21-day fast and daily prayer schedule for Mr. Obama across the street from the White House, read an inaugural prayer by Dr. Billy Graham delivered 40 years ago.

     Congressman Broun referred to the location of the prayer service as "the doorway that (President-Elect Obama) will enter through to the start of his presidency."

     A video of the entire prayer service and more information is available at www.faithandaction.org.

An Oakland Circuit Court judge has signed a default judgment in a paternity case against gospel recording artist J. Moss, ordering him to pay child support to a Georgia woman.

J. Moss, whose real name is James L. Moss Sr. and lives in West Bloomfield Township , was named in a paternity lawsuit filed in June by Lakisha Hughes, 28, of Douglasville , Ga. , concerning her son, Christion, born March 15. A court-ordered DNA test subsequently determined the 36-year-old Moss is the boy's father with "99.9 percent" accuracy, according to the court file.

"I really don't wish to discuss this — it's a difficult situation involving children, two families and also careers," said Hughes on Thursday.

Moss could not be reached for comment at his home or recording studio, PAJAM Music in Oak Park .

When Moss failed to respond to court filings, Oakland Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews signed a judgment Monday prepared by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office requiring Moss to pay $1,028 a month support until the boy turns 18 years old.

Court documents reveal Hughes is unemployed, has a teenage daughter and is divorced. Moss is listed as married and has two other children with his wife. Court filings indicate Moss admitted to Hughes as being the father of her son and even sent her text messages regarding her pregnancy and the child — and "I still have them," she noted in one filing.

Hughes and Moss never lived together, she told the court.

Hughes also said Moss offered to pay abortion expenses but never provided any of the medical care. He never visited the child, but had given her "a total of $450 for Christion," she wrote.

Moss records and produces recordings under PAJAM Music. Hughes estimated in the court filing his gross monthly earnings at $50,000.

Moss is the son of gospel star Bill Moss Sr. and grew up on tours with his father's group, Bill Moss and the Celestials, and a cousin's group, The Clark Sisters. Moss, who grew up in Detroit and attended Michigan State University for two years, is a tenor who plays keyboards and both writes and produces music with his production group PAJAM.

Written by Mike Martindale for The Detroit News www.detnews.com

Faith-Based Inaugural Ball to be held in Washington DC January 18th will feature celebrity Christian Artists, political guests and “King Of Clean” AJ Jamal

Washington, DC – The 2009 Inaugural Praise Ball, a unique formal event that celebrates the induction of our in-coming President and the millions of people-of-faith who campaigned, believed and prayed for change, will be held 7:00 pm, January 18th 2008 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC.

The Praise Ball, fittingly themed “Yes, God Did!” will include appearances by celebrity and political guests, and performances by Lady Tramaine Hawkins other well-known Gospel Artists and Gospel Comedy All-Star “King Of Clean,” AJ Jamal.

“We wanted to sponsor an event that would truly speak to the success of this past election,” says founder and president of Royal Events LLC, Theresa Royal. “ It was by millions of Americans coming together in faith and in prayer that we now can give God praise for our new President, Barack Obama. God is the true reason for the victory and will be the main reason for the Inaugural celebration.”

The event will also include commemorative gifts, dinner and dancing to inspirational music and Jazz. For entertainment and performance updates, sponsorships and ticket information visit www.praiseball2009.com.

A Salvation Army leader is likely to be terminated after he announced his engagement to a woman who is not affiliated with the organization.

Capt. Johnny Harsh, a leader for the Oshkosh Salvation Army in Wisconisn, was suspended this week for violating a rule that requires officers to marry only from within The Salvation Army.

The suspension and expected termination did not come as a surprise to Harsh as he was aware of the rule when he joined the Christian aid agency. But he still feels it is unfair.

"I knew the rule and that this was coming and that I would be let go," said Harsh, according to The Northwestern. "But for The Salvation Army to let me go because I will marry outside of the Army, I think is wrong. I pray that people will write letters and call the Salvation Army to change this ruling. It wouldn't be for my benefit, but for future officers."

The marriage rule has been in place almost since the founding of The Salvation Army in 1865 by Methodist minister William Booth. Booth and his wife, Catherine, determined in those early years that married couples who function together in The Salvation Army are far more effective than having one spouse who was committed to the ministry while the other was committed elsewhere, according to Major George Hood, national community relations secretary for The Salvation Army.

The requirement, still in place today, is that both the man and the woman be ordained ministers within the organization, Hood explained.

"The rationality is that it's a joint ministry … a team ministry. And both the husband and wife work together in all their assignments," said Hood, whose wife works alongside him in Alexandria, Va.

"For us, it has always been a policy and anyone who applies to be trained and ordained knows this up front," he added, noting that the policy is extremely effective and strengthens the mission of the ministry.

There have been marriages in The Salvation Army that failed, Hood acknowledged. Those who divorce are forced to resign from their positions. If, however, there is clear indication of a non-guilty party, that party is allowed to continue in the ministry.

The marriage policy is unique to The Salvation Army, Hood commented. But no one is taken by surprise by it, he added.

Hood declined commenting on Harsh's case, saying it is a personal matter between the family and the administration.

Harsh had been married to Capt. Yalanda "Yoley" Harsh but she died unexpectedly of complications from a heart attack in June.

"Yoley's death was completely unforeseen," he said, according to The Northwestern. "It's been hard on my daughters, myself and our Salvation Army family."

A final decision on Harsh's position is expected next week at a Salvation Army Territorial Officers Board meeting.

In a sermon delivered Sunday at his old stomping ground, Barack Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Wright referred to one of his harshest critics, Elisabeth Hasselbeck of ABC's "The View," as "that dumb broad."

      Speaking at Trinity United Church of Christ for its 47th anniversary, Rev. Wright included his trademark array of history lessons, mimicry and singing, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. His ire, however, was saved for Hasselbeck, who Wright twice referred to as a "broad," including once as "that dumb broad."

       Wright expressed pride in Obama's longtime association with Trinity United Church of Christ, where he recently retired after serving 36 years as senior pastor.        

       "The hatred of the media and the haters in politics may have caused him to distance himself from us, but the love of Christ will never allow me to distance myself from him,' Wright said of Obama. "I can no more disown him than I can disown any other child of mine who makes [a] bad decision. He made a bad decision, but he's still my child."      

       Wright and his sermons became controversial during the presidential race, particularly one in which he said "God damn America." Obama subsequently cut ties with Wright and the church where he was married and where his children were baptized.

      Also at Trinity on Sunday was the Rev. Michael Pfleger, whom Wright called "my main man." Pfleger drew heat with criticism of then-candidate Hillary Clinton last spring.

With a bevy of accolades – multiple Grammy and Stellar award nominations; Nesby is one of music’s elite and the singer that American Idol’s Randy Jackson called “one of the best singers in the world!”

     Now comes a special moment in Tyscot Records’ 30-plus year history, it has signed the Grammy Award winning urban/Gospel singing veteran and her new CD will hit stores in the spring, 2009.

     Nesby’s returned to the studio to craft her new Gospel release “The Lula Lee Project” and her third full Gospel/Inspirational album within her solo repertoire. Working with an array of musical geniuses such as Gospel music maverick Tonex (John P. Kee, Tarralyn Ramsey, Montell Jordan); Herb Middleton (SWV, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige); J. Isaac (James Grear & Company, Juelz Santana), and Debra Killings (TLC).

     “The Lula Lee Project” marks her third full length Gospel/Inspirational solo album following her acclaimed 2003 “Make Me Better” and her 2006 “In the Spirit” albums and is her sixth solo album since her departure from The Sounds of Blackness.

     “Lula Lee is the real Ann Nesby, she is who my family and husband sees on a daily basis,” says Nesby who adds, “Lula Lee is who I am personally outside the glitz and glamour associated with my ‘Ann Nesby’ persona.”

      “We are thrilled to partner with Ann Nesby in presenting the ‘Lula Lee Project,’” says Bryant Scott – Tyscot Records President. “We are looking forward to a lasting relationship. Ann Nesby is one of a kind.”

     “This project is a reminder that God is still in control,” explains Nesby who admits that the world has changed dramatically since her 1996 debut. “I always sing from the heart, and I believe that whatever is sung from the heart will reach the heart of the listener.”