It rings of Columbine.  Deadly violence has rocked the Rocky Mountain Region once again.  Within twelve hours two separate shootings took place on the grounds of a Mega-church and a missionary training facility in Colorado.

Shortly after midnight on Dec. 9, in Arvada, a suburb located Northwest of Denver, a man asked to spend the night in the Faith Bible Chapel dormitory on the campus of Youth With A Mission (YWAM). When the request was refused, Peter Warren, the Director of YWAM Denver says the lone gunman opened fire with an automatic hand gun, leaving 2 staffers dead and 2 seriously injured. 

A reported 17 year old suspect is now being questioned in connection with the shootings at both locations.

Smoke-generating devises, initially feared to be explosives, were found in the vehicle in the parking lot. Colorado Springs Police Chief Richard Meyers did not identify the suspect.

New Life Church is surrounded by major ministry headquarters, only minutes away from the International Bible Society, Compassion International, the World Prayer Center and Focus on the Family. The reason the mega-church was targeted is a mystery. Pastor Brady Boyd, who replaced former New Life Pastor Ted Haggard who was forced to resign after amid a gay sex scandal last Fall.  Boyd said the church has seen difficult times in the past and will continue to be successful but asked for prayers for the families of the deceased and church members who witnessed the killings.

 Contributing Source: Mona Austin EurGospel

 
Thousands of gospel and Christian music fans are letting their voices be heard in voting for the inaugural Gospel Music Channel Video Awards as the races hit the final homestretch.

      The first-ever GMCVAs will honor the top videos in six genre categories as well as the overall Top Video of the Year, with winners being determined by viewers and fans through online voting at www.gospelmusicchannel.com.

      Voters are choosing from nominees in Rock, Country, Soul, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Latin categories that were determined by the amount of airplay the videos received on Gospel Music Channel during 2007. Voting continues through this Wednesday, Dec. 5.

      The first-ever Gospel Music Channel Video Awards winners will be announced on-air in a special Hot List: Viewers' Choice 2007 on Gospel Music Channel Saturday, Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m. (ET).

      The special edition of the network's video countdown series will kick-off GMC's Best of 2007 Video Marathon, 83 hours of the top videos running through January 2.

Thomas Weeks, III held a press conference on Thanksgiving Eve to reiterate his innocence in the alleged August beating of his wife, Prophetess Juanita Bynum.  Weeks has affectionately titled his video taped press conference 'The Time Has Come'. The video is available at www.bishopweeks.com (Click the link under their sites video player).

Pursuant to an exclusive "one-sided" Essence magazine article that he feels painted him as a villain, he is still attempting to clear his name. In his version of the story, his estranged wife hit him. He also implies that the bruises on Bynum may have been self-inflicted.

"I know what happened that night. I was there … and those marks are not from me," Weeks asserts.

Appearing on WDEF-TV (CBS-Chatanooga) Weeks' attorney said his client initially was interested in reconciliation "but at this point he understands that doesn't seem possible." "In Georgia," he explained, "you don't have to have grounds for a divorce other than one party saying 'to me, the marriage is over."

Although the Prophetess has repeatedly professed her undying love for her husband of 5 years, she told Essence magazine (Dec. 2007), "I'm not sure, not 150 percent sure that the person I saw in the parking lot that night won't ever show up again."

Despite being indicted by a Fulton County (GA) grand jury for simple battery among other charges, the Bishop denies claims that he was ever violent toward his soon-to-be ex-wife and insists that she was physically aggressive toward him that night and previously in New York.

Bynum retorted with the following statement:
"Bishop Weeks is doing exactly what he promised he would do and that is, "TRY" to destroy my name with lies, fabrications and exaggerations. His behavior is to be expected! Yet, the facts and photos that were taken by the district attorney's office of me two days later and the doctor's report from two different hospitals could not be forged nor entered into the court system as legal documents for evidence, otherwise the District Attorney's office would not have been able to pass down an indictment. When it comes to facts the courts are different from the media. In court you have to present real facts and witnesses run the risk of perjuring themselves, therefore I cordially invite all of Bishop Week's witnesses to the stand.

I am not the one on trial, therefore I have nothing to defend. How can I choke myself until the blood comes to the surface of my skin and then kick myself in five other places, one of which could not be photographed because it was in a private area [?] At this stage of my ministry/career with major projects pending, I would not have had any motive to stage my own attack and bring worldwide negative press to myself. Having been in ministry for 20 years and reaching world wide status prior to me meeting Bishop Weeks I am confident in the power of truth! I was Juanita Bynum when I walked into this marriage and I will continue to be Juanita Bynum as I exit from this marriage in spite of all false allegations that have come against my name. As I have stated from the beginning, this too shall pass!"

Bishop Weeks continues to expand his ministry, while Juanita Bynum has just released an "un-cut" DVD and is working on a new ministry for victims of domestic violence.

 
BET's new gospel singing competition show, Sunday Best is on its way to finding the next great gospel singing sensation.

During the premiere episode on Tuesday, October 2 a variety of entertaining hopefuls came out in droves to earn their spot in the competition, but in the end only an elite group of twenty was selected to continue on the road to Sunday Best.

Hosted by gospel great Kirk Franklin, the nationwide search scoured the country's storefront churches, parishes and mega-churches to find the best undiscovered singers in America.

Mentored by seasoned artists from the gospel world and judged by Grammy Award-winning gospel superstars BeBe Winans and dynamic singing siblings Erica and Tina Campbell that make up the dynamic duo, Mary Mary, the top five finalists will be offered the chance to take their praise to the next level and earn the title of Sunday Best.

The winner will receive a recording contract, a 2008 Toyota Camry and a $300,000 Tide "Loads of Hope" prize package to support the winner's community. Here are the top 20:

Charisma Sweat – Chicago, Illinois
Christal Garrick – Houston, Texas
Corey Webb – Marietta, Georgia
Crystal Aikin – Tacoma, Washington
Daniel Parra – San Diego, California
Deanna Dixon – Indianapolis, Indiana
Emily Gomez – American Falls, Idaho
Janice Collins – Altadena, California
Jermaine Sellers – Joliet, Illinois
Juannell Johnson – Chicago, Illinois
Kenya Glover – Chicago, Illinois
Lawrence Williams – Jacksonville, Florida
Melody Betts – Chicago, Illinois
Queensley Felix – Houston, Texas
Saudia Mills – Warren, Ohio
Shari Addison – Chicago, Illinois
Tamara Thomas – Huntsville, Alabama
Tasha Collins – Chicago, Illinois
Trevon Davis – Flint, Michigan
Yvonne Cobbs-Bey – Pinole, California

Juanita Bynum's estranged husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks III, recently filed his response to Bynum's divorce filing.

Weeks' attorney said his client has not ruled out adding other arguments in his response to the divorce petition.

The Stage Play titled “You Better Be Glad I’m Saved,” left audiences fulfilled last night. The play was funny, unique, and packed with real life issues and intriguing characters. Ronnell Thompson emerged as a star last night. Ronnell Thompson plays the lead role of Jun Bug, a mis-guided youth who grows throughout the play. The drama surrounding Jun Bug’s life was not only believable, but provided a biblical solution that seemed to witness to the thousand or so folks in attendance. The play toyed with your emotions on two extremes. Creating hysterical laughter, as well as scenes that made many cry as they related to the unfolding drama.

The play featured a well rounded flow of solo artists, as well as a stand-up comedian. Gospel artist Tiki Pickett (winner of Vicki Winans Shining Star Contest) was captivating leading us into Act 2 of the drama.

People were delivered last night. I’ve never seen a play where 50 or so people stood to accept Jesus Christ for the first time as their personal savior. Rounds of applause, and tears, transformed the Bobb Carr Theater of Orlando into a worship center full of rejoicing sounds.

To end the play, Writer, Producer, Director Lavarious Slaughter came out to a thunderous round of applause, as the audience recognized the birthing of a producer that people will be talking about for years to come.

For information on where to see the next play, or how to bring the stage play to your city visit www.lavariousonline.com or call the number listed below.

Next Show Date: October 28, 2007
Location: Lakeland Center Youkey Theater in Lakeland, FL
Time: 7pm
Office: 407-375-5198

Tickets Available soon at Ticketmaster.com

 
Evangelist Juanita Bynum, in the midst of a divorce that became very public when she was allegedly beaten, choked and stomped by her estranged husband in the parking lot of an Atlanta hotel, said Wednesday that her heart is healing.

"I'm very conscious to keep my heart on schedule to heal properly," Bynum said during a nationally-televised interview on ABC's Good Morning America.

When GMA's Robin Roberts asked Bynum about an abusive first marriage, and her seperation from her second husband, Thomas Weeks III, she said, "My first marriage is something that, he repented for what he did, and I made a vow that I would not talk about that situation because it was over 20 years ago.

"I think right now my focus lately has been on why have I allowed this kind of behavior for a second time," she said. "I'm really focusing on my own healing rather than looking at the faults of the individuals because I can't do anything about their actions; I can only do something about my own."

Weeks, who is also a preacher, faces felony charges alleging that he attacked Bynum on Aug. 21 in the parking lot of a Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport-area hotel. A Fulton County grand jury indicted Weeks, 40, on charges of felony aggravated assault, felony terroristic threats and two counts of simple battery.

Bynum, 48, filed for divorce earlier this month in Ware County, where she has a ministry. Her complaint for divorce was dismissed, but she plans to refile it in Gwinnett County, where Weeks lives.

"I believe that spirituality needs to be used in a proper manner, to the degree that we forgive and we pray, but by the same token, you have to take the responsibility to remove yourself out of harm's way while you're praying," Bynum said Wednesday.

Weeks' attorney, Randall Kessler, said he was contacted by Good Morning America Tuesday night for a comment on "our position on the current status."

Kessler released a statement saying, "We have suggested private mediation, or even a settlement conference to expedite resolution, and to prevent any unintended miscommunication or leaks to the press. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more apparent that Rev. Bynum wants to keep this matter public and to expand her career and public persona by doing so."

Play Synopsis:

JUN BUG, an average teenage boy who has contributed more than enough to his
record of mistakes, is a menace to society through the eyes of his uppity
than thou mother Elnor.
To enforce further punishment upon Jun Bug for his burdens and
embarrassments he has caused the family, Elnor distance her parenthood away
from Jun Bug and agrees he should live with his grandparents until all is
forgotten and forgiven.
Two praying Grandparents, Paps and Grandma Sweeny, are the reasons why
positive changes take place in Jun Bug’s life before tragedy strikes him.
The God loving spirits of Paps and Grandma Sweeny is also the bond that
keeps this family together through trials and tribulations that shakes,
rumbles and tries to tear this family apart!
You Better Be Glad I’m Saved is a Christian comedy that shows a family who
prays together stays together through ups, downs and all of the worldly
wrong turn arounds!

Cast:

Starring Tarralyn Ramsey and Antwaun Stanley
George Sloan -PAPS
Tambra Sims -GRANDMA SWEENY
Sharronne Lanier -ELNOR
Kunta Braswell -NATE/ NATHANIEL
Ronnell Thompson -JUN BUG
Gary Bell -AL
Keri Hollingsworth -SIMONE/ SISTER WARD
Leonardo – REVEREND WARD
Latasha Jones -TIFFANY
Jeremy Pitts -MARCUS
David Montgomery -TROY
Salina johnson-ASHLEY
Jackie Dorsey-SISTER JONES
Julie Henry -SISTER LOWRY

Location:
Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
401 W Livingston St
Orlando, FL 32801

Date: September 30, 2007

Time: 7:30PM

Tickets Available at www.ticketmaster.com

Juanita Bynum appeared on Star Jones' new show yesterday, speaking to Star exclusively about her life and failed marriage to Bishop Weeks. This now makes two national platforms that Bynum has used to air out her side of the story. The other one being the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner morning show. She also made her divorce public on Atlanta's Fox 5 local news broadcast. Bishop Thomas Weeks stands accused of beating his wife outside of an Atlanta hotel. Last Friday, weeks finally broke his silence holding a press conference, which painted an in depth picture of how the relationship went sour. Bishop Weeks looked calm, and hardly the type to stomp and kick a woman to the ground.

Juanita tells Star Jones that her appearance on the show was not to incite or slander the Bishop. Bynum quoted many scriptures throughout the interview, one of them being “The Lord shall uphold me and my integrity.” Shortly after that she states, “That vengeance is the Lords.” Bynum says she does forgive Weeks, and still loves him.

Star Jones asks Juanita about her Teach Me to Love Conference. How could you do the conference knowing your marriage was in trouble?

Juanita says, “I didn't attend the conference because I am true to myself.” When prompted, Juanita says, “This wasn't the first instance of violence.” She didn't come out then because she was following spiritual protocol by attempting to reconcile. Citing the biblical passage, “A wise man guards his affairs with discretion.” Juanita Bynum says she first sought the counsel of Bishop Weeks father for 12 weeks. Then counseled with an outside counselor.

Star Jones got the most emotion out of Juanita when she asked Juanita, “How do you guard against the Jezebel spirit?" Star explained the biblical parable of Jezebel as being a woman who was the wife of a weak king, who then uses her own ambition to show up his weakness. Juanita acknowledges that she has faced that accusation, but denies what it implies. Bynum says, “I new who I was before I met him, I didn't have to go into the marriage trying to be the bigger evangelist or speaker.” Star countered by saying, “But you are the biggest.” Juanita admits yes, but “I didn't have to prove that by causing him to look small.”

Star Jones asks Juanita if she will get married again? Juanita somberly says, “At this time it's too painful to think about falling in love again.” “I'm still in love.”

Question after question Juanita seemed to later go into defense mode. Star mentioned Juanita's movie, singing, entertainment, and asked if she was moving more into the secular world, and loosing her spiritual focus. Juanita say's, “The world is the world, I am doing what the bible commissioned, and that is to go into all the world.”

Juanita maintains a busy schedule amidst her very public personal problems. When asked what keeps her going? Juanita simply says, “My purpose keeps me going.”

With this appearance on the Star Jones show, many fear and hope that the Weeks & Bynum case, doesn't turn into a nasty battle of two prominent preachers fighting to save there reputations by tearing each other down. The two finely tuned speakers know how to say the right things, but it's still too soon to tell the amount of damage this will have on the minister's images. One things for sure, it has not put the body of Christ in a good light, and it could continue to get worse as the trial nears.

Reported By: Kris "KP" Patrick

Authorities in Alexandria, Louisiana, arrested two people after nooses were seen hanging from the back of a red pickup Thursday night, the city's mayor told CNN.

Alexandria is less than an hour away from Jena, Louisiana, and was a staging area Thursday for protesters who went to the smaller town to demonstrate against the treatment of six black teens known as the "Jena 6" in racially charged incidents.

Police say the 18-year-old driver of the truck was charged with driving while intoxicated and inciting to riot and also may be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor — the 16-year-old passenger.

As police were questioning the driver, he said he had an unloaded rifle in the back, which police found. They also found a set of brass knuckles in the cup holder on the dashboard, according to the police report.

The passenger told police he and his family are in the Ku Klux Klan, the police report said. He also said he had tied the nooses and that the brass knuckles belonged to him, the report said. Video Watch what police found on the truck

At least one of the nooses was made out of an extension cord, according to the police report.

Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy said those arrested were "from around Jena" and not in the same parish as his city.

The police report says a crowd of about 200 people, mostly African-Americans, watched the arrest take place.

Roy said the incident is "not indicative" of Alexandria and that local authorities will look into the matter "completely, thoroughly and transparently."

A photograph of the truck was sent to CNN by Casanova Love, 26, who said he's in the U.S. Navy. He's visiting his family in Louisiana.

Love said he was standing outside a club with some friends Thursday night when he saw the red pickup drive by slowly with two nooses hanging from it.

He said the truck continued up the street and passed by a large group of Jena 6 protesters standing outside a bus stop. Police then pulled over the vehicle.

Love explained why he sent the photo to CNN: "People need to see this. It's 2007, and we still have fools acting like it's 1960."

State police estimated at least 15,000 people gathered in Jena on Thursday to protest what they consider unequal punishments meted out in recent racially charged cases.

One involved the hanging of nooses from a tree a day after black students sat under what had been an informal gathering place for white students. The students involved were suspended from school for a brief time.

Another was the beating of a white student that resulted in six black teens facing charges that include aggravated second-degree battery.

-Report Courtesy of CNN News