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WCC to presidents of Russia and Ukraine: “a peaceful solution is in your hands alone”

In a letter to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, and Volodymyr Oleksandrovytch Zelensky, president of Ukraine, World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca urged the leaders to listen to the cries of their own faithful people.

Click here to read more.

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Media Room

World Relief Responds to Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis, Urges Diplomatic Solutions

Today, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, plunging the nation into further conflict. As an organization that resettles refugees and assists vulnerable people around the world, World Relief recognizes the significant impact this situation will have on the civilian population in Ukraine as well as those in surrounding communities.

Yesterday, the United Nations indicated that a Russian invasion could lead to as many as five million refugees fleeing into neighboring countries. World Relief has been monitoring the situation over the last few weeks and is working with partners to respond as needed. World Relief is also reaching out to our Ukrainian staff in the United States and resettled Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. to offer support.

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  • Bible Media News (BMN)* is an independent faith-based media organization.
  • This is the first installment of a series of short interviews with faith leaders.

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In The News Media Room

Feel Good Story: Children urged to read in mother language

The South African Post Office (Sapo) partnership with non-profit organisation Nal’ibali now makes it possible for children, reading clubs, schools and libraries to collect free reading material from 508 branches throughout the country.

A year ago, the reading supplements were available at only 46 post offices. This increase has been made possible by the partnership Nal’ibali has with the post office.

“By the end of last year Nal’ibali was able to deliver 309 000 reading supplements every month through the post offices. Each copy has three stories – so that is nearly a million stories every month.

Click here to read more.

SANews.gov.za

Disclaimer: Please note that all press releases and statements published by Bible Media News do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Bible Media.

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Media Room

South Africans wonder if Cyril Ramaphosa’s plans will add up – The Conversation

According to The Conversation, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2022 state of the nation address underscored the problematic role that government agencies and others had played in state capture and the 2021 civil unrest.

The unrest and looting that followed the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court sparked widespread violence and destruction of property, and resulted in the deaths of more than 350 people. Most of the violence took place in two economically important provinces – KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Read more:

Disclaimer: Please note that all press releases and statements published by Bible Media News do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Bible Media.

Photo: Shutterstock / Aqua Images

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Media Room

Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation to host event on Human Rights

The Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, together with the Foundation for Human Rights, wants you to join their upcoming Courageous Conversation on 22 February 2022 at 4pm (SA Time).

Titled: Accountability and Justice: The need for the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the suppression of the TRC cases.

Register: https://bit.ly/3gjaLLg

Disclaimer: Please note that all press releases and statements published by Bible Media News do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Bible Media.

Photo: Facebook / Sumaya Hisham

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Media Room

Popular Wedding Venue seeks friendly resolution of same-sex marriage case

Michael Swain, Executive Director of FOR SA, released a statement relating to the owners of Beloftebos, the wedding venue that was taken to Court by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

FOR SA (Freedom of Religion South Africa) is a non-profit Christian organisation working to protect and promote religious freedom in South Africa.

“They declined to host and organise the celebration of a same-sex marriage, have written to the SAHRC in an attempt to amicably resolve this matter, which has been ongoing for over two years,” Swaim said in a statement.

“We live in a society where our Constitution encourages us to be united in our diversity,” said Swain. “The owners of Beloftebos have stated clearly and consistently that the issue has always been about their sincere and deeply held convictions on the sacrament of marriage. It has never been about the sexual orientation of any person and they have at every opportunity made it crystal clear that they fully respect and recognise the constitutional rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.”

In their proposal to the SAHRC, the owners of Beloftebos said that the SAHRC accept (without having to agree with them) that their intensely-held world view is that marriage is a sacrament between a man and a woman. Furthermore, they stated that their views and beliefs regarding marriage are for considered and nuanced reasons which in turn are fundamental to their relationship with God, which relationship is central to all their activities,” according to Swaim.

In a letter that Beloftebos sent to the SAHRC, the owners of Beloftebos also noted that flowing from several years of on-going prayer and reflection, combined with the COVID-19 lockdown measures which have made weddings rare and very difficult to host, they have decided that it is time for a new season for them and their farm. 

As such, Beloftebos will no longer be available as a wedding venue to the general public, and the link on their website concerning weddings has been removed.

Bible Media reached out for comment to the owners of Beloftebos, which will be added to the article once received.

Click here to read the entire statement on the website of FOR SA.

Disclaimer: Please note that all press releases and statements published by Bible Media News do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Bible Media.

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Inside Church Media Room

Exclusive Interview with Chris from The Helping Hand SA Team

Bible Media News reached out to Chris from the The Helping Hand team.

Helping Hand SA aims to provide assistance, whether physical, emotional, or otherwise, to those in need, regardless of race, creed, or social status. Their passion is to change the world through empowering people to develop a personal relationship with God, and in turn, to change their part of the world.

Making the World a Better Place: Sharing the message of God’s love for humankind.

You can read our interview with Chris below:

Give us a glimpse into your life by describing one thing on your To Do List for this week, that is giving you energy.

This week, as part of our school supplies initiative, I am preparing a short talk on education, self-worth, and God’s personal care for the older children in my Sunday School class. (about 25 kids, ages 8-14, class held weekly in Morningstar informal settlement) I am really excited to be able to share with them this message, as well as equip them with some much needed school materials.

Is there a story you tell people when they ask: What gives you hope for South Africa?

Oh well, there’s a few! One that stands out is of dear “Mama” Rosie who founded a centre in Khayelitsha settlement completely on her own. Wanting to help destitute, abandoned, or orphaned children around her, she began taking them into her own home. Then she got some other ladies from the community involved. She created a “hole in the wall” where mothers tempted to abandon their babies could rather leave them, and Mama Rosie would then take them in. She cared for, educated, prayed with, and encouraged these little ones faithfully. In the midst of so much sadness and struggle, she persevered, and today she has expanded to over 200 children in an orphanage and creche, plus a youth centre/agricultural project, small bakery to employ local women, frail care centre, AND a feeding scheme in Khayelitsha. And though she still struggles to make ends meet, she never gives up. One person who won’t quit and holds on to Jesus can achieve anything – for a little candle like her shines all the brighter in a area of great darkness.  I am so honoured that we can regularly assist her with food and other items, and find her a prime example of hope in our country.

What was the last thing that surprised you?

Going to collect a donation of “some meat” from a local butchery and ending up loading TWO vanloads of over 1600 kgs total; then delivering to soup kitchens and feeding schemes same day! I’m still mind boggled by it! Praise God.
Also, seeing a huge turtle with a dragonfly just resting on his back while out for a hike yesterday morning. Incredible.

What have you learnt about how Christians can make an impact in society?

In my life I’ve learned a lot about faithfulness in the little things – the seemingly mundane. I deeply believe in long term “sticking” to whatever God has called one to, and that through our samples of Jesus, we can change firstly OUR world; the people around us, and thus, our society at large. Also, I have learned not to be burdened with the vast physical and spiritual need, but rather focus on the things that are good, amplify them, and keep plodding on to uplift individual’s hearts and minds. To help where I can, and even if I can’t do anything materially, a smile and a “Jesus loves you!” works wonders to show what I believe.

Like the man walking on the seashore and calmly tossing stranded starfish back into the water, when asked “what’s the point, there are so many, you can’t possibly make a real difference!” he smiled and replied while placing one more into the surf “well, it made a difference to THAT one!”

That’s my goal as a Christian in society, to make a difference to whoever the Lord brings across my path. And that is how we at Helping Hand operate.

What is God up to in your life?

I’m so thrilled to be able over the last several months to help mentor two young men who have a real desire to be forces for good and for God. We’ve been having lengthy discussions on all manner of down-to-earth topics, and it is so special to see them grow in faith and strength – so much so that they are reaching out to others themselves!Also, my wife and I are expecting our third child this year!

I hope this helps and is clear enough! Please let me know if you would like a “call to action” writeup on our School project… thanks!

What was the last thing that surprised you?

Going to collect a donation of “some meat” from a local butchery and ending up loading TWO vanloads of over 1600 kgs total; then delivering to soup kitchens and feeding schemes same day! I’m still mind boggled by it! Praise God.
Also, seeing a huge turtle with a dragonfly just resting on his back while out for a hike yesterday morning. Incredible.

What have you learnt about how Christians can make an impact in society?

In my life I’ve learned a lot about faithfulness in the little things – the seemingly mundane. I deeply believe in long term “sticking” to whatever God has called one to, and that through our samples of Jesus, we can change firstly OUR world; the people around us, and thus, our society at large. Also, I have learned not to be burdened with the vast physical and spiritual need, but rather focus on the things that are good, amplify them, and keep plodding on to uplift individual’s hearts and minds. To help where I can, and even if I can’t do anything materially, a smile and a “Jesus loves you!” works wonders to show what I believe.

Like the man walking on the seashore and calmly tossing stranded starfish back into the water, when asked “what’s the point, there are so many, you can’t possibly make a real difference!” he smiled and replied while placing one more into the surf “well, it made a difference to THAT one!”

That’s my goal as a Christian in society, to make a difference to whoever the Lord brings across my path. And that is how we at Helping Hand operate.

Click here to visit more about Helping Hand SA.

Photo: Facebook / Helping Hand SA

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Inside Church Media Room

SALCI set to host a contextual Bible Study course starting on 1 March

In a statement on Twitter, The South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SALCI), said that it would host a contextual Bible Study course starting on 1 March 2022.

When: Six week block: weeks of 8, 15, 22, 29 March; and 5, 12 April.
Then take a break for two weeks over Easter and Freedom Day, to reconvene for the last two sessions on 3 and 10 May.

For whom: Those between 18–35 years old

Where? Online

Presenter: The Warehouse (Rev Rene August, Thandi Gamedze and Craig Stewart)

Description: The story of Christianity in South Africa is a complex one, intertwined with a painful history of colonialism whose legacy continues to have significant impact today. However, examples abound both locally and globally, showing how the Bible has been used not only for oppression but also for liberation. In order for us to follow in the liberative footsteps of Jesus, we need to do the work of disentangling the Bible from colonial narratives, which is the work of decolonization.

For more information of what this course will teach you, click link here: https://volmoedyouth.org.za/volmoed-programmes/a-contextual-reading-of-the-bible-vyltp-online-course/

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In The News Media Room

Housing, food highest costs for SA households – Stats SA

The average South African household is consuming more goods and services, and is still spending most of its money on housing, food and transport.

That is according to Statistics South Africa’s newly published changes to the average South African household’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket of goods and the new weights for the CPI.

The weights indicate which items South African households spend more money on, while the CPI basket of goods indicate which products most South Africans are buying – an indicator of the cost of living.

“In the most recent update… the CPI basket will now contain 415 items, up from 404 in 2016. A total of 14 new items were added, while two items were removed from the basket. Some products were either split into two or combined into one,” the data collection agency said.

Stats SA explained that the revisions were based on information collected as at December 2019 and the list was determined from “detailed sales information” from South African retailers.

The statistics body said the reference period of the weights is 2019, to reflect a normal period not including the economic devastation caused by COVID-19.

“As the weights remain fixed for a number of years into the future, the CPI manual guides that the weights should reflect a ‘normal’ consumption period and to adopt weights that are not likely to change much in the future,” Stats SA said.

The South African shopping bag 

According to Stats SA, more products have been added to the consumer basket of goods to reflect a change in South African spending habits, while others – which may have become obsolete due to technological changes – have fallen way.

“In this update, DVD players and satellite dishes are out of the basket, while sound bars and speakers are included. The item ‘pre-recorded CDs’ was renamed ‘CDs, subscription and streaming music’ to reflect the growth in consumer appetite for streaming music services.

“A few tweaks were also made to items already in the basket. With growth in the use of data services, the item ‘internet usage’ was split into wired (e.g. fibre) and wireless (e.g. cellular) forms of access. Energy saving and traditional lightbulbs, previously listed as separate items, were amalgamated into one product following the near disappearance of incandescent bulbs,” Stats SA said.

In food, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and household items, a few inclusions have also been made to reflect consumer spending habits.

“Gin is the only new inclusion in the alcoholic beverages category, reflecting its growing popularity among consumers in South Africa. Cappuccino sachets have also entered the basket, as well as dairy/fruit juice blends, samp, pureed baby food and jam.

“Personal care products such as razors, wipes and make-up (foundation) made the grade as well, together with household items such as floor and wall tiles and fabric softener,” Stats SA said.

CPI weights

 Stats SA revealed that the calculation of the CPI weights, which is what proportion of household income is spent on what items, were adjusted using household spending growth based on national accounts information.

“This is the first time that Stats SA has fully relied on national accounts data for recalibrating the CPI weights. In line with international standards, the weights are usually based on spending data from a household expenditure survey, such as the Income and Expenditure Survey and the Living Conditions Survey (LCS) that informed the last update in 2017.

“Due to budget cuts, Stats SA was not allocated funding to conduct a household expenditure survey since the 2014/15 LCS. However, the sources and methods used to update the basket and weights are nevertheless consistent with international good practice,” said Stats SA.

The new weights reflect that South Africans still consistently spend the bulk of their income on housing, transport and food.

The least proportion of income is spent on health, communication and education.

“Alcoholic beverages and tobacco saw the largest weight increase, rising by 0.44 of a percentage point to 6.26%. The weight for miscellaneous goods and services experienced the biggest drop, decreasing by 0.24 of a percentage point to 14.81%,” Stats SA said.

The statistics body is expected to announce the consumer price index – the cost of living – for January on February 16.

“The… basket is the bedrock from which the consumer price index is calculated. Prices for all items in the basket are collected on a regular basis. Stats SA measures the changes in these prices to calculate the inflation rate, or the change in the cost of living,” Stats SA said.

Read more:

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Inside Church Media Room

JUST IN: South African Council of Churches hosts vaccine literacy training

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) urges all South Africans to get vaccinated.

Their #VaxuMzansi team hosted a vaccine literacy training & a community dialogue in KwaMashu. “Remember it’s not too late to learn about the COVID-19 vaccine, to help protect yourself and others,” a statement on Facebook said.

Learn more about their campaign here: https://sacc.org.za/covid-19/

Register for your vaccine here: https://www.gov.za/covid-19/vaccine/evds

Photo: Facebook