Teaching kid could be one of the basic roles of parents. However, there could be a lot of types of learning. Talking about the academic aspect, this is basically the main concern of most parents so they try to send them to really good school. Aside from getting a good academic learning, parents are also concern about the spiritual aspect of their children. Free children’s church lessons have been around to teach kids about the teachings of God.

Free children’s church lessons contain a lot to keep the children’s learning process going. It has a training kit that will help the facilitator of the lesson commence the whole curriculum. This will train the facilitator to handle the whole program properly so as not to deter the learning process of the kids.

This would also assist him to teach the lesson to the kids without even losing the interest of the kids as well as without affecting their learning process. Free children’s church lesson allow some of their lessons on books in order for the kids to somehow have something to read on during their free time. The books being provided as well as the actual discussion must just follow so that it would be easy for the teachers or facilitators to know where they stopped and could trace the children’s development with the lesson. So that children will be ignited more and would not feel so bored, they can also prefer to learn the lesson through DVDs. This way may sound more exciting rather than just having the typical way of reading books. There will also be some praising songs and some worship to be taught to the kids.

In this way, children are able to at least take a scan everywhere they may go, just like if they are inside the car or just sitting in the classroom waiting for the class time. For those people who are not really familiar with free children’s church lessons, well, they are not necessarily in a classroom-type. They are possible everywhere given that you just have the right materials needed.

Parents don’t have to worry about the curriculum provided by free children’s church lessons since they are all safe. Their kids will surely learn on worshipping and learning something about God. It is greatly expected that boredom would never happen while the kids are listening to the discussion since they really make it a point to have the kind of curriculum especially for the kids. The kind of curriculum that would also enhance their learning skill as the same time would not change their academic learning. By allowing your kids to study with them, this may feel happy for the parents because somehow, the kids are not just into academic learning but also the religious aspect. They do not have to put some force juts to convince their kids to study about things like that because their children would voluntarily study more with them. Talking about the financial thing is never an issue since this is for free except only for some materials, yet they are very affordable. In this way, kids could learn some other things without much to pay as well as they might also be guided well.

Parents can engage their children in joining Free children’s church lessons. In this way, the child can mold himself to be a good Christian follower and at the same time, be an obedient citizen of society. You can also try childrens church curriculum lessons.

For a number of reasons, not the least of which is the Middle East crisis, there has recently been an upswing in interest in the matter of the Rapture of the Church.

Since 1948 when Israel regained its status as a Nation, the world has been anticipating events in the region to see if as many anticipated, we would see prophetic fulfillment unfolding or not, the latter situation resulting in loss of confidence in the validity if the Holy scriptures.

What is involved in the Rapture of the Church?

This significant event, proposed to take place when Jesus Christ the Messiah returns to earth. Anyone alive at the time (or if they have passed on that were believers while alive)that are believers in Yashuah Ha Masciach (The Messiah Jesus in Hebrew), will take part in this rapture event

will actually be transported up into the sky to meet with the Lord just before His return to the earth where He will set up His Millennial Kingdom over which He is going to rule and reign for 1000 years.

Why is the rapture of the church such a contentious issue? There are very few believers that do not wholeheartedly believe in the event of the rapture. The Bible makes it very clear in fact that it must happen. The big bone of contention is when it will happen!

The Great Tribulation

So this is where the disconnect comes. The Bible describes in the book of Revelation this terrible time called “The Great tribulation” when God pours out His wrath upon the earth to punish the impurity of those that just refuse to hear His voice.

The rapture of the church according to the teaching in some churches is designed to save all the Christians from having to endure the trials and tribulations of God’s wrath as two thirds of the people on earth are killed. The Messiah, Jesus, is said to be going to rescue them and take them to safety before things get bad. Such thinking is called a pre trib position.

The Mid trib thinkers propose that the believers will all actually be hear for the first 3and a half years of the 7 year tribulation. That during that time they will experience the beginnings of the great outpouring of God’s wrath and punishment on the earth. The then are whisked away to safety just before the emergence of the Anti-Christ who presents himself as a savior to the united world he has orchestrated as he dupes them into believing in the peace he has brought. The Christians therefore avoid the increased troubles of the second three and a half years.

Last and by no means least, we have the less popular position that the rapture of the church will not take place until after the 7 year period of tribulation, post trib. So all the Christian believers get to stay on earth with everyone else and suffer the trials and tribulations in the same way. When you read the convincing arguments of the ardent supporters of any of these positions, they all have merit. They all can be supported to some degree by finding scriptures that uphold their desire to be correct. It really is quite fascinating!

What is the Almighty God’s position on the rapture of the church?

I submit to you that this after all is the only definitive opinion you should be concerned about. The Lord exhorts us to “study to shew yourself approved” (2Tim 2:15)

So do not fall into the common trap of complacency and rely on another persons interpretation of the Word. In fact I was recently given by the Father, a powerful teaching on the very issue of complacency which you may find illuminating.

What do you need to know about the rapture of the church?

I personally believe that the whole issue of the churches rapture is a ‘guidepost’ if you will to an issue of even greater importance; The coming Kingdom and the part each individual will or will not play in it.

This author prays that from reading these words about the rapture , you will find yourself propelled into the exhilarating discovery of the hidden truths in God’s word concerning the soon to be established Kingdom (closer than most can perceive)

To find out more about the rapture of the church visit my site at http://in-amen.com

Learn more about The Rapture Of The Church. Stop by Frank Atkins’s site where you can find out all about The rapture of the church and what it can mean to you.

I am writing this article now because I want to share with the world the epiphany that I have experienced in the past few months of my life. This epiphany has changed me, as a man, as a citizen, and as a member of the faith that is Jesus Christ. I found my way through the dark woods and saw the light, and the greatest guide that had guided me in finding the light is none other than the Kenneth Copeland Ministries.

Like any other regular person, I was born a typical American, to a regular American family, whom I thought were doing just fine. Going to church was never part of our routine and I knew a handful of people who go to church. I may have understood what religion is about, but I never spend it with my time. I neither studied nor reflected on it. I do not know what religion stands for in my life. In fact, if religion was a world, I did not know where I stood. I was a lot closer to becoming a non-believer, an atheist, to be precise.

This was the belief that was imprinted in the back of my head for a long time. But my life took a different turn as I started taking my post graduate degree in history. I had majored in Western history, and I had this professor that was very articulate and well learned. I thought that he, like most scholars in the academe, had no religion, nor did he believe in any faith or any god. During his period, we would always debate about history – especially on the topic of the United States history. He said things about the flag and the anthem. Things like, if you look at it at a different perspective, it was more than an anthem but more than a tribute to God. And especially the motto, in God we trust. We usually debated about God in the context of American history.

It even occurred that I confronted him regarding his beliefs after one of his classes. When I did so, he just handed me a card where an address was written. I later found it was the address of Kenneth Copeland Ministries. I was doubtful if I would visit and see the place. I thought his being part of the ministry is something ridiculous.

It took me sometime to convince myself to pay a visit to the address. And for days on end I did research of my own about these Kenneth Copeland Ministries. I was shocked when I read some of their articles about being an American is part of God’s will for us, in a land of the free, where God himself had blessed us with strength to gain independence.

As I paid my visit there, I was shocked to know that my professor was also one of the most respected pillars of the ministries. I sat in that one session, and lent my ears to the preaching. At first I thought it was all noise, but I found myself piquing an interest in what they had to say to me, and then, without apparent reason, I attend the session of Kenneth Copeland Ministries every weekend.

As I visited the address, I was surprised to learn that my professor was also one of the most respected believers of the ministries. I sat a few minutes in that one session, and listened to the preaching. In the beginning, it was awkward and I felt it was all noise, but I saw myself interested in what they had to say to me, and subsequently, I attend the session of Kenneth Copeland Ministries each weekend.

Kenneth Copeland Ministries enable you to learn more about the Words of God and put meaning into your life by making you spiritually fulfilled. You will know more about it if you become one of its partners.

Your child’s christening is an important time and a beautiful ceremony that you will want to remember forever. Luckily, planning a baptism that is special and memorable is not difficult, you just have to take the time to do some careful planning. Your first order of business will be to talk with your church. Some churches only do baptisms on certain days. Other churches provide more freedom and let you choose any day. Once you know how your church handles baptisms, you can set about the task of choosing the date and confirming that date with your church.

The next step is to contact the church for information on baptisms. Some churches only do group baptisms, others will do individual ones. Your church also may have special requirements or classes that should be taken. It’s important that you have all this information from your church before you set any dates or plan any parties. The next step will be to choose the Godparents. This is a very serious decision and an amazing honor for the people you ask. Your child’s Godparents will help you raise your child spiritually, and many people ask the Godparents to also be legal guardian if something should happen to them. Because this is such an amazing honor and special role, and because you want someone who will always be in touch with your child, many people choose a family member or very close friend.

Some faiths require that the parents take special baptism classes before their child can be baptized. It is important that you speak to your church to clarify what all the requirements will be ahead of time. Once you have confirmed that all requirements can be met, you are ready to prepare invitations. Store bought invitations will work nicely, or you can choose to have the invitations custom made.

Once the invitation list is complete, the date is set, the Godparents have agreed and all baptism requirements are met; you are ready to start making decisions regarding having a reception and what might be served. Smaller groups can be handled at home, while larger groups could be hosted at a reception hall. If you will be having the invent catered, it is important to meet with the caterer and make those arrangements as soon as possible.

At some point during this process you will need to choose your baby’s christening gown. Some family’s have special, heirloom christening gowns that are actually worn by most of the baby’s. If your family has such a tradition, you can follow it or you can choose to buy an outfit just for your baby. Christening gowns are a little like wedding dresses in that they can be anything from extremely basic and simple to very elaborate and detailed. If you are buying your baby’s christening outfit new, take the time to shop around for the perfect outfit for this special occasion.

The final decision to make is what you will buy your child to commemorate this glorious event. You will want to choose something that they can always keep with them. A special cross or crucifix is a nice idea, although it can be hard to keep track of through the years. Another idea is a new bible or prayer book. You can then make notes in this book including the names of the Godparents and the date and place of the baptism. If your family is close to the minister or priest you can also document that information in the book. This bible can then become something your child will always keep not only as a reminder of their baptism, but as a source to help guide them on their journey.

Read On : Christening Gowns

Poet/Author Marc Lacy has segued into the realm of fiction short stories as he continues his rampant march down the path of literary accomplishment. His short story “Bottomed Out” is one of several very uplifting and motivational pieces in critically acclaimed: The Soul of a Man: A Triumph of My Soul Anthology
y. Throughout the years, the plight of the African-American Male has been misrepresented through various sources. The Soul of a Man casts firm images of hope than can be constantly fed into the minds of young African-American Males, as well as for men of all age groups.

This crucial collection of works from prominent authors representing various geographical regions, recently won “Best Anthology Award for 2009″ at The Literary Awards Show in New York. Editor Elissa Gabrielle’s blessed vision paved the path on which Joe Thomas, Jihad, William Fredrick Cooper, Alvin C. Romer, Marc Lacy, Clarence Mollock, Brian Ganges, Jarold Imes, K.L. Belvin, Joey Pinkney, Thomas Ashburn Jr., Tyrell DeVon Floyd, Maurice M. Gray, Jr., and Eddrick Dejuan all unleashed the positive literary beast!

Siloam Springs, AR May 17, 2009 — The organization Freedom Begins Here http://www.freedombeginshere.org announced today the launch of a new product: “Father + Son: Talk About Sex” meant to help initiate and guide the discussion about sex between a Father and Son. http://www.freedombeginshere.org/videos/father-son-talk-about-sex

Recent studies indicate that 12-17 year olds are the largest consumers of Internet pornography. As shocking as that may seem, teens are not only looking at pornography, 20% of teens have sent/posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos of themselves.

Such shocking statistics led Freedom Begins Here to respond to the crisis by formatting a totally new way for breaking the ice on topics surrounding sex, pornography and adolescence; completely redefining “The Talk.”

This conversation starter is built as a DVD, which includes a collection of unconventional videos on topics such as sex-education, pornography, and fatherhood. It even includes an interactive questionnaire to help make the conversation easier. The guidebook is the more complete portion of the product containing information on puberty, adolescence, and anatomy; all designed to supplement the videos on the DVD. It also includes a free trial of Covenant Eyes accountability software.

“We want to see the wall broken down between fathers and sons,” says Bryson Moore, Senior VP of Freedom Begins Here. “Fathers and sons share one of the closest bonds God ever created. If a father can’t be open with his son about sex, where is he going to learn about it? Probably from the internet, television or friends.”

Freedom Begins Here is a self-proclaimed “movement” with the goal of confronting the issues that no one is talking about. Their vision is to open the avenue of discussion about sex with youth, carrying with them a strong belief that initiating the conversation about sex is the best prevention of all.

The organization got their start back in 2004 dealing primarily with overcoming pornography and sexual addictions. Now, their scope is widening as they release a newly developed “Conversation Starter” series. Freedom Begins Here plans on releasing a Mother + Daughter conversation starter sometime this fall.

“Father + Son: Talk About Sex” is intended for fathers of sons ages 9-15 “although almost any father and son would learn something from it” says Moore. Highlights of the video include a comical but thorough approach to sex-education, a quirky video warning about the dangers of pornography and a design that should appeal to sons and fathers alike. “It is an uncomfortable subject, and we understand that; which is why we did our best to keep in easy for dads and educational for sons” says Moore.

Freedom Begins Here also carries another conversation starter that has stories from contemporary Christian artists such as Rush of Fools, Jimmy Needham and Sarah Reeves telling stories about how sex, porn and self-image have affected their own lives. http://www.freedombeginshere.org/videos/start-the-conversation-dvd

All products are available at the Freedom Begins Here website: www.freedombeginshere.org

Title: Father+Son: Talk About Sex

Price: $12.99

Contact:
800-364-6863
479-524-6863
http://www.freedombeginshere.org

In the creation story, God specifically commanded the man not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and the consequence of disobeying God was a sure death (in other words the tree was not good for eating it was evil) . However, Satan the master of deception convinced Eve that what God called evil was actually good for her. Foolishly, she believed Satan and chose to eat the forbidden fruit. As soon as she did that she” changed”. The Bible says: Gen 3: 7: “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they” knew” that they were naked. . .”

This means that they became conscious of the fact that they were naked when they ate the fruit. When God questioned Adam about what happened Adam told God that he was scared because he was naked and hid himself from God?God asked him: . . . .” Who told thee that thou wast naked?”in other words You’re not supposed to be conscious of that. (Gen 3: 11)

The word” naked” as used in the creation story refers to mans natural state without God. Prior to the fall, Gods spirit” covered” Man’s eyes from seeing Himself and focused his mind on God glory. That’s why he wasn’t conscious of the fact that he was naked. To further explain this lets look at Isaiah 30: 1″Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that” cover” with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.”

The spirit of God covers the eyes (mind) of man from focusing on self and instead focuses mans attention on seeing God as he really is and living for him. (1 john 3: 2)

Result of mans disobedience:
Satan succeeded in” blinding” man from seeing God and opening his eyes to seeing and serving a false reality, : “Mans beastly and selfish self.”

Many occultists and mystics often emphasize that gen 3: 7 (”And the eyes of them both were opened, . . . . . .” ) means that Satan opened the eyes (mind, understanding) of man to see and that prior to when their eyes were” opened” by the forbidden tree, they were actually blinded by God. What they fail to realize is that the serpent actually blinded them. He” opened”their eyes to see a false worldview without God and blinded them to the fact that they were supposed to be seeking God not self, supposed to be bearing Gods image and name not making an image and a name for themselves, 2 cor 4: 4 says: ” In whom the god of this world hath” blinded” the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Notice it didn’t say whom the god of this world hath opened the mind of. . . . but blinded the minds of. . . . .

Satan blinds You from seeing the truth and opens Your eyes (mind) to see a false reality so You can spend eternity without God. Please take note of the fact that 2 cor 4: 4 says” blinded the minds of” and not the eyes of. . . Our minds are our spiritual organs of sight they direct all our activities and any decision we make. In fact the ancestor of every action we take comes from the mind. The word” eye”as used in the creation story refers to the mind.

The two minds:

Romans 8: 6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
From the above verse we see that there are two mind views presented in the bible one leads to death and one leads to life. These two minds are symbolic of the two trees in the garden of Eden the tree of knowledge of good and evil (carnal mind) which gives a false worldview based on self leads to death (death means an eternity without God who is our life) while the tree of life (spiritual mind) as the name indicates leads to life.

Satans Deceit Strategies:

-Rev 3: 17: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

The above verse is just an example of how Satan deceives humanity he gives humanity the impression that they are rich , increased in goods and need nothing but hides their true nature from them and that is that Without God they are wretched, miserable, poor , blind, and naked. Notice the word” blind”is used in this verse, This describes the true state of the Laodecians (whom the verse was addressing) their mindset (eyes) told them that they were rich and prosperous but they were actually blind to their true spiritual position: They were wretched and needed God. Only Jesus could see that

Satan’s deceit didn’t end in the garden of Eden:
So many Christians feel that since Satan deceived eve, He doesn’t have much to do with humanity. That is a great lie, The same way satan deceived eve is the same way he deceives humanity. He makes Us set our mind on the temporal and forsake the eternal. He makes us seek our will (self) instead of Gods will. (Read rev 12: 9 to see that Satan indeed deceives the whole world) . We often blame Eve’s choice for all the evils that are in the world today but What we fail to realize is that we are so much like Eve. Everyday We make so many destructive and selfish choices like Eve did. We choose death over life when we refuse to submit to the Lords Authority. Its so sad to say it but many of us prefer death to life (Prov 8:36)

IS 5:20: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Another strategy Satan uses to delude us is to call what is evil good and good evil. to put darkness as light and light as darkness to call what is sweet bitter and bitter sweet. Lets take another look at the temptation of eve to better understand what I’m saying: Satan made eve accept evil (the tree of knowledge of good and evil) instead of good” the tree of life.” He blinded her from seeing the true light (1 cor4: 4)”…lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” ) Notice the verse in bracket says lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ. . . Satan made Eve choose darkness over light and fooled her into thinking that the darkness was light to make her accept the darkness as being ideal

The same strategy Satan used to tempt eve is what he uses to fool humanity to accept him. St Paul said in 2 cor 4: 18: While we (Christians) look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Satan makes us look at the temporal things and on the worlds pleasures. He makes us despise anything spiritual and live for now. He makes us live for ourselves seek self and He uses the immediate gratification that living for the self offers to buttress his point. God only wants to deprive You of pleasure, he says, Why don’t You compromise and enjoy Yourself forget about God he doesn’t mean well for You. He wants You to suffer.

That’s why Jesus rebuked Peter in Matt 16: 21-23: “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

Notice Jesus called Peter Satan. Satan is only mindful of the things of men (carnal things) instead of accomplishing Gods purpose (dying on to self So our souls can be saved)

Little wonder people of our day hate Christians, They hate them because they view them as people who are against them indulging themselves. Little wonder money and not God is respected in the society we live in today. Little wonder there is an explosion of all sort of abominations in the world and people respect the people who partake in them.

Wake up my brethren The devil has deceived humanity for too long, wake up to righteousness. Deny Yourselves be reconciled to Your God. Come out of Babylon or else You will partake in her sins and share in her judgment

N.B: Unless otherwise stated all Bible verses quoted here are taken from the Authorized (King James) Version.

Source: Arthur_Jason

It’s that time of year again: school is out, kids of all ages are switching out their spring wardrobes for warm-weather apparel–shorts, t-shirts, swimwear–and families across America are gearing up for their once-a-year excursion in search of sun, fun, and relaxation. Yes, the summer season is upon us and countless thousands of families will be making their way to vacation hot-spots like the theme park capital of the world Orlando, Florida.

With such big-name family-friendly attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, Orlando has been a major draw for vacationers the world over for over 30 years. But amidst the bustle and excitement of water parks, heart-stopping reality rides, and cartoon characters that come to life, Orlando is also home to the faith- and family-friendly Holy Land Experience, one of America’s most innovative and unique theme parks. With its colorful and realistic recreations of ancient Israel and its exciting dramatizations of key favorite Bible accounts, Holy Land Experience has become a must-see attraction for countless thousands of individuals, families, church groups, and other vacationers from around the nation and world.

“Summer is definitely an exciting and busy time here at Holy Land Experience,” said Mike Everett, the park’s director. “Our guests come from all over because they know that there is something here for everyone, and that they’ll leave here refreshed in both body and spirit.”

Owned and operated since 2007 by Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the world’s largest religious broadcaster, Holy Land Experience is nothing less than a living, interactive faith experience that transports visitors back thousands of years to experience the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, historical time frames–and the impacting truths–of the Bible.

From the moment guests enter the park’s rich and colorful panorama of landscape, architecture, and living scenes, they are immersed in a convincing and realistic depiction of ancient Jerusalem and Israel. Every exhibit, live program, and dramatization brings visitors face-to-face with the characters, customs, and relevance of Old and New Testament Scripture.

Holy Land Experience is designed to make the Bible come alive to visitors through such recreated sites as the Garden Tomb where Christ was buried and rose three days later; the Qumran Caves where some of the most recent biblical manuscripts were discovered over 60 years ago; the Great Temple of New Testament Jerusalem; a miniature version of the city of Jerusalem; and much more!

The park’s renowned Scriptorium is a visitor favorite, with its impressive collection of priceless biblical antiquities, including the famed Van Kampen Collection that consists of several thousand manuscripts, scrolls, and other religious artifacts. Scriptorium exhibits include enlightening presentations that transport visitors to the historical and geographical areas where biblical documents originated, giving them a dramatic understanding of the history of the Bible, its parallels in history, and the impact Scripture has had upon the world.

Since its beginnings, Holy Land Experience has inspired guests with such life-changing exhibits as the Ministry of Jesus, a close-up recreation of many of Christ’s miracles; and Remember Me, an interactive exhibit in which guests are ushered back to Christ’s last meal with His disciples in the Upper Room, sharing in the bread and the cup as the Savior leads them through the significance of His sacrifice.

This summer Holy Land Experience is adding some dazzling and dramatic live programs that will entertain and inspire individuals of all ages, including:

Why I love Him. Guests meet four women from Scripture who each share a deep bond of love for the Lord Jesus, and in the process will see the pages of the Bible come to life in this new, original Holy Land Experience drama.

Let the Children Come to Me. Parents and grandparents join as children sit at the feet of Jesus, hearing His most beloved teachings. The whole family will share in the warmth and joy as the timeless stories of the Good Samaritan, the Lost Sheep, and many others parables literally come to life.

Let Freedom Ring! (From Memorial Day through Labor Day). This patriotic concert and program, featuring heart-stirring music spanning the years from America’s beginnings to today, will make hearts swell with pride and an appreciation of how God has blessed “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Behold The Lamb Passion Drama. This crowd favorite has been expanded with new music, new scenes, and new drama–all designed to put guests in the middle of the most important event in all of history–Christ’s death and resurrection! Behold the Lamb is the Holy Land Experience’s longest running and most powerful presentation.

In addition to all these awesome and inspirational exhibits and programs, Holy Land Experience has a special place for kids called Smile of a Child Adventureland (sponsored by TBN’s exclusive Kid’s TV network), where younger guests are treated to a fun and exciting world where they become a part of their favorite Bible stories. There’s even an awesome–and totally safe–rock climbing experience kids will talk about for years to come.

“Holy Land Experience is one of the most relevant and life-changing vacation destinations that individuals, families, church groups, youth groups–just about anyone–could experience,” said Paul Crouch Jr., TBN’s Chief of Staff and President of Holy Land Experience. “It’s fun, it’s entertaining, it’s inspiring. And we’re convinced that those who visit us will make it a regular stop for their vacation.”

The admission price for Holy Land Experience includes all park activities (except dining and shopping) during operating hours: exhibits, musical dramas, presentations, special guests performances or guest speakers, and the movie theatre. Parking, wheelchairs, and strollers are free; special rates are offered to pre-booked bus groups. Hours of operation vary by season. For details, visit online at www.holylandexperience.com, or call 407-872-2272.

The Rev. Robert Koopmann, OSB, a 1968 graduate of Saint John’s University, has been named the 12th president of Saint John’s University by the university’s Board of Regents. He will begin his official duties on July 1, 2009.

Saint John’s has wonderful students, a first-rate faculty, a dedicated and highly competent staff, very committed board members, alumni, benefactors and friends, an amazing and creative partnership with the College of Saint Benedict, and a mission, together with Saint John’s Abbey, to serve the church and the world. I am eager to lead this institution which I love so much.

He is an extraordinary man who understands keenly and lives fully the mission, vision and values of Saint John’s. He has demonstrated genuine leadership in the several roles he has played at Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s. I fully expect that this demonstrated leadership will be a hallmark of his tenure as president.
I rejoice in Fr. Bob’s selection because I know him to be a solid, energetic and creative member of the monastic community, a monk and priest with deep pastoral

He has a knack of getting difficult things done without drawing attention to himself. He is a true Benedictine. I enthusiastically congratulate Fr. Bob Koopmann on his appointment as president of Saint John’s University “I’m honored and excited to be selected president,” said Koopmann. “Saint John’s has wonderful students, a first-rate faculty, a dedicated and highly competent staff, very committed board members, alumni, benefactors and friends, an amazing and creative partnership with the College of Saint Benedict, and a mission, together with Saint John’s Abbey, to serve the church and the world. I am eager to lead this institution which I love so much.”

He succeeds Dan Whalen, who has served as interim president of the university since Oct. 21, 2008, after the resignation of the late Br. Dietrich Reinhart, OSB, president emeritus of Saint John’s University.

Koopmann has been a professor of music at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University since 1975, and served as fine arts division head from 2006-09. For the past four years, he has served on the Saint John’s Board of Regents, and served nine years in a previous term on the board.

“I am truly excited about Fr. Bob’s selection as our next president,” said Jim Frey, chair of the Saint John’s Board of Regents. “He is an extraordinary man who understands keenly and lives fully the mission, vision and values of Saint John’s. He has demonstrated genuine leadership in the several roles he has played at Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s. I fully expect that this demonstrated leadership will be a hallmark of his tenure as president.”

“I rejoice in Fr. Bob’s selection because I know him to be a solid, energetic and creative member of the monastic community, a monk and priest with deep pastoral sensitivity and a seasoned administrator,” wrote Abbot John Klassen, OSB, chancellor of Saint John’s University, in the nomination letter to the Saint John’s Board of Regents.

A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Koopmann professed as a monk of Saint John’s Abbey on Sept. 21, 1971 and was ordained a priest on June 6, 1981. He has advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (master of music), the University of Iowa (doctor of musical arts) and a master of divinity degree from Saint John’s School of Theology•Seminary. Koopmann did post-doctoral study with faculty of the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. Koopmann is active as a concert pianist both in the U.S. and abroad, and has released a number of recordings since 1994. He is the director of music for Saint John’s Abbey.

He was chair of the CSB/SJU music department from 1977-83 and 1985-86. He has served as a faculty resident in the student residence halls at Saint John’s since 1981, most recently at Saint Benet Hall since 2002. Since 1998, he has served as a men’s spirituality group leader, and since 2000 has worked with the Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps. Koopmann also served as director of international studies programs to Salzburg, Austria and South Africa.

“Fr. Bob is a quiet, humble and effective leader,” said Whalen. “He has a knack of getting difficult things done without drawing attention to himself. He is a true Benedictine.”

“I enthusiastically congratulate Fr. Bob Koopmann on his appointment as president of Saint John’s University,” said MaryAnn Baenninger, president of the College of Saint Benedict. “He is a wonderful man who loves both Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s. His long experience as a faculty member and mentor in the music department and his more recent success as division head in the fine arts will give him a firm foundation upon which to begin a successful presidency. As president of College of Saint Benedict, I look forward to working with him as a partner to secure the future of these great institutions.”

Journey into the heart, mind, and strategies of diabetic teen Naomi Kingery in Sugar Free Me…An Inspirational Book for Diabetic Teens and Their Loved Ones ($14.99, paperback, 978-1-60477-849-6). Born in Bangalore, India, as a missionary kid, Kingery was diagnosed with diabetes at 12. At the tender age of 15, the author began to write the book she wished she could read in her hospital bed, a book about the emotions of a type-one teen. Now a self-published author, her must-read book shares stories and tips about her journey as a diabetic and has quotes from other teens just like her.

Says Kingery, “My book is important for the diabetic community. It talks about faith, health, experiences, and growth as a teenager with a fragile body. I’m eager to get it into the hands of the people who need it: diabetic teens and their loved ones. I was diagnosed almost seven years ago and tracked my experiences as time went on. I learned more with each page that I added to this book and was open and vulnerable (about) how it feels to live a sugar-free life.”

At 19, Kingery is embarking on one of the greatest adventures of her life with the publication of her new book. She hopes it will fill a much-needed niche in the literary world and serve as a stepping-stone to enrich the diabetic community. Sugar Free Me was featured in the December 2008 issue of well known diabetes magazine, Diabetes Forecast. “As we learn and grow with one another, we can fight against the bitterness of this disease with hope and joy,” she says. She currently lives in Simi Valley, California and has a personal book website: www.livetolovediabetes.com.

Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world’s largest Christian publisher, with more than 5,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order Sugar Free Me through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. Salem Communications is the country’s leading Christian communications company with interests in radio, Internet, and magazine publishing.