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A half-sized replica of the biblical Noah's Ark has been built by a Dutch man, complete with model animals. Dutch creationist Johan Huibers built the ark as testament to his literal belief in the Bible. The ark, in the town of Schagen, is 150 cubits long - half the length of Noah's - and three storeys high. A cubit was about 45cm (18in) long. The ark opened its doors on Saturday, after almost two years' construction, most of it by Mr Huiber himself. 'Past comprehension' "The design is by my wife, Bianca," Mr Huibers said. "She didn't really want me to do this at all, but she said if you're going to anyway, it should look like this." Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras and bison are included in the ark's interior. The Bible's Book of Genesis says Noah kept seven pairs of most tamed animals and one breeding pair of all other creatures in the boat, which survived a catastrophic flood sent down...

I didn't know there were any Christians in North Korea. If Kim Jong Il gets his way, there won't be. Here's your weekend must-read , from World Magazine. Goes behind the firewall in a week or so, so get it while it's hot: On both sides of the border, Dobbs heard horror stories from underground Christians about recent North Korean persecution. Executions and torture may occur in large part in North Korea's prison camp—the gulag holds an estimated 200,000 political prisoners—but they also happen in public. Dobbs gleaned one estimate that the regime kills 300 people a year for their faith. Other well-connected activists report arrests of Christians were higher last year than in 2005, with perhaps 50,000 believers languishing in prison. Some examples of persecution that Dobbs learned about: In one prison, a warden hung a Christian man upside down and ordered him to deny his beliefs. Eventually the warden stabbed at him and pushed him to the ground, ordering 6,000 p...

Police called her quick thinking "nothing short of heroic." AP Staff/AH (April 24th, 2007) According to an AP report, yesterday, the courageous actions of 11-year-old Abigail Parker may have saved not only her own life, but also that of her mother and younger brother as well. While driving on U.S. 31 south of Peru, Indiana, Abigail noticed her diabetic mother had begun to drive "erratically at about 80 mph," say police. Deborah Parker (36) had started having a diabetic reaction to low blood sugar. That's when Abigail reportedly sprang into action, climbing from the van's rear seat up to the front, and onto her mother's lap. She successfully stopped the vehicle at least partially off the road, called 911, and kept her 8-year-old brother calm while she waited for help to arrive. Source: FOXNews.com

"I just got on my knees and prayed that God would put His arms around me and never, ever, ever let me go." Brad A. Greenberg/AH (April 19th, 2007) One man's life touches so many others. We've heard that message conveyed countless times, from the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, to messages from the pulpit. And yet it's still a wonder when you see God change one heart which, in turn, affects hundreds of others. That probably wasn't even a passing thought this past March, however, when the Lord suddenly broke into the life of famous motorcycle daredevil, Robert "Evel" Knievel. He knew that there were Believers who were actively praying for his salvation—he cites his daughter, ex-wife and their churches, along with the "hundreds" of letters Knievel had received urging him to trust God—but for 68 years, he had resisted calling on Jesus Christ as Savior. According to an article in Christianity Today, ...

"When they are actually engaged in this whole very intense spiritual practice...their frontal lobes tend to go down in activity. It is very consistent with the kind of experience they have, because they say that they're not in charge. [They say] it's the voice of God, it's the Spirit of God that is moving through them." Vicki Mabrey, Roxanna Sherwood/TN (Mar 21st, 2007) ABC's Nightline this Thursday will cover the phenomena/gift of speaking in tongues. At the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Andrew Newberg has been conducting a scientific study of the phenomenon for a long time. According to an ABC report, Newberg found that brain scans show quite different results with Christians praying in tongues compared to Buddhist monks meditating and Franciscan nuns praying. The frontal lobes—the part of the brain right behind the forehead that's considered the brain's control center—went quiet in the brains of tongue-speakers...

"I want them to see and hear that being a Christian, and singing about it, isn't weird!" Adelie M. Banks, Sally York, Kevin Jackson/TN, AH (Mar 14th, 2007) Reporters Adelie M. Banks and Sally York, writing a report on how often American Idol (AI) contestants have grown up in the church, note that churches (especially African American) have often been the training ground for artists who make it to America's most prominent stages. One example listed is current contestant Melinda Doolittle, who attends the same Nashville church as Gospel artist CeCe Winans. "Though she's doing the majority of everything in the secular realm, in the secular field, right now, she's bringing the cross over instead of crossing over," said Ternae Jordan Jr., a worship leader at Mount Canaan Baptist Church, in Chattanooga. Doolittle was quoted as saying her personal goals are to "represent Christ well and do everything 150 percent....

"How could this great land of plenty produce too few people in the last 30 years? Here is the brutal truth that no one dares to mention: We're too few because too many of our babies have been killed." AJC Staff/TN, JM, AH (Mar 14th, 2007) In Macon, Georgia, this week, former U.S. Sen. Zell Miller declared that abortion "has contributed to the military's manpower shortage, the Social Security crisis, and the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States." That, according to a report in The Atlanta Journal Constitution. "How could this great land of plenty produce too few people in the last 30 years? Here is the brutal truth that no one dares to mention: We're too few because too many of our babies have been killed," Miller said. "Over 45 million since Roe v. Wade in 1973. If those 45 million children had lived, today they would be defending our country, they would be filling our jobs, they ...

"We're not going to let this generation fade away. We're not going to let this generation be won by MTV, [or] by all these things that Hollywood is feeding us." Lillian Kwon/AH (Mar 12th, 2007) Writing for the Christian Post, Lillian Kwon shares on this weekend's BattleCry event, sponsored by Teen Mania, and attended by more than 22,000 youth. (Photo by: The Christian Post / Gospel Herald, Hudson Tsuei) Although San Francisco city officials imposed new "amplified sound" restrictions on the two-day gathering, held in AT&T Park, the young people reportedly made their voices heard. Founder of Teen Mania, and leader of the BattleCry movement, addressed the tens-of-thousands of teens filling the park on Saturday, exclaiming, "When you're ready to surrender, take up the sign of commitment...by passionately—with everything you've got, with all the lights on, with no music and no emotionalism, just as if you ju...

"As we clean, we will also pray." Inspire Staff/TN (Mar 11th, 2007) On April 28, the final of the World Cup will be played in Barbados. Looking ahead to that event, 50 Christians with the Christian Action Team, led by Eroll Griffith, organized a prayer and worship walk —called "March forth on your knees" —to ask God's blessing on the region's biggest ever sporting occasion. A series of similar events will continue up to, and after, the World Cup. "This is all about prayer," Griffith, told the Daily Nation . "It was the idea of a group of Christians who are praying that God manifests Himself so that all the people here for the World Cup realize that He exists, and know He is God." "It's open to anyone with a heart for prayer, and for this World Cup. We want to thank God for the blessing the sport of cricket has given us all in the Caribbean," Griffith added. According t...

"It helps reduce stress hormones like cortizol and adrenaline, and plumps up immune system activity by increasing interferon, T-cells and white blood cells." WebMD Staff/AH (Mar 11th, 2007) A video report on WebMD maintains that laughter is not only "good for the soul," but studies have shown it to be advantageous to your physical health as well. "Research shows laughter can improve your health," says the report. "It helps reduce stress hormones like cortizol and adrenaline, and plumps up immune system activity by increasing interferon, T-cells and white blood cells." The report also states that a good "belly-laugh" can "boost heart rate, improve blood flow, and stabilize blood pressure." One study revealed lower blood-sugar levels in diabetics who ate their meal at a comedy show. According to the WebMD video, "laughing one hundred times-a-day or more had the same benefit...

"We will abide by the law, but I guarantee you our voices will be heard as we take a stand for our generation and our God!" News Staff/AH (Mar 9th, 2007) Although officials in San Francisco have imposed stiffer restrictions on this year's gathering of young Believers, more than any secular rock concert, the teens are determined to meet together for worship and prayer over the "city-by-the-bay." Government leaders imposed customized noise restrictions on the event known as BattleCry —a massive teen rally and worship service—not allowing any amplified sound before 10am and after 10pm for the duration of the two—day assembly. One of the BattleCry organizers, 18-year-old Charlotte Hamilton, declared, "We will abide by the law, but I guarantee you our voices will be heard as we take a stand for our generation and our God!" An initiative of Teen Mania, one of the world's largest youth organizations, BattleC...

"God is shaking the foundation of Islam in Iran. We have been praying for some of the main government officials to come to Christ and God is answering us." Mark Ellis/AH (Mar 7th, 2007) One of the top Islamic leaders in Iran accepted Christ and left the country after facing death threats and imprisonment, according to an Iranian pastor living in the U.S. "This man has been watching Christian TV programs for the past two years," said Pastor Elnathan Baghestani, founder of Iran for Christ Ministries (ICM). Pastor Baghestani and his wife provide Christian programming to the Mohabat Network satellite, which broadcasts 24/7 into Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. (Photo: Pastor Baghestani of ICM) The Imam called one of the phone counselors connected to Iran for Christ Ministries and prayed to receive Christ in early February. "The man has been watching Christian TV programs for the past two years," Baghestani said. ...

"A nation which kills its children is a nation without a future. A continent which kills its children will be settled by people who do not kill theirs." Hilary White/TN (Mar 6th, 2007) According to LifeSitenews , Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Education minister, Roman Giertych, told European news reporters that Poland would not back down on plans to oppose abortion, saying: "Abortion needs to be banned immediately." Calling abortion "a new form of barbarism," Giertych said, "A nation which kills its children is a nation without a future. A continent which kills its children will be settled by people who do not kill theirs. If we will not use all our power to strengthen the family, then as a continent there is not a future for us. We will be a continent settled by representatives of the Islamic world who care for the family." He said. Giertych also reportedly called for a serious discussion o...

"...the action, even if merely symbolic, is designed to demonstrate in a way that is obvious to all that the expectation of Temple rituals [resuming] is real, and not just talk." Nadav Shragai/AH (Mar 6th, 2007) According to a recent article in Haaretz, the Jewish Sanhedrin, reformed and established several years ago, has reportedly purchased a herd of sheep which they hope to use for ritual sacrifice at the site of the Temple on the eve of Passover this year. Sanhedrin member, Professor Hillel Weiss, told Haaretz that "the action, even if merely symbolic, is designed to demonstrate in a way that is obvious to all that the expectation of Temple rituals [resuming] is real, and not just talk." The report states that a symbolic sacrifice was performed a few years ago, on Givat Hananya—overlooking the Temple Mount. A young goat, donated by a Tekoa resident, was sacrificed, while residents built a 2-meter-tall oven, according to s...

"What we've seen on Capitol Hill, and in state capitols, is that both parties...love Wilberforce." Pete Winn/AH (Mar 5th, 2007) The new film depicting the life and inspirational stand of William Wilberforce, Amazing Grace, is apparently making an impact on members of the U.S. Congress. Giving the movie a standing ovation, is Sen. Sam Brownback from Kansas. "Wilberforce has been a model for me for many years," said Brownback. "I've studied his life and what he did—and bringing, in a positive way, his active faith into the public square and the fight for human dignity." "It is a fabulous film," he added. "It is a modern-day story of commitment and grit, and active faith in the public square." Likewise, Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado, agreed that the film was an "inspiration" to fight for what is right—for as long as is needed. "It may take years, it may even take decad...

"Most people wouldn't be willing to go to a meeting on a motorcycle dressed in an Armani suit but they would be more than happy to arrive in a VentureOne." Daily Mail Staff/TN (Mar 4th, 2007) A fully enclosed , 360 degree glass canopied roof vehicle, so slender (40 inches) that two of them can drive side-by-side on a highway, is being designed and built by US-based Venture Vehicles, which hopes to put it on sale in the UK soon. Called the VentureOne, the three-wheeled, hybrid auto-bike drives like a car, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds, and when negotiating curves it leans 45 degrees like a motorcycle. According to a report in The Daily Mail, Ian Bruce, co-founder of the Venture Vehicles, said: "The VentureOne will achieve 100mpg with a top speed of over 100mph. It looks similar to a closed-in motorcycle but it is much more than that. It will have more features than a basic car including a steel roll bar, air-condit...

"I must come out of the closet again. I have recently experienced the power of change that came over me once I completely surrendered to the teachings of Jesus Christ." Meg Jalsevac/TN (Mar 1st, 2007) LifeSiteNews reports that due to the inspiration of a pastor who counseled Charlene Cothran (a prominent black lesbian in the forefront of the fight for equal rights for gays and lesbians, and publisher of a successful magazine geared to black homosexuals) to use her gifts for Christ, Cothran has left her homosexual lifestyle and is making it her mission to offer help to other homosexuals who want to do the same. Cothran said, "I must come out of the closet again. I have recently experienced the power of change that came over me once I completely surrendered to the teachings of Jesus Christ." Notes reporter Meg Jalsevac: Cothran offered hope to her "gay and lesbian brothers and sisters who want real peace" saying, ...

"All of Jesus' contemporaries recorded Christ rose after being dead for three days and ascended into Heaven. For 2,000 years people of faith along with countless scholars have pored over the Scriptures, confirming their veracity. A Hollywood director is the least qualified to render any determination of Biblical truth." Dane Rose/AH (Feb. 26th, 2007) National Clergy Council president, the Reverend Rob Schenck issued this statement following a press conference that announced a new documentary claiming proof against the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: "Today, Hollywood director James Cameron, whose claim to fame is a fictionalized account of the sinking of the Titanic, unveiled a documentary claiming a coffin found in Jerusalem 27 years ago, once contained the remains of Jesus Christ. Cameron employed archaeologists and DNA experts to bolster his assertion [that] Jesus was buried along with his mother Mary, Mary Magdalene and a supposed son...

People who sleep on their stomachs have lower night time blood pressure than people who sleep in other positions, according to research from Japan. Yasuharu Tabara of Ehime University School of Medicine in Ehime, Japan, noted that high blood pressure during the night can increase the risk of a night time heart attack, reports Patient Health International. In the research, more than 270 healthy men ages 19 to 64 who were not taking blood pressure medication wore automatic blood pressure cuffs. They were first asked to lie down face up and later were told to turn over on their stomachs. In almost all the men, their overall blood pressure dropped significantly when they were face down. And 25 of the men experienced an even more dramatic decrease of more than 15 points when they just turned over onto their stomachs. In addition, systolic blood pressure, which is the force blood exerts on the artery walls when the heart beats, fell by ...

HOW DO YOU SLEEP ? You may not achieve the comfort levels and sleep position you are used to in your bed at home, but look around the cabin next time you fly to see the many different positions we adopt (or try to !) whilst asleep. Scientists believe the position in which a person goes to sleep provides an important clue about the kind of person they are. So .... what does your sleeping position actually say about you ? Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the UK Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service analysed six common sleeping positions - and found that each is linked to a particular personality type. Copyright BBC What your sleeping position says about you ... Foetus Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who to...