ABUJA, Nigeria. Down on Church Alley, the rock 'n' roll Christians of Living Faith Church celebrate life with joyful noise--arms-in-the-air singing, Bible-thumping, and joy.
Pentecostal Pastor George Adjeman holds forth like a blend of James Brown and Eddie Murphy with a clean mouth, prancing, ranting, cracking jokes and driving home his message with theatrical fervor. "Look at the person to your right," he commands. "Tell them, 'Be fruitful and multiply!' Tell them! Now ask them, 'Did you hear me? DID YOU HEAR ME?'"
In 1,000 folding chairs, worshippers respond with thunderous amens and hallelujahs, rising frequently to sing praises to a Lord who died for their sins so they could live in spiritual peace.
(Religion Today) Solutions to individual and societal problems can be found in Jesus Christ, the president of Uganda says. Y.K. Museveni made the remarks in a speech to the nation in January. Tribal differences, religious divisions, poverty, disease, lack of education, political upheaval, and racial strife are proof that "the principles of Jesus Christ have not penetrated Africa enough," Museveni said. Some people find his remarks strange because he has not always followed Christian teaching. "As the years have gone by … I have decided to follow Jesus Christ with my whole heart."
The Christian virtues of forgiveness, humility, and love are necessary for helping Africa, he said. Nations are suffering because tribal wars have stretched over the centuries, and leaders have become obsessed with "power, greed, and self-interest," he said. "Please pray that God will give me the strength, wisdom, and sense to be a humble servant."
(Religion Today) Zambia's President Frederick Chiluba pledged $60,000 in government funds to the country's Bible Society. "The Word of God has life and power that can shape families and society. As people search for truth they need to experience the liberating power of the gospel," he said. He praised the Bible Society for translating and distributing the Scriptures, and urged Zambian citizens to contribute money to the organization. "You can only expect God's blessing if you give back to Him from what you have earned," said Chiluba, a Christian.