Across Pacific & Asia




Sunday, April 24, 2005

MILLIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA SAY:
"NO, DO NOT ABUSE THE NAME OF GOD IN THE MEDIA"

Based On Exodus 20:7, Group Calls For 30 Days Media Fast, June 1- 30, 2005

By Michael Ireland


RANT EN DAL, SOUTH AFRICA (ANS) -- Believers wishing to demonstrate their concern regarding the type and content of programming on television as well as films distributed in South Africa with special reference to the abuse of the Name of God are being asked to take part in a 30-day fast from all kinds of media in that country.

According to the website www.thenameofgod.com, Christians in South Africa are being encouraged to fast for thirty days of "abstinence" from all entertainment, excluding bona fide news, actuality and religious programs and films.

The fast includes thirty days of prayer offered for the industry as a whole, leaders and role players, actors and scriptwriters locally and abroad. A prayer calendar will be made available for this purpose.

The month-long fast will also feature an active outreach to those who need support, love and prayers during the time that become available.

Organizers say the target is "one million believers, united in vision, purpose and heart."

They point out this is a media fast, not abstinence from food -- except if God leads you in this matter.

BACKGROUND

"The way the Name of the Lord is used in vain in films, on television and the media in general force Christians to take a stand. Exodus 20: 7 is a Biblical commandment which leaves no choice but obedience. Knowing of an unlawful practice and not doing something about it is as unacceptable as doing it yourself. If we really believe one Name has been given whereby people can be saved, if we treasure His sacrifice on Calvary, we cannot accommodate this practice," says Rev Jannie Pelser, organizer.

Inquiries made by the event organizers point out that no measure is in place to safeguard Christians in this regard. Apparently freedom of speech in this country (South Africa) prohibits authorities to act. The two big film theater groups indicate an unwillingness to address this issue. Meanwhile revenue from ticket sales is accumulated -- also from the pockets of Christians.

The project has jus been launched in the recent past and already support is growing. Dr Isak Burger, president of the AFM represents 1.3 million Christians in South Africa. Writers such as Maretha Maartens, organizations such as Bible media and Nupsa, musicians such as Jan de Wet etc., have shown support. Prof. Adrio Konig, well-known theologian as well as Ruben Kruger, ex rugby player pledged support. Prof. Pieter Potgieter, moderator of the DRC, Maksiman, a life style men`s magazine, etc., have also added their support. This project transcends cultural and denominational barriers. It has the ability to unite Christians in a meaningful way.

Organizers hope for at least one hundred thousand Christians showing their solidarity to eradicate the misuse of the Name of our Lord in the media.

"We will try our utmost best to negotiate a satisfactory solution to this problem -- fair to all concerned. Christians will act with integrity at all times whilst seeking to protect that which is dear to them. If no progress can be made we will inform brothers and sisters not to support certain movies in which this practice occurs," Pelser says.

Pelser explains that it is technically possible, for instance, to erase the Name of the Lord from the sound track of films.

"An age restriction does not safeguard Christians against blasphemy. Expecting Christians not to see movies whilst the practice continues is no solution. The issue has to be addressed," Pelser says.

Forms are distributed in mass at schools and churches. Each list provides for twenty signatures. After one hundred thousand signatures have been received, the first attempt will be made to have discussions with the relevant parties.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

"As long as it takes," organizers say.

Pelser concludes: "The appeal is being made to Christians to live with integrity and truth. They should honor the Name of God in conversations at all times. Furthermore, they should not misuse the Name of the Lord by insincere prayers. Christians are called upon to seek communion with all other Christians and to come as one before the throne of Grace."

Register now and receive your prayer calendar free of charge, E-mail: emb@mweb.co.za

This event is in cooperation with Transformation Africa.

Posbus/Box 977
Rant en Dal - 1751
011 6652516 tel/faks/fax
0836019094 sel/cell
e-mail: emb@mweb.co.za  -  website: www.thenameofgod.com


** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Garden Grove, CA. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in Sept., 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station.


ASSIST News Service (ANS) www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com





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