Monday, February 20, 2006

• American Idol's Mandisa, now in contest's final 24, makes her faith in Christ known

  by Erin Curry Roach, posted Monday, February 20, 2006 (18 years ago)

  HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (BP)--Mandisa Hundley, one of 24 to make the latest cut on television’s No. 1 show “American Idol,” is not ashamed of her faith in Christ and even publicly expressed forgiveness for one of the show’s judges after he sent a biting insult her way.

        Mandisa -- who prefers to be known by her first name -- is a regular worship leader at Beth Moore’s Living Proof Live conferences throughout the country and one of 12 women and 12 men still competing for a chance to win the contest. She has made it known that a brief bout with fame is nothing compared to her relationship with Jesus Christ.

  In fact, she put her faith into action recently when Simon Cowell, one of the show’s infamously cruel judges, flippantly remarked about her weight. Read More

• LIFE DIGEST: Talent’s withdrawal from cloning ban ‘strangest gyration,’ ethicist says; Lynn Swann opposes abortion

  by Tom Strode, posted Monday, February 20, 2006 (18 years ago)

  WASHINGTON (BP)--Sen. Jim Talent, a reliable pro-life vote in the U.S. Senate, has withdrawn his endorsement of a comprehensive ban on human cloning and elicited multiple reactions, none of which seem favorable to him. Read More

• New book details religious faith of all 43 U.S. presidents

  by Michael Foust, posted Monday, February 20, 2006 (18 years ago)

  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Andrew Jackson, America's seventh president, never has been remembered as a pleasant fellow. He had a severe temper. He once killed a man in a duel. He supported the removal of American Indians from the South, sparking the infamous Trail of Tears. Read More

• 2002 gold medalist bobsledder seeks to repeat in Turin

  by Tim Ellsworth, posted Monday, February 20, 2006 (18 years ago)

  TURIN, Italy (BP)--Vonetta Flowers had dreamed about competing in the Olympics since she was 9 years old.

        A track and field star in high school and college, Flowers thought the 2000 Olympic trials were her last chance to fulfill that dream. So when she failed to qualify for the U.S. team, she was crushed.

        But Flowers now believes God had other plans for her. Applying her track skills to a new sport -– bobsledding -– Flowers took advantage of a new door God had opened in her life. She didn’t just walk through. She raced through. Read More

• Bobsledder mom awaits twin son’s miracle

  by Tim Ellsworth, posted Monday, February 20, 2006 (18 years ago)

  TURIN, Italy (BP)--Training to win an Olympic gold medal is tough. Just ask bobsledder Vonetta Flowers. Read More

• OLYMPICS: Bode boasts & bombs; others show faithfulness

  by Tim Ellsworth, posted Monday, February 20, 2006 (18 years ago)

  TURIN, Italy (BP)--The Olympics always have their share of drama and compelling stories. After a week’s worth of competition in the Winter Games in Turin, Italy, here are some developments of note: Read More

• Brunson accepts call to pastor First Baptist, Jacksonville

  by Joni B. Hannigan, posted Monday, February 20, 2006 (18 years ago)

  JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP)--Members of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., voted to call Mac Brunson as senior pastor in a Feb. 19 vote. Read More

• FIRST-PERSON: The faith of George Washington

  by Kenyn Cureton, posted Monday, February 20, 2006 (18 years ago)

  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--President’s Day is an excellent time to reflect on the Judeo-Christian heritage handed down to us by our Founding Fathers, and especially George Washington, the “Father of our Country.” George Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732 on a modest plantation in Virginia. The son of Augustine and Mary Washington, he was baptized into the Episcopal Church. Read More