Bob Critteneden

Dr. Marc Newman of Movie Bible Study shared comments on recent Oscar nominations and highlighted what he thought were the top 10 spiritually-intriguing films of 2014. The website is www.moviebiblestudy.com.

Stuart Shepard, Senior Director of Media for CitizenLink, a public policy partner of Focus on the Family, discussed several stories relative to freedom of religious expression, including the firing of Atlanta's fire chief, an EEOC ruling in favor of a substitute teacher who handed a student a Bible, and a church that refused to display gay-oriented material in a funeral service. The website is www.citizenlink.com.

Emily Belz, reporter for WORLD Magazine and the WORLD News Group, discussed material relative to two stories she had written recently: the sentencing of an imam who supported al-Qaeda, as well as a church sign controversy that has gone all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The WORLD website is www.worldmag.com.

Author and commentator Joel Rosenberg described some elements of the plot and content of his most recent novel, "The Third Target," which incorporates and highlights the threat of radical Islamic fundamentalism. His website is www.joelrosenberg.com.

Jeff Copeland, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Robertsdale, AL and member of the Board of Regents of the University of Mobile, shared about a recent missions trip with a group of University of Mobile students to Moldova, where they worked in areas of orphan care and opposing human trafficking. The University's Center for Leadership website is www.umcenterforleadership.org.

Yochanan Marcellino, Founder, President and CEO of City of Peace Media and City of Peace Films, as well as Executive Producer of the film, "The Identical," discussed the storyline, the spiritual themes, and the stars of this movie, which portrays two identical twins and their two different life paths. Learn more at www.theidenticalmovie.com.

Dr. Rick Sacra, who contracted the Ebola virus while he was working in a hospital in Liberia and was brought back to the U.S., to Nebraska, for successful treatment, shared some highlights of his story, in advance of his anticipated return to Liberia. Find out more about SIM at www.simusa.org.

Juana Mikels, author of "Choosing Him All Over Again: A Story of Romance and Redemption," shared some highlights of her story of salvation and marriage reconciliation. You can learn more at the website, www.choosinghim.com.

James Berrian, one of the 5 members of the group, Veritas, discussed some of the history of the group, as well as its concept. He also related some information about some of the songs on their debut project, "Veritas." Learn more at www.veritasfive.com.

Former "Facts of Life" star and noted author and conference speaker Lisa Whelchel shared some excerpts from her life story and discussed the importance of connecting with God and with other women. She will speak at Eastern Hills Baptist in Montgomery 1/30-31. Her website is www.lisawhelchel.com. Learn more about the conference at www.ehbcwomensministry.com.