Matthew Parris, a columnist with The Times newspaper

I was fascinated and pleased to read that Matthew Parris, a columnist at The Times newspaper wrote

“Now a confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts.”

He goes on to say “Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.”

Couldn’t agree more. As one who has over the years campaigned for justice for developing nations – for Fair Trade, cancellation of debt and for political reform – I see the value of these but have long held that only the power of God can bring lasting change.

A truly refreshing, objective bit of media critique. Read more at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

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The core of my business is web design. I use mostly Adobe Dreamweaver CS4, Adobe Fireworks CS4 and Adobe Flash CS4. I am able to develop eCommerce solutions and rich media sites. I also provide New Media solutions including producing interactive CD-ROMs, video editing and DVD production, DVD and CD duplication and more.

As a Christian my passion is to assist churches and ministries in reaching their goals and hope that I can be involved as a business asset. But that does not mean I am exclusive. I am running a business and am happy to put my skills to work for whoever needs me.

Find out more about what I can offer on my business web site.

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Last man Stephen McChesney bowled by Andy Bassett (photo courtesy of www.cricketeurope4.net)

I reckon this must be a record in any form of cricket. Dundrum  1st team recently unbelievably bowled Cliftonville out for just 10 runs  winning by 169 runs.

Dundrum  had a day they won’t forget with the ball as they  bowled Cliftonville out for just 10 runs. It took only 8. 4 overs with Andy Bassett  earning the man of the match award & Ulster Bank crystal taking 6 wickets in 4 .5 overs  hitting the stumps 5 times. New ball partner Dellon Craig got the other 4 wickets in his 4overs for just 4 runs with 7 batsmen failing to get off the mark.

Score card:

CLIFTONVILLE
N Cahill            c G McNerlin b Craig    5
I Latham                       b Bassett    0
C Whitten           c G McNerlin b Craig    1
D Sczygiol                     b Bassett    0
D Munn               c Maxwell b Bassett    0
P Mullholland                  lbw Craig    0
P Black                        b Bassett    0
R Spence                         b Craig    0
A Blain                        b Bassett    1
N Hermon                         not out    1
S McChesney                    b Bassett    0
  Extras         (b , lb , nb , w 2, p )    2
  Total             (all out, 8.4 overs)   10
A Bassett           4.4    2     4    6
D Craig               4    2     6    4

FOW: 1-1 (I Latham) 2-5 (N Cahill) 3-8 (D Sczygiol) 4-8 (C Whitten) 5-8 (P Mullholland)

6-8 (D Munn) 7-8 (P Black) 8-8 (R Spence) 9-10 (A Blain) 10-10 (S McChesney)

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The protection makes clear that criticising homosexual conduct or encouraging people to refrain from such conduct is not, in itself, a crime.

Whilst I have no intention of treating homosexual people with contempt and accept their right to freedom of speech I am glad that at least we all can maintain that right.

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In this new video, Helen speaks about how intimidating it was to be questioned by police officers for over an hour. The officers told them they were near to committing a hate crime which carries a seven year prison sentence.

Joe says Wyre Borough Council kept talking about ‘diversity’ but the council’s brand of diversity didn’t seem to allow him and his wife to express their religious beliefs on sexual ethics.

He says he never thought he would see the day when British police officers would be interrogating citizens because they had expressed a point of view in a telephone call.

A year after the events, following a legal action supported by The Christian Institute, the police and the council admitted they had acted wrongly towards the Roberts and changed their policies to avoid it happening again.

Last year Parliament passed a free speech protection making it clear that criticising homosexual conduct is not, in itself, a crime. But the Government is trying to repeal it. We expect a vote in Parliament sometime in July.

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I’m a bit rusty after all this time but with some practice I may yet get some runs and wickets. Mind you, I need to actually finish a game. In my debut against Templepatrick a couple of weeks ago I got hit in the head very hard with a cricket ball and had to go to hospital to get 3 stitches. What a memorable debut!!

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