Revival FM now on test

The transmitter for Revival FM, Scotland's first Christian Community Radio Station, was today tested and given official clearance by officials from Ofcom, the UK's radio regulatory body.

Revival FM's transmitter is now radiating test signals on 100.8 MHz. The station is located in Cumbernauld, just to the east of Glasgow.

Revival FM will officially launch at 2pm this Sunday, 3rd September, with a day full of special launch-day programming.

On Saturday evening, 2nd September, there will be a pre-launch evening of praise, celebration and fellowship in Craighalbert Church, 3 Craighalbert Way Cumbernauld G68 0LS. This starts at 7pm with a concert and finishes with a buffet meal. Special guest at this event will be Ian Mackie, CEO of UCB Europe, who was born and brought up not too far from Revival FM's location.

Tickets for the pre-launch celebration can be obtained by contacting Bill Anderson on 01236 453289 or e-mail bill.anderson@revivalradio.org.uk

Website: revival.fm

End Times Theology

Although "End Times Theology" may be a bit of a mystery to many "Christians" in Scotland and beyond, it is a subject which is increasingly in focus in many parts of Christ's Church. But Christians are not alone in having an "End Times Theology".

Middle East experts say that Muslim beliefs about the "end times" are fueling the conflicts in the region.

Scholar William Wagner, a professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, says, "Both Islam and Christianity have a very well-defined eschatology, or period of the last days. Both of them cannot be correct."

A majority of Muslims believe the "12th Iman" or Mahdi, an Islamic messianic figure, was placed in hiding until the day of judgment.

There is much dissent among Muslim factions as to who this saviour figure will be and where and when he will return. Through time, various Muslim leaders have already claimed to be Mahdi.

Some factions even believe this Mahdi may be Jesus. Famous muslim historian Ibn Khuldun quotes Anas ibn Malik that the prophet said, "لا مهدي إلا عيسى بن مريم", literally meaning: No Mahdi but Jesus son of Mary.

However, almost all Muslims agree that in order for this day to arrive, Israel must be destroyed.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been cited by various news sources as not only believing in the eventual return of the Mahdi, but that the return is near and that it is the responsibility of the Iranian government to prepare the country for his return.

To this end, Ahmadinejad has vowed to rid Iran of Christianity and all other offensive non-Islamic influences and practices. Persecution against Christians has increased under his direction.

Web Links

• Jubilee Campaign
• Farsi Net
• Christian Solidarity Worldwide
  

Dr. Ted W. Engstrom dies

Perhaps not a name immediately familiar to Scotland, but two organisations he had a leading hand in will be.

Dr. Ted W. Engstrom, president emeritus of World Vision International and former president of Youth for Christ International, died on Friday 14th July 2006 at the age of 90 years.

Dr Engstrom was key in turning World Vision from a small aid agency focused on war orphans into one of the world’s largest and most extensive relief and development organizations.

Called a "giant in American evangelical circles," Engstrom was also a gifted preacher, the author of more than 50 books and a devoted husband and the father of three.

"He valued everyone and made everyone feel valued," said Dean Hirsch, president and chief executive officer of World Vision International. "And his ability to integrate the gospel with everyday life was absolutely inspiring. Dr. Ted made work and faith walk together."

Christian Villages Used as Shield

Christian Solidarity International reports that Hezbollah forces are using Christian villages and homes in southern Lebanon to shield military attacks against Israel.

"Hezbollah is repeating the same pattern that it practiced against Israel in 1996," said former South Lebanese Army commander Col. Charbel Barkat.

"Hezbollah is hiding among civilian populations and launching attacks behind human shields."

An unnamed Christian villager from the predominantly Christian village of Ain Ebel reported that Hezbollah guerrillas launched rockets from his rooftop despite his pleas not to. He immediately gathered his family and left just minutes before Israeli forces destroyed his home.

Once the majority, the Christian population in Lebanon since the civil war has declined to less than 40 percent due to pressures by Islamic militias supported by Iran and Syria.

(Christian Newswire)

synagogue attacked by vandals

POLICE in Glasgow are hunting vandals who daubed the name of 'Hizbollah' outside Scotland's oldest synagogue.

Officers are investigating the attack upon Garnethill Synagogue in Hill Street, which dates back to 1879.

The name 'Hizbollah' was written in foot-high white paint just outside its main gates. It's the first time the A-listed building which also houses the Jewish Community Centre has been targeted.

The attack comes as the war between Israel and the group, also known as Hezbollah, intensifies and the death toll on both sides continues to rise, with no immediate ceasefire in the pipeline.

Synagogue president Gerald Levin, 73, said today: "I am sure this is linked to what is going on in the Middle East. We have never had problems like this before.

"We are talking about covering the windows with plastic to stop people being showered with glass if there was an explosion. We have also spoken with the police about CCTV."

Police are investigating the incident.

Garnethill Synagogue is Scotland's oldest purpose-built synagogue as well as being one of the oldest places of Jewish worship in Britain.

It was built to accommodate the growing population of Jews escaping persecution, mainly from eastern Europe.

Glasgow architect John McLeod designed the L-shaped building for the city's Hebrew congregation, which at that time numbered around 700.

It was constructed in a Byzantine and Roman style with Moorish touches that give it a similar look to London's Bayswater synagogue.

Garnethill Synagogue received a £600,000 facelift eight years ago in preparation for its 125th anniversary celebrations held throughout 2004. Local organisations and Historic Scotland helped with the work.