EXCLUSIVE: Mercy Ministries exorcism books leaked

Handbooks allegedly used to perform exorcisms on sick girls at the controversial Mercy Ministries residences in Sydney and on the Sunshine Coast have been leaked to LIVENEWS.com.au.

Mercy Ministries, which is bankrolled by the Pentecostal Hillsong Church, has previously denied performing exorcisms on residents.

The documents, obtained clandestinely by a girl who “escaped” the group’s clutches, shows counsellors how to rid ‘demons’ from girls struggling with anorexia, depression and drug addiction.

Mercy Ministries’ activities hit the headlines in March this year when former residents claimed they were subjected to exorcisms, were cut off from friends and family and had to sign over their Centrelink payments to the group. read more

Hillsong: Exorcism in the suburbs

Mercy Ministries kept saying there were no exorcisms.

The Hillsong backed group seemed prepared to cop the charge that they forced sick girls in their Mercy Ministries residential program to sign over their Centrelink payments.

They seemed comfortable admitting that while they advertised girls would have access to psychiatrists and other health professionals, in fact, the only treatment they were really offered was housework and bible study.

But they didn’t want to own up to the medieval practice of exorcisms.

And you can’t blame them. Who would want to admit they had been trying to cure anorexia, drug addiction and other problems with such hocus-pocus?

They’d already lost high-profile sponsors like Rebel Sport, Bunnings and LG after news of their activities broke earlier this year. read more

The Michael Gungor Band's 'Ancient Skies' Is A Hit With Radio

The critically-acclaimed Michael Gungor Band's new single, "Ancients Sky," is an out-of-the-box hit with Christian radio, with 20 stations adding the song to their playlist in the first two weeks. The song is the title track of the band's Brash Music debut, which recently released to rAncient Skiesave reviews from fans and critics alike.

Stations adding the song include Minneapolis' KTIS, where program manager Jason Sharp enthusiastically commented, "Thank you for sending KTIS a GREAT song! After one listen, I knew." Also, Scott Valentine, program director for KCMS in Seattle, said, "I believe it's a winner."

In addition to strong support from radio, "Ancient Skies" has proven to be a favorite song with critics.
CM Central.com said, "The title track stuns with its �creation-puts-us-in-awe balladry' and is a sure-fire AC hit�think a stronger �God of Wonders'."

Although this is The Michael Gungor Band's first project for Brash Music, the group has already achieved a level of success more commonly associated with veteran artists. They have performed for more than a hundred thousand fans across the country, as well as those at this year's Hillsong Conference in Sydney, Australia. Additionally, the group's music has met with critical acclaim from national media outlets such as Christianity Today.com, which named the band's 2007 independent release as one of the year's top worship projects.

About The Michael Gungor Band
Led by frontman and Dove Award-winner Michael Gungor and his wife Lisa, the Denver, Colo.-based Michael Gungor Band has quickly become one of Christian music's most exciting new groups. As a songwriter, Gungor has penned several well-known worship songs including "Friend of God," a song co-written with Grammy Award-winner Israel Houghton that has become one of the Top 20 songs sung in churches around the world, according to CCLI. read more

Area middle school students to perform with NIC Wind Symphony

More than 300 middle school students from throughout the region will perform with the North Idaho College Wind Symphony in the “Thank You Mark Williams” concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 in the Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center.

This annual gathering of the bands event brings together eighth-grade band members from area middle schools for a joint performance with peers and mentors.

Students from Woodland Middle School, Canfield Middle School, Sandpoint Middle School, Lakes Middle School, Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, Timberlake Junior/Senior High School, Bonners Ferry Middle School, Lakeland Junior High School, Post Falls Middle School, Lakeside Middle School, River City Middle School, St. Maries Middle School, Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School, Kellogg Middle School and Newport Middle School will combine to form two separate bands that will perform at the concert.

The concert will honor Mark Williams, a composer who wrote specifically for school bands and orchestras. Williams grew up in Spokane and taught music for years specializing in elementary band. He published more than 200 works and served as the conductor and artistic director for the Spokane British Brass Band. Williams died in January of 2008. read more

CiCi's pizza, local church sponsor fundraiser for homeles

Nursing freshman Stephanie Criollo, who was accepted in the program this fall, helps fundraise material needs for homeless people through the City Christian Fellowship Church for the past six years.

Her church hosted a homeless fundraiser event with live music from local Christian band The Scene and a puppetry show for the kids organized by Pastor David Oviedo and in partnership with Cici's Pizza restaurant during Halloween night on San Pedro Avenue.

In June 2000, the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless reported a population of 200,000 homeless in Texas.

Restaurant owner Brad Speed and manager John May agreed to donate 12 percent of the earnings made during the event, which lasted from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. read more

Rockhill Music to release new Acoustic Gospel album

ndependent record label Rockhill Music is gearing up for the release of their second project, Acoustic Gospel Volume 2 on November 17.

This collection of 18 original gospel tracks feature songs performed by new up and coming talent like 16 year old Zoe Oputah, winner of Harmonise 2008, Christian Aid’s gospel talent search, Andrea Nyle, neo soul singer Bianca Rose and MoTru and established artists like G K Real, Four Korners and All ‘Bout Christ. The album also features a track specially written by highly acclaimed praise and worship artist Israel Houghton which is sung by Hillsong Church London.

Acoustic gospel has something for everyone – rap, gospel soul, r’n’b, praise and worship and traditional gospel. For every album sold, Rockhill Music will donate £1.50 to Christian Aid to help fund their work with international partners such as Humanite Nouvelle, a charity which works with street children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. read more

Bringing gospel into the spotlight

Label co-founder tells how he gave hidden talent a voice.

ROCKHILL MUSIC is a gospel label providing a platform for new and established artists. Co-founder Akin Ogboye talks to Soul Stirrings about their latest album, Acoustic Gospel Volume II.

Soul Stirrings (SS): Why did you establish Rockhill Music?

Akin Ogboye (AO): There was a gap in the market for a young vibrant gospel label that would scoop up the abundance of gospel talent, package them, give them the best production and songwriters possible and showcase them to the world.

We are about shining the light on great UK gospel talent everywhere in the UK and making gospel relevant to a generation that loves everything from pop to reggae. read more