BREAKING: Controversy As Faleke Picks Abubakar Audu’s Son As Running Mate

The controversy surrounding the Kogi State gubernatorial election just took new dimension as Mr. James Faleke, the running mate to the Late Abubakar Audu has just picked the first son of the deceased, Mohammed Audu as his running mate for the December 5th rerun in Kogi.

According to news reaching us, the leadership of APC and Mr. James Abiodun Faleke and his self-appointed running mate, Mohammed Audu are said to be in a crucial meeting in Abuja, after which the APC will make official pronouncement of the party stance.

The All Progressives Congress, APC had reportedly named Mr. Yahaya Bello to replace Audu, who died shortly after election last week

6 Ways to Invest in Your Marriage

• Keep the lines of communication open and flowing.  This seems almost too obvious to mention.  But is it?  Do we really communicate, or is it one of those things we know we shouldbe doing?  I admit this one is hard for me.  I tend to keep things in my head, rather than putting them “out there” for discussion with my husband.  Most of the time I don’t avoid discussing something on purpose – it just takes me a while to realize I need to talk about it.  By then I’ve turned it around and inside out a dozen times, often making it into something that bears no resemblance to reality!  So don’t be like me.  Instead,establish regular, open communication as the default setting for your marriage.  Ideally, set aside time to talk and listen to each other every day.  Don’t use it as a gripe session, but as a time for both of you to share what’s in your heart and on your mind.  Find a time that works for the two of you, and teach your children that this time is sacrosanct.
• Get your finances in order.  While the previous strategy may have seemed too obvious, this one may not seem obvious at all.  “Get your finances in order” sounds like a good idea, but is it a marriage investment strategy?  I think it is.  Money problems are a leading (some would say the leading) cause of stress in marriage.  They can pit a husband and wife against each other and drive a wedge between them.  So work together to avoid preventable money problems and to address the ones you can’t prevent.  
• Establish a routine of enjoying time together.  How often do you spend enjoyable time with your husband?  In some families, the husband and wife are running so fast, they rarely slow down enough to enjoy each other.  What needs to change in order for you and your husband to enjoy some time together?  Is it simply a matter of scheduling it, or do you need to make significant changes, like controlling your family schedule.If you haven’t established this routine as a couple, work together over the next few weeks to begin making it a habit.  
• Develop a common interest or hobby.  One way to enjoy time together is to share an interest or hobby, something that gets you out of the day-to-day routine and allows you to have fun.  It can be something you do at home or something that takes you out and about. For example, my husband and I have recently started riding bikes together. You can follow a sports team, hike, play tennis, search for antiques, or play board games – anything that’s fun for both of you.
• Devote time and energy to your sex life.  One of the best ways to invest in your marriage is to invest in sex and intimacy.  I’d even go so far as to say that a strong marriage requires a strong sex life – one that fulfills both the husband and the wife. It really isn’t optional – I’ve seen a marriage that seemed ideal in every other way fall apart because the couple didn’t enjoy an intimate, sexual connection.  If you’ve struggled in this area, what can you do this week to begin devoting time and energy to your sex life? 
• Pray together.  If you share a common faith, pray together regularly for your marriage and family.  If you don’t, pray on your own for increased communication and connection in all areas of your marriage.  Either way, ask God to protect and strengthen the two of you individually and as a couple through the good and not-so-good times.

culled from www.calmhealthysexy.com

Dreams Vs Fantasies

                                      

There is one more word, that seems to be very close to dream, but has absolutely different meaning. People often mix up the dream with this word. This is fantasy. Fantasy - is the definite feeling of wishing something. BUT the man is not ready to take action to reach this fantasy. Now lets discuss the feelings of the person who has a dream and a person who has a fantasy

The man with dream
1. is ready to take actions to achieve his dream
2. feels a great desire towards his dream
3. feels the need to get this dream
4. believe the dream will come true, believe he can makes it come true

When you have a dream, you experience desire, you are in need of your dream. This is not just a hope or wishful thinking. The dream obscures all other small and negative thoughts, it becomes an obsession. This state of mind is necessary for the strong decision to take actions, to put your dream over other unimportant and inconsiderable goals and plans. It helps to attain the persistence and consistency in actions that will exclude failure in the end result. And only this desire will bring you success. Only this desire will make your dreams come true. Your desire should be so strong to make you stand firm and be able to convince yourself in the future success. You have to believe in your dream till the time it becomes an obsession and only then this obsession transforms in reality. Every person, who wants to become a winner should be able to burn all bridges and cut all the roads back. Only in this case you will attain the state of mind called a burning desire, that is essentially important for reaching the dream.

The man with fantasy
1. is NOT ready to take actions to achieve the fantasy
2. has a state of mind called wishful thinking
3. hopes some day the fantasy comes true
4. DOES NOT believe it comes true
5. DOEST NOT believe he can make it comes true
6. Resignation, getting used to the current state of affairs

The major factor that differs dream from fantasy is the power of the wish. When wish is strong enough to makes us act, it becomes a dream. The next important factor is believe. On these two factors depend the outcome. These two factors give the answer why man CAN act to achieve the dream or why he CAN NOT.

Written by Dare Jacob

Jdare85@yahoo.com 

+2348137664804

BEWARE OF CRABS

In life,there are some people you must not meet and there are some people you must block from your life.When the lion begins to move with dogs,it will start barking like a dog.That is backwardness.

There is a principle in life you must be careful of and many people operate under the principle.it is the principle of crabology.There are people with the crab mentality that don't want you to rise above them.

The term “crab mentality” is used to describe a kind of selfish, short-sighted thinking that runs along the lines of “if I can't have it, neither can you.” I read a book and im shocked that even asians understand the crab mentality.This term is especially widely used in Asia among Filipinos, who use the crab mentality specifically to refer to those who pull other people down, denigrating them rather than letting them get ahead or pursue their dreams. As a general rule, an accusation of having this type of mentality is a poor reflection on someone's personality.it is the princple called PHD-Pull him down

This concept references an interesting phenomenon that occurs in buckets of crabs. If one crab attempts to escape from a bucket of live crabs, the others will pull it back down rather than allowing it to get free. Sometimes, the crabs seem almost malicious, waiting until the crab has almost escaped before yanking it back into the pot. All of the crabs are undoubtedly aware of the fact that their fate is probably not going to be very pleasurable, so people are led to wonder why they pull each other back into the bucket instead of helping the clever escape from unfavorable circumstances.

Now look at this: "Be you not unequally yoked with unbeliever.what has light got to do with darkness,what has righteousness with unrighteousness".we all know dis verse from the bible,but many do not see deeply what it means.An unbeliever is deeper than religious conotations.there are unbelievers in the church,and there are believers who are in the world.A muslim can be a helper to a christian,and vise versa.Listern,a person with a crab mentality is an unbeliever.Unbeliever or people with crab mentality are persons you must never associate with because he will not add value to your life,instead,he pulls you down.he is an unbeliever because he doesnt believe in your dreams and visions,he does not believe in ur destiny spiritually and physically.An unbeliever does not appreciate the creative abilities and potentials a person carries because their eyes have been positioned to see negativity and darkness,that is why they are unbelievers.the rich man can never be a friend to the poor because of the way they see.

Here are 6 signs to know those with crab mentality

1. They are too proud of themselves and treat others as inferior beings.

You can sense a breeze of arrogance from people with crab mentality. They feel like they have royal blood flowing in their veins, and they treat other people as outcast.

2. They panic when they see that people are happy and improving.

 Aside from arrogance, you can also smell envy, jealousy and bitterness from this kind of people. They freak out when the people they look down are rising or progressing beyond them. It gives them a terrible feeling of insecurity. That’s why they will try to pull them down, either by harsh words or by unkind actions. You will see them giving bitter comments on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels
.

3. Their motto in life is “if I can’t have it, neither can you”.

They rather wish everyone will fail than let themselves fail while others are succeeding. They represent the the crabs in the bucket, where the crabs can easily escape from the bucket, but instead, they grab and pull down each other in a selfish competitive manner which prevents any of them to escape, resulting to their collective demise. In other words, people who have a crab mentality are selfish and they don’t have any sense of sacrifice. 

4. They are full of positivity for themselves but full of negativity for others. 
They only see the good things in themselves, but they’re blind when it comes to their negative characteristics. When it comes to how they view other people, it becomes the opposite. They only see the bad things of other people while they’re blind to their positive deeds. That is why instead of appreciation, what you will get from them are nothing but negative criticisms.

5. They spend most of their time talking about people rather than discussing ideas and solutions.

Again, it’s because they treat people as their competitors. Instead of thinking about the brilliant ideas and solutions that can make the Nigeria a better country, they spend most of their time ensuring that no other nigerian can become better than them. When our nation faces a crisis, they will be more active in talking about how people become worthy of suffering rather than discussing the solutions that will help people end their sufferings.

6. They don’t know a thing about compassion. 
Compassion is a great virtue that enables us to understand the feelings of other people. It lets us walk in other people’s shoes and appreciate the lives they are living. But people with crab mentality lack compassion. They are inconsiderate and ignorant of the many people they are offending. They don’t care about the many hearts they are breaking. Well, what can we expect? They only care for themselves.

I remain yours

Dipo Olatade

The historical adventure behind Ghana

Little is known of the small African kingdoms in the region between the Tano and Volta rivers until the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century. Portugese navigators, working their way down the west African coast, reach this area in 1471 and build a fortress at Elmina in 1482. But others follow fast. As early as 1492 a French buccaneer, marauding off the coast, deprives a Portuguese ship of its precious cargo.
That cargo is gold, and the Gold Coast becomes the European name for this part of Africa. The trade in gold with the Europeans makes possible the development in the early 17th century of Akwamu, the first African state to control an extensive part of the coast.
During the 18th century the dominance of Akwamu is replaced by that of a much more powerful group, the Ashanti, with their capital inland at Kumasi. By this time the British, Dutch and Danes are the main European traders on this part of the coast, and the most valuable commodity for export is not gold but slaves.
Trading slaves for muskets, among other western commodities, the Ashanti acquire great local power. Their king, the Asantehene, enthroned on a traditional golden stool, holds sway over the entire central region of modern Ghana. But the Ashanti suffer a series of major blows between 1804 and 1814, when the Danes, British and Dutch each in turn outlaw the slave trade

The resulting tension leads to warfare in the 1820s (with the defeat of a British force in 1824) and again in the 1870s. In 1874 a British army briefly occupies Kumasi.

In 1901, taking effect from 1 January 1902, Ashanti is declared a British crown colony. The regions further north become at the same time the Protectorate of the Northern Territories of the Gold Coast.

The colonial years are relatively prosperous and untroubled. At first little is done to involve the African population in the political processes of the colony. But in the years immediately after World War II events move so fast that the Gold Coast becomes the first colony in sub-Saharan Africa to win its independence. The turning point is the return home in 1947 of Kwame Nkrumah after twelve years of study and radical politics in the USA and Britain. 
Nkrumah is invited back to the Gold Coast to become general secretary of the United Gold Coast Convention, an organization campaigning for self-government. The UGCC has won the right (in 1946) for an African majority in the colony's legislative assembly, but the fight is now on for a share in executive power.
Nkrumah rapidly extends the movement's popular base, with the result that there are widespread riots in February 1948. The older UGCC leaders are alarmed by this (and by their brief arrest with Nkrumah). A split within the movement leads to Nkrumah founding in June 1949 the Convention People's Party, committed to immediate self-government. 
From January 1950 Nkrumah organizes a campaign of nonviolent protests and strikes, which lands him back in gaol. But in the colony's first general election, in February 1951, the CPP wins convincingly even in the absence of its leader. Nkrumah is released from prison to join the government. In 1952 he becomes prime minister.

During the years of preparation for independence the neighbouring British Togo votes, in a 1956 plebiscite, to merge with the Gold Coast. It is therefore a slightly extended territory which becomes independent in 1957 under Nkrumah's leadership. A new name of great resonance in African history is adopted - Ghana (although the ancient kingdom of that name was far to the north, in present-day Mali).
Independence: from1957

Nkrumah, well aware of his status at the head of the first west African nation to emerge from colonialism, dreams of leading the continent into a Marxist future. This requires a republic, which Ghana becomes in 1960 with Nkrumah as president for life. It also needs only one political party, the CPP. However Nkrumah's authoritarian rule, combined with a collapse in the nation's economy, prompts a coup when the president is away in China in 1966 (he goes into exile in Guinea).

It is the first of several such coups in Ghana's short history, but the nation remains true to the hope of democracy. In four decades Ghana establishes as many new republics.

Culled from http://www.historyworld.net/

Facts about the Maasai tribe of Kenya

Made up of sixteen sections, the ancient warrior tribes of the Maasai people have called southern Kenya and northern Tanzania home for centuries. Their population numbers nearly half a million and altogether, they occupy a total land area of some 160,000 square km. Living within semi-arid and arid lands, these fascinating people once dominated the plains of East Africa and were considered by European explorers to be fierce and dangerous. Today, their domination has waned, however the Maasai are still very much alive and well. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about these intriguing people.

• Maasai homes are called Inkajijik. They are rectangular and loaf-shaped and constructed from the land. The women of the tribe are responsible for building the houses using materials such as sticks, grass, mud and even cow dung. Women are also responsible for supplying water, gathering firewood, milking the livestock and preparing meals for their families.

• The men of the tribe, in addition to being hunters and “warriors”, are responsible for building fences made out of acacia thorns, which form a circular shelter called a Kraal in which communities and extended families live. These fences are primarily used to prevent lions from attacking the tribe’s livestock.

• Sometimes referred to as “people of cattle”, Maasai value cattle and other livestock highly and use it as a both a form of internal currency and a means of obtaining outside goods such as clothing, beads, grains and uniform and school fees for children. Everything from culture to social relationships to symbolism and language are dominated by cattle. Livestock is frequently traded for milk, siege, cash and other livestock and close familial ties are established through cattle exchange.

• On special occasions, such as when a person is circumcised, gives birth or is sick, the Maasai people may drink cattle blood as it is considered to be good for the immune system. Additionally, the elders of the tribe often use cattle blood to alleviate intoxication or hangovers after a night of drinking alcohol.

• The Maasai rarely farm (only doing so when they have no other choice). This practice is frowned upon because they believe that manipulating the land for crop farming is considered a crime against nature. Maasai feel that once land is cultivated, it is no longer suitable for their precious livestock to graze on.

• Lion hunting is considered a symbolic rite of passage to the Maasai. They consider the experience a personal achievement and a sign of bravery among warriors. The Maasai also respect the lion and understand the important role it plays in the surrounding eco-system, so they only hunt in groups to protect the waning lion population. Additionally, female lions are never hunted because the Maasai believe that females of every species are the bearers of life. Successful lion hunts are met with week-long celebrations. Lion meat is not consumed, but rather only the mane, tail and claws are used by the Maasai people.

• The Maasai are savvy investors when it comes to their currency, livestock. To alleviate risk, herders will often give livestock as loans to relatives or other tribe members. This way if a disaster should strike his herd, he will still have the chance to collect the debts of his “loaned” livestock and begin rebuilding.

• The life cycle of the Maasai is marked by key milestones called “age-grades”. Moving from one age to the next is celebrated with ceremonies and marks critical transitions for both the individual and the community as a whole. Maasai men pass through three main stages: boy, warrior and elder. Maasai women, on the other hand, do not pass through stages like the men do.

• Aside from cattle, Maasai value children as extremely important and they are considered to be a blessing on the tribe. Women contribute to their family’s success and well-being by bearing as many children as they physically can. For a woman to die without mothering children is considered to be a sad and tragic fate.

• Maasai respect the elements of nature, particularly thunder, lightning and rain, as both gifts and punishments on the tribe. They use the term “engai” when they speak of God or the elements, as they believe these natural occurrences shape the earth on which they live. The Maasai pray to Engai as a spiritual force that governs the universe.

While there are many thriving tribes throughout the African continent, the Maasai are one of the most interesting and successful. A colorful and proud people, the Maasai provide a fascinating glimpse into what life may have been like in East Africa centuries ago. Age-old traditions and deep-seeded beliefs govern this captivating tribe and they continue to breathe life and character into the African plains that they call home.

Culled from http://www.reallifeadventuretravel.com/

GAMBIA BANS FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

The Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh has banned female genital mutilation (FGM) saying it is not required in Islam; only males must be circumcised in Islam.

The president, Yahya Jammeh, said last night that the controversial surgical intervention would be outlawed. He said the ban would come into effect immediately, though it was not clear when the government would draft legislation to enforce it.

The practice is widespread in many African countries, including the Gambia, where 76% of females have been subjected to it. The age at which FGM takes place in the Gambia is not recorded, but it is reported that the trend of practicing FGM on infant girls is increasing. By the age of 14, 56% of female children in the country have had the procedure.

SMOKING KILLS: IT IS NOT JUST A SLOGAN

Tobacco smoke is enormously harmful to your health. There’s no safe way to smoke. Replacing your cigarette with a cigar, pipe, or hookah (Shisha) won’t help you avoid the health risks associated with tobacco products.

Cigarettes contain about 600 ingredients. When they burn, they generate more than 7,000 chemicals, according to the American long association. Many of those chemicals are poisonous and at least 69 of them can cause cancer. Many of the same ingredients are found in cigars and in tobacco used in pipes and hookahs. According to the National Cancer Institute, cigars have a higher level of carcinogens, toxins, and tar than cigarettes.

When using a hookah pipe, you’re likely to inhale more smoke than you would from a cigarette. Hookah smoke has many toxic compounds and exposes you to more carbon monoxide than cigarettes do. Hookahs also produce more secondhand smoke.

One of the ingredients in tobacco is a mood-altering drug called nicotine. Nicotine reaches your brain in mere seconds. It’s a central nervous system stimulant, so it makes you feel more energized for a little while. As that effect subsides, you feel tired and crave more. Nicotine is habit forming.

Smoking increases risk of muscular degeneration, cataracts, and poor eyesight. It can also weaken your sense of taste and sense of smell, so food may become less enjoyable.

Smoking also depresses appetite, so you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs. Withdrawal from tobacco products can cause nausea.

Pregnant mothers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have a baby with low birth weight. Babies born to mothers who smoke while pregnant are at greater risk of low birth weight, birth defects, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Newborns who breathe secondhand smoke suffer more ear infections and asthma attacks.

It is very important to advocate a smoke-free environment, for that we need to provide help to people who want to quit smoking. We should start a campaign against tobacco from door to door, school to school. For this, everyone has a role to play – the government, the private sector, academic institutions, civil society and communities.

Culled from www.health.com

N7bn Kano hospital ready in 2016 —Dangote

Chief Executive of the Dangote Foundation, Ms Halima Dangote, has said that the ongoing construction of a multi-billion naira state-of-the-art Operating Theatre and Diagnostic Centre  at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano will be completed next year.

*Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Ms Dangote, who disclosed this when her team visited the Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, weekend, said the Operating Theatre and Diagnostic Centre will cost the Foundation N7 billion.

She attributed the earlier delay to technical hitches and said the new contractor, Dantata and Sawoe, has returned to site.  She   also   said the routine immunization  programme  of  the Foundation has been extended to Bauchi, Yobe, Maiduguri and Katsina.

She  said the foundation’s Business School’s Project at  the Bayero University Kano has gulped N524 million, even as it injected N500 million into Kano School of Technology.

Ms Dangote also revealed that the Foundation was determined to build a 500MW of electricity station in Kano. She described some of the projects as “game changing projects” to be completed in the next two years.

Responding, Governor Ganduje said the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has done a lot for the people of Kano who will remain grateful forever. He singled out the contribution of the Foundation to the fight against polio disease, adding that it was indeed a massive intervention.

He said with the help of the Dangote Foundation, the state will soon be given its polio free certificate, adding: “We are ready to do anything to support your effort.”

He further described  Dangote’s intervention at the   Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital as massive, saying the hospital is one of the oldest in West Africa.

The Foundation has also completed the construction of seven out of the 11 primary health care centres it is building in the state.

Russian clubs banned from signing Turkish players

Russian clubs have been banned from signing Turkish players during the January transfer window as a result of the current political tensions between the two nations.

A Russian warplane was shot down by Turkish forces over the Syrian border on November 24, leaving one pilot dead, while another was rescued in a Special Forces operation.

Consequently, Russia have implemented economic sanctions against Turkey, which also includes transactions between football clubs in the two countries.

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko told the R-Sport news agency: "If anyone wants [to sign a Turkish player] during the break, there will not be such a possibility."

However, he also added that Turkish players plying their trade in Russia would not be forced to return to their homeland

He added: "Everyone who has an existing contract will carry on working.

Is this the Nigeria of our dream?(How Angry Mob Stripped & Beat Armed Robbers)

With due respect,i am disappointed because there is a slogan that is being about my country that "Great Nation,Good people".I am sorry but its a lie.Nigeria my beloved country is still backward with people who still behave as if they are not human beings.Whenever there is a crime in our nation,we always take laws into our hands and unfortunately,it becomes an animalistic approach.
Are we animals or human beings?
Some Armed robbers were caught,stripped and terribly man handled at  Olowotedo,Mowe along Lagos Ibadan express way,Ogun State,Nigeria today and it was a sorry state.Nigerians are always ready to mete out jungle justice to the men of the underworld who wants to live like kings in the jungle.They were terribly beaten and handed over to the police.

You may not like the graphic picture of what you see but bear with us.

Nigeria Beat Mali 3-2 In Senegal

The national Under-23 team has gotten their campaign at the under-23 African Cup if Nations in Senegal, on a solid note with a 3-2 win over the Junior Eagles of Mali in a five- goal thriller.

Tunisia-based junior Ajayi netted a brace, while Usman Mohammed was on target for dream team six in the first half.

The Malians dominated the second half firing two quick goals in ten minutes, but the Under-23 team held on to pick their first three points.

Nigeria leads the group B with three points while group opponents Egypt and Algeria have a point each.

The Dream Team VI will face Egypt in their next game on Wednesday.

Starting a Prison Ministry or correctional facility

Prisons are among the most fertile places for the uninitiated to grow into faith. That being said, prisoners often need to feel that whatever they are doing is of their own initiative, and they aren't being led, or forced. Therefore, carefully planting the seeds to grow a prison ministry can be most effective during the years you spend in penitentiaries.

Examine yourself. 
Planting seeds means many things. Perhaps the most important is within yourself. How do others perceive your actions? Do you portray the characteristics Jesus taught in the gospels? This can be a tricky order to fulfill indeed. Balancing things like love for all men, and the hospitality of the Good Samaritan in a place full of criminals needs careful consideration and thoughtful prayer each step of the way. If you have access to a prison chaplain or a Christian visiting or writing you for advice, all the better. Striking a balance between generosity and cautioning your actions to protect yourself from being taken advantage of is a fine line to walk, but again, fully possible. And you'll surely learn as you go.

Keep in mind that what you're doing is not to glorify you, or your abilities.
In humility, we express our gratitude for the opportunities we are given. We show our love for Jesus Christ in all our actions, from our good sportsmanship on the basketball court, to our choices in entertainment on the prison yard. You're always being watched!

Network With Local Authorities

Talking with former prisoners is also a great resource. Speak with the local sheriff to see if such a ministry is already in place. Make an appointment to meet them by phone. Use the same procedure with the city; speak to the local Chief of Police in person to see what steps are needed. A personal visit is always more successful than a phone call or a letter. You will find local and county officials more open to the idea if you have a plan in place, which will be discussed later.

Face to Face Meeting

You may not be able to schedule a face to face meeting. Sometimes county and city authorities like the Chief of Police (for cities) or Sheriff (for counties) are reluctant at first. State and Federal prison systems are more stringent. Sometime these facilities have prisoners that are quarantined and are only allowed visits by family and the visitation sometimes may only be possible behind a glass partition. And they may have limited visitation times as well. State and Federal systems are usually more often located at a greater distance and are less accessible than those of a city or county nature so gaining access to them is strategically more difficult.

Get a Clear Plan of What You Want to Do

Before you make contact with any authorities, have a specific plan in place. You want to make sure that you have the city and counties best interests at heart. Prisoners will often shy away from pure Bible teaching or preaching. They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Your first visits will always be a getting acquainted type of meeting. What are their interests? Do they plan on developing a trade or have an interest in a particular occupation if they are to be released? Even if you are unable to gain access to prisoners, you can at least minister to them through biblical literature, provide them with trade journals or magazines. Make sure you are clear with your intentions.

Consider Your Own Record

Some local and county jails may require a background check which includes a criminal background check. The two that I have been to do not require this. They do want to know about you. They might run a check on you to see if you have any outstanding bench warrants or unpaid fines or tickets.

By the way, some institutions do not have a regular Sunday service. Even fewer have a Wednesday night Bible Study. A Church service in the prisons or jails is run somewhat like any local church. However, check with the chaplain or religious activities coordinator (if there is one) before your first service to make sure that you understand the customs of the group. The members of the Christian community in most prisons get along with each other much better than those on the outside, and many consider the service to be “their” church. You are just a visiting preacher. If you can not be there Sunday mornings since you may be attending your own church, then perhaps you can offer them a Sunday evening service.

Keep it Non-Denominational

Because of the interdenominational nature of the group you will be dealing with, and the mixed group of preachers who conduct the services, it is important that you not go in emphasizing the doctrinal distinctives of your denomination. There is a wealth of material in the Bible that you can use without having to go into the small number of areas that we do not agree on. Keep in mind, most prisoners will be either babies in Christ, or they will be unsaved and so keep it simple. The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing; and that is Christ and Him crucified for them. You do not want to divide the inmates on doctrinal differences. It is best to go with the milk of the Word and stay away from the meatier things of the Bible. This is not seminary. No preaching, but just teaching. Let them have input. Don’t dominate or cut off other prisoners if they have something to offer.

Meet a counsellor

To start something as delicate as this,you need a counsellor to speak with you.someone who understands this field more than you.you need his experience.

Pray

This on its own is a ministry.Passion for souls is not enough.you need to seek the face of God to start this and you must not start alone without a definite instruction s from God regarding this.

Become a prison Chaplain today.

Register for chaplaincy at 

CHAPLAINS FELLOWSHIP OF NIGERIA

35/37 Oluwole Olaniyi Str,

Iyana Ipaja bustop,
Agege,
Lagos,Nigeria

Email: cfnijesus@yahoo.com

+2348023271588,+2348030652556

MY THOUGHTS ON THE BIAFRAN AGITATIONS(Part4)

   

Written by Rev Sunday Adelaja

 

THE HIGH PRICE OF INDEPENDENCE

Apart from these seven people groups that have been mentioned above, too many other people groups in their hundreds are struggling and clamoring on a daily basis for an independent nation even as we speak. If a detailed list were made, such people groups might run into a thousand. Can you imagine a thousand new countries emerging in our world today? It’s just not possible, they will not be recognized. It is going to create chaos and confusion.

Let’s have a quick look at some people groups that are agitating for their recognition or independence in our world today.

1. In Ukraine where I live, the eastern part of the country is agitating for independence with countless thousands of casualties already.

1. In Russia, the Chechen people, have been involved in two wars, yet they can’t get away.

2. In Afghanistan, the Taliban wants to build their own caliphate of Islamic state.

3. In Armenia, the Nagorno-karabakh people want their own recognition.

4. In Cameroon, the English speaking people have been struggling for years to have the same equal rights as the French speaking people. Some of them have been forced into exile, yet it has not been possible.

5. In Kenya, tribes have fought and spilled blood, yet no country has sided with any one of them to become independent.

6. In Great Britain, Northern Ireland has waged guerrilla war for years and still they could not get their full independence.

7. In Congo, part of the nation wanted to control their mineral resources, other foreign governments have only exploited them.

8. In Cyprus, the northern part of the country has been struggling for years, still they are not recognized as an independent nation.

9. In France, Guadeloupe and Basque have been fighting for years to be free and yet it is not easy to get their full independence.

10. In the Philippines, the Filipino guerillas have been living in the jungle for ages and they have not been able to build either their Marxist or Muslim nation.

11. In Sri Lanka, the Tamil Tigers have dreamt about independence but it has not been easy coming.

12. In Turkey, the Kurdish people have dreamt of building Kurdistan. They have fought for it, yet to no avail.

13. In Spain, the Basque nation has fought for their independence for years, still it is not coming.

14. In Mauritania, the minorities have been complaining of oppression, but no help and understanding has come from the bigger nations of the world.

What more can I say? A word is enough for the wise…

Pep Guardiola picks his next destination

Speculation over the former Barcelona man's future has been fierce in recent weeks, and Pep himself is apparently keen to try his hand at Old Trafford.
 Pep Guardiola has been linked with several major managerial jobs, but his first priority would be the Manchester United post, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Guardiola's contract at Bayern Munich expires at the end of the 2015-16 season and there is no indication yet that the Catalan coach is set to continue in the job.

Bayern are planning to sign a new contract with Pep over the winter break, but according to the Telegraph the club recognises that he would love the chance to manage at Old Trafford once Van Gaal leaves.

9 Things Every Father Should Teach His Son

Being a father means more than providing all of the physical needs in life, it also means having the responsibility to teach his son the most important lessons in life that will help him become a better man.
So, in order to prepare your son for manhood and give him the knowledge that will help him through many common situations in life, consider these top 10 things that every father should teach his son:


Self-discipline. Whether it is for education, work, or fitness discipline is one of the most important lessons to teach your son. Knowing how to work hard, motivate himself regardless of the situation and having the willpower to push through tough situations will greatly help him become strong.


Confidence. A solid handshake and confident personality is one of the very definitions of manhood. Having confidence is simply a way to show yourself and others that you are a strong and capable person who can handle most problem or task that may come your way.

Responsibility. One of the great lessons in manhood is taking responsibility for yourself and your actions. This will not only reinforce your self-respect but also gain respect from others. Being responsible for every choice and action builds character and builds an image of trustworthiness for others.

Independence. One of the markers for reaching manhood is being able to do things on your own. Teaching your son early what it is like to be independent will help him become a resourceful man. Learning through experience and trying things on his own will build his character. It will also provide him with real world knowledge that can help him in every avenue of life.

Humility. Just as confidence is important in manhood, so is humility. A good balance between the two creates a strong leader who can succeed in many ways in life. Confidence alone will not build good relationships with people but by combining humility, people will naturally gravitate to you.
 
Respect. Reaching manhood means earning respect from others for having the qualities that deserve it. Respect is honoring someone for the good qualities they have and showing them their importance in life. Teaching your son to respect others while also demanding respect from their actions and manly qualities is a way to help them grow up to be well-rounded individuals.

Sensitivity. Although some may think sensitivity is a weakness for men, it's a quality that every man should have. It is a way of showing compassion and taking a softer approach to situations that require it. It is a quality that all greatly loved leaders have, which is why so many respect and follow them.

Honesty. An honest person is one who is comfortable with themselves and has confidence in their actions. An honest man has an honorable manhood, which is something that every man should consider to succeed in life.

Finesse. One of the top qualities that all men should have is finesse. It involves having the proper skills to handle difficult situations in a careful and calculated way. A successful man will always have some level of finesse to help him through the times in life that may seem difficult.
While not all of these skills are easily taught, the best way is to teach by example and reinforce actions with important lessons. With these ten important lessons, your sons will be prepared for manhood and the experiences that come along with it.

  Written by Jason Bettinger

7 lies you must stop telling yourself

1. My past defines me.

The past only has the power to dictate the future if we let it. Just because you were in an unloving marriage doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of being loved. Just because you got a fancy engineering degree from M.I.T. doesn’t mean you have to be an engineer, despite the fact you hate engineering.

2. Work is supposed to suck, that’s why it’s called work.

I have no issue with hard work and in fact, I advocate it. But working for the sake of working doesn’t make sense. Sure you have to pay your bills, but so do all the small business owners, online entrepreneurs, and people who are happily pursuing their dreams.

 3. I don’t deserve to be happy.

Unfortunately this is a deeply ingrained lie that can cause you to spend your life living just above average. From early childhood, you are led to believe certain things about yourself and many times, it’s negative.

Many of you falsely believe you are not good enough to be/do/have what you want in this life. And I’ll tell you with absolute certainty–it’s complete bullshit.

4. I can’t change.

Of course you can. It’s very challenging to change, especially permanently, but it needs to happen if you are going to improve your life. Doing the same things and making the same decisions every day and thinking something new will happen is madness.

Being unhappy can caused by a number of things, but chances are, it’s your negative, self-defeating habits that are the culprit.

5. This is just how life is.

This is ridiculous. Life is exactly how you make it and is a direct result of all the decisions you’ve made up until this moment. Life doesn’t just happen, you create it. Do not accept your fate and believe that life can’t or won’t get any better. Believe me, it can!

6. Things will get better.

Again, wrong. They won’t get better until YOU get better. The world doesn’t owe you anything nor will it just hand things to you. You have to work hard to get what you want. Hell, you’re already working hard now, you just may be directing your energy in the wrong places.

Start by taking small steps towards your goals. And if you have no goals, set some. Don’t try to go from miserable cubicle worker to lifestyle design magnate overnight, that will never work and will only serve to demotivate you. Instead, take it slowly and be realistic about what you can accomplish each day.

7. I have responsibilities.

And while this may be true (I don’t know any adults who don’t have them), they shouldn’t be limiting your happiness.

People tend to let their boring jobs not only define them, but dictate how they live their lives. I’ve heard it a million times, “I can’t quit, I have responsibilities.” They believe they can’t quit because that would be selfish, lazy, and irresponsible.

Written by Steve Roy

5 Things You Must Tell Your Parents Before They Die

  We all had a very different childhood experience.  For some it was incredible. Their parents were consistent, loving, and honest. For others, it was the opposite, they were absent, abusive, and broken. Wherever your story lands, we cannot deny that our parents, are still our parents. Our Mothers birthed us. Our Fathers (in most cases) supported us. They changed our diapers, listened to us cry, fed us, worried about us, and ultimately raised us.If you’re reading this post, there is a chance your parents are still alive. Now, I’m not sure if this list should be shared together, individually, or over some period of time. But as a man who studies the relationships between people, there is not a closer bond than the child parent relationship. It calls for a level of respect and honor that others don’t.

1. The Truth:  Let your parents know how you really feel. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Tell them where they succeeded, where they failed, what you loved about them and even what you didn’t. It’s a tough conversation. But we only have so much time… and in my experience, people regret it if they don’t.
2. That You Understand: Let them know you recognize their humanness. Take the opportunity to step back, look at each other eye to eye, adult to adult, human to human, and say, “I understand”. We all go through struggles. Divorce, abuse, failure, and pain. Your parents, just like us, were not immune to this. They too had broken parents, a rough past and likely a cause for the things they brought into your life. Let them know you “get it”. You may not approve of it. But you understand.
3. That You Appreciate Them: Let your parents know you’re thankful. At the bare minimum, we must admit that without them, you would not be here. Thank them for keeping you alive. There are many countries with many parents who cannot even provide life to their children. Tell them you’re grateful for the good memories and their ability to continue to love you even when you weren’t very lovable.
4. That You’re Sorry: We tend to view apologies as a sign of weak character. But in fact, they require great strength. We’ve all been harsh. We’ve all been mean. At the end of the day, let your parents know you’re sorry. A genuine apology offered and accepted is one of the most profound interactions of civilized people. This will be hard, but you will not regret it.
5. That You Forgive Them: One of my favorite quotes of all time is, “Forgive them even if they’re not sorry.” We must remember they, like us, were doing the best they could at the time. Holding on to pain does nothing on your journey to creating a purposeful and happy life. To clarify, the act of forgiveness is by no means giving them permission to hurt you again. It’s quite the contrary. It’s giving you permission to let go and release both the pain and the anger – and hopefully, restore a relationship in the process.

Add something to the list? What would you want to share with your parents before they die?

Written By Dale Partridge