Category Archives: Society: Christianity

Christian News, these Press Release Syndication’s will keep you up to date on what is happening in the Church today.

Society: Christianity

Armed Forces Bank Receives Highest Honors at 2023 Association of Military Banks of America Annual Workshop

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The Distinguished Bank of the Year award recognizes on-base financial institutions that provided exceptional service to the community during the preceding calendar year. Armed Forces Bank was recognized for its leadership in serving military service members and their families with a vast array of banking services, installation support and financial education.

“As protectors of our nation, the financial stability of our military families is a major factor in military readiness,” said Kia McCallister-Young, director of America Saves. “Our current economy—with inflation, workplace shifts, and housing crises—has caused a compounded financial strain on the military community at-large. Having financial institutions committed to providing practical strategies, tips, and resources that move people to action is essential in the strength of our Armed Forces.”

Military Saves Designation of Savings Excellence & Community Impact Award
In addition, Armed Forces Bank received the 2023 Military Saves “Designation of Savings Excellence” (DOSE) and was honored with the inaugural “Community Impact Award,” at the AMBA Workshop this week.

Armed Forces Bank is fortunate to have been honored with the DOSE designation for 10 of the last 11 years. The coveted DOSE honor highlights banks and credit unions that make an extraordinary effort to promote positive saving behaviors and take actions to improve the financial stability of those in their community.

The Community Impact Award recognizes organizations who use the Military Saves pledge to promote setting a savings goal and making a plan to reach it. This award builds on the well-recognized concept that individuals with a saving plan are twice as likely to save successfully.

The Military Saves award program is coordinated by the non-profit Consumer Federation of America and is designed to help service members and their families save money, reduce debt and build wealth. It is the nation’s only award focused on helping Americans improve their financial stability.

Tom McLean, SVP and Regional Military Executive for Armed Forces Bank, accepted the awards at the AMBA Workshop.

“We are honored to have received these awards over the course of many years, which reflect our steadfast commitment to meeting the distinct needs of military service members and their families,” said McLean. “No matter where they are stationed or deployed around the world, Armed Forces Bank strives to provide the best banking solutions and financial advice.”

Innovating to Better Serve
With a constant focus on innovation to help military clients effectively manage their finances, Armed Forces Bank now offers Access Rewards Checking designed specifically to meet the needs of military personnel and their families. This and other programs listed below offer advantageous and accessible services for military personnel:

  • New Access Rewards Checking helps military families stretch their budgets with distinctive rewards, local and national discounts, and online shopping rewards with cash back. Identity theft and credit monitoring provide additional security to protect those who protect our country.
  • New Armed Forces mobile-friendly website to launch in October 2023 with improved look and feel, more robust functionality, and easy navigation to help military personnel find what they need quickly. It’s Armed Forces Bank’s duty to respect the time, as well as provide convenience and the latest banking resources to military personnel.
  • An enhanced account opening solution is coming in September 2023 designed to make it faster, easier and safer for new and existing clients to open accounts. This is designed to ensure military clients get the services they need whenever and wherever they are stationed around the world.
  • Armed Forces Bank offers sage financial advice on its “Militarily Speaking” podcast, which shares success stories and insights about financial practices, as well as strategies to help service members get ahead.

“As our military customers’ unique needs evolve, we are continuously working to stay on the leading edge of providing accessible, convenient and effective service,” said Paul Holewinski, CEO of Armed Forces Bank and Dickinson Financial Corporation. “We consider it an honor to serve active and retired military service members and their families, all of whom are dedicated to serving our country.”

One of Kansas City’s Top Five Strongest Banks
At a time when the banking industry’s financial soundness is increasingly in focus, Armed Forces Bank was recently honored as one of the top five strongest banks in the Kansas City area. The bank ranked number three in financial strength among banks with $1 billion or more in assets by the Kansas City Business Journal. The widely respected business publication recognized Armed Forces Bank for its healthy 71.41% loan-to-deposit ratio and “exceptionally strong” core-capital ratio of 14.23%. The Business Journal also noted that 86.52% of Armed Forces Bank deposits are covered by the FDIC.

About Armed Forces Bank
Armed Forces Bank (AFB), founded and headquartered in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907. Armed Forces Bank provides affordable, personal and convenient banking and financial services to both active and retired military, as well as civilian clients in all 50 states and around the world. Approximately 75% of Armed Forces Bank associates have some type of military affiliation either by spouse, retired themselves or their children.

Armed Forces Bank has $1.2 billion in assets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, a $3.6 billion bank holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Armed Forces Bank’s sister bank, Academy Bank, is a full-service community bank with over 70 branch locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. For more information, visit http://www.afbank.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Member FDIC.

Media Contact

Elaina Boudreau, BELA Communications, (913) 660-0548, [email protected]

SOURCE Armed Forces Bank



Society: Christianity

Unique 100-Day Devotional Provides Guidance and the Tools to Know God’s Voice and Grow in the Power of His Glory

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When asked what inspired the author to write this book, Dent said, “I want everyone to experience ‘Wow God moments’ and grow in knowing God as a friend, BFF. I want my children and grandchildren, family and friends, and everyone to know God’s love and recognize His voice. I have learned so much about His character and how much He cares about every tiny detail of our lives. I have been amazed as I learn about God’s character to find He laughs, He gets mad, He protects, He fights for us, and so much more. He made us in His image and so we share characteristics and emotions. Like many, I have known rejection and betrayal in life, and I cannot fathom that the God of the Universe, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords wants to be my friend and that He listens to me and wants me to spend time with Him. I want everyone to know that kind of love.”

Dawn April Dent is from Minnesota and grew up on a farm. She loved working with the animals and spending time outdoors. Her father was a pastor, and her mom was a great hostess and partner in her father’s ministry to serve others. At four years old, Dent asked Jesus to enter her heart, but it wasn’t until she turned sixteen that she experienced God as her friend. She has studied and led discussions about God’s Word and encouraged others to know God’s love for more than 40 years. Dent loves family time, animals, sports, music and the outdoors. She plays guitar, writes songs, and is energized by sharing about Jesus’ love with others.

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Journey To Know & Hear Jehovah: 100 Day Devotional to Know God-Jehovah Through The Eyes and Experiences of Moses and God’s Law is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Media Contact

Dawn April Dent, Salem Author Services, (910) 880-4619, [email protected]

SOURCE Salem Author Services

Society: Christianity

Children’s Bedtime Story Takes Reader on Illustrated Dreamland Journey

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I hope to share the love and light of Christ through these precious dreamland journeys,” said Hastings. “Children are participants in the dream and are gently cradled to sleep in the Lord’s arms of Love.”

Hastings began creating these stories for her grandchildren, and has published the most recent ones, “Vincent’s Dream Beach Fun with BFF’S” and “Vincent’s Dreamy Freeze Ice Cream Parlor.” She also illustrates the entire book herself. Each page has a large full color drawing, 40 of them in “Book 7.”

“Through a daily scripture, the Holy Spirit led me in creating these delightful stories of adventure, creativity, fellowship, love, laughter and fun, all the while drawing the readers to know Christ,” said Hastings.

“Granmama’s and Vincent’s Dreamland Journey Book 7: Vincent’s Dream Beach Fun with BFF’S”
By Diana Hastings
ISBN: 9781489746573 (softcover); 9781489746566 (hardcover); 9781489746580 (electronic)
Available at LifeRich Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Diana Hastings owns and operates Dance Infinity, a dance school, together with her daughter, for over 45 years. She has two children and two grandchildren, and currently resides in Brownsville, Texas.
To learn more, please visit http://www.liferichpublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/850251-granmamas-and-vincents-dreamland-journey-book-7.

Media Contact

Ziggy Goldfarb, LAVIDGE, 4803067065, [email protected]

SOURCE LifeRich Publishing

Society: Christianity

Teacher and Author Educates Readers on Misunderstood Evangelism Doctrine

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Book simplifies the fundamentals of the Christian worldview and how to defend it against atheists and skeptics

COOKEVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Over 20 years ago, author Thomas Jones says the Holy Spirit led him to begin a teaching ministry for the purpose of equipping the body of Christ. He continues his efforts in the release of his new book, “Worldview and Reason: Equipping the Christian Mind for Making Disciples in a Skeptical World.”

Jones wants readers to be able to differentiate between the cliches and the reality of what a Christian worldview is. His thought-provoking chapters are designed to inspire a more mindful awareness of Christian cultural habits, critical thinking ability, and the regression of Christian credibility in culture.

“The Christian worldview is not your conservative political persuasion, belief in traditional marriage, pro-life stance on abortion or support for Israel in geopolitical matters,” Jones said. “A worldview answers the four most important questions of life: the origin of the world, meaning of life, existence of moral knowledge, and our destiny after death. All four must be associated in a coherent relationship for a rational worldview to be maintained.”

“Worldview and Reason” also covers a vast spread of topics, such as the fundamental functions of the church, the modern Christian image, and practical insights for engaging with atheists and skeptics.

“The church should be an asset to Christians, through its strategic approach in equipping them to engage the unbelieving world,” Jones said. “The great commission of Jesus requires us to teach and instruct the world so it may come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.”

Jones plans to release a workbook to accompany “Worldview and Reason,” designed for a small group setting. It will expand on the book’s topics, offer in-depth bible studies to complement each section, and direct critical discussion topics for participants. The purpose is to allow a facilitator to effectively lead a small group in an organized way with flexibility for how to engage the material.

“Worldview and Reason: Equipping the Christian Mind for Making Disciples in a Skeptical World”
By Thomas Jones
ISBN: 9781664286788 (softcover); 9781664286801 (hardcover); 9781664286795 (electronic)
Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Thomas Jones is a Bible teacher and speaker with a calling to equip the body of Christ with a clear perspective and uncompromising boldness for God’s word. Tom and his wife Courtney are the founders of Worldview and Reason Ministries. Their ministry helps Christians navigate the relationship between cultivating the mind and walking in the authority and power of the Holy Spirit. With an urgency for the harvest that is imminent, Tom and Courtney have a passion to reach a world fallen away from the truth of God. To learn more, please visit http://www.worldviewandreason.org.

Media Contact

Ashley Fletcher, LAVIDGE – Phoenix, 480-998-2600, [email protected]

SOURCE WestBow Press

Society: Christianity

GoGoGrandparent Celebrates Senior Citizen’s Day On August 21st By Uplifting The Voices and Experiences Of Older Customers

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“This Senior Citizens Day and every day, we celebrate older adults by keeping their experiences and wishes at the forefront of our minds with our services,” said Justin Boogaard GoGoGrandparent’s Co-Founder and CEO. “At GoGo, we call ourselves professional grandchildren, and it’s an honor to build solutions that make it possible to age independently.”

GoGoGrandparent reviews feedback from customer surveys to incorporate new ideas and solutions from older adult customers and those with disabilities, and today, hundreds of thousands of people count on GoGo to help maintain their independence at home and in the community.

People like Letty Morales. When Letty, 74, had to stop driving in 2017 due to an accident, she became depressed. She learned about GoGoGrandparent through a partnership in her community, and from her first call, it was a go. “It’s easy and when I have a question, I can talk to an operator. They are always so courteous and I’ve gotten along with the drivers too. It’s almost like a little community,” explained Letty. “If you can’t drive, call GoGo. It’s fun.”

For David Brown, he had to review his options before “retiring his car,” as he puts it. At 80 years old, he still has places to go, like his local church, the VA medical center, and a book club. David uses a cane and walker, so public transportation was not a good option. “One of the problems with public transportation is you have to get to and from the stops,” he says. He thought about how he might ask his friends and daughter for rides when he needs them, but felt that “sometimes it’s a real inconvenience, and I hate being a burden on friends.”

That’s when he learned about GoGoGrandparent. All rides are monitored by team members, who screen drivers and cars based on whether or not they are comfortable accommodating the needs of people living with visual, cognitive, dexterity & mobility impairments. Customers can request rides and other services using GoGo’s convenient phone menu, and press numbers on their keypad to get where they’re going even faster. When a customer reviews GoGoGrandparent services and FAQs, they often comment that they are happy to have a single phone number (1 (855) 464-6872) and a place to turn for all the services that help them stay independent at home. That’s David’s favorite part.

“I have found the GoGoGrandparent option very easy to use because I really like the automated service,” he says. “It gives me prompts on my phone keypad, like #1 is home, #2 is the VA, and #3 is church. It makes it simple and reliable.”

Now with a reliable transportation option, David made his decision about his car. “I’m able to stop driving, give my car to my daughter, let my license expire next year, and still get around with GoGo,” he said. “It’s wonderful.”

If you’re interested in reviewing what GoGoGrandparent is doing for your community, please reach out to our team at [email protected] to hear local stories from your area.

GoGoGrandparent helps older adults live independently in their home for as long as possible. By working directly with on-demand services like Uber, GoGoGrandparent manages the mobility, meals, groceries and more of their clients. GoGo’s “GoGoGuardian” system helps protect clients living with cognitive, visual, physical or dexterous impairments to ensure a safe, reliable and affordable independence. GoGoGrandparent reviews the needs of its customers, and customizes their GoGo experience to meet their unique needs. Built in 2016 as inspired by the CEO’s grandmother, GoGoGrandparent is now relied upon by hundreds of thousands of older adults throughout the United States & Canada. For more information, visit www.gogograndparent.com.

Media Contact

Cassandra Baptista, GoGoGrandparent, 1 1 (855) 464-6872, [email protected], www.gogograndparent.com

SOURCE GoGoGrandparent

Society: Christianity

BDV Solutions CEO Britt Vergnolle Named to 2023 Forbes 50 Over 50 List

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“Never did I plan or think the company my husband Ron and I started at our kitchen table would grow to what we are today and impact so many foreign nationals and U.S. employers,” noted Vergnolle. “I’m so very proud of what we do and how we do it, and of our diverse, dedicated team that got us here and continues to build a dynamic, impactful business that benefits so many. I’m beyond humbled to be recognized by ForbesWomen with this honor.”

BDV Solutions sources employment for foreign nationals, placing them with U.S. hiring organizations in a wide range of industries and helping them obtain their permanent legal residence Green Card. Counting almost 10,000 foreign national clients and 179 EB-3 Visa employers, including Dominos, Sysco and Hilton, the company has expanded over the past year into new markets including trucking, manufacturing and healthcare.

The company recently launched its “BDV Believes” scholarship program, conceived by Vergnolle, which will award foreign nationals $2,000 each to further their education goals.

Vergnolle also helped create BDV subsidiary Argo Visa, a consulting firm made up of former U.S. visa officers that helps foreign nationals to pass their visa interviews. In addition, BDV in May 2023 acquired TPG Cultural Exchange, forming a division of BDV that places international teachers in a cultural exchange program through the J-1 Visa. For the upcoming school year, TPG will place 1,440 teachers from 26 countries in 49 U.S. school districts.

Vergnolle also owns Camp Glen Arden for Girls, which is focused on developing well-rounded, wholesome individuals who, removed from the distractions of technology and social media, encourage one another in learning new life skills and developing meaningful friendships.

Noted ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath, “The women on the third annual Forbes 50 Over 50 are founding brands used by millions, breaking world records and forging technological breakthroughs. They are proof positive that success and innovation can happen at any age.”

For more information about the Forbes 50 Over 50 list, visit https://www.forbes.com/50over50/.

About BDV Solutions

Headquartered in Greenville, SC, BDV Solutions is closing the country’s chronic and growing unskilled labor gap by providing American businesses and school districts access to an untapped network of global talent by leveraging visa categories for hard to fill roles. The company is uniquely positioned to assist U.S. organizations and foreign nationals navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. More information can be found at www.bdvsolutions.com.

Media Contact

Shev Rush, BDV Solutions, 1 2135034828, [email protected], www.bdvsolutions,com

SOURCE BDV Solutions

Society: Christianity

Svaha USA and Global Technology Expert Rhonda Vetere Launch Fashion Collection to Empower Women and Girls

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Vetere added, “My mission is to inspire women – young and old – to embrace STEAM. Having a clothing line that literally becomes a coat of arms is so impactful. I’m grateful to Jaya for initiating this collection and to the team at Svaha USA for creating this fashionable, fun and feminine line that celebrates STEAM.”

Vetere has been a 25+ year groundbreaking and world-renowned STEAM leader holding executive positions at companies such as JPMorgan Chase and EstIe Lauder. Last year, she was inducted as the Global STEAM Ambassador by the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM), India. Vetere was also chosen one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology by the National Diversity Council. She is a regular face on national news shows for her tech prowess and is the author of Grit & Grind: 10 Principles for Living an Extraordinary Life .

The Rhonda Vetere Svaha Global STEAM Collection, available now exclusively at svahausa.com, includes fashions designed for both adults and kids which reflects both Vetere’s and Svaha’s passion for STEAM. Sizes run for adults XS to 5X and kids 2T to 11/12 and all dresses have pockets. The collection includes:

Circuit Flowers top and leggings display a circuit board with delicate flowers to give a feminine touch to a male dominated industry.

Binary Dress with names of women STEAM pioneers such as Ada Lovelace, Rosalind Franklin, Rosa Parks, Katherine Johnson and others written in Binary code.

Circuit Lines is a faux wrap skirt that shows delicate circuit lines reflecting how something considered so masculine can be feminine as well.

Robots Kids Dress is a playful, fun take on robots with bright colors and designed to encourage kids to love robots and not be intimated by them.

Global World T-shirt is available as an adult and kids tee with both showing how technology has made our world more connected.

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About SvahaUSA

Svaha is a leading-edge online STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) themed clothing and accessories brand who’s online store at www.svahausa.com is changing the face of women’s and children’s apparel. Svaha is confronting gender stereotypes with bright, fun clothes to allow kids’ imaginations to soar and creating original and unique dresses to prove that women who love Science & Technology can still be feminine & stylish. Svaha’s high-quality 100% organic, super soft dresses all have a hint of geek, feature pockets and their designs unapologetically celebrate femininity and the awesomeness of women in STEAM. Each style of dress is named after famous female scientists such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, Ada Lovelace, Ruby Payne-Scott and Dorothy Hodgkin. Svaha celebrates women in all fields of endeavor.

About Rhonda Vetere

Rhonda Vetere is a globally recognized C-Suite executive, highly respected leader in technology and two-time author, including her most recent book Grit & Grind.Often described as a “corporate athlete,” Rhonda is known worldwide for her dynamic leadership, executive mentorship, her accomplishments as an All-World athlete, including competing in 100 IRONMAN triathlons, and her passionate advocacy for STEAM through Technology to empower the next generation. The 2x Davos speaker has been twice recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology (National Diversity Council, 2019/2020), one of the Most Influential Businesswomen (2022), and one of Mogul’s Top 100 DEI Leaders of 2021 for her tireless work as a CTO, CIO, global executive, and digital transformation change agent, managing teams up to 20,000 people from more than 160countries. As an internationally recognized philanthropist, this year Rhonda will run 55 miles across the Serengeti for the fourth time as part of a girl’s and women’s empowerment fundraiser. She’s also a 3x participate in the Navy SEAL Hudson River Swim and Founder of the team that Raced Across America, traveling 3k miles by bike to raise awareness for mental health and help prevent Veteran and First Responder Suicide. For more information on Vetere, visit www.rhondavetere.com.

Media Contacts:

Svaha USA/Jaya Iyer – Dan Madsen – [email protected]

Rhonda Vetere – Adair Neff – [email protected]

Media Contact

Dan Madsen, SvahaUSA, 1 303-570-6273, [email protected], Svahausa.com

SOURCE SvahaUSA