Bob Critteneden

David Curry, President and CEO of Open Doors USA, discussed the Open Doors World Watch List for 2017, highlighting nations who are the leading persecutors of Christians around the world. He discussed the trends of nationalism in a number of nations and the spread of Islamic extremism to sub-Saharan Africa. Learn more at www.opendoorsusa.org.

Jamie Dean, National Editor for WORLD Magazine and WORLD News Group, discussed some material that she covers in the 2017 annual Roe v. Wade issue of WORLD, which deals with the rise in chemical abortions, including the use of pills. The WORLD website is www.worldmag.com.

Joe Savage, Board member for Emmanuel House, operating in Moldova and Ukraine, and President of Projects That Matter, reported from Moldova about his observations, as well as some of the geopolitical and religious matters in the area. Learn more about Emmanuel House through www.ehouseforgirls.org.

Christian musical artist Lori Sealy discussed some of the aspects of her life, including trials during which see has seen the faithfulness of God, as well as her latest project, "The Strife is Over." The conversation took place in advance of a "Songs & Stories of Grace" event at Eastwood Presbyterian Church in Montgomery on January 20, 2017. Her website is www.lorisealy.com.

Author and speaker Esther Fleece, known for her work on behalf of millennials, shared material related to her book, "No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending," including the concept of lament. Her website is www.estherfleece.com.

Marriage expert Gary Thomas, Writer in Residence at Second Baptist Church in Houston, who also serves on the teaching team there, offered some practical perspective related to his book, "Cherish: The One Word that Changes Everything for Your Marriage." Learn more at www.garythomas.com.

In advance of his January 11, 2017 concert at Grace Falls Church in Auburn, AL, Christian musical artist Dallas Holm discussed some highlights of his ministry, including his association with David Wilkerson and the composition of "Rise Again." He has written a book called, "Words of Hope & Comfort," in addition to a CD called, "Songs of Hope & Comfort." His website is www.dallasholm.com.

Charles Morris, President and Speaker for Haven Ministries, as well as author of "Fleeing ISIS, Finding Jesus: The Real Story of God at Work," in a report from Iraq, discussed his observation in that nation about how God is working in the lives of Muslim individuals to bring them to Christ. Learn more at www.haventoday.org.

Amelia Rhodes, Kelly Balarie, Renee Swope, Wellington Boone, Laurie Cardoza-Moore

Stuart Shepard, Executive Producer for Creative Communications for Family Policy Alliance, a public policy partner of Focus on the Family, discussed recent developments concerning the new Presidency of Donald Trump, including analysis of issues that could come into play during the first 100 days of his term. The website is www.familypolicyalliance.com.