(dramatic music)

- [George] This week on"Christian World News,"

China tightens its grip on Hong Kong.

Democracy leaders say it's theend of autonomy for the city.

What will happen to the Church?

- [Wendy] Plus, cries for justice.

Protest after a mandies in police custody.

He kept telling them, "I can't breathe."

- And holy sites arereopening in the Holy Land

and a historic visit signalshope for Israel's relations

with the Arab world.

Hello, everyone, welcometo this week's edition

of "Christian WorldNews," I'm George Thomas.

- Good to be with you, my friend.

- Same here.- It's been a while.

- It's been a while.

- Social distancing.- I know.

- All right we're still, you know,

don't get too close, right?- No, we won't.

- All right, well I'm Wendy Griffith,

great to have you all with us as well.

Well in the news, China'scommunist regime is extending

its control over Hong Kong,

planning to impose new security laws

severely limiting freedoms there.

- Absolutely, right, theUnited States government says

it's the end of Hong Kong's autonomy

and one more sign ofChina's increasing efforts

to dominate its neighbors.

(dramatic music)

When the city was handed tothe Chinese back in 1997,

the idea was that Hong Kong would be

this one country, two systems

and it was supposed tolast for half a century.

The agreement expires in the year 2047.

As Beijing announced days ago plans

to enforce sweeping new security laws,

similar to the draconianmeasures used on the mainland,

many here feel it wouldbe the end of Hong Kong

as we know it.

- Beijing has essentiallyintervened directly

and said, "We're not going to wait,

"we're going to passthis law here in Beijing

"which will apply to you, Hong Kong."

Effectively, this is sayingHong Kong is no longer

under a one country, two systems approach.

It is now fully integrated into China,

despite the fact thatwe are not yet at 2047.

- [George] Many HongKong residents fearful

at the thought of becominganother Chinese city

and losing personal freedoms.

- [Interpreter] I thinkit's very ridiculous.

They promised one country, two systems,

but the content of the security law

is basically implementingone country, one system.

- [George] Cheng says for China,

the idea of one country, twosystems has always really meant

one country over two systems.

- So what this is going to mean is

that freedom of the press,freedom of expression,

freedom of assembly, freedomof protest, freedom of speech,

all of these are going tobe very much in jeopardy.

It also effectivelynullifies the independence

of the Hong Kong judicial system.

- [George] China insiststhe new crackdown is needed

to prevent secessionistsand subversive activity,

as well as foreigninterference and terrorism.

Ahead of more pro-democracyprotests this week,

China's top militarycommander in Hong Kong says

his 10,000-strong army isready to do whatever it takes.

- [Interpreter] The garrisontroops have the determination,

confidence and capabilities todefend national sovereignty,

security and development interests

and safeguard longterm prosperity

and stability in Hong Kong.

- [George] In Washington,

lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want

to sanction any Chinese official involved

in enforcing the new laws in Hong Kong.

The bill would also penalizebanks and businesses

that help enforce the law.

The White House is warningChina against enacting the laws.

- If that happens there'll be sanctions

that will be imposedon Hong Kong and China.

It's hard to see

how Hong Kong could remainthe Asian financial center

that it's become if China takes over.

- [George] And now experts worry

that if China moves to takeover Hong Kong,

Taiwan could be next on Beijing's list.

- The reality is that Chinacracking down on Hong Kong means

that Taiwan has even less reason

to believe Chinese promises of autonomy

and non-interferenceshould the two reunify.

- Joining me now is David Curry, he is CEO

of the religious freedomwatchdog group, Open Doors U.S.A.

David, great to have youback on the broadcast.

What does this new law meanfor Hong Kong and its people?

- Well I was in Hong Kong in December.

I can tell you the spirit ofthe people there is strong,

but what you see is a growing oppression

by the Chinese government

on the freedoms of the Hong Kong people

and this is gonna affect theChristian churches as well.

When you look at whathappens right now in China

over the last six years,

China has readopted this no-god system

where they're pushing out churches,

they're monitoring thechurches that do exist.

Even right now, many churches,

it's illegal to have even Skype church

in some of these areas wherethey're still locked down.

That doesn't mean they're allbeing shut down or raided,

but it means it's illegal.

This is the kind of thingyou may see very quickly

in Hong Kong as Chinabegins to impose the rules

and the restrictions onreligious freedom in China

in the territory of Hong Kong.

- You've spoken extensivelyof China's use of surveillance

to control its people.

David, how might thatbe used in Hong Kong?

- Well here's what we're seeing.

Some churches, not all, but some churches,

you have to even give facial recognition.

They keep score of howoften you go to church.

We know that there's somenegative impact, social impacts,

to how often you go to church

and they don't allow you to bring kids.

For example, if you bring yourchild under the age of 18,

will that affect their abilityto get into a good school?

Right now it does.

Does it affect your ability to travel?

This is a system thatis very sophisticated.

They can keep score of whereyou're going, what you're doing

and it will negatively affectyou if you're a Christian.

That could happen andI expect it to happen,

in Hong Kong as Chinaforces its rule upon them.

- You know we've heard these reports

that there are a lot ofChristians who are a part

of China's communistgovernment, strong believers.

Is that the case also of HongKong's pro-democracy movement?

- Well China would liketo link these two together

because they want to have an excuse

to attack some of thechurch leaders and so forth.

Certainly people of freedomcome from all manner

of faiths in Hong Kong and from what I saw

on the streets thereamongst the protesters,

it cuts across every part of life.

The fact that Christian faith

and theology is about anindependent relationship with Jesus

and many of the other things

that we take as human rightsare rooted in the Bible,

I think does make the crossreference of values strong

with the freedom fighters.

But I don't think we can sayit's a Christian movement

and I hope that China willnot use it as an excuse

to attack other churchleaders and so forth.

- You said Hong Kong's people are strong.

How can we pray for them atthis very critical moment?

- Well it is a very unique culture.

It's just somethingtotally of its own making.

I think we pray forthese Christian leaders,

for governmental leaders.

It is a very small piece whenyou consider it next to China,

so it's going to needsome extraordinary support

from the worldwide communityto see clearly through the fog

of what's being saidbecause so much of the news

coming out of China is propaganda.

I've seen it firsthand.

I've witnessed what's happening

and then read what they're saying about it

and there's just worlds apart.

So we need clarity

and pray for that inthis very difficult time.

- Real quickly, while we haveyou on, could Taiwan be next

and could the Church therebe under threat as well

from China?

- Well I expect China,this is one guy's opinion,

I expect China to push itsinfluence as far as it can go.

Certainly over Taiwan,other areas as well,

using its economic muscle and threat

of economic issues within thatregion, on other partners.

So I think it's reasonable to assume that.

- [George] Terrific, David,we'll have to leave it there.

Thank you so much, David Curry,

with the great group, Open Doors U.S.A.

- Well turning now to the Philippines

where thousands are now homeless

after a typhoon ravagedremote towns in the east.

Despite the threat of COVID-19,

Operation Blessing'sdisaster response team

is on the scene to help victims.

Lucille Talusan brings us the story.

- [Lucille] Maribell Varas was overwhelmed

as her husband died tragically,

trying to save the familyas the typhoon hit.

- [Interpreter] My husbandwas afraid the roof

of the shelter where weevacuated would collapse on us

because of the very strong winds.

He broke the window so we could jump out,

but broken glass cut an artery in his arm.

That's why he lost alot of blood and died.

- [Lucille] Maribell saidpeople tried to help,

but it was too late.

Now she worries about their future.

- [Interpreter] I lostmy husband, our house

and now I don't know how I could work

to support our five children.

I need to take care of them,

especially my two-month-old baby.

- [Lucille] Nine-year-old Angel Gaza says

she was afraid of the powerful winds,

but remained strong forher younger sisters.

- [Interpreter] Charlotte wascrying because she was scared

and so I put the blanket over her.

- [Lucille] Their father leftthem at a temporary shelter

while he tried to save theirhouse during the storm.

Taking care of her youngersiblings is a familiar experience

for nine-year-old Angel.

Abandoned by their mother,

she's to fill that role

while their father worked in other town.

- [Interpreter] I takecare of my siblings.

I bathe them.

I cook for them so we will not go hungry.

- I don't have a choicebecause I have to find work

to earn money to buy food.

Now we have more problems

because our house wasdestroyed by the typhoon.

- The Operation BlessingDisaster Response Team

had to observe strict quarantine protocols

to be able to pass throughthe various checkpoints

as they traveled to theareas that were hardest hit

by Typhoon Vongfong.

Not even the threat ofcontracting COVID-19 can stop

this team from giving themuch-needed assistance

to the typhoon victimswho are now suffering.

The team distributed foodpacks containing rice,

can goods, coffee and other supplies

to more than 1,200 familiesaffected by the typhoon.

Maribell Varas was among them.

Her face brightened

after she received herfood pack and prayer.

- [Interpreter] Thank you very much.

Your help means a lot to us.

I hope you can continue toreach more people in need.

- [Lucille] Aside from thechocolates that Angel enjoyed,

they also received a foodpack from Operation Blessing.

The team's pastor counseledher father and prayed for him.

Operation Blessing Philippinessays it will rebuild homes

for both Maribell and Angel.

The OB staff was touched whenAngel expressed her gratitude

with a heartfelt prayer.

- [Interpreter] Papa Jesus, Iwill take care of my siblings.

I will feed them.

I will study well.

Help us, thank you so much, Papa Jesus.

- [Lucille] Lucille Talusan, CBN News,

Eastern Samar, Philippines.

- [Wendy] God bless her, thanks, Lucille.

Coming up, America rocked by the death

of an unarmed black man in police custody.

Christian leaders are calling for justice.

(dramatic music)

- I don't know if therehas ever been a time

when our nation and theworld needed a miracle

more than we do right now.

- [Announcer] Get PatRobertson's latest DVD,

"Do You Need A Miracle?"

In this DVD you'll discoverGod's awesome power

at work today.

Featuring incredible truestories of divine intervention.

- God showed up and he worked miracles.

- Different doctors wouldcome in and it's like,

"Wow, you're a miracle."

- I knew God had restored him.

- We've also gathered teachings

that will be especially helpful to you

with what we're facing today.

Why it's so important tobelieve God and build our faith

and this program is goingto help you do just that.

- [Announcer] Conquer fear,find hope and be encouraged.

Get "Do You Need A Miracle?"

Yours when you become a CBN partner.

Call now, 1-800-700-7000

or go to cbn.com.

Available now.

- [Efrem] I'm Efrem Grahamand this is "Studio 5."

Cruise with me as I discoverthe good things happening

in the world of music,sports, television and movies.

- The fact that Ryan Cooglerwas gonna be directing the film

I knew that somethingspecial was gonna happen.

- [Efrem] We'll chat with artists

at the forefront of entertainmentand explore the connection

between popular culture and faith.

- I asked my pastor, I said,

"Well does that mean I'msupposed to be a preacher?"

He said, "Oh, no, no, youalready have a pulpit."

- [Announcer] Watch "Studio5", Wednesday night at 9:30.

- [Announcer] As the worldwatches from the outside.

- It's a big diplomatic tug-of-warhere in the Middle East.

- [Announcer] Go inside thestory with "Jerusalem Dateline."

- Israeli archeologists aretalking about a discovery

that could change the thinkingabout the Temple Mount.

- [Announcer] Join CBN JerusalemBureau Chief Chris Mitchell

and get the biblical perspective

on the events shaping the world.

- Because what starts in Israel

then ends up going to other places.

- [Announcer] Watch "Jerusalem Dateline,"

Friday night at 9:30 onthe CBN News Channel.

- And welcome back to the broadcast.

Here in the United States,

Christian leaders areresponding to the rage and grief

over the death of an unarmedblack man in police custody.

Disturbing video shows apolice officer kneeling

on George Floyd's neckfor several minutes,

refusing to let him up evenas Floyd repeatedly said,

"I can't breathe."

His death has sparked protestsin cities across this nation.

President Trump calledfor an FBI investigation.

Christian leaders arealso demanding justice.

On Twitter, the ReverendFranklin Graham wrote,

"This makes me sick to my stomach.

"What took place yesterdayon a Minneapolis street,

"by the Minneapolis PDshould deeply concern each

"and every American."

And award-winningChristian artist, Lecrae,

with his own video on Instagramcalling out the injustice

and asking protesters torefrain from violence.

- What we're experiencing outhere right now in this world

is pure, unadulterated evil.

Use that anger to be constructive.

Use it for prayer, for policy changes,

for programs that we can get involved in

to change the way thatthings are right now.

Be characterized by yourlove and productivity

and don't let hatred andbitterness rule your heart

'cause then evil wins.

- Well said.

CBN Reporter Charlene Aaronis following this story

and she joins us now.

Charlene, we are learningmore about the victim.

Can you tell us more aboutGeorge Floyd's background?

- Yes, Wendy.

I've been poking around on social media.

Friends of George Floyd are posting videos

and tributes to him

and many of them say thathe was a gentle giant.

He was 6'6, very big, tall man,

but that he was a very peaceful man

who wanted change in the community.

He wanted to see people come together.

He was actually involved

with helping someinner-city youth ministers

minister to people in the community,

helping to set up the baptismal,

helping to set up chairs for outreaches.

And so they were reallyshocked that this happened

to someone that they deemedthat was a very peaceful,

a very gentle person.

- Wow, well what do we knowabout the police officer?

- Yeah, several things are now coming out

about two of the police officerswho were caught on camera.

There were four officers involved

who were there on the scene

and all four of them have been fired.

But what we're learningnow about the officer

who had his knee on George Floyd's neck,

his name is Officer Derek Chauvin

and he's a 19-year veteran ofthe Minneapolis police force.

And he's been involved inseveral police-involved shootings

over his 19 year career.

And he also had several complaints

about him using a demeaningtone, derogatory language,

so he has a pretty checkered past.

And the other officer, theAsian officer, Officer Tao,

who was also there, hehad actually been involved

in a lawsuit.

He was sued in 2017 forusing excessive force

in the line of duty.

- Interesting.

Well we know that faithleaders, we just saw Lecrae,

they're speaking out.

Tell us more about what they're saying.

- Yeah, a lot of people,

a lot of Caucasian brothers andsisters are outraged as well

not just the African-Americanbrothers and sisters,

like Lecrae of course.

But Beth Moore, popularBible teacher Beth Moore,

she has actually issued achallenge to white believers

because she feels this is an issue

that we're seeing recurringover and over again

and it's not going to be solved

by just African-American Christians.

She is calling for allChristians of all races

to come together to make positive change.

Nick Hall of PULSE Ministries,he's speaking out about it

and he is saying we need toband together as Christians

because the answer lies inthe hands of the Church,

the body of Christ.

African-Americans,Caucasians, working together

to bring peace to this issue.

- Yeah, interestingthat George Floyd wanted

to make a difference in the community

and he's certainly doing that.--

- There's one picture of himholding up the Bible, Wendy.

Him holding up the Bible, you know.

He loved God and it's just tragic.

- Totally tragic.

Charlene, thanks for stayingon top of this for us.

Thank you, God bless.

- God bless.

- Well up next, a prime minister on trial

and a historic visit to the Holy Land.

These stories and morewhen we go inside Israel.

(dramatic music)

(upbeat music)

- [Shawn] It's about the competition.

- I kind of put that pressure on myself

and I think people had expectation.

- [Shawn] It's about overcoming.

- We use this phrase allthe time, "Keep chopping,

"keep practicin' hard."

- [Shawn] It's about going the distance.

- You know I think as a father,

it's my job, you know, to lead.

Just be the best husbandand father I can be.

- [Announcer] Watch "Going theDistance with Shawn Brown,"

Saturday night at 7:30on the CBN News Channel.

- Orphan's Promise is committed to loving

and serving at-risk children.

To helping keep families together

and to creating opportunities for strong

and sustainable communitiesaround the world.

We're working in over 60countries around the world

and with your help, we can do even more.

There's an old Africanproverb I love that says,

"If you want to run fast, run alone,

"but if you want torun far, run together."

At Orphan's Promise we want to run far

so we can touch thelives of as many orphaned

and vulnerable children as possible,

but we don't want to go alone.

We're out to change the world,

one child, one family,one community at a time.

Will you join us?(uplifting music)

(air whooshes)(children giggle)

- [Announcer] Discoverthe faithfulness of God

in this timely DVD from Pat Robertson.

"Do You Need A Miracle?"

Watch true stories of peopleexperiencing God's protection

in amazing ways.

Discover the immeasurablefaithfulness of God

to conquer fear and findhope in the midst of chaos.

Build your faith and be encouraged,

get "Do You Need A Miracle?"

Call now, 1-800-700-7000

or go to cbn.com.

- Welcome back to "Christian World News."

A new wave of persecutionagainst Christians in Cuba.

This one targeting evangelists

and believers in the country's prisons.

Patrick Klein of Vision Beyond Borders

says guards are tearing up Bibles

and officials are transferringChristians to other prisons.

On CBN's "Global Lane" program,

Klein says churchesface the same situation.

- In the house churches,if the music is too loud

or the preaching's too loudor the neighbors complain,

then the government comesin and shuts 'em down,

so you never know from dayto day what's gonna happen.

So when people will goand plant a new church

or a church is established,they try to build relationships

with their neighbors rightaway to get on their good side

and try to do nice things tothem, for them and help them.

And what we're seeing is the Church

is really growing in Cuba, it's amazing.

- Klein says the governmentpersecutes the Church

because it fears the power andthe growth of Christianity.

- Two Republican senatorsare asking President Trump

to protect Christians facingpersecution in Nigeria.

Iowa's Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley

recently sent a letterasking the President

to consider deploying a special envoy

to help end Nigeria's Christian genocide.

In it they point to 40,000Nigerian deaths tied

to the terror group Boko Haram,

which along with the Islamic State,

has long threatened the livesof Christians in the country.

At the White House in 2018,

Mr. Trump asked the visitingpresident of Nigeria

to protect innocentcivilians of all faiths.

The senators want to see moreaction as you can expect.

Wendy.

- The Holy Land's mosticonic Christian sites

reopen their doors forthe first time in weeks

and Israel's primeminister is in the fight

of his political life.

Emily Jones has those storiesand more from Jerusalem.

(mysterious music)

- Welcome to Jerusalem forthis "Inside Israel" report

where we show you what'shappening in Israel

and the Middle East.

Just one week after forming a government,

Netanyahu made history

as the first sittingIsraeli prime minister

to stand trial for corruption.

Netanyahu appeared before thecourt in a dramatic hearing.

He's facing criminal chargesin three separate cases,

including fraud, breach of trust

and bribery over giftsreceived from friends

and alleged deals with Israelimedia for positive coverage.

The streets filled with bothsupporters and detractors.

(supporter speaking in foreign language)

- [Interpreter] What theywill see is a proud people

holding their heads high, standing tall

and saying, "You'll neverwalk alone, Netanyahu."

- I truly believe the peopleof Israel will understand

it's time to move forward.

It's time to say to Netanyahu,

"Thank you, but enough is enough."

- The next court date could be months away

and some legal analystsspeculate the trial could take

up to two to three years.

Until then, Netanyahu will be able

to continue serving as prime minister.

Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity opened

for the first time inmonths after being shut down

to fight the coronavirus.

Tradition says the church is built

over the site where Jesus was born.

In Jerusalem,

the Church of the HolySepulcher also reopened.

That's built on thesite where many believe

Jesus was crucified, buriedand raised from the dead.

Both churches are keepingstrict COVID-19 restrictions,

limiting the number of visitors

and enforcing social distancing.

Israel is still closed to tourists

and there is no official word

on when it will open its borders.

For the first time in its history,

a plane from the United Arab Emirates

made a direct flight to Israel.

The unmarked plane flewfrom Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv,

carrying at least 14 tons ofcoronavirus aid to Palestinians

in the West Bank and Gaza.

The aid is supposed togo towards U.N. efforts

to fight the outbreak,

but the Palestinian Authority said

it will not accept the equipment

for fear of normalizing ties with Israel.

The direct flight was a rarepublic moment of cooperation

between Israel and the UAE,

which has no official diplomatic ties.

- Some remarkable outcomes in terms

of advancing Gulf-Israelrelations during this pandemic,

during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the six Gulf States,

four of them are nowin contact with Israel.

- For years, rumorshave swarmed that Israel

and the Gulf nations are havingback-channel discussions,

especially over their common enemy, Iran.

Thank you so much forjoining us this week.

For more stories like this,

you can watch our"Jerusalem Dateline" program

at cbnnews.com.

- [Announcer] From WashingtonD.C., uncompromising stories,

interviews and analysisfrom veteran journalists,

David Brody--

- That could be the next stepin this escalating fight.

- [Announcer] Jenna Browder.

- Robert Mueller chosehis words carefully--

- [Announcer] Ben Kennedy.

- He's asking Christiansto get the word out--

- [Announcer] Bringing you thepolitical news that matters.

- Get out and tell thestory of the progress

that we're making in this country.

- [Announcer] Watch "Faith Nation,"

weeknights at 6:00 onthe CBN News Channel.

- [Announcer] Nutrition,exercise, essential oils,

weight loss and more.

It's "Healthy Living" with Lorie Johnson.

- Talk about what's in this.

- [Announcer] Join CBNHealth Reporter Lorie Johnson

to get the latest information

from today's top health experts.

- This is fantastic.

- [Announcer] Find outwhat you need to know

to live a healthier life.

Watch "Healthy Living,"Tuesday night at 9:30.

(upbeat music)

- I don't know if therehas ever been a time

when our nation and theworld needed a miracle

more than we do right now.

- [Announcer] Get PatRobertson's latest DVD,

"Do You Need A Miracle?"

In this DVD you'll discoverGod's awesome power

at work today.

Featuring incredible truestories of divine intervention.

- God showed up and he worked miracles.

- Different doctors wouldcome in and it's like,

"Wow, you're a miracle."

- I knew God had restored him.

- We've also gathered teachings

that will be especially helpful to you

with what we're facing today.

Why it's so important tobelieve God and build our faith

and this program is goingto help you do just that.

- [Announcer] Conquer fear,find hope and be encouraged.

Get "Do You Need A Miracle?"

Yours when you become a CBN partner.

Call now, 1-800-700-7000

or go to cbn.com.

Available now.

- Finally this week, in theage of social distancing,

Hillsong United's latest music video

is an emotional reminder ofthese very difficult times.

"Another in the Fire" music video

features the Hillsong Unitedgang recording their parts

of the song from home.

United's D.J. Douglasswrote that the video speaks

to the truth that we are not alone

in this journey called life

and we can come through anyseason or circumstance stronger

because Jesus is with us andGod will make a way for us.

- George, the music has notstopped during this pandemic.

- No, it hasn't.- It continues.

- And it does and we'll comeback stronger than ever before.

Folks, that is it for this week's edition

of "Christian World News."

- Amen, it went by fast.- It did.

- Well until next week,

from all of us here,goodbye and God bless you.

(uplifting music)