Crosstalk America from VCY America

Rev. Jim Harden is the President and CEO of CompassCare Pregnancy Services in New York. This is one of many centers targeted with criminal activity including firebombs, vandalism and threats. All over the world you hear the shouts, chants, protests, marches, and signs to "Stop the Genocide." They are referencing certain geographic regions around the world. But one location that has been totally absent from these protests is the womb. A genocide is indeed taking place against pre-born children. According to NumberOfAbortions.com, so far this year of 2025 more than 733,000 abortions have taken place. That is more than the population of Wyoming or Vermont or Washington DC! And that is just this year alone! Where is the outrage? Where are the marches? Where are the political speeches? Where are the shut-downs over this issue? Instead of "No Kings" protests there should be "No Killings" protests.

Our Christian Heritage goes "On Location" with Randy Melchert in West Bend, WI. Learn the Wisconsin connection, and the story behind the favorite hymn, Wonderful Peace.

Here's your glimpse at news headlines from this past week, with more details to be had when you review the audio of this Crosstalk broadcast. --President Trump issued a blunt threat to Hamas saying in a Truth Social post that, "...if Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them." --Hamas has called on mediators to push for the next steps under the cease-fire. --Due to what was described as the mediators' leniency regarding Hamas' refusal to disarm, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have issued warnings that the effort to end the war is at risk of collapsing. --The FBI has arrested a suspect in Louisiana who allegedly participated in Hamas in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. --Demonstrators will be taking to the streets across America Saturday against the Trump administration as they participate in "No Kings" protests. --Federal officials are warning that Saturday's nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations could attract extremist elements linked to the Antifa movement, seeking to insight violence and disrupt public order. --A New Mexico County judge and his wife were indicted last week after they were caught housing illegal immigrants, including a suspected Tren De Aragua gang member. --Virginia's Republican Attorney General, Jason Miyares, kicked off a debate on Thursday with text messages in which his Democratic opponent, Jay Jones, wished death on a political rival. --Border "Czar" Tom Homan said his family has been in hiding due to death threats while reporters try to find out where his family is located.

We now have a Middle East peace plan. The problem is, how do you suddenly erase a tenet of Islam that demands the killing of infidels (Christians and Jews)? How do Islamic nations that want to wipe Israel off the face of the earth all of a sudden accept Israel as a nation? Is peace with Islam attainable or is there a deception underway that is going into silence for a time only to resurge with a greater fury than ever? Returning to Crosstalk to address this subject was Usama Dakdok. Usama is founder of the Straight Way of Grace Ministry. He is the speaker on the daily radio broadcast, Revealing the Truth About Islam. Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, the PLO...the name doesn't matter. According to Usama, they're all on the same team. This is the key point to understand, particularly as it pertains to whether or not Hamas is really ready to recognize Israel's right to exist. This would not seem to be the case as Jim indicated that Qatar and Turkey want to rebuild Hamas, not Gaza. As audio from an Islamic cleric showed, the goal is to make America an Islamic nation. In light of that, what are we to make of the security guarantees made to Qatar and the training of their military pilots on U.S. soil? Is this a "Trojan horse" that President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are somehow not aware of? Jim also reported that Pope Leo is opening a Muslim prayer room at the Vatican. All of this shows how the world appears to be rolling out the "red carpet" for Islam, but will its adherents show thanks in the form of lasting peace? How can it when the term Islam means "submission"? Hear what Usama's experience and research shows.

Martin and Katie Luther married in 1525, building a loving, faithful partnership. Katie managed home and finances, cared for children, and endured hardships, exemplifying devotion, humor, and mutual respect in life and faith.

Micah McCurry is an evangelist & director of Bible Tracts, Inc., a ministry with a faith-driven commitment to share the Gospel far and wide with excellence. He's host of the radio program, Bible Tract Echoes. This broadcast explores why sharing our faith seems so difficult, yet on the other hand, why you should be excited to do it. For example, there are various things you can incorporate that can help along the way beginning with your personal testimony—your story! Remember, no one can tell your story quite like you can. You'll also learn how you can respectfully take conversation from the natural to the supernatural. Then there's the issue of sharing Bible tracts. Does that seem rather old-fashioned? Micah understands that sentiment. However, as he noted, like seeds, tracts need to be planted and Bible Tracts, Inc., can help you do that by supplying various types of tracts, even some for law enforcement and EMS personnel. So supercharge your personal evangelism efforts by listening to this edition of Crosstalk and learn more, including details about an exciting project: an autobiography of Bible Tracts, Inc., founder, Paul Levin.

Pastor Jim Scudder Jr. is senior pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church in Lake Zurich, IL. He's an author and also is the speaker on the program InGrace which airs on WVCY Television, VCY.tv and on VCY America Radio. Pastor Scudder has a passion for souls and a desire to teach others about our Savior's love. He also has a special love for the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. For 738 days, people around the world had been praying for the release of the hostages, brutally taken by Hamas on October 7th, 2023. Then in Egypt yesterday, President Trump, along with world leaders from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, signed the Gaza peace plan. This has resulted in 20 live hostages being returned along with the bodies of four deceased hostages, leaving another 24 behind. Listen and get details regarding the hostage release you won't get from mainstream media as Pastor Scudder, from Israel, discusses comments from the captors regarding President Trump and Kamala Harris, what he encountered at Hostage Square, the significance of Joy of Torah, Trump's quote of "peace forever," why Israel is a miracle nation and much more.

Jim began the program with news out of Israel that all remaining live hostages taken by Hamas were returned to Israel amidst great joy and celebration. He also noted that as part of this, President Trump made an address before the Israeli Knesset. Be listening to Crosstalk tomorrow where we will have more on this story as details continue to unfold. While the celebration of Halloween in America goes back many years, it's become such a phenomenon that spending on this holiday is forecast to reach a record high of over 13 billion dollars, with the average person spending just over $114. Is this day and its various activities just innocent fun or is it something that glorifies Satan and the occult and therefore should be avoided? Returning to Crosstalk to answer that question was Dr. David Brown, Pastor Emeritus of the First Baptist Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Dr. Brown began the discussion regarding Halloween with a Bible verse that should put to rest any controversy surrounding this issue. That verse is 1 Timothy 4:1 which says: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" From that basis, Dr. Brown continued by providing some background information to get listeners to see exactly why the Bible contains this warning. So this edition of Crosstalk you'll learn about: The history of Halloween going back to the days of the Druids. The history of Halloween costumes, bonfires, trick or treat and jack-o'-lanterns. "White witchcraft"--Is it really different? The astonishing number of people relying on astrology, tarot cards, fortune tellers and horoscopes.

Jim presented news items from many parts of the world with initial emphasis on Middle East peace, China and the government shutdown. Here's a sample of stories that were highlighted: --After more than six hours of debate, the Israeli government voted to approve the first stage of a U.S. brokered plan to end the war in Gaza and return the hostages. --Yesterday, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. is sending approximately 200 troops to Israel in order to monitor the peace deal in Gaza. --Yesterday President Trump confirmed that he will visit Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and deliver a major address to Israel's parliament. --President Trump said that he would try to attend an official signing ceremony for the agreement in Egypt but said the exact timing for the meeting still needed to be determined. --In New York City, on October 7th, on the second anniversary of the terror attack on Israel, Muslims yelled out in protest. Jim provided audio. --The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuela's opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado. --Russian strikes in recent days have wiped out more than half of Ukraine's domestic natural gas production, likely forcing the war-battered nation to spend about 2.2 billion dollars on fuel imports in order to survive the upcoming winter. --The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned more than 50 individuals, entities and vessels involved in the export of Iranian energy. --China has unveiled sweeping new export restrictions on rare earth minerals and related technology. --The U.S. State Department has fired a diplomat over his relationship with a woman alleged to have ties to the Chinese Communist Party

Dr. Jimmy DeYoung Jr. is a speaker, teacher, Mideast guide, videographer and speaker on Prophecy Today. He lived and worked in Jerusalem for many years before he returned to the States for continued ministry. He is a fully credentialed journalist and has led numerous tours to Israel. Yesterday the news broke. Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace deal that would free the remaining hostages, while Israel's troops would withdraw from Gaza. In addition, Israel will have to give back about 250 terrorist Palestinian prisoners who are serving life sentences, along with about 17 others who were arrested after the October 7th massacre. When will the remaining Israeli hostages be able to walk free? Will releasing 250 terrorist Palestinian prisoners merely reset the clock for the rebuilding of Hamas? Has the IDF stopped fighting in Gaza? What affect is all this having on the Israeli cabinet? These are just some of the questions that are answered on this edition of Crosstalk, as Jim and Dr. DeYoung discuss: Operation: Returning to Their Borders, which is based upon Jeremiah 31:16.

Ralph Sutera is an evangelist who saw revival in Saskatchewan, Canada

We continuously hear of the atrocities happening in Central Asia. Then there's the devastation of Russia's war with Ukraine with thousands of lives lost. There's the Taliban's control of Afghanistan with those living there having to flee to other nations. As devastating as these issues are, what must not be ignored is the fact that the persecution of believers continues. In spite of this, the Gospel is flourishing. People are coming to Christ and churches are being planted. The burden of the laborers is heavy. They need help to take care of physical needs to grant relief to many who are hurting or suffering. That opens the door to Gospel ministry. Are you willing to help? Appearing on Crosstalk to tell us more was "Timlar Kovalchuk" (Koh-vul-chook) (a pseudonym used to protect him and others). Timlar has been actively involved as a missionary in evangelism for nearly 28 years, the last 15 in outreach to Muslims in Central Asia. Beginning with Ukraine, Timlar noted how it's getting increasingly worse around the Kiev area. In spite of that, he's seen military members coming to Christ while other individuals have come to Christ via camp ministry. Timlar also recounted plans for a youth camp in Turkmenistan. Somehow the secret police (KGB) found out about it, followed up on the youth contacts and began to threaten the parents with loss of work as well as jail time. This is just two examples of what Timlar and his co-laborers in the Lord are having to face, yet the Gospel is moving forward. In fact, as it pertains to the Gospel's impact in Ukraine he said "...it's been beautiful to watch." Listen in as Timlar recounts more!

Some days will forever live in infamy. In America, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the Islamic attack on New York on September 11th of 2001, are two such instances. Another such day is October 7th, 2023, when Islamic terrorism struck America's greatest Mideast ally, Israel, in a horrendous and barbaric attack. Afterward, many nations, media sources and even politicians flipped their narrative and have actually blamed Israel, accusing them of genocide. Returning to Crosstalk to look back at this day in Israel's history was Dr. Richard Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt is pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church, and founder of Prophecy Focus Ministries. He is the speaker on the weekly TV program, Prophecy Focus and the radio broadcast, Prophecy Unfolding. He spent 32 years in law enforcement until his retirement in which he was acting sheriff of Milwaukee County. He has authored several books including: Are You Going to a Better Place?, Daniel's Gap Paul's Mystery, Tribulation to Triumph: The Olivet Discourse, Globalism: The Great World Consumption and Artificial Intelligence: Transhumanism & the De-Evolution of Democracy. Dr. Schmidt covers a lot of ground on this broadcast starting with his review detailing how the attack on Israel went down and the satanic nature of the abuse that the hostages had to endure. As the conversation moves along you'll find out what worldview was behind the attack, if Israel can accurately be accused of committing genocide, the latest on President Trump's 21 point peace plan and much more. Get a perspective on this subject you won't hear from the mainstream media when you listen to this edition of Crosstalk.

How old is the earth? According to The Planetary Society it's 4.54 billion years old and we're told that the evidence for that age is overwhelming. On the other hand, creationists that hold to the literal teachings of the Bible believe that the earth is roughly 6,000 years old. They, too, will say that the evidence is overwhelming for their position. What is the reason for this massive discrepancy and what exactly does the evidence show? Joining Jim to answer that question was Dr. Terry Mortenson. Dr. Mortenson has a PhD in history of geology from Coventry University in England. He is a speaker, writer, and researcher with Answers in Genesis. How could there be such a drastic difference in opinions regarding the age of the earth? Are both sides looking at the same evidence? Dr. Mortenson noted that both sides are looking at the same rocks and fossils, the same radioactive isotopes, the same erosional features and more. The problem is that each side is interpreting the evidence through two different sets of assumptions. Evolution stems from a uniformitarian worldview. This assumes that nature is all that exists and everything must be explained via time plus chance plus the laws of nature working on matter. Finally, they assume that the processes of geological change continue at the same rate, frequency and power as they always have. Evolutionists use this as their starting assumption. From there the program moves to discussion concerning the fossil evidence and how they form, the Grand Canyon, the gap theory, what the Bible's genealogies tell us about the age of the earth, why 2 Peter 3:8 is not proof of an old earth, and more.

The Old Rugged Cross is one of the most beloved - and most claimed hymns! Our Christian Heritage has been to the Old Rugged Cross church on Pokagon, MI where it was first performed in its entirety and we've interviewed the couple that restored the church. We've also been to Sturgeon Bay, WI where the Friends Church is that it was first partially performed. But on this stop we're at the site where it was written - in an apartment of a professor of Albion College that became a fraternity house before it was demolished in the 60s. This marker was recently restored after the previous was destroyed in a car crash in 2020.

As Dalton sat in for Jim Schneider, here's a selection of stories he presented for the first half of the broadcast: --Last Sunday at least 4 victims died and multiple people were injured during a shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Michigan. The assailant drove their vehicle through the front doors of the building, then got out and proceeded to shoot people. That suspect was later killed in a firefight with police. --A synagogue attack on Yom Kippur killed 2 in Manchester, England. --The U.N. added 68 companies to a blacklist they maintain are firms that do business with Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. --Dalton read 9 signs that the world is preparing for war from Charisma Magazine. --Vladimir Putin has ordered the conscription of over 135,000 men by the end of 2025. --The FDA approved a new generic version of the abortion drug Mifepristone. --Planned Parenthood announced that their facility in Houston, Texas, the largest abortion facility in North America, is closing down.

Pastor Dave Barba has been engaged in full time ministry since 1974. He's ministered in at least 450 different churches and has been an avid church planter. He leads Press On Ministries and is speaker on the broadcast Pressing On! He is the author of Press On! You Can and Draw Swords: Daily Devotions to Suit Up for the Battle. This month is Pastor Appreciation Month so this edition of Crosstalk sought to inform listeners about the role and ministry of pastors and how you can be engaged as a special encourager of your pastor, not just in October, but throughout the year. This was highlighted as the following questions were answered: What motivates Pastor Barba to continue in vocational ministry? Does the average church-goer really understand the pastor's trials, challenges and ministry? Pastors are said to live in a "fish bowl." What does that mean? What impact has the cell phone had on pastors? Is the call of a pastor really just another job choice? How can you pamper your pastor? There's much more to hear and learn on this broadcast that will have you developing a greater appreciation for all Bible believing, Bible teaching pastors!

This edition of Crosstalk began with news concerning the government shutdown or more specifically, the "Schumer Shutdown." The House GOP passed what's called a clean, continuing resolution to keep the government open and operating. "Clean" simply means to keep funding the government with items neither added nor taken away. 3 times this has failed. The Senate requires 60 votes but the Republicans don't have a 60 vote majority in the Senate. While a few Democrats have joined the Republicans, this still falls short of that needed for a majority. Senator Schumer and his party are holding out as they want to restore funding for PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, as well as restore health care dollars previously pulled out from the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" including that which gives benefits to illegal aliens. Those wishing to communicate with their senators can call the Senate Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or go to senate.gov. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth summoned about 730 U.S. military generals, admirals and senior enlisted troops from around the world for a gathering at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. He, along with President Trump, addressed those in attendance. Hegseth stated without apology that, "From this moment forward, the only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: war-fighting, preparing for war and preparing to win." He emphasized numerous times the idea of peace through strength. Jim presented most of Hegseth's speech, giving you the opportunity to get a look inside our military and the posture they seek to pursue, as they work to protect the United States of America.

Chris Katulka is vice president of North American Ministries at The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry and host of The Friends of Israel Today radio program. He is a Bible teacher and writer for Israel My Glory magazine and is author of the book, Israel Always. Jim opened the program with news that unless 7 Democrats join Republicans, there's going to be a government shut-down at midnight tonight. Yesterday at the White House, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the multi-point Gaza peace plan. As you can imagine, there's mixed reaction. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously said that this plan would leave both sides unhappy. Israel National News reported that hundreds of wounded IDF soldiers wrote to Netanyahu and told him not to adopt any plan that would lead to ending the fighting without a decisive defeat of Hamas. Jim had Chris break down this peace plan, look at the reactions to it, find out what the next step is, discuss whether Israel will be allowed to annex the West Bank, and much more. Callers brought their opinions and questions to the broadcast as well.

At St. Thomas Church, Leipzig, Luther debated authority versus Scripture, embraced Hus's teachings, while Bach's grave and pastor memorials remind us of faith, legacy, and life's fleeting nature.