Youth

Building in Youth, a new addition to the long-standing Hard Hats for Christ ministry, seeks to use the profession of construction to teach youths the importance of craftsmanship, integrity and hard work.

Building in Youth is coordinated by Phil and Lucy Hayes of the Seattle-Bellevue area. Phil Hayes has been involved in the construction industry since 1974, and started his own construction company in 1984.

Although the couple originally intended to build senior housing in the Longview area, their call from God changed when they met the CEO of Christian construction group Hard Hats for Christ, Dave Williamson, and saw the great need for leadership in the church’s youth community. more >>

A decision by the Obama administration to bar over-the-counter morning-after pills for minors is producing increasing outcry from liberal Democrats representing pro-choice and related women’s groups. They argue that the HHS secretary has done an about face on women’s reproductive rights in a matter of months.

In a Tuesday letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, 14 Senate Democrats express “disappointment” in the decision and demand that Sebelius detail the scientific reasoning behind it.

“On behalf of the millions of women we represent, we want to be assured that this and future decisions affecting women’s health will be based on medical and scientific evidence,” the senators wrote. more >>

The animated children's series "VeggieTales" is nearly two decades old – a major milestone for any program that's outgrown its original audience.

In an interview with The Christian Post, "VeggieTales" co-creator and voice actor Mike Nawrocki states that there's plenty of life lessons and silly songs left in the tank. After all, Nawrocki contends, only teaching Christ's valuable teachings can keep a cucumber fresh for nearly two decades.

CP: "VeggieTales" is 19-years-old. What are you most proud of among its many accomplishments? more >>

The two deaths at Virginia Tech are resolved, but still not completely understood.

To face the tragedy of losing yet another life to gun violence, students look to vigils as a source of hope and solace.

Yesterday, students gathered in an impromptu vigil following the untimely death of police officer Deriek Crouse, who was brutally murdered by the gunman at a routine traffic stop. While there, students reflected on the first and second times that blood was shed on the campus and lit candles in remembrance of someone who died trying to protect and serve. more >>

A coalition of pro-family groups in California launched another effort Tuesday to overturn the state's landmark law that requires gay history to be taught in public schools.

The coalition submitted a proposed initiative to reverse the “overreaching aspects” of SB 48, to the California attorney general's office. If approved, the Children Learning Accurate Social Science Act would be placed on the ballot in 2012.

The Pacific Justice Institute Center for Public Policy drafted the initiative and initial filings. They are part of the StopSB48.com coalition and have been working with other leading pro-family groups in California in developing the CLASS Act. more >>

The results of a new study from the Parents Television Council suggest that women in MTV's top reality shows are communicating messages of self-denigration to female viewers.

“After many years of pursuing equality for women, the findings of today’s study suggest a glamorized, but grossly distorted view of what it means to be feminine,” said PTC President Tim Winter in a statement. “Compared to men, women were far more denigrating to themselves and other females. With so much at stake, teen-targeted reality television is doing little more than ‘empowering’ young girls to be overly negative.”

The study, which was released Wednesday, examined the language content of four shows, including “Jersey Shore,” “Real World,” “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom 2,” which were all top cable shows in 2011 for young people ages 12 to 17. more >>