Displaying items by tag: Praise

An unexpected spiritual revival is unfolding in France, where more than 10,000 adults are set to be baptised in 2025 - a 45% increase in one year. This surge, accompanied by record youth participation in pilgrimages and a marked rise in Bible sales, is reshaping the French Catholic landscape. Journalist Antoine Pasquier has investigated why young people are turning to faith in a secular society still recovering from scandal and decline. His research reveals that Scripture, not social media, plays the central role in conversions, as many seekers first encounter Christ through personal reading of the Bible. Influenced by the visible faith of Muslim peers, many young converts desire to express their beliefs openly and live with greater spiritual depth. Pasquier calls for the French Church to become a ‘catechumenal Church’ - one renewed through evangelisation, personal conversion, and openness to the Holy Spirit.

Christian singer and songwriter Forrest Frank has announced he will no longer attend awards shows, including the Dove Awards and Grammys, saying he already holds 'the greatest award of all time' — salvation in Christ. In a video on TikTok, Frank explained his conviction that he should not receive trophies for something created 'from Jesus and for Jesus.' He said he wrestled with this decision last year and has now chosen 'a stance of nonparticipation’, preferring to model humility rather than seek recognition. Frank clarified that he is not refusing to shine as a light in dark places but to avoid stages that glorify human achievement. Though nominated in several top categories, he declared that his real prize is having his 'name written in the Book of Life’. His statement challenges Christian artists to reconsider the tension between cultural acclaim and eternal reward, reminding believers that earthly fame will fade, but the name of Jesus endures for ever.

At the age of nine, John O’Leary suffered burns over his entire body in a gasoline explosion, losing all his fingers and facing little chance of survival. His remarkable journey of recovery, faith, and purpose is now portrayed in Sony’s upcoming film ‘Soul on Fire’. Directed by Sean McNamara, the film depicts how O’Leary transformed tragedy into triumph, discovering hope in Christ and encouragement through others. Legendary baseball announcer Jack Buck became a key supporter, visiting John in hospital and later welcoming him to the Cardinals. John’s family, especially his mother and sister, modelled sacrificial love, urging him to cling to God and fight for life. Today, O’Leary speaks globally, teaching gratitude as essential, even in prison cells or painful trials. He insists God redeems all suffering for good, turning victims into victors. Based on his bestselling book ‘On Fire’, the film shows how faith, love, and gratitude can ignite resilience, inspiring countless lives worldwide.

Joe and Nancy’s journey to Christ began amid the hippie counterculture of Southern California. They first met in 1969 at a friend’s home during a police drug raid, and their instant connection led them into a shared search for meaning. Drawn into the psychedelic scene, they explored Eastern mysticism, following gurus like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Meher Baba. Yet, when Meher Baba died without fulfilling his promise of a world-changing word, their spiritual hunger deepened. Living in Hawaii, they discovered Christian literature and later, through Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Nancy encountered the Gospel powerfully. Desperate for truth, she accepted Christ and was soon baptised. Joe initially resisted but was later moved to repentance and baptised the same day. Married in 1970, they have remained in church fellowship ever since. Now celebrating 55 years together, their enduring testimony shows how God redeems searching hearts with lasting love and truth.

The memorial service for Charlie Kirk at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium blended elements of political rally and charismatic evangelical worship, yet its defining feature was the bold proclamation of the Gospel. Speaker after speaker - from Ben Carson and Marco Rubio to JD Vance and even Donald Trump Jr - clearly articulated salvation through Christ. The most powerful moment came when Erika Kirk forgave her husband’s assassin, declaring that the forgiveness she has received through Jesus must also be extended to the one who made her children fatherless. Her testimony of grace was a profound witness before millions watching worldwide. Even Donald Trump appeared touched, seemingly showing an awareness of the cost of true faith and forgiveness. The service became a reminder that the Gospel is for all - even those we may struggle to accept. The legacy of Charlie Kirk now points beyond politics to the transforming power of Christ, challenging Christians everywhere to live and proclaim forgiveness and grace.

Born into a devout Muslim family in Tehran, Mohsen Khaleghi grew disillusioned by the contradictions he saw in Islam. As a young man, he pursued wealth, gambling, and pleasure, but the emptiness left him suicidal. After a failed attempt to end his life, Mohsen moved to the USA to study. One night, in desperation, he prayed to the unknown God for help. He then had a vivid vision of an older man named Randy, who urged him: 'Search for the light … Mariners’. Finding out about Mariners Church in Irvine, California, he drove for nine hours to visit it. There, he heard a pastor declare, 'Jesus is the light of the world. If you follow Him, you will find peace.' Amazed, Mohsen realised God had answered his prayer through a supernatural encounter. Later, he met Randy in person - exactly as seen in his dream. Now discipled at Mariners, Mohsen serves the homeless, ministers in rehab centres, and leads a small group. He has dedicated his life to Christ, testifying that true joy is found in Jesus.

The murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has ignited a surprising spiritual response. In life, he urged people to return to faith, marriage, and family. Now, after his death, many are doing just that. Catholic ministry leaders report church attendance rising by up to 15%, with unfamiliar faces filling pews. On social media, countless testimonies describe families returning to services for the first time in decades. A TikTok user shared how she and her husband brought their children to church after years away, determined to raise them with conviction like Kirk’s. Others spoke of parking streets away from packed sanctuaries, buying Bibles, or recommitting to God. One man admitted he had never believed in God until Kirk’s death stirred him to become a better husband and father. Though tragic, this moment is inspiring many to seek spiritual truth. Pray that God will comfort Kirk’s widow Erika and their children, and use this loss for Kingdom growth.

At New Birth Church in Georgia, Pastor Jamal Bryant recently turned an altar call into an unexpected job fair. During a September service, he invited unemployed members to the altar for prayer, then asked hiring managers present to share opportunities. The response was immediate: directors, supervisors, and business owners stepped forward, resulting in over 300 job offers for struggling congregants. Bryant praised the church’s faith in action, noting the need amid rising black unemployment, which recently reached 7.5%, the highest since late 2021. Economists warn the downturn is hitting black communities disproportionately, particularly as cuts in federal employment take effect. While national leaders debate solutions, New Birth showed what a church family can achieve by caring for one another in practical ways. Stories like this echo the early church’s example of meeting both spiritual and material needs. God is still using His people to bring provision, dignity, and hope.

Across the USA, a historic spiritual shift is unfolding as Millennials and Gen Z turn to faith in record numbers. At the premiere of CBN’s new film The Revival Generation, one commentator compared it to the Jesus Movement of the 1970s, describing it as 'seismic’. Former presidential candidate Dr Ben Carson says cultural conditions are ripe for revival, noting that past awakenings often followed crises. He sees growing openness among young people weary of empty alternatives and hungry for truth. The American Bible Society reports a 29% rise in Bible use among Millennials from 2024 to 2025, with Gen Z engagement increasing from 11% to 15%. Congressman Marlin Stutzman says this generation is searching beyond the flood of online information, longing for stability that only truth provides. From college campuses to local communities, many discern God stirring a new movement of faith, bringing hope to a generation eager for transformation.

In 2024, Pastor Justin Walker of Salt and Light Church in La Grange, Kentucky, launched Salt and Light Academy with nothing but faith. Within a year, God provided resources, teachers, and students, transforming a former horse auction house into a thriving Christian school. Beginning with kindergarten to sixth grade, the school quickly grew, doubling enrolment and adding seventh and eighth grade, with waiting lists forming. Yet the true impact has been spiritual. Of 65 students enrolled in the first year, six accepted Christ and were baptised; one of them led their entire family to salvation and baptism. Pastor Walker sees America’s 57 million public school students as a mission field, believing secular education often promotes not only spiritual emptiness but also darkness. His vision is to build Christ-centred education that nurtures truth and pushes back unrighteousness. After the personal tragedy of his wife’s death, Walker now leads a growing family and ministry, confident of God’s call to raise disciples through education.