Displaying items by tag: Praise

Arizona State University football player Jordyn Tyson has boldly shared how his renewed faith in Jesus has transformed his life on and off the field. After wearing a “Jesus Won” T-shirt during a post-match press conference, Tyson told reporters he was “diving into my faith completely,” describing the Bible as “the instructions to life.” He said studying Scripture has strengthened his discipline, decision-making, and focus during training and matches. Tyson’s spiritual journey deepened through his college experience with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, leading to his baptism in March. He now identifies not primarily as a football player but as “a follower of Christ.” Reflecting on past struggles and injuries, he believes God used trials to mature his faith. “Jesus had His hand on me my whole life,” he said, adding, “He paid the price on the cross. He won for us.” Tyson’s testimony continues to inspire teammates to pursue God together both on and off the field.

Contemporary Christian singer Evan Craft, known for hits in both English and Spanish, has expanded his ministry with his debut book *The Extra Mile*. In it, he shares a vulnerable and deeply personal account of faith, anxiety, and God’s call to serve with sacrificial love. Inspired by missionary Reinhard Bonnke’s biography, Craft recounts how his own struggles — including anxiety and his band quitting — became opportunities to discover God’s strength in weakness. “God is big enough to receive our doubts,” he says, urging believers to act in obedience even when they don’t feel strong. The book redefines “going the extra mile” as showing radical love through humble service, not pursuing fame or success. Craft’s faith became practical on a bicycle tour through South America, where he included two disabled Venezuelan riders to raise funds for their prosthetics. His message is clear: God uses imperfect people who are willing to love others and serve faithfully in simple, everyday ways.

Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Manchester United’s young Danish defender, openly acknowledges his Christian faith as the foundation of his life and career. For Dorgu, prayer is not a ritual but a rhythm - something he has practised since childhood and continues amid the pressures of elite sport. His faith keeps him grounded in both victory and disappointment, reminding him that his purpose lies beyond football. By embracing his full Igbo name, meaning ‘God answers prayers’, he is honouring his Nigerian roots and testifying to God’s faithfulness. Dorgu’s move to Old Trafford, which he believes was divinely arranged, reflects his conviction that God’s plan governs every step. His example shows how belief can guide ambition, humility and resilience in a world where success often overshadows spirituality.

Sister Albertine, a young French nun, has become a surprising yet powerful online evangelist. Through videos, social media posts and candid personal sharing, she invites many - especially younger people - to encounter Jesus. What makes her ministry effective is her authenticity: she speaks of her own struggles, questions and faith journey, and thereby becomes relatable. Her online presence challenges the stereotype of nuns as remote or rigid; instead, she shows a warm, accessible discipleship. By combining tradition with digital outreach, she bridges generational and cultural gaps. Her approach reminds us that God can use unexpected channels to draw hearts, and that faith expressed in vulnerability can reach places formal teaching sometimes cannot.

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.