Displaying items by tag: Praise

Actor Gavin Casalegno, best known for his role in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, is gaining recognition not just for his acting but for boldly sharing his Christian faith. The 25-year-old regularly posts on TikTok, speaking openly about prayer, repentance, and living wholly for God in Hollywood. He warns against complacency, saying, 'God wants all of you, not just the Sunday version’, and testifies that real strength comes from relying on God, not self. Casalegno has spoken vulnerably of repentance as a turning point, describing how admitting his need brought a clear experience of God’s love. Raised in a Christian family, he says stepping back from social media to focus on God and family keeps his perspective healthy. Last year he married nurse Cheyanne King, who also celebrates her faith publicly, bringing Christ’s light into healthcare. Together, they launched a clothing line inspired by biblical truths, designed to spark meaningful conversations. Casalegno joins other Hollywood figures unashamedly professing Christ, demonstrating that faith is becoming more visible in mainstream culture.

Matt Williams of Tennessee was heartbroken when his Bible case, filled with family photos and treasured memories, was stolen from his vehicle. In that moment, he turned to God in prayer, surrendering the situation: 'Not my will but yours’. Astonishingly, his Bible was later discovered inside another stolen car, placed alongside a second copy of the Scriptures. The chain of events that led to its recovery seemed providential: the mother of the woman whose car had been stolen posted online about finding the Bible, and Williams recognised it as his. The unexpected return of his precious Bible reminded him of God’s intimate care: 'Not even a sparrow falls without His notice. Apparently not even a Bible gets stolen without His response.' This showed Williams that God is attentive to the details of His children’s lives and answers prayer in personal, unexpected ways. His testimony is a reminder that God values His people deeply and delights to show His faithfulness.

A new YouGov survey has revealed a marked increase in young adults believing in God, signalling what many church leaders describe as a ‘quiet revival’. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, 37% now affirm belief in God—up sharply from just 16% in 2021. Although down from a January peak of 45%, the figures still indicate a significant generational shift. By comparison, belief among 25 to 49-year-olds stands at 25%, while older age groups remain steady, with around 27% of 50- to 64-year-olds and 32% of those over 65 continuing to express faith. Notably, disbelief in any spiritual power among younger adults has dropped from 19% in 2022 to 12% today. Bishop Jill Duff of Lancaster welcomed the findings, noting a clear openness to God, Christianity, and the supernatural among younger people. She described this as evidence of a growing spiritual awakening which is already being observed in churches across the nation.

Bita’s life in Iran was marked by abandonment, abuse, and despair. Raised in hardship, forced into servitude, and married at 14 to an unfaithful addict, she endured decades of rejection and loneliness. Broken and suicidal, she was rescued by a friend, then invited to a secret house church. There she first heard of Jesus’ love for the brokenhearted, and for the first time she felt truly seen. That night she surrendered her shattered life to Christ. Immediately, her children noticed a change: her burdens lifted, and joy began to replace despair. Later, at a women’s conference for persecuted believers, she testified that God had wiped away bitterness and given her 'unimaginable joy.' Though she must still worship in secret, hiding her Bible and whispering prayers, Bita’s faith is unshaken. She longs to help other women find the same freedom and healing in Jesus. Her story mirrors numerous  Iranian women who, despite persecution and rejection, are discovering the beauty of Christ’s redeeming love.

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, a homeless man, Weldon Tucker, is being hailed as a hero after saving a six-year-old girl from oncoming traffic. The child, Honeretta, who has autism, ran into a busy road while her family was moving house. Her grandmother’s cries for help caught Tucker’s attention, and without hesitation he ran into the street, risking his own life to pull her to safety. Mother Faith Roberts praised his quick thinking, especially since others nearby did not intervene. Tucker, currently receiving shelter assistance, downplayed his heroism, saying he simply acted instinctively and hoped anyone would do the same. The town’s mayor will honor him publicly during a city council meeting, recognising his courage and selflessness. The family is deeply grateful, crediting God for Tucker’s timely intervention, and seeing in him a powerful example of sacrificial love and compassion in action.

Political unrest; environmental changes; natural disasters; human rights violations; war and famine; migration. The list could go on: all of them are causes of widespread anxiety and stress. While experts recommend practical strategies like healthy living, Christians also turn to prayer, scripture, service, and witness. History offers models of resilience during turbulent times, such as Japanese author, minister, and activist Toyohiko Kagawa. Born in 1888, he lived through poverty, war, natural disaster, and political unrest, yet maintained joy and hope. His poetry reflects a spirit unbound by chains, seeking light and peace in Christ. He worked for justice, environmental stewardship, women’s suffrage, and peace, which earned him several jail sentences but also a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. His final words were 'Please do your best for world peace and the church in Japan’. His life shows us how to navigate chaos: embrace Christ’s peace, shine his radiance, and let joy endure.

In a quiet corner of Sequim, Washington State, a church-run Ramen shop is offering more than food—it’s serving love, dignity, and the presence of Jesus. Designed as a 'pay-what-you-can' eatery, the space hums with peace and welcome. Visitors from all walks of life - students, elderly neighbours, the homeless - gather to enjoy nourishing meals in an atmosphere of grace. Each guest chooses their own broth, toppings, grains and greens, reclaiming choice where it’s often lost. Behind the counter, a pastor-chef and volunteers serve up bowls of care and compassion, sustained by generous patrons who 'pay it forward’. It’s an economy of grace, where no one is turned away, and everyone is treated with honour. The building itself feels soaked in prayer, a sanctuary where the love of Jesus is tangible. The Ramen Shop isn’t just feeding stomachs; it’s restoring souls - offering sanctuary, table fellowship, and the quiet declaration: you belong.

In their new documentary Show Me Your Glory, Eric and Kameron Swithin explore whether God still performs miracles today. Their journey began with Eric’s questions about the absence of biblical-style healings in church life. His curiosity grew into personal experience as he witnessed and participated in prayers that brought visible healing and change. The film captures this tension: why some prayers are answered with power while others appear to go unanswered. While filming, they saw both divine healing and God’s provision through medical means. One colleague had an aggressive brain tumour successfully removed during production. Another moment of awe came during an outdoor shoot when a storm visibly parted on the weather radar as they prayed, passing around their set like the Red Sea. The film shares eight real-life testimonies, alongside a book detailing sixteen miraculous stories. Among them is Sarah, once addicted and near death, now fully restored. Kameron reflects, 'God showed me that with Him all things are possible’. Their story is a powerful reminder that the God of miracles is still at work today.

England’s Michelle Agyemang, 19, has been named UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Young Player of the Tournament. A bold Christian witness on and off the pitch, she wears crosses on her socks, shares gospel music as her pre-match soundtrack, and openly credits her faith for her journey. Agyemang is part of the Christian group Ballers in God and includes a cross in her Instagram bio. Her breakout performance during the tournament was marked by critical goals, including a last-minute equaliser in the semi-final and a crucial penalty in the quarter-final that helped the Lionesses progress. After England’s thrilling win in the final, she gave glory to God in a live interview: “It’s only by the grace of God.” Remarkably, just four years ago she was a ball girl watching some of her now-teammates play at Wembley. Agyemang’s humility, gratitude, and dedication shine through her story. She honours her teammates, coaches, and staff for their support, seeing her rise as a team effort and a testimony to God’s faithfulness and grace.

Arch Bonnema, a 72-year-old businessman from Oklahoma, has spent decades funding and participating in global mission work. For years, he worked in estate planning and precious metals sales to support monthly mission trips. While he previously focused on Africa, God unexpectedly opened doors for fruitful ministry in Pakistan, a country he never intended to visit. There, Arch has distributed nearly 30,000 Urdu-language Audio Bibles - small music-box devices ideal for Pakistan’s 43% illiterate population. People gather around to listen, much like families once did with radios. Amazingly, over 90% of the devices still function after three years. Arch preaches via mobile phone six days a week to small groups gathered by his Pakistani team, often beginning at 11 p.m. Oklahoma time. He’s also recruited 13 other U.S. pastors to join this digital mission via WhatsApp. Arch’s passion for evangelism began as a teen and never waned. He and his wife have travelled to over 34 nations and completed 350 mission trips. “I’ve seen more salvations after 65,” he says, praising God for technology that multiplies his reach.