Displaying items by tag: North America

Joe Biden has granted a full pardon to his son Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing for gun charges and federal tax evasion. Hunter had been convicted of lying on a federal gun purchase form in 2018 by denying his drug addiction and had pleaded guilty to failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes, which he later repaid with interest and penalties. The pardon, ahead of Hunter’s scheduled sentencing dates, cancels both convictions. Biden described the charges as politically motivated and unfair, arguing that similar offences often result in non-criminal resolutions. He condemned the justice department’s pursuit of his son, attributing it to congressional opponents' pressure. Hunter’s legal troubles, including struggles with addiction, have been a focus of considerable scrutiny over the past five years. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who granted a total of 144 pardons in his first term of office, has appointed one of those who were pardoned (his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner) to be US ambassador to France: see

Thanksgiving Day in the USA often brings families together for meals, sports, and festivities, but for many, it’s also a day of worship. Churches nationwide, including the National Cathedral in Washington DC, host special Thanksgiving services. The cathedral, known for its stunning altar decorations, draws hundreds to its annual service. Spokesman Kevin Eckstrom hopes this year’s observance will promote unity in a divided nation, reminding attendees to focus on God’s gifts and cultivate gratitude. 'We all have something to be grateful for’, he remarked. Reeds Mill Church, nestled in the Maine woods, offers a nostalgic, hymn-filled service in its one-room, 1892-built sanctuary. This year’s message, 'Jesus Comes to Dinner', reflects on Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus and the call to generosity. Thanksgiving services remind believers to reflect on gratitude, unity, and God’s abundant gifts.

Pastor Greg Laurie recently shared the Gospel with Jordan Peterson on the psychologist's podcast, addressing life, eternity, and hope in Christ. Laurie emphasised that heaven is not for 'good people' but for 'forgiven people’. Reflecting on Genesis 22, he paralleled Isaac’s willing sacrifice with Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for humanity, stating, 'There was no other way we could reach God.' Laurie shared his personal story of loss, recounting the tragic death of his son Christopher in 2008. Despite the pain, he expressed hope in God’s promises and confidence in seeing his son again, explaining that faith in Christ, not familial ties, secures eternity. Peterson admitted struggling with reconciling Christian teachings about perfecting the world with the eternal focus of the faith. Laurie responded with Scripture, highlighting how trials have drawn him closer to God’s promises. He affirmed God’s faithfulness, saying, 'I’ve put His promises to the test, and He’s come through for me’.

Donald Trump has initiated a bold and controversial strategy for his return to power, unveiling cabinet appointments which embody his disregard for traditional governance. These selections, including individuals with histories of legal trouble, extremist ideologies, and controversial actions, aim to dismantle governmental structures Trump perceives as obstacles. Key appointments, such as Pete Hegseth as secretary of defence, reflect his intent to politicise institutions like the military, while figures like Robert F Kennedy Jr as health secretary highlight his disdain for scientific consensus. Others, such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, are to downsize federal agencies radically under a vaguely defined ‘department of government efficiency’. Trump’s intent to bypass Senate confirmation through recess appointments signals his push for one-man rule. His nominations seem to be not only instruments of policy but tools of intimidation and revenge, targeting perceived enemies and undermining traditional checks and balances in favour of centralised authority.

When Ronald Mallett’s son, Kevin, was involved in a terrifying tractor accident, a miraculous intervention unfolded. Kevin, just 14, was adept at handling the heavy tractor on their farm’s slopes. One day, while driving down a particularly steep hill, the tractor began to tip uncontrollably. Ronald and his wife, Pat, watched in horror, fearing for their son’s life. As the tractor reached a tipping point, it unexpectedly stopped in midair, as if held by unseen hands. Kevin safely exited, and the tractor gently settled back to the ground. This inexplicable event solidified Ronald’s belief in angels as active protectors, a truth anchored in Hebrews 1:14. He shares this experience to inspire faith in God’s miraculous power, even in modern times.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen openly praised God following his team’s 2024 World Series victory over the New York Yankees, emphasising his deep Christian faith. In a post-game interview, Treinen described feeling 'overwhelming joy’: asked who he thought of during the final out, he simply replied, 'God’. His faith is evident on his social media, where he highlights his love for Jesus and shares his convictions. In 2023, Treinen spoke out against the Dodgers’ recognition of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a controversial group he views as disrespectful to Christianity. Despite the potential professional risks, he made clear that his loyalty to Christ and Christian values is more important than his career. Treinen, who has publicly shared his faith since at least 2016, continues to honour his commitment to God, reflecting his unwavering devotion through both his words and actions.

James O Davis, founder of the Global Church Network (GCN), launched a coalition with a vision to fulfil the Great Commission by 2030. Inspired by a call from the Holy Spirit in 2001, Davis aims to see billions come to Christ by creating 800 leadership training hubs worldwide, mobilising one million ministers to spread the Gospel. Recently, GCN established 200 training hubs across six continents, with additional expansion in regions like the Balkans and South Africa. These hubs provide theological and leadership training, with a focus on equipping pastors in hard-to-reach areas. Davis, along with GCN, hopes to 'catch a harvest' by tying relational knots across a global network. The FINISH 2030 initiative, launched at Martin Luther’s graveside in Germany, aligns with the two thousandth anniversary of the Church, which will be celebrated in Jerusalem in 2030.

In a dramatic political comeback, Donald Trump has secured a victory in the US presidential election. Despite his controversial past, including his role in the January 2021 Capitol riots and criminal charges related to falsifying business records, he garnered significant support from voters who felt that the economy and immigration issues had been mishandled by Joe Biden: his slogan ‘America First’ resonated deeply with them. Voters also voiced dissatisfaction with Kamala Harris, fearing that another term under Democratic leadership would offer more of the same. While Trump’s victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape, many are concerned about his divisive rhetoric and admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. When he returns to power, the USA and the world will see whether his bold promises of change will come to fruition - and at what cost to democracy and global stability. For a detailed and gloomy assessment, see

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Howard and Lisa Ray, a North Carolina couple, experienced God’s saving power firsthand amidst unimaginable devastation. When floodwaters from the hurricane overtook their trailer, they used their couch to stay afloat as the water rose nearly thirty feet above normal levels. They drifted 400 yards on their makeshift raft, with Howard reassuring Lisa, ‘If we’re going to drown, we’re going to drown together’. Eventually, Lisa managed to pull herself up on a barbed-wire fence, sustaining cuts in the process, and they took shelter in a nearby garage. They lost everything but incredibly were soon reunited with their dog, Saddi, which had waited at the ruins of their home. Supported by donations from their church, they are pressing forward, convinced that God has a purpose in their survival. The chaplain assisting relief efforts echoed their faith, testifying to God’s guidance and strength in the worst storm damage he had ever seen.

As 5 November draws near, the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is extremely close, with Harris at 48% and Trump at 47% support according to a recent poll. Harris garners stronger personal support, especially on issues like reproductive rights, uniting the country, and protecting democracy, while Trump is seen as stronger on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy. Trump’s supporters focus on economic issues, particularly inflation, whereas Harris’ supporters prioritise protecting democracy. Both candidates have a gender divide in support, with independent women favouring Harris and independent men leaning toward Trump. The poll also highlights a nation divided on political violence: 77% believe current political discourse encourages violence, with more fearing escalation if Trump wins (57%) than if Harris does (42%). Emotions run high, with nearly equal numbers expressing fear (47% for Trump, 45% for Harris) and excitement (41% for Trump, 40% for Harris) depending on the winner. Both candidates inspire complex reactions, reflecting shifts from past elections and a broader concern about the country’s direction. For a discussion about what difference the result of the election would make, see