Displaying items by tag: Praise

A powerful testimony shared tells the story of Abdu Murray, who had a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit after visiting a church. Curious about Christianity, he decided to attend a church service with no intention of becoming a believer. As he left the service and began walking home, something extraordinary happened: he was suddenly forced to the ground by an unseen power. He described the experience as overwhelming, realising he was being confronted by the presence of God. In that moment the Holy Spirit spoke to him, revealing the truth of Jesus Christ. Abdu immediately repented, embraced Christianity, and has since become a committed follower of Jesus. His testimony serves as a reminder of God's relentless pursuit of the lost, even in the most unexpected circumstances. This remarkable encounter with the Holy Spirit not only transformed his life but has also inspired others in his community to seek God’s presence.

A remarkable story from God Reports shares the miraculous healing of Pastor John, who was born blind and later healed by Jesus. Raised in a devout Christian family, John’s parents never gave up on their prayers for his sight. At the age of eighteen, John experienced a divine encounter during a church service. As he was being prayed for, he suddenly felt warmth in his eyes and gradually began to see for the first time. This miraculous healing not only restored his vision but also strengthened his faith and commitment to Christ. He dedicated his life to serving others and sharing the Gospel. Today, he leads a congregation and uses his testimony to inspire and uplift those facing their own challenges. His journey from darkness to light is a testament to the power of faith and God’s miraculous work in our lives, showing that no situation is too hopeless for God to transform.

Love France has launched a new 7-day prayer guide specifically designed for children to pray for France. This innovative guide aims to engage young hearts during the Para-Games in praying for the country’s spiritual awakening and cultural renewal. Each day of the guide features a different theme, such as praying for government leaders, churches, schools, families, and the youth of France. It is packed with colourful illustrations, fun activities, and simple prayers to help children understand the importance of intercession and develop a heart for missions. 2BC, the creators of the guide, emphasise the importance of involving children in prayer early, teaching them to be compassionate and aware of the spiritual needs around the world. The guide encourages children to see themselves as vital parts of God's mission, capable of making a significant impact through their prayers. By equipping the next generation with these tools, Love France hopes to foster a deeper connection between young believers and God’s work in France.

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, a Christian charity volunteer, has won £13,000 in compensation and received an apology after being wrongfully arrested twice for silently praying outside an abortion clinic in a 'buffer zone' - an area designated to prevent actions that may intimidate women entering the clinic. Her first arrest occurred in November 2022, but she was cleared of charges in February 2023 when prosecutors failed to present evidence. Despite this, she was arrested again for the same action weeks later. Supported by ADF International, she pursued legal action against the police, citing wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and human rights violations. Although grateful for her vindication, Vaughan-Spruce expressed concern that Christians should not have to fight for their rights in such a manner. Her case emerges as government ministers review police guidelines, potentially redefining the legal standing of 'silent prayer' near abortion clinics across England and Wales.

Hassan, raised in a strict Muslim household in Lebanon, experienced a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse from his father and later from his radical Muslim stepfather. Seeking acceptance, he delved into Islamic philosophy, even persecuting Christians he encountered. However, a traumatic moment when he witnessed a murder led him to question his faith. This inner turmoil culminated in a dream where Jesus appeared, offering him peace. Initially confused, Hassan spent years searching for meaning, even attempting to convert to Judaism. A turning point came when a friend invited him to a Christian baptism, where he encountered the love of Christ through the congregation. A vision of the cross and a pastor's prophetic message profoundly moved him, leading to his conversion. Today, Hassan leads Christ is Enough Ministries in Montreal, where he shares the Gospel, particularly with Muslims, using his deep understanding of Islam to contrast it with the love and peace he found in Jesus.

Abraham Aguilar, a senior at Palmdale High School, experienced a profound transformation after a life of rebellion and substance abuse. Raised in a troubled environment, his life changed when he reluctantly attended church with his mother, who demanded his attendance as a condition for living in her house. Initially, he resisted, sitting in what he now calls 'backslider lane’, but the consistent preaching began to break through his hardened heart. After attending a men’s discipleship seminar, he felt God urging him, 'It’s either now or never.' He surrendered his life to Christ, which ignited a passion for evangelism. During his senior year, Abraham boldly shared the Gospel with his classmates, teachers, and even janitors. Starting with a small Bible study group, his efforts led to 895 students accepting Christ by the end of the school year. Abraham’s journey from a backslidden pothead to a fervent evangelist demonstrates the transformative power of God’s grace and the impact of one obedient heart.

During the Olympic Games, countless lives were transformed not just by athletic achievements but by encounters with Jesus Christ. Over 2,500 missionaries from various organisations mobilised across the city, leading over a thousand people to faith. YWAM saw 250 commitments to Christ and ministered to over 3,500 people, witnessing numerous miraculous healings. Similarly, Awakening Europe’s 'Unite Paris24' saw 152 conversions, including the remarkable healing of a man with a bullet wound. The efforts extended beyond Paris, with groups like 'Next Move' focusing on southern France, strengthening local Christian community efforts through sports and festivals. Thousands of Bibles and tracts were distributed across the country. Other initiatives included the Paris Praise Festival and Christian art galleries, offering solace and sparking spiritual conversations among visitors. The Olympic Village chaplaincy, where thirty Protestant chaplains served, provided support and a spiritual haven for athletes, many of whom shared their faith after their competitions. Throughout the Games, 24/7 prayer efforts underscored the spiritual impact, with IPC's global prayer networks gifting 835,000 prayers for France to date. See

US track star Noah Lyles is praising God after winning the men's 100-metre final in the Olympics. Lyles, 27, who beat Jamaica's Kishane Thompson by 5 milliseconds, expressed gratitude to God both before and after the race. He said, 'I had to find my own journey with God, and a lot of that came through track because there were times when I doubted myself. I said, “God, if you really want me to do this, give me a sign.” He did, and I said, 'I'll never doubt You again.'’' Lyles has faced significant life challenges, including asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. He emphasised that these conditions do not define one's potential. Lyles' mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, expressed her overwhelming excitement at her son's achievement.

British diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix gave glory to God after winning a bronze medal at the Olympics. Spendolini-Sirieix, 19, and Lois Toulson, 24, were competing in the women's synchronised 10-metre event. She said In an interview, 'I'm so happy. I usually have so much to say; I don't have anything to say today. Having my family here, doing it alongside Lois, it's been a crazy two years. I give glory to God.' The duo's final dive surpassed competitors from Canada, with China winning gold and North Korea silver. Despite finishing sixth in the individual 10-metre platform dive, Spendolini-Sirieix remained positive, reflecting on her journey from severe mental health struggles after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She emphasised her faith, stating, 'It was just God's way of saying we've still got a lot more to do, and I just give God all the glory.'

Adam Peaty has shared insights into his faith following his silver medal in the men's 100m butterfly event. Speaking right after his race, a breathless but elated Peaty said, 'I gave my absolute all there. In my heart, I've already won. These are happy tears. I'm not crying because I came second; I'm crying because it took so much to get here. I'm a very religious man, and I asked God to show my heart, and this is my heart.' He missed gold by two-hundredths of a second, tying for second place. He still holds the world record for the breaststroke (56.88 seconds). Peaty has been vocal about his struggles, including battling depression and alcoholism after the Tokyo Olympics. He found solace in faith, meeting pastor Ashley Mull in Melbourne, who introduced him to church. His first visit to a Nottingham church had an Olympic-themed sermon, which resonated deeply with him. Now sporting a cross tattoo on his chest, Peaty said, 'Everything I've done to this point has happened for a reason. I said to myself I'd give my absolute best, and I have! That's the victory for me.' Graham Daniels from Christians in Sport praised Peaty's determination and celebration of God's role in his life.