Displaying items by tag: USA

A viral video shows a pastor, Ed Newton, pausing mid-sermon to engage with Anthony, a homeless man who interrupted with expletives to compliment Newton's shoes. Surprised, Newton gently addressed him, emphasising the need for respect due to the children present. Anthony then revealed he had been suicidal that morning before Michael, a church attendee, brought him to the service, saving his life. Deeply moved, the congregation raised $5,000 for Anthony. This remarkable act of kindness resulted in 35 people deciding to accept Christ that day. Newton and the church continue to support Anthony, including arranging medical help; they hope this incident will inspire believers to remember God's love for everyone. The interaction demonstrates how one act of kindness can change lives and inspire a community.

Louisiana has become the first US state to order all classrooms, from elementary to university level, to display a poster of the Ten Commandments. The Republican-backed measure describes the commandments as foundational to state and national government. The law is expected to face challenges from civil rights groups, who will argue that it violates the First Amendment, which prohibits government establishment of religion. The commandments must be in large, readable font, next to a ‘context statement’ about their historical role in American education. There have been numerous legal battles over the display of the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools, courthouses and police stations. In the past, the Supreme Court has struck down similar laws, ruling that displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools lacked a secular legislative purpose and was inherently religious.

A dramatic rescue unfolded on a New Jersey shore, where John, a father, and his three young children nearly drowned after being swept out to sea by a strong rip current. John managed to keep his children afloat but struggled against the powerful waves, eventually being dragged under. A group of onlookers, including John DiAngelo, sprang into action. DiAngelo, a retired firefighter and experienced lifeguard, heard the children’s screams and rushed to their aid. Once they were safe, he returned to rescue their father, who had been submerged for several minutes. He performed CPR until John regained consciousness. DiAngelo credits divine intervention for the timing and successful outcome of the rescue, calling it a 'literal miracle’. The family was taken to hospital and is expected to recover fully. DiAngelo's actions and faith serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of readiness and the belief in a higher power guiding our actions.

Jacob, an immigrant from Cameroun, endured a harrowing journey to the United States. Fleeing political persecution, he faced multiple hardships, including beatings and imprisonment in various countries along his route. Despite these challenges, Jacob’s faith remained unshaken. Upon arriving in the USA, he found refuge and support from a church community in Texas. Recognising the hardships faced by immigrants, Jacob decided to turn his painful experiences into a ministry, helping others who are navigating similar struggles. He established a support network providing food, shelter, legal assistance, and spiritual guidance to new immigrants. Jacob believes that God used his trials to prepare him for this mission, and he now sees his journey as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and purpose. His ministry has grown, impacting many lives and offering hope to those in dire circumstances. Jacob's story exemplifies resilience and the power of faith, transforming suffering into a source of strength and service.

Hundreds of rockets were fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel on 12 June, hours after an Israeli airstrike which killed a senior Hezbollah commander. The Israeli military reported detecting about 215 projectiles, with some intercepted and several causing fires. The death of the commander, Hajj Abu Taleb, has intensified clashes along the border, with Hezbollah using more advanced weaponry and Israeli airstrikes penetrating deeper into Lebanon. Over 400 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, including more than seventy civilians. On the Israeli side, fifteen soldiers and ten civilians have died since the conflict began. Meanwhile, Antony Blinken stated that mediators are working to finalise a cease-fire deal after Hamas proposed amendments to a US-backed proposal which aims to ensure a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The proposal, announced by Joe Biden, includes these provisions, but Hamas remains sceptical about Israel’s commitment to implementing the terms.

Joe Biden’s son Hunter has been found guilty on three federal gun charges - the first time a sitting president's son has been criminally convicted. The charges stem from his lying about his drug use on a federal form when purchasing a handgun in 2018. He kept it for only eleven days, but then it was discarded by his then-girlfriend in a rubbish bin outside a shop - triggering the investigation leading to his conviction. Although he pleaded not guilty, claiming he was in recovery from addiction at the time, a Delaware jury convicted him after three hours of deliberation. After the verdict, Hunter embraced his legal team and family, expressing disappointment but gratitude for their support. The judge has not yet set a sentencing date; he could face a prison sentence, but probably not the maximum of 25 years.

Rebecca St James has discussed the profound impact of prayer and trusting in God through the lens of her family’s experiences. The Smallbone family, originally from Australia, faced significant challenges after relocating to the United States. Despite severe financial difficulties, their unwavering faith and persistent prayers led to numerous miracles, including unexpected provisions and career successes. St James' story, portrayed in the film 'Unsung Hero, ' underscores the power of relying on God during adversity. She also reflects on her journey away from the music industry, which allowed her to focus on her family and deepen her Christian faith. This period of rest and renewal has reinforced her belief in the importance of prioritising spiritual and familial values over material success. Through her testimony, she encourages others to trust in God’s plan, emphasising that He works through our prayers and faith even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

American democracy faces a strange moment as Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate, has been found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records. The verdict confirms that he altered financial accounts for his 2016 campaign, marking him as a convict. His murky past now seems to have caught up with him. On the other hand, it could be said that the district attorney, Alvin Bragg, combined tax misdemeanours into an indictment, and Judge Juan Merchan's aggressive behaviour has aroused suspicions. Describing it as a rigged trial, Trump has said, ‘Our country has gone to hell. The real verdict is going to be on 5 November by the people’. Democrats fear he might be right, as previous legal actions have boosted his popularity. His sentence, to be decided on 11 July, coincides with the Republican convention. In November we will find out whether Americans view Trump as a criminal or see Biden and his party as the real culprits.

A historic mass baptism event in California saw a Satanist convert to Christianity among 12,000 baptised participants, breaking records across the state. Held over a weekend, 'Baptise California' took place at multiple locations, Huntington Beach being a primary site. The event featured worship music by leaders like Sean Feucht, numerous testimonies, and speakers sharing messages of spiritual renewal. Preliminary reports indicate over 6,000 baptisms at Huntington Beach alone, with another 6,000 across various churches. Pastor Mark Francey, founder of the event, expressed his excitement: 'God lit a match yesterday! If God can do this in California, it can happen across America!' Francey, the pastor of Oceans Church, initially garnered attention last year with 'Baptise SoCal,' which saw 4,200 baptisms, a record soon surpassed by Pastor Greg Laurie's event with 4,500 baptisms. Francey’s vision for 'Baptise California' was to unite the state for an unprecedented spiritual awakening, a goal he feels was achieved, as evidenced by the overwhelming turnout and profound impact.

Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL, once sought to bust drug lords in Colombia. However, his post-military life took a dark turn when he became addicted to adrenaline and established a drug trafficking ring in South America. Growing up, he struggled academically and socially, leading him to join the military. Despite initial rejections, he found his place in the Navy SEALs. He served in Afghanistan and Iraq, combating deadly threats like explosively formed penetrators. Then he became a Blackwater and CIA contractor, numbing his traumatic memories with drugs. His addiction and thrill-seeking led him to the jungles of Colombia, where he overdosed multiple times. Realising the danger he posed to himself and his family, he fled back to the USA and sought therapy, which saved his life. He met his future wife, Katie Jean, in Florida and started a family. Despite these positive changes, Shawn hadn’t yet found faith until a vacation in Arizona. Three uncanny experiences convinced him of God’s existence, leading him to embrace Christianity. Now, he helps others with PTSD through his podcast, dedicated to exposing military injustices and sharing his newfound faith in Jesus.