Displaying items by tag: Praise

Thursday, 13 February 2025 23:33

Christian woman fired by school wins legal battle

Kristie Higgs, a Christian school counselling assistant, has won a landmark UK Court of Appeal case after being fired in 2019 for expressing concerns on Facebook about LGBTQ+ materials being taught in her son’s CofE primary school. The court ruled her dismissal was unlawful discrimination based on religion and belief. Higgs had posted about the 'No Outsiders' programme, which included books promoting gender ideology. An anonymous parent complained, leading to her dismissal for 'gross misconduct'. The school argued she was fired for her language, not her beliefs, but judges ruled the termination was disproportionate. The ruling strengthens freedom of speech and religious expression in employment law, shifting the burden onto employers to justify such dismissals. Higgs, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, called the decision a victory for free speech and for Christians facing workplace discrimination. She hopes it will protect others from losing their jobs over their beliefs.

Published in Praise Reports

A new Times survey reveals that Generation Z is more pro-marriage and less engaged in casual sex than millennials. Only 23% of Gen Z respondents said their friends commonly had one-night stands, a steep drop from 78% of millennials twenty years ago. Additionally, fewer young people are engaging in unprotected sex outside long-term relationships, and internet pornography use appears to have declined. While some Gen Z individuals still question the need for legal marriage, others see it as a more serious commitment than past generations. Financial constraints remain a barrier, with lower-income individuals less likely to marry because the benefits system disincentivises marriage. Some argue that difficulties with dating apps and changing cultural values have made young people more likely to stay in long-term relationships rather than constantly seeking new partners. This shift could indicate a revival of traditional relationship values.

Published in Praise Reports

Egyptian authorities have released Christian convert Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, who spent three years in prison for discussing Christianity online. Abdo, a husband and father of five, fled Yemen after facing death threats for leaving Islam and sought asylum in Egypt. Arrested in 2021, he was detained for participating in a private online group about Christianity. His imprisonment involved multiple transfers, poor health, and a hunger strike in protest at his conditions. Abdo expressed gratitude for those who prayed and advocated for him, stating,'It isn’t right that a government should tear me away from my family for my faith’. Although released, his legal case remains unresolved. His son, Husam Baqi, condemned religious persecution, emphasising that freedom of belief should be a basic right. ADF International has submitted his case to the UN, calling his imprisonment a severe human rights violation. Stanford fellow Ayaan Hirsi Ali called his treatment 'grotesque’.

Published in Praise Reports
Thursday, 06 February 2025 21:38

Social media help change the narrative in Thailand

In Thailand, where less than one percent of the population is evangelical Christian, social media are proving to be a powerful tool for evangelism. Stephen Cox, part of an IMB team in Chiang Mai, has been using digital engagement to share testimonies of first-generation Thai believers who once sought fulfillment in Buddhism but found true peace in Christ. Recognising the shift from traditional evangelism to digital platforms, his team launched social media ads asking,'How can we pray for you? ' After national tragedies, including flooding in Chiang Mai and a tragic school bus fire in Bangkok, they created an ad addressing the world’s brokenness, linking to a gospel message and disaster relief resources. The results have been remarkable: the campaign has reached over 980,000 people, with 70,000 watching testimonies in full and over 500 reaching out to learn more. Churches in the USA funded the ads, while Thai believers followed up with those interested. Cox and his team continue to pray for many more to come to Christ through digital outreach.

Published in Praise Reports

Lola Sheen, daughter of actors Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, recently shared her powerful testimony of faith after being baptised. The 19-year-old publicly declared that Jesus saved her from deep depression and anxiety, giving her a peace beyond understanding. She recounted hitting rock bottom, believing she would never experience joy again - until she encountered Jesus, her Saviour and best friend. Through His love and grace, she found healing, renewal, and the strength to move forward. Other celebrities, including Russell Brand and Denzel Washington, have recently been baptised, publicly acknowledging their faith. Brand described his baptism as a 'moment of surrender’, while Washington shared a prophecy spoken over him decades ago, now fulfilled in his life. Their testimonies point to a larger spiritual awakening in a world searching for meaning and truth.

Published in Praise Reports
Thursday, 30 January 2025 21:05

She took Ecstasy, but then her life was transformed

Rubee Lana’s life was marked by pain, depression, and self-destruction. Growing up without a father, she resented her mother and often stayed at her grandmother’s house after arguments. Verbal and mental abuse left her feeling unloved, and she struggled with suicidal thoughts. After a failed overdose attempt, she turned to partying, drugs, and social media fame, but the emptiness in her heart remained. Moving to Chicago, she immersed herself in the EDM festival scene, taking Ecstasy and embracing a reckless lifestyle. One night, while drinking in a car with strangers, she had a sudden realisation: if she died, she would go to hell. Crying out to God, she pleaded for forgiveness. That moment marked the beginning of a radical transformation. Rubee started attending church, surrendered her life to Christ, and was born again. Today, she shares her testimony online, spreading the hope and redemption found in Jesus.

Published in Praise Reports
Thursday, 23 January 2025 23:37

Atheist CIA agent launched investigation of God

Andrew Bustamante, a former atheist and CIA agent, was raised to dismiss faith. His mother rejected Catholicism, and his father’s violent death hardened his stance against religion. At 18, he entered the Air Force Academy, staunchly anti-religion, often mocking his Christian roommate Meredithe. Yet Meredithe’s daily kindness and resilience planted seeds of doubt in Andrew’s atheism. Another Christian, Ian, invited Andrew to his wedding. Struggling to find a gift, Andrew felt compelled to journal his reflections while reading the Bible cover-to-cover. By Isaiah, he surrendered to Jesus as Lord. He gifted the journal to Ian, who insisted Andrew keep it, recognising its spiritual significance. After joining the CIA, Andrew met his wife, Jihi, a Buddhist inspired by his faith. They later settled in Tampa Bay, where Andrew launched 'Every Day Spy’, a consulting firm sharing CIA skills in business. His testimony reflects God’s pursuit and transformation, beginning with the unwavering witness of Christian friends.

Published in Praise Reports
Thursday, 23 January 2025 23:34

Ghost hunters discovered who they were contacting

Corey and Kristin Deel were once ghost hunters, equipped with cameras and K2 meters, helping 'spirits with unfinished business' cross over. However, their encounters with the supernatural led to chilling revelations. Kristin experienced an evil presence after a ghost hunt, realising she had opened spiritual portals. Corey faced demonic oppression in the form of violent convulsions, rage, and even physical attacks, including a scratch from a demon. These harrowing experiences forced them to question their beliefs about ghosts. Through Scripture, they discovered that souls cannot return to communicate with the living (Luke 16) and that they were interacting with demons (Ephesians 6). Surrendering to Jesus, they were born again, married, and learned to exercise authority over the demonic realm in His name. Though they faced spiritual warfare and opposition, Corey and Kristin boldly warn others about the dangers of the occult and testify to the power of God’s deliverance.

Published in Praise Reports
Thursday, 16 January 2025 21:58

India: revival hits Sikhs in Punjab

Christianity is growing exponentially in Punjab, with Pentecostal churches leading a revival among Sikhs. This movement incorporates Punjabi culture by allowing converts to retain their traditional names and clothes while adopting Christian faith, creating a smoother and more relatable transition. Pentecostal churches are similar to Sikh places of worship, with familiar worship practices like sitting on the floor and singing, drawing many to the faith. The revival’s growth stems from dynamic leaders like Pastor Ankur Narula, whose church in Jalandhar has over 130 churches and 2.6 million YouTube subscribers. Testimonies of healing, miracles, and divine visions fuel conversions, and there are many compelling stories of transformation through faith. While traditional churches remain stagnant, Pentecostal churches resonate with the Punjabi longing for connection with God, hope, and healing, leading to a remarkable spiritual awakening.

Published in Praise Reports

Born into poverty in Lebanon, George El Khoury pursued wealth, power, and pleasure, becoming a successful businessman. As the founder of five international banks, he amassed riches, lived in luxury, and indulged in a hedonistic lifestyle. Despite his success, George felt unfulfilled and began questioning life’s meaning, especially after surviving a plane crash over Paris. The experience left him shaken but not yet transformed. The turning point came when a blackmail threat from a former girlfriend jeopardised his career and reputation. At his son’s urging, George prayed to Jesus Christ, surrendering his life and vowing to change. Miraculously, the blackmail was withdrawn, and George experienced a profound sense of peace and joy. He gave his life to Christ, left his sinful lifestyle, and reconciled with his ex-wife after 31 years of divorce. Now, he ministers the gospel in Europe, telling how Jesus redeemed and restored his life, even returning what sin had stolen.

Published in Praise Reports
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