Displaying items by tag: Testimony

Christopher Gunderson was born with complete gastroparesis, unable to eat normally and reliant on feeding tubes for 16 years. Told by doctors he might not survive, he experienced daily pain and severe limitations. But at a ministry event in 2011, after prayer and a powerful encounter with God, Christopher felt what he describes as a 'lightning bolt' through his body - a shock that he believes restarted his stomach. That night, he ate a full meal for the first time ever - without pain. Over the following weeks, he was able to eat normally and eventually had his feeding tubes removed. His doctors were stunned. Today, Christopher shares his testimony widely, proclaiming the healing power of Jesus and the reality of miracles.

Seventeen-year-old Canaan Hill, an aspiring preacher from Dallas, Texas, wowed the American Idol judges with a powerful rendition of 'I Need Your Glory' by Earnest Pugh, earning him a rare platinum ticket. Hill, who graduated early to pursue God’s calling, left judges in awe, with Lionel Richie declaring his performance 'spectacular' and praising his spiritual gift. Carrie Underwood described his voice as 'velvet' and 'powerful’, while Luke Bryan joked about the revival-style impact his singing must have in church. Hill humbly replied, 'To God be the glory’. He joins a growing list of bold Christian contestants on the show, including previous runner-up Megan Danielle and worship leader Warren Peay, all using their talents to glorify Jesus on a national stage.

Evangelist Mario Murillo continues to witness remarkable growth in his outdoor crusades, repeatedly outgrowing his tents. Over four years, his tent size has quadrupled, now reaching 40,000 square feet. Murillo began focusing on California's Central Valley, known for its struggles, where many found hope in Christ. His next crusade is set for Charlotte, North Carolina. Murillo's journey started in San Francisco during the Jesus Movement. By 1970, his student ministry at UC Berkeley drew thousands. In 1982, a planned four-day meeting in San Jose extended to 22 weeks with nightly crowds of up to 4,000. He credits the Holy Spirit's guidance for his ministry's second wave. 'The Lord told me to buy a tent, and miracles followed’, he recalls. His emphasis on preaching Scripture and seeking God's direction has been pivotal. Murillo stresses humility and integrity in using spiritual gifts. 'When truth is preached to a broken audience in Jesus' name, powerful things happen.'

Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, has publicly declared his Christian faith after decades of scepticism. In a blog post, he shared his testimony, revealing his journey from doubt to embracing the truth of the Gospel. Sanger’s scepticism began in childhood, leading him to question all religions. Though he engaged in internal dialogues with a 'supremely wise being’, he never considered it true prayer. However, marriage and fatherhood challenged his worldview, making him reconsider self-interest and secular ideologies. His disillusionment with aggressive atheism prompted deeper reflection. In 2020, he began reading the Bible extensively, gradually realising its reliability. Though there wasn’t a single conversion moment, he eventually prayed a sinner’s prayer, acknowledging God’s truth. He now affirms that Scripture withstands scrutiny, contrary to his earlier assumptions. His transformation has softened him, bringing significant change to his life. His testimony stands as a powerful reminder that truth, when sought with an open heart, leads to Christ.

Samuel Brownback, co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Summit, shared the testimony of a man in Nepal who encountered Jesus after a tragic accident. The man, a Hindu at the time, survived a devastating car crash that claimed his friend’s life. As he sought help, he said Jesus appeared to him, saying, 'I saved you, now you follow me’. This moment changed his life, leading him to become a devoted follower of Christ, boldly sharing his testimony in Nepal. Brownback highlighted similar life-changing encounters around the world and also recounted the painful reality of persecution, including a Ukrainian evangelical pastor who was murdered in front of his two sons. He believes that God is moving powerfully in troubled times.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Canadian singer-songwriter Grimes, known for her experimental music and as the former partner of Elon Musk, has recently shared about her experience of Christianity. In a candid post on X, she revealed that her exploration of faith is motivated by a desire to quit vaping, describing this turn as 'monumentally embarrassing.' Grimes admitted that she had never previously considered religion but now finds aspects of Christianity resonating with her, especially in confronting destructive habits. She shared a passage from CS Lewis' 'Mere Christianity’, highlighting the transformative power of choices in aligning oneself with God. This introspection has led her into a 'philosophical tailspin’, prompting deeper contemplation of spiritual matters. Grimes and Musk share three children: X Æ A-12, Exa Dark Sideræl, and Techno Mechanicus, known as Tau. Their names reflect the couple's affinity for technology and art.