Displaying items by tag: Testimony

‘Arrested at 8 and abandoned as a child, I turned to crime, leading to an eleven-year sentence at 19. In prison, my cellmate, a devout Christian, introduced me to the Gospel. Eventually, I accepted Jesus, and my faith grew, especially in solitary confinement. Post-release, I faced many hurdles common to the 1.9 million incarcerated in the USA, with over 450,000 re-entering society annually. They have to grapple with problems like finding employment and housing. After my release at 26, I worked minimum-wage jobs, pursued education, and obtained a master's in professional counselling. Now with Prison Fellowship, I long for the redemption of the incarcerated. Despite the stigma and legal barriers hindering re-entry, support and resources are crucial for successful reintegration. Churches and organisations can play a vital role, as they did in my life, offering practical and spiritual support. My journey reflects the transformative potential of faith and community in offering a second chance to those who have been in prison.’

'The Blind,' a film detailing 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson's journey from alcohol addiction to redemption, has profoundly influenced thousands, his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson reports. The film explores Phil's tumultuous life, marked by anger, addiction, and instability, until his transformative surrender to Jesus. Its raw honesty showcases the Robertson family's struggles and triumphs, emphasising God's steadfast faithfulness. The impact has been significant, with many viewers experiencing spiritual awakenings, overcoming personal demons, and mending relationships. Numerous baptisms have taken place, some in the river behind Phil's home, a testament to his ongoing dedication to faith. Through many challenges, the family has remained steadfast in their Christian beliefs, drawing strength from their faith and community. Committed to promoting adoption and foster care, Korie and her daughter Sadie will speak at The Chosen conference, reflecting their dedication to family and faith.

Actor Ryan Phillippe revealed a newfound craving for a relationship with God following a spiritual journey sparked by his role in 'Prey’, a film about a Christian missionary couple in the Kalahari desert. After completing the movie, Phillippe delved into religious readings and sought deeper spiritual understanding. Despite success and wealth, he felt unfulfilled and turned to spirituality for peace and satisfaction. He found solace in reconnecting with his faith and exploring the Bible and other religious texts. His spiritual exploration led to significant personal changes, including overcoming depression and addictions. He expressed gratitude for his life's blessings and emphasised the importance of inner reflection in achieving peace and understanding God. Although it is unclear if Phillippe specifically seeks a connection with the God of the Bible, his journey is noteworthy. His openness about his spiritual quest and the positive changes it brought has encouraged others to consider their own spiritual paths.

On 11 March Paul Alexander, who held the Guinness World Record for the longest time living in an iron lung, passed away aged 78. He had lived in the mechanical ventilator since polio paralysed him at the age of six, just before the introduction of the polio vaccine. Despite doctors' grim predictions and witnessing the deaths of many other polio patients, he never let his disability define him. He mastered mouth painting and writing, and even learned how to breathe to spend time outside the iron lung. His 2020 autobiography recounts his life story, including his academic achievements and his career as an attorney specialising in family law and bankruptcy. Alexander's deep Christian roots were evident in his family's devout Pentecostal faith. In a 2022 interview, he compared the profound love his parents showed him to God's love, and emphasised the importance of purpose in life. A friend raised over $143,000 to support Alexander's medical and funeral expenses, testimony to the widespread inspiration he provided.

Jackie Darby, a mother, wife, and author with a profound faith, was once a baby abandoned in a rat-infested garbage dump in Seoul, South Korea. Darby shares how she was discovered and saved by a missionary nurse and taken to a missionary-run orphanage. Her life took a turn for the better when she was adopted by American missionaries, inspired by an article about post-war babies. Darby's journey was filled with challenges, especially grappling with her past. Teaming up with fellow author Aixa de López, Darby co-authored "Whose Am I?", a book exploring adoption, redemption, and our true identity in Christ. This collaboration started when de López, inspired by Darby, embarked on her own foster care and adoption journey. Their bond strengthened as Darby supported de López and formed a special connection with her adopted daughter Darly, who found comfort and understanding in Darby's story. The book aims to facilitate conversations about adoption and identity, providing insights for all children, whether adopted, in foster care, or simply curious. They hope it serves as a tool for open, complex discussions about adoption's beauty and the concept of true spiritual adoption.

Perry Noble, Senior Pastor of Second Chance Church in South Carolina, used a bench press demonstration in his recent sermon to symbolize the importance of community support in coping with life's worries. Illustrating his point, Noble initially lifted a 135-pound barbell alone, representing life's daily burdens. He then added weight to a total of 400 pounds, humorously acknowledging it was too much for him alone. In his sermon "Winning the War Against Worry," Noble emphasised the power of combining God's strength with the support of fellow Christians. He highlighted that even Jesus sought his disciples' support in his most troubled times, suggesting that if Jesus needed others, so do we. Noble, who founded Second Chance Church in 2019 after personal challenges, including his dismissal from NewSpring Church, marital difficulties, and alcohol struggles, related to the topic personally. He confessed to previously living in isolation, exacerbating his problems and leading to alcohol dependency. Noble's message was clear: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. He urged anyone facing similar struggles to reach out for support, advocating for the power of community in overcoming life's heaviest burdens.

Joshua Broome, a former Adult film star, went from the brink of suicide to finding salvation in Christianity. In 2013, at the peak of his film career, Broome, who had appeared in over 1,000 films and won major awards, was internally struggling with anxiety and depression. His turmoil stemmed from his fatherless upbringing and the emptiness he felt despite his success. On a decisive day, he entered a bank to cash what he thought would be his final pay cheque. Writing a provocative memo on the cheque, he expected condemnation from the teller. Instead, her concern for his well-being, recognising him by his real name, deeply impacted him. This encounter made him leave the Adult entertainment industry, reconnect with his mother, and start a new life. Now a devoted Christian, married with three children, Broome travels globally sharing his story.He has inspired many, showing that redemption and hope are possible despite a troubled past. He advocates immersing oneself in Scripture and Christian fellowship for true healing and encourages people to seek God's love and forgiveness.

Usher Raymond IV, renowned for his two-decade-long music career, attributes his stability to his faith, especially as he gears up for his performance at Super Bowl 58. Usher, who began singing in his church choir at a young age, expressed gratitude for a family who instilled in him the importance of church and faith. His debut album marked the beginning of an illustrious career, earning him a spot among the best-selling music artists globally, with sales of 80 million records worldwide. Despite his success, Usher emphasises the importance of staying true to oneself, avoiding getting swept up in fame. His commitment to his faith is evident in his albums' liner notes, social media, and public acknowledgments of God. He often shares scriptures, like Psalm 46:10, to express his spirituality. He considers the Super Bowl halftime show an extraordinary honour and a significant milestone in his career. His journey, marked by both fame and personal challenges, continues to be guided by his steadfast faith.

Danica McKellar has shared her experience of reading the entire Bible in a year, expressing deep comfort and enjoyment. Despite difficult chapters like Job, she found solace in Scripture. McKellar highlighted themes of humility over ego, good versus evil, and God rewarding faithfulness. She used ‘The Bible Recap’ for her chronological journey through the Bible. Her experience led to a deeper understanding of life's approach based on humility, describing it as rewarding. McKellar, who openly embraces Christianity, finds discussing her faith natural and life-changing, aiming to share the beauty she found with others.

Tamir, an Israeli soldier and atheist, found solace in Jesus after a journey of self-discovery and spiritual questioning. Initially rejecting God, his search for meaning led him to explore various philosophies and arts, but he found no satisfaction. His military service, particularly in the despised military police, intensified his quest. Ironically, his duties led him to rediscover God through the Bible. Challenged by a Christian colleague, Tamir delved into the New Testament, reconciling it with the Old Testament, leading to his conversion to Christianity. He surrendered his life to Jesus as his Lord and Saviour and was born again. Today, Tamir teaches scriptures, both Old and New Testament, in Israel. He says, ‘God defeated me in the battle I challenged him to, but he made me the winner.'